A Desperate Wager (21 page)

Sarah pulled the covers up to her chin, still shivering. She had felt this ill once or twice in her childhood but could not fully remember it. The influenza was giving way to a head cold. Her periods of fever and shivering were receding and only lasting for a short time. But her sneezing had become violent and her throat felt as if Nate had run his razor down the back of it.

The door clicked open, and a dark head popped around it, Nate’s smile turning into a grin
as his gaze settled on her. Sarah tried to smile but knew it had turned into a grimace when his brow furrowed.

“
I am well. Just a little chilled again,” she said. She shuddered. He hurried over to the bed and slipped off his shoes before climbing under the covers and pulling her into his embrace. She snuggled against him, glad for his body heat. He had not been wearing a coat. He seldom did in the house, it seemed.

“
Better?” he asked, pressing a kiss onto the top of her head.

“
I wish we were naked and wrapped in each other’s arms, the way we were the first weeks of our marriage.”

“
It will happen soon enough. You were indisposed, then shot, then ill.”

“
I would understand if you felt the need to visit a courtesan.” She could not look him in the eye—could not bear it if there was relief or hope in his eyes. Could bear it less if there was guilt. Oh he had probably used one of their services by now since she was hardly fulfilling her marital duties towards him.

“
Why in God’s name do you think I would want to visit a courtesan?” His voice was gently chiding, but she could tell he was measuring his words so he would not upset her.

“
Men have needs.”

“
They do, but they can live without having their lust slaked for a few weeks.” She placed a hand on the placket of his breeches. He was as hard as stone, and he shifted underneath her touch before curling his fingers around her wrist and moving her hand away. A little thrill shot through her. Even with her nose runny and her eyes all red, he found her arousing.

“
It has already been a few weeks.” He chuckled.

“
How many courtesans do you think I bedded before I married you?”

“
I do not know. Many, I presume, and you would have had mistresses.”

“
Not as many as you seem to think. I have gone months at a time without a woman. I shall not perish waiting for you to get better. And if I chose to bed you, you would be unable to breathe and kiss me at the same time when your nose is blocked. I would not want you swooning. So I shall happily go without until you are feeling better.” His eyes glinted in merriment and she rested her head back on his chest. He lifted the hand he had moved a few moments before and kissed her palm.

“
You are very sweet.”

“
No I am not. I am a cantankerous duke.”

“
Nathaniel,” she did not want to spoil their moment but she was worried.

“
Yes, my love?”

“
Would you take me to see my father?”

He inhaled slowly, her head rising against his chest.

“Yes. I know you want to go. You are still very unwell but you are aware of what is happening. He is gravely ill. I have been getting reports thrice a day. And he is getting worse.”

“
I see.”

“
We shall go tomorrow.”

“
Thank you.” What a relief to know she would see her father again before he died. She buried her head into Nate’s chest and allowed her heavy lids to droop. Nate seemed to settle as if he planned to stay. How silly of him to want to watch her sleep.

Nate lifted his head at the sound of the door knocker. It was not quite time for afternoon calls. Since his library was at the front of the house, the window close to the door. He leaned back to see who was calling at such an hour. When he spotted Lord James Eversley, he raised an eyebrow, his next door neighbour, handing over his card to the butler. Then the blond-haired man stepped inside the house.

Moments later the butler knocked on his door. Nate called for the servant to enter.

“Lord Eversley?” he enquired, before the butler had moved forward to present the silver salver with the calling card.

“
Yes, Your Grace.”

“
Send him in.”

Within seconds,
Eversley stood in front of him, ashen-faced and fidgeting. It was so unlike the sensible young aristocrat.

“
Eversley?”

“
Is it true? Is she dead? When is the funeral? Have you had it already?” One question seemed to blend into another, perplexing Nate.

“
Is who dead, Eversley?”

“
Freckles! I just heard.”

Nate glanced at the clock.

“She was sleeping last time I saw her, which was about an hour ago. I am pretty certain that the staff would have mentioned it to me before informing the entire
ton
of my wife’s demise, were it true.” Eversley’s countenance visibly relaxed. Nate gestured to a seat next to the hearth. There was no fire as the weather was fine and warm. “Who told you she had died?”

“
My mother. Who heard it from Lady Alyssa Winchester?”

“
Lady Alyssa. The Hunter of Hertfordshire?”

Eversley
bit back a smile. “Now, now, Kirkbourne. You must not call the lady unkind nicknames.”

“
It is clear you have never had the pleasure of her special attentions. Perhaps she has her sights set higher than a viscount.”

“
Heir to an earldom, though,” replied Eversley jovially.

