by Janet Woods
‘Shush, not so loud, Caro. She’ll hear you.’
The voice lowered just a fraction. ‘What a sly dog that brother of ours is. I’ll never forgive Ben for bringing her here first, will I Kitt, darling?’
‘So you say, my love,’ a deep voice rumbled. ‘Is Ben in the drawing room, Emma?’
‘Do go on in, Kitt. Come, bring the children, Caro. I’m sure the nursery maid will be able to find room for them. Edward, there’s a boy of your age staying, and I want you to be specially nice to him because he’s lost his entire family.’
‘Then who will look after him, Aunt Emma?’
‘Your Uncle Ben will.’
‘Can I see Uncle Ben.’
‘In the morning. It’s way past your bedtime. You must come and see the girls before they go to bed, Caro, otherwise they’ll never forgive me. You are staying the night, aren’t you?’
‘Of course. It’s ages since I last saw you. We have so much to catch up on.’
‘I could have sworn you saw each other a week ago,’ Kitt said.
‘Nonsense, Kitt. It’s been at least ten days.’
‘I stand corrected,’ he rumbled.
Benedict had a smile on his face as the door opened and the man in question poked his head around the door. ‘Ah, there you are Ben. I’m not interrupting anything am I?’
Benedict flicked her a smile that spoke of the intimacy they’d just enjoyed. ‘Not at the moment.’
‘The girls have gone up to the nursery. No doubt they’ll gossip for half an hour before they come down,’ the man rumbled. ‘I do hope that sherry is the amontillado I gave Archie for his birthday.’
The reason for the three glasses became clear.
‘It is,’ he said. ‘May I introduce Miss Hartford. Amber Rose, this is my brother-in-law, Kitt Foster. Wine Merchant.’
A man of medium size with soft brown eyes and matching hair took her hand in his and kissed it. He smiled as he let it go. ‘I say, Ben, what an absolute charmer.’
‘Yes, I’m inclined to agree.’ He handed them both a sherry.
Kitt raised his glass. ‘I understand congratulations are in order. Welcome to the family, Miss Hartford.’
She hadn’t agreed to the marriage yet; indeed, Benedict hadn’t even proposed to her in a manner she’d consider to be acceptable. A quick glance at Benedict found contemplative, but confidant eyes resting on her. He was too used to having things his own way, she thought and smiled slightly as she answered, ‘Thank you. You’re most kind, if a little premature, Mr. Foster. Nothing is settled yet, for a proposal has been neither made nor accepted.’
Benedict sighed.
A little later Caroline and Emma came into the drawing room together. They were arm in arm and wore gowns in a similar shade of pale lavender.
There was a chuckle from Benedict when the pair came straight to where she was seated. One of them said, ‘Amber Rose, may I introduce my sister, Caroline Foster.’
Their eyes were rounded with innocence, but there was an air of repressed excitement about them.
They were identical twins; how disconcerting. But no, this was something they must have done hundreds of times, for how would they have been able to resist it. And there had been a small clue.
She said to the speaker, ‘Forgive me if I’m wrong, but I do believe it’s you who is Caroline Foster.’
The pair looked at each other and grinned before Emma said, ‘And of course, you’re right, Amber. Hardly anyone can tell us apart. What gave us away, that little brown freckle on my forehead?’
She’d remember that for next time. ‘I thought it would be something twins might do, but mostly it was because Benedict laughed and alerted me.’
‘Amber Rose must have read my mind,’ Benedict said.
‘Not entirely. I remembered admiring the lace on Emma’s sleeves earlier, and the lace on your gown is slightly different in design, Caroline.’
‘See how compatible Amber and Ben are,’ Emma said to Caroline. I saw it straight away. A sort of empathy exists between them.’
Caroline hugged her. ‘You must allow Emma and myself to help organise your wedding.’
Now it was Amber’s turn to sigh. As if one of the twins wasn’t formidable enough, now there were two to contend with.
Chapter Seven
Although she was not used to a social life Amber soon relaxed, drawn by the warmth and friendliness of Benedict’s family.
