Whirlwind Wedding

Chapter 15

Robert, Caroline, Miles, and the dowager duchess stood in the foyer of Austin's London town house, surrendering their shawls, jackets, hats, and bonnets to Carters.

"Where are the duke and duchess?" Caroline asked the butler after he'd finished seeing to their outer garments.

"In the library, Lady Caroline. I shall announce you."

Robert watched Carters stride down the corridor. Stopping in front of the library door, he knocked discreetly. After nearly a minute passed he knocked again.

When another full minute passed with no response, a knot of worry pulled Robert's insides. With Bow Street Runners turning up dead and now Austin not answering the door… damn it all! Turning to Miles, he asked in an undertone, "Do you think something is wrong?"

A concerned frown knitted Miles's brow. "I don't know, but based on recent events, I'd say it's possible."

"Well, I'm not going to stand about in the foyer any longer," Robert whispered. He strode down the corridor, Miles right behind him. Footsteps echoed behind them, indicating the others had followed as well.

"Is something amiss, Carters?" Robert asked.

Carters drew himself up straight as a stick. "Certainly not. I am merely waiting for his grace to bid me to enter."

"Are you certain he's in the library?" Miles asked.

"Positive." Carters knocked once more, again receiving no response.

Robert and Miles exchanged glances. "The hell with this," Robert muttered. He reached around Carters and opened the door, ignoring the butler's outraged gasp.

Stepping over the threshold Robert halted so abruptly, Miles slammed into his back and nearly knocked him over.

He puffed out a relieved breath. Clearly his worries for his brother's well-being were unfounded for Austin was obviously in fine form and unquestionably… healthy.

He held Elizabeth in a close embrace, kissing her passionately. Robert suspected Austin's broad back kept everyone from seeing whatever else they were up to. As it was, they all heard Elizabeth's unmistakable sigh of pleasure.

"Ahem!" Robert cleared his throat.

Austin and Elizabeth appeared not to notice.

"AHEM!" Robert tried again, louder.

Austin raised his head. "Not now, Carters," he growled not bothering to turn around.

"Sorry to disappoint you, old man, but it's not Carters," Robert announced.

Austin stilled. The unwelcome sound of his brother's voice brought a vicious oath to his lips that he barely managed to smother. Emitting a startled gasp, Elizabeth tried to move from his embrace, but he kept her firmly clasped to him, reluctantly withdrawing his hand from inside her bodice. He looked at her and stifled a groan of longing. With her cheeks flushed with color, her lips moist and swollen from his kisses, and her coiffure not nearly so neat as it had been ten minutes earlier, she looked absolutely perfect.

He muttered a savage curse under his breath. He needed to do something about his brother. Throwing him into the Thames crossed his mind. Yes. That was an idea that definitely had merit. He turned to greet his unexpected guest only to discover that Robert was not alone. Miles, Caroline, his mother, and Carters all crowded in the doorway.

Carters stepped into the room, his normally blank face a picture of distress. "Forgive me, your grace. I knocked several times but-"

Austin cut off his words with a wave of his hand. "It's all right, Carters." Damn it, in all fairness, the man could have pounded on the door with a hammer and Austin doubted he would have heard him. "You may return to your duties."

"Yes, your grace." Jerking his jacket into place, Carters turned on his heel and quit the room, but not before leveling a sniff of disapproval in Robert's direction.

Austin's mother came forward and extended both hands. "Hello, darling, hello, Elizabeth. How are you?"

His mother was clearly so delighted to see them, some of Austin's annoyance evaporated. While Elizabeth greeted the others, he bent and kissed his mother's cheek. "I'm very well, Mother."

An elegant brow quirked in obvious amusement. "Yes, I can see that." She leaned close and said in an undertone, "Don't worry, dear. We're staying at Miles's town house."

He hoped his relief didn't show. After greeting Caroline, he nodded curtly at Miles, then glared at Robert. "What brings you all here?"

"Robert and Miles were traveling to Town," his mother said, "and invited Caroline and me to join them."

"It's a wonderful surprise," Elizabeth said. "We're delighted to see you."

