Whirlwind Affair

Chapter 13

It took every ounce of Robert's concentration and will to act normally as he escorted Allie to the massive oak doors. With six softly spoken words she'd literally knocked him sideways. I think we should become lovers.

He simultaneously cursed and blessed the fact that they'd arrived just then-cursed it for preventing him from reaching for her and taking her up on her offer right then and there. Yet blessed it for saving him from saying or doing the wrong thing, granting him a reprieve to gather his thoughts-which would surely be easier once his brain commenced functioning again.

God knew he wanted to be her lover. But he wanted much more than that. The fact that she'd suggested such an arrangement both pleased and aroused him-almost unbearably. Yet it also somehow left him with a distinctly uneasy feeling he could not identify. The irony of the situation hit him full force, and he shook his head. He'd paced a ditch in the floor last night, then sat for five hours in that bloody carriage trying his damnedest to think of a way to get her to want him, only to discover that she did. He stifled a frustrated groan. If only she'd voiced her heart-stopping suggestion five hours earlier…

The doors opened, and they entered the foyer. "Good afternoon, Lord Robert, Mrs. Brown," Fenton said with a bow. "Everyone has been anxiously awaiting your arrival."

"All is well with the duchess, I trust?" Robert asked, handing his hat to the stately butler.

"Yes, sir. The duchess's… pains," he colored slightly, "started this morning. The last report sent down indicated all is moving along nicely. Her Grace is most robust."

"Ah. So the babe will most likely make its appearance today. Excellent news. And the duke?"

A slight wince creased Fenton's thin face. "About as well as can be expected, sir."

Amusement lifted Robert's lips. "Ranting, raving, pacing, and scowling at the clock, is he?"

"That sums it up nicely, sir."

"His hair?"

"Quite standing on end."

"Cravat?"

"A disaster. Kingsbury is most distraught."

Robert leaned toward Allie. "Kingsbury is Austin's valet. The man simply cannot abide untidy neckwear. What about everyone else?"

"Lord William departed yesterday to oversee a business matter in Brighton for His Grace. Lady William and their daughter accompanied him," Fenton reported, taking Allie's bonnet and spencer.

Robert laughed. "Managed to escape, did they?"

"Yes, sir. The children are napping in the nursery, and your mother and Lord and Lady Eddington are in the drawing room"-he coughed discreetly into his hand-"with His Grace."

"Egad. How long have they been stuck in there with him?"

Fenton consulted his timepiece. "One hour and thirty-eight minutes."

"Good lord, they deserve a medal." He turned to Allie. "Would you like to freshen up, or simply jump into the fray?"

"I'd like to meet everyone first… unless I look in dire need of repair?"

His gaze traveled slowly downward, then back up to her face. "You look lovely." And I want nothing more than to muss you up.

A delicate blush colored her cheeks. "Then by all means, on with the introductions."

"Lead the way, Fenton." He extended his arm to Allie and bludgeoned away the image of them, naked, entwined in each other's arms. "You can meet the family and help rescue them all in one fell swoop."

She curved her hand around his arm, and he clenched his teeth, banishing another heated image of them in his bed. Maintaining his outward composure was going to be a challenge indeed. He could not recall the last time he'd felt so unsettled and frustrated.

Damn. How long before he'd be able to get her alone again? To finish their interrupted conversation? He did not know, but first he had to greet his family. Perhaps seeing them would distract his thoughts from Allie.

"Lord Robert and Mrs. Brown," Fenton intoned at the entrance to the drawing room.

Allie stepped over the threshold into the spacious, brightly lit room. Two women and a gentleman, all wearing unmistakable expressions of relief, rose from the brocade sofa near the fireplace and made their way toward them. Another gentleman, with badly mussed dark hair and his cravat horribly askew, stood near the French windows on the far side of the vast room.

Allie slid her hand from Robert's arm and stepped away from him, drawing in a much-needed deep breath. It was nearly impossible to concentrate when she touched him, stood close enough to breathe in his heavenly scent of masculine soap and freshly laundered clothing. As much as she wanted to see Elizabeth and meet her family, she wished their arrival could have been delayed just a few more minutes. What had Robert been about to say? Had he been about to accept her offer? Reject it? Nothing in his demeanor or expression since the footman had opened the carriage door had provided a clue.

