“We’ll discuss this matter later.” Edward yanked open the carriage door, gesturing to the empty bench, and placed his other hand on Benjamin’s back, shoving him toward the coach. “My sister is in need of rest, and you look a frightful sight.”
“Do I?” Benjamin asked, turning to Miss Hastings, whose pale face peeked out the open carriage door.
“You are…” She paused, debating the word. “Horrific.”
Edward snorted.
Benjamin offered a half-smile. Climbing slowly into the carriage, he settled himself on the opposite bench with a grunt. Thomas slid the dollhouse along the coach’s floor, stuffing it under the bench as his eyes flicked up to Benjamin, no humor lighting his face. He bobbed his head once, a sharp movement, which was returned by Benjamin.
In case I never see you again…
Thomas vanished.
“We will meet you at your mother’s estate.” Edward grabbed Benjamin’s arm, twisting it toward him. “Take care of her.”
“I will.”
Edward turned toward Miss Hastings, taking her hand. She dropped from the bench to the carriage floor, wrapping her arms around him.
“Please be careful, Edward,” she whispered in his ear. “You’re the only brother I have.”
“I will see you soon.” Patting her arm, Edward untangled himself from her grip and slammed the carriage door.
Benjamin lit an oil lamp and hung it from a hook inside the coach. Sliding the curtains closed, he leaned back and groaned, adjusting his leg and combing his fingers through his hair.
“Horrific, am I?” he teased, lifting his heated gaze to Miss Hastings. She sank her teeth into her lip.
The air vibrated between them, tensely wound passion threatening to incinerate them. The moment the carriage lurched forward, Miss Hastings flew off her bench. Benjamin opened his arms and enveloped her, crushing her body against his chest, his arms wrapped tightly around her waist. She straddled him, accidentally jarring his left leg. Benjamin cussed, and she froze, unsure if she should move.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, her blue eyes wide. She tentatively laid her hand on his shoulder. “I don’t know where you are injured.”
“Everywhere.” Benjamin redistributed her weight, touching his forehead to hers. “But holding you eases the pain.” His thumb skated across her lower lip, and her mouth parted, her teeth nipping lightly on the pad of his finger.
“Edward will be extremely irritated with you,” Miss Hastings murmured as Benjamin tipped her chin.
“Let him.” His mouth brushed across her lips.
She was safe, here in his arms, and he would never let her go again. Ever. Morris would pay with his life for what he did to Miss Hastings.
Growling, he drew her closer, the heat between them burning through his clothes. His lips devoured every visible inch of her skin, nibbling along her collarbone, over her throat, and down to the swell of her breast. She shifted her hips, grinding against his erection.
His hands wandered down her body, slipping under the hem of her skirt. Sliding one finger up her leg, he caressed the soft skin and skimmed up her thigh. His finger sought her warmth, slipping between the slit in her drawers, and brushed against her sex.
“Please.” She panted against his mouth, rocking her hips against his invading hand.
Benjamin captured her lower lip and bit lightly as he thrust his finger deeper. She quivered against him, crying out in ecstasy. His mouth captured hers, swallowing her screams as she trembled uncontrollably.
Unbuttoning his trousers, he slid them low on his hips, freeing his erection. Grasping her hips, he lifted her, angling himself between her legs, and lowered her onto his lap, inch by inch. She gasped as he sheathed himself completely. Sliding his hands leisurely down her back, he gripped her firmly and pulled hard against his hips.
“Benjamin,” Miss Hastings moaned, her body falling into his guided rhythm. His lips danced across her soft skin, etching a trail of fire on her neck.
“I should make you suffer for all the worry you caused me this morning,” he murmured. “Maybe you’ll learn to listen to me.”
“Please,” she pleaded, her voice straining as she ground her hips into him.
“Whatever you desire, my lady.” Tugging down the edge of her chemise with his teeth, his mouth grazed her breast, drawing another moan from her lips. Grabbing her hips, Benjamin thrust deep, driving into her until she came apart.
His name echoed through the coach as she released, and Benjamin followed quickly, burying himself in one thrust as he tumbled over the edge. Wrapping her tightly in his arms, he shuddered several times before his breathing returned to normal. Miss Hastings collapsed onto his chest, drawing a finger over the sensitive skin peeking out from between his shirt collar, and sighed, her eyes fluttering close.
“Infinitely better than my last carriage ride,” he said, pressing his mouth against her forehead.
