by Vikki Vaught
She gasped. “Do you truly think that was the plan? I think you’re right. That woman must be behind it. She’s the only one with a grudge against me.”
Gently stroking her shoulder, he continued his tale. “The Bow Street Runner believes your abduction is tied to those accidents you had before Christmas. Since she’s my former mistress, she probably thought if you and our sons were dead, I would return to her. If I had ended our liaison before I came to London, none of this would have happened. I’ll understand if you detest me. I deserve it.”
Helen stroked his day’s growth of beard. “I could never hate you, and anyway, we can’t be sure Cecilia ordered the kidnapping. If we find Louis and get him to talk, then we’ll have proof.”
“We’ll start the search today.” Determination filled his voice. “I’ll see her punished for what she’s done.”
“I know you will. I had quite a bit of time to think while I was in the brothel,” Helen mused. “It would not have made a difference even if you had broken it off with her. She would have hated anyone you married. In her deranged mind, it was my fault, and if I died, you would come back to her. I’ve forgiven you…I…I love you.”
A lump formed in his throat and tears filled his eyes. “I don’t deserve it, but I’m grateful you do. You’re the most understanding and forgiving woman in the world. I love you with every breath I take. When you were abducted, I finally understood why my father acted as he did when my mother died. If you were taken from me, a piece of me would have died.”
Gathering her close, he kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and twisted her fingers in his hair as passion took over. He deepened their kiss and ran his hand over her breast. He nibbled his way from her slender neck to her swollen breast and took a turgid nipple into his mouth and sucked.
Spirals of heat rushed through his flesh and coiled in his loins. Trailing kisses across her belly, he buried his face between her splayed thighs. Helen writhed and moaned as he licked her tight bud, inhaling her sweet essence. He watched as her cheeks became flushed as the pleasure overtook her.
She arched upward as she claimed her release. His cock swelled at the beautiful sight. Matthew crawled up her body, and as he kissed her, he pushed inside her. His thrusts grew deeper and faster as passion took him to a place of total bliss.
With his last thrust, he groaned out his release. His arms would not hold him any longer, so he rolled to her side as he pulled her into his arms. Love and contentment infused him. He had his wife in his arms, and she’d forgiven him.
Tears clouded his vision in his eyes. “My love…you are my life.” Cradling her close, he felt her body relax in sleep, then he followed her into peaceful slumber.
* * * *
Helen and Matthew finally left their chamber for dinner that evening. As they entered the drawing room, Melody, Kathryn, and Mary rushed forward and hugged her.
Melody was the last to hug her. “Thank goodness you’re safe. We were terribly worried. Your husband sent a message telling Henry you’d been taken to a brothel. They already planned to attend the auction when Old Maude came and told them you were at Madame Lucille’s.”
“I was losing hope,” she replied. “The only thing that kept me sane that last day was praying Old Maude had gone to Henry.”
Before her sister-in-law replied, Simpson entered and announced dinner. Melody had ordered a special meal prepared to celebrate her return. The chatter around the table was lively as everyone enjoyed the sumptuous feast.
After dinner, the men joined the ladies in the drawing room bypassing their usual libations. Mary entertained them as they continued to talk. As the evening waned, Helen’s lack of restful sleep became too much to concentrate on the conversation, so she and her husband retired to their suite.
Upon returning to their rooms, they took a seat on the sofa facing the hearth. Matthew turned to her. “I’m curious. How did you hold off Madame Lucille? I’m thankful you did. I’m astonished she allowed you to wait.”
She smiled smugly. “I told her I’d just given birth, and if she forced men on me too soon, I’d be damaged, and she would not make as much. I thought if I delayed long enough, you would find me, or I could escape. I almost did, but Bernard caught me. That’s when she whipped me. Thank goodness she allowed Old Maude to treat my wounds.”
He chuckled. “Your quick mind is what attracts me the most. That was brilliant. Thank God she wanted to protect her investment. It drove me mad when I considered what could happen to you in a brothel.”
