Take My Heart (Heroic Rogues Series)

by Marie Higgins

  This time all eyes widened. The maid finally nodded. “If you are certain, Mistress?”

  “I am.” Mercedes smiled.

  While she helped the maid tend to Lizzy’s knee, she listened to the boy tell about the accident. She discovered his name was James. Though she had no clue to why the girl didn’t speak. After Lizzy’s knee had been bandaged, the maid pushed James off to his room to change his breeches.

  “James,” Mercedes called after him. “If you want to bring your breeches back to me, I will mend the rip and they will be like new.”

  Once again, all three stopped and stared with wide eyes, but James appeared more confused than the other two with his creased forehead.

  “It is all right,” she assured. “Make haste, and I will repair them.”

  James glanced at the older woman who shrugged. He started to his room, but then turned back to Mercedes. “Thank you.”

  She smiled. “For what?”

  “For not scolding us.” He grabbed his sister’s hand and they turned and ran to their rooms.

  Her heart twisted. Could her sister have lied again? What had Kat been doing to William’s children? Unless, of course, Kat had reprimanded them because of the way their father had instructed them to treat her. Yes, that must be it.

  “And I thank you, Mrs. Braxton.” The maid bobbed, then turned, but Mercedes grabbed her arm and stopped her.

  “Would you please explain something to me before you leave?”

  “What might that be?”

  “I wonder why the children call me Mercedes?”

  Confusion marred the maid’s face, her forehead wrinkling her expression. Perhaps Mercedes shouldn’t have asked, but she really needed to know.

  “Have you forgotten, Mrs. Braxton?”

  “Apparently so.” She massaged her temples. “I think my mind has been scrambled from my long and tedious journey.”

  “Well, you specifically instructed us not to use the name their father calls you. They see how upset you get when he uses that name, so they call you by your given name.”

  Mercedes released an agitated sigh and trailed her fingers down to rub the back of her neck. So, that was the reason William called her Kat. It was meant to upset her. Yet, why would her sister use Mercedes’ name at all? William should be calling her Katherine.

  Certainly another mystery to unravel.

  “I am sorry I have frightened those poor children. I shan’t do it again. After you help them change, have them come to the parlor. I wish to speak to them.”

  The maid nodded and hurried into Lizzy’s bedroom.

  Mercedes took slow steps down the stairs, her heart so low as to scrape the floor. She walked into the parlor and sank into the closest chair. Before condemning their father a traitor, she had so much work to do. First, she needed to repair the hearts of those two adorable children. She couldn’t have them thinking she was a bad person. Indeed, she may be the only family they have, and if their father was hanged as a traitor to the Crown, Mercedes might be the one caring for them.

  * * * *

  Staring at herself in the full-length mirror, Mercedes groaned and twisted her mouth in distaste. The indecent rusty-red evening gown trimmed with white lace looked horrid on her. Besides exposing a lot of her shoulders and bosom, it was much too tight. The stays nearly squeezed the breath right out of her. Several times she struggled to lift the shoulders so they wouldn’t drop down her arms so far, but they refused to go the way she wanted. No way would she be seen like this. She couldn’t even look at herself without blushing. How would she react when others rested their eyes on her?

  “Beth? Could you choose another gown for me?”

  Kat’s maid scurried around the room picking up articles of clothes, then stopped with her arms overloaded. “Why? ‘Tis the dress ye like to wear when ye entertain dinner guests.”

  Mercedes frowned. She’d only been here a day and William informed her of their dinner guests tonight. She wanted to tell him how inappropriate that was since she was fatigued from her journey, until she remembered her arrival had been a surprise to him. Since Mr. Braxton was the monster her sister had described, he wouldn’t cancel just because his wife was tired.

  The maid dropped the clothes on the bed before coming to Mercedes, stopping behind her. Beth ran her fingers over Mercedes’ hairstyle.

  “Mrs. Braxton, I must say I do like yer ‘air when it’s wound up tight like this, so refined and sophisticated. It be different from ‘ow ye used to wear it.”

  Mercedes brushed the tip of her finger across one of the tendrils by her ear. “I want to look my very best for our company tonight.” She bit her lip in hesitation, then asked, “Remind me again who is in attendance this evening?”

