Attention!
If any man is absent from your family, you should investigate
their wardrobe for missing clothing.
In a macabre ritual, Lady Man-Eater collects
pieces of clothing from her victims as trophies.
Your faithful reporter,
The Midnight Cryer
“Thea.” The voice turned urgent, pleading.
Desperate, Thea turned, trying to find Will. He stood across the meadow next to her folly, with his hand out.
“Hurry, Thea.” The closer she got to him, the more distant he became, until he disappeared like a plume of smoke.
“Will.” Startled, she sat up in bed. Not knowing where she was for a moment, she reached out her hand, desperately searching for him. He lay beside her, warm and large.
Relieved, she bent her head and took a deep calming breath.
He murmured her name as he reached for her.
“Theodora, Nancy says your door is locked, and you’re not answering when she knocks. She’s worried and asked if I could rouse you.” Brisk banging on the door commenced. “Theodora, are you in there?”
“Are you all right, Thea?” A softer, more mellifluous voice carried into the room.
Will sat up like a ball shot from a cannon. “Aunt Stella,” he hissed. “With Claire.”
Thea scrambled from the bed. “Hurry,” she whispered. Frantic, she searched for her robe which somehow had ended up in a ball of silk between the two chairs flanking the fireplace.
“Is someone with you?” Stella boomed.
“I’m fine,” Thea called out. “Give me a moment.”
Will rushed to her side while buttoning the fall of his breeches. “We’ll speak later.” He kissed her on the mouth soundly, then exited through the connecting door.
Smoothing her hair which felt like a bird’s nest of tangles, Thea made her way to the door, then opened it.
In midstrike, Stella lowered her fist. Claire and Edith stood beside her.
“I overslept. I apologize.” Thea’s heartbeat slowed to a gallop as she tried to head off an inquisition. What she really wanted was to go back to bed and lie in Will’s arms. Her body still thrummed from their kisses and sweet caresses from last night. When he’d kissed her in her most private part, she’d felt herself change into a different being, much like a caterpillar into a butterfly. She blinked slowly, wanting to lose herself in the wonderful memories.
“Thank goodness,” Stella exclaimed with a sigh. “I was beginning to worry myself. Nancy is practically beside herself.”
“Dearest, would you like me to send Nancy to you?” Claire asked.
“No, thank you. I’ll dress myself.” She’d managed the task for years on her own. “I’ll hurry.”
“We’ll see you downstairs.” Claire took Lady Edith’s hand and tugged her away from the door. “I’ll have tea waiting for you.”
The trio turned to leave, and Thea started to shut the door. Before she could close it completely, a small, bony hand shot out.
“You forgot something,” Stella whispered.
Thea blinked as the grand dame pushed open the door, bent down, then retrieved an object off the floor just inside Thea’s room. When she rose, a blinding smile lit her face. By her thumb and forefinger, she held out Will’s shirt.
Heat scorched Thea’s cheeks.
“Or should I say, did William forget something?” One of Stella’s graying eyebrows shot up. Without another word, she handed the shirt to Thea.
“I—I—” Her thoughts reeled as she struggled with something to say.
Stella affectionately patted her on the cheek. “Shush now. You’re the Countess of Eanruig. You answer to no one.” Will’s great-aunt leaned forward, then gently kissed her on the cheek. “Never forget that.” She closed the door.
Thea rested her head against the massive mahogany frame and closed her eyes, willing her cheeks to cool. She brought Will’s shirt to her face and breathed in, filling her lungs with his scent. The sweet memories flooded her thoughts, washing away her embarrassment. Last night in bed with Will was the most incredible evening she’d ever spent in her entire life.
And she wanted more.
But as Stella said, she was the Countess of Eanruig. With that dignified title, she carried responsibilities. She took another breath, then went about the business of her morning ablutions—brushing her teeth, washing her body, and finally dressing. She chose a green-turquoise silk dress this time with a coral spencer trimmed with crepe ribbon dyed to match the turquoise in her dress. But as she tamed her unruly mass of hair, her thoughts never tarried far from Will.
Though she washed herself thoroughly this morning, she could still smell his scent on her body, marking her as his. It was the sweetest perfume, and she wanted to bathe in it. With a sigh at her silly musings, she left her room, but not before she’d hidden Will’s shirt in the bottom of her wardrobe. She would give it back to him tomorrow. She’d sleep in it tonight, so she could at least have a piece of him with her in bed again.