How could she hope to act normally in front of these people when her thoughts churned in such turmoil? Just do what you've done for the past three years. Pretend all is well. Straightening her spine, she offered what she hoped passed for a friendly smile to the approaching group.

A beautiful, regal woman with pale golden hair and dark blue eyes extended her hands to Robert. "Darling, I'm so glad you've arrived."

Robert bent and kissed both of her cheeks. "Mother, you look"-he straightened, a smile dancing around the corners of his mouth-"stunning, as always. Certainly much too young to once again hover on the brink of grandmotherhood."

Her eyes twinkled at him. "Which, of course, I am."

"Mother, may I present Mrs. Brown. My mother, the dowager duchess of Bradford."

She turned to Allie and offered her a welcoming smile. "Mrs. Brown. I am very happy to make your acquaintance. Elizabeth has told us so much about you, I feel I know you already."

Allie bobbed into what she hoped was an acceptable curtsy. "A pleasure to meet you, Your Grace."

A smiling, younger version of Robert's mother joined the group, followed by a handsome, dark-haired man.

"My sister and brother-in-law, Lord and Lady Eddington," Robert said.

The petite blonde waggled her fingers at Robert, murmuring under her breath, "We thought you'd never get here, brother dear." She then grasped both of Allie's hands. "Mother is absolutely correct. We all feel as if we know you already."

"Thank you, Lady Eddington."

"Piffle. You must call me Caroline."

"I am honored. And please, call me Allie." She smiled at Caroline's husband and offered a curtsy. "A pleasure, Lord Eddington."

He smiled and two deep dimples creased his cheeks. "Likewise, Mrs. Brown." He nodded toward Robert, then said in an undertone, "Your presence is most welcome. I've been unable to engage him. Perhaps you can before he wears a hole in the carpet."

Robert's glance flicked toward the approaching duke. "Do I detect a note of desperation in everyone's voice?"

Before anyone could answer, the duke joined the group. Robert extended his hand. As the two men shook hands, Allie took measure of the man who had won Elizabeth's heart. He was, in a word, breathtaking. Tall, handsome, compelling. And clearly in such a state of near panic her heart went out to him. He turned to her and she was struck by his resemblance to Robert. Except that this man's eyes were gray. And worried.

Dropping into a curtsy, she said, "It is an honor to meet you, Your Grace. Thank you for your generous invitation to stay in your home."

He took her hand and bowed over it. "The pleasure is ours, Mrs. Brown. Indeed, the anticipation of your arrival has kept Elizabeth's spirits at an all-time high. She is most anxious to see you." His gaze flew to the doorway. "Did I just hear a cry? Was that Elizabeth?"

Caroline shot Robert a meaningful look. "Austin, calm yourself. There was no cry. The babe won't arrive for hours yet."

He paled and raked his hands through his badly disheveled hair.

"Come on, old man," Robert said, clapping a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Let us repair to the billiards room and allow the ladies to get better acquainted. Before you rip out all your hair and Elizabeth is forced to live with a bald man."

"Thank you, Robert, but I'm not in the mood for billiards."

Robert turned to Lord Eddington. "Since Austin is obviously terrified of losing to my vastly superior skill, might I interest you in a game, Miles?"

There was no missing Lord Eddington's relief. "Certainly. I was hoping for a game earlier, but Austin declined. He clearly also fears my skill at the billiards table."

An inelegant snort escaped Robert. "You have no skill at the billiards table."

Lord Eddington spread his hands and shrugged. "Yet Austin fears losing to me."

The duke bounced an annoyed glance between Lord Eddington and Robert. "Don't imagine for even one second that I don't know what you two are doing. And it is not going to work. I’ve no desire to play games at a time like this."

