Virtue and Vice

by Kimberly Brody

  “Ramsay will be furious if you leave him,” Belinda warned.

  “I know. But Tyrone would never allow harm to come to me.”

  “You’re right. What can I do to help?”

  “You’ve done enough by being here for me, Bel. And when Ram finds I’ve flown from him, he’ll probably come to you straightaway, demanding answers. You needn’t lie to him on my behalf, for Ty will protect me.”

  Belinda reached for her hand again. “I’ll do whatever you need me to do, even if it means lying for you. I feel awful about my role in this all of this. I thought what Ramsay intended was truly romantic and that he would cherish you.”

  Izzy ruthlessly shoved away memories of May Day and afternoons shared in the crofter’s hut when he had romanced and cherished her. He had an ulterior motive then, but his true colors had shown themselves on their wedding day. Nothing that came before had been real. Izzy forced her thoughts back to the issue at hand, for if she dwelled upon how much she missed Julian, she would weep.

  Belinda was an abysmal liar, which was why it was so important she believe Izzy was truly going to Tyrone. Izzy hated manipulating her cousin like this, but she could see no other choice.

  “Nay, Bel, please don’t lie for me. He might not even seek you out, but if he does, he’ll have every intention of finding me, and if we have to battle it out, I’d rather it be at Tyrone’s where I’ll be protected, rather than here where no one will come to my aid.”

  Belinda nodded her understanding. “That doesn’t mean I won’t give him a piece of my mind.”

  Izzy hugged her cousin, hard. “You wouldn’t be you if you didn’t. I love you, Bel, you believe me, right?”

  Belinda hugged her in return. “I know. And I love you too, though you give me fits at times.” They both laughed then. “But you’ve every right to be upset right now. A groom should be tender with his bride. You didn’t deserve such brutal treatment.” A mischievous grin appeared. “’Tis horrible enough you’re forced to live in a house with a room decorated like this!”

  Izzy clamped a hand over her mouth to prevent the laugh that arose, but it burst out anyway. The moment Izzy was overcome with giggles, Belinda fell back against the sofa cushions laughing so hard tears escaped.

  When their laughter ran its course, Izzy told Belinda of the letter she’d written her brother. “If everything goes as I hope, Ram will be at the house tomorrow, with Heath.” Izzy imparted.

  “Heath,” Belinda exhaled the name with a wistful sigh.

  Izzy’s thoughts turned from her own woes to her cousin’s. Belinda had been in love with Heath since they were hardly more than children. “Oh Bel, are you still infatuated with my scoundrel of a brother?” Izzy’s heart went out to her, for she knew what it was like to be denied what one wanted most.

  Belinda pressed her lips together, her cheeks scarlet.

  “You know he never plans to wed, don’t you, because of his work?” Izzy probed gently, for she ached to see Belinda suffer from unrequited love. “And he considers you as much a sister to him as I am.” Izzy wouldn’t tell Belinda of Heath’s love for a Dutch woman. She could save her cousin that unnecessary pain at least.

  “I know, you’re right, and even if none of that were the case, I’m not of high enough status for him.”

  “Don’t be a goose. The man who wins your heart for good will be the luckiest man in the world, even if he’s a prince.”

  Belinda’s smile was sad. “I appreciate you saying that. And I’m sure Heath will be off on his travels again in no time at all. ’Tis easier not to think about him when he is not underfoot.”

  That hadn’t been Izzy’s experience with Paul, and even more disturbingly, the man she’d thought of as Julian. Each time “Julian” went away, Izzy had pined; there was no other word for it. But she’d not disabuse Belinda of her notion. Someday the perfect man would see through Bel’s shyness and awkwardness and want her for the wonderful person she was, even without a dowry or a powerful father or brother.

  Izzy walked with Belinda as she prepared to leave. At the door, she gave her cousin another tight hug, sorry to see her go and even sorrier still to once more be trapped in the house alone. “You’re the best friend in the world, Bel.”

