Chapter Seventeen
“May we call you Mother?”
Mercedes gasped at James’ question. Her heart quickened, and tears stung her eyes. Slowing the horse they’d been riding, she smiled down into his upturned face. His gray eyes glistened, so much like William’s. A lump of emotion tightened in her throat. Amazing how fast she became emotional lately, but James’ sudden request caught her by surprise.
“Of course, you may call me Mother.”
“You won’t get upset?”
“Why should I get upset?” She stroked her gloved fingers across his cheek. “I love you and Lizzy as though you were my own children.”
His face beamed. “Indeed?”
She laughed. “But of course.”
“Lizzy is going to be happy when I tell her. She said last night how much she wanted you to be our mother.”
Mercedes’ heart melted, bringing with it a feeling of motherhood she never thought she’d experience. “Then let us hurry home so we can tell her.”
She reined the horse around and urged the animal into a gallop. A smile stretched across her face, and as each minute passed, her heart pounded quicker. Finally, she would have the family she’d always wanted.
In the distance, the figure of a woman darted behind a tree. Mercedes slowed the horse, studying what she’d just witnessed. Scanning the area, there wasn’t another horse in sight, and this would have been a long walk for someone traveling by foot.
She neared the tree. Nothing.
Mercedes shook her head. Perhaps her eyes played tricks on her today. Putting it aside, she kicked the horse into a gallop and continued on her way. When they approached the house, Hyrum ran out of the stable to take the reins.
“Did ye have a nice ride, Mrs. Braxton?”
“Yes, thank you, Hyrum. James and I had a pleasant morning.”
“Somebody came to see ye while ye were gone.”
She helped James off the horse. “Who was it?”
“Don’t know, Mrs. Braxton. Just a lady.”
“Did she leave her card?”
“No. Said she’d come back at a later time.”
She shrugged. “I suppose it was not very important, then.”
“Aye, I suppose.”
She dismounted and took hold of James’ hand. They started out walking, but the closer they came to the house, their steps quickened until were running.
Laughing, they nearly slammed into the door. “Mother? I think Lizzy wants you to take her for a ride, too.”
“I can arrange that. I think we will have a wonderful time.”
James opened the door and walked inside, but before Mercedes could step into the house, a cold chill ran down her spine, causing her to pause. She shivered and hugged her arms around her waist. Glancing over her shoulder, she studied the yard and the stable. It bothered her that she would have these feelings lately, like someone watched her.
Rubbing her arms, she stepped into the house, putting the feeling behind her. Certainly, it was utter nonsense. She let out a small laugh, remembering her father had become skittish just before...
She froze. Father’s disease. He’d been acting strange, thinking somebody watched him, also. Her heart sank. It wasn’t possible. She couldn’t have the same disease. Yet, Kat had it...so why not her?
Mercedes shook her head. She must not think in such a way. If, by chance, she had the same illness as her father and sister, she would have known before now.
“Mother, hurry. Lizzy is waiting.” James tugged on her dress.
Taking a deep breath, she smiled. “Coming, my dear.”
With unsteady hands, she smoothed out her bodice and skirt before following James upstairs into the nursery. Lizzy and Jane were playing together, and when the little girl spotted Mercedes, she ran to her and threw her arms around Mercedes’ legs.
She laughed and picked the girl up, hugging her tight. “You have certainly made my day, Lizzy.”
James jumped up and down in excitement. “Lizzy, Mercy says we may call her Mother.”
The little girl’s eyes widened, her smile stretched across her face, making it glow. “We may?”
“Yes, my dear.” Mercedes stroked the girl’s hair. “You may call me Mother.”
Lizzy laughed and buried her face in Mercedes’ neck. James joined in and hugged her legs. Across from them, Jane stood and clasped her hands to her chest as tears swam in her eyes. Mercedes’ own eyes filled with moisture from the happy occasion.
Yet fear lodged a hole deep in her conscience. Was there a chance she would someday become like her father and Kat? If so, her dream of a loving family would soon end.
