Authors: Sandra Lea Rice
Late into the morning, Angeline woke. Her head ached and her eyes were puffy from crying. Tossing back the tangled covers, she slid from the bed and made her way to the water closet. After splashing cool water on her face, she dressed in a simple morning gown, brushed and secured her hair at her nape, and hurried downstairs. Perhaps a walk would help clear her thoughts. There were plans to be made for her return to England. She knew convincing Adrian to let her leave wouldn’t be easy.
As she passed the morning room, Virginia glanced up and smiled brightly, a piece of paper clutched to her chest.
“There’s to be a party to celebrate the wedding of a friend of ours. They’re having a dance and something we call a
barbeque
as part of the celebration. It’s only two weeks away, so we’ll have to hurry if we’re to be ready.” Virginia clasped her hands together under her chin. “It will be such fun.”
Joel and Adrian chose that moment to enter the room and, seeing the expression on Virginia’s face, and the paper clutched in her hand, spun in unison to beat a hasty retreat.
“Oh, no you don’t. Both of you stop there.” Virginia grabbed Joel by the arm and sent Adrian a sharp glance.
Adrian leaned his hip against the back of a chair, crossed his arms over his chest, and waited. He hadn’t even acknowledged her, and Angeline was even more determined to leave. Being around him was just too uncomfortable.
“We’ve been invited to the Johnson’s for their daughter’s wedding.” Before the men could respond, Virginia held up a staying hand. “It’s to be a party with a dance and barbeque. Everyone, absolutely everyone, will be there. It should be so much fun, and Angeline can see what it’s like. Say we might go, please?” She kissed both men on their cheeks.
Adrian gave a muffled laugh before sending Angeline a searching glance.
“Just when is this
event
?” Joel asked.
Virginia responded eagerly, still holding her husband’s arm. “In only two weeks’ time. There is so much to do to get ready.”
“I believe Windsford doesn’t attend parties and such anymore.” Angeline stared pointedly at Adrian.
“It’s true he doesn’t have much time, but he’s always in demand,” Virginia replied. “My brother is considered quite a catch.”
“One to be thrown back, no doubt,” Angeline mumbled. Her eyes locked with Adrian’s, his sharp and intense.
Joel patted his wife’s hand indulgently. “We might as well give in now.”
“I suppose you’re right.” Adrian uttered a feigned sigh.
“You are both such dears.” To Angeline, Virginia said, “We need to see what we can find to wear. There is just never the right thing.”
Before Angeline could speak, Virginia barreled on, “You must be hungry, having just come downstairs. I’ll have a maid bring some toast and tea to your room while we decide what to take with us. It will be your first party here and a chance to introduce you to most of Houston’s best families—and eligible bachelors.”
Virginia’s last comment effectively wiped the smile from Adrian’s face.
As they reached the landing, Virginia called for Shirley. Within moments, Shirley bustled into Angeline’s room.
“There’s to be a party in two weeks and we’re to attend,” Virginia exclaimed happily.
Not wanting to dim the other woman’s excitement, Angeline pasted a smile on her face. It had been a long time since she’d attended anything of a social nature and the prospect wasn’t altogether unappealing.
“That’s plenty of time,” Shirley replied calmly, throwing open the wardrobe doors.
Virginia peered inside. “Oh, there are some lovely things here.” She laid several across the bed. From the back of the wardrobe, she pulled a gown of silver tissue silk. The light caught in the threads as she held it up. “This is absolutely stunning.”
Angeline studied the gown. “I don’t remember this one.”
“The gown belonged to your mother, my lady,” Shirley replied. “There’s a stole to match. With just a few alterations, it should fit perfectly.”
“Would you accompany us, Shirley? We could use your help, and you’ll enjoy yourself as well. I believe Frank Bates will be coming.” Virginia sent a sly glance in Shirley’s direction.
“Of course, since you need me.” Shirley busied herself with the dresses.
“How very thoughtful of you.” Virginia winked as Shirley blushed profusely.
