Julia waited restlessly in the garden of the house that stood in front of The Seafarer’s School for Girls. She would often visit the school when she was in London. She’d explained to the housekeeper that she’d be receiving a visitor in the garden, and knew she could count on the woman to be discreet and not mention it to anyone. The minutes passed and Julia looked at every flower and shrub from the back gate to the front lawn and back again. No exact time had been set for Garrett to come, but she’d been eager not to miss him, so she’d already waited more than an hour.
Garrett. She smiled just thinking about him.
She didn’t know exactly why she’d started calling him by his first name. Perhaps because that’s how she thought of him now. Surely, especially after last night, Mr. Stockton was far too formal between them. Except, of course, when they were around other people. She liked the idea of him calling her Julia. Lady Kitson was the title she’d received by marrying the duke’s youngest son. She would never forget Kitson because of their son, but it was time she moved on with her life. Being with Garrett last night made her realize all the more how restricted her life had become and how desperately she wanted to be free to make her own decisions.
There was a moist chill in the air but Julia’s long-sleeved, lightweight wool dress kept her comfortable. The grass in the garden was still damp from a long morning shower. She knew the cooler temperatures would do away with the lush greenery of summer and give way to the more somber colors of autumn. Julia lifted her face up to the slice of sun that had appeared from behind a gray wispy cloud and closed her eyes. Thinking about Garrett was far too easy for her to do.
Her time in his arms had been glorious but far too short. If they could have had more time together, if she could have lingered in his arms, maybe she wouldn’t be so eager to repeat their coming together. Being with Kitson hadn’t prepared her for the all-consuming desire that had seeped into her soul, satisfying her so intimately she ached for the breathtaking feelings to never end. If not for Mr. Stockton, how could she have ever known that such stirring sensations existed inside the body, waiting to be brought so vividly to life? And even now that hunger to be with him and feel them again was relentless.
All day she’d kept thinking, I want to touch his bare skin again and feel his lips on mine. I want to hear him whisper my name in passion again. I want his body joined with mine and that soul-shattering pinnacle of desire to wash through me and leave me breathless and wanting more.
A bird chirped and Julia opened her eyes and looked around the garden. No sign of Garrett yet. She was eager to hear what he had found about decoding the ledger, but there was so much more to what she was feeling inside. Which was highly dangerous. At the time she hadn’t thought about the possibility of getting in the family way. She hadn’t thought of anything past her desire for him. Now she had to consider that and realize nothing could be worse for her at this time than a secret affair with the rogue. No matter that was exactly what she wanted.
Even meeting Garrett so near the school was a great risk. Mrs. Feversham across the street wouldn’t blink an eye at seeing Julia at the house. She was one of the owners and had been there many times. But the nosy neighbor would question seeing a handsome young man, and that would give her reason to talk. Which was why Julia had to be very careful.
Julia walked over to the trellised archway that served as an entry to the school grounds and led straight to the main door of the building that housed The Seafarer’s School for Girls. It was situated at the rear of the property. At one time, the plain white three-story building was a residence for the servants of the main house. Julia, Brina, and Adeline had purchased the property almost a year after their husbands had been killed in the sinking of the Salty Dove.
It was daunting for the three widows to even attempt to start such an establishment and then to place it in the middle of a valuable street of houses, but all agreed it was the ideal place. Their solicitor had managed everything for them and had been invaluable in all aspects of starting the school—since Society deemed ladies should never concern themselves with anything that might have to do with conducting any type of business or having a responsibility that involved money. No matter how capable the lady might be.
At the time, the three friends had agreed Adeline would live in the main house, since Julia was more or less forced to live permanently with the duke because of her son, and Brina, having been married only three months when her husband died, had returned to her parents’ home to live. What the young widows couldn’t have known when they acquired the property was Adeline falling in love with the earl next door and marrying him. That had left the beautiful main house unoccupied except for the housekeeper and her occasional helpers.
Julia had wanted to move into the house when Adeline married. The duke had told her he’d be happy for her to do so. But she wouldn’t be taking her son. Chatwyn was staying with him and would be raised as the grandson of a duke should be. Therefore, Julia had resigned herself to living with the duke. She couldn’t live in the house at the school, but it would be the perfect place to meet with Garrett.
Julia leaned against the trellis and thought back to the day she’d met Adeline and renewed her acquaintance with Brina. It wasn’t an ideal setting for anyone to meet—the designated place to collect your husband’s last possessions. Items that had slowly washed ashore from the ill-fated ship that took their husbands’ lives. None of the widows were there because they wanted to be but because it would have seemed callous of them if they hadn’t respected the efforts of the ones who’d found and collected the articles to return to the appropriate families.
