by Monica Burns
“Well, now you can eat here. How about that?”
Pulling a small table from beside her bed over to the couch, Victoria smiled at him. She wasn’t sure why he’d talk as if he’d not been in his mother’s room as a child, but she put it down to his inability to process information well.
“I like you now.” Edmund bit into a piece of roasted chicken. “You didn’t like to talk to me before, except when you told me your secret.”
“Secret?” Victoria stiffened at his odd statement.
“I found your book, and you got very angry with me.” Edmund glanced around the room as if afraid someone might be listening. “You told me never to tell about the book.”
“Do you know what’s in the book, Edmund?”
He gave her a funny look before he looked around the room again. There was a distinct expression of fear on his face as he leaned toward her. When he seemed certain that they were alone he nodded his head.
“Names. Lots of them. Ben’s name was in it too.” Edmund’s expression was worried as he stared at his plate. She smiled.
“It’s all right, Edmund. Thank you for telling me about the book. I had forgotten what was in it.”
Satisfied with her explanation, Edmund turned his attention to the potatoes on his plate. Victoria resumed eating as well, trying to make heads or tails out of what Edmund had shared with her. Why in the hell would the Countess have a book with lots of names, and who the hell was Ben? Was it a diary maybe? No, it had lots of names according to Edmund. A ledger of some kind… A little black book. The woman had a fricking little black book. No wonder the woman wanted to hide it.
“I didn’t tell anyone, not even Nicholas.” The pleading note in Edmund’s voice jerked Victoria out of her contemplation. She smiled reassuringly at the man and reached out to squeeze his hand.
“I believe you, Edmund. You kept your promise, and I’m sure that was hard to do. I know I would have a hard time keeping a secret.”
“Really?” Eyes round with surprise, Edmund looked at her with an odd expression.
“Really,” she said with a nod. “Let’s celebrate how good you are at keeping secrets.”
Victoria picked a plate with chocolate cake on it and handed it to the man. He eagerly accepted the treat and proceeded to take a large bite out of the desert. His eyes closed in obvious pleasure and Victoria laughed.
“I thought apple cake was your favorite.”
“Chocolate cake.” He swallowed the bite in his mouth. “Is my second favorite.”
Edmund washed his cake down with a huge gulp of milk. The end result was a milk mustache on his upper lip. With a laugh, Victoria reached for a napkin to help him clean his face. A sharp rap on the door connecting her room with Nicholas’ made her call out for the visitor to enter as Edmund scrunched up his face so she could wipe the chocolate off his cheeks. As she worked, she glanced over her shoulder and saw the man the doctor had referred to as Roberts staring at them in astonishment. The man quickly cleared his throat as he met her gaze.
“My lady, his lordship would like a word with you. I’ll stay here with Master Edmund until you return,” he said quietly. Uncertainty made Victoria grimace as she turned back to Edmund.
“I’ll be back in a minute, okay?” She waited for Edmund’s nod of understanding then with a smile at Roberts, she walked down the short corridor to Nicholas’ room.
The difference between her room and Nicholas’ was dramatic. It exuded the same strength, power, and commanding nature of its owner. Sage curtains bordered tall windows, while green wallpaper covered the walls. Equine paintings were displayed in various spots, and a wardrobe stood open on the far left wall. A large bed, situated between the windows, faced the dark cherry fireplace, which had a table and chair set in front of the hearth. Nicholas sat in the chair, his leg stretched out in an obvious effort to warm the appendage.
“I understand my brother is dining in your room.” The book he held made a loud crack as he snapped it shut, and Victoria jumped slightly at the sound.
“Yes. Is that a problem?” she said with a frown as she remembered the nurse’s expression when Victoria had insisted on letting Edmund join her for dinner. Had the woman thrown a fit about Edmund eating dinner with her? “If I screwed up his schedule, I’m sorry.”
“In the future, you’re not to invite my brother to have dinner with you again,” Nicholas replied coldly as he stood up. Although he was at least four feet away, his anger vibrated in the space between them.
