Whirlwind Wedding

Chapter 20

Late that afternoon, Austin stood alone in his private study, staring out the window, seeing nothing. When a knock sounded on the door, his hands clenched. If it was her-

He cut off the thought. "Come in."

Caroline entered the room. "May I speak with you?"

He forced himself to offer her a smile. "Of course. Please sit down."

"I'd prefer to stand."

He raised his brows at her militant tone. "All right. What did you wish to speak to me about?"

Clasping her hands in front of her, she drew a deep breath. "I'll start by saying that as my brother, I hold you in the greatest esteem and affection."

A tired smile tugged at his lips. "Thank you, Caroline. I-"

"But you're a complete nincompoop." Annoyance wiped the smile from his lips. "I beg your pardon?"

"Did you not hear me? I said you're a-"

"I heard you."

"Excellent. Would you like to hear why you're a nincompoop?"

"Not particularly, but I'm certain you're going to tell me anyway."

"Yes, I am. I am referring to this situation with Elizabeth."

His jaw clenched. "Situation?"

Blue eyes flashing, she said "Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about. What have you done to her?"

"What makes you think I've done anything to her?" "She's miserable."

"So everyone is determined to tell me."

She sent him a searching gaze. "I cannot fathom this icy indifference. I thought you two were so well suited but she is clearly unhappy, and you're stalking about like a bear with a thorn in its paw. I've never known you to treat a woman, even the most annoying woman, with anything but the most respectful manner. Yet you're treating your wife as if she doesn't exist."

She doesn't. The woman I fell in love with doesn't really exist.

"Austin." Reaching up, she laid her palm against his cheek, tenderness replacing all vestiges of anger in her eyes. "You cannot allow this unhappiness to continue. It is obvious to me that you care deeply for her, and she for you. Please, search your heart and find a way to solve whatever problems you and Elizabeth are having. Now. Before it's too late. I want you to be happy, and the pain I see in your eyes tells me you're not. But you were. And it was because of Elizabeth."

Her tender words curled around his heart and squeezed like a vise. Yes, he'd been happy. For a very brief time. But it had been based on an illusion. And while he appreciated Caroline's concern, he'd had more than enough of first Robert, and now her, interfering in his life.

They were not aware of the circumstances, and he'd be damned if he'd tell them, or anyone else, that his wife wished to dissolve their marriage. Not until it became absolutely necessary. If it turned out that Elizabeth was pregnant, they would have to make the best of their marriage.

A knock sounded. "Come in."

His mother entered. "Am I interrupting?"

"Not at all." He stared pointedly at the door. "Caroline was just leaving."

"Excellent. The coach is awaiting us for our ride through the park, Caroline. I'll join you in just a moment. I need to speak with Austin."

Caroline closed the door softly behind her. Austin propped one hip on his desk and regarded his mother. "Are you here to call me names, too?"

Her eyes widened. "Names?"

"My siblings have seen fit to call me a fool, an idiot, and my favorite, a nincompoop."

"I see."

"I'm gratified that at least my mother is above name-calling."

"Naturally. Of course, if you weren't already laid so low, I might be tempted to label you a pinheaded dolt, but under the circumstances, I'd prefer merely to tell you that it hurts me to see you, and Elizabeth, so unhappy." She took his hand between her own and squeezed it. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Bloody hell, he preferred the name-calling to this tender, warm concern.

"I'm fine, Mother."

"You're not," she corrected in a tone that belied further arguments. "I knew something was amiss when you sent Elizabeth to Wesley Manor so abruptly. The poor girl's misery is palpable. As is yours. I've never seen you so angry and distraught." Her gentle blue eyes rested on his. "Your father and I suffered through many misunderstandings when we first wed-"

"This is not a misunderstanding, Mother."

He hadn't meant his tone to sound so harsh. She studied him for a moment before speaking. "I see. Well, I can only tell you that with great love comes other powerful emotions. When you love hard you fight hard." A sad smile curved her lips. "Your father and I did both."

Sympathy pinched him and he squeezed her hand. His father's sudden death had devastated them all, but particularly her.

"She is your wife, Austin. For the rest of your life. For your sake, and for hers, try to solve whatever troubles are facing you and make a happy marriage. Don't let pride stand in your way."

He lifted his brows. "It sounds as if you think that I am to blame for the problems in my marriage."

"I didn't say that. But you are experienced and worldly whereas Elizabeth is not. She is going to make mistakes, some serious, some not, until she gains her footing in the world she's now in. Be patient with her. And with yourself." She pressed a soft kiss onto the back of his hand. "She is the right woman for you, Austin."

"Indeed? Are you the same mother who was apprehensive about my marrying an American?"

"I cannot deny I had some reservations at first, but I've spent the last three weeks getting to know my daughter-in-law. She is a lovely, intelligent young woman and has the makings of a fine duchess. And she loves you. And I suspect you feel the same way about her."

