Take My Heart (Heroic Rogues Series)

by Marie Higgins

  “Tis a shame.” William tsked. “And to think there is no trace of the family or where they have fled.”

  “Cowards. All of them.”

  William let out a heavy sigh. “Have you heard what the King’s Army will do? Does Captain Wilkes have a plan?”

  “Not a word.” He glanced over his shoulder at William. “But I heard they have another suspect.”

  William lifted his brows. “Pray tell, who do they suspect now?”

  “They think they know the identity of the mysterious writer.”

  William lost his breath, his heart plummeted to the ground. He cleared his throat. “Any ideas on whom they might suspect?”

  “None. Only that they have someone in mind.”

  William nodded and turned back to his drawing. Before now, nagging doubts about the mysterious writer being his wife weren’t conclusive. But he had cause to believe the writer was indeed his wife. Her thoughts had changed, and she’d voiced them to him. She’d followed him to the secret meeting, and was frightened for his life when Wilkes stopped her. Mercedes had confessed to wanting to help. He’d warned her not to get involved, it was too dangerous.

  William prayed she hadn’t gone against his word.

  This morning another flyer appeared written with the same dedication as the others. He believed his wife had written it, yet she hadn’t confessed.

  Silence lasted for only thirty minutes before Kennedy growled and pushed away from his desk. He stormed over to the window, leaning his shoulder against the side. The man’s mouth pulled tight, his eyes dark in anger.

  William wanted to laugh over his misfortune, but didn’t. Once the colonists won their fight, men like Kennedy would not be a threat any longer. William closed his eyes, praying for that day to come soon.

  A rumble of laughter from his partner snapped him to awareness, and he turned to see what Kennedy found so amusing. The man wore a knowing grin, his arms folded across his shaking chest as he chuckled.

  “What do you find so humorous?” William asked.

  “Oh, just what is going on down the street.”

  “And what is it?”

  Kennedy glanced his way and scratched his chin. “It seems your wife has become bored with her latest interest and has gone back to spending time with Captain Wilkes.”

  William’s body stiffened, his jaw hardened. But then he recalled what had happened before when he jumped to conclusions, and he relaxed. Kat was dead. Mercedes was his wife now. He couldn’t allow Kennedy to know he was affected or that he even cared.

  William pushed himself away from his desk and stood. Taking deliberate slow steps, he made his way to the window. As Kennedy stated, Mercedes stood in front of a shop with a basket hooked over her elbow. Chatting with her was Captain Wilkes.

  Without being able to help it, a stab of pain tore through William’s heart. When his wife laughed and touched the captain’s arm, the invisible knife in William’s chest twisted. He breathed slow, calming his heart. Mercedes needed to act this way. They must not make the captain suspicious, especially now.

  William forced a laugh. “It does not appear she has gone back to Captain Wilkes. It looks like she is having a friendly conversation.”

  “If you keep telling yourself that, perhaps you will believe it.”

  William fisted his hands, feeling the urge to punch his business partner. “I must say, Kennedy, the green monster of jealousy has taken hold of you again.” He shook his head. “You must learn to control that.”

  He walked back to his desk. Seeing Mercedes with Captain Wilkes was difficult, but it needed to be done. William only had to find a way to keep the doubt from twisting in his gut every time he saw her with another man. After all, she was portraying her sister. Yet, why hadn’t she done so until lately? She’d never acted like Kat until after they’d returned from the Burwell’s estate.

  In frustration, he raked his fingers through his hair, wanting to know how he could quit becoming so suspicious.

  * * * *

  “May we call you Mother?”

  Mercedes gasped at James’ question. Her heart quickened, and tears stung her eyes. Amazing how fast she became emotional lately, but James’ sudden request caught her by surprise.

  She slowed the horse they’d been riding and looked down into his upturned face. His gray eyes glistened, looking so much like William’s. She smiled. “Of course you may call me Mother.”

  “You will not get upset?”