“I don’t understand.” She stared at him in confusion.
“Edmund is different from ordinary people. He has special needs.”
“Of course he’s different,” she said with frustration. “But he still has feelings. He’s sweet and extremely well-mannered.”
“Nonetheless, you’ll refrain from associating with him.”
“Why?” she snapped.
“Because the last time you were with him, you told him everyone would be better off if he were dead,” Nicholas snarled.
Flinching at the sharp words, Victoria stared at him in horror. Until now, she’d thought the countess was simply a spoiled brat, but this went beyond that. The woman had been cruel and vicious to say such a thing to someone who clearly didn’t have a full grasp of the world he lived in. If she wasn’t so certain the woman was already dead, Victoria would have found a way to find the woman and personally take her out.
Even worse was the knowledge that there was nothing Victoria could say that would undo what Nicholas’ wife had done. When she didn’t say anything, Nicholas closed the distance between them until he was less than an arm’s length away.
“What? No pretty denials? No pleas of, I don’t remember?” he said bitterly.
“What your wife said to Edmund was horrible. Cruel.” She steadily met his cold gaze. “But it wasn’t me, and I’m running out of apologies for the awful things your wife did. Personally, I’m glad she’s not here, because if she were, someone would have to hold me back to keep me from wringing her God damn neck.”
Shock reflected on his face, Nicholas narrowed his green eyes at her. It was a look of shrewd assessment, but Victoria refused to cower beneath his gaze. Instead, she lifted her chin in defiance. His wife might have been the wicked witch of the west, but she wasn’t, and she was through being the whipping boy for the woman’s malicious behavior. In silence, Nicholas turned around and walked back to his chair. Sinking down into the wingback seat, he picked up his book then opened it to where he’d been when she first entered the room.
“You’re to stay away from Edmund.” His voice was devoid of anger, but it was a command nonetheless. His gaze dropped to his book in a clear indication that she was dismissed. She tried to drum up anger at his arbitrary order, but couldn’t. He believed she was the countess, and she was stuck with the woman’s bad reputation. Could she blame him for not trusting her? Without a word, she turned and walked out of his bedroom. As she entered her room, she saw Roberts and Edmund sitting on the lounge sofa chatting away like old friends. When the valet saw her, the man rose to his feet. Edmund followed the manservant’s example, and as Victoria drew near, he smiled at her.
“Did you get into trouble with Nicholas?”
“No.” Victoria smiled brightly. “But I think it’s time for you to go to your room.”
“Can’t I stay here with you?” Edmund stepped forward and caught Victoria’s hand.
“No, I’m afraid Nicholas wants you to go to bed.”
“Then can you come see my tree tomorrow?”
“I don’t know, Edmund,” she said with hesitation as she remembered Nicholas’ warning.
“Please, Victoria. I want to show you my apple tree. It’s all mine.”
The pleading look on Edmund’s face made her heart ache, and she knew she couldn’t refuse him. No matter what Nicholas said, she couldn’t disappoint the man-child staring at her. In some small way, she felt obligated to make up for all the pain the countess had caused. Nich
olas would be furious with her, but she didn’t care. She felt drawn to Edmund. The delight on Edmund’s face said she’d made the right choice, and she smiled. As she turned to Roberts, she saw a look of respect cross his disfigured features.
“We’ve not been properly introduced, have we? I’m…” she hesitated and frowned as she extended her hand.
“You’re the Countess of Guildford, my lady, and I’m Roberts.” His expression kind, the valet’s eyes twinkled at her.
“Thank you, Roberts. Would you mind taking Edmund back to his room? As for tomorrow, I’ll meet Edmund in the garden after breakfast. Will that be all right?”
“I’ll see to both of those tasks, my lady. Master Edmund will enjoy the fresh air.”
“Thank you.” Turning back to Edmund, she smiled. “I’ll see you tomorrow, all right?”
“All right, Victoria, and I’ll show you my favorite apple tree. You won’t forget?”
“No. I won’t forget.”