"Certainly not," Robert agreed. "But all this hair-yanking and hand-wringing and pacing about is clearly distressing Mother and Caroline. And that Axminster you're trampling into a threadbare state is, I believe, a favorite of both your wife and mother."

"I rather like it as well," Lord Eddington added helpfully.

"You see? It's unanimous," Robert declared. "And just think of how much happier Elizabeth will be when we send up a report that you are frolicking in the billiards room rather than destroying her favorite rug."

The frigid glare the duke shot him could have frozen the air between them. Allie watched Robert and his brother stare at each other for a long moment, and some silent communication seemed to pass between them.

Finally the duke heaved a lengthy sigh. "Very well. I'll go to the billiards room. But don't think you'll have me in there all afternoon." He jabbed a finger at Lord Eddington. "Afraid to lose to you? I could beat you with my eyes closed."

"And I could beat you with my eyes closed," Robert challenged his brother with a smug smile.

The duke swiveled his gaze to Robert and raised his brows. "You cannot possibly believe that."

"Oh, but I do. In fact, I'd be willing to put a fiver on it. Of course, if you're afraid-"

"It is going to be a great pleasure to relieve you of your five-pound note," the duke said with a grim smile. "In fact, I’d be happy to relieve you of more than that. Shall we say twenty?"

Robert frowned and stroked his chin. "Can you afford to lose that much? You are about to add another mouth to feed, you know."

"I believe the coffers can handle the sum should the need arise, which it won't. The question is, can you afford it?"

"Yes, however, I won't need to."

"One of us is incorrect," the duke said.

"Indeed. And you know that I am never wrong," Robert replied. He nonchalantly buffed his nails against his lapel. "Actually, I think my 'always-rightness' is one of my most appealing qualities, second only to my-"

"Inflated pompousness?" the duke broke in.

"Nooo," Robert said in a tone one might use with a small child. "Second only to my extraordinary-and dare I claim unbeatable?-skills with a cue stick."

"You do indeed beg to be beaten with a cue stick," the duke said. "I'll await you in the billiards room." He all but stomped from the room.

Caroline, her husband, and her mother all expelled sighs of relief. "Thank you, darling," the dowager duchess said. "He's been pacing about like a caged bear with a thorn in its paw ever since Elizabeth experienced her first pain. He's driving us all quite mad." Reaching up, she patted Robert's cheek. "A game is just what he needs to distract him. And I'll be certain to replace your twenty pounds."

Robert raised his brows. "Such a lack of faith, Mother. What makes you think I'll lose the wager?"

"I realize you're a good player, darling, but so is Austin. To best him with your eyes closed? Surely you don't think you can."

"We shall see." His gaze rested on Allie's. "You know I always play to win."

Allie spent a few minutes exchanging pleasantries with Caroline and her mother, then asked to be excused. "I'd like to freshen up, if you don't mind."

"Of course you would," Caroline said, looping her arm through Allie's. " Elizabeth has put you in the ivory guest chamber. I'll take you up now."

"I'll stay here," the dowager duchess said with a regal smile, "and enjoy the quiet and lack of pacing."

As soon as they turned into the corridor, Caroline leaned close and confided, "Poor Austin. He has been simply beside himself. Of course the rest of us are just as anxious, but Austin is simply incapable of masking his anxiety."

"There's no problem-?"

"Oh, no. Elizabeth is doing beautifully. The midwife sends down word every quarter hour. If she did not, Austin would simply steam up the stairs and burst into the birthing room. It is the way of men. Miles was precisely the same way when our daughter was born. Mother tells me our father was the same, and Claudine says William suffered more than she did. And I'm certain Robert, for all his jovial calmness, will be a candidate for Bedlam when his turn for impending fatherhood arrives."

A jittery feeling edged through Allie's stomach at the thought of Robert being a father. Having a wife. Jittery? her inner voice taunted. You idiot. That is jealousy.

" 'Tis a good thing it is women who have babies," Caroline said as they climbed the wide staircase. "Heavens, if the task were left up to men, humanity would cease to exist. At the very first labor pain, pfft!" She snapped her fingers. "They would promptly kill themselves."

