Thea, page 8
“What?” Shock rippled through him. “Durham never mentioned a word to me. Though I can see him trying to manipulate her. A young, fragile widow. I’m sure he thought he could pull the strings and make her dance to his tune—as well as me.”
“You aren’t angry that she rejected you?”
Adam laughed. “She didn’t reject me, Thea. She fought for the man she loved. I’m happy your friend escaped a nightmare of a marriage and has found happiness with your brother. In fact, I’ll see that her dowry is returned to her and Lord Reston.”
She sighed. “Thank goodness. I worried about revealing that to you.”
He kissed her. “You shouldn’t have. I love you. I’ll always love you.”
“And you still wish us to wed?”
“I do,” he said solemnly. “But as long as we are baring our souls, there are things I must tell you.”
Adam closed his eyes and drew in a long breath before expelling it slowly.
“You know I joined the military straight out of school. My one regret is not going to university and expanding my knowledge.”
Thea smiled gently. “You have a huge library at your disposal, Adam. Learning doesn’t end. It can go on throughout your life. We can read books together and study whatever we choose.”
He hadn’t thought of that. As a man of leisure now, he would have time to pursue whatever he wished, beyond running his estates. Even then, a good portion of that could be turned over to managers, who already did a bulk of the work since the previous duke had no interest in farming or breeding.
“I haven’t led a very pleasant life, Thea. My father abandoned me, telling me service to his country was more important than his responsibilities to me.”
She placed a hand atop his, sympathy in her eyes. “That must have been very hard to hear as a child.”
“It was gut-wrenching. And my uncle played monstrous games, pitting Trumbull and me against one another. God only knows why. It caused me never to trust anyone telling me the truth and led to my cousin’s intense hatred of me. We could have been as brothers, leaning on one another in good times and bad. Instead, we became enemies.”
Thea brought his hand to her lips and tenderly kissed it. “You have family now, Adam. My family will be yours. And we’ll create one of our own.”
“I hope so. Still, the war changed me in many ways. Yes, I matured. It toughened me even more than my uncle’s harsh discipline ever had. I saw things—did things—that will haunt me forever. If you choose me, Thea, you’ll have to live with those things. My body and mind were scarred. I wake several times a week, from violent nightmares. Sometimes screaming.”
Her palm touched his face. “When you awaken, I will be there to comfort you, my love. You aren’t alone anymore.”
He placed his hand against hers. “My body is marred by many old wounds. Marked and flawed by bullet wounds. Cut from sabers. I don’t want it to frighten you.”
“It won’t,” she promised, lifting his palm and kissing it tenderly. “You fought bravely for our country.” She grinned, mischief in her eyes. “Besides, I am the only one who will be seeing it.”
She turned his hand and placed her lips over his index finger, drawing it into her mouth and sucking on it, her eyes dancing. His insides clenched, hot heat rushing through him. She did it to another finger and he grabbed her hand, stopping her.
“You’re playing with fire, sweetheart,” he warned.
Thea shrugged. “And if I am?”
Adam kissed her hard, his arms going about her. He ran his tongue along the seam of her mouth and she opened to him. His tongue plunged inside, finding hers, mating with it savagely as he marked her as his. His palms settled over her breasts, lightly kneading them. She moaned into his mouth, and he dragged a nail across her nipple, the bud hardening for him.
Breaking the kiss, he said, “I’ve one final thing to tell you.”
“You want me?” she asked softly. “As much as I want you?”
“Believe me, I’ve never wanted anyone more.” Adam took her shoulders. “I must admit something to you.” He felt the flush creep up his neck and closed his eyes. “I . . . I . . .” He took a deep breath and spit out, “I have never been with a woman.”
He waited, but Thea said nothing. He opened his eyes to find tears swimming in hers.
“Truly?”
He nodded, shame filling him.
“Then we will learn the ways of love together,” she said, a satisfied smile on her face. “Oh, Adam, I worried with you being older than I am and such a man of the world, an army veteran who has traveled many places, that I would disappoint you. That you would have become quickly bored with me.”
