Confessions at Midnight

Chapter Fifteen

The instant Barkley opened the door and Daniel and Carolyn entered the foyer, they were besieged by his "family," all of whom barked or meowed in assorted octaves with varying degrees of loudness. He wondered if his pets' less than perfect outward appearances and near deafening greeting might repulse her as they had the last several women he'd invited into his home. But rather than backing away from the healed-over infirmities and chaos, Carolyn grinned and waded right into the fray.

The cats wound between his boots, while his four rambunctious dogs proceeded to welcome him with an enthusiasm that would suggest he'd been away for weeks. They clearly approved of Carolyn, who, after a few preliminary sniffs, they greeted as if she were their long-lost best friend. Every bark and meow seemed to ask him, Who is this delightful creature you've brought us?

He looked at Carolyn's bright smile and his chest seemed to constrict. She's Carolyn. And you're going to adore her.

Daniel crouched down and was immediately the recipient of a surge of joyful canine affection that nearly upended him. Carolyn laughed at the frenzy and crouched beside him. And was instantly showered with enthusiastic doggie affection and feline purrs.

"They're wonderful," she managed to say between breathless laughs as she petted and scratched and dodged canine kisses.

"They're insane," Daniel corrected, unable to keep from chuckling in spite of his exasperated tone. "Allow me to introduce you," he said, raising his voice to be heard above the din. He patted the shaggy-haired mud-colored dog of dubious ancestry that had no tail. "This is Stubby." He then nodded toward a medium-sized tan dog missing a hind leg who was trying mightily to lick Carolyn's chin and said, "That flirtatious fellow is Limpy."

"I'm guessing this is Baldy?" she said, scooping up the soulful-eyed, hairless puppy that squirmed with panting delight.

"Correct. And this little devil is Droopy," he said, picking up a small black and white, wiggling puff of fluff that sported only one spiky ear, the top of which flopped over. He then nodded toward the pair of cats who now sat sedately several feet away, tails curled around themselves, watching the proceedings with haughty feline disdain that clearly indicated they viewed such canine goings-on as undignified. "Blinky is the pure black one with one eye," Daniel said.

"Yes, I saw her last night."

"Tippy's the calico. She's the only reserved member of this wild bunch and is missing part of a front leg. The pair of them believe this is their house. They kindly allow me and the servants to reside here, but only so long as we continue to feed them. I'm convinced they spend all the time they aren't sleeping plotting ways to get the dogs to move out."

He set Droopy down then rose and extended his hand to her. Carolyn placed Baldy on the marble floor, then slipped her hand into his, a simple action that surely shouldn't have sped up his heart as it did.

Once she stood beside him, he stared down at the prancing quartet of dogs and commanded, "Sit." Recognizing the Voice of Authority, Limpy, Stubby, and Baldy instantly obeyed. Droopy, however, continued to stand and wag his moplike tail.

Carolyn chuckled at the small dog who gazed up at her through adoring black button eyes. "He appears to need a bit more training."

"She," Daniel corrected. "And I'm afraid there's a bit more needed than simple training."

"What do you mean?"

"She doesn't speak English."

Carolyn blinked. "I beg your pardon?"

"I suppose I should say she doesn't understand English. Samuel found her outside a building where he heard voices yelling in French."

"I've never heard of such a thing. Perhaps she has suffered some hearing loss due to her injury."

"Oh, she hears fine. Especially when food is mentioned."

"Have you tried speaking French to her?"

"Unfortunately my French is abysmal and I've yet to make inquiries of anyone who speaks the language regarding appropriate doggie commands." He shot her a hopeful look. "I don't suppose you speak French?"

"Only a bit, and not with any proficiency, I'm afraid. Still, I could try." She looked down at Droopy then cleared her throat. "Asseyez-vous!"

Droopy's bottom instantly plopped onto the marble tile.

Daniel stared for several seconds then laughed. "You're a genius!"

Carolyn grinned. "Hardly that. And my accent is awful."

"Nonsense. It's perfect. And now, my lovely genius, can you please tell her to stop chewing my boots? And my furniture? And my walking sticks?"

"I'm afraid I don't know how to say any of that."

"My boots, furniture, and walking sticks are devastated. But please, try something else."

