When life throws you a surprise, settle in, grab a bottle of wine, and enjoy.
Devan Farris
After the tumultuous afternoon at Avalon’s home, tonight’s dinner had been a subdued affair. Thane had invited Devan to join them. He’d gone to the vicarage to answer a few letters from his brothers, then returned to Warwyk Hall. After dinner, he and Thane had retired to the sitting room for another chess lesson. Sophia sat nearby and sketched dresses after finding inspiration in the creations she’d seen in the afternoon.
Devan found himself becoming more comfortable in Warwyk Hall. Thane had a gift for bringing smiles to his mother’s and aunt’s faces. Plus, the boy had a mind that reminded Devan of a sponge. He soaked and retained everything taught to him. Within a year, the young marquess would be an excellent chess player, one who could become a master if he continued the study of the game. His interest in battles and strategy served his understanding of logic well.
Much to Devan’s dismay, Avalon had excused herself to prepare for her guests’ arrival in three days. The entire Cavensham clan would descend upon Warwyk Hall and attend the charity auction.
When the longcase clock had struck the hour of nine, he’d taken his leave and gathered his greatcoat and hat, but an urge to see his benefactress, his Warlock, stole into his thoughts. After he’d flirted with her this afternoon, she’d become flustered and a beautiful flush had colored her cheeks.
He’d never thought her a woman who would charm him, but her strength and allure wove a magic like an enchantment around him. Though what to do about it confounded him. She hated him, or at least, didn’t trust him. Could he even pursue whatever this was between them? Was it an infatuation, a tenderness, or something deeper with a promise of a lifetime devotion?
Would she even see him worthy of her affections?
A footman escorted him down to the wine cellar. Holding court, Avalon stood with Mr. Neville and the myriad of wine bottles that were carefully stored in wooden cases and racks that lined the walls of the room.
“Lady Warwyk?” Devan stepped into the cellar room. “I thought to take my leave this evening.”
She turned her attention from Mr. Neville. “Mr. Farris, what time is it?”
At the sound of her honeyed voice, his entire body seemed to vibrate like a church bell.
“A little past nine,” he rasped. Such a reaction to Avalon was becoming a regular occurrence. He cleared his throat, hoping to stave off any indication that she affected him in such a manner. But it was becoming harder and harder to deny the attraction he felt for her.
Mr. Neville nodded in greeting, then turned to Avalon. “My lady, if you’ll excuse me for a moment? I promised Cook I’d attend her. She had several questions about the preparations for the soiree.”
“Of course,” she said. “I can finish this by myself.”
Mr. Neville bowed slightly before he took his leave.
Now that they were alone in the cellar, Avalon’s attention focused on him, and in turn his attention focused on her face. The light from the candelabra sitting on a small table next to her flickered across her cheeks as if kissing her. In that moment, he wanted to replace the light with his lips.
He cleared his throat again. “I wanted to thank you for the dinner and hospitality.” He took a step near to take her hand. It provided a rare occasion where they could touch without the interference of gloves.
When he extended his hand to her, she hesitated for a moment. “You may not want to take my hand.”
“Why is that?” He grinned slightly. She was quite fetching when she was a little unsure of herself.
“My hands are cold,” she said with an answering smile and a slight shrug. “Mr. Neville and I were deciding which wine to serve for the soiree.”
Without a second thought, he took her outstretched hand with his and gently rubbed. Not only to warm her skin, but for his benefit too—he could indulge in caressing her soft skin. He examined her hand slowly as he lifted it higher. He frowned slightly in feigned concentration. “I’m shocked.”
“I warned you,” she said.
“It’s not what I expected. I thought all war—”
“Do not say it,” she bit out with a laugh.
“What? Warlock?” he answered innocently. “Of course, I wouldn’t say that. I was going to say that I thought all warmth was absent from down here, but you are the exception. I can see the glow on your cheeks. That must come from a warm heart.”
“You, Vicar, are a dangerous man.”
He placed a hand over the middle of his chest. “Madam, you know how to wound me.”
She shook her head in silent laughter, then slowly grew serious. “Devan…” She studied him as if debating something. Finally, whatever silent war she waged within herself, she’d made a decision.
