It was either win or continue to watch Maura’s bottom as she moved a short distance ahead. He didn’t even understand his obsession with her. She was painfully thin. Julius preferred his women with more curves.
He also liked his women to be sane… or at least he had until last year. That was when the true trouble began. The teasing. The laughter.
The... friendship.
He should have stayed away.
“What are you thinking about?” Frank asked. “Is it Maura?”
Julius stopped and glared at him. “Why would you assume that?”
Frank pulled on his spectacles. The gold rims should have aged him or at least made him look dull. They didn’t. He set a book down on the writing desk and placed his hands on his knees. “All right. Not Maura. Your family then?”
Julius turned away and started toward the window. “Not my family.” He rubbed a finger over his lips and then ran his hands through his hair. “There’s… nothing to concern myself about where they are concerned anymore.” His cousins, Natalia and Lorenzo, had returned after years of separation. Julius had pushed them away, punishing them for the sins of their father, August. Uncle August had tried to kill Julius in order to take the title of marquess. “My family is… all right.”
“Do you speak to them about the past?” Frank asked.
Julius shook his head as he started to pay attention to what was happening outside the window. He grinned. Morris’s gardener was sleeping with not one but two of the maids. This window faced a dark red shed. Julius watched as the handsome man pulled a blonde woman in that direction and then saw them disappear inside.
Lucky man.
“Julius?”
He turned around and crossed his arms. “We don’t speak of anyone but Uncle Perry and cousin Stephen.” They were the last of Julius, Natalia, and Lorenzo’s family. The dead were never mentioned for many reasons.
“What did you say to Maura before the race?”
Frank’s question startled him. “What?”
His friend continued to look impersonal. “What did you say to her? I saw you walk over to her before the race began.”
Julius turned to the bookshelf and grabbed the first thing that caught his eye. “We only went over to speak to Taygete. Anthony had a message to deliver from her husband.”
“But you spoke to Maura,” Frank said. “If you don’t want to share what you said—”
“I flirted with her just as I’d been asked to,” Julius said. “You know the plan as well as I. By the end of the week, the men will have won the games no matter what.” Every man had been assigned a woman. Emmett, who was the Earl of Ashwick and another of Julius’s friends, had paired Julius with Maura.
“You do know why Emmett chose you, don’t you?” Frank said. “Everyone clearly thinks there is something else going on between you and Maura.”
“Yet you, Maura, and I know differently.” He moved to the chair across from Frank and sat heavily. He took on an indifferent position even as he felt far from composed.
Frank spoke… frankly. “Lorena wishes you to marry Maura.” Lorena was Maura’s cousin and also Emmett’s wife, which was the reason it hadn’t surprised Julius at all that Emmett had chosen him as Maura’s distractor.
“It’ll never work,” Julius said for what seemed like the hundredth time. “She’s mad.” He still recalled the detached look in her blue eyes when she’d mentioned soothing a cat. “She proves her insanity more and more every day.”
“I don’t think her insane,” Frank said.
Julius leaned forward. “Why? Tell me.” Frank would know more about Maura than anyone else. She spoke to him just as often as Julius did.
Frank shook his head. “You know I don’t share what goes on in my sessions with others.”
Julius rolled his eyes. “We’re all friends here, are we not?”
Frank remained cool. “I just don’t want you to miss your opportunity with her, Julius.”
Miss his opportunity?
“What you do mean?” He tried for indifference but was sure he failed. “Is there someone else who wants her?”
“Someone else?” Frank smiled. “Are you admitting to wanting her?”
Julius crossed his legs. “Bed sport. Nothing more. I’ve told you this.” That, he’d been willing to admit. Maura was beautiful. Pale and sweet. He often drowned in the large pools of her blue eyes. Her lips were pink and looked as soft as petals. He’d even more recently fallen in love with her nose. He liked its slope and imagined himself trailing every part of her face with a lazy hand after a night of passionate sex.
Those thoughts bothered him the most. What man grew excited at the thought of the hours after sex? Not he. Not before her.
“Let’s talk about your mother.” Frank broke into his thoughts like shattering glass.
“I’ve decided that with Lorenzo’s return, there’s no need for me to marry.” Julius stood. “He’s my heir. His son can take the title when we’re gone.”
Frank’s eyes widened, and he straightened. “You didn’t tell me this. When did you come to such a decision?”
He shrugged. “I’ve thought of it more often than not recently.” He forced his mind to go blank as visions of the past tried to consume him. His mother. Her laughter. The night she tried to kill him. “It would be better for all parties involved, I think. Besides, I owe him.”
“You restored Lorenzo's house and wealth once you knew he’d returned to London, and I don’t think he’d want your title anyway.”
Julius looked at his watch. “It’s been an hour.” He grinned at Frank. “No, don’t stand. I’ll go tell Maura you’re ready.” He rushed from the room and pulled in a breath. Then he went in search of the woman who was driving him mad.
