Always True to Her (Emerson Book 2) (20 page)

“Uh-huh. I have a mind for things like that. He
was another toff. Quite chuffed about it, he was. Said he was the heir to
some viscount. Ainsley or Ainswell or Ainsworth or some such. I was surprised
the two of you were even mates. He seemed a little, well, lightweight in the
noggin department.”

“And do you remember my agreement with this
gentleman? About giving him limited power of attorney while I was away?”

“Aye. I wasn’t sure you knew what you were about
with that. He was a funny sort. A bit weaselly about the eyes. But he was to
run the farm and act on your behalf whilst you were gone. You were going to
see your little girl, right? I didn’t even know you had one. But you were going
to New York and were expected to be back in a couple weeks. In the meantime,
weasel eyes…”

“His name is Wallace.”

“That’s what it was. Cecil…no Cedric Wallace. He
was to look after your land and keep the squatters out. But he wasn’t to do
anything without your say so. Nothing big. Just protecting your land ‘til you
got back. I take it that didn’t work out too well.”

“No, it did not.”

The sense of relief rushing through James was so
significant, he could barely stand still. He wanted to jump for joy. To shout
out in triumph. He turned to Irene, only noticing then that she was so very pale,
with tears in her eyes. He squeezed her hand. “Miss Wallace, do you have any
questions for Mr. Adams?”

She shook her head. “No,” she said quietly. “I do
not have any questions.”

“Wallace?” asked Adams. “Is this lady kin to Mr.
Cedric Wallace?”

“Yes. He is my brother.” She seemed to regain her
equilibrium. “Thank you, Mr. Adams, for clearing up this matter. Now, if you
could please write down what you told us.”

Adams looked at her appraisingly and sat back in his
seat. “If Wallace is your brother, I’m surprised you’d want me to write
something so incriminating about him.”

“He is my brother. But I am interested in the
truth. I assume you have been honest and thorough in your recollections?”

Adams slowly nodded.

“Then, yes, please, I would like you to give a
faithful accounting.” She pulled out paper and pencil from her reticule. When
he still looked hesitant, she added “We will pay you for your time.”

“It’s not my time that concerns me right now, but my
bail.”

“If we pay it, will you write up the statement?”
asked Irene.

“I’d even notarize it, if I could,” he said with a
smirk. “Why don’t I start on this while you see to my release?”

James was torn. He wanted the statement, but he had
a feeling he did not have enough funds for the bail. But Irene hesitated not
at all.

“Very well,” she said, “but do make sure you are
thorough. This may be used as testimony in court.”

“I could also be persuaded to testify in person,
providing I can get a few coins for travel and accommodations,” he said. “I
can look right respectable when I try.”

“I believe the statement should suffice,” said
Irene. “Now, Lord James, if you will be so kind as to accompany me to the
clerk.”

They left Adams writing as they once more entered
the main waiting area. “His bail may cost well more than I can afford,” said
James.

“You will not be paying it,” said Irene, “though I
shall hand my purse over to you now, since they may not take me seriously.”

“I cannot allow you to pay for this,” said James.

“But don’t you see? All of this is my family’s
fault, and by extension mine. Cedric owes you the land, yes. But we also
must reimburse you for all your expenses. You would not have undertaken any of
this had it not been for Cedric’s…theft.” Her eyes were swimming with tears,
but she held on to her composure. “I am ashamed of his actions. But more than
that, I am ashamed for not believing you from the first. For doubting your
word.”

“I can only imagine the picture I presented when I
arrived at your home looking like an untamed frontiersman. I might not have
believed me either. Hush, love, please do not do this to yourself, especially
here.”

“But…”

He kissed her gently. “We can discuss this later.
Let us see to the task at hand.”

They found a clerk and set about arranging for
bail. As with so many aspects of gaol, the bail started at an amount slightly
higher than highway robbery, then was negotiated down to merely exorbitant.
But finally they came away with Adams’s release papers.

When they went in to inform the man himself, James
was pleased to see that Adams had done a very neat recitation of the pertinent
facts. He gave it to Irene to read and when she approved it, James let out a
breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.

