Perhaps he could attend next Season and find his future duchess. Mayhap she could have a Season as well, even though she already found the man she wanted to wed. She had always secretly dreamed of having one. But she had been busy taking care of the infirm and then her mother. But now that she met Emma, Bella, and Amelia, a Season might be fun. Besides, dancing a waltz with Sebastian would be heaven.
***
Two day hence, she traveled in a carriage with Lachlan, Wentworth, and Emma. As they approached London, Teagan did not know where to look first. She craned her neck and looked out the window at all the hustle and bustle happening around them.
“Ah havenae seen so many people or carriages. What part of London are we in?”
“Mayfair,” Wentworth answered. Our home is just up the street a ways.”
Home was a strange word for the enormous red brick manor they pulled up to with wrought iron fencing, lush green lawns, and numerous gardens. Lachlan helped her down from the carriage and up the stairs into a large foyer where a row of servants greeted them.
Next thing she knew, she was being led up the grand staircase by her newly appointed lady’s maid, down a hall and then another and led into the most beautiful room she’d ever seen. Murray Castle had its charm, but in a rustic country way. Her room at Stony Cross Manor was beautiful. This room was even more so, done up in subtle shades of blue, yellow, and cream. A fire blazed in the hearth, and she longed to relax on the chaise with a good book.
The four poster bed was covered in a blue and cream paisley damask coverlet which looked inviting to her travel weary body.
“Would you care to change before going down for tea, milady? Your trunk arrived this morning, and I took the liberty of unpacking the contents.”
Not her trunk. Not her clothing. Everything belonging to her could be found back at Murray Castle. A case of melancholy had her heading to the chaise and sitting down on it before her legs gave way. Tears clogged her throat. She missed her mother. She’d never really had a proper time to mourn her loss and something about this room and the Seabrook family had her aching for her mother. None of this would be happening if she still lived. Tears sprinkled down her cheeks, and she hugged herself as a chill settled deep insides her bones even with the roaring blaze in the hearth.
“Would you like some privacy, milady? I can return shortly.”
“Aye, please.”
When the door clicked closed, Teagan curled up on the chaise and let herself cry, really cry for the first time since her mother passed and she and Lachlan had run for their lives. Deep painful sobs rose up from the depth of her soul, shaking her body uncontrollably.
Eventually her sobs turned to silent tears, and she closed her eyes and succumbed to the exhaustion that had plagued her since Scotland.
“Teagan, my dear daughter, sit with me a spell.”
Teagan had just finished breakfast and went to check on her mother to see if she felt any better. With one glance at her pale, drawn face and blue tinged lips, Teagan had her answer. She swallowed the lump in her throat and pasted on a smile. It wouldn’t do to have her mother see how concerned she was for her health. Terrified was more like it because her mother looked on death’s door.
She rested her hip on her mother’s bed and took her chilled hands in hers, hoping to share some of her warmth with her. “How are ye feeling today?”
“Ah fear the end is near and ah must tell ye something.” Her mother inhaled, then spoke so softly Teagan found herself leaning close in order to hear.
“Ye and Lachlan will be in danger when ah’m gone.”
This shocked her. In danger? “Maw, why?”
“Yer paw will marry ye tae that brute of a mon MacPherson once ah’m dead. Ye must leave here the moment ah take my final breath. Also, Lachlan’s life is in danger. Yer paw will have him killed so Ian can inherit. Yer real paw...never mind. Promise me when ah die ye will nae stay for my burial. Ye and Lachlan will run tae my father and brothers. They will protect ye.
“Maw. Ye are talking nonsense.”
Her mother’s fingers gripped hers with surprising strength. “Ah am speaking the truth. Pack now and be ready tae leave. Talk tae yer brother. Ye must both be ready as my time approaches.”
Teagan didn’t have a chance to speak to Lachlan because minutes later their mother took her last breath and went into God’s hands.
