Love Birds: The Complete Collection

by Ruth J. Hartman

  “Oh, I think you might like it. Very much. At least that is my fervent wish.” One side of his mouth now rose in a rakish grin.

  How could he even suggest such a thing! “Mr., uh, Barrington. I know you don’t have many reasons to trust in my good character and I can’t blame you. But let me assure you that I am not, nor will I ever be that kind of woman.”

  “What kind of woman would that be?” He stepped closer, close enough she smelled his spicy cologne. Heat from the nearness enveloped her.

  “A… well…” Cecilia waved her hand through the air, not even able to give voice to the thought. Trollop, lightskirt…

  He chuckled. “You can’t even say the word.”

  She frowned and stomped her boot on the ground, startling one of the horses into a whinny. “Stop laughing at me.”

  “I’m not laughing at you. I’m pleased that the notion is so far removed from your mind that it’s not a word you would normally use.”

  “Then why did you suggest me being a… one of those?” She couldn’t quite make eye contact, instead peering somewhere near his left ear.

  A crow cawed loudly from somewhere outside the stables, the only sound as she waited for his reply.

  “I didn’t,” he finally said.

  Cecilia frowned. “But—”

  He stepped forward and took her hand, grasping it firmly in the warmth of his. “Miss Fletcher.”

  She startled. Oh no…no. He knew! Her breath caught in her throat. It was over. Her dreams. The happy ending she’d envisioned for them. Love. Marriage. Children…

  “Yes, I know that to be your surname. But may I call you Cecilia?”

  The sound of her name rolled from his lips as easily and smoothly as a waterfall after the ice had melted in spring. She nodded and glanced down at their entwined fingers. Why was he still holding her hand? Didn’t her mere presence remind him of her lies? “I can understand how you might have wondered about my surname being Fletcher, after others addressed me as such. But how did you know for sure? I should have been the one to—”

  “No, it’s all right.” He placed one finger over her lips, silencing her.

  Oh that it were his lips touching mine.

  “Cecilia, after I returned you to Lord Lofton’s, I rode home and had a long talk with my uncle.”

  Barrington’s uncle was like the welcome chirp of the first spring sparrow, bringing joy after a long, dreary winter and along with it the promise of mirth and merriment while spending pleasant times out-of-doors. She smiled in the midst of the sadness to come. Wouldn’t it have been fun to have gotten to know the eccentric man better? “I really liked your Uncle Percy.”

  “He’s an acquired taste.”

  “Aren’t we all?”

  His eyes crinkled at the corners. “You may have a point. At any rate, when he saw how miserable I was, he sat me right down and threatened me with bodily harm not to move from the spot until he had had his say.”

  “What did he tell you?”

  He rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand. “That no matter what happened, no matter if everything didn’t perfectly align just the way I believed it should, I still needed to find out the truth about you and about why you had misrepresented yourself.”

  “And what did you say to that?” She gave a light tug on his hand, wanting to let him know she liked him touching her, yet unable to voice the words. It wouldn’t do her any favors to get too attached to him after what she’d done, no matter how kind he was being right now.

  “At first, I rebelled. As you know, I went through something similar with Miss Lymington.”

  “She lied to you as well.” So I’m in dubious company. Poor man. How can he trust anyone now?

  “Yes.” His eyes flicked down, sadness coming from somewhere deep inside, but just as quickly, he gazed at her again.

  “I’m so sorry that I—”

  Barrington held up his other hand. “Wait. There’s more.”

  “Please continue.” Though a part of her wished he wouldn’t. Wished to finish the conversation so he could be on his way. Because after what she’d done, she had no doubt today was the last time she’d see him. A cold hand squeezed her heart, making it difficult to breathe.

  He glanced down, saying the words to their joined hands instead of her face. “Yes, I was angry and hurt and yes I had been lied to again. But… There was a difference in the situation with Miss Lymington and with you.”

  “A difference?” Did he mean… Was here hope? A tiny ray of sunlight to brighten her otherwise bleak future? Wait…Cecilia, don’t be too optimistic. It will only hurt more when he leaves and takes a piece of your heart with him.