“Never,” he said fiercely, feeling tender and protective toward her. “And you’re right. We’ll be able to explore physical love together. Learn each other’s bodies and what we like. Our passion will guide us, Thea.”
With that, Adam kissed her again, long and slow, tasting her innocence and goodness and knowing they would grow as a couple in many ways through the years.
Chapter Eleven
Adam met his aunt at the breakfast buffet the next morning. Thea and the Merrifields had yet to make an appearance.
“What’s planned for today, Aunt Louise?” he asked.
“At eleven, we’ll go outside for lawn croquet and bowling,” she replied.
“Could I have a word with you in private before that begins?”
“Of course. Come to my salon after you breakfast.”
She joined the Wrexhams and Lord Denton and Lord Burles for the meal, while Adam sat next to Hardy.
“Did you have a pleasant stroll with Lady Sybil last night?”
His friend beamed. “We did. There’s far more to Lady Sybil than everyone knows.”
“Well, she sings like a songbird,” Adam complimented. “And she’s quite pretty. Thea likes her very much.”
Hardy’s brows rose. “Ah, so it’s Thea now.”
Adam grinned. “Thea for now. The Duchess of Durham in the near future. I’d have you as my best man if you’re so inclined.”
Hardy slapped him on the back. “Well done, Your Grace. And I’d love to be a part of your wedding,” he said quietly. “When is it?”
“That’s to be determined.”
Lord Minden and Miss Pickford joined them, followed by Lady Lydia and her mother. Adam noted the former seemed very much a couple. He saw Thea and the Merrifields come in, and they sat with Lady Moore and Viscount Lorry.
When he finished, Adam excused himself and went to Thea. He bent and told her, “Have Lord and Lady Merrifield come to my aunt’s salon when they finish the meal. I want us to share our good news.”
“Of course, Your Grace,” she said politely, looking the picture of innocence.
Adam wanted to yank her from the chair and kiss her until their lips bled.
Instead, he excused himself and went to wait. Shortly after he arrived, his aunt entered.
“Have you enjoyed yourself so far, Nephew?”
“Very much. It’s been good to reconnect with Hardy. I hope to see more of him and Lord Minden back in London. Lord Burles has been a little harder to know. What of your time with our guests?”
“I’ve quite enjoyed Lady Merrifield and Lady Moore’s company. Who knew Lady Moore’s daughter was so gifted? She sang incredibly well last night, and Lord Hardy seems most taken with Lady Sybil.”
“He is—as I am with Lady Thea.”
Louise’s eyes lit up. “I adore Lady Thea. She is very mature for her age. Very graceful and caring.”
A knock sounded, and Adam leaped to his feet. He hurried to admit the Merrifields and Thea and close the door after they entered, inviting them to sit. Adam took a spot next to Thea and addressed the group.
Taking her hand and entwining their fingers together, he said, “Some people know very quickly that they suit one another. Lady Thea and I have come to that conclusion. We wish to be wed.”
Lady Merrifield and his aunt offered their congratulations, both women growing misty-eyed. The three females all began talking at once, leaving him with Lord Merrifield.
The earl said, “You had a decent conversation then?”
“We did,” Adam ensured him. “You’re right. Being candid and sincere only strengthened what we feel for one another. I’m most eager to make Thea my duchess, my lord.”
“Diana and I wrote Reston last night. When Thea told us you wanted to speak with us and your aunt, I took the liberty of giving those letters to one of my men and he’s on his way to Esterley Castle as we speak. I asked Derek and Amelia to come to London since I have the feeling you’ll want to wed quickly.”
“Thank you, Lord Merrifield. I promise you that I intend to make Thea very happy.”
“See that you do, Your Grace. Diana is ecstatic at your news, and my mission in life is to always keep my wife smiling.”
“Shall we talk about the wedding?” Lady Merrifield asked loudly, claiming the men’s attention.
