Page 27 of Jaxon (Gentlemen of War #4)

Jaxon

I watched Amelia out the back window as she moved gracefully through my modest garden, weaving effortlessly about the wild blooms and untamed foliage.

Last night’s memories flooded my mind, impossible to erase—her standing so near in my bedchamber, her touch, so willing—grime and all—a titled lady of the ton . There was no denying the attraction between us, yet the indisputable enticement promised only heartache. I must resolve to keep her at a distance, forbidding such closeness again. If only we had met under different circumstances, perhaps another time, another place.

I had not seen her since she fled my room. I departed the house early this morning and returned only when I saw her step outside to the backyard. Now, much like the previous days, I would have to evade her once more.

Peeling my eyes away from her only momentarily as I glanced upward, grateful we had another clear day, I was bound and determined to make substantial progress on the bridge today, preparing myself for the day that she will leave forever. And though I dreaded that day, it must happen!

She wore a pale gray dress with a low neckline, covered only by a tattered fichu and sleeves that reached her elbows. Though it, like all the others, had obvious signs of mending, I did not miss how the fitted style accentuated her willowy figure. She was a vision of elegance as she stepped from bloom to bloom.

Holding a pair of metal shears, which I had no idea I even owned, she cut a half-dozen purple orchids partway down their stems, following up with the same number of cornflowers, and a handful of pink peonies. She placed the flowers in a basket that draped from one arm and appeared to be singing to herself. I could not hear the words but, from the brightness of her countenance, I was mesmerized, watching her with remarkable fascination.

How might I ever rid my mind of her?

Movement in the woods behind her caught my eye—something dark and shifty darted through the trees. My heart jolted at the thought that Amelia was out there, alone and defenseless. Was it a beast? A man? Either way, it presented trouble.

I reached for a rifle on the wall. My uncle had kept them loaded and primed for action, ready to slay any game spotted from these very windows, and they remained untouched—until now. I shouted for Diggs and O’Keefe to each arm themselves. “Someone is in the trees!” I shouted from the front door as they quickly did my bidding and rushed to my side. “Amelia is back there,” I shared. “We must not frighten her. Stay sharp and move carefully.” Gesturing to the opposite side of the house, I pointed. “Diggs, you and O’Keefe go to the left, I will proceed to the right. I could not get a good look at what is lurking in the woods, but I will not take any chances.”

As we crept around the house, I watched both my men slip into the tree line as I approached a thick cluster of cedar trees myself. I moved stealthily, keeping Amelia in my view. She kept her back toward the woods, snipping flowers as if she tarried in her own world—a relief and a worry all at once. I crouched near a mossy tree trunk, eyeing the dense greenery for any sign of danger. When none emerged, I edged cautiously toward Amelia from behind, careful not to startle her, but still with an urgency in my steps.

I scolded myself over my recent complacency. Since our guests arrived, the sharp awareness I had prided myself in had dulled. Had I endangered them with my carelessness?

Twigs snapped in the distance—I could not discern if they were my men or the intruders, but it was certain more than one person prowled out there.

Fear surged through me.

The sound crept closer, deliberate and steady. I leveled my gun toward the noise. In a quick, sidelong glance, I saw Amelia still absorbed in her task, oblivious to any threat. I welcomed that. I refused to allow fear to amplify the challenges she already faced here.

When the sound grew louder, I peered down the barrel and stood stock still with my finger hovering near the trigger. Whispers arose as the threat seemed to multiply. If I only had one shot, it needed to be aimed in the direction it would do the most damage. An unidentified shape slithered through the trees, I only needed to confirm it wasn’t Diggs or O’Keefe before I fired.

I took a deep breath when a familiar voice transpired near my ear.

“What say you, good sir,” Zachary whispered, “if danger waylaid you from behind?”

I exhaled for the first time since I saw the movement in the trees. Two additional men broke through the clearing. Diggs and O’Keefe each leveled their guns at their backs. My smile broadened with recognition of Claude and Henri Dupont, my dear friends from France! I lowered my weapon and waved Diggs and O’Keefe off.

“We come in peace,” Claude said facetiously in French with his hands loosely raised.

I set my musket against the nearest tree and embraced my friends. Amelia now faced us and the basket of blooms that she held in her hands had fallen to the ground, the flowers scattered about. The men followed the direction of my eyes.

“Oh,” Zach chuckled through a smile. “You have company…” He winked at me. “And here I thought we would be rescuing a lonely old hermit.”

Claude and Henri shared a look, Henri laughed. “Qui est la jolie dame?”

“She is not a dame, she’s a lady,” I retorted. Then, under my breath I whispered, “But aye, you are correct she is exceptionally pretty.”

Zach shot me an odd look. “But who is she? And why is she here?”

“It is a long story, mate, but we cannot stand here and speak of her, it’s discourteous. Let me make introductions…” I began to walk away from my friends, then quickly shot around and whispered through tight lips, “But do not refer to me as Lord or Jaxon, use the name from my letters.”

“Mr. Jack?” Zachary questioned.

I nodded and strode toward Amelia with the men at my heels. She regarded us carefully, a trace of mistrust in her visage. With trembling hands, she moved to pick up the fallen flowers.

“Allow me.” I quickly scooped them up and returned them to the basket. “Nothing to fear, Miss Amelia. These are my friends.” I pointed behind me. “Zachary Collins, Claude and Henri Dupont.” I turned toward the men and introduced her in French.

“You speak French?” she questioned with surprise, glancing quickly between the four of us.

“Yes.” I did not elaborate. She had just confessed her resentment for anything French. I will have to explain in greater detail when we have a moment of privacy.

“Pleased to meet you, Miss Amelia,” Zach bowed with proper decorum as if we stood in a grand ballroom.

She stared a significantly long time at Zachary. A momentary burst of envy flooded through me, for the man could attract any number of looks with just his very presence. Her brows knitted together as if she was trying to place him. Blast. Perhaps they were acquainted in London. This subterfuge would not last long with them here. I needed to disclose the truth to Amelia and plead for her forgiveness and confidence.

I wiped the thin layer of moisture off my brow. “My friends hail from England and France.”

“For heaven’s sake, Jack…” Zachary winked not so subtly when he said my name and I wanted to growl. “What is that offense on your face?” He patted my scruffy cheek, and I caught Amelia fighting a smile. She had mentioned my blasted beard as something I was unaccustomed to and this only confirmed it.

“I have been quite occupied, sir.”

“Not occupied enough.” Zach chuckled. “For your bridge is in poor repair. We had to go through the other side of town and the woods to get here or we would have been here yesterday.”

“What you see are the repairs. It was damaged in a recent storm.” I nodded toward Amelia. “Thus, the unexpected guests.”

“Oh, indeed…” Zach flashed a knowing smile, the one that often got him in trouble. Thank goodness his wife Eveline knew how to manage him now. “Not bad for keeping the wrong sort of people away,” he said before I shot him a look of caution. He seemed to understand what I meant.

“Mr. Collins,” Amelia’s countenance brightened. “It appears you managed to get through the woods sufficiently, for you are here.”

“It is not a path I would recommend,” Zach answered. “But, yes, we managed. Our horses are tied up to a tree, we must move them to the stable posthaste, it appears as though rain is on the horizon.”

We all looked at the skies and frowned. I had only regarded the blue sky two quarters of an hour ago. Had we not had enough of this foul weather?

Turning to Claude and Henri, I asked after their mother and their journey while keeping one ear perked to the conversation between Amelia and Zachary. I know she recognized the fine cut of his coat, his sharp style, and handsome presentation as a gentleman.

“I don’t believe we have ever been introduced,” Amelia said. “But I feel as though we have crossed paths before.”

I held my breath while still engaging with the brothers.

“I would have remembered,” Zach said with a smile.

Cad , I mumbled inwardly.

“How did you all become acquainted with Mr. Jack?”

“Mr. Jack…” Zach stumbled a bit on the name. “We go back to our youth. Friends from…” I could tell Zach was having a difficult time avoiding the words Eton and Oxford. “Our parents were friends.”

I finally allowed myself to breathe. One day, I vowed, I would come clean to her but today would not be the day.

I interrupted. “If the brothers don’t mind sharing a room, Zach, I can accommodate you suitably with me. Miss Amelia’s carriage was destroyed in the storm, the same that took out the bridge, so she and her staff required lodging.”

“Oh, you mustn’t be put out, Mr. Jack,” Amelia interjected. “Daisy can simply share my room.”

My brows furrowed. Amelia did not bat an eyelash over sharing her privacy with her lady’s maid. “No, Miss Amelia, I thank you for the suggestion, but…”

“I insist. She is in my room most of the time at present.” She clapped her hands. “And now that is settled and you are all here, I imagine you might be able to assist Mr. Jack in finishing the bridge.” She glanced briefly my way. “Then my staff and I might be on our way.”

A tightness crushed my chest. She was eager to leave. I knew she always had been, but after last night I allowed myself to believe she wished to stay… with me.

I was a fool.

“Certainly, Miss Amelia. We are obliged to acquiesce and assist our friend in any way he sees fit.” Zach peered down at his attire. “I am, however, quite overdressed for the task and would like to change into something more suitable for labor, if you don’t mind.” He turned from Amelia and narrowed his eyes in my direction. “And it is imperative that we speak.”

Amelia seemed to comprehend his implication. “Oh, do not let me interrupt your reunion. I will take the flowers inside. It was a pleasure to meet you all.” She paused, and in flawless French said, “Ravi de vous rencontrer tous les deux,” repeating her pleasantries in the brothers’ language. They smiled in response, and each lifted a hand to kiss her knuckles. I swatted them off as she smiled, thankful this introduction to the Frenchmen did not offend her.

I watched her go and sensed Zach’s stare on the side of my face. “What?” I snapped.

He shook his head and chuckled. “I never thought I would see the day…”

“What in the devil’s name are you driveling about?”

“You are smitten, old pal.”

“No,” I said, shaking my head adamantly. “No.” I looked down at my hands. I could not look him in the eye and lie. “I simply admire her, that is all.”

Zach chuckled and turned to the brothers and alerted them in French that their skills were needed in fixing the bridge.

“Well, let’s not waste any daylight,” I said. “We might get a couple of hours of work in before the skies open up.” Then I showed the men to their rooms. Within a quarter of an hour, Zachary cornered me outside near the river.

“What truly is going on, Jax?” Zach asked as he approached, wearing simpler attire. “How did Miss Amelia Newell end up in your hunting lodge?”

“You know her?” I had deliberately omitted her family name from the introductions.

“Only from a distance. I am familiar with the viscount and met one of her brothers once. The second son, I believe.”

“Peter.”

“Yes,” Zach acceded. “I was introduced to them at a ball, Miss Amelia was engaged in a dance at the time.”

“I told you the truth, Zach, come and I will show you…” I led him to the bend in the river where portions of the wreckage remained scattered along the river rocks. “Her carriage went off the road in the storm and careened into the bridge destroying both. Her driver is still recovering, though we weren’t sure he would survive at all.”

“But what of her reputation?” He pinched his nose in vexation and shook his head. “She is lodging in the home of an unattached male… who she seems to think, might I add, is a common tradesman named Mr. Jack.”

“There are plenty of people in the house. My staff of six and her three. We are hardly ever alone.”

“ Hardly ever?” Zachary’s eyebrows arched. He knew me too well.

I folded my arms over my chest. “You, of all people, are lecturing me on propriety?” I scoffed. “The only reason you are respectable is because you are married to a respectable woman now.”

He chuckled and the air around us lightened. “Tis true.”

“Besides,” I added. “You know why I need to keep my anonymity. As soon as the bridge is repaired, she will be on her way to her aunt’s house in Bridport and… to her betrothed,” I slipped in. “With her association to the ton , if word got out that she saw me, that could compromise our location and risk our safety.”

“I believe it’s already compromised, mate.”

“What?” I asked.

“She’s betrothed?” His brows furrowed. “I am certain I would have heard of it in the society papers.”

“Zach!” I grabbed his shoulder, ignoring the discussion over Amelia. “What do you mean our location might already be compromised?”

“We wrote to you a week ago with some concerns. We had it brought by personal messenger directly to the lodge, but he returned saying he was unable to deliver it because he could not cross the river, which is why we have come.”

“Explain this compromise.”

“Hunter is investigating further and should join us in a day or two with an update. Hopefully he will be able to cross by then, but we had new information come to light.”

“What information?”

He held his finger to his lips and pulled me away just as Diggs, O’Keefe, and Ennis joined us, ready to work. We could speak openly in front of the Dupont brothers, but not the staff. I sent the three of them to retrieve tools in the stable before Zachary leaned in and whispered, “We followed Groves every day for weeks. We noted where he went and who he met with. Undoubtedly, it was he who hired your assailant, the man with the scar on his cheek that I described to you in a previous letter. They were seen conversing several times. Hunter is tracking down his identity, but I felt we must come posthaste. The assailant was making preparations to travel when we departed.”

“So do you believe he is coming here?”

“It’s possible. Luke followed him and met with another source, one who shared his direction as traveling west. I believe he may have already gone to your family lodge in the south and found it unoccupied.”

The urgency of the situation brought old fears to the surface—fears of innocent people getting entangled in my misfortune. “We need to repair this bridge as soon as we can. I must get Miss Amelia far away from here.”

Zachary rubbed his chin and glanced over the partial repairs. “Unless…” He now tented his fingers and tapped them against his lips. “We don’t repair the bridge.”

My brows furrowed.

“A bridge will only make it easier for these men to get to the house. If they are forced to go through the forest, it may deter or delay any scheme they might have, giving us time to come up with a plan.”

“I can’t take the risk that she, or her staff, would get caught in my affairs.”

“It may be too late for that, regardless.”

“Do you genuinely believe that man is coming here?”

The brothers had now joined us and Zach updated them in French. “Yes. If they are aware of your ploy to divert, they must believe you have remembered details they don’t wish you to recall.” Zach crossed his arms over his chest. “I don’t think Groves is going to chance you revealing what you know. Just because Napoleon surrendered a second time does not mean his disloyalties have altered. Those involved sent a lot of British boys to their death with their deceit. They should not get away with that.”

I mulled over what Zach said. I could not have him and the brothers in the house without telling Amelia the truth. Perhaps she would understand. She did lose her brother in the war, after all. But how would she react if she learned that my association with the brothers came with more secrets—specifically how I fought with the French against Britain when I had lost my memory? Was that a risk I was willing to take?

I turned to Claude and Henri and spoke in French, asking them to please keep that portion of our friendship a secret. I could not risk her hatred right now but assured the three of them that I would confess my true identity to her in private. She had already started to suspect, I knew it from the way she regarded me. I had attempted to hide the lordship part of me, but it had been engrained since birth. The only reason I did not stand out more succinctly was because of the time I spent on the Dupont farm in France when I had lost my memory.

“Fair enough, mate,” Zach said. “We will support you in any decision you make, but we cannot finish repairing the rest of this bridge if it’s at all possible these men are coming for you. The good news is that they will not be expecting the added men in your defense.” He glanced upward at the darkening skies. “Do what you must regarding the lady, and let’s meet within the hour and discuss our next steps.”

Claude and Henri turned to walk back to the house, but I gestured for Zach to remain behind. “How do I tell Amelia that I am unable to finish the bridge, especially now that we have more help? She is anxious to leave, and I cannot in good conscience inform her of pending threats.”

Zach’s eyes narrowed. “She does not appear to be a fragile young miss to me. She was strong in her presentation and seemed intelligent enough to understand.”

“She is…” I mumbled. “But her mind is not my concern… her safety is.”

“Because you care for her,” Zach retorted.

“Because she is under my charge and protection as a guest in my home.”

Zach smirked, then laughed out loud. “You can convince yourself of that all you wish, but I can see it. You forget how long we have been mates, brother. I know you quite well and have never seen this side of you.”

A breeze stirred, though blessedly the skies still suppressed the rain. I had grown tired of its gloomy appearance this past month. But, in the end, I knew the rain would offer a suitable excuse for us to delay the completion of the bridge. Zach made a firm argument to discontinue our efforts and not make it easy for our enemies to arrive unhindered. If they chose to go through the woods, they would be at a disadvantage.

“One last thing.” Zach lifted a finger before we parted. “There is something I must tell you.”

I waited. His tone sounded ominous.

“You are aware that I had witnessed a medical miracle of sorts after the battle at Mont-Saint-Jean, correct?”

“Yes, the man who had been exposed to the elements. Then you suggested the same treatment for your son, Patrick.”

“Yes, the very same.”

“It may have saved the life of Amelia’s driver as well,” I added. “He had been in the cold river for some time before we rescued him, and I blessedly recalled its success at Gottling.”

Zachary smiled. “That is wonderful news.” His smile faltered as he took a long, cleansing breath. “I never told you that the man we saved in the Netherlands was Lord Sinclair’s son.”

“His son?”

“Yes, the youngest. Newton Peters.”

“Deuces.” The information I had on his father could destroy their family. “How could he fund such a plot knowing his son could be at risk?”

“I think he made some unwise choices prior to his son’s enlistment. His son had only joined us in the second fight against Napoleon and he was young, barely out of the schoolroom. Truth be told, I believe his father regrets his involvement.”

“What led you to this conclusion?”

“Before I turned in your report to the Magistrates’ Court, I made a visit to Lord Sinclair’s home for the precise purpose of visiting Newton. As expected, my soldier introduced me to his father as a significant player in his survival and recovery.”

“His father was unaware?”

Zachary nodded. “He invited me to stay for dinner and as we engaged in casual conversation, I inadvertently spoke of my friends… one in particular… a Lord Jaxon Gray.”

“How did he respond?”

“He did not openly say anything, but I could tell from his expression the association affected him. After all, if it weren’t for the quick actions of Sargeant Powell and me, his son would be deceased.” Zachary paused. “I deliberately left your papers detailing Lord Sinclair’s involvement back with the priest at St Pancras. The decision to include them at a later date is entirely yours, but I believe that this association can be our leverage to turn him against Groves. He could be an additional witness, and his word would be readily regarded over that of William Groves.”

“You believe he will turn on the others?”

“I believe something has already altered their status quo. Though I witnessed several meetings, Lord Sinclair seemed different since my visit. If he stopped their funding for the search, it would explain their desperation to tie up loose ends and disappear.”

“That makes sense,” I said. My mind spun with possibilities. Placing a hand on my friend’s shoulder, I shook it lightly. “I could not have made it this far without you, Zach. I am indebted to you.”

He placed his hand on my shoulder as well. “Brothers willingly do whatever it takes for each other… and the women we love.” He winked and bobbed his chin in the direction of the house. I smiled but said nothing more.

After we parted ways, my mind replayed our entire conversation. If Lord Sinclair corroborated my accusations, we could bring justice against the ones who did the most harm on the continent. While I did not believe Lord Sinclair should remain innocent in all of this, I understood the desires of a changed man and the personal torment of living with past mistakes. Then my thoughts flitted to Zach’s other declaration… my feelings for Amelia.

There was no sense in arguing. I did care for her deeply. I had never experienced such raw, honest emotion over a woman before and, whether she felt the same or not, I owed her the truth.