A chuckle tickled Allie's throat, but she was engaged in trying not to tumble down the wide staircase as she gawked at the splendor surrounding her. "This is the most magnificent house I've ever seen." A tremendous crystal chandelier, which held what appeared to be hundreds of candles, sent rainbow prisms of light bouncing off the cream silk-covered walls. Everywhere she looked, her eye lit on something lovely-artwork, porcelain vases filled with fragrant cut flowers, marble statues. Caroline led her around a corner. They passed by a huge gilt-framed mirror where she caught a glimpse of her dumbfounded expression.

" Elizabeth wrote to me about Bradford Hall," she said, "but her words did not do this justice. It is strange to think of her living in such luxurious surroundings. I am very happy for her good fortune in meeting your brother. She loves him very much."

"And Austin utterly adores her," Caroline said. "Quite unfashionable, you know, for a man in his position to make a love match, but it really was love at first sight." She heaved out a dreamy-sounding sigh. "It was so romantic. And such a whirlwind courtship. But of course that is not surprising, as such breathless courtships are a family tradition." They paused in front of a door, which Caroline opened. "This will be your bedchamber."

Allie crossed the threshold and gasped. The room was simply stunning. Done entirely in ivory, soft green, and gold, it looked as if it belonged to a princess. A thick green and gold Persian rug covered the floor. A cheery fire burned in the marble fireplace, and shafts of sunlight streamed in through the French windows, which were flanked by pale green velvet draperies. A huge four-poster bed dominated the room, the elegant counterpane made of alabaster satin embroidered with gilt thread. An escritoire sat near the window, inviting one to write letters while looking out over the verdant landscape.

"Beautiful," Allie said, turning in a slow circle.

Caroline indicated a long cord near the head of the bed. "If you need anything, day or night, just pull that cord." Caroline's smile dimmed as her glance flickered down to her black clothing. " Elizabeth did not mention you'd suffered a recent loss… I'm so sorry."

Warmth crept up Allie's neck. She hated lying, but in some cases, the truth was worse. "My loss is not recent. It's been three years since my husband…" She allowed her words to fade off, rationalizing, as she had for a long time now, that if someone drew the incorrect conclusions, that was hardly her fault, and it kept her from telling an outright lie.

Caroline instantly looked distressed. "Forgive me. I did not mean to pry or bring up sad memories." Crossing the room, she clasped Allie's hands. "But we intend to see to it that you are very happy during your stay. Do you ride?"

"Yes. In fact, I enjoy it very much."

"Then I suggest, given the lovely weather, we take a ride while the gentlemen play billiards. Do you have a riding habit?"

Embarrassment heated Allie's face. "I’m afraid not." She looked down at her black gown. "Can I not wear this?"

"Oh, yes," Caroline assured her hastily. "It's just a shame to risk one's everyday clothing to the dirt and odors of riding." She looked her up and down. "We are of a similar height and size. I would be happy to lend you one of my riding ensembles." Before Allie could object, Caroline added, "While I do not have a black one, I have a dark brown one."

Allie hovered on the brink of indecision. She should not, of course, borrow someone else's clothing. But the temptation to wear something other than black… to throw off the outward mantle of mourning, to go out into the sunshine and ride with this lovely, smiling, friendly woman who had the same eyes as Robert, was nearly overwhelming. But something inside her knew that once she took that irrevocable first step, there would be no turning back.

"Thank you, but I'll wear one of my older gowns," she said before she could change her mind and give in to the need.

Caroline squeezed her hands, then headed toward the door. "The offer stands, should you reconsider. I'll change and meet you back here in thirty minutes?"

"All right."

Caroline smiled at her from the doorway. "I'm so glad you're here, Allie. I promise we'll keep you occupied until Elizabeth is back on her feet. Perhaps by the time we return from our ride, the babe will have arrived. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

A new baby… Allie slapped back the wistful longing that threatened to sneak up on her. "Yes."

