Roguishly Matched

by Marie Higgins

  His thoughts shifted back to when he first met Adeline, and he scrambled to remember the moment he could have been to blame for ruining her life. She’d married a wealthy marquess. Most women Collin knew would have loved to have that life.

  But most women weren’t Adeline.

  He’d discovered that the very day they had met. Although he’d been judgmental at first, looking down on her because of her impoverished family, she’d been nothing but kind... in her stubborn way. Soon, he’d realized his mistake in thinking so poorly of her because she was the first woman to touch his heart.

  Another hour passed quickly, and he continued to follow the coach at a distance. His thoughts were still jumbled, and Collin didn’t know what to say to her when he finally got her alone. At least he wouldn’t be as tongue-tied as he’d been at Adrian’s wedding.

  The weather had turned cooler, and thick gray clouds filled the sky. The light wind had grown stronger. He prayed the coach would reach its destination before the storm hit.

  Finally, the fancy coach turned toward an estate – one he recognized. This had been Lloyd’s first estate before he’d inherited the title of marquess. Lloyd hadn’t liked being so far from civilization, and so he’d bought a larger estate closer to Birmingham. At first, Lloyd had considered the estate in Leicestershire to be his country estate, but when Lloyd’s gaming and womanizing had become the center of his life, he stayed closer to Birmingham.

  Frowning, Collin shook his head. He still couldn’t believe his friend was dead. And to think, if Collin had stayed home instead of traveling the world, he would have known about Lloyd’s accident... and about the widow’s deep hatred toward him.

  As he entered the estate grounds, he slowed his horse. He didn’t want her to see him just yet. The element of surprise would be the best way to see her, just as when she’d surprised him earlier today.

  The coach stopped in front of the manor, and the footman hurried out of the house and down the wide steps toward the vehicle. Collin guided the horse into a group of trees and brought the animal to a stop. Watching closely, he waited for Adeline to exit the coach. Finally, the blue and silver of her gown captured his attention. Her silky wheat-golden hair was in ringlets, and the length rested on her shoulders. She was as stunning now as she’d been when he’d first seen her at the ball he and Lloyd had attended in Bath.

  The rustling of bushes from behind him pulled his focus away from Adeline. He glanced over his shoulder just in time to see a thick tree limb swinging toward him. The object connected with his head in a loud thump. Pain lanced through him, blocking his ears and making his vision unclear. He lost his grip on the reins and fell off the horse. His body hit the ground, but the pain in his head overrode anything else.

  Cursing under his breath, Collin tried to rise to his feet, but he was having difficulty even kneeling. Through his dizzy vision, he saw the man who’d hit him – a man wearing dark blue suitcoat and matching breeches, and a thinning bald spot on the back of his head. The man was a servant!

  Releasing a shout of anger, Collin tried his best to jump on the imbecile, but the man was quicker. Collin’s body succumbed to weakness. A warm, sticky substance slid down the side of his face where the limb had whacked him on the head. He didn’t need to touch the substance to know what was happening.

  Panic welled inside him. A blow to the head could kill a man! He needed to stop the bleeding. Unfortunately, his weak body wouldn’t cooperate with his mind as he tried to loosen his cravat in hopes of wrapping that around his head.

  In a state of helplessness, he dropped back to the ground, his face turned to one side. Slowly, his vision faded while he watched his attacker run away. Closing his eyes, Collin prayed this was not the end of his life. There was so much that needed to be resolved, and he said a silent prayer that God would keep him alive.

  Darkness filled his head, but in the distance, he heard a sweet voice, dearer than any other. Although Addie’s voice screeched in panic, at least she was nearby.

  ADELINE’S LUCK HAD turned from bad to worse. What in the blazes was Collin Dorsey doing at her estate?

  Just as she’d exited the coach and was entering the manor, she heard a man’s painful shout. Moments later, her driver had mentioned he saw a servant running away from the estate as if the devil was nipping at his heels. This, of course, was reason enough for her driver and footman to investigate.

