by Bree Wolf
Pierce smiled at his butler, then looked at Charlaine. “Charlie, this is Albert. If you require anything, he’ll assist you.” Then he turned to look at Albert. “This is Miss Charlaine Palmer. I trust all has been readied for her.”
Albert nodded eagerly. “Of course, my lord.” The expression upon his face never quite changed. However, Charlaine thought she saw a deeply compassionate soul lingering beneath the proper facade of Pierce’s butler.
“Thank you for the warm welcome,” Charlaine told Albert with a smile, fighting to hold back a chuckle when his face turned first pale and then dark red before he mumbled something rather unintelligible and then all but disappeared into thin air. “He is a sweet man, is he not?” Charlaine asked, turning to Pierce.
He nodded, a large smile upon his face. “The best. Now, let’s go find the little rascals.” Again, he offered her his arm and they proceeded up the stairs. “Or are you too tired?”
Charlaine shook her head. “Oh, no, you’ll not hide them from me a moment longer.”
Pierce scoffed. “I’m not hiding anyone.” He paused. “Although, at times, I admit that locating those two can be quite a challenge.”
Charlaine laughed and then stilled as the echo of children’s voice drifted to her ears. Her arm slipped from Pierce’s and she moved onward without thought, drawn to the innocent joy in their voices, beckoning her forward.
Only a few more steps down the hallway and Charlaine came to a wide-open door that led into a spacious room. Tall windows provided enough light despite London’s tendency for gray skies, and she stopped in the doorway, her gaze sweeping over an upturned toy chest, a tent made from sheets and blankets as well as a hairless doll tied to a table leg. Two young girls were kneeling before said doll, their heads bent—one dark and one light—their nimble fingers trying to loosen the knots.
“We need to hurry!” the dark-haired one whispered with some urgency. “Or they’ll capture us as well.”
“I cannot loosen it,” the other, blond-haired girl mumbled under her breath. “It’s too tight. We need a knife.”
“We don’t have a knife,” the dark-haired one stated, no small measure of disappointment swinging in her voice. “But perhaps…we can steal one.”
Charlaine sensed Pierce step up behind her a moment before his booming voice all but shook the room. “Or you could not!”
The girls flinched and spun around, staring at them wide-eyed.
“No knives!” Pierce stressed as he stalked into the room, looking from one girl to the other. “I do believe we’ve already discussed this at great length, have we not?”
Sighing, the dark-haired girl sank down onto the floor, her legs crossed under her dress. “Yes, Father.” Her eyes rose to meet his. “Then how do you suggest we undo the knot? After all, we’ve got to save Mary.” Her hand whipped out, pointing at the hairless doll.
“You must be Daphne,” Charlaine said as she stepped into the room. “It is such a pleasure to meet you. I must say you’re a girl after my own heart.”
“Charlaine!” Pierce grumbled, a warning note in his voice she chose to ignore.
The dark-haired girl scrambled to her feet, her wide eyes sweeping over Charlaine. “You’re our visitor,” she whispered in awe before eager joy danced across her face and she shot forward, grasping Charlaine’s hand. “You must tell us everything. Father says you come from an island. Are there pirates there? Have you ever seen a shark? Where—?”
“Slow down and give our guest a moment to catch her breath,” Pierce intervened with a smile as he beckoned an equally wide-eyed Susan forward. “Charlaine will be staying with us for a long time,” he said as he smiled at her, “so there’ll be plenty of chances for you to ask her all you wish to know.”
“Hello, Susan,” Charlaine greeted the slightly smaller, blond-haired girl. “Knots can, indeed, be quite vexing. Who tied it?”
Susan swallowed, as of yet undecided what to make of their new guest. “I did.”
“And you did a marvelous job,” Charlaine exclaimed, kneeling down and examining the knot at great length. “I don’t think anyone could untie it. It’s such a fine knot.” Susan beamed with pride. “We may need a knife after all,” Charlaine concluded, turning to Daphne.
