The Bridal Contract (Darrington family Book 3) Read online

  Over the large man’s shoulder, Oliver eyes widened. Shock mixed with fear in his expression. Just as he opened his mouth to either warn her or challenge Everly, Eloisa squeezed her finger on the trigger. Unfortunately, she didn’t see if the ball had found a target, for the kick back from the weapon’s discharge not only jerked her arm and shoulder backward, it knocked her off balance. She tumbled to the ground and landed so hard on her bottom stars swam in her vision.

  Some minutes later, a pair of dusty boots appeared in front of her. She lifted her gaze up the pair of buff-colored breeches, past an ivory waistcoat that sported two missing buttons, past a slate blue tail coat that had a streak of blood to a dust-streaked, disheveled cravat, and finally into the concerned, bewhiskered face of her viscount.

  “Are you all right?” He grinned as he extended a hand.

  “The only thing wounded is my pride, as they say.” She let the pistol fall from her hand. Tingles filled her arm down to her fingertips. “Firearms are quite a nasty business.” She put her hand into his and he pulled her to her feet as if she were a cloud. “More importantly, are you hurt?” She roved her gaze over his dear, somewhat battered face, his neck, his shoulders, but there wasn’t the red bloom of blood. The streak on his jacket must not be his. “Please tell me you’re not wounded.”

  “Why, Miss Hawthorne, you sound as if you’re truly worried about me,” he quipped but tugged her close and whispered, “I’m unharmed. Lord Everly; however, didn’t fare as well with that wild shot you got off.” He tucked a fallen lock of hair behind her ear. “I really must teach you better aim in the future, my dear.”

  She couldn’t think straight, couldn’t feel anything beyond the numbing pins and needles invading her arm. All she wanted to do was fling herself into his arms, let him wrap her in his protection, but he pulled away and released her before she had the opportunity. “What do you mean?” A sinking sensation weighted her stomach. “Good God, I haven’t killed him, have I?” If she had, did that mean she’d need to flee England forever to evade capture? Wouldn’t the constable concede it had been an accident or defense? She gasped and took two steps backward. Her stomach twisted and knotted. “Will you turn me in? You’re such an honorable man, I wouldn’t expect less of you, but going to prison or facing a hangman’s noose is—”

  “Eloisa!” He closed the distance between them, dropped his hands on her shoulders, and gave her a slight shake. “Look at me.” When she met his blue gaze, he lifted an eyebrow. “Quell that imagination of yours. Everly isn’t dead. Far from it, though he is missing a portion of his left ear and his coach has quite a hole in its side. No doubt he’s making the air blue with the string of vulgarity he’s indulging in.”

  Cool relief slammed down her spine. “Oh.” She let him grip her hand and tug her across the road to where Lord Everly huddled against his coach with a hand to his ear. Blood trickled out between his fingers and ran in a scarlet ribbon down the side of his face to blend with the dirt-streaked folds of his cravat.

  “Everly, this ends today.” Oliver poked the man in his fat shoulder as his driver finally came out of his stupor enough to hand the agitated lord a handkerchief. “I’d say a bit of an ear is punishment enough for kidnapping a small child.”

  The rotund lord glared, but the effect was somewhat lessened by the injury. “What do you want, Tralsburg?”

  Eloisa was curious too as she gave into a wave of exhaustion and leaned against Oliver’s side. She offered a small smile when he wrapped an arm about her waist.

  “For you to leave me, my family, and the Hawthornes alone,” he replied in a low voice that brimmed with warning. “You will accept my note to cover Charles’ debts and you will never play at the same tables as him, no matter how he might wheedle and attempt to convince you otherwise. You will stand and walk away immediately if he approaches you. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, yes, but know this. If I ever see you in Town, you can be sure I won’t hesitate to make things exceedingly difficult for you.” He wiped at his ear. The handkerchief came away blood-stained. “Damned gel, interfering in things she knows nothing about.”

  “It’s merely one of the reasons I adore her,” Oliver rejoined. “Expect notice I’ve tendered my note regarding the transfer this week, Everly. I don’t wish to linger over this problem longer than necessary. There are other, more rewarding, endeavors to hold my attention.”