"All right." She pursed her lips then said, "Me parler."

Droopy answered with a series of nonstop, enthusiastic barks.

"What did you say?" Daniel asked over the noise.

•"Speak to me.'"

"Excellent." When Droopy continued to bark in a deafening fashion, he added, "Hopefully you know how to say 'be quiet.'"

She looked down at the yapping ball of fluff. "Calmez-vous, s'il vous plait."

Droopy instantly fell quiet.

"Brilliant," he said. "I must write down those commands. You have my eternal gratitude."

"Perhaps you can teach her English by saying both the French and English commands together."

"See? I told you you were a genius."

She laughed. Looking at her, bathed in a swath of sunlight pouring through the window that seemed to surround her in a golden halo, her eyes alight with merriment, she literally stole his breath. His ability to speak. Indeed, his ability to do anything other than stare at her.

He wasn't certain how long he stood there doing just that before she asked, her voice laced with amusement, "Might your eternal gratitude include a cup of tea? There's still the matter regarding Katie I'd like to discuss with you."

Her words broke through his befuddlement and he gave himself a mental slap. Bloody hell, one look at her and he completely forgot himself. "Of course. Perhaps even some biscuits."

At the mention of biscuits, Droopy barked twice. Daniel looked down at the tail-wagging dog. "Ah, yes, you understand 'biscuits,' don't you?"

Droopy barked again, and this time Limpy, Stubby, and Baldy joined in. Carolyn laughed. '"Biscuits' is apparently part of a universal language."

"Apparently," he agreed. He turned to Barkley, who stood at his post near the door. The butler's gaze rested upon Carolyn with a sappy expression that indicated that he, too, found her enchanting. Good God, did there exist a man with a pulse who didn't fall under whatever spell she cast? Apparently not, because as far as Daniel knew, Barkley was quite impervious to feminine wiles. At least while he was on duty.

"Tea in the drawing room, please," he said to the butler.

Barkley blinked, as if coming out of the same sort of trance that had claimed Daniel. Indeed, he looked so befuddled, Daniel was tempted to laugh. "Yes, my lord."

"How has Katie fared in my absence?" he asked.

"Very well, my lord. She's up and about and feeling much improved. Mary has remained with her and is instructing her on the workings of the household. Samuel is watching over her as if she were the crown jewels."

Yes, Daniel had noticed his footman's attentiveness this morning. It seemed clear Samuel's attention was more than simple concern-the young man was smitten.

Smitten… his gaze rested on Carolyn. I know exactly how he feels.

He frowned at his inner voice's whisperings. Bloody hell, what rubbish. He wasn't smitten. Smitten meant one's heart was involved, and his most assuredly was not. He was merely… in lust. Granted, deeply in lust, but nothing more. Absolutely not. Only a fool would fall for a woman whose heart belonged to another man.

Shaking off all ridiculous thoughts of being smitten, Daniel escorted Carolyn down the corridor to the drawing room. The dogs pranced after them, followed by the cats, who strolled along at a more sedate pace.

"So is this all of your family?" she asked.

"All the furry sort who reside here. There's a feathered fiend by the name of Naughty, but he's not presentable enough to meet a lady."

"Oh, yes. I recall Katie mentioned a parrot. I'm most curious as to why he's named such. I'd like to make his acquaintance."

Daniel coughed to hide his horrified laugh. "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid you cannot meet Naughty."

She lifted her brows. "This from the man who said he'd grant any request I made?"

"You do not want to meet Naughty. He used to reside in a pub frequented by very unsavory sorts who taught him very inappropriate phrases. I assure you he is very aptly named."

She halted, bringing them to a stop, and planted her hands on her hips. He heard a muffled tapping sound and realized it was the toe of her shoe hitting the carpet. "I've never heard a bird talk before. I'm sure he's delightful."

"He's a menace."

"Consider me duly warned."

"You'll be shocked."

"I'm not as delicate as you think. Perhaps I can teach him some manners."

"Doubtful. He's very set in his ways." Noting the determined glint in her gaze, he narrowed his eyes. "Are you always this stubborn?"

She lifted her chin a bit higher. "Occasionally. When I want something."

