A Midsummer's Kiss (Farthingale Series Book 4) (21 page)

He paused to lift his glass and take a sip of wine. The red wine glistened in the candlelight like a deep red ruby within the crystal glass. “You aren’t anything like Hortensia. You won’t be happy if you hold fast to your standards and lose Graelem because of it. And I doubt you’ll look good in purple egret feathers.”

She chuckled. “Purple was never a good color for me. I must agree with you on that point. I’ll talk to Graelem… Lord Moray. I know he won’t release me from our betrothal and I’m not happy about it, but I’m falling in love with him. I’ll willingly lose this battle because I think in time he’ll come to love me and that is much more important.”

“I’m glad to hear you say so.”

“But I’m still disappointed. I wanted to come to him of my own free will. It’s important to me.” Her lips curled up at the corners as she grinned. “He’ll have a lifetime to make it up to me. I won’t let him off easily.”

George patted her hand. “He will. He’s a good man.”

“So now, my problem is Daisy.”

George followed her gaze. “Talk to her as soon as possible. I’ve never seen her in such turmoil before.”

* * *

Laurel wasn’t able to catch Daisy alone to speak to her after supper. She had just resigned herself to waiting until they retired for bed when Daisy strode toward her with her chin tipped upward and her expression cool. “I’m going to stay with Aunt Julia this evening. I think it’s for the best.”

“I’ll help you pack a few things. We can talk while—”

“No need.” Daisy gave a dismissive wave of her hand. “Gladys will help me.”

“There’s obviously a need.” She lightly took hold of Daisy’s elbow to prevent her from turning away. “Please, listen to me. Nothing is going on between me and Devlin. What you saw earlier was my attempt to salvage the friendship, but I know now that it can’t be done. At least, not at the moment. Perhaps in a few months, after I’m married and settled in.”

“Married to Graelem?”

“Of course. Who else would I marry? I love Graelem.”

Daisy arched an eyebrow. “Oh, truly? Have you told him that?”

Laurel felt her face begin to heat. She’d admitted her feelings to Graelem the night he was unconscious with fever and the effects of the laudanum, but that didn’t count since he hadn’t heard her. “Not in so many words.” Although she’d freely given him her body. “You know I haven’t yet. But I will.”

“Why should I believe you? He’s the only one who needs to hear it and the only one you haven’t told.”

Laurel released Daisy’s elbow and held her hands out in plaintive contrition. “Daisy, you don’t understand. It isn’t that simple.”

“You’re wrong, Laurel. It is precisely that simple. You can’t tell Graelem you love him because you don’t really feel it. You’re still in love with Devlin.” She let out a ragged breath. “Love whomever you wish, but stop deceiving your own family, all of us who love you.”

“Oh, Daisy,” she said in a soft, shattered moan.

“What really hurts is how you used me. I can’t believe I allowed you to do it, serving as your messenger to deliver your scheming posts to Devlin.” Tears welled in her eyes, but she blinked them away and continued. “Anne read one of those letters aloud to Graelem. He foolishly thought it was a forgery. I heard everything. He has such faith in you, it breaks my heart. I was next door and overheard everything. I know what you and Dev have planned. What the two of you are doing is underhanded, and if you don’t confess to Mother and Father, I will.”

Laurel wanted to shake her sister in frustration. “There’s nothing to confess. I have never lied to you and never will. Come with me right now to speak to Graelem and we’ll sort it all out.”

“No. Julia needs me. I’ll be back on Friday.”

“But—”

“Friday.”

Laurel nodded. “Very well, we’ll talk when you return home.”

She’d hoped for a sign of softening from Daisy, but there was none. Instead, Daisy stiffened her spine and tipped her chin up. Laurel immediately recognized the posture because she’d used it all too often herself whenever she was indignant. “Right, Daisy? We must talk.”

“Maybe. I don’t know if I will have forgiven you by then.”

THE SUN
WAS SHINING
and a lovely, warm breeze caressed Laurel’s cheeks as she walked the short distance to Eloise’s townhouse the next morning. Chipping Way was a quiet street, so she often heard the larks and sparrows chirping in the trees. Their chirps often mingled with the din and clatter of passing carriages along the nearby main street.

