Marcus ran a hand over his face, attempting to control his rage. Why was she twisting everything? Studying her beautiful face, glowing with fury, his chest ached. Every part of him called out, demanding he take her in his arms and keep her for himself. She was the only woman he’d ever wanted.
“I don’t want to argue with you.”
“You should have thought about that before you began telling me how little I count.” She let out a mirthless laugh. “The worst part is that you tried to warn me off, but I didn’t listen. I’m such a fool.”
Unable to take the pain in her eyes, he grabbed her hand and drew her to him. Thankfully, she didn’t resist as he wrapped his arms around her. He wished everything between them was different. If only he had put his prejudice of her aside a long time ago. Then, they could have been betrothed or married right now.
“You aren’t the fool. I am.” He pressed a kiss to her temple, but she pulled away from him.
“Thank you for the lovely evening, my lord. Please excuse me.”
As she walked back toward the guests enjoying a stroll through the moonlit gardens, he remained rooted to the spot. His brain was yelling at him. Begging him to chase after her, but he let her walk away. It was the hardest thing he’d done, but it was the right thing to do.
The remainder of the evening, he kept a close watch on Miss Ashford. Although she seemed agitated, she eventually gave up and allowed him to remain by her side. After that, he continually scanned the crowd for Isabella. She never reappeared.
When he noticed Midcliffe wasn’t in attendance either, he breathed a little easier. However, the idea she had returned home early because of him dropped a rock in the pit of his stomach.
By the end of the evening, his head pounded with a ferocity he could barely stand, but he knew the night wasn’t over. He had one more task ahead of him. It wasn’t something he looked forward to, but it was a necessity.
Once all the guests had returned home, and his mother had retired, he invited Miss Ashford to join him in the drawing room. She had been unusually quiet, but he was hoping to change that.
“Did you enjoy the event?” he asked as they were seated.
She shrugged. “Some of it. Do you know what happened to Lady Isabella? I would have thought that after all of our planning, she would have at least remained until the end.”
His throat grew thick. He didn’t want to think about her, much less talk about her. “I’m not sure. I saw her early on, then she disappeared.”
“That is a shame. I suppose I shall invite her over tomorrow to speak to her about it.” Miss Ashford wiped a hand over her forehead as if weary.
“Miss Ashford, I’d like to talk to you about something important.”
Her eyes widened as they rested upon him. “Of course. Is everything all right?”
He nodded, wishing he didn’t have to go through with this. “I was simply thinking about our talks over the time you’ve been here, and I’ve come to a decision.” He stopped, working up the nerve to continue.
“Yes,” she prompted, at his silence.
Taking a deep breath, he attempted a smile. “You have less than a week remaining on your stay, so I believe it is time for us to officially become betrothed.”
She nodded her head slowly, as if she only now realized he’d intended to speak of their upcoming nuptials. The contemplative way she watched him didn’t give a hint to her thoughts. He had imagined she would have been pleased by the decision to get this behind them.
“Do you love me?”
He coughed at her question. Where had that come from? Although he’d wanted her to desire more from marriage, he couldn’t give her that. Love was hardly ever an option for anyone.
“I thought you were looking for a household to run. I can give you that.”
She brushed away a speck of dirt on her skirt as if their discussion held little to no importance. “I know that, and it is not what I asked you.”
“We have already addressed this. I don’t harbor those feelings for anyone. That hasn’t changed.”
“What about for Lady Isabella? I see how the two of you look at one another.”
Shock stabbed through his body. That was precisely what he hadn’t wanted her to notice. Guilt weighed heavily on his chest. He’d made a promise to the girl, then made her uncomfortable for wanting to accept it.
“I don’t love her.”
With a snort, Miss Ashford rolled her eyes. “When is everyone going to realize I see more than they think? There are very few secrets that can be kept. Regardless of what they believe, most people display them openly.”
Marcus shook his head. “Say what you will, but I don’t love her. The two of us have become close in recent days, but that is all.”
“You may not have those exact feelings, but something more exists between the two of you. Why would you offer for me while experiencing such things with her?”
“There is nothing between Lady Isabella and I any longer. Rest assured, after tonight, she will not be an issue ever again.”
Miss Ashford shot to her feet. “What have you done? Are you the reason she left?”
The girl’s pacing intensified his headache. What occasion did she have to be distressed? He thought she would be relieved to find out Isabella wouldn’t come between them.
“Miss Ashford, it’s late. I have no patience for translating your actions at present. Please tell me what is wrong.”
When she turned to face him, he read fury in her eyes. “I can’t believe you would do this. I was so certain she meant more to you than to have you discard her in this manner.”
He got to his feet, feeling his own anger mounting. “What of the promise I made to you? That was arranged before I had any thoughts on the lady.”
She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Over the past weeks, I tried my best to put the two of you together. I thought about what everyone keeps telling me about obtaining more out of marriage, and I want that for myself. Or, perhaps I shall never marry.”
