by Never A Lady
“B.C.,” he muttered, glaring at Nathan’s mastiff, who could easily be dubbed the Largest Dog in the Kingdom. “How the bloody hell did you get in here?”
“He came in with me,” came Nathan’s deep, familiar voice near the window. “In case you haven’t noticed, he’s ecstatic to see you.”
Colin turned his head—the only part of his upper body he could move—and blinked at the bright sunlight pouring in through the window. The initial wave of happiness at seeing his brother was severely curtailed by the lung-crushing load pinning him to the mattress.
“In case you haven’t noticed,” he said through gritted teeth, “this beast weighs at least twelve stone.” His words were rewarded with another swipe of canine tongue against his neck. He swiveled his attention back to B.C. and glowered. “Stop that!” B.C. shot him a reproachful look, then appeared to grin at him.
“Fourteen stone, actually,” Nathan said.
Another doggie kiss dampened Colin’s jaw. “Devil take it, stop that!” With a mighty heave, he managed to roll from beneath the dog’s crushing weight and sit up. He then transferred his glower to his brother. “His breath is not exactly flower fresh, you know. What on earth are you feeding him?”
“His last snack was that boot,” Nathan said, nodding toward the desk.
Colin followed his brother’s gaze, and his jaw tightened at the sight of the mangled leather. “Those were my favorite pair.”
“Not to worry, he only nibbled on one of them.”
“How bloody delightful.”
“You’ll recall that B.C. does stand for ‘Boot Chewer.’”
“I’m not likely to forget, seeing the souvenir he left of my new Hessian.”
Nathan pushed off from the windowsill, where he’d rested his hips, and approached the bed. “About time you woke up. I wrote in my letter that I planned to arrive today, and I’ve been waiting for half an hour.”
“Did it not occur to you to wait in the drawing room?”
“My, my, I’d forgotten how grumpy you are when you first awaken.”
“I’m not grumpy, I’m…surprised. And slathered with wet doggie boot-scented slime.” He stabbed his fingers through his hair. “What time is it?”
“Nearly two o’clock. Makes one wonder what you were doing last night to exhaust yourself so.” Nathan grinned. “Aren’t you happy to see me?”
Colin tried to maintain his scowl, but couldn’t quite pull it off. “Actually I am. I just would have been happier to see you about an hour from now. When I was awake. And coherent. And dressed.” After snatching his silk robe from the end of the bed—barely avoiding another swipe of B.C.’s tongue—he shrugged into the garment, tied the sash, then rose. Holding out his hand, he said, “Good to see you, brother.”
Nathan clasped his hand, and for several seconds Colin stared into his brother’s eyes while an unstoppable wealth of emotion swamped him. In spite of their different interests, they’d always been close growing up, a bond that had grown even stronger when they’d taken on the hazardous duty of spying on the French for the Crown. Or had grown stronger until Colin had made a terrible mistake and nearly lost Nathan.
The same guilt and remorse that struck Colin every time he thought of it hit him now, followed first by a swell of gratitude that Nathan had forgiven him for believing he’d betray his country, then by the shame he still experienced because Nathan had never doubted him—even when he’d had good reason to. No, unlike him, when his trustworthiness had come into question, Nathan’s faith in him had been absolute. Unwavering. Unconditional.
Colin had always considered himself an intelligent man. A man of honor, integrity, and loyalty. But on that horrible night four years ago, the night he’d been shot, those qualities upon which he most prided himself had been put to the test, and he’d failed every one of them. Nine months ago, Nathan had returned to Cornwall for the first time since that night, giving Colin the chance to mend their fractured relationship. Even though Colin had atoned for his mistake, and they’d repaired the rift, part of him still didn’t feel as if he’d done enough. Didn’t feel as if he were worthy and deserving of his brother’s forgiveness. One thing was for certain—he had no intention of ever repeating that mistake.
