by Lucy Monroe
The memory must have shown on her face because Jared snorted. "He tried to hit you, Cali. Just what do you call that if not wanting to hurt you physically?"
"That was different. I pricked his temper."
"You prick my temper all the time and I don’t try to hit you," Jared said, "The man’s a bastard and it isn’t safe for you to be around him."
"It isn’t safe for you either."
"I can handle it, damn it."
"So can I," she boasted, not at all sure it was the truth, but hoping that her last two successful attempts at defending herself were a harbinger for the future.
"You’re not going." Jared’s words carried the finality of a man pushed beyond his temper’s limits.
"Yes, I am." No matter how angry it made her husband, she was determined to protect him the best way she knew how.
Jared glared at her for a full minute before answering. "If he insults you, I’ll do more than challenge him. I’ll flatten him where he stands."
"No." The duke was insulting when he wasn’t angry. After she had defied him to marry Jared, the man was bound to say something her husband would take issue with. "I won’t allow you to take offense on my behalf."
"I can’t help it. You are my wife. An insult to you is an insult to me."
Horror at the possibility that her accompanying Jared would actually precipitate a duel, rather than prevent one, kept her silent for several seconds. She couldn’t go with Jared and she couldn’t stop him from going. "Promise me that you will not accept a challenge from the duke."
"I can’t."
She would have to trust him. He didn’t say the words aloud, but they shimmered in the air between them. She wanted to scream that it wasn’t him that she didn’t trust, but Henry. She didn’t want Jared to take any risks. There had to be another way of getting the information they needed. The others were silent as she and Jared fought their battle of wills.
His gaze did not waver, the look in his eyes both demanded and pleaded she accept his plan. It was the pleading that swayed her.
"Very well." She dropped her head, so she was speaking to his waistcoat. She couldn’t stand to look in his eyes and see the determination there. Determination that might very well get him killed. "Please, be careful."
He gently tipped her head up with a single finger under her chin. "I will."
He kissed her, long and slowly. She reacted without thinking and sank against him, absorbing his heat and strength. Her hands locked around his neck and she opened her mouth for the invasion of his questing tongue.
When he pulled away, she swayed. He held her arms, preventing her from falling. His kisses weakened her knees and addled her wits. That was her only excuse for her complete loss of propriety in front of her new relatives. She could not believe that Jared had kissed her at all, much less so intimately in the Ashton’s hall. And she had responded. Her face felt on fire and her heart still raced like a pony in a runaway gig.
Irisa and Thea gave her identical looks of commiseration. Perhaps Jared wasn’t the only gentleman in the family that forgot propriety. Ashton’s lips twitched, but he did not smile. Drake smiled knowingly and winked, causing her blush to intensify, but no one commented on the kiss. Thank goodness. She had no idea how she would have responded. A lady simply did not give way to such wanton behavior.
"I’ll go with you," Ashton said, in a clear bid to draw the other’s attention away from what had just happened. He grinned at Jared. "Calantha’s concern over your lack of tact is well-justified."
"And you think you can ease the affects of my blunt speech with your silvered tongue?" Jared taunted.
"I think I can watch your back," Ashton said, his smile disappearing.
Relief poured through her at the knowledge that Jared wasn’t going to face Henry alone. She reached out to touch Ashton’s arm. "Thank you."
He nodded in seeming understanding. Jared frowned, but did not argue any further.
"I had planned to go to London, today. Thea suggested last night before we went to bed that we should investigate the money angle." Drake’s words fell into the silence that had descended after her words of gratitude.
"Yes. People are willing to do a great deal of harm for money," Thea added.
"But Hannah doesn’t have any money," Irisa said, "She’s not an heiress. She’s just a little girl."
"I think the best place to start is with the former duke’s will," Thea replied, "She may not be an heiress, but her father was a duke."
"But she’s not his legitimate daughter." Irisa’s confusion matched Calantha’s.
She did not see how Deveril’s will could hold any answers to their present dilemma. Four years had passed since his death. Surely, if someone were going to threaten his daughter, it would have happened before this.
"A child doesn’t have to be legitimate for a father to leave her something in his will. She couldn’t be heir to his title or estates, but then as a girl, she wouldn’t anyway. However, that would not have prevented Clairborne from leaving Hannah an inheritance."
"I don’t remember any mention of Hannah in the will."
"Were you there for the reading?" Thea asked.
"No. Henry insisted on going as my representative." And she’d been too spineless to argue back then. She’d also been delirious with joy at the prospect of freedom from the bondage of her marriage. She’d felt too much guilt over that fact to care overmuch one way or the other about the reading of Deveril’s will.
"You’ll have to wait to travel to London until tomorrow." Jared’s voice once again brooked no argument.
Unlike Calantha, Drake chose to respect that.
Thea didn’t, however. "Nonsense. There is no reason for Pierson to stay. We are quite safe here at the manor."
Irisa and Calantha both nodded their agreement.
Jared shook his head and frowned at his sister. "I’ve been thinking that you and Drake should take your children back to London anyway. David and Deanna have already been put at risk once because of the villain’s plans to hurt Hannah. It will be easier for me to watch over Hannah if I don’t have to worry about them too."
