All day he’d seen little of his wife. She’d left the house with Arial to start work at her bank, which allowed him to work the day without interruption. Their marriage was working wonderfully, even if they’d been at it for only one day.
Finishing the last bite of a raspberry torte, McCalpin sat on his right. William sat on his left, while Emma sat directly opposite. The table was small, the same one where he and Emma had eaten last night. Still, the distance was too great as he couldn’t touch her, which he’d discovered had become a favorite pastime.
Tormented by her nearness and her scent, Nick found the dinner conversation tedious as his attention never left her. She was striking in a dark red satin dress with a black tulle underlay. The deep color accented the creaminess of her skin. But it was her eyes that held him enthralled, completely dazzled by the emerald color.
“Excellent meal. If I have another bite, I’ll have to visit the tailor.” McCalpin patted his flat abdomen. Though they’d had words in Portsmouth, he was Nick’s closest confidant outside of Pembrooke.
William leaned close. “Might we have a word privately?”
Nick waved his hand, and Martin immediately took his leave.
Unable to hide her mirth, Emma caught his gaze, and with the slight tilt of her head, she discreetly pointed toward the buffet.
Acting as a footman, his insufferable valet held a silver platter in lieu of a mirror in front of his face. Keenly concentrating, Whaley adjusted his neckcloth. When he realized he was being watched, he turned his attention to Nick and raised a brow as if challenging him to say something. With a stare, he sent Whaley out the door.
When the door closed, McCalpin addressed Emma. “Father and Mother wanted us to be your first official guests.” His face softened in the same brotherly concern Nick had witnessed on countless occasions. The sight never ceased to amaze him that three adults, siblings no less with such differing personalities, could be so close. “Em, I think marriage agrees with you. You’re practically glowing.”
Emma blushed, and the firelight enhanced her ravishing color.
“Let’s talk about the real reason we’re here,” William offered. “You were threatened by Aulton today. You’ve got to listen to your husband and leave this alone. Both of us heard that you’ve been served with four separate suits by Aulton’s solicitors.”
Emma’s attention was locked on Nick. “Is that true? Four?”
“This evening, my solicitor personally accepted the documents and reviewed them. It comes as no surprise they’re quite inflammatory.” His gut tightened. Aulton would pay for his idiocy. Nothing infuriated Nick more than to waste time on frivolous legal proceedings.
“The suits will be dismissed. He’s simply harassing you both.” William addressed Emma. “But, no more. Leave Lena’s death alone.”
“I don’t answer to you.” Emma leaned forward, her attention solely focused on Nick. “What’s Aulton alleging?”
“Slander for one. He alleges you made false statements to Lady Daphne Hallworth at a ball about his treatment of his wife.”
Emma’s breathing increased in tempo, causing her chest to rise and fall. Worry lined her perfect brow. “What else?”
“Criminal conversation. He alleges you tried to lure his wife to commit adultery while she was alive.” Nick didn’t glance at William or McCalpin, but kept Emma’s eyes trained on him. He didn’t want her to be caught unaware and humiliated by hearing such nonsense from others. Even if it was embarrassing to hear the charge in front of her brothers, they were here to support her. “He claims you proposed an affair with her, you, and me, all together.”
Her eyes flew open. “I’ve never heard of such a thing. Do people—” A deep blush colored her cheeks. “That’s ridiculous. I did ask her to come to London, but only to escape Aulton’s torment,” she answered. Her voice never wavered. “That was years ago.”
McCalpin continued, “He alleges you tried to steal Mary Butler from his employment. He claims she signed a contract when she arrived at his household with Lena.”
William didn’t mince any words as he delivered the last insult from Aulton. “He claims you stole personal effects and jewelry belonging to his late wife that are rightfully his.”
Emma’s gaze darted between her two brothers as if trying to convince them both the truthfulness of her defenses. “Mary Butler gave me personal correspondence from Lena. In her own hand, she directed me to deliver them. That’s all. My only dealings with Aulton occurred before my marriage. Why bring an action now? Aulton should sue father, not Somerton. All these supposed events occurred before I married.”
“Those are the reasons these matters will be dismissed,” McCalpin added briskly. “However, don’t engage Aulton. Nothing good will come of it.”
“My husband and I are of one mind.” She leaned back. Her breathing had eased somewhat, and the normal color of her cheeks had returned. “And the damages?”
“He’s seeking a minimum of one hundred thousand pounds,” Nick answered.
“One hundred th-thousand pounds for all four?” She placed her napkin on the table and started to fidget with it.
“For each cause of action,” McCalpin added.
Emma gasped.
Her oldest brother folded his napkin and studied her. “This is dangerous business, Em. You must listen to Somerton and stay out of this. Do not interfere.”
If Aulton were successful with all of the suits, it’d bankrupt Nick. Even if the bastard was successful with only one, it would damage his business significantly. He’d have to sell a ship to cover the losses, a devastating blow that would hamper his ability to make money.
Nick gripped the handles of his chair as ice invaded his veins. Indeed, he’d stockpile every available resource and attack the bastard with a force he’d never recover from. No one threatened his livelihood, particularly a coward who hid behind solicitors and barristers to do his dirty work.