“No. You don’t have to—”
She silenced him with her raised hand. “Don’t worry about me. I’m going to London in a number of days. I will have my season. It’s you I’m concerned with. Lady Isabella may offer you what you need. I would hate for you to lose that.”
Gratitude and relief infused him. He closed his eyes, not trusting his voice at the moment with the overwhelming emotions swirling through him. Could he actually be free to marry Isabella? She claimed she wanted him, handicap and all.
She deserved better, he hadn’t changed his mind about that. However, he was willing to do whatever necessary to make himself worthy of her. Perhaps it was time to let her decide.
He cringed as he recalled their earlier conversation. Somehow, he needed to get to her and explain. To make her understand. To beg her to take him back.
He only hoped it wasn’t too late.
~ ~ ~
Isabella dipped her toe in the water, watching as it slowly soaked into her stocking. She didn’t care if she got wet, and part of her wanted to jump into the stream and simply float away.
As she thought back to her first swim of the spring, her throat grew thick and her eyes burned. Her life would be so different had Marcus not stumbled upon her that day. Both of them would have passed by each other only holding onto their previous beliefs they held of each other. Then, she wouldn’t have to feel like this.
Raymond came up from behind her and settled beside her on the rock, facing the opposite direction. “It isn’t often you let me catch you. Have you lost your touch?”
His teasing voice couldn’t reach her. “Maybe you are just getting better.”
He stiffened. “What has happened? Your brother told me you begged him to leave the gathering at Avange Manor early. That isn’t like you.”
Resisting the urge to snort, she dipped her toe into the water again. He was wrong. Over the years, she’d asked Henry a number of times to take her home, but it had been for en
tirely different reasons. And, he’d never agreed before.
“As I told Henry last night, I had a headache. The throbbing didn't lessen until my head rested upon my pillow."
"So, you are going to claim it has nothing to do with Starsen?”
She let out a sigh. “Him, again? You and my brother need to come up with something new.”
“That man is just asking for trouble. He arrived at Midcliffe today, requesting to see you. Had the situation not been so serious, I would have laughed at the rage on your brother’s face. I thought the man was going to strangle him right there in the entryway.”
Gripping her fists tightly, Isabella did her best to keep her breathing even. Why would Marcus do such a thing? Again? He knew better than to seek her out at home. Especially now.
“Did he say why he wanted to see me?” She silently praised her calm voice.
“He refused. Saying only that it was urgent. I find it strange that he could have an important matter to discuss with you when you claim to have had no contact with him.”
Anger bubbled up inside her. “How am I supposed to guess what goes through that man’s head? Perhaps he wants to throw another gathering for Miss Ashford. Or, give an announcement to their betrothal. I don’t know, and frankly, I don’t care.”
A long silence followed her words. Isabella used the time to calm herself and clear her racing thoughts. She couldn’t believe Marcus would be so careless as to try this again. Obviously, he didn’t understand the extent of Henry’s dislike of him.
“Do you know why your brother has asked me to accompany you everywhere you go?”
She faced him. Honestly, she had no idea why Raymond had been chosen. A maid would have been a more logical choice. For a long time now, the relationship between the two men had puzzled her, and Henry’s implicit trust in Raymond was very unusual for her half-brother.
“I don’t know.”
A rueful smile tugged at the corners of Raymond’s mouth. “Fifteen years ago, my family had fallen on hard times, and I was chosen to work for some questionable characters rather than beg on the street. After five years of learning their trade, I’d become a valuable tool.”
“What did you do?” Isabella was fascinated to learn more about the man who’d followed her for so long.
“Bad things I have no intention of mentioning. However, when your brother caught me in the midst of an assignment, I had two choices. To face my death at the hands of the authorities, or go work for him and earn an honest living.”
“Then, Henry saved you.” A smile spread her lips. She never knew the story, and it explained so much.
He nodded. “You’re probably wondering why I’m telling you this. Well, you already know where my loyalty lies, and as you are entrusted to me, I feel a tremendous responsibility for you.” His face darkened. “If anyone were to hurt you in any manner, be assured, my training from years ago hasn’t been forgotten.”
Isabella swallowed. “No one has hurt me.”
“Good. I will make sure it remains that way.”
As they sat in silence, Isabella changed her opinion about the man sitting next to her. She wasn’t even curious about his previous profession any more, as she was fairly certain she didn’t really want to know. Clearly, it had been serious. The thought made her uncomfortable.
One thing was for certain, she could never let Raymond know how badly Marcus had hurt her. She had no doubt the man would follow through on his threat.
Chapter 11
“Tell me what you found out,” Marcus demanded the second Christopher entered the study.
“Have a care, Marcus. I may not be a gentleman of your class, but after what you put me through, I think I deserve a brandy, and possibly even the courtesy of a seat.” Christopher plopped into a chair and gave him a pointed look.
“Very well. You talk while I pour the drink. I think I’ve waited long enough.”
“You haven’t seen the lady in three days, and already you’re becoming a bear to be around. I would be put out if I wasn’t so damn happy for you.”
