Virtue and Vice (19 page)

“Doubtful. What are you doing?” She chewed her lower lip.

“I’m assisting you with your bath. It’s impossible to clean one’s own back thoroughly.”

“I don’t need your help.”

He brought his lips to her ear. “I know you don’t
need
my help, but I wager it would be worth it for you should you accept it.”

He watched her shudder, and a satisfied thrill pulsed through him. He still affected her, and as long as that was the case, there was a chance for them.

She didn’t relax her legs from her chest, but she didn’t protest when he continued stroking her back with the sponge.

When he finished her back, he moved with stealth to the side of the tub, bringing the sponge around over her shoulders, stroking down her arm. Her eyes were shut and her breathing strained, as she clearly fought a battle against her own needs.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Ram leaned over and brushed his lips against hers. Her eyes shot open and her mouth dropped in surprise, but before she could speak a word of protest, he pressed his advantage, sliding his tongue into the opening she’d given him.

He kissed her leisurely, letting his tongue glide against hers before taking her lower lip between his teeth and nibbling. The sponge fell from his grip as he took her shoulders in his hands so he could better pull her towards him, uncaring if water soaked his clothing as he leaned deeper into the tub. Her hands slid around his neck, settling in his hair. Arousal burned through him, along with satisfaction at her capitulation.

Satisfaction turned to stunned surprise when she used her grip to tear his mouth off hers and submerged his head beneath the surface. Water rushed up his nose, into his mouth, and he thrust himself from the tub, gasping and choking.

The saucy wench!

He wiped his eyes clear, then narrowed them at her, noticing she was now the satisfied one. Which wouldn’t do at all. Oh, he wanted to satisfy her, only in a completely different manner.

To that end, he leaned over the tub, slid his arms beneath her knees and around her shoulders and hefted her from her bath, dripping water and all. She squealed, her arms going round his neck, seeking purchase.

“Ram, what are you doing? Put me down, this instant!”

“I’ll put you down soon enough.”

He carried her across the chamber, leaving a mess in his wake, then deposited her in the middle of their plush bed. She looked like a water nymph with strands of wet hair fanning out against the silk of the sheets, her pale nakedness contrasted by the dark coverlet, her skin covered with glistening droplets . She was a siren, calling to him. He followed her down, covering her with his body, seeking her lips again with his.

She trembled against him, and not with desire. He lifted his head and bit back a foul curse at the look of raw fear on her face. This was his fault, and it was killing him. He’d destroyed the vivacious girl he’d known in the crofter’s cottage, the girl who never once feared anything he’d done to her, whose bravery and trust in him had been absolute. His rash act on their wedding night was responsible for the shadows that lingered in her beautiful eyes and he was at a complete loss as to how to regain the trust he so unthinkingly shattered.

He lifted himself on his elbows so she was no longer trapped by his weight.

“Izzy? Are you well?”

“I-I don’t want this, Ramsay.”

He thrust his fingers through his damp hair in frustration, then lay beside her on the bed, reaching for her hand. “I promise, Izzy. I’ll not hurt you again. I won’t do anything you’re not comfortable with.”

Her eyes widened. “I’m not comfortable with
anything
, Ram. We don’t suit. I wish you’d just agree to the annulment so we both might get on with our lives.”

Pushing himself off the bed in a violent motion, he paced beside it. “I’ve told you, there will be no annulment.”

Her lower lip began to quiver and he couldn’t stand it any longer. Hurting her was the last thing he wanted to do, but he wouldn’t let her go. He couldn’t. “Give me an opportunity to make this up to you. Just one chance. I
will
make you happy, if you but allow me to.”

“I’ll never be happy with you, Ram, never. I’m in love with someone else.”

Her words shredded his tenderness and fury erupted. How could she even dare mention her feelings for another man at this moment, while they were in their marital bed? “Aye, I know all about your misplaced love for that peacock, Huntley.”

She gasped. “Belinda told you?”

He merely stared.

“I don’t care if she did tell you! How dare you talk about Paul like that?” She scrambled to sit, yanking the bedcover around her, then tossed her wet tresses over her shoulder. Swinging her legs off the mattress, she stood, keeping the length of the large bed between them. “Paul would never treat me as you’ve done.”

Was she
comparing
him to Huntley? And finding
him
wanting? By God, there were some things that weren’t done, especially in the bedchamber shared by a husband and wife! “If Huntley wanted you so badly, why then didn’t he come for you?” Her face paled at the cruel taunt and he instantly regretted the harsh words. Lord, he didn’t mean to say such things to her! He must have patience, must remember she was still young and idealistic, and had suffered much in the last few days, mostly at his hands. Yet she dared talk of loving another man right in their very bedchamber, and it stabbed him to the core. She had a way of bringing out the absolute worst in him, turning him into an autocratic tyrant he didn’t much like or respect.

“Paul must have a valid reason for staying away, this I know!”

