by Dayna Quince
“At the time, they were the same thing.”
He smiled as she rolled her eyes. He spotted a hidden alcove, but they had other guests on their heels, and it wouldn’t do to be caught in a compromising situation. He hurried them on, putting distance between them and the other guests.
“It really is lovely in here,” she commented.
“It is if only we could get away from these interlopers,” Jonathan grumbled.
She tossed her head to look back. Jonathan was tempted to press his lips to her exposed neck. He quickly kissed her skin, the warm of it a shocking delight that went straight to his head.
She gasped and gave him a playful swat on the arm. “Don’t do that!”
“I couldn’t help myself.” He looked ahead. The path split in two directions. “Let’s go this way.” He tried to remember how he’d gotten himself lost years before. He’d felt so secluded then, and seclusion was exactly what he needed now.
There were whoops and laughter all around them as the younger set of guests enjoyed the freedom from their chaperones in the safety of clusters. There was an illusion of privacy in here, Jonathan reminded himself, but at certain points, and in certain alcoves, a person could be completely surrounded by trees and invisible to everyone else. Jonathan needed just the spot. They turned, turned again, and then turned the opposite way until the path spiraled to a close. At the end sat a lonely bench and complete darkness. Someone had forgotten to light this lantern.
“A dead end,” Maddie said.
“A perfect opportunity, more like it.”
“Opportunity for what?” She let him lead her to the bench, and they sat.
He turned toward her and put his arm around her shoulders. “Take a guess.”
“Oh,” she smiled. He imagined she blushed too, but he couldn’t tell in the near darkness. Cracks of lantern light seeped into their little haven. A reminder that their time here was tenuous and the privacy limited. Jonathan leaned in.
“I wanted to discuss the living arrangements with you. I know you wanted to be somewhere away from society, but I think you’d like it at the family estate. The only caveat is living with my family when they are in residence and the occasional party, but when it comes time to take up the reins of countess, you’ll already be familiar with everything.”
“Reins as countess?” Her brow furrowed.
Jonathan kissed the lines. They smoothed under his lips. When he pulled away, her eyes were closed. They didn’t open as he tipped up her chin and kissed her fully. He tasted her lips, not demanding anything more. She was relaxed but more reserved than usual. He leaned back and waited for her to open her eyes.
“You don’t like my idea,” he stated.
“I didn’t think that far ahead. I never imagined you’d want me to be an acting countess.”
“I think you’d be good at it.”
“I’m not much of a hostess.” She bit her lip.
“Never mind that part. I think you’d enjoy seeing to the tenants needs and helping me to manage the estate.”
“You think I’d be good at those things?”
“Yes.” He nodded. “You are very kind, and you don’t look down on people of lower class. The tenant wives and children would adore you.”
“But what if I can’t get on with your family? While I admire your sister, I’ve never spoken more than four words to her at a time.”
“Lucy has her own family now. And when she is around, she is obsessed with her baby and husband. My mother and father will come to see you for all the good things you are. I can promise you that.”
She looked away. “I don’t know.”
“You mustn’t decide now. It was only an idea.” He bent and kissed her cheek then moved lower to kiss the corner of her lips. “Kiss me, Maddie. We’re running out of time. As much as I’d like to, I can’t keep you here forever.”
She turned her lips to his, and he took them greedily. Her arms came around his neck, and it was all the invitation he needed to bring her tightly against him. She opened her mouth, and he surged inside, clinging to her, breathing in her scent and her essence. He absorbed the feeling of her body pressing against his like a starving man tasting food at last. He didn’t know when they’d get this chance again. Things were surely going to get harder before they got easier. Every eye would be on them after tonight.
He drank in the taste of her one last time and then slowly ended the kiss, separating from her little by little until their lips gently broke apart and their breaths mingled between them.
“That will have to be enough for now,” he said. His pulse echoed in his ears.
She slid her arms down until her hands rested on his chest. She was breathing erratically still.
