SoundsofLove

by Marilyn Kelly

  If the man tsked one more time, Julian swore he would disembowel him. “He spoke poorly of Lady Sibley. It was a matter of honor.”

  Mr. Curtis folded his hands before him and shot Cathryn a judgmental glance. “She is technically his wife.”

  Julian’s repressed rage broke through. He lunged out of his seat, placed his hands on both sides of the man’s smaller ones and snarled, “Are you married, Curtis?”

  Curtis drew back with a look of alarm. “No, my lord.”

  Julian struggled not to grab the man by the collar and explain the subtleties of courtship with a punch to his pug nose. Instead, he leaned closer, until he nearly stretched across the desk and could see fear in the man’s beady eyes. “Are any of your business partners married?”

  “Of course, my lord.”

  Then you are discharged, you miserable sack of shit. “Find one who cares for his wife and turn this case over to him.”

  Curtis rose with a jolt. “Yes, my lord.” He hurried to the door. “As you wish, of course.”

  As the weasel scurried away, Julian collapsed into his chair with a hand over his throbbing wound. He was unused to such pain and it clouded his thinking. Fortunately, Cathryn was an alluring distraction in ivory lace, and her serene presence soon calmed him. He had to keep his wits about him if he was to win her, but circumstances were conspiring to raise all his hackles. He thought himself in control of his emotions, but Cathryn’s safety was now his sole desire, and he felt vulnerable because of his obsession with her.

  He’d recovered his composure just as a large, elderly gentleman joined them. “Lord Ahlquist, a pleasure. I’m acquainted with your father. I’m Henry Privet. Mr. Curtis has brought me up to snuff on your particulars, and I assure you, I am firmly in your corner. From the facts I’ve heard, and what I read in the morning rags, you have a very good case.” He turned to Cathryn and bowed low. “Lady Sibley, Mr. Curtis failed to inform me of your great beauty. It will be a pleasure to serve you,” he said as he winked at Julian. “I understand your urgency in this matter.”

  This was more to Julian’s liking and he returned the man’s easy smile. “I wish to marry her soon, so I can protect her properly.”

  Curtis’ chair creaked as the portly man sat. “You’ve paid the debt, now you only need to obtain Hedges’ signature. I have men who will perform that service.”

  Julian wondered how that would be done, but he wouldn’t ask such questions in front of a lady. “He wants her badly now. Given his lack of interest these past years, his assault on her seems likely due to my involvement.” Julian’s body heated when he thought of the man laying hands on Cathryn. Now that he’d done it twice, his life was in serious jeopardy. Not surprisingly, the man had disappeared and could not be found to challenge.

  Julian struggled to stay in control of his emotions. He needed to pummel something, soon. He took a deep breath, searching beyond his anger for pertinent information. “He claims the contract to be a debt of honor to his cousin.” Any honor Hedges’ owned was now forfeit. “He’ll have to retire as a fellow at Lincoln if he marries, and I warrant he doesn’t look forward to being separated from the collegial environment—the brotherhood of men, so to speak. Perhaps we can use that angle to convince him.”

  He wondered if he should mention the allegations of impropriety with other boys while at Eton, but didn’t want to upset Cathryn further. He and Rune agreed it best she not know that part of the visit to Lincoln, and the “you preferred boys” comment hadn’t made the press. He did hope the accusation had reached the captive audience’s ears, and that Hedges now suffered from far more than his neck wounds.

  “It would be quicker than the courts. Most of the judges are out on the circuit right now. It might take until next session to get you before a judge here in London, and now that you’ve been in the press…”

  Julian’s hand slammed down on the desk and his injuries throbbed anew. “I’ll not wait six months to marry her.” He wanted to marry her today, had to marry her soon to protect her. Eloping to Gretna Green was much on his mind, for the first time in his life.

  “You could give him the Digenis Acritas,” she said softly.

  He’d nearly forgotten she was there, so consumed was he by his growing rage. He fought to sound calm. “What?”

  She cleared her throat. “He thinks you have a completed translation that will beat his to publication and make his irrelevant. You could offer to hold off, or destroy it.”