They both moved at the same time, pulling each other into a back-thumping embrace. He blinked several times to rid his eyes of the inexplicable moisture gathering there. By God, he needed to inform Ellis that his bedchamber needed a good airing. Damn it, he could barely swallow for all the dust clogging his throat.
When they stepped apart, Colin studied his brother—who appeared equally affected by the dust—for several seconds. Then he cleared his throat and, in an attempt to lighten the emotion-tinged air, grinned. “Anyone would think that you’d missed me.”
In a blink, the old camaraderie between them returned, as if only seven minutes rather than seven months had past since they’d last seen each other.
Nathan shrugged. “Perhaps a bit.”
“You look happy,” he said.
“I am. A condition I entirely blame on Victoria.”
“Clearly married life agrees with you.”
An expression filled Nathan’s eyes that Colin could only call besotted. His chest tightened with a combination of happiness and envy for his brother.
“Very much,” Nathan agreed. His gaze flicked over Colin in an assessing way that made Colin feel like one of his brother’s medical patients. “You look…tired.”
“Why, thank you,” he said dryly. “Perhaps because I was sound asleep a mere thirty seconds ago.” A familiar scent caught his attention, and he sniffed the air just as his stomach rumbled in response. His glance shifted to the oval cherrywood table near the window where Nathan had stood and noted the china cup and plate. Nathan followed his gaze, then said, “I brought you a cup of chocolate and a plate of biscuits.”
Colin walked to the table and stared into the cup, which held only the dregs of a dark beverage, then at the half dozen pale crumbs dotting the royal blue Sèvres plate. Blast. Some things never changed between brothers. “So I see. No doubt I’d thank you if you’d actually managed to save me a bit of either.”
“You could have enjoyed both had you actually been awake.” With an unrepentant grin, Nathan pinched one of the tiny crumbs between his fingers and popped it into his mouth. “Don’t forget that famous saying Cook taught us as children: He who snoozes always loses.”
“Apparently,” Colin muttered darkly. “Which makes me greatly anticipate the time when you next doze off. I suggest you sleep with one eye open.”
Nathan muttered something that sounded less than complimentary, then said, “As you showed no signs of rousing, and the chocolate was getting cold, I felt it my duty to make certain Cook’s hard work did not go to waste. You know how dutiful I am.”
“Yes, you are nothing if not full of duty.”
“And naturally one cannot properly enjoy chocolate without dunking biscuits—which were fresh from the oven, by the way.” He circled his hand over his stomach and made exaggerated mmmmmming noises. “They were delicious. I’d intended to save you the last one, but you’ll be glad to know I gave it to B.C.”
“And why would I be glad to know that?”
“Because the biscuit is the only thing that kept him from gnawing on your other boot.”
“Excellent. Because one ungnawed boot is very useful to me. Why did it not occur to you to give him the biscuit before he made a snack of the first boot?”
“I was occupied.”
“Oh? Doing what—besides drinking my chocolate and eating my biscuits?”
“Listening to you.” Nathan smiled. “Who is Alexandra?”
Colin’s insides tensed, but after years of practice he had no trouble keeping his features impassive. “I’ve no idea.” Which was true. He didn’t really know who she was. Yet.
Nathan raised one brow. “Surely you must as she inspired quite the lusty moan in you.” He clasped his hands to his chest in a d
ramatic gesture and batted his eyes. “Alexaaaandraaaaa,” he cooed in a falsetto voice.
Good God, had he actually believed he’d missed his irritating younger brother? “I’m certain I was merely snoring,” he said in a frosty tone. “Or perhaps the noise came from your dog. Who was destroying my boot.”
B.C. made a snuffling noise from the bed, where he reclined across the counterpane in all his enormous canine glory. He met Colin’s gaze and licked his chops, and inexplicably Colin was hard-pressed not to smile. Then he sighed. The dog was a hazard to footwear, but he was undeniably lovable. Not that he’d ever admit that to Nathan. God no. If he did, he’d find himself saddled with a dozen boot-chewing puppies.
“No, it was you,” Nathan insisted. “Maybe you weren’t snoring, but you certainly were dead to the world. Late night?”