"Would you like to know what I want?" Without giving her a chance to reply, he snatched her against him and covered her mouth with his. She gasped, effectively parting her lips, and he deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring the delicious warm silk of her mouth. She melted against him, entwined her arms around his neck and mated her tongue with his. A groan vibrated in his throat. Bloody hell, how had he survived the last quarter hour without kissing her?

He pulled her tighter against him, lost in the feel and scent of her, and kissed her as if he were famished and she a twelve course meal. His body hardened and he settled one hand over the luscious curve of her bottom and slowly rubbed himself against her. By God, she just tasted and felt so damn good.

A series of barking sounds broke through the haze of desire engulfing him, and he slowly raised his head. And moaned at the sight of Carolyn's flushed face and moist, kiss-swollen lips. She blinked her eyes open and he stared into their aroused depths. He then flicked a scowl down at his quartet of dogs, all of whom stared up at him with curious gazes. Part of him wanted to banish the beasts for interrupting his kiss, but he grudgingly admitted that if they hadn't, he would have pressed Carolyn against the corridor wall, lifted her skirts, and shocked the entire household.

Damn it, what was wrong with him? The way she robbed him of his control was both troubling and irksome, and becoming more of pressing problem. How did she make him forget all sense of time and place like that?

"Heavens," she murmured, reclaiming his attention. "You're very good at that."

He swallowed the humorless sound that rose in his throat. Gratified as he was to hear her say so, he felt like an uncouth, groping green lad. "I could say the same to you."

She seemed to suddenly recall where they were and stepped back. As much as he didn't want to release her, he forced himself to do so. If for no other reason than to prove to himself that he could.

"Since you're determined, shall we go see Naughty?" he asked.

Her lips twitched. "I thought I just had."

"I meant the parrot."

"Oh. In that case, I accept."

They continued down the corridor, dogs trotting at their heels. When they entered the library, they were greeted by a loud squawk. Blinky and Tippy settled themselves at the base of Naughty's large dome-shaped cage and stared at the colorful bird with the zeal a highwayman would bestow on a money-stuffed purse.

"Lady Wingate, this is Naughty. Please do not say I didn't warn you."

"Hello, Naughty," she said.

Naughty sidestepped around his cage then fixed his beady, black-eyed gaze on Carolyn. "Lift your skirt, hussy."

Daniel pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head. He'd known this was a mistake.

"Goodness, you are naughty," Carolyn said.

"Drop your drawers, strumpet," suggested Naughty.

"I'm afraid I cannot," Carolyn said in a perfectly calm voice, "as I'm not wearing any."

Daniel nearly choked on his laughter. Carolyn threw him a sideways glance. "Are you certain he learned these things in a pub and not from you?"

Daniel placed his hands over his heart. "I swear. I would have taught him useful phrases."

"Hmmm. I'd think you'd consider 'lift your skirt' and 'drop your drawers' very useful."

He moved to stand behind her and slipped his arms around her, encircling her waist. "Is that an offer?" he asked, nuzzling her fragrant neck with his lips.

"Certainly not. Especially since, as I just pointed out to your parrot, I'm not wearing any drawers."

He lightly bit her earlobe, and absorbed the slight tremor that ran through her. "If you keep reminding me of that, we won't get out of this room until sometime tomorrow."

She turned in his arms and he looked down into eyes filled with an intoxicating mixture of arousal and mischief. "But you promised me tea. And biscuits."

The word biscuits brought a sharp yap from Droopy.

"There are other things I'd much rather give you." he said, giving her pelvis a light nudge with his.

"Oh? Diamonds? Emeralds? Pearls?"

He raised one hand and cupped her breast. "Among other things."

She leaned into his touch, her nipple pebbling beneath her gown. "Now who's being Naughty?"

"Beautiful lady, beautiful lady," squawked the parrot.

Daniel smiled into her eyes. "Now that's the smartest thing he's ever said. And he says plenty, believe me."

"So I've gathered."

"Give us a smooch," said Naughty.

"You heard the parrot," Daniel said in a perfectly serious tone. '"Give us a smooch.'"

With a laugh, she raised on her toes. "If you insist."