Marcus almost overfilled the brandy in his shock. “Happy for me? You wanted me to find a woman I actually wanted to marry only to have everything fall apart?”
“Not exactly.” Christopher grabbed his brandy and took a swig before spinning the glass around in his palm. “This girl has passion. Or at least, brings out the passion in you. I’ve never seen you like this before.”
Running a hand through his hair, Marcus dropped himself into his chair. If this was how it felt to be passionate about someone, he didn’t want it. Over the past few days, he’d written her many letters, hoping she would visit their spot. Nothing. He even went as far as to send one of his staff members to hand deliver her a letter. Again, nothing.
He cringed thinking of the one mistake of showing up at Midcliffe. The earl hadn’t been too pleased. The man had easily seen through his claims to be requesting to deliver a missive from Miss Ashford. It didn’t help that Marcus refused to allow the man to take it to her.
“I’ve never felt like this before,” Marcus admitted. “When we were together, I knew I had to give her up, and I accepted it. Now, however, I refuse to accept anything less than her as my wife.”
His friend eyed him thoughtfully. “And, what if the girl has decided she wants nothing from you? What is your plan?”
Marcus’s heart sank. “Did she tell you that? No. Not good enough. She wants me. I know it. I just need to . . . I don’t know. I’m not above breaking into the house, but I have to see her. I have to talk to her.”
“That’s interesting. And, no. I haven’t heard that she doesn’t want you. As a matter of fact, I have found no mention of you at all.”
A stabbing pain centered in Marcus’s chest. He couldn’t accept that he was too late. They had to keep trying.
“Who have you talked to?” Marcus barely recognized his own voice.
Christopher’s face transformed, pulling Marcus from his sad state. “Her name is Elise. Red hair that sparkles golden the sun, and darkens to a chestnut shade in the shadow.”
An unbidden smile twisted Marcus’s lips. “Certainly interesting enough for a man of varied tastes like yourself.”
“I don’t know if I should thank you, or punch you for making me befriend someone in that house.”
“If it’s such a chore, you don’t have to go back over there. Just tell me what you found out.”
For the first time in their entire friendship, Christopher appeared unsure. The sight would have made Marcus laugh had he been at ease. It seemed Elise was more than a conquest for him.
“I will go back to Midcliffe whether you wanted me to or not. I-I think I’m in love with her.”
Marcus’s mouth fell open. “You’ve known the girl for three days. How can you claim to feel so strongly for her?”
“I don’t know, but I can’t deny what I’m experiencing. She’s different than any other woman I’ve met. Hell, my charm didn’t even work on her.” Christopher shook his head incredulously. “I’ve never had to try so hard to get a woman’s attention.”
“Now, I understand why you have found nothing that could help me. You spent too much time attempting to do the impossible and make a girl fall for you. I’d say it was a lost cause.”
Christopher’s huge grin told him otherwise. “Elise may not have known much about you, but she knew plenty about Lady Isabella.”
“Tell me,” Marcus demanded.
“Did you mean what you said? About breaking into the house?”
“Absolutely.”
“Good.” Christopher stood, set his glass down on the desk, and moved toward the doorway.
“Wait a minute. Where are you going?”
“If we are going to find a way to get you into the manor unnoticed, I need to speak with Elise. With any luck, we can make the arrangements for tonight.”
The remainder of the day, Marcus couldn’t concentrate on anything. Nothing but thoughts of Isabella entered hi
s head, no matter how hard he tried to focus on anything else. He wasn’t sure what he would do if she didn’t give him another chance.
Tonight. The thought had his heart thumping and his throat closing. What would he say to her? Too many times he pushed her away. He shook his head. He couldn’t think about that now.
Hours later, Marcus looked down at a redheaded girl, who was smaller than Isabella. The idea that this tiny, slip of a girl had managed to tame Christopher was comical. She appeared to have a sweet disposition and a warm face. Nothing like the typical girl Christopher was drawn to.
“You.” Elise shoved a hand at his chest. “This one tells me you want to get into my lady’s room. That isn’t approved by me.”
Instantly, Marcus liked her. Anyone who would chance talking to an earl in that manner in order to protect Isabella was worthy in his eyes. It made him happy that multiple people were willing to protect Isabella, but he would not allow any one of them to come between him and her.
“I mean no harm to the lady,” Marcus assured. “I simply have to talk to her. I tried in the normal methods, but Midcliffe has refused me.”
Her lips pinched tight. “Mayhap the lord is right and you mean her no good.”
“Elise,” Christopher chided. “I thought we went over this. Tell me, what kind of man puts himself through so much trouble for one woman. Surely you can see his intentions are pure.”
Marcus wanted to rejoice when the woman’s shoulders relaxed. “Very well, but only because I found your letters. I didn’t read them, but the mistress had me peek in the messenger’s bag by the stream.”
Hope infused Marcus’s soul. So, she hadn’t completely discarded him. She may have been angry at him, but he was still on her mind
“Then, tell me. How do I find her?”
“Follow me.” She took off toward the side of the house.
Ensnaring Lord Starsen Page 13