He bent closer and lowered his voice, delighted she called him by his first name. “Whatever you want to say, please speak freely.”
She nodded once. “I overheard Penelope say she expected a marriage proposal from you any day.” She studied their still-clasped hands.
Instead of pulling away, she stepped a little closer, and he wanted to rejoice that she felt comfortable enough with him to confide in him.
“Perhaps you shouldn’t spend so much time here if you’re pursuing her. I could tell she didn’t like the way we chatted with one another this afternoon.”
He shook his head. “She’s misunderstood my attentions. This has happened a few times before in my other parishes.” His eyes captured hers. “I didn’t encourage their affections or Penelope’s. I know I have a reputation with the ladies, but I’d never compromise a woman, especially someone as young as Penelope.”
Avalon’s lips curved upward. “I’m not shocked that you would have admirers amongst the young women in your parishes. You’re an attractive…”
Her words trailed to nothing as if she was afraid she’d revealed too much.
“An attractive what? Reprobate? Rake? Soon to be rakish rector?”
The words caused her to laugh, and he knew in that moment that he’d never tire of the sound.
“An attractive man, you vain peacock,” she retorted softly, but her blush returned in full bloom on her cheeks.
He chuckled. “That wasn’t so difficult, now was it?”
“Quit teasing, Devan, and listen,” she scolded. “Penelope is here because her aunt and uncle have offered to sponsor her in a Season while her parents live abroad in Italy. She’s rather impressionable.”
“Thank you for the advice. I don’t want to cause any trouble within your—” Before he could finish the thought, the cellar door slammed shut behind them.
“What on earth?” she cried as she rushed to the door and pushed against it. When it didn’t budge, she pounded against the thick oak paneling twice. “Hello?” she called out. “You’ve locked us in.”
A haunting silence descended, with only the hiss of a candlewick decrying their circumstances.
Avalon turned around and rested against the door with her hands behind her. The position had the unintended effect of accentuating her breasts where a hint of cleavage peeked from her square neckline. The purple satin of her dress glistened in the candlelight like a starry night, and the woven wrap around her arms draped in a manner that had the unintended effect of seducing him.
Good lord, he was mad if a simple garment could entice him with such sensual thoughts.
“We’re locked in.” Her voice didn’t waver in alarm, but there was a hint of astonishment in her tone.
“Locked in,” he repeated. How fitting as his emotions were currently locked in a battle. His mind warned not to think about asking to kiss her. But his heart disagreed and encouraged him to cross the room and take her in his arms then kiss her repeatedly until they both agreed that there was an undeniable attraction between them that had to be addressed.
This was desire with a strength to burn him alive, and he wanted to go up in flames—as long as it was with Avalon, the one woman in his life who with just a look or a simple word could ignite an irrefutable passion within him.
That was the problem with Avalon. Her presence caused his self-control to fly out the window like a prisoner escaping the Fleet Street Prison. One glimpse of her hair, a mellifluously spoken word, or even the perfect arch of a single eyebrow in his direction made every one of his senses come to attention.
“Shall I see if I can pick the lock?” As soon as he said it, he wanted to withdraw the offer. He’d much rather stay in here with her alone.
She shook her head, then pushed away from the door. “There’s a sliding bolt on the outside of the door. Your skills as a locksmith won’t help us here. Hopefully, Mr. Neville will discover us. He never retires until he knows everyone is abed. Perhaps if we bang on the door, he’ll hear us.”
Devan crossed the room to stand by Avalon, then they pounded the door with their fists. No one rushed to their aid. He turned to her, and she blinked slowly as if trying to understand what had happened.
“I wonder who would have locked us in?” She banged the door once for good measure. “If it is open, then everyone knows someone is in here.”
“They’ll find us.”
“If worse comes to worst, Mr. Neville will open the door sometime tomorrow morning. He’ll have the footmen bring the bottles to the small ballroom.” Lines of worry radiated around her eyes. “We’ll have to make do until then.”
He waved his hand in a half circle. “At least we won’t go thirsty with all this wine around.”
Avalon grinned reluctantly. “I suppose not. Do you want a glass of something? The only glasses we keep down here are small for tasting.” She knotted her wrap around her shoulders.
“I’m fine for right now. Are you cold?”
“A little.”
