Never Wager Against Love (Kellington Book Three) (8 page)

“I can’t explain it,” said the head groom, who smelled like
he spent a great deal of time in stables.  “Oddest thing I ever seen.”

“He was perfectly well when we arrived yesterday,” said
Arthur, as he patted his beloved horse’s withers, then bent to take a look. 
There were no signs of injury, other than the animal was favoring that leg.

“Did he pick up a stone in his hoof?” asked Vanessa.

The groom and his helper took a closer look at Vanessa, who
was dressed in her lad’s clothing. 

“The lady asked you a question,” said Arthur, using the tone
Lynwood favored when he was scolding Hal for his latest escapades.

The groom dragged his eyes away from Vanessa and turned back
to the horse.  “No, miss.  We already checked.  No stones.  Nothing wrong with
the shoe, nor with the feed, neither.  Can’t hardly figure what could’ve gone
wrong with him.”

Arthur surveyed their surroundings in the light of day.  The
stable wasn’t as clean as it could be, but the building itself was well
maintained.  The two lads didn’t appear to be hiding anything and it was
possible that Merlin had simply injured himself in unfamiliar surroundings.  
There was nothing to suggest foul play, but Arthur’s nerves were wound tighter
than he realized.  He couldn’t quite shake the feeling that something was off.  A
quick examination of the horse he’d borrowed from Riverton revealed him to be in
excellent condition.

“It looks like I shall have to continue on with Riverton’s horse
alone,” said Vanessa.

“It looks like nothing of the sort,” said Arthur, as he
walked through the mews taking stock.  “Does Professor Dumbarton have a
carriage?”

“Aye,” said the groom.  “He just bought a fine one a
fortnight ago.”

“Excellent,” said Arthur.  “We shall take the carriage,
along with his coachman and a groom.   We shall leave poor Merlin here for the
time being and I will notify Riverton Farms to pick up their horse.  I trust
nothing will happen to either animal in the meantime.”

The threat in Arthur’s voice was unmistakable.  Both the
groom and the other stable lad assured Arthur that they would take very good
care of both animals.  They also roused the coachman and readied the carriage
in record time.

Vanessa changed into the one dress she’d packed, while
Arthur informed Dumbarton they would be borrowing his carriage.  The older man
seemed reluctant to part with it, but Arthur assured him that when word of this
kindness reached Lynwood, he would be quite appreciative.  Then he added that
Lynwood would be even more pleased if Dumbarton lent Arthur a pistol.  
Dumbarton asked whether that gratitude might include a recommendation for a
knighthood and Arthur promised to write his brother straight away.

Arthur penned a note to Riverton, then wrote one to
Lynwood.  Neither mentioned a knighthood.

*                    *                    *

They made good time in Dumbarton’s well-sprung carriage.  As
Arthur sat across the carriage from Vanessa, he studied her very expressive
face.  Unlike the ladies of the
ton
who made serene expressions an art
form, Vanessa’s face was almost constantly in motion.  She had a habit of worrying
her lower lip when she was deep in thought.  When she was studying him, which
she did with unsettling frequency, her brows danced from a light frown to
surprise to something that appeared to be disapproval.

Which bothered Arthur more than he cared to admit.

“Does Dumbarton come from money?” Arthur asked.  Something
was a little off about the professor and he wanted to know more about the man
who could influence Vanessa’s future. 

There went one of the eyebrows, cocked in surprise.  “I
don’t know.  We’ve never really discussed our families.  Most of our
conversations are about cases, although he has expressed an interest in taking
me to the continent to familiarize me with the most recent encryption
techniques.”

Arthur’s own eyebrows took a sharp descent into a frown as he
imagined Dumbarton’s real reasons for wanting to spirit her away.   The very
thought made Arthur long to plant him a facer.  Vanessa wasn’t a lady, but
Dumbarton had no business taking advantage of her.  Not that Arthur’s future
plans were any more innocent.  But he was a gentleman who knew the value of
discretion.  She might not be well-born, but he’d treat her well.  She’d have
no reason to regret their liaison.

“You have an odd look on your face,” said Vanessa, as she studied
him once more.  “Almost like you’re plotting something.  Are you?”

