Chapter 29

 

 

 

With Mitchell tucked away at Damon’s residence and Doctor Drew Hornsby called in to attend to him, Claudia and Oliver returned to the viscount house with Bryan. Drew Hornsby would call in on Byran and give an update on Mitchell as soon as possible.

Mitchell had told him recently that when detectives were allowed to carry a firearm after the murder of two policemen in ’84, very few took the option, Mitchell included. Oliver wondered if he now wished he had?

Meanwhile, his brother was upstairs, hopefully sleeping. Bryan waved away any food, but he did sip brandy before heading upstairs. Oliver had never seen him so subdued. He also did not want to speak about his ordeal. Rett stayed with Mitchell and would report his condition to the inspector while discovering any updates on the Danaher situation.

A plate of uneaten sandwiches sat on the table between him and Claudia as they remained deep in thought.

“I think a long honeymoon is just what we need,” Claudia murmured. “I will gladly lounge about on a beach in Spain. And as soon as possible.”

“In San Sabastian, I have read the water is turquoise, and the sand is the most beautiful golden shade. We can rent a villa there, right on the beach, and make love to the sounds of the crashing waves with the moon reflecting on the water.”

Claudia jumped and vaulted herself at Oliver, straddling his lap and facing him. “Oh, I am so tempted to ravish you here and now. It must be the excitement of our adventure. My heart is pounding like a battle drum.”

Oliver cupped her face and stared into her lovely eyes. “Only because of the adventure?”

Claudia wriggled her hips until she firmly placed her feminine core against his aching, erect shaft. “No. Not only.” Claudia started rocking back and forth, rubbing his cock for all its worth. Even through the layers of leather and wool, he felt her heat.

Why not indulge in a little simulated sex?

“Ride me,” Oliver demanded.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Hell’s bells.

Rett and Doctor Hornsby could return at any time, but the prospect of someone walking in on them merely heightened Claudia’s desire. Rubbing against Oliver’s stiff shaft excited her beyond compare, and she lost herself in the stunning sensation. She moaned, keeping as quiet as possible. But it was near impossible, for the feelings tearing through her made her giddy with joy. What will making love be like? With the man she loves? Claudia couldn’t wait.

“Yes,” Oliver growled. “Right there. Faster.”

Faster it is.

Claudia could feel the peak building, like climbing a mountain. Then it slammed her hard. She cried out, smothering her release against his leather coat, quaking from the sheer bliss of it.

Oliver thrust his hips faster until he groaned, burying his face in her neck. Their breathing was erratic as they reached their peaks. Their bodies shuddered as one. They held each other close until, at last, they calmed.

“My,” Claudia whispered. “That was rather intense.”

The door burst open, and they started.

“My pardon, I should have knocked first,” Rett said, laughter in his voice. “I can come back later.”

Grasping Oliver’s shoulders, Claudia reluctantly stood. Then, she quickly took a seat next to Oliver at the table.

“Great timing, Cousin,” Oliver admonished as he pulled his chair closer to the table. “What news?”

He sat across from them with a smile still plastered on his face. “I would guess you two will be married as soon as possible, am I correct?”

“I have said yes to Oliver’s proposal. And it will be as soon as his parents arrive,” Claudia replied.

“Then my heartiest congratulations, and welcome to the family, Claudia.”

“Thank you.” Impulsively, Claudia jumped from her chair, ran to Rett, and kissed him on the cheek before returning to her seat. “I am looking forward to meeting everyone. I love Oliver to distraction. I know we will be happy.”

Rett glanced between them. “Yes, I can see that. You both look completely blissful.”

Claudia exchanged a knowing look with Oliver.

“The news?” Oliver said, not taking his eyes off Claudia. 

“Oh, right you are. Mitchell has been stabilized, but Drew worries infection will set in. The bullet damaged some tendons, which may mean a longer recovery. He also lost a lot of blood, but it did not nick a major artery. Drew will know more tomorrow.”

