Ladies of Deception 02 - Misleading Lord Martineau (13 page)

Pierce barely held his temper in check as he restrained the man and waited for Elliot and Felicity to recover and move further away from Clinton. Elliot guided Felicity out of the way and instructed her to stay back as he went and stood before Clinton and spat, “You have no right to abduct this girl and force her to marry you against her will.”

“You have no right to interfere with my property.”

Elliot’s hands clenched into tight fists at his side as he slowly and deliberately spoke, “She’s not your property.”

“Her father gave her to me so there’s nothing you can do about it.” He lunged for Elliot then but Pierce jerked him back at the same time causing his fist to meet with nothing but air.

“
She’s past the age of majority, nobody owns or rules her, especially not you, you disgusting piece of filth.” Clinton lunged for him once more, but once again Pierce stopped him, jerking him forcefully away, not feeling an ounce of pity for the man after the crushing blow he had inflicted on his manhood earlier.

“
What are we going to do with him?” Pierce asked, hoping Elliot would agree to let him kill the worthless scumbag.

“
Leave him here to rot for all I care. All I know is that Felicity is coming with us.”

Clinton sneered, “You don’t want that worthless twit anyway, she’s damaged goods you know? Oh but wait, you do know since you’re the one that ruined her.”

No power on Earth or in Heaven could’ve stopped Elliot from hitting Clinton at that point. He pounded his fist into Clinton’s stomach just above where Pierce had his hold on him. The air went out of Clinton as he doubled over in Pierce’s arms.

Elliot was livid, “Take that back now, you imbecile.”

“And what if I don’t,” he heaved, struggling to get a breath after the blow Elliot had inflicted. “What are you going to do?”

“
Call you out, that’s what I’m going to do.”

Felicity shrieked, “Elliot, no!” Pierce met his gaze above Clinton’s head and shook his head back and forth but Elliot ignored them both.

Clinton scoffed mockingly, his eyes focused solely on Elliot, “A duel? How chivalrous of you, though I must admit I find it highly ironic that you made my life miserable and nearly ruined my father’s livelihood for attempting to ruin a simple servant when you did the same thing—to a lady of quality and breeding nonetheless. Quite the gentleman, Lord Martineau.”

Elliot was seething with rage as he ground out between clenched teeth, “I didn’t force myself on her against her will.”

Clinton just laughed which only provoked Elliot further. He had to turn and will himself to physically walk away to avoid pounding him once more, there was no sense in arguing with the deranged man. When he was standing safely next to Felicity he turned once more to Clinton and said as civilly as he could, “You’ll hear from my second tomorrow. Where will you be staying?”

“
At my townhouse on Piccadilly Street of course,” Clinton quipped.

“
Of course,” Elliot replied dryly. “Pierce wait until Felicity and I get a head start before releasing that blighter, I don’t want him getting any funny ideas.” Pierce grunted in reply as he roughly shoved Clinton towards the carriage.

Elliot brushed a strand of wayward hair off of Felicity’s face, tucking it gently behind her ear. “You’ll have to ride with me and I apologize, I don’t have a sidesaddle.”

“I don’t mind, I want to stay with you, I’ll feel safer that way.” Elliot smiled at her before lifting her into the saddle. He was grateful for the darkness that provided her with some semblance of modesty as she struggled to keep her calves covered sitting astride the horse. When she was settled as much as she could be he hoisted himself up and eased in the saddle behind her. He felt her sag with relief into his chest as his arms went around her to grasp the reins in both of his hands.

Felicity reveled in the security of Elliot’s embrace, feeling secure and safe and more than a little relieved to be out of Clinton’s grasp. She didn’t know how he did it, but she was grateful that he had found her. When the carriage was finally out of sight she couldn’t help but ask him. “Elliot, how did you find me?”

“Your Aunt Agatha was the one who presumed that Clinton was behind your disappearance. She came to find me when she realized you were gone but I still hadn’t returned yet—”

At his words she suddenly remembered his unexplained absence, “That’s right! Where were you anyway? You sent that letter saying you’d call on me and you never came.”

“I’m sorry I never got to explain. You remember the Duke of Kerrington, right?”

“
I’m familiar with the name, though I can’t say I’ve had the pleasure of meeting him.”