“I know it too, Isabelle. Paul stayed away because you are a shrew!”

Ram stormed to the door, slamming it behind him with a savagery that shook the frame.

Uttering a foul curse, he strode toward the haven of his study, where he could drown himself in drink.

Chapter 16

As soon as Ram left their bedchamber the next morning, Izzy sprang into action. Heath had not only invited Ram for a few drinks, her brother had invited her husband on a hunting expedition that would keep them out most of the day. Heath didn’t know of her intentions, and yet it couldn’t have worked out better.

Using the smallest trunk at her disposal, she folded her three best gowns into it, along with the assorted accessories she would need to go with them- including the diamond and sapphire necklace and earrings Ram had gifted her the morning after their wedding. And why shouldn’t she? She’d paid in blood for those baubles. If she were to go to London as Lady Royston, she would need look the part.

She lamented her worn and out of fashion gowns, but it had been so long since her father could spare money for such frivolities while they were exiled, so she would have to make do. She would commission new gowns upon arriving in London.

As she finished packing, she realized she would have need of a servant, to help her dress and lend credence to her role as a woman of high status. She sought the little maid, Meg, and directed her to gather whatever she needed to accompany Izzy.

Packed and ready to depart, Izzy took a deep, steadying breath. The next part of her plan relied on manipulating Hawthorne to do her bidding. Wearing a pale green day gown, she descended the stairs at a sedate pace, as though this were any other morning. Hawthorne appeared at her side as soon as she reached the landing.

She’d begun to woo the butler the day before, asking him questions about the household, at the same time gleaning important information. For instance, he’d given her the address of her husband’s house in London, as well as shown her where she could find money for household spending. She was about to avail herself of both.

“Oh, Hawthorne, you are just the man I was looking for.” She gave him her most gracious smile.

“How may I be of service, my lady?”

“It seems a mistake was made and some of my cousin’s items were brought here. Obviously one of the maids mistook her clothing for mine, we are very close in size.”

“I shall remedy the situation right away.”

She waved her hand through the air. “There’s no need for you to do that, Hawthorne, I’ve packed Belinda’s items in a small trunk. If you’ll just have a carriage brought round I will return it myself”

“Don’t concern yourself with it, my lady, I shall be happy to have the trunk sent on your behalf, and I’ll send a footman who will fetch the correct trunk back.”

“Oh no, Hawthorne, I should so love to visit my parents and this is as good excuse as any.” She held her breath in anticipation.

“Of course, my lady. I’ll send someone for the trunk and have Guy bring the carriage round right away.”

“Thank you, Hawthorne.” She smiled sincerely. “I’d be utterly lost without your aid.”

He flushed with obvious delight. “It is my pleasure, Lady Royston.”

Lady Royston
. It still seemed strange to be addressed by a new name, a lady in her own right. Well, she mustn’t become accustomed to the title. She wouldn’t have it for long. But as long as she did, she’d make full use of it.

“I think I shall take Meg along as well, Hawthorne. She has such a knack for doing my hair, I would love for her to help me dress for dinner. Could you possibly spare her for the day?”

“She’s your personal servant, think nothing of it.”

Izzy let out a breath of relief as she settled into the carriage. As soon as Chesworth House was out of sight, she tapped on the roof to gain the driver’s attention and leaned out the window to address him.

“My Lady?”

“There’s been a change in my plans. We go to Padstow, if you please.” Journeying to Padstow, though out of the way, was necessary to lend credence to her tale of fleeing to her brother in Wales.

The driver frowned, but didn’t argue her directions. He tipped his cap, then returned to the horses, and as they pulled out of the long Chesworth driveway, instead of heading towards Rendstell manor, they traversed the opposite direction.

Once in Padstow she directed her driver to take her to a coaching inn. Fighting back memories of her May Day visit just weeks ago, she turned to her driver.

“I won’t be needing your services anymore today, Guy.”

“But my lady, I cannot leave you here alone. It’s not safe.”

She put her hand on his arm, fluttering her lashes as she looked up at him beseechingly. “Meg is here with me. And I’m not returning home, Guy. I’m booking passage to Wales to visit my brother.”

His brows drew together in dismay. “Does Lord Royston know of these plans, my lady?

Guilt assailed her, for Ram would likely vent his rage upon the hapless driver.

She tossed her hair, striving for nonchalance. “It matters not, Guy. And you may tell my husband so, if he asks.”

The driver blanched, but argued no more. Placing the small trunk on the side of the road, he returned to the carriage and started back the way they had come. She waited until he was out of sight before turning to Meg.

“Stay here, Meg. I must hire a coach for our journey.”

The maid gasped. “My lady, how will we manage on our own?”

Izzy resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “I lived for a decade in exile, Meg, with very few luxuries and amenities. Surely between the two of us, we will manage just fine.”

As long as my husband doesn’t catch us
. But Izzy left that thought unsaid.