A triumphant smile lit up little Daphne’s face as she looked up at Pierce. Then her gaze returned to Charlaine. “Perhaps we can get one from the kitchen.”
“That’s a good idea,” Charlaine replied, ignoring the way Pierce’s jaw dropped in disapproval.
Susan stepped forward, her little hands still a bit shaky. “But we’ll have to move quietly,” she whispered with a glance at the door, “or my mother will catch us. She doesn’t like us playing with knives, either.”
“That’s true,” Charlaine agreed with a smile, remembering all the mischief she and her siblings had done long ago. “Perhaps I should take off my shoes. They do make a lot of noise. Who wants to be the lookout?”
Two little hands snapped up into the air.
Shaking his head, Pierce threw up his hands. “Why do I even bother?” Still, the corners of his mouth quirked ever so slightly when his eyes met hers. “You’re worse than both of them together.”
Charlaine grinned. “Life is too short to worry about everything.” She slipped off her shoes, delighted to see the two girls following suit. “Do you want to join us?” she dared Pierce. “It’ll be fun. I promise.”
Closing his eyes, Pierce shook his head in utter disbelief. Still, the hint of a smile played over his face. “I’d rather not,” he told her with arched brows. Then he turned to look at the girls. “Where is Miss Glass?”
Susan’s little mouth opened, however, Daphne was quicker. “She went to fetch us some milk and biscuits.” Her gaze moved to meet Charlaine’s. “We need to hurry. She could be back any second.”
Charlaine felt a wide smile steal onto her face, bringing with it that wonderful feeling of weightlessness and innocent joy. Her heart beat faster, stronger and lighter somehow, and some of the colors returned to the world, whispering of possibilities yet untold.
After all, good things happened.
All the time.
Everywhere.
Chapter Three
A Life Turned Upside Down
Nathanial could not deny that leaving Boston behind did feel somewhat liberating. No longer did he see others look at him with pity, all aware of what had happened. No longer did he need to fear that his path would cross Abigail’s. No longer was he forced to continue his days as though nothing had happened.
Unfortunately, though, even England could not make him forget completely.
And for a very simple reason.
One he had foolishly not seen coming.
Descending the stairs, Nathanial proceeded down a corridor toward the breakfast parlor. In its doorway, however, his feet pulled to a sudden halt when his eyes fell on Zach and Becca seated perpendicular to one another at the breakfast table. Their hands were linked, their eyes only seeing the other as they whispered to one another like love-sick youths. Such joy stood in their eyes that Nathanial wanted to turn on his heel and leave.
The sight of them was sickening.
And painful.
Dear heavens, was it painful!
Over the past few days observing his brother and new sister-in-law, Nathanial had been forced to realize something utterly devastating. For the truth was that he could not see Abigail and himself in them. Never had they been quite like that. Never had he felt as connected to her. Never had the world stopped turning when she’d entered a room.
Not like this.
He’d loved her; Nathanial was certain of that. He still did love her for his heart still hurt as it had the day she had broken their engagement. Had she ever loved him though? If she had, would she have been able to betray him the way she had?
Nathanial could not help but wonder about all that had eluded him, all that he had not seen. In his mind, he replayed moment after moment he had shared with
her, trying to glimpse signs of her true feelings. And yet, even in retrospect, he could not.
What did this mean? Would he ever dare trust another again? Would he ever dare be that foolish?
“Good morning, Brother.”
Clearing his throat, Nathanial stepped into the room. “Good morning. I apologize for disturbing you.”
“Nonsense.” With a large smile on his face, Zach waved him over. “Did you sleep well?”
“Quite well.” In truth, Nathanial had been suffering from insomnia ever since the damned affair had destroyed his life. He would find himself exhausted at the end of the day, barely able to keep his eyes open. However, the second his head touched the pillow, he would feel his body wake as though it fought the pull of slumber…
…for a reason he could not understand.
Nathanial had not slept more than three or four hours a night in a long time.