Helen stroked his hand. “I never gave up hope. I prayed constantly for the strength to endure.” She straightened. “I need to go to our sons right away.”
“We’ll leave in a few days, after you’ve had time to recover,” he assured her. “I know you’re anxious to return, but the Bow Street Runner should be back soon. He’s been gone for ten days. This Louis character, he never said anything about who gave the orders?”
She sighed. “Nothing at all.”
He lifted her chin. “Your brother holds me responsible for your troubles, and I don’t blame him. He’s lost all respect for me. Melody’s disappointment cut deep as well. I’m very ashamed of my behavior. I hope they can eventually forgive me.”
“I’m sure they will now that I’ve returned unharmed.” She yawned. “My darling, I’m tired, and I’m sure you are as well, so let’s go to bed.”
They made their way to their bed, hands clasped and fingers laced. He made love to her so tenderly it brought tears to her eyes. He took her away from the ordeal she’d gone through and into bliss. As he held her in his arms, she drifted off to sleep, feeling safe for the first time in weeks.
The next day, Henry met with them. The Bow Street Runner had returned, but did not discover anything useful. Helen noticed Henry’s cold demeanor toward her husband and decided to talk with him privately. They needed to work together if they wanted to prove Cecilia was the instigator behind her abduction.
That afternoon, Matthew went to their townhouse to let the housekeeper know they would not be opening the house for the season after all. While he was gone, she went to her brother’s study for a much-needed conversation.
She marched in without knocking. “I want to speak with you regarding your attitude toward my husband. I’ve forgiven him, and I want you to do so as well. He’s my husband, and I love him very much. He feels terrible about what happened to me, and that it could be his fault.”
Henry folded his arms and sent her a steely glance. “I don’t understand how you can forgive him so easily.”
“I love him,” she squared off. “I believe that even if he had broken it off with Cecilia before our wedding, she still would have reacted with animosity. You haven’t met the woman, I have. She’s not a sane individual. We need to move forward and work together so we can stop her from doing any further harm. So, can you please go easy on him for me?”
“Oh, all right,” he harrumphed. “I’ll let it go. I do believe he cares for you and that he’s remorseful over his part. All I want is your happiness and safety. You’re right. We need to work together to prove Mrs. Arlington is behind the attempts on your life and your abduction.”
She always could wrap her brother around her finger. “Matthew’s worried he’s lost your respect, just when you’d started to become friends. I hope you’ll let him know you’ve forgiven him. Thank you, this means a great deal to me.”
“Anything for you, sweetheart.” He pulled her into his arms and gave her a hug.
Helen returned to their rooms. At loose ends without her children, her thoughts turned to the night before. Now that she’d told Matthew she loved him, their lovemaking was even more fulfilling. She was still embarrassed by her behavior the other night, but he had assured her he did not mind her wantonness.
Heat scorched through her when she recalled how erotic the experience had been. This line of thought would only arouse her, so she picked up her novel and spent a few hours reading until it was time
to go downstairs for tea.
As she descended the stairs, the front door opened and Margaret entered. She rushed forward and gave Helen a hug. “I was so concerned. Peter wrote me and told me everything. I can’t imagine being in a brothel. What was it like?”
How like her young sister-in-law. Of course, she would want details. “Let’s just say it’s an experience I never want to have again. I’m just glad it’s over, and I’m safe.”
She giggled. “I shall let you keep your secrets. Have you discovered who was behind your abduction?”
“We believe Mrs. Arlington is the culprit. She must believe if I died, my husband would return to her. By taking my children, she has tangled with the wrong woman. We’ll find the proof, then she’ll be punished to the fullest extent of the law.” Smiling fondly at Margaret, she added, “Although I’m thrilled to see you, you didn’t need to come.”
“Of course I wanted to see you. You’re my sister now, and I love you. I’m sorry I gave you such a hard time in the beginning. I acted childish and made things much harder for you. I know I’m young, but I truly love Peter, and we’re blissfully happy.” She looked intently at her. “I think you’re right regarding Mrs. Arlington. She’s always been a bit unhinged.”