Angeline meandered through the soft grass on her way back to the house. The lake, though not large, was quite lovely, and she’d enjoyed her walk. At the sound of a horse approaching, she raised her head to find Adrian mounted on his big bay gelding.
Ducking her head, she picked up her pace, irritated when he dismounted to walk beside her.
“James is a bright lad and learns quickly,” he commented, his gaze focused straight ahead.
“I didn’t realize you’d seen him.” Angeline refused to look at him.
“Of course. I take
all
my responsibilities very seriously.”
“Have you had any contact with Ashley Manor or Edward Thornby?” She slowed her steps, with Adrian keeping easy pace beside her.
“I received a short message from Thornby, letting me know the receipts are in order and all is well. That was just today. I did plan on telling you.”
Angeline decided to broach a subject she’d been curious about. “Where did you find the funds to pay off all the accounts and take care of the servants? I know there wasn’t that kind of money available.”
Adrian paused. “I had my man of business look into it.” He tilted his head, then deftly changed the subject. “Are you unhappy here?”
“That’s something I wish to discuss with you. My birthday is in a few months and I’ll be one-and-twenty.” She saw him stiffen. “I plan to return to England and Ashley Manor at that time. I will have reached my majority and will no longer be in need of your protection.”
“No, I will not allow it. Majority or not, you cannot go back there, and you most definitely need my protection.”
Angeline placed her hands on her hips and faced him. “You won’t allow it? I don’t see that it’s your decision to make. I’m not
asking
you, Adrian, I’m
telling
you. If you will not allow me to stay at Ashley Manor, then I shall hire a companion and move to the house in London left to me by my mother. My inheritance will see me quite comfortably settled for a long time.”
He practically vibrated with anger. “I said no and I meant it. I will not let you go.”
Angeline lifted her chin. “I am leaving.”
“Like hell you are. If I have to lock you in your room, you’ll not leave here.” He shook his finger in her face. “It isn’t safe for you to go back. If you think turning twenty-one will stop a lunatic like Charles Malcolm, you are badly mistaken.”
Thunder rumbled and they both glanced up as heavy, black clouds rolled across the sky accompanied by flashes of lightening.
“We should get inside before the storm hits.” His eyes narrowed on her. “This isn’t finished, Angeline.”
“Adrian, you know you cannot stop me from leaving.”
“I can and I will.” With that, he turned on his heel and strode for the barn, leaving her gaping after him.
The storm hit with vicious intent. Wind buffeted the house while rain beat against the windowpanes. Even as a child, Angeline had been frightened of storms, but since the death of her father during a particularly violent one, her fears had worsened.
The ormolu clock chimed. Midnight. She tossed back the covers and slipped from her bed, making her way through the darkened halls to the study. There were rows of books lining the shelves, and she knew no one would mind her borrowing one. Perhaps if she read for awhile, the storm would pass and she would then be able to sleep.
When she pushed open the door, she was startled to find a lamp burning on the desk. Adrian’s gaze pinned her, obviously surprised to see her, then swung to a spot across the desk. Hers followed. The forms of two other men were partially hidden in the shadows.
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize . . .” she began.
Joel stepped into the circle of light cast by the lamp, followed by Michael Harrington.
Angeline’s gaze encompassed both men as her emotions tumbled from confusion to comprehension, then hurt. She spun and rushed for the door.
“Angeline, wait,” Adrian called out.
Her shoulders slumped and she leaned her forehead against the door. When she once again faced them, it was Michael she regarded first.
“Angeline, please let me—” Michael started, only to pause when she raised her hand to silence him.
“First, I am made to leave my home and all that meant anything to me. We’ve traveled partway around the world to people we really didn’t know, and never once did anyone think to ask me how I felt or what I wanted.”
She stepped toward Michael. Tears slipped unheeded down her cheeks. “You were the one sent to meet me?” She studied his face for a moment. “Did he pay you, Michael? Did he pay you to have dinner with me? To spend all that time with me? Did the two of you have a good laugh,” her voice caught, “when you discussed with him all that I’d shared with you in confidence? I trusted you, Michael. I really believed you understood how I felt. You grounded me when I felt so very lost.”