Those birds were in full song today.

Their joyful song mirrored her own feelings and she had Daisy to thank for that. She’d thought about Daisy’s admonition and realized her sister had been right. She had to tell Graelem how she felt. Allowing his kisses and giving him permission to roam his hands freely over her body wasn’t enough. It was merely an admission of lust, not at all the same as telling him that she loved him.

“I love you,” she murmured. These were powerful words, ones that Graelem needed to hear.

She was about to walk through Eloise’s gate, now resolved to tell Graelem what was in her heart, when all of a sudden he appeared before her, moving with purposeful haste so that he almost bumped into her. “Graelem? I was just coming to see you. I know I’m a bit earlier than usual, but there’s something important I need to tell you and—”

“Can it wait until later?” He was frowning and seemed to be in a hurry, although she had no idea where he might be going in such a rush, on his crutches no less.

“I suppose.” She walked beside him, admiring the agility with which he got around on those crutches. “What’s wrong?”

“It may be nothing. Probably is nothing, but Amos just sent word to me. He says Brutus is more skittish today than usual. I was going to see for myself, but I’m glad you’re here. No one knows that beast better than you do.”

Laurel began to nibble her lip, already fretting over Brutus. She knew Graelem had been seeing to his proper care, allowing Amos to ride him each morning as well as properly feed and groom him each day. “Perhaps he misses me.”

“A heartbroken horse?” Graelem paused and arched his eyebrow. “Possibly. I sure as hell would miss you if I were Brutus.”

“You would?” She leapt at the opportunity to ask about his own true feelings. “And if you were
you
? Would you miss me if we were apart and you didn’t have to marry me? Would you think of me at all?”

He stared at her, his expression revealing nothing for the longest moment, and then the corners of his lips curved upward in the softest smile. “Och, lass. Every day,” he said with a deep, rumbling brogue that caused her insides to warm and the little butterflies in her stomach to flutter their wings in giddy excitement. “Every moment of every day.”

Her eyes widened in surprise. Although he’d agreed to her terms of their marriage and been content with the requirements in her list, this was the closest he’d ever come to a declaration of love. “I’d miss you too.”

He reached out and tucked a finger under her chin. “What’s this about, Laurel?”

“I’ll tell you after we’ve seen Brutus.” She was eager to tell him that she loved him, but also wanted to make a quick escape if his response wasn’t what she’d hoped. She couldn’t escape before making certain Brutus was fit.

She eased away and began to walk ahead of him, but he quickly caught up to her.

They walked in silence the rest of the way, turning the corner and entering the mews, which contained a large carriage house, two smaller ones, and a row of stalls to accommodate the assorted conveyances, riding equipment, sturdy carriage horses, and high-stepping mounts owned by the residents of Chipping Way.

The largest carriage house belonged to the Farthingales. One of the smaller houses belonged to Graelem’s grandmother, and the smallest belonged to the reclusive and slightly curmudgeonly General Allworthy, who resided at Number 1 Chipping Way.

Laurel noticed Amos standing beside Brutus and soothingly stroking his nose. “Oh, dear. Amos, what do you think is wrong with him?”

“I can’t put my finger on it, Miss Laurel. He just isn’t himself.”

As Amos drew back, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around the horse’s neck. Brutus immediately responded with a neigh and a soft snort of air against her ear. “How are you, Brutus, my love? Have you missed me?”

She gave him a few more strokes, ran her hands expertly up and down his forelegs, and then began to walk him out of the stable. “His gait seems fine. I don’t notice a limp.” She blushed as the words left her mouth, for Graelem stood beside her, leaning on his crutches. Once he was off them, he’d still have a limp, possibly for the rest of his life. “I mean… perhaps you ought to ride him up and down the street, Amos. I’ll watch his movements as you do.”

“I have a better idea,” Graelem said. “You do it, and if he still appears to be out of sorts, then we’ll know for certain that something is wrong.”

Her eyes widened and her heart began to beat a little faster. “You’d allow me to ride Brutus?”

Graelem nodded. “He’s yours, Laurel. I’ve already told you that I won’t take him from you.”

