He climbed off the bed and stood there, staring down at her. “You enjoyed your toys?”
“Very much, thank you.” She pulled the glass rod from her and set it aside. “I want you to use them on me all night if you’re not tired.”
He shook his head. “Not tonight. You may keep them. Play at your leisure. Don’t let the servants discover them.” James bent down to pick up his clothing, as though he wanted no evidence he’d visited his wife in the night.
“Please stay. If you’re tired, we can just sleep.” She begged him with her eyes. His mood had turned so fast it scared her.
“No. I would not stand in the way of your added pleasure. Good night.” He left with a slight bow.
Once the door closed, Mariah jumped hastily off the bed and studied her reflection in the glass. No change that she could see. What did he object to? He did not want her to love him?
It meant only one thing. He felt no love for her. He enjoyed the sex play but nothing more. Her hopes and joy had been dashed in an instant. Her tears flowed freely in the solitude. All along she’d believed they were a love match and their passionate inclinations made it even better.
But clearly the passion was all they had. It would provide pleasure but not happiness. What would happen? Once James had an heir, would he escape to London and leave her alone here? So many men did just that. Claiming business, they left the wife and children behind. There was only one flaw in that plan. So far he’d done nothing to produce an heir. He’d leave her all alone.
Chapter Five
The rift between them had only grown with the party looming. James stood in the garden and watched his wife and Alice chat with the aunt. Mariah’s uncle and Edmund strolled around the grounds in anticipation of a hunting party later.
The out-of-town guests were due to arrive today, and James wanted her brother’s good opinion. More importantly, he wanted to make amends with his wife. Since the sudden shock of her declaration, she’d withdrawn severely, working on the party with singular focus.
Even now, she sat doing her duties as hostess without a glance in his direction. James had grown so used to keeping people at a distance. He didn’t know how to let her in, not fully in the way she desired, but the distance and silence frustrated him.
The soft brown gown she wore was cut in the height of London fashion. The amber necklace she had around her neck was a gift from her father. He could not attend but had promised to visit at Christmas and bring the two younger sons. Her eldest brother made special arrangements to attend. James knew he was checking on his little sister.
Mariah seemed happy, but James saw her tension. As he watched the necklace rise and fall at the swell of her breast, he wanted to take her inside and put the tension and nonsense behind them. He loved her. If that knowledge made her happy, he might admit it. But love had not been enough for his parents. His childhood taught him harsh things he wanted Mariah never to see or feel. Love could be used and twisted. Survival frequently had to suffice. He’d endured much worse than a miffed wife. Perhaps she’d turn on him and run away. Her brother wouldn’t travel here without designs on ensuring her happiness. James knew they could resolve matters if they were alone.
The footman approached and bowed. “Mr. Griffin.”
“Timothy!” Mariah rushed up and hugged her brother tightly. “You look so well.”
James straightened his coat and moved to an appropriate distance for the introduction.
“Lord Montford, allow me to present my brother, Mr. Griffin. Timothy, my husband James.” Mariah made the family introduction without excessive airs.
The men bowed then Mariah moved on to Edmund with her brother.
James watched as the men bowed and Timothy kissed his cousin and aunt on their cheeks. He shook hands with his uncle and chatted with a friendly respect. A happy family reunion, although three more members were not there. In his life, James had never had that much family surrounding him with protection and affection.
Mariah didn’t deserve the burden he’d put on her. She had no clue it even existed, but he’d make sure it never troubled her. Keeping her safe and healthy was his only priority.
After a little conversation, Timothy came over to James and extended a hand. “Congratulations. I can see my sister is well cared for. Her home is certainly comfortable.”
James shook his hand. “Thank you. Your sister’s health and comfort are my goal. She’s quite spirited.”
“I’m glad she found someone who understands and appreciates her.” Timothy seemed to frown then headed back to the party.