“As a matter of fact, yes.”
“Because of Alexandra?”
An image of her looking aroused and thoroughly kissed flashed through his mind, leaving a trail of heat in its wake. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Knowing how observant Nathan was, he strode to his washbasin to cleanse away B.C.’s greeting. “Where is Victoria?” he asked, yanking a hand towel from the brass rod. He shot a pointed look at the door. “Surely your wife is missing your company. And your dog’s company as well.”
“Not at all,” Nathan said, blithely ignoring the hint. “Victoria is off to Bond Street with her father in tow. They’re shopping while his household is being polished to within an inch of its life in preparation for the upcoming party he’s hosting. As I mentioned in my note, Victoria plans to help him. Act as hostess. They’ve probably visited every millinery and jewel shop on Bond Street by now.” He pulled a comical face and shuddered. “Better him than me. Even watching you snore is preferable to a visit to the shops. And now that you’re finally awake, I cannot wait to find out what has precipitated this sudden desire for a wife—a quest, by the way, in which Victoria is determined to help.”
Colin lifted his shoulders in a casual shrug. “I’d hardly call it sudden. I’ve known my entire life that it is my duty to marry and produce an heir. I’d think you would be particularly glad that I’m finally getting around to it.”
“Oh, I am. It’s about time you decided to settle down and produce those heirs that guarantee the damn title won’t get foisted upon me should you kick off early.”
Yes, which unfortunately is exactly what my gut keeps warning me about. Nathan was teasing, of course, but he’d unintentionally hit upon the truth—something he had an uncanny knack of doing. Colin briefly considered taking Nathan into his confidence right now, but discarded the idea as a case of poor timing. While he had every intention of discussing his concerns with Nathan—who would understand better than anyone the need to listen to his gut—this was neither the time nor place, especially as he was now pressed for time due to sleeping so late.
“I suppose I’m just curious as to what prompted you finally to get your arse moving,” Nathan said. “Why now?”
“Why not now?”
“You’re answering a question with a question.”
“One of your annoying habits as I recall.”
“And you’re attempting to change the subject. So again, I ask—why now?” Nathan’s gaze searched his. “Are you all right?”
Colin raked back his hair with an impatient hand. “I’m fine. My decision was partially prompted by you.”
“Me?”
“Yes. You and Father. Both basking in marital bliss. Made me realize I wasn’t getting any younger, and it was high time I saw to my duty.”
“I see. So, have you chosen your bride yet?”
“Hardly. I only arrived in London a few days ago.”
“More than enough time to at least whittle down the list of candidates to a manageable number. Any lady in particular standing out in your mind?”
Another image of chocolate-colored eyes and glossy dark hair flashed in his mind. “There are any number of possible candidates,” he said vaguely. “I’ll have more opportunities tomorrow evening, as I’m attending Lord and Lady Ralstrom’s fete.”
“So are Victoria and I.”
“Looking forward to it, are you?” Colin asked with an inward smirk, knowing how much Nathan deplored Society functions.
“Normally I’d rather be nibbled to death by ducks, but I admit I’m quite looking forward to watching you mull over bridal candidates.”
“Speaking of ducks, how are yours?”
“Very happy, thank you for asking.”
“They’re not here, are they?”
Nathan looked like innocence itself, something that instantly rose Colin’s suspicions. “Of course not,” he answered with an injured sniff.
“Thank God.”
“I can only be grateful they didn’t hear you say that. They’re very fond of you, you know. You are their uncle.”
“I am not an uncle to those ducks. Or your buttoneating goat, or the pig or lamb or whatever other beasts you’ve taken on since I saw you last. Show me a child, and I’ll happily take the title of doting uncle.”
“We’re working on it.”
“Hmmm, yes, I imagine you are.” He heaved an exaggerated sigh. “You know, if you hadn’t married Lady Victoria, I could have wed her and saved myself all this infernal bride hunting.”
