by Hunt, Brenda
Nate put his arm around her. “Nothing more than Mother being her usual autocratic self. I believe the good reverend and his wife were not impressed,” he said with a smile.
Lady Shefley walked out of the drawing room. Nate stood at the bottom of the steps with his arm around Dulcey, her head on his shoulder. She ached with every being in her body to tear them apart.
“Good night, Nathaniel,” she said as she walked passed them and up the stairs.
Nate went to say something, but Dulcey put her hand on his arm and stopped him. She knew his mother had deliberately snubbed her. It was not worth the effort. She had come to the understanding and acceptance that Nate’s mother would never accept her.
“Come let me escort you to your room, my love,” said Nate. He would allow his mother to stay for the wedding but after the ceremony, he would send her back to Shefley Hall. He would not put Dulcey through any more of his mother’s censure.
Lady Shefley waited at the top of the stairs.
Nate raised an eyebrow. “Mother?”
“I would like to speak with you Nathaniel,” she whined.
Nate shook his head. “Not tonight, Mother. I am rather tired.” He was tired, tired of dealing with her. Yes, he would send her back to Shefley Hall, as soon as the wedding was over. He had had enough of this. “Good night Mother.” Nate turned and continue walking down the hall to Dulcey’ room.
Lady Shefley turned, furious with her son and that witch at his side and strode to her room. She had never been so angry in all of her life, until this moment.
Dulcey walked quietly at Nate’s side. She wasn’t sure how much more she could take of Nate’s mother’s constant harping. She made everything so difficult. She had hoped his mother would come to accept her but it seemed, it was not to be. She saw her and Nate, living a good life but she wondered how, with his mother acting as she did.
At the door of her room, Nate pulled her into his arms. He had needed the feel of her body against his, all evening. He allowed the stress of the evening to slowly ebb from his body and let her body calm him. He knew, he had promised her to wait till after the wedding but damn, it was proving to be the hardest thing he had ever done, no not do, because he so desperately wanted to make love to her again.
Dulcey looked up. She saw all the love and longing in his eyes. It was nearly her undoing. She so desperately wanted to feel him next to her, to be a part of him again, because it was the only time she truly felt whole. But she knew this was not her cottage, where nothing mattered there but them. They were here at Brandanlyn and everything they did was under scrutiny. She did not want gossip bandied about for Nate and Abby’s sake.
Nate thought, he may not be able to lie with her tonight, but he would get his fill of the taste of her lips. Slowly, he lowered his head and claimed her lips, softly, tasting her sweetness, pulling her closer, till he could feel her softness against him. His kiss deepened, his tongue met hers in open invitation. He could feel his response to her warm body. He could also feel her response to him was as desperate as his was.
Dulcey opened herself to him. Her hands entwined in his hair, holding his head so his kiss wouldn’t end. She knew she had asked him to wait till after the wedding, but it was proving to be harder than she first thought. She eased her hold on his head and reluctantly pulled away. Her heart was beating so hard against her chest, her breathing shallow.
Nate looked into Dulcey’s eyes. The love he saw shining in them made his heart swell. What had he done to deserve the love of this woman? Nothing. But fate had put them together and no one would take her away from him. He rested his forehead against hers, holding her hands against his chest.
“This has proven to be harder than I first thought,” said Nate softly.
Dulcey sighed with longing. “I know, my love. But it is for the best, I think.”
Nate smiled. “Perhaps you are right, but I don’t have to like it.”
Dulcey very slowly opened the door to her room, still holding his hand, slowly pulled away from him, till finally their fingertips just barely touched. For a moment, she stopped, “Good night, my heart.” She continued on into her room and watched Nate pull her door closed. She sighed with such longing. Her wedding day could not come soon enough. Her body ached for him.
