Captive Hearts Read online

  “The honorable word of a Yankee prisoner wouldn’t hold a great deal of value for most, Lady Katherine.”

  “The honorable word of Lord Willingham’s nephew would. Even I know of your uncle’s reputation, Captain.

  Were you not worthy of his concern, he would not be here.” She shifted nearer and tipped her head back to look up at him, her fragile, feminine form only a foot away.

  Her skin smooth and flawless looked warm and soft. The sweet scent of violets teased his nostrils, making him aware of his unsightly appearance and the rancid smell emanating from his unwashed body. Never had he hated Hicks any more than he did in this moment.

  “You would be placing your name, and through association, your uncle’s in my trust, Captain Hamilton.”

  “You’d be marrying down, for though my uncle holds a title, my father didn’t,” he countered.

  Her chin rose. “I have always believed that a man’s worth is measured by how he conducts himself rather than the title he holds.”

  Her earnest sincerity triggered a smile. “The same could be said of a woman, Lady Katherine.” An unexpected flicker of pain crossed her features.

  He frowned at her reaction, his well-honed instinct for self-preservation sending prickles of alarm racing up the back of his neck.

  The cell door swung inward and Talbot Willingham stepped through the portal. His expression grave, his white brows puckered in a frown, his gaze swung from one to the other then settled on Matthew. “Lord Leighton is anxious to know if you have come to a decision.” Matthew ignored Talbot’s presence as he sought to delve into her carefully composed features. Even if they were able to annul the marriage, the process could take years and by then her reputation would be compromised.

  There would be no annulment, and he would be stuck with a wife he didn’t want.

  Why was she willing to go to such extremes? What trouble would he be accepting if he consented to her

  proposal? “It would seem a little trust is required to stretch a fair distance, for us both.”

  “Yes,” she said, her voice breathy and soft.

  Damn! He didn’t like placing his future, his life, in her hands, any more than he cared for Hicks’s control. He liked even less having no choice. “Aye, we have come to an agreement.”

  Conscious of the layer of grime staining his skin, he offered her his hand. Surprising him, she accepted it without hesitation. Though her hand felt small and cold within his, her grasp was firm.

  She must be in desperate straits indeed to agree to wed him in his present condition, but not as desperate as he. By morning, he’d be free!

  CHAPTER TWO

  “Scrub harder, Bradley.” Matthew leaned forward as the man ran the brush down between his shoulder blades.

  “Should I scrub any harder, Captain Hamilton, I should be taking your skin off with the brush. Perhaps a change of water might be in order now, sir. Next we will do your hair and beard.” The valet straightened and mopped his forehead with his shirtsleeve.

  “I believe I have lice.” Matthew smiled at the man to soften the blow. “I’ll buy you a bottle of your favorite scotch, Bradley.”

  The man blanched, but to his credit, his stiff upper lip remained firm.

  Matthew smiled. “Shall I send for the scotch now?”

  “Nay, I would not wish to share it with the little buggers. If you will rise now, I will send down for more water and we will go after the beasts.” Two hours and many scrubbings later, Matthew viewed his image in the large dressing room mirror. His hair, having been trimmed and deloused, had a healthy bluish sheen, and was tied back with a black cord. His clean-shaven jaw appeared thinner, his cheekbones more pronounced, the cleft in his chin deeper. He would regain the weight he had lost now he was free to eat whatever and whenever he liked. Free. Even thinking the word inspired so many emotions it was difficult to suppress the shout of pure joy that thrust upward and expanded in his chest. He had never given a thought to how precious his freedom was until it had been taken from him.

  “Is something wrong, sir?” The valet held a dark blue long coat for him to don.

  “No. You’ve done a fine job, Bradley. I’ve become human once more.” He slid his arms into the coat. It felt good to be clean. More than good. He had been ashamed of his own smell, and had itched, and picked bugs like an animal. He wouldn’t soon forget the experience, or the

  man responsible for it.