She held out a staying hand when Michael reached for her. Slowly, he lowered his hands to his sides, a look of anguish on his face.
Her gaze moved past him to Joel. “All the mornings we’ve spent talking, and you never once told me you knew each other. I thought we had become friends.”
Joel tipped his head back, a pained expression crossing his features. “We
are
friends. Our only desire was to protect you.”
Angeline furiously brushed the tears from her cheeks. “I had the right to know if there was a reason I needed protection. Did you once stop and consider how I would feel if I found out? No, of course not. I’m just a woman.”
Joel spread his hands in appeal. “We both wanted to tell you, we just didn’t know how.”
Her gaze flicked to Michael. “I hope the deceit was worth it, Captain. And as for you . . .” She shot a lethal glance at Adrian. “There is nothing left between us. In a few months I will be gone and there is naught to stop me. From the moment I kissed you and you left England, I promised myself I would never forget you. I waited for you, Adrian, hoping foolishly that perhaps one day—” She choked back a sob. “Know this, my lord. From the day I leave here, I will do my best to forget I ever knew you.”
Their stunned faces brought home to her what she’d just admitted. Covering her mouth with her hand, she fled the room.
She could hear a man’s quick footfall behind her, and she broke into a run. When she reached her room, she pushed the door shut behind her and slid the bolt. Nothing was as she believed, and no amount of wishing things were different would change it.
“Angeline, open this door,” Adrian whispered from the other side.
“Go away, Adrian. I don’t want to see you.”
She stumbled to the bed. Crawling onto the deep mattress, she pulled her knees up to her chest and gave way to a torrent of tears, the culmination of months, years of pain and anguish. She cried for the loss of her father, her home, those she loved and had left behind. And for the loss of a dream she now realized as only a young girl’s fantasy. How foolish she’d been to believe she could ever have anything with Adrian.
Without warning the mattress moved, and she found herself held against a man’s damp, warm chest. Adrian. She should have protested, but she wanted to feel his arms around her, if only for one final moment.
“Please forgive me, my sweet Angel.” She could hear the steady beat of his heart.
Gently, he lifted her face and brushed the hair from her wet cheeks. “I would never intentionally hurt you. Please believe that.” He kissed her tears away.
Angeline pushed ineffectively at him. “Just leave me.” She beat against him with her fists.
Adrian held her tighter. “I cannot.”
After a few moments she slumped against him, her fingers clinging to the front of his sodden shirt, and sobbed.
“Go ahead, sweeting, cry.” He stroked her back. “Just trust me, please.”
Eventually, her tears subsided and her breathing became even in sleep. Adrian slipped from her bed, covering her with a thick quilt.
He, like others of his ilk, had been taught to protect women. He’d listened carefully as she’d stormed at them in his study. Keeping things from her, although inadvertently, had been the wrong thing to do and she resented it, and him, for it. But how much should he tell her?
What really surprised him was the reaction of the other two men, and what he’d seen written clearly on Michael’s face. Whether his friend would admit it or not, Adrian guessed Michael was in love with her. His stomach clenched at the thought of another man, any man other than himself, with Angeline.
He had a lot to consider, not the least of which was Charles Malcolm.
Angeline sat on the veranda, an untouched cup of tea growing cold in front of her. She looked up, then away, as Michael approached.
“Angeline, don’t turn from me. Just give me a moment.” The raspy sound in his voice revealed he probably hadn’t slept. “I can’t leave things the way they are between us.”
“There’s anything left to say.”
“There is.” He pulled a chair close to hers and sat, taking her hand in his. He ran his thumb lightly over her wrist and palm.
“Yes, Adrian asked me to assure your safe passage from England to Houston, but I didn’t plan to hide my identity from you. I was late coming aboard, and you arrived early. Each time I tried to tell you and failed, it became more and more difficult. I regret more than you know that I didn’t. You’re bright, intelligent and beautiful, and I wanted your company more than I should have. Everything, except my initial omission for being there, has been honest between us.”
Angeline wanted to believe him.
He lifted her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing first her wrist and then her fingertips. “Those things you told me in private have remained between us. I did not betray your confidence.”