* * *
chapter 4
* * *
Since their childhood, Maura had always been compared to Lorena. They had the same golden hair and bright blue eyes and though many went on to mention similarities in their nose and lips, it was there that the similar features ceased. Lorena could command a room and not just with her words but by simply being present. She had a way of forcing people together under the most trying of circumstances. She was strong and confident with a body that held the contours that men dreamed about. Bearing her first son had only expanded her hips and thus made her that much more desirable.
It would have been easy for Maura to have been envious of Lorena, for she had very little curves herself, but Maura wasn’t. She loved Lorena. It was hard not to love her, not to be glad that such a courageous and beautiful creature as her cousin existed.
Especially at times like this, when Lorena proved that her beauty wasn’t her only fine quality.
Lorena lounged in her couch across the room as she met the eyes of the other women who’d agreed to meet in the music room. “Has anyone else found themselves otherwise distracted during the games?”
There were shouts from all of Maura’s friends. The Spinsters were there, as were the five other female guests who none of the Spinsters knew at all.
Maura had thought Julius’s new aggression held a hidden agenda. She’d thought he wished to bed her.
Finally.
But apparently, this was not love, but war.
The conversation flowed around her. There was some teasing toward Taygete. Everyone had seen Hugh rush away with her. A few improper comments had the women roaring with laughter, and Maura soaked it all in with a smile. She wasn’t sure what she’d miss most, but she’d have plenty to think about when she was returned to her room at Bedlam.
A footman came in and cut directly to Maura.
Another missive.
She excused herself from under Lorena’s watchful eyes and slipped from the room. Parts of the castle seemed more like a cave. Without windows to give a view of nature, stone dominated portions of many of the wings, making it seem dark even with the dozens of lamps that lined the walls.
She moved down a corridor until she reached the
back terrace. Natural light flooded her, and she had to wait a moment for her eyes to adjust before she moved to one of the benches and sat.
The view of the courtyard led to the gardens that held a pool the men had all claimed to have swum in as children when they’d come to visit Morris.
Taking a breath, she forced herself to open the letter.
Maura,
The most wonderful thing has happened. Your father and Mr. Burrell, by letters patent, have received the title of baron for their findings on the Continent. Your father is now Baron Foxridge, and I am Lady Foxridge, if only in correspondence, so when you reply, please do so with my new address. Just once?
As to their find, you’ll never guess what it could be? Shall I tell you or would you rather wait for the papers to arrive at Cort Castle?
It’s a stone! A stool, really. Likely an old throne, but not much is left of it, just enough for one to clearly see its markings.
They’re putting Romulus’s stool in the British Museum next week. That gives you at least seven more days before he comes for you.
Oh, Maura, it has been years since your father has found anything of true significance. I knew my life as the wife a treasure hunter would not be easy, but I do love him.
And now, my dear, some strong advice. I know I swore to never ask you to do this again, but I must request it once more.
When your father asks about the ghost, lie. Please lie so that you don’t have to return to that dreadful place. I couldn’t take another year apart from you, never knowing how the doctors are treating you.
Lie, my sweet Maura, and I swear I’ll never ask you for another thing.
I love you. Tell the happy news to your cousin and give her my love as well.
All my heart,
Lady Foxridge
* * *
Maura had smiled through the first part of the letter, but the final words fell heavy upon her. Lie? She didn’t want to lie. For ten years, she’d not lied once. Her father would come and visit, and Maura would speak the same words she always did.
Albion’s ghost haunted her.
She couldn’t lie. Not when she still saw him.
Though, it had been some time since she had. He’d not come to her at Morris’s Castle, which she was grateful for, but she knew it to be only a matter of time.
She leaned back just in time to stop her nose from brushing against white silk and dark linen. It took her a moment to figure out what she was staring at and then her face went red. It was the place where a man’s shirt met trousers. Her eyes followed the buttons up and found Julius staring down at her, his eyes heated and playful. His hair was still tousled, which only made Maura want to run her fingers through it.
Her discomfort was immediately replaced by desire.
He had a hand on the wall behind her, the other by his large body.
When his eyes moved to the letter, she closed it.
His gaze snapped back to hers. “Whatever you were reading didn’t seem to bring you pleasure. How fortunate that I found you.”
Heat flared between her legs, amazing her.
She hadn’t known her face had shown a reaction until his hand was suddenly caressing her face, cheek, and chin. His fingertips brushed across her lips. His voice grew low. “I’m sure you could find a better way to spend your time down there...”
Her eyes immediately descended to that part of him that was directly in her line of sight. She blinked as she noticed a visible rising in his trousers, the dark material tenting.
She pulled in a breath and clenched the letter in her hands, only stopping when she heard a rip. She often wondered what Julius would say if he knew she was still a maiden. It was true that she enjoyed reading obscene novels, had seen erotic illustrations that her father had brought back from India, and had managed to get her hands on a few of the Marquis de Sade’s most heated poems. In fact, the Marquis de Sade had been known to make courtesans blush.
Maura was not outwardly libidinous, at least she hoped not, though in her mind she craved every wicked thing Julius promised in his eyes.
