The Stranger She Married

by Donna Hatch

  Having been assured throughout her life that she had no talent for it, she seldom played unless no one listened. Still, playing soothed her and she was not above recognizing that her skill, if not her talent, had improved since she renewed her daily playing.

  With the rain as accompaniment and with her thoughts circling, her fingers touched the keys. She played a minuet first and then a rhapsody. After running through easier pieces, she launched into more difficult pieces. They took all of her concentration and she completely immersed herself into the music.

  Calmed, she began playing a slow sonata. Something about the sweet, sad feeling of the music again brought to mind thoughts of Cole. She relived his gentle, hungry kiss, the restraint he exercised when he could have easily overpowered her, the aching tenderness he stirred in her. She had progressed well into the third movement when she heard a soft sound behind her. Turning, a slight gasp escaped her lips. Her fingers fell away from the keys and she stood.

  "I didn't know you played so well.” Cole's voice washed over her, warming her face and spurring her heartbeat.

  She clasped her hands together. “I don't."

  "Trust me, that was truly great. I've never heard that piece played with such feeling, such ... passion. Please, continue. I did not mean to interrupt."

  He stood leaning lazily against the door frame with his arms folded, something forbidden smoldering in his blue eyes. Impeccably dressed as always, dark hair smoothed to a shine, he radiated confident sensuality. No lady should have to endure his presence unchaperoned.

  The memory of his kiss and her traitorous desire to repeat it leapt into her thoughts, but guilt squashed them ruthlessly. She consciously released her clenched hands and placed them to her sides.

  "Do you make a habit of walking into your cousin's home unannounced?” she asked irritably.

  Unperturbed, he grinned, his eyes making a slow perusal of her body. “Only with the proper motivation."

  She frowned at him and folded her arms. “May I ask the reason for your visit, sir?"

  His maddeningly handsome grin only deepened. “Nicholas sent word that you had both come back into Town. I came to speak with him, but I think I'd rather spend the evening with you."

  "He has already retired."

  "Excellent. Then I have my wish.” He crossed the room and sprawled in an armchair as if he belonged there. “How was your journey? Tedious?"

  She sighed that he'd so blatantly taken a seat while leaving a lady standing. “Has anyone ever told you that you are impossible?"

  "Frequently,” came his cheerful and instant reply.

  "And do you always flout the rules of etiquette this way?"

  "Just often enough to be annoying."

  When she did not soften, his tone turned slightly pleading. “Talk to me, Cousin. London has been dreadfully dull. Now that you are here, I know it will improve."

  "Don't you have some poor, defenseless courtesan to harass?"

  His contagious laughter drew a reluctant smile from her lips. Seeing him did much to assuage her concern over his gunshot wound, and her guilt that he had received it protecting her. She was sure that he had actually grown more handsome in the weeks since she'd last seen him. Torn between hope and fear that he might broach the subject of their actions during their last encounter, or try to repeat them, she sat near the window at a safe distance from him.

  A knowing smile touched his expressive mouth. “Have you ever been to the opera?"

  His sudden change in topic caught her off guard. “The opera? Yes, I attended twice when I was last in London."

  "How did you find it?"

  "Breathtaking. And I was glad that my mother insisted I learn Italian as well as French."

  "Then you'll accompany me tomorrow night?"

  "Don't you think that will create a scandal?"

  "You should know by now, I've never cared much for the approval of others. However, I do not wish to tarnish your reputation. Aunt Livy has asked me to accompany her, both in the carriage and in the box. My uncle came into Town on business and she accompanied him.” At her hesitation, he added, “Nicholas told me he would be unable to attend you as he ought during your stay due to his many business obligations. He was quite insistent that you not be neglected. You wouldn't want him to feel guilty for not attending to you after all he's done for you, would you?"

  If his eyes hadn't twinkled so merrily, she might have been angry at his implication, but she found she could not resist his winning smile. Throwing up her hands in resignation, she said, “Very well, I accept. For his sake. And because I'd like to see your aunt and uncle again."

  He inclined his head in a mocking bow. “I'm speechless at your enthusiasm."

