A Heart So Innocent

by Charlene Cross

  At nearly one o’clock in the morning, Lord and Lady Manley swept into the foyer, quietly closing the door behind them. “Seems Winston decided he couldn’t wait up for us,” David said, urging his wife toward the dimly lit sitting room, its door open.

  “So much the better for us,” Eugenia whispered, then laughed seductively.

  The moment the couple passed through the panel, David shut it, then drew his wife into his arms and settled a fiery kiss upon her waiting lips. From the corner where she sat, a blushing Aidan first thought to remain silent, but as the kiss became more heated, she could no longer stand to be the voyeur. She cleared her throat, the sound instantly breaking David and Eugenia apart.

  “Aidan!” they both cried in unison. While Eugenia nervously patted her hair, David straightened his jacket, then hid himself behind his wife’s skirt and smiled sheepishly.

  Aidan fought down her urge to laugh. “I hope you don’t mind, but I sent Winston off to bed,” she said of their butler. “I wanted to speak to the both of you, alone.”

  Recovering from her embarrassment, Eugenia found her voice. “Tell us what’s happened. Did your father find you? Are you married? Where’s George?”

  “I will. Yes. Yes. And I have no idea,” Aidan said in response to Eugenia’s rapid-fire queries.

  “If you’re married, why don’t you know where your husband is?” Eugenia asked, a frown marking her brow.

  “I have an inkling as to his whereabouts. At this moment, he’s most likely abed with Cynthia Danvers.”

  “Cynthia Dan—You don’t mean … Aidan, tell me it’s not so!” Eugenia cried, rushing to her friend’s side. “Not Justin Warfield!” She saw Aidan’s nod. “But how? I thought you were to marry George Edmonds.”

  “So did I.”

  “Then how did the Duke of Westover get involved?” Eugenia asked, pulling a chair close to Aidan’s; David followed suit.

  “As you already know, I took your suggestion, Eugenia, and had planned to elope with George,” she began, playing on her friend’s guilt as Aunt Patti had proposed she should do. Eugenia’s gaze fell from Aidan’s, and Aidan instantly wished she hadn’t used the ploy. The final decision had been hers, and hers alone. She felt it unfair to place the blame on Eugenia. “I should not have said that.” Aidan laid her hand over Eugenia’s, giving it a gentle squeeze. “You are not responsible for my folly.”

  “I feel accountable, nonetheless,” Eugenia said.

  “Well, don’t. In the end, I’d never have married George. Everything would have been fine if my father hadn’t caught up with us.”

  “Westover, how—?”

  “The night of the Quincys’ soiree, he was sent by George to tell me there had been a fire at the Edmondses’ home. George felt it necessary to leave at once and see to the repairs. In his stead, he’d sent Justin Warfield. The plan was for the duke to deliver me to Gretna Green and George. But my loving father caught up to us. Instead, Justin and I became the unhappy couple who were united in wedlock. He’s furious at being caught. He’s even accused me of being involved in some sort of plot to trap him. Hence he dumped me at his estate, with orders that I was never to leave, and headed back to London. Oh, Eugenia, it was terrible. I was guarded day and night, like some felon.”

  Eugenia’s hand tightened around Aidan’s. “How were you able to find your way back here?”

  Aidan explained how Justin’s aunt had created a diversion to help her escape. “She slipped me out to the nearest coaching inn. I can’t thank her enough.”

  “It seems you’ve found a friend in Lady Falvey,” David said, finally entering the conversation. “But from what you say, are you certain her motives were purely selfless?”

  “I don’t know what you mean,” Aidan stated, confused by David’s words. “She risked a lot by sneaking me out as she did. I’m almost certain she relies on her nephew for her complete support. Had we been caught, Justin might have turned the full force of his fury on his aunt. Undoubtedly, he would have cast her out of his home. Her health is not the best. As it is, she can claim she knows nothing of my escape. She’s even devised a plan to keep the wolves at bay by telling everyone at Warfield Manor I’ve taken to my bed and I wish for no one to attend me except Lady Falvey. Justin won’t even know I’m gone.”

