Page 9 of One Kiss in the Shadows (Singular Sensation #12)

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M ay 28, 1819

The rout at Baselford’s home would begin in an hour, and while Nathaniel looked forward to introducing Mallory to his friends within the ton and showing off his wife, a part of him wished that they weren’t going out tonight and instead would remain at home.

Last night had been surprisingly good for his soul, starting with the dancing with Baselford’s wife, followed by dinner and sparkling conversation, then the waltz with Mallory and the kisses that had ended the evening. They’d enjoyed a couple of cozy hours in the drawing room, and he didn’t know how she’d done it, but his wife had encouraged him to read from a fairy tale book, but it had been more than worth it to watch her face as he’d done what she wanted.

In many ways, she was the typical innocent who still delighted in the most basic of things—reading stories that promised romantic tales, pretty gowns and sparkling jewelry, or even a favorite pastry the cook might make for dessert. Yet, in other ways, Mallory was older than her five and twenty years. She needed more lighthearted days in her life, so he hoped this rout, which was her first societal event ever let alone the first as a married woman, would be everything she’d dreamed it might be.

At the door to her suite, he rapped on the wooden panel, and when bid, he entered the dressing room. “Have you finished your toilette, duchess? The carriage is waiting.”

“Yes,” she said with a nod. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.” But the frown tugging at her kissable lips belied the excitement in her eyes. “How do I look? Is the gown suitable for the occasion?”

Now that she mentioned it, he finally inspected her as a whole, roved his gaze and up and down her person. The blue and green hues of the satin and lace gown put him in mind of a peacock’s feathers, but more than that, it brought out the blue color of her irises, made them jewel-like. The short, puffed sleeves called attention to her slim arms while the low, scooped bodice snagged his notice. She’d once again worn the sapphire and diamond necklace he’d given her, and it seemed made for the gown. The stones in the matching ring winked in the candlelight. When she cocked her head to the side as she stared back at him, the sheen of a sapphire ribbon was visible since it had been threaded through her upswept hair.

“You are... incredible, Mallory. Everything a duchess should be, but it goes deeper than the gown.” The urge to take her into his arms grew strong. “The gown is exquisite, of course, and the modiste did a wonderful job, but you are what helps it to make a statement. You have a certain way of holding yourself that causes people to want to know more about you.”

His respect for her edged upward. After their recent bouts of kissing and caressing, the desire for her hadn’t gone away. In fact, it had only grown. Which begged the question, did he want her beyond the bounds of a marriage in name only?

One thing was certain. It was beginning to be more difficult to deny the needs of his body when she was in his company, but he refused to rush her or force her into something she’d not necessarily agreed to.

A pink blush stained her cheeks, and when she smiled, heated interest shivered along his shaft. “That was a lovely thing to say.”

He nodded. “The necklace is a wonderful addition.” As he spoke, he glanced about for the cat, who he finally found curled into a tight ball on one of the chairs in the room. The chain for his pocket watch was nowhere to be found. “I’m glad you are enjoying the parure; the stones put me in mind of your eyes.” Was he far gone if he was babbling on about his wife’s eyes?

“You are sweet, Strathfield, and if you keep on, that charm might put you into trouble.” But she continued to smile, and that was more than worth the awkward discomfort he felt, for he didn’t know how to properly court a woman, let alone one he’d already married. “Oddly enough, the necklace will look lovely with the bracelet I stole from the asylum.”

“What?” How interesting, especially since that was the prerequisite of joining the Rogue’s Arcade. He’d stolen his fair share of gems and jewelry as a young man, but that had fallen by the wayside once he’d entered the military and had been occupied by other things. “Never say you are a jewel thief?” It didn’t matter that the carriage waited downstairs. He needed to know the story behind the bracelet.

“During the course of my time at the asylum, those of us who could actually do things and had no issues with our minds were taught how to make copies of expensive jewelry.”

“No doubt your mother ordered that so she could sell the copies as real and use the profits for her criminal enterprise.”

“Now that I think about it, you’re probably right.” Her eyes rounded with wonder. “We never knew what became of the paste copies, and no one told us, but during one of those crafting sessions, I created a diversion in which I was able to hide a real bracelet away in a pocket I’d created in my dress.” She shrugged as if such things happened to everyone on a daily basis. “It was my insurance, I suppose, if I ever found a way to escape. I knew I could pawn the jewels for the things I needed until I could come up with a plan on how to survive.”

The more she revealed of her past, the more stunned he was, and the more his protective instincts rose. Needing to be near her, Nathaniel slipped behind her as she peered into a full-length cheval glass. “You were quite clever.” He put his arms about her middle then, daring much, he pressed his lips to her nape and the crook of her shoulder. When she shivered, he grinned. “Where is the bracelet now?” When she remained silent, he continued, “You needn’t tell me if you wish to keep it to fund your future; you and I may not suit after all.” If that were true, why did knots of worry pull in his gut and why was faint pain radiating around his heart?