“When you kiss me like that it feels like my heart turns into a bird and fights to get out of my chest.”
He chuckled. “That doesn’t sound pleasant.”
“Oh, but it is. It must be a little bird with delicate wings that flap and flutter joyfully inside me.”
“It wants to be free,” he whispered. She said such odd and profound things. He imagined if he could see inside her mind, it would be a beautiful and whimsical place.
“When you kiss me, I feel free.”
He felt a peculiar squeeze around his own heart and then a herculean need to pull her into his arms and keep her there. He’d never felt like this before. It was so strong and terrifying, like being trampled by a big wave.
“We should go.” He tugged her up from the bench. He looked at her once they had reached better light. She looked like she’d been thoroughly kiss—which she had, but hopefully, only he noticed because he’d been doing the kissing.
She was quiet now, and Jonathan almost regretted bringing up the idea of her staying in Yorkshire. Maybe he underestimated her desire to truly be left alone. Was she so used to being an outcast that she would refuse to live any other way? He mentally shook his head. It would have to be a conversation for another time.
Finding their way back to the entrance was a bit harder than he thought. They stumbled upon Mr. Banks, Mrs. Faraday, and Miss Canard and found their way back together. By the women’s interested stares, Jonathan knew there was already speculation in their minds. So be it. They returned to the group gathering, and the tables had been rearranged to allow for dancing.
Three musicians now played a lively song for a cluster of dancers. Jonathan led Maddie back to their table. They had only just sat, with Mr. Banks and the two women joining them, when a menacing shadow appeared over Maddie’s shoulder. Jonathan and Maddie turned to find Lady Flora.
“My lady, I did not think to see you this evening. Are you feeling improved?”
“Much,” she said with a clipped voice.
Jonathan and Banks both offered her their chair, and she took Jonathan’s, and then she bid him to fetch her some watered wine. He couldn’t refuse her without being horribly rude, so off he went. But before he turned, he looked directly at Banks. Banks met his gaze and nodded subtly. Jonathan hurried away.
When he returned with Lady Flora’s wine, Banks had asked Maddie to dance. She looked to him as he approached, and Jonathan nodded to indicate he was fine with it. He was confident Banks understood where things stood. He set the glass down and took Maddie’s seat while Banks escorted her to the floor and then the next set began.
Mrs. Faraday and Miss Canard looked uncomfortable as they made small talk with Lady Flora. They soon excused themselves.
It was only a moment before Lady Flora cleared her throat ominously and turned to him.
“Do you think you have any chance against a man like my brother?”
“I presume you mean the tournament? I’ve heard he has great skill in the joust. I shall do my best.”
“You presume wrong, Lord Rigsby. There is already an existing arrangement between Sir William and my brother.”
Jonathan dropped all pretenses. “Maddie is of age. She can marry whomever she pleases. By law, she will not be forced to marry someone she d
oesn’t wish.”
“She’d be a fool not to marry my brother,” Lady Flora snapped.
“Maddie is not foolish enough to let others dictate her life. She knows what she wants, and she knows how to get it.”
Lady Flora narrowed her eyes. “What do you have planned?”
Jonathan leaned forward. “I know not of what you speak, Lady Flora, but know this. If you ever put a hand to her again, or even muss a single hair on her head, I will know it, and you will never be welcome in any house of good standing ever again.”
“What power do you think you have, boy. You’re not yet an earl.”
“You may be titled, but you and your brother are outsiders here. I’m one of the most eligible bachelors in England. It’s interesting how damaging words can be to one’s reputation. And society is so unforgiving.”
“You’d dare spread lies!” Her nostrils flared.
“I’d tell the truth, Lady Flora. You’re an abusive drunk and your brother…well, his predicament is a bit more self-explanatory, isn’t it? Another aging lord in search of a young wife, but his title and money are not sufficient to tempt anyone as of yet. You’re trying to force Maddie because she would appear to be an easy target. You’re wrong. Her father gave her a month to choose.”
