Forbidden Angel (2 page)

Spencer Ranch, Houston, Texas

Adrian Randolph Spencer, the tenth Earl of Windsford, stood at the window in his study and gazed at the lawns below. Instead of the familiar rolling vista of the sprawling estate called Spencer Ranch, he saw the manicured lawns at Ashley Manor as they’d been three years ago, when he’d visited at the death of his father.

In his memory he watched young Angeline Ashley play and frolic with a three-year-old child, her hair tumbling in a blue-black cascade almost to her waist. Her body had swayed and turned as she playfully evaded the child’s attempts to grab her, then toppled to the ground, pulling the lad with her. The high-pitched squeal of the youngster was in sharp contrast to the softer, lilting tone of the young woman’s laughter.

He’d known Angeline for most of her life. Lovely as a child, she’d shown the promise of maturing into a beautiful woman. When he’d left England, she’d been all legs and coltish movements, her eyes seeming too large for her delicate face. A light dusting of freckles covered her petite nose, adding to her fresh, innocent look.

Years later, with the soft material of her gown hugging her body, he’d seen the shape of her breasts and softly rounded hips.

She’d lifted her face and caught him watching. Even from this distance, her large, lavender-blue eyes compelled as she met his gaze. He’d stilled, unable to drag his gaze away, then reluctantly turned to the man behind the desk.

“I appreciate your kindness, William. I hope my being here does not cause you any harm. Although I needed to see my father before he died, harboring a criminal is a crime.”

“Adrian, you are always welcome here. But if I’m not mistaken, you were never truly charged.”

Adrian had resumed his seat. “Perhaps not officially, but as close as makes no difference. I won’t leave that to chance until I know.”

“Tell me, how are things with you?” William had eyed him curiously.

“Being in England is bittersweet, but I’m doing quite well in Texas. America is a land full of promise and I’m making a good life there. Not the life I had envisioned, but good nonetheless.”

“Will you return to clear your name now that you’ve inherited the title?”

Adrian had hesitated. “Not yet. I have a good steward to watch over the lands and tenants, and my uncle has agreed to oversee things. My seat in the House of Lords will remain empty for a while.”

“Your uncle is a good man.” William had leaned back in his chair. “Have you thought about what I asked?”

“Of course I would accept guardianship of James should anything happen to you, but that won’t be for a long time yet.”

“One never knows what life has in store.” William motioned to a cherry wood box on the desk while he poured two snifters of brandy. “Would you care for a cheroot before you depart?”

“Thank you.” Adrian had chosen a cigar and lit it, blowing the smoke into the air. “I’ll leave as soon as it’s dark.”

“You departed England so quickly, I never had the chance to tell you how sorry I was at the loss of your fiancée. I never believed you were responsible for her death and I doubt many others did, either.”

Adrian took a large swallow of his brandy, wishing that were so.

When laughter had drifted through the window, William glanced toward the darkening casement. “I had always hoped that one day you and Angeline might . . .” His gaze snapped back to Adrian. “I’m dreadfully sorry. That was very thoughtless of me.”

“Pricilla’s death was a long time ago.” Adrian had swirled the amber liquid in the bottom of the glass. “Your daughter has grown into a lovely woman. How is it she has not yet married?”

“It is not from lack of offers, but she refuses them out of hand and I will not force her. I suspect she has a
tendre
for someone, although she won’t say who. But you haven’t married, either.”

The thought of her caring for some other man left him feeling inexplicably empty. He’d frowned. “No, I haven’t. I shall, of course, when I can offer a wife something more than a name shadowed by doubt and suspicion.” Adrian swallowed the last of his brandy in a gulp, and gained his feet. “Take care, William.” He’d extended his hand.

William stood and grasped it. “God speed, Adrian.”

Adrian had left the room and descended the stairs quickly. Night was falling, and he needed to reach London and the ship that would carry him back to America. A figure emerged from the shadows, and he caught the veriest hint of roses. Though subtle, it sent a flood of desire coursing through him.

Angeline.

This close, she was even more stunning. Gone were the freckles. Her fine skin was alabaster white with just a hint of pink staining her cheeks. She titled her head, gazed at him through long, black lashes and smiled, a sweet, innocent softening of her full lips.

