If Not for the Duke, page 27
However, neither Lena nor Worley were in sight. His heart pounded painfully in his chest at the realization that Lena must be outside.
With Winslow.
The thought of her in danger threatened to halt his thoughts. He eased out the doors, doing his best to shove aside his worry and focus on the task at hand—catching Winslow.
The night was dark, the air pleasantly cool after the warmth of the ballroom. If torches had been lit for guests who needed a breath of fresh air, they were now extinguished. No doubt that was Winslow’s doing.
Sterling eased along the wall, out of the circle of light spilling through the doors, willing his eyes to adjust to the dark. The faint sound of voices caught his ears. Still there was no sign of Lena.
It took only one more step for him to realize one of the voices belonged to a woman. Lena. Fear clutched his senses. He drew a slow breath to will it away and make sense of the situation.
“I don’t have any information to give you,” Lena said, her voice barely above a whisper.
“That’s a lie. You’ve discovered the location of the Money Pit. It was in those letters Lady Bernice keeps going on about.”
Sterling continued to ease forward as quietly as possible, hoping the darkness hid him. He couldn’t see anyone. Where was Worley?
“The letters mention Oak Island, but they don’t mention the treasure.”
“Tell me the truth,” Winslow demanded. “Surely you want the treasure to be found. That would prove your father had been justified in digging all those years.”
“Even if I knew, I wouldn’t share it with you.”
Sterling grimaced at her belligerent tone. Was she trying to get herself killed?
“What does Ludham have to do with all this?” Lena asked.
Winslow scoffed. “He departed for America yesterday. Apparently, his father has a holding there in need of repairs that he wants Ludham to oversee. I said good riddance as he wasn’t any help to me.”
Sterling took another step past a tall bush and the pair came into view. Or rather, the vague outlines of them did. The night was too dark to see much else. Hopefully that meant he was hidden, too.
“You must know something.” Winslow’s tone was growing frantic. “Why else would you continue to tell everyone that Clarke is digging in the wrong place?”
“Because he is.” The certainty in Lena’s hushed voice was undeniable.
Damn if Sterling didn’t believe her. The memory of his conversation with Marbury at the club came to mind. “She tends to be right about many surprising things,” Marbury had said.
Suddenly, it all became clear. Lena saving Bernie from falling into the fountain at the garden party. Lena discovering Bernie injured in his study. Lena urging Sterling to go after his sister because she was in danger.
Her ability was more than just feelings. She truly had a gift of premonition.
But Winslow was having none of it. “Don’t force me to use this.” He raised his arm, and the outline of a pistol became visible, sending fear spearing through Sterling once again.
“Treasure is not worth killing over.” The calm authority in Lena’s voice was impressive.
“It is when you have creditors barking at your heels day and night.”
“Gambling is a nasty habit. Especially when you have no money to spare. Don’t expect sympathy from me.”
Sterling was nearly close enough to make a move. Two more steps and he’d be able to lunge for Winslow. That is, if Lena didn’t encourage the man to shoot her first. While Sterling admired her spirit, he wished she’d take more care.
“I don’t want your sympathy. I want the location of the Money Pit. Now.”
Sterling cleared the bush and rushed toward Winslow, keeping his focus on the pistol. He shoved the man’s outstretched arm upward as Winslow cried out in surprise. “Run, Lena!”
She didn’t move, seeming transfixed by the scene unfolding before her.
Winslow lurched back and wrenched free from Sterling’s grasp. “Damn you, Renwick.”
Sterling didn’t bother to respond. Instead, he threw a punch in the direction of the voice as it was too dark to see his face. His aim proved true, and his fist hit flesh with a satisfying smack.
Winslow stumbled back but quickly regained his footing. “You’ll pay for that, Your Grace.” He said the term with a snarl.