Impulsively, Edmund grabbed and crushed her in a tight hug. Surprised, she froze for a moment, before returning his embrace with a laugh. As he released her, Roberts gently ushered Nicholas’ brother out of her bedroom.
Chapter 15
Victoria sighed at how tepid the bath water had become. It meant she would have to get out of the water and dress. She needed to get downstairs to say goodbye to Anna and everyone else, but the scented bathwater Molly had run for her was heavenly. She debated turning the hot water on for the third time, but decided against it. Instead, she pushed herself up out of the water and stepped out of the tub. She turned toward the free-standing towel rack to reach for her towel, but it was missing.
“Is this what you’re looking for?”
The deep timbre of Nicholas’ voice made Victoria whirl around clumsily causing her to pitched forward. A split-second later, strong arms saved her from hitting the floor. Heat suffused her skin as he held her tight against him. One large hand pressed into her back as the other cupped one cheek of her buttocks.
Her heart hammering a wild rhythm in her chest, she saw desire flash across his face as his hand left her bottom to stroke her shoulder then trail his fingers down her arm. The moment his hand brushed against her breast, Victoria regained partial control of her sense. With a shudder she pushed him away and freed herself from his grasp. She tugged the towel out of his hand then spun away from him to wrap the towel around her before facing him again.
“What are you doing in here?” she rasped as a small smile curved his lips.
Emerald eyes met hers as his gaze drifted downward and back up to her face. The look said he’d burned an imprint of her body in his head. God, when he looked at her like that, she wanted to drag him to her bed. She gulped as her gaze locked with his. Nicholas’ smile widened as if he knew he had only to crook his finger at her, and she would obey his command without protest. Tension careened through her as she remembered what he’d done with his fingers the last time they were alone together.
“I should have someone paint you like this.” There was a seductive quality to his voice that shot a pleasurable heat through her body. “No, not a towel. A sheet draped around you as if you’d just emerged from my bed.”
“I need to dress,” she said breathlessly.
“Perhaps I should stay and help.”
The sinfully mouth-watering suggestion made her heart skip a beat. God, help her. All she had to do was take two steps forward, and she’d be in his arms. Her throat threatened to close at the thought. The room was steamy with a tangible moist heat layering her skin. If the man didn’t leave soon, odds were he’d have her any way he wanted. Something she was certain Nicholas wouldn’t mind one bit.
The thought made her mouth water, and she drew in a quick breath. Making love with this man wouldn’t be a quick wham bam thank you ma’am. It would be a long, drawn out pleasure fest, and he didn’t have that kind of time. The minute everyone downstairs put two and two together their surprise at her riding skills would be small in comparison to the idea that Nicholas had made love to a woman everyone knew he despised.
“No,” she said between clenched teeth. “I can manage on my own.”
“I’ve played ladies’ maid before.”
The amused irony in his voice was like a splash of cold water in her face. A dark and vicious jealousy curled its way through her limbs. The idea of him with another woman made her stomach roil, and she struggled to comprehend why she suddenly felt as though her heart was breaking.
“Your friends will be waiting,” she choked out. “Your friends might think I’ve changed, but if we… they know how much you despise your wife…it would be awkward.”
Victoria shivered as Nicholas closed the distance between them. She tried to convince herself it was the chill in the air, but she knew better. His hand captured her chin, and he narrowed his green eyes to study her carefully. The air left her lungs as she tried to meet his gaze fearlessly.
“A logical argument, my sweet witch,” he murmured. “But what would you say if we had no guests?”
“I don’t understand,” she lied in a hoarse whisper.
“Don’t you?” He wrapped a lock of her hair around his finger. “Then let me clarify. Would you let me into your bed if we were free of any obligations?”
There was an odd gleam in his eyes that made her heart pound harder. Beneath his probing gaze, she lost the ability to speak. Nicholas lowered his head and brushed his mouth over hers. Tantalizing and hot, his kiss held the promise of sinful pleasure. Victoria trembled. God, she wanted him. She’d never wanted a man so much in her life. Suddenly, his heat was gone as he stepped away from her. His eyes unreadable, he studied her for a long moment before he turned away and walked toward the door.