Surely, he didn’t have romantic feelings for her so soon... or at all. That wasn’t part of the plan when he’d offered her marriage.

Mallory met his gaze in the looking glass. “Peri currently is wearing it as a collar. It’s the best way I found to keep it a secret by hiding it in plain sight.”

“And because the cat doesn’t like most people, it was always safe.” Damn, but his wife was intelligent and was proving his match in every way.

“Exactly.” She shrugged. “In the asylum, you learn quickly how to take care of yourself and how to manipulate things to your advantage.” A waver entered her voice. “Or perhaps that is inherent to me because of my mother.”

Again, he kissed her nape, and wished, not for the first time, that they were staying in tonight so he could ply her with even more heated attention. “You have already proved that you are in no way your mother.”

“Truly?” That hope in her eyes stabbed through his chest and nearly had him on his knees before her.

“Yes.” As he pulled away, the faint intoxicating scent of lemons, mint, jasmine, and a note of something he couldn’t name teased his nose. “You have a new perfume.”

She nodded, and happiness reflected in her eyes. “The Countess of Baselford had it sent over today, told me it was a gift I should have had in my Come Out season, which is basically what I’m experiencing right now.”

“She is quite thoughtful.” And he mentally kicked himself for not doing that for his wife himself, but he’d given her many other things. “It smells lovely on your skin.” Had she dabbed it in strategic places beneath her gown that might entice him closer? Quite desperately he wanted to find out. “Now come. If we don’t leave now, we’ll be late,” he said as he stepped away from her and the temptation she represented. Would she expect him to dance with her tonight? But then, he already knew the answer, for he wanted to have all his friends see her and talk with her during those sets.

She nodded. “By the by, I took your pocket watch chain away from Peri this morning. It’s safely tucked away in a drawer in the clothespress. She’s a bit of a thief with shiny things, but it keeps her occupied.”

“Like her mistress?” He couldn’t help but grin when she sputtered. “I am teasing. In fact, I find it all too intriguing that you’ve stolen highly valuable jewelry. It seems you and I have more in common than I first thought.”

“Oh?” She grabbed her fan and her reticule on the way out of the room. “I can’t wait to hear why.”

B aselford House

St. James Place

London, England

An hour into the rout, Nathaniel was convinced Mallory would take within the beau monde without a hitch.

At first, there were a few hiccups. She caught a heel in the hem of her skirt, she’d frozen when the Earl of St. Vincent had asked her a question about who her people were, and she’d tripped over his cane as they moved through the room so he could introduce her to some of the rogues and their wives. But she’d quickly recovered from all those things, and with a smile in place, she’d managed to smooth her way through the snags.

The Earl of Hedgecomb drifted to his location while Mallory chatted animatedly in a knot of other ladies, many of them were married to his brothers-in-arms. “Why did you not inform us of your surprising wedding?”

Nathaniel shrugged. “Time was of the essence. I knew many of you couldn’t attend, so I bear no ill will to those who didn’t, and you are recently married yourself, so your time should be with your countess.” As he spoke, he kept his gaze on his wife. “She has proved a surprise, many times over.”

His friend chuckled. “I can understand that. No doubt you’re at sixes and sevens just now.”

“A bit.” That brought out a grin. “In truth, I’m a bit intimidated by her as she comes into her confidence. Also, I’m not quite certain how to be with her considering that her past is a mess and no doubt nightmare fodder.”

“She hasn’t told you?” The surprise in the earl’s tones matched his expression. When they’d called him Scarecrow during their military days, he’d resembled that form, but in the years since he’d come home, his looks had evened out into a respectable gentleman about Town.

“Bits and pieces. I don’t wish to push.”

“I understand that, but once you both purge those memories that haunt you the most, things will go better between the two of you.” The earl remained quiet for the space of a few heartbeats. “No doubt you married her to protect her from her mother.” It wasn’t a question.

“It’s true. I’d gone to the asylum where she was being held prisoner.” Quickly, he told the earl about the letter sent to Edenthorpe. “She had quite the backbone when we first met but there is a vulnerability about her that prompted protection from me.”

One of Hedgecomb’s brown eyebrows rose. “Do you think Lady Stover would try and kill her own daughter?”

“Ordinarily, she might have let Mallory go, for we already know Stover is going after everyone connected with the Rogue’s Arcade. But after we were both attacked in Hyde Park a few days ago, I’ve changed my mind.” His gaze found her again, and his respect and admiration for her rose once more. “Mallory will do quite well as my duchess; I just wish she would trust me enough to share everything with me.”