  A smile escaped in spite of her efforts.

  "Ahh, there it is. The reason I rise every day. I was beginning to despair of earning one of those today. You have no idea what a beautiful smile you have, do you?"

  Her smile dimmed. “I don't...."

  "Of course you do. The problem is, no one has paid you enough compliments. I must have a word with your errant husband about the necessity of expressing praises to your beauty. Or perhaps I should take over that duty."

  Alicia lowered her eyes.

  His voice softened. “What troubles you this evening?"

  She blinked. “Pardon?"

  "You seemed a bit out of sorts. Nicholas not treating you well?"

  "Of course he's treating me well,” she snapped.

  "Then what is it?” Though a teasing smile played around his lips, his eyes took on a curiously serious light.

  How could she tell him that her treacherous thoughts often rested on him and that his frequent appearances only made it worse? He was not a man she wanted her mind to dwell upon.

  "I'm a bit fatigued from the trip."

  Cole quietly watched her, thoughtful, assessing. “I cause you distress."

  She folded her arms, hoping he did not know the turmoil of her thoughts, and tried to formulate an appropriate reply. She failed.

  "You still harbor resentment for me."

  This caught her attention. His carefully impassive face almost fooled her, but something flickered in his eyes.

  "No."

  He leapt to his feet and moved to the window. The rain pattering on the panes and the distant rumble of thunder were the only sounds audible. She remained rooted in her seat, using every shred of self-control to refrain from going to him, putting her arms around him, comforting him, reassuring him.

  She remained still. “I told you the last time we were together, I do not hate you. Nor do I resent you any longer."

  Hope and despair mingled in his expression. With all the silence and grace of a cat, he slid into the seat next to her. His hand covered hers as his focus moved downward to her mouth. Her breath caught. His eyes darkened with desire and his thumb lightly caressed the back of her hand.

  Dangerous.

  She withdrew her hand and moved to a safer distance, when all she wanted was to throw herself into his arms and press her mouth against his. Quelling such inappropriate thoughts, she drew a steadying breath and laced her fingers in front of her.

  A wry smile touched his lips.

  "Forgive me, but I'm a bit tired from the trip."

  "Then I bid you good night."

  Both disappointed and relieved, she summoned a smile. “Thank you for calling. Shall I tell my husband that you wished to speak with him?"

  "No, don't trouble yourself. I will meet him tomorrow."

  He leaned in and quickly kissed her cheek before she could back away. His sardonic grin flashed and then he was gone.

  She bit her lip to prevent herself from calling him back. His absence accentuated her loneliness.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  CHAPTER 22

  Cole fairly skipped to the foyer in the baron's town house. He knew he was foolish to feel such anticipation at seeing Alicia again, but he seemed powerless to stop himself. His harebrained scheme to
save Alicia had done nothing to cure his yearning for her. She would think him unconscionable, but he would do whatever he must to crumble her resistance and earn a place in her arms.

  It wouldn't be simple, but he could deal with Nicholas if Alicia decided she wanted to be freed from him. After all, Cole's only reason for bringing in Nicholas was to save her from her other prospects when all of Cole's attempts to save her honorably had failed. And since no love appeared to be forming within that relationship, there was no reason why he should not court her. He'd know soon enough exactly how to proceed.

  He grinned. He couldn't remember the last time he had actively pursued a lady. Normally, he dodged them and their schemes. The role of predator was invigorating, and he had no doubt that it would prove a thrilling chase. The reward, when he succeeded, would be sweet. And he would succeed sooner or later.

  As he waited in the foyer, he felt a sweet presence behind him. The vision that greeted him nearly brought him to his knees.

  Had he ever thought her only pretty? This glorious being gliding down the stairs in an apricot and cream evening gown robbed him of his breath. And when she smiled at him, he knew he'd never use the word ‘beautiful’ lightly again. Her lustrous hair shone rich honey brown and her skin glowed in flawless perfection. The haunting sorrow that had been her constant companion at their first several meetings had faded. She appeared to have found peace and healing.

