Falling In Love Again (Heroic Rogues Series)

by Marie Higgins

  He led Isabelle to the pond, and they watched the ducks. Still too quiet, he wanted her to talk to him.

  He patted her hand. “Are you enjoying your day, my dear?”

  She smiled. “Immensely. Thank you.”

  “I am, as well. It’s quite nice not to worry about what meeting I’ll attend, or who I have to entertain next.”

  Looking up into his eyes, she shaded the glare with her hand. “I must say, you have continued to surprise me.”

  He arched an eyebrow. “Indeed? How so?”

  “Well, people talk, and when I asked about you, I was told you were not a generous person. I was frightened nearly to death to come speak with you about the betrothal. But I must admit, you’re nothing like what people have told me, which greatly relieves me.”

  Marcus wanted to laugh aloud. So his brother had a bad reputation. Why didn’t that shock him? Regardless, Marcus would change the name and from now on, people would talk with respect when they mentioned Lockwood.

  “Yes, well, I assume you spoke to the wrong people, my dear. I don’t think everyone loathes me.”

  She chuckled. “No, they don’t loathe you, they just didn’t think you would be kind to me.”

  Like a true aristocrat, he lifted his chin and squared his shoulders. “Well, I hope they eat their words now.”

  “Oh, I’m certain they will.” She sighed heavily, and her cheerful expression was quickly replaced with forlorn.

  “What bothers you so?”

  She shrugged. “I’m leery to ask this next question.”

  He stopped them and faced her. Cupping her face, he smiled. “My dear, Isabelle. Have we not established the fact that I’m indeed a generous man? I’m not the evil person you have been told about. So please, tell me what’s on your mind. Ask me anything.”

  Her big blue eyes gleamed with an emotion that nearly tore his heart out. He mustn’t feel this way. She was the spy, he reminded himself. She was the gifted actress who nearly killed him.

  “Would you…” She paused. “Would you tell me about my father? Since arriving in New York, I have been told some awful things about him. Things he had kept hidden from me. I don’t want to believe it, but—” She shrugged. “—I want to know the truth, and I don’t know if people are being honest. Since you were once his friend, will you please tell me about him?”

  Silently, he cursed. His brother probably got along well with the Commodore. Undoubtedly, Matthew would have many pleasant stories to relate. Marcus didn’t. But he didn’t want to lie to her. She needed to know about her father and what kind of businessman he cheated before his death.

  Marcus moved his hands down the slender column of her neck to rest on her shoulders.

  “Please tell me,” she said softly.

  He nodded. “Most people liked your father. He was always cheerful and charming. Unfortunately, he also made some bad choices in his business deals.” He brushed his fingers against her soft ringlets. “Even if his solicitor hadn’t taken everything your father owned I’m quite certain you would have not found very much in his house. The main reason he was returning to England to be with you was because debtors were calling in his notes, and he didn’t have the money to pay.”

  Tears filled her eyes. “That cannot be. He told me he was bringing home my inheritance.”

  “I wish I knew what to tell you, my sweet. Perhaps he did have something of value, but I highly doubt it. His house was the only thing I knew about, and it looks like his solicitor took that from him.”

  “Why… why would he lie?” Her voice broke.

  His gut twisted, wishing he wasn’t so affected by her emotions. “I wish I knew.”

  She took a deep breath and released it. Straightening, she turned and hooked her hand around his arm again, preparing to continue their walk.

  “Thank you, Marcus. I appreciate your honesty.”

  “Any time, my sweet viscountess.”

  She glanced his way briefly with a smile, then looked back at the cobbled stone walk way. “This park is very lovely. And relaxing.”

  “Yes, it is.”

  He pulled her arm against his body closer. “So now it is my turn.”

  She looked up at him with wide eyes. “Your turn?”

  “Yes. I’ll ask you a question, and I want you to be honest with me.”

  Her smile widened. “You make it sound like a child’s game.”