“Maw,” Teagan cried out and sat up, shaking from her dream. She lay back down, and when her breathing slowed and turned normal, she strolled across the room and pulled the bell pull.
Moments later her maid came in the room. “Milady.”
“Please, would ye help me dress? Ah fear ah’m late for tea.”
Twenty minutes later with Prissy’s help, she found her way to the downstairs drawing room where tea was still being served. She only hoped she didn’t scare away anyone with her swollen, red rimmed eyes.
The gentlemen, per usual, stood across the room in a circle having a serious discussion. Emma, Amelia, and the dowager sat on the settee while Bella sat on a burgundy velvet chair facing them. Teagan sank her weary body in the matching chair beside it. Poor Penelope was not there. No doubt she was in her room mourning her mother as Teagan had been.
“May I pour you tea?” Bella offered.
“Aye, please.”
Bella fixed it with two sugars and extra cream, just the way she preferred it. She also put two frosted teacakes on a plate.
“Thank ye.”
“You look tired, my dear.” The dowager observed over her china teacup. Perhaps you should rest before the evening meal. Or better, take a tray in your room. You’ve been through a terrible ordeal. Things will improve for you and Lachlan now that Wentworth is back and we have arrived in London.”
“Ah’ll admit ah’m a little tired, although ah did just dose off for a spell. It isnae physical exhaustion, but mind and spirit.”
“Yes, well, as I’ve said, you’ve been through a terrible ordeal,” the dowager added.
“Thank ye for yer hospitality, Yer Grace.”
“I think I speak for everyone, including Wentworth, when I say you are most welcome to stay as long as you need a home. Lachlan as well. Although I imagine he is chomping at the bit to seek vengeance and fight for his birthright.”
And there lay the problem. Teagan was petrified he would go and fight for what was his and end up dead. Oh, dear, she would not cry again. What a watering pot she’d turned into lately. It was time for the stubborn, determined, and independent woman she’d always been to come back to her. She pushed her shoulders back. If she appeared to have backbone, perhaps she would.
“That does worry me. Lachlan can be a bit bullheaded at times. Act before he thinks things through clearly.”
Bella reached over and squeezed her hand. “Our men will not let him go off half-cocked searching for a fight.”
“Bella, such language,” her mother admonished.
“I’m sorry. Forgive me. But all of you get my point. Lachlan is much like Wentworth in that regard.”
“Yes, indeed, he is,” Emma chimed in. “But do not fret Teagan. He is not alone in his fight. Wentworth has already sent word to the prince. I expect we will receive a message from him post-haste.”
“It will be a relief tae have his assistance.”
“Priney, for all his faults, is a good man. He and my son have had their differences over the years, but they have remained close.”
“Differences?” Teagan couldn’t resist asking. Everything she’d learned about the Seabrook’s so far was more than interesting.
“There was that one time he wanted Wentworth to marry the daughter of a Scottish Earl to improve relations with Scotland. He married our dear Emma instead. Priney refused to attend the nuptials. But all was forgiven when next they were in each other’s company,” the dowager said.
“It took courage tae go against the prince’s wishes,” Teagan remarked, wondering who this daughter of a Scottish Earl was.
&nb
sp; “Wentworth’s quite arrogant at times, and he would never have married to appease the prince even if he hadn’t fallen in love with our Emma,” the dowager said with a smile to her daughter-in-law.
“Thank you,” Emma replied with a blush.
“More tea?” Bella said to Teagan after noticing her cup was empty.
Funny, she hardly remembered drinking it. “Aye, please.” She glanced over her shoulder, wondering what the men were discussing in soft voices.
Chapter Fourteen
When does Smythe leave for Scotland?” Sebastian asked as he noticed Teagan looking their way.
“Aye, when?” Lachlan asked as well.