His breath had hitched in his throat.

In a low, throaty voice, a surprise in one so young, she asked, “Must you leave so soon?”

“Yes.” While he tried to quell the longing inside, he’d let his gaze roam over her face.

“I hope you won’t laugh if I give you something,” she said, looking at him with those wonderfully brilliant eyes.

“I shall try not to.” His lips had twitched as she stepped up on the bottom stair so she had only to lift her head slightly to look in his face. She barely came to his shoulder, otherwise.

“I want you to have my handkerchief. I embroidered the roses myself. I’ve read that in years gone by, a knight would wear the colors of a lady for luck. I wish you luck and good fortune, Lord Windsford. Would you take it?”

Slightly overwhelmed by the gesture, Adrian had bowed. “I would be honored, my lady.” He leaned forward to brush a chaste kiss on her forehead and was surprised when she reached up and cupped his face in her hands, bringing his mouth down to meet hers. Her lips, soft and oh so sweet, tasted of cinnamon and orange. He let his linger for one short moment, savoring the simple intimacy. When she ended the kiss and stepped away, he wanted to grab her and haul her back.

“Remember me, my lord,” she whispered, glancing at him from beneath her lashes. “I will certainly remember you.” She sent him a distinctly sultry smile.

The smile had left him gaping. Heat roared through his veins. He stood, mesmerized, and watched her climb the stairs, hips swaying gracefully as she went. Remember her? How could he not? Her taste and scent were emblazoned in his mind.

The opening of his study door jerked Adrian’s thoughts back to the present, back to his new life and home in America.

“You wanted to see me?” Joel asked, taking the overstuffed chair across from the desk. Glancing at Adrian, he leaned forward, resting his forearms on his thighs, and waited.

Adrian regarded his brother-in-law. Quiet and unassuming, Joel was the perfect counterpart for his vivacious sister. Where Virginia was outgoing and lively, Joel preferred his books and antiquities. Although a scholarly man, he had an uncanny way of knowing what Adrian wanted, and the ability and connections to help see it accomplished. More importantly, he made Virginia happy.

Initially surprised by her choice in a husband, it hadn’t taken long for Adrian to see the strength and assurance Joel possessed. Virginia had said that with Joel, she felt grounded.

Adrian nodded. “I received a missive today from William Ashley. There’s been an accident and Beth was killed. William was badly injured and I suspect is also dead by now.”

As visions of his youngest sister swam through his mind, his throat constricted. Adrian raked a hand through his dark blond hair and dropped into the chair beside Joel’s.

“How?” Joel choked out.

“A carriage accident. There wasn’t much detail in the letter, but I gather Beth was killed instantly. We need to inform Virginia. I’m concerned with how she’ll take it.”

“Virginia will handle what she must, not that it will be easy.”

“Where is she?” Adrian swiped his fingers across his eyes.

“With Clairece in the nursery.”

Adrian sighed deeply. “I’m now James’s legal guardian. He and his sister will both be coming here. It seems William had concerns for Angeline’s safety.” He hesitated before adding, “You know I need to drive the cattle to the stock yards, so I must ask you and Virginia to meet them in Houston.”

“Of course.” Joel’s gaze met Adrian’s. “Did William indicate why he was concerned?”

“She has no family there, no guardian to protect her.”

“I see. Well,” Joel rose, “I’ll wait for you at the nursery.” He nodded a welcome to Michael Harrington as he passed the other man, and went in search of his wife.

“Your message sounded urgent. What’s happened?” Michael asked.

“I need your help, Michael.” Adrian felt a sense of relief at seeing his friend.

“You have only to name it.”

“Will you safeguard my nephew and his sister, and whoever else may be with them, until they arrive here safely?”

Michael raised a brow and sank into the chair Joel had vacated. “Certainly.” His speech, softened by a Southern drawl, was decidedly at odds with the U.S. Calvary uniform he wore. “Tell me more.”

As Adrian relayed the events preceding his request, Michael nodded his understanding. Not only was Michael his best friend, his first after arriving in America, but they were like brothers.