More of the local gentry arrived, and James introduced them to his new bride. She remembered every name and circulated the garden like an ideal hostess. It seemed everyone had arrived when the footman cleared his throat. “Mr. Charles Montgomery.”
“What?” James shot a glare at Mariah. How could she?
Unable to escape the unpleasantness, James nodded when Charles bowed. Mariah appeared at James’ side all smiles.
“My dear, this is Mr. Charles Montgomery. My cousin. Montgomery, my wife the Lady Mariah.”
“So kind of you to invite me, my lady.” He kissed her hand and bowed low. “I’m your servant.”
“I’m glad you could attend. A pity your sisters could not. Let me introduce you.” Mariah led him away.
James immediately cornered Edmund and pulled him aside.
“I didn’t know you had any family, my lord. It’s nice to have connections.” Edmund smiled at his wife and in-laws.
“Not mine. Charles is nothing but trouble. I must ask you to assist me.”
“Charles who is to inherit from you? I’m at your service.” Edmund lowered his voice.
“Watch him. Stay close and befriend him if you must. He must be monitored. He has no honour.”
“You believe he’ll cause trouble?” Edmund adjusted his collar. “Until Mariah produces a son, he has much to gain. Do you fear for your life?”
“I’ve not seen Charles in ten years. I have no idea what to expect of him. I will do my best to persuade him to leave early tomorrow, but I would appreciate your help.”
“Of course.” Edmund bowed and headed off.
One ally informed, James walked up to his wife as she gave an instruction to a servant. “We need to speak, inside.”
“Now?” she asked. “We have guests.”
“Now.” He walked to the study without waiting for her.
Mariah followed with a perplexed expression. “Whatever is wrong? People are clearly enjoying themselves.”
He paced the room. “What possessed you to invite my cousin?” he demanded.
She swallowed hard and tensed. “My duties as hostess. He is family and while you talk little of them, they do exist and are not to be slighted.”
“They are very distant. He is the grandson of my grandfather’s younger brother. There was bad blood.” James suddenly realised how little he’d told her.
“Bad blood between dead men lives on?” Mariah balled her fists and propped them on her hips. “Inviting him was the proper thing, especially given that he’ll inherit if we have no son. As you are so reluctant to facilitate the production of an heir, I may well have to make my way and deal with these in-laws. Not inviting them would have been an insult.”
James had watched that happen to his mother. She’d been cast aside by his father’s family and made no effort to even see him. His fist slammed on the table. A child’s pent up rage flashed in him. “Never. You will never be ousted. Never be unprotected. You have my word.”
“James, you take too much on yourself.” Her soft hands curled around his tense arm. “Nothing will happen to you. There is time for an heir, if you desire. And should the worst happen, Timothy has always told me that I have a place in his home. He knows his duty. My worst fate is being companion to a sister-in-law.”
She didn’t understand. How could she? Her family was happy and looked out for one another. No doubt Edmund would be found a place if the
need arose as he was now part of the family. “You have no idea how fortunate you are to have such protection.”
“All my brothers are very good men. You’ll meet them. And if you’re concerned about your legacy here, we can begin tonight on that heir.” Mariah propped her chin on his shoulder with a suggestive smile.
His anger began to dissipate. “It’s my fault. I should’ve told you about them. You should have consulted me.”
“I asked for your input. You’re avoiding something. Besides, I didn’t expect he’d travel so far. I wanted to surprise you. I had no inkling it would cause such an uproar. Perhaps he wants to mend fences?”
“It’s not just our grandfathers, Mariah. He wants the title. When I was at Oxford, I met a woman. She seemed cultured, and I believed she cared for me. She pushed for marriage, claiming an elderly relative wanted her settled to ease their mind. She would inherit a tidy sum. It sounded so convenient.”
Mariah stood straight. “Did you love her?”
He shook his head. She was jealous of a trick. “I wanted someone to love me, adore me. I’d never had that. But for some reason I didn’t trust her. One day, I had a friend follow her, she met with Charles.”