  “That’s brilliant, love.” Why hadn’t he thought of that? Laudanum and anger clouded his brain. So simple, but it might work.

  “I’m not certain I like the idea of my freedom being bartered for, but if it will persuade him…”

  Privet made some notes before he looked up. “I’ll have my men look into all these possibilities, and get back to you within a few days at most.”

  Julian was exceedingly proud of his lady, and he turned to face her. “We’ll be out of town from Sunday on, but my staff can reach me.” She was as eager to see justice done as he was, but she radiated calm resolve. Her composure was contagious.

  “May I inquire your destination?”

  He was feeling distinctly better. “Gorham House, we’ve been—”

  “The Burns’ residence?”

  Julian realized that visiting Melina could ruin Cathryn’s standing in the ton, and he assured the solicitor. “We’re going on a scholarly venture—”

  Privet scoffed, but his round face filled with mirth. “You have my complete discretion, my lord. But I know the lady, and her husband Charles. There’s nothing scholarly about either one. You’ll have a wonderful time, exactly what you need after your ordeals. You’ll especially enjoy the baths.”

  Cathryn naked in the Gorham grotto. That image definitely restored Julian’s good humor.

  The baths filled Cathryn’s thoughts as she glided up the stairs of her townhouse an hour later. She was falling in love, and she felt Julian was as well. She hoped he would be the first to declare his emotions, as she feared she would shout hers out during the ecstasy he showered upon her. Perhaps when they were naked in the bath, floating, they would exchange words of love…

  An open window at the top of the staircase gave her a quick chill, and she secured the latch before she continued on to her chamber. She needed only a few items and she would be ready for the visit to Chelsea and another night at Ahlquist House. Molly was waiting and would likely have everything ready. How nice that she’d returned.

  Cathryn opened the door to her bedchamber and another blast of cold air hit her, along with the scent of danger. A prickle up the back of her neck straightened her spine, and she spied a pair of feet lying in the doorway to her dressing room. Molly’s boots.

  She turned to flee, but a strong hand from behind clamped down over her mouth, hauling her tight against his tall, lean frame as he hissed, “Where’s the damn Sapphos? It’s rightly mine.”

  All last evening she’d replayed her assault, and she was primed to defend herself. Her leg raised and she slammed her heel down on the booted foot of her assailant, causing him to grunt in pain and loosen his hold. Her elbow dropped as she twisted her body and put all of her weight into flinging her arm back around to strike her attacker’s chest. Her aim was off, and her elbow caught Hedges dead across the windpipe with all the force a small-boned lady could muster. The hand over her mouth fell away, and her piercing shriek charged the air before she began to scream, “Help! Help me, Julian!” over and over.

  Choking from her counterattack, Hedges jerked out to grab her. She lashed back with the nails of both hands, leaving three long welts on either sunken cheek as she continued yelling. He stepped back in pain, and she pivoted towards the door. Her gown billowed behind her and his foot landed on the hem, jerking her to a stop.

  Julian’s frantic calls grew closer and Hedges cursed. She felt her dress set free just as the door flung open and Julian stormed into the room. He enfolded Cathryn in his arms as he twisted her to
safety and put himself nearest Hedges. Releasing her near the door, he swung back, but Hedges had taken off for the dressing room, where he leapt over Molly’s silent form and headed for the open window.

  Julian withdrew his dagger and threw it with such force that it knocked Hedges out the window as it hit his shoulder. His screams as he fell from the second floor could be heard echoing off the neighboring houses.

  Cathryn jumped out of the way as a battalion of footman entered. They nearly bowled her over and trampled poor Molly as they rushed to the window to peer out. “Watch your feet!” she shouted over the commotion. Victor appeared and crouched over his sister.

  Julian came to her side and kissed her hair, neck, face and mouth, even though half the men were watching them. He was winded, and his voice shook slightly. “Love, are you all right?”

  “Yes, I think so, but Molly…”

  Victor held the slight form of his sister in his arms. “I’ll take her to her room, she’s breathing steady…”

  “Send for the surgeon. I’ll be in presently.” She knew Victor would care for her well.