“Oh, yes,” Aunt Louise agreed. “Where would you like to hold the ceremony, Lady Thea? And when?”
“Call me Thea, Your Grace.”
His aunt clasped Thea’s hand. “And I am your Aunt Louise, my dear.”
Thea smiled and looked to Adam. “Do you have any preference where we wed?”
“As long as you and I are together, it doesn’t matter to me,” he replied. “As for when, I hope it occurs soon.”
She frowned. “I hate to go all the way home to Esterley because of Diana.” Thea gasped. “Oh! I’m sorry.”
“It’s quite all right.” Lady Merrifield looked to Louise. “I am expecting a child come early March and the motion of the carriage sometimes makes me nauseous.”
Lord Merrifield said, “Esterley is a long way to go. We’d be happy to host you at either Merrimore or in London, if either would suit you.”
“I’d prefer something small,” Thea said. “Only family and close friends. By the time we return to London and have the banns read, I suppose it will be a month before the ceremony can take place.”
“I could purchase a special license,” Adam volunteered. “It would give us the freedom to wed whenever we chose.”
“I just told His Grace that I’ve sent word to Esterley for my sister and Reston to come to London quickly.” Merrifield smiled. “I had a feeling you’d rather wed sooner than later.”
“Thank you, Oliver,” Thea said. “That was very thoughtful.”
“When the house party concludes, I’ll accompany you back to London,” he said. “That way, I can go to Doctor’s Commons and be ready for when Lord and Lady Reston arrive.” He turned to his aunt. “Would you mind taking my carriage back on your own, Aunt?”
Aunt Louise smiled. “Oh, to be so in love that you insist on even riding in the same coach so that you have a few more hours together.”
Everyone laughed, and he lifted Thea’s hand, pressing a kiss to it.
“I take my chaperone duties seriously, Your Grace,” Merrifield said with a teasing look in his eye. “I know the kinds of things that can happen in carriages.”
“He does—because we’ve done them,” Diana said impishly.
“Rest assured that I will not close my eyes once on the way from Durbury to London,” the earl concluded.
“Unless he’s too busy kissing me,” his wife added, and they laughed even more heartily.
Thea descended the stairs with Diana, and they ventured outside where their carriage awaited. The last few days had been a whirlwind. Adam had announced to everyone their plans to wed, and all had offered sincere congratulations, though Lady Lydia’s seemed a bit begrudgingly given. At least the Marquess of Burles had begun to pay her some attention and Thea hoped that softened the blow of poor Lady Lydia not landing herself a duke.
At least not Thea’s duke.
Aunt Louise had taken Thea on a private tour of the house, and both women noted things that needed to be updated. Louise assured Thea that she should do whatever she wished.
“The house hasn’t been mine in some time. I plan to continue living with my brother, at least for a short while.”
“Are you deciding between Viscount Lorry and Lord Denton?”
“I am. Both have offered for me. I’ll wait until after you and Adam are wed before I decide what I wish to do.”
Last night had been the ball which closed out the house party. This morning, the house had been a flurry of activity as trunks were brought down and servants readied for departure. She knew Adam and his aunt had seen everyone off and now they were the last to leave.
The dowager duchess kissed both of Thea’s cheeks soundly. “I shall see you back in London tomorrow. I’m looking forward to seeing the design for your wedding gown.”
Diana had said they would speak to the Duchess of Everton’s favorite modiste, Madame Toufours, about not only a bridal gown but Thea’s trousseau. She didn’t think she needed much of anything since she had all of her wardrobe from the Season she hadn’t partaken in and had only worn a small portion of it at the house party this week. Still, Madame Toufours had an excellent reputation and Thea would certainly see if the woman would be interested in creating a few gowns for her.
They said their goodbyes to Louise, and Oliver handed both women into the carriage. He and Adam joined them and they set off for London. She snuggled against her new fiancé, thinking she’d never been happier.