Sterling was painfully aware of Lena’s presence and Winslow’s gun waving wildly. He reached for Winslow again but couldn’t catch his arm. He shoved Winslow back, making certain he stood between the man and Lena. “Stop, Winslow. You’ve taken this too far.”
“Clarke promised me a share of the treasure.” Winslow’s voice took on a pleading tone. “Finding it will solve all my problems.”
“No, it won’t.” The voice came from behind Winslow and caused the man to spin to face it.
That was the opportunity Sterling needed. He leapt toward Winslow, taking him to the ground. Still Winslow struggled and tried to escape Sterling’s grasp.
“Give it up, Winslow,” Sterling demanded, using his weight to keep him in place.
“No!” The desperation in his tone had Sterling stiffening. Then the weapon discharged, sending a muffled blast into the quiet night.
Chapter Twenty-Five
“No!” Lena’s heart stopped. She was sure of it.
Though Sterling had told her to run, there was nothing that could’ve forced her from his side. With the blast of the gun still ringing in her ears, she gasped as the two forms on the ground stilled.
“Sterling?” She rushed forward, terrified even as she prayed he wasn’t hurt.
A third figure—Worley—knelt beside them. “Renwick?”
A moan filled the air and one of the men moved.
“Yes.” Though Lena was thrilled to hear Sterling’s voice, he sounded odd.
“Lena, find some light,” Worley requested.
“Of course.” Before she could rise, several people filed onto the terrace, bringing torches with them.
“What’s going on here?” Lord Willingham asked, holding a light aloft. “I thought I heard a gun discharge.”
“You did, my lord,” Lena affirmed. “Winslow threatened me with a pistol. Renwick and Worley saved me.” Her voice trembled as she shared the news, but her focus remained fastened on the men on the ground, both in dark suits, making it impossible to discern who was whom or which one was hurt.
More light flooded the terrace, along with additional guests. Gasps, murmurs, and cries of fright filled the night air as the crowd realized someone might have been shot.
To her relief, Sterling sat up and then glanced at the still form beside him.
Worley placed a hand on Sterling’s shoulder. “Are you all right?” Then he pulled his hand away to stare at it, blood glistening in the light. “You’re not all right.”
A lady screamed at the sight of the blood, causing Lena’s heart to pound even harder.
“A flesh wound, I think. Winslow managed to pull the trigger before I could get the pistol away from him.” Sterling moved his shoulder as if to prove it wasn’t serious despite the blood on his suit coat. He handed Worley the weapon, and the crowd’s murmurs grew louder.
Worley took it with a shake of his head, then glanced behind him and gave it to Vanbridge.
“Lena?” Her brother-in-law stared at the gun then at her, eyes wide. “You’re unhurt?”
“I’m fine.” Well aware of the onlookers who stared in shock, she watched Worley assist Sterling to stand, while two other men tended an unmoving Winslow.
“I believe he struck his head when we were struggling,” Sterling said.
“Send for the police and the doctor,” Willingham ordered one of the footmen who stood nearby.
Winslow stirred, moaning, then was hauled to his feet He didn’t look at any of them as he was led to a nearby stone bench but hung his head, whether in pain or defeat, Lena didn’t know.
She turned from the man and drew closer to Sterling, wishing she could tell how badly he was hurt. The torn fabric of his suit coat and the blood made it impossible to think clearly. “You could’ve been killed.”
“But I wasn’t. All is well.” Sterling took her hand, seeming to ignore the people watching them. “You’re unharmed?”
“Yes. I—”
“Sterling?” Bernie’s frantic tone as she forced through the crowd, with Mrs. Easton and Lady Havenby behind her, had both turning to face her.
“I’m fine, Bernie,” Sterling reassured her.
“Winslow?” She looked about, pressing a hand to her mouth as she saw him on the nearby bench.
“Caught.” Sterling gave a single nod. “No need to worry about him any longer.”
Norah joined them, hugging Lena twice for good measure that she hadn’t been hurt. After explanations were given again, the majority of the guests returned to the ballroom at the behest of Lady Willingham.