Nate turned and walked slowly away, after closing her door. That special license he had requested had better be delivered in time, for he was uncertain how much longer he would wait. He passed in front of his mother’s room. He could hear some conversation, his mother’s voice, from behind her door. No doubt, she was talking with her maid, Leta. He would tell her soon, she was leaving whether she wanted to or not.
It was going to be another night of tossing, turning and dreaming of Dulcey. Soon, she would be sharing his bed.
Chapter 14
Friends show their love in time of trouble
Not in happiness.
Euripides
Evers opened the door to the richly dressed gentlemen he saw gallop up moments earlier. A large gray stallion stood near the steps.
“Ah, my good man, my card. Please inform Lord Shefley, Lord Colin Hallwell, the Duke of Worthingston is here as requested.” Worth pulled his gloves off and placed them in his hat. “Also, could you have someone see to my horse. My carriage should be here in the morning.”
Evers took his hat and gloves. “Very well, your Grace. I will see to it all. Would you care to wait in the green drawing room? Would you like some refreshment while I get Lord Shefley?”
Nate walked down the stairs and there in the hall was Worth talking to Evers. “Ah, Worth, so very glad to see you. I thought you would have just sent the special license. I did not expect you to deliver it yourself.” He took Worth’s out reached hand.
“What Beck? You would think I would not self delivery this. My best friend’s younger brother sends me a request for a special marriage license. Of course, I am curious as to who has managed to capture this ne’er-do-well.” He laughed.
Nate laughed, too. It seemed like it had been ages since he had been called Beck. It was the nickname Grayson and Worth had given him as a child. It wasn’t only because it was his name but because as a younger brother, he had followed them like a shadow. They had said he was always at their beck and call, whenever they needed something they did not want to do.
“I am glad you are here. It means a lot to me that you came. Shall we retire to my study? I have an excellent bottle of brandy. The old baron left an excellent cellar.” Nate said as he escorted Worth to the study.
“I think this may be an interesting story. Brandy should be just the thing to warm me after this long ride and will definitely make the listening easier.”
Nate closed the door behind him, pointed to a chair for Worth. At the side board, he poured two generous glasses of brandy, handed one to Worth and sat down in the empty chair.
Worth took a sip and raised his eyebrows. “Excellent brandy, indeed. All right, my friend, you have my undivided attention. Tell me this story of yours.” Worth leaned back and listened.
Nate began and told Worth, Dulcey’s story, from the moment he met her to the reading of Lord Fergers’ letters. The only thing he left out was the two days at the cottage.
Worth rubbed his chin with his forefinger, deep in thought. “A witch you say.” He did not believe in witches or any of those types of things. He was a realist. He believed in the here and now and the tangible that could be seen or touched.
“That is what some people may say. She does see things about people before they happen. Most people about here come to her because she knows about herbs and medicinal brews and things. From everything Simmons has found out, she has helped nearly everyone about here, in one way or the other. She is very well liked,” explained Nate. “Abby believes she talks to the fairies.”
Worth smiled. “How is our Poppet?” He had a soft spot for his niece.
Nate smiled. “Very well. Abby has come to love her, but most important Dulcey loves Abb
y. Wait till you see them together. You will see for yourself. I have never seen her so happy since Grayson and Caroline died.”
Worth nodded. “I was told your mother accompanied you here. How has she been with all of this?” He was not a fan of the Countess. Caroline had complained to him too many times about her. She had made Caroline’s life miserable up to the day she died.
Nate let out a breath of frustration. “You, above all, know how mother is. She is determined that Dulcey is not good enough for our family. Our reputation will be ruined, if I marry her.”
“Yes, I do know your mother. Nothing is good enough for your mother, including a duke’s daughter. I do believe the stress your mother put on Caroline caused her to lose the baby which ultimately caused her death. I firmly believe it to be so,” stated Worth with contempt. The Countess could be a formidable woman when she was crossed. Nate had every right to be concerned.