Robert had the distinct impression Elizabeth spoke only for herself when she made that statement, as Austin looked anything but delighted. Now that he knew Austin and Elizabeth were all right, relief washed over him, easing the tension gripping his shoulders.

There were serious matters to discuss, but Robert couldn't speak of them in front of the women, and if he immediately asked Austin to leave the room, he knew his mother and Caroline, and no doubt Elizabeth as well, would be all a-twitter with curiosity. He had no desire to explain the real reason behind this visit to them.

While Elizabeth offered her guests seats and made arrangements for tea and refreshments, Robert approached his brother, who hadn't moved from his spot on the other side of the room. Austin greeted him with an arctic glare.

"I'm newly married Robert. Perhaps you've forgotten?"

"Of course I haven't forgotten."

"Then what the hell could have possessed you to come here uninvited, dragging them along with you?" Austin jerked his head in the direction of the others, but his chilling gaze never left Robert's face.

Before Robert could reply, Austin continued "So when are you leaving?"

"Leaving? Why, we've only just arrived." A devil inside him made him ask, "Aren't you happy to see us?"

"No."

"Pity. And here I thought to save you from the boredom you're no doubt starting to feel after three interminable days of marriage. Obviously you're dumbstruck with gratitude."

"Get out."

Robert made a tsking sound. "How incredibly ungracious you've become since you've wed."

Austin leaned his hips back against the huge mahogany desk, folded his arms across his chest, and crossed his ankles. "You have exactly two minutes to tell me everything you wish to say, then you will, regrettably, have to leave. Mother says you're all staying with Miles. Surely you wish to get settled."

Shooting a surreptitious glance across the room, Robert saw that the ladies were busy chatting. He raised his brows at Miles, who immediately excused himself from the women and joined Robert and Austin across the room.

Stepping closer to Austin, Robert said in an undertone, "There is actually a particular reason Miles and I are here."

"You mean other than to plague me?"

"Yes. But it's something we must discuss in private."

Austin narrowed his eyes on his brother's face. It was sometimes difficult to tell when Robert was teasing, but his grave expression seemed genuine. Miles, Austin noted appeared equally intense.

"Perhaps we could retire to your study?" Miles suggested.

Austin alternated his glance between their serious expressions. "All right."

He had a strong suspicion that he was not going to like what Robert and Miles had to say.

He definitely hadn't liked what Robert and Miles had to say.

A dead body on his property. A Bow Street Runner. Alone in his study, Austin paced the Axminster carpet, his thoughts in turmoil, his gut churning with tension. There was no doubt in his mind that the dead man was James Kinney.

Bloody hell, no wonder Kinney hadn't shown up for their meeting. The poor fellow had been lying facedown in the bushes, half of his head blown away.

Robert's words echoed in his mind. We thought it best to remove Caroline and Mother from the property, just in case there s a lunatic prowling about, although the magistrate said it was most likely a robbery.

Robbery? Austin shook his head. No, Kinney had been bringing him information about Gaspard. And now Kinney was dead.

What had he discovered? Whatever it was, it was important enough to have been killed for. And there was no doubt in his mind who had killed him.

He raked a shaking hand through his hair. It was clear that Gaspard was not only a blackmailer, but a murderer as well. A murderer who claimed to have proof that William was a traitor. A murderer who could at any moment, expose that information and ruin Austin's family.

I won't allow that to happen. What the hell would happen to Mother and Caroline? To Robert? To Elizabeth?

Damn it! What a mess. Kinney must have been killed the night they were supposed to meet… shot in the head poor bastard. Probably the gunshot was what had spooked Myst-

He went completely still.

Elizabeth's words came back to him, drumming through his brain. In my vision I was certain I heard a gunshot. I sensed death. Very strongly. I'm just so thankful you weren't shot.

God Almighty. He grabbed the arm of the settee for balance and slowly lowered himself onto the cushion, the ramifications crashing over him like falling bricks.

There was only one possible explanation for her words-only one way she could have known.

She'd known there was danger at the ruins. She'd envisioned a gunshot-and death. Only instead of him being the victim as she'd thought, James Kinney was.