“Oh, poor Mitchell. He jumped in front of Oliver. He is a hero in my eyes, as are you both. Running into danger to save Bryan,” Claudia stated.

“And you, Claudia,” Rett replied. “You did not hesitate to volunteer. Anyway, Drew will be here shortly to look in on Bryan. I went to the police station, and they informed me a body was discovered in the pub’s basement, burnt beyond all recognition. There is no way to tell if it was Danaher. They are assuming it is him and closing the book on the case.”

“I do not see how he could have escaped that,” Oliver mused. “The building and the fire fell on top of him. Did the fire spread?”

Rett shook his head. “Not far. The shack next door is gone, and another condemned building on the other side of it sustained damage. But the fire brigade got the fire under control quickly. This will be the death knell for Notting Dale.”

“Perhaps sooner than the city committee planned. Did the police inspect the basement area?” Oliver asked.

Rett cocked an eyebrow. “I don’t believe so. They took out the corpse and departed. Why?”

“I do not know. A nagging feeling Danaher somehow escaped his fate? It is not possible. Danaher’s men?”

“Scattered. What the police have planned next for the area? They did not share the information with me. I spoke to Inspector Stanhope, Mitchell’s boss. He was not best pleased by the whole affair. As long as Mitchell sticks to his story of holding a training exercise nearby and acting once the gunshots rang out, he should escape unscathed. Well, except for his injury.”

Oliver clutched Claudia’s hand. “We will go see Mitchell as soon as we can, and I will put in a good word with the inspector. I imagine a viscount and heir to an earl has some sway.”

“All of a sudden, I am exhausted. It is nearly midnight. I should head to Olivia’s and Gideon’s,” Claudia yawned. Fatigue covered her like a rogue wave. All she wanted was sleep.

Oliver kissed her hand. “Come, I will escort you there.”

After saying her goodnights to Rett, they were off in the carriage. Claudia curled up in Oliver’s arms, sighing contentedly.

“I would like to pick you up at nine sharp tomorrow morning if you are available,” Oliver said softly.

“Hmm. Is it a surprise?”

“Yes, of a sort.”

Oliver kissed her tenderly when the carriage stopped before the Watford residence. “Dream of me tonight, for I will be dreaming of you.”

“Oh, yes.”

Oliver assisted her out of the carriage and walked her to the door. Then he kissed her hand. “Sweet dreams.”

“Sweet but heated,” she whispered.

Oliver laughed and blew her a kiss as he headed toward the carriage.

Never had Claudia been so happy.

 

 

As promised, Oliver arrived at nine sharp. Sitting close to Oliver, his arm about her, Claudia stared out the window as the carriage turned onto Harrow Road.

“Can you not tell me the surprise?”

“This isn’t it, but I asked Rett to locate the washerwoman while I recovered. It took some doing, but he found her. She was alone with her three children, with no money or food. Her husband, Charlie, one of Danaher’s minions, after being released from the police cells, left for points unknown.”

“Oh, no. That poor woman,” Claudia murmured.

“I agree. We had Mrs. Nettles and her children moved out of Notting Dale. She has a sister in the East End, so Rett saw that she was settled near her family with some money and a decent job while she recovered from her broken arm.”

“I am so pleased. As I said, you and your cousin are heroes.”

Oliver kissed the top of her head. “Here we are.”

“A cemetery?” she questioned.

“Yes, Kensal Green Cemetery. Also, while recovering, I contacted Edwina Callen and hired her to complete a task for me: to locate where your mother is buried.”

“You did?”

“I gave the directions to Kennedy. He is driving us there now.”

“But why here? I thought this burial ground was for people with money?” Her point was proven as they drove by marble mausoleums and massive Gothic monuments.

“This place is seventy-six acres, and there are many sections, like one for children and one for those who cannot afford an expensive funeral and burial.”

“In other words, a section for the poor.”

“Yes. That is where your mother is buried.”