Nate nodded. He hadn’t been around when that had happened. Occasionally, he had worked for the war department. He had been on a special assignment and had only heard about it when Grayson died several weeks later. He had often wondered how it had all gone about. Mother’s story had never added up.
“Yes, well I have threatened to ship her back to Shefley Hall to the Dowager House with grandmother. She has said she will behave but I do not trust her. I have Simmons watching her. But I will not let her upset Dulcey. I had hoped she had left when I went after Dulcey. But since she hasn’t, I have decided after the wedding, she will leave for Shefley Hall or the townhouse in London. I have had enough of her interference. It is my wedding gift to Dulcey.”
“I agree, that will be for the best,” Worth nodded. “I brought a small valise with me. Bennings and the carriage with the rest of my things should get here perhaps later tonight but most probably tomorrow morning.”
“I’m sure Evers had had a room prepared for you by now.”
“And when am I to meet this fairy of yours and Abby’s?” asked Worth, curious, now more so, since hearing her story. He would not call her a witch for he believed they did not exist. Neither did fairies but Abby did, so he would play along for her sake.
“Why don’t you go upstairs, freshen up. I’ll send Simmons to you. Come down for tea. I’ll have Abby and Dulcey waiting for you.”
“Very well. But forget Simmons. Though Bennings would never admit it, I can do for myself. He firmly believes, I am helpless babe without him.” Worth chuckled.
Nate smiled. He and Worth had worked together a couple of times. Worth was a master of disguises. Bennings would have had apoplexy, if he had seen some of how Worth had dressed for some of his work.
Worth pulled an envelope out of his breast pocket. “Before I forget, I do believe this is what you requested of me.” He handed it to Nate.
Nate took it, opened it and smiled. “Yes. I was beginning to think it was not going to get here in time for Twelfth Night.”
“Twelfth Night?”
“I have plans on marrying Dulcey on Twelfth Night. Invitations have been sent out to the locals. You will be staying Worth? I will need someone to stand with me if you would?” asked Nate. Worth was as close to a brother he now had with Grayson gone.
Worth took his out held hand. “Of course. Why do you think I am here?” He smiled, knowing his best friend, Grayson, would not want it any other way. In many ways, he felt like Beck was his younger brother. It was one of the many things, he and Grayson had shared over the years.
Worth raised his glass that had one last sip. “To Grayson.”
Nate raised his. “To Caroline.”
They clinked glasses and downed their last sip.
Nate and Worth walked out of the study. Evers was in the hall to meet them. “Your Grace, I have had your room prepared. Your valise has been brought to it.”
“Thank you, Evers.”
Evers called one of the footmen over to escort the duke to his room. Halfway up the stairs, Worth met with the countess coming down. He stared haughtily down his narrow pointed nose at her. He agreed with Beck, she was not to be trusted.
Lady Shefley looked him in the eye for a moment then dropped her gaze and murmured, “Your Grace.” Damn, she thought. Worth had come after all. She had hoped he would send the license by courier. She had even thought about intercepting it.
She had never gotten along with the duke. He blamed her for Caroline’s death. Why she had no idea? Caroline was too sensitive. She was often overly upset about something or other. How could he blame her for Caroline’s miscarriage and subsequent death?
Worth barely gave her a nod. He was on Dulcey’s side just for the mere fact that the Countess did not like her. He smiled at the thought of getting under the Countess’s skin. He would enjoy this visit.
Nate watched his mother come down the stairs and the silent exchange between Worth and his mother. It would be good to have Worth, here on his side.
“I see his grace is here,” stated the Countess as she faced her son.
“Yes, mother. He personally brought the special license from the Archbishop. My marriage to Dulcey will take place on Twelfth Night as planned.” Nate watched the distaste cross her face.
“So you say, Nathaniel,” replied his mother.
“Yes, Mother, I do. Worth will be joining us for tea. So will be Abby. I’m going upstairs to tell Abby and Dulcey and escort them down.”
