The Earl with the Secret Past

by Janice Preston

  ‘Are you pleased with the turn your life has taken, Adam? Is it what you want?’

  ‘I wasna happy. At first. I admit it.’ He shifted restlessly in the saddle, then dismounted. ‘Will you walk with me?’

  He lifted his arms to Kitty. She put her hands on his shoulders as he grasped her waist and lifted her from the saddle.

  ‘Dexter. You and Davey hold these two, will you?’ she called. ‘His Lordship and I wish to stretch our legs.’

  The grooms rode over and dismounted, taking control of Herald and Jester.

  ‘Lord Fenton said—’

  ‘Have no fear, Dexter,’ Kitty interrupted the groom’s concern. ‘We will not go out of your sight. I promise. And we will remain alert.’

  She laid her hand on Adam’s arm and they strolled across to the edge of the escarpment.

  ‘I adore this view,’ Kitty said. ‘I love that you can see for miles. It is worth the climb just to enjoy it.’

  Adam tipped his head to one side and eyed her as he laughed.

  ‘Why is that so funny?’

  ‘It is clear you havena travelled over-much, Kitty, my love.’

  Her heart clenched at the endearment. She could never be his love—not fully, not legitimately—even if he meant it.

  ‘I have been to London. I know that must seem nothing to you, but I love my home and my family. I have never looked to travel away from them.’

  ‘I didna mean that. I laughed at your calling this a climb. This, dearest Kitty, is but a pimple compared with the hills and mountains of the north.’ He paused. ‘And of bonnie Scotland,’ he added in a wistful tone.

  ‘So you do have regrets about the change in your life?’

  ‘Some.’ His arm flexed, squeezing her hand into his side. ‘But they become less important by the day.’

  He halted, capturing her gaze with his, raising a quiver of awareness as she recognised the fire smouldering in his blue eyes. She tugged his arm to keep him moving. ‘Do not forget we are being watched.’

  They strolled on, their pace slow, their eyes on the view, their attention on one another.

  ‘I should like you to see Scotland, Kitty. The rugged mountains and glens of the Highlands. Edinburgh, with its castle towering over the city. The rolling hills and lochs of the Lowlands and the border country.’

  ‘I have seen paintings and illustrations. It does look magnificent.’

  ‘Aye, it is. But ye canna fully comprehend just how magnificent without seeing it with your own eyes, breathing the scent of the heather and feeling the caress of the air over your skin.’

  That wistfulness was even more evident. Robert had speculated that Adam might not be content to make Kelridge Place his permanent home...that he had spoken of returning to Edinburgh and leaving his steward in charge of his estates. But Kitty had no wish to remind him of that, so she resolved to lead his thoughts away from Scotland and any homesickness. There might be no chance of marriage between them but, if he made his home at Kelridge Place, she would at least still meet him on occasion.

  They might even have an affaire. They would have to be discreet. No one could know. She could not risk any hint of scandal tainting either Charis or Rob, but she was a widow, after all, and widows were allowed a certain amount of licence. A thrill ran through her, raising gooseflesh.

  ‘Vincent said Robert might not return home tonight.’

  ‘That is true. It depends, I would think, on how quickly he can establish whether or not my kinsmen could have been at Fenton Hall yesterday afternoon at the time I was shot.’

  Is it so wrong that I hope Rob will be forced to spend the night away from home?

  She ought to feel ashamed...shocked...by such a hope. But she did not.

  ‘I suppose,’ Adam said, slowly, ‘we shall have to amuse ourselves if he does not come home.’

  Their gazes fused again. Kitty swallowed. ‘I suppose we will.’

  * * *

  Robert was not home by the time dinner was served. Kitty had never felt so on edge. She ate her meal, but she took no notice of the food as she chewed and swallowed. She did not look at her plate to see what she was eating and paid no attention to taste.

  She could not tear her attention from Adam, seated opposite her.

  Every mouthful, every look, every word spoken fuelled the fire that smouldered deep in her belly. Every sip of wine, as their eyes locked over the rim of their glasses, sent sparks sizzling through her veins. Finally it was over, and they rose from their chairs.