“So is that it?” asked Adams. “I’ll be released
forthwith?”

“Yes, and I even told the clerk we’d be waiting to
ensure they did as promised.”

“I thank you for that. You never can tell who’ll go
back on his word.”

“Indeed,” said Irene. “We shall wait outside for
your release.”

“You won’t leave without me, will you?” asked Adams.

“No,” said James. “We will see that you are
released as promised.”

James escorted Irene outside, away from the foul
stench of the gaol for a breath of comparatively less foul sea air. He wanted
nothing more than to return to the inn and begin packing, but he would not go
back on his word to Adams.

He was worried about Irene, who was decidedly
troubled but did not speak. She had to know he did not blame her for her
brother’s misdeeds. He could never blame her. She was too important to him.

He could not think too much about that right now.

A little more than an hour later, Adams emerged, blinking
against the setting sun. He took a deep breath of air. “It does a man good to
finally be out.”

“Hopefully you will not be in a rush to return,”
said James. He handed him some coins. “This should help you get a good meal,
clothes and lodging.”

Adams counted the coins and pocketed them. “Thank
you, my lord.”

“Do you know what you’ll do now?” asked Irene.

“I hadn’t really thought about it much. I
considered going to the continent, but I got in trouble the last time waiting
for the tide. Mayhap, I’ll stay in England for a while, but far from this
godforsaken city.”

“Adams,” said James softly. “You had a profession
in America. I am sure they need notaries in England, as well. What if you put
your mind to honest work again?”

Adams shrugged his shoulders. “Maybe I will.”

“Good luck to you. And thank you for your
assistance.”

“My pleasure,” said Adams as he bowed mockingly to
James. “Miss Wallace.” He looked her up and down.

If Adams hadn’t done them quite so big of a favor,
James would’ve upbraided the man. But fortunately for all concerned, Adams
turned and disappeared into the crowd.

“Shall we go back to the inn?” James asked Irene.

“Yes,” said Irene, as she placed her arm in his.
“We have much to discuss.”

Irene’s thoughts were in turmoil. And, even worse,
her heart was about to break. She was ashamed of her brother’s actions. He’d
stolen. Actually stolen from James. But she was happy that James would once
again be in possession of his land, for she would personally see to it that
everything was set to rights. Even if she had to testify in court.

Even if it would hurt her father.

She regretted that, but the blame lay solely with
Cedric. And James Emerson certainly shouldn’t have to pay the price.

She’d come to the conclusion that James Emerson was
very important to her, as was Anna. She would help them any way she could,
even though she knew they would leave her in the end.

She was ashamed to admit that there’d been a part of
her which had hoped James would be unsuccessful in his quest. Not just because
that would be easier on her father, but because it would mean that James and
Anna would stay in England.

It was selfish of her to want that. But she’d begun
to think of a world where they could be together. She wasn’t sure what they
would do for money. As a viscount’s daughter, she’d never really had to think
about finances before. Her family wasn’t one of the richest in the
ton
,
but they’d never had to take steps to economize as others had. She wasn’t sure
what would be entailed in living in such a manner.

But she’d be more than willing to find out.

However, now James and Anna would return to
America. Without her.

They walked in silence through the streets. She
could tell he was already planning his return to Pennsylvania. After time in
London to settle the legal matters, he and Anna could be underway within
weeks. And she’d never see them again.

How was she to bear it?

James escorted her back to their room. It was only
when the door was closed, that he pulled her into his arms.

“What is wrong, Irene? I can tell something has
upset you. I promise we’ll be away from this city and its wretched smells
tomorrow.”

“It is not Portsmouth that makes me sad,” she said,
reveling in the warmth of being held by him.

“So you’re telling me you’d like to move here?”

She managed to laugh, despite her mood. “Not under
any circumstances. But I once again must apologize on behalf of my brother and
my family.”

“Hush. You’ve done nothing wrong and you are most
assuredly not your brother. You have shown yourself to be kind, loyal and
true. You helped save Anna. And that means more to me than anything else in
this world. Please, Irene. Do not be sad.”

He kissed her eyelids gently, then moved down to her
cheeks. Her lips.