"Jared’s right. You and Drake can investigate this money angle you are talking about while keeping your children safe. Please?" Calantha pleaded with her new sister-in-law, sensing that Thea would respond better to that then Jared’s blunt instructions.
She was right and Thea nodded. "I still don’t see why Drake can’t go to London today and begin the inquiries. The children and I can be ready to travel by tomorrow, or the next day at the latest and can join him then."
Drake smiled, the expression not quite reaching his eyes. "That is not going to happen, my love. Even if there had been no attacks against one of our own, I would not allow you to travel unescorted to London."
Thea frowned. "You know how little I like it when you take that dictatorial tone with me."
Since his voice had been firm, but gentle and not in the least autocratic, Calantha found herself smiling.
"I know, but as in all good partnerships, compromises must be made," Drake informed his wife. "As I have been at pains to point out to you for the past five years, England bears no resemblance in certain areas to your former home in the West Indies. I want you safe."
"And therefore I am to do the compromising?" Thea asked, not sounding irritated anymore, so much as resigned.
"Exactly." Drake rewarded his wife with a swift kiss when she did not argue with him, thereby confirming Calantha’s earlier thought that the gentlemen in her new family were more affectionate than strict propriety allowed.
Her former family’s failings had run along opposite lines, which had resulted in both pain and fear. Calantha decided she liked the improper expressions of affection much better.
She wasn’t so pleased with the arrogant stubbornness that appeared to be another common trait among the three men. Once Jared set a course of action, he refused to be swayed. She could not stop him from calling on the duke, but she did
not have to like it.
She inclined her head to her husband. "I believe I will join Hannah in the nursery."
She turned to go, intent on dismissing her stubborn husband from her presence and her thoughts. She would not spend the rest of the day in a pucker over his decision to talk to Henry.
A large, heavy hand fell on her shoulder and she found herself being spun around to face the broad expanse of Jared’s chest. "You forgot to wish me farewell, Cali."
She curtsied as well as possible, considering she was hampered by his grip on her shoulder. "Goodbye, my lord. I pray your journey is both safe and pleasant."
He hauled her against him with rough swiftness. "Goodbye, wife." His mouth covered hers before she could protest his hold, or anything else.
Hard and intent, the kiss ended quickly, but nevertheless proclaimed his possession of her in an unmistakable manner.
***
Jared’s mood was dark as a moonless night when he and Ashton returned to the manor that evening. The duke and duchess had not been at home. Literally. Their butler informed him that they had gone to visit one of the Clairborne estates in the North and were not expected back for several weeks. It didn’t feel right. He was missing something.
His Hessians clicked on the stone floor of Ashton’s hall as he and his brother-in-law went in search of their families. A family. He, Cali and Hannah were now a family. He would do whatever was necessary to protect them. If that meant meeting the Duke of Clairborne in a duel, then Jared would do it. And probably listen to Cali’s nagging right up to the minute the pistols were loaded. His spirits temporarily lifted at the thought. Cali would nag him. She hadn’t backed down from their argument this morning.
She no longer feared his anger.
He’d have to watch out, or he’d end up living under the cat’s paw. He smiled to himself at the prospect. Cali made a very cuddly, warm, little feline.
He followed Ashton into the red and gold drawing room. Irisa had broken the immense room up into several smaller sections with furniture and exotic oriental carpets. His sister and Cali occupied one of the sitting areas. They were both sewing. There was no sign of the children, Thea, or Drake.
Cali noticed their presence first. Her head came up and she shifted her attention from the round embroidery frame that held her concentration to him. Her eyes glowed with welcome for a scant second before she let her expression slide into that blank doll-mask she wore. Damn it.
The only time she responded to him with complete openness was in bed. She couldn’t hide her need for him then. He wanted more. He wanted her to need something from him besides the pleasure he gave her. He wanted her to admit she trusted him to take care of the current situation, that he would protect both her and Hannah...in every way.
"You don’t have to worry about the duke challenging me," he said, his voice harsh with his frustration from making the trip with no results.
Relief flickered in her eyes, but she said nothing.
Irisa’s head came up from the tiny gown she had been sewing and she leapt to her feet, letting the small froth of white fabric slide to the carpet.
She rushed forward and hugged Ashton and then Jared. "I’m so happy you have returned. The duke did not challenge you? Truly?"
"Truly," Jared replied, his eyes on Cali, who had remained seated, just like a proper duchess.
Irisa released him and stepped back. "What did he say?"
"Nothing." Jared waited for Cali to ask why, but she remained mute while Irisa peppered him with questions.
"Nothing? But why? Did he refuse to say anything?"
"He was not at home," Ashton replied when Jared remained stubbornly silent, waiting for his wife to speak.
"Oh dear. Don’t tell me you are going to go back again tomorrow?" Irisa asked, "Thea and Drake are planning to leave for London in the morning. They’ve spent the entire day preparing for their return home."
"Jared will do just as he thinks best, regardless of other people’s thoughts on the matter," Cali said, finally breaking her silence.
She was right, but bloody hell, he didn’t like the way she said it. As if he didn’t concern himself with what she thought, or how she felt.