  A young man Cathryn didn’t recognize slipped past them. “I’ll go for the doctor and send up one of the maids.”

  “Good,” Julian said tersely as he returned his attention to Cathryn. He took a deep breath as he examined her. “Did he hurt you, love?”

  She shook her head, and a nervous laugh rose in her throat. “I rather think I hurt him, to be honest. I saw Molly on the floor and turned to run but he grabbed me, and I remembered everything we practiced.”

  His eyes were full of the rage she shared.

  “Julian, I slammed him and…” The magnitude of what she had just accomplished sank in as she continued, “I bashed his neck with my elbow with all my might, and I scratched his face with both hands—oh, I left awful marks.”

  A thrill of exhilaration hit her as she realized that she was unhurt, but she had done that dreadful man a world of harm.

  The footmen were still hanging out the window. “He’s running down the alley, my lord!” one yelled to Julian.

  “Go after him!” He still held her, but his body was tense as an animal ready to pounce.

  The men turned as a group, and not one volunteered to jump out the window. “It’s a long drop, my lord. He’s lucky if he didn’t break a bone or two.”

  Another livery clad young man held up his white glove, stained red with blood. “Your dagger hit the mark, my lord.”

  “Not if he’s running,” Julian said with a scowl. “Go follow him, the fastest of you. There’ll be a trail of blood.”

  Four men sprinted for the door.

  Julian’s arm tightened around her. “You did very well, love. A true lioness.”

  “Fiona will be proud, won’t she?” Cathryn didn’t know why that was important, but it was.

  “Very proud.” He wrapped both arms around her as his men cleared out of the room. His heart pounded beneath her cheek, in contrast to his calm words. “You’re becoming more of a legend each day.”

  He kissed her with more than a hint of adoration in his tender caresses, and she felt a surge of relief and pride.

  A look of concern crossed his handsome features and he said, “I hardly think you need my protection.”

  She hurried to reassure him. “If you hadn’t come when you did…he still had hold of me…” Julian tensed. “It’s all right, darling, that’s the main thing, isn’t it?” She stepped back to cup his cheek when she noticed the stain of blood covering the bottom half of his shirtfront.

  “Dear God, Julian, you’ve hurt yourself!” She felt a pang of guilt. “Running up the stairs, you must have reopened your wound.”

  His breathing was becoming shallow. “Now that you mention it.” He looked down at the blood, which had also stained the front of her dress as he’d hugged her. “It does hurt like the very devil.” He stepped back and rested against her bed, pressing both hands against the wound.

  A footman hovered nearby and Cathryn turned to him gravely. “Send the surgeon here after he attends to Molly.”

  The man gave her a quizzical look, then he shifted his gaze to his blood-soaked employer and his eyes widened with alarm. “My lord?”

  Julian responded with a scowl. “She’s right, Harry. The girl comes first.”

  “Yes, my lord.” His face was still uncertain as he backed out of the room.

  “Send up hot water and bring bandages, ointment and brandy,” she instructed as he started to close the door.

  “Immediately, milady.”

  Julian gave Cathryn a wan smile as he gingerly reclined on her bed. “I think I’ll rest while we wait.”

  “I hope that’s the last we see of Hedges.”

  “Somehow, I think I’ll be present at the man’s death.” He managed a pained smile as she came to his side and took his hand, surprised at the strength of his grip. “Call it a premonition.”

  “I wish he’d broken his neck when he fell.” She started to release his hand so she could examine his bandage, but he wouldn’t let go.

  “It’s likely just a few stitches come loose, love. It will wait a few minutes.” He patted the left side of the bed. “Climb up here with me and let me hold you.”

  A quick look at his shirt told her the blood hadn’t spread any farther, and she understood his need for intimacy, so she didn’t argue. All she wanted in the world was to be safe in his arms, if only for a precious minute.

  “Giles will be here shortly.” Julian smiled weakly as she climbed up next to him. “He hates to miss out on my adventures.” He held out his arm for her and drew her closer. “I’ll be all right, love. You won’t hurt me.”