She practically floated as she made her way to the blue salon but stopped on the landing to gaze at the picturesque view of Langham Park in the distance. The lush green lawns were reminiscent of the vast fields of her home, but the perfectly manicured bushes with elaborate fountains and massive hothouses were signs she didn’t belong in London.
She missed home and her tenants. Work waited for her at Ladykyrk. There were servants she wanted to hire. That’s what she needed to focus on. She couldn’t afford her wayward thoughts to constantly veer onto Will. She needed to concentrate on her visit with Stella, Edith, and Claire. Lord Somerton and his solicitor, Mr. Odell, who would represent her in the hearing, would attend. They were here to help her prepare for the committee interview. Nothing was more important than that. She had to crush Ferr-Colby’s claim.
Or did she? She stopped midstride. If she accepted the duke’s offer of marriage, then the title would remain hers, with no risk of losing it. But she’d be married to a man who thought the worst of her.
More important, she’d have to give up Will. Her heart stumbled, and her lungs refused to take a breath in protest. Thea had seen enough men in her short time in London to know the truth. She couldn’t see herself with any other man than Will, particularly after last night.
With her thoughts churning, she entered the blue salon. Claire rushed to her side and hugged her as if this was the first time she’d seen Thea today. Stella and Lady Edith waved her forward as if nothing were amiss. As she made her way to the sitting area and tea service, she stopped in her tracks as if she’d hit a glass wall.
Before her stood Will, freshly shaved and elegantly dressed in a navy broadcloth coat, brown waistcoat, and doeskin breeches. He was stunningly handsome, but the look in his eyes stole her breath. Will held a baby boy about two years of age in his arms who was pulling Will’s immaculately tied cravat.
Thea stared, speechless. There was no denying what she was seeing. The expression on his face could only be described as love. The tenderness around his eyes and joyful smile on his lips would make the heavens stop everything to witness the scene before her. Will’s laugh and the accompanying giggles would make angels harken. It was unbelievably breathtaking.
Such thoughts would not help her situation, and her traitorous heart needed to behave.
“Oh no, young man, you’ll not untie all my hard work.” Will threw the baby in the air, then caught him. Unable to contain his giggles of glee, the boy grabbed at his cravat again.
“William, stop that,” Claire pleaded. “Nurse will never get him to sleep this afternoon if you keep wrestling with him.”
“When Liam turns irritable because he didn’t sleep, we’re sending him straight to you,” Stella announced, as she studied the papers before her.
Claire took the baby from Will. “Why does your Uncle William insist upon playing so rough?” She patted the boy on his back.
“Liam, tell her that we men learn to fight from such play. That’s how we protect our own.”
Lady Edith rolled her eyes. “He sounds like he’s from some ancient clan of Highland warriors.”
“Why, thank you for the compliment, Lady Edith.” Will bent and kissed her on the cheek. “I always knew you were sweet on me.”
She batted him away. “Off with you now. I don’t have time for your shenanigans.”
“Thea,” Claire said. “Come meet my son, Liam.”
At the sound of her name, Will’s focus turned to her. Suddenly, he lost a little of the levity he had shared with his family. “Good morning, my lady. I trust you slept well?” Then he winked at her. No one else could see it except for her. In response, a blast of heat pressed her cheeks.
His smile grew even brighter, as he realized she was blushing because of him. Before she could approach Claire, Will scooped Liam into his arms and brought him to Thea. “Lady Eanruig, may I have the honor of introducing you to the handsomest man in all of England besides me? This is Lord William Hallworth, but his family calls him Liam.”
Will’s gaze captured hers, and his eyes were the brightest she’d ever seen. The glorious sight made Thea’s heart tumble in a free fall. She’d always considered Will handsome, but with the baby in his arms, he was dazzling to behold.
The boy stole her attention with a wave in her direction, and she took the small hand in hers. Immediately, he grabbed her fingers and placed them in his mouth.
“Lord Liam, I can tell you’re a lady’s man, just like your uncle.” She gave a slight shake of her head to clear the fog.
Claire had joined her and Will.
“Claire, he’s beautiful.” And in that instant, Thea felt a spark of longing. It wouldn’t take much for it to turn into a blazing fire of want. She wouldn’t call it envy or jealousy, as Claire deserved every happiness that life would give her. But Thea couldn’t help but want a baby. To share such an experience with Will would be her heart’s desire. It’d be the answer to what was missing in her life—a family, love, belonging.
