Rogue Most Wanted, page 26
Ferr-Colby stood. “Now see here!”
“Gentlemen, both of you sit.” Howton banged a gavel. “This hearing will not be turned into a spectacle.” He turned his attention to Thea. “Outside of your oration about your family’s lineage and the few papers that have been submitted on your behalf, you’ve presented no evidence against the Duke of Ferr-Colby’s challenge to the title nor have you presented the title’s charter. Do you have any other evidence?”
A suffocating silence surrounded her as the room grew quiet. If someone dropped a needle, everyone would surely hear it. Thea’s stomach fell in a free fall along with all her hopes for success. “That’s all I have, my lord.”
Howton leaned back in his chair and stared at her as if making a decision. After a grueling moment, he addressed her. “It’s the claimant’s responsibility to prove their claim. I can’t advise the attorney general and the Prince Regent you are the rightful heir without irrefutable evidence.”
Will stood abruptly, followed by the Duke of Langham.
“Howton, we’re all aware that once a title is granted, it can’t be taken away,” Will practically growled the words.
“Please, Lord William. Treason and murder are reasons for titles to be revoked.” Howton sighed. “If I need your instruction about the granting of titles, I’ll ask you the question directly. I don’t need a lecture.”
“No, but you’d better listen to me,” demanded the Duke of Langham. “Do not make a mistake that can’t be undone.”
Clearly irritated, Lord Howton regarded both Will and his father.
Stella and Edith were fretfully whispering behind her.
Someone from the duke’s table said, “She’s going to lose.”
Thea’s vision blurred, and she gripped the edge of the table tightly in hopes she’d not faint into a heap. This was her day of reckoning for all her misdeeds in the care of her grandfather and his ducal estate. Silence roared in her ears, portending she would lose Ladykyrk and the chance to protect her grandfather’s legacy.
The crack of the gavel shattered the uneasy quiet that had surrounded her. Fate had slapped her in the face.
“Since the claimant has no other evidence except her oral history, the committee will take the matter under advisement—”
“I apologize, my lord, for my tardiness,” Mr. Odell called out as he practically ran down the aisle to stand next to Thea. “I was detained by an important matter.”
“More important than the hearing?” Howton queried. His anger clearly hadn’t abated.
Mr. Odell turned to Thea and whispered, “I’m certainly sorry if I caused you any worries, my lady.” Then he addressed the dais. “Lord Howton, just now a courier from Ladykyrk arrived with documents. We’re hopeful it’s the charter, and if so, it’s crucial evidence that the committee must see.”
As the other committee members whispered amongst one another, Howton scowled. “Please proceed.”
Thea sat. Only then did she start to tremble. Will sat too, but discreetly took her hand. Gently, he rubbed his thumb against her hand.
Mr. Odell retrieved documents from his leather portfolio, then turned his attention to the committee. “My lord, it’s simple really. The Duke of Ferr-Colby’s argument is that King Charles II made a mistake in granting the title to descend to ‘heirs of the marriage’ which would have allowed females to inherit instead of ‘male heirs of the marriage.’ In 1660, John Worth, the fifteenth Earl of Eanruig, returned the title and the deeds of land to King Charles II as a show of support for his majesty. In return, the king reissued the patent for the title to the earl. The language in the charter received this morning will clearly state, the title would descend to the ‘heirs of the marriage’ not the ‘male heirs of the marriage’ as is customary for English titles.”
Lord Howton glanced at Ferr-Colby, who raised an eyebrow.
Mr. Odell didn’t wait for a signal to continue. “Respectfully, the Duke of Ferr-Colby argues that since an English king granted the title, it should have provided that the succession of the title passed to the oldest ‘male heir of the marriage’ as the English law of primogeniture provides.” Mr. Odell leaned forward as if divulging a grand secret. “But this is a Scottish title, and Charles II was also the King of Scotland, which has a long tradition of allowing titles to pass to females. Since the reign of Robert the Bruce, female succession has been prevalent. The king knew exactly what he was doing. There was no mistake.”