  He nodded. “After reflection, I discovered that I was not, nor had I ever been, in love with Miss Lymington.”

  “But you…” In love? A gasp escaped her mouth before she could try to rein it in. “You—”

  “I love you.” He gently squeezed her hand, pulling her closer.

  “You love me?” It can’t be! I’ve deceived the man. How could he love me?

  Barrington chuckled, the sound seeming to rumble up from somewhere deep in his chest, bubbling up to his lips. “It seems this concept is difficult for you to grasp.”

  “I can’t imagine why you would… love me.” Cecilia tried to pull away, convinced this was all a joke, a ruse to break her heart just a little bit more.

  He rolled his eyes skyward and sighed loudly. “I suppose then, dear woman, I shall have to show you.”

  “How would you—?”

  His lips pressed against hers, silencing her question. Warmth shot though her as he pulled her close and caressed her upper back with his hands. She started to pull away, to protest that he didn’t want her, a liar, someone unworthy of him, when he pulled her even tighter.

  Of their own accord, her fingers grasped his coat front, tugging him toward her, though there couldn’t have been any daylight pass between them as it was.

  Barrington pulled away. His breath was ragged as he pressed his forehead to hers.

  Cecilia gasped when she realized what she had done. “Oh no, we shouldn’t have—”

  “Have what? Kissed?”

  “But what if someone came in and saw us?” She glanced around, checking to make sure they were indeed alone. Barrington would now be trapped into marriage with a deceitful woman.

  He lifted one shoulder and raised his head from hers. “I’m not worried.”

  “But you should be. I’m not worthy to be—”

  He pressed his finger to her lips. “Stop that. Stop it this instant. Remember the word I used a little while ago? Love? I meant it.”

  “You meant it. About me?” Her heart stuttered in her chest. Was it true, then?

  His voice was strong and clear as he said, “Yes, Cecilia. And I have no doubts, no qualms.”

  “But I misled you.” She ran her finger over the shoulder seam on his coat, not quite able to meet his eyes.

  “I know the whole tale.”

  “How?” She finally pulled her gaze up to his.

  “After Percy sat me down while he expounded all the reasons why I should find out the truth of the matter, I decided he was right. If nothing else, I wanted to discover what really happened. So, I came back to find you.”

  A chill raced up her back. Had her face gone pale? How angry he must have been, discovering that she wasn’t a visitor at Conrad’s but lived in the small cottage with Papa and Mama.

  “That’s right. You weren’t there. You were in your home. The cottage.”

  Cecilia covered her face with her hands. “Oh no…”

  He gently grasped her hands and lowered them, but didn’t release them. “When I got to Lofton’s and asked for you, I was shown into the parlor. Imagine my surprise when it wasn’t you, but Lord Lofton himself who walked in. Cecilia, I know.”

  She blinked. He knows and he’s still here?

  “Your brother told me everything.”

  “You must think me the worst
sort of person.” She could only imagine the tense, uncomfortable conversation between Barrington and Conrad when the truth finally came out.

  “No. I don’t. Once I heard why Lord Lofton had suggested what he had for you to have a come-out, my opinion of him grew… as did my opinion of you.” He ran one finger down her cheek and then tapped her chin lightly. Warmth filled his eyes and his smile.

  Cecilia shook her head slowly, the movement almost painful, as if all of the deceit she’d been a part of crowded in her mind, accusing her of wrong doing.“I don’t understand how.”

  “I think what you did was very brave. Dishonest? Yes. But it was done for the right reasons. Lord Lofton also told me a little of your parents. That your father was very much in favor of the plan and that your mother…”

  “My mother?” Cecilia’s cheek ached as if her mother has slapped her only a few seconds ago.

  “Isn’t the kindest of souls.” Barrington’s words came out through gritted teeth. Was he angry on Cecilia’s behalf?

  Cecilia let out a sigh, hating to admit the truth, though she’d not lie. Not now. Never again. “I love her, I do. But no, she is not.”

