Isabella sucked in her breath as a lone tear fell from the woman’s eyes.
“The carriage slowed to take a turn, so we didn’t realize we had taken on a passenger. When the door came open, a young boy slipped inside. He couldn’t have been much more than fifteen.”
“Good God.” Isabella couldn’t contain her reaction.
“He looked at me, and his brows drew together. He said ‘you shouldn’t be here.’ Then, before my husband could react, he grabbed me and flung me from the still moving carriage.” Her voice grew thick, and she covered her face with her hands.
Now it was Isabella’s turn to comfort. Taking the frail woman her arms, Isabella patted the woman’s back. “It’s all right. You don’t have to continue.”
Lady Burman sniffed loudly. “I’m fine. I’ll just never forget the sound of the gunshot. Everything after that is blank. I was told I hit my head and that’s why I will be blind forever.”
“And, the viscount was murdered?” Bile rose to Isabella’s throat. She’d never encountered anyone who had been so close to a murderer.
A pained expression crossed Lady Burman’s face as she nodded. “They never found out why and the boy was never seen again. The authorities suspect he was under the control of someone powerful.”
“I’m so sorry.” Isabella could barely talk through her thick voice.
“You’re probably wondering why I’m telling you this. You see, had I never told Conway how I felt about him, I would have to live the rest of my life knowing I failed to share with him such happiness. We lived every moment to the fullest. I want that for you.”
“But, if I tell him, something bad will happen. Perhaps not death, but I suspect something close.”
The viscountess chuckled, her sorrow seeming to dissipate. “It always feels that way. But, don’t you think your gentleman has a right to know how you feel? Young people always imagine everything being so much worse than it is.”
“You don’t understand. My brother isn’t known for an abundance of kindness. If he decides against the match, he won’t allow it.”
“I believe you are being overly dramatic. Do you honestly believe the earl capable of causing someone physical harm? I don’t think so. That man uses his sharp tongue. Not his fists.”
Biting her lip, Isabella thought about Henry. The viscountess was correct in that Isabella had not seen him in a fight. He’d never, ever, laid a hand on her no matter how angry he’d been. Although his temper was fierce and his words cruel, he never caused lasting damage.
“That is true, but what if he changes his mind? I would hate to take a chance and allow something terrible to happen to the man I love.”
“Do you not trust your gentleman? Is he not intelligent and strong? Perhaps you should tell him of your concern and allow him to make his own decision.”
She nodded, feeling much better. Then, an uncomfortable idea hit her. “What if he decides I’m not worth it? I don’t think I could handle that.”
“I can’t imagine that outcome, but in the event it does take place, you should count yourself lucky. Most women don’t get the chance to discover the true feelings of a man before tying herself to him.”
“Thank you, my lady.” Isabella hugged the woman. “I do believe you are right. I need to go plan how I can see him again. Then, I’ll let him decide.”
“Good girl. Don’t forget to come tell me how it all works out.”
After promising to keep Lady Burman updated, Isabella left the manor with her head high. Tonight she would make a point to talk to Henry without giving anything away. If he didn’t indicate he would cause harm to Marcus, she would be able to go forward with her plan. Then, she could tell Marcus how she felt, and they could deal with anything that arose together.
“Such a beautiful flower.” Viscount Burman’s slimy voice made her hair stand on end. “Perhaps I should help you find your way back into my garden.”
Forcing a laugh, she waved away his words. “You are such a tease, my lord.”
He took a few steps toward her, forcing her to retreat. When her back made contact with the side of the manor, fear touched her, but she pushed it away. In the past, he only tried to kiss her a few times. She always put him down, and he had backed off. However, she’d never been stuck between him and a wall.
“No. Not a tease. There is action behind my words.” His hot breath wafted over her face.
She turned her head, wishing she could run as his arms caged her in. “Please, my lord. I should be going.”
“That’s not what you want. I’ve seen how you—”
“Let her go,” Raymond practically snarled.
Relief flooded her, only to be doused. From the look on the viscount’s face, he didn’t intend to give up easily.
“Be gone with you. This is none of your concern.”
Raymond grabbed the viscount and tossed him off of her, then took his place in front of her. “Wrong. She is my concern.”
The menace in his voice made her shrink back. Fury rolled off of him like heat from a fire. She’d never seen Raymond like that before, and frankly, it scared her.
“How dare . . . You! What are you doing here?”
“If you ever even think about touching this lady again, I will rip your heart out with my bare hands.” Raymond’s voice had calmed, but the threat was still there.
Lord Burman’s eyes darted to her then back to Raymond’s as his throat worked rapidly. “I didn’t harm the girl. Besides, she”—Raymond growled—“You have my word, I won’t touch her.”
Raymond turned slowly to face her, his expression sympathetic. “My lady, I think it is best that I see you home now.”
Nodding, she took off in the direction of her mare, Raymond close behind her. The fear and recognition on the viscount’s face worried her, as did the danger coming from Raymond.
She couldn’t bring herself to look at him as she mounted her mare and tore off toward Midcliffe. Her plan dissolved before her eyes, clouding her vision. Henry may not be capable of harm, but Raymond certainly was. One word from her half-brother and Raymond would hurt Marcus. She couldn’t bear it. She loved him too much. She could never have him.