Mariah gasped. “He’d hired her to disgrace you?”
“No need to hire her. She was his sister. A few inquiries confirmed her true identity. Charles wanted me to marry her. That would reconnect the family. He intended to get rid of me as soon as he could. His sister might well have been planning to murder me on the wedding night. I never learned the full plan, but I ran them out of London. We’ve never spoken since.”
“It doesn’t make sense. Why try to trick you? Wanting you to marry his sister is quite logical. It would consolidate the family. She’s a distant cousin, nothing improper at all. Why the ruse?”
“Because I’d never agree. Our grandfathers fought about the title. They were twins, Mariah. My grandfather inherited by a matter of minutes. Our fathers tried to reconcile, but a woman tore them apart. I tried to avoid Charles completely.”
“I’m sorry, James. But you’re not your father or your grandfather. There is no woman to fight over. The title is yours. He was immature and foolish. Maybe he’s grown? But fearing him only gives him power.”
“I’m worried for you. Mariah, you cannot trust him.” James grabbed her by her upper arms and looked down at her. “I won’t have him hurt you.”
“It’s only a few days, and he’ll be gone. I’ll be on my guard for schemes and trickery.” She slipped from his grip and moved into him, kissing his chin. “There is one way to thwart all his designs on your title.”
“An heir.” He took a deep breath. “Your energies are needed for the party now. We’ll revisit the issue once our guests are gone.”
“Very well.” She left abruptly.
The solution seemed so simple. But few people understood what it meant. How it felt to be treated as a ticket for inheritance and security. Mariah’s brother Timothy knew his duty, clearly as he came soon to visit his sister. He cared for her and would ensure her future regardless. Possibly, he understood what James felt, but he had siblings, parents and cousins who cared for him. Mariah did not love her brother because he’d protect her but because he was her brother. They were family.
Still she answered his concerns like everyone else, because it was the only logical solution. He knew it. Produce an heir to look after any widow or daughters left behind.
James had tried to convince himself of that goal. He had been the answer to that problem for his father, and it had resulted in nothing but pressure and powerlessness. He’d not solved anyone’s problems nor had he been loved. James had felt like a horse, a possession. Valued only for being male and alive.
Shaking off the past, he cleared his mind. It was only a few days. Charles could still cause trouble. Mariah wanted to believe he’d changed. She was often too kind. At the moment, he was glad Mariah had confessed her feelings. At least, he knew she wasn’t with him for money, title or just Alice’s sake. But Charles was a definite danger.
* * * *
Later that day, Mariah and Alice walked along the gardens, a good distance behind the older matrons. It’d been a relaxed excursion into town. Her aunt and uncle had stayed behind to do a little business before returning to the party.
“So how do you find married life?” Alice asked.
Mariah gave her a slight smile. “Very well. And you?”
Alice blushed. “Better than I dreamt. I can’t thank you enough for your help. I was shameful, but Edmund says God needed us to defy convention for the good of the community. We’ll be a good example of matrimony.”
“Clearly, and your parents have come around.” Mariah headed towards the house in hopes of a change in topic.
“Yes, but what of you? Edmund said Mr. Montgomery is to inherit. I’m sure James is set on an heir. They seem very cold to one another.” Alice’s pace slowed.
Mariah slowed to match her. “James does nothing in a rush, beyond our marriage.”
“Really? That’s odd. Edmund wishes to ensure his lineage, and he’s not set to inherit a thing.” Alice paused and pressed a hand to her forehead.
“Are you quite well?” Mariah took her cousin’s arm.
Alice shook her head. “I’m out of breath. A sudden headache.” She leaned on Mariah.
“Ladies!” Charles appeared and bowed. “Is anything the matter?”
“Yes, please help me. My cousin.” She shifted Alice’s weight. “Alice is unwell.”
Charles lifted her and carried her swiftly to the house.
“Send for the doctor and my aunt and uncle then come help me,” Mariah ordered a passing maid.