  ‘Would you care to bring your brandy to the salon, my lord? There is no need to sit here alone.’ Her voice, somehow, sounded utterly normal.

  ‘Thank you, my lady. I will do that.’

  ‘I shall not stay up late,’ she continued as they left the dining room, for the benefit of Vincent and the other servants within earshot. They headed towards the salon, side by side. ‘I find I am tired after a restless sleep last night. And you, I make no doubt, must also be weary.’

  ‘I am.’

  ‘Vincent, have the tea tray brought in as soon as it can be arranged, please.’

  ‘Yes, milady.’

  Somehow, as they walked towards the salon, side by side, Adam’s hand found Kitty’s. Strong fingers stroked her inner wrist, her palm and the length of her fingers. She stifled her gasp, but closed her fingers around his for the briefest caress before he moved his hand away.

  ‘I doubt Robert will return at this late hour,’ Adam continued. ‘I will keep ye company while ye drink your tea, then I shall retire.’

  * * *

  Less than an hour later, Kitty was ready for bed. She dismissed Effie and then, after a moment’s thought, she stripped off her plain cotton nightgown. In her chest of drawers, she found what she sought—a white silk nightgown, trimmed with lace, its neckline threaded with green ribbon. She pulled it on and regarded her reflection in the cheval mirror. She had bought it shortly after she’d married Edgar. It had never been worn. She had quickly realised that although there was affection and regard within their marriage, there was no romance. And little lust. The marital act had been perfunctory and had, invariably, taken place in the dark. And she had failed in her duty as a wife. Failed to get with child. But thank God—as Edgar had reminded her on a monthly basis—he already had his heir and spare in Robert and Edward.

  Resolutely, Kitty cast Edgar from her thoughts and considered the lit candle by her bedside. Although it was still twilight outside, the curtains were drawn and the room was dark. Would he come to her? She thought he would and, when he did, she wanted to be prepared. She took her bed candle and used it to light the pair of candles standing on the narrow mantelshelf over the unlit fireplace, and another on her dressing table, its flame reflected by the mirror hung on the wall behind. Then she replaced her bed candle and climbed into bed to wait, ruthlessly quashing all thought of the future, all doubt, any whisper of heartache. For now, she would simply enjoy Adam and allow nothing to spoil this time together.

  Before long there was a tap at the door and it opened a crack. Adam just looked at her, raising his brows. Kitty smiled and nodded. He came in, closing the door behind him, then turned the key in the lock.

  They needed no words.

  Touch, smell and taste dominated as they learned one another without haste and as they discovered how to give—and how to receive—pleasure.

  * * *

  As dawn broke, Adam embraced Kitty, stroking her hair back from her face as he peppered kisses over her forehead, eyebrows, eyelids, nose and cheeks, finally taking her lips in a long, slow dreamy kiss.

  ‘Sleep now,’ he whispered. ‘I shall see you later.’

  Chapter Nineteen

  ‘Good morning, Adam. I hope you slept well?’

  Kitty entered the parlour as Adam broke his fast the following morning, a smile stretching her lips. Adam’s pulse
quickened at the memory of those lips and their exploration of his body, and blood rushed to his groin. He cleared his throat.

  ‘I had a wonderful night, thank ye, Ki—Catherine. And a very good morning to ye, too.’

  Kitty sat opposite Adam and the footman in attendance filled her coffee cup.

  ‘May I serve you with some food, my lady?’

  ‘Not now, Terence. But I shall want more coffee—is there enough in the pot?’

  ‘I shall go and fetch more, milady.’

  The footman left the parlour, closing the door behind him. Adam caught Kitty’s gaze.

  ‘Are ye not hungry?’

  She sipped from her cup and then set it down on the saucer before replying.

  ‘I was,’ she said. ‘But I satisfied my appetite in bed.’ Those fascinating dimples appeared, squeezing his heart. ‘Effie brought me chocolate and rolls this morning before I arose.’

  ‘Tease!’ Adam had emptied his plate and pushed it aside.