“Is this the only thing you ever think about?” she
asked with a small laugh.

“When I am with you it is. Please love, do not
cry. I cannot abide that.”

They kissed for a moment more, then she pulled
back. “I cannot think when you do that.”

“And I cannot think that is a bad thing in a time
like this.”

“So you will go to America?”

“Yes. As soon as the legal matter is settled. I do
hope your father will accept Adams’s statement on its merits. I would hate to
take this to court. But, if he does not cooperate, I am afraid I must. I hope
you understand.”

“I do,” she said. “You must do what is right for
you and Anna.”

“I hope I can return in time for the spring
planting. I must confess that I did not miss the winter.”

“Is it much colder there?”

“I do not know if there is much of a difference in
temperature. But in England you can generally escape it by living in a
well-heated home. Most houses there are not as well insulated as the ones
here. In fact, when I build mine…”

“Marry me, James!” His name was hardly out of her
mouth before she realized what she had just said. And from the look on his
face, she’d said it out loud and within his hearing.

“Excuse me?”

Perhaps now was the time to tell him she hadn’t
really said that or that she’d been in jest. Perhaps she should simply run
from the room, never to return. But, instead, she repeated it.

“Marry me. Take me to your farm in Bucks County,
Pennsylvania. Anna and I can help you build the one-room house you told me
about. I do not know the first thing about being a farmer’s wife, but I can
certainly learn. I already know how to look after Anna and I know I can look
after you. I know I can….love you. In fact, I already do.” She might as well
be hanged for a sheep, as a lamb. Or in this case, since she already asked him
to marry her, he might as well know she loved him. Otherwise, she would seem like
a Bedlamite through and through.

“Irene, I….” He was at a loss for words.

“I know I am Cedric’s sister and, therefore, must be
an objectionable bride.”

“That is not why you are an objectionable bride.”

She narrowed her eyes. It was one thing to be
rejected. But did he have to do it in such an unpleasant manner? “If Cedric
is not my problem, then what is?”

“I did not mean it like that. Of course there is
nothing wrong with you. You are everything that is right about this world.
And you should not twist my words like that. It is not every day a man is
proposed to. You must make allowances for my surprise and the fact men say the
wrong things in romance more often than not. What I meant to say is you cannot
want to marry me.”

“I would not have asked, if I didn’t. But, I do believe
that if we go down this road much further I shall change my mind.”

“You should do so for your own good, of course.
Though the thought gives me no comfort. Do you not wish to know my feelings
for you?”

She did only if they matched hers. Right now she
could not tell. She knew he cared for her. That he appreciated her love for
Anna. That he was attracted to her physically. But love? She could not
tell. But she could not turn coward. Not now.

She nodded.

“I love you. I believe I have from the moment you
put your arm around Anna when that arse Simon Chilcott barged into Layton’s
library. But it is not just the way you care for Anna that makes me love you.
I love you because you decided to search out the truth for yourself. That you
were loyal to your family, but had the integrity to want answers. That you
would risk getting the chicken pox to take care of a little girl. That you
would be willing to leave your family and friends and set out for a life on the
frontier, leaving behind everyone you know. I love you, dearest Irene. But it
is because I do, that I cannot marry you.”

“That makes no sense.”
He loved her.

“It makes all the sense in the world.”

“You and I have traveled for days with no
chaperone. I am at an inn with you right now. I plan to spend the night in
your arms, though this bed is considerably bigger than the one we’re used to
and there is no risk of my falling off it.”

“I have a confession, Irene. There was never any
risk of you falling off the bed in the housekeeper’s suite. For even if you’d
teetered on the precipice time and time again, I would have caught you. Because
if we married, I would always catch you before you fell. Always. In all
ways.”

“Then why won’t you marry me?”

“I just told you.”

“Give me a better reason.”

“It is a good enough reason.”

“But you have thoroughly compromised me.”

“By some miracle, no one we know has seen us. And,
for the record, if I’d ‘thoroughly’ compromised you, you would know.”

“That sounds like a challenge.”

He shrugged.

“Then, Lord James, let the compromising commence.”