  “Take care of yourself, Izzy, and be careful. Lord Royston is not a man to trifle lightly with.”

  “Well, Lord Royston has never yet tangled with the likes of me!”

  Belinda laughed, then descended the steps to the waiting carriage.

  ***

  Ram entered the dining room, then retraced his steps when Izzy wasn’t seated at the table. At the bottom of the stairs, he intercepted a maid carrying a covered tray.

  “Is that for Lady Royston?”

  The girl nodded. “Aye, milord.”

  With a grin, Ram swept the food-laden tray from her hands. “I’ll take it to her, she’ll not need any further assistance tonight, thank you.”

  He strode up the stairs to their chamber, intent on deconstructing the wall Izzy had erected between them. This was ridiculous. They were married, for better or for worse, and he had no desire to live in a state of limbo. The sooner they dealt with the obstacles created by their unfortunate past, the sooner they could get on with their future together.

  Shouldering the door open, he stopped short. Izzy was immersed in a tub of still steaming water. Her back was to the door and she didn’t notice his intrusion.

  “You can leave the tray near the bed, Meg. Thank you.”

  Ram couldn’t suppress a smile. After setting the tray down he tread on silent feet over the plush carpet to stand behind her. Her head was thrown back, resting on the rim of the tub, her eyes shut as she let the steam envelope her.

  He peeked into the tub, then instantly regretted it. His mouth dried at the sight of Izzy’s bare skin, pinkened from the heat, submerged in the water. Droplets of moisture formed beads on her neck, only to roll down through the valley between her breasts. He yearned to lick each water droplet from every inch of satiny skin.

  Resting his hands lightly on her shoulders, he let the tips of his fingers brush her collarbone on either side. She jumped as though he’d touched her with fire, pulling her knees up to her chest to cover her nakedness.

  “What are you doing in here, you lout?”

  “’Tis my chamber too, sweetheart.”

  “Stop calling me sweetheart! I’m not your sweetheart. I’m not your anything.”

  “Izzy.” He used his best cajoling voice, leaned over her shoulder and picked up a discarded sponge. “You’re my wife. And I want you to be my sweetheart. You never resisted before when I called you such.”

  “I liked you before.”

  He laughed. She had such spirit and he was a very lucky man. Ram lowered the sponge into the tub, saturating it with the scented water, and brought it to her shoulders, trailing it over her glistening skin. “I think if you give me a chance, you might learn to like me again.”

  “Doubtful. What are you doing?” She chewed her lower lip.

  “I’m assisting you with your bath. It’s impossible to clean one’s own back thoroughly.”

  “I don’t need your help.”

  He brought his lips to her ear. “I know you don’t need my help, but I wager it would be worth it for you should you accept it.”

  He watched her shudder, and a satisfied thrill pulsed through him. He still affected her, and as long as that was the case, there was a chance for them.

  She didn’t relax her legs from her chest, but she didn’t protest when he continued stroking her back with the sponge.

  When he finished her back, he moved with stealth to the side of the tub, bringing the sponge around over her shoulders, stroking down her arm. Her eyes were shut and her breathing strained, as she clearly fought a battle against her own needs.

  Taking advantage of the opportunity, Ram leaned over and brushed his lips against hers. Her eyes shot open and her mouth dropped in surprise, but before she could speak a word o
f protest, he pressed his advantage, sliding his tongue into the opening she’d given him.

  He kissed her leisurely, letting his tongue glide against hers before taking her lower lip between his teeth and nibbling. The sponge fell from his grip as he took her shoulders in his hands so he could better pull her towards him, uncaring if water soaked his clothing as he leaned deeper into the tub. Her hands slid around his neck, settling in his hair. Arousal burned through him, along with satisfaction at her capitulation.

  Satisfaction turned to stunned surprise when she used her grip to tear his mouth off hers and submerged his head beneath the surface. Water rushed up his nose, into his mouth, and he thrust himself from the tub, gasping and choking.

  The saucy wench!

