Colton received a note first thing in the morning from Lord Lesley. He was expecting it, but if it hadn’t come, he would have gone anyway. There was plenty to discuss, especially Devon, and Colton hoped the return of his son would go a long way to smoothing the issue of his and Olivia’s sudden wish to be married. It looked bad...really bad, and it was bad, because there was no way Colton could lie to Lord Lesley about his relationship with Olivia on board his ship. Olivia was compromised by circumstances alone, but when you added that he now had carnal knowledge of her, well he wouldn’t be surprised if Lord Lesley clipped him under the chin.
It really didn’t make a difference. He didn’t take what they shared lightly, and the only reason he let it happen at all was because he knew that no matter what happened, with or without her father’s blessing, she would be his wife. Oddly, it felt as if she already was. In his heart, she was already a part of him, and everything else was just small details of no importance. Olivia belonged to him. She was as necessary to him as the air he breathed. No one would keep them apart now.
With that thought in his mind, he entered Lord Lesley’s study and stood before his desk. Lord Lesley looked up expectantly and almost looked as if he were about to smile.
“Lord Lesley, I’ve come at your request.”
“Please have a seat, Captain Colton. I would like to start off by saying how grateful my family is to you for rescuing my son. He is not only my heir, but as my first born. I simply cannot imagine life without him.”
Colton nodded. “I was happy to help. Devon has always been like a brother to me. I was willing to do anything in my power to help him.”
“Ah, yes. We were shocked when Olivia informed us that Devon chose to remain at your residence.”
“It is temporary, I assure you. He needs time to recover and get his bearings, I think.”
“About that... Olivia had mentioned opium but was not very forth coming with all that happened in Amsterdam. I was hoping you could give me more clarity,” Lord Lesley queried.
“Certainly, I found him at a rather exclusive brothel. He was unconscious, drunk, and reeking of opium smoke. It seems they were purposefully keeping him that way to leech money from him. We had to cause a distraction while I carried him out the back.”
“We?” Lord Lesley raised a brow.
“Two of my crew helped me. One speaks Dutch and was familiar with the practice of the brothel. We went to a tavern, and I had to be issued an invitation. I could only have access to the first floor, but after speaking to one of the women there, I was certain Devon was there and for at least a month. I tried to find a woman to return with me. That was the condition of gaining access to the upper floors. I asked every prostitute and barmaid I could find, offered them a small fortune just to walk in with me, but they all refused. They knew of the place I spoke of and would not even be paid to enter there.”
“That sounds quite sinister,” Lord Lesley remarked.
“It was certainly frustrating. I had no other choice...” Colton met Lord Lesley’s eyes.
Lord Lesley scowled fiercely and slowly stood. “You took my daughter into a brothel?”
“It was my last resort to find Devon. I would have not done it otherwise. When we found him, he was barely conscious. He was on the brink of succumbing to the drug and drink. Olivia did a brilliant job with the distraction while I carried Devon out the back. My men were waiting for Olivia right outside the front door. She was never in any danger, and I don’t think I could have rescued Devon without her.
Lord Lesley grumbled angrily and walked to the window. He folded his arms over his chest and silently stared out.
Colton watched him patiently.
He finally spoke. “And what of Olivia? She was quite adamant that you two should be married posthaste.”
“Well given the circumstances, I would have to agree, but that’s not the sole reason we wish to be married. I know I am not the first choice for a daughter of Olivia’s station, but I care for her a great deal, and it became obvious on our journey that she felt the same. I apologize for the abrupt manner in which we will be married, but you should know that there is a real affection between us. I have never admired another woman as I do Olivia.”
Lord Lesley snorted. “While I appreciate your candor, Olivia made it clear there was no choice in the matter. I am surprised and yet...not. You say that you were not our first choice for a husband, but that is not correct. I may not have considered a suit between you two simply because I did not see the foundation for it, but that does not mean we are not amenable to it.” Lord Lesley turned and faced him.
“I owe you a great debt. I would be proud to call you son and honored to give you my daughter’s hand in marriage.”
Colton stilled. He felt a great swell of emotion in his chest and was at a loss for words. He expected grudging acceptance of their wish to marry, but he did not expect this. He nodded in acknowledgment of Lord Lesley’s words.
Lord Lesley smiled and took his seat again. “Now, there is much to discuss in the matter of her dowry and settlements, but first, a celebratory drink.” He pulled a bottle of scotch from a desk drawer and two glasses. “I keep this hidden for special occasions.” He poured two fingers in each glass and handed one to Colton.
They raised their glasses in toast and then took a sip. Lord Lesley grinned happily, Colton blinked rapidly. The smoky liquid slid down smoothly and lingered on his tongue.
“It has an exquisite finish, doesn’t it?”
Colton nodded, still savoring the taste.
“I keep it under lock, so Devon doesn’t drink it all.”
Colton smiled. “He won’t want to drink anything stiffer than tea for a while, I suspect.”
“Good. I hope to see him settle down after all this. Some lessons must be learned the hard way. His life has been very blessed, and I sometimes wonder if that is a curse. You can’t truly appreciate something unless you’ve been forced to live without it.”
“Although I agree with that sentiment, I don’t think Devon will ever be the same. Perhaps it’s just the effects of the opium, but he seems different now, rougher.”
“Whatever the case may be, I would like to be appraised of his health daily. A simple note will do, and as for the pending nuptials, I will send a messenger to archbishop for a special license. He owes me a favor, so it shouldn’t be any trouble. The women will decipher the details of the ceremony, but we will make it a week from now.”
Colton exhaled in relief. He felt a swelling of joy throughout his chest, fought to keep a stupid grin from his face, and lost.
Lord Lesley chuckled. “I can see that pleases you. I’ll send a note to your father. We can have a small family dinner tonight to celebrate your betrothal. We’ve been telling everyone that Olivia has been indisposed with a cold, but given the circumstances now, I think we should let your mother and father know that wasn’t the case. We are family now, there should be no secrets.”
“Oh thank you, Papa!” Olivia burst through the door in exuberance.
Lord Lesley scowled.
Lady Lesley followed her in and smiled indulgently. “Did you think she would stay away, dear? Honestly now, she has spies everywhere, doing her bidding. You will have your hands full, Captain Colton.”
Colton just smiled and stood. Olivia was like a ray of sunshine. She wore a radiant smile, pale gold day dress that hugged her petite curves, and her raven curls bounced and shined in the morning light. She was dancing and twirling, and he couldn’t keep his eyes off her.
Olivia twirled in front of him and took his hands. They looked at each other, both grinning madly, two fools in love.
“Ergh-um,” Lord Lesley cleared his throat. “Olivia, if you’re quite finished dazzling the poor man, I’d like to have my breakfast now. Will you be joining us, Captain?”
“I would love to, but I should return to Devon.”
“Nonsense, you went all the way to Amsterdam to get him. Have breakfast with us and spend time with me. Devon can molder in misery alone for one morning.”
“Olivia,” her mother scolded. “Your brother is recovering from a great ordeal.”
Olivia rolled her eyes. “He’d be recovering from his honeymoon if he had listened to me.”
Her mother gasped and shook her finger at her. “I’ll have none of that vulgar tongue, young lady. In a week’s time, you will be the mistress of your own house and may do as you please. Until then, remember your manners.”
Colton had his hand over his mouth to hide his smile. Lord Lesley was coughing suspiciously.
“I really should get back. I haven’t checked on him this morning.”
Olivia pouted. “Fine. I’ll walk you out.” She tugged him to the door.
Colton quickly made his farewells to Lord and Lady Lesley before Olivia pulled him from the room.
“That was rather rude,” Colton said in the hall.
“Perhaps, but it will be excused given that we are newly betrothed.”
Colton shook his head. “Do you expect me to be so easily wrapped around your finger, as well?”
Olivia looked back and gave him a sultry smile. “I expect a little fight from you, and some persuasion from me, but in the end you will succumb to my wishes.”
“Minx.”
She giggled and ran away from him.
Like the lovesick fool he was, he gave chase. She was quick on her feet and made it almost to the side door, but only because he let her. He caught her as her hand reached the knob and pinned her against the door.
She squeaked and laughed against his chest as he held her immobile. When she quieted and looked up, he stole a quick kiss, and then another and another. She clung to him and encouraged more, but he knew their privacy would not last. “I should go.”
“But I miss you... I want to be alone with you.” She ran her fingers in his hair.
“We have to wait, love. We don’t have the freedom we had on my ship. Soon it will be our wedding night.” He smiled. He still couldn’t believe his good fortune. She would be his wife, by his side daily and in his bed every night.
“A week has never felt so long. I will try to come see you today and Devon as well.”
“We cannot forget about your brother. He needs our support and care.”
“He needs a kick in the rump.”
“When he feels better, you can have the first kick.”
They both laughed but then grew quiet, and Colton couldn’t stop himself from stealing another kiss. It was impossible to resist her, especially when she was pressed against him and all but begging him. He groaned. “I have to go.”
Olivia pulled away and sighed. “You’re right. I can be patient—it will be difficult but not impossible. Perhaps I will try to sneak away this afternoon.”
“Don’t push your luck. Your parents have been through enough already. Use this time to plan the wedding and spend time with them.”
Olivia smiled warmly at him. “You’re such a good man.”
“I’ll see you at dinner tonight.” He kissed her and left. She was still standing there at the door when he emerged from the stables on his horse. His chest ached as he rode away, as if his heart had been left there in her hands and he would be whole again until they were together once more. He’d never dreamed he would enjoy such a pain, but it was sweet and addictive and he knew Olivia felt it to.