“I’ll send a message to this Thornby fellow to let him know I’ll meet them at the docks in London.”

“Thank you, Michael. I’d do this myself, but—”

Michael waved him off. “I have some business I can attend to while in London.”

Although curious, Adrian didn’t ask what ‘business’ that would be. He knew Michael would tell him when, and if, he chose.

After Michael left, Adrian opened a desk drawer and reached into the back to retrieve a folded piece of linen. He held it near his face and inhaled the faded scent of roses.

“It will not happen again, Malcolm.” His hands tightened around the well-worn material. “If you come after Angeline, it will end far differently this time. I swear I will kill you with my bare hands.”

Ashley Manor

“I beg pardon, miss, but Mr. Thornby is here. I took the liberty of showing him into the parlor.”

Angeline raised her head from the ledgers and household accounts she’d been studying. “Thank you, Mr. Mansfield. I’ll be with him directly.”

“Yes, miss.”

Moments later, Angeline found Edward perched uncomfortably on the edge of the settee. He fidgeted nervously as he always did when in her company. Employed by the family since before her birth, she was truly fond of him.

Edward jumped to his feet, nearly dislodging the spectacles on the end of his nose. “I came as quickly as I could, my lady.”

“May I offer you some tea, Mr. Thornby?” She reached for the bell pull.

“Thank you, no. I saw Mrs. Bunnington when I arrived. It would be more than my life’s worth if I keep you. There was something you wished to discuss with me?”

With a wave of her hand, she indicated he should sit across from her. “I may have a problem, Mr. Thornby, one of a more delicate nature. I need your assistance in avoiding Charles Malcolm and his suit, and others like it, until I reach my majority and can hire a companion and live on my own. He is trying to force an understanding between us.”

“I see.” Edward plucked the glasses from the end of his nose and wiped them with his handkerchief. After a moment, he replaced them and peered at her over the rim. “I presume you’ve read the letter left by Lord William?” She nodded. “I was made privy to his wishes as there were certain arrangements to be made.”

“I understand.” She took a deep breath and told him of her decision. “I think it best if I accompany Jimmy to his uncle’s and see him properly settled. Would you please assure a letter is dispatched and make the necessary arrangements for me as well?”

Edward couldn’t have been more pleased. “Of course.”

This was turning out far better than he’d hoped. Edward knew Lord William’s desire had been that she also be placed under Lord Windsford’s protection. For it to appear as her decision would save them all a considerable amount of grief. High spirited, she could be quite frightening when upset.

And there had been the missive from a friend of Lord Windsford, indicating passage had been arranged for not only the two of them, but any entourage she felt necessary to bring. Why, it was all but settled.

Carefully, so as not to cause any undo problems, he stuffed the information back into his satchel and eyed her. She was thinner than when he’d last seen her, with dark smudges beneath her eyes.

Even at this young age, she was one of the strongest women he knew. It was she who had taken responsibility for the management of the estate while Lord William tried to control his wayward wife. And a remarkable job she had done.

He clasped his satchel and stood. “I should leave and dispatch a message quickly. I’ll return in a few days, that is, if you’ll feel safe until then?”

She regarded him with concern. “Malcolm has given me only two months before he returns.”

“Bounder!” Edward stiffened. “Then I should leave immediately.”

He had a lot to do.

Dampness seeped through Angeline’s skirts, numbing her further as she knelt by her father’s grave. “I don’t understand your letter or the promise you made my mother, but whatever the truth, you should not have kept it from me. This is my life, after all.”

She came to her feet, closed her eyes and listened to the birdsong in the trees as they settled in for the evening. “I’ll go to Windsford as you suggested, as it also suits my purpose. But in seven months I’ll be one-and-twenty and will return home to seek my answers.”

Two days later, Angeline ordered her father’s personal belongings, and those of Elizabeth’s, packed and stored in the attic. There would be time later to decide what should be done with them. Her father’s study would remain as it was until such time as Jimmy returned to take his place as Lord Longhaven. Then, he could do with it as he wished.

When Mansfield cleared his throat softly, she glanced over her shoulder at him. She had decided to take a couple of her favorite books with her, and had placed them in a chest.