A gentle hand took his and squeezed. Emma had left her chair to stand beside him. Forced to leave his musings behind, Nick focused on his wife’s hand clasped in his. The heat of her touch soothed him, helping his cold anger settle.
“He’s insolvent. It’s nothing more than a ploy for money,” she announced.
William turned toward her. “How would you know?”
“Lena’s marriage settlements were matters she shared with me. Under the documents, Aulton couldn’t receive her fortune until she reached the age of twenty-five or if a child survived her. He received it a year ago, then lost it in some bad investments.” She smiled. “However, these are matters best left to me, and, of course, my husband. Perhaps we can use Aulton’s distressed finances to sweep the whole matter under the table.” Emma gazed down at him. “You should make him a cash settlement in exchange for his dismissal of the suits.”
“I’ll not give the bastard a bloody shilling.” Not after he’d threatened Emma and placed his filthy hands on her. Not after the audacious arse had come into his home and threatened them both. Whatever it cost, whatever the time requirements, they’d fight Aulton one bloody suit at a time. “We’ll hire a barrister.”
Emma sighed. The intimate gesture reminded him of the time he’d offered her comfort in Langham Hall after she’d argued with William. They stood together then and now, united in battle.
The power she held over him provoked an ominous longing he’d do well to tame. With one look, she made him forget all the things he wanted in life. With one touch, she caused a raging hunger that could only be filled by her supple body beneath his.
God, he was lost.
“I’ll take my leave and allow you to finish your business,” Emma announced. “Thank you for joining us this evening. Tell Mother and Father things are well in hand.”
McCalpin stood. “Em, for all our sakes, listen to Somerton.”
Will followed suit. “I agree. Don’t be obstinate. It doesn’t become you.”
Defiance made her eyes glimmer in the candlelight. “Neither d
oes delving into others’ business become either of you.”
Nick escorted Emma to the door and situated his body so her brothers couldn’t see her. “Listen to your brothers.”
Her eyes flashed in contempt. Before she uttered a word, he silenced her by bringing her wrist to his lips. Like a stroke of a feather, he placed the slightest hint of a kiss against her tender skin. She shivered, and he smiled in triumph. With his tongue, he licked her pulse.
She gasped and her eyes widened.
“Yours or mine?” he whispered.
“W-What?”
“Whose bed shall we sleep in tonight?” He rubbed his lips against her soft skin.
She took a deep breath.
An immediate sense of gratification swelled inside that he could so easily unsettle her. It took an amazing amount of restraint not to kiss her senseless. “There will be very little sleep though, I’d imagine.”
The widening of her pupils and the slight flare of her nostrils caused the most acute, but exquisite, erection. The teasing was worth it. He’d entertain her brothers a while longer as he fancied all the wonderful ways he’d pleasure his lovely wife this evening.
“Come find me.” Her skirts licked his legs as she turned.
She strolled away with a saunter that caused the most magnificent roll of her hips.
The she-cat had turned the tables on him.
* * *
At midnight, Nick finally quit the study somewhat pleased with the amount of work he’d accomplished, yet his guilt made for a miserable companion this evening. He’d not seen Emma since dinner, and he’d promised he’d come to her bed. McCalpin and William had stayed for several hours after she’d left.
He’d not wake her, but he craved the touch of her body next to his. Tomorrow, he’d insist she forget about delivering justice to Aulton. The closer he came to their adjoining bedrooms, the more aware he became of her presence. His body tightened when flashes of silk and creamy skin overwhelmed his thoughts and best intentions to let her sleep.
To wake her at this hour would be beyond selfish. Yet, his restlessness rose the closer he came to her door. He’d never lacked discipline before, but with her under his roof, his willpower had taken a holiday.
A lamp from a hallway table cast a gentle glow against his bedroom door. Even if she wasn’t physically beside him, the house seemed warmer and more alive because she resided here. His constant feeling of isolation and the accompanying reclusiveness had diminished—all because of Emma.
He entered his room and found a well-built fire. He plopped into the chair beside the warmth and shed his boots and socks. He stood, removed his coat and waistcoat, and dropped them onto the chair across from his.
“May I help with the rest?”
He glanced to where the honey-silken sound had come from. Like a fantasy, Emma emerged from the darkness. Her golden hair spilled down her back, and she wore an untied dressing gown of moss-green silk trimmed in black satin.
With nothing underneath.
“Thank you for tolerating my brothers. You’re too kind to me.”
A smile tugged at his lips. “Your brothers are a new definition of purgatory, but it was worth seeing you so happy.”
“Also, thank you for my bank. Mr. Macalester’s space is perfect, and Mr. Sedgeworth is a genius. I’ve already received a few customers, women who’d seen the circulars Arial posted this afternoon.”
“My pleasure,” he offered.
She came to him, and her searching gaze caught his as if demanding he listen to her. He couldn’t resist her, not like this. So he did the only reasonable thing a man could do with his wife. He embraced her and drew her close. She pressed her lips to his.
Slowly, she pulled off his shirt to expose his bare skin. As if sampling an exotic treat, she took her time and slid her hands down his chest. Sensitive to her touch, his muscles tightened. She pressed her mouth to one of his nipples, then nipped it. She laved it with her tongue and sucked it into her mouth in response to his sharp inhalation.