“Thank you. He’s a good baby, and the twins adore him.” Gently, Claire took him from Will. “Let me take him to his nurse, then we can get our work done.”
On impulse, Thea leaned in and gave the boy a kiss on the cheek. “It was my pleasure to meet you, Lord Liam,” she whispered. She was rewarded with a big grin and a short giggle.
The grand dames waved Claire and Liam over to say their goodbyes. While the two ladies cooed and played with the baby, Thea took the opportunity to talk to Will.
“Liam’s a beautiful baby.” The Cavensham family had riches that paled in comparison with their material wealth. What made them dear to Thea was they knew what was important in life and didn’t take it for granted. If only she’d had such examples when her grandfather was ill.
“I’ll admit, I’m a little partial to him as he’s named after me, and I’m his godfather.” Will took a step closer to her and lowered his voice. “We had a near miss, didn’t we? I wish I could have kissed you goodbye properly this morning. Last night was something out of a dream.”
“For me too,” she answered softly.
“We need to talk, Thea,” he murmured.
“About whisky lessons?” she teased.
When he smiled, his eyes flashed, and matching twin dimples appeared on his cheeks, giving another reason for why he was breathtakingly handsome. “Among other things,” he said softly. “I have an appointment with the stewards for Falmont and McCalpin Manor after this. This evening, we need to get things settled.”
The seriousness in his tone was unexpected. “What do you mean settled?”
“Come, you two. No time to dawdle.” Stella glided gracefully to the sitting area and the tea service. “Theodora, I’d like you to serve.”
“Later.” Will offered his arm, and she linked hers with his, gently resting her hand on the muscles of his forearm.
The simple touch had her senses spinning as he escorted her to Stella and Edith. Would it always be like this with him? When she glanced his way, she discovered he studied her with an expression she’d never seen before, one that left every inch of her craving him. An impish grin tugged the corner of his mouth as if he could portend that she was unbalanced because of his effect on her. Then, she made the mistake of stealing a glance at his lips, the same ones that had kissed her until she felt he cherished her above all others.
Without thinking, she released a tremulous sigh—such was the impact of Lord William Cavensham on her wayward emotions.
He leaned close and whispered, “If you keep looking at me like that, I’ll have to kiss you in front of everyone.”
His sinfully deep voice heightened the desire that thrummed through her. Never had she felt so unsettled about her emotions, but at the same time, experiencing a perfect alignment in her world.
All too soon, they reached Stella’s and Edith’s side and sat down. With a slight smile on her face, Thea started serving tea as instructed. Shortly, Claire joined them, and as a group, they proceeded to discuss what was required for the hearing that would take place tomorrow, all the while munching on fairy cakes and finger sandwiches.
The salon door opened, and Lord Somerton in the company of a man in his sixties with thick, white hair that resembled snow drifts came into the room.
“Good morning, everyone.” Somerton strolled to Thea’s side and bowed elegantly. “Countess, I’d like you to meet Mr. Samuel Odell, my solicitor. He’ll represent you tomorrow.”
Mr. Odell bowed briefly and nodded at her with a confident smile. “Good morning, Lady Eanruig. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
The confidence he exuded immediately put her at ease. “Thank you, Mr. Odell. Frankly, I’ll be relieved when tomorrow is over.”
“He’s the best in the land when it comes to peerage law, Thea,” Stella announced. “You made a wise choice retaining him.”
Somerton and the solicitor sat, then without batting an eye, Mr. Odell started giving directions for Thea’s final preparations in front of the committee. It was as if he were sending troops into battle, and he expected the military maneuvers to be performed perfectly. “Countess, the committee expects the counsel for the claimant—that’s you—and the counsel for the challenger—that’s Ferr-Colby—to appear on their behalf with any witness. They normally don’t entertain such appearances from the people who are claiming or disputing the title. However, Howton has his own way of doing things. He wants to see you both in front of the committee. See if anyone is nervous and will back down.”
Thea froze. “Will I have to speak?”
“Not if you don’t want to.” Mr. Odell shook his head.
“Thank you.” Thea tried to tamp down the nervousness that twisted her insides.
Stella smiled fondly. “We all know how important this is for you, dearest. You’ll be brilliant.” She turned to Mr. Odell. “Any word on where the charter might be?”
