Mercedes’ chest ached, and she knew everything about William’s marriage had been a lie brought on by her own twin sister. But now Mercedes must make things right. She was falling in love with William and she was unable to stop it.
* * * *
William raised his glass of brandy in salute, then quickly drank the liquid, wishing he were someplace else besides here. After the luncheon he and the rest of the men had gathered in the library to discuss politics. The women wandered outside on the porch to converse about more delicate subjects as they daintily sipped their tea. William had tried to sneak away from the men several times, but someone stopped him every time.
Unfortunately, he had to paste a smile on his face and nod like a fool, raising his glass at the right moment. He thanked the good Lord nobody could read his thoughts. But deep inside, rage boiled. These men talked of war as if it were just another fencing match.
This was a waste of time, yet he couldn’t get away to do more productive work...like search through the house to find incriminating evidence the Sons of Liberty could use in their fight. A map, a plan, or even the colonel’s journal would help.
Dejected, he sighed and relaxed against the wall. He hadn’t joined in the conversation, and he hoped others wouldn’t consider him an outcast because of it. A servant passed by with another tray of drinks and William put his empty glass on the tray, refusing a second offering. When the servant left, a man walked toward him. William groaned, fisting his hands by his side. He didn’t want to talk to Brandon Kennedy right now.
Brandon’s self-assured expression stayed on his face when he stopped beside William. “Saw you over here by yourself and thought I would come join you.”
“How considerate,” William muttered.
“I did not think you would merit an invitation to the Burwell’s party, but I am glad to see you here.”
William lifted his brows. “Why would you think I would not be invited? I am working on the ships just as you.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “Besides, you were the one who hid my invitation in the first place.”
Brandon chuckled. “You cannot prove that. But I was not referring to that matter, anyway.” He stepped closer and lowered his voice. “I did not think you would come with your wife.”
William gave his partner a smirk and nodded. “Strange, because she is the one who obtained the invitation.”
Brandon’s eyes widened. “She did? Who did she charm to achieve that?”
William wanted to throttle the rude man right here amongst the others in the room. He bunched his hands tighter, keeping himself from doing that very act. “Actually, she charmed no one. Lady Burwell witnessed a scene where Kat protected my children from a dog and it impressed the colonel’s wife. After that, an invitation came through a messenger.”
Brandon leaned his shoulder against the wall and scratched his chin. “William, have you noticed your wife’s behavior has been peculiar lately?”
He laughed. “Brandon, my wife’s behavior has always been peculiar.”
“Well said, but lately she has gotten worse.”
William fought the humorous grin that tugged on his mouth. Kennedy didn’t know the half of it. “Are you just upset she has not been to visit you lately?”
Brandon’s face lost a little color. “You know about that?”
“Yes.”
“Did she tell you why she stopped coming to see me?”
“It is none of my business.”
Brandon folded his arms. “I heard,” he lowered his voice even more, “you are the man she’s charming now.”
Although the topic was ridiculous, William couldn’t help but laugh. He was certain Captain Wilkes had started the rumor. “No, Brandon.” Yet, if given the chance, he just might allow his wife’s attention. He couldn’t explain it, but he still felt she wasn’t the woman he’d married. “She can be very persuasive,” he said in a somber tone. “You forget, Brandon, I do not want a woman who cannot stay faithful to her husband.” He stepped away from the wall. “And this conversation is boring me to tears, so I hope you will excuse me because I am leaving now.”
He turned and walked out of the room. Thankfully, nobody stopped him this time.
True, his wife’s behavior was certainly out of character, but he wasn’t going to let Brandon know his feelings. William was still trying to figure her out and, most importantly, figure out why she had made his body awaken with awareness whenever they were close. Every time he smelled her lilac scent and looked at her petal soft lips, his body ignited with a fire he had no strength to defuse. Although he liked it, he didn’t want to like it.
He walked through the opened double glass doors on the side of the main building. Ahead of him the women gathered on the patio. They all sat with straight backs, sipping tea like it was the most important function in the world.
Then a woman with raven hair and a curvy figure caught his gaze. Strange that her appearance would distract his attention from the other women. Mercedes looked so pretty in the sunlight, the lavender dress complimenting her creamy skin. This afternoon she wore another of her altered dresses, hiding the deep cut bodice with some fancy stitching and lace. She was probably the youngest woman here, definitely the loveliest.
He sauntered toward the women. At first none had noticed him, and when he came close enough to hear their conversation he figured out why. They talked politics, also. He didn’t think most of these women here had intelligent enough for that.
Lady Burwell spoke about the other night when one of the King’s ships had been raided, and he froze. He backed behind a bush and listened.
“I heard it was nothing but a bunch of drunken fools,” another lady mentioned.
Lady Burwell nodded. “Yes, but there had to be a master-mind behind the attack. Such lowlife miscreants would not be able to have an intelligent thought without having a leader.”
William held his breath for the next comment.
“I heard they did not catch the leader,” another woman spoke. “Is this so?”