Becca smiled at him and motioned for a footman to pour Nathanial some tea as he sat down across from her. “Our wedding celebration is only a sennight away now,” her gaze darted to Zach’s and both their faces lit up before she looked back at him, “and I’m happy to say that a dear friend of mine will be in attendance as well.”
Nathanial felt the muscle in his jaw twitch. Were they trying to play matchmaker? “I appreciate your sentiment,” he said carefully, not wishing to offend her. “However, at present, I am not interested in—”
“Oh, you misunderstand me,” Becca interrupted him with a smile. “My friend is also your cousin, Lady Remsemere.”
Surprised, Nathanial looked at his brother. “The cousin you wrote to me about?”
Zach nodded. “Yes, her little daughter was born at the end of last year and I wasn’t certain if she would be able to attend.”
Becca’s hand settled on Zach’s. “However, a letter arrived this morning, saying that they’ll be here. I haven’t seen her in almost a year, and I miss her dearly.”
Nathanial nodded, feeling a bit apprehensive, but also pleased at the thought of meeting new family. After their parents’ passing, Nathanial and Zach had only ever had each other. Now, Zach was married and would no doubt be a father soon, making Nathanial feel a bit like being left out in the cold.
Still, according to Zach’s letters, Lady Remsemere had suffered her fair share of losses before she had now found happiness in her marriage. Not only had she lost her father, but also her brother, which had left the family without an heir to the title. Subsequently, it had moved to the second son—Zach’s and Nathanial’s father—who had also unfortunately been deceased at the time.
Thus, Zach as the eldest had become the new Earl of Pembroke.
“There is something else we wanted to discuss with you,” Zach began, a hint of caution in his voice. His gaze once more drifted to his wife, and Nathanial could not help but wonder what passed between them that he could not grasp. What was it like to communicate without words?
Becca squeezed his brother’s hand, an encouraging smile upon her lips, before Zach once more opened his mouth. “After our wedding celebration, we were planning to go on an extended honeymoon.”
When Zach paused, Nathanial looked from one to the other, wondering what that had to do with him. “Where?”
A radiant smile lit up Becca’s face. “Everywhere.” Her eagerness to be off was only too visible in the way her teeth sank into her lower lip, trying and failing to contain the smile that tickled her lips.
“That sounds wonderful,” Nathanial replied, still uncertain how that pertained to him.
Zach cleared his throat. “We were wondering if you’d like to accompany us.”
Nathanial’s brows rose. “On your honeymoon?”
His brother shrugged. “We used to travel together all over the world. Why not do so again?”
“Because this is your honeymoon,” Nathanial scoffed, unwilling to contemplate the awkwardness of being the fifth wheel in this endeavor. Was he truly this pitiable that they would sacrifice their honeymoon in order to try and cheer him up? “I appreciate your offer. However, I’ve made plans to return to Boston within a fortnight.”
Zach frowned, and Becca’s smile faded. “Do you truly want to go back so soon?” she asked directly. “I understand that you have no wish to accompany us.” She glanced at her husband. “Perhaps it was a poor idea, indeed. However, you could remain here at Pembroke Hall or go to London, meet new people, try something different.”
Zach nodded eagerly. “I think that’s a splendid idea!”
“I don’t know anyone here,” Nathanial remarked, uncertain how he felt about his sister-in-law’s suggestion. His plan had been to come to England, meet his brother’s wife, wish them well and then return to Boston. Always had Nathanial been one to make plans and see them through. Until his last plan had ended in utter disaster! “The company. I am needed—”
“Is the company your only objection?” Zach interrupted. “Did you leave it in Mr. Johnson’s care?” Nathanial nodded. “Then there is no reason to return so soon. You know as well as I do that Mr. Johnson is more than capable to see to it. We’ve trusted him before and never regretted it.” His brows rose, urging Nathanial to acknowledge the truthfulness of his words.
“What would I do here?” Nathanial asked, feeling like a child, completely uncertain of the world he was facing.
“Anything you’d like,” Becca exclaimed, then turned to look at Zach. “Perhaps Lord Markham could show him around.”
Zach nodded. “I’ll ask him.”
