Her eyes grew wider at his statement. “Are you saying she has denied you?”
“There’s nothing to deny. We have not spoken since I took her home.”
“Is that your choice, or hers?”
Releasing her grip, he thrust a hand through his hair. “No matter. We’re from different worlds.”
“But . . .”
“She fled England because her father would not consider a marriage with a second son. Now that she is ensconced in the bosom of his noble household, do you think he will consider a man of lesser rank for his daughter?”
“But if you’re in love . . .”
“Love!” He leaped from the couch as if his pants were on fire. “Who said anything about love? I certainly never mentioned the word.”
She jumped up right behind him. “You don’t need to mention it. It’s clearly written all over your face. Your eyes are filled with longing. Even your speech changes. My ruff and gruff brother turns to mush at the mention of her name.”
He gave her a look that had many men scurrying away in fright. But not his hot-headed sister.
“Where the devil do you get these ideas? I do not . . .”
“Yes you do. You are in love.”
“Will you please keep your voice down?” Imagine him, the shouter, asking her to lower her voice. “I’ll not have you spouting nonsense the entire household may misconstrue. Maybe a life with her crossed my mind. But, that’s all. And, like I said, it’s impossible.”
“Nothing is impossible. I thought I’d never have Morgan, and look at us.” The palm of her hand heated his arm. “I love him. I would do anything for him. We had obstacles between us. But, we overcame them.”
“You natter in a land of impossible things. I am not nobility.”
“You are a man of considerable wealth. You are a baron in your own right, your own lands. Father saw to that. You are a man of impeccable character.”
“You give a man hope.” He lifted her hand from his arm and kissed her knuckles.
“Love knows no station. Your steadfastness of the ranking nobility is misplaced. It does not hurt to dream. The hard part is going after your dream.”
A dream punctured by the cruel thorn of disappointment.
Could he have a life with Jennifer after all?
“And how did one so young become so wise?” His heart full of love, he stared into his sister’s eyes.
“Oh, Stephen. You are so unhappy. Go to her. Talk with her.”
“And what of her father?”
She gave a shameless smile. “Who could be better for her than the man who loves her? Convince him.”
“Maybe I should send you in my stead. He would not be able to resist you.”
“Then you’ll see her?”
“Enough. As I said, my business is my own.”
She sneaked a peak from beneath her lashes. “You are not mad at me?”
He took a long time in answering. “I suppose there’s no harm done.”
Chapter 30
Mother could be a grouse at times. Jennifer detested all the hustle and bustle. An outing every day. A party every night. Since her return, Mother insisted she keep up appearances. The commotion this morning, landed her in bed. She’d feigned illness just to spend an afternoon at home. Good Lord, she wished she were back in her quiet little shack.
Her lonely little house.
Not so lonely when Stephen filled it with his booming presence.
Stephen.
She’d not heard one word from him. When he’d deposited her at her parents’ door, the terrifying notion that she would never see him again took root. And followed her every day since. Weeks. Blast him. Her heart felt like it had been stomped by a team of horses, stabbed with a thousand knives.
Stephen had charged into her life, turning her world upside-down. How dare he make her love him and then walk away without so much as a backward glance.
What are you going to do about it?
Staring out her window held no answers. A carriage slowed, then halted in front of the house. When the footman opened the door, an elegantly dressed young lady climbed down. She shook out her skirts and patted her hair.
Jennifer caught her breath.
The same rich color of Stephen’s.
His sister? She looked neither left nor right, her stride with purpose as she marched to the front door. A delightful thrill filled Jennifer’s chest. It has to be her. She even walks like him.
Jennifer quickly checked her appearance in her mirror. She hurried to the bedchamber door and with a deep breath, threw her shoulders back and stepped into the hall. She met Father’s butler mid-way down the staircase. She gave a nod as he confirmed Miss Radbourn as her visitor. Then on a much slower pace, she followed him down the stairs. Only with the greatest effort, she hid her anxiety and waited to be announced.
Why is she here? What could she want? Did she have a message from Stephen?
As she entered the drawing room, Jennifer was met with a blinding smile. Green eyes, with just enough of a slant to appear exotic, beamed at her. Tropical, sea green eyes. For a moment it was as if Stephen gazed at her.
“Miss Radbourn.” The tension eased out of her body as she returned her guest’s smile.
“Lady Gascoyne. I hope you don’t mind my stopping by. I’m Stephen’s sister.”
“I’m delighted to meet you. Won’t you please sit down?”
“Thank you.”
The maid had already brought in the silver tea service, polished to a glaring shine. China cups and plates adorned the center table with linen napkins. “Would you like some tea, Miss Radbourn?”
“Oh please, call me Kat. Stephen’s nickname for me. And may I call you Jennifer?”
“Please do.” She tired of being called Lady Gascoyne. She lifted the pot and poured steaming brew into a china cup for her guest. “Please help yourself to cream and sugar. I like to fix my own tea. One cannot judge another’s sweet tooth.”