  “A rather ingenious plan,” David replied, still uncertain the marchioness was doing all this solely to protect Aidan. For some reason, he felt the crafty woman’s intent was to throw the newly married couple together, not keep them apart. If so, he wanted nothing to do with such chicanery. Justin Warfield was one man he didn’t wish to have as an enemy. “Now that you’ve managed to escape, where do you plan to stay?” he asked.

  “I can’t stay with my father, so I was hoping I might impose on the two of you—but only for a while,” she quickly added, espying David’s marked frown. “Aunt Patti will be sending me an allowance, and I will be more than willing to pay for my keep. As soon as I’ve saved enough, I plan to lease a place of my own.”

  David shook his head. “Aidan, I don’t think it’s such a good idea—”

  “Aidan, will you excuse us for a moment?” Eugenia interrupted. “I’d like to speak with David alone.”

  “Certainly.” Aidan rose and walked toward the door. Opening it, she stepped into the foyer, where Eugenia’s words filtered into her ears.

  “David, we can’t simply turn her out onto the streets. Especially when I feel responsible for what’s happened to her.”

  “Eugenia, I don’t wish to play the ogre where Aidan’s concerned, but should Westover get wind of the fact that we’ve taken her in, it will be our heads. You know he has the power to cause us much grief. He could very well strip us of everything except our titles.”

  “It matters not. Aidan’s welfare is at stake. First it was Sedgewinn, now it’s Westover. I won’t allow her to be set upon by that rogue. There’s no telling what he’ll do to her.”

  David chuckled lightly. “The man’s purported to be a lover, not an abuser, Eugenia. The most he could possibly do is make her swoon over the excitement of his experienced lovemaking.”

  Outside the room, Aidan fused red. Like it or not, eavesdroppers always managed to hear the truth about themselves, she thought, which was exactly what she’d done. Knowing it, she also knew that was precisely why she had to stay free of Justin Warfield. She wanted nothing to do with the man. Nothing!

  “David …” Eugenia sternly drew her husband’s name out, then waited.

  “All right. We’ll give it a go. But if Westover shows up to claim her, I won’t attempt to stop him. As long as that’s understood, then she may stay.”

  “Oh, thank you, my love!” Eugenia cried; then there was a long silence.

  Aidan imagined the two were sharing a somewhat torrid kiss; then, as the pair exited the room, she was certain of it. High color slashed across Eugenia’s cheeks, and David’s eyes were a smoky blue, while his eyelids appeared weighted with unfulfilled passion. Feeling as though she were an intruder, Aidan fidgeted nervously. Her gaze kept itself plastered to the wall behind them.

  “Aidan, you are welcome to stay,” David said, a bit huskily. “But if Westover shows up—”

  “I know. You will not attempt to interfere with what transpires between Justin and me, and I won’t expect you to. Besides, I doubt if he much cares where I am, so long as it’s far away from him. Thank you, David … Eugenia. I appreciate your kindness. And I promise I shall keep out from under foot. The two of you are to pretend I’m not here,” she said in a rush, heading for the stairs. “Winston has already shown me the guest room, so I’ll be off to bed.”

  “An excellent idea. Eugenia and I were thinking of doing the same. And the sooner, the better,” David said after the fleeing Aidan, only to receive an affronted look from his wife. But the suggestive appeal in her husband’s eyes quickly melted Eugenia’s heart. She took David’s hand and pulled him up the stairs.

  Inside her room, Aidan couldn’t help but
overhear the lighthearted laughter and tender words the couple shared as they made their way to their quarters. Momentarily struck with envy, Aidan wondered why she couldn’t have made a love match like her friend had. Thankfully, Eugenia’s and David’s rooms were down the entire length of hall from Aidan’s, affording both hosts and guest their respective privacy.

  As Aidan slipped out of Penny’s dress, she stifled a yawn. Tomorrow she would see about her belongings. For now, she just wanted some sleep. Not having a night dress, Aidan slid her naked form beneath the covers. Stretching languorously, she was certain she would have her first good night’s sleep since she’d left London. Within minutes she was locked in a world of dreams, Justin Warfield drifting in and out of each fantasy, allowing her little if any rest.