  The lord waved a fat hand. Then he yanked open the coach door and climbed in. The conveyance swayed beneath his weight. “I’ll be looking for you, Darrington. You and I aren’t done.”

  “That day of reckoning may never come.” Oliver glanced at Everly’s surly driver. “Make certain he sees a surgeon. An infection there would be a rather nasty business.”

  By the time Oliver had led her back to his carriage and his driver had retrieved the abandoned pistol, Eloisa felt more like herself. “You said you adored me,” she mentioned as they stood by the carriage door.

  “I did and I do.” He swung open the door only to be accosted by Daniela the second she saw him. “Hello, poppet.” He picked the child up in his arms then kissed her forehead. “Papa promises to never let anything happen to you again. No more bad men at our door.” The knuckles of his right hand were swollen and bloodied, stark against Daniela’s white night clothes. No doubt the origin of the streak on his jacket.

  “And Mama Isa?” The girl’s dark gaze slid to her and she smiled as if she’d been inspired by an angel.

  “I’ll protect Mama Isa as well. Can’t have the evils of this world come after my two best girls, now can I?” The twinkle in his eye promised wicked nights and happier days. He gestured to the carriage. “Let’s go home, shall we?” The few shadows on his face would be bruises in the coming hours, but at least he wasn’t vitally hurt.

  Sitting next to Oliver, her side smashed against his while Daniela reposed on his lap, asleep as soon as they’d settled, Eloisa finally got up enough courage to ask what had been on her mind since his exchange with Lord Everly. “I suppose since you intend to pay off Charles’ debt early our contract is rendered null and void?”

  “It is.” He offered no other information, and the lapse didn’t set her mind at ease.

  “And, um…” She bit the inside of one cheek. Worry churned through her veins. “What does this mean? Where do we go from here?” So much for her vow to win over her man no matter what. Perhaps she’d used up her courage when she shot the pistol.

  “That largely depends on you, doesn’t it?” He turned his head. His grin loosed butterflies in her stomach and sent curls of heat into her core. “Dine with me tonight. Nine o’clock, unless you require rest after your ordeal?”

  “No.” She gulped, hoping she didn’t look like a ninny. “I’d like to settle my future as soon as possible.”

  “Right. I’ll put Susan and Carruthers on notice we’re not to be disturbed.” The mischief in his eyes spoke of kisses and caresses and all manner of delightful things. “We’ll discuss it then, once Daniela is tucked into bed and I’ve had a chance to clean up and attend to a few bits of business.”

  “But, Oliver, there is a matter that I need to inform you of straightaway, and it might make a difference to you.”

  “Tonight, love. Tonight.”

  She nodded, not trusting herself to voice the hope in her heart. Instead, she relaxed into the squabs and watched Oliver cuddle his child close. Her heart ached in a way she never thought it could and the longing in her womb increased its call.

  Were the beginnings of her dreams coming to fruition? She thought about Peter and the promise she’d made to him. You have to let me go, Peter, as I do to you. Oliver means life and love and laughter. I need that so much, for I can never have it with only your memory.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Oliver gazed across the table at Eloisa. He couldn’t help but smile. The poor thing had hardly touched the meal Susan had lovingly made especially for this night. That afternoon, he’d told both his house
keeper and Carruthers of his plans to make an offer for his pretty neighbor. They had, of course, reacted as he’d suspected when he’d first given Eloisa the contract. They were as pleased and proud of him as if he’d been their own child. He’d waved away their felicitations with the promise that they keep well away from the proceedings the evening would bring.

  When his love chased bits and pieces of her roast duck around her plate for the second time, he took pity on her. He needed to end her worry and relieve her anxiety. “Shall we talk about the real reason you’re here tonight instead of putting in the pretense of enjoying dinner, tasty though it may be?”

  She raised wide eyes to his. “Yes, please.” Her relief was almost a palatable thing.