  “Perhaps we can pretend it is.” He chuckled. “Now, what I want you to tell me is…” Oh, how could he ask her? How long have you been a spy and who do you work for? No, he couldn’t say that. Yet, how could he get her to confess? “I’ve been curious about you since signing the betrothal agreement with your father. He told me stories about his daughter that made me want to know you better. He mentioned his involvement with the Royal Navy, and that you…” He lowered his voice and looked around to make sure they were not overheard.

  “That I, what?”

  “Well, that you were also involved. Secretly, of course.”

  She gasped and dropped her hand. Her face paled and her eyes widened. “He told you that?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why would he tell such an outlandish lie?”

  Marcus studied her closely, but still couldn’t tell if she were telling the truth. Outwardly, she appeared innocent and shocked beyond reason, but she also acted that way with Hawk until the dagger slipped between his ribs and he knew better.

  “Shhh…” He stroked her arm. “Don’t get upset, my dear. It’s all right, I assure you. Your secret will be safe with me.”

  She shook her head. “I don’t have a secret. My father was involved with the navy, not I. Politics do not interest me, and he knew it. I didn’t even like him talking about it in front of me.”

  “So you are against the Royal Navy?”

  “Well, I don’t think I’m against them as much as I just don’t care one way or another.”

  “So if they had secrets of some kind, you wouldn’t know them at all?”

  She laughed and rolled her eyes. “If by some great chance I overheard a secret, I wouldn’t have a clue. Like I said, politics don’t interest me in the least.”

  Why couldn’t he believe her? Heaven help him, he wanted to believe she wasn’t a spy, but… She had the dagger. The dagger held the secret message. One of the men at the tavern had described her as the woman knowing the secrets. What else could he believe?

  “Marcus? Did my father really say that about me?”

  He nodded. “Yes, the Commodore led me to believe you were some kind of spy.”

  She frowned. “It seems my father was an excellent liar.”

  “Yes, it does.” Either that or she was the experienced liar. But what if… What if he’d been wrong about her all this time?

  His head throbbed with tension. No, he couldn’t be wrong. Captain Hawk was rarely wrong. He’d just have to watch her closer now. If she indeed was a spy, she might meet with her contact soon. Especially now that he brought it up. Hopefully, she’d be more willing to tell Hawk as well.

  After their walk, he collected the picnic basket and blanket from the carriage. They ate not far from the road. The topic of her father—or spying—hadn’t been touched again. But at least now she didn’t seem so shy. She spoke freely and laughed with ease. He caught her several times studying his face, and he hoped she didn’t recognize him as the highwayman.

  She spoke of her aunt and uncle quite a bit with a twinkle in her eyes. Lying on his side, he leaned on his elbow, stretching his legs out on the blanket as he listened. Color bloomed in her cheeks as she talked with so much enthusiasm. Jealousy crept in his heart, wishing he had family he could speak that way about.

  Silence lasted a few moments as she bit into an apple. She looked so adorable sitting beside him, wearing this lovely gown. But it was her soft blue eyes that captured him. Why hadn’t he noticed how intoxicating they were while she was his prisoner on the ship? Then again, he only wanted her for revenge back then
.

  Although his goal had changed, he still wanted her.

  “You were very fortunate to have such loving guardians. I’d like to meet them some day.”

  Her eyes grew wide. “Indeed?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, because they helped raise me, it depleted their funds, I’m afraid. Father would have paid them back, to be sure, but now…” She shrugged. “In order to see my aunt and uncle, we would have to sail to England because they cannot come here.”

  “Your father never sent them money while they raised you?”

  “He did at first, but only for a couple of years. After that, he always made some excuse why he couldn’t send the money.”

  The rotten man! If the Commodore were alive, Marcus would surely love to wrap his fingers around his neck right now and squeeze the life right out of him.

  “Then I suppose we should send them some money, don’t you agree?”

  She hitched a breath. Her body stiffened. “You would do that?”