“
Ah yes, but you do not seem the type to do in your father for a title.”

“
No, perhaps the lady is too impatient for me to gain my title by natural means.”

“
That is very interesting. Pray tell, from what ailment did my lady wife allegedly die?”

“
A fever brought on by a gunshot wound. Does she have a gunshot wound?”

Nate frowned. He supposed the knowledge of the wound could have found its way out to the
ton
via his servants, but they were not known for gossip. Good servants never did.

“
She does. She was shot while we were in the library at Kirkbourne Manor. The window was open and the perpetrator was riding a horse.”

“
Devil take it, Kirkbourne. Was it an accident?”

“
No. It was anything but an accident. Whoever shot that pistol wanted either Sarah or me dead.”

Eversley
seemed to visibly shudder. “Good God, Kirkbourne. You need to find out who it is.”

“
You do not need to tell me. Would you mind listening to the gossip you hear? Sarah has been unwell. Influenza we think. She is getting better, but I do not like spending time at White’s at present.”

“
Of course. If I hear anything I shall let you know forthwith.”

“
Thank you. Keep an ear to the ground for anything from Crosby’s brother. He is the only one with a real grudge against me.”

Nathaniel leaned over and pulled a blanket around Sarah’s shoulders. She could tell he was not particularly happy about taking her to see her father. But he had promised and he was a man of his word. A fit of coughing ensued and his brow furrowed, but he said nothing.

“
The carriage is at the mews behind the house and we shall enter your father’s house from the back too. I do not want people seeing you while you are still unwell.”

“
I should feel insulted that you do not want to be seen with me in public, but I prefer not to make a spectacle of myself.”

He pressed a kiss to her cheek before lifting her into his arms.

“This is for your benefit, not mine. I could never be ashamed to have such a beautiful woman in my company.”

“
I must look a dreadful fright.”

“
You look tired and your nose is red. That just makes you look beautiful but unwell.” This time he pressed a soft, lingering kiss to her lips. Sarah sighed and rested her head on his shoulder. She loved this man. There was no doubt about it in her mind. She was completely head over ears in love with him. What did it matter if he could never love her? Of course she would prefer it if he did, but she could learn to live with the fact he just liked her and at least found her somewhat arousing.

“
Thank you for taking me to see my father.”

“
I would have taken you sooner had you been well enough.”

“
I know that. But I am sure you would prefer to be at White’s or Gentleman Jackson’s or riding in Hyde Park.”

“
You underestimate the qualities within yourself that make me want to be in your company. Perhaps if you are well enough later we could play cards or I could read to you.”

“
That would be lovely.”

He carried her downstairs and through the kitchen and garden before placing her gently on the carriage seat. A maid handed him another blanket, which he wrapped around her legs.

Minutes later they entered her old home. The place was unusually quiet. Sarah’s heart dropped like a stone. Were they too late? Had her father already passed?

“
Your Graces, I apologise I was not at the back door to greet you,” the butler said in hushed tones. “His lordship is upstairs in his bedchamber. I shall show you there immediately.”

“
How is the earl, Smith?” Sarah asked the older man.

“
He is very frail, Your Grace, but he looks forward to seeing you. He has been worried about you. We all have.” Smith gave Nathaniel a wary look.

“
I am fine. Nothing more than influenza,” Sarah said quickly.

“
And a lead ball wound from being shot with a pistol, if rumour is correct.” The butler’s eyes had narrowed.

“
Aye. But I have survived that too.”

“
Indeed, so you have, Your Grace. My apologies for being so rude.” Sarah waved her hand dismissively. She had known Smith since she was in leading strings and she understood his concern. And he must worry about his own future since all that was entailed, including this house would revert to the crown in a few short days.

Smith led them upstairs and into the darkened bed chamber. Nathaniel placed Sarah on a chair next to the bed. Her father was jaundiced and had lost even more weight. Sarah swallowed hard. His chest rose and fell in great heaves, even though he slept. His downy white hair was unkempt and he had days
’ worth of beard growth. This was a pale imitation of her father.

“
Can you call a maid to open the drapes, Nathaniel?”

“
I can manage it.” The drapes were quickly drawn back, allowing the grey light to filter into the room. Sarah placed her hand over her father’s and he jerked awake.

“
Hello, Papa.”

“
Sarah!” he croaked, a smile brightening his blue gaze. “Oh my Sarah, how are you?”

“
I am fine, Papa.”

“
I was worried about you. I heard you were shot.”

“
Who told you that? No one should be worrying you like that. I am fine and although it is painful, it is healing.”

“
Why would anyone shoot you?”