***

After they’d reached Fowey, on the opposite coast from Padstow, Izzy hired a ship to take them to Portsmouth. They traveled through the night, and Izzy awoke in the morning with enough time to be topside as they pulled into Portsmouth harbor. Even so early in the morning the place bustled with activity.

Stretching aching muscles, she yawned. Worry over Ram’s reaction coupled with her already frazzled nerves over the journey had conspired to keep her tossing and turning through the night. She looked forward to this last leg of the journey, so she might find Ram’s house and seek her bed early.

She returned to the cabin and woke Meg. The maid helped Izzy into an older blue gown that would be more comfortable to travel in than her best gown with its very pointed bodice. The maid then plaited her hair for her. Together they wrestled the trunk from the cabin, placing it on the dock. Here there was no shortage of waiting coaches, and Izzy was able to hire one in short order to take them on the long journey into London. After the driver had loaded the trunk into the carriage, she gave him the address of Ram’s house in Bishopsgate, then settled back against the squabs for the journey.

Izzy woke with a start, looking around at various landmarks that unmistakably proclaimed they’d reached London. She’d slept almost the entire length of the passage, and the sounds of the city must have awoken her. As the coach pulled up before an elegant townhome, Izzy’s palms began to sweat. She was about to enter unknown territory and face her husband’s household staff, but she
would
maintain her poise and control no matter what.

Servants appeared from the house to help her from the coach and take her trunk. One even paid the driver the agreed upon fare for the journey. Goodness, Ram’s staff was efficient! With a mental shake of her head and her shoulders straight, she walked up the steps of the imposing whitewashed house to meet the impeccably attired butler standing inside the threshold of her temporary abode.

If he was surprised by the unexpected arrival of a visitor, it didn’t show on his weathered face. “How do you do, Miss…?” The butler trailed off, waiting for her to identify herself. When she did, his eyes opened wide.

“I am Isabelle, Lady Royston.”

“My lord did tell us to prepare for his imminent marriage. Many felicitations on your nuptials, my lady. I am Dexter, and if you need anything at all, you must come to me directly.”

“Thank you, Dexter.”

“Will Lord Royston be joining you?”

“Not for a few days yet. He has pressing business in Cornwall.”

“Of course.” He motioned towards the stairs. “Let me show you to your chamber, all has been prepared in anticipation of your arrival.”

Piqued at this proof of Ram’s absolute assurance that she’d marry him despite his charade, she also couldn’t help but be pleased he’d gone to so much trouble to delight her. Beautiful and opulent were the first words to come to mind as she took in her new bedchamber. With walls covered in striped damask of pale green and yellow, the room had a dainty, feminine feel, much different than the heavy, masculine feel of the chamber she’d shared with Ram at Chesworth. The green carpeting beneath her feet was plush and already she could imagine the way her bare toes would be buried in it in the evening. A pale yellow chaise lounge sat near the window, and a beautiful crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling. Braziers set along the walls cast a warm glow around the room, reflecting light in the enormous polished silver mirror that stood in the corner. On the far wall of the chamber was a large ornate bed, its slender wooden posts rising towards the ceiling with carved cherubs and nymphs adorning them. A gauzy pale green curtain draped around the bed.

Obviously, Ram’s mother had had little or no say in the decoration of this chamber.

If Izzy designed a chamber for herself, she couldn’t imagine one more perfect.

“Will this satisfy you, my lady?” Dexter inquired.

“Oh,‘Tis perfect, I love it.”

He smiled, then pointed to a door on one side. “Your wardrobe is in there, and through that door,” he pointed to another door on the opposite side of the room, “lies Lord Royston’s chamber.”

Some of her joy faded. When Ram caught up with her, he was going to be very angry and very close at the same time.

“Dexter, may I have a copy of the keys for this room?”

He gave her a peculiar look. “I’ll make certain you have them directly.” He cleared his throat. “You’ve had a long journey, my lady. Would you like dinner sent here to the room so you can relax?”

“That would be wonderful. You are so very thoughtful. Is there a chamber you could  plenish for my servant, Meg?”

“Think no more on it, I’ll see her to a chamber in the servants’ quarters with all haste.”

“I shall need new gowns made, and quickly. Would it be possible to have a modiste brought round tomorrow?”

“That will be no problem at all.”

Apparently, anything she wanted was hers for the taking.

“Again, I am grateful to you.” She bestowed a bright smile upon him. “I believe you might be the most efficient butler I’ve ever met.”

Her flattery brought a blush to his pale cheeks. “You are most welcome. You must not hesitate to call for me should you have need of anything at all.”

“I will not.”

When the butler had pulled the door shut behind him as he left, Izzy collapsed onto the bed in relief and exhaustion. She’d done it! The first part was behind her, but still the worst part —facing Ram— loomed before her. She needed to attend to her business as fast as possible.

Tomorrow she’d see about gaining an audience with the King.