For the Love of a Soldier

by Victoria Morgan

  She swept her fingers over the leather-bound cover, then jumped at the sound of ferocious pounding on the front door.

  The noise continued, shattering her immobility and reminding her that Garrett had no butler. However, he had assured her that he had men guarding the manor and property. She neatened the skirts of her peach day dress, squared her shoulders, and opened the door.

  A stranger stood before her. He was Garrett’s height, but thinner, and his auburn hair was peppered with streaks of gray. Hawkish features carved with age lines glowered, and golden eyes locked on hers. A chill swept over her, which was odd because she was certain she had never met the man before.

  “No butler,” he muttered. “Typical. Lady Daniels, I presume?”

  “Yes, can I help—?”

  “Keyes was right!”

  “I beg your pardon—”

  “And well you should! I’ve thought many things of Kendall, most well earned, but this sinks below even his level of degradation.”

  Stunned, Alex opened her mouth to respond when the man stormed past her, giving her no choice but to move aside or be plowed down.

  He paced the foyer. “Where is my daughter? Where is Kristen?” he demanded.

  Alex’s eyes widened. This was Kit’s father and Garrett’s nemesis? Arthur. She now understood her instinctual reaction to him upon opening the door.

  Arthur didn’t wait for her reply. “Keyes said she and Warren were here and don’t deny it, for I saw Beau in the fields digging like a common laborer. I’m aware Kendall has no respect for his name, dragging it through the gutter with his scandalous ways and now this venture into…into trade for God’s sake!” He spat the word out as if he could barely stomach it.

  “I thought better of Warren. Lord knows why, considering the two of them were troublemakers as boys and rakehells as young men. I thought Warren had settled into his seat when he’d married Kristen. Clearly, I thought wrong.” He shook his head. “But this is unacceptable. It is one thing for Kendall to drink himself into a stupor or switch his women as often as he changes his mounts, but to indulge in his sordid proclivities when innocents are on the premises is beneath contempt.”

  Having been rendered momentarily speechless, Alex now recovered her voice. “Sir, you have said quite enough, and all at grievous insult to Lord Kendall, your daughter, and her husband, the Earl of Warren. Perhaps you should leave.” Her tone dropped to frigid levels and she whirled to retrace her steps to the front door and swing it open. “Short of a butler, allow me to show you out.”

  Ignoring the open door, he cocked a brow and studied her with renewed interest. “Do you think I don’t know what you are doing here? Keyes wrote to me and told me all about you and Kendall. More important, I know Kendall. From your indignant expression, perhaps you don’t.”

  She lifted her chin and looked him dead in the eye. “I know exactly who and what kind of man Garrett is. It is you who are mistaken about him as well as my position here.” She deliberately employed Garrett’s Christian name, having noted his stepfather’s refusal to do so.

  Taken aback, Arthur studied her, recognizing the battle line her words had drawn. “I see. So Kendall has made clear his intentions toward you? And they are honorable?” He waited a beat before adding, “As honorable as they have been toward the rest of his women?”

  Her cheeks burned. She had wasted time in mourning Garrett’s loss of Arthur as a father. Garrett was better off without the arrogant, insufferable prig.

  It took all of her control to remain civil. “I won’t deign to speak for other women or presume to discuss Garrett’s past. For myself, Garrett has told me exactly what his intentions are and left no doubt as to his honor.”

  Surprise lit his eyes. “I don’t know what he has told you or rather given you, but he is incapable of—”

  “He’s told me all I need to know, and given me everything any woman could ever want.”

  “Just who do you think you are?” He advanced on her. “You are nothing but—”

  “I know exactly who I am. It is you who are confused or rather misinformed.” Her voice rose to silence him. “As we have not been properly introduced and Lord Keyes has clearly drawn a grossly inaccurate picture of the situation here, it is understandable. Allow me to introduce myself.”

  He sneered at her audacity.

  “Daniels is a name I choose to use when traveling anonymously.” She lied without compunction. “My family name is Langdon, and I am Lady Alexandra. If I accept Garrett’s proposal, I will be the next Countess of Kendall.” Unable to resist, she released the door she still held and let it slam shut, adding a dramatic flourish to her words. Guilt at her premature announcement pricked her, but she ignored it. Garrett had named their firstborn without her consent, so she felt comfortable in announcing their betrothal without his.

