Talk of happiness and love appeared to bother Crowden. Quite unexpectedly, he said, “I have business to which to attend.” Lord Godown stood to leave.
“Will we see you at the Drake’s garden party?” Bran followed the Marquis to his feet.
“I think not.” Crowden straightened his waistcoat. “You should spend time with your cousin, Fowler. Quit playing games and simply declare your love.”
Bran said nothing, but he thought of kissing Velvet and of the feel of her body under his hands–how natural it seemed. He had also, of late, considered Eleanor’s near marriage disaster. He would not leave it to chance any longer; it was time to claim Velvet Aldridge as his own. He shook Crowden’s hand when they reached the door. “I will let you know if anything changes.”
*
As predicted, Lexford appeared later that day to apprise Bran of what happened at Levering’s “card party.” The way the viscount easily maneuvered Sir Louis had pleased Bran. “You are certain he locked away the fake diaries in his hiding place?”
“Absolutely.” Lexford poured himself a drink. “I followed him to the above stairs drying room. Crowden says he hide them in a dumbwaiter used for the laundry. Can you imagine?”
“Actually, I cannot. Maybe that is what makes it so ingenuous.” Bran’s mind discovered the possibilities. “So, you leave for Kerrington’s estate today.”
“I want to drop off a package from my mother to a cousin in Hertfordshire first. I will stay with Sir Harris’s family this evening. Lucifer is anxious to return to Derbyshire. I suspect he is sweet on Lady Eleanor’s maid Hannah. He speaks of her often.”
Bran half chuckled. “I never thought that big oaf would set his mind towards someone like Hannah.”
“Who is to say?” Lexford set his glass on a side table. “Kerrington and Lady Eleanor are not of the same mind, but they are gloriously in love. They could never hide it, even if they tried. I wish all of us contentment, but I do not anticipate such happiness. Will you still seek your cousin’s regard?”
“As soon as we settle everything with Levering, it is my plan.”
“Then maybe two of us will know for what we fought.” Lexford’s words held the loneliness–the sadness–they all knew as they made their way across the Continent, doing the British government’s work. The viscount stood suddenly, obviously bothered by the solemn mood. “I will see you at Linton Park. Travel safely.”
“You too, my Friend.” Bran followed Lexford to the door. “I am in your debt.” They both knew the words did not need to be said. It was understood; they would always rush to assist one another.
*
Bran wrote a letter to Worthing and Eleanor, advising them of the successful execution of Lexford’s ruse and Crowden’s thievery. He encouraged them to finalize their plans and assured them that the Fowlers would be at Linton Park by Tuesday of next week. Happy with the event’s turn, he went to find Velvet and Sonali. He would take them out for the afternoon, solidifying his claim on his cousin and quieting his growing qualms.
*
On Sunday, he acquainted Aunt Agatha with Ella’s upcoming nuptials. Surprisingly, she had seemed relieved with the news. The fact that Eleanor would join the Fowlers to one of the most respected families in England pleased the Dowager Duchess, and she had gladly accepted the secrecy to which Bran had sworn her.
“What will she do for a dress?” His aunt began to calculate her niece’s needs.
Bran patted her hand to calm her worries. “Kerrington reports that Lady Linworth has seen to all of Ella’s necessities.”
“Oh, dear Camelia–of course, Her Ladyship would tend to Eleanor. Camelia and Martin Kerrington were always the most giving people. Linworth and Norfield were at university together. They wooed Lady Linworth and me during our first Season.
“I recall, Aunt,” he said indulgently.
The Duchess sipped her tea. “I am thrilled that Lord Worthing sought out Eleanor on her trip with Miss Nelson and convinced her to accept his plight. I could not tolerate an alliance with that obnoxious Louis Levering.”
Bran purposely withheld the news that Ella had been with Kerrington for over a week. He would tell his aunt the truth of it after they arrived at Linton Park. The news of what his father had done to Eleanor and the way Levering had attempted to usurp the happiness Kerrington had offered his sister would wait until Ella was permanently in the “captain’s” arms.