Their conversation proved lively. Oliver was always one to tell an interesting story and Adam talked about his early days in the army and how much he hadn’t known.
“I was very green,” he told them. Then, in a self-deprecating manner, he spoke of his training and attempts to lead the men assigned to him, most of them years older than he was.
She knew that while these stories were intended to entertain them, he had faced the horrors of war. Though she would never ask him to share specifics with her, she would willingly listen to whatever he had to say about that time in his life if he offered. He had told her his war injuries from Waterloo had taken months of recuperation. She promised she would kiss every scar from battle on him and hoped she could make him forget such painful memories.
Diana held a hand to her mouth as the coach lurched.
“Do you need to stop, my love?” Oliver asked, a sweet tenderness in his eyes.
She lowered her hand. “Not yet. I will let you know if I require the carriage to stop.” She shook her head. “Forgive me, Your Grace. I’m told the baby is the size of a pea now and yet it can cause the most violent retching.”
“We have all the time in the world, Lady Merrifield,” Adam assured her. “We can stop as frequently as you need us to do so.”
Suddenly, the coach spurted forward, knocking Diana and Oliver against the cushions and dumping Thea and Adam to their knees. He quickly placed her back on the cushion as they heard angry shouts—and then a gunshot.
“Highwaymen,” Adam said, and fear knotted in Thea’s belly.
She’d heard stories of people being robbed, especially on the Great North Road, but she hadn’t thought of thieves practicing their trade here.
“They’ll want my wedding ring,” Diana said, her mouth trembling. “I can’t lose that, Oliver.”
Quickly, her husband yanked off her glove and slid the ring from her finger. He tucked it into his Hessians.
“Put on your glove again, sweetheart,” he urged. “Anything else they take can be easily replaced.”
The vehicle, which had barreled down the road at breakneck speed, started slowing.
Adam took Thea’s hand. “We’ll give them what they want and we’ll be on our way soon.” He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. “Don’t worry.”
“I won’t. I’m here with you.”
Thea tried to prepare herself for what would happen next as the carriage came to a complete stop. Another gunshot rang out, and she gripped Adam’s arm.
The door flew open, and she saw a man with a hat pulled low on his brow and a scarf covering his lower face. He pointed a gun at them.
“Get out,” he commanded.
“Go first,” Adam said quietly to Oliver as he moved to the door and gazed out.
Her brother-in-law jumped down and reached his hands up for Diana and handed her down. Thea was next, and as Oliver reached for her, she saw her fiancé studying the men who surrounded the vehicle. She realized his military training had asserted itself and that he was assessing the thieves who’d stopped them.
Oliver clasped her waist and lowered her to the ground, stepping aside and placing an arm about Diana. Adam leaped down and came to stand beside Thea.
The highwayman who’d ordered them out held his gun steady and faced them.
“Looks like we’ve found ourselves two prizes, boys.”
Chapter Twelve
Adam had counted four men that he could see and hoped no others were in sight as he evaluated their situation. The man who’d ordered them out was a good four inches shorter but very stout. The one on the far left was tall and wiry, his eyes darting about nervously. Next to him stood a tall, gangly youth who shifted uneasily from one foot to the other. The last man who watched them would be their leader. He was tall and broad-shouldered and would be the biggest challenge.
Merrifield was of a similar age to Adam and looked to be in excellent shape. If it had only been the two of them stopped, he would have sprung into action quickly and disarmed the leader, hoping they could take the four bandits, though all of them were armed. Unfortunately, he couldn’t risk it with Thea and her sister present. A stray bullet could mean death for either of them. Adam knew how much the earl worshipped his wife. He couldn’t be responsible for Lady Merrifield’s death.
And if a bullet struck Thea and ended her life?
Adam doubted he could go on living.
As he climbed from the coach, his eyes saw the driver’s arm hanging limp. The first gunshot had been a warning and their driver had tried to outrun the highwaymen. Adam feared the second bullet he’d heard had ended the man’s life.