“I could not agree more.” Helen asked, “Tell me. What are your plans, now that you’re in town?”
Margaret grinned. “I’ve come for the rest of the season. Although I can’t attend any parties since we’re in mourning, we can go the ballet, and plays. I’ve never been to London, so I’m very excited. I need to have a few mourning gowns made. Who do you use when you’re in London?”
“Madame Devy,” Helen replied. “She’s simply marvelous. I’ve used her for years. Her shop is located on Bond Street, so she’s easy to find.”
“Are you and Matthew staying for the season?” she asked.
“We had originally planned to participate. Now, I just want to return to my sons.” Longing swept through her, but she refused to give in to it. “I’m impressed with Peter, by the way. He helped Matthew recover my sons, and I’ll be eternally grateful to him for that.” Helen saw Melody and added, “Oh, here comes the duchess.”
Melody came into the entrance hall and approached them. “Welcome to our home. Your husband told me you were arriving today. He’s been ever so helpful through the turmoil of finding Helen. I understand you’ve arrived for the season. You must come for tea one day soon.”
Margaret’s face lit up. “Thank you, Your Grace. Our townhouse is on Curzon Street, which isn’t far from here. Once I’m settled in, I would love to have you over.”
The duchess patted her arm. “Please, call me Melody. After all, you’re part of Helen’s family, so now we’re related by marriage.”
The ladies went into the drawing room to continue their conversation, and Melody ordered refreshments. Helen was impressed with Margaret’s maturity. Evidently, marriage agreed with her.
As they sat talking, Matthew entered and gave his sister a hug. “When did you get here, Puss? Peter told me you were coming for the season. Are you excited?”
“I plan to attend all the entertainments in town,” she pouted her lips, “except the parties, though. I wish you could stay, but I understand you need to be home with your children.” After several minutes passed, Peter arrived and took Margaret home.
After dinner, Helen and Matthew, along with Melody and Henry, went to his study to talk about finding proof of Mrs. Arlington’s perfidy. Her husband had agreed to go home the next day, so they wanted a plan in place.
Matthew stroked his chin. “Mrs. Arlington will be livid when she hears Helen has safely returned to Collingswood Hall.” He glanced her way. “We should have a dinner party and invite her. That way we can watch her reaction when she sees you alive and well. We’ll need to explain the abduction, because the area knows you and our sons went missing. Thank God, no one knows she was in a brothel though. Does anybody have any ideas?”
“We could say you rescued me from the man who abducted me,” Helen mused, “and since we were so close to London, we went to my brother’s so I could recover. We’ll tell people you found me before I was harmed. That my abductor planned to ransom me, but we foiled him. Since I’m unharmed, it should not be too much of a scandal.”
“That’s brilliant.” Matthew grinned. “I believe we can pull that off. It’s just as well the Bow Street Runner was unsuccessful. Cecilia will think we’re unaware of her involvement. I’ll hire more guards so you’ll be with someone at all times. That way she can’t try anything.”
Helen hesitated. “I know you aren’t going to like this, but we need to use me as bait. You can have the guards hidden. Perhaps she’ll be so desperate at the party she will make a mistake, and we can catch her trying something.”
Henry interjected, “I don’t like it. I will not take the chance that you could be hurt again. Are you sure you didn’t hear anything when you were with Louis that could implicate this woman? Oh, and, perhaps you can describe him?”
“Hmm, let me think.” She searched her memory for anything that could help. “He was portly, average height, with brown hair, graying at his temples. He’s in his late thirties. His eyes were an unusual light brown, and he had a mole on the left side of his lip. He was clean-shaven and dressed in the latest style. He was definitely cultured, because he spoke well.” Then she remembered. “Wait a minute. He has a scar on his right hand, probably from a burn. That’s all I can remember.”