But she had to keep in mind that it was a promise he’d made to plenty of women before her.
* * *
chapter 5
* * *
Recalling the conversation in the music room, Maura grabbed his hips and bent forward. She felt him stiffen underneath her, heard his sharp intake of breath. With her nearness, she was sure her own breaths could be felt through the lining of his trousers.
That tempting tent grew further.
She tilted her head back and looked up at him once more. Her fingers tightened at what she saw. A hunger that demanded satisfaction made her move.
She used his strength to gain her feet, purposefully letting her body brush against his erection the entire way. She held back a shiver as she felt the outlines of that very male part of him pressed against her.
He clamped his mouth and his nostrils flared as she straightened. His eyes were mesmerizing, having grown as dark as wine.
He was forced to straighten and take a step back, but he didn’t move very far. They still touched.
It took everything for her to remember this was only a game.
She was a tall woman, yet Julius was taller. She still had to tilt her face in order to hold his unyielding gaze. “I suppose Frank is done with you.” Her voice was throatier than she’d wished. She let him go and skirted around him before starting toward the door.
“Allow me to escort you,” he said.
Maura hadn’t known he’d followed and worked to steady her pulse as she moved. “That’s all right. I know the way.”
He insisted as they continued down the ever-darkening hallway.
“The note,” he said when they began to descend a long winding stairway in part of the towers. Windows allowed light, but they were far too high for anyone to look out of. “What did it say?”
She looked over her shoulder at him and noticed how calm he appeared. It irritated her to know just how quickly he could cool from such flirtation when she was still very much in heat. “My letter?” She stopped at one of the landings.
His steps ended less than a foot away. He looked at the crumpled parchment in her hand. “Who is it from?”
“Why does it matter?” she asked, tucking it into her skirts.
He leaned against the wall and crossed his arms. She cast her eyes south and found him to still be erect. She quickly looked away for fear of him catching her gaze there.
“You seemed upset by what had been written.” His tone held a lack of interest. “Was it a lover? Is he setting you aside? No worry. I’ve been known to be quite consoling.”
She smiled at him. “Whatever my letter said has nothing to do with you.” She turned to continue down the stairs, but he grabbed her arm and turned her back around.
She could hear the birds outside from just beyond the windows and the rustling of trees, but otherwise, the stairway was quiet.
Except for the drumming of blood in her ears.
“You can tell me.” He used his thumb to rub against her arm and spoke in a soft tone, yet a man like him had to know how much it could incite fever in a woman.
She inhaled. “Tell me what you said to Frank, and I’ll share my letter with you.”
He let her go. “Frank and I spoke in circles. There’s nothing new to share, I’m afraid.”
Maura narrowed her eyes and studied him. “You didn’t speak about your mother?”
His gaze became hard. “Why does everyone want to speak of her? She tried to kill me. I killed her. There’s nothing left to discuss.”
Her heart ached. “Julius…” She touched his hair, taming the golden locks.
He grabbed her hands and, in the next minute, pulled her into a hug. “I’ll not speak of it.” He held her tightly.
Maura was surprised by the gesture but wrapped her arms around him and held him just as fiercely. “I worry for you. It’s the entire reason I started this bet.”
; He chuckled as he pulled away, the gaiety returning to his face. “There’s no need to worry for me. Come, let’s get you to Frank before he thinks I’ve taken you to my room for the sole purpose of having my wicked way with you.”
She flushed but allowed him to see her to the library. He set her inside the door, grinned at her and Frank both, and then left.
Maura sighed and turned to Frank.
“How are you?” he asked.
Maura didn’t know where to begin but reached into her pocket for the note. If she could share it with anyone, it was Frank.
She searched her pocket and then the other.
She frowned.
Frank straightened. “What’s the matter?”
Maura gasped and turned to stare at the door. “Damn him!” She opened it to find Julius nowhere in sight. The hug! That sly fox. He’d stolen her letter.
* * *
chapter 6
* * *
Julius read the letter again, his blood boiling.
Maura’s father had returned and planned to send his daughter back to Bedlam? Julius folded the note and tapped it against his chin, thinking.
He placed his feet up on the table before him and crossed his arms.
This wouldn't do. Maura couldn’t go back there. Bedlam was for dangerous people. Women like his mother. Not Maura. Maura would never hurt anyone. In fact, she’d helped numerous women with her work at the charity house that the Spinsters’ kept in London. Did her good deeds not count for anything?
Julius remembered hearing that Mr. Shaw was an explorer. He hadn’t known the man was a treasure hunter. Now he questioned Mr. Shaw’s sanity. Maura’s mother was one of the most beautiful women in Society. Only a fool would rather dig in the dirt than have himself forever attached to a lady like Mrs. Shaw. Or Lady Foxridge, as it were.
Bedlam.
The thought of it turned his stomach. No wonder Maura had been acting strangely even for her already very unusual self.
Maura’s Special Spinster’s Society (The Spinster’s Society) (A Regency Romance Book) Page 2