  Marcus shrugged. “Your family is my family now, correct?”

  A squeal sprang from her throat just before she launched herself toward him, wrapping her arms around his neck. The action rolled him back on the blanket. Automatically, he wound his arms around her body, keeping her partially on top of him.

  “Oh, Marcus. You are truly a kind hearted man.” She placed her lips against his.

  Surprised, he didn’t know what to do, but just as soon as his mind recovered and he participated in the kiss, she pulled away and quickly sat up. Red blotches highlighted her cheeks and down her neck.

  Chuckling, he righted himself. “If I’d known you would have reacted in such a manner, I’d have chosen a more private setting to give you such good tidings.”

  She smiled and picked up the apple she’d been eating. “Forgive me for such a brazen show of affection. Your generosity surprised me, and well, I couldn’t contain myself.”

  “No worries, my sweet. Feel free to express yourself like that any time you wish. You will hear no objection from me.”

  “But people will talk.”

  “Let them. We are married.”

  She glanced around the glade, then back at him. “It’s not proper to show such affection in public. I don’t want to bring shame to your name.”

  He laughed aloud. “Oh, my dear, Isabelle. You wouldn’t bring shame. If anything, you’ll make the other married men wish their wives were so open with affection.”

  Once again, her face flamed. She was absolutely mesmerizing.

  He cleaned up their food and walked her back to the carriage. The day slipped by quickly, this was what he wanted anyway. Soon, it would be time to take her to his bed. Just thinking about it made him anxious.

  But he couldn’t push her, even if he wanted to. Once again, he must make her trust him. Hopefully her feelings about him had changed since last night, and she welcomed him into her arms. If she was reluctant in the least, he could not follow through.

  He slipped his arm around her shoulders on the ride back home. She didn’t seem to mind. At least her body wasn’t stiff as it had been before. Slowly, he rubbed up and down her arm while silence stretched between them. Was she thinking about the wedding night as he?

  “Isabelle, tell me something.”

  “What?”

  “What has become of Mrs. Winters? Will she live at the house now that we are married?”

  “No. She will sail back to England, I suppose. She was paid to take care of me, and I think Father held a fund for her at the bank until her job was finished.”

  “Has she checked to see if it’s still there?”

  “That, I don’t know. I surely hope it is, or she won’t be returning, either.”

  “Check on that tomorrow, will you? If she needs funds, I’ll give her some.”

  Isabelle smiled into his eyes. His heart leapt.

  “Thank you, Marcus. You’re so very kind.”

  He pulled her closer. “I’m trying to make up for the neglect your father has shown you.”

  “Well, it’s certainly working.”

  They reached the house, and he helped her out of the carriage. Once inside, he led her to the drawing room and motioned to the butler to pour him a drink.

  “Would you like some sherry, my sweet?”

  “That would be lovely, thank you.”

  She walked to the window, parted the lace curtains and looked out. When the butler finished with the drinks, Marcus carried hers to her and stood beside her at the window.

  “I had a wonderful time today,” he said softly.

  She turned her head and met his gaze. “As did I.”

  “Tell me, now. Do you feel you know me better?”

  Her cheeks darkened again. “Yes. Although now I feel as if I don’t know you at all, since all the stories I heard were false.”

  He chuckled. “The man with you today is the person I am.”

  “That’s good to know.” She sipped her drink.

  “Is there anything you’d like to do to pass the time before we take the evening meal?”

  “If it’s all right with you, I would like to go to my room and lay down. I need to rest a little.”

  “Of course, my dear. You’ve had quite an eventful day.”

  “Thank you, my lord.”

  She handed her glass back to the butler then turned and left. Hope blossomed in Marcus’ chest. He was closer to his goal, and Isabelle was within reach.

  He swallowed the rest of his drink in one gulp then handed the glass to the butler. While Isabelle rested, Marcus had other things he needed to check on.

  As he walked toward his study, Gabe met him at the door. Marcus motioned for his friend to enter and close the door behind him.