  "Alicia,” he murmured when he found his voice. “I cannot begin to tell you how exquisitely beautiful you are."

  Her brown and golden-flecked eyes shone, and the color at her cheeks deepened. He felt himself falling further. He made no attempt to save himself. He was hers. He could no longer deny it.

  "Glorious,” he whispered. “Breathtaking."

  She laughed softly. “Thank you, but don't you think that's overdoing it a bit?"

  "Absolutely not. I shall have to come up with better ways to compliment you on your beauty.” He bent over her gloved hand and kissed it, wishing he could feel her skin against his lips instead of her gloves.

  Aunt Livy arrived a moment later. “My dear, girl, how lovely to see you again!” She drew Alicia into a motherly embrace.

  With obvious embarrassment and pleasure, Alicia returned the embrace and murmured her joy at seeing her again, and made to move away, but when Aunt Livy continued to hug her, she surrendered and leaned against her with her eyes closed, reveling in the touch that had obviously been long absent in her life. She must be missing her own mother a great deal.

  He couldn't bring back her mother, any more than he could bring back his own, but he planned to shower her with all the affection she deserved, whether or not she knew she needed it.

  When Aunt Livy released her, Alicia smiled shyly and turned away to let the footman put on her wrap. “Where is Mr. Fitzpatrick?"

  "He hates the opera, but he sends his best."

  "I hate the opera, too, but you make me go,” Cole grumbled.

  "That's because I can bully you better than I can bully my own husband.” Aunt Livy winked at Cole as they entered the carriage.

  They made small talk, Livy providing her usual charming, dry humor as she gossiped about mutual acquaintances. Then, she threw up her hands. “Oh, and I simply must introduce you to my niece Mary."

  "Mary is here?” Cole asked with mingled delight and dread.

  She nodded, sending her ostrich feathers bobbing furiously. “She will be simply mad about you, my dear."

  "Another cousin?” Alicia asked, her eyes moving to Cole.

  "My father has six brothers and his father had nine. There are Amesburys everywhere."

  "Mary and Cole were kissing cousins, if I recall correctly,” Livy said with a gleam.

  Cole groaned. “Don't remind me."

  "Kissing cousins?” Alicia echoed with a delighted smile.

  "Please do not give her more ammunition to use against me, Aunt,” Cole pled. “She already thinks I have no redeeming qualities."

  "I caught them in the music room,” Livy continued with cruel glee as if Cole were not merely a few feet away. “She is four years his senior, you know."

  "She begged me to do it,” Cole interjected. “She said she didn't want to appear foolish when her beau kissed her, so she wanted to learn how to do it first. What could I do but let her practice on me?” He winced when he realized he'd said too much.

  "Oh, Cole, how shameful,” Alicia scolded with mock severity, a smile curving at such a delicious tale.

  Cole turned imploring eyes upon Aunt Livy. “Aunt, please, I'm trying to give her hope that I may not be a complete reprobate."

  Livy only waved her folded fan in the air. “Too late, my dear. She knows you already."

  "Did you teach her anything useful?” Alicia asked Cole with a daring smile.

  "I—” Realizing he would never survive this gracefully, he snapped his mouth shut and glared at Aunt Livy. “I can see now that agreeing to ride with you was a dreadful mistake."

  Both ladies laughed and Cole forced a straight face. Livy mopped her face with her handkerchief and began fanning herself. “Oh dear, it's a bit warm, isn't it?"

  "I hadn't noticed,” Alicia said.

  After the carriage pulled up in front of the opera house, Cole escorted the ladies inside to his private balcony. Before the performance began, he felt the eyes of the ton in attendance upon them, whispering, speculating, but Alicia's eyes, dazzled by the theater and the excitement, remained thankfully unaware of the sensation she stirred simply by being an unknown lady at his side. Aunt Livy nodded with queenly grace, and Cole was glad he had invited her to keep Alicia's reputation pure.

  "Oh, Mrs. Fitzpatrick, this is so grand."

  "Please, my dear, call me Aunt Livy. After all, you are married to my nephew."

  She started and then looked ashamed. “Oh, yes. Of course. My husband is a nephew of yours as well."