The entire room went silent. Ferr-Colby slowly pushed his chair back and stood. “If that’s the language of the charter, then I agree. But I want to review the document for myself.”
The three committee members nodded. The attorney general was frantically whispering to his scribe what to write down.
With Will by her side, Thea allowed herself to embrace with open arms a spark of hope that it was over. She squeezed Will’s hand, and he returned the gesture.
Mr. Odell opened the leather portfolio and pulled out a stained parchment. He quickly read the document, then bent his head and closed his eyes for a moment. Finally, he turned to her. “I’m sorry, my lady.”
Ice threaded through her veins, and she sat there frozen, unable to move or feel.
“May I?” Ferr-Colby stood and extended his hand.
Odell slowly handed the document to the duke, then exhaled painfully.
For an eternity, Ferr-Colby examined the documents. He passed the documents to his solicitor, Mr. Blaze, who nodded.
The duke leaned over and gave the documents back to Mr. Odell. “Thank you, sir.” He turned his attention to the dais where the members of the committee sat. “It’s the original charter which became null and void on the issuance of the second charter by King Charles II. It isn’t relevant to my claim. Based upon Lady Eanruig’s statements and what I’ve learned today, I’m more certain than ever that the earldom should be awarded to me.” He looked over to Odell. “By Lady Eanruig’s own recitation of the title’s passage through the family, it has always descended through the firstborn males.”
Lord Howton nodded.
The attorney general stood and addressed Thea. “Lady Eanruig, it’s my duty to advise the Prince Regent that you have not proven you are the rightful heir, and as such you are not to be admitted to the peerage with all the rights and dignities associated with the Earldom of Eanruig.”
With little fanfare, the attorney general left the room.
“This hearing is adjourned.” Howton pounded his gavel, then exited after the attorney general, followed by the other members of the committee.
A soft cry of disbelief broke from her lips. She covered her mouth with her hand at the outburst. In the span of less than an hour, she’d lost everything. Slowly, she brought her hand to her forehead while a suffocating sensation crowded her chest.
“Where did they find this charter?” Will closed the distance between them, then leaned close to Mr. Odell.
“It arrived by special courier.” Odell shook his head slightly, then lowered his voice so they couldn’t be overheard. “Mr. Miles sent it. His note said he’d found it in the henhouse.”
Mr. Blaze asked to speak with Mr. Odell, and the two gentlemen stepped away.
“Mr. Miles doesn’t read Latin,” Thea murmured. She had no energy to speak any louder.
“Thea, darling, look at me.” Will’s voice broke the spell that encased her, and she finally turned to him. “Your grandfather hid it there?” He spoke softly so others couldn’t hear.
“Most likely,” she answered.
“It stands to reason that he hid the other charter there too.” Will’s eyes searched hers as if willing her to fight. “We have several trustworthy solicitors that can leave for Ladykyrk within the hour to search for you. They have associates who can accompany them.”
“No,” she whispered. “It needs to be me.”
“I’ll go with you.” Just then Ferr-Colby laughed and drew Will’s attention from her. “I’ll kill him,” Will said as his furious gaze bore into the duke’s back.
Thea placed her hand on his arm. “It’s over.”
His hands tightened into fists. “No, it’s not.”
“No,” she said firmly. “The only thing important now is to leave this room.”
Will’s intense blue eyes stared into hers. “All right.”
His words were a promise, and inside, Thea’s heart pounded in agreement. But her mind told her to let it go. Such efforts for retribution wouldn’t help Ladykyrk or its tenants right now.
The Duke of Langham came to their side. “I’m on my way to see the Prince Regent.” His gaze locked with hers. “Thea, I’ll make him promise not to decide anything at least until we can think of a plan to right this wrong.”
Will took her hand in his. “Shall I go with you?”
