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When does Smythe leave for Scotland?” Sebastian asked as he noticed Teagan looking their way.
“Aye, when?” Lachlan asked as well.
“On the morrow. He is not to approach your father or Ian. Only to investigate. Also, he is sending men to Dunbar Castle in hopes the laird has word about your relatives since they are distant cousins of his and reside on land near his on the Lothian Coast. We need all the information we can get before we ask the prince to send his soldiers.” He paused. “Priney is extremely busy and cannot meet with you and Teagan in person, but I assure you he is abreast of the situation and he advised all of us to wait until Smythe reports in. I’m hoping we can settle it without the help of soldiers.”
“There is one more matter ah would like tae have Smythe address,” Lachlan said.
“I’m listening.” Wentworth stopped and took a sip of tea. “Blasted, this stuff is cold already. Myles, will you be kind enough to get us some brandy.”
“Our paw isnae really our paw. Ah would like tae ken who is? He is English.”
“Done. I’ll send a message. Meanwhile Myles has agreed to host a gathering in your and Teagan’s honor. The official Season may be over, but there are plenty members of the ton left in London, and they are probably most bored and will welcome a ball.”
“That isnae necessary,” Lachlan said.
Myles approached, juggling glasses of brandy. Sebastian plucked one of the glasses out of his hand and took a large sip, enjoying the blissful burn. His ears were still ringing from Lachlan’s words about their father.
“I think it a splendid idea. Waiting for news from Smythe will go by much faster with things to do,” Myles chimed in.”
“That’s why I asked Myles and Bella to host the ball. Of course,” Wentworth said as he took a generous sip of his drink. “Myles’s sisters were just as happy to have something to occupy their time while they anxiously await word from Marissa.”
“Speaking of Marissa,” Sebastian said with a frown. “No word yet?”
Myles swore as he downed his drink in one gulp. “Bloody hell. Not a word. Does she not know we are worried and most anxious to welcome her husband into the family? We don’t care if she ran off to Gretna Green, we just want her safe and happy. And if her captain makes her happy, then we’re happy too.”
“Perhaps she will be home in time for the ball, and it can be given in their honor instead of mine and Teagan’s,” Lachlan said over his glass. “Ah think ah speak for Teagan as weel when ah say we prefer nae tae be made a fuss over.”
Myles slapped him on the back. “Too bad. This is London, and we love a good excuse to get drunk, dance, and behave badly.”
“Seriously?”
“Some of it.” Myles shrugged his shoulders.
Out of the corner of his eye, Sebastian saw Teagan excuse herself and quietly leave the drawing room. He could hardly take his eyes off her swaying hips.
Wentworth cleared his throat and tilted his head in the direction of the door.
Really? He wanted him to follow her. Well, hell, who was he to ignore his brother.
After excusing himself, he made his way out into the foyer and caught a glimpse of Teagan’s light blue skirts at the top of the staircase.
Taking two stairs at a time, he caught up with her in the hallway outside her bedchamber door.
“Teagan,” he gasped as he reached her. “Are you ill?”
“Nay. Ah just...ah dinnae ken what ah am. Please excuse me Sebastian.”
Before she could shut the door he pushed his way inside, closed the door behind him, and watched as she strolled over to the fireplace, hug herself and rub her upper hands as if she were chilled.
He sighed deeply as he moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close to his body. At first she tensed, then she relaxed back against him and he breathed a sigh of relief.
“Tell me what’s wrong.”
“Nothing’s wrong. Ah just feel lost. Ah was doing fine until we arrived here today. And then suddenly Ah felt out of control of my emotions.”
He caressed the top of her head with his cheek. “When Wentworth and I had our fight over Emma and I left for America, my emotions were not easy to control. For a year I thought someone else possessed my body. I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy my time away, or that I wasn’t responsible for my actions, it’s just it seemed like I was looking down at myself. And then Amelia showed up broken hearted and expecting...Perhaps I shouldn’t have said that.”
“Forgive me, but ah dinnae understand.”
“Olivia’s real father, Captain Rycroft, Amelia’s betrothed died weeks before their wedding in a hunting accident. Leaving her pregnant and frightened and on the verge of ruin.”
“Thank goodness she found such a good man in her earl. He truly loves her.”
This time he didn’t run his cheek along the top of her head, instead he inhaled deeply of her rose scented hair. What he wouldn’t give to pluck each and every pin from her glorious hair and slide his fingers through her long red tresses, which would no doubt, cascade down to her narrow waist. Then, of course, he’d work on the little pearl buttons and divest her of her clothing.