  “Lord Willingham has invited guests for the wedding, Captain Hamilton. It is not known you were imprisoned these last few months. Lady Willingham thought it best just to say you’ve been away in the country.” His imprisonment would be an embarrassment to Talbot and Clarisse should anyone learn of it. Though he had done nothing to merit such treatment, he couldn’t prove the charges false. His reputation would be blemished and he would be branded a smuggler. The realization stung his pride and prodded alive a cold, dark, frustrated anger it took several moments to control.

  He tried to lighten the harsh expression he viewed in the mirror. “You understand why I was held there?”

  “Aye, sir.” The man’s gray brows drew together in a frown. “It’s shameful Lord Rudman saw fit to abuse his power in such a way. You may depend on my discretion, Captain.”

  The man’s loyalty brought a smile to Matthew’s lips.

  “That goes without saying, Bradley.” He pulled the cuffs of his sleeves free from the arms of the coat.

  “The wedding guests wouldn’t include Lord Rudman and his wife, by any chance?” He turned to face the valet.

  “Aye, Sir. I believe they have been invited by Lord Leighton.”

  Edward Leighton had broken his word, letting him stew inside the cell another two weeks before releasing him. Had Katherine known of his continued imprisonment? Surely, she had. Wouldn’t she have found it strange she hadn’t heard from him since their meeting?

  That morning, en route from the jail, Talbot had spoken of her but had said nothing of her making any attempt to see him.

  Resentment bubbled inside him at how the lady had caught and held his attention. He had been tormented by the memory of her smell, like flowers and sunshine. The sweet curve of her lips, the delicate structure of her high cheekbones and stubborn chin had played on his imagination to taunt and entertain him. He had believed in the determination and innocence he read in those large violet eyes.

  Aye, she had played him well.

  Within the hour he would wed that bit of fluff and would find out to what sort of woman he had bound himself. The agreement he had made with her came to mind. He no more believed in the possibility of an annulment than he did her word. Once wed, he would be stuck with her for better or for worse.”

  “Are the guards still outside the door, Bradley?”

  “Aye, sir.” Bradley offered him a look of apology. “It would seem they will be accompanying you to the church and staying until the ceremony is over, as will Mr.

  St.John.”

  Matthew gave a brief nod. Anger flowed through him like hot pitch. Unlike Lady Katherine

  and her uncle, he meant to keep his word—as difficult as it might be.

  The sheer impossibility of the situation had a wry smile twisting his lips. Checking his stock was properly tied, he stared at his reflection for a moment. He no longer resembled the filthy downtrodden wretch Katherine had tempted with her beauty and her promises of freedom. He wondered if she would even recognize him-

  -probably not.

  He turned away from the mirror. “The bottle of scotch I promised shall be delivered to you early tomorrow, Bradley.”

  The valet grinned, for once losing his well-disciplined dignity. “Thank you, sir.”

  “Should you hear anything about Lord Rudman or his wife I might find of interest—”

  “I will keep you apprised, sir.”

  Matthew nodded. “Thank you, Bradley.”

  *

  Katherine braced one hand on the coach seat against the swaying movement of th
e vehicle. She clenched the other in her lap as panic struck her. Dear God, she had promised herself to a great bear of a man. Beneath all the grime and unkempt hair, she didn’t even know what he looked like! She wondered how she would recognize him at the church. She remembered the pale blue clarity of his eyes. Would eye color alone offer her some way of recognizing her groom? Why had he not attempted to see her before the wedding? Why had he not answered her messages? If he

  wouldn’t spare her the courtesy of an answer to a note, what could she expect of him? To what kind of man had she pledged herself?

  Hannah, her maid, began to toy with the heavy cascade of curls gathered at the back of her head.

  Katherine shook her head and shot her a glance, nerves making her irritable. The elder woman patted her arm in commiseration and subsided to her own corner of the seat, though she continued to watch her charge, her expression worried.

  Katherine’s attention swung to the coach window as the vehicle turned between two brick posts, then traveled up a curved drive to the church. When the conveyance pulled to a jerky halt, two footmen appeared to lower the steps and open the door. Edward disembarked, offering his hand as she stepped down. He tucked Katherine’s fingers in the bend of his arm and guided her up the circular steps to the front entrance, leaving one of the footmen to assist Hannah.