“
I am looking into the matter, My Lord,” said Nathaniel, walking over to stand beside Sarah. He bowed slightly as he reached the bed. Sarah smiled at this. Given that he was a duke, it should be her father bowing to him, although clearly he was in no state to bow to anyone.

“
Find out quickly, lad,” said her father, frowning at her husband.

“
I intend to, My Lord. I assure you that the matter is in hand and the perpetrator will be dealt with severely.”

“
Glad to hear it.” The old man turned his steely gaze on his daughter. “How is married life? Does it suit you?”

“
Oh yes, Papa. I am very happy. Kirkbourne is a beautiful part of the country.”

“
And is your duke treating you well?” Sarah smiled. It was as if Nate was not standing a mere foot away from her.”

“
Of course. He got me a chair…it is called a gouty chair… and I can propel myself around the house in it. It has two handles which I turn. It is wonderful.”

“
That is good. And he is kind?”

“
Yes, Papa. We get on well together, and I believe we shall be happy.”

“
Are you sure? I have friends who can ensure that the marriage is annulled though I will not be here to make it happen. If he is a brute…” Her father started coughing—a feeble, racking cough which caused his to turn red and gasp for air. Nate moved behind him, helping him to sit up to ease him. Sarah threw him a look of gratitude.

“
Papa—” she said after Nathaniel had settled him back against his pillows, “— I think you know fine that the Duke of Kirkbourne is not a brute. I believe you did your research on him thoroughly before you tricked him into marrying me. You knew he was a good and honourable man or you would not have chosen him.”

“
Hmm, that is true. He is a damned fool though if he thinks he shall ever get voting reform passed in his lifetime. So tell me, are you with child yet?”

Sarah glanced up at Nate. There was no chance that she was with child. They had not had marital relations since her courses. Nate seemed to understand her dilemma. Her father would not be around more than a few days and she wanted him to think she was properly settled. She wanted to lie to him.

It was as if Nate had read her mind. His face broke out into a grin.

“
Yes, My Lord. Sarah is expecting our first child. But I pray that you do not tell anyone. It is still very early and with Sarah having been so ill these past few days we do not want to announce it and…”

“
I understand.” Her father squeezed her hand. “I am so pleased for you, my dear. I did hope that he could fall in love with you, but I did not imagine it would be so soon.” His gaze settled on Nate. “You do love her, do you not?” It was almost a command.

“
Father!”

A hand on her shoulder stopped the rest on the scold.
“Yes, My Lord, I love Sarah very much. I promise I shall cherish her for the rest of my life.”

The old man glared at his new son-in-law for a few minutes before his gaze softened and he nodded.
“I am glad,” he said at last.

Then he laid his head back on the pillow and patted the back of Sarah’s hand. She stared at him, listening to the rattle in his breathing. The lump in her throat grew. As she tried to swallow it, tears began to roll down her cheeks. Afraid her father would open his eyes and see her distress, she turned, burying her face in Nate’s waistcoat.

Moments later Nate had swept her into his arms and was carrying her out of the room.

“
Nathaniel, please…”

“
It is all right. I’m taking you to the drawing room so you can compose yourself. We shall return promptly. Smith can we have tea in the drawing room and make sure there is a servant in attendance with his lordship at all times.”

“
Yes, Your Grace.” Nate hurried down the stairs and strode into the room. Sarah had the distinct impression it had not been used since her marriage. Nathaniel sat down with her on his knee and tugged at the ribbons of her bonnet. Once he had removed that, he kissed her lightly on the lips and began to undo the buttons of her pelisse.

Good grief, he had said he could control himself and yet here he was undressing her in her father’s drawing room when the man was dying.

“Nathaniel, please, I cannot…” She tried to bat his hand away. He looked down in consternation then back up at her. His frown eased as he nodded his head slowly, understanding why she was so perturbed.

“
Oh Sarah, my love, I am not attempting to ravish you. Good God, what kind of depraved cretin do you think I am? I can take you home if you wish but I believe your father will die sometime in the next few hours. I thought you would want to be here. I was merely taking off your pelisse to make you more comfortable.”

“
The rattle in his breathing. It is a sign, is it not?”

“
I am afraid so.” Fresh tears welled up along with a feeling of guilt that she had misjudged Nathaniel.

“
I am sorry,” she whimpered, burying her face in his shoulder.

“
My feelings are not so easily injured, my love. Now, let us get your pelisse off and we shall dry your tears before a maid comes in with the tea.” She lifted her head, sniffed in a very unladylike manner and nodded. The pelisse was off within seconds and Nathaniel handed over a crisp linen handkerchief, which she accepted with a brave smile.