Nathan smirked. “She liked me better. She’s thinks I’m very clever and unsurpassedly handsome.”
“Poor chit must have led a very sheltered life. And clearly she needs spectacles. But still, she’s very charming. The least she could have done was have a sister.”
“I believe there’s a distant cousin in Yorkshire who isn’t too terribly old and has almost all her teeth. Shall I arrange an introduction?”
“There are privet hedges two stories down, right below that window behind you. Shall I arrange an introduction?”
Nathan laughed, then reached out and clamped a hand on his shoulder. “Never fear, your brother is here. I’ll make it my personal mission to assist you in finding the perfect bride.”
“Dear God.”
“Not necessary to call upon help from above while I’m here. Not to worry, I’ve much experience in these matters.”
“Indeed? I don’t recall that you were actually looking for a bride when Victoria came along.”
“And yet I still found her. You see how good I am?”
“You couldn’t find your own arse with both hands and the benefit of a detailed map. I’ll find my own bride, thank you very much.”
Nathan nodded slowly, then stepped back and folded his arms across his chest. “Since you clearly don’t wish to discuss your bride search or the mysterious Alexandra whom you claim not to know, why don’t you tell me what’s bothering you?”
Damn, he was clearly losing his touch if he could be read so easily. He strode to his wardrobe and yanked out a clean shirt. “I’m bothered I slept much later than I intended and am now pressed for time for an appointment.”
“Not to worry. I’m sure no one other than I—who knows you so well—would guess you’re troubled about something. What is it?”
Colin turned, and their gazes met, Nathan’s filled with unmistakable concern. “Let me help,” Nathan said quietly.
Guilt grabbed Colin by the throat. Such a simple offer, but one that cut straight to his heart. Because even though they’d made their peace and mended their rift, he still didn’t feel he deserved such unconditional consideration. Nathan freely offered to him what he’d withheld four years ago—help with no questions asked. Because he believed in him. Ironic and humbling, as Colin had not doled out a similar offer four years ago.
“I appreciate the offer,” he said, then cleared his throat to rid his voice of its oddly husky timbre. “And I would like to discuss something with you—”
“I sense a ‘but’ coming.”
“But unfortunately I have an appointment I must get ready for now.”
“Why don’t you join us for d
inner this evening?”
“All right. But I’d prefer not to discuss this at Wexhall’s. Come for breakfast tomorrow, and I’ll tell you everything.”
Nathan studied him for several more seconds, then asked, “Does whatever’s on your mind have something to do with Malloran and his footman turning up dead?”
I sincerely hope not. “Wexhall told you about that?”
“Yes. But even if he hadn’t, it’s the main topic of conversation no matter where you turn. Are the deaths troubling you?”
“I find them…puzzling. I hope I’ll know more by the time we talk tomorrow, at which time I’ll tell you everything.”
While it was clear Nathan wished to ask him more questions, he merely nodded. “Very well. I’ll be here for breakfast tomorrow morning. See to it that you’re awake.”
“See to it that you save me some biscuits and chocolate. Meanwhile, I’ll see you tonight at dinner.”
“Agreed.” Nathan whistled for B.C., who’d clearly heard the word biscuit and, believing a treat was in his immediate future, jumped off the bed to trot after his master. The instant the door closed behind them, Colin hastily dressed. He had a great deal more to find out about Madame Alexandra Larchmont and not much time to do so before she arrived. His heart rate quickened at the thought of seeing her again. Touching her again.
Kissing her again.
But before that happened, there were things they needed to discuss. Certainly things she needed to tell him. And he intended to see to it that she didn’t leave here today until she’d done so.
Seated in Logan Jennsen’s richly appointed drawing room, Alex studied the cards spread on the table before her. She lifted her gaze to find him regarding her through his intense, dark eyes, with an expression that stilled her. Unlike Colin, there was nothing unreadable or inscrutable in the way this man was looking at her. The desire was unmistakable.
“What do my cards indicate for my future, Madame?” he asked, leaning forward.