Benjamin’s eyes snapped open, his arms tensing around Miss Hastings. She was curled into his chest. Safe. He twitched the curtain aside. The carriage bounced down the drive toward Westwood Estate. Thankfully, the engagement luncheon had dispersed several hours prior.
“Have we arrived?”
He glanced down. Miss Hastings gazed up at him with a sleepy smile and nuzzled closer, shivering from the chilly air seeping under the carriage door. His mouth finding hers, her eager response reignited his earlier passion. Hooking her arms around his neck, she pressed her body into him, and Benjamin lifted her onto his lap, his arms wrapped low around her waist. He brushed the lightest of kisses across her bruised lips, which parted expectantly.
“I fear this will be the last of our privacy for a while,” he said, pressing a final kiss on her mouth.
A cacophony of sound exploded from outside the carriage as Benjamin spoke those words. Miss Hastings’s gaze flicked to the closed coach door, her mouth pulling into a grimace.
“Miss Hastings, I must warn you.” Depositing her on the bench next to him, he lifted her hand to his mouth. “Over the next few weeks, I shall endeavor to seduce you every chance I encounter.”
The carriage door was ripped open, and Benjamin was yanked from the coach, swallowed by a crowd of ladies, both old and young. They shunted him aside with several clucks concerning his haggard appearance. Miss Hastings, they favored with many exclamations of shock and sympathy regarding her appalling condition. Benjamin wondered how the exuberant well-wishers would affect Miss Hastings’ psyche. She looked overwhelmed by the concentrated attention. Only Miss Clemens remained on the exterior of the group, awkwardly out of place as she hovered near Benjamin.
“Thank you for finding Miss Hastings, Lord Westwood,” Miss Clemens whispered shyly before an arm snaked out of the huddle and sucked her into the group of women.
Edward’s wife succeeded in convincing the other ladies to allow Miss Hastings to climb from the carriage without assistance. However, she stumbled on the footstep, tumbling forward into the group, and several hands righted her—none of them his, he mused sourly as he watched the ladies fret over Miss Hastings. She disappeared in a sea of colorful frocks, carried toward the house.
Mr. Davis materialized by Benjamin’s side. “Miss Hastings will be well cared for.” His gravelly voice was surprisingly filled with emotion.
Benjamin didn’t flinch at the sudden appearance of his manservant. He did, however, arch an eyebrow. “Sentiment, Mr. Davis? I’m surprised by your attachment.”
“She is to be the future lady of the house, is she not, my Lord?”
“She is.” Benjamin nodded, catching sight of Miss Hastings’ chestnut hair in the light from the lanterns hanging along the veranda. She turned to search him out, offering a tiny wave before the gaggle ushered her into the entrance hall.
“A fine choice, my lord,” Mr. Davis added nonchalantly.
“Were you concerned regarding my ability to select an acceptable companion?” Benjamin chuckled, glancing to his right.
“I’m no longer in doubt as to the state of your mind,” Mr. Davis replied as he gathered the horses’ reins, then climbed onto the driver’s bench. Before driving the horses to the stables, he allowed one final comment to slip. “I would have been less satisfied to be reacquainted with my prior employer.”
Silent, Benjamin watched the sun slide slowly below the horizon. He reflected on Mr. Davis’ final remark. Even the servants disliked the family. Mr. Davis refused to speak about his previous employment, making Benjamin wonder what had driven Mr. Davis to resign from the Shirely household. Benjamin’s thoughts sifted through the day’s atrocious events, a frown pulling the corner of his mouth.
Would he have risked his life for Miss Shirely?
“You seem perturbed,” his mother called from the veranda, her silhouette flickering in the lamplight.
“I was unaware you could observe my expression from such a great distance,” he replied, strolling toward her.
She laughed. “Benjamin, you’ve been standing in the exact same position for the last five minutes. Something is on your mind.”
The whinny of horses caught Benjamin’s attention. His eyes scanned the drive, straining in the darkness to make out two shadows approaching through the gate. A few minutes later, Thomas and Edward appeared, wearing grim expressions. Thomas shook his head as he dismounted, stalking the last several meters to Benjamin’s side, and blew out an exasperated sigh. Benjamin glanced at the veranda, but his mother had discreetly disappeared. Edward slid from his horse and approached, his jaw set.
“Thomas and I have been discussing a situation.”
Thomas remained unusually silent, an indication of a disagreement between the two men.