  “After I heard all of that, I had a question of my own.”

  “You did?” She tilted her head and waited.

  “I asked your brother to invite your father to speak with us.”

  Her heart gave a jolt in her chest. “And… did he?”

  “Yes. The three of us talked about what had happened in the past. And about what I wished for the future. I asked your father for your hand in marriage…”

  Her mouth went dry. She swallowed hard. Please, please let it be… Can this terrible nightmare actually end as a sweet dream after all?

  “He gave his approval. So now here I am, asking you, Cecilia, to marry me.”

  Cecilia gasped so loud it came out as a squeak. Rollo, perched on a nearby shelf, stopped licking his paw, tilted his head and stared at her as if irritated that Cecilia would interrupt his morning ablutions.

  Barrington raised his eyebrows. “Is that a yes?”

  She jumped a few inches off the ground in delight. “Yes! That was a yes. A very enthusiastic, happily uttered yes!”

  “Oh, there is one condition.”

  She nodded so rapidly she nearly made her self dizzy.“Anything. Anything.”

  “I do not wish to live with your mother,” he said.

  “That, my good man will not be a concern.”

  Barrington laughed so hard, he didn’t seem able to kiss her again. So Cecilia pulled his face down to her and kissed her betrothed.

  Soundly.

  The End.

  Maid for Romance

  Dedication

  To all of my faithful readers who adore the Love Birds series characters as much as I do. Thank you!

  Chapter One

  Leah Hunter shook her head while at the same time keeping an eye out for anyone who might happen upon them as they talked in the upper hallway. “Leave it to a valet to point out the barely noticeable tear in my dress.”

  “I’d be glad to repair it, if you like.” Daniel Barlow reached out a tentative finger toward her bodice.

  She swatted his hand, the sound like a whip striking the air. “Thank you, no. I’ll see to it myself.” Although, her recent rise in status from merely a lady’s maid to Cecilia’s companion didn’t require her to do so many of the menial tasks any more. Still, part of her found it difficult to see herself as more than a maid.

  A smile played on Daniel’s mouth, his lips full and soft. “But this is what I do. I believe that a valet trumps a lady’s maid in the area of clothing.”

  “I think not.” It sounded like Daniel was having a little trouble remembering her change in status too. Did it bother him that she was now a little above him? The man still lived to tease her, though. What had he done with his free moments before she came to live there a few weeks ago?

  “Come now, you must admit I’m right.”

  “I’ll admit nothing of the sort.”

  “Is that a smile I see?”

  “No.” She tried her best to remain serious, but a blasted grin tugged on her lips. Traitorous lips.

  He nodded and crossed his arms. “It’s as I thought.”

  “What is?”

  “You can’t resist me. Go on. Admit the truth.”

  “Daniel Barlow, I think you wouldn’t know the truth if it dropped from the sky and landed smack on your head.”

  “Are you comparing truth to say, a hat?” His brown eyes widened.

  “Of course not.”

  “What else would I wear on my head?”

  She laughed. “Let me see… How about I borrow one of Cook’s roasting pots? Might look quite fetching on you.” Anything would look good on the man.

  Daniel scowled, but his heart didn’t seem to be in it, the corners of his mouth quivering. “You’re breaking my heart, fair Miss Hunter. Dooming me to a life of drudgery in an ugly black piece of iron headwear.”

  “Ah, poor man,” Leah crooned. “Don’t think the ladies will follow you around if you had that covering your dark locks?” Leah reached up to flick some of his hair above his ear.

  Daniel grabbed her hand, his grip tight. “Don’t be thinking you can have your way with me. Making me feel all sordid and cheap.” He let out an exaggerated huff, his warm breath floating across her forehead.

  “Have my way with you? What must you think of me? I’m a decent girl. You know it to be true.” Leah tried to tug her hand away, but he held fast.

  “Yes. Playing the part of the jester with you is all.”

  “You play it well.” A door closed from somewhere nearby. She had no wish to be caught wasting time standing around talking to Daniel. Perhaps she should make her exit. But she didn’t really want to. Although he teased her, she found that she enjoyed his company a little bit. Very well, quite a bit.