Devan reached her side, then draped his greatcoat over her body. Unable to resist, he adjusted the coat, allowing his hands to slide gently across her shoulders. With her hair up in an elegant chignon, she looked like a small soldier wearing a hand-me-down extra-large army coat. “Better?”
She nodded, then swept her gaze around the room. “There’s no place really to sit.”
“Let’s see what I can do.” Devan strolled in search of something on which they could rest. Quickly, he arranged eight wooden crates into a formation that resembled a chaise longue, then laid a rug across the top. “It’s nothing fancy.”
“I think it’s brilliant.” The smile on her face was simply lovely.
“Madame, for you.” He swept a hand toward the makeshift sitting area. “Would you care to sit?”
In two short steps, Avalon was by his side. Carefully, she scooted across the rug. She whipped off his greatcoat, then patted the crate beside her for him to join her. Without further encouragement, Devan slid upon the makeshift longue. Hip to hip and leg to leg, they sat beside each other. The heat of her body warming his. She neatly folded his coat and handed it back to him.
“Don’t you want it?”
“I thought perhaps you might be cold.” She pulled her shawl a little tighter to her body.
“Let’s share.” He whipped the coat out, and soon they were nestled underneath it together.
She turned her gaze to his. The endearing expression on her face was surprisingly sweet, if unsure of what was happening between them.
“I promise I’ll be on my best behavior.” He waggled his eyebrows and managed to receive one of her delightful laughs in payment.
“That’s not what I’m worried about,” she warned. “You could have your pick of any woman you wanted. I would not be the right choice.”
He adjusted his hip so he faced her profile. “Why would you say something like that?”
She let out a tremulous sigh. “I know how you and others see me. Nothing more than a money-sucker, a woman thirsty for material wealth.”
“Avalon—”
She lifted one hand and laid it on top of his coat, thrumming her fingers softly. “It’s the truth. But I didn’t keep Warwyk’s money or gifts for myself. Everything I bought with his money, I sold after he died. I used it for Warwyk and Thistledown. It was my insurance if I didn’t receive my dower. I wasn’t certain he’d uphold the marriage settlements. He hated me so much, I wouldn’t have been surprised if he didn’t provide for me after his death.”
He leaned closer. “Your marriage was an unhappy one.”
“Unhappy makes it sound like a walk in the park. It was hell for both of us.”
She shrugged in a defensive action that tore him up inside, the pain evident on her face. He’d never seen her so open and honest before. Certainly, never like this with him.
“I owe you an explanation for the other night when I was so angry with you.”
“When you told me to never circumvent your decisions again?” He didn’t hide the sincerity in his voice. The growing intimacy between them made him drunk with emotion. He wasn’t happy she had been miserable, but he relished the fact that she thought enough of him to confide in him. After all these years, he was coming to know the real Avalon Warwyk.
“After I left Richard”—she trained her emerald-green eyes on him, and for a moment, it reminded him of his mother’s descriptions of her home in Ireland—“it’s no excuse, but I promised myself I’d never be vulnerable again to anyone’s manipulations or allow anyone else to make decisions for me about my own welfare.”
He didn’t respond for fear it would break this moment between them.
“I know you’ve disliked me for years because of what I did to William. But I had no choice.” She straightened slightly and the movement caused his greatcoat to slip down her shoulders into her lap. “My father and my own mother told me that my duty to the family required that I make the best match possible, and that was to marry Richard. They told me if I didn’t, then I’d never be able to see Sophia again, nor would I ever be welcomed into their home.” She studied her hands as she twisted her fingers together. “They coerced Richard into marrying me, and he hated me for it.” She clasped her hands tightly, then turned her gaze to his.
Pain radiated from their green depths.
“Go on,” he encouraged, keeping his voice low.
“My father had won a property from Richard in a card game at a fall hunting party earlier that year. The only way they’d allow him to buy it back was by marrying me.” Her mouth tilted in a grim smile. “The people that should have protected me used me like a piece of chalk in a billiards game. I was only useful if I helped them play. Would you like to know how it came to be that I helped Annie and the others?”
He nodded.
“It was Mary Bolen.”
“But how is that you and Mary…” His words trailed to nothing.