Overwhelmed, Nathanial stared back and forth between his brother and sister-in-law as they began to make plans, not bothering to ask how he felt about them. Still, Nathanial could not deny that the thought of prolonging his return to Boston was tempting.
Perhaps he truly ought to gain some distance from his life.
Perhaps it would help him decide how to proceed.
It was worth considering.
Chapter Four
A New Family in the Making
With her hand resting on Pierce’s arm, Charlaine allowed him to guide her around Hyde Park.
Considering the tall townhouses, gray and imposing, the green oasis in the center of London was a welcoming diversion. It seemed even the sun shone more brightly here, its rays sparkling on the snake-like river that cut through the greens. Birds chirped overhead, and children’s laughter drifted to her ears from afar.
“We should have brought the girls,” Charlaine remarked on a sigh as her gaze drifted over the tempting-looking lawn.
Pierce laughed. “If we had, we wouldn’t have had a moment of peace.”
Her brows rose as she fixed him with a pointed stare.
“Very well,” Pierce conceded. “I wouldn’t have had a moment of peace.” Leaning closer, he held her gaze, a smirk on his face. “And don’t even think about it.”
Charlaine blinked her lashes innocently. “I do not have the faintest idea what you’re talking about.”
Pierce’s gaze dropped to the hem of her skirts. “I know that you think wearing shoes is optional. However, I must warn you, London society strongly disagrees.”
Charlaine rolled her eyes. “They wouldn’t if they tried it. You cannot deny that fresh grass under your feet feels heavenly. It’s almost as good as sand between your toes.”
Pierce chuckled. “Albert almost had a heart attack when he first noticed your…fondness for walking barefoot.”
Charlaine smiled at the memory of Albert’s shocked face. It had literally drained of blood, giving the dear man a frighteningly pale complexion. However, the time he had caught her sliding down the banister had been worse. Charlaine had feared he would drop dead then and there, and she had immediately promised him not to do so again.
A promise she regretted every once in a while.
As did Daphne and Susan.
Belatedly, Charlaine noticed that Pierce’s arm under her hand had turned to steel, his muscles tense to the point of breaking. When she looked up at him, she found his
jaw was clenched and his eyes were hard as though he were locked in a battle of life and death. “Pierce?” she whispered, thrown off by the hateful glare in his eyes as he stared at a man and a woman, who were taking a stroll through the park not unlike them.
While the man bore a bit of an upturned expression, something dark lurking in his smile, the woman looked…hurt. Her eyes barely dared to meet Pierce’s, and Charlaine thought she saw a deep sadness clinging to her bespectacled face.
Pulling on Pierce’s arm, Charlaine leaned closer. “Is that her?”
A few days ago, Charlaine had caught Pierce daydreaming in his study—truthfully, there was no other word for it!—and she had felt compelled to ask him then and there about the woman who had stolen his heart. Although he had been more than reluctant to divulge anything to her, he had told Charlaine her name.
Caroline.
As he continued to stare at the couple merely a short distance away, not a word passed Pierce’s lips. However, the look in his eyes became murderous.
“You look as though your head is about to explode,” Charlaine remarked, wishing he would snap out of this trance. She gave his arm a gentle tug. “What’s wrong?”
Still, he wouldn’t answer her.
Had he even heard her?
“You’re frightening me,” she told him, then stepped in his line of sight.
Nothing.
He looked past her.
Then his body suddenly jerked forward, and Charlaine acted without thought. “No!” With both hands up, she shoved against his chest, keeping him in place. “Talk to me! What’s wrong?”
Finally, he blinked and his eyes found her. “I’m sorry but I need to—”
“Who was that man?” Charlaine demanded as a cold shiver snaked down her back. “His smile was false. Is he the man everyone has been whispering about?” Her hands seized his. “Tell me!”
Ever since she had arrived in London, Charlaine had slowly become aware of a dark secret that lingered over Pierce’s household. Not that it was a secret any longer, at least not to his servants. Everyone knew, and everyone was shocked.