She gestured toward the room in general. “There are so many memories, Mr. Mansfield.”

“Yes, miss, indeed there are.” Mansfield straightened. “Mr. Thornby is here and requests a few moments of your time.”

“Please show him to the parlor and ask Mrs. Whitaker to make some tea. Oh, and see that there’s honey on the tray as well.”

“Of course, miss.”

With a last look around, she left the room, shutting the door behind her.

Edward jumped to his feet when she gained the parlor, his slender frame straightening to its full five-foot-four-inch height. “I hope you’re well, Lady Angeline.”

“Yes, thank you.” She waved him toward the settee. “Please, have a seat and tell me your news.”

He waited for her to sit before taking his own. “Arrangements have been made, and I would like to go over the details, if I may.”

When he began to fiddle nervously with his glasses, Angeline felt a pang of regret that she made him so nervous. “I’ve asked Mrs. Whitaker for some tea and cakes.” She smiled reassuringly.

Edward grinned appreciatively then began searching through the papers in his worn leather satchel. Considered an exceptionally talented solicitor, she knew others had tried to hire him away, but he’d refused. Angeline appreciated his loyalty and hoped he would continue on with them.

He perused his list, sat back, and peered at her over the top of his spectacles. “Passage has been booked and you are to leave in five weeks’ time,” Edward began.

“Passage?”

“Well, yes. You will be met in London and sail to New York . . . in America. From there you will take a train to Houston, Texas.”

“America?” she said weakly. “Houston, Texas?”

“That is where Lord Windsford has been living since—that is to say, uh—where he is at present.”
“I had assumed with the death of his father, he would have returned to—”

“No, he has not.” Edward began to fidget in his seat. “As I was saying, I received the passage and railway information myself, so I know it to be accurate. You’ll be met and escorted to his home.” He gave her another quick glance. “As no one outside of Ashley Manor will know of your departure, there should be no way for Sir Malcolm to interfere or stop you.”

Angeline felt her life spin out of control.

“Arrangements have been made for most of the staff, and—”

Unable to contain her anger, she bounded to her feet and stared at Edward who stuffed papers back in his satchel, all the while refusing to look at her.

“Do not move, Mr. Thornby,” Angeline said through clenched teeth. “Please explain to me what right Windsford,” her eyes narrowed on Edward, “or anyone else, for that matter, has to make decisions regarding the staff at Ashley Manor.”

Edward dabbed at his forehead with his handkerchief and visibly swallowed. “Lord William gave him power to see to the affairs of the estate and Ashley Manor until Master James comes of age.” He smiled weakly. The smile left his face as she advanced on him, her hands fisted at her side.

What had her father been thinking? “The staff and their welfare are my responsibility.”

Mrs. Whitaker entered with a tray containing tea and freshly baked pastries. Edward almost fell on her with gratitude.

Shirley Whitaker’s gaze flicked from Edward to Angeline. “Will there be anything else?”

With some effort, Angeline sank into the chair and managed, “No thank you, Mrs. Whitaker.”

When she again regarded Edward, he visibly trembled. As usual, she had frightened him, poor man. She took a settling breath. “Would you care for some tea, Mr. Thornby?”

Edward accepted the cup of tea. His eyes closed when he took a sip. He took another, and visibly began to relax. Although Edward was only doing what he’d been asked, she would have a few words for Adrian when next she saw him.

“Please continue, Mr. Thornby.”

Edward set the cup down on the tea table and reached into the satchel for the now crumpled list. “Lord Windsford has made arrangements for most of the staff. For some, alternate employment has been found. Others are to be let go with a nice pension. A few will remain to care for the estate and keep the house running.”

“What of Mr. Mansfield, Bunny, Mrs. Whitaker and Cook?” Angeline asked in alarm.

“They have all asked to stay on. They, as well as a couple of gardeners, a groom, and one footman will stay. Any open accounts have been paid in full and one has been established on which to run the house. Should there be any repairs needed, money will be provided and the work done.”

Her brow creased. She’d been handling the accounts for some time, and knew money was tight. Although the estate provided a comfortable income, and her father’s investments were sound, Elizabeth had spent money at an alarming rate, causing needed repairs to be delayed. Angeline had budgeted carefully to pay the accounts, and wondered where Adrian found the monies to do what he had.