The carriage came to a stop before a large parcel of land. There were a few scattered wooden crosses, but for the most part, there was not a tombstone to be seen. Oliver assisted her from the carriage.

“In some of these plots, there is room for up to six coffins. It is how they bury the indigent,” Oliver said softly.

Claudia slipped her arm through Oliver’s as he led her over to the right side of the grounds. Tears burned hot in her eyes, and a lump formed in her throat. Since her mother died, she did not have the luxury to mourn her properly, for surviving took over every instinct. 

“How startling to find, “Oliver continued, “that your mother is alone in this plot.” He stopped before a section by a pathway. “Here, on the border of the path. I contacted the cemetery and paid to have no one else put in with her. We can order a tombstone right away. Or, if you wish, we can move her to another cemetery section.”

The tears that threatened now spilled down her cheeks. “Oh, Mama,” she whispered miserably. “I am sorry I left you. Forgive me.”

Oliver pulled her close. “Under the circumstances, she understood there was no other option. It is why your mother told you to leave. My dearest Claudia.”

She cried softly against his wool coat. Then, she sighed, grabbed a handkerchief from her reticle, and dabbed at her eyes.

“The cemetery said they have a lovely plot surrounded by rosebushes and a flowering shrub. We can have your mother moved there. Would you like to see it?”

Claudia sniffled, then nodded. 

“I have tasked Rett to handle this for us while we are on our honeymoon. He will be with your mother all the way. She will be placed in a proper coffin and interred at the new plot with a tombstone.”

“Nothing too elaborate,” Claudia whispered. “Mama wouldn’t like that.”

“I made an appointment with someone in the office. We can see them now, have them show us the plot, and you can pick out a stone. Just in case you wished to move your dear mother.”

Claudia gazed up at Oliver. “I do. Have I told you how much I love you?”

“Tell me again,” he whispered, tenderly stroking her tear-stained cheeks.

“I love you so much. Thank you for this.”

“Claudia, I would do anything for you. Anything. You are my life. My heart. My very soul.”

 

 

* * *

 

 

It was noon when Oliver returned home after dropping Claudia at Watford’s. She would be visiting with them until their marriage. Before he took her home, they dropped in to see the Galway sisters and told them the news of their upcoming nuptials. They heartily wished them well and informed Claudia she had a position in the agency when she returned and could decide how many hours to work.

He handed his coat and hat to Dalton. “Has my brother arisen from his room?”

“No, my lord. We sent up a breakfast tray, but it remained untouched.”

“Fix one for luncheon, for me as well. I will ring you when it can be brought up.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Oliver took the stairs two at a time. He turned the handle and entered. The room was encased in darkness. Oliver immediately strode over to the draperies and pulled them open, allowing sunshine to pour into the room.

Bryan groaned as he sat upright, his eyes blinking rapidly, adjusting to the light. Oliver took the damask dressing gown from the foot of the bed and tossed it to his brother. “Put it on. We have to talk.”

Bryan turned slightly to slip it on. There were bruises down his left side.

“Wait.” Oliver strode over, then leaned in to inspect it. “Danaher?”

“I am surprised Hornsby didn’t tell you after he examined me last night. One of Danaher’s men when he brought me water and bread. He kicked me twice, calling me a sniveling toff with no guts or gumption.’ He’s not wrong.”

“No, he isn’t.” Oliver dragged over a chair and sat on it. “Is that all they did?”

“I wasn’t violated, if that is what you mean,” Bryan replied bluntly. Then he exhaled a shuddering breath. “They put me in a dark hole,” he whispered miserably.

“I am sorry. I know you don’t like it.”

“Like it? I nearly went mad. I was barely in there twenty-four hours, but it felt like twenty-four days. Thank you for coming for me. Did you pay him?”

“No. There was a fight; the oil lamp was knocked to the floor, and the rotten wood ignited. The burning building fell on him. A corpse was found. The police believe it is Danaher, though no identification can be feasibly done as you can imagine.”