“Of course not,” he said, hoping she wouldn’t notice the
burgeoning erection that had been plaguing him for most of their time in the
carriage.  “I was just thinking about how we should proceed once we get to
Norwich.”

“So was I.  It will be rather late when we arrive, so I
believe we should secure a room at the inn Dumbarton directed us to, let the
innkeeper know we’ll be expecting a message, then…”  She stopped abruptly as
she realized where his eyes had strayed.  “Stop looking at my…”  She waved her
hand in the direction of her bodice.

“At your what?” asked Arthur innocently.

She pulled her cloak over her.  “This is why I should’ve
remained dressed as a lad.  To avoid attention such as this.”

“I hate to disillusion you, sweeting…”

“I wager you don’t.”

“Be that as it may, dressing in breeches doesn’t let you
blend into the surroundings as you like to think.  Unless those surroundings
are the most vivid fantasies of a red-blooded male.   While your gown hints at
certain parts of your anatomy, your breeches leave little to the imagination. 
Especially when you have such a nicely curved bottom.”

“I shall thank you not to speak of my bottom,” she said in
her most quelling tones, even as her heart began to race.

“Then I shall just think of it.”  Arthur closed his eyes and
rested his head back on the leather.

“Stop that!”

He opened his eyes and his lips curved into his familiar crooked
smile.  “Only on one condition.”

“This is hardly a matter to be negotiated.”

“Oh, but you’re wrong.  Negotiation is at the heart of all
human interaction, especially the fun ones.  Here are my terms:  You give me
one kiss.  Only one, mind you.  I wouldn’t want you to get carried away and
take advantage of me.  If you give me one kiss, I shall cease picturing you in
your breeches and think instead of the kiss.”

“I would rather you’d think of a way for us to carry out our
mission in Norwich.”

“I’m leaving that to your superior mind.”

That stopped her from replying.  But only for a moment.  “Do
you really think I have a superior mind?”

His answer was immediate and straightforward.  “Absolutely. 
It is quite impressive.”

Vanessa was inordinately pleased with the compliment.  “I
must say, I did not think you would be attracted to my mind.”

“What part of you did you think I would admire?”

“I choose not to answer that.  And, yes, I will do it.”

“You’re going to have to be more specific,” said Arthur,
“lest I get my hopes up too high.”

“I will give you one kiss.  Only one.”

“Excellent, will you come over here or shall I join you?”

“Neither,” said Vanessa, as she set her cloak aside.  “We
shall meet in the middle, as all good negotiators do.” 

She angled her knees to one side, then leaned forward. 
Arthur looked for a moment like he’d prefer to hold out for more opportune
circumstances, but then he angled his knees to the side and leaned forward to
meet her.  Just as his lips were about to touch hers, he said “Don’t think of
us as negotiators.”

“I thought you said negotiation was at the heart of all
human interaction.”

“You’ll soon learn that I spout a great deal of nonsense.”

“I have already deduced that,” she said, then laughed at his
look of mock outrage.  “How shall I think of us?” she asked, as her breath
tickled his lips.

“Partners,” he said as he gently brought his lips down onto
hers.

It was meant to be the lightest of kisses, just to pique her
interest.  It was still Arthur’s intention to distance himself from her.  Never
mind that his resolve never lasted longer than a few moments in her presence. 
This was light flirtation, nothing more.  And it was a simple, rather sweet
kiss.  Lips touched, time slowed, then they pulled away.

It was the kiss after that which sent a jolt through both of
them.  Just as he was about to lean back in his seat, she reached out and
gently placed her hands on his shoulders.  It may even have been an involuntary
reflex.  But once he felt that touch, it was if they’d been pushed together by
a force greater than either of them.  He returned to her lips and this time he
kissed the seam until she opened.  His tongue mated with hers.  He explored the
sweet warmth of her mouth.  He drew her closer to him until they were on the
edge of their seats.    His right hand curved around her waist, as his left
found its way to her beautiful hair.  She wore it in a low chignon and he
luxuriated in the feel of softest silk.