“No. We’ll just have to rely on other evidence. The proof of your ancestry and the tracing of the title through birth records, marriage registers, death records. It’s a long and tedious process but must be done.” Mr. Odell turned toward Thea. “Frankly, my lady, the charter would make tomorrow much easier. We’ll present our best arguments and hope for the best. Now, the questions will be direct. Howton will ask me how you come by the title. I’ll explain that based upon the lineage history that you provided to the committee, it proves you are the direct descendant of Alexander Gordon, who was first granted the title from King Alexander of Scotland in the year 1012.”
“What happens then?” Thea asked.
“He’ll offer any additional evidence you’ve gathered, including parish registers, entries in Bibles, and written declarations,” Somerton added. “Then Odell will prove why Ferr-Colby’s arguments fail.”
“But how do you know these things for certain?” Thea asked.
Mr. Odell’s sharp focus came to rest on her. “Simple. All the Earls of Eanruig can be traced through your direct line.”
“Let me interrupt for a moment.” With his turquoise eyes flashing, Somerton turned to Thea and Will. “I have some rather disturbing news.”
“What is it?” Will leaned closer to Thea, and his thigh touched hers, the simple contact comforting, yet it awakened that all-too-familiar hunger.
Somerton’s gaze never left hers. “I have an informant, a Mr. Goodwin, whose vast knowledge about London and the various echelons of society helps me make decisions about my shipping business. He came across information today that isn’t in his usual line of business.”
“Goodwin is a snitch,” Stella offered helpfully. “A marvelous one, at that.”
Somerton’s gaze shot to Will’s. “It was Ferr-Colby who took the story that Thea had something to do with her grandfather’s death to The Midnight Cryer. He’s also the one that spread the tale about her with footmen. He planted those lies to hurt her credibility.” Somerton’s voice turned guttural. “He’ll stop at nothing to win his challenge tomorrow.”
“Including ruining my reputation.” Thea gripped her clasped hands tightly to keep herself from jumping up and pacing. Why was she not surprised by the news? Ferr-Colby had created a perfect storm to destroy her.
Will placed his hand over hers. “We’ll stop him.”
“I don’t care about my reputation, but I’ll not allow him to defame my grandfather.” Thea’s voice grew stronger. “Whatever he plans on doing tomorrow, I’ll thwart his every move. Mr. Odell, I want to speak on my own behalf tomorrow. Any accusation leveled at me, I want to address head-on.”
The solicitor tilted his head and regarded her. “My lady, that’s highly unusual.”
“That’s appropriate in this case, sir,” Thea said. “I’m a highly unusual peer.”
He studied her as if trying to decide whether she was up to the task. Finally, with a single nod, he agreed.
“That’s the right attitude for a countess,” Edith said.
“Excellent.” Stella turned her hawk-like gaze to Will. “Now, your part in the interview is simple. You’ll sit beside Thea. You’re there in a show of support. The committee will look favorably on Theodora with all the Cavenshams sitting behind her. Plus, once they realize you and Thea will be married, it’ll make their decision easier to make. If they ask you anything, just identify yourself and answer their questions honestly.”
“It’ll be my pleasure and honor to sit beside Thea,” he answered, then turned to her. “Whatever you need.” His gaze was kind, even affectionate. He lowered his voice until it was a whisper between the two of them. “I’ll be there for you.” Discreetly, without anyone seeing, Will squeezed her hand, offering his strength, giving her courage. “Ferr-Colby will not sully you—not if I have anything to do with it.”
“Hear, hear,” Edith and Stella chimed together.
Claire captured her gaze. “You can do this, Thea.”
Miraculously, Thea didn’t feel nervous anymore. Whatever happened tomorrow, she’d be prepared. Whether she was called a cold-blooded killer or a countess, she’d fight with everything she possessed to protect her grandfather and his legacy. With Will and his family behind her, her determination soared. It truly was a magical day after meeting Liam, listening to Stella and Lady Edith, and most important, having Will’s support.
She didn’t even spill one drop of tea when she served it this morning.
Proof that miracles really did occur.
For the rest of the day, Will didn’t have an opportunity to see Thea, as he’d been called to his brother’s house for some Langham estate business. What should have only taken a couple of hours, turned into an all afternoon and evening affair.
Finally, Will left for Langham Hall. As he walked the short distance back to his home, his thoughts drifted to his brother and sister-in-law. They’d discussed an addition to McCalpin Manor for their expanding family. McCalpin’s excitement over the project was contagious. If it were Will’s wife who was having a baby, he’d want the same thing—everything perfect and in place.