*

Once again, James was in a battle with this woman.
But not of wits – they engaged in those on a daily basis. This was a sensual
challenge. And one he had no will to resist.

The silly woman had proposed marriage to him.
Marriage. Whenever the topic of marriage had come up in the past, he’d been
the first to say he’d never do it. There was no need. Colin was the earl.
Let him beget all the heirs and spares.

Had any other woman raised the topic of marriage, he
would have run. Quite literally.

But once he’d gathered his wits after her proposal,
he’d been filled with joy at the very thought. Being married to Irene would
never be easy – which was a good thing. He’d continually have to keep up with
her wit, her kindness and her selflessness. He was sure he could never match
her, but oh, how he would love to try.

His joy at the thought of marrying her was greater
even than what he’d experienced when he realized Adams had, in effect, given
him his land back. But that’s when he realized he could never marry. Because now
he had his land back. Irene could never be a poor farmer’s wife. It would be
too unfair. She’d been dressed in silks from the time she was born. It’s what
she deserved. He couldn’t see her in the simple cotton and wool of frontier
life.

Could he?

“Make me your own, James. Make love to me.”

He felt drugged with passion and he could barely
shake his head no. “I cannot do that to you.”

“From what you have been boasting about, I am quite
certain you ‘can.’ The question is whether you will.”

“I won’t.”

“We shall see about that.”

She had already removed her cloak and gloves. She
sat on the bed and pulled her skirts up to her knees, giving him a most welcome
look at her shapely legs. Well, it would normally be most welcome. But for a
man who was intent on not seducing her, regardless of his desire, it was a form
of torture.

She unlaced first one half boot, then the other.
She took both of them off, then stretched her stockinged feet out in front of
her, pointing first one then the other. His eyes had no choice but to follow
the long line of her legs.

Then she stood, with her skirts regretfully once
again covering her legs. She took her shoes across the room, then bent over to
place them near the door, giving him a delicious view of her backside.

He groaned aloud.

She turned around and looked at him. “Are you
feeling well?”

Was she truly that innocent? Did she not know the effect
she was having on him?

She faced him completely, then reached for the top
button of her gown. She unbuttoned it slowly, working her way down. He tried
to remain in control. He made himself think of all the reasons he could not
make love to this woman, though he was hard pressed to come up with even one.

She slipped the dress over one shoulder and he
sucked in a breath.

“James, I believe this Portsmouth air is not good
for you. You seem rather out of breath.”

So she did know the effect she was having on him.
Well, he wasn’t going to let her get away with this. He wasn’t going to suffer
alone.

“Perhaps you’re right,” he said, as he shrugged out
of his jacket, throwing it on a chair. “The Portsmouth air is having an odd
effect on me.” He tugged at his cravat, then tossed it onto his jacket.

“What are you doing?” She’d lost some of her
smugness.

“Making it easier to breathe.” He unbuttoned his waistcoat,
flinging it onto the growing pile, then began unbuttoning his shirt.

Her eyes grew round, even as they honed in on his
now bared chest.

“Cat got your tongue, Irene?”

“No,” she said. “It’s right here.” She slowly
licked her lips and James had to use every ounce of self-control to keep from
throwing her on the bed and showing her exactly what his tongue could
accomplish.

Emboldened by his look, she finished removing her
dress, then very neatly laid it over a chair, once again bending over to give
him a good look. But the view this time was even better since she was wearing
fewer clothes. Then she quickly divested herself of her petticoats, leaving
her in just her front-laced corset and her shift.

He removed his shirt all together. But instead of
tossing it on the pile of clothes, he slowly walked to the chair, then picked
it up and moved it across the room, giving her a show of his arms, chest,
stomach and back as he did so.

He had to smile as he put the chair down with his
back to her. She wasn’t going to be able to recover from that anytime soon.
Her plan to seduce him was going to fail.

His smile abruptly came to an end when he turned
around to find her completely, unutterably, wonderfully naked. She was wearing
not a stitch of clothing. And she was smiling like she’d won.

Which she had.

After drinking her in with his eyes, James pulled
her into his arms and devoured her with a kiss.

She matched him with every breath, running her hands
over his arms and back, pressing into his cock, which was achingly hard.