  She snuggled into the crook of his shoulder with some trepidation over damaging him further, but he clasped her tight when she finally came to rest.

  “You were a brave girl today. I’m very proud of you.” He kissed the top of her head.

  “Woman,” she said softly. “I was a brave woman.” Her voice rose slightly. “I haven’t been a girl in fifteen years.”

  He tensed beneath her. “It’s just a figure of speech, love. I’ll not use it if it bothers you.”

  “It never did before, I don’t think. But I feel very…forceful at the moment, as if I’m filled with a reservoir of rage ready to boil over at the slightest provocation.” She laid her hand over his heart and was relieved to feel the strong beat. She cherished the shelter of his arms, but she was ready to explode with residual anger for her assailant.

  “Welcome to my life, love. I feel that way…too often.” His breath hitched as he tried to shift to kiss her, and she lifted her mouth to meet his. “You quench my rage with your sweet caresses. It’s the most potent antidote I know.” His lips brushed hers, and her thoughts of inflicting pain on Hedges diminished.

  A wave of strong emotions crashed over her, and her tongue sought his. A vision of herself naked, riding Julian hard on the edge of a large marble tub, filled her senses. She murred as she deepened the kiss further. She was astonished that her rage could turn to lust so quickly. “I’ve just had a potent premonition of my own—about the Gorham House baths.”

  * * * * *

  Noel Ahlquist burst into Julian’s sitting room two hours later, in a state Julian recognized. Trouble with Fiona.

  Julian’s arm tightened around Cathryn, who sat beside him on the settee. His father paced the room briskly, dragging his hands through his gray hair as he spoke in labored tones. “Millman says you’ve recovered, thank God. I was nearly to York when I received word of your attack. I’ve been frantic with worry.” The marquis paced back and forth, not at all his usual calm self. He finally took in Cathryn’s presence and bowed. “Lady Sibley, I presume.”

  Julian did not rise, and he held Cat in check. “Cathryn Sibley, my father, Noel Ahlquist.” He squeezed her arm gently before he said, “Has something else happened, Father?”

  “Fiona!” Noel exploded, his hair and eyes both wild in his distress. “She’s tak
en a new lover—that American you call a friend!”

  Julian felt Cathryn tense as he asked, “Darbonne?”

  “Yes! I just caught the bastard with his hands under her skirts, and she was moaning like a banshee.”

  This was bad. “You caught them?”

  “He was in her private chamber, on his knees before her, and she was in ecstasy.”

  Cathryn shifted again, and Julian hoped his father was mistaken about Darbonne. Fiona’s betrayal was less surprising. “I’m sure there’s an explanation.”

  “He was getting ready to—” Noel realized once again that he was not alone with his son. “My apologies, Lady Sibley. It appears I am not fit company.” He strode to the door. “I’m relieved to see you well, Julian. I was very concerned for you.” He bowed to Cathryn. “We shall meet again soon. Perhaps tomorrow.”

  “That would be fine,” Cathryn said, astonishment lacing her lovely voice.

  Julian rose from his seat and pulled the cord. “We need the other side of the story, before you speak with Violet.”

  Rune saved them searching London, because he appeared not five minutes later. His swollen right eye indicated Noel had acted upon his rage.

  “I tell you, Julian, Cathryn, I’m innocent.” He dragged his hands through his hair in an eerie duplication of Noel’s distress. “Master Aubrey had a severe cramp in her leg, that’s all. She asked me to rub it out. I could feel the knot, the size of a lemon.”

  “Why were you in her private chambers?” Cathryn asked, clearly not convinced.

  “She’s asked me to help her with the women’s class tomorrow. After our lesson she offered me a drink, and I thought she intended to discuss the details, but her leg cramped before she even poured.”

  Julian pictured the scene and he laughed aloud, relieved at the simplicity of the answer. “Poor luck, she might have made a play for you if she drank enough.”

  Cathryn punched his arm lightly and he laughed again, hoping she’d taken his comment in jest. She wasn’t smiling and he wondered at his misstep. Damned laudanum loosened his senses.

  “Does Violet know?” Rune asked as he headed for the door.