Vanbridge and Worley stood on either side of Winslow along with Sterling until the police arrived a few minutes later. Lena told them what happened and gave them the note Winslow had written.
Sterling spoke with them, as well, then left Vanbridge and Worley to oversee things once the doctor arrived. Lena, Bernie, and Mrs. Easton waited in a nearby sitting room while the physician saw to Sterling’s injury in Willingham’s study. Lena was certain Sterling allowed the care only as an example to Bernie.
Soon he joined them, a scowl on his face. “It hurts worse now than it did before he tended it.”
Bernie gave him a pointed look as if to say, “I told you so” but wisely held her tongue.
Norah came in to inform them that Winslow had been taken away. “He insists Clarke is to blame even though he was the one who held the gun.” Her frown made her disgust with the man obvious.
“It certainly makes me wonder just what Clarke told him.” Sterling shook his head. “I don’t suppose we’ll ever know as it’s unlikely Clarke will admit to anything. However, I will be shutting down the treasure hunt tomorrow.”
“You will?” Lena asked though Bernie showed no surprise.
Sterling’s gaze held on her, a wealth of emotion swirling in his eyes. “I have already found the true treasure. One that I never expected.”
Lena drew a quick breath, her entire body filling with hope.
Norah seemed to understand the look on Sterling’s face as he looked at Lena and turned to Bernie. “Lady Bernice, let us return to the ball. Lord Canham was asking after you.”
“He was?” Bernie’s eyes widened behind her spectacles as if she was excited by the lord’s interest. “You’re certain you’re all right, Sterling?”
“I’m fine.”
“I’m so relieved.” Bernie stepped close to press a kiss on his cheek then moved toward the doorway. “Aunt Edith, are you coming?”
“Which one is Lord Canham?” she asked as the two ladies stepped out of the room.
Norah hugged Lena for what must’ve been the third time. “I’m so relieved you’re all right.”
“As am I.” Lena smiled despite the tension taking hold at the prospect of speaking alone with Sterling.
“Good luck.” Norah mouthed the words out of his view.
Lena nodded, appreciating her sister’s support as well as the fact that she knew they needed a few moments alone.
“Don’t be long, Your Grace,” Norah said with a stern look at Sterling, which made Lena laugh. “People will note your absence.”
“I will do my best to protect your sister’s reputation from harm,” Sterling said with a smile.
“I’m happy to hear that.” Norah departed as well, leaving the door slightly ajar.
Lena turned to face Sterling, emotion clogging her throat. “I’m so relieved you weren’t hurt worse.”
“When I saw Winslow pointing that pistol at you—” He broke off with a shake of his head as if unable to complete the thought, then moved to take both her hands in his. “You shouldn’t have taken the risk of going outside.”
“The message from Winslow nearly fooled me. But I was certain it wasn’t from you.”
He lifted a brow. “Did you know or did you sense it?”
“Perhaps both.” She hoped it didn’t matter how she knew the things she did. She looked at their joined hands before meeting his eyes again. “I’m sorry I didn’t trust you sooner with the truth about my ability. I hope you can forgive me.”
“Trust is not easy for me to give. But you have mine, Lena. You also have my heart.”
“Oh, Sterling!” Lena squeezed his hands as joy filled her. “You have mine as well. I love you so much.”
“I love you as well. With all that I am. You are everything I could hope for in a wife and more than I deserve. Your kindness, thoughtfulness for others, honor, and intelligence are qualities everyone should aspire to. You are beautiful inside and out. In your actions and your heart. I am a better man for knowing you. You truly are the treasure I never hoped to find.” He dropped to one knee, causing Lena to gasp. “Lena, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
While some women might be surprised by a proposal so soon after the ordeal they’d just endured, Sterling’s timing was perfect for Lena. What they’d been through proved that each moment they had together was precious, and the sooner they started their life together, the better.
