Captive Hearts Page 6

  Marriage was after all like any other partnership.

  There would be compromises and sacrifices, rewards and disappointments. It would be up to them to decide what they would make of it. She would eventually come around to realizing and accepting that. She had no more choice than he did.

  For the first time all day, his thoughts turned to Caroline. A pain only partially dulled by time lanced through him. God how he had loved her! Never again would he leave himself open to such pain. Having married for convenience sake was a blessing. Neither of them had to grow emotionally attached to each other in such an arrangement.

  His attention turned to the wide expanse of empty space beside Katherine. It had been more than four months since he had known the comfort of a real bed. He wondered if he could share the space beside her without reaching for her. He wouldn’t force her to accept him as a husband. And in her current frame of mind that would be the only way she would. Matthew flinched. The realization steadied him and damped the flames of his desire to a controllable blaze.

  Careful to keep his attention directed away from her, he tucked the flintlock beneath the mattress for safekeeping, then hurriedly stripped off his clothes, and turned down the lamps. Slipping between the covers, he bit back a sigh of pure pleasure and closed his eyes.

  When she awoke to find herself in bed with him there’d be hell to pay. He didn’t care. It would be worth it.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Katherine opened her eyes to a wide, bare, masculine chest covered in swirls of dark hair. Shock held her immobile as her sleep-dulled mind leaped to complete wakefulness. A tremor of reaction raced down her body, and her heart drummed a frantic rhythm against her ribs making it difficult for her to breathe.

  The light pressure of an arm rested against her back holding her, while her thigh looped over his with shameful familiarity. A tingling, wild heat traced the length of her body wherever his touched. She drew a slow, calming breath as she waited for the sensation to abate.

  How had Matthew gotten out of the dressing room and how long he had been in bed with her? When he awoke, he was certain to be angry. Dread brought a hollow feeling to her stomach. The confrontation that was sure to come would surely be difficult. She lay motionless, fearful of waking him.

  The slow steady rise and fall of his breathing beneath her head eased her anxiety and she began to relax. With her head cupped within the hollow of his shoulder, her cheek rested against the soft hair on his chest. The short curling matt did little to hide the well-defined muscle beneath. Curious, her gaze followed the narrow line of hair arrowing down the middle of his stomach. She realized her hand lay against the lower portion of his abdomen beneath the covers, her fingertips brushing hair there. Mortified, her cheeks burning, she eased her hand away, but knew not where to put it. She straightened her arm and laid it along her hip.

  The bare skin of his thigh seemed meshed by warmth and moisture with hers. Tendrils of sensation raced upward to settle in the nether regions of her body.

  Katherine bit back a moan of frustration. Raising her head so as not to put any more pressure on his shoulder, she tilted her bent thigh upward then swiveled her hips.

  The blankets layering the bed pulled away, baring more of his naked torso. Embarrassed, yet fascinated, her attention focused on the spot where the covers hung low over his hips. Realizing how unseemly her interest was, she forced her gaze upward.

  The lower half of his jaw appeared shadowed by the stubble of beard, the heavy growth outlining the sensual curve of his lips and emphasizing the strong structure of his jaw. Her gaze followed the straight arrogant shape of his nose upward to the bridge. Well-arched brows traced the ridge of bone over his eyes. Dusky lashes fanned against the smooth skin of his high cheekbones. She stilled the surprising urge to trace the rugged masculinity of his features with her fingertips and test the texture of his skin.

  Confused by the sudden desire, she eased into a sitting position only to find her shift caught firmly beneath his hip. She tugged on the tail of the garment and the fabric slid free so suddenly she almost fell over the edge of the bed.

  He sighed in his sleep then turned toward her on his side. She swung off the bed just as his hand slid over the empty place where she had lain. The lean line of his hip, thigh, and buttocks lay bare to her perusal.

  She stared at his long limbed, powerfully built body stretched out before her. Dark as a raven’s wings, his hair hung in heavy waves along the side of his face and pooled like spilled ink on the pillow beneath his head.

  He could have attacked her at any time during the night, yet he hadn’t. The protective way he had held her in his sleep brought a quivering, uneasy feeling to the pit of her stomach. Now he lay completely vulnerable to her gaze and to the chill permeating the room. She moved around the foot of the bed to retrieve the heavy coverlet lying in the floor. Slowly she slid it upward over the sleeping man, securing his modesty and his warmth.

  With a conscious effort, she dragged her attention away from Matthew. There was much to be done if she meant to leave for Summerhaven within the next few days. She had to get started. She slipped silently into the dressing room to gather her clothes.

  ****

  “Where did she say she was going, Bradley?” Matthew shrugged into the waistcoat and began to do up the buttons.

  The valet turned to answer the impatient inquiry, his narrow face as indomitably composed as always. “She said she had an appointment, sir, and told me to allow you to sleep as late as you would. I must say I’ve never known you to sleep so soundly, but you do look rested.” All those months of sleeping with one eye open to protect himself from Hicks had finally taken its toll. His gaze lingered on the discarded shift draped on the daybed.

  A vision of how she had looked while wearing it taunted him. “Did she say when she would be back?”