“On the morrow. He is not to approach your father or Ian. Only to investigate. Also, he is sending men to Dunbar Castle in hopes the laird has word about your relatives since they are distant cousins of his and reside on land near his on the Lothian Coast. We need all the information we can get before we ask the prince to send his soldiers.” He paused. “Priney is extremely busy and cannot meet with you and Teagan in person, but I assure you he is abreast of the situation and he advised all of us to wait until Smythe reports in. I’m hoping we can settle it without the help of soldiers.”
“There is one more matter ah would like tae have Smythe address,” Lachlan said.
“I’m listening.” Wentworth stopped and took a sip of tea. “Blasted, this stuff is cold already. Myles, will you be kind enough to get us some brandy.”
“Our paw isnae really our paw. Ah would like tae ken who is? He is English.”
“Done. I’ll send a message. Meanwhile Myles has agreed to host a gathering in your and Teagan’s honor. The official Season may be over, but there are plenty members of the ton left in London, and they are probably most bored and will welcome a ball.”
“That isnae necessary,” Lachlan said.
Myles approached, juggling glasses of brandy. Sebastian plucked one of the glasses out of his hand and took a large sip, enjoying the blissful burn. His ears were still ringing from Lachlan’s words about their father.
“I think it a splendid idea. Waiting for news from Smythe will go by much faster with things to do,” Myles chimed in.”
“That’s why I asked Myles and Bella to host the ball. Of course,” Wentworth said as he took a generous sip of his drink. “Myles’s sisters were just as happy to have something to occupy their time while they anxiously await word from Marissa.”
“Speaking of Marissa,” Sebastian said with a frown. “No word yet?”
Myles swore as he downed his drink in one gulp. “Bloody hell. Not a word. Does she not know we are worried and most anxious to welcome her husband into the family? We don’t care if she ran off to Gretna Green, we just want her safe and happy. And if her captain makes her happy, then we’re happy too.”
“Perhaps she will be home in time for the ball, and it can be given in their honor instead of mine and Teagan’s,” Lachlan said over his glass. “Ah think ah speak for Teagan as weel when ah say we prefer nae tae be made a fuss over.”
Myles slapped him on the back. “Too bad. This is London, and we love a good excuse to get drunk, dance, and behave badly.”
“Seriously?”
“Some of it.” Myles shrugged his shoulders.
Out of the corner of his eye, Sebastian saw Teagan excuse herself and quietly leave the drawing room. He could hardly take his eyes off her swaying hips.
Wentworth cleared his throat and tilted his head in the direction of the door.
Really? He wanted him to follow her. Well, hell, who was he to ignore his brother.
After excusing himself, he made his way out into the foyer and caught a glimpse of Teagan’s light blue skirts at the top of the staircase.
Taking two stairs at a time, he caught up with her in the hallway outside her bedchamber door.
“Teagan,” he gasped as he reached her. “Are you ill?”
“Nay. Ah just...ah dinnae ken what ah am. Please excuse me Sebastian.”
Before she could shut the door he pushed his way inside, closed the door behind him, and watched as she strolled over to the fireplace, hug herself and rub her upper hands as if she were chilled.
He sighed deeply as he moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close to his body. At first she tensed, then she relaxed back against him and he breathed a sigh of relief.
“Tell me what’s wrong.”
“Nothing’s wrong. Ah just feel lost. Ah was doing fine until we arrived here today. And then suddenly Ah felt out of control of my emotions.”
He caressed the top of her head with his cheek. “When Wentworth and I had our fight over Emma and I left for America, my emotions were not easy to control. For a year I thought someone else possessed my body. I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy my time away, or that I wasn’t responsible for my actions, it’s just it seemed like I was looking down at myself. And then Amelia showed up broken hearted and expecting...Perhaps I shouldn’t have said that.”
“Forgive me, but ah dinnae understand.”
“Olivia’s real father, Captain Rycroft, Amelia’s betrothed died weeks before their wedding in a hunting accident. Leaving her pregnant and frightened and on the verge of ruin.”
“Thank goodness she found such a good man in her earl. He truly loves her.”