  “Why should I get upset?” She stroked her gloved fingers across his cheek. “I love you and Lizzy like you are my own children.”

  His face beamed. “Indeed?”

  She laughed. “But of course.”

  “Lizzy is going to be happy when I tell her. She said last night how much she wanted you to be our mother.”

  Her heart melted, bringing with it a feeling of motherhood she never thought she’d experience. “Then let us hurry home so we can tell her.”

  She reined the horse around and urged the animal into a gallop. A smile stretched across her face, and as each minute passed, her heart pounded quicker. Finally, she would have the family she’d always wanted.

  In the distance, the figure of a woman darted behind a tree. Mercedes slowed the horse, studying what she’d just witnessed. Scanning the area, there wasn’t another horse in sight, and this would have been a long walk for someone traveling by foot.

  She neared the tree. Nothing.

  Mercedes shook her head. Perhaps her eyes played tricks on her today. Putting it aside, she kicked the horse into a gallop and continued on her way. When they approached the house, Hyrum ran out of the stable to take the reins.

  “Did ya have a nice ride, Miz Braxton?”

  “Yes, thank you, Hyrum. James and I had a pleasant morning.”

  “Somebody came to see ya while ya’all were gone.”

  She helped James off the horse. “Who was it?”

  “Don’t know, Miz Braxton. Just a lady.”

  “Did she leave her card?”

  “No. Said she’d come back at a later time.”

  She shrugged. “I suppose it was not very important, then.”

  “Yessum, I suppose.”

  She dismounted and took hold of James’ hand. They started out walking, but the closer they came to the house, their steps quickened until were running.

  Laughing, they nearly slammed into the door. “Mother? I think Lizzy wants you to take her for a ride, too.”

  “I can arrange that. I think we will have a wonderful time.”

  James opened the door and walked in, but before Mercedes could step into the house, a cold chill ran down her spine, causing her to pause. She shivered and hugged her arms around her waist. Glancing over her shoulder, she studied the yard and the stable. It bothered her that she would have these feelings lately, like someone watched her.

  Rubbing her arms, she stepped inside, putting the feeling behind her. Certainly it was utter nonsense. She let out a small laugh, remembering her father had become skittish just before...

  She froze. Father’s disease. He’d been acting strange, thinking somebody watched him, also. Her heart sank. It wasn’t possible. She couldn’t have the same disease. Yet, Kat had it...so why not her?

  Mercedes shook her head. She must not think in such a way. If, by chance, she had the same illness as her father and sister, she would have known before now.

  “Mother, hurry. Lizzy is waiting.” James tugged on her dress.

  Taking a deep breath, she smiled. “Coming, my dear.”

  With unsteady hands, she smoothed out her bodice and skirt before following James upstairs into the nursery. Lizzy and Jane were playing together, and when the little girl spotted Mercedes, she ran to her and threw her arms around Mercedes’ legs.

  She laughed and picked the girl up, hugging her tight. “You have certainly made my day, Lizzy.”

  James jumped up and down in excitement. “Lizzy, Mercy says we may call her Mother.”

&
nbsp; The little girl’s eyes widened, her smile stretched across her face, making it glow. “We may?”

  “Yes, my dear.” Mercedes stroked the girl’s hair. “You may call me Mother.”

  Lizzy laughed and buried her face in Mercedes’ neck. James joined in and hugged her legs. Across from them, Jane stood and clasped her hands to her chest, tears glistening in her eyes. Mercedes’ own eyes filled with moisture from the happy occasion.

  Yet fear lodged a hole deep in her conscience. Was there a chance she would someday become like her father and Kat? If so, her dream of a loving family would end soon.

  * * * *

  “It is good of you to meet me in private, Mrs. Braxton.”

  Captain Wilkes opened the door to his carriage and helped her inside. She sat, adjusting her dress around her legs. When he climbed in and closed the door, he slid in next to her, his arm snaking around her shoulders.