  Being a curious woman by nature, she had followed her driver and footman. When she’d seen Collin lying in a pool of blood, it had terrified her. She instructed her servants to take Collin to the manor. As soon as she stepped inside, she issued another command, “Fetch Dr. Hadley posthaste.”

  Now, nearly an hour later, she grumbled with impatience and paced the hall on the second floor, waiting for some answers. When the physician had entered Collin’s room, the marquess had been alive. But what about now? Why hadn’t anyone notified her what was happening?

  She couldn’t stand the waiting, but entering the room would be highly improper. Especially after what happened this morning at Hanover Hall.

  Since her husband’s death, Adeline had done all she could to repair the reputation that had fallen on the Kentwood name, especially her name – but to no avail. Of course, the town believed that she had killed her own husband only two days after they were wed. Almost everyone knew neither bride nor groom was happy about the marriage. But her husband’s death had only made people gossip more. Rumors were spread that Adeline was the one who drove him to drink and that she encouraged him to go out on the boat with his friends and other women. She found it odd how she could have done that when she hadn’t seen Lloyd since their wedding night.

  When she’d learned of the marquess’ death, she’d cried. A few days later when her husband’s solicitor informed her that Collin Dorsey would be inheriting the title... she’d cried again out of frustration and anger.

  She glared at the closed door. Why had Collin come after her?

  Her heart twisted in confusion and she resumed her pacing. It disturbed her greatly to think that he would want to see her now, especially after what had happened between them in Bath. What was his purpose in coming to her estate? Had he thought he could smile in that charming way of his and win her over? Had he planned on taking her back into his arms and kissing her passionately? Well, Collin Dorsey was sadly mistaken if that was his purpose. She would not give him a moment of her time. He didn’t deserve it.

  The creak of the opening door had her swinging around so fast she nearly toppled over. She quickly righted herself and stared at the physician. Doctor Hadley, a middle-aged man with a full head of black hair, exited the bedroom. Holding his brown leather medical handbag in one hand, he quietly closed the door behind him.

  “Lady Kentwood,” he said, taking steps in her direction.

  She stood still as he approached. “Doctor Hadley? How is Lord Han... uh, I mean Lord Kentwood?”

  “He had a nasty blow to the head, which I stitched up nicely. He’s finally gained consciousness, but is very disoriented.”

  “Well, rightly so. Anyone would feel that way after being hit over the head with that thick tree limb.”

  “No, milady, you don’t understand.” The physician inhaled and slowly blew out a breath. “Lord Kentwood is extremely disoriented.” He shook his head. “The man doesn’t remember why he’s here, or even who you are. He doesn’t even recall his own name.”

  Adeline didn’t know whether to laugh or cry... or scream with frustration. She tried to feel sorrow, but the only thought that flashed through her mind at that moment was getting retribution.

  Or perhaps... this was the very thing she needed to finally put the past to rest.

  THREE

  Adeline controlled her anger as she stepped into the room. The storm clouds had grown darker, which created shadows everywhere. Only a few candles were lit, and she wished the room was brighter. But she was certain the physician had ordered dim lighting for Collin. His injury would ha
ve given him a tremendous headache.

  Two female servants were in the room. Mrs. Pettingill was old enough to be Adeline’s mother, but the older woman wasn’t the kind hearted motherly type who would treat Adeline like a daughter. Then again, these were Lloyd’s servants, and of course, they thought she was responsible for her husband’s death.

  The other servant was twenty-eight-year-old Betty, who had never been married. The woman was mostly shy, but at least she was a good servant to Adeline.

  Both of the women glanced at Adeline as she crept closer to the bed. Collin’s eyes were closed, and his hair appeared damp. She recalled the amount of blood that had been around his head when they’d found him in the thicket of trees. Thankfully, the doctor had cleaned that from his hair. A gauze bandage was wrapped around Collin’s head.