In that moment, she wanted to throw her arms around Graelem’s neck and tell him that she loved him. If ever she’d had a doubt that she could be happily married to him, it was now erased. She smiled at him and was met with a warm smile in response. There was a gleam of affection in his dark eyes. Was it love? “Besides,” he said, “it’s a perfect day for a leisurely ride in Hyde Park.”

She gasped. “Truly?”

He tweaked her nose. “If I recall the terms of your punishment, you’re confined to your home so long as I’m confined. And now that I’m able to get around, so are you. I’m sure you’ve missed your daily jaunts to the park.”

“I have,” she admitted.

“Then go change into your riding habit. I’ll wait for you here.”

She didn’t know what to say. Once again the urge to throw her arms around him and admit that she loved him seemed most appropriate. However, Amos stood beside them and although he was no gossip, Laurel didn’t wish for an audience when she handed her heart to Graelem. “Thank you,” she said in a ragged whisper.

Graelem laughed and nudged her toward the house.

She hurried off, Graelem remaining foremost on her mind. She simply had to find the right moment to tell him how she felt. He’d be pleased, and if he were inclined to kiss her long and hard, she wouldn’t resist.

Indeed, she wanted his hot, hungry lips on hers.

She ached for his big, capable hands on her body.

Gladys was in her bedchamber, merrily humming a country lilt as she dusted furniture. “Back already, Miss Laurel? Was his lordship not at home? Well, it’s a lovely day, isn’t it? He might have gone out. Can’t blame him, being trapped inside for weeks with a busted leg.”

“The loveliest day,” she agreed. “I met him on his way to the mews. Will you help me into my riding habit? Lord Moray and I are going for a ride in the park.”

Gladys smiled. “Oh, what a nice idea.”

She nodded. “The nicest. Something spooked Brutus this morning, but he appears fine now. Nonetheless, Lord Moray insisted we take him out for a trot. It’s more for my benefit, I think. He knows how eager I am to get out again.”

Gladys laughed. “We all know it. You haven’t let any of us forget it since the day you were punished.”

Laurel winced. “I suppose I have been insufferable these past few weeks. My apologies if I was rude to you.”

Her eyes rounded in horror. “Dear me, no! You’re never one take your anger out on others.” She shook her head and
tsked
. “You’re always much harder on yourself than on anyone else. But no more talk of that when you have a handsome baron waiting for you.”

“He is quite good-looking, isn’t he?”

“He’s a catch, to be sure. So don’t let him slip through your fingers. Stop dawdling and get about your business.”

With a little help from Gladys, Laurel quickly changed out of her morning gown and into her green velvet riding habit, the one she had worn on the fateful day Brutus had knocked down Graelem. Goodness, it seemed forever ago. So much had happened in these few weeks.

Tomorrow would mark the end of the third week.

Tomorrow her father would expect her decision, although by now he had to be fairly certain of her answer. She was never any good at hiding her feelings, and she’d already admitted to her family that she loved Graelem.

It was time she admitted it to him.

She hurried back to the mews. Graelem was waiting for her, already mounted on one of the Farthingale horses by the time she returned. He sat astride Galileo, a magnificent roan gelding. He looked very much like a brave Scottish warrior and very much at ease in the saddle, even though his injured leg was out of the stirrup and left to hang down stiffly.

Gladys had referred to him as a handsome baron. Indeed, he was. The handsomest ever. “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long.”

“Not at all, lass. Brutus and I were getting better acquainted.” Brutus had been saddled and was now pawing the ground, impatient to trot off. Graelem held out the reins that were loosely clasped in his hand. Her fingers grazed his as she took them from him.

Her body immediately began to tingle at his touch.

She blushed and quickly drew her hand away.

He grinned, no doubt noticing the fire in her cheeks that was now spreading down her body and heating the most inappropriately intimate places. Thankfully, those were primly covered by the green velvet of her riding habit.

She quickly mounted Brutus, requiring no assistance as she hooked one leg atop the saddle and settled herself comfortably in the seat. “Shall we go?”

She stared at the back of Brutus’ head as she spoke, desperate to avoid Graelem’s knowing gaze. What was wrong with her? Couldn’t she contain her wanton impulses long enough to attend to her skittish horse? “Thank you for saddling him, Amos.”