  Beth giggled. “I think yer mind is still jumping around on the coach from yer trip.”

  “Yes. I believe that is the reason.”

  “Well, I ‘ope ye regain yer quick wit soon. I’d ‘ate for Mr. Braxton to yell at ye again, although ye’ve ‘andled ‘is temper before. T’night ‘is business partner, Mr. Kennedy, and ‘is wife are yer guests. Ye know ‘ow fidgety the master gets whenever Mr. Kennedy comes to dine.”

  Mercedes turned to assess the maid. “I wonder why Mr. Braxton acts in such a manner?”

  “I could not guess. Probably ‘cause Mr. Kennedy owns most of the business and can drop Mr. Braxton like a boulder in the ocean if ‘e doesn’t approve of ‘is work ethics.”

  Tilting her head, Mercedes narrowed her eyes toward the maid. “How do you know so much about Mr. Braxton and Mr. Kennedy?”

  Another giggle. “Ye ‘ave left yer memory in New York to be sure. Do ye not remember teaching me ‘ow to listen to their conversations without being seen?”

  Shock vibrated through Mercedes, and despite her effort to hide it, her jaw dropped. She closed her mouth and smiled. Apparently, Kat had assistance in her search for answers about William. “And you are doing exceptionally well, Beth.” She paused then asked, “Is there any more you want to tell me?”

  Beth’s forehead crinkled, as if searching her mind for answers. “I don’t think so.” Then her eyes widened. “But Mr. Braxton kept attending those secret meetings after ye left. I know ‘e promised ye ‘e would not go, but after ye left I think ‘e just didn’t care.”

  Secret meetings? This was the very thing Mercedes needed to know. She wanted to ask the maid but didn’t want to look the fool, either. Watching William closely was the key to finding what she wanted. “I understand. I suppose I will have to talk to him about that.”

  “Just as I knew ye would.” Beth took a step back and glanced over Mercedes’ attire again. “Ye look mighty fine, Mrs. Braxton. It will please Mr. Kennedy, that’s for certain.”

  Mercedes gasped, placing her hand on her neck. “Why should I want to please Mr. Kennedy?”

  Beth’s brows pulled together. “Because yer the reason ‘e made Mr. Braxton ‘is partner, which by the way, doubled yer ‘usband’s wealth. Do ye not remember? If not for yer influence, ‘e would still be working ‘is fingers to the bone at that small company ‘e owned. Oh, for certain ‘e made good money, but it was pure genius to ‘ave Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Braxton become partners.”

  Mercedes recovered, dropping her hand and squaring her shoulders. So that was why William was so wealthy. Still, she’d bet anything he was also obtaining money from being a spy. “Well, I only wanted what was best for my husband. What I meant to say was that I do not want Mr. Kennedy to think I dress this way to please him.” She gave an uneasy laugh. “I would hate to distress Mrs. Kennedy.”

  Beth’s sudden bark of laughter surprised Mercedes yet again. She anxiously awaited the maid’s response.

  “Ye must be jesting. Ye ’ave seen ‘ow unattractive ‘is wife is. I think Mr. Kennedy would be ‘appy for yer attention, especially when we all know ‘e can’t stop from feasting ‘is eyes upon yer loveliness.”

  Mercedes cleared her throat and turned toward the mirror. “Whomever I impress
tonight, I better hurry so I do not miss the dinner party.” She glanced down at her bosom again and frowned. “Beth? Can you locate a scarf that matches this dress?”

  “Whatever for?”

  “To hide the most daring décolletage I have ever seen.”

  Beth laughed again. “Yer acting strangely, Mrs. Braxton. Besides, I think Mr. Kennedy prefers ye in less, if’n ye knows what I mean.”

  Mercedes’ legs weakened, and she grasped the chair next to her to steady herself. Could she have heard wrong? Oh, please, say Katherine wasn’t involved in a love tryst. Mercedes squeezed her eyes closed. Somebody please tell me something good about my sister.

  Mercedes composed herself and stood straight, meeting the maid’s gaze. “Nonetheless, I would like something to place in my bodice to help me feel a little more covered up. This sheer fichu tucked around the edges will not suffice.”

  Beth shrugged and moved into the next room to look through Katherine’s accessories. Within minutes, she came back with a white lace handkerchief and gently stuffed it in the bodice.