Chapter 14
Marcus took the final sip of his brandy then laughed as Christopher poured him another. It seemed his friend was experiencing trouble with his girl, and didn’t wish to drink alone. Marcus saw no harm in appeasing him.
“Do you intend to tell me what has driven you to the bottle today? Did Elise discover you have no talent between the sheets?”
Tossing back his glass, Christopher grimaced. “I would prefer that was the case. As it stands, the stubborn woman refuses to allow me in her bed.”
Marcus’s grin widened. “Smart woman.”
“Aren’t you going to drink that?” Christopher pushed the glass closer to him.
“I think I’ve had enough. When everything becomes amusing, I have learned to stop.”
“But, I haven’t stopped. If you were truly my friend, you wouldn’t allow me to wallow in the bottle alone. Split it with me. Everything will be easier that way.” The misery in Christopher’s voice sobered Marcus up in an instant.
He’d never known his normally joyous friend to over-imbibe. Nor had he known the man to react so strongly to a woman. He knew Christopher claimed to love Elise, but he frequently professed that emotion for the lady of the day. Either this was real or something else had happened.
“I’m done drinking.” To emphasize his point, Marcus collected the bottle and both full glasses, depositing them on the sidebar as he ignored his friend’s protest. “Tell me what has happened.”
“Elise isn’t speaking to me. She has it in her head that you have done something to Lady Isabella. I told her that was ridiculous, and we had a huge argument over it.”
“What do you mean? I haven’t harmed Lady Isabella and, as a matter of fact, I shall soon marry her.” Pride puffed out Marcus’s chest. He couldn’t wait to see her again. Their trip t
o Gretna Green would be filled with excitement and passion. Then, once they returned to Avange Manor, he would see to it that she didn’t leave his bed for a fortnight. His body tingled at the thought.
“From what Elise tells me, that’s not going to happen.”
Fury shot through Marcus. He got to his feet and leaned over his desk. “Don’t you dare tell me what’s not going to happen. Elise is wrong. Isabella and I will be married very soon.”
Instead of fighting back, Christopher’s face crumbled and he covered it with his hands. “We’ve lost them. Both gone. I just don’t know what to do.”
“I can’t accept that. Get up. We’re going to fix this right now.”
Marcus knew he wasn’t welcome at Midcliffe, but nothing could hold him back from Isabella. As he moved, he was unsteady on his feet. Perhaps he had imbibed more than he thought. It didn’t matter.
“It’s the middle of the day and I’d imagine neither of us will receive a welcome. What do you plan to do?”
After replacing the bottle and glasses on his desk, Marcus sat down. “We’ll wait. I already know how to get into her bedchamber. Then, once I’m done with Isabella, we’ll rouse Elise.”
~ ~ ~
Later that night as Marcus scaled up the side of Midcliffe Manor, he cursed himself for a fool. Although the alcohol swimming inside him deadened the pain in his leg, he experienced much more difficulty than the last time he’d taken this route to Isabella’s bedchamber.
Reaching the window, he pushed it open, thrilled that she had left it unlocked. Had she been hoping he would come to her? The idea that anyone could make it into her chamber bothered him, but he couldn’t regret the convenience it provided him at present.
His eyes adjusted to the darkness and he found her still form under the covers. Stumbling toward the bed, his mind conjured the delights they’d shared for the first time in this very room. His breeches became too tight. He wanted her. He always wanted her.
Moving carefully, he crawled up the bed and sighed at the perfection of her beautiful olive skin and black hair illuminated by the moonlight. He ran a finger down her cheek, and her plump lips parted. Unable to scorn the invitation, he pressed his mouth to hers. She moaned and moved her lips under his.
He wasn’t sure if she was asleep or awake, but he didn’t care. Soon enough, she would realize he wasn’t a dream. He ran his tongue along the seam of her mouth and silently rejoiced when she opened up for him.
Simple desire turned into burning need in an instant. But, almost as quickly, she pushed at his chest. Reluctantly breaking their contact, he stared down into her startled eyes.
“Marcus?”
He chuckled as he cupped her face in his hand, needing to keep the contact to her. “You were expecting someone else?”
“What are you doing here?” she demanded, ignoring his question, and pulling away from his touch.
“We need to talk.” He didn’t like the way her jaw set at his words.
“I see. So, you decided to go against my wishes. I thought I was very clear in my note.”
The alcohol forced his mind to swim rapidly in order to keep up. “Your note?”
She wrinkled her nose. “Perhaps we can hold this conversation somewhere other than my bed. You stink of brandy.”
Not having the desire to argue, he pulled back. “What note are you talking about?”
“If you didn’t get my missive, then why are you here?”
“I asked you first,” he forced out, not liking this conversation already. He had hoped she would deny Elise’s words, not put distance between them.
Once she pulled herself to a sitting position, the sheet clutched to her chest, she let out a sigh. “I left you a letter at our spot. I—I’ve had a really nice time with you, but I don’t believe it will work between us.”