“That’s more information than I gained from the thug who took our sons,” Matthew remarked. “When we return home, I’ll visit the local taverns and see if anyone knows someone of his description.”
Other than her suggestion to use her as bait, everyone agreed with the plan. Helen prayed it would work, so she could at last put the nightmarish ordeal behind her for good.
CHAPTER 29
Helen and Matthew left the following morning. The weather was so pleasant they made the trip in four days. They discussed their plans as they traveled along. Since they wanted to hold the party on the twenty-fifth, that would give her several days to prepare.
As they approached the house, Helen caught a glimpse of the sea. Tears misted her eyes at the lovely sight. Seeing it brought back the wonderful times they’d shared with Christina and Catherine. In her mind’s eye, she could see the girls playing in the waves with her and Matthew.
After the carriage pulled under the portico, a footman came out to help them from the conveyance, and Wells greeted them at the door. Her heart swelled with gratitude. At last, she was at home. She’d tried to remain positive at the brothel, but she’d feared she would never see Collingswood Hall again.
Once inside, she rushed upstairs to the nursery so she could see her babies. When she entered, Christina and Catherine ran to her, and she knelt, giving them both hugs. Catherine hugged her neck. “Mama, we’ve been so scared. We thought you were never coming home. The babies are asleep. That’s all they do. When will they get big enough to play?”
She kissed her cheek. “Your brothers can’t play for a while, although you can hold them when I’m with you.”
Christina moved in for her hug. “Mama, I missed you so much.” The little girl hugged her so tightly it brought tears to her eyes.
Helen patted her back. “Sweetheart, I’ll never leave you again. Now, where are my sons?”
The nursemaid stepped forward. “They’re sleeping, milady. They should be wakin’ soon because it’s time to nurse them again.”
Helen heard one of her sons crying, and she rushed to their cots. Nelson crinkled his little brow and wailed. She gathered him into her arms and cradled him close as she kissed his forehead.
Unabashed tears ran down her cheeks as she gazed at her precious son, thanking God they were both safe. Little Matthew awoke and also let out a wail. Helen handed Nelson to Mildred, then picked him up and kissed his cheek.
Her husband entered and put his arm around her and the baby, cradling them agains
t his side. Tears glistened in his eyes as well as her own. “Oh, Matthew, they’re so beautiful. Look how much they’ve grown. I’ve already missed so much. I never want to be separated from them again.”
“And you shan’t until they’re old enough for school,” he assured her. “I can’t get over how much they look like you. It’s a good thing Nelson has a birthmark, or we could never tell them apart.”
“I don’t need a birthmark,” she countered. “I can tell them apart at a glance.”
Once Mildred finished feeding Nelson, she traded him for little Matthew. Nelson cooed and glanced at his surroundings. He was so alert, and such a delight to watch. Knowing she could no longer feed her sons tugged at her heart. That was another consequence Cecilia had caused. Matthew knelt, and his daughters ran to him. Their family was together again, as it was meant to be.
Since they were tired from their travels, they had dinner in their sitting room. Cook sent their favorite foods. They dined on crab bisque, trout with Sauterne sauce, rice with wild mushrooms, and a vegetable medley. Cook had even prepared lemon custard for dessert, one of her favorites. Everything tasted delicious, and they both ate ravenously. Once they finished dinner, they sat on the sofa and enjoyed being home again.
Helen yawned, so Matthew helped her to her bedchamber and turned her over to her maid. Once Sally helped her dress in her nightclothes and left her alone, she sat at her dressing table brushing her hair.
He entered and came to her, then reached out his hand. “Let me do that for you. Your hair feels soft as silk, and now that it’s getting so much longer, it’s trailing down your back in a mass of curls. It’s truly lovely.”
He brushed her hair until it shone. After he finished, he massaged her neck and shoulders. Soon he had her purring like a kitten. Kneeling behind her, he continued to massage down her back as he kissed where his hands had been first. A haze of fierce sensations rushed down her spine.