She would drive him mad before the morning.
His erection pulsed into her lower body as she explored the hardness of his chest, tracing every line of his body. Slowly, she unbuttoned the fall of his pants and pushed them to the floor. She drew a finger down his abdomen.
“I’m not pursuing Aulton.” Her voice trailed to a whisper as her lips pressed tender kisses along his chest.
With strength and speed, he picked her up and placed her in his bed. Emma reached for him, and he covered her with his body. Every drop of blood had congregated in his throbbing erection. With a brush of her finger, she traced a line down his chest, winding her way down to his stomach.
He caught her finger in his hand. “Emma, promise me.”
“Anything about Aulton”—she leaned forward, and her lips met his—“but please don’t ask me to forget Lena.”
He’d waited all night for a taste of her sweet lips, and he’d be damned if he’d let Aulton come between them tonight.
“Say it,” he demanded.
“I promise.” She sealed her vow with a kiss.
Chapter Twenty-two
In the weeks since she’d been married, Emma had developed a work habit she rarely strayed from. Today was the exception as she’d received an extraordinary summons. Instead of heading to her bank, E. Cavensham Commerce, like every morning except Sunday, Emma made a detour to the Earl of Sykeston’s London home. Yesterday, she’d received a note from the earl advising of his arrival in London and stating concisely he’d be pleased if she’d visit. He apologized for the inconvenience and explained that he wasn’t making social calls of his own.
He’d kept her waiting for over an hour before he appeared. When his door finally opened, the man who entered bore little likeness to the Lord Sykeston once known as the catch of the Season. With his gaunt frame and long brown hair, he could have been easily mistaken as a street beggar. Only his mahogany-colored eyes resembled the old Jonathan, a man who once took immaculate care of himself.
With an uneven gait, he used a cane for balance. With every step of his left leg, he grimaced in pain.
They had always shared an easy friendship, one developed from the years when he’d escorted both Lena and her to social events. As one of Will’s best friends, he’d been a frequent guest at Langham Hall.
Even with all the history between them, the earl now regarded her as if she was a stranger.
“Hello, Jonathan.” Emma stood as he came to her side.
“Lady Somerton.” Aloof, he briefly bowed and turned to a small table that held assorted bottles of spirits and a few glasses. “May I offer you a refreshment?”
Emma shook her head.
“More for me.” He poured a generous three fingers of brandy into a snifter. After a hefty swallow, he returned to her side. Instead of waiting for her to sit first, he plopped into his chair and exhaled as if the effort had drained him.
“It’s good to see you.” Without Jonathan’s invitation, she sat opposite him. “Will sends his regards and promises to stop by soon.”
He didn’t acknowledge her greeting, but instead, studied her.
“How were you injured?” Never one to be reserved, she went to the heart of the matter.
He responded with a bark of laughter and then rewarded himself with another healthy swig. “You were never afraid to ask what no one else dared.”
If Lena were alive, she’d be appalled at the state of her brother. The two siblings had been close, even more so after their parents had fallen ill and passed away within days of each other. For over ten years, Jonathan and Lena had been each other’s only family. To see her brother in such a state would have devastated her.
“I made it for three years on those godforsaken battlefields without a mark on me. When I received word about Lena’s death, I immediately resigned my commission and arranged to come home. Alas, I mounted my horse, and before I could even make it out of camp, a band of French renegades attacked. My leg
was completely mangled by a bullet. The old surgeon assigned to our unit wanted to amputate, but I told him no. As there’s not much call for a one-legged earl in London, I didn’t much care if I’d lived.” He threw his head back and stared at the ceiling. “So prosaic to discuss death these days.”
He wasn’t as unaffected as he’d pretended. “I’d have missed you. And Will, too.”
A look of confusion crossed his face. He took another swig and emptied the glass. “I’m thirsty. Be a dear, Emma, and refill this for me.”
She retrieved his glass and filled it with only a finger of brandy. Gently, she set it on the table next to him. When she took her seat, the glass sat empty, completely drained.
He rested his head on the back of the chair with his eyes closed. The odors of alcohol and day-old tobacco surrounded him in a haze of fetor.
“Jonathan?” Emma stood to rouse him. She’d waited for over three months to see him and wouldn’t let him waste time in a nap. “There are matters that must be discussed.”
“Sit down. I’m just resting my eyes.” He didn’t move.
With a sigh, she did as directed and opened her reticule. She’d tolerate his insufferable behavior as her heart went out to him. Somewhere under his bitter and cynical persona was the man she once knew. She had to believe it. He was the person Lena had loved above all others.
“Your sister wrote you and me letters on her deathbed.” The pain poured into her, and the hint of hot tears burned, but she fought back. His mood required she keep her grief in check. “Mary Butler sent them to me for safekeeping until you arrived home. I have one addressed to me and your unopened letter. I also have a letter she wrote to Audra, her stillborn child. I want you to read them.”
“In my own time,” he muttered.
“I went to Portsmouth and talked to Mary. Aulton killed Lena.”
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