  Kitty raised a brow. ‘Do I take it you are now replete?’

  ‘Oh, indeed. Fully satisfied, in fact.’

  The door opened and Terrence returned, carrying the coffeepot.

  ‘Until the next meal,’ Adam continued, allowing his gaze to lower to Kitty’s breasts before returning to her mischief-filled eyes. ‘I find my...um...appetite somewhat stimulated recently.’ He patted his stomach. ‘I shall have to ensure I do not gain too much weight.’

  ‘Oh, you ought not to be overconcerned.’ Kitty’s lips pressed together, suppressing her smile. ‘My advice, if you are concerned about your weight, is to take plenty of exercise. You may then indulge your appetite to your heart’s content.’

  Adam drained his coffee cup and gestured to Terence for a refill.

  ‘Thank ye,’ he said. He didn’t bother to notice if Terence responded adversely to his thanks. He’d made his mind up he would no longer strive to be something he was not and he would start now. And when he returned to Kelridge Place, if his staff disapproved, then he would employ men and women who were more amenable to his ways.

  ‘Thank ye for your advice, Catherine. And, to demonstrate my attention to your sage advice, I intend to take a walk around the gardens after breakfast, before I continue working on the drawings for the new wing. Would ye care to accompany me?’

  ‘Why, thank you, Adam. I accept.’

  * * *

  The presence of gardeners prevented anything other than the most innocuous of conversations as they strolled, but it felt good to have Kitty on his arm.

  ‘How soon will you complete the plans for the Hall?’

  ‘Is that a subtle way of enquiring how soon I will leave?’

  She lightly pinched his arm. ‘You know that is not what I meant. I wondered how much longer we shall have the pleasure of your company, that is all.’

  ‘I should think they will be finished in a couple of days.’

  It was a fib. He could finish them today if he pushed himself. But reluctance to leave Kitty made him inclined to drag the job out. Except...

  ‘I do know I ought to return to the Place as soon as possible, especially after those sheep were poached. But, also, I have a lot to learn and now would be the ideal time, with Grenville absent. The servants will have no choice but to refer matters to me first, rather than through ma uncle.’

  ‘Would you rather complete the drawings at Kelridge Place? That way you can return sooner, if you think you should.’

  But...he wanted to stay with Kitty. His hopes were high...he was almost sure she felt the same for him as he did for her. And yet...there was still a caution there...a reserve. Odd, after yesterday and after the night they had just spent together. Her body expressed love, but her mind...she still seemed reluctant to allow that breakthrough. She was holding back, reining in her emotions. And he didn’t understand why. They were both adults. Both single. Did she think Robert might object? Or her other stepchildren?

  No, he would not rush to complete his work. He needed to stay here and try to finally breach that barrier surrounding her heart.

  * * *

  It was early afternoon by the time Robert returned.

  ‘Well, you may clear your uncle and cousin of any wrongdoing,’ he said without preamble as he strode into the library.

  Adam put down his pencil as Robert pulled a chair up to the table where he was working on the plans.

  ‘What did ye find out?’

  Robert shook his head. ‘Wait a moment. I have asked Stepmama to join us—it will save me repeating myself.’ He grinned at Adam and raised his brows. ‘I trust you contrived to entertain yourselves last night without my scintillating repartee to make the evening fly?’

  ‘You were sorely missed, my friend.’

  Robert laughed. ‘Very droll.’

  Puzzled, Adam ran the conversation through his head again. Was Robert hinting that he was aware of the attraction that had simmered between Adam and Kitty ever since they met again in London, or was that merely an innocent quip? It was hardly something he could ask him—do you mean did your stepmother and I take advantage of your absence to indulge in bed sport? He was relieved when Kitty came in, saving him from trying to bluster his way through an awkward moment.

  ‘Rob!’ Kitty hurried across the room and embraced her stepson. ‘What happened?’

  ‘It was not them. It could not possibly have been them. We tracked them all the way to Highgate and the gatekeeper confirmed they passed and kept going towards London. Both Grenville and Tolly were present at each tollgate and there were no unexplained delays in their journey. They are innocent.’