* * * *
“It is good of you to meet me in private, Mrs. Braxton.”
Captain Wilkes opened the door to his carriage and helped her inside. She sat and adjusted her dress around her legs. When he climbed in and closed the door, he slid in next to her, his arm snaking around her shoulders.
Both scarlet curtains were drawn over the windows, but the afternoon light shone through, making the mood perfect for what she had planned.
She grinned. “Privacy is the only way we should meet, is it not, Henry?”
He released a delighted groan and pulled her against his chest, burying his face in her neck. Pleasure shivered through her and she clutched his coat, holding him closer. The husky aroma of leather floated around her. She closed her eyes and breathed in his scent. Her skin prickled with sensations long repressed.
“It has been quite a while since you have addressed me so informally, my sweet.”
“Forgive me if I’m out of line,” she said.
“Never, my dear.”
He turned his face and met her mouth for a long awaited kiss. When he pulled away, a deep chuckle shook his chest. “Curse you woman for depriving me of this.”
Tenderly, she stroked his face. “As of late, I have not been myself.”
“True, but I’m thrilled to see you have returned.”
He lifted her hand and placed kisses on her fingers. “Do you have anything for me, my sweet?”
“Yes. My husband and his business partners will soon be building some ships for the prince.”
Captain Wilkes jerked up his head, meeting her stare. “Indeed?”
She nodded.
“Is your husband still in possession of the sketches?”
“Yes, because I cannot seem to find them. I think he suspects one of the business partners is stealing them, because Mr. Braxton hides them.”
Henry Wilkes growled in a low voice. “Then pray, let us formulate a plan on how we can get those drawing into my hands. Napoleon is most anxious to see them and know what the prince wants in these new ships.”
“What will the emperor do with them?”
He arched an eyebrow. “Hopefully, he’ll find a weakness and he’ll be able to sink them when his armies attach the ships.”
She gave him a sly grin and a raised eyebrow. “And what prize will I receive for helping you?”
Laughing, his chest shook as he pulled her closer. “Exactly what you’re expecting, my dear. I know how you adore rubies. But I’ll need the drawings first so I can hand them over to the emperor.”
“Oh, but you must wait, my wonderful man.” She stroked her hand down his chest. “For this particular scheme, I want to destroy two men, not just my husband.”
Henry’s brows lifted, his eyes widened. “Another man you say?”
“Yes.”
“And how do you suppose to do this?”
She released a sultry laugh. “Because I have already started to gain the man’s trust, even though we haven’t met.”
His gaze narrowed on her, evil glinting in his eyes. “Oh, you have me very curious, my sweet. Tell me his name, woman.”
“How badly do you seek a name?” she asked in husky tones.
He groaned and clasped her shoulders roughly. “May the devil take you for torturing me so. A name, please, I beg you.”
Katherine laughed, moving closer to him. She watched his mouth, eager to kiss him again. Her time away from Dorchester had robbed her of what she wanted most, but it was necessary to let Mercedes believe she’d died in the asylum. Thank Heavens Mr. McClain, the physician, had been part of her plans even going as far as to make a coffin for her. Without his assistance, Kat wouldn’t have been able to pull any of this off.
She brushed her lips across Henry’s before murmuring, “Gabriel Lawrence, Mr. Braxton’s servant. Upon my word, I will destroy his life just as I’m destroying my husband’s.”
* * * *
When William entered the dining area the next morning, Gabe waited for him, just as they’d planned. William’s breakfast of eggs and fruit were on a plate, ready for him.
“Top of the morning, Gabe,” William greeted.
His friend chuckled and shook his head. “I envy you. I don’t think I will ever find a special woman to share my life with.”
William sat and picked up his fork. “Don’t say such things. You are a strapping young man. Any woman would feel privileged to be on your arm.”
Picking up the napkin, Gabe wiped his mouth. “My arm is not the only place I would like her to be.”
William threw back his head and laughed. “Oh, my dear friend, don’t hurry love, it will come in its own sweet time.” He picked up the Dorchester Gazette and opened to the first page. “Any important news this morning?”