His lips brushed over hers and he fought against the urge to deepen the kiss. Forced himself to keep the contact light-if for no other reason than to prove he could remain in control.

"Let's have a tup, lady."

Daniel raised his head and shot Naughty a glare. It was definitely time to get Carolyn away from his chattering bird. "Time for tea," he said, taking her hand and leading her toward the door.

"What's a 'tup'?" Carolyn asked.

Daniel dragged his free hand down his face and tugged her out of the room. "It's an… unladylike term."

"For what?"

"Carnal relations." Instantly, a plethora of images bombarded him. Of him and Carolyn, naked bodies entwined, engaged in carnal relations. A film of sweat coated the base of his spine and he clenched his jaw.

When they reached the drawing room, he deliberately kept the door open-just to prove to himself that he could. That he didn't need to touch her. Or kiss her. That he was perfectly capable of not doing so. That he could win the struggle to retain the gentlemanly restraint she so effortlessly stripped from him.

So instead of giving in to the overwhelming desire to lock the door and drag her to the floor, he went to his desk and withdrew a piece of vellum. "What were those French phrases that will save me?"

She'd just finished repeating them when Katie entered bearing the tea tray. Daniel noted that although the young maid's lip was still swollen and bruises still marred her face, she looked much better than she had last evening.

"How are you feeling, Katie?" he asked.

"Much improved, milord, thank ye," she answered, setting the tray on the table in front of the settee.

"Are you certain you feel well enough to be working already? There's no need to rush."

"I'm fine, milord. And wouldn't dream of takin' advantage of yer generosity." She straightened and clasped her hands in front of her. "I'm grateful not only for ye seein' my injuries treated, but fer givin' me this position." She swallowed. "I'd 'bout given up on thinkin' there were still decent people in this city." She shifted her gaze to Carolyn. "And my thanks to you, too, my lady. Ye were so kind to me." Her bottom lip trembled. "And Gertrude as well. She reminded me so much of my mum. Died last year, my mum did. I miss her somethin' awful."

"I'm so sorry for your loss," Carolyn said. "And I'm glad you're feeling better."

"Thank ye." She offered a quick curtsy then quit the room, leaving the door open, as she'd found it.

"Shall I pour?" Carolyn asked.

"Thank you." His gaze drifted to his dogs, who sat lined up on the hearth rug like pigeons upon a branch, their gazes riveted on the plate of biscuits. "You have a rapt audience," he said with a chuckle.

After serving them both-and tossing each dog a biscuit-she sipped her tea, then stared into the hearth at the low-burning flames. Darnel's gaze roamed over her, taking in her glossy hair, delicate features, and lovely pale green muslin gown. Bloody hell, she was stunning. Literally, as she completely stunned him, not only with her beauty, but her wit. And intelligence. And that devilishly mischievous streak. And the passion that sizzled beneath the surface of that perfect, ladylike exterior.

He was just contemplating how she would react to him pulling her onto his lap when she turned toward him.

"I have a proposition to offer you," she said.

"Yes," he said without hesitation.

"Yes what?"

"My answer is yes. To your proposition."

She blinked. "You don't even know what it is."

"I cannot fathom not liking anything you might suggest. Especially if it's anything like what I was thinking."

"And what were you thinking?"

"That I'd like to drag you onto my lap and slip my hand beneath your gown."

She looked toward the ceiling, but a smile teased the corners of her mouth. "Again you're thinking of sensual matters."

"Not at all. Clearly you didn't hear the word 'gown,' which makes it, once again, a clothing matter."

"Certainly an activity ripe with appeal and possibilities. However, my proposition-at least this one-concerns Katie and her employment situation."

"You mean her position here?"

"Yes. Daniel, I suspect you do not really require another maid. That you offered the job to Katie simply out of kindness. And if that is indeed the case, well, I'd like to hire her."

His brows rose. "You're in need of a maid?"

"Not exactly."

"Then why? You think her unhappy with her position here?"

"Not at all," she said quickly, shaking her head. "But I thought about this all morning, wondering if I should broach the subject with you. Seeing Katie just now convinces me my idea is sound. She's obviously grateful to you, and your offering her the position was very kind and generous. But considering her circumstances, I wonder if she might not feel more comfortable in a woman's household. Plus, she clearly took a strong liking to Gertrude, as Gertrude did to her."

