Her husband’s eyes twinkled with admiration, scanning the length of her before shifting to look at Lord Wade. “Morgan, may I present to you my wife, Lady Raven Shannon.”
She extended a hand, the way Molly taught her earlier and addressed him as Braiton advised. “It is so nice to meet you, my lord.”
Lord Wade placed a kiss upon her knuckles. “The pleasure is all mine, my lady.” He smiled. “I have heard so much about you.”
She cast a glance at Braiton. “I apologize if my husband has bored you.”
His smile deepened. “Talk about you could never be boring, my lady. However, what I learned about you I didn’t hear from your husband.”
She frowned. “Who, then, have you been talking to?”
“That is the surprise, lass,” Braiton said, extending an elbow for her to take. “And you’ll find out after dinner.”
She did not think she would be able to eat a bite, as anxious as she was, but made every effort to hold her excitement in check, accepting her husband’s escort into dinner.
Morgan Wade, a handsome man of middle age, sat to her left. Tall, slender, and well-built, his wavy brown hair was colored gray at the temples. A clean shaven face and even features rounded out his arresting looks. Well-educated, he spoke like a gentleman and had a sense of humor. She could not help but think her father would enjoy the man’s company. Lord Wade found a way to include her in the dinner conversation, even the business topics, and she enjoyed the visit, glad Braiton invited him to dinner.
After dessert and coffee was served, Morgan sat back in his seat and set his full attention upon her. “You have been so patient, my lady. I’d say the time has arrived to present the surprise promised you, but first I must tell a story.”
With hands clasped in her lap, she smiled. “My people are great storytellers.”
“Then I am sure you will enjoy this one, which begins with my sister, Lady Eugenia Abbott and her husband, Lord Stanley.”
She could not imagine what Lord and Lady Abbott had to do with her surprise, but she listened patiently.
“They were returning to their home after a visit with their daughter, Annabella, who lives with her missionary husband in Texas” He stopped talking long enough to take a sip of his coffee. “Aboard the ship they met a young American woman and her brother, quite beside themselves with worry. The pair had been separated from another sister.”
Her heart raced, and she wet her lips.
“The young woman was so overwrought, my sister, being the motherly type, took it upon herself to become her companion throughout the voyage.” He added a teaspoon more of sugar to his coffee and stirred. “Of course, by the time the ship docked Lady Abbott befriended the girl and invited her and her brother to meet the rest of the family, being myself and my daughter, Fiona.”
She swallowed hard. “Did the ship dock in England?”
“Aye, my lady, it did. How could you have possibly known,” Lord Wade teased.
Tears welled in her eyes.
Morgan Wade reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out an envelope, placing it upon the table in front of her. “Your sister asked me to give you this letter.”
She stared at the envelope through her tears. Glancing over at her husband, she whispered, “Braiton, it is from Sunny.”
He smiled, his own eyes appearing misty. “Take it, lass.”
She took an audible breath. “Thank you, Lord Wade. I cannot tell you how happy you have made me.” She wiped her eyes with the backs of her hands and picked up the envelope. “Would you excuse me?”
He nodded. “Aye, my lady. Go read your letter.”
She ran up the stairs, securing her chamber door behind her. The gas lamp Molly readied for her added a soft glow to the room. She sat by the fire, holding Sunny’s letter to her heart. “Thank you, God,” she whispered before opening the envelope.
****
It was late when Morgan Wade left Shannonbrook, Patrick driving him back to the Grand Hotel in the harbour village. Braiton passed Raven’s room on his way to his own and seeing a light from beneath the door, decided to say goodnight. This time he remembered to knock.
“Yes, come in,” she called out.
“I saw your light still on, and I wanted to make sure all was well,” he said, closing the door behind him.
She smiled from where she sat at the writing table. “At least you remembered to knock this time,” she teased.
He smiled. “Aye, that I did.”
She motioned to the chair beside the fire. “Come, sit, and let me read to you Sunny’s letter.”