That was the day the idea of starting a charitable boarding school for the daughters and sisters of the workers on the ship was born. Polite Society and the ton would take care of their own, but who would take care of the families of the men who perished with the ship? Julia, Adeline, and Brina decided they would.
At first the task to educate and teach the girls a trade seemed impossible. It hadn’t been easy to find the right property, nor to convince the girls’ relatives to allow them to leave their homes and live at the school. Boarding schools for boys were common but not so for girls. Some families had to get used to the idea. But after more than a year, all the girls had adjusted and were doing well in their lessons and in their sewing. Julia, Brina, and Adeline had reason to be pleased.
“What are you looking at, Lady Kitson?”
The sound of a girl’s voice startled Julia. She turned to see Fanny standing behind her. The red-haired girl had her hands behind her back and was staring at Julia. It shouldn’t have surprised her to see the freckle-faced miss. She was known for slipping out of the schoolhouse but thankfully she’d never been caught wandering off the property. At eleven years of age, she seemed to value independence. Perhaps she was much like Chatwyn and simply didn’t want to obey the rules. Or it could be that Fanny was more like her and wanted to be by herself without anyone’s watchful eyes.
“Good afternoon, Fanny,” Julia said. “How are things at the school today? Have there been any problems?”
The girl curtseyed and smiled. “Not from me, my lady. I’m through being bad. I’ve been a good girl just like Mum wants me to be.”
Julia smiled. “That’s good to hear. Is everyone happy?”
“I am. Nora doesn’t cry anymore so I guess she’s happy, too.”
“I’m glad. So tell me, does Mrs. Tallon know you’re out here?”
She nodded and the long curls on her shoulders bounced. “I saw you standing under the trellis from the window. I told Mrs. Tallon and she thought you might be on your way over to the school. I said I could come ask you.”
“That was nice of you but no. I won’t be going to the schoolhouse today.”
“I’ll tell her. Mrs. Tallon thinks I’m very intelligent. But don’t tell her I told you. She doesn’t know I heard her speaking to Miss Hinson. She wouldn’t like it if she knew I was listening to her conversations.”
“I’m sure you’re right about that.” Julia started to tell her that no one would appreciate anyone eavesdropping on their conversation but decided she didn’t have the heart to reprimand her. She’d let Mrs. Tallon do that.
“That’s a very pretty dress you are wearing, my lady.”
Julia looked down at her skirt. There were no flounces, or gathers on it. No ribbons, lace, or bows. The blue was so deep it was almost black. She wondered how anyone could think it pretty. She was twenty-five years old and dressed as if she were a much older woman.
“Thank you, Fanny,” she said.
“If I had made it for you I would have sewn some ruffles on it and made you some satin bows for the skirt.”
“I know you will make beautiful dresses and gowns when you are finished with your education.”
“Yes, my lady. I don’t have any trim on my dress either and it looks just like all the other girls’ dresses. When I get older and start making my own clothing I’m going to have all the bows and ruffles I want.”
Julia laughed. “I’m sure you will. Now, you best get back to the school. Tell Mrs. Tallon I’ll let her know when I’ll be stopping over.”
“All right,” Fanny said cheerfully. “I’m glad I saw you today.” She then turned and skipped back toward the school.
Julia headed back to the garden. Talking to Fanny had made Julia relax. Mrs. Tallon said the girls had adjusted and were doing well, but it was heartening to hear the same report from one of the girls.
A hinge creaked. She looked around and saw Garrett standing in front of the back gate. All the wondrous things he made her feel came rushing back—every touch, every kiss, and every sigh of pleasure they made. She wanted to run and throw herself into his arms. She wanted to hold him tightly and kiss him madly. Instead, she kept her composure and said, “I’ve been anxious for you to arrive.”
He smiled as he took off his hat and laid it on the gatepost. He started walking toward her. “I’ve wanted to see you, too.”
“Let’s sit on the bench that’s against the back wall of the house.” She pointed to the seat. “It’s more sheltered there, and it will be difficult for anyone from neighboring houses to see us.”
As soon as they’d settled themselves on the bench, she moistened her lips and asked what was most on her mind. “Did you find someone who can read the code?”
He smiled. “First tell me about Chatwyn. How is he doing today?”
“Frightened. Even when I told him Miss Periwinkle could take him to the park he wanted to cling to me and not let go. I know he doesn’t want Mr. Pratt to return.”
His gaze caressed her face with concern. “You should have brought him with you. He could have played while we talk.”
Julia’s heart softened, knowing he meant what he said. She was pleased he didn’t mind her son being with them. “Thank you, but it was best he not come this afternoon.