*
Mid-afternoon of Tuesday brought the Thornhill carriages into Linton Park’s circular drive. Bran had noted how quickly the front door opened, and before he could assist the Duchess and Velvet from his carriage, Ella bolted from the house and into his arms. He welcomed her there as she clung to his jacket and sobbed her gratitude and her regrets. Bran lightly stroked her head, content to have his family safe at last. “It is well, Ella,” he murmured into her hair.
“I am sorry, Bran. I did everything wrong,” she mewed.
As he lowered his head to speak to her alone, he noted Kerrington stepping past him to assist the rest of Bran’s family from the coach. “We both made mistakes.” He dabbed the tears away with his handkerchief. “You did what was necessary to survive in our father’s world. I do not blame you. If anything, I blame myself for not being there to protect you. Now, that protection will be Worthing’s province.” His tone momentarily changed to one of hardness. “Yet, it shall be my true pleasure to exact a final revenge on Levering.” He lightly kissed Eleanor’s cheek. “This is a happy time–a time for you to begin a new life.”
“I do love His Lordship,” Ella assured him.
“Then let us celebrate that love.” Bran graciously turned her to the “love” awaiting her from her family. Surprisingly, he felt the emptiness immediately. He watched with pride as Aunt Agatha had enveloped Eleanor in an elongated hug, nearly bringing Ella to tears again as she relaxed into the Duchess’s embrace. Velvet lovingly grabbed Ella into a teasing hug, momentarily pretending to be vexed with Ella before caressing Eleanor’s face with both her hands. Bran heard Velvet mock, “You have a lot of explaining to do, Eleanor Fowler.”
But before Velvet could exact her revenge, he saw his sister direct Velvet’s attention to a middle-aged couple and a near reflection of the woman he loved. He observed how Velvet’s eyes misted in happiness before she scurried up the steps to throw her arms around the man and the girl. Bran, belatedly, realized the couple’s identity when he overheard Velvet squeal, “I cannot believe you are here!”
Watching the cozy scene, the qualms he had felt at Briar House over the past few days reappeared with a vengeance. Samuel and Alice Aldridge encompassed Velvet in a group hug. “Her uncle.” Inwardly, Bran confirmed in a whisper, “Her father’s brother.” Bran made the connection: “Cashémere.” Velvet’s sister had taken up the emotional welcome. Bran had become Velvet’s guardian with his father’s passing, but Samuel Aldridge could well reclaim her. He took several steps closer so he could eavesdrop on their conversation.
“We traveled to Kent upon learning of the late duke’s passing,” Samuel Aldridge, Viscount Averette, disclosed. “Fowler’s Cousin Leighton’s claims concerned us. Luckily, our carriage needed repairs right outside Linton Park, and Lady Eleanor was here, anticipating your arrival for her marriage. We thought it quite unseemly for her to be here with only a maid as her chaperone, but then Lady Eleanor and His Lordship explained how the Earl was ill, and they had rushed their wedding plans so his father might witness their nuptials. We have so much to discuss.” He and his wife hustled Velvet towards the open door.
“Allow me go in with you.” Cashé caught Velvet’s arm. “You must wish to freshen your clothing.”
Velvet glanced over her shoulder at him. Although his gut made him feel far from content, Bran forced himself to smile at her and to give a nearly imperceptible nod, encouraging Velvet to enjoy her family.
Aunt Agatha latched onto Camelia Kerrington, and Bran relished how they began to chatter away. “And Martin is feeli
ng better?” The Duchess inquired as they climbed the steps to the main house, arm-in-arm.
“The Earl had a positive turn around,” Lady Linworth spoke with some caution. “He will adore speaking to you. He has regaled Eleanor with tales of your Harold. The three of us have a different perspective from the young folks. After you refresh your things, I want you to meet my newest grandchild. Baby Eleanor favors her father Lord Amsteadt, I fear, but Georgina is in there somewhere.”
“Baby Eleanor?” Agatha looked about in surprise. Bran shrugged his shoulders at her intentional glower.
Lady Linworth stopped in mid stride. “You do not know. Of course, you do not. Your niece and I delivered Georgina’s daughter less than a week ago.”