She didn't merely possess uncanny intuition, she could actually see events from the past. Events from the future. How could that be? It boggled his mind. There was no scientific or even logical explanation for her bewildering talent, but he could no longer deny it existed.

Elizabeth's visions were real.

And if her visions were real…

His heart and breath both stalled. That first night he'd met her… in the garden… she'd told him that she'd seen William.

And she'd claimed he was alive.

Jesus. Could his brother be alive?

Elizabeth answered the urgent tapping on her bedchamber door. Austin strode inside. "Are we alone?" he asked.

"Yes." She closed the door and looked at him. Her smile immediately faded. "What is wrong?"

"I need to speak with you."

"About what?"

He approached her, halting when only a foot separated them. "Touch me," he whispered. When she hesitated he reached out and grabbed her wrists. "Put your hands on me." He flattened her palms against his shirt and laid his hands on top of hers. "What do you see?"

Confused by his request, but moved by the urgency in his voice, she splayed her fingers over the fine lawn. His heartbeat thumped against her palms. Myriad images flashed through her mind and she closed her eyes, trying to make sense of them. And suddenly she did.

Her eyes flew open. "You discovered something about the gunshot I heard. Someone was shot."

He nodded slowly. "Yes. His name was James Kinney. He was the Bow Street Runner I'd hired to find Gaspard. He had information for me."

"And someone killed him."

"Yes."

"Gaspard?"

"I believe so." He drew a deep breath. "Elizabeth, the night we met you told me William was alive." He pressed her hands more firmly against him. "Are you certain? Can you see him? Can you tell me where he is?"

She went utterly still. For the space of several heartbeats, she stopped breathing and hot tears pushed at her eyes. "Dear God. You believe me. You believe I can see things."

His gaze burned into hers. "Yes, I believe you. There can be no other explanation for the things you know. Can you help me find William?"

"I… I want to, but I don't know if I can. I have little control over the visions. They're unpredictable. Sometimes when I most want to see things, I can't."

"Will you try?"

"Yes. Yes, of course." The quiet desperation in his voice galvanized her to action. Taking his hands, she clasped them between her palms and closed her eyes. She prayed she'd see the answers he sought, but she did not. Determined she concentrated harder, stronger, until her head felt ready to burst. And then she saw it.

Opening her eyes, she looked at his grave face and wished she had better news.

"Did you see anything at all?"

"He's alive, Austin. But… he's in danger."

His face paled. "Where is he?"

"I don't know."

"Is he being held against his will?" "I'm sorry… I cannot say."

He slipped a folded letter from his pocket and handed it to her. "Can you tell anything from this?"

She pressed the vellum between her palms and closed her eyes. "I feel evil. Menace. I feel a connection to William. Whoever wrote this is somehow connected to your brother." She opened her eyes and handed him the letter, which he tucked back into his pocket.

"Did you see anything else?"

"Only a vague impression that we shall soon have to travel somewhere." She studied his face, which appeared set in stone, and her breath caught. "Dear God you're planning to go back to the riverfront."

"I have to. It is more imperative than ever that I find Gaspard."

She nodded slowly. "Very well. But I'm going with you."

"Absolutely not. Gaspard is even more dangerous than I'd thought. I cannot allow-"

"I cannot allow you to go without me. I may be able to sense his presence, and I simply refuse to argue with you. As for the problem of bringing a lady to the riverfront, there is an easy solution."

"There certainly is-leaving you at home."

"I shall disguise myself as a man," she continued as if he hadn't spoken. Taking advantage of his stunned silence, she rushed on, "Don't you see it's a perfect plan? I'm certainly tall enough to pass for a man. All we need to do is dress me appropriately and hide my hair under a hat."

"There is nothing appropriate about that suggestion, Elizabeth."

"It would be inappropriate only if one of us told someone. I have no intention of doing that. Do you?"

"What if someone saw through your disguise?" He shook his head. "Bloody hell, did I actually ask that question? As if I were considering this madness?"

"Are these places well lit?"

"No, but-"

"Are they crowded?"

"Usually, but-"

"Then I see no cause for worry. I shall simply be another man in a semidark, crowded room." She lifted her chin a notch. "Now, how do you propose we go about getting me some gentleman's clothing?"