  Both scarlet curtains were drawn over the windows, but the afternoon light shone through, making the mood perfect for what she had planned.

  She grinned. “Privacy is the only way we should meet, is it not, Henry?”

  He pulled her against him, burying his face in her neck. Pleasure shivered through her and she clutched his coat, holding him closer. The husky aroma of leather floated around her. She closed her eyes and breathed in his scent. Her skin prickled with sensations long repressed.

  “It has been quite a while since you have addressed me so informally, my sweet.”

  “Forgive me if I am out of line,” she said.

  “Never, my dear.”

  He turned his face and met her mouth for a long awaited kiss. When he pulled away, a deep chuckle shook his chest. “Curse you woman for depriving me of this.”

  Tenderly, she stroked his face. “As of late, I have not been myself.”

  “True, but I am thrilled to see you have returned.”

  He lifted her hand and placed kisses on her fingers. “Do you have any more information for me, my dear?”

  “Yes. I know the identity of the mysterious writer.”

  Captain Wilkes jerked up his head, meeting her stare. “Indeed?”

  She nodded.

  “Then pray, do not keep this information from me.”

  She gave him a sly grin and a raised eyebrow. “And what prize will I receive for this information?”

  Laughing, his chest shook as he pulled her closer. “Exactly what you are expecting, my dear. I know how you adore rubies. But give me the information first because I would love to see this person arrested.”

  “The writer is not a woman as you have suspected, but a man.”

  Henry’s brows lifted, his eyes widened. “A man you say?”

  “Yes.”

  “And how do you know this?”

  “Because I found the notes on his desk the day before they were published.”

  His gaze narrowed on her, evil glinting his eyes. “Tell me the name, woman. I grow weary of your games.”

  “How badly do you seek a name?” she asked in husky tones.

  He groaned and clasped her shoulders roughly. “May the devil take you for torturing me so. A name, please, I beg you.”

  Katherine laughed, moving closer to him. She watched his mouth, eager to kiss him again. Her time away from Philadelphia had robbed her of what she wanted most, but it was necessary to led Mercedes into believing she’d died in the asylum. Thank heavens Mr. McClain, the physician, had been part of her plans even going as far as to make a coffin for her. Without his assistance, Kat would not have been able to pull any of this off.

  She brushed her lips across Henry’s before murmuring, “Gabriel Lawrence. William’s servant and best friend is the unknown writer.”

  * * * *

  When William entered the dining area the next morning, Gabe waited for him, just as they’d planned. William’s breakfast of eggs and fruit were on a plate, ready for him.

  “Top of the morning, Gabe,” William greeted.

  His friend chuckled and shook his head. “I envy you. I do not think I will ever find a special woman to share my life with.”

  William sat and picked up his fork. “Do not say such things. You are a strapping young man. Any woman would feel privileged to be on your arm.”

  Picking up the napkin, Gabe wiped his mouth. “My arm is not the only place I would like her to be.”

  William threw back his head and laughed. “Oh, my dear friend, do not hurry love, it will come in its own sweet time.” He picked up the Philadelphia Gazette and opened to the first page. “Any important news this morning?”

  “Nothing.”

  “I was in hopes another article would rile Captain Wilkes again.”

  Gabe chuckled. “Give it time. That man cannot stay satisfied for very long.”

  “Have you more information on the mysterious writer?”

  Gabe leaned forward, linking his fingers together on the table. “I have heard,” he whispered, “the writer is indeed a woman.”

  William lifted his brows, his heart picked up speed. “Are you certain?”

  “From the gossip dispersing through the streets, it is. Rumor has it a woman was spotted in the middle of the night sneaking away from Mr. Parker’s printing shop. She wore a deep violet cloak.”

  William’s heart caught in his throat and he gripped his fork. Mercedes had a deep violet cloak. “Did the person who spotted her say anything about the color of hair, her build, perhaps?”