“It is all a blur. Rett was there?”

“Yes, and Claudia, my fiancée. You have missed quite a lot while you wallowed in dissipation, but we can place all that in the past. Mother, Father, Grandmother and the rest of the family need never know what depths you sunk to or about being held for ransom. I will keep your secret on one condition.”

“What?”

“That you become a functioning member of this family. Tomorrow, I want you to seek out these solicitor offices,” Oliver took a folded piece of paper from his coat. “Pick one for your apprenticeship. Then, you will serve in the free law clinics for six months as you work toward your Postgraduate Certificate in Laws. No more immersing yourself in vice, alone or those with a deviant bent. No opium or heavy drinking. Understood?”

“Do I have a choice?”

Oliver crossed his arms. “No. Your selfishness ends here.”

“I have acted as an egocentric, entitled bastard. I am sorry. May I never see Shinwell again. He gave me up and left me there. Told Danaher where to find you. I will do as you say.”

“Yes, you will. Unless you want to be sent to the Hertfordshire Sanitorium.” Oliver’s look softened. “You are my brother, and I love you. If anything was ever to happen to you—” Oliver cleared his throat and passed Bryan the list. “Do this because you want to do it. Not because I am forcing you.”

“I want to do this.”

“Good. And I wish you to stay with Rett while I am away. You can look after Caramel, my cat.”

“Cat?”

“As I said, you’ve missed quite a bit. I received a telegram from Father. He and Mother will be here in seven days. Let me ring for luncheon, and we can discuss how you can assist me in planning this small but whirlwind wedding.”

Bryan nodded. “Yes. I can eat now.”

Oliver stood and strode to the bellpull.

“And Oliver?” Bryan said. “I love you, too. Thank you.”

 

 

And seven days later…

 

 

After discovering a civil wedding ceremony had stricter rules concerning wait times for obtaining a license than most churches, Claudia and Oliver opted for a special license within the Church of England. By the time his parents arrived, all the rapid preparation had occurred.

It was a small gathering that bright autumn morning with Oliver’s parents, his cousins Rett and Ronan, and his brother Bryan. On Claudia’s side, Olivia and Gideon, Aunt Mirella, and Edwina Callen attended. Gideon had walked her down the aisle. They had hoped Mitchell would recover enough to attend, but he developed an infection which prolonged his recovery. They did stop by and see him briefly yesterday, and he wished them well. Claudia and Oliver vowed to stay in touch while they were away on their honeymoon trip. Otherwise, they decided to keep the ceremony small and intimate, and their friends within The Rakes and the Galway Agency said they understood and wished them well.

Claudia could not believe it as she stood staring into Oliver’s lovely green-gray eyes. The love that radiated from them caused her heart to soar. It felt as if she were in a fairy tale. The vicar’s words faded into the background. All she could see and feel was Oliver, so handsome in his black dress suit with a boutonniere of lavender Michaelmas daisies, which matched her bouquet.

As for her dress, her wedding attire consisted of the gold gown she had worn the night she found Oliver in Berkley Square and declared her love. Olivia had a shimmering gold veil made for her in record time. Never has she felt so beautiful. 

At last, the vicar came to the “I do” portion and the exchange of rings. When that concluded, he said, “Although it is not part of the Church of England ceremony, Claudia and Oliver asked that it be added. Oliver? You may kiss your bride and seal your commitment to each other.”

Reverently and gently, he cupped her cheeks, mouthed, ‘I love you,’ then gave her a sweet, tender kiss that melted her heart. Everyone in attendance applauded.

They were married.

A few tears escaped the corner of Claudia’s eyes, but then, Olivia told her it was good luck for the bride to cry at her wedding. 

After hearty congratulations, they were off to the Carnstone town house, where a wedding breakfast awaited. The plan was to head to Oliver’s residence for the wedding night before catching a train and then a ship to the port of Cadiz in Spain. All during the breakfast, Claudia’s insides were in knots.