Stunned, Marcus couldn’t do anything but stare at her. Nice time? That was how one would describe a visit to an old friend, not the passion that ignited between them. This wasn’t right.
“That’s very different than what you told me not two days ago.” He praised his voice for not showing the rolling anger inside him.
“Yes, well I was . . .” She cleared her throat. “Waiting for a repeat performance.”
He felt ill. This was exactly what his impulsiveness got him. Climbing off the bed, he crossed the room and leaned his palms against her dressing table. Concentrating on each breath, he tried to calm the storm raging inside him. How could she do this to him?
Bitterness rose in his throat, and he closed his eyes as he swallowed it down. Dizzying emotions swirled through him, but he couldn’t keep ahold of one. Fury had him clenching his fists against the hard wood, when sadness forced his head down and made it impossible to hold up his shoulders.
How could this be happening? Didn’t she see how perfect they were together? Frustration soared through his mind making his head ache. However, the thought of not having her tightened his chest. God, he was a mess.
Against his better judgment, he spared a glance at her. She stared back at him, no emotion on her face. That stabbed him deeper, straight into his heart. She truly cared nothing for him.
From the beginning, she’d singled him out. Had pursued him. Even when he retreated, she had pressed. The whole time—all these months—she’d deliberately set everything up.
“Why me?” His traitorous voice barely managed to make it above a whisper.
A long silence followed his words, and he had to force himself to look in her direction again. She hadn’t changed positions. Hadn’t even moved an eyelash.
“You were different,” she said at last. “A challenge.”
Rage warred within him, and he had to fight himself to remain calm. “That’s it then? You got what you wanted from me, and now you toss me aside to move on to your next victim?”
She shook her head. “No other victims. Only you. I want to thank you for everything you have given me. I’ll cherish every moment.”
He scoffed. “That’s wonderful. Cherish it all you want, and know that I’m doing my best to forget you.”
As if he’d slapped her, she jerked her head back. He didn’t care. After what she’d done to him, she deserved some kind of pain. Although from her actions, he wasn’t even sure she was capable of feeling such an emotion.
“As you will,” she responded in a quiet voice.
Furious with her, with himself, and the whole damn situation, he stomped toward the window. Then, he remembered Christopher. He clenched his fists. The heartless woman had not only done this to him, but his friend as well.
“I just have one favor to ask of you. I suppose as a payment for my . . . services.” He practically spat the word.
“Anything.” She didn’t hesitate.
“Whatever your problem is with me, don’t take it out on others. Christopher and Elise have every right to happiness. Don’t steal that away from them.”
“What are you talking about? I was unaware Elise had formed an attachment to anyone. Nor has she mentioned denying a man.”
He shook his head, disgusted with her and himself. He should have seen the signs. Should have taken his mother’s advice. Now both he and Christopher would suffer.
“Maybe you should try talking to the girl some time. Christopher holds deep feelings for her.”
Without waiting for her response, Marcus swung his legs over the ledge and began his descent to the ground. This wasn’t exactly the outcome he’d been hoping for.
Once he made it to the ground, he shook his head at Christopher and set out to mount his stallion. He had a date with the brandy bottle, and he was already running late.
The further away he got from Midcliffe, the more his anger dissipated. In the end, he was left with raw pain. The kind he would never recover from. He left a part of himself in that room. One he would never get back.
~ ~ ~
“What do you mean, it’s still there?” Isabella demanded before Elise even had a chance to sit down.
/> “Just that, my lady. I put the letter exactly where you told me, and every time I check, it hasn’t been moved.”
Near to tears for the millionth time that week, Isabella got to her feet and began pacing. After she had told Marcus about the letter, she was certain he would have wanted to read it. Apparently, he wanted nothing more to do with her.
“I wish he would just read it.” It had taken her hours to finish the letter and make sure she got the wording exactly right. If he’d only look at it. Then, he would understand how sorry she was. And, just maybe, he could find it in himself to forgive her.
The look on his face that night in her bedchamber and his cold response had haunted her. She couldn’t close her eyes without seeing his pain. And, his anger. Had he meant it when he said he would forget her? Her heart ached. She needed to concentrate on something else. Otherwise she would lose the loose grip she had on her control.
“I don’t know why you care. I thought you were finished with him.”
Tears pricked the back of her eyes. She had told Elise that lie simply because she hadn’t wanted to explain herself. Judging from the anger on the girl’s face, she had formed her own opinions. Perhaps Marcus was right. It may be past time she told Elise the truth.
“I am, but not by choice.”
The girl’s eyes rounded. “What do you mean? Has your brother forbid the match? I thought Lord Starsen had caused trouble for you.”
Isabella shook her head. “He’s done nothing wrong. Now, tell me. Who is Christopher?”
A pained look crossed Elise’s face. “No one of consequence. How do you know his name?”
“Lord Starsen mentioned him to me. I understand the man is greatly upset by your lack of attention. I hope it’s not due to something I’ve done.”
Elise sat quiet for a good while. “As I understand it, Lord Starsen and Christopher are quite close. I believed the worst of the earl, and Christopher defended him instead of understanding my side.”
Ensnaring Lord Starsen Page 17