Her hands were far from idle.  One was now at the nape of
his neck and the fingertips of the other were resting lightly on his leg.  It
took all the control Arthur possessed to resist pulling her hand up to his
cock.  The light pressure was torturing him, but their first time shouldn’t be
in a carriage.  Ideally, it should be in his large, comfortable bed in
Kellington Manor in the country.  He could never take a mistress there, of
course.  But it was the proper setting for a wife.  And he and Vanessa would
make the most of it.  He longed to take her standing up on the balcony in the
moonlight, then go for a swim in the lake afterward.  Vanessa would enjoy the
estate.  Lizzie was already fond of her and perhaps they could all go for hikes
together.

Arthur abruptly broke the kiss.  How had he ended up
fantasizing about family hikes with Vanessa?  Something was seriously off
kilter with his thinking.  Perhaps his long bout of celibacy had damaged his
brain.  God knew it left the rest of him aching.  Which would also explain why
two kisses had him out of breath and hard as the blasted Larsen broadsword.

One look at Vanessa proved she’d reacted just as strongly as
he had.  Her pupils were enlarged and most of her hair had escaped its bun to
curl gracefully about her neck.  For one long, glorious moment she looked like
she was about to kiss him again, when suddenly she straightened and an almost
comical look of horror overtook her.  She removed her hand from his hair and
pulled her fingers back from his legs as if a meat cleaver were about to strike
them.

Her return to sanity was, from Arthur’s perspective, wise
yet rather insulting.  He knew why he had to keep his distance from her, but he
wasn’t used to women shrinking from him.  He hoped he’d never have to become
accustomed to it. 

“That cannot happen again,” she said rather breathlessly.

“Of course not,” said Arthur, hoping it would happen again
soon.

“You should stay over there on your own side of the carriage. 
I will remain here and work on our plan of what needs to be done in Norkiss…Nor
wich!
”

Arthur couldn’t hide his answering smile.

CHAPTER FIVE

Vanessa had never visited Norwich.  As an agent with the
Home Office, it was her responsibility to acquaint herself with England’s
geography and relevant history.  But she’d traveled very little and spent most
of her time in London.  She was surprised to discover that Norwich bore much
more resemblance to London’s population and pace than the quiet country villages
they’d been passing.  It was a city of mills and industry.  While it could
never compare to London in sophistication and would certainly never be a
ton
favorite, the wealth and affluence of it was impressive, even if the town as a
whole was in decline.

Dumbarton’s luxurious carriage didn’t attract too much attention
as Arthur and Vanessa rumbled into town.  They drew to a halt in front of the Majestic
Inn.  As Arthur helped Vanessa out of the carriage, he whispered “Follow my
lead.” 

Follow his lead, indeed
, thought Vanessa as they
walked toward the inn.  He wasn’t the agent, she was.  But a part of her was curious
to see how well he’d handle himself.  She was more impressed with him so far on
the journey than she would’ve predicted, although she certainly wouldn’t tell
him that.  He’d coped with their night under the stars quite well and he’d even
allowed Dumbarton to be dismissive of him, despite Arthur’s obvious
intelligence.  As for the way he kissed...  She blinked.  Nothing good would be
achieved by thinking about that kiss.  Even though it had been sublime.  A kiss
beyond all kisses. 

She blinked again.  She really, truly needed to stop
thinking about that kiss.

Especially since she was suddenly aware of Arthur talking to
the innkeeper with his rather proprietary hand at her back.  “You see,” the
smooth charmer said to the man and his wife, “I’d originally planned on a trip
to the continent.  But nothing else would do but a trip to beautiful Norwich,
according to Mrs. Rennard, my lovely wife.”

Mrs. Rennard?  He was using her alias against her?  And wife? 
At those words the formerly wary innkeeper’s wife grinned at her.  And she
became aware of Arthur turning to her with that insufferable, crooked grin of
his.

“Darling,” he said.  “Don’t you believe this inn will be
perfect for our needs?”

The inn looked too expensive by half, which was very much
not what they needed.  She wondered what Dumbarton had been about to suggest
such a place.  She hated depending on Arthur’s largesse, but she was fast
running out of funds.  Against her better judgment, she told the innkeeper and
his wife that it was a lovely establishment and she looked forward to their
stay.