She sat at his feet, as she’d done the night before, and read to him Sunny’s fear when they discovered she boarded the wrong ship. She suffered, praying Raven wouldn’t be taken by the Sea Patrol, and was grateful later to learn she was safe and wedded to Braiton. She went on about Aunt Kaylena, Bentwood Manor, of Captain Rafe Cavendish, and Fiona Wade.
When Raven finished reading, she looked up at him. “Sunny has gotten on quite nicely with her new life.”
He locked his gaze on her beautiful eyes, the deepness of their color drowning him with desire. “It certainly sounds that way.” He sighed. “Have you, my lady?”
“I am trying,” she whispered, standing and making her way to the writing table. “It would please Sunny and Gabriel to have a letter from me as well.” She handed a sealed envelope to him. “Would you give this to Lord Wade before he leaves?”
He nodded. “I will see him in the morn.” Their fingers brushed together when he took the letter from her and heat surged through his body. He was tempted to bring her slender digits to his lips and kiss each one.
“Thank you, Braiton, for everything.”
He stood. “O idche mhath, good night, my lady. Sleep well.”
She walked to the veranda doors. “You, too, my shikaa.”
If only I could with you etched so deep within my thoughts. He made ready to leave the room, but took one more look at her. She was so striking in a light pink negligee with a flowing robe to match. It gave her the appearance of an angel. His angel, sweet to the touch, sweeter even to the eyes. Did he ever want to stare at anything other than her gorgeous face?
She pulled aside the drapery, glancing up at the sky. From where he stood, the full moon hung like a beacon in the night.
“Do you think Sunny is looking at the same beautiful moon?” she wondered aloud.
“’Tis possible she could be,” he answered.
“Yes, it is possible,” she whispered, pressing her sister’s letter to her heart.
Chapter Eleven
Braiton put in a full day and was exhausted. His business with Morgan Wade took longer then expected, running into dinner and drinks at the local pub. After bidding Lord Wade a safe journey and giving him Raven’s letter for her sister, he returned to the warehouse to complete the paper work from the day’s dealings.
Now, all he wanted to do was crawl into bed, but when Patrick pulled up in front of Shannonbrook, there was quite a commotion brewing.
Anna, eyes wide with fear, ran to the carriage.
“What is it, Anna, me dear?” Patrick asked, climbing down from the driver’s seat of the bian.
“’Tis lady Raven, Patty,” she said out of breath. “We’ve looked everywhere for her, but she’s nowhere to be found.”
Braiton exited the carriage in a leap, the pounding of his heart echoing in his ears. “What do you mean, she’s nowhere to be found?”
“Just that, m’lord.” Anna wrung her chubby hands in front of her.
Besides being tired, he was now confused and annoyed. “How could this be, Anna?” he demanded.
“She went out for a walk with her dog before the noon meal and hasn’t returned.”
“Did you check the stable?” he snapped, thoughts of Raven injured or worse coursed though his mind.
Tears welled in her eyes. “Aye. Dooley hasn’t seen her either.”
Fear sunk his heart, and he hurried into the ma
nsion.
Anna ran to keep up with his long strides. “Molly and Brian have combed the grounds, callin’ her name over and over, and she’s nowhere to be found.”
“Damn it all, Anna,” he bellowed. “How could this have happened?”
Anna cringed. “She likes to be outside, m’lord.” She sniffed and wiped her eyes with the hem of the apron tied around her plump waist. “She’s not a prisoner here and has the right to wander where she wishes.”
“But she hasn’t the knowledge of the area as of yet, Anna. Someone should have gone with her.”
“’Tis true, what you say, m’lord,” Anna choked out. “But she’s a spirited lass, ’tisn’t happy bein’ followed around. She likes time to herself.”
“She can have time to herself, woman.” He sighed and added with a harsher tone. “But just not when she’s going far from the mansion.”
His stern words caused Anna to wail with regret. “I’m so sorry…so very sorry, m’lord. You’re right. I should have paid her more attention, gotten Dooley or Brodie to take her about.”
