Take My Heart (Heroic Rogues Series) (6 page)

Then her attention rested on William. Her heart must have stopped—either that or she forgot to breathe. He looked so incredibly handsome in his evening attire. The bluish charcoal of his waistcoat matched his breeches, accenting his warm hazel eyes. His white ruffled shirt complemented his copper skin. She’d never seen anyone so handsome. Even the way his gaze slowly swept over her made her skin prickle with awareness.

Never in her life had she experienced these heady, disturbing feelings, even while married to her husband. Not once had Frederick stirred excitement in her. Then again, theirs was an arranged marriage and she had been utterly miserable.

William smiled and stepped forward, taking her hand in his. He bowed and placed a small kiss on her knuckles. Her heart raced out of control. His masculine scent of spice seeped into her senses and overwhelmed her, making her mind whirl and the room to spin. She couldn’t lose control. Not now and certainly not in front of company.

William straightened, the smile still stretched across his face. “My dear Mrs. Braxton, you look lovely tonight.” His attention passed over her once again.

“Thank you. And may I return the compliment? You are rather dashing tonight, my kind husband.”

He arched an eyebrow, and she was relieved the two guests behind him couldn’t see. William’s wary grin widened, but he didn’t comment. Instead, he took her hand and tucked it in the crook of his elbow, then turned toward his partner.

“Mercedes, my dear, help me welcome our guests.”

Surprised to hear William call her name and not Kat, she hitched a breath. He’d only called her Kat in private to annoy her—or rather, her sister. But still, why did he use Mercedes instead of Katherine?

Although a small pound began in her forehead from all the confusion of the day, she did her best to converse with her guests. During the evening, she remained conscious of how her sister might have performed. She exaggerated a flirtatious manner, yet couldn’t force herself to act as flamboyant as she suspected her sister to have done. As the men talked politics, she tossed in her own thoughts, even though this was something Kat would
not
do. But when it came to politics, Mercedes had never been able to keep her mouth shut. When she expressed her own feelings and doubts about King George’s taxes, William’s brows lifted again. In reality, this subject had always bothered her, and while Fredrick was alive, they’d argued about it several times.

She kept close attention to the topics of conversation. Not once did she feel these men were discussing traitorous secrets. Other than the subject of King George’s taxes, both men appeared to be loyal to the Crown.

Mr. Kennedy’s constant ogling irritated her, but she dared not show her displeasure. Although Mrs. Kennedy was polite and never commented on her husband’s behavior, Mercedes thought it very bold of him to carry on the way he did in front of her. It hurt that William accepted his partner’s conduct instead of putting a stop to it. After all, she was supposed to be
his
wife.

Relief came when the evening ended and she and William showed their guests to the front door. William acted the gentleman and placed a chaste kiss on Mrs. Kennedy’s knuckles, but when Mr. Kennedy tried to do the same to Mercedes, he didn’t act polite at all, and his lips lingered on her hand. Even the way he stroked her palm made her grit her teeth in irritation.

She quickly withdrew from him. The arrogant man even had the audacity to toss her a devilish grin. If Mrs. Kennedy were not present, Mercedes would have slapped the rogue’s face. Perhaps she’d just wait until she was alone with William and shake some sense into him instead for not coming to her defense.

Once the door closed, William turned and strode past her. She waited for him to say something, but he hurried up the stairs to his room without even glancing her way. Anger washed over her, painfully wrenching her stomach. A million times tonight she’d wanted to reprimand him. However, when she had the chance, he’d left.

Disappointed, she strode to her room to change into her nightdress. The weary, stressful day had taken its toll and she relished sleep. Beth had placed her nightgown on the bed, and poured water in the copper tub. The steamy bath beckoned. She couldn’t wait to relax.

She sat on the edge of her bed and slipped off her shoes. Stretching her feet in front of her, she wiggled her toes, enjoying the freedom from the restriction of the tight slippers. As she stood, she reached for the buttons behind her gown, but couldn’t quite touch them. A knock sounded at the door. Beth must be here to help Mercedes undress. “Come in.”