  “No, she didn’t.”

  Niggling unease slithered into the pit of his stomach.

  Why had she left before the rest of the house had risen?

  Had she not wanted anyone to know where she was going? Or had she hoped to avoid him? Would she be back?

  “Who did she take as escort?”

  “Her maid, sir and Lord Willingham’s driver.” Bradley held his long coat for him.

  He slid his arms into the sleeves and adjusted the cuffs of his shirt. At least she had taken a chaperone and her clothes still resided in the dressing room. An instant awareness of his duty to Katherine, as well as hers to him came to mind. Some rules would have to be set about their behavior if they were to appear a normal married couple. Her absence had already caused him embarrassment with Bradley and a certain amount of uneasiness.

  Bradley bent to gather the discarded clothing that lay upon the floor next to the bed. A stocking lay just out of the man’s sight between the bedside table and the frame. Matthew retrieved it and turning offered it to the valet. Spying dark brown spots upon the sheet, he tossed back the coverlet and stared at them. What the hell?

  There were flecks of blood upon the bed. Confusion and anger warred within him. He hadn’t touched her. There had been no consummation. After being so adamant about it, why would Katherine create proof of an event that

  hadn’t taken place?

  “I’ll have the maids change the linens, Mr. Matthew,” Bradley said from beside him.

  He nodded then turned away uncertain of his expression. What game was she playing? All the things he might do and say to her once she returned raced through his mind. Flipping her over his knee and paddling her precious behind ranked high on his list.

  “Lord and Lady Willingham have held the midday meal for you, sir.” Bradley’s voice behind him drew him out of his contemplation.

  “I’ll join them now, Bradley.”

  As he entered the dining room, Clarisse rose from her place at Talbot’s right to embrace him. “Is Katherine sleeping late?”

  “No, she had an errand to run early this morn and has already risen and gone. She’ll return
shortly.” Should she make a fool of him by extending her absence, she’d regret it.

  Talbot shot to his feet with such suddenness his chair tipped over, striking the floor with a sharp crack. “Where has she gone?” His square-jawed features took on a concerned look, his stocky frame posed for action.

  The sharp report of a door slamming came from the front of the house. The indistinct murmur of voices approached the dining room.

  “Release me at once.” Katherine’s voice came from just outside the room.

  “We shall see what your husband has to say about your behavior.”

  Still dressed in their cloaks, the two people entered the room followed by the Willingham’s butler, Elton.

  She jerked away from her uncle’s grip, her cheeks flushed with temper. With the whispering swish of silk skirts, she crossed the dining room to stand at Matthew’s side, a fact he considered quite brave after her behavior of the night before and this morning.

  “She was parading up and down the street with only her maid for escort.” Edward’s ire filled voice rose in pitch. He cleared his throat.

  Her gasp expressed her outrage. “I was not parading anywhere, Edward. Hannah was with me, and Lord and

  Lady Willingham’s driver followed us as well. I had errands I wished to complete early this morn lest my need of a conveyance was inconvenient.” She rubbed her forearm as though it pained her. “You had no right to drag me into your coach and force me back here as though I were some kind of escaped criminal.” His eyes widened. “You have not told them.” She stiffened, her violet eyes growing dark, an open look of loathing tightening her features. “I will leave that to you, Uncle. It gives you such pleasure to spread the word far and near. In fact, it would not surprise me if it were your words alone that caused the latest round of gossip.”

  He drew himself up like a scrawny rooster, an image reinforced by the large flounce of white lace and silk protruding from the lapel of his waistcoat like the breast feathers of a cock. With his bony legs braced apart and his beaky nose high in the air, he looked as though he might crow as well. “You ungrateful little baggage.”

  “There is nothing wrong with a lady accompanied by her maid, running errands, Lord Leighton,” Clarisse said.

  Edward waved an impatient hand in the air. “There is when she has been witness to a murder and the men responsible have not been captured.” Matthew’s gaze darted to Katherine’s face as a stunned silence settled over the room. Though her features remained carefully devoid of expression, her hands clenched at her sides. He curbed the surprising desire to slide a protective arm about her waist.

  “Elton, have two more places set for the meal,” Talbot’s calm tones cut across the quiet. He ran a hand through his thick crop of white hair making it stand on end. “Yes, sir.” The tall thin butler bent to return Talbot’s overturned chair to its rightful position, then melted away.

  “You knew about this?” Matthew turned his attention to his uncle.

  “Yes.” His uncle nodded.

  What other information had been withheld? “Just when were you going to tell me?”

  “This morning of course. I had no idea Katherine had

  gone out.”

  Every eye turned on the woman beside him.

  Her chin rose. “They will not show their faces in daylight, nor attack me on a busy London street.”

  “You cannot be certain, Katherine,” Edward protested.

  “Yes, I can. They are cowards. They would have too many witnesses should they do anything in daylight.” She stepped away from Matthew to remove her cloak and handed it to the maid who appeared at her side. “I will not be treated as though I am to blame for what they did, nor shall I be locked away while they remain free.”