  She was appreciating the color draining from Arthur’s face when a trill of laughter broke the silence. She turned to see Kit poised at the top of the stairs, her golden eyes shining.

  Kit swept down the stairs and walked over to loop her arm through Alex’s. “Hello, Father, this is a surprise. Had I known you planned to visit us to deliver another of your lectures on our scandalous behavior, I would have had a room prepared for you…or not.” She shrugged. “You do know how I feel about your lectures.”

  His attention shifted with visible reluctance to Kit. “I see you still retain your arsenal of double-edged greetings, Kristen. However, you need not worry over my accommodations. Lord Keyes has put me up.” He addressed Kit, but his gaze returned to Alex and he furrowed his brow.

  “Yes, well, Lord Keyes should consider penning a novel since he has such a clever hand at fiction. But that would be embarking on a career in trade and the horror of it just couldn’t be born.” Kit shuddered.

  “Your sharp wit has not dulled with marriage, but you’re Warren’s problem now, not mine. Lord Keyes simply wrote to voice his concern over the status of Kendall’s company because there are impressionable children on the premises.”

  “And responsible chaperones,” Kit returned. “Keyes must have forgotten that detail, but facts do tend to bog down a good yarn. However, I find it odd that Keyes should concern himself over the company my children keep when he pays little heed to those whom his own daughter entertains.”

  “By God, you haven’t changed. You—” Arthur closed his eyes and blew out a breath. “As usual in discussions with you, we digress. You are late in your condemnation of Lord Keyes and my response to his missive. Kendall’s guest has made it clear that Keyes’s concern was premature, my judgments erroneous and offensive, and that my congratulations and most sincere apologies are in order.”

  He bowed low and the smile he turned on Alex was so brittle that she believed if touched, it would crack. She still seethed over his slanderous words but was forced to retreat from full battle mode.

  “Langdon?” He murmured, his eyes narrowing. “Any relation to a Viscount Langdon?”

  “My late father.” Alex smiled sweetly, praying he did not pursue the matter further. “Are you acquainted with my family?”

  “Mmh. I have heard of your father.” He regained some of his composure, and a gleam entered his eyes. “He and Kendall have much in common. Their reputations precede them.”

  Alex forced out a gay laugh. “They do. In fact, I met Garrett over cards at the Duke of Hammond’s. He won some coin from me, so what could I do but marry him to retrieve it?” She grinned at Kit. “Luckily I fell in love with him, so my winnings were twofold.”

  “Very smart of you.” Kit laughed. “Why don’t we continue this conversation in the parlor. Father, you will stay for tea?”

  “I have some time. And where are Kendall and Warren? I should offer my felicitations to Kendall.”

  “Not burning anything down, I assure you,” Kit turned to Alex. “Father’s new carriage caught fire in Garrett and Brandon’s ill-fated attempt to light some cigars they had pilfered from him. Father’s never forgiv
en them for it.”

  “Cost me a fortune. Both the carriage and the cigars.” His voice was gruff, disgust coloring it.

  Kit settled on the sofa, Alex beside her. Arthur sat in one of the easy chairs across the table from them, crossed his legs, and leaned back. His smile did not reach his eyes. “Now then, you say you met at the Duke of Hammond’s?” He shifted in his seat and addressed Alex. “Was this recently?”

  Alex smiled. “Very, only a few weeks ago. He literally swept me off my feet, giving me little choice in the matter of accompanying him here and meeting his family. My head is still spinning.” She spoke the truth.

  Straightening, Arthur uncrossed his legs and his fingers curled around his thighs. “That must have been Hammond’s ball on the fifth. I made a brief appearance but was unable to stay.”

  “Perhaps you learned Kendall was attending?” Kit spoke dryly.

  “And why would I hear that?” His words were sharp, and Kit looked surprised. “You of all people should know I give little heed to Kendall’s schedule.”