Still fidgeting with the dress, she walked toward her bathing chamber. “Could you please help me with these buttons? I cannot seem to reach them.”

“Are you certain you want my help?” A man’s deep voice answered.

She gasped and swung around. William stood in the doorway minus his evening coat and waistcoat. His missing cravat and unbuttoned shirt allowed her a glimpse of his muscular neck. Her heart accelerated. He looked so casual, so relaxed, and so handsome. Why was he here? For a little entertainment only his wife could give?

No. She could not—she would not. The mere thought terrified her, yet excitement danced over her skin at the same time. Breathing deeper, she reminded herself he wouldn’t want to share his wife’s bed if he didn’t like her. She hoped anyway.

She cleared her tight throat. “Forgive me, but I thought you were my maid.”

“Obviously.” He stepped toward her. “But since I am here, I might as well assist you.”

“Do not worry yourself.” She swallowed hard. “I can get it.”

“Nonsense. Accepting my help is perfectly proper.”

As he walked behind her, her hands shook. One by one, he slid the buttons loose and cool air touched her back…accompanied with his warm breath. The combination of this along with his soft fingers grazing her skin sent chills all over her. Although her body was melting faster than a candle, she fought for control.

“I want to thank you for your little performance tonight,” he whispered in a husky voice near her ear.

She shivered. Clutching her bodice tighter, she prayed it wouldn’t fall away from her. “What performance?”

He laughed lightly. “You seem to forget I have seen you and Brandon Kennedy together. Since when have you cared for his wife’s delicate feelings and snubbed Brandon’s flirtation?”

With the last button undone, she turned and faced him, still holding her bodice to her chest. “Since I have seen how much it bothers his wife.” She arched a brow. “And while we are on the subject, why did you not put a stop to his flirtations? You have eyes and could see it bothered Mrs. Kennedy.”

He folded his arms across his wide chest, drawing her attention to the skin showing at his neck. She lifted her gaze, but his eyes were just as earth-shatteringly effective.

“Why should I put a stop to it? Mrs. Kennedy knows about her husband’s liaisons. She is not dimwitted.”

Inwardly, Mercedes groaned. William had confirmed her worst fear. Now, more than before, Mercedes believed Kat had been carrying on with Mr. Kennedy. But even though he knew, William apparently didn’t care. It explained why he’d treated Kat as he did.

“Believe it or not, I have changed,” she said. “I will not be an embarrassment to you or your family any longer.”

His eyes widened and he laughed. “Oh, this is too much, Kat. First you dress differently.” He stepped closer and her heart leapt. His gaze dipped to her bosom as he tugged at the lace handkerchief between her fingers until he’d pulled it completely out. “I do not think I have ever seen you hide yourself before.” He touched a tendril by her ear. “And now you are wearing your hair like a regal lady and acting the part in front of guests.”

His finger trailed down her neck. “What strange form has moved into your body and taken over? Up until now, you have never bothered to help my children, yet this afternoon I hear you sewed a rip in James’ breeches.” He shook his head. “If I didn’t know any better, I would think you were an imposter.”

Her chest constricted and the air in her lungs closed. “What an absurd thing to say, Mr. Braxton. Who else could I be?”

“Yes, who indeed?” The corners of his mouth lifted. “But I did not come to discern your scheming heart. I came to thank you for a pleasant evening.” He nodded and turned to leave, but before reaching the door, he peered at her over his shoulder. “Have a good rest, Mrs. Braxton.”

She smiled, though her knees quaked so bad they threatened to topple her. “And the same to you.”

After he left, her breathing evened out, but she doubted rest would come easily this night.