"I don't recall agreeing to this insane scheme of yours."

"Perhaps not, but I'm certain you meant to." She squeezed his hands. "This will work, Austin. I know it will. I can help you find Gaspard. I can help you find William."

Austin studied her earnest face. Without a doubt, he believed her. She could help him. But he didn't want her help at the price of her safety.

"Let me do this for you," she said quietly. "At least allow me to try. Just once."

He exhaled slowly, hating himself for considering her offer, but unable to disregard it. How could he contemplate turning down an opportunity to find William alive? And to stop Gaspard's schemes?

He fixed his gaze on her. "I suppose we could try-"

"Of course we can."

"You will remain by my side-"

"Every moment. I swear."

"I don't believe you've allowed me to finish a sentence in the last five minutes."

"limmm. You may be right. Of course, look at all the time I've saved us."

Slipping his hands from between hers, he cupped her face. "I won't allow any harm to come to you. I swear it."

A tender smile pulled at her lips. "I know, Austin. I feel perfectly safe with you."

Warmth spread through him at her simple statement. Her obvious faith and trust in him humbled him. And filled him with guilt. Damn it, he was using her, her abilities, to his own end, but he had to find Gaspard. And William. Dear God, William…

"What time do you want to leave this evening?" she asked jerking his thoughts back to the matter at hand.

"My family and Miles are joining us for dinner, although I'm not certain how that came about, and then they are all going to the theater. We'll depart on our mission after they leave."

"Won't they wonder why we're not going to the theater?"

"I doubt it. We're newly married. I'm sure they'll assume we'd rather spend time here by ourselves."

Her cheeks flushed. "You mean they'll think we're…" Her voice trailed off into embarrassed silence.

Stepping closer, he drew her into his arms and pressed his lips to the sensitive skin just below her ear. "Yes, they'll think we're making love."

"How utterly… scandalous. What on earth will your mother think of me?"

"She'll be thrilled that we're getting on so well." He studied her flushed face. "Are you certain you're up to joining me this evening?"

"Of course. You know how robust I am."

"Indeed I do." He dropped a quick kiss on her forehead and stepped back. "Now I must go to Bow Street to report what I know about James Kinney. I'll see you in the drawing room at seven."

Austin sat through dinner that evening wishing his family would take their leave. He had much to think about, mainly the fact that William was probably alive. And in danger.

How the hell had the military authorities mistaken the matter of his death? Where was he? Was he still engaging in traitorous activities? Ah, William… how did I fail you?

But it was impossible to properly collect his thoughts with his family present. His normally self-contained mother was all but bouncing in her seat at the opposite end of the table, enthusiastically chatting with Elizabeth.

Caroline and Robert were engaged in a lively dis-agreement punctuated by lots of eye rolling and when their mother wasn't looking, stuck-out tongues, a favorite childish gesture neither had outgrown. Austin noticed that Miles was the only silent member of the group, no doubt because the man couldn't wedge a word in anywhere.

The moment the meal ended Austin stood and walked to the foot of the table where Elizabeth sat. "If you'll excuse us, I believe Elizabeth and I shall retire. Enjoy your evening." Holding out his hand he assisted her to her feet, his fingers wrapping around her gloved hand.

Caroline's eyes widened. "Retire? At this hour?"

"Yes," Austin said calmly, purposely ignoring the smirks Miles and Robert weren't even attempting to hide.

"But it's so early! Don't you want-" Caroline's words snapped off and she glared across the table at Robert. "Did you just kick me?"

"Yes. But only because I can't reach you to stuff my napkin in your mouth." He waggled his fingers at Austin, then winked at Elizabeth. "Good night, Austin. Sweet dreams, Elizabeth."

Without further ado, Austin led Elizabeth from the dining room and up the stairs. He didn't pause until he'd closed his bedchamber door behind them. Leaning against it, he surveyed his wife's flaming face.

"Heavens above, I'll never be able to face them again," she said pacing across the rug. "They all think we're doing that?