“I’d met her right before her son was born. I didn’t know who she was, but I immediately liked her and thought we might be friends.” She waved a hand in the air as if it didn’t matter, but the pain in her eyes betrayed the truth. With an elegant ease, she let it fall to her lap. “Remember that day you and Larkton found the three of us in the sitting room? Several of Mary’s girls were there also. Richard wanted to move Mary into our London home and told me to return to Warwyk Hall. I purposely made him angry.”
He nodded. “I don’t know what happened.”
“Richard raised his fist to hit me, but Mary stood in front of me, thwarting him.” Her eyes darted to her hands. “It was the first time anyone had come to my defense.” She forced herself to hold his gaze. “That’s when you and Larkton walked in. For all my days, I’ll never forget the utter shock and resulting fear. That’s why I won’t let any man have any say over me.”
Devan squeezed her hand with his. “I’m sorry if I caused you additional pain that day.”
She nodded as if forgiving him. “Years ago, Mary contacted me. That’s why I started my charity. In one of her letters she asked if I could take Annie, as the man who got her with child was threatening her. Mary said I was the only one she could turn to for help. Since my parents sold me to Richard, in some sordid way, I knew what Annie felt. Several months ago, Mary sent Jasmine and Flora my way. I’ll always help those women because they’re my friends. I’ll never refuse Mary anything because when no one was there to help me, Mary was.”
“My God, I had no idea,” he whispered.
“Please, don’t share this with your brother.”
“Never,” he answered. Before he could say another word, she turned and stared at the light from the candelabra that danced around the drafts in the cellar.
“I’m feeling sorry for myself.” She turned her attention back to him, and that mask she wore that protected herself from outsiders had returned. “Many women have the type of marriage I was subjected to. Though it was horrible, he never struck me.”
The silence stretched between them.
Devan stayed absolutely still, afraid any movement on his part would break this fragile bond between them.
After a moment, she continued, “I walked into his home after the wedding ceremony and realized that I had nowhere to escape. Do you have any idea what it feels like to be hated for who you are? To be hated by your spouse? Perhaps I should have tried harder to win his affections.” She forced her gaze to his, and the shimmer in her eyes betrayed her anguish. “Instead, I made certain he knew I despised him in return. That’s the type of person I am.” She dipped her head and studied her clasped hands. “It’s humiliating to discuss.”
“I’m a vicar. I hear people’s darkest secrets and deepest regrets all the time.” He bent closer, and her sweet fragrance rose to meet him. “I’d like to know what happened.” The dead bastard had hurt her, and though he couldn’t do anything on earth, a well-placed prayer asking for vengeance wouldn’t be out of line in his opinion.
She swallowed, and that tiny movement almost undid him.
“It’s a miracle that Thane was even born.” She lowered her voice and still refused to look at Devan. “Finally, after two weeks of marriage, Richard came to my room, the only time he ever did. He was so disgusted that he had to get foxed to come to my bed. I was a nervous wreck waiting, wondering if he’d ever consummate the marriage. He didn’t even talk to me. He made me feel like I was nothing more than an animal. At the end, he said one word.”
“What was that?” Devan took her hand in his.
She blinked slowly and sniffed gently to keep her tears from appearing. “He cried out ‘Mary,’” she whispered. She took a deep breath, then slowly released it.
Avalon was a proud woman, and the effort to confess the shame she had taken upon herself laid it bare for him. She squeezed his hand as if collecting strength.
The fact she shared such a memory with him left him in awe of her. “Warwyk didn’t deserve you,” Devan said. “I’m glad you’re free of him. One thing I’ve discovered in life is that sometimes people only see in others what they fear is within themselves. He was ashamed of his own weakness so he blamed you.”
She didn’t move but stared at his hand in hers.
“Your parents didn’t deserve you either. They should have protected you from such a life.”
She slowly lifted her gaze to meet his. “My mother told me it was my duty, and that a ‘bargain had been struck.’”
“Some things like a daughter’s safety and happiness are far more valuable than a king’s fortune.” Slowly, he brought her hand to his lips, then whispered against it. “May I share a secret with you? It’s something I’ve never told anyone.”
“Of course. I’ll keep it in confidence, like I’ll hope you do with mine.”