  “So, my lord. How was your outing with your wife?”

  Marcus shook his head. “Wipe that foolish grin off your face. Nothing of the likes of what you are imaging happened today. However, I must admit, I think she’s beginning to trust me.”

  “Splendid.”

  “Did you get that missive delivered to her?”

  Gabe nodded. “She received it, and from what I could see from where I hid, she burned it afterward.”

  Marcus scratched his chin. “I wonder if she’ll come to our secret rendezvous.”

  “I highly doubt it. You should have seen her face while she read it. If Hawk would have been standing in front of her, she’d have clawed his eyes out.”

  “Yes, she most certainly is a passionate woman no matter what emotion she holds. However, I know she still has feelings for Hawk. I think she’ll come, and when she does, I’ll obtain the answers I seek.”

  Gabe patted Marcus on the shoulder. “For your sake, I hope you’re correct.”

  Marcus grinned. “Only time will tell.”

  * * * *

  Isabelle picked at her food during the evening meal, not really hungry, yet not wanting to leave the table. Tonight she would share her husband’s bed.

  Or would she?

  Marcus’ actions confused her greatly. He showed her today what a kind man he was, but even now she doubted that was his true nature. How could other people see him as a ruthless, selfish man, and yet he proved himself opposite only to her?

  She lifted her glass of red wine and sipped, peeking at her husband from across the table. He had changed, wearing a bright yellow coat and vest, appearing like the dandy he didn’t want to look like earlier today. As always, the ridiculous wig she wished he would burn remained on his head.

  He ate heartily, not seeming to be bothered that tonight he would take her and make her his. A wrenching pain ripped through her chest. It couldn’t happen, not when her heart still belonged to Hawk.

  Bile rose to her throat and she took a longer sip of her wine. Although Hawk had branded her with his sultry kisses, she didn’t belong to him. Yet, how could she convince her heart of that?

  It didn’t matter how many times she remembered how terribly he had treated her that last day, t
hen sent her away without even saying goodbye. When she closed her eyes, his face remained in her mind. His drugging kisses would always remind her of those wonderful days she’d been blissfully happy.

  Even earlier today when Marcus had taught her how to kiss, and she had responded to his instructions, pleasure coursed through her, but only because she pictured Hawk’s masked face. She had imagined it was the highwayman her body pressed against so intimately. Why did the viscount feel like Hawk? The two men were as different as night and day, yet she couldn’t stop the images from floating through her mind whenever she touched Marcus.

  Silently, she groaned and rubbed her forehead. She could not give herself to her husband tonight. Not until she could rid Hawk from her thoughts.

  “My dear? Are you feeling all right?”

  Her husband’s voice brought her alert to her surrounding, and she snapped straight, meeting his gaze. “No need to worry. I have a small headache, is all. Due to the exciting day, I’m certain.”

  “Yes, you did have an eventful day. Is there anything I can do to help?”

  Her heart flipped. Why was he so kind? So considerate of her feelings? And why was she the only person to know him this way? “No. It will pass.”

  His gaze dropped to her plate. “Are you not hungry? You have scarcely eaten a thing. Is the food not to your liking?”

  “The meal is wonderful. I—I just don’t eat fast. That’s all.” She hurried and shoved another spoonful into her mouth.

  Marcus seemed to believe her because he returned to eating. Even though she wanted to prolong the meal, she couldn’t. She would have to tell him about tonight—without telling him why. Hopefully, he wouldn’t force her into anything she didn’t want to do.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Marcus pushed from the table to stand. Isabelle’s heart sank. When he walked her way, her pulse beat a quick tattoo. As he reached her side, he held out his hand. She wiped her mouth on the cloth napkin, scooted away from the table and also stood, slipping her hand into his. Warm fingers wrapped around hers in comfort, but her quaky nerves wouldn’t settle.

  He led her into the drawing room and waited while she settled onto the settee. “Would you like an after-dinner drink?” he asked.