He stopped beside a park across the street and let his gaze wander. Another lovely vision of Thea with their child propped on her hip flooded him with warmth.
Claire’s warning—be careful what you wish for—pounded in his head. He closed his eyes and inhaled the stale London air. It was in direct contrast to Thea’s natural clean scent, the one he’d become accustomed to.
No matter what, last night wasn’t a mistake. What they shared was something incredibly tender and honest, and he’d never experienced it with any woman before in his life. He shook his head. After pleasuring Thea, he wanted to marry her. Not only was it a matter of honor, but he cared for her deeply. He’d not ruin her, then let her go.
She was passionate and wasn’t afraid of her own body or his. She knew what she wanted. And she wasn’t afraid to go after her dreams either.
With a renewed determination to convince her he was the right man for her, Will continued his way home. When he entered Langham Hall, Pitts failed to appear. Will wouldn’t let another second tick by without talking to Thea. He asked an attending footman where she was and discovered she’d spent the night preparing for tomorrow’s hearing.
Before Will could ascend the staircase, Pitts miraculously appeared. “Lord William, a moment, please. The Duke of Ferr-Colby is in the duke’s salon. He says it’s a matter of urgency and asked for Lady Eanruig.” Pitts was always a consummate English butler who guarded Langham Hall and its inhabitants from unnecessary interruptions. However, even he appeared to be under a little stress about tomorrow’s hearing, if the dark circles under his eyes were any indication.
The affliction seemed to be shared by all of them.
“I’ll see him.” Will started down the hallway to the sitting room with Pitts right beside him.
Soon they arrived outside the salon. Without his usual fanfare, the butler opened the door and announced Will.
“Ferr-Colby,” Will drawled as he strolled into the room. “What could possibly bring you here this evening? Are you dropping your claim?”
“Unfortunately, not,” the duke said. He turned from his study of the fireplace and faced Will. “I wanted to see Theodora. Not you. She needs to know that I’ll still be her friend.” He smiled gently and glanced at the floor, as if he really were sorry it had come to this between the two of them. “No matter what—”
Will interrupted him. “No matter what lies you spread to hurt Lady Eanruig, you want her to know that you’ll still marry her? What happens if you prevail? Will you still want to marry her then?” He continued to stare at Ferr-Colby. The tension between the two men could have been severed with a sword. “That’s what I thought, Your Grace. No suave or ready answers to my questions. Just empty threats.”
“I’ll do whatever is necessary, and in my power, to win, including marrying her,” the duke said, as if he were commenting on the dreary London weather. Then his visage visibly tightened. “Do you know what exactly happened at Ladykyrk? Why wasn’t the duke seen in all those years? Why did the invitations to visit cease?” He leaned close and stared into Will’s eyes. “I’ll bring charges against her if need be.”
“Ducal charm at its finest.” Ferr-Colby’s true agenda had started to emerge, proving what Will thought was true. The man had no morals. “What happened to wanting to be her friend?” He didn’t wait for an answer as it wouldn’t be worth listening to. “What charges would you bring against Lady Eanruig?” Will demanded.
“Murder.”
“Be my guest,” Will taunted, then stepped forward, ready to challenge the duke. He lowered his voice to a growl. “Where were you all those years Thea was taking care of her ill grandfather? If it had been me, nothing would have kept me from visiting my great-uncle, particularly if I was his heir. I wouldn’t have waited for an invitation.”
Ferr-Colby’s eyes widened.
“Your threats are meaningless. Thea’s grandfather was a great and fair man. I wonder what he’d think of you, his default heir, if he could see you trying to steal Ladykyrk from his only granddaughter.”
“What the old duke would think now is immaterial to your countess,” Ferr-Colby mocked. “The only thing that matters is tomorrow.” Without waiting for a reply, he strolled from the room.
Standing guard, Pitts nodded to Will, then followed the duke. The sound of their footsteps faded as they made their way to the entry.
Without losing a second, Will headed to Thea’s room. Tonight, they’d get their future settled. When she didn’t answer after his brisk knock, he entered his room and headed for the balcony.
The structure was empty, and the balcony door was shut. No soft candlelight glowed through the window. She had to be asleep in preparation for tomorrow.
Though he didn’t regularly pray, he whispered one tonight.
Dear God, let her win tomorrow so Ferr-Colby and his threats will be out of her life forever.