She offered him a gentle smile, then left the room. Austin stared at the closed door and exhaled a breath. His family was going to render him a candidate for Bedlam. He needed to get out of this house. Immediately.

Before he could take one step, however, his mother's words crashed over him. She loves you. Pain and anger combined with a bone-weary sadness, slumping his shoulders. His mother, Caroline, Robert-none of them knew how wrong they were about Elizabeth's feelings. She'd managed to fool every member of his family.

And I suspect you feel the same way about her.

Groaning, he raked his fingers through his hair. Yes, damn it, he loved her.

But he'd gladly give up everything he owned to make the damn feeling go away.

Austin strode into his private study at ten the next morning and halted at the unwelcome sight of Miles lounging in a wing chair. Damn it, if Miles had it in his mind to take up where his family had left off yesterday, Austin was bloody well going to plant him a facer. The urge to hit something was strong, and with very little provocation that something could be Miles.

Miles looked him up and down then slanted a pointed glance at the mantel clock. "Ten a.m. is a bit early for dressing in formal wear… or am I simply not privy to the latest fashion trend?"

"I'm not on my way out," Austin said barely keeping his impatience in check.

"Ah. Then you must be on your way in. From where, I wonder? You're looking a bit ragged about the edges."

"I was at my club, if you must know." Austin made an exaggerated show of looking about the room. "Where is the rest of my esteemed family? Hiding behind the draperies?"

"Your mother and Caroline are visiting the jeweler. Robert and Elizabeth are also out-where, I do not know."

Austin strode across the study floor, paused at the decanters, then moved on. He'd had more than enough brandy at White's last night. And instead of finding the oblivion he'd sought, all he'd gotten was a wretched throbbing headache… and a loss of several hundred pounds at the faro table.

"You seem nervous," Miles remarked from his chair.

He halted and realized with no small amount of irritation that he'd been pacing. "I'm not nervous."

"Really? I've seen gentlemen poised on the brink of imminent fatherhood who were more relaxed than you."

Imminent fatherhood. The casual remark stung like salt on an open wound. Smothering a vicious curse, Austin walked to the window and pulled back the curtain. Staring through the glass with unseeing eyes, he concentrated on bludgeoning back the torturous images conjured up by the words imminent fatherhood.

He'd almost succeeded when his attention was snagged by a hired hack stopping in front of his town house. The door swung opened and Robert stepped out, his lips pressed into a grim line. He reached in and offered a hand and Elizabeth alighted. Her face appeared pale, her eyes huge.

Austin's fingers gripped the heavy velvet draperies. Where the hell had they gone? And why the hell had they taken a hack?

As he watched Robert again offered a hand assisting another woman down. She was small and thin, a dull brown bonnet covering her hair. When she turned Austin saw her face.

Black bruises surrounded her eyes, and her bottom lip was swollen and cracked. Recognition hit him like a plank to the head.

It was Molly, the serving wench, the whore, from the

Filthy Swine. God Almighty, what the hell was going on? Did she have information about Gaspard? Why were Elizabeth and Robert with her?

Dropping the curtain back into place, he strode from the room, ignoring Miles's questioning look. He arrived in the foyer just as the trio walked through the door. Elizabeth and Robert supported Molly on either side. The ragged woman looked about ready to drop to the floor.

"Don't worry, Molly," Elizabeth was saying. "Just a few more steps and you'll be settled in a comfortable bed. Then we'll take a look at your injuries."

"What the hell is going on?" Austin asked his gaze alternating among the three of them.

Molly visibly recoiled at his harsh tone and cowered closer to Elizabeth.

"It's all right, Molly," Elizabeth said. She looked at Robert. "Will you escort Molly to the yellow guest chamber and instruct Katie to prepare a bath? I'll join you in a few moments."

"Of course." Easily supporting the frail woman's weight, Robert led her toward the stairs.

Elizabeth turned her attention to Austin. "May I speak with you? Privately?"

"I was about to make the same request," Austin said in a tight voice. Recalling he'd left Miles in his study, he led the way to the library and closed the door behind them. He watched Elizabeth cross to the center of the room, then turn to face him. Her face was completely devoid of color, and her eyes appeared like haunted circles against the stark background. The need to draw her into his arms nearly overwhelmed him, angering him at his own weakness for her.

He approached her slowly, deliberately. He'd half expected her to retreat, but she stood in place, her hands folded in front of her, her eyes steady on his.

When only two feet separated them, he halted. God how he missed her. Her warmth and smile. The sound of her laughter. Forget that! It's over. Gone. She doesn't want you.

Hurt and anger pumped through him, but he schooled his features into a cold mask and simply waited for her to speak.

Elizabeth stared at her husband's icy expression and her already cramped stomach tightened further. His glacial demeanor indicated she faced a battle with him, and it was one she was determined to win.

Lifting her chin a notch, she said "I suppose you're wondering why Molly is here."