  The next morning, with the use of Eugenia’s hand, Aidan composed a note requesting that Penny come at once to Lady Manley’s. Within the hour, Aidan’s maid was standing on the doorstep on Portman Square. To her relief, Aidan discovered the last of her things were being packed at this moment and were to be shipped to Warfield Manor this afternoon. Instead Aidan instructed they were to be sent to Lady Manley’s and Penny was to come with them.

  “I don’t know, ma’am. It’s your father who employs me. He thinks you’re in the country. If he finds out—”

  “I shall be your new employer, Penny. In addition, I’ll give you a raise in salary.” The maid’s spirits perked up. “All you need do is make certain my things are sent here. No one must know their destination. Do you think you can do that?”

  “It won’t be a problem,” Penny said, smiling. “Bob, the liveryman, will bring them himself. He’s sweet on me, you know. He’ll do most anythin’ I ask. And he won’t tell a soul.”

  “Good,” Aidan said, rising from her seat. “I shall see you both this afternoon.” She slipped a sealed note into her maid’s hand. “This will be your confirmation that I’ve requested your presence at Warfield Manor. Of course, you will come here instead. Bob is to dawdle about town so it appears he’s been gone on a long journey. I shall give you the afternoon off, and the two of you may spend it however you wish. Just make certain he understands he must return to Atwood House in the appropriate length of time it would take him to travel to Warfield Manor and back.”

  “I will. We don’t get to spend much time together,” Penny said, “and Bob will be real pleasured to hear what you’re doin’ for us.”

  As soon as Penny left, Aidan asked Eugenia if any parties were being given this evening. As luck would have it, the Rothschilds were hosting an intimate gathering.

  “Do you think it wise to place yourself out in public so soon?” her friend asked, quite concerned.

  “I’ll not be made to sit at home for fear of discovery. Besides, the duke doesn’t attend the same social events we do. From what you’ve told me, outside of my father, my husband, David and yourself, no one knows Justin and I are married. I’ll simply keep a low profile and attend only the intimate gatherings, like the one at the Rothschilds’ tonight.

  “Still, you’re taking a chance, Aidan,” Eugenia cautioned. “The duke may not attend the same social functions we do. But that doesn’t mean he has not been invited. One day the two of you are bound to meet. Then what shall you do?”

  Aidan thought a moment. “I’ll pretend I don’t know him,” she said, unable to really say what she’d do when the moment came. She noted her friend’s doubtful look. “Eugenia, please don’t fret. When it happens, it happens. And when it does, I’ll deal with it. Until then, I won’t allow myself to worry over it.”

  “So you say,” Eugenia responded as she poured herself another cup of tea. “I can tell you this, my friend. I’m certainly glad I won’t be the one who’s in your shoes when the Duke of Westover discovers his wife is in London. And although David and I are on your side, we won’t be able to help you. So I suggest you think long and hard on what you’re doing. Ask yourself one thing, Aidan. Is purposely flaunting your freedom worth the repercussions? I think not, dear friend. I think not.”

  Aidan carefully measured her friend’s words. Was she actually flaunting her freedom, as Eugenia had accused? Indeed, it was quite possible she was doing precisely that. Admittedly it was her way of thumbing her nose at her father and her husband, the two men who, at the moment, she despised most. A risky business, she thought, knowing she could very well lose the one thing that mattered most to her: her independence. She wished for no man to tell her what she could and could not do, especially when the man cared nothing for her. But her husband apparently was of a different set of mind. She’d been told by Justin he expected her to obey him—it was his right!—and if she played by his rules, all would be fine. Fine for him! she thought, feeling hurt at the way fate had treated her.

  “Aidan,” Eugenia said, breaking into her friend’s thoughts. “I have an appointment shortly at my couturiere’s. Would you like to come along?”

  “If you don’t mind, I’d prefer to stay here,” Aidan said, then sighed. “I need to do some thinking.”

  “A good idea.” Eugenia rose and smiled. “I’m certain you will find the right answer, if you give yourself some time.”

  “I hope so.”

  “You will,” Eugenia said with encouragement. “I shall see you later.”