With a smile and a wave, Caroline departed and Allie wandered to the window. Her bedchamber faced the front of the estate. Verdant lawns stretched around a seemingly endless curve of tree-lined drive. The cheerful song of chirping birds sounded from the trees, and leaves shimmered with golden strands of afternoon sunshine in the light breeze. Oh, Elizabeth, I'm so happy for you. That you found this wonderful place and these delightful people. And now await the birth of your second child. You deserve every bit of happiness. And while it was undeniably odd to imagine Elizabeth among all this opulence, she could easily imagine her fitting in this pastoral country setting.

Her gaze lingered on the cobbled drive below. Less than an hour ago she'd ridden on that very drive and asked Robert to be her lover. A rush of warmth spread through her, filling her with need and longing and trepidation.

What would his answer be? And was he thinking about it right now?

The instant Robert and Miles entered the billiards room, Austin demanded, "All right, Robert. The only reason I'm here is because you gave me 'the look.' Obviously you need to tell me something. What the bloody hell is so important?"

Robert raked his hands through his hair. Indeed, it had nearly taken an act of Parliament to drag Austin away from his self-imposed post in the drawing room. It wasn't until he'd given Austin the wordless signal the siblings had devised in childhood to indicate that something was amiss that Austin had agreed to come to the billiards room. And while he had no desire to add to Austin 's worries, he could not delay any longer in telling him about the disturbing incidents in London.

Speaking quickly, he brought Austin and Miles up to date. When he finished his recitation, both men regarded him with grave expressions.

"We experienced no problems on the journey here from London," Robert said, "but I don't feel this is over. With Michael on his way to Ireland with the note and the magistrate looking for the culprit, hopefully the bastard will be caught soon. But in the meanwhile, we need to take extra precautions. I do not want Mrs. Brown-or any of the women-to go about alone until this mystery is solved."

Austin nodded slowly. "I'll alert the staff, instruct them to report any unusual activities." A determined glint entered his eyes. "No one will be harmed." He then laid a hand on Robert's shoulder. "I'm glad neither of you were hurt. You did well getting Mrs. Brown here safely."

Robert's jaw clenched. "Not good enough. That bastard could have killed her." His hand tightened into fists. "He'll not have another opportunity, I can promise you that."

He watched Austin and Miles exchange a quick, speculative glance. Austin then remarked, as if choosing his words carefully, "Mrs. Brown is clearly a determined woman who stands strongly by her beliefs. A trait to be admired, especially in light of the hardships she's faced doing so. I can understand why she and Elizabeth are so close-they are very much alike in that respect."

"Yes. She is most certainly a woman to be admired," Robert agreed, meeting Austin 's gaze steadily, not caring a whit if his brother guessed his feelings for Allie. If he had his way, everyone would know before long. "If you two will excuse me, I'm going to check on the ladies. Make certain Caroline hasn't dragged Mrs. Brown off somewhere." He nodded at Austin. "I'm assuming you won't leave the house."

Austin raked his hands through his hair. "You assume correctly."

He tossed Austin a glossy, polished cue stick. "Practice up, brother. When I return, you're going to owe me twenty pounds."

When Robert found the drawing room empty, he continued out the French windows to the sun-splashed terrace where he was greeted by the sight of his mother enjoying tea and biscuits with her lively grandchildren. Pirate, his giant canine body stationed strategically near the table, gobbled up the biscuit crumbs as quickly as they hit the ground, and in some cases, before they made it that far.

Raising a hand to shield his eyes from the bright sunlight, Robert scanned the area for Allie and Caroline, and was relieved to note their figures in the distance, walking toward the terrace from the direction of the stables.

"Uncle Roboo!" a little voice squealed. Returning his attention to the wrought-iron table, he saw Caroline's two-year-old daughter Emily jump from her chair. She ran toward him, launching herself into his arms.

He caught her, then twirled her like a top, laughing at her delight. "Ah, Miss Tickles, I've missed you," he said as he stopped.

She pressed a sweet, biscuity, giggly kiss to his cheek. "Again!"

Before he could oblige her, Austin and Elizabeth's son James attached himself to Robert's leg like a burr. "Me twirl," James demanded with all the authority of a three-year-old heir to a dukedom.