“Well, the best way to do that is to share the most private parts of you, those memories that have shaped your life and continue to drive you,” the earl said in a low voice. “Be real and be honest. That was how I ended up winning my wife’s heart.”

Could he trust her with those most weakened and shameful parts of him?

There was no time to ponder further, for the light, jovial atmosphere of the room changed, almost as if a foul odor had seeped into the space. When he glanced about the immediate area, his soul seized, and his anger immediately flared as Lady Stover and her husband sauntered into the drawing room.

“Shit.” He tightened his gloved hand about the head of his cane.

Hedgecomb followed his gaze. “That is an understatement.”

“Who the hell invited her?”

“I rather doubt anyone did, and it’s entirely possible you have a traitor amidst your staff if they are telling her what your wife’s schedule is.”

“If that is so, punishment will be swift. Excuse me.” With his pulse pounding in his temples, Nathaniel made his way through the crush of people until he reached Mallory’s side. Into her ear, he whispered, “When you turn around, do not overact. We will meet the threat together.”

She frowned and her eyebrows slightly crashed together as she looked at him, but she turned as murmurs went through the gathered guests. The rogues began to close ranks around them in a loose circle with their wives. Other guests didn’t understand what was happening, but they didn’t need to, for no one wished to court gossip.

“Merciful heavens,” she said on a choked whisper as she clutched his arm. All the color drained from her face. Once Lady Stover and the earl paused in front of them, Mallory cleared her throat. “Good evening, Mother, Papa. This is unexpected.”

“Mmm, no doubt it is, but then so was the news of your marriage to Strathfield.” Lady Stover’s voice was as smooth as silk but as sticky as rancid oil. She roved her gaze over him then just as quickly dismissed him while looking about at the others in the immediate area. When she rested that blue gaze back on her daughter, Nathaniel tamped down the urge to beat her head in with his cane. “You look well, though, dear. I would have liked to attend your ceremony, especially since you managed to land a duke with your mental... challenges.”

Nathaniel attempted to diffuse the situation by greeting the earl. “I’m glad to meet you, Stover. Your daughter is quite a lovely person. Perhaps she takes after you.” It was a slight and he knew it, and from the dark purple flush coming up Stover’s neck, he knew it as well.

The earl narrowed his eyes. “You married her without my consent. No contracts were drawn up, and you removed her from the asylum where she was safe.”

Another heated flash of anger went through Nathaniel’s chest. “I am a duke, Lord Stover. Even if you didn’t consent to the union, I would have gone ahead with it, and I don’t believe you truly wish to challenge me.” One of his eyebrows rose, and if he gripped the ivory head of his cane any tighter, the lion’s head would imprint on his palm. “She is far safer with me. You have my word.”

As the earl fumed and sputtered, Lady Stover apparently saw the lull in conversation as her time to pounce. “You’ll soon see you’ve made a mistake, Your Grace. Mallory is good at pretending, of course. That is how such patients can acclimate to life around them.”

“That’s enough, Mother.” Though Mallory’s hand on his sleeve trembled, she rose to the mark splendidly. While straightening her spine, she glared at her mother. “Why would I have wanted you there to witness my nuptial ceremony? After what you did to me, after you abandoned me to that horrible place?” Slowly, she shook her head, and the fierce expression left Nathaniel in awe. “After the sort of person you truly are and what you’re doing to innocent people?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. The things that go through your head are quite dangerous.” The countess made a show of glancing at the people with a look of shocked disgust on her face. When she focused on her daughter again, her eyes narrowed. “It seems it was ill-advised to have your husband remove you from the asylum.”

“My mind is perfectly clear. Even more so now that I’ve been away. At least with Strathfield, I am understood, even wanted. He listens to me as if I have value, and I know myself. Your time is coming.”

Lady Stover huffed while Lord Stover’s face paled. “If I were you, dear, I’d be very careful. It would be a horrible thing to find yourself back at that place, with you a newly married bride and a duchess no less.”

Before Nathaniel could interrupt, Mallory uttered a soft growl. She actually growled! “Are you threatening me, Mother?” Her hand now resting on his arm curled into a fist.

“Of course not, but others in the beau monde might not be as accepting of your damaged mind as I am. Society simply can’t have deranged people running amok, can we? Or holding such important titles or making decisions.” Her gaze slid to him. “Not even a duke will be able to save you once that happens.”

The icy fingers of fears played down his spine. Silence had descended upon the room. Everyone inside stared at the drama unfolding. “That’s enough.” Nathaniel put a hand to the small of Mallory’s back. “Perhaps you should leave, Lady Stover, Lord Stover, especially considering that neither of you were invited to this event anyway.” He held them both in his gaze while his jaw worked. “This is neither the time nor the place for such a meeting between a fractured family.”

“Whose fault is that, Strathfield?” Lord Stover asked but then took a step backward when his wife slapped him with her eyes.

“Mallory is under my protection. She is my wife. And if either of you think you can threaten that union, I will have no issue in disabusing you of that notion.” Every inch of the duke came out in that speech.

A faint grin curved Lady Stover’s lips. “I will concede the point to you temporarily, Your Grace, and I quite look forward to our next meeting, for make no mistake, we are not done.” Then she turned about, and with the earl trailing in her wake, she exited the room.

Immediately, Nathaniel urged his wife a bit away from the bulk of the crowd. “Are you all right?”

“No.” Visibly upset, she fought to keep her emotions under control, but her eyes welled with tears. “Excuse me. I need some air. Seeing her again, talking with her, knowing that she doesn’t care about me...” With a half-stifled sob, she fled the room.

Confusion gripped Nathaniel’s mind, for he didn’t know how to help her, and the sight of her tears left him far too weak. When Hedgecomb came abreast of him, he frowned. “What now? The evening is essentially ruined. I don’t know if Baselford will be able to salvage the rout.”

“Don’t worry about that. Aldren will no doubt make an asinine joke and Timelford will ham it up as usual, then all will be well.” He laid a hand on Nathaniel’s shoulder. “Right now, I suggest that you go after your wife and take her home. She’s vulnerable and emotional, and she will need to lean on your strength.”

“Right.” He nodded, and when he would have followed the suggestion, Hedgecomb stayed him.

The earl’s expression was far too somber. “I’m newly married myself, so take this with a grain of salt, but even if she tells you that she’s fine, even if she says nothing is wrong, hold her. Let her feel safe with you, and give her everything she needs in that moment. These are the times in a marriage that truly matter. Show her who you truly are, and why you are the best choice for her.”

That made sense. “I will. Thank you.” Feeling rather grim, Nathaniel exited the drawing room as quickly as his limp and cane would allow.

After searching the second level of the townhouse and coming up empty, he finally found her near the ladies’ retiring room on the ground floor not far from the grand staircase.

“Mallory?”

She glanced his way while dabbing at the corners of her eyes with a lace-edged handkerchief. “Go away. I don’t want you to see me like this.”

“I can’t do that.”

“Why?”

“Because you are my wife and I care about you. For better or for worse, remember?” Those words hadn’t meant much to him during their ceremony, but they were everything in this moment. His chest swelled when she cried all the harder. “What your mother said to you tonight showed the rotten hollowness of her character. Though she tried to bring you low, you were having none of it, and you defended yourself admirably.”

“What hope do I have for my life knowing I’m the daughter of someone so vile?” The questions in her eyes, the heartbreak, had his defenses crumbling.

“You are better because you make conscious decisions not to be like her. That’s all any of us can do to walk the line between good and evil.” Then he slipped an arm about her waist and drew her toward the entry hall. “Let’s go home. We can talk more there.”

Several moments later, he sat on the bench beside her in the closed carriage and told the driver to take them to his townhouse.

She continued to sniffle while burrowing into his arms, and he was far too content to hold her, willing her to trust him. “I was so embarrassed and then furious. She did that in front of all your friends. Why would any of them want to invite me to any of their events now?” The last word ended on a wail and her tears fell again.

“My friends are very understanding, and from what I’ve seen of their wives, they have all fought against their own kinds of evil to embrace the lives they live now.” When she didn’t say anything, he frowned. Clearly, he wasn’t reassuring her. Words weren’t his strong suit. He was a military man; he’d led men into battle, rescued them from danger. None of that required talking. “Perhaps this will help.”

“What?”

He pulled back slightly, enough to cup her neck, slide his gloved hand to her neck and raise her head with his thumb beneath her jaw. Then he fit his mouth to hers in a kiss designed to bring her calm and make her feel safe. Her pillowy soft lips were warm and eager, and she met each movement he made. The handkerchief fell from her hand as she pressed herself closer to his body, apparently without shame, and with a tiny sound of surrender, Mallory applied herself to kissing him back.

It was like a match was set to dry tinder, and in seconds, Nathaniel was lost. The awareness he had for her rushed over his skin while desire hardened his length and pressed it painfully against the front of his evening breeches. He wanted nothing more than to show his wife that she was indeed worthy and that she was very much needed, and if that conversation was conducted in a bed while removing clothing, all the better.

Perhaps it was time to redraw the parameters of their marriage.

For the good of them both, because her distress and upset reminded him of his own shortcomings, his own brokenness, and surely two such people couldn’t make a strong union, could they?