  “On that we agree,” Kit said. Her hard expression softened when the maid carrying a tray laden with teacups and saucers paused at the entrance to the room. Kit smiled and waved her forward.

  “I’m surprised Kendall made an appearance. Since his return from the Crimea, word was that he avoided town, seeking his pleasure elsewhere.” He deliberately drew out the word. “However, as I said, I’m not privy to his activities. Your courtship was certainly quick. Hammond’s was three weeks ago.”

  “Mmh, it was.” Alex smiled, but said no more, refusing to defend what was none of the man’s business. She accepted the cup Kit prepared and took a sip.

  “I shall speak to Hammond about hosting an engagement ball for them,” Kit said and ruefully eyed her large belly. “I’m not in a position to do so, and Brandon is being dictatorial about my avoiding town until after the baby’s birth.” She frowned, then addressed Alex. “I shall make the wedding, and I insist on helping with all preparations.”

  Alex felt another prick of guilt at planning a wedding for which she had yet to receive a formal proposal.

  “If given advance notice of dates, perhaps you can find time in your busy schedule to attend an event.” Kit eyed her father. “If not for Garrett, for appearance’s sake.”

  “Since when has Kendall ever cared for appearances?” Arthur grunted. Before Kit could retort, he went on. “Perhaps he’s changed because I couldn’t fathom checking my calendar for Kendall’s nuptials a few months ago. Frankly, I thought it would need to be cleared for another less celebratory event.”

  “Oh, please, had Garrett drunk himself into his grave, you would have been the first to raise a toast in celebration,” Kit snapped, and then pressed her hand to her temple. “I apologize, that was uncalled for.”

  “Yes, well, I’d like to think that despite our differences, we can welcome Kendall’s new wife into our family, as humble as it is. Hopefully you can give Kendall the happiness he seeks through a more respectable venue.”

  Alex caught Kit’s surprised look at his words, and she hastened to respond before Kit rejected this dubious olive branch. “I love him very much and will do all in my power to ensure his happiness. After all, it is now tied to my own.”

  “Well said.” Kit lifted her cup in a mock toast.

  “Mum!”

  Kit turned to see Will toddling her way, a maid hovering behind.

  When Will neared her seat, he spotted Arthur and altered course, delight lighting his features. “Grapa,” he cried. “Up.”

  “There’s my little man.” Arthur hoisted Will to his lap with a grunt. “You are getting so big.”

  Arthur’s broad smile softened his austere features, and Alex blinked at the transformation.

  “I this many now.” Will thrust his two fingers before Arthur’s face.

  “That explains why you are so big. Pretty soon you’ll outgrow Grandpa’s lap.”

  “I too big for Mum,” Will boasted.

  “Mum can only carry one child at a time,” Kit murmured to Alex.

  “Of course you are,” Arthur said. “Soon you’ll be as big as Beau.” He smiled as Will popped his thumb into his mouth and, with his free hand, patted Arthur’s jacket and reached inside to extract his watch. Arthur’s booming laugh rang out. “Clever boy, aren’t you? You remember Grandpa’s toys, don’t you?”

  Will extracted his thumb to turn his find over between his pudgy hands. “Bird?” He looked at Arthur.

  “Why, you are smart indeed. You’ll find the falcon engraved on the inside cover.”

  Will caught his tongue between his lips as he struggled to pry open the watch lid.

  “On family crests, the falcon stands for one who does not rest until his objective is achieved.” Arthur explained. “Here, let me.” He flipped open the lid for Will.

  Triumphant, Will smiled and held up the watch face for Alex and Kit. “I keep?” Will cocked his head to peer up at Arthur.

  “Will, that’s—” Kit began, but Arthur interceded.

  “It’s all right,” he assured her. “You keep.” He smiled at Will. “Consider it a present for a big boy. Perhaps someday it will give you the correct time. It refuses to do so for me. It’s a poor replacement for another I recently lost, and I won’t miss it.”

  “That’s very generous of you,” Kit said. “Will, my love, can you thank Grandpa for his gift?”

  “Tank you, Grapa.” He smiled. “Mine.”