  “I think that’s better, don’t you?” Mercedes studied her reflection in the mirror.

  “Yer just lovely, Mrs. Braxton.”

  Although the handkerchief hid a lot of her cleavage, it still didn’t hide her bare shoulders. She shrugged. She couldn’t have everything perfect. After all, tonight she was Kat.

  She exhaled and gave the maid a nod. “I think I am presentable now.”

  Wringing her hands, Mercedes made her way downstairs to William’s guests. Her legs wobbled like a newborn calf’s, but she forced herself to stay strong. Voices floated from the parlor. She took a fortifying breath and entered. All eyes turned her way, and she feared her legs would collapse.

  Mr. Kennedy’s gaze combed over her in a disgustingly slow leer. Her stomach revolted, and she took a calming breath to keep from embarrassing herself in front of William’s guests.

  Mr. Braxton’s friend appeared older than William by at least ten years, but Mr. Kennedy was handsome, nonetheless. Streaks of silver highlighted his black hair. His tailored knee breeches fit him to perfection. He smiled at her as if they shared a delicious secret. Her stomach twisted again. Right now she wanted to forget her sister and this man may have had a past together.

  She studied Mrs. Kennedy and realized Beth spoke the truth. Poor Mrs. Kennedy didn’t have a single redeeming feature. Exceedingly plain, the skittish woman acted as if she were afraid of her own shadow. Mercedes only let her focus linger on the other woman long enough to nod a silent greeting, vowing to be as kind to the woman as she possibly could be.

  Then her attention rested on William. Her heart must have stopped—either that or she forgot to breathe. He looked so incredibly handsome in his evening attire. The bluish charcoal of his waistcoat matched his breeches, accenting his warm hazel eyes. His white ruffled shirt complemented his copper skin. She’d never seen anyone so handsome. Even the way his gaze slowly swept over her made her skin prickle with awareness.

  Never in her life had she experienced these heady, disturbing feelings, even while married to her husband. Not once had Frederick stirred excitement in her. Then again, theirs was an arranged marriage and she had been utterly miserable.

  William smiled and stepped forward, taking her hand in his. He bowed and placed a small kiss on her knuckles. Her heart raced out of control. His masculine scent of spice seeped into her senses and overwhelmed her, making her mind whirl and the room to spin. She couldn’t lose control. Not now and certainly not in front of company.

  William straightened, the smile still stretched across his face. “My dear Mrs. Braxton, you look lovely tonight.” His attention passed over her once again.

  “Thank you. And may I return the compliment? You are rather dashing tonight, my kind husband.”

  He arched an eyebrow, and she was relieved the two guests behind him couldn’t see. William’s wary grin widened, but he didn’t comment. Instead, he took her hand and tucked it in the crook of his elbow, then turned toward his partner.

  “Mercedes, my dear, help me welcome our guests.”

  Surprised to hear William call her name and not Kat, she hitched a breath. He’d only called her Kat in private to annoy her—or rather, her sister. But still, why did he use Mercedes instead of Katherine?

  Although a small pound began in her forehead from all the confusion of the day, she did her best to converse with her guests. During the evening, she remained conscious of how her sister might have performed. She exaggerated a flirtatious manner, yet couldn’t force herself to act as flamboyant as she suspected her sister to have done. As the men talked politics, she tossed in her own thoughts, even though this was something Kat would not do. But when it came to politics, Mercedes had never been able to keep her mouth shut. When she expressed her own feelings and doubts about King George’s taxes, William’s brows lifted again. In reality, this subject had always bothered her, and while Fredrick was alive, they’d argued about it several times.

  She kept close attention to the topics of conversation. Not once did she feel these men were discussing traitorous secrets. Other than the subject of King George’s taxes, both men appeared to be loyal to the Crown.

  Mr. Kennedy’s constant ogling irritated her, but she dared not show her displeasure. Although Mrs. Kennedy was polite and never commented on her husband’s behavior, Mercedes thought it very bold of him to carry on the way he did in front of her. It hurt that William accepted his partner’s conduct instead of putting a stop to it. After all, she was supposed to be his wife.