  “Both of you take a seat.” Talbot motioned to the empty chairs on either side of the table. “We can discuss what can be done after we eat.” Elton once again appeared at the door. “Barlow has arrived with your maid and several packages, Madame Hamilton. He wishes to know where you would like them put.” Her lips parted, a frown creasing her brow. “Please ask him to put the bundles in our room, Elton.” Hannah appeared behind the butler, her cheeks flushed. The distress in her expression cleared when she saw her mistress. Katherine joined the maid in the hallway, her arm going around her in a soothing gesture.

  The woman nodded as she spoke to her then followed a man laden with paper wrapped parcels down the hall.

  Katherine’s attention settled on Matthew as she returned to the table. Her cheeks grew flushed and her lashes fell, but not before Matthew read the uncertainty in her expression as she approached him.

  If what her uncle said was true, she could have been attacked and killed this morning while he slept. He had been remiss in his duty toward her, a duty of which he hadn’t even been aware. Resentment flashed through him like heat lightning. He neither wanted nor needed any of this. He held her chair for her and with a deliberate, exaggerated courtesy saw her seated, then took a place beside her. “You could have told me, last night.” She turned to face him, her features tight with control. “No, I could not.”

  He laid an arm across the back of her chair, his thigh touching hers as he focused his attention on her. “I’m listening now.”

  Her confidence wavered beneath his regard for a moment, then her jaw firmed and her spine straightened.

  She adjusted the knot of his stock, her hand lingering against the front of his waistcoat. “I would prefer to speak to you in private after the meal.” Surprised by the proprietary gestures and her courage in the face of his attempted intimidation, his fingers curled around hers, holding her hand against his chest. A sudden vision of how she had looked the night before intruded, bringing him to an instant state of painful arousal. A spike of irritation hammered through the hard-won control he held over his temper. “We shall speak in private about a great many things, Madame.” Matthew bent his head to press a kiss within her palm and purposely nipped her skin with his teeth. He watched with satisfaction as soft color blossomed then receded in her cheeks.

  “If what your uncle says is true, Katherine, you must be more careful in future.”

  Anger flared in her eyes as she met his gaze head on.

  “Perhaps I should begin to carry a flintlock for my protection. You would not happen to have an extra at hand?”

  He thought of the weapon he had tucked beneath the mattress and smiled without humor. “I would have to be certain of your proficiency with firearms first, sweetheart.

  You wouldn’t wish to shoot anyone by accident because you were unfamiliar with the rules governing weapons.”

  “Actually she is an excellent marksman,” Edward said. “Her brother collected firearms and taught her to shoot.” He frowned and looked down his nose at his niece from across the table. “Not that I agree with women participating in such activities.” One perfectly arched brow rose as Katherine’s attention swung to her uncle. “You would prefer we be helpless and deferential at all times would you not, Uncle? Even when it is a danger to us.”

  “There is nothing wrong with a woman knowing her place, Katherine. I am sure your husband will instruct

  you in what that is.” His expression of smug satisfaction bordered on being a smirk.

  Matthew disliked the man’s pettiness and the pleasure he derived from it. “I happen to approve of Katherine’s ability to defend herself. There may come a time, I may need her to guard my back, as I’ll guard hers.” Edward’s expression darkened to one of displeasure.

  “Meaning?”

  “You may leave the caring for my wife to me.” The man bared his teeth in an enthusiastic smile.

  “Gladly.”

  He viewed Edward’s acquiescence with suspicion and wariness. It had come too easily. Had he charged blindly into the fray without first knowing all he should? Damn.

  What the devil had happened to the calm, deliberate man who captained a vessel two times a year? Had being imprisoned somehow addled his brain? Why was
he even tempted to champion a woman who had completely deceived him? He looked down at Katherine’s upturned face. She offered him a hesitant smile. He controlled the urge to shake her. Was he allowing his baser needs to rule the rest of him? Matthew shied away from answering the question.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Katherine straightened her spine and turned away from the four pairs of probing eyes fastened on her. She concentrated instead on the view of the garden visible from the French doors of the study. Despite the woven intricacies of the hedges along the path, the fountain remained discernable, the nymph at its center, surrounded by frolicking water. Katherine gripped the doorknob, fighting the urge to escape the room and the expectancy of the people behind her.

  “Will you not come join us by the fire, Katherine?” Clarisse asked.

  Katherine rested her forehead against the coolness of the windowpane for a moment. “Of course, Lady Willingham.” She forced herself to turn and face the group.

  The empty place on the Chippendale sofa next to Matthew lay open and waiting. Katherine took the seat but left a wide section of a cushion between them.

  Sliding forward to the edge of his seat, Edward’s brows lowered into a sympathetic frown as he faced her. “I want to see justice done, Katherine, but not at the price of seeing your reputation damaged. Every time you are associated with what happened, there are suggestions made about what you may have been subjected to that night, as well.”

  Katherine shrugged and settled back into the corner of the sofa. Her gaze briefly touched Matthew’s face then flitted away. “I am traveling to America. I do not care what anyone thinks I was subjected to.”

  “Your husband may feel differently. And through their association with you as their nephew’s wife, Lord and Lady Willingham may feel you should show some restraint in whatever actions you are thinking about taking.”