“Your brother believes we need to inform the female members of our families of the circumstances regarding our safety.”
“And you are in disagreement with this suggestion?” Benjamin asked, his voice even. Edward would be against anything which involved telling his sister the truth.
“I am.” Edward folded his arms.
“Miss Hastings is already aware of the impending danger, having experienced much trauma at Morris’ hand,” Benjamin replied, using the same logical tone he’d employed in their youth whenever he wanted to convince Edward of a particular course of action. “She looks frightful, and the ladies are bound to question her injuries.”
Several emotions rolled across Edward’s face—denial, anger, and lastly, guilt.
“I know.”
“You can’t protect everyone unless they are localized.” Benjamin indicated the house. “We need to remain here until Morris is captured.”
“The ladies will want to know why they have been restricted to the country estate,” Thomas interjected.
Edward scowled at him. “My daughters do not need nightmares.”
“He isn’t suggesting we scare the children.” Benjamin placed his hand on Edward’s shoulder. “However, your wife deserves to know the truth.”
“As does your mother,” Edward replied, smacking away Benjamin’s arm.
“We told her.”
“What about Aunt Abigail?” Thomas’ gaze shifted to the house, watching silhouettes dance in front of the parlor window.
“Mother would have informed Aunt Abigail,” Benjamin replied. Thomas snickered.
“Even so, we should extend the invitation to Mrs. Stanton as well as Miss Clemens,” Edward said. “We don’t know how far Franklin’s hatred will extend. However, we only reveal the most important details, agreed?”
“Miss Clemens knows more than you think,” Benjamin said, struggling to keep his mouth from twitching into a wry grin. Edward looked as if he was going to murder Benjamin.
“Can no one keep a secret?” Edward threw his hands in the air.
“Nope.” Thomas draped a friendly arm over Edward’s shoulders, leading him toward the house. “Do you suppose there’s any food left over from the luncheon?”
Rolling his eyes, Edward glanced back at Benjamin. “How can you have dealt with this for almost thirty years?”
“It has been extremely trying at times.” Grinning, Benjamin limped after them, reaching them when Edward slowed his gait. Thomas punched him in the arm.
As they entered the house, Mrs. Hastings sailed to Edward, nearly knocking him over in her relief. He wrapped his arms around her, swinging her in a wide circle to maintain his balance. Shamelessly, he kissed her, a display of affection Benjamin rarely witnessed from the proper couple. He ached for Miss Hastings.
“I would like to have a discussion with the members of both families,” Edward said as he set his wife on her feet. He refused to release her, one arm remaining locked around his wife’s waist. “Where is Sammie?”
“She’s in the dining room with Lady Westwood and Mrs. Stanton. They are plying her with food.” Mrs. Hastings sighed as she laid her head against Edward’s chest.
“Excellent. I thought I might faint from starvation.” Thomas bowed, then strode down the corridor toward the wafting smell of food.
Edward and Mrs. Hastings followed, whispering soft sentiments to each other. Benjamin lagged, his eyes scanning the courtyard one last time before he closed the front door.
“Do you know the length of our stay?” Mr. Davis asked unobtrusively from the shadows of the entrance hall.
“Indefinitely,” Benjamin replied, wrenching the lock.
“I shall need to travel to town tomorrow to collect some necessities,” Mr. Davis said, stepping forward.
“Meet with me the morning prior to your departure. I have an errand for you.” Benjamin turned toward him.
Producing the dollhouse, Mr. Davis held out the grimy toy. “I collected this from the carriage.”
Benjamin nodded his approval. “Place that on my desk in the study.”
“Yes, my Lord.” Mr. Davis bowed and retreated, leaving Benjamin to hobble across the entrance hall to the dining room.
Miss Hastings’ eyes instantly rose to Benjamin’s face when he entered the room. He offered her a lopsided grin and limped to the foot of the table where the only empty chair remained. Edward sat at the head of the table, to his right and left his wife and sister, respectively. Aunt Abigail and his mother conversed animatedly to Benjamin’s left. Thomas, seated to Benjamin’s right, mumbled something around a mouthful of food and stabbed his fork at the two ladies across from him. Benjamin smirked.
Between Thomas and Miss Hastings, Miss Clemens sat quietly, picking at her plate, invisible in her misery. She furtively glanced sideways at Thomas several times but remained mute. Miss Hastings leaned over and whispered something to the younger girl, who smiled gratefully in return.