“I will await everyone in the drawing room,” she said as she continued walking to the drawing room. She wanted to scream but she knew she could not.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nate knocked softly on Dulcey’s room and walked in. Dulcey was sitting at her writing desk. He never got tired of looking at her. Now in a few days’ time they would be wed, thanks to Worth bringing the special license.
Dulcey looked up and smiled. She still found it hard to believe this man would soon be her husband in the eyes of the church and the court. He was already a part of her body and soul. It seemed like a lifetime ago she had resigned herself to living a life alone. Now she had a future of a life filled with love. She felt so lucky.
“I’ve come to escort you and Abby downstairs for tea. We have a guest,” he informed Dulcey as he helped her to her feet and into his arms.
Nate claimed her lips. It had been hard not to visit her in the middle of the night. But he had promised her. His body screamed with the want and need of her. Having tasted her sweetness, he wanted her again and again. Just a few more days, he told himself.
When Nate raised his head to gaze into her eyes, Dulcey whispered, “I have missed you.” She could see the longing in his eyes and she wanted him to know, he was not alone.
Nate sighed. “Soon, my love, Worth delivered the special license himself. I think you will like Worth. He was my brother’s best friend. Also my brother was married to his sister. I have known him for forever.” He needed to think of something besides the need to take her to bed and bury himself deep within her as he had done in the cottage. This waiting was beginning to be a great strain on him. Just a couple of more days, he told himself.
“Shall we get Abby and go downstairs before I take you to bed right here and now. I envy that bed.”
Dulcey smiled, took his hand and pulled him to the door. “Come, Nate, before I succumb to your charms.”
Nate laughed softly. “I’d rather you succumb to my body, my love.”
Dulcey laughed, too, and pulled at his hand harder till he began to walk by her side.
“All right, you win,” he said as he followed her out of her room.
Down the hall to Abby’s room they walked. Dulcey looked down the hall, the forces around her trembled. She looked harder but she could not see anything or anyone. “Where’s your mother?” asked Dulcey. She had been avoiding the Countess as much as possible. Her rooms were further down the hall.
“Mother awaits us downstairs,” answered Nate, wondering why Dulcey was asking. “Why?”
Dulcey shook her head. “It was nothing,” she replied
for the feelings were gone.
Nate opened the door. Abby was having tea with her dolls. “Poppet, how about you join us downstairs for tea? Someone you know has come for a visit.”
“Uncle Nate, Dulcey who is it?” she asked, her eyes wide. “Someone for the wedding?”
Nate smiled. “Yes, someone for the wedding. He brought us a special present.”
“A present? Did he bring one for me, too?” She liked presents.
“That I don’t know but I would not be surprised if he did,” answered Nate.
“Who is it? Tell me please.” She begged.
“Let’s go down and find out,” suggested Nate. He looked to Miss Franny. “You are invited too.”
Franny smiled. “Thank you, my lord but I have some correspondence to write to my mother. Otherwise, she will be worried about me.” She appreciated that since Lady Dulcey had come, they had included her in many of the family functions but she had not written her family since just before Christmas. If she didn’t write regularly, her mother would be worried.
“If you finish sooner than you think, please join us,” requested Dulcey. She had come to like Franny.
Miss Franny nodded and watched them walk out of the door, Abby begging Lord Beckham to tell her who their visitor was.
Abby walked into the drawing room looking all about but the only person there was Grandmother sitting in her chair. She turned, “I don’t see anybody here except Grandmother?”
Nate laughed. “Be patient little one. He is upstairs cleaning up. I promise you he will be down shortly.”
“I’m sure his Grace could have visited Abigail upstairs in the nursery, just as well,” suggested the Countess. It was not proper to have this child attending so many of the adult functions.
“Mother, I hoping to surprise Abby,” chided Nate.
Abby looked from Uncle Nate to her Grandmother. What were they talking about?
“Hello, Poppet,” said Worth as he quietly walked in.