“Yes! Oh, Sterling, I can’t imagine a future without you in it.”
“Despite my grumpiness?” he asked with a grin.
“That nickname no longer applies.” She touched the corner of his mouth, loving his smile.
He stood to take her into his arms, moving slowly, suggesting his shoulder was painful. “You have made me the happiest man alive. You’re going to make a wonderful duchess.”
Lena wound one arm around his good shoulder. “Do you think so?”
“I know so.” Then he took her mouth with his, the kiss full of promise.
Lena’s heart lifted as if on wings, fluttering in a most delightful way.
Epilogue
Six months later…
Sterling woke slowly, still becoming accustomed to the feel of the warm, silky body entwined with his. He loved it.
The happiness that made his chest feel as if a hot air balloon resided inside him was also new. He loved it, too.
More than either of those, he loved the woman tucked against him in the circle of his arms. He smiled, something he did more and more frequently since their marriage nearly a month ago.
He turned his head to glance at the clock, realizing they’d slept in. The night had been a late one spent in each other’s arms. Already he knew he would never get enough of his lovely wife. His heart filled to overflowing as he looked at her.
Lena’s long, pale hair spilled across the pillow, and her cheeks were pinkened with sleep. The curves of her breasts were just visible along the edge of the sheet.
The past few weeks had been the best of his life. They’d taken only a brief honeymoon as Lena hadn’t wanted to miss the birth of her nephew. Nor had she wanted to leave Bernie since his sister was still learning to navigate social events. Bernie adored having Lena as part of the family. Even Aunt Edith had seemed more relaxed now.
Lena had been right about the timing of the birth of the baby, along with numerous other things. He loved the pleased smile that came over her face when one of her feelings proved true as if she was privy to a secret no one else knew.
Lucky him that she so often shared them.
Unable to resist, he pressed a kiss to her temple, then her cheek. Her soft sigh was more arousing than he could’ve guessed. What could he do but continue this gentle awakening of his wife?
His duchess.
The possessive thought only added to his desire. He moved his arm from under her head then pressed a trail of kisses along her jawline and down her neck to the swell of her breasts.
She shifted, offering another one of those sighs that had him hardening further. He drew the sheet down until her pink-tipped breasts came into view. Now he was the one to sigh.
“Sterling?” Her voice was husky with sleep.
“Yes, my love?”
She opened her eyes and smiled sleepily. “I love it when you call me that.”
“Good, my duchess.” He lowered to take a nipple in his mouth.
“I like that, too.” She arched against him.
“The title or this?” He kissed her other breast.
“Yes,” she answered and giggled when he ran his hands along her ribs. “I mean, I like being yours and I like what you’re doing.”
“Excellent. He kissed her belly as his hand grazed along her silky thigh. “I like both as well.”
She ran her fingers through his hair, and he reveled in her touch. “Do we have time for this?” she asked, slightly breathless.
“We don’t have to be at your grandfather’s for well over an hour,” he murmured, hoping she’d agree.
They were joining her family for a late breakfast, including Ella and the baby. It would be Alex’s first outing, and Lena was excited to see him and her sisters again.
“Plenty of time,” she whispered. The last word was more of a moan as he found the curls at the apex of her thighs.
He ran a finger along her already slick folds, his body demanding he pick up the pace. But Sterling refused to rush things. While continuing the caress, he eased up and kissed her sweet lips, loving the way she shifted restlessly against him.
When she took his hard staff into her hand, he shuddered with need. “Lena.”
“Yes, my love?” She smiled, her legs parting to allow him better access.
“You’re right. I like the sound of that, too,” he managed. Then he lost his train of thought completely as her fingers threatened to send him over the edge.
“Sterling?” At his partial grunt, she said, “You should hurry.” She released him to hold his hips, trying to draw him onto her.
“Or perhaps you should,” he countered. Before she could respond, he laid back and lifted her to straddle him.