Dinner was a welcome event, for although she’d eaten a huge breakfast at the inn she hadn’t had anything since.
Between them, Benedict’s sisters and their husbands managed to bring her out of her shyness as they entertained one other, mostly with chatter. But Amber was more of a listener than a participant.
The twins were irrepressible as they acted out an amusing skit.
Amber was persuaded to play the piano and sing. She chose a John Dowland song, Sorry, Stay, and was sure her nervousness showed in her voice.
Benedict surprised her by sliding into the seat beside her. He said, ‘That was a little melancholy. Do you know My Beautiful Amaryllis?’
She nodded and began to play while he sang. His voice was pleasing as he sung the love song in his deep voice. ‘Amaryllis, my beautiful one, do you not believe ... that you are my beloved.’
Caroline sighed when the last note died away. ‘I wish you’d sing to me like that, Kitt.’
‘Do you, dear? Perhaps I’ll take singing lessons.’
‘I didn’t know you could sing so well, Ben,’ Emma cried out in amazement.
Amber was led her back to the sofa, where Benedict took a seat beside her. He chuckled. ‘Neither did I.’
Outside, darkness began to draw in and the candles were lit. The family began to talk about their youth.
‘Do you remember when Ben hid a frog in his governess’s bed?’ Caroline said, grinning at Emma.
‘And Miss Grimley told papa that Ben deserved a flogging.’
Benedict’s deep voice cut in. ‘While father whacked the stuffing out of the back of the chair I screamed as loud as I could. I can’t remember him ever thrashing me, but when he chastised me his voice was always so stern that he scared me witless.’
‘Our mother would never have forgiven him if he’d thrashed any of us. Lordy, Ben, you used to try his temper at times though. When you were six you stood at the nursery window and threw a dish of water over the head of Bishop Quilby, who was talking to papa in the garden.’
‘If I did, I imagine one of you must have put me up to it.’
‘It was her,’ they said together, grinning as they pointed at each other. Benedict shook with laughter. His closeness was disconcerting, Amber thought, for it enticed her to move closer. She could feel his warmth, and she kept remembering the kiss they’d shared ... oh, how she remembered it. She closed her eyes to savor the memory of the soft touch of his mouth against hers, all over again.
She smiled to herself as the conversation continued with their childhood misdemeanors being brought out and aired. She wondered what it would have been like to have been raised with siblings by two loving parents instead of a grandfather who was unable to provide the female guidance a young girl needed. She’d often felt lonely, for she’d been schooled at home and had never been given the opportunity to make friends of her own age.
It could have been worse, she supposed. If her grandfather had left her in Italy she’d being spending much of her day in religious contemplation and prayer. Would the training have been enough to dampen her streak of rebellion and her new-found desire to savour life to its fullest? If she wasn’t in love with Benedict now, she thought she soon would be. It was a problem not knowing how to behave in his presence.
Her thoughts were too pleasant to let go of and she allowed them to drift where they would. Gradually, the voices faded away to a pleasant buzz . . .’
‘Amber Rose,’ somebody whispered against her ear.
Benedict, she thought, and smiled. Then her eyes flew open and s
he discovered that her head rested comfortably against his shoulder and he’d slid his arm around her for support. He was looking down at her. Her instinct was to turn her face up to his to be kissed. Just in time she remembered where she was. ‘My pardon.’ Jerking upright she gazed at her hostess, mortified. ‘How rude of me to fall asleep. I’m so sorry.’
‘Don’t be, Amber dear. I should have realised you’d be tired after all you’ve gone through. We were about to take coffee and play cards, but if you’d prefer to retire we’ll quite understand.’
‘Thank you. I would like to retire if I may.’
‘Then Ben will escort you to your room and place you in the capable hands of Annie.’
Amber rose a fraction after Benedict. ‘Thank you all for a pleasant evening. I hope to be more lively company tomorrow.’
‘Can you forgive me?’ she said when the door closed behind them.
‘For what?’
‘You know very well for what. I fell asleep.’