  Struck anew at how arresting her features were, Oliver stood. Her brown-blonde hair had been caught up with pearl-encrusted combs. A few curls spilled over her temples and along her neck, and he couldn’t wait to remove those combs in order to bury his hands in those tresses as he’d wanted to do since he’d met her. “Come. Let’s adjourn to the parlor.” All too well he remembered how she’d felt in that carriage while on his lap, how soft her skin had been, how her little sounds of pleasure had fired his blood and tightened his groin. Oh yes, this night he’d claim her as his own and banish all thoughts of dear Peter from her heart. She could hold on to her memories, of course, but he wanted the whole of her heart. “There’s a particular question I need to ask you.” When he’d seen her bravely rescue his daughter then just as bravely hold a pistol on Everly, he’d lost his heart all over again. She’d come to his rescue in more ways than one since he’d met her and he was more decided than ever to make her his. However had he’d thought her a shrinking violet, incapable of standing up to adventure or danger?

  Her hand trembled as he grabbed it and pulled her to her feet. The whisper of the mint green silk of her dress accompanied them down the hall. “Oliver, please, don’t keep me in suspense. I think I may know what you refer to, but I’d like to remain in ignorance lest I make a fool of myself with assumption.”

  “The both of us have done a fair amount of assuming during our time together, haven’t we?”

  “I suppose we have.” Her voice sounded so small and uncertain.

  Once in the parlor, he made sure to turn the key in the lock. Not that he didn’t trust his servants to obey his command, but he wanted no surprises. Then he crossed the room and turned the key in that door as well before coming back to her side. “Let me come straight to the point.” He faced her and lost his heart all over again at the vulnerability lurking in the mossy depths of her eyes. He wanted to be the man to protect her, guide her, nurture her and support her through everything she’d encounter in life.

  “That would be preferable.”

  Illumination from a lit trio of candles on an armoire provided shadows and a romantic ambiance. “The bridal contract I offered you was a mistake. I did you no favors there, yet it was the catalyst for bringing us together.” He took a few steps toward her. A sense of power and exciting conquest rose in his chest. He very much stalked his prey and he would win her.

  “Oh?” Eloisa retreated, step for step. “It was a mistake?”

  “Absolutely, for it bound me to you without the benefit of marriage.” One more step then another he took.

  “But we both fulfilled the arrangements. Helen is free and your mother has been routed.” Two more retreating steps brought her to a settee. She narrowly avoided a low table as the backs of her legs hit the furniture. “Mistakes don’t usually end so well.”

  “On that count, you’re correct. However, I want that marriage—a real engagement that will end in us bonded for years to come.” Oliver captured her hands in his. “I want to wed you, Eloisa. I want to be a family with Daniela.” He peered deep into her eyes, hoping she understood, imploring her silently not to misunderstand. “I’ve learned after these days with you that my life has been woefully incomplete.”

  “It has?” A pretty pink blush stained her cheeks. When she attempted to pull away, he held on tighter. “How?”

  “I thought I wanted nothing more than to return to the sea and my ship. I stupidly thought I didn’t need anyone in my life to give it meaning.” Oh, how wrong he’d been. “But meeting you, having Daniela thrust into my life, I’ve realized I’m nothing without my girls.” With a tiny bit of encouragement, he settled her onto the settee then sat beside her. “The love of a child restored the holes my soul had taken on from the cynicism of life, but your love has repaired my heart and given me hope.”

  “Hope for what?” She scooted away from him down the short length of the sofa, but he followed and was only too glad to pin her against the curving arm and his body.

  “The future, for us.” Not willing to keep his hands from her any longer, Oliver plucked first one comb from her hair then the other. He dropped them both to the Aubusson carpet. “All of these bothersome words mean this: I want you, Eloisa. No, it’s more than that. I need you.” With one flick of his wrist, he tugged at the emerald green ribbon that was woven through the delicate bodice of her dress. It only took little pulls for the fabric halves to separate and show the lacy edge of her shift beneath. “I fell in love with you and don’t know when or how. I just know that I am. I don’t want an arrangement for funds or parental deflection; I want to marry you in front of God and my family, for better or for worse, but…”

  “Yes?” Her breathless question and the rapid flutter of her pulse in her throat gave him all the encouragement he needed.

