by Bobbi Smith
“Shall I stop the surveillance of Lord Kincade and his brother, sir?”
Geoffrey was silent for a long moment. Even though Bartley had just reported to him that Eve had not been seeing Kincade, he was still not completely convinced that nothing existed between the two of them.
“No,” he finally answered, “don’t cut it off yet.”
“Yes, m’lord.”
“What have you learned about the Kincades lately? Anything more regarding the possible connection with the dissidents?”
“Nothing directly,” he reported less than enthusiastically. “However, Lord Noah Kincade did make a large cash deposit at the bank.”
“Large? How large?” Geoffrey was instantly alert, and when Bartley quoted the sum, he was impressed. “Obviously they’ve just sold something or received a down payment of some kind….” He frowned as he considered the news.
“Also, sir, it appears that the brother has moved permanently out of the Red Lion.”
“He moved out?” This puzzled Geoffrey. “But why?”
“I don’t know too much, sir. All I do know is that yesterday evening he hired a conveyance, had his trunks loaded, and went to the Hammond girl’s house. She joined him then and they left town.”
Geoffrey chuckled. “Ah, a tryst…Where did they go?”
Bartley looked a bit uncomfortable. “It seems to be more than a mere tryst, m’lord. My man just reported back to me this morning that he followed them last night to a small village church, where they were married.”
“What? He actually married the wench?”
“Yes, sir, and they spent the night at a small inn out in the country.”
“So the rumor about a romance between Lord Matthew Kincade and this Hammond wench was true.”
“Indeed.”
“I find it totally appalling that a nobleman of his stature would feel the need to marry the chit. It’s just amazing the depths to which some men sink in search of pleasure,” Geoffrey scoffed.
“Indeed, m’lord,” Bartley replied in dignified agreement with his master.
Geoffrey frowned. “It’s a bit odd, don’t you think, that a wealthy man like Matthew Kincade would elope with someone like this Hammond girl?”
“Odd, sir?”
“It had always been my feeling that the Kincade brothers were quite close. Why do you suppose the younger one felt the need to sneak off into the night to wed?”
“I’m sure I have no idea.”
“The damned fool could have had her just for the taking. She’s only a colonial. See what more you can find out about that. It intrigues me.”
“I’ll do that, sir.”
“Anything else pertinent? No meetings with Graves or Adams to report? No secret rendezvous?”
“No, nothing.”
“Fine. Continue to have them watched. Perhaps there is more to all this than we’re discerning right now.”
“As you wish, m’lord.”
Faith leaned contentedly on Matthew’s shoulder, a small smile playing about her lips. “You know, we never did make use of that bathwater….”
Matt chuckled as he tightened his arm about her. “I don’t know about you, but by the time I thought of it, the water was far too cold for my liking.”
“I never gave the water a thought. I had other things of interest on my mind….” She leaned closer and kissed his cheek.
“I did, too,” he told her huskily, meeting her lips for a long, sensual exchange.
The fires of desire flamed to life anew, and Matt released Faith regretfully. He was still amazed by the power of his passion for her, and he knew it would not do to allow himself too many liberties with her here in the carriage.
“Matthew?” she asked. Her expression was petulant as she looked up at him, and her lips were pursed in an adorable pout, begging to be kissed.
“What?” He tried to ignore the stirring in his loins, and the voice inside him that urged him to kiss her again.
“Why did you stop kissing me?” she asked. She had come to thoroughly enjoy his lovemaking and could see no reason to deny themselves whatever intimacy they could share in the carriage. After all, they were married.
“Because it isn’t proper,” he managed in a strangled voice.
“But we are married, Matthew,” she countered, pressing against him.
“That’s true, but…”
“Don’t you want me anymore?” Her eyes were aglow with her own need for him, and he tore his gaze away from hers.
“Of course I want you.”
“Then kiss me.” Brazenly she shifted from her sitting position to lean across his lap facing him. “Please?”
“Oh, Faith…” He gave up his fight and kissed her.
In victory, Faith smiled to herself as she unbuttoned his coat and slipped her hands within to touch his chest.
“Faith! Don’t…stop that….” Matt came up gasping for air as he tried to remove her hands from beneath his coat.
“I thought you liked me to touch you….” she challenged.
“You know I do.” His answer was a growl.
“We have lots of time….” She glanced out the window at the passing countryside.
“We do?”
She nodded, and the coy look she gave him broke down his last barrier of resistance. Hungrily, his mouth sought hers and he quickly busied himself with unbuttoning her cloak. Faith gave a low-throated purr as his hands caressed her through the fabric of her gown.
“I never knew being married could be so delightful, husband,” she told him huskily as she linked her arms about his neck.
“I didn’t either,” Matt replied.
When the carriage finally rolled to a stop in front of the Hammond house a long time later, they were resting most happily in each other’s arms.
“We’re here, love,” Matt told her as he brushed her hair aside and pressed a soft, thrilling kiss to her neck.
“I know,” she murmured almost sadly. She had wanted this time of enchantment to last forever, and she was afraid that returning to the reality of life would ruin what they had.