Lady Burwell set her teacup down. “I am not certain they even have a suspect.” Lady Burwell puffed her chest. “But if there is a leader, I assure you my husband will find him. Nobody treats Britain like that and gets away with it. These country-folk will soon learn who rules around here.”
A gush of air escaped his lungs as murmurs of agreements bounced throughout the small group of women, but Mercedes didn’t speak. Once again, his suspicions roused. The night Brandon and his wife had been to dinner Mercedes had voiced her opinion, but now she merely glanced around the circle of guests. She sucked in her bottom lip, nibbling it with her teeth. Her brows drew together as if she were confused. Then she cleared her throat, receiving their attention.
“Lady Burwell?” Mercedes asked, frowning. “Exactly what was damaged in the raid?”
Lady Burwell smiled politely and met her gaze. “Just a few personal belongings of Colonel Baxter, and some fine vases shipped from the Orient were broken to pieces. It crushed his wife to see such unnecessary violence.”
“Forgive me,” Mercedes continued, “but can you tell me why the higher ranking men in the King’s Army are bringing such expensive items over here during these times of peril? Do they not realize they will be risking their own personal belongings?”
The wealthy woman sitting next to her snickered as she toyed with her pearls. “Our Englishmen need to have the pleasures of home surrounding them at all times. They were coerced to leave their homes to sail across the ocean just to keep the King’s laws enforced.”
Bobbing of ringlet-heads jumped in agreement, but for some reason Mercedes’ brows still pulled together obviously not pleased with the answer. She shook her head, seeming perplexed again.
“Pardon my innocence,” she continued, “but is there not a rebellion going on around us? Have the good citizens of Philadelphia not been forced from their homes to take on a more simple way of life? Why should it be acceptable for our British men to live wi
th such luxuries when the men who live here cannot? In fact, some of them are even forced out of their homes by our soldiers and all because they cannot pay the high taxes.”
A few women gasped. William bit back his surprised response, too. He wanted to hear more of what his wife thought. So far, he approved, as evidenced by the quickening of his heart. Could she possibly see his point of view? He dared to hope.
“Mrs. Braxton, you are indeed innocent,” Lady Burwell said. “Do not feel remorseful for the people over here. They brought this on, not us, and it was their choice to leave their homes.” Lady Burwell’s smile brightened and she clapped her hands twice. “Let us cease this serious conversation and join our husbands.” She nodded in the direction behind Mercedes. “I see the men are finished with their brandy and cigars.”
William glanced toward the house. Men who’d once been in the house now wandered out on the yard. He cursed under his breath, then moved around the bush toward his wife. Mercedes’ eyes widened. When he came near she smiled. His heart leapt, and he cursed again for responding like a fool.
He stopped by her side. “Hello, my lovely wife. Are you in the mood for a walk?” He held out his arm. All around them glares aimed their way, but Mercedes seemed not to notice as she stood and took hold of his arm.
She nodded. “I have been hoping to see Lady Burwell’s lovely garden.”
William looked over the other ladies. “Please excuse us.”
They all smiled and nodded. Having Mercedes walk beside him made him puff his chest, and he pulled her arm closer to his side. Not only had she voiced her questions amongst a den of wolves, she had entered this party knowing full well most of these women thought poorly of her. Yet, Mercedes had gone ahead and embarked on their circle. Once they were far enough away from the others, he chuckled.
She cocked her head to look at him. “What do you find so humorous?”
“You.”
“Why?”
“Because you are determined to make those ladies hate you.” He met her questioning stare. “Half of them know you have a close relationship with their husbands, and now the other half are wondering if you are a traitor to your country.”
She huffed. “If they do, they are imbeciles. I only asked those questions because I was curious.” She paused, her brows drawn in confusion. “How much of our conversation did you overhear?”
“Enough.” He stopped and moved in front of her, keeping his smile only because he couldn’t control it. “But why did you say what you did? Why did you give them the impression you sympathize with Philadelphia?”
“I cannot say.” She glanced down at her hands as she twisted them against her stomach.
He took them in his, stopping her nervousness. The heat from her body blended with his. Once again the incredible feeling of desire crept into his system. “Mercedes?” He stroked her cheek with his finger then lifted her chin until she met his eyes. “I think you do know.”
“I have been doing a lot of thinking.”
“About what?”
“Many issues. I cannot believe how arrogant the aristocrats are at this party. They lift their noses in the air and strut about like a flock of peacocks. I get the impression they do not care about anyone but themselves and their wealth.” She shook her head. “Then there is that matter you told me earlier – where all the tax money goes.” She tilted her head. “Did you notice that most every woman at this party is wearing some kind of diamond or pearl necklace?”
“Yes.”
“They act like this is a social party, yet talk of war as if it were a child’s game.”
He smiled wider, his heart beating much faster than before. Excitement welled inside his chest, softening his feelings toward her. This time he didn’t fight it.
“Yes, I know that, too.” He paused, touching his finger to her cute little nose. “But why do you care? Britain has control over Philadelphia right now, so what are you worried about?”
She frowned. “If what you say is true, well...it is not fair.”
He chuckled again from her delightful display. “No, my sweet. Fair is not a word used in war, I am sorry to say.”