“My niece? Eleanor? Delivered Georgina’s baby?” This was news to Bran as well. He shot a quick glance at Kerrington, who nodded his confirmation. Obviously, with Bran on the road, he had missed some information.
“God sent Eleanor to this house just in time,” Camelia Kerrington continued. “She saved James’s heart and Georgina’s life.”
“Well...well, it seems I was left out of the inner circle.” Agatha leveled a glare on Bran, warning him he would meet her wrath later. “I was not aware that Eleanor was at Linton Park for more than a few days. You and I, Camelia, must place our heads together later. I need to know everything you know.”
Bran and Crowden joined Kimbolt and Lowery by the main door. “Did you have a pleasant journey, Your Grace?” Lowery led the way into the house.
“It was unseasonably warm,” Bran noted, turning to check on Mrs. Carruthers and Sonali, who had followed the rest of the party into the house, after exiting his second carriage.
“At least the roads were dry,” Crowden added.
Bran caught Kimbolt’s arm. “Can you tell me what you know of Eleanor’s role in Lady Amsteadt’s delivery? My aunt will want specifics.”
“Why not ask your sister?”
They both glanced back to see Kerrington coaxing Eleanor close to his side and then caressing her cheek. “The Captain seems preoccupied.” Bran grinned as he turned his attention to the Linworth staff, waiting to serve him.
“Let us find something refreshing to drink. I have had to fend for myself over the past few days. Between Kerrington and your sister and Lord and Lady Amsteadt, love rules this household. I have spent a great deal of time with your Miss Aldridge’s sister.” Lexford pointed the way to Worthing’s private study.
“How did you find Miss Cashémere?” Although he had complained of the “hardship” of spending time with Cashémere Aldridge, his friend’s demeanor said something else, Bran made a note of Lexford’s silly grin.
Allowing Crowden and Lowery a few steps progress, Lexford stopped suddenly. “Actually, I found Miss Cashé quite interesting in a provincial sort of way.”
“Really?” Bran’s eyebrow rose in amusement.
Bran’s tone caught Lexford’s attention. “Do you think that odd?”
The viscount silently asked for Bran’s approval so he acquiesced. “I believe you should listen to your heart, as well as your reasoning. You have served your country. Now, you should serve your own needs. If Cashé interests you, pursue it.”
“Thank you, Fowler. I needed someone to confirm what I already knew.”
*
Kerrington arranged an alfresco picnic that evening for the houseguests. They played croquet and quoits and pétanque, as well as a rousing game of cricket. The women cheered, and the men rolled up their shirtsleeves as the competition increased. Bran outrageously flirted with Velvet, offering to hit a long ball and dedicate his success to her. She laughed and flushed with his attention, but she did not look away. Velvet gave him a bold “come on” when she playfully pursed her lips.
He knew the purpose behind Worthing’s “impromptu” bonfire, noting how he and Eleanor slipped Sir Louis’s diaries into the roaring fire. Everyone enjoyed wine and cheese and the warmth of the evening. Cashé entertained with a stint on the pianoforte. They opened the house’s windows and allowed the music to drift into the night. Bran thought it appropriate that Lexford sat beside Cashé to turn the pages for her.
Kerrington and Eleanor shared a chaise lounge, and the viscount constantly held Ella’s hand or touched her shoulder. Bran found it amusing that his friend had given his complete self to Eleanor, and she had become a different person with Worthing. She was happy, and Bran thanked the Fates that had brought them together.
Keeping that image of happiness before him, Bran approached Velvet. “Would you care to join me for a walk in the gardens?” Bran extended his hand to Velvet, taking her from her uncle’s side.
She glanced at Viscount Averette, who nodded his agreement. Bran felt his stomach twist. Velvet had already given over control to her uncle. “Thank you, Your Grace,” she murmured.
They walked silently, enjoying the torch-lit passageways. “What a surprise to find your family in residence at Linton Park!”
“You and Ella are my family,” she insisted. “I love the Averettes and Cashé, but I have never known them, and they do not know me. This is the first time I have seen them since before your father’s illness. I do not wish to speak poorly of my uncle, but I shall speak the truth. You have given me a Season and a chance to find my own way. The Averettes do not believe in such frivolity.”