“Perhaps the duke has received your letter and has already dispatched someone to take care of Mr. Pratt.”
“That would be wonderful, but I’m certain it’s not true. I kept looking behind me, fearful that Mr. Pratt was following me.”
“So you think he might be a spy, too?”
“I wouldn’t put it past the duke to watch my every step. I’ve always thought he does anyway. I know he did when I was married to Kitson. He always thought he was going to find me being unfaithful. I would never have done that.”
“I know,” he said with conviction. “Do you know why the duke would be so distrusting?”
“Not for sure, no. I mean I haven’t discussed it with him. I do know from gossip and Kitson that the duke’s second wife, a beautiful lady, left him for a man much younger than the duke. Apparently she couldn’t abide by the duke’s iron rules. The man she ran away with was a known charmer and gambler who’d somehow wormed his way into Society. That happened when Kitson was still a little boy so he didn’t know much about his father’s second wife or the man she ran away with. I’ve never heard the duke speak about her and it’s certainly not something anyone would ever ask him about.”
“I can see why. Was his wife ever heard from again?”
“I guess it’s possible, but not that I heard. Now, tell me do you think the man you had in mind can figure out what is written in the ledger?”
“He’s not sure yet. All Mr. Urswick can do is try. He’s very good with figuring out discrepancies in shipping logs and remembering what ship is carrying what cargo. I have hope he can find the pattern that was used. Once he knows that, he should be able to read it. Mr. Ashfield has already started copying the documents so the duke will know for sure you have the originals. I have no idea how long that will take him. All of it will be kept in an iron chest I have in my office. It would not be easy for anyone to break into it even if they should somehow learn the deeds were in there. But I do have some more information you might like to hear.”
“Yes, anything,” she said, scooting closer to him.
“I found more proof that you were right and the duke has secret companies bought in the names of men who don’t really exist.”
Hope rose inside her and she leaned toward him. “That’s wonderful, Garrett. What did you find? How did you discover it?”
“You and I didn’t take time last night to examine all the documents that were in that hidden packet under the desk. I didn’t even look at them when I returned to the inn last night. Today, when Mr. Ashfield was thumbing through them, I recognized a name on one of the documents.”
“What company was it?”
“Not a company. It was a deed for transfer for the house where I grew up. The house I want to buy. The man whose name is registered on the deed is Mr. Peter Moorshavan. When I asked my friend Wiley about the property, he told me the owner had all but vanished. No one seems to know where Mr. Moorshavan went. I have a feeling he hasn’t been found because there is no such man, and we’ll find proof he’s as fictitious as Mr. Eubury.”
Julia tried to tamp down the excitement that made her stomach jump. “That’s welcome news, Garrett. Now you believe me that the duke has secret companies and obviously secret homes, too.” She stopped and gave him a curious look. “I can understand why the duke might want to keep his ownership in suspect companies a secret, but why would he need a secret home?”
Garrett’s mouth narrowed and he gave her a short, whispered laugh. “First, I have never doubted you, Julia. And the house I want to buy wasn’t a home for anyone. It was a business. He had turned it into a hidden brothel.”
“Oh,” she whispered, unable to think of anything else to say immediately. She knew about such places but had never had a reason to talk about one. That subject was as off-limits for a lady to discuss with a gentleman as was money. “The duke is so morally rigid I find it hard to believe he’d have anything to do with a brothel or a gaming house. It simply doesn’t fit with the man I know.”
“Chances are more of the companies and properties he owns will turn out to be places like this and places that illegally store hordes of gunpowder in stores on busy streets.”
“But I’m still left wondering why would he do this?”
Garrett shrugged. “Men usually do things for either power, money, revenge, or love. I’m hoping we’ll find some answers in the ledger.”
“Sometimes I think people do things simply because they are miserable,” Julia offered. “He seems a very unhappy and trite man. Especially when no one other than me is around. Chatwyn is the only one who can bring a natural smile to his face, and I do think it’s because he wants to believe Chatwyn makes him think that Kitson is still alive.”
“That’s probably why he has such fear of losing Chatwyn. Tell me, did you find anything else in your search of his office that might have bearing on the secret companies?”
“No.” She looked out over the garden, suddenly feeling pensive. “All the other papers in his office were correspondence-type letters, invitations to various events, or of a political nature. I had thought to search his bedchamber and dressing rooms if nothing was found under his desk. He could have a secret compartment under his bed or chest.”
“I can see the idea of doing that doesn’t appeal to you and I don’t think it’s necessary at this point.” He reached over and skimmed the back of his fingers over her jawline to behind her ear, where he lightly caressed the soft skin. There was soothing warmth in his touch. “We may need to do that, but why don’t we see what Mr. Urswick is capable of doing with the ledger first.”