  Adam had been unaware of the tension that gripped him until it dissolved.

  ‘I am verra relieved,’ he said. ‘And it surely now points to poachers such as those who struck at Kelridge Place. I wonder if there have been any other incidences in the area.’

  ‘I did enquire at a few inns we passed—and we passed Datchworth on the road as we drove home, and I asked him, too—but no one has heard stories of an increase in poachers in the district. Nor is there any whisper of organised gangs. I think that is the most likely explanation, however. What is your opinion?’

  ‘I think the same. And I am mightily relieved. I have nae wish to spend my life looking over my shoulder.’

  ‘The men have reported no suspicious sightings around the estate,’ Robert went on, ‘but I have ordered them to stay on the alert.’

  ‘But...what about when you return to the Place, Adam?’ Kitty said. ‘It might not be poachers. Just because your uncle cannot have pulled the trigger himself does not mean he did not give the order.’

  ‘Nae. It is one thing for a man to attempt to kill another for his own sake. I canna credit that any man would do so at the bidding of another.’

  ‘You would be surprised what many men will do for money, Adam,’ said Robert. ‘But... I know Grenville Trewin. He was a cavalryman—he has killed before, albeit during battle. But if he wanted something done, he would do it himself. He is no sneaksby.’

  ‘I am inclined to agree with ye, Rob. If it were my uncle, he would more likely do it to my face.’

  ‘Well, we have done all we can for now. Tell me, how are those plans coming along?’ Robert slid one around until it faced him and bent over it. ‘This looks complete.’

  Adam cursed silently. He had told Kitty a couple of days and now he could feel her eyes on him. He looked at her, noting the crease between her brows. With Robert’s return he would not have the luxury of time to court her and to persuade her to rethink her objection to remarrying. Her reasons for not marrying again—the ones she had listed during their dance at Almacks—well...if Robert intended to wed, and if Charis found a husband, she had already told him she would remove to the Dower House. Her other interests—she must have referred to her writing. Well, he would not interfere with that. And h
er final objections—neither need nor desire to remarry...surely last night must have given her reason to think again?

  ‘If you will excuse me, gentlemen, I shall leave you to it,’ Kitty said and left the library.

  Adam sighed in resignation as he suppressed his urge to follow her. He switched his attention to the plans.

  ‘We do need to discuss some of the finishing touches still.’

  ‘Ah. That sounds as though you will need me here. In which case, might we leave it until tomorrow? My bed was so lumpy last night I barely slept a wink and my brain is far too foggy to pay proper attention to detail.’

  ‘Of course it can wait until tomorrow.’

  Robert grinned and slapped Adam on the back. ‘Good man! I’ll see you at dinner. I’m off out to attend to estate matters.’

  He strode to the door leaving Adam wondering what had prompted Robert to lie, for he appeared nothing like a man who had missed a night’s sleep and, until that very moment, had been perfectly alert.

  Still...grateful for the reprieve, he went in search of Kitty. She was nowhere in the house or the gardens. At the stable yard, however, he learned from Dexter that she had ridden out. Alone.

  ‘She refused to allow anyone to accompany her, my lord,’ the groom said when Adam questioned him. ‘And being as it was you that was shot at and she has always ridden alone on Fenton land... Well.’ He shrugged. ‘What could we do?’

  ‘Did she say where she was heading?’

  ‘No, milord, but she went in that direction.’ He pointed. It was the same direction Adam had taken yesterday. Towards Fenton Edge.

  ‘Saddle Jester, will ye please, Dexter?’

  ‘Very well, milord.’

  It was the reverse of the day before. Adam set off at a fast trot, heading for the heath and Fenton Edge. This time, it was he chasing Kitty and his doubts about her feelings for him eased as he recalled her anger when she had caught him up yesterday—anger that had been fuelled by her worry for his safety. Anger that proved she cared for him. Hell, her every touch, every caress proved she cared. She was not the sort of female who would give her body without having some feelings for her lover.