An overwhelming desire to do that slammed into him like a fist to his gut. He was restless and edgy and the mere thought of touching her ignited him. Pushing away from the door, he walked toward her. As she paced by him, he reached out, snagged her arm, and pulled her against him. Looking into her startled eyes, he murmured "Well, as long as they all think so, we shouldn't disappoint them."

"I thought you wanted to leave as soon as they depart for the theater."

He reached behind her and began unbuttoning her bodice. "I do, but it will take them half an hour to ready themselves. Besides, you need to get into your costume, and as long as you'll be out of this gown, I suggest we make the most of the opportunity." Slipping the last button free, he eased the gown down her arms, then let go. It puddled at her feet.

"Heavens. No doubt I should develop the vapors at such a scandalous suggestion."

He trailed his fingertips over her breasts. "Vapors? Shall I ring for the hartshorn?"

"That won't be necessary. Fortunately I possess a most-"

"Robust constitution. Yes, that is indeed… for-tunate."

"Oh, my. Your tone indicates a need for stamina. What did you have in mind? A race?"

"Well, I do want to leave in half an hour." Her chemise joined her gown at her ankles. The sight of her, naked and impossibly beautiful, a half shy, half devilish smile lighting her face, tightened his throat. Bloody hell, she moved him like no other woman ever had.

This feeling she inspired in him confused and confounded him. It was more than wanting. It was a need. A soul-wrenching need to touch her, feel her.

He drew her into his arms and kissed her deeply, endlessly, his muscles straining with the effort of bringing her closer, holding her tighter. Turning them, he backed her against the wall, pinning her in place while his mouth devoured hers and his hands skimmed down her sides.

She responded to his every touch, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing herself against him until he could feel her heart slamming against his own.

"Austin… please…"

Her plea snapped something inside him. Please. God yes, please. He was about to burst. He needed her. Now. Now.

Reaching between them, he all but tore his breeches open, then hauled her upward. "Wrap your legs around me," he ground out in a voice he didn't recognize.

With wide eyes, she obeyed and he slipped inside her. Her heat engulfed him, squeezing him in a velvety fist. Gripping her hips, he moved within her, his thrusts rough and fast. His brow beaded with sweat and his choppy breathing burned his lungs. With one final thrust, his climax battered him. Burying his head against her shoulder, he clenched his fingers into her hips, and for an endless moment, he pulsed inside her, spilling his seed and part of his soul into her.

It took a moment for sanity to return. When it did he lifted his head and looked at her. Her eyes were closed her face pale. Guilt hit him like a rock.

What the hell was wrong with him? He'd just taken his wife against the wall. As if she were some dockside whore. Without a thought to her feelings or pleasure. He'd probably hurt her. He looked down and saw the red marks his fingers had branded on her hips. She must think him a monster.

As gently as he could he eased himself from her. Her legs unclasped from his waist and slid down. She would have sagged onto the floor if he hadn't grabbed her. Damn it! She couldn't even stand! How badly had he hurt her?

Holding her with one arm around her waist, he brushed a tangled auburn lock from her forehead. "Elizabeth. God. I'm sorry. Are you all right?"

Her eyelids fluttered and slowly opened. He braced himself for the condemnation he knew he'd see in her eyes, the angry words he deserved.

Her golden brown eyes focused on his. "I'm utterly marvelous. Who won?"

"Won?"

A small smiled played around her lips. "The race. I believe I won, but I'm willing to concede."

"I… didn't hurt you?"

"Certainly not. Of course, my knees feel like porridge, but that is an affliction that happens every time you touch me." Concern clouded her eyes. "Did I hurt you?"

Relief hit him so hard his own knees nearly sagged. A lump lodged in his throat and he had to force the word around it. "No."

He needed to explain, to apologize, but how could he explain what he didn't understand himself? He never lost control like that. He didn't know the words, but he certainly owed it to her to try.

Before he could speak, however, she brushed her lips over his. "I believe we still have ten minutes left," she whispered against his mouth. "Do you really want to spend them talking?"

A half laugh, half groan escaped him. He should have known to expect the unexpected from her. Bending, he scooped her up into his arms and headed toward the bed.

As long as she was willing, there were at least half a dozen things he wanted to do in the next ten minutes.

And talking was most definitely not one of them.