His father shook his head. “Take Thea home.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.” All the earlier tumult in her brain had disappeared, only to be replaced by despair. She closed her eyes. She had spoken from the heart to the committee, and her grandfather’s wishes hadn’t prevailed.
Thoughts of the tenants, Mr. and Mrs. Miles, and the folly crashed through her. She’d failed them, just as she’d failed her grandfather. A sob welled inside, but she refused to allow it to escape.
An hour ago, she thought of herself as the true Countess of Eanruig, with all the responsibilities that it entailed, and she’d relished every part of it.
Now, she was simply Theodora Worth, a woman without any place to call home in the world.
* * *
Will hadn’t had much of a chance to talk to Thea alone since his entire family had swept her into Langham Hall to offer their support and love after the hearing. While he spoke with McCalpin about the day’s event, Thea had stolen away to her room, then sent word she wouldn’t attend dinner. Not wanting her to be alone, Will had asked that a tray for two, a bottle of whisky from the Langham cellars, and two glasses be delivered to his room.
After today, his decision had become clearer. He wanted to marry her. The overwhelming need to have her forever in his life felt right—for both of them. He never wanted her to hurt again.
Always ready to shed his uncomfortable evening clothes, Will had put on his favorite pair of doeskin breeches with his silk banyan tied around his waist. Before he could make his way through the dressing room between their chambers, a knock sounded on the connecting door.
He opened the door within seconds. Immediately, Thea’s expression caught him off guard. He’d known she’d be despondent from the results of today. Who wouldn’t be? But the haunted look on her face broke his heart.
With his gaze, he caressed her, then held out his arms. “Thea, I’m relieved you’re here.”
At the sound of her name, she rushed into his embrace. “I needed to see you.”
He wrapped her tightly to him. “And I you.”
For how long they stood locked together, he couldn’t tell. But he’d hold her forever like this if it gave her comfort. Never had he wanted to take the pain from someone as much as he did with Thea. Gently, he pressed his lips to the top of her head. She exhaled painfully.
She leaned back, and her mystical eyes met his. “I’ve thought about your suggestion to go to Ladykyrk together, and I agree. But I want to go to Lady Prydewell’s soirée tomorrow.”
Of all the things she would say, her wish to attend a society event surprised him. “I’ll escort you. Is there a reason?”
She nodded once. “I want to show society that I’ll not give up. If I leave for Ladykyrk tomorrow, then London will think I’m running away. But if I make an appearance tomorrow, they’ll realize I’m still fighting for my title. I can’t allow the Cryer or Ferr-Colby to taint my reputation any more than they already have.”
“That’s wise in my opinion.” Her determination to continue to fight thrilled him. She’d not back down after this setback, proving his Thea was impressively strong.
She pressed her lips together. “I thought … if you’re still willing … we could leave the day after.”
“I will always be willing.” He brushed the back of one finger across her cheek, the skin silken soft. “I’m ready to tear apart a henhouse.”
She grinned, then reached up and kissed his cheek. “What do you have there?” She left his embrace and walked to the tray with the food, whisky, and glasses. “Are we having another whisky lesson?”
“I thought you might be hungry. And thirsty.” He came to her side and lifted the bottle in his hand as if she were a goddess and he was making an offering for her pleasure.
“Just thirsty,” she answered. “I couldn’t eat a bite.”
He moved closer and stood directly behind her. “Maybe after a drink?”
With his free hand, he gently trailed his fingers across her cheek, and she leaned into his body. She felt so perfect in his embrace. He ran his lips up the tender slope of her neck until his mouth rested against her ear. “Though you didn’t get the result you wanted today, we’ll not give up without a fight. You were simply magnificent today, Thea. You took my breath away.”
She inhaled deeply, and her breasts rose as if demanding to be admired. Her beauty could make men fall to their knees in praise, and he held that perfection in his arms. He’d do everything he could to comfort her.