  He wiped his eyes clear, then narrowed them at her, noticing she was now the satisfied one. Which wouldn’t do at all. Oh, he wanted to satisfy her, only in a completely different manner.

  To that end, he leaned over the tub, slid his arms beneath her knees and around her shoulders and hefted her from her bath, dripping water and all. She squealed, her arms going round his neck, seeking purchase.

  “Ram, what are you doing? Put me down, this instant!”

  “I’ll put you down soon enough.”

  He carried her across the chamber, leaving a mess in his wake, then deposited her in the middle of their plush bed. She looked like a water nymph with strands of wet hair fanning out against the silk of the sheets, her pale nakedness contrasted by the dark coverlet, her skin covered with glistening droplets . She was a siren, calling to him. He followed her down, covering her with his body, seeking her lips again with his.

  She trembled against him, and not with desire. He lifted his head and bit back a foul curse at the look of raw fear on her face. This was his fault, and it was killing him. He’d destroyed the vivacious girl he’d known in the crofter’s cottage, the girl who never once feared anything he’d done to her, whose bravery and trust in him had been absolute. His rash act on their wedding night was responsible for the shadows that lingered in her beautiful eyes and he was at a complete loss as to how to regain the trust he so unthinkingly shattered.

  He lifted himself on his elbows so she was no longer trapped by his weight.

  “Izzy? Are you well?”

  “I-I don’t want this, Ramsay.”

  He thrust his fingers through his damp hair in frustration, then lay beside her on the bed, reaching for her hand. “I promise, Izzy. I’ll not hurt you again. I won’t do anything you’re not comfortable with.”

  Her eyes widened. “I’m not comfortable with anything, Ram. We don’t suit. I wish you’d just agree to the annulment so we both might get on with our lives.”

  Pushing himself off the bed in a violent motion, he paced beside it. “I’ve told you, there will be no annulment.”

  Her lower lip began to quiver and he couldn’t stand it any longer. Hurting her was the last thing he wanted to do, but he wouldn’t let her go. He couldn’t. “Give me an opportunity to make this up to you. Just one chance. I will make you happy, if you but allow me to.”

  “I’ll never be happy with you, Ram, never. I’m in love with someone else.”

  Her words shredded his tenderness and fury erupted. How could she even dare mention her feelings for another man at this moment, while they were in their marital bed? “Aye, I know all about your misplaced love for that peacock, Huntley.”

  She gasped. “Belinda told you?”

  He merely stared.

  “I don’t care if she did tell you! How dare you talk about Paul like that?” She scrambled to sit, yanking the bedcover around her, then tossed her wet tresses over her shoulder. Swinging her legs off the mattress, she stood, keeping the length of the large bed between them. “Paul would never treat me as you’ve done.”

  Was she comparing him to Huntley? And finding him wanting? By God, there were some things that weren’t done, especially in the bedchamber shared by a husband and wife! “If Huntley wanted you so badly, why then didn’t he come for you?” Her face paled at the cruel taunt and he instantly regretted the harsh words. Lord, he didn’t mean to say such things to her! He must have patience, must remember she was still young and idealistic, and had suffered much in the last few days, mostly at his hands. Yet she dared talk of loving another man right in their very bedchamber, and it stabbed him to the core. She had a way of bringing out the absolute worst in him, turning him into an autocratic tyrant he didn’t much like or respect.

  “Paul must have a valid reason for staying away, this I know!”

  “I know it too, Isabelle. Paul stayed away because you are a shrew!”

  Ram stormed to the door, slamming it behind him with a savagery that shook the frame.

  Uttering a foul curse, he strode toward the haven of his study, where he could drown himself in drink.

  Chapter 16

  As soon as Ram left their bedchamber the next morning, Izzy sprang into action. Heath had not only invited Ram for a few drinks, her brother had invited her husband on a hunting expedition that would keep them out most of the day. Heath didn’t know of her intentions, and yet it couldn’t have worked out better.