Devan nodded, then furrowed his brow as he wondered how to begin and how much to tell. There was a part buried deep within that whispered encouragement to open all his secrets and share that part of himself he’d never done with another. With a deep breath, he smothered the urge. Only his wife would be privy to his choice to save himself for their wedding night. Though the urge to share with Avalon was becoming harder and harder to resist.
“I always wanted a military career, and Larkton refused to buy me a commission. He always said my position as the fourth and youngest son of our family meant I should have a career in the church.”
“That’s why you stay upstairs for hours with Thane analyzing various battles. I wondered why you were so bloodthirsty.”
He waggled his eyebrows. “Now you know the true me. I’m a vicious vicar.”
The silken lashes of her eyes flew up in surprise and laughter.
“Allow me to tell you the sad tale. After arguing with my brother and not making any headway, I walked out of his study that day and never returned until he summoned me. He apologized for his decisions, then proceeded to tell me that he’d secured an appointment at Oxford seminary for me. I railed at him for his highhanded manner and asked him who had appointed him God. I told him I’d just enlist like any man could.”
“I imagine his eyebrow lifted over that remark,” Avalon said.
Devan smiled and tangled their fingers together. The warmth of her fingers against his was a comfort he could easily grow accustomed to. “He became agitated and started pacing the room all the while screaming at me.”
Avalon’s hand flew to her chest. “That must have been deeply concerning.”
“More like alarming. I’d never seen him that angry before. Though we fight like dogs over the choicest bone, it’s half in jest.” He smiled slightly. “You might find it unbelievable, but I love my brother. That day when I really looked at him, sweat covered his brow, and his hands were shaking.” His gaze darted to hers. “He was frightened.”
“About you leaving?” she asked.
“Yes. I asked him what was wrong.” Devan looked to the far corner of the room as the image of Gavin crumbling before him crept into his thoughts. “He collapsed into a chair and held his head in his hands. His shoulders shook, and I thought he was laughing.”
Avalon’s eyes widened. “He was crying, wasn’t he?”
He squeezed her hand in acknowledgement. “I went to sit beside him and put my hand over his shoulder. He told me that he just couldn’t bear to go through what he had with my older brothers, Niall and Hearne, once more. He couldn’t sit idle and watch another brother leave—the worry, the waiting, and not knowing if I was safe or dead on a battlefield somewhere. So, he refused to buy me a commission. He said he’d never wish that anguish on anyone again.” He smiled. “Because I’m the youngest and the other two came home safe, he believed I would have been killed if I fought. He said fate would come to collect its due if he allowed me to become an officer.”
“He was trying to protect you,” she soothed.
“We never spoke of our previous confrontation again,” Devan answered. “But I understood his decision. More importantly, I could see the toll it had on his life. He’s never married. He only worries for the family and estate. In that order, I might add.” He rubbed his thumb over the softness of hers, drawing comfort. “Our father had ensured that money had been set aside for each of his younger sons to buy a commission. My older brothers, Hearne and Niall, had served in the navy, and both were rewarded for their bravery in battle. I wanted that.” He exhaled slowly. “But I accepted my position in the church and celebrated my ordination like any young man ready to spend his life doing God’s work. It wasn’t a hardship, but it wasn’t what I wanted. Yet, I couldn’t make Gavin suffer anymore.”
“Don’t you like being a vicar?” she asked.
“I like to help people, and I think I’m somewhat successful. Though I seem like a soft and capricious fellow—”
“Don’t say that,” she whispered. “What you did for Annie”—she turned toward him—“and me that night took a true talent. You sense what people are feeling and instinctively help them feel better. If you hadn’t gone into the church, have you ever thought about the lives that would have been changed for the worse because you weren’t there to help them?”
The look in her eyes made him feel ten feet tall. “You exaggerate, madam.”
“Look at Thane. He’s come alive under your tutelage. I’m amazed at his progress and eagerness to learn. He’s matured in just the few sessions you’ve taught him.”
“Be careful, Lady Warlock,” he murmured. “You’ll make me full of myself.”
Instead of stiffening when he called her that, Avalon relaxed slightly. “I wouldn’t say such things if they weren’t true.” She lowered her voice. “Believe it or not, I like it when you call me Lady Warlock. You make me think I do have some type of special powers.” She studied their entwined hands for a moment. “I didn’t know anything about the true you,” she said softly. “But I’m starting to learn.”