  Daniel released her hand and bent from the waist in a mock bow. “Thank you very kindly, m’lady.”

  “Stop that. Someone might hear you.” Leah glanced around the hall but saw no one. When she peered down, her left hand was rubbing her right as if to warm it. Right after Daniel’s touch had left her, the skin cooled. Odd, that. Almost as if his hand had somehow belonged with hers.

  He ran his finger along her jaw, his touch as light as the flutter of a butterfly’s wing. “But what if I think of you as a lady? Doesn’t that count for something?”

  Leah had dreamed of being a lady when she was a little girl, but now that she was grown, she realized how fortunate she was to have become Cecilia’s companion. “You are the silliest man I’ve ever met.”

  Daniel leaned close. “Come now. I know you’ve spent time with Percy. Please tell me you’re not comparing me to him.”

  Leah bit her lip, nostrils flaring as she tried not to giggle. “True enough. Much as I like the man, I believe he would be right at home at Bedlam.”

  “That he would.” Daniel held up his hand. “Don’t misjudge me. I too enjoy spending time with him. But the loveable cork-brained wishes he was a bird. One time I passed by a room where he spoke with his nephew, and Percy was actually cawing. Like a crow.”

  Leah widened her eyes. “Perhaps it’s worse than I thought.”

  “So you see, you have no cause to compare me to Percy, saying I’m the silliest man. Because I beg to differ.”

  “There, there.” Leah tapped Daniel on the shoulder, wishing she could place her hands on his broad chest instead. “Don’t go getting teary-eyed on me. How would you explain that to Mr. Radcliff?”

  “I’ll not be doing anything like that. Especially not in front of a woman. You are the ones to get sentimental and weep at a moment’s notice. Men, on the other hand, are like warriors. Hard. Tough.” He glanced down and back up. “Rogues in valets’ clothing, if you will.”

  Leah shook her head. “You think quite a lot of yourself, don’t you?”

  “I only tell the truth, my dear.”

  �
�My dear? What are you about?” She protested, but a thrill coursed through her at the endearment.

  He stepped closer. So close she could smell a small trace of boot blacking on his hands. “It’s not a secret, Leah. I’d be yours, if you’d have me.”

  “The way you tease…” Leah shook her head. Honestly, the man could have been a jester in another life. Surely he wasn’t serious? No… Daniel was never serious.

  His brow furrowed but just as quickly lifted. Had she imagined it? “’Tis what I do. My whole purpose in life is to entertain you. Didn’t you know?” With a wink, Daniel turned, whistling a tune off-key as he left her standing in the hallway.

  She watched him go. Someone she’d only known for a few weeks and should be a mere acquaintance. But when Daniel said such things, Leah wasn’t sure what to think. In her heart, she wished it to be true, that he would want her for his own, but Daniel was such a tease, always trying to make her laugh.

  When had she ever seen him serious? Not making light of this or that? While she loved spending time with him and wished so much that he could have a tendre for her as she did for him, it didn’t seem likely that someone so carefree would want to settle down to take a wife.

  Leah peered down at the area on her bodice with the almost invisible tear and sighed. No matter how often she mended her things, they fell further into disrepair. Guilt crept into her thoughts. Cecilia had had two lovely dresses made for Leah, but wearing them somehow felt wrong. As if she lived a lie that would soon be discovered, forcing her to give up the wonderful new life as Cecilia’s companion.

  “Leah?” Cecilia’s voice carried down the hall.

  She gasped and headed toward Cecilia’s rooms. What had she been thinking? She didn’t have the luxury of free time to stand around and daydream when her mistress might have need of her.

  “Ah, there you are.” Cecilia smiled.

  “I’m so sorry to have kept you waiting.”

  “What have I told you about that? You’re my companion now, not a servant. No need to apologize.” Cecilia stepped forward and grasped her hands.

  Leah nodded. “I love being here. With you. Sometimes the changes are a little confusing, I guess.”