“But does the King know about it?”
“Where do you think the ranking officers learned it?”
She grew silent as her gaze roamed over his face. He enjoyed the way she studied his eyes before letting her attention move to his lips. The erratic thud in his heart increased. What kind of power did she have over him? More importantly, why did he let it affect him?
He caressed her cheek. “Mercedes, you should not look at a man that way unless you want to be kissed good and hard.”
“Please forgive me. I suppose it is not proper for you to kiss me in public.”
His heart flipped, nearly knocking him over with surprise. “Are you saying you want me to kiss you?”
Her mouth turned up in an impish smile. “If you do not know the answer to that, then I have not made my desires known very well.”
“Do you know how dangerous it is to tempt me like that?” He circled his arm around her waist while his hand cupped the back of her head, pulling her close. “I am a normal man, no matter how much of an ogre you wish me to be.”
He waited, expecting her to curl her lip as she often did. Instead her face softened. Where had the witch gone, the one who’d made him regret his decision to marry? This enchanting woman was certainly not that creature.
Her green eyes warmed with invitation as she shook her head. “I never thought you an ogre.”
His heart picked up rhythm. “Oh? That is not the impression you gave me a while ago.”
“William, please forget about back then.” She swept back a lock of hair that had fallen over his brow. “I do not even want you to remember that woman.”
How he wished she were right. How he wished he could just erase the past two years. But he couldn’t.
“I am sorry, Mercedes.” He dropped his hands and stepped away. “But you are asking too much of me.”
Her gaze lowered to the ground and she gave a forlorn nod.
“But come.” He took her hand and placed it around his elbow. “I promised to show you Lady Burwell’s flower garden, and I am not leaving until you see it.”
She gave his arm a slight squeeze and he looked down into her serious expression. “You know, Mr. Braxton, I think you like me more than you realize.”
He laughed, cursing under his breath for being so obvious. “Just like you, Mrs. Braxton, I am a good performer.”
Chapter Ten
The evening’s meal and dancing afterward was a huge success for Lady Burwell. A few more guests arrived, nearly crowding the ballroom. It thrilled Mercedes when William escorted her out on the dance floor, but she wished he didn’t have to leave her arms. While in his embrace his eyes sparkled like gems and his soft smile weakened her limbs. Would he ever feel the same way about her?
“Are you enjoying yourself, my dear?” he asked.
“I am certainly trying.”
“I must say you are putting on a fantastic performance.” He chuckled. “If anything, the men you have snubbed tonight are more eager to persuade you to join them in a dark corner.”
She scowled. “William, must you speak this way?”
“Forgive me, I am out of line. I will save this conversation for when we are in the privacy of our bedchambers.”
“If I had it my way, we would cease discussing this topic altogether.”
The dance ended and despondency washed over her. She hated leaving his arms, but she didn’t want to hear his cruel words either. Could she make him fall in love with her?
When another man asked her to dance, she gritted her teeth and smiled. She wanted to reject his invitation, but her polite nature wouldn’t allow her to do so. By the gleam in the man’s eyes she presumed Kat had known him quite well, also. Mercedes was grateful for the livelier tune, but his slimy hands touched lower on her back than necessary. When the dance ended William was always there to
meet her, his gaze piercing through the other man.
When William played the part of an adoring husband, her heart picked up rhythm. She wished his smile would show it along with his eyes. She’d do anything to put the gleam of interest in his eyes once again.
When another man came to claim a dance, her husband turned her over to the stranger. Why couldn’t the evening end?
Finally, the moment she both dreaded, yet anticipated, arrived. She postponed retiring for the night as long as possible, but once the gaze of her host and hostess fell upon her, she realized they too had heard the rumors and wondered about the Braxton marriage. Mercedes had to give the impression all was well.
Inhaling a deep breath for courage, she walked to William who conversed with Brandon Kennedy and another man she wasn’t acquainted with. She tapped her husband on the shoulder to get his attention. When he looked at her, she smiled.
She glanced at the group. “Gentlemen, forgive the interruption.” Then she turned to William. “I just wanted you to know I am retiring for the evening.” Heat gathered in her cheeks from her announcement.
“I am ready to retire, also. I shall come with you.”
“William,” Brandon interceded. “Do not forget about the foxhunt tomorrow at dawn.”
“Yes, Mr. Kennedy, I plan on attending. Now, gentlemen, if you will please excuse us, we shall see you in the morning.”
She slipped her arm around his elbow as they walked side by side up the grand staircase toward the bedroom. Her heart pounded with every step, and she hoped he couldn’t feel her shaking.
He opened the door to their room and followed her. When the door closed and locked, her heart leapt to her throat. Squeezing her eyes closed, she tried to control her mind from wandering toward the bed.
“So,” he began.
She jumped and turned his way. He leaned back against the door with his arms folded over his broad chest. The corner of his mouth lifted in a grin, merriment twinkling in his eyes. Why did he have to look so sensual?
“Yes?”
“Are you ready to share the bed with your husband?”
Take My Heart (Heroic Rogues Series) Page 12