He kept himself still as she examined him. For some inane reason he almost wanted her to see everything about him. More importantly, he wanted her approval.
Her eyes flared in the candlelight. “May I ask you a question?”
He nodded.
“Why did you tell me you wanted to marry an heiress? If your brother has found one for you, why do you dismiss them out of hand? Seems to me, you’d find one who would be a good match.”
“Because not just any heiress will do.”
Devan leaned back, and Avalon wanted to protest the distance between them. The magic he created just by talking and sharing his life with her could weave into an enchantment she wasn’t sure she could fight.
Nor was she certain she wanted to.
He stared at the ceiling for a moment, then trained that deep gaze on her. “I want to share another story with you. One you might find offensive.”
“I doubt that. I’ve shared all my horrid, well, most of my horrid secrets with you,” she said. Now he had her curiosity piqued. What could the vicar have done in his life to warrant such trepidation?
“That’s reassuring.” He smiled slightly, the humor giving his voice a lovely lilt. “I was known for my locksmithing skills while at Eton and Oxford. I decided to act as judge and jury for my peers”—he turned toward her and rested his shoulder against the crate—“particularly the ones who couldn’t manage the rigors of the academic curriculum. But those were young men who loved the church and would serve God every moment of their lives. I had no doubt.”
“Go on,” she said softly.
He took a deep breath and continued, “One early morning”—he tilted his head and stared into space—“the head don of the seminary school walked into his office and found me. I’d broken in and was caught red-handed changing the grades in his record book.”
“What?” she asked incredulously. “Wasn’t that grounds for expulsion?”
“Indeed. When Mr. Wilkens asked what I was doing, I did the only thing that came to mind. I told him the truth.”
“What happened?”
“The don was a kind man. When I explained my reasons, he listened intently, then gave me a blistering lecture. Afterward, he told me that he’d not tell my brother, nor would he expel me. He’d give me a second chance because my heart was in the right place, even though I was a misguided youth full of himself to make such decisions.” He chuckled, then a fetching smile tugged at his lips, making him even more handsome than he had a right to be.
“From that day forward, I promised myself and God that I would always give people second chances. I learned that I didn’t possess the knowledge or the infinite wisdom to make such decisions. Only God does.”
“I can understand such reasoning, but that doesn’t answer my question about your desire to marry an heiress.”
“Clever lass,” he teased. “I thought maybe you’d forget that part.”
He winked at her, and everything within her softened. He was a dangerous but charming man on so many levels.
“I also promised myself that day that I’d find a way to help those fellows like me, third or fourth sons of gentlemen who wanted a military career but couldn’t afford to buy a commission. I want to start a scholarship. Those young men could valiantly serve their country without the worry of whether they can afford to be there or not. An heiress would allow me to do that. But I want to fall in love with her and she with me. Just like my parents.”
“That’s a lovely thought. I hope you find her.”
He nodded. “Do you want to hear another secret of mine?”
“Yes.” She leaned closer, waiting for him to divulge another piece of himself he kept hidden.
“Larkton sent me to spy on you. See how you spent money on your charity and where it came from.”
“I expected as much,” she answered.
“I let him know that I’d come here, but I’d not hide the reasons from you. He’ll hear nothing you shared with me tonight.”
“Thank you.” Avalon bit her lower lip, then smoothed the tender skin with her tongue.
His eyes blazed in response. In that instant, everything between them changed. She waited, tensing her body as if preparing to hear a pistol shot. She knew what was coming but had no idea when it would happen. The stillness between them seemed to keep them suspended as if each waited for the other to make the first move.
He stared at her mouth, then his gaze slowly rose to hers. The heat in his eyes, one that suggested he saw her as a woman he wanted, wove a fervent thread between them. It reminded Avalon of a spider’s web, thin, silken, yet possessing an unbelievable strength.
The fullness of his lips called to her and, without hesitation, she leaned toward him. He matched her movement.
A slight moan escaped.
She had no idea whether it was from Devan or her, and she didn’t care.
There was only one thing she desired in that moment.
More than anything else, Avalon wanted Devan’s arms around her as she kissed him until the sun came up the next morning.