"Well, if it isn't Lord Mischief-Maker." He scooped up the boy, settling him on his other arm, then circled around with his passengers until they were all breathless. When he finally halted, the world still twirled around him.

James favored him with a lopsided grin. "Feel spinny."

"Me, too," Robert said with a laugh. "How about a biscuit, little man? I'm hungry after all that." He set the child down, and James immediately ran, rather unsteadily, toward the table.

Emily, still in his arms, placed her little hands, fingers splayed, on each side of his face, and turned his head toward her in order to ensure his full attention. Robert couldn't help but smile at the sprite. He made the funny face he knew she loved, then blew noisy kisses into her soft, sweet-smelling neck. She squealed with delight, grabbing two little fistfuls of his hair.

"Oh, you're the biscuit," he said, widening his eyes. "I'll just eat you all up!" He burrowed deeper into the crevice between her chin and shoulder, making exaggerated eating noises.

He lowered himself to his knees, and was immediately set upon by James, who, biscuit in hand, climbed on his back and commanded, "Horsey!" Pirate loped toward the trio, tail wagging, following the trail of sugary crumbs James left in his wake. He greeted Robert with a canine grin and a friendly swipe of his tongue across Robert's hand.

Laughing, Robert looked up, then stilled. Allie and Caroline were climbing the stone steps to the terrace. Caroline was chattering away, Allie nodding, one of her rare smiles curving her lips. His heart seemed to stall, then race ahead of itself. She looked flushed and happy, young and carefree… the girl from the sketch.

Everything around him seemed to fade away. Except her. And then she turned and looked at him.

Allie's footsteps faltered as she found herself looking directly into Robert's intent gaze. A little girl who looked like a miniature version of Caroline sat in the crook of his arm, her small hands wreaking havoc with his hair. Indeed, the child had raised two tufts of dark hair on his head that resembled devil's horns. A small boy who she knew had to be Elizabeth 's son hung on his back, demanding his attention, while a huge dog nudged his hand with its snout.

But his attention was completely focused on her. A frisson of awareness sizzled between them, frightening in its intensity. She pulled her gaze away, looking at the children clinging to him. They clearly adored him, and he them, a fact which brought a hard lump to her throat. This was a man who would someday make a wonderful father.

Caroline's voice sifted through her stupor, breaking the spell. "That little imp is my daughter Emily," she said with a smile. "And the other devil-the smaller devil, I should specify," she said, pointing to Robert and the boy, "is Elizabeth and Austin's son James."

"They're darling," Allie said. The dog suddenly raised its head to look at her, and Allie drew in a sharp breath.

"Don't be frightened," Caroline said as the huge beast trotted toward them, tongue lolling. "Pirate may be huge, but he is very gentle."

"I'm not afraid," Allie assured her. She patted Pirate's soft white fur, then gently ran her fingers around the dark brown patch surrounding his left eye-the only spot of color on his otherwise snowy coat. This was clearly the dog Robert referred to as Barking Horse. "Indeed, I feel as if I were greeting an old friend. He looks exactly like Patch, Elizabeth 's childhood pet. She left him with our family when she traveled to England. He was too old to make the journey." She scratched behind the dog's ears, and his tail thumped with pleasure. "We loved him dearly."

" Austin knew how much Elizabeth missed her dog, so he searched practically all of England to find one that looked just like her beloved Patch."

"He succeeded," Allie murmured, smiling as Pirate looked up at her with an adoring expression that clearly begged for more behind-the-ear scratching. A feeling she could not describe pulled at her insides at the knowledge that the duke had gone to such lengths to please Elizabeth. Allie well knew how difficult it had been for Elizabeth to leave Patch behind. She wouldn't have had to do so if not for me… if I hadn't made her leave.

"Well, I believe you've now met every member of the family," Caroline said.

"Not quite," came a deep voice from behind them.

They all turned. The duke stood by the French windows, his smile reflecting joy, relief, and weariness. "I've just come from Elizabeth 's chamber. There is now one more member of the family that you all will need to meet."