“Nothing.”
“What about with our mutual associates—Kennedy and Wilkes?”
Gabe chuckled. “Give it time. One of those men is bound to slip up soon. Both are so boastful that it turns my stomach just listening to them.”
“I pray they will slip up soon. I grow weary of waiting. I want to start my new life with Mercedes quickly.”
Gabe leaned forward, linking his fingers together on the table. “I have talked to my friend at the magistrate’s office to see if there has been another letter for me, but nothing as of late.”
William lifted his brows. “Am I detecting a greater interest on your part because the owner of these letters is a woman?”
Gabe’s cheeks darkened with a blush. William chuckled. In the few years he’s known Gabe, not once has he seen his friend blush.
“Perhaps.” Gabe shrugged. “But my friend at the magistrate’s office did remember seeing a strange woman wearing a deep violet cloak around the office during that time.”
William’s heart caught in his throat and he gripped his fork. Mercedes had a deep violet cloak. “And your friend is certain this woman has red hair?”
Gave flipped his hand. “He wasn’t certain about a lot of things, so why would he remember her hair? I just don’t know.” He paused for a moment, and then cleared his throat. “I recall Mrs. Braxton having a cloak of that color. Do you believe she would be secretly helping you and wearing a wig as not to be recognized?”
William stood. Clenching his own hands, he paced the floor. “It’s impossible. There is no way it could be my wife.”
Gabe blew out a breath that stirred the curly auburn hair on his forehead. “I don’t want to think it is her either. But we have to consider the possibilities.”
William turned and glared at his friend. “I will not believe it. I specifically asked her not to help. I doubt she would go against my word.” He took a deep breath and rubbed the back of his neck. “However, I shall drop suggestions to my wife, and hopefully I will know if she is the one who delivered this note to you or not.” He breathed slower, deeper. “But Gabe, I honestly don’t think it is her. She would have told me by now. I don’t believe she would keep something this important from me.”
Gabe lifted from his chair. “I will see what other information I can collect and let you know if I find anything.”
“Thank you. And I will make it a point to talk to Mercedes.”
A growing ache built in the base of William’s skull when Gabe left the room. William massaged his neck again, but the pain wouldn’t relent. He needed to talk to Mercedes no matter how difficult it might be. He wanted her to believe he trusted her, yet if he brought this up...
He growled and walked to the window. If she thought he doubted her, what would it do to their relationship? Worse yet, if she had gone behind his back to help him, that meant she’d hidden the truth from him.
He slammed his fist against the wall, shaking the window. His chest ached with questions. Why did love have to hurt so much? And why was it so hard to completely trust her?
* * * *
Mercedes pulled open the door to her husband’s office and entered. The chiming of the bell announced her. Mr. Kennedy jumped to his feet and rushed to greet her.
“What a pleasant surprise, Mrs. Braxton.” He took her hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles.
She allowed his attention, but kept a close eye on him to make sure he didn’t get out of line. “Good afternoon, Mr. Kennedy. I have come to see my husband. Is he about?”
“No. He stepped out of the office for a few minutes. Would you care to sit and wait?”
“Do you know how long he will be gone?”
“He has been gone for a good thirty minutes now. I’m certain he will return momentarily.”
Inwardly, she cringed. She really didn’t want to sit in the same room with Mr. Kennedy, especially alone. But what other choice did she have? It was either wait inside with Mr. Kennedy, or take her chances in the buggy and hopes that the loathsome Captain Wilkes wouldn’t make an appearance.
“I suppose I can wait, but only for a moment.”
He pulled out a chair for her and she sat. “What brings you to our office on this fine afternoon?”
“I had Horace pack a picnic basket, and I thought to surprise my husband with a meal. The day is too beautiful to be indoors.”
He smiled and nodded. “I’m certain William will be surprised. He has been moping about the office, acting as if something weighs heavily on his mind.”
She arched a brow. “Indeed? I wonder what it is.”
“I had hoped you could shed some light on the problem. Whatