Page 10 of Every Wallflower Has Her Thorns (Revenge of the Wallflowers)

Chapter Ten

A lice wished she could forgo this afternoon’s chess lesson, but the match was tomorrow, and she would not be there to help. Her heart and soul were heavy with the decision she’d made, but wasn’t it the right thing to do? You sacrificed everything for those you loved. Didn’t you?

And she loved Calum so much she couldn’t bear to be the person who destroyed any chance he might have for future happiness. He didn’t belong to her. It was a pipe dream to think he ever would.

There was quite the crowd in the library for the final lesson. Alasdair was there, as was her brother George and, of course, Cazenove. She was pleased to see Sarah was there. She’d arranged for her friend to be the excuse as to why she must leave directly after the match. Sarah was also there as a buffer against having to be alone with Calum. If Calum took her in his arms and kissed her one more time, she wouldn’t be strong enough to walk away.

Then there was Calum. Beautiful, tall and powerful, handsome as sin, Calum.

One look at him and her heart gave a fierce leap, fighting the chains she’d wrapped around it, knowing she would love Calum forever, even married to Fenchurch.

His greeting was somewhat reserved, however, and everyone looked at her as if she had two heads.

“Shall we begin?” Calum asked, “Or would you like some tea first?”

She wanted this over with. Fenchurch was meeting her outside her house at five. In only two hours, she’d leave all of this behind. She’d leave the brother she loved, the house she loved and—worst of all, the man she loved. She’d head north to Gretna Green with a man who could never hurt her because she didn’t care enough about him. “I’d like to play.” She took the chair on her side of the chessboard. “It shouldn’t take me long to demonstrate the final moves. Cazenove will then have a winning strategy.”

Calum merely nodded, but Alasdair said, “I’ve studied the play and cannot for the life of me see how you can win from here.”

Forgetting the sorrow of her situation, Alice replied, “And that’s why Cazenove will lose.”

A mere thirty minutes later, and she had Cazenove at check mate and the game was over.

“I see what you did. If I play this strategy against Sarratt, I’ll lure him into a false sense of security. He’ll assume he’s winning and relax. He’ll think I’m trapped.” He stood and bowed over Alice’s hand. “Thank you, my lady, for not only teaching me a new chess strategy, but also for humbling me with your abilities. I shall never underestimate anyone again.”

“My pleasure, Mr. Cazenove. I hope you win tomorrow.”

He looked aghast. “You will be there to watch me and revel in our triumph?”

Damn. She’d almost given herself away. “I was under the impression that it would be an all-male event. With Lady Galloway not in residence, it would not be proper to have a house full of bachelors and young ladies, I would think?” She looked at George, hoping her brother would support her theory.

But it was Calum who answered her. “That is quite right, but as we are engaged , and your brother will be in attendance, I think it is quite proper for you to attend.”

Did Calum just emphasize the word engaged? “Of course. That would be lovely.”

Clutching his hands to his heart, Cazenove pleaded, “You definitely should be here to share in the victory because it will be because of your help.” Alice wondered if Cazenove wasn’t a little in love with her because she’d shown him how to be a better player.

“You are most kind.” She looked at Sarah and gave her the nod, but Sarah ignored it. She waited and then rather forcibly Alice said, “We should depart. Sarah and I have an appointment at the modiste. Wedding preparations.” All eyes turned to look at her, and George looked as if he was about to have a fit. Sarah flashed a look at Calum, but Calum merely said, “Of course. Please ensure the bills are sent to me.”

On a huge sigh, Sarah followed her out the door. “What was that look you shared with Lord Skye?”

“I was merely hoping I’d receive an invitation to the match tomorrow. Even if you are doing the stupidest thing ever and eloping with Lord Fenchurch, I want to watch Cazenove win. He’s promised to tell everyone where he learned his strategy. It will be amazing to watch the look on the men’s faces when they learn it’s a woman.”

“Yes, I’d like to have seen that too.”

Sarah grabbed her arm and swung her round to face her. “Then stop this silly plan of yours. The only person hurt will be you. If I had to choose between Fenchurch or Skye, I know who I’d pick in a flash.”

Alice looked around. “Sshh. Someone might hear.” She sailed out the door and down the steps. “I’ve made my decision. When you’re in love, you’ll understand.”

* * *

Two hours later, Alice stood in her traveling gown and cape and looked at herself in the cheval mirror. She didn’t look like a young lady in love thrilled at eloping with her beau. Because she wasn’t.

In the past hour, she’d cried all the tears she’d allow herself to shed. This was her decision, so she could hardly cry about it.

The sound of a horse and carriage pulling up outside saw her move to the window and look below. It was time, but she couldn’t get her feet to move. Her hands gripped the windowsill. She almost had to physically pull her hands away.

She’d packed one small trunk, and she’d collect it from the park at the corner where she’d hidden it in the bushes.

She could put it off no longer. As if walking to the gallows, Alice limped down the stairs, walked out the front door and refused to look back.

The door to the carriage opened and as she took one step up, a hand reached out without warning and hauled her inside. She struggled for a moment as it was dark and she suddenly realized she couldn’t do it. She couldn’t marry a man she despised. She could never share her body, or her life, with Fenchurch. She gave a cry and fought for all she was worth.

“Let me go. I’ve changed my mind. I can’t do this.”

“Well, that’s the best news I’ve heard all day.”

Calum. She stopped struggling, and he hauled her into his arms, shutting the carriage door behind her. He banged on the roof and the carriage began to move.

“My trunk is in the bushes at the corner.” Callum merely raised an eyebrow and ordered the carriage to stop and collected it. Once they’d set off again Callum sat staring at her.

Breathless, her heart beating wildly, Alice stared up at him, trying to read his beautiful eyes. “How did you know?” she finally asked unsteadily.

“That is not of concern. What is concerning is your desire to marry another man.”

She bit her lip and had to look away, his expression grim and foreboding. “I thought—that is I?—”

“Oh, for goodness’ sake. If Sarah hadn’t come to me, I would never have been able to prevent you from making a disastrous mistake again. I’d already saved you from making this mistake by meeting you in the billiard room.”

“That’s just it. You have sacrificed your choices for me. I can’t accept such a sacrifice. It’s not fair to you—or to me.”

He swiftly took her lips in a searing kiss and hope soared inside her. She carefully pulled back and took several deep breaths. “I thought you might be relieved if I disappeared.”

“Relieved? I almost went out of my mind hearing you were going to elope with Fenchurch.”

Be brave. “Why? Why were you so upset? You can sail off on your travels without the burden of a wife.” She saw and felt him flinch.

“Because I want to marry you.”

Be still my pounding heart. She carefully removed her arms from around his neck and leaned back so she could watch his face. “Want to marry me? Not have to? Why?”

“Because when I thought I might lose you forever, I was finally honest with myself about how I feel about you. I love you, sweetling. I think I’ve loved you since your come out but I was scared to let you into my heart. It’s a fragile organ.”

“You love me?” Alice echoed softly, eyes widening as her arms slipped around his neck.

When she looked up at him in heart-swelling wonder, Calum’s heart opened even further. “Yes, I love you, and I want you to become my wife. How could I not? You’ve been the only woman I’ve admired for years. I love your honesty, your intelligence, your selflessness and most of all, I think you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.” He watched tears gather behind her eyes and he swore. “I’m not saying this to stop you. I want you. You’re mine—now and forever.”

“These are happy tears. I love you so much and I think I’m dreaming.”

He kissed her again. “Does that feel as if you’re dreaming?”

She shook her head, laughing. “I love you too. I’ve always loved you but never dreamed you’d return my feelings.”

“I want to marry you and have children with you. A family made with love. Will you marry me? Not because you have to, but because you long to.”

Her eyes blurred again. “I have never been more certain of anything in my life. I had already decided that marrying Fenchurch would be a big mistake. I’d rather marry you and try to make you fall in love.”

“Thank God,” Calum whispered, hugging her tightly. “You don’t have to try. I already love you so much I can barely breath I’m so happy with you in my arms.”

The carriage still raced along. She looked at him, confused. “Where are we going?”

“To Scotland, my home. But first a stop to find the nearest vicar. With the special license I procured, we will be married tonight.”

“But George and Sarah… I want?—”

“They will follow along soon. We’ll marry tonight, then have another formal wedding at the Galloway Estate with my family and yours.”

Drawing her into his embrace again, Calum brushed his thumb over her lower lip. “We have a long journey ahead of us, but we will stay at The King’s Head coaching inn about an hour from here for the night, and I wished to be married when we do so.”

“So fast. Are you scared I’ll change my mind?” she asked innocently.

“No.” He gave her a sensual smile. “It’s because I want you so badly I can’t wait any longer.”

She pressed close and ran her hand down his chest. “I remember that there is much time for pleasure in a carriage if we have an hour.”

His smile widened. “You are the perfect woman for me.” She satisfied a burning need in him. One that had been growing since the day she’d matured into a stunning woman. A friendship that had burrowed under his skin until now, he couldn’t imagine his life without her.

No sooner had Calum had that thought than the siren in his arms hiked up her skirts and moved to sit astride him. With a provocative smile, she unclipped her cloak and let it slide to the carriage floor. When he gathered her skirts in his hands, Alice stilled him. “Some things are left best in the shadows.”

His hand found the puckered scars on her leg. He pushed the material and exposed the injury. “Don’t look at it, please. It’s so ugly.”

“It’s made you who you are. The woman I love. You were so strong to survive. Surely, you should take pride in that.” Then he kissed her. “Never hide anything about yourself from me again. Every inch of you is beautiful.” He reached forward and tugged down her bodice so that her breasts spilled free. “Every glorious inch.” A finger traveled across one breast, urging a nipple into a hardened point.

“I want to see you,” she whispered as she undid his cravat.

Within minutes, his jacket and shirt were off and soon it became delicious heated skin to skin. She bent and pressed her lips against his bare chest, nipping at his flesh while her fingers unerringly found the placard of his breeches, but his hand stilled hers.

“While I want you more than I want my next breath, the first time I make love to you should be in a bed.”

“Phew. For a moment, I thought you were about to say ‘should be married’.”

He chuckled. “God, no. I’m not that strong and can’t wait that long.”

She looked at him through her long, silky eyelashes and gave him a smile that would tempt a saint. “I remember a previous carriage ride and you told me anticipation is often as good as the event.”

“I lied and if you keep looking at me like that, I won’t be able to wait for a bed.” His grin was so wicked, his eyes so alight with love, that Alice gazed back at him with exquisite longing.

She laughed joyously. “I’ll let you in on a secret. I don’t like waiting.” Her hand undid his breeches, and this time he didn’t stop her. “I love you,” she whispered, “and I trust you to show me about love.”

Calum understood her need, lifted her and positioned himself at her wet core. “You, my darling woman, taught me how to open my heart and love. I’m so bloody lucky to have you in my life—my dearest friend and now lover.” He devoured her mouth again, his kiss wild and deep as he slowly pushed and encouraged her to slide down him. When he reached her maidenhead, he deepened the kiss, his tongue sweeping in her mouth, capturing her small gasp as he filled her completely.

He stilled, giving her untutored body time to adjust. She panted softly, but her eyes locked on his and she smiled. She clung to his shoulders and slowly lifted and lowered, innately understanding the way to pleasure.

He set the pace, slowing her with his hands at her hips. “Like all good things, love making should be savored.”

Taking full control of their lovemaking, he worshipped her slowly with both hands and mouth. The merging of their bodies, the ultimate act of pledging their love. Fierce, strong tenderness assailed him. This was a woman with whom he felt safe. He’d willingly hand her his body, heart, and soul, because he trusted his friend—his lover.

“I love you, Alice. Never doubt that. I’m marrying you not because we must, but because I cannot live without you.” His voice was a harsh whisper.

The carriage journeyed on as they came together as one. No longer only friends, but true lovers. The sounds of lovemaking grew as the fusing of two hearts and two minds brought them infinitely close as a brilliant firestorm shuddered through them with their synchronized bright, hot release.

They held each other in the rocking carriage, the afterglow of their lovemaking a blissful sense of entwinement, hearts joined, his heart in hers, her touch completing him.

Boneless and sated, Alice slumped against his muscled chest, her soft breaths tickling his drying skin.

As her fingers lazily skimmed his bare chest, she asked, “Is it always like this?”