“
He’s the man who came with me tonight. I apologize there was no time for a formal introduction. I went to visit him the day I was planning on coming to see you and he had just found out that his ward had run away, supposedly to join a convent. He insisted I go with him to search after her. We left immediately and I didn’t have time to send word to you. We spent the last two days searching and when we ran out of ideas we finally had to admit defeat. Ironically enough we ran into your friend Lord Wadsworth who hinted at your involvement with another man. I raced back to your house to see if it was true and when no one answered I knew something had to be wrong. I begged Kerrington to help me search, insisting he owed me the favor so we went back to his house to tell his wife of our plans and that’s when we found Aunt Agatha. She had tried coming to speak with me to tell me something was wrong and that you had gone missing but of course I wasn’t home. My butler directed her to the home of the Duchess of Kerrington and that’s where we found her. She was the one who thought that Clinton may be forcing your hand in marriage. It was by luck that we found you and so soon.”

“
And Edith, how is she?”

“
I haven’t seen her but when I left she was sound asleep in the nursery, everyone was safe at the duke’s house and soon you’ll be safely there as well.”

Felicity placed one hand on Elliot’s forearm. She could feel the strong muscles moving beneath his skin as he expertly maneuvered the horse through the dark. “Thank you Elliot.”He placed a kiss to the top of her head. “And Elliot?”

“Yes love?”

“
I love you.” Felicity could swear she felt his mouth turn into a smile against her hair.

“
You have no idea how much those words mean to me. I love you too.” This time it was Felicity’s turn to smile.

The afternoon of Thursday April 28
th
, 1814

All three travelers were weary and sore by the time they reached Pierce’s townhouse in Mayfair. They rode behind the house to the mews where they dismounted and instructed the stable hands to give the horses extra attention for their arduous trip.

When they entered the house they saw Hope sitting on the settee with Edith reading her a story. It felt so good for both Elliot and Felicity to see their daughter again. Edith looked up and saw them, quickly abandoning the book and running straight to Felicity. “Oh mama, I missed you.”

Felicity scooped her up into her arms, holding her tightly, so grateful that she got to see her again. “I missed you too sweetheart. Have you been a good girl while I was gone?”

Edith nodded solemnly. Felicity turned to Hope for confirmation. “She’s a darling child. I’m so glad I got to spend some time with her.” Pierce went over and helped Hope to her feet, the two of them returning to make proper introductions to Felicity.

Pierce had his hand on Hope’s back as he made introductions. “Felicity I’d like you to meet my wife, the Duchess of Kerrington.”

Felicity curtsied as best as she could while balancing Edith in her arms, “It’s an honor your grace.”

Hope giggled, “Please, we are not so formal around here. Call me Hope.”

Felicity smiled at her, “I’d like that.”

Elliot stepped forward, “There’s been some unexpected circumstances that prevent Felicity from returning to her own home. Would you mind if they stayed here a bit longer until I can get things settled?”

“Oh of course not, they can stay as long as they need.” Hope responded sincerely.

Then turning to Edith, Elliot reached for her and said, “I know you missed your mama poppet, but I personally know how tired she is from our long trip. What say we let her have a bath and a rest while you and I spend some time together getting better acquainted?” He was so grateful for the child’s complete trust as she came to him, throwing both of her chubby arms around his neck.

Hope stepped forward and grabbed Felicity’s arm. “Let’s go get you settled, you look exhausted.”

“
I am.”

Felicity went with Hope, taking in the opulent surroundings of the home as they walked upstairs to where the guest rooms were located. “You have a beautiful home, your grace.”

“Please, I insist you call me Hope. When I hear your grace I think of my motherin-law, bless her heart. And thank you, I still find myself in awe of my surroundings at times.”

“
Really?” Felicity asked, confused by her confession.

“
Really,” Hope laughed. “I wasn’t born to this life and still feel as if I don’t fully belong sometimes.”

Felicity looked at her quizzically, she had no idea what she was talking about. One look at Hope and you’d see a beautifully poised lady who looked as if she had been born and bred to be a duchess.

Hope led her into one of the guest rooms decorated in shades of pink and dark rose and indicated for her to sit on the bed. “I guess I may as well fill you in on our scandalous secret, you’re bound to hear it eventually. I used to be a mere lady’s maid.”