This time he didn’t run his cheek along the top of her head, instead he inhaled deeply of her rose scented hair. What he wouldn’t give to pluck each and every pin from her glorious hair and slide his fingers through her long red tresses, which would no doubt, cascade down to her narrow waist. Then, of course, he’d work on the little pearl buttons and divest her of her clothing.
“Sebastian?”
“Apologies,” he murmured into her hair when he realized he’d flexed his hips, pushing his erection into her backside and she obviously felt it. How could she not as it was full to near bursting from his breeches.
“No need.”
Was she giggling? Her body was shaking ever so slightly. Or perhaps crying. His muscles tensed as he turned her around, and instantly he relaxed when he observed her silently laughing.
“What, pray tell, is so humorous?”
“Nothing. I’ve just never had a mon’s swizzle stick, for a better word, pressed and seeking against my...behind.”
Sebastian smiled down at her and wondered how she felt now that it was shoved up against her stomach...hard and seeking. He didn’t dwell on it. He lowered his head and took her soft, full lips in a sensual kiss that soon turned desperate and all consuming. His blood boiled and he had to touch her.
While continuing to plunder her mouth, he rejoiced in the little breathy noises she made and the feel of her hands clutching the front of his waistcoat. He proceeded to unbutton the top several buttons on her dress so he could tug it down, exposing her breasts to his touch. Unfortunately her hands were in the way and needed to be moved. He gently pried her fingers from his coat, wrapped them around his waist, and tugged the front of her gown down, taking her chemise with it.
Finally her breasts fell full and heavy into his hands and he groaned into her mouth. Then he dropped his head and took one of her nipples into his mouth.
“Sebastian.”
“Mmm, you taste delicious.”
“We shouldnae.”
He paused and waited, praying she wouldn’t halt him.
“Dinnae stop.”
He chuckled against her creamy smooth skin and bit down lightly on her nipple and she gasped.
“Sebastian.”
Sebastian good? Or Sebastian bad?
The way she clutched his head to her breast, he’d take that as good. He moved his attentions to her twin then slowly dropped to his knees and kissed his way down her body, moving aside clothing that got in his way, exposing her lovely skin.
One arm caressed its way up her calf, then thigh seeking the slit between her pantaloons and the core of her womanhood.
Teagan’s moans encouraged him to continu
e on his quest. He’d touched her there before, but this time he planned on tasting her as well. But first...he scooped her up into his arms and carried her to the bed, depositing her gently on the fluffy coverlet all the while never taking his eyes off hers. If he saw any hesitancy in her eyes, he’d stop and leave the room posthaste.
When all he saw was lust in her glassy green eyes, his heart accelerated and his hands suddenly shook from the magnitude of her trust in him.
“Teagan,” he murmured as he raised her skirts and slowly lowered her pantaloons. “I want to taste you, will you let me?”
“Taste?” she asked with a breathy voice that had his lust spiking even more.
“Do you trust me?”
“Aye.”
“Then I promise you will enjoy my tasting of you. But I vow to you here and now, I will not take your innocence.” Not today anyway. He had to be one hundred percent convinced of a future with her before he would risk a child on her. He knew he wanted her as his wife, but there was a small problem back in Scotland that needed to be solved first. The problem of a betrothed Scot.
Looking at her now with her skirts bunched around her waist, her lovely breasts bare, nipples pink and puckered had his hands trembling. What had he ever done to deserve Teagan looking at him with desire and trust in her eyes? Please God, let him be worthy.
His quivering hands moved up her bare thighs, parting her legs, revealing moist curly hair. He brushed his fingers across her womanhood, causing a soft moan from Teagan to reach his ears. He lowered his head and tasted her. A groan escaped him at her exquisite flavor. Using his tongue, his teeth and mouth he had Teagan undulating into his mouth. Her hips rose off the bed urging him to continue.
“Sebastian...ah...dinnae think ah can...”
“Relax and enjoy. Listen to your body and let nature work its wonder.”
Lord Sebastian and the Scottish Lass Page 12