He shook his head. “Only with you has it felt so right.”

She sighed. “I’ve loved you since I was a young girl, but I didn’t know what love and desire were. You were a craving, but I didn’t fully understand what I was craving, but now I do. Now that I have you, reality exceeded my wildest dreams. And I had so many dreams.”

Calum returned her smile and gently dressed her to keep her warm. “I loved you at the beginning as a friend. I loved how you didn’t fawn over me or flirt with me. You spoke your mind. You were simply my Alice. My best friend’s little sister. But it grew into so much more. Now I love you as a lover, and I’ll never let you go.”

Alice gave a chuckle. “That’s good to know, because now you really do have to marry me.”

“You’ve got that backwards. I’ve ensured you cannot deny me again.”

Her heart aching with love and tenderness, Alice slid her arms around Calum’s neck and pressed her lips to his in yet another passionate kiss. When she finally drew back, she asked, “How long until we reach the inn?” she asked.

As he lay her down on the squab, his body covering hers, he simply said, “There is always enough time for love—with my love.”

* * *

Ten days later, on the terrace overlooking the manicured gardens of Galloway Castle, Calum regarded his bride of three hours with pride and affection. Her brother teased her about how he had planned this match all along. Like hell he had.

George also told anyone who would listen how Alice was so clever she’d helped them win an important chess match. Alasdair joined in, flush with money from backing Cazenove.

Alice looked beautiful, happily surrounded by his family. His mother had loved her the minute she’d met his bride. She’d longed for a daughter. While his younger brothers had already considered her a sister since she’d been in their lives for years.

“You’ve done well, my son,” his father, the Duke of Galloway, said. “She is everything you need in a wife.” At his raised eyebrow, his father continued. “She is intelligent, strong, and loves you with a pure heart. She will stand by your side wherever that is and support you, and she’ll be your rock when times are good and bad. She’s like your mother.”

Calum’s heart swelled as he saw the way his father looked at his mother even after all these years and he suddenly realized he’d have that too. Alice and he would grow old together, have a family, and still be full of love.

“I have waited for her all my life.”

His father jabbed him in the ribs. “And you’ll be waiting a few more hours yet, as the party continues.”

Despite his impatience to have his bride all to himself, he would have to wait until his mother was satisfied that they had welcomed her properly into the family. At the moment, all their friends were too busy drinking champagne and toasting his glorious bride.

The marriage ceremony had been a quiet affair, considering they were already married. A grand service in the family chapel, so different to the first, followed by a luncheon for guests including tenants. Apparently, they’d been the talk of London as their elopement had been deemed romantic and everyone realized it was a love match in the most part thanks to Sarah and Alasdair’s efforts.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me, father, I’d like to join my wife,” he said, and sauntered contentedly into the gardens below.

Alice glanced beyond the guests, searching for Calum. When she located him, the smile she sent him was pure sunshine, golden with warmth. The power in that smile could bring a man to his knees. He found himself gazing back, barely believing how lucky he was.

George approached and clapped him on the back. “Hello, my friend She looks so happy. Make sure she stays that way.”

“Always.” And they shook hands.

“You two are perfect for each other. I had always hoped you might marry my sister. I’ve known how she felt about you for years. You just needed to be frightened out of your complacency.”

Grinning, Calum said, “Denial more like, but you were right. The thought of losing her made me understand the feelings inside and made me brave enough to face them.”

As Alice reached his side, her tiny hand slid into his. “I think the guests can carry on without us.”

“I do not want to hear that,” George teased. “But I’ll distract this lot while you disappear.”

“Thank you, my friend. I’ll remember this act of kindness when it’s your wedding day.”

George scoffed. “That won’t be anytime soon.”

Alice kissed her brother’s cheek and looked to where Sarah danced with Alasdair. “Life has a funny way of challenging your plans.”

Hand in hand, they turned and walked toward the carriage, waiting for them. Today they were taking up residence in the Skye Manor, a hunting lodge two miles away at Loch Morn.

“I do love a good carriage ride,” she teased as he helped her inside.

“That’s one difference between us. I still prefer you laid out like a treat on my bed.”

Alice laughed gaily because the heated look in her husband’s eyes told her that he’d love her no matter where they were.

And he always would.