Chapter Four

A new dawn crept through the partially opened drapes of William’s room, touching and stirring him from the depths of a dream he didn’t want to remember. Last night’s events had kept his mind awake into the wee hours of the morning. Despite his sluggish body, he pulled himself from his exhausted state and climbed out of bed. The refreshingly cool air stroked his skin, awakening him even more. With half-closed eyes he reached for his robe, wrapping the silk garment around his body before ringing for his manservant. A cool bath would bring him alert to the new day.

His servant carried up buckets of water and filled the copper tub. Once relaxed in the liquid comfort, William’s foggy memory of the previous evening claimed attention. His wife had been stunning, and her charming personality made a better impression than normal on his guests, yet nothing about her was normal.

Why had she acted so different last night?

Although she still paraded around in clothes unfitting the mold he wanted for his wife, something strange had happened in the way she carried herself. Her words were polite, respectful, and she spoke in quieter tones. Kat hadn’t even wanted to stand by Kennedy, let alone flirt with him. It also surprised William to discover she had an intelligent mind. For the past two years, he’d thought of her as a brainless hen-wit, but last night she presented herself in a new light. Not only did she have a head for business, her views on England’s strong hold over taxes had changed. This time she’d offered an opinion, whereas before, she hadn’t cared.

Her actions confirmed his suspicions, and he needed to maintain his guard. He couldn’t allow himself to soften toward her. With one little snap of her fingers, she could have him in front of the firing squad or a hangman’s noose. He had to do what she wanted, if just for a few months longer.

He climbed out of the tub before the water turned cold. After drying off with a heavy cotton towel, he changed into the clothes his servant had laid out. He had to dress his best for the important meeting this morning. Colonel Burwell had scheduled an appointment to consider the sketches William had drawn for the new vessels the King’s Navy would purchase. If all went according to plan, William would find himself a guest at the colonel’s weekend party in a couple of weeks.

Exactly what he wanted in order to spy.

He studied his reflection in the mirror as he tied his cravat and grinned. Yes, the colonists would win this fight and his country would be freed from Britain’s tyranny at last. His people would be free to live their religion as they saw fit. William’s chest swelled. He’d play a small part in helping its progress…as long as his wife didn’t complicate matters.

But what if Kat had told somebody of importance? He caught his breath. Did she know anyone in a position who might sabotage his deal? Could the colonel have other reasons for contacting William other than to draw plans for the vessels?

William shook his head, trying to force the questions to leave. He couldn’t think of that. Right now, Kat’s return would be of utmost importance. How would he handle her? Dare he trust her not to disrupt his plans? Her strange behavior made him more prudent.

Slipping on his waistcoat, he strode out of the room. Halfway down the stairs, voices of his wife and one of the servants lifted, echoing in the hallway. He stopped. What was Kat doing up at this hour? He arched a brow. Why were she and the cook discussing the shopping list? Kat had never once acted the part of his wife, especially when it came to household duties.

Quiet as possible, he stepped softly into the hallway. His wife’s back faced him, and the

Schoolmarm’s knot of hair on her head made him pause. What happened to the wild, untamed mass of curls she always wore? And why was she wearing a conservative dress? The straight lines of the yellow and black gown flattened over her back, yet accentuated her slender neck. She looked very regal…and very fitting to be his wife. Finally.

If only she was the woman he’d always wanted, instead of one that didn’t keep to her marriage vows.

Clearing his throat, he forced his thoughts in a different direction. When she turned and he caught the full effect of the modest dress, his interest in her grew. Why did she look prettier than he’d ever seen her? Anger boiled in him and he clenched his fists. He didn’t know why he thought such things about her lately.

He narrowed his eyes on her. “Good morning, Mrs. Braxton. You are up early this morning.”

She smiled, and for the first time he could remember, it looked genuine. She stepped toward him as Horace moved into the kitchen. “I could not sleep a moment longer. The sun practically pushed me out of bed.” Mercedes’ voice lifted with enthusiasm.

An ache pounded in his forehead and he rubbed it with his fingers. Something wasn’t right. She usually slept late because of her nocturnal interests. “What are your plans for the day, may I ask?”