He forced himself to speak in a calm voice. “Stop your blubbering, Anna.” He sighed again. “I’m sorry for being so sharp with you,” he apologized. “I fully realize none of this is your fault.”
“We all love the lass, m’lord,” she sobbed. “None o’ us want her hurt in any way.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose with a thumb and forefinger. “I know, I know, Anna.”
Patrick put his arms around his wife’s shoulders, and she turned into his embrace, sobbing harder against his throat. “Now, now, me love,” he whispered. He looked over at Braiton. “How can I help, m’lord?”
He threaded his fingers through his hair. “Have Dooley saddle my horse while I change into my boots.”
“Aye, m’lord,” Patrick said and left to find Dooley.
Anna followed him up the stairs. “I’ll ready a blanket for you to take, m’lord. It grows colder and m’lady hasn’t anythin’ but a thin waist coat about her shoulders.”
****
Braiton sat rigid in the saddle, scanning the night for a sign of Raven. Every nerve in his body was raw with uncertainty and fear for the trouble she could encounter. About a mile into his search he spotted Brawn sniffing around a clump of thick brush. He climbed down from his horse and called the dog to him.
“Here, laddie,” he coaxed, getting down on one knee. Brawn came to him and licked his face. “There’s a good dog, now,” he said, scratching behind Brawn’s ears and running a hand over his back. “Can you tell me, boy, where my lady is?” The dog barked and backed away from him, twirling around in a circle. “Can you find her, laddie?” He glanced around the quiet surrounding him.
“She saved your mangy hide, will you return the favor?” The dog barked again and ran a few feet ahead. “That’s it, Brawn, go find Raven.” Mounting his horse, he followed Brawn deeper into the forest bordering his land. The dog stopped at the base of a large tree and howled. Reaching for the blanket, Braiton headed on foot to where the dog stood. There he found Raven huddled beneath the tree.
“My lady,” he said, relief flooding his heart.
She glanced up dazed. “Braiton, is that you?”
“Aye, lass.” He knelt beside her.
“How did you find me?”
“’Twas Brawn here, that led me to you.”
“I went out walking with him this morning and lost track of time,” she explained. “When it began to grow dark I started back to the mansion, but tripped and twisted my ankle.” She straightened her leg and winced.
With gentle fingers he probed the ankle bone. “It doesn’t appear to be broken, lass, but I’m sure you’ve got a nasty sprain.”
“I tried to stand, but it kept giving out on me.” She grimaced. “And the pain…”
“Aye, you’ll not be walking for a while.” She shivered, and he placed the blanket around her shoulders. “Let’s get you home, where ’tis warm.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I am so glad to see you, my shikaa.”
He gathered her up and held her close, overjoyed himself to have her safe within his embrace. “And I you, lass.”
At the mansion, he carried her to her bedchamber, Molly and Anna following close behind, crying and chattering.
“We were scared out o’ our wits, m’lady,” Molly said, placing pillows behind Raven’s head.
He left her to be fussed over by the two elder women. Spotting Brawn standing in the hallway, he smiled and held the door open for him. “Set yourself down by the fire and warm yourself, too, laddie. You’ve earned it.” The dog barked, and he chuckled. “I’d say, my lady was more on target then with just the arrows. Saving you was the right thing to do.”
The dog sauntered past him, and he bent to ruffle his ears. “Thank you for your help in finding her.”
Bone tired he made his way to his own bedchamber and sat down wearily on the bed. It had been quite a day, one he never wished to repeat. He was frightened for her safety clear down to the marrow of his bones. Just the thought of her injured or worse made his stomach clench. And though every fiber of his being cried out for sleep, he knew he couldn’t rest until he made it clear to her, she should never wander so far from the mansion again.
He waited until Molly and Anna finished caring for her before he knocked upon the bedchamber door. Her own voice sounded tired when she called out for him to enter.