Edward cleared his throat, and silence blanketed the room. He looked over the expectant faces and spoke solemnly.
“I realize I have been less than forthcoming regarding the recent events affecting our families. It has been pointed out that perhaps the lack of information may have led to Sammie’s abduction.”
Thomas bent over his plate, shoveling food into his mouth as quickly as possible, refusing to look at Edward. Benjamin glanced at Thomas oddly, wondering what other parts he missed from the unpleasant conversation between his brother and Edward. Out of the corner of his eye, Benjamin noticed Miss Hastings placed her hand on Miss Clemens’ trembling arm.
“Therefore, I have a few pieces of information I’m compelled to share. First, I wish to express my gratitude to Lord Westwood and Mr. Reid for bringing Samantha back to us alive.” Edward paused and nodded to both men. An unspoken conversation occurred among them, a permanently forged connection between the families—Edward had given his official consent to the marriage. He cleared his throat and resumed. “Second, the person responsible for Samantha’s abduction, the attempt on my life, and the murder of my father was Mr. Franklin Morris. We have alerted the authorities.”
“As well as the society papers,” Thomas said, causing Edward to wince.
Ah, that was the other part of the disagreement. Thomas realized the only way to protect Miss Hastings’ reputation from vicious gossip—regarding her absence from the engagement party and her unchaperoned escapade—was to admit to the kidnapping. It was not a terrible scheme. By including the ton in their tragedy, they gained a lot of supporters—and their eyes. Edward, being an extremely private individual, would have vehemently rejected that plan. Benjamin was shocked the discussion hadn’t come to blows. He glanced at Thomas, who returned to his plate without another word.
“It’s important we are vigilant until Franklin is brought to justice. Also, Samantha has informed us Franklin was not working alone. There is an unknown person who assisted with his escape this afternoon, and in doing so,”—Edward paused, his gaze sliding over the faces at the table—“killed Mr. Walton.”
There were several gasps, including Mrs. Hastings, who paled considerably. Miss Hastings continued to pat Miss Clemens’ arm reassuringly, a monochromic rhythm of tranquility. The younger girl looked on the verge of falling out of her chair.
“I’m thankful everyone realizes the severity of the situation in which we now find ourselves. With the upcoming union between Benjamin and Samantha, both families are in grave danger. Therefore, we,”—he indicated himself along with Benjamin and Thomas—“believe it would be best for everyone to remain here.”
“I would be delighted to have everyone as my guests.” Benjamin’s mother beamed. “We have more than enough rooms to accommodate everyone.”
“Are we to remain prisoners on this estate indefinitely?” Aunt Abigail asked, her wizened eyes narrowed.
“Not at all,” Edward replied with an easy smile. “We’re merely asking, for your safety, you don’t travel outside these grounds alone for the next few weeks.”
“I have a busy social schedule to uphold,” Aunt Abigail replied, adding a thump of her cane.
His mother snorted and demurely covered the sound with a ladylike cough. “I regret to inform you, my dear Abigail, you may have to forgo some of those activities.”
“Especially now that Mr. Flannery is mucking about with a loaded rifle,” Benjamin muttered, shoving away his plate of food.
His mother’s head whipped up. “Why is Mr. Flannery wandering around with a weapon? I heard his son was caring for him.”
“He is,” Benjamin replied, adding a curt nod when Thomas pantomimed eating Benjamin’s food. “I had an encounter with the two of them earlier today. Aidan offered their assistance.”
“Was that wise?” Concern seeped through his mother’s question. “Mr. Flannery has had an extremely difficult time since the death of his wife.”
“Touched,” Aunt Abigail said, pressing her fingertips to the side of her head. “Poor man, he loved Noreen deeply.”
“Alana is returning to assist Aidan with that particular situation,” Benjamin said quietly, his gaze flicking to Thomas, who flinched, his fork scraping the plate.
Thomas glanced up from his hunched position, his eyes quickly scanning the table, then his gaze skipped to Benjamin. A myriad of wild emotions danced across Thomas’ face, threatening to unravel him. Without speaking, Thomas bent his head and put another forkful to his mouth. Mechanically scraping and chewing, the resolute activity took most of Thomas’ concentration. Perturbed, Benjamin looked away from his brother’s forced façade. Alana’s timing was dreadful.
“Cousin Alana taught me how to shoot one summer,” Miss Hastings whispered noisily to Miss Clemens, whose brown eyes lit with delight.
“Perhaps we can convince her to instruct me as well.” She smiled shyly.