Matt descended from the carriage as soon as the driver opened the door for them. After paying him the substantial amount he owed, Matt helped Faith down and escorted her inside, leaving the driver to follow with their things.
“Mother? We’re back….” Faith called out, her happiness evident in her voice as they entered the house.
“Faith? Matthew? You’re back already….” Ruth came forth from the parlor eagerly to greet them. After kissing and hugging them both, she asked, “Did everything go well?”
“Perfectly, Mother. Matthew and I are now married.”
At that, Ruth hugged her again as her gaze met Matthew’s with love and respect. “I’m so happy for the both of you.”
“Thank you.”
The driver came in then laden with their things, and while Faith showed him where to put everything, Ruth drew Matt aside.
“Ben came by looking for you earlier today.”
“Ben?” Matthew frowned. He had managed for the past twelve hours to put all thoughts of the growing unrest from his mind, but now he was back and nothing had changed. “Has something happened? Did he say?”
“He wanted you to know that there’s an important meeting of some kind at the Green Dragon Inn at four o’clock this afternoon. I was supposed to tell you that you could meet him there.”
“I’d better go.” Matt was reluctant to leave Faith so soon.
“Go where?” Faith asked as she rejoined them after showing the driver out.
“Ben sent word that there’s a meeting this afternoon at four,” he explained.
“Don’t you want to go?” She noticed his lack of enthusiasm.
“It’s not so much a matter of not wanting to go as it’s a matter of not wanting to leave you.”
“You’re only going to a meeting, Matthew.” Faith came to him and put her arms around him. “I’m sure you’ll be back in time for dinn
er. Go on. It’s almost three already. You know they need you.”
He lifted her chin and kissed her quickly, uncaring that Ruth looked on. “I’ll go, but believe me, there’s no place I’d rather be than here with you.”
She smiled up at him warmly. “I know.”
It was near dusk as Noah grimly approached the Hammond house. He had spent the better part of the day on board the Lorelei, but even as he’d busied himself there, his thoughts had been of Matthew and their bitter parting the night before. Logically, he knew it was probably the best thing. For his business’s sake, he could risk no overt connection to the rebels. Still, it troubled him that Matthew had left without taking his share of the money, and Noah was determined that he should have sufficient funds. He had deposited half of the rebel advance in a reputable bank in Matthew’s name and was on his way to the Hammonds now to leave word that the money was available for him.
“Noah!” Faith was surprised to find her new brother-in-law standing on her doorstep when she opened the door.
“Hello, Faith.” Noah was unsure of his welcome and so kept his tone cool.
“Please, come in,” she invited warmly, holding the door wider for him to enter.
“No. Really, that’s not necessary. I just came by to leave a message for Matthew. I don’t know where he’s taken up residence yet and—”
Before he could say any more, Faith cut him off. “He’s taken up residence here, Noah. Please, come in. You can give him the message yourself, for he got home a short while ago.”
Noah looked decidedly uncomfortable to learn that Matthew had moved in with Faith and her mother, and he hesitated to take her up on her invitation.
“Noah, Matthew and I were married last night.”
“What?”
“Please come in and we’ll explain everything.” At her continued insistence, Noah entered the house. “He’s in our bedroom. Make yourself comfortable in the parlor while I go tell him that you’re here.”
Faith hurried down the short hall to her room at the back of the house.
“Matthew…” She entered their room without knocking and stopped dead still.
“What do you think?” he asked with a lopsided grin as he turned to face her from the washstand where he stood.
His face was covered with a mixture of soot and red Indian war paint, and about his head he wore a headband adorned with several feathers that stuck up at a rather rakish angle. He wore dark, nondescript clothing and had a blanket thrown about his shoulders.
“Dear Lord, what are you doing?” Faith demanded after she regained her composure.
“It’s part of a plan.”
“What plan?”
“The leaders have sent one last demand to the governor requesting that he send the ships back without unloading the tea. If he agrees, there will be no problem, but if he refuses…”
“If he refuses, what?” Faith was growing worried. She had no desire to lose her husband as she had lost her father.
“If he refuses, then we will take care of the tea ourselves.”
“Matthew…couldn’t this be dangerous?”
He shrugged, and then, understanding her fears, he came to her to take her in his arms. “Don’t worry. Nothing is going to happen to me. Who knows? If the governor comes to his senses, we may not even have to act. Now, what was it you wanted when you came into the room? You seemed rather excited about something.”
“Oh…I almost forgot.” She drew back. “Noah is here to see you.”
“Noah?” Now it was Matt’s turn to be surprised. “I hadn’t thought…. He’s actually here?” At her answering nod, he strode quickly from the room in search of his brother. “Noah?”
Noah was standing near the window when he heard Matthew approaching. As he turned to greet him, he was totally unprepared for the sight of Matthew dressed as an Indian, and the shock was evident on his face.
“What the…” Only Faith’s presence behind him stopped him from swearing.