“And with proper guidance, she will choose what is best for her family.”
Jonathan cocked his head to the side. He was the heir to an earldom, Lord Berett, only a viscount. How in the devil could marriage to a lesser title benefit Sir William more than a marriage to the next Earl of Heath? He felt a trickle of apprehension. There was more to this than he or Maddie knew. Jonathan’s gut told him they were hiding something, Lord Berett, his sister, and Maddie’s father. If he was going to find out what it was, he would need to get closer to her family, and he would need help from his own.
Jonathan stood. “I’ll make one thing clear, Lady Flora. Maddie knows what she wants. Now if you’ll excuse me.” He didn’t wait for a response. He saw his father and mother coming his direction. He didn’t want to face them and their questions with Lady Flora present.
He intercepted them and waved them toward an empty table. His father looked like he wanted to be anywhere but here and his mother was stone-faced.
Jonathan resigned himself to the inevitable lecture that was forthcoming, but first, he looked around them to find Maddie still dancing with Banks. She looked like she was enjoying herself, bouncing through the steps of a cotillion.
He turned back to his parents. “Well? What are you waiting for?”
His mother folded her arms. “I’d like to know what sort of lark you think this is?”
“A lark?”
“Your mother has concerns about your behavior with Miss Prescott. It would seem to allude to courtship but—”
“But what? I am courting Madeline Prescott,” Jonathan said flatly.
His mother blinked, and her mouth dropped open like a fish.
Jonathan snorted. “Of all the things you endured with Lucy, this is what confounds you? I would think you’d be happy. This is what you wanted.”
Lady Heath shook herself out of her daze. “I want you to be happy, Jonathan. It isn’t that she isn’t a fine young lady, she is, but this seems too sudden and unusual. You could have any young lady here. Why her? I’m worried this is some irrational impulse as a result of…of Thea’s pregnancy.
Jonathan felt a stinging heat climbing up his neck. “I was not aware of her situation. I must send my congratulations,” he said while simultaneously grinding his teeth. Thea was having a baby. What joyful news, he thought darkly. It should be joyful. He should feel nothing but happiness for their good fortune. But instead, his stomach burned like he’d taken a punch. A baby. A new life and here he was…
No. He was not the pitiful lonely wretch he was last year. He was not going to feel anything for her anymore. He may never have the ability to feel happy for her, but he could certainly find a way to feel nothing, couldn’t he?
“We thought Lucy had mentioned it,” his father said.
Jonathan shrugged. “She didn’t.”
His parents shared an uncomfortable look.
Jonathan sighed in exasperation. “Will you two stop? Stop acting as if I’m going to lose my marbles at any moment. You want to know why Maddie? Because Maddie is everything these pale, empty shelled women are not. She says what she thinks, and she makes no excuses for being herself. I find her refreshing and so would you if you looked past the rumors and opened your mind to the idea that she is different and that is lovely, not strange.”
His mother looked stunned, his father less so but still a bit taken aback.
Jonathan felt a bit sheepish after that confession. It was too late to take the words back, not that he really wanted to. He meant them. He remained silent as his parents absorbed what he’d said. He hated feeling as if they were on opposite sides, but this was his life, and he would do with it as he pleased. If he’d learned anything in the past year, anything from his failed attempt to make Thea love him, it was that he couldn’t control others, and he would not allow them to control him. Perhaps that was part of the reason he was drawn to Maddie. Her family was trying to control her, and all she wanted was to be in control of her own fate.
Together, they would have that.
Chapter 10
Maddie was breathless by the end of the set. Mr. Banks was taking her back to their table, but no one was there. She wondered where Jonathan was, probably talking to his friends. He couldn’t stay by her side all evening, she reminded herself. She was only happy that Lady Flora wasn’t there waiting for her.
She accepted a refreshing cup of lemon water from a footman and sat. Mr. Banks took the seat beside her.