Julia gazed into Garrett’s searching eyes. The sun was warm on her back, but a light breeze had kicked up and was cooling down the air even more. “I don’t know how much time we have. I told you in the letter Mr. Pratt brought me that he was feeling stronger. At least strong enough to engage the tutor for Chatwyn. I know he will come to London as soon as he’s able to travel. He wants to see a new physician that he’s heard about and a new apothecary in hopes of finding a tonic that will help him feel young again.”
“Don’t worry,” he said. “We will find a way to prove what the duke is doing and confront him about his wrongdoing concerning the explosion in Manchester. In the meantime, this is a safe place for us to meet.”
Her gaze swept down his face to his lips. “Yes,” she said hopefully. Talking to him made it easy for her to believe they might actually pull this off and bring down the duke.
He picked up her hand and squeezed her fingers. His were warm, and his expression was gentle. “Do you want to talk about last night?”
There was a shudder of delight at his mention of their coming together. Her breath seemed to skip. “What is there to say? It was something we both wanted to happen.”
“But I didn’t want it to be so rushed. I didn’t want it to be the place where we were. You should be treated like a lady.”
“No,” she whispered softly. “I had a husband who treated me like a lady—fearful of touching me more than necessary for fear of disturbing my sensibilities. He was determined not to show me passion and expected none from me in return, as though ladies shouldn’t indulge in such intimacies as enjoying the marriage bed with their husbands. I was happy you didn’t treat me like a flower too delicate to fondle. You made me feel passion in a way I knew was possible but had never felt.”
“I hope I always do.”
She smiled shyly as she slipped a strand of hair behind her ear. She hoped so, too. “I suppose I shouldn’t confide something so private to you.”
“You’re still not sure you can trust me, are you?”
“I believe I do.” Julia swallowed hard. “It’s just that I’ve always been at the mercy of what the men in my life want for me. I went from my uncle to my husband dictating my life. I thought that after Kitson died I’d finally be on my own. A widow. Free. Strong and capable of making decisions for myself and my son. But I’m not. My father-in-law rules my life.”
“We are closer in heart than you think, Julia. I understand your feelings. They are the same ones that urged me to leave London and work to make the life I wanted.”
“But you were allowed to do so. I am not. Society has bound a lady’s hands so that everything she has is directed by a man.”
His hand slid around her to the back of her neck and he grasped her nape. “You are free to make your own decisions with me. Tell me, do you want me to kiss you right now? Here in the back garden where passion should be held in check because of the possibility that nosy neighbors might wander over, or the housekeeper might open the back door? Do you want to take the chance on a kiss?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
“So do I.”
Garrett moved close to her on the seat. He lowered his head to hers and let his lips fall softly against hers. The contact was undemanding as his lips gently grazed over hers. His kiss felt as wonderful as she’d remembered.
It was a welcoming feeling. His hand moved slowly down her back, around her waist, and up her midriff to her breast. A prickle of shivery warmth tightened her most womanly part, making her ache to be even closer to him. She deepened the kiss, slanting her lips against his and adding pressure. Her hands roved freely over his strong back and shoulders.
Their kisses were deep, and lingering. His caresses were firm and deliberate, causing spirals of delight to shoot through her. Their breaths and sighs of pleasure mingled together. Waves of desire surged inside her.
Time seemed to stand still as they kissed, until suddenly the sound of a door banging open and the shrill squeal of children laughing, yelling, and running down steps broke them apart and they rose. It sounded as if the girls were going to run straight into the garden where Julia and Garrett stood. A moment later, she realized the girls were heading to their own play area on the side of the school.
After catching her breath, Julia said, “I forgot we were so close to the school. You are not good for me, Mr. Stockton. You make me forget myself and what’s at risk. I take too many chances whenever you are around. I think you should go now.”
“When can I see you again?”
“Soon, I hope. You will let me know if Mr. Urswick makes progress?”
“You don’t have to ask that.”
“I can’t leave tomorrow. Mr. Pratt promised he’ll return. I fear what he may do if I’m not there.”
“Take care of your son, Julia, but know I want to be with you.”
Julia swallowed hard and nodded. She wanted that too, but she had to be sensible about what was at stake. She couldn’t let her desire for the rogue overrule what was best for Chatwyn.
Garrett turned to go, but suddenly spun around. Without warning, he took the steps that separated them, caught her up into his powerful arms, and gave her a hard, quick kiss.
“I will help you, Julia,” he whispered. “With whatever you need.”
He then kissed her forehead, let go of her, and walked out the back gate.