The Sweetest Secret

by Marie Higgins

  Lord Elliot had tried to instill vulnerability in her mind by telling her that weak women should always be controlled with an iron fist. Now she knew differently, and the realization was like a new world opening her eyes to everything and everyone around her, and especially, to her own feelings.

  Of course, her new world had a lot to do with Nic. If not for him, she would have never known love and acceptance. He had known she was a maid but still allowed his heart to soften for her. Now there was just one last test Nic had to pass. Deep in her heart, she prayed he would still love her when he discovered her true parentage. She wondered if her meddlesome brothers had said anything to Nic about it, but he acted as if he didn’t know.

  Although…why did her brothers choose to come to North Devon for a visit? Was it to see her or Nic? She had yet to hear their explanation for that.

  Smiling, she rolled her head on the back of the couch. Never had she been this happy before. Everyone should be able to experience such joy. According to what her aunt had said this morning, Sally and Mr. Jacobs were hitting it off splendidly. Tabitha was certain she’d hear a wedding announcement in the near future.

  A knock came upon the front door, and moments later, she heard Mrs. Stiles’ cheerful voice. Soon footsteps thudded on the hallway floor, coming closer to the sitting room. Tabitha dropped her feet to the Persian rug and quickly slipped into her shoes before the visitors arrived. Just as she straightened, Mrs. Stiles and Miss Johnson entered.

  “Tabitha, my dear, you have a visitor.” She motioned her head toward the younger woman. “I knew you wouldn’t mind if she came to see you.”

  Smiling big, Tabitha rose from the couch and held out her hands for the younger woman to grasp. “Not at all. I will always welcome your company, Miss Johnson.”

  After slipping her hands in Tabitha’s, the other woman shook her head. “I thought I told you to call me Dawn.”

  “Indeed, you did. Please forgive me.”

  “After all we have been through together; I think it’s only right. Don’t you?”

  Tabitha nodded. “Yes, of course.”

  This was the first time she was able to see Dawn in the daylight, and without feeling dizzy. Although she was certain they had been introduced before, Tabitha hadn’t remembered the girl. Now she realized Dawn was a very stunning young lady. Her curly blonde hair had streaks of brown flowing through it, more noticeable in ringlets. But it wasn’t just the woman’s hair that made her lovely, it was her bright blue eyes; clear like the ocean on a cloudless day. No wonder David Griffin had been taken with her.

  “Would you care to sit?” Tabitha turned to the furniture.

  “Let me fetch some tea,” Mrs. Stiles said. “I’m sure that would be refreshing—”

  “No!” Both Tabitha and Dawn shouted. Mrs. Stiles’ eyes grew enlarged as her hand flew to her throat. “Forgive me, Mrs. Stiles,” Tabitha quickly added. “Miss Johnson and I aren’t ready to drink tea any time soon.”

  “Oh, of course not, my dear.” Red blotches appeared on the older woman’s cheeks. “Forgive me for not remembering. Then I shall just bring cookies.”

  “Actually, Mrs. Stiles,” Dawn interrupted, “I won’t be here very long at all. I just wanted to see how my friend was faring.”

  “Well, all right. I’ll let you two be alone then.” Mrs. Stiles turned and left the room.

  Still holding onto Dawn’s hands, Tabitha pulled her to the couch to sit. “It seems as if it were several days ago instead of just yesterday that we were together in that dreadful cellar, doesn’t it?”

  “Yes. It truly was a nightmare. I’m grateful you didn’t have to be there as long as I was.”

  “Are you feeling better? Have you gained your strength back?”

  “A little.” Dawn shrugged. “I know I should have stayed home and rested today, but I just had to come see you…and thank you for all you did.”

  “Oh, Dawn. I didn’t do anything special. Any woman would have done that. I’m sure you had tried to break down that trap door, too.”

  Dawn ducked her head and frowned. “Actually, I was too frightened to leave the mattress. I’ve always been afraid of the dark, and I was literally frightened to death.” She looked up. “You really did save me.” She glanced down at Tabitha’s hands. “You were so brave pulling that nail out of the piece of wood so you could use it to unlock the hook. It was pure brilliance on your part.”

  Chuckling, Tabitha shook her head and looked at her fingers. The scabs were still visible, and her fingertips would be tender for a few days, she was certain. “When I had lost all my hair-pins, I fell into despair and sank down the wall. That’s when I felt the nail sticking out of the board as it scraped my arm. I knew it was there for a reason…to help us escape. I just feel bad that when I finally opened the door, I was so dizzy I fell inside the room. I thought for sure Miss Talbot would hear the noise and come running.”

  “Oh, me, too. Those were the most terrifying moments of my life. I waited for her to bring you back down, but I was vastly relieved when help came for me. Who were those men, anyway?”

  Tabitha grinned and puffed her chest. “Those were my brothers; Trevor, Tristan, and Trey Worthington.”

  “I shall never forget their kindness.”

  “Yes, all three of them have the kindest hearts.”

  Dawn pulled away and stood. “Well, I’m starting to feel tired again, so I’d better return home. But please come visit me. I don’t have many friends, and I hope now to consider you one.”