“I didn’t do it, Miss Laurel.”

She turned to Graelem in surprise. “You?”

He nodded.

She laughed lightly. “Brutus allowed you near him? I suppose he still feels badly about injuring you.”

“I doubt he has any such sentiments. But he senses your ease around me, so he accepts me. Galileo’s a fine horse, too,” he said, glancing down at his mount. “Let me guess, Lily named him.”

Laurel nodded and pointed to another roan gelding in a nearby stall. “She also named his brother, Copernicus.”

Graelem shook his head and chuckled. “Of course.”

They rode in comfortable silence to Hyde Park and ambled through the park gate, Laurel concentrating on Brutus and his every step. “I wonder what happened this morning to overset him. He seems perfectly fine now.” Just to be sure, she spurred him to a canter as they turned onto Rotten Row. His strides were long and sure, with no hint of any discomfort.

Graelem rode alongside her, his gaze also on Brutus.

But as they turned toward the Serpentine, he suddenly motioned for Laurel to halt. She drew back on the reins and turned to him, worried. “What’s wrong? Did you notice something amiss with Brutus?”

When he didn’t immediately respond, she followed his gaze to a small group of riders stopped just ahead of them. “Oh, dear. Is that your cousin, Jordan? Crumpets, he’s with Anne and Devlin. I wonder what they’re talking about.”

“Us, no doubt. Nothing good, I’ll wager.”

“What shall we do?”

“Turn back, I think. I won’t have you or Brutus injured in a confrontation.” He clamped his big hand over hers, capturing it and the reins she was holding, as though to keep her from charging at the three scoundrels. “I mean it, Laurel. I know what you plan to do, that fire in your eyes gives you away.”

“So what if I was going to run them down? Those wretches deserve it.”

His laughter was more of a groan. “Save that fiery passion for me when I kiss you, which I plan to do as soon as we return to the stables.”

His gaze was a most distracting smolder, one purposely designed to scramble her thoughts and make her heart beat wildly in anticipation. Unfortunately, it worked. Now he was grinning at her. She tried her best to look indignant, but was doing a very poor job of it. “What makes you think I will allow it?”

His thumb gently stroked along the hand he was still holding, evoking shivers of delight from her. “Graelem, you’re a wretch and an oaf. You know that, don’t you?”

He nodded. “But I’m still going to kiss you.”

She glanced around and sighed. He’d distracted her long enough so that the deceitful threesome had ridden off their separate ways. There would be no battle charge. A pity. She and Brutus would have enjoyed knocking those elegant scoundrels to the ground, or better, into the fountain. “Aren’t you worried about what they might be planning?”

“Yes.”

“Yes? That’s it? I deserve a better answer than that.” She drew her hand out of his grasp.

He took it back and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Lass, the best solution is for us to marry as soon as possible. I have the special license. I’ve had it burning a hole in my pocket ever since I arrived in London. But since you’re taking a deucedly long time coming around to the idea of marriage—and you’re the only debutante in London who seems to have any standards in that regard, to my misfortune—I’ve had to come up with other means to protect you from that toad you thought you loved, and from my wastrel cousin.”

“Such as?”

“I have Bow Street runners watching them, following their movements and reporting back to me daily.”

Her eyes widened in surprise. “Are they watching me, too?”

“No, I’ve always trusted you. It’s them I’m worried about.”

She had been trying to tug free of his grasp, but stopped. “Always? I think that’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.” It was almost as good as telling her that he loved her. Almost.

Still, that he’d trusted her from the first was very special. He’d said it so casually, the words slipping from his nicely formed lips with a natural ease, heartfelt and not at all glib or pandering. Perhaps it was the only way he knew how to tell her that he loved her. “Let’s go back to the stable, Graelem. You owe me a kiss.”

* * *

Graelem had been aching to plant his lips on Laurel’s lush mouth again, driven mad by the memory of her arousal and glorious climax at his hands. He longed to touch her, to run his hands along her soft skin and kiss his way down her delectable body. He put action to the thought the moment they returned to the stable and he saw that they were alone.