As her eyes filled with tears, she nodded and wrapped her fingers around his.
“One of my men is to marry and I must return to Houston. There is so much more I would like to say, but it must wait. I know you plan to attend the party, may we talk then?”
“I’ll look forward to it,” she answered honestly.
Michael kissed her hand again and stood. “Until then.” He turned and strode toward the barns.
Virginia stepped onto the veranda and took a seat across from her. “Joel told me what happened. He is very distraught at the thought of upsetting you. He has come to care deeply for you, as have I. There was no intent to mislead you, I’m certain of it.”
“Perhaps not, but it changes nothing. I’ll still leave in a few months.” Angeline hated seeing the look of distress on Virginia’s face, but there was no reason not to be honest.
“Please say that’s not true. We’ve had so little time together.” Virginia gestured toward her husband who waited patiently nearby. “Joel is hoping to have a word with you.” She addressed her husband. “Would you prefer I leave?”
“No, my dear, please stay.” Joel pulled up another chair and sat down. “I offer you my most humble apologies, Angeline. Until I saw Michael in Houston, I had no idea things had gone awry and you didn’t know he was the one sent to escort you.”
“I see. All those men, was that for protection? And when Adrian told me not to ride alone, was that also out of concern for my safety?”
“Yes. The ranch hands and soldiers were all for your protection. As far as you riding alone, I should have thought of it myself.” Joel cleared his throat. “We meant no disrespect, Angeline. We are men who protect our women. That is all we intended.”
Angeline sighed. “Thank you for telling me. These last months have been very difficult.”
Still, nothing had really changed.
Adrian should have walked away from the open window when he realized Angeline and Michael were having a private conversation, but he hadn’t. Now he suspected Michael planned to ask for her hand.
He should allow it. Michael was a good man with much to offer any woman. But, Angeline?
His
Angeline? The thought made his blood run cold.
Adrian could no longer deny he wanted her.
Angeline stared from the coach window as they pulled into Houston. Gaslights cast a yellow glow over the storefronts and large, stately homes. The white paint and multi-paned windows of the hotel glistened, while its wide, oak door spread welcoming light onto the steps and portico through leaded glass.
Lowering the coach window as it came to a halt, Angeline murmured, “How stunning.”
Adrian’s gaze met hers before he opened the door and let down the steps. Unbelievably, she felt his fingers tremble as they curled around hers. As soon as her feet were safely on the ground, he released her hand and stepped back.
“This is so lovely.” Virginia gazed around happily from the coach door. “Where is Joel?” She offered her hand to her brother, who helped her alight.
“He’s inside making arrangements for our stay.” Adrian assisted Shirley from the coach. With a quick glance in Frank’s direction, he managed a curt, “Excuse me,” before striding away to join the other man.
Joel appeared at his wife’s side to usher them into the hotel. With only an hour before dinner, they hurried to their separate rooms to freshen up and change.
Angeline washed quickly and Shirley helped her into one of her simpler black dresses. The corset lifted her breasts alarmingly high and revealed an expanse of creamy skin.
“I wonder what torture they will think of next,” Angeline mumbled, fussing with the neckline.
“Stop tugging, my lady. ‘Tis a respectable gown and you look lovely in it. Let’s finish your hair so you can be off.” Shirley pushed her down onto the padded bench before the mirror.
With her hair arranged on top of her head and jet earrings in her ears, Angeline was finally declared ready. Shirley picked up the perfume bottle and squeezed the bulb, sending a light spray of rose-scented toilet water across Angeline’s bare shoulders.
“I can get myself undressed and into bed, Shirley. Go and enjoy yourself. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Thank you, miss.” Shirley bobbed a curtsy and exited the room.
Angeline felt distinctly uncomfortable at the attention her entrance garnered from the occupants of the room below. Nonetheless, she lifted her chin and continued down the last remaining steps, through the lobby and into the dining room.
Joel and Virginia had already seated themselves when Angeline started in their direction. Adrian met her in the middle of the room, irritation evident on his face.