‘I can forgive you for anything.’ He took her hand in his and they walked up the staircase together.
She pressed against his side. ‘After what happened to me at Hartford House the shadows seem full of menace. I had not thought to feel so vulnerable now the danger has passed.’
He seated himself on the top step and pulled her down beside him. ‘Try not to worry. The house will be locked up tight and armed men will patrol the ground floor at night. Now, there’s something I need to ask you.’
‘What is it?’
‘I’ve reached the conclusion that I’ve been presumptuous, expecting you to wed me when we’ve only just met.’
All noise was drowned out by the loud beating of her heart. She was holding her breath, so expelled it and gently drew in another. ‘If that’s what my grandfather really wanted, then I’ll obey his wishes.’
‘I’d rather you married me because you held me in some regard.’
‘I hold you in great regard, but we’ve only known each other for two days so you can’t expect a miracle.’
‘Why not?’
She laughed. ‘My Lord, did you not state that you came to take stock of me, as if I was a mare you were selecting for the horse stud you told me about? This was with the view to offering matrimony. Then when you saw me you were overcome by your desire for me.’
Laughter filled his eyes. ‘My pardon for making such a crass statement.’
‘You know very well that you didn’t make it. You were a little more subtle if the way the message was phrased. Is it the truth?’
‘That I desire you? It most certainly is.’
‘Have you offered marriage to any other women you’ve desired?’
He shrugged, uncomfortable with the thought of discussing anything quite so personal with her. ‘Now you’re talking of love rather than desire. Desire doesn’t attract love, and I’m well aware that it can be satisfied without love. I do believe that love invites desire, though.’
‘But that hasn’t happened in your case, yet.’
‘Hasn’t it? I can’t recall saying that I’ve never been in love.’
‘Oh!’ She felt unreasonably miffed at the thought that he might have loved a woman. ‘Obviously there’s more to choosing a wife than just desirability. I must point out that I have nothing. No dowry, no property or title, just the clothes on my back. Would you offer me marriage because some misguided gentlemanly code of conduct suggests that you may have compromised me? If so, please allow me to release you from it.’
‘The agreement between our grandfathers–’
‘Ah, the agreement. I cannot understand why you believe an agreement between our grandfathers is binding. In fact, I’m doubting that such an agreement exists. Will you not show it to me?’
‘When I return I’ll bring it with me.’ He stood, pulling her to her feet. ‘You’re overwrought, and it’s my fault, for my intentions were not made clear to you. I do want you to be my wife, but I was premature in thinking you were ready to accept such a proposal. Now, I must go down to the drawing room. There’s the door to your room, I’ll wait here until you’re safely inside.’
‘Thank you for your proposal. Will you not kiss me goodnight?’
Surprise came into his eyes and even in the shadows she saw the smile the played around his mouth. ‘Do you want me too?’
‘Does it surprised you to know I can also feel desire ... although I must admit, I didn’t know what it was until I met you.’
He chuckled and drew her close. ‘You’re the damnedest creature, with a talent for tying me up in knots I’ve been looking at your mouth all evening, longing to take a bite from it. So, yes, I certainly will kiss you goodnight.’
If she’d thought she’d experienced desire before, he now proved her wrong. His mouth scorched her, so fire ran through her veins to heat every portion of her body. Then, as he let her go his head dipped down and he breathed a kiss against each breast bringing each nub pushing against her bodice. Lord, every part of her was asking for more, she was moist at her centre and her thighs were trembling so much she could hardly stand.
‘Oh, that was so unfair,’ she said, and for her own survival was about to push him away when he straightened and took a step back, saying, ‘Goodnight, My beautiful Amaryllis. Sleep well.’
‘You know I will not, you wretch,’ she scolded, and she removed herself to the door of her room. When he began to descend the staircase she whispered, but loudly enough for him to hear, ‘I’ll consider your presumption.’
Turning, he gazed up at her. ‘Did you say something?’
Entering her room she closed the door behind her and leaned against the door panel, a grin on her face and her finger against her mouth so Annie wouldn’t talk and interrupt the moment when her words sank in.