  "Great nephew, actually. His father and Cole's father are a generation apart."

  "First cousins once-removed, I believe it's called,” Cole added.

  The Marquis of Trimbull, an old friend of his father's, stopped by their box. “Amesbury, glad to see you back in Town.” Lord Trimbull's gaze settled on Alicia, curious, assessing, but he turned to Aunt Livy. “Dear Olivia. It has been too long. You are lovely as ever."

  Aunt Livy took out her fan and began to wave it furiously. “You are a silver-tongued rogue, Lucius,” she replied with a disapproving frown, but Cole saw pleasure gleam in her eyes. “Lady Amesbury, may I present Lord Trimbull? My lord, Lady Amesbury is one of my many nieces by marriage."

  The marquis extended his hand and she allowed him to take hers, poised and gracious, and fixed her eyes upon him, a genuinely warm smile curving her mouth.

  "My lord."

  Though his expression remained carefully schooled, his eyes unmistakably approved of Alicia as he bowed over her hand. “I'm delighted, my lady."

  The marquis and Aunt Livy exchanged pleasantries and asked after each other's families before the gentleman moved on.

  Cole managed to evade explanation to others who stopped by their box until the lights dimmed and the curtain rose. The music was well-done, and the costumes, set, and acting better than normal, but his eyes strayed to her so often that he finally gave up and simply watched her watch the performance. The performance enthralled her.

  She enthralled him.

  He was lost and happier than he'd ever been.

  At intermission, Cole's cousin Mary, a buxom beauty, came to their box, and Aunt Livy, waving her fan frantically, introduced the ladies. Mary greeted Alicia cordially, calling her Cousin, and directed a smile toward Cole.

  "My husband just left for his club, Cole. Perhaps you will join him there?"

  "I regret, Mary, that these two ladies would not forgive me if I abandoned them without seeing them safely home first."

  Mary raised her eyebrows, but said nothing.

  "Charleston, go fetch me some lemonade, there's
a good lad,” Aunt Livy said to her footman. He leaped to his feet and bounded away. She pressed a hand to her forehead, her fan flapping furiously, and a sheen appeared on her flushed face.

  Mary leaned in. “Aunt Livy, are you unwell?"

  "I am afraid I'm not feeling well. It seems terribly warm in here, but no one else appears to be suffering from the heat."

  Cole half-rose. “Shall I escort you home, Aunt?"

  She waved him away. “No, dear, don't trouble yourself.” The footman reappeared with the lemonade, but it failed to refresh her.

  Mary sent her footman for her carriage. “I will take you home, Aunt."

  "Do you wish us to accompany you?” Cole offered.

  Mary shook her head. “Not necessary, Cole. You and Alicia remain here and enjoy the performance. I will see to her.” She turned to Alicia. “I hope to see more of you later, Cousin."

  "I do, as well.” Alicia cast a teasing, sideways glance at Cole.

  He inwardly groaned. The stories Mary could tell about him made him shudder. If he ever hoped to redeem himself in Alicia's eyes, her association with his cousin Mary certainly would undermine his efforts.

  "I hope you feel better, Aunt Livy,” Alicia said as she took her hand.

  "Nothing to fret about, my dear. Merely something I ate, no doubt."

  After the performance ended, Cole guided Alicia to the carriage. He knew riding in the carriage alone with her pushed the edge of propriety, and might cause tongues to wag. He had done it in the country, and had enjoyed it immensely, but looking back, realized how careless that had been. Although it had probably saved her life. Still, he never wanted it said that Alicia was anything less than a perfect lady. He'd spent most of his life sneering at convention and shrugging at the tales told about him, but he wanted no scandal to touch Alicia.

  Inside the carriage, Cole forcibly kept his thoughts on neutral matters to avoid drawing her into his arms. His best defense was humor. He kept her laughing with the contents of his brother Jared's latest letter which outlined a harrowing flight during a visit to a tiny island. They'd encountered hungry natives who invited him and his crew to stay for dinner. As the main course. He also hinted at lovely native girls who offered themselves as his bride the night before the feast.