Chapter Fifteen
As sunlight broke over the horizon, Colin made his way back to the very river in which he had swum only hours before. His time with Anna had been wonderful, and soon both would set out to London.
After returning home, he had written to his mother, informing her that he would once again be delaying his return home. Oh, but she would be irate with him!
Let her be, he thought.
He had also already sent word about the need for a hired carriage for Anna. That they would not have one available for his use never occurred to him, for they would. At least being a duke gave him some privileges of which he would make use.
Although doubt about Anna and Lord Leedon still attempted to impede his thoughts, Colin could not bring himself to deny her request. If this was what she wanted, he would see it done, and that was all there was to it.
When he reached the edge of the tree line, he smiled. Anna awaited him, a sack in her hand.
“I’m glad you came,” she said as he approached. “I debated whether I should leave.” The last was said with a mischievous grin. “Here, this is for you.”
He took the offered sack and frowned upon opening it. A shirt, trousers, and cap lay inside. “What are these?”
“You said you wished to be Colin this week. Do you still want that?”
“I do,” he replied, still unsure what the contents were for.
“Then you must look like Colin and not a duke. That is, if you still wish to visit a tavern with dusty windows. Those belong to my brother Thomas, so they should fit.”
Realization crossed his features, and he smiled. “What a fantastic idea! I cannot believe I didn’t think of it. Thank you. But surely your brother will miss them.” He was not about to say that he knew few of her class had more than two sets of clothing.
She waved a hand at him. “He spends most of his time wearing his better clothes to meet with people and rarely wears these anymore. There’s no need to concern yourself.” She stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. “I need to leave and speak with Betty. It occurred to me that in order for me to leave for London with you, I need a sound reason, and Betty's sick Aunt will be the perfect excuse. Well, she’s not truly sick, but that doesn’t matter.”
Colin went to speak, but Anna gave him a quick kiss on the lips and hurried back into the woods.
Smiling, he returned to Redstone Estate, careful not to disturb anyone, lest he arouse their suspicion.
After placing the clothes Anna had given him in the bottom of the wardrobe, he returned to bed, hoping for a few more hours of sleep.
And many dreams about lovely flaxen hair and deep-blue eyes.
***
Bright sunlight shining through the open curtains woke Colin far earlier than he had hoped. As he stretched, he barely noticed the smooth silken sheets as memories of the previous night came tumbling into his mind.
He had to admit that he surprised even himself by jumping into the river. How long had it been since he had experienced such a thrill? Far too many to count. And, to his delight, Anna had leapt in after him. It was as if the world had stopped for them. That nothing could keep them apart.
In two days, he and Anna would set out for London. He regretted not being able to travel with her by his side, but it was necessary to arrive apart. Even in the commoner clothes she had given him, he was acquainted with far too many people to take the chance. At least he would save both their reputations with this arrangement.
Whether he could keep the visit covert once they arrived remained to be seen. Yet being among many was a far easier way to hide if the need arose than being found alone in a carriage. Perhaps he was being far too cautious, but he wanted to do what was right by Anna— whether she was noble or not. She deserved the same courtesies as any lady as far as he was concerned.
Once their time together in London came to an end, what then? Lady Katherine and his mother still waited for him to return to announce their engagement. Parties would follow, where members of the ton raised their glasses to toast his name. “The duke will be married!” they would say. “How fortunate for him!”
Yes, for the duke it would be a great day. For Colin, it would be one of misery.
Rising, he was glad he had insisted that his valet remain at Hemingford Home. How was he to be simply Colin if he was being dressed like a duke? What a battle that had been! Newbold, his valet of ten years, had been as shocked as his mother. In the end, however, the duke got what he wanted despite the irregularity of the situation.
Pulling on a fresh pair of breeches, he gazed at himself in the large standing mirror and attempted to flatten his hair. He chuckled. Some water from the pitcher would have it back to normal. Or perhaps he should leave it this way. Would fewer people recognize him if he did?
He walked over to the window. Past the gardens was the thick nestle of trees that blocked his view of the river beyond. And farther, a cottage he had yet to see. Yet it was not the cottage that held his interest but rather the young woman within.
The idea of not seeing Anna again after the following week made his heart clench and his stomach knot. But what if he came to visit his cousins again? He could easily slip away for an hour if the need arose…
No, if he were married by then, which he suspected would be the case, meeting her alone would be out of the question. Whatever he felt for Lady Katherine, he would not allow himself to be tempted by another woman. Not even Anna.
“There must be a way to avoid this marriage,” he whispered.
He glanced at the ring on his finger. The precious gem mocked him. Becoming Colin for an entire week had been easy enough, but once that time came to an end, he had a duty to uphold. He would not become the duke who ruined the Greystoke dukedom. Nor the Remington name.
A knock on the door startled him. “Yes?”
The door opened, and Markus entered the room. By his appearance, he had risen some time ago. “I thought you would sleep until sunset,” his cousin said with a laugh. “You certainly returned home late. Davis says your clothes were drenched. Did you go for a swim?”
For a moment, Colin considered lying, but for what reason should he deny it? “I did.” He pulled a shirt from a dresser drawer, choosing not to expand on his response.
“And did you see her?” Markus asked.
Colin turned. His cousin sat on the edge of the bed. “Her?” Colin asked.
“Anna. The penniless girl from across the way.”
Fearing his voice would betray his annoyance, Colin shook his head in reply.
“Pity. She’s quite attractive for a woman of such low birth. If you do see her, I say you should have some fun with her.”
This made Colin pause, his shirt over his head. “Are you implying that the woman has loose morals?”
Markus snorted as he rose from the bed. “How can you be so naive?” he asked. “Did you not know that all poor women can be easily wooed with just the promise of a few coins?” He paused and tilted his head. “How can hearing this cause you discomfort? Everyone knows it’s nothing more than reality for people like her.”
Colin refused to believe Anna capable of such behavior, but he also could not allow Markus to know the truth. “Why would it bother me?” he asked as he tucked the hem of his shirt into his breeches. “I’m not acquainted with her, and I doubt I’ll ever meet her.”
Markus grinned. “You just may, Cousin. If we see her today during the luncheon, I’ll be sure to introduce you to her.”
Colin frowned. “Luncheon? What luncheon?”
Markus walked over to the door. “I thought I told you. A dear friend of mine and her sister are awaiting us downstairs. We are to take them to the river for a picnic. There’s nothing like sharing a meal al fresco with a lovely lady.”
Colin could not go on an outing! And certainly not to the river. Anna might see him! “I don’t think that’s wise, Markus. After all, you’re married.” When his cousin gave no reaction, he added, “Think of your sisters. I’m sure they would raise a fuss.”
“Evelyn’s blubbering in her room, so I doubt we’ll see her for the rest of the day. And Caroline is at the home of a friend and will not return until dinner. Now, hurry. We mustn’t keep the ladies waiting.” Then he left the room.
Dread filled Colin as he finished dressing. How could he be suffering from this guilt? He felt as if he were betraying Anna, but that made no sense. They had shared in a few kisses, to be sure, but they were not courting. If he was betraying anyone, it was Lady Katherine, not Anna.
Nevertheless, the guilt remained. He prayed Anna would not make a sudden appearance and that the outing would be quick. Contrary to his words, he did not judge Markus. Many of his male relatives were unfaithful in their marriages. He did not understand such a decision, but neither did he judge it.
As Colin descended the staircase, he entered the foyer to a chorus of laughter. Two women, one a brunette and the other blonde, stood on either side of Markus. They wore fine dresses, and jewels glinted on their necks and fingers.
“There he is,” Markus said when he caught sight of Colin. “My cousin, the duke. These are my friends. Lady Fanny Helton.” The blonde woman dipped her head. “And her sister, Lady Deborah.” The younger woman also acknowledged the introduction with a nod. “Their father is the Earl of Pearson. I believe you’re acquainted with him.”
“I am,” Colin replied. “I believe we met several years ago during a party of some sort.”
Lady Helton smiled. “Father will be pleased to hear you remember him. I’ll have to inform him once he returns from Dover.”
Colin forced a smile. Was there anyone in all of England who would dress him down if he admitted to forgetting him or her? If so, he would see that person received an entire estate for showing a bit of honesty and backbone!
“Markus has spoken much about Your Grace,” continued Lady Helton. “I must admit that my sister and I have looked forward to this outing.”
Any belief that this outing had been planned to introduce Colin and Lady Deborah evaporated with the provocative looks Lady Helton gave Markus. Despite the fact they both wore wedding rings.
“Oh, yes,” Lady Deborah said. Then she batted her eyelashes at Colin, and her cheeks turned pink. Perhaps that first belief was not gone altogether. “I’ve never met a duke before, Your Grace.”
“Yes, yes, we’re all excited that a duke is with us,” Markus said in a bored tone. “Now, do you ladies need anything before we leave?”
When Colin glanced at Lady Deborah, he was startled by her admiring smile. He prayed Markus had not filled her head with any ideas.
“Now, we’ll take a short stroll,” Markus was explaining as he took a basket and a blanket from the butler. “But don’t worry, it’s not far, so you’ll not dirty your slippers.”
The sound of the ladies tittering at this grated on Colin’s nerves.
The things I’m willing to do for my cousins will get the best of me one of these days!
***
Anna had awoken that morning to a thin ray of sunlight that glinted through a hole in the thatch. At least it was not the plop of water droplets on the covers that often woke her when it rained. Repairing the roof was one of the first things she would see completed once she returned from London.
She had not gotten much sleep but seeing Colin again had made the early rising well worth the lost hours. If she had to give up all her sleep to see him, she would.
The feel of Colin’s lips on hers remained as she hurried to speak to Betty, who had been more than happy to agree to her plan. Now, all she had to do was convince Thomas.
Entering the cottage, she went straight to the kitchen. The boys were just rising, so she prepared them a breakfast of eggs and potatoes. Their finances determined whether there would be sausages or rashers, and as the money was scarce, they would have neither. Their next meal would not be until much later, leaving a long period without sustenance, but they had to save what little food they had. This left them with no midday meal nor the tiny sandwiches the rich enjoyed in the afternoon.