  Aidan sat quietly in the sitting room, studying her options. Since neither Justin nor she wished to be married, perhaps they could strike a deal. They could lead separate lives, doing as they wished, so long as they did so privately and inconspicuously. Oh, if only she could convince the Queen that her marriage should be annulled. Yet, like Aunt Patti had said, it was Victoria who had suggested she marry in the first place.

  But, she thought, perhaps Justin could persuade Her Majesty differently. He could play upon the woman’s sympathy, explain he had been forced into a marriage he did not want, tell her he did not wish to be linked to a flighty, simpleminded creature such as Aidan Prescott! He could call her anything he liked, so long as it worked!

  Excited by the prospect, Aidan felt certain Justin could solve their problem with ease. And if his appeal to the Queen fell through, then she’d strike her deal with him on leading separate lives, something she was positive he’d agree to. Convinced one or the other would work, she decided, when they finally did meet, she’d offer him her solutions. At the moment, however, she wasn’t in favor of searching him out. To her way of thinking, when they came face-to-face would be soon enough. Pleased with the answers she’d derived, Aidan rose from her chair and made her way upstairs to prepare for the arrival of her belongings.

  Justin left Buckingham Palace, a dark scowl marring his brow. Upon rising this morning, he’d been certain he’d found the solution to his problem, and within minutes he’d sent a note off to the Queen, asking for an audience. A matter of urgency, he’d stated in his request, and less than an hour later he’d received word back that Her Majesty would see him at eleven o’clock, sharp. Striding up to his carriage, Justin glanced at his timepiece. It was now half-past that hour. With a snarl, he ordered Potts to set a course for Cynthia Danvers’s house; then he settled into the seat with a disgusted thud.

  Dammit all! He’d been certain his appeal for an annulment would be granted. But to his surprise, Victoria had expressed her pleasure that he and Aidan Prescott were now man and wife. In fact, it seemed as though the Queen had been laughing at him behind a mask of cordiality as she listened to him plead his case. Her lips had twitched several times as a glint of merriment had entered her royal eyes.

  “Although I disagree with the way in which it was done, Westover,” Victoria had told him, “I feel the Prescott girl and you are well-suited. Two fine families have been united, and your children will be of sturdy stock, not to mention exceptionally good bloodlines. I’m sorry, sir, but I can see no reason to dissolve the marriage. Your request is denied.”

  Had she been anyone but his Queen, he would have argued the point, but as it was, he had little choice but to obey her command.
With a deep bow, he had left her presence.

  As the carriage rolled down one street, then another, Justin’s mood grew darker and darker. His driver turned the corner of the street on which Cynthia lived, and Justin called out, “Keep going and take me home!”

  Potts did as directed without question. As they passed Cynthia’s modest brick home, Justin kept his eyes forward. Because of his black mood, nothing would come of seeing her, he knew, except an argument. He’d see his former mistress later, when his temper had settled and he had decided what other course he might take to secure his freedom from Aidan Prescott—legally.

  At least the chit was safely tucked away at Warfield Manor and not underfoot nor out flaunting the fact she was now the Duchess of Westover. How much longer his marriage would be kept quiet, he had no idea. But he suspected by this time tomorrow all of London would know. With a growl, Justin closed his eyes and shook his head. How in blazes had he gotten himself in this mess in the first place? Stupidity, he conceded, as always. Plain, unadulterated stupidity!

  That evening, a line had begun forming outside the Rothschild mansion long before Aidan had arrived with Lord and Lady Manley. “I thought this was to be an intimate affair,” she commented to the pair, somewhat confused.

  “It was last year. No more than twenty-five or thirty people at best,” Eugenia replied as they waited their turn to enter the grand house.

  “Perhaps Rothschild has fallen into a bit of good fortune and decided to open the party to more guests,” David said as they passed into the foyer, then headed toward the wide marble staircase which led up to the grand ballroom.

  Eugenia glanced at Aidan, noting her hesitation. “Would you prefer we didn’t stay?”

  Troubled violet eyes turned toward Eugenia. “We are here, so we shall not leave,” Aidan said with much more courage than she felt. Then, as the gathering moved up the stairs, she prayed that Justin Warfield wasn’t among them.