  Using the smallest trunk at her disposal, she folded her three best gowns into it, along with the assorted accessories she would need to go with them- including the diamond and sapphire necklace and earrings Ram had gifted her the morning after their wedding. And why shouldn’t she? She’d paid in blood for those baubles. If she were to go to London as Lady Royston, she would need look the part.

  She lamented her worn and out of fashion gowns, but it had been so long since her father could spare money for such frivolities while they were exiled, so she would have to make do. She would commission new gowns upon arriving in London.

  As she finished packing, she realized she would have need of a servant, to help her dress and lend credence to her role as a woman of high status. She sought the little maid, Meg, and directed her to gather whatever she needed to accompany Izzy.

  Packed and ready to depart, Izzy took a deep, steadying breath. The next part of her plan relied on manipulating Hawthorne to do her bidding. Wearing a pale green day gown, she descended the stairs at a sedate pace, as though this were any other morning. Hawthorne appeared at her side as soon as she reached the landing.

  She’d begun to woo the butler the day before, asking him questions about the household, at the same time gleaning important information. For instance, he’d given her the address of her husband’s house in London, as well as shown her where she could find money for household spending. She was about to avail herself of both.

  “Oh, Hawthorne, you are just the man I was looking for.” She gave him her most gracious smile.

  “How may I be of service, my lady?”

  “It seems a mistake was made and some of my cousin’s items were brought here. Obviously one of the maids mistook her clothing for mine, we are very close in size.”

  “I shall remedy the situation right away.”

  She waved her hand through the air. “There’s no need for you to do that, Hawthorne, I’ve packed Belinda’s items in a small trunk. If you’ll just have a carriage brought round I will return it myself”

  “Don’t concern yourself with it, my lady, I shall be happy to have the trunk sent on your behalf, and I’ll send a footman who will fetch the correct trunk back.”

  “Oh no, Hawthorne, I should so love to visit my parents and this is as good excuse as any.” She held her breath in anticipation.

  “Of course, my lady. I’ll send someone for the trunk and have Guy bring the carriage round right away.”

  “Thank you, Hawthorne.” She smiled sincerely. “I’d be utterly lost without your aid.”

  He flushed with obvious delight. “It is my pleasure, Lady Royston.”

  Lady Royston. It still seemed strange to be addressed by a new name, a lady in her own right. Well, she mustn’t become accustomed to the title. She wouldn’t have it for long. But as long as sh
e did, she’d make full use of it.

  “I think I shall take Meg along as well, Hawthorne. She has such a knack for doing my hair, I would love for her to help me dress for dinner. Could you possibly spare her for the day?”

  “She’s your personal servant, think nothing of it.”

  Izzy let out a breath of relief as she settled into the carriage. As soon as Chesworth House was out of sight, she tapped on the roof to gain the driver’s attention and leaned out the window to address him.

  “My Lady?”

  “There’s been a change in my plans. We go to Padstow, if you please.” Journeying to Padstow, though out of the way, was necessary to lend credence to her tale of fleeing to her brother in Wales.

  The driver frowned, but didn’t argue her directions. He tipped his cap, then returned to the horses, and as they pulled out of the long Chesworth driveway, instead of heading towards Rendstell manor, they traversed the opposite direction.

  Once in Padstow she directed her driver to take her to a coaching inn. Fighting back memories of her May Day visit just weeks ago, she turned to her driver.

  “I won’t be needing your services anymore today, Guy.”

  “But my lady, I cannot leave you here alone. It’s not safe.”

  She put her hand on his arm, fluttering her lashes as she looked up at him beseechingly. “Meg is here with me. And I’m not returning home, Guy. I’m booking passage to Wales to visit my brother.”

  His brows drew together in dismay. “Does Lord Royston know of these plans, my lady?

  Guilt assailed her, for Ram would likely vent his rage upon the hapless driver.

  She tossed her hair, striving for nonchalance. “It matters not, Guy. And you may tell my husband so, if he asks.”

  The driver blanched, but argued no more. Placing the small trunk on the side of the road, he returned to the carriage and started back the way they had come. She waited until he was out of sight before turning to Meg.