“Sebastian?”
“Apologies,” he murmured into her hair when he realized he’d flexed his hips, pushing his erection into her backside and she obviously felt it. How could she not as it was full to near bursting from his breeches.
“No need.”
Was she giggling? Her body was shaking ever so slightly. Or perhaps crying. His muscles tensed as he turned her around, and instantly he relaxed when he observed her silently laughing.
“What, pray tell, is so humorous?”
“Nothing. I’ve just never had a mon’s swizzle stick, for a better word, pressed and seeking against my...behind.”
Sebastian smiled down at her and wondered how she felt now that it was shoved up against her stomach...hard and seeking. He didn’t dwell on it. He lowered his head and took her soft, full lips in a sensual kiss that soon turned desperate and all consuming. His blood boiled and he had to touch her.
While continuing to plunder her mouth, he rejoiced in the little breathy noises she made and the feel of her hands clutching the front of his waistcoat. He proceeded to unbutton the top several buttons on her dress so he could tug it down, exposing her breasts to his touch. Unfortunately her hands were in the way and needed to be moved. He gently pried her fingers from his coat, wrapped them around his waist, and tugged the front of her gown down, taking her chemise with it.
Finally her breasts fell full and heavy into his hands and he groaned into her mouth. Then he dropped his head and took one of her nipples into his mouth.
“Sebastian.”
“Mmm, you taste delicious.”
“We shouldnae.”
He paused and waited, praying she wouldn’t halt him.
“Dinnae stop.”
He chuckled against her creamy smooth skin and bit down lightly on her nipple and she gasped.
“Sebastian.”
Sebastian good? Or Sebastian bad?
The way she clutched his head to her breast, he’d take that as good. He moved his attentions to her twin then slowly dropped to his knees and kissed his way down her body, moving aside clothing that got in his way, exposing her lovely skin.
One arm caressed its way up her calf, then thigh seeking the slit between her pantaloons and the core of her womanhood.
Teagan’s moans encouraged him to continue on his quest. He’d touched her there before, but this time he planned on tasting her as well. But first...he scooped her up into his arms and carried her to the bed, depositing her gently on the fluffy coverlet all the while never taking his eyes off hers. If he saw any hesitancy in her eyes, he’d stop and leave the room posthaste.
When all he saw was lust in her glassy green eyes, his heart accelerated and his hands suddenly shook from the magnitude of her trust in him.
“Teagan,” he murmured as he raised her skirts and slowly lowered her pantaloons. “I want to taste you, will you let me?”
“Taste?” she asked with a breathy voice that had his lust spiking even more.
“Do you trust me?”
“Aye.”
“Then I promise you will enjoy my tasting of you. But I vow to you here and now, I will not take your innocence.” Not today anyway. He had to be one hundred percent convinced of a future with her before he would risk a child on her. He knew he wanted her as his wife, but there was a small problem back in Scotland that needed to be solved first. The problem of a betrothed Scot.
Looking at her now with her skirts bunched around her waist, her lovely breasts bare, nipples pink and puckered had his hands trembling. What had he ever done to deserve Teagan looking at him with desire and trust in her eyes? Please God, let him be worthy.
His quivering hands moved up her bare thighs, parting her legs, revealing moist curly hair. He brushed his fingers across her womanhood, causing a soft moan from Teagan to reach his ears. He lowered his head and tasted her. A groan escaped him at her exquisite flavor. Using his tongue, his teeth and mouth he had Teagan undulating into his mouth. Her hips rose off the bed urging him to continue.
“Sebastian...ah...dinnae think ah can...”
“Relax and enjoy. Listen to your body and let nature work its wonder.”
She did because when he slipped one finger inside her, her inside muscles clenched and pulsed around his finger. He kept it inside her but rose up and kissed the screams from escaping her mouth.
Moments later, he pulled her pantaloons up, pushed her skirts down and righted her bodice, then pulled her into his arms and held her close to his heart.
“Why don’t you rest? I’ll leave soon.”
“Sebastian, what we did. Do ye think badly of me?”
Her words and the way she expressed them eviscerated his heart.
“My dear, Teagan.” He kissed the top of her head. “I could never think badly of you. Besides, do you honestly believe I would compromise you in my family’s home if I didn’t love you?”