When she called that the food was ready, she leaned against the kitchen counter to watch as her brothers ate. Henry enjoyed whispering to his potatoes before stabbing them with a fork and eating them. Christian sat hunched over his plate, shoveling his food into his mouth without taking a single breath. To him, time was wasted on eating when he could be out working a horse.
Then there was Thomas, who sat with a week-old newspaper open in front of him as he sipped his tea, ignoring the food on his plate. Living in a house full of boys had never been easy, but Anna loved each of them as they were.
Well, she could think of at least a few things she would like to change about Thomas.
“Thomas,” she said, “I went to Betty’s to check on her aunt this morning.” Her heart pounded in her chest. Oh, how she hated the lies! “Her health has taken a turn for the worse and Betty’s asked if I can stay the week with her so I can help out at night. It’s so difficult for her family to be up so late and then have to leave for work early the next morning.”
Thomas heaved a heavy sigh from behind the week-old newspaper. Fearing he would deny her request, she quickly added, “Of course, they’ve agreed to pay extra for the time.”
“Fine,” Thomas grumbled. “Now, let me read in peace.”
Anna let out a sigh of relief. He had bought the rather hastily put-together story far better than she had believed.
As the boys continued to eat, Anna thought about her journey to London the following day. She had been to Town only twice in her life, both times with her mother and only for a day. She recalled shops lined up by the dozens, women in dresses so luxurious that she felt smaller than any insect that crawled the pathways.
The streets had been lined with all sorts of carriages— white, black, brown, some with the curtains drawn closed, others open to allow everyone to see its occupants.
London offered many things, but Anna cared nothing for any of them. She would be there to finally meet her father.
Would he be as handsome as her mother had been beautiful? Would he be willing to allow her to meet her half-siblings? Would they accept her? Yes, of course they would. She was a likable person, and she certainly did not begrudge them the fact they had been able to have their father with them while she could not.
Closing her eyes, she imagined that meeting. He would be overjoyed with their encounter, embracing her tightly like a father welcoming his prodigal child. They would discuss their separate lives to ready the mutual path they would follow therein.
Once they had become acquainted, he would invite her to his home to meet and dine with her new siblings. There, she would hear more stories, of which she refused to be resentful. They were not at fault for their circumstances any more than she or Thomas were.
Nor were either of her parents. Events happened as they did. The past could not be changed, so there was no reason to lament what could have been.
After dinner, her father would ask if there was anything she wanted. Anything she needed. That would be when she would request money. Just a little to get the house in order. Enough to fix the roof and replace the broken windows. A possible business contract for Thomas. Their home would be safe and warm, and the quarrels over money would cease.
Lowering his newspaper, Thomas let out a heavy sigh. “Don’t forget that you’re to do the washing today before you leave for Betty’s tomorrow. There’s no need to forget your duties here while seeing to someone else’s needs.”
Christian snorted. “The basket’s right there beside her. Are you going blind in your old age?”
Henry hid a laugh behind his hand but stopped when Thomas shot him a glare.
Anna grabbed the old wicker basket. “I’m wondering if I’ll return only to find you all dead from starvation,” she teased. “After all, it’s quite clear none of you is capable of doing anything around here, including the cooking. Henry, I suggest you run away if you become hungry.”
This had them all laughing. Well, except Thomas. His scowl said he was not pleased by her comment.
Once outside, she sighed. “Just one more week and I’ll put everything to rights. None of us will go hungry again.”
That was taking their situation a bit too far, for they had never truly starved. But they had been forced to skip one meal or another when the funds were low.
During one of those lean times, Christian had taken it upon himself to steal from one of the stands at the market in the village. Thomas had been furious, and an argument had erupted between the two brothers. Anna had sided with Thomas in that instance. There was never a reason to steal, not even in hunger.
As she walked down the path that led to the river, her thoughts turned to the journey she and Colin would be making tomorrow. Soon, she would meet her father, and it was all because of the man she had kissed the night before.
She still felt a bit of shame for her actions. What had she been thinking undressing in his presence and then joining him in the water? What kind of woman did that make her? Then again, Colin had done it first.
Approaching the woods, she came to a stop. Colin had been the first man she had kissed, but how many women had he kissed before her? The thought bothered her far more than she had expected it would, sending an uneasiness rushing through her body.
No, that was silly. Even if he had, it did not matter. He had kissed her, and she suspected he would do so again. And likely very soon.
For a moment, she imagined them walking together, Colin in his fine suit and she an equally fine dress purchased from the money her father would give her. It would be blue, for Colin had commented that he liked her in blue.
They would talk and laugh as they strolled, enjoying their time together. Then, they would come to a stop at the crest of a hill, where he would grab her and pull her against him. They would express their admiration for one another and finish with a kiss so enchanting, so wonderful, it would leave them breathless.
Sighing, Anna continued her walk. Was she deceiving herself by allowing her thoughts to create such images? That world could never exist outside of her mind. But had they not grown closer despite their short acquaintance? Had Colin not sworn to protect her?
And what about the jealousy he had exhibited when she merely mentioned another man propositioning her? Did that not all say there was a chance, as slim as it might be?