  Relief came when the evening ended and she and William showed their guests to the front door. William acted the gentleman and placed a chaste kiss on Mrs. Kennedy’s knuckles, but when Mr. Kennedy tried to do the same to Mercedes, he didn’t act polite at all, and his lips lingered on her hand. Even the way he stroked her palm made her grit her teeth in irritation.

  She quickly withdrew from him. The arrogant man even had the audacity to toss her a devilish grin. If Mrs. Kennedy were not present, Mercedes would have slapped the rogue’s face. Perhaps she’d just wait until she was alone with William and shake some sense into him instead for not coming to her defense.

  Once the door closed, William turned and strode past her. She waited for him to say something, but he hurried up the stairs to his room without even glancing her way. Anger washed over her, painfully wrenching her stomach. A million times tonight she’d wanted to reprimand him. However, when she had the chance, he’d left.

  Disappointed, she strode to her room to change into her nightdress. The weary, stressful day had taken its toll and she relished sleep. Beth had placed her nightgown on the bed, and poured water in the copper tub. The steamy bath beckoned. She couldn’t wait to relax.

  She sat on the edge of her bed and slipped off her shoes. Stretching her feet in front of her, she wiggled her toes, enjoying the freedom from the restriction of the tight slippers. As she stood, she reached for the buttons behind her gown, but couldn’t quite touch them. A knock sounded at the door. Beth must be here to help Mercedes undress. “Come in.”

  Still fidgeting with the dress, she walked toward her bathing chamber. “Could you please help me with these buttons? I cannot seem to reach them.”

  “Are you certain you want my help?” A man’s deep voice answered.

  She gasped and swung around. William stood in the doorway minus his evening coat and waistcoat. His missing cravat and unbuttoned shirt allowed her a glimpse of his muscular neck. Her heart accelerated. He looked so casual, so relaxed, and so handsome. Why was he here? For a little entertainment only his wife could give?

  No. She could not—she would not. The mere thought terrified her, yet excitement danced over her skin at the same time. Breathing deeper, she reminded herself he wouldn’t want to share his wife’s bed if he didn’t like her. She hoped anyway.

  She cleared her tight throat. “Forgive me, but I thought you were my maid.”

  “Obviousl
y.” He stepped toward her. “But since I am here, I might as well assist you.”

  “Do not worry yourself.” She swallowed hard. “I can get it.”

  “Nonsense. Accepting my help is perfectly proper.”

  As he walked behind her, her hands shook. One by one, he slid the buttons loose and cool air touched her back…accompanied with his warm breath. The combination of this along with his soft fingers grazing her skin sent chills all over her. Although her body was melting faster than a candle, she fought for control.

  “I want to thank you for your little performance tonight,” he whispered in a husky voice near her ear.

  She shivered. Clutching her bodice tighter, she prayed it wouldn’t fall away from her. “What performance?”

  He laughed lightly. “You seem to forget I have seen you and Brandon Kennedy together. Since when have you cared for his wife’s delicate feelings and snubbed Brandon’s flirtation?”

  With the last button undone, she turned and faced him, still holding her bodice to her chest. “Since I have seen how much it bothers his wife.” She arched a brow. “And while we are on the subject, why did you not put a stop to his flirtations? You have eyes and could see it bothered Mrs. Kennedy.”

  He folded his arms across his wide chest, drawing her attention to the skin showing at his neck. She lifted her gaze, but his eyes were just as earth-shatteringly effective.

  “Why should I put a stop to it? Mrs. Kennedy knows about her husband’s liaisons. She is not dimwitted.”

  Inwardly, Mercedes groaned. William had confirmed her worst fear. Now, more than before, Mercedes believed Kat had been carrying on with Mr. Kennedy. But even though he knew, William apparently didn’t care. It explained why he’d treated Kat as he did.

  “Believe it or not, I have changed,” she said. “I will not be an embarrassment to you or your family any longer.”

  His eyes widened and he laughed. “Oh, this is too much, Kat. First you dress differently.” He stepped closer and her heart leapt. His gaze dipped to her bosom as he tugged at the lace handkerchief between her fingers until he’d pulled it completely out. “I do not think I have ever seen you hide yourself before.” He touched a tendril by her ear. “And now you are wearing your hair like a regal lady and acting the part in front of guests.”