***
Teagan could hardly breathe. Sebastian loved her? He loved her. When he walked into her room behind her and shut the door she didn’t know what to expect. She knew he cared for her and had taken liberties before. But in her bedchamber?
Did she stop him from making advances? No. Because she loved him. In many ways he reminded her of Lachlan. Honest, loyal, and kind to a fault. He’d shared confidences with her and she him. Secrets that only seemed natural to share.
Being with him made her insides hum and throb. In an, ah am alive kind of way. Not in her wildest dreams did she think, when they escaped their father’s clutches, she would ever find happiness. Never mind love. And now she found herself curled up within the strong arms of the man who loved her and her him. And what they shared only moments ago would not make her ashamed. Not with the man she loved.
Her hand rested on his heart, which beat a tad faster than normal. “I love you.”
His chest rose and fell, which she presumed was relief on his part. She leaned up and kissed his mouth. “Ah’m going tae rest now if ‘tis fine with ye.”
His arms tightened around her. “Sleep. I’ve got you. No one will ever hurt you again. Not with me and my family to keep you safe.”
Feeling the rise and fall of Sebastian’s chest and hearing the steady beat of his heart lulled her to sleep.
In her dreams her mother still lived and was healthy. She and Lachlan were about nine and running around the lush lawn chasing butterflies. Laughter and happiness surrounded them, but she knew it was rare to experience such happiness. Father was mean. Even to Mother, which to Teagan’s young mind, was hard to understand. Mother was beautiful and kind, how could Father be unkind to her? Even hateful at times. And why did he seem to love Ian but was short of temper around her and Lachlan?
Today their father took Ian on a hunt, which displeased Mother. A hunt was no place for a boy of eight.
Teagan was silently glad Ian was with Father. Her younger brother was pushy and mean. He hurt the stray kittens that lived in the stables. Enjoyed catching toads and pulling off their legs.
Today she and Lachlan could catch butterflies without risking Ian tearing off their wings and killing them. Find toads and grasshoppers without risking their lives.
“Maw, Teagan look what ah found.” Lachlan scooped up a large toad into his hands and ran over to show them.
“Be gentle, my boy. “Tis one of God’s creatures and should be treated kindly.”
“Ah wouldnae hurt him like Ian does.”
“We will nae spoil our day thinking about yer brother. Today is our day,” Mother said as she ruffled Lachlan’s unruly hair. Then she gasped and looked almost frightened.
Teagan followed her mother’s eyes and found a man close by on horseback watching them. He tipped his hat, smiled, but didn’t come any closer. Yet even from this distance Teagan could see the man appeared sad. His smile didn’t reach his eyes.
“Maw, who is that?” Teagan placed her hand into her mothers who suddenly looked sad as well.
“A gentlemon ah knew a longtime ago.”
“Why are ye crying?”
Her mother wiped her tears away. “Because ah miss him. We were once good friends. His wife passed many years ago and ah think he is lonely.”
“Perhaps he could take tea with us?”
“Nay. That would nae be proper with yer paw gone.”
When Teagan looked again, the man had vanished as if he was never there at all, and she wondered why he didn’t speak to them.
One night she heard loud voices coming from her mother’s chambers. Father was shouting about seeing him. And if he ever saw him on his property again, he would shoot him dead. Teagan didn’t have to wonder who he was. It was the man who watched them from afar. Sometimes she dreamed that he loved their mother and would take them all away from here, from Father.
Their voices escalated. Mother screamed if he killed him, she would take Ian and he’d never see his son again. Hearing her mother’s words made Teagan afraid. If Mother left with Ian, would she leave her and Lachlan behind?
Over the next several months Teagan saw the man on the edge of the forest watching. One day she approached the stranger and told him what her father had said.
The man looked unhappy but proud sitting on top of his large mount. “Your paw will never kill me, young Teagan.”
“Why do ye watch us?”
“Because I need to know you, Lachlan, and your mother are safe.”
“Why wouldnae we be?” Even as she asked the question, she knew with Paw’s temper they were not safe. Not if the way he backhanded Lachlan two days ago and gave him a split lip was any indication.
“I knew your father many, many years ago.”
“He is mean.”
The stranger’s lips set in a grim line. “Yes, he is. If something ever happens to your mother, you and Lachlan must flee Murray Castle immediately. Travel to your grandfather and uncles. They will welcome you and keep you safe.”
“Can we nae come tae ye?”
“Sweet child. I wish that more than anything else in the world. But things being as they are, it will never happen. Be happy and safe my dear child. Know you are loved.”