“
No!” Felicity exclaimed.

“
It’s true. My mistress, Lady Noelle Parrish fell in love with an American and when she found out that her father had arranged for her to wed the Duke of Kerrington she decided to flee to America with the man she loved instead. She practically forced me to take her place and marry the duke. I was furious at her for imposing on me but eventually Pierce and I fell in love.”

Felicity gasped, “Does he know?”

“That I was a mere servant? Of course he does, him and the entire ton. After I had fallen in love with Pierce, Noelle returned saying that Soren, the man she had run off with, had died and she had come home to assume her identity since she had nowhere else to go. I was forced to leave and she took over where I had left off with Pierce. To make a really long story short, Pierce eventually realized that she was not the woman he had fallen in love with and got her to confess to what had happened. He came after me and found not only me but an alive Soren as well. Apparently during their time together before leaving the continent they had eloped so Noelle could not legally marry Pierce after all. Eventually the entire truth came out including the fact that my mother’s midwife took me at birth and I was indeed Noelle’s twin sister. So you see, though I’m now a duchess and technically a daughter of nobility, I was never raised to be more than a servant. I think I’ll always be a common servant at heart. Honestly, I feel more comfortable in that role than in this life sometimes.”

“
Goodness, that’s quite the story.”

“
I agree, but we’ve all got a story to tell.” They were interrupted by a soft knocking on the door. It was two servants carrying a copper tub Hope instructed them to bring in and place before the hearth. A handful of other servants quickly followed carrying buckets of steaming water they used to fill the tub. After they were finished Hope instructed them to leave, insisting that she’d take care of the rest.

“
I suggest that you get in the bath while the water is still warm,” Hope encouraged.

“
Thank you, but I have nothing to put on once I’m finished.”

“
Do not worry, I have plenty of clothes from before my belly blossomed that should work. I’ll be back soon.”

After Hope had left and securely shut the door behind her, Felicity stripped her rumpled clothes from her body, one layer at a time before slipping into the warm water of the bath. Within moments she was fast asleep. She barely recalled Hope waking her and helping her from the now cold bath and assisting her into a nightdress before she was settled into the large Sheraton field bed, the luxurious sheets wrapped securely around her. She was asleep within seconds.

Felicity awoke with a start, her heart beating fast. She looked around the dark room, disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings. She grasped the sheets in her hands frantically before she remembered where she was. Loosening her grip on the sheets, she eased herself back onto the down pillows and tried to remember the last twenty-four hours. They seemed as real to her as the dream she had just been having. Her first thoughts were concern for Edith, she felt guilty for having fallen asleep when she really should’ve been spending time with her daughter, reassuring her that she hadn’t abandoned her.

She slid from the warm cocoon of the bed and decided she would go check on her. Pulling a thin wrapper, loaned to her by Hope, around her body, she opened the heavy wood door of her room and slipped silently into the hall. Once out in the hall she glanced to her left then to her right to make sure she was alone before heading for the staircase that would lead her to the third floor where the nursery was sure to be located. If she didn’t feel such a compelling need to see her daughter she would’ve just gone back to bed and waited to see her in the morning. She was grateful for the small stained glass windows that let in a small amount of moonlight, allowing her to find her way without stumbling. As she reached the third floor, she went to the first door she saw and put her ear up against the heavy wood. She wasn’t quite sure what she was listening for but she didn’t hear a sound. She decided to open the door and poke her head in to see if it was the correct room.

Felicity cringed as the door creaked, the sound magnified in the silence of the night. When her eyes finally adjusted she could see that the room was similar to her own room, obviously another guest room and not the nursery. She quietly shut the door and moved down to the hall to the next door. She pushed it open just a fraction and was relieved when it didn’t make a sound, encouraging her to open it even further. She took a tentative step into the room and could instantly tell by the outline of the furniture that it was the nursery. She closed the door slowly behind her then tiptoed into the room.

When she reached the small bed she looked down and by the light of the moon that was peaking in through the window she could see Elliot curled up on the bed with a sleeping Edith. He was dressed in his shirtsleeves and pants though his jacket and boots had been removed. He had one arm protectively around Edith and his mouth was open as he breathed. He looked so boyish and innocent laying there it made her smile. She reached down and placed her palm on his face, her fingers toying gently in his hair.

