Once Dartanian was rescued and she was safe, he would walk away and never see her again. He could not watch her be wooed and won by a better man, although he hoped she would find someone worthy of her. It humbled him that when facing death, she would have entrusted her son to his care and guardianship. How he would have upheld that against the Duke of Diamonte he couldn’t fathom. He still had no idea how they were to rescue Dartanian and keep Valeria safe. What would they do about the Duke? The peerage were above the laws for the common man. As a Marquess, he didn’t face those laws either. A different brand of justice prevailed in these cases. However, when treason was involved? That made things even more dicey.
He wished they could just go in and kill the man and keep him from harming anyone else but unless it was self-defense it would be unconscionable to do that.
He shifted his gaze. His eyes fell on her lips and he instantly grew warm at the thought of how they’d felt when pressed to his. He had the impression she’d never experienced passion before. If anyone was a buffleheaded idiot it was Damon St. John. His gaze came to her neck and the small red mark that remained from that knife point. Anger burned in him at the callousness of her attacker. His eyes traveled lower to the steady rise and fall of her chest and to her hands as they were twisting a handkerchief.
It was his from yesterday. She must have cleaned it last night for there were no stains. That she’d kept it instead of returning it to him gave him hope.
His gaze came up and he found her brown eyes glancing back at him, one eyebrow slightly raised. Her saffron hair was coming loose from its chignon tucked low at the back of her neck.
He groaned and turned his head to view the passing English landscape, the smell of orange blossoms torturing and tempting him to dream of things that were not meant to be.
7
Theo was quiet at the dinner table that evening.
There was no private room, so they had to sit in the common room for their meal. That limited conversation because of the locals around enjoying their ale. The men keep a vigilant watch on any newcomer to the pub.
Theo stayed by Valeria’s side.
What the inn lacked in atmosphere it made up for in the quality of the food. Valeria was not sure when she had ever enjoyed such succulent pork, and the potatoes served were far from plain.
The best part of the evening was that Lord Harrow was forced to sit close to her on the bench. Her thigh pressed against his as they ate together. A surprise for her came when it was time to go upstairs to her accommodations.
Lord Harrow assisted her up the stairs.
“Lady St. John.”
“My lord?”
“I will be standing guard outside your door through the night. This inn is not as safe as some previous and there were not enough rooms for us all. I just wanted you to know that I would be here watching over you.”
“The others?”
“Phillip and Marcus are sharing the only other room available and Michael is bedding down in the stables. Do not worry for him. He has endured far worse accommodations.”
“It seems wrong that a Marquess would be sleeping on the floor in a cold hallway.”
Theo shrugged. “It is only right that someone stand guard after the attacks that have already been made on your life. Since I may rest in the carriage tomorrow, it falls to me. I promise I will not be drinking tonight.” He picked up her hand and placed a kiss on the back.
His lips touching her bare skin sent shivers up her arm and throughout her body. She entered the room and locked the door behind her. She changed for bed. Knowing that the gentleman on the other side would be protecting her was calming. But the air was cold and the hallway unheated. She stoked the fire, grabbed extra blankets, then made a makeshift bed on the rug in front of the fireplace. She wrapped her robe tight, went back to the door, and unlocked it.
Theo turned as she opened the door and peered into the dark hallway. “Lady St. John?”
Valeria put a finger up to her lips, grabbed him by the arm, and hauled him into her room. She quickly shut the door behind him and locked it.
Theo leaned against the wall by the door with his arms folded as he stared at her.
“There is no reason for you to shiver in the hallway. You can just as easily protect me from within.” She pointed to the pallet by the fireplace. “I’m sorry it is not more than that. I would not give you the wrong idea. I only could not bear thinking of you alone in that dark hallway without any comfort or rest.”
“If this is discovered, you realize you may be forced to marry me.” Theo was clenching his jaw. A vein throbbed on the side facing her that was illuminated by the fire.
She sighed. “And would that be so bad?” She turned to move away from him but he grabbed her by her good arm and pulled her back until she was flush against his body. They stood eye to eye, nose to nose. This was not a man who would ever rule over her with an abusive iron fist—but one who would treat her as an equal. Any notions of propriety slipped away as the coolness of his body seeped through her dressing gown. She leaned in closer wanting to warm him.
His eyes turned a dark olive green in the firelight as they searched hers, and then gazed at her lips. His other hand came up to caress her jaw, and she leaned her face into it. His fingers touched her hair, and she could tell it distracted him. She’d brushed it out but hadn’t thought to braid it and despised headwear at night. His fingers ran through her locks slowly, and he appeared mesmerized. She loved that small act of gentleness.
His hand came back up and again rested against her face. His thumb moved over her cheekbone and the small scar that remained from the tumble she had taken in the park rescuing Reginald. How long ago had that been now? It seemed like an eternity when it truly was only a little more than a week. She couldn’t think. His other arm released her hand and snaked around her waist pulling her closer.
“No. It would not be bad at all. I believe I would find it quite enjoyable.”