“Faith said you wanted to see me?” Matt asked, his expression guarded. He was not sure why Noah had come, and he was not about to act as though nothing had happened between them.
“Yes, I have something of importance to tell you, but first, what are you doing dressed like that?”
“Since you desire no further contact with the rebels, I suggest you not ask.” As his brother scowled, Matt asked again, “Now, you were saying?”
Off balance and decidedly uncomfortable, Noah replied tersely, “Yes. Here.” He handed him the small portfolio.
“What are these?” Matt glanced from Noah to the papers.
“I deposited your share of the funds in your name. Those are the papers.”
“I told you how I felt about the money, Noah,” Matt said flatly.
“I know, but I would never refuse you what’s rightfully yours,” he answered.
Matthew regarded him solemnly. “Thank you.”
Noah could only nod. “I understand that congratulations are in order?”
“Yes, Faith and I decided that there was no point in waiting any longer. We were married last night.”
“I’m sorry that I missed the ceremony, but I want you to know that I wish you the best.”
“Thank you, Noah.” Faith went to him. “I know that means a lot to Matthew.” She looked from brother to brother. “I think I’ll leave you two alone now. Noah, it was good to see you again. Please, come back.”
When she had gone Noah glanced at Matt again. “You’re not getting caught up in anything foolish, are you? I don’t want you taking unnecessary chances. We both know that things could get violent at any time now.”
“As I said—”
“I know what you said,” Noah exploded, “and you know how I feel about you risking your life and limb. For God’s sake, man, you have a wife now!”
“I’m very aware of that,” Matt replied heatedly, “but this is something that has to be done. Even CC feels that way.”
“CC?” Noah froze at the mention of her name. “What has CC got to do with this?”
“She’s involved, just as I am.”
“Involved in what?”
Matt closed the distance between them. “There’s going to be a rally tonight at six o’clock at Faneuil Hall. Word has been sent to the governor that we want the three ships returned to England with their cargo intact. If he agrees to ship the tea back, then everyone goes home, but…”
“But what?” Noah ground out in annoyance. He wasn’t quite sure why he felt a driving need to know what was going to happen; he just knew that he had to find out.
Matthew hesitated only briefly before telling him all of what was planned. “If word comes back that the governor has refused, then we’re going to take care of the tea ourselves.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, we’re going to go on board the ship and dump it in the harbor.”
“That’s outrageous!”
“Yes, it is, isn’t it?” Matthew smiled quixotically. “But when we get done, Parliament will know that we’re serious.”
“Matthew…” He wanted to convince his brother that it was foolhardy to try such a stunt.
“Don’t say it, Noah. This is my decision. This is something I have to do.”
“But there are troops everywhere…. There might be trouble….”
“We have to take a stand. It’s time to let them know that we will no longer tolerate their continued interference in our business.”
“And CC is in on this?” The thought that CC might get caught up in a potentially dangerous situation left him rigid with sudden fear for her safety.
Matt read his concern for CC and was inwardly pleased. “She was at the meeting and seemed most determined to participate.”
“Didn’t Graves try to stop her?”
“Why? Are you worried about her?” he probed.
“She’s a woman, damn it!” he snapped as his brother touched a nerve.
“A very capable woman
,” Matt supplied. “She’s proven herself before; there was no reason to doubt her now. Besides, nothing bad is going to happen.”
“I wish I had your confidence….” Noah muttered, troubled.
“Join us, Noah,” Matt suddenly implored. “You know we’re right about things. Come with me.”
“No,” he snapped, striding toward the door. “You know how I feel about this.”
“And you know how I feel.” They faced each other one last time before Noah slammed from the house.
“Matthew?” Faith called. “Did Noah leave?”
“Yes.” His answer was curt, and she felt disheartened to know that they had come to no reconciliation.
“Did you talk?”
“It did no good. I should have known….” Matt looked down at her and his sadness was evident.
“I’m sorry.” She touched his arm sympathetically.
“So am I, love. So am I.”
Noah was furious and frustrated as he entered the taproom of the Red Lion. Even Polly was surprised by his surly mood, and she hastened to do his bidding lest she feel the bite of his jagged temper.
Bound to inaction by decisions of his own choosing, Noah sat alone as he downed his ale in a few deep drinks and then called for another. The next heady brew followed its predecessor as Noah’s thoughts churned with anxiety over what might happen this night. He was concerned about Matt, but he knew Matt was a man, and most capable of taking care of himself. What concerned him most was CC’s safety, and just the fact that he found himself worrying about her infuriated him. What did it matter if she got herself killed? Why should he care that she was doing something so potentially dangerous? The questions bombarded him endlessly as he consumed ale after ale, and still Noah refused to examine his true feelings to find the answers. He didn’t want to worry about CC or care about her, yet there could be no denying that he did.
The conflict built within him until the sound of the clock striking six—the scheduled time of the meeting—drove him to his feet. Enraged, knowing that he could not sit idly by and let CC possibly come to harm, he drained the last of his brew and sought out Polly.
“I need a horse,” he told her brusquely. “Who should I see?”