She had to admit to a sense of relief at the seeming ease with which he’d handled these issues. Still reeling from her father’s death, it would have been difficult to make such decisions. As it was, when the time came for her to return, she need only work with Adrian and Edward Thornby.

“There are a few matters left to discuss.”

She heard Edward’s voice through the slight miasma clouding her wits, and raised her gaze to meet his.

“You will need suitable clothing for yourself and Master James, and a traveling companion to accompany you.”

Angeline frowned. “Mr. Thornby, you were my father’s man of business as well as his solicitor. You know as well as I there isn’t enough money for all that’s been done. As for clothing, James is growing and he needs them, whereas I can make do.”

“It’s all been arranged. You are
both
to have new wardrobes.” He closed his satchel with a decisive snap.

After Edward left, Angeline went in search of Jimmy. She found him upstairs in the nursery. “Hello, sweetheart, what are you doing?” She took a seat beside him at the undersized table.

“I’m looking at the pictures in my book.”

She moved closer to see a picture of a large sailing ship.

“Will you tell me a story about ships, Angie?”

“I can do better than that. I will tell you of a true adventure.” His eyes grew large. “What would you say if I told you we are going to travel on a ship? Not quite like this one, as it won’t have sails. And then, a really grand adventure on a train.”

“Really? I shall be the best sailor,” he said, bouncing with excitement. “And a real train?” The smile began to fade and he gazed at her uncertainly. “Why?”

“You have other family that would like to meet you.” She brushed the hair back from his face.

“Who are they?”

“They’re your mother’s family. One is your uncle. He has asked that we join him at his home in America for a while. Isn’t that exciting?”

Jimmy crossed his arms and stuck out his lower lip. “I will not leave here!” He marched to the window, and with his back to the room, planted his feet.

Angeline could appreciate his sentiments, but neither of them really had a choice in the matter. “It’s something Father asked us to do, Jimmy.”

“He didn’t ask me.”

Placing her hands on his shoulders, she turned him to face her. “No he didn’t, but you are now Longhaven and there are things you must learn.” He frowned. “We’ll come back, I promise,” she added.

He straightened his shoulders and lifted his chin. “All right then, we shall go.”

“Thank you.” She ruffled his hair and smiled. “I think Cook has milk and a pastry waiting for you.”

Jimmy gave a whoop and ran from the room, leaving her to stare after him.

There was so much to do before they left. Angeline went directly to her room, planning to look through her clothing for anything still serviceable. Bunny was already there, sorting through her wardrobe.

“My goodness, miss, I don’t believe there’s anything worth packing.”

“Surly it cannot be that bad?” Angeline considered the pile Bunny had discarded and couldn’t remember when she’d last purchased anything for herself.

“None of this will do, and we dare not leave the Manor until time for you to depart. We’ll just have to call for materials and seamstresses to come here.”

“Bunny, I need to ask you something.”

Bunny lifted her head. “What is it, miss?” The last garment dropped into the pile.

“I’ve been assured you will be staying on. Is that so?”

Bunny nodded. “Yes, miss. Like Mildred and Mr. Mansfield, this has been my home for a good, long time. I did consider going to live with my sister, but we’d be at each other afore long.”

“Jimmy and I need someone to travel with us. Would you consider it?”

“I did think on it when I heard, but that’s a long way from home and I always figured these old bones would be put to rest here.” At Angeline’s quick intake of breath, Bunny added, “‘Course, I don’t plan on that for some time yet.”

Angeline dropped on the side of the bed. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

Bunny patted her shoulder. “There isn’t a one of us wants to see you go but it’s not safe here. Who’s to say this won’t turn out to be a blessing in the end?”

Angeline smiled at her old nurse.
I sincerely hope it will.

The next few weeks passed in a whirlwind of fittings and the choosing of accessories to go with the dozens of dresses being made for her. Angeline now had traveling dresses, day dresses and several beautiful gowns for evening, all with matching shoes and a few matching parasols. There were nightgowns and wrappers, petticoats and corsets, sheer stockings and garters, shifts and drawers.