Bran impulsively pulled Velvet into the darkened shadows. “I wish very much to kiss you.” His index finger touched her bottom lip. “But I will permit you to decide. May I kiss you, Velvet?”
She smiled fully. “Of course, you may.” She slid her arms about his neck. The kiss began tenderly. Bran teasingly brushed his lips across her lobes before pressing his mouth to hers. Velvet opened her lips, and Bran’s tongue plunged in, carrying them on with a rising passion.
Velvet tilted her head to the side, and Bran’s lips slid down the length of her neck. He ran his teeth over the indentation of her neck–where it met her shoulder blade. “Your skin is so soft,” he murmured.
Velvet’s groan spoke the words she could not. “Bran,” she gasped when he stroked the nipple of her breast. “Someone might see.”
“Meet me in the library once everyone is asleep,” he pleaded.
“N...No,” she stammered. “You come to my room.”
Bran pulled back to look closely at her. “Velvet? Are you certain?”
“I am certain, Your Grace.” She bit her bottom lip, and her voice trembled, but Velvet did not look away. “I want time alone with you, Bran.”
“Leave the door unlocked. It will be late. I will make certain no one else is about.”
*
Well past midnight, Bran slipped into Velvet’s room, locking the door behind him. He wore only his breeches and a loose-fitting shirt. A single candle burned on the bedside table. A quick glance about the room told him Velvet rested across the bed. She lay curled in a tight ball, hugging one pillow and sleeping on another.
As he strolled closer to the bed, he went instantly hard. Her tossing and turning rucked her nightgown up to her thigh on one leg, displaying a muscular calf and creamy white skin. Images of those thighs wrapped around his waist caused his manhood to jerk in desire. Her waist-length hair spread out behind her in luscious black waves of darkness. Bran’s fingers itched to touch it.
He stood beside the bed and simply stared at Velvet for long minutes, drinking in the beauty of her. Although she had invited him to join her, he now debated on whether he should leave her be. She was an innocent–did not really understand what she asked of him. Yet, despite his reasoning, Bran could not convince himself not to touch her nor could he convince himself to depart. His eyes simply devoured her, every inch of exposed skin and some veiled areas–the dusky-rose nipples, as well as the dark “V” below her navel. A muffled groan escaped his lips.
Slowly, she rolled to her back and opened her sleep-induced eyes. Velvet stared at him, but her mind had not engaged in reality. A stretch sent the nightgown to above her knees on
both legs, and Bran felt his erection lengthen. Finally, she recognized him and smiled. “You are here at last,” she murmured.
“I was simply enjoying the view.” Bran placed a knee on the bed’s edge and reached for the pillow she hugged; the desire rose so quickly, he had to forcibly swallow to control his breathing. “You are a vision of pure loveliness,” he whispered. Now, he knew the real danger of having acted on his dreams and having come to Velvet’s room in the night’s middle. Over the years, as he had grown into manhood, he had envisioned making love to her in nearly every position possible and few impossible ones. Now, he could taste the need as it swelled in his gut and blocked his next breath. “You should tell me to leave,” he cautioned.
Velvet’s eyes grew in size–an unrecognizable intensity hiding there. “I do not want you to leave, Bran.” She extended her arms to him.
“Velvet, you must understand.” Although his knee remained on the bed, he purposely straightened his stance. “I have thought of this for years. I am not certain I can exercise control if I join you on this bed.”
“Then why did you come?” Her voice held a bit of hurt; she lowered her arms to her side.
Bran half shrugged. “I have no idea. I think of you all the time; I could do nothing else.”
She sat up suddenly and scrambled to her knees, moving to where she was directly before him. “Bran, you promised me when I was still a child that you would return for me. I have waited patiently, knowing I wanted no one but you. Then you returned home, and I thought my world had come to an end because I discovered that you chose another.” Bran frowned and fisted his hands at his side. “Now, you tell me you chose her because she reminded you of me. I am confused. You took Ashmita repeatedly as your wife and left her with Sonali. And as much as I would like to say that does not hurt, I would be offering a lie. When I think of it, it rips at my heart, and I want to hurt you in return.”
Realm 02 - A Touch of Velvet Page 22