  “I know I have been ill suited as your guardian, Katherine. It is better you have a mate to provide for you and guide you. I am certain Captain Hamilton will prove an able husband.”

  Able! She wanted no part of able husbands or any other kind.

  “Perhaps marriage would offer you a different understanding of family, Uncle,” she suggested. “Having children of your own might as well.”

  “I fear I am too set in my ways to consider such a change in circumstances, my dear.”

  “Too selfish” would better describe his reasons for avoiding marriage. He wanted her out of his house so he would not be tainted by what had happened to her mother, as she had been.

  Her gaze moved about the vestibule in restless dread.

  Gleaming marble floors and dark scrolled woodwork adorned the space. The moment was at hand. She would be taking a sacred vow, knowing she would later break it.

  Guilt warred with her need. Fear warred with her determination.

  The doors of the chapel parted and Lord Willingham appeared. Katherine found it difficult to draw a full

  breath as the racing of her heart increased.

  “Everyone is seated and waiting, Lord Leighton.”

  Talbot spoke in a hushed tone. His square-jawed features set in grave lines, softened somewhat as his gaze swung to her.

  Her anxiety rose to a feverish peak. “Is the Capt—is Matthew here?” Her voice came out breathy and weak.

  “Of course. He is waiting for you to join him, Katherine. I will tell them you are ready to begin.” He paused, focusing on her with more attention. “You look beautiful, my dear.”

  A painful knot of emotion constricted her throat. If only her family were still alive, there would be no need for any of this. “Thank you, Lord Willingham.” Hannah drew the lace scarf up to cover Katherine’s hair while Edward straightened the ruffled cuff of his sleeve. He handed his black tricorn to the woman.

  Reluctantly, Katherine accepted her uncle’s arm.

  Hannah held the door open for them to proceed.

  Katherine paused just inside the chapel, halting Edward’s forward momentum. The long aisle of the church stretched before them, an intimidating length. At its end, stood a man and an enrobed minister. Too distant for her to identify his features, Katherine found some recognition in the breadth of his shoulders and his height. The jittery feeling built in the pit of her stomach.

  Edward’s determined grip on her arm propelled her forward as the beginning strains of organ music echoed within the sanctuary. The few guests present turned to watch as they progressed up the aisle.

  Her groom’s rugged features appeared more and more defined as the distance between them lessened.

  Without the heavy beard obscuring the lower half of his face, the angular shape of his jaw and chin appeared strong and masculine. His nose, well shaped and narrow had an arrogant tilt. His mouth, curved in a sardonic smile of greeting, underlined the fullness of his lips and set to light their sensuality. Resentment burnt in his pale blue eyes as they settled first upon Edward, then on her.

  Confronted by his enmity, she grew wary. She had done nothing to anger him. What had Edward done?

  Edward released her then stepped aside and found a

  seat on one of the pews.

  Matthew grasped her arm above the elbow and drew her to his side before the minister.

  “Begin.”

  That one word spoken with such authority gained the minister’s immediate attention, and without delay, he opened the bible he held.

  As the priest began extolling the virtues of marriage, Matthew grasped her left hand. His fingers long, his nails clean and trimmed, his hand had an elegance about it that drew her eye. He appeared so different from the maltreated prisoner with whom she’d bargained, that she found it difficult to reconcile the two images. Her gaze rose once again to study his face. One well-arched black brow rose in mocking inquiry, his gaze bold as it raked downward to settle on her breasts. The look of appraisal in his expression as he raised one dark brow sent such a rush of outrage through her she almost choked.

  He knew! Temper brought heat to her cheeks.

  Someone had told him about what had happened to her mother, and he believed the rumors. She shifted her weight, intent on ending the ceremony. He grasped her arm his grip tight, holding her at his side.

  “I, Matthew David Hamilton, take thee, Katherine Elizabeth Leighton as my wife—” His deep voice steady, he repeated the vows the minister recited.