“You should not be without an escort. Where is your maid?”
“Good evening to you too, my lord.” Angeline dropped into a slight curtsy.
“Do not provoke me, Angeline.” Gripping her elbow, he propelled her to the table where Joel and Virginia waited.
Virginia glanced from her brother’s sullen expression to Angeline and lifted a delicate brow. Angeline smiled reassuringly, all the while refusing to look at Adrian.
“What are the plans for tomorrow?” Joel asked, studiously trying to lessen the tension.
“The barbeque is in the afternoon, with dancing later in the evening. The following day is the wedding. Afterward, we can finish our shopping.” Virginia ticked off the planned schedule.
Joel quirked an indulgent brow. “
Our
shopping?”
She patted his arm. “Yes, dear,
our
shopping. Angeline and I have some personal items to buy as well as things for the ranch, and you will want to stop at the library to see if your book is in.”
“Oh, well, in that case . . .” Joel drawled.
The rest of the evening passed with Joel and Virginia doing most of the talking. At times Angeline would glance at Adrian to find him watching her, his expression dark and brooding. He remained withdrawn and silent, responding only when pressed.
Joel laid his napkin down. “Well, my dear, I for one would not mind an early night.” He sent Virginia a pointed look.
“I’ll go up as well.” Angeline rose, happy to escape Adrian’s probing glances.
Adrian came quickly to his feet. “I’ll
escort
you to your room to make certain you get there safely.” He placed his hand in the small of her back. The proprietary gesture surprised her.
After saying goodnight to Joel and Virginia, they continued up the next flight of stairs to her room. When Angeline turned, she found Adrian standing within inches of her. The heated look in his eyes sent any coherent thought skittering from her head. When his gaze slid to her mouth, she found it suddenly hard to breathe.
Then he stepped closer still, and her breathing stopped altogether as her heart thundered against her ribs. His hand slid slowly to her nape and drew her closer until his breath feathered across her lips.
“Do not tease me, Adrian,” she whispered. “That would be very cruel.”
“I would not do that, sweetheart.”
His lips touched hers softly, briefly, then again and again until she shivered and tentatively kissed him back. The slight rasp of his evening beard against her skin sent delicious heat through her body to pool in her belly. When the tip of his tongue traced the line of her lips, she responded by opening her mouth and stepping into him.
Instantly, his arms tugged her closer as his tongue slid between her lips to caress hers. An explosion of pleasure and need swept through her, his every touch urged her closer and closer, until she let her tongue dance with his. On a surge of yearning that was both pleasure and pain, she moaned and pressed against him.
He released her mouth to trace a line of moist kisses along her jaw, nipping the sensitive curve between her neck and shoulder. Her knees went weak, and she grasped the lapels of his coat to remain upright. Beneath her fingers, she could feel the rapid thud of his heart. His hands and mouth did remarkably wicked things to her senses until she felt hot and disoriented.
When his lips caressed the swell of her breasts, heat flooded the area between her legs and she arched against him. His mouth returned to hers in what could only be described as a predatory invasion; a plundering not just of her body, but of her wits.
Angeline met the thrust of his tongue with hers in the timeless dance of mating mouths and human desire, and thrilled to the sound of his deep groan.
When he skimmed his hands down her back to lift her against the hard evidence of his desire, she slid her arms around his neck. As her breath became ragged gasps, Adrian eased back from the kiss, and slowly pulled away.
“Go inside and lock the door behind you. Do not open it for anyone . . . including me.” Adrian reached around her to open the door. Dropping a quick kiss on her lips, he urged her into the room.
After she’d set the bolt, she heard his footsteps retreating.
Charles Malcolm veered away from the shadows in the hallway. His anger had risen when he’d been forced to witness Adrian’s hand on Angeline in the dining room. Then throughout dinner, Windsford’s eyes had all but devoured her. But the scene he’d just witnessed, at her door, had turned anger to blind fury.
The slut! If that was what she desired, he could accommodate her far better than Windsford could.
Adrian Spencer, the proverbial thorn in his side. He would see his plan well and finished this time. Charles slipped back down the stairs.