  “No. They said she had the hood pulled over her head, the cloak closed around her body.” Gabe pushed away from the table and over by William. His friend narrowed his eyes. “Your wife has a cloak that color.”

  William gritted his teeth. He breathed deep, trying to calm his overzealous heart rate. “As I’m certain do many other women in this town.”

  “But have you confronted her about it? Have you come right out and asked her if she is the one writing these letters?” Gabe placed his hand on William’s shoulder. “I do not want to see her arrested, and you know what Captain Wilkes will do if she’s caught.”

  William stood. Clenching his own hands, he paced the floor. “’Tis impossible. ‘Tis not Mercedes. She was with me all night!”

  Gabe blew out a breath that stirred the curly auburn hair on his forehead. “I do not want to think it is her either. But we have to consider the possibilities.”

  William turned and glared at his friend. “And what do you suppose we do? Have you planned a way to trap this mysterious writer?”

  “No, not as of yet.”

  “Then I do not want to discuss this until we have a plan formulated. In the meantime, I shall drop suggestions to my wife, and hopefully I will get an answer.” He breathed slower, deeper. “But Gabe, I honestly do not think it is her. She would have told me by now. I do not believe she would keep something this important from me.”

  Gabe lifted from his chair. “I will see what other information I can collect and let you know if I find anything.”

  “Thank you. And I will make it a point to talk to Mercedes.”

  A growing ache built in the base of William’s skull when Gabe left the room. William massaged his neck, but the pain wouldn’t relent. He needed to talk to Mercedes no matter how difficult it might be. He wanted her to believe he trusted her, yet if he brought this up...

  He growled and walked to the window. If she thought he doubted her, what would it do to their relationship? Worse yet, if she were the mysterious writer, that meant she’d hidden the truth from him.

  He slammed his fist against the wall, shaking the window. His chest ached with questions. Why did love have to hurt so much? And why was it so hard to completely trust her?

  * * * *

  Mercedes pulled open the door to her husband’s office and entered. The chiming of the bell announced her. Mr. Kennedy jumped to his feet and rushed to greet her.

  “What a pleasant surprise, Mrs. Braxton.” He took her hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles.

  She al
lowed his attention, but kept a close eye on him. “Good afternoon, Mr. Kennedy. I have come to see my husband. Is he about?”

  “No. He stepped out of the office. Would you care to sit and wait?”

  “Do you know how long he will be gone?”

  “He has been gone for a good thirty minutes now. I’m certain he will return momentarily.”

  Inwardly, she cringed. She really didn’t want to sit in the same room with Mr. Kennedy, especially alone. But what other choice did she have? She feared waiting outside in her buggy in case the loathsome Captain Wilkes made an appearance.

  “I suppose I can wait, but only for a moment.”

  He pulled out a chair for her and she sat. “What brings you to our office on this fine afternoon?”

  “I had Horace pack a picnic basket, and I thought to surprise my husband with a meal. The day is too beautiful to be indoors.”

  He smiled and nodded. “I am certain William will be surprised. He has been moping about the office, acting as if something weighs heavily on his mind.”

  She arched a brow. “Indeed? I wonder what it is.”

  “I had hoped you could shed some light on the problem. Whatever it is makes him quite irritable.”

  “I wish I knew.”

  “I’m certain you can work your charm on him and pull him out of this mood.”

  Strange, but Brandon acted different, especially since they were alone. She hoped he’d finally given up on the idea of them being together. “I will certainly try,” she said with a smile.

  She stood and walked to the window. The busy street hustled with people, hurrying from one shop to another. Through the crowd, she searched for William. Where could he be?

  Behind her, Brandon Kennedy’s footsteps echoed on the hardwood floor as he neared. His image reflected off the glass.

  “Mercedes, I—I want to apologize for my behavior of late.”

  She held her breath, surprised he’d even say such a thing. She remained silent, hoping he’d continue.

  “Your beauty and charm have enchanted me, and when you stopped coming to see me, the wound left a deeper hole in my heart than I was prepared for.”