‘I’ll be damned,’ he said, and after a moment of silence he began to laugh.
* * * *
After Archie arrived home the next afternoon, and he’d greeted his wife, his children, and had been introduced to Amber, he then disappeared into his study with Kitt and Benedict. Benedict placed the problem of the marital agreement and the loan before his brothers-in-law.
From his position behind the desk, Archie said, ‘Now let me get this straight, Ben. Amber Rose Hartford - a young woman you met just three days ago - has accepted your proposal of marriage.'
‘Yes ... well almost. She has little choice, since it’s the best thing for her.’
‘And you disregarded the wishes of her guardian and have absconded with her? Now the pair of you are being pursued by her guardian and two companions, who sound to be an unsavory lot.’
‘Exactly. Except Patrick Hartford has not been appointed her guardian by any court. He cares nothing for her. He’s assumed her wardship because I thwarted the attempt of himself and his friends to ruin her by using her as sport.’
Kitt rumbled, ‘Is the girl wealthy?’
‘She has nothing. At least ... nothing she knows of. It’s a rather complicated affair.’ He explained. ‘Now her cousin has got wind of it, I’m afraid. All my fault, of course.’
‘Ah, I see. You stand to lose your home and horse stud over this.’ Archie grinned cheerfully at him. ‘If you’ll take my advice you’ll obtain a special licence from a bishop and wed her, as soon as possible. At least when this cousin of hers gets around to shooting you, her widowhood will be a comfortable one and she’ll get her just dues. And it would serve you right.’
‘You’ll change your mind when Emma tells you of the damage Miss Hartford sustained. No woman should be treated so badly. While Patrick is at large I fear for her - and my livelihood, of course. There’s a possibility that Hartford can lay claim to Brierly House. And I need to speak to my father and and inform him of the actions I’ve taken, and the likely outcome. I can’t take Amber there because it’s the first place they’ll think of after they’ve been to my home. It’s possible they’re lying in wait for me along the road, though I’m hoping to get to Laconbridge before them, then on
to Brierly House.’
Archie chuckled. ‘Will your father believe you’ve fallen in love at first sight?’
‘He’ll probably think history has repeated itself.’ Benedict grinned broadly. ‘I can’t recall saying I’d fallen in love with Amber Rose Hartford.’
‘You didn’t have to. It’s written all over your face every time you speak of her, for her name slides off your tongue like a caress. As for the lady in question ... ’ Now it was Kitt’s turn to grin. ‘The girl is dewy-eyed over you, like a peach ripe for the plucking.’
‘And I intend to pluck her from the tree as soon as possible, Kitt. Once she’s mine Patrick Hartford won’t have a leg to stand on. The man’s a wastrel.’
‘Have you told Amber that the reason behind the proposal is entirely mercenary?’ Archie inquired, one eyebrow quizzical.
Benedict gazed at his brother-in-law, his eyes revealing the trouble he had absorbing such a concept. ‘Oh, hell, I suppose I must sound mercenary, and it may have been that way to start with, but it’s hardly that now,’ he protested. ‘Amber Rose stands too high in my estimation. You were right, Archie, I have fallen in love with her, but I’m still growing used to the idea. Damn it, I’ve never felt about any woman like this. She’s robbed me of a brain and I’m acting purely on instinct.’
Kitt’s laughter was a deep, warm rumble. ‘Women have a tendency to train men like dogs. Eventually, we jump over a stick every time they snap their fingers and we end up drooling and wagging our tails like fools when they tickle us under the chin.’
Benedict grinned at the thought of any woman turning him into a slave. It would be the other way around when they were wed! If Amber Rose wanted to learn what desire was all about he’d tie her to the mattress for the first week or so.
He grinned, placing the agreeable thought to one side. ‘Nevertheless, a man must protect his property and I’ve had a good offer for Brierly House. Be damned if I’m going to allow Hartford to profit from it. In fact, I’m after the property he’s just inherited if it comes on the market. I’ll make a fair offer for it. I haven’t informed Amber of the business reason behind this, and neither will I.’