Theo tipped his head, his lips met hers, and she melted as if she were in the fireplace. She could not help but respond. Her good arm came up and she rested her hand on his chest in between them. His heart beat, strong and steady beneath her palm and all she knew was she wanted him. Reluctantly she pushed back. “I...”
Theo released her. “I apologize. Perhaps it would be better if I return to the hall.”
“No. Please? I would feel safer with you here.”
“Safer from outside intruders, but not necessarily safe from me.” Theo gave a half-grin.
She shook her head. “You, sir, are an irresistible combination of gentleman and rogue.” She stepped away and pointed toward the bed on the floor. “That, my lord, is the best offer you will find tonight.”
“My lady is a heartless temptress, and I am but your servant.” He bowed and moved over to a chair to remove his boots.
She padded over to the bed. Keeping her robe on, she climbed under the covers and watched him, his face in shadows, with the fire brightly burning behind him.
“Sleep well, Theo.”
“Sleep safe, my lady.” With that, fully clothed, he threw the covers up over his body as he settled onto the hard floor with his face towards her and his gun placed under his pillow.
Valeria smiled as she fell asleep.
A few hours later, Valeria heard a noise at the door. The fire was low, and she couldn’t for a moment remember where she was. A rattle at the window sent a shiver of fear down her back.
“Shhh. Where’s your gun?” he whispered. Theo was by the bed to the side of the window and in full view of the door.
Valeria pulled her gun out from under her own pillow.
Theo nodded, a gun in his right hand and a knife in his left. He was in his stocking feet and his coat was off. Even in the scant illumination of the fire and the moonlight the material stretched across his chest and arms.
She took a deep breath and prayed for safety. Peace descended at knowing this man was by her side to protect her.
Theo took one look to make sure it was not someone he recognized before he fired. The sound reverberated through the room. He quickly moved to the window, threw up the sash, and kicked his foot out to the body there. A scream rent the air as the would-be intruder fell to the yard below. Theo slammed the window closed and locked it. Turning to the door he went to inspect the injured man.
Valeria’s heart pounded but she threw back the blankets, put her feet on the cold floor, and padded to the fire to light a candle. She lit a second one and brought it to Theo, who was now accompanied by Phillip and Marcus, both dressed in robes.
Theo tried to block her view of the intruder. “Go back to bed, Lady St. John. You are safe now.”
Marcus and Phillip dragged the body away.
Theo came back into the room and locked the door behind him.
“Is he dead?”
Theo went to sit in a chair by the fire and picked up the poker to prod the flames back to life. He leaned forward with his head in his hands.
Valeria came up behind him and placed her hands on his shoulders. Her right shoulder hurt but she needed to offer comfort. She massaged his shoulders gently.
He slowly relaxed. He sat back and placed one hand over hers. Clasping it, he moved her to his side and wrapped an arm around her waist to bring her to a seated position on his knees.
Valeria cupped her hand on his chin, bent forward and placed her lips there, then over each eye, on the bridge of his nose and his other cheek. She rested her head on his shoulder and allowed him to hold her close.
Neither said a word.
She felt safe—as though she had finally found home.
When she awoke in the morning she was back in her bed, covered up. The fire was blazing and the bed on the floor was gone, all the blankets neatly folded on a trunk in the corner. A cup of something warm was awaiting her as well as some food on a table by the fire. She went to check the door and it was locked. Valeria quickly dressed and put her hair up, sipping the coffee and snatching bites to eat. The sun was well up and the men had obviously chosen to let her sleep after the events of the night.
She was eager to see Theodore again. The man once again saved her life and was winning her heart with his gentle ways.
~*~
Theo assisted Valeria into the carriage. At the sound of a horse riding fast toward them, he pulled out his gun. He would be glad when this was over, and his heart rate could return to normal.
As the horse drew closer Theo squinted. Jared? Theo put his gun back in his holster and walked toward the horse as it slowed before him.
“What ho, Theo!” Jared leapt from the horse and as the horse skittered sideways, Captain Jared Allendale brushed off his trousers.
“Why are you here?” Theo asked as he clasped hands with the newcomer.
Marcus had just stepped outside with Phillip and soon all the men were gathered around Marcus Remington’s younger brother.
“I made a trip to London. Lord Hughes appraised me of what was afoot and sent me after you.” Jared looked at his brother. “Josie, Katrina, and Beth have all removed to Rose Hill with the children and are under guard.”
Marcus patted his brother on the back. “I am glad. Thank you for easing my mind.”
Michael was leading three horses when he saw Jared. “Whoop!” he yelled as he joined the circle of men.
“I came to lend assistance. Remember that Whitehall would prefer him captured and evidence collected to convict of treason.”
“What of Lord Wolton? We believe he may be involved as well,” Phillip asked.
“Wolton survived?” Jared’s eyes widened.
“From what we understand,” Phillip shook his head.
“I wish I had been there for that adventure, Phillip. But I’m glad that you and Beth made a good life for yourselves since that nightmare ended.”
“Do you need to rest before we continue on?”