Oliver laid his hand on top of hers. “Are you all right, love?”

“Yes.” Claudia leaned in and whispered, “Let us depart. Now. I need you most desperately.”

That was all Oliver needed to hear, for he stood immediately.

 

 

* * *

 

 

After well wishes and warm embraces, Claudia and Oliver were off to Hill Street.

When they arrived, Oliver halted at the door. “Shall I carry you over the threshold as they did in medieval times to ward off evil spirits?” he smiled. “Or as some do now, to show I will protect you, come what may?”

Claudia laughed. “How about we go through the door together? It is wide enough. We will start our life as partners—on equal footing. We will protect each other.”

“And love?”

“Most definitely love,” Claudia replied softly. “Until death do us part.”

Oliver hooked his arm. “Then, let us go forth, my lady.”

Claudia slipped her arm through his. “My lord.”

They walked through the door together, then burst out laughing. Then Oliver looped his arm about her waist and spun her around. When they stopped, they found Dalton standing nearby.

“Dalton! We are not to be disturbed for anything unless the house is on fire until seven o’clock in the morning,” Oliver cried happily.

“Yes, my lord, my lady. The trunks are packed and ready for your departure.”

Oliver took Claudia’s hand, ran for the stairs, and ascended. Once inside the bedroom and the door secured, they wasted no time divesting each other of their clothes and tumbling onto the bed. Their hands were everywhere, exploring and caressing while they kissed. Oliver clasped her breast, his mouth closing over the erect nipple. Claudia moaned as she grabbed fistfuls of his hair.

Oliver couldn’t wait. He must be inside her. Reluctantly, Oliver broke the kiss. “I have sheaths,” he murmured silkily.

Claudia nuzzled his neck. “Good. But for our first joining, let us go without. We can use them the rest of the day and night.”

Oliver chuckled. “Day and night, eh? I am all for that. But, are you sure?”

“I doubt I will become pregnant. I know my cycles. I am fine.”

“Always straight to the point, I adore you. We will be learning as we go, my love.”

Claudia rolled over so that she lay flat on the bed. “Then let us begin.”

Oliver positioned himself between her thighs as his fingers trailed toward her feminine core. Oh, so wet. He found that sensitive nub and rubbed it until Claudia writhed with pleasure. Taking his time, Oliver entered her slowly, allowing her to adjust. He also paused to savor the feeling of her tight, wet heat. Her inner muscles clutched him, causing him to moan loudly at the devastating sensation. He slipped in deeper.

“Oh, hell’s bells.”

“Have I hurt you?”

“Not at all. A little pinch. But right now? You being inside me feels wonder—oh!”

Oliver moved in and out, leisurely strokes that built to a rising crescendo as their moans and heavy breathing filled the room. He couldn’t stop kissing and touching her. Claudia wrapped her legs around him, her nails scoring his back. Faster, he moved, hoping his deep thrusts were stimulating her enough. “Come for me, love,” he urged.

Claudia cried out, shuddering in his arms. A mere few seconds later, he joined her. It was the most intense and earth-shattering moment of his life.

Lying in each other’s arms, they cuddled until their breathing slowed. “And to think, Oliver whispered huskily. “This will only get better.”

“I don’t see how, but I cannot wait for us to explore. Our adventure is just beginning.” Claudia nuzzled his neck. “I love you so much.”

“And I love you with every beat of my heart.”

Oliver kissed her deeply, becoming aroused once again. 

Adventure? Theirs started before tonight. From almost the moment they met.

And Oliver could not wait to see what further escapades awaited them.

 

 

 

 

****Scroll ahead to read a sneak peek at book one of a new series, a spin-off from The Rakes of St. Regent’s Park. The Detective and the Baroness (The Duke’s Bastards #1) is Coming soon from Dragonblade Publishing. It concerns Mitchell Simpson and Baroness Addington, who both appeared in this story!****