“Will?” The whisper of his name across her lips sent blood pulsing through his body.
“Hmm,” he murmured, as he teased and kissed the tender spot below her ear.
She leaned her head sideways, so he could have greater access. Without kissing her, he trailed his lips down her neck this time.
“I want to stay with you tonight,” she answered.
London, your men can rest easy.
The Northumberland Nemesis has chosen her latest victim.
He’s no stranger to our pages.
It’s the Damp Squib Lord William Cavensham.
Respectfully reported,
The Midnight Cryer
Chapter Twenty-Three
Thea briefly glanced at the massive canopied bed against the wall. Covered in a regal blue velvet with a spring-green ribbon trim, the coverlet was masculine and welcoming at the same time. A sitting area at least twice the size of Thea’s flanked the fireplace. The upholstered chairs matched the stool and the bedcover.
His gaze never left hers as he came to her side and handed her a glass of whisky. His sole focus was her. “I want you to stay with me too.”
For the first time in her life, Thea believed she might have all she ever dreamed, including the man in front of her. The soft throbbing in her stomach was a call not to let another day vanish without taking what she wanted—to be in Will’s arms and in his bed.
They raised their glasses to one another.
“To the true Countess of Eanruig. Today was just a test of your endurance. Your fairness and brilliance will bring bountiful rewards to Ladykyrk and all who reside there.”
Her pulse quickened at the deep thrum of his voice. But it was his words that took her breath away. Indeed, that was what she wanted for Ladykyrk—to increase the prosperity of the earldom and become the best estate owner in all of England.
“Thank you. I know my grandfather would not want me to rest until I secure Ladykyrk for both me and my tenants.” She lifted her glass a little higher. “To you, William, the man who taught me confidence and made me feel beautiful. Thank you for the lovely things you said about me in front of the committee.”
“I merely spoke the truth,” he said softly.
They each took a sip. Sensations of smoke, peat, and strength ran across her mouth and tongue.
“You are beautiful.” He dropped his tone. “Inside and out. You grow more exquisite every day.” The sweetest smile tugged at his lips, one that made her heart pound against her ribs as if trying to reach him. “But I’m of a mind you always had confidence, and it mesmerizes me.”
Since she’d arrived in London, her grief and the accompanying guilt had slowly faded like an ink stain on a hand. It was still there but had grown fainter and fainter. She had Will to thank for that. Just having someone to talk to about those horrible, wretched days had lightened her burden.
“I want to thank you for being patient with me … and allowing me to talk honestly about my grandfather. You were like a shelter during the darkest storm.” She waved her hand in the air. “Forgive my bad metaphor. I never had much talent at being a poet.”
“Don’t thank me for sharing your losses with you. I wanted to do it, and I’m honored that you confided in me.” He strolled to her side.
She took his glass from his hand. With a slight turn, she placed it next to hers on a writing table close at hand.
With tender ease, he slid his arms around her waist, pulling her tightly to his chest. Heat from his body radiated through his banyan straight into her dressing gown. The silk covering his body was only slightly thicker than the thin silk covering her own. The friction of the fabric against breasts was sweet torture as they were already heavy, and her nipples had hardened in sharp peaks. She closed her eyes and leaned against him, desperate for more of his heat, more of his body, and most of all, more of him.
She’d never have enough of him.
Ever.
In an infinitesimal amount of time, one that could not be measured in minutes or seconds, she understood what had just happened to her. In between the beats of her heart and the time it took her to blink her eyes, she realized that she loved him—fully, completely, and decidedly.
That small, minuscule moment would impact her life for all eternity. Such overwhelming feelings didn’t come from a place of logic and reason or even despair. Her foolish heart did what it wanted when it came to Will.
He pressed his lips gently to hers as if worshipping her. “What are you thinking about?”
“Time,” she answered, then pressed her lips against his, learning the shape and every curve of his lips.