“Wait!” Teagan sat up, startled from her dream. How could she have forgotten about the mysterious stranger? Perhaps Lachlan telling her about him had her remembering. It all made sense to her now. She now believed the stranger to be her and Lachlan’s father. So where was he, and why didn’t he come for them when Mother died?
“Teagan, you were dreaming. Crying out in your sleep,” Sebastian said with concern.
She rested back down and sighed. She told Sebastian about her dream. Only it really wasn’t a dream, she was reliving times from her childhood.
“Do you believe he is your real father?”
“Aye. Only ah dinnae ken his name or where he’s from. Ah only know he is English. Ah never put that together until now. A titled gentlemon ah believe. Do ye think ah will ever learn the truth about him?”
“Perhaps one day you will.”
After Sebastian left her room, she summoned her maid to help her dress for the evening meal. On her way, she stopped by her brother’s room and quietly knocked on the door and waited.
“Come in.”
Teagan entered her brother’s bedchamber just as she heard the supper bell and found him struggling to tie his neck cloth. “Here, let me.” She shooed his hands aside and concentrated on tying a simple knot. One her mother taught her in case her future husband’s valet was ever indisposed and he needed her assistance. To Teagan’s way of thinking, teach the men to tie their own cravat and then they wouldn’t need help.
“Dinnae Maw ever teach ye tae tie one of these? She taught me.”
Lachlan laughed. “She tried, but ah’m all thumbs.”
“There.” She stepped back and observed her twin. He stood quite a bit taller than she, he was lean and handsome, but they shared the same color hair and eyes. There was an innate gentleness about her brother. Yet she knew he could be fierce when need be. He’d proved it the night they ran for their lives.
“Ah had a dream about the mon who used tae watch us from afar.”
Lachlan turned serious. “Ah neglected tae tell ye about the day ah handed him Maw’s note when she’d taken ill. Tae be honest, ah wasnae hospitable tae him. By then ah’d figured out he was our paw and ah was angry at him.”
“Ye thought he was our paw then and never said anything tae me?”
“Aye. Sorry. He dinnae confirm or deny it when ah asked. But ah could see it in his eyes. What ah still dinnae understand is why Maw dinnae just marry him?”
“He was married,” Teagan said. “Ah remember Maw telling us, the first time we saw him, when we were around nine that his wife had recently passed.”
“Poor Maw, tae have fallen in love with a married mon. No wonder she married Paw. She was ruined. But couldnae Grandpaw have picked someone nicer?” Lachlan said.
“Ah believe Paw played everyone for a fool. He wanted Maw’s money. He’d do anything for it and he did. And Ah’m quite sure Grandpaw was pleased to have Maw marry a duke.
“No wonder he hates us and wants Ian tae inherit.”
“We need tae find him? Ah want tae ken who he is.” Not for the first time did she think about finding their real father and learning the truth of the past.
“First, let’s deal with Paw...the duke, and Ian, then find him.”
“Lachlan.” She had the overwhelming need to hug him close to her heart. “Please dinnae let anything happen tae ye. Ye’r all the family ah have left.”
He wrapped his arms around her. “Same here.”
“There’s something else ah want tae tell ye.”
“Aye.”
“Ah’m in love with Sebastian.”
“Ah ken.”
She pulled back and looked at his smiling face. “How?”
“One look at ye when he is in the room and anyone would be blind nae tae see the love shining from yer eyes.”
“Oh, God, really?” Now she was mortified. Was she that obvious with her emotions?
“Dinnae fret. He looks at ye the same.”
“He does?” She could not help the smile that graced her lips.
“Aye, sister, he does. He is a good mon and will make ye happy and a good husband.”
“He will...that is if he asks,” she said with a sudden hope.”
“He will. Trust me on this.”
“We are getting ahead of ourselves. He hasnae asked me tae marry him. Besides, ah couldnae possibly marry anyone until things are settled with ye. Ah need tae ken ye are safe and happy. We need tae find ye a wife.”
His chest shaking with laughter had her frowning at him.
“Is the thought of ye married funny?” Teagan asked as laughter tried to overtake her frown.
“Nay. Ah just dinnae see it happening anytime soon. Besides, ah must meet a young lady first, and our life hasnae exactly been conducive tae courting ladies.”
“Perhaps now that we are in London, ye might find that special young lady who steals yer heart.”
“Perhaps, but ah’m nae holding my breath. Ah’ll die if ah do. We must go before we are late for dinner.”