  Tabitha rose to her feet and hooked her arm through Dawn’s, turning them toward the door. “I shall be proud to call you my friend. And, as the first order of our friendship, I shall help you to the front door.”

  Dawn laughed and patted Tabitha’s arm, walking beside her up the corridor. Just as she opened the door, a man stepped up to knock, his fist still raised in action.

  Tabitha gasped at the incredibly handsome man. Gone was the clergyman’s disguise, and in its place was the lord who’d stirred her heart several months ago. Clean shaven and wearing clothes that fit his muscular body well, Dominic Lawrence, the Marquis of Hawthorne stood before her. Never had she seen him more breathtaking.

  “Nic—um, Lord Hawthorne,” she sighed.

  He quickly dropped his hand to his side, and then offered a nod. “Miss Paget. Miss Johnson. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

  “Of course not, Lord Hawthorne.” Dawn smiled. “I was just leaving.” She started to step past him, but she stopped and met his gaze again. “I hope you don’t mind me saying that you look much better without the beard.”

  Nic threw back his head and chuckled. “I don’t mind it at all.”

  “Good day, my lord.” Dawn hurried toward her buggy.

  Nic’s warm stare captured Tabitha’s heart once more, and stirred feelings inside her that gratefully, hadn’t disappeared. “I’ll add my vote to Miss Johnson’s comment. I think you’re much more handsome when you’re clean-shaven.”

  He took her hand and lifted it to his mouth. As he brushed his lips across her knuckles, his gaze darkened with desire. “I like it this way, too. I can now feel your soft skin caressing mine.”

  Heat climbed up her face, and she feared she’d combust soon. Trying to dismiss this awkward embarrassment, she pulled her hand away and allowed him to enter. “I’m very happy you came to see me. We have much to talk about.”

  “I agree.” He glanced up and down the hallway. “Do you think your aunt will allow me to have some private moments with you?”

  She shrugged. “She doesn’t know about your switch with Frederick, so maybe she won’t.”

  “Shall we see?” He slid his arm around her back, pulling her closer to his side as he led them down the hallway toward the sitting room.

  “Whatever happened with Frederick,” she asked. “I recall losing consciousness for a little while, and when I came to, you and your cousin were arguing about something.”

  He rolled his eyes.
“He’d been missing all night and most of yesterday. I was ready to wring that man’s neck…until he told me where he’d been. Apparently,” Nic leaned closer as he lowered his voice, “Frederick has found a love interest after all of these years. The reason he was gone so much was because he was getting to know the woman a little better.”

  “Truly? Does she live in this township?”

  “No. Frederick mentioned it was a good thirty minutes traveling to her house.”

  “Well, I’m very happy for him.”

  “As am I. And of course, because he found love again, it kept me from strangling him.”

  She chuckled. “You’re incorrigible.”

  “Thank you. I take that as a compliment.”

  Once they entered, he released her and closed the door. Tabitha waited for Mrs. Stiles to come run screaming down the hallway, trying to keep this strange man from being alone with her, but so far the house was quiet.

  “Would you like to sit?“ she asked.

  “Not really. What I would like to do is this—”

  In two large steps he was right in front of her, taking her in his strong embrace as his mouth lowered toward hers. The beating of her heart quickened with anticipation. Just before his lips touched hers, she closed her eyes and leaned in.

  As his mouth moved seductively with hers, she couldn’t stop the heavy sigh from escaping her throat. Clinging to his broad shoulders, she pressed herself against him closer—scandalously close. His hands moving over her back only served to keep her in place. But then why would she want to leave? Kissing Nic was the most perfect thing she’d ever done.

  He groaned and turned his head, breaking the kiss, but keeping her in his arms. “As much as I don’t want to stop, I fear that if I continue kissing you, your aunt might walk in on us wrapped up in a very intimate situation.”

  Tabitha chuckled and stroked her fingers down the side of his face, loving the feel of his soft cheek—free of whiskers. “There’s nothing more I want to do but kiss you endlessly, but we do need to talk.”

  Nodding, he grasped her hand and walked with her to the couch where they sat by each other. Her hand was still cradled in his large fingers, and she loved the protection she felt whenever she was by his side.

  “Nic, there’s something I’ve needed to tell you for a while now, but it might come as a shock.” She took a deep breath.

  “Actually, my lovely, I think I know—”

  She put her fingers to his lips. “Shh… Don’t stop me. Let me say this.”

  He nodded, but kept quiet.

  “Since the first time we met, you have told me how I look familiar, and you always wondered why. Well…” she licked her suddenly dry lips, “there’s a reason I look familiar.”

  His smile broadened. “Go on.”

  “You see, I’ve known for several years that I’m the illegitimate child of the Duke of Kenbridge—the father of your friends.” She held her breath, waiting for him to say something. But he didn’t. He continued staring at her with his beautiful, enchanting eyes. Perhaps he didn’t hear her correctly. “Nic, do you know what this means? I’m Trevor, Tristan, and Trey’s sister. We share the same father.”