“Thank you,” Kat said.
Jennifer added a dab of cream and a lump of sugar to her own cup. After stirring, she heedfully placed her silver spoon on the saucer, wondering how she could ask about Stephen without blurting out her anxiousness.
Suddenly, Kat reached for Jennifer’s hands. Such a forward action, she automatically conceded, somewhat surprised by the gesture.
“I’ve been all atwitter wanting to meet you. I’ve practiced being demure, but let’s face it. I’m too impulsive.”
She couldn’t help but be cheered by Kat’s lively spirit. The girl blinked thick lashes over her large green eyes.
Jennifer mentally shook herself. But the words flew out of her mouth before she could stop them. “How is your brother?”
“Stephen is distracted. Stubborn as an old goat.”
Sounded just like him. Blast the man.
“I’m so glad Stephen is home. I’ve been worried about him a long time.” Kat’s voice dropped dramatically. “Please tell me you care for my brother.”
Jennifer blinked. Well, that’s frankly speaking. And without a blush.
“I must know what happened to him. I hope you will tell me.”
“What makes you think I can tell you any more than he?” Assuming his sister had asked him. By her actions today, she’d probably hounded the poor man.
“That’s just it. He won’t tell me anything.”
Thank God.
Surely, as a gentleman, Stephen kept their intimacy private.
“Please, Jennifer. I hope we can be friends.” Kat said with fervor. Her eyes so intense, the penetrating stare reminded Jennifer of her tutor when she’d been seven.
Scary woman.
“I simply do not have the time to persuade you I am trustwor
thy. You don’t know me, so I understand you may question my sincerity. But I am asking you for your faith. For you to take a giant leap and confide in me.”
Reeling over Kat’s declaration, Jennifer roused her instincts. The girl was forthright. Downright blunt. She liked her immediately.
“You remind me of my sister, to a certain extent.” She gave Kat a smile. “What would you like to know?”
Kat’s shoulders slumped with a heavy sigh. Releasing Jennifer’s fingers, she plopped a lump of sugar into her tea cup.
“When I was pining away for my fiancée, I didn’t eat, didn’t sleep, I lost a lot of weight. I cried a lot. I see the same signs in Stephen.” She waved a gloved hand. “Oh he doesn’t cry of course. He would never allow such weakness. Oh, dear. I’m babbling, aren’t I? Charity, my friend, she’s a countess now, she is the only one who can keep up with my chatter.”
“Indeed.” Jennifer offered a cinnamon bread slice.
“Jennifer, I’m worried. And when I worry, I prattle. And I do impulsive things. The last time I worried so over Stephen, I was abducted by my . . . never mind.”
“So, coming to see me was impulsive?” Jennifer held back a smile.
“Yes,” Kat said, her eyes full of mischief. “I know this is not exactly appropriate, but I’m desperate. If my brother knew of my visit . . .”
“He won’t find out from me.”
“Good.” She placed her cup in its saucer so forcefully, the china clanked. “I know this is um, rather personal, but I don’t care. I’ll go mad if I sit back and do nothing. You have managed to snag my brother’s attention. If you meant nothing to him, he would not be so angry.”
“Kat, I do appreciate you speaking your mind, but I’m afraid you’re mistaken. I have not seen your brother for weeks. I’ve not heard from him. It’s as though we never met.”
“Balderdash.” Her green eyes blazed, just like . . . Stephen’s.
“That’s not the only thing,” she continued, her eyes pleading. “There’s more he is hiding. Please tell me. He’s so thin. Before Stephen left, he was a mountain of a man. I can’t bear it. I know something happened to him. He refuses to speak of it.”
Jennifer smoothed her features, straightened her spine and folded her hands in her lap. “Perhaps it is better left alone. He must deal with his own demons.”
“You know. Don’t you?” Kat’s gaze penetrated while her soft words were spoken with trepidation.
“I will not betray a confidence. Stephen has . . . scars. You must let him deal with this in his own way.” He had scars, all right. Inside and out.
“I will imagine the worst.”
Jennifer seriously doubted it.
She placed her hand over Kat’s. “Stephen was injured. I nursed him back to health.” Her eyes stung. Please don’t let me cry. “Listen to me. Your brother is home. He is safe. Be thankful and respect his wishes.”
The girl sprang forward and hugged her tight. “I am thankful. And I am thankful for you.” She leaned back and swiped at a tear on her cheek.
Oh no.
A bead of moisture caressed her own cheek.
Kat smiled that blinding smile of hers. “We could be sisters.”
“From friends to sisters all in one afternoon?” Jennifer took pride her words came out without a catch in her voice.
“Stephen cares for you, I know it. Love that’s new can be exciting. Like me and my betrothed.”
“Men are attracted to women for different reasons. Love does not need to be involved.” Jennifer took a much needed sip of her tea.
“I’m no child. I know that men have urges.”
Jennifer nearly choked on her tea.