“A wonderful way to pass the time,” Aunt Abigail said with a wink. “How delightfully inappropriate.”
“We will not be shirking our social obligations either,” Edward added with a slight frown, owing to the direction of the conversation. “The whole of society is aware of Franklin’s crimes. It’s highly doubtful he will attempt anything in public.”
Miss Hastings glanced at Edward suspiciously. “What upcoming social obligations do we have?”
“The Shirely masque is six days’ time,” Miss Clemens murmured to her lap.
Miss Hastings groaned, slumping in her chair. Benjamin caught her eye and winked, causing the delightful blush he thoroughly enjoyed. Quickly, she glanced down, hiding her rouged face.
Thomas looked up from his near-empty plate, his face a mixture of confusion and curiosity. “I was unaware you enjoyed social functions, Miss Clemens.”
Miss Clemens blushed from Thomas’ direct attention. “I don’t, Mr. Reid. However, since we have received an invitation, it would be impolite to decline.”
“I wonder if her fingers caught fire while addressing those invitations,” Miss Hastings muttered, just loud enough for the entire table to hear. Miss Clemens giggled.
“Samantha!” Mrs. Hastings admonished. “Your opinion of Miss Shirely doesn’t need to be shared with your elders.”
“Even when they agree with you,” Abigail said, smirking.
Miss Hastings didn’t respond. She set her fork next to her plate, her skin paling, and her eyes rolled. Benjamin was on his feet before she slipped out of the chair.
“What did Franklin give her?” Edward bellowed as he flew to his sister’s side.
“Mr. Davis thought it might be an overdose of laudanum,” Benjamin replied grimly, lifting Miss Hastings from the floor. “However, the effects should have worn off by now.”
She stirred. Opening her eyes, Miss Hastings seemed surprised to find herself in Benjamin’s arms again. “I would like some fresh air,” she mumbled thickly.
Edward reached out, but Benjamin twisted away, refusing to release his hold. “I will take her,” he growled.
Mrs. Hastings appeared beside her husband and placed a restraining hand on his arm. “Let him go, Edward.”
Miss Hastings gagged. Benjamin spun in haste, navigating the corridor in mere seconds. Ripping open the door, a cool breeze smacked him in the face as he raced outside. Gently, he set her down on the wooden steps, and she took several deep breaths with her eyes squeezed shut. He dropped beside her and wrapped an arm over her trembling shoulders.
“If you would rather decline the Shirely ball, I would happily make our excuses.”
A faint smile crossing her lips, Miss Hastings opened her eyes. Tilting her head, she contemplated his words. “I would be extremely disappointed to sacrifice an opportunity for a moonlit walk with my fiancé.”
“Your guardian may not agree to those terms,” Benjamin said, capturing her hand and drawing little patterns in her palm.
Miss Hastings shivered and leaned against him. “I thought,” she paused and choked on a tiny sob. “I thought I would never see you again.”
“I will always come for you,” he replied, cupping her face.
“Is that a promise?”
“Yes,” he rumbled and pressed his lips to her mouth. She sighed his name, sliding her arms around his neck, and drew him closer.
He knew to expect the interruption, yet although it was inevitable, he was still irritated when Thomas’ buoyant voice reverberated from behind them on the veranda.
“If Miss Hastings is feeling better, Edward would like to open the dollhouse.”
“Thank you, Thomas.” Benjamin ground out his displeasure through clenched teeth. He glared at his brother, who grinned, hovering a respectable distance from them. “We will join you once Miss Hastings has regained her composure.”
“I’m well enough to view the contents of the dollhouse.” Miss Hastings’ wispy voice came from his right.
Thomas snickered and stepped forward to offer his arm. “Allow me to assist you, Miss Hastings.”
“Thomas,” Benjamin warned menacingly, a rumble growing in his throat.
Thomas held up his hands playfully. “I shall inform Edward of your imminent arrival.” He flashed a cheeky grin and disappeared.
Benjamin blew out an exasperated breath. “I suppose we shouldn’t keep Edward waiting.”
“We could…” Miss Hastings smiled.
Sliding his arms around her waist, he nuzzled his face against her neck, his mouth placing a searing kiss on her throat.
“May I carry you inside, Miss Hastings?”
She pulled away and frowned. “No, you may not, Lord Westwood.”
“Ah well,” he shrugged and slipped his arms beneath her, lifting her from the steps, “I did ask.”