“Dress quickly. Our guests are leaving after breakfast.”
“Yes,” she whispered. “I would say yes.”
She closed her eyes in horror as she realized what she’d just done. God help her, she’d just told the man she’d sleep with him. Had she lost her mind? No, that had happened the moment she’d opened her eyes in this reality. She blinked, and for a split second she was certain he’d heard her as he paused for a brief instant in the doorway. It was a small hesitation and as he disappeared through the doorway she realized he hadn’t heard her after all. Victoria closed her eyes as a mixture of relief and disappointment clutched at her.
The gentle thud of the bedroom door closing filtered its way into the bathroom. With a small groan, she sagged slightly and wrapped her arms around her waist. God, what the hell was she thinking? She’d actually invited the man into her bed. He was a married man. No, he was a widower. She was certain of that, which meant she was the real countess. No, they weren’t married. Victoria closed her eyes.
Did Occam’s Razor apply to her situation? Could Nicholas and Anna be right that her brain had created visions of the future as a means of protecting her from some horrible trauma? She snorted. No, this time and place wasn’t her reality. If she could find out how she’d gotten here, maybe she could find a way back to her own time. The familiar stabs of pain in her temple made her focus on her present reality. She wasn’t ready for another headache.
If she couldn’t go home, she needed to find a way to reconcile her attraction to Nicholas. Because she was certain the time was coming when there would be no going back where he was concerned. Victoria pulled in a deep breath at the realization. Anna. She had to talk to Anna before she left.
§ § §
The quiet murmur of conversation filled the air as Victoria made her way through the open corridor that led to the dining room. As she entered the room, all the gentlemen stood up, while Anna and Lady Palmerton smiled their delight at seeing her.
“Victoria, we’re so happy to see you’re feeling better, aren’t we, John?” Catherine looked at Lord Palmerton who nodded his agreement as he sat down.
“Indeed, all of us are greatly relieved that you’re up and about.”
Victoria said thank you as
everyone continued to express their happiness that she was well again. One of the footmen held her chair for her as she sat down opposite Nicholas. She avoided looking down the table length for several minutes before she darted a look in his direction. To her surprise, he was studying her with a puzzled frown on his face. Their gazes locked for a moment, until she quickly glanced away. Breakfast was almost finished before Victoria found an opportunity to discreetly ask Anna if she could speak with her. The other woman immediately rose from her seat.
“Good heavens, I almost forgot that I promised to write down my recipe for treating migraines,” Anna exclaimed. “Come, Victoria, I’m sure there’s paper and pen in the library.”
In seconds, Anna had secured their escape. Arms entwined they left the dining room. When they were in the library and safely out of earshot, Anna caught Victoria’s hands in hers.
“What’s happened?” The concern in her new friend’s voice made Victoria shake her head.
“It’s…nothing’s happened…it’s just that Nicholas and I…we…oh Lord, I can’t believe I’m even discussing this.” Victoria stared helplessly at Anna. A knowing smile curved the other woman’s lips, and Anna’s brown eyes sparkled with something that Victoria thought might be satisfaction.
“He tried to seduce you.” Anna’s amused observation made Victoria nod her head.
“You might say that. He stole my towel while I was in the tub.” Victoria muttered with exasperation unwilling to share just how far things had gone between her and Nicholas.
“Oh dear.” Anna laughed softly.
“It’s not funny,” Victoria snapped. “I’m not the countess.”
“Victoria, have you told Nicholas you’re not his wife?” Anna’s unhurried tone emphasized her patient expression.
“Yes, you know I have,” Victoria said in frustration.
“And we both agree that while we have no proof to the contrary, the other interested party is no longer with us, correct?”
“Yes.”
“And you agree that the truth you believe to be true might actually be a protective measure your mind has created to help you handle a horrible trauma you’ve endured.”