  “It all depends on you. Can you forget about your promise to a dead lover from years ago and pledge your body, heart and soul to me, the vital man, not of your past but of your future?” He hadn’t realized until this very moment that she could very well say no. A tremor wormed its way through his gut. “Well?” Urgency propelled the question out.

  “Will you remain in England?”

  His stomach clenched. Would this be the fly in the ointment? “I’m not suited for life on land, Eloisa. The sea is as fundamental to me as breathing. At the end of June, I’ll take Daniela with me and sail for ports unknown, and I’d hoped…” His voice broke and he stumbled. It was unfathomable his plan would unravel now. He cleared his throat. “I’d hoped you would come along on the adventure as well.” Was that really his heart racing as he waited for her benediction or judgment? Was this what every man felt when attempting to win the heart of his lady?

  “You don’t intend to return here any time soon?” She kept her big eyes focused on his face. Nothing in her expression betrayed her feelings.

  “No.” With nothing to do except wait, he traced her gaping bodice with a finger. When she shuddered, he tamped a grin but repeated the gesture with his lips, teasing her with light nips and nibbles. The floral scent of her wrapped around him and fueled his need. “England, though dear because of my family, doesn’t inspire excitement in my soul.”

  “If I agree, I’d not see my family for years. They’d have to learn how to get on without me.” She arched her neck and he gladly pressed kisses along the silky column of her throat.

  “This is true. Only you can decide if that’s something you can endure.” He pulled at both her bodice and shift until the laces came undone and her glorious breasts popped free from the fabric. Oh, to have hours to acquaint himself with the pert, pink tips and creamy mounds. “In order to seek adventure, one must travel with everything valuable and leave the rest behind. Could you do that?”

  “I…” The rest of her answer was lost on the heels of a moan when he brushed the pad of his thumb over her nipple and rubbed until it grew into a hard bud.

  How he adored that sound. “I’ll give you the world and all of my love, but if that’s not enough for you…”

  “It is! Oh, Oliver, it is! But I can’t.”

  He died a thousand deaths in that one word. “What? Why?” He felt as petulant in that one moment as Daniela at being told no.

  Tears shimmered in her eyes. “I gave myself to Pet
er. I cannot come to you as a bride should—clean and pure. You deserve that at least.”

  Oh, his poor, suffering love. “Is that what’s been plaguing you?” When she nodded, he pressed a feather-weighted kiss to her mouth. “I don’t care that you’ve given away your virtue. That was your gift to Peter. The man gave his life for his king, country, and you. It’s a fair trade for the young woman’s heart you had then.” He kissed away the tears on her cheeks. “I’m interested in the woman you are now. Lost virtue has no value when I’m after your heart, the very soul of the woman I’ve fallen in love with.”

  “Oliver, you devil, you clever boy, my love. You wonderful man.” She took his head between her palms, pulled him to her then proceeded to kiss every inch of his face. When she finally kissed his lips, he groaned and spent the next several minutes applying himself to bossing her tongue with his. Eventually, she broke the embrace simply to breathe. “I love you. Watching you care for Daniela so tenderly without thought or recourse to your future, knowing you intended to save Helen without ever having met her showed me the mettle you’re made of, learning how you’d fight for me, care for me despite everything.”

  “Ah, and here I’d hoped you found me pleasing to look at, since you’ll be waking up with me at your side for the next forty years or so, God willing,” he joked, but it wasn’t the time for levity. He kissed away the last of her tears. He wanted her more than life itself. She’d be his greatest adventure. His member hardened. It throbbed against the front of his trousers. “There is only one answer I want to hear, love. To date, you haven’t said it.”

  “Yes, I will marry you.” Her eyes were bright and shimmered with unshed tears. “I’m perfectly content to stay away from England and everything here. It’s past time for my family to forge their own paths. As long as I have you by my side, I need nothing else.”

  He slid to the floor, and kneeling between her legs, slowly pushed up her skirting until it bunched at her waist. He dropped kisses on both knees. “You’ve made me the happiest of men, dearest. Though, there is one thing more.” Gently, he eased her thighs apart, and when he gazed upon her curl-shrouded folds, his breath shuddered from him. How had he won such a woman? He’d try all the days he had remaining to please her and keep her happy.