Elliot’s mouth clamped shut and his eyes slowly opened. He looked momentarily confused as he focused his vision on Felicity. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you,” she whispered, hoping not to rouse Edith as well.

He reached up and placed his hand on top of hers. “This is the best way I’ve ever been woken.”

“I just wanted to check on Edith, I had no idea that you were still here.”

“
I didn’t mean to be. I must’ve fallen asleep while putting her to bed.”

“
Did you sing to her? She likes that.”

He smiled, “No, she insisted I tell her story after story. I’m not sure which one of us fell asleep first.” Swinging his legs carefully over the side of the bed he sat up, “Let’s go someplace where we can talk without waking her.”

Felicity nodded then followed him out of the room, down the hall and to the staircase. Elliot reached for her hand to offer her support as they tentatively descended two flights of stairs until they were once more on the main floor of the house. Still refusing to let go of her hand, Elliot led her to the library. Once they were no longer worried about waking anyone, Elliot finally released her hand long enough to light a candle then motioned for Felicity to sit on the leather couch. He watched as she sat on one end, tucking her feet up beneath her white cotton nightdress. She reached up and pulled her silky black hair over one shoulder. Elliot watched her every move completely mesmerized. He’d never seen her with her hair down. That combined with her thin cotton nightdress made her appear fetchingly innocent. He sat down beside her still holding the lit candle. The shadows caused by the candle flickered off her face as he stared into her luminous eyes.

Felicity stared back, taking in his unkempt appearance—his cravat was gone and the top few buttons of his shirt were undone. His dark hair was mused and he still had lines on his cheeks from where his face had been pressed into the pillow. She waited hesitantly, unable to take her eyes from his. He leaned forward and reached behind her to set the candle on the table that was situated by the arm of the couch. His body was mere inches from hers and she held her breath as she waited anxiously for his next move.

Elliot’s breathing was labored as he reached forward and grasped Felicity’s hair in his hand, winding it around his palm. He threw it back over her shoulders and watched as it cascaded down the arm of the couch. He reached up and brushed his hand through her hair, causing her head to snap back. He moved his hand down to the base of her neck, using it to pull her face forcefully to his own. Their lips met hungrily and something inside of him exploded. He felt like this kiss was their first and their last all wrapped into one as he kissed her with such desperation and eagerness. Her hands slipped beneath his un-tucked shirt coming in contact with his bare skin. He felt his muscles involuntarily clench beneath her touch and exhaled as if in agony. He somehow managed to pull away from her addicting lips and trailed kisses slowly down her neck to her shoulder before forcing himself to pull away completely.

“
This is torture,” he muttered under his straining breath.

“
I beg to differ, I thought it was delightful.” She smiled up at him impishly and attempted to pull him back to her, her lips parted in anticipation.

He reached for her hand, entwining his fingers with hers but resisted coming any closer. “Please don’t tempt me, I’m much too weak to be able to resist for long.”

“You’ll just have to marry me so you can stop resisting.” Felicity said boldly.

“
Oh I plan to, and the sooner the better.”

“
Tomorrow?” she asked hopefully.

Elliot pulled his hand from hers and slumped back into the couch. “I can’t tomorrow, I’m meeting Clinton at dawn. Pierce has already sent word to him informing him of the details of the duel.”

In the whirlwind of activity and exhaustion that had encompassed her since her rescue, she had completely forgotten about the duel. She pushed up onto her knees and leaned close to Elliot, grabbing his arm and shaking it. “You aren’t seriously going through with it, please tell me that you’re not that foolish.”

“
What else am I supposed to do? You heard the things he said about you, about me. Not to mention that he was trying to force you to become his wife. Anyway, my word is my honor and I can’t go back on it now.”

“
Please Elliot,” she said frantically, “Isn’t there some other way?”

“
There is no other way, he’s determined to have you and make your life miserable and the only way he’ll leave you alone is if he’s dead.”

“
You can’t do that to him Elliot, I know you can’t.”

He took both of her shoulders into his hands, “That’s where you’re wrong. I’d do anything, anything for you.”

Felicity was thoughtful for a moment. “Maybe you can offer him money to leave us alone. That’s really what all of this is about, he’s upset that he didn’t inherit wealth with my father’s title and it’s all my fault.”