  Collin’s white shirt was open at the throat, and she hadn’t remembered until now how powerfully muscular he was. His arms were outside the covers, but the quilt covered the rest of his body. A fire blazed in the hearth, keeping the room’s temperature very warm.

  Adeline stepped to the end of the bed and stopped. What in heaven’s name could she say to a man who’d lost his memory? She couldn’t scream and throw blame at him anymore because he wouldn’t understand. She had promised the doctor before he’d left, that she would keep the patient calm.

  Calm? Who would keep her calm?

  Adeline glanced at Mrs. Pettingill. “How is he?” she whispered.

  She didn’t have to look at Pettingill’s wrinkled smirk for very long because Collin’s body jerked and his eyes flew open. He looked directly at her, and she held her breath. From his blank expression, she could tell that he didn’t know who she was.

  “I...” She cleared her dry throat. “Forgive me for startling you.”

  His gaze ran over her face, then down over her gown before bouncing back up to her eyes again. She’d never been more uncomfortable. If only the servants would leave, but then that would be very improper.

  “You must be Lady Kentwood.”

  Breathing slowly, she tried to calm her racing heartbeat. She had loved his baritone voice when they’d first met and, even now, hearing it sent pleasurable tremors all over her. She really needed to find a way to stop that reaction to him.

  “I am.”

  His stare narrowed. “I must admit, you do look somewhat familiar.”

  “That’s reassuring.” She sighed. “The doctor told me that he wasn’t sure how long your memory would be gone, but if you think I look familiar then I’m sure it won’t be long before you can remember everything.”

  He smiled, but it wasn’t full. “I pray you are correct.”

  Adeline fidgeted from one foot to the next as she continually clenched her hands and released them. “Um... have the servants been helping you?”

  “Indeed. I’m very grateful for their kindness.”

  “Splendid.” Adeline shifted her gaze from Betty to Mrs. Pettingill. The women continued to clean where the doctor had obviously messed. Adeline returned her attention to Collin. Seeing his face so pale, his hair disheveled and in bed made him appear so helpless. She wasn’t used to seeing him this way. He could be an entirely different man. Thankfully, she knew he wasn’t.

  “Are you hungry?” she asked.

  He nodded. “I am a little, if it’s no trouble.”

  “Don’t be silly. Of course it’s no trouble.” Adeline aimed her gaze at the older woman in the room. “Pettingill, would you fetch Lord Kentwood something to eat?”

  “Yes, milady.” She curtsied and moved out of the room.

  Their arms full of damp towels and bloody bandages, Betty followed Mrs. Pettingill out of the room. The moment the door closed, Adeline sucked in a ragged breath. She was now alone with the very man who’d ruined her life – the man she had told only this morning at his brother’s wedding party that she would never again be alone with him.

  She took a calming breath, telling herself that this time was different. He was injured and in bed, and he couldn’t do anything to her, anyway. Besides that, he didn’t even know his own name. She should be safe... for now.

  “Lady Kentwood?” Collin asked in dry voice. “Would you tell me something about my life. You don’t know how awful it is to know nothing and literally have nothing to think about.”

  “Well, I’m not sure—”

  “Please. If you would tell me something about my life, perhaps I’ll remember.”

  A pang of guilt wrenched her heart. How could she play the vengeful vixen when he was in this condition? Now she must be kind to him, so when he regained his memory, he’d remember her kindness. She just didn’t have the heart to be vindictive right now.

  Not wanting to sit on the bed, she moved to the wall and grasped the only wooden chair in the room and carried it next to the bed. She sat, keeping her back straight and hands in her lap.

  “Your name is Collin Dorsey. You were the Earl of Hanover, but just recently, you inherited the title Marquess of Kentwood.”

  In silence, she studied his expression. Still, his eyes were expressionless. She needed to tell him more. But really, she didn’t know that much about him, except for what he’d told her when they first met in Bath.

  “You have a brother who was just married. Most people know him by Lord William, but you call him Adrian, which I assume is his middle name.”