Mariah led Charles to a guestroom, and he put Mariah down gently.
“I’ll ride to town myself and collect your aunt,” he offered.
Mariah grabbed the smelling salts and dampened a cloth. “No, the maid is sending for them. I’m sure Alice is fine. We went walking in the sun. She’s always been delicate.” Waving the smelling salts under Alice’s nose, Mariah breathed in relief as Alice grimaced.
“I’m fine,” she muttered.
Mariah put the cloth gently on Alice’s forehead. “I’m sure you are. Too much excitement and exertion. Rest. I’ll have the doctor examine you.”
“I don’t want to be any trouble.” Alice held the cloth her to head and closed her eyes.
Mariah watched Alice’s breathing for a moment, and when she was content her cousin slept, she stepped back.
“She’ll be fine.” Mariah set the bottle of smelling salts on the table and nodded to the maid who’d followed her in. “Sit with her until the doctor comes. Find me if anything changes. Pull the drapes so it’s not too bright in here.”
“You’re quite an impressive woman.” Charles followed her out.
The hairs on the back of her neck tingled. “Certainly not. Just a concerned relation. Thank you for your assistance. It was very timely.” She leaned for a moment on a hall table, hoping the doctor would round the corner just then. Charles made her feel as though a snake coiled next to her ready to strike.
“I am your servant, always, my lady.” He grabbed her hand and kissed it.
Mariah tugged her hand back. “That’s really not necessary. I have a houseful of servants.”
“It’s wonderful my cousin has such a strong bride.” He moved closer.
The candle from the table reflected in his smile. She moved to one side of the hall in hopes of avoiding him.
Taking a step, he blocked her path and put a hand on her waist. “No need to protest, my lady. You are too spirited to be married to such a dull fool. I can entertain you much better.”
“I should think not.” Revulsion and insult fuelled her. She grabbed the candlestick and stabbed the flame right at his Adam’s apple. Her brother’s childhood advice rang in her ears. Go for the throat or the eyes with anyone who is out to hurt you.
Screaming and cursing, Montgomery stumbled back and h
eld his neck as the candle fell to the ground harmlessly. His neck had extinguished the flame.
“How dare you!” The doctor stood at the end of the hall.
Mariah had to thank the maid who’d lit the candles a bit early tonight. “Filthy man. A woman isn’t safe in her own home.”
Chapter Six
James and Timothy heard a commotion and walked up quickly behind the doctor.
“What the devil?” James had feared his cousin would try something foolish.
“Your wife is quite capable of defending her honour,” the doctor said approvingly.
“Please, doctor, Alice is in there.” Mariah steered the older man to the bedroom. “Leave the man to rot.”
“I warned you not to be alone with him.” James’ words were directed at his wife while he stood over Charles who still panted.
“Alice fainted. He was there. It couldn’t be helped. I couldn’t carry her. Don’t admonish me like a child. He’s lucky I didn’t have a pair of scissors instead of a candle, or he’d be bleeding to death.” Mariah smiled.
“Well done, Mariah.” Timothy bowed to James. “I offer myself as your second.”
“Oh for heaven’s sake.” Mariah turned and went into the bedroom with the doctor.
James nodded to Timothy. “I appreciate your offer, but your sister does not like duelling.” He grabbed Charles by the collar and dragged him to the study. Timothy followed, closing the door behind them.
“Are you certain a duel isn’t for the best? My sister doesn’t need to know.” Timothy looked perplexed.
“She’d know. She has the servants and townspeople in her pocket. I’d much rather have him dead, but Charles has no honour. I’d be giving him a chance to kill me and get what he wants, my title and all that goes with it. One lucky shot and it would be all his. I won’t do that to Mariah.” James removed his coat and rolled up his sleeves.
“Your wife damn near burned me to death.” Charles whispered.
“You can talk it seems. Then she didn’t do that much damage. Try to defend yourself.” James swung and connected with Charles narrow chin.
A Firm Hand Page 6