  “Yours.” Arthur laughed. “Speaking of time, I better heed it and not overstay my welcome. Considering I got off on the wrong foot, let me depart on the right one.” As he stood, he set Will on his feet.

  “Did you want to say hello to Beau?” Kit rose from her seat.

  “No, another time. Lord Keyes has guests arriving. Do you expect Kendall’s return soon?”

  Alex stood as well. “He’s been gone for nearly a week, so I expect he should return any day now.”

  “All the more reason for me to make my departure. You’ll have to pass on my best wishes on his news and do keep me apprised of matters. Despite Kendall’s belief to the contrary, I’ve always hoped he would settle down and find himself a lovely bride, someone who might understand him. I see he has found that as well as a protector in you, Lady Alexandra.”

  “Thank you,” Alex murmured, wary of this conciliatory man who embraced his grandchild, yet rejected his stepson. A man who could hurl insults as effortlessly as he could wield charm. One who had callously rejected Garrett’s gift of a watch, yet generously gifted Will with his own. She didn’t understand him but neither did she care to. In her eyes, he would always be guilty for his treatment of Garrett as a boy.

  Arthur swept his hand over Will’s blond locks and moved to the front foyer to make his departure.

  Once the door closed behind him, Kit blew out a breath. “I’d say that was well executed on both sides. A few thrusts, some parries, even a retreat or two but no serious wounds. He really wasn’t himself. Must be the news of Garrett’s betrothal.”

  “I will leave it to you to make the final tally. Lord Keyes’s slander had him at a disadvantage and the betrothal is a surprise.”

  Kit waved her hand dismissively. “It’s still Arthur’s decision what he chooses to believe. With Garrett, it’s always the worst. It’s probably good that Garrett wasn’t here. Less blood. In fact”—Kit looped her arm through Alex’s—“why don’t we keep this little visit to ourselves?”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I don’t want—”

  “We’ll eventually mention it, but not until after you and he have ironed out all your differences. We don’t want to overload his plate. This manor has always been a safe haven for Garrett. I worry he won’t feel the same about it knowing Arthur was here. Damn Keyes and his wagging tongue. I’d like to slice it off.”

  “You and me both,” Alex muttered, then sobered. “I can give you time, Kit, but I’m not comfortable keeping Arthur’s visit from
Garrett. He has a right to know, but I will defer to you as to when we tell him—as long as it’s not too late.”

  “Fair enough,” Kit agreed and led them back into the parlor.

  Chapter Twenty-seven

  GARRETT dismounted on a swath of grass overlooking a wide expanse of beach. He tossed his reins to Marcus, one of his men whom Holt had directed to guard the area, and followed a windswept path leading to the water. His steps slowed, and he paused a moment to survey the scene before him.

  Alex stood silhouetted before the ocean, and his eyes feasted on her like a prisoner tasting his first meal in freedom. She lifted her hands to secure the ribbons beneath her chin as a gust of wind threatened to strip her bonnet from her head. The breeze plastered her blue gown to her body and caused his loins to ache and his pounding heart to fight for release.

  Bathed in a halo of sunlight and with a gentle smile curling her lips, Alex tilted her face up to the bright rays. Tall and slim, she was picture-perfect lovely. And she was his. Forever.

  Or would be as soon as he proposed. But first things were first.

  He needed her in his arms, preferably naked and preferably alone. His eyes shifted to Beau, who was running in circles around a sand castle.

  “Bang, you’re dead.”

  Garrett froze and his heart stopped cold.

  After what felt like an interminable amount of time, he managed to feel his blood still flowed and slowly he lifted his hands to turn and face his adversary.

  Christ. Deacon, one of his own men. Noting the man’s wide-eyed look of surprise, he frowned. What the…?

  Deacon stumbled back and lowered the gun he held, his apologies spewing forth in a panicked rush. “Christ. So sorry, Captain. I thought ye was Ned. I was funnin’ Ned. I mean, I knew Marcus wouldn’t let anyone through on his watch ’cept for Ned, so I thought…From the back you and Ned…”

  “I understand.” Garrett had to swallow, his mouth spit dry, his heart only now settling into a smooth rhythm. “And where is our good man Ned?”