  Slowly, Collin nodded. “He must be my younger brother.”

  “He is.”

  “Am I close to him?”

  Adeline wished she knew that answer. But once again, she only knew what he’d told her while they were in Bath. “I don’t think you are.” She shrugged. “At least you weren’t. However, you could be now. Not too long ago, your father purchased a grand manor where you and your brother now live.”

  Keeping his gaze on her, he scrubbed a hand over his chin. “Is my family wealthy?”

  She nodded. “Very much so, and now that you have inherited the marquess’ lands, you are even wealthier than before.”

  His gaze moved around the room. “And is this house mine?”

  She clenched her jaw. She didn’t want it to be his. This was the place she hoped he’d let her live in. “Yes,” she answered in a tight voice. “But this is one of the smaller manors that you own, and it’s far away from any form of civilization.”

  “So you’re saying the manor is in the country and it’s very quiet out here.”

  “Extremely quiet, my lord.”

  He exhaled slowly and a grin touched his mouth. “I think I would very much enjoy the peaceful life.” He shrugged. “Of course, I don’t know why I feel that way.”

  Holding her breath, she tried not to release her frustrations. Instead, she must try to convince him that country life was not what he wanted.

  “Forgive me, my lord,” she said, “but from what I know about your lifestyle, I would have to disagree. Living in the country would drive you mad. You would be completely bored.”

  Confusion crossed his features. “But you live here, correct?”

  “Correct.”

  “And you don’t find it boring?”

  If he only knew how hilarious that question was. “No, indeed. I prefer the quiet life compared to the hustle and bustle of the busier towns.”

  “Well, for now as I’m recovering, I think I would like to stay here.”

  “Oh, of course, my lord. The doctor doesn’t want you moved just yet.”

  “That is understandable.” He lifted his hand and touched the gauze wrapped around his head. “The way I feel right now, I’m surprised my skull isn’t split in two.”

  “I pray you will feel better tomorrow.”

  “As do I.”

  Silence passed between them and she felt uncomfortable again. Perhaps she should go to the kitchen to see why Pettingill was taking so long to bring Collin something to eat.

  Adeline made a move to stand, but he held up his hand, stopping her. “Before you go, will you tell me one more thing?”


  “Uh... I suppose there’s no harm in that.”

  “Lady Kentwood, would you please tell me about you.”

  She hitched a breath. Why in heaven’s name did he want to know about her? She couldn’t possibly tell him much without her anger erupting. But she supposed she could tell him a little. “I, um... What exactly do you want to know?”

  Collin stared at her for a few unsettling moments. It wasn’t the silence that bothered Adeline, it was the way his hazel gaze moved slowly over her face, up to her hair, and then down again, traveling across her face but then moving lower as he looked over her gown. He’d looked at her this way before, and she had responded with tremors of desire moving throughout her body, making her weak in the worst way.

  The bedroom door opened and Pettingill bustled inside, carrying a tray of food. Collin struggled to sit up straighter, but was having a difficult time shifting on the bed. Adeline hurried to his side and helped stuff the pillows behind him. She took hold of his upper arm to assist him.

  His gaze flew to hers and locked. Her breath stopped in her throat. She was too close to him.

  Trying not to make a scene, she casually let go of his arm and stepped back so that the servant could give him his tray of food. Once the plate covers were removed and he appeared to be settled with it on his lap, Mrs. Pettingill moved back toward the door.

  “Is there anything else you need, milady?”

  “No. That is all.” As soon as Adeline said the words, she wished she could recant them. She really didn’t want to be in the bedroom alone with Collin.

  The servant walked out of the room and closed the door. Adeline swallowed hard, trying to moisten her suddenly dry throat.

  Hesitantly, she looked at Collin. He’d taken a bite of his veal, but his attention was on her. He swallowed and smiled.

  “Lady Kentwood, could you please tell me how we met. I’m sure my memory would return if you could feed it with something that happened in my life.”