He made his way to the bed and sat at the edge. “I just wanted to make sure all was well with you before I took to my own bed.”
“I am fine now, thank you.”
She smelled of vanilla and lavender. The enticing scent filled him with a strange yearning to snuggle beneath the quilt and fall asleep with her in his arms. “Today brought back a few memories of my childhood.” He stroked his mustache. “Shall I tell you why?”
She nodded and positioned herself comfortably against the pillows. He knew her people loved to tell stories, now she readied herself to hear his.
“I wandered into the same dense patch of the forest when I was a few months shy of my eighth birthday,” he began. “My father warned me over and over again of the danger lurking about in that damp, overgrown part of the estate. But I didn’t listen and repeatedly went on my little adventures in spite of anything he could come up with to deter me.”
“Was your father troubled you did not listen?”
“Oh, troubled would hardly be the word to describe how he felt.” He paused, that day coming to mind as clear as if it happened yesterday. “One day, after I spent an entire afternoon romping about the forbidden grounds, my father finally figured out a way to stop me.”
She sat forward. “What did he do?”
He glanced over at the crackling fire, hesitating. Never did he speak of this to anyone. “My dear father, may God rest his soul, brought me into his study. Locking the door behind him, he said, ‘Lad, this is going to hurt me a lot more than ’twill you’, and placed me across his knees. Before I could protest, my breeches hung down around my ankles and my bared bum throttled. I don’t know what stung more, my flesh or my pride.” He turned to look at her. “I can still feel that thrashing to this very day, both the pain and humiliation.”
He leaned closer to her. “Do you think such measures would work again for the same situation?” He pictured his hand on her firm, bared bottom…but not to punish her…that would almost be sacrilegious. Nay, not under duress, but to caress.
She gasped. “No, I do not.”
“Then what would, Raven?”
She snuggled back against the pillows and brought the quilt to her chin. He stifled a smile. Did she believe he’d make good on his threat this very instant?
“My father feared for my mother’s safety each day with the white lawman and the Mexicans scouting around the countryside,” she said. “He asked her never to ride without him.”
He arched a brow. “And did she listen to him?”
She nodded. “My moth
er knew how troubled my father would be if she did not do as he asked. He feared greatly she would be hurt or kidnapped. Out of honor toward him, as her husband, and respect for his concerns, she never rode without him by her side.”
He searched her sapphire eyes. The deep blue pools sucked the breath from him. “Raven,” he began in a softer tone. “Fearing for your safety blinded me with worry. My heart dropped to the very soles of my feet thinking of you in a droch aite…bad place. I can honestly admit I was numb with a panic I’ve never tasted before and hope to never taste again.” He stood, looking down at her. “So, I ask you this…out of honor for me as your husband, and respect for my concern, please promise you’ll never venture into the woods alone again.”
“I am truly sorry for worrying you so, Braiton,” she whispered, reaching for his hand and bringing it to her lips. His knees nearly buckled from the warmth of her kiss and heat raced through his body. If only he could throw caution to the wind…not care about the consequences for losing control. He’d have stripped her of the bedding covering her beautiful woman’s form, and everything else she wore. On this night he would have his wife, over and over again.
He pulled his hand free from her grasp.
Stunned by his abrupt action, she cast her gaze to her lap. “You have my word. I will never go into the woods alone again.”
He made his way to the door, but hesitated in his departure, least he leave her thinking he was a cold hearted bastard. “By all that’s holy, lass, I want you to know I do everything…everything,” he emphasized, “with only your best interest in mind.” Before he shut the door behind him, he added. “I ask you please, to always remember that.”
****
Within a few weeks, Raven was back on her feet. She did not see much of Braiton, since he was extremely busy this time of year at the warehouse. By the time she came down for breakfast, he was already gone for the day. And when he returned, she was already in bed. Without him around, she felt lonely eating by herself in the dining room. So one evening she decided to take her meals with Molly, Anna, Patrick, and Brian in the kitchen instead.
One Perfect Flower Page 13