He did care, but that caring couldn’t prevent him from doing what was necessary to protect her. "We won’t be going back tomorrow."
Cali’s brows rose in faint inquiry and he wanted to kiss her until that duchess look faded permanently from her face, until she was panting with her desire for him.
"He and his wife have gone north to visit another Clairborne estate."
"When did they go?" Irisa asked impatiently.
Ashton pulled her against his side and kissed her temple. "They left two days ago and aren’t expected back for several weeks. Jared plans to take Calantha and Hannah to Raven Hall tomorrow. Now, does that answer all your questions?"
Irisa shook her head, even as she asked another question. "But what about finding out who tried to harm Hannah and make Calantha look guilty of the crime?"
"I’m going to hire a Bow Street Runner to follow the duke to his estate," Jared answered for his brother-in-law, "Drake is going to make inquiries in London and your husband is going to continue questioning people locally. Once we have more information, I will make further plans."
He turned back to Cali. "Will you be ready to leave for Raven Hall tomorrow morning?"
"Would it matter if I said no, my lord?" she asked with polite formality, neglecting to answer his question.
Jared forced himself to use a reasonable tone of voice to answer. "I would, of course, take that into consideration, but I had hoped you would be packed by now."
When she said nothing, but responded with an inclination of her head, he added, "It will be easier for me to protect Hannah at home. Strangers would be noticed whereas if we stay here, those involved are clearly from the area and unlikely to arouse suspicion."
"I am ready to leave."
He didn’t know if she meant she was ready to leave Rose Cottage, or to return there from Ashton Manor.
He chose to interpret it that she was prepared to travel to Raven Hall on the morrow. "Where is Hannah?"
"She and the other children are already abed." Once again it was his sister who answered him, while Cali busied herself putting her embroidery away in Irisa’s sewing basket.
"I’ll have the closed carriage brought around to take you home. We can tie your and Calantha’s horses to the back. It will be easier to transport a sleeping child that way, I think," Ashton said.
"I had hoped you would both stay for dinner. You will be leaving on the morrow," Irisa said, her eyes full of appeal.
Jared waited until his wife looked at him again before answering.
When she did, he asked, "Well, Cali?" certain she would not demur.
She was too tender-hearted to hurt his sister’s feelings, even if she did like to wear that bloody marble statue façade.
"I would be delighted to stay and visit a bit longer." Cali smoothed her skirts as she stood. "I will miss you when Jared takes me to my new home. I hope you and Ashton will come to visit before your confinement makes the travel impossible."
The genuine emotion in her voice left no doubt that her words were heartfelt, not a platitude spoken for the sake of civility.
Irisa pulled away from Ashton and rushed over to hug Cali tightly. "I will miss you, too."
"Then I shall have to make certain to take you to visit Raven Hall very soon, won’t I? An intelligent man keeps his wife happy, particularly when she is increasing," Ashton said.
Irisa’s smile for her husband cut through Jared like a sharp blade. The usual pleasure he felt at seeing his sister’s obvious affection and joy in her marriage was absent. Would Cali’s eyes ever warm with love like that for him? Devil a bit, where had that thought come from? He didn’t need Cali’s love.
He had her loyalty. She had defended him to the duke and insisted on marrying him even after finding out about his father’s cowardly a
ctions. He had her legally. She was his wife. He knew she would honor the tie that would bind them for the rest of their lives. He had her concern. Her upset at the prospect of the duke challenging him, proved it. He had her body. She gave herself to him completely when they made love.
But it was not enough.
He wanted more than honor driven allegiance. He wanted her emotions, but even if an angel could be convinced to marry a beast, would she ever give him her heart?
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Calantha slowly came to consciousness as a warm hand rubbed her back.
"Wake up, Cali. We are almost there."
She nestled closer into the warmth surrounding her and mumbled a protest. After two grueling days of travel with a four-year-old, her eyes were too leaden to open even a crack. She’d had no idea how exhausting a journey with a small child could be. Jared had remained in the carriage, rather than riding Caesar alongside, to help her entertain Hannah, but he had set a pace that would have been tiring without the child’s presence. Intent on reaching home as quickly as possible, he made the trip that could easily have take four days, in two.
Warm fingers slid under the hair at her nape and squeezed.
She rubbed her face against his waistcoat. "Mmmm."
Laughter rumbled low in his chest. "You sound like a content little cat."
She was content. She’d woken in her husband’s arms. Having gone to sleep leaning against the interior wall of the carriage, she had known a modicum of surprise at waking up curled in Jared’s lap. It had only been a modicum however, because Jared seemed to like to hold her and did so with the least provocation.
"Where is Hannah?" she asked without opening her eyes.
"Asleep on the other squabs."
Calantha tipped her head up until her face pressed into the curve of Jared’s neck. Sniffing appreciatively at his warm, male scent, she allowed herself to revel in the intimacy created by their position and the darkened interior of the carriage.
She had found it more difficult than she anticipated withdrawing into her old protective shell. Although Jared no longer appeared to doubt her innocence, he did not love her and she could not risk exposing her emotions to him. They made her too vulnerable. So she tried to keep her distance from him when they were not making love.