  She clenched her teeth, setting her jaw. She would not wed a man who judged others by the gossip spread about them. He knew nothing of what had happened. Not even she could attest to all the events of that night.

  The minister shifted in her direction. “Repeat after me, Katherine Leighton.”

  Her violet gaze warred with Matthew’s pale blue one for several silent moments.

  “Will you not honor your word any better than your uncle did?” Matthew’s voice, though soft, seemed to fill every nook and cranny of the sanctuary.

  She half turned to look over her shoulder at her uncle. What had he done? Beneath her accusing stare, his long thin face flushed red.

  If she ended the ceremony, Edward would once again be on the hunt for some unsuspecting man to wed her.

  The next man could have less to lose and thus be less eager to agree to her terms. Her gaze rose to Matthew’s face. She would be confining him to prison once again and to Mr. Hicks’s care.

  Damn all men. Damn their untrustworthy, manipulative, uncaring hearts. If she never saw or spoke to another one, it would be too soon.

  “I, Katherine Elizabeth Leighton, take thee Matthew David Hamilton as my husband.” Rage made her voice shake as she recited her vows without benefit of the clergyman’s prompting. Matthew slid the plain gold band on her left ring finger.

  “You may kiss—” the minister began.

  She stiffened as Matthew’s arm slipped about her waist drawing her close against his tall, lean frame. His fingers grasped her jaw bringing her face up for his perusal. Pale blue eyes traced her features one by one, the look in their depths bringing an airless feeling beneath her ribs and a weakness to her limbs. A feeling of panic set her heart to flight as his lips neared hers. She placed a restraining hand against his chest to no avail.

  The fierce possession of his lips parted hers and without preamble, he tasted the interior of her mouth with the tip of his tongue as he curved her body into his.

  Shock held Katherine immobile. He tasted of brandy, sweet and smoky. He smelled of sandalwood soap and man, clean and natural. The movement of his tongue at first startled her then brought a titilla
ting heat to life in the most intimate areas of her body. A desire to move her tongue against his in response tempted her.

  The minister clearing his throat reminded her they stood before a company of strangers. She pushed with greater strength against Matthew’s broad chest and attempted to wiggle free of his grasp.

  He raised his head at his leisure, his blue gaze holding a warmth she found disconcerting. Her face felt hot, as did the rest of her. Her heartbeat raged against her ribs.

  “You must sign the marriage contract or the bond will not be legal.” The minister fixed them both with a stern, disapproving look. ”Please follow me.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  Talbot Willingham allowed the leather shade to fall closed over the coach window. “St. John and his guards have broken away finally.” He covered his wife’s hand in the bend of his arm, his head bent protectively close to hers.

  Katherine thought them a couple in contrasts, yet they seemed to fit together like two pieces of a puzzle.

  Talbot’s stocky frame off set his wife’s slenderness, his white hair provided the perfect backdrop for her raven dark locks.

  “It is only a small reception, Matthew,” Matthew’s aunt, Clarisse Willingham, spoke from the coach seat facing them. Her pale blue eyes, so similar to her nephew’s, moved from Matthew to Katherine then back again.

  Talbot cleared his throat. “Lord Rudman insisted he and Lady Rudman attend the ceremony and the reception.”

  “I wouldn’t have expected anything else.” Matthew made a dismissive gesture with his hand. His attention swung to Katherine. “We’re going to be thrust into a social quagmire before the ink is dry on the marriage contract, Katherine. How do you feel about that?” She fought to keep the surprise from her expression.

  Her feelings had never been taken into account before. “I do not suppose it matters how I feel about it, Captain. It seems to be an unavoidable situation. But they cannot make you part of the entertainment, if you refuse to allow them to.”

  One well-arched black brow rose and a speculative light leaped into his eyes. Katherine looked away. For all the confidence she tried to portray, fear ran in ever tightening circles in the pit of her stomach. She folded her arms against her waist as nerves danced along her skin intensifying the chill inside the coach.