“I told you I am impulsive and you’ve already seen I’m outspoken. How am I to find out anything if I am not forthright? I am about to be married,” she sniffed.
“I have been married.”
Kat’s gaze turned assessing. “I wasn’t sure. Gossip mongers said you’d run off.”
Suspecting gossip was one thing, having it confirmed smarted. “I married a second son. Father is a Marquess, you see. It simply is not done.”
“What happened to your husband?”
“He . . . died.”
“I’m so sorry.” Kat chewed her lip. “Where does my brother fit in?”
Jennifer took a deep breath. “I lived alone in my own house when he showed up on my door step.”
“You are no older than me,” Kat burst out.
Jennifer tilted her head. Yes, she guessed they were the same age. However, she’d aged ten years in the last two. “I’m years older and wiser in experience.”
“Then you should do well for Stephen. If you love my brother, and I think you do, you must tell him.”
“He doesn’t want to see me.” Drat, moisture heated her eyes.
“Nonsense. Morgan was pigheaded too. Still is. But he is the love of my life. I made him see reason.”
“Made him?” That got her attention. Feeling sorry for herself took a step to the side.
“That is a story for another day.” Kat dabbed the corner of her mouth with a linen napkin. “I should go. I’m so happy we had this conversation.”
Jennifer wanted to probe. Find out what exploit Kat had implemented. Stephen mentioned his sister was a handful. And she, herself, admitted to her impulsive nature.
Jennifer swallowed her unexpressed questions. “I too, am glad.”
Kat rose. She linked her arm with Jennifer’s as they strode to the door.
“Please come visit me again.”
“I will.”
When the butler stood to the side of the entryway, Kat turned with an emboldened smile.
“Don’t give up on my brother.”
Chapter 31
By God, this time he would tell her.
If Jennifer would listen. She was so mad at him.
After Stephen’s conversation with Kat, he’d done a lot of thinking. So damn much his head was ready to explode. Kat assured him he was good enough for Jennifer, even if he didn’t have a lofty title. How had his little sister grown up so fast? And when had she become so wise? He’d never wooed a woman. They came to him as naturally as breathing. But now he saw he had his work cut out for him.
With Elizabeth and Kat preparing for the wedding, and Albert in Parliament, Stephen spent most of his days alone. Giving him the time he needed to ready a ship. A few more days and he’d be ready to set sail. But today he would see Jennifer. Right after . . .
“Captain. There is a young woman here to see you.”
“A woman?”
“Aye, Captain.”
Who knows I’m on board the Lady Mistress? Even his uncle didn’t know of his preparations. He hadn’t yet told the family of his plans.
“Do you know who she is?”
“She said her name was Faircloth. Mrs. Faircloth.” his chief mate said with a smirking grin.
A boulder landed in Stephen’s chest.
Good God, what is she doing here? What has happened?
Fearing the worst, he made short work of the steps that took him to the upper deck. His chest heaved, yet he managed to slow his breathing. If something were wrong, she would have sent a missive. Wouldn’t she? He shoved his hands through his wild mane.
Like a wave breaking on a shore of rocks, Stephen slammed to a halt. His gaze landed on the beautiful woman standing smack in the middle of his ship, prim and proper as any genteel lady of the aristocracy. His eyes drank in her form. With the sun as her backdrop, she glowed in a bold crimson creation of fluff. The picturesque image took the breath from his lungs. A gentle breeze blew the few raven tendrils hanging free of her bonnet. Without touching, he knew those strands would be silky within his grasp, against his cheek. Lave
nder eyes glistened, shimmered with a need known only to him.
He swallowed. But the lump in his throat remained.
They were together for the first time in weeks.
Mrs. Faircloth? Lady Gascoyne? He took his cue from her. She’d given the name Faircloth.
“Mrs. Faircloth. What a pleasant surprise.” He closed the distance between them.
“Captain Radbourn.”
Maybe no one else would notice, but he heard the quiver in her voice. He bent and lifted her gloved hand to his lips, her fingers trembled. Another sign of her unease.
What the hell was she doing here? At the docks? Why now?
A thousand questions flew through his mind. But he would not expose her vulnerability, nor air their personal business with his crew watching. She’d already created quite a stir. He glanced around the deck giving each man a hostile glare. Sailors jumped to their tasks as if a squall had suddenly hit land. And one would if the blasted curs opened their mouths.
“What can I do to be of service?”
“Captain Radbourn. I wonder if I might have a moment of your time. I have an important matter to discuss.”
“Of course, Mrs. Faircloth.” Hell and be damned. Reputation or no. Opportunity faced him and he’d be damned if he’d toss it away. He was taking her to his cabin.
Once inside, he quietly closed the door and gave a turn of the key. A magnetic field enclosed them, drew him, commanded he put one foot in front of the other, until inches separated them. The urge to touch her overwhelmed, yet he forced his hands to remain at his sides.
A whimper escaped from her luscious lips. “Stephen.”
The True One (One and Only Series Book 2) Page 24