She paused, looked down into her steaming cup, then again raised her gaze to his. "Plus, those things you said, about feeling useless and unfulfilled and how helping those in need has lessened those sentiments… I know all about feeling useless and unfulfilled, and have yearned for an enterprise to help chase them away. I find your efforts with your animals and now with helping Katie very admirable. Honorable. And I'd like to be a part of them. I thought offering Katie employment in my household could be a first step." Uncertainty flashed in her eyes. "That is, if you wouldn't mind my help."

For several seconds Daniel simply stared at her, stilled by the unexpected emotions her words elicited. After clearing his throat, he said quietly, "It's been a very long time since anyone has used the words 'admirable' and 'honorable' to describe anything I've done, Carolyn."

"I find that difficult to believe."

"You shouldn't. They certainly haven't always described me. I'm not certain I deserve them now."

Her gaze searched his, a frown marring her brow. "Based on your actions, on what I've observed, I'm certain you do. And I'm certain Samuel would say the same. And Katie. And all your animal friends, if they were able to do so."

She set aside her teacup then reached out to lay her hand on his. Heat rushed up his arm, and his heart ridiculously skipped at the simple touch. "You should be proud of what you've done, Daniel. Of what you're continuing to do. And I'd be proud and honored to help you. In any way you'd allow me to do so. And I'd be delighted… and relieved… to be doing something useful."

He looked down and studied her pale, slim hand resting on his. Bloody hell, he liked the way it looked atop his, so small and delicate. Liked the way it felt, so warm and soft. Liked the way it seemed as if it belonged there. A displaced piece of a puzzle that he hadn't even known was missing.

He rarely found himself at a loss for words, but this woman had a way of tying his tongue into knots. Of flooding him with such unexpected emotions he couldn't even begin to figure them out, let alone verbalize them. She'd spoken to him as if she considered him some sort of hero-a huge error on her part, as he knew damn well he wasn't. But how could he tell her that? He'd never told anyone…

He dragged his gaze up to hers, and realized by her high color and embarrassed expression that he'd remained silent too long.

"I beg your pardon," she murmured, slipping her hand from his. "I didn't mean to-"

He grabbed her hand and pressed it between his palms. "I'd be honored to have your assistance, Carolyn. Your offer to employ Katie is very generous and your reasoning is both sound and wise. We can put the proposition before her and allow her to decide. As for the animals, you may be sorry you've offered once your calm household is overrun with crazy canines, felines, and the odd rabbit or two. Or twelve. Believe me, chaos will reign."

Her smile was tentative at first, then bloomed fully, and he felt as if the sun had emerged from behind a cloud. "My household could use a bit of chaos. And I'm very fond of animals."

"Excellent. Shall we start you off with four dogs, two cats, and a very mouthy parrot?"

"If I thought you'd part with any of them, I'd take you up on that offer. But 'tis obvious you adore them."

He heaved a sigh and glanced at his four dogs and two cats, which all lay in a huddle on the hearth rug, heads resting on each others' backs and rumps. "Don't know how that motley bunch managed to get under my skin," he grumbled.

"It's because you've a soft spot inside."

"More like a soft spot in my head."

She smiled, and he felt as if he were slipping into a stupor.

Bloody hell, it seemed that he also had a soft spot right where he didn't want one. And had never before had one. Right in his heart.

Well, he'd have to shore up that unexpectedly vulnerable point very quickly because this interlude with Carolyn was nothing more than an affair. A lighthearted, temporary liaison. To even for one moment consider it something more would be the height of foolishness. Her heart belonged to her husband's memory-she'd made that patently clear. His heart was his own-and he'd be wise to keep it that way.

A lighthearted, temporary liaison.

Yes, that's what this was supposed to be.

So why did it suddenly feel so… unlighthearted? So… intense? Or was it sudden? Had it always been so all-consuming? Bloody hell, he didn't know. And why, when he tried to imagine himself with a woman other than Carolyn, did his insides seem to curdle in protest? Why did no other woman's face materialize in his mind?

Again, he didn't know. And damn it, he was afraid to examine those questions too closely for fear of what he'd find.