Jared stared at the carriage. “If I can ride in there, I can rest on the way. I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
Theo led Jared to the carriage. The door still hung open. Valeria was peeking out. Theo grinned at her curiosity and how she tried to mask it as they approached. “Lady St. John, I would like to introduce you to Captain Jared Allendale, aide-de-camp to Wellesley and younger brother to Lord Remington. He’s come to join us on this adventure.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Captain.” Valeria nodded to the newcomer.
“If it would not inconvenience you, I will be joining you in the carriage,” Jared said.
“I’m sure that Lord Harrow and I can accommodate you.”
“Theo, you are riding inside?” Jared asked.
Theo nodded. “Why would I pass up the opportunity to spend time with a beautiful woman?” He winked at Valeria who slid over on the seat to allow the two men to enter.
“Rear facing?” Jared asked.
“One of us should be in case an attack comes from behind. I want Lady St. John to be in the corner, out of range of any possible gunshot.” Theo jumped in and took the center of the rear-facing seat allowing Jared the corner of the opposing one. Theo had not slept much during the night but understood that Jared was exhausted from his travels and needed the rest more.
The carriage took off and Theo tried to relax. His gaze kept going to Valeria.
“Thank you for protecting me last night.” She finally spoke when it became apparent that the Captain had fallen asleep.
Theo nodded. What else was there to say after the intimacy of the night before? He’d rested on the floor. The moonlight shone in on her face and made her hair appear as a halo around her head. He longed to lay his head next to hers on that comfortable bed and find comfort in the soft curves of her body. But instead he flipped on to his back and an ache welled up from within as the cold of the floor penetrated the rug beneath him. He watched the firelight reflect and shift in shadows on the ceiling and almost missed the first sound of a scratch at the door.
When he heard it the second time he’d grabbed his gun and knife and crawled along the floor toward the bed. He spied a shadow moving from outside the window, blocking the moon. It gave him good cover, but there were at least two attackers, coming from both directions. He was grateful that she’d encouraged him to be in the room instead of out. He’d have perhaps stopped the outside intruder, but might not have discovered the attacker coming in from the window until it was too late.
He glanced to Valeria. She appeared to have slept well. It had been heaven holding her in his arms after the intruders had been dispatched. To be so close and inhale her scent, was torture and wonderful at the same time. When she finally fell asleep in his arms it was with great reluctance that he’d placed her back in the bed and covered her up without joining her there. He never managed to go back to sleep, reclining on the floor for the longest time listening for any creak or scratch in the old Inn.
He yawned and tried to keep his gaze toward the back window as he leaned his head back to rest.
Soon Valeria sat next to him with her side pressed to his. He dared not move lest he awaken Jared. His eyes opened, and he glanced to the side.
She smiled at him and rested a hand his thigh. The muscle twitched.
“Rest, Theo. I can keep watch for a while.” She leaned forward and kissed his cheek.
He gazed at her and nodded. He had no words to say. He leaned his head back and fell asleep.
At mid-day, they stopped, got out for a stretch and a quick meal while the horses were changed.
In spite of apparent fatigue, Jared flirted with Valeria and she giggled at his comments.
Theo wanted to punch him.
Michael had a grim look on his face.
Theo walked over to his friend. “Michael, about the other night.”
“Theo. It’s over. We all have our bad moments. We are still friends and I will always have your back. Love can be torture and fighti
ng the Black Diamond raises my hackles as well. We will all be tense as we head into this.”
“Do you ever get scared?”
Michael snorted. “All the time when it comes to battles. Part of me gets filled with energy and excitement, but underneath is fear. I want to be able to return home to my wife and watch our children grow. I gave up this line of work because I didn’t want to risk leaving her a widow.”
“But you willingly joined us on this journey.”
“If it were my son, you all would drop anything to be there to help.”
“But Dartanian is not your son, nor is he mine.”
Michael sighed. “Dartanian is my nephew and he may become your son when this is over. We are friends. We do things like this for each other.”
Theo laughed. “We never experienced adventures like this when we were growing up.”
Michael patted him on the shoulder. “No, these kinds of things only began when women started taking our hearts hostage. Even Henrietta and Lord Percy had a run in with the Black Diamond.”
“Really?”
“Yes, but Marcus doesn’t know that was originally behind their marriage.”
“But you knew?”
“Yeah, and Jared.”
“So, Josie wasn’t the first time he’s struck?”
“Nope, but then Josie and Marcus, then Beth and Phillip...then Katrina.”
“Katrina always held your heart,” Theo added.
“True, but I was too dense to realize that treasure for what it was at the time.” Michael grinned. “I wouldn’t trade any of it for what I have gained.” He paused. “Well, I would gladly trade the torture Katrina went through if I could have.”
“You’ve needed to kill people.” It was a statement and a question.
Michael frowned. “More than I would care to remember.”
“How do you live with that?”
“It was either kill or be killed. Many of those killed would have been responsible for the loss of far more lives on the battlefield. It was never easy to do even though I was good at it. The first few times I became so sick I threw up. Eventually, I was able to shut it out and move on but sometimes, those battles still come back to haunt me.”
Lord Harrow's Heart Page 9