  “Yes, I see the connection.” He shrugged. “Do you think it matters to me who your parents were?”

  Happy tears spiked her eyes and her heart jumped to her throat. “It doesn’t matter that I’m a bastard child?”

  “No.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because it’s all part of life. Good heavens, have you not heard the rumors about the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire? He sired children that were not from his wife, and she bore a child that was not his, as well. King Henry VIII had a bastard child—probably more than one, in fact. Then there was the Duke of Monmouth who was the bastard son of Charles II…just to name a few off the top of my head.”

  Relief swept over her, making more tears spill down her cheeks. “You don’t think I’ll be an embarrassment to you? After all, you are a marquis.”

  “I shall be proud to introduce you as the Marchioness of Hawthorne.”

  Her heart skipped a beat as excitement filled her soul. She tilted her head, narrowing her gaze on him. “How very bold of you to presume such a thing, my lord. You haven’t even proposed.”

  He laughed and took her back in his arms, kissing her forehead. “Forgive me, my lovely. What could I have possibly been thinking?” He shifted in the couch and sank to the floor on one knee. He reached inside his jacket and pulled out a ring. The diamonds and rubies sparkled from the sun’s rays streaming through the open window. “My dearest Tabitha, love of my life, and keeper of my heart, I wish for you to share your world with me by my side until we are old and gray, from now until forever.”

  The tears kept coming and her voice refused to speak. He took her hand and kissed her fingers before slipping on the ring. “Will you marry me and make me exceedingly happy?”

  A bubble of laughter sprang forth as she nodded. She cleared her throat, hoping her emotional state would allow her to talk now. “I will marry you, my beautiful Marquis of Hawthorne. But make no mistake; I’ll be the one exceedingly happy.”

  He cupped her face and leaned forward. Eagerly, she met him halfway and pressed her mouth against his, sealing the proposal. Her heart sang as she held him tight. Against all odds, she knew their lives would be happy because it was something they were both willing to work at.

  She broke the kiss this time, because she had to wipe the moisture out of her eyes. He sat back on the couch and took her in his arms once more. Resting her head against his shoulder, she snuggled against him. Although everything seemed blissfully happy, there was still one last question that plagued her.

  “Nic?”

  “Yes, my lovely?”

  “What are my brothers doing here?”

  His chest shook with silent laughter. “Right after I had seen you at your aunt’s birthday party, I sent off a letter to Trey, asking him questions about you. I knew something in your life had changed because you weren’t a maid any longer. Apparently, whatever I said in my letter bothered your brothers.”

  She rolled her head to look up at him. “Why were they bothered?”

  “Trey knows me well, and could read from my words that I was infatuated with his sister.” He kissed her forehead. “None of your brothers liked that.”

  “And why not?”

  “They didn’t want me to break your heart.”

  She relaxed as she gazed into his eyes. “But it was I who broke your heart, if you remember correctly.”

  “Indeed, you did.”

  “So what do you think they will say now that we are engaged?”

  “I believe they have already accepted my feelings for you. You were not awake when Trevor made a comment yesterday.”

  “What had he said?”

  He stroked her cheek softly. “He wasn’t certain he’d enjoy having me for a brother-in-law.”

  She laughed.

  He touched his finger to the tip of her nose. “But I think it is I who will not enjoy having them for my in-laws.”

  “And why not? They are good, kind and loving men.”

  “Yes, they are, but from what I’ve seen so far, they’ll do anything to protect their sister, which means they’ll be sticking their noses into our lives all the time.”

  “Not if we live here,” she said softly.

  His eyes widened. “Live here? In North Devon?”

  “Yes, for most of the time, anyway. I’m sure you have duties as the marquis, but can we not live here as well?”

  His expression relaxed and he nodded. “That’s an excellent idea. That way we can live our lives the way we want, and the terrible T’s—your brothers—will not be interfering.”

  A loud laugh escaped her. “Oh, Nic. Don’t ever tell them you think of them as the terrible T’s.”

  “Believe me, I won’t.”

  “Nic, you are so very humorous. I love how you can make me laugh. Promise me one th
ing.”

  “Anything, my lovely. What is it you wish?”

  “I want you to make me laugh all the time, starting today and lasting until we are old and gray.”

  He kissed her briefly on the lips, and then smiled. “From now until forever.”

  *THE END*

  Author’s Bio

  Since Marie Higgins was a little girl playing Barbies with her sister, Stacey, she has loved the adventure of making up romantic stories. Marie was only eighteen years old when she wrote her first skit, which won an award for Funniest Skit. A little later in life, after she’d married and had children, Marie wrote Church roadshows that were judged as Funniest and Best Written. From there, she branched out to write full-length novels based on her dreams. (Yes, she says, her dreams really are that silly)

  Marie has been married for twenty-eight years to a wonderful man. Together, they have three loving daughters and several beautiful grandchildren. Marie works full time for the state of Utah, where she has lived her entire life. Marie plans to keep writing, because the characters in her head won’t shut up. But her husband smiles and pretends this is normal.

  Visit her website / blog to discover more about her - http://mariehiggins84302.blogspot.com