He cocked a single brow. "How astute you are. Yes, I would like an explanation, not only as to why a whore is in my town house, but also how she came to be here."

Elizabeth's temper flared. "I don't want you to call her that… word."

"Why? That's what she is."

"Not any longer."

"Indeed? What is she now?"

She had so many things to tell him, and time was short. She had to examine Molly, and then she had to prepare for a trip. There simply wasn't time for elaborate explanations. Searching for a suitable answer to his question, one popped into her mind and she seized it. "She's now a lady's maid. My lady's maid."

If the situation had been the least bit amusing, she would have laughed at his shocked expression.

"I beg your pardon?"

"I've hired Molly to assist Katie with my, er, vast wardrobe."

His hand shot out, fast as lightning, and gripped her upper arm. "What nonsense is this?"

She tried to jerk her arm from his grasp, but he tightened his hold fueling her temper. "This morning I happened to touch the jacket I wore the night we went to the Filthy Swine, and I had a vision. I saw Molly being beaten and I had to stop it. I convinced Robert to take me to the docks-"

"Robert took you to the docks!"

"Yes." Fury flashed in his eyes and she quickly added "Please don't be angry with him. After I pleaded and explained the dire circumstances to him-that a friend was in terrible danger-he agreed to help me, but not until I'd promised to remain in the safety of the carriage. When we arrived we discovered Molly huddled in an alley, beaten and robbed."

She drew a deep breath. "She'd left the Filthy Swine the night we met her and taken a small room above a warehouse. The men who robbed her took everything she'd managed to save in the hopes of starting a new life." A shudder shook through her. "Dear God Austin, the reason she even had enough coins for someone to steal was because we gave them to her that night." Drawing herself up to her full height she said "I intend to help her."

"Yes, that much is clear." His fingers tightened like a vise around her arm. The chill had melted from his eyes, replaced by white hot anger. "However, did you even once consider the danger you placed yourself in by going there?"

"I did not go alone."

"Do you honestly believe that meant you were safe? You could have easily been beaten and robbed yourself. Or worse."

Under other circumstances, his anger, the heat in his gaze, might have led her to believe that he cared what happened to her.

But of course, he wouldn't want her harmed if she carried his child.

"Not only did you place yourself and my clearly idiotic brother in danger," he continued his voice a low growl, "but you obviously didn't consider how scandalous it is that you went to the docks and that you brought her here."

"Scandalous? To help a beaten woman? Well, I don't care. And if it's her former occupation that concerns you, I have no intention of sharing that information with anyone. Molly certainly is not going to boast about it, and I trust Robert to keep it a secret." She raised her brows. "Do you intend to tell anyone?"

"No." He let go of her arm and tunneled his fingers through his hair. "But servants gossip. Word is certain to get out."

"Then I'll simply deny it. You seem to think I'm an accomplished liar, so perhaps I should be. Who would dare doubt the word of the Duchess of Bradford?"

A humorless laugh escaped him. "Only me."

His words hit her like a slap, and she bit her lip to contain her distressed gasp. She searched his cold eyes for a long moment, mourning the loss of the warm caring she'd once seen there.

"I understand that you'd find this situation shocking, but dear God Austin, think of that poor woman. I haven't had the chance to fully examine her, but I'm certain she has several broken ribs, and she cannot hear from her left ear." Although she risked a scathing rejection, she reached out and touched his hand. "I know you're angry with me, but you have a kind heart. I cannot believe that you would turn away this helpless woman who has nothing."

A muscle ticked in his clenched jaw. "We can find a post for her on one of the estates. But you must understand that she cannot stay with you. If you will not think of the scandal to yourself, consider my mother's and sister's feelings."

She nodded relieved. "All right. And if it turns out I am not with child, you won't need to worry about Molly anyway."

The ice seeped back into his gaze. "Indeed? Why is that?"

"Because if I'm not pregnant, I plan to return to America as soon as our annulment is finalized. Molly can accompany me. She and I will both be free to make a fresh start."

"I see."

The tension in the air all but strangled her. She needed to see to Molly, and she longed to escape the stifling atmosphere surrounding her, but she couldn't leave the room just yet. Clearing her throat, she said "There's something else I must tell you."

He dragged a weary hand over his face. "Hopefully it isn't that you revisited the gaming hell and rescued half a dozen debt-ridden drunks."

In spite of his dark tone, a tiny smile tugged at her lips. "No, although that is an idea that has some merit."

His eyes narrowed to slits. "No, that is an idea that has no merit whatsoever?

Relieved that she appeared to have won the first battle with relative ease, she conceded the point. "Very well. But now I must tell you my other news. It concerns your brother."

His eyes glittered with menace. "Indeed? Well, I certainly shall discuss with Robert this visit to the slums of London."

"Not Robert. This news concerns William."

He went perfectly still. "What is it?"

"I know where we can find Gaspard."