“Thank you for the dance, Mr. Banks. Don’t feel obligated to stay because I’m alone. I’m quite used to it.”
“I should be thanking you, Miss Prescott. You keep the vipers at bay.”
Maddie laughed. “By vipers, do you mean Miss Cecelia?”
He grimaced and nodded. “It sounds awful, but I know I can be honest with you.”
“Thank you,” Maddie said with genuine affection. “I suppose that makes us friends.”
“I suppose it does.” He grinned and held up his glass. “To new friendships.” He toasted.
Maddie sipped her drink, her cheeks beginning to hurt from smiling. This evening, despite the presence of Lord Berett and Lady Flora, was proving to be one of her best yet. She had tried to stop wanting to dance and to feel included in the festivities but always failed. It was fun to dance, fun to have someone to laugh with. She was going to miss all of this after she married Jonathan and found herself once again alone, even if it was in her own home. Perhaps there were some things to consider about living with his family. She wouldn’t be alone, and if they got to know each other, maybe they would like her.
It was something to ponder. It would mean her relationship would be different with Jonathan too. They’d see each other far more frequently, and just the thought of it made her feel giddy and warm. It would almost be a true marriage…
Maddie couldn’t keep her mind from spinning with delirious joy as Jonathan returned to her side and the evening carried on without a hitch. Lord Berett and Lady Flora had disappeared from the party, and her father and brother were not seen. She didn’t want to think about what that might mean, but instead, focused only on Jonathan. They danced twice, and when they weren’t together, she found herself laughing with Mr. Banks or simply having a quiet moment to herself on the fringes. She didn’t feel like an outcast tonight, but there were times when being part of the crowd became overwhelming, and she needed to step back and just breathe.
As the moon climbed higher, the festivities came to an end, and the guests moved back to the house in clusters. Jonathan found her again, smiling as he offered his arm. She bit her cheek to keep from grinning wildly in return. Her heart was so full it almost hurt. How could one evening be so enjoyable? Dinner, dancing, a romantic wal
k, and now she felt like she couldn’t keep her feet on the ground. Her soul wanted to fly into the sky and live among the stars. She was giddy, she decided, and the giddiness and champagne have gone straight to her head.
The closer they got to the house, the colder it got, and the romantic light of the lanterns faded. The light was almost harsh in the drawing room, and Maddie squinted as she entered. Blinking, her eyes adjusting, she felt a stab of fear when she saw her father approaching.
“Madeline,” His gruff voice said.
“Father.”
“Good evening, Sir William.”
“Good evening, my lord.”
And that’s where the pleasantries stopped. A chill went down her spine, and she knew that retribution had come.
“A word, my dear.”
Maddie nodded. She attempted to smile reassuringly at Jonathan. “Thank you for the wonderful evening, my lord.”
“I hope it isn’t over,” he said
“I’m afraid it is. Come, Madeline.” Her father extended his arm.
Maddie tried to reassure Jonathan with her eyes. He looked poised to speak, but there was nothing to be done. Until their vows were spoken, she had no choice but to go with her father as commanded.
“Until tomorrow, Lord Rigsby.”
He squeezed her hand before letting it slip from his arm. “Tomorrow.”
The word was imbued with promise. The promise of tomorrow. Maddie knew tomorrow would always come, but it was her immediate future that she wanted to skip completely. Reaching the hall, her father dropped all pretenses and pushed her arm away from his. She stepped behind him, which is where he preferred her to walk. They climbed the stairs in silence.
Reaching the guest wing, she followed him to his room, and he held the door for her, closing it behind her with a click. She moved before the fire and waited. He took his seat in the only chair before the fire and glared at her. She saw her brother in the corner by the window. He was smoking, blowing a billowing cloud of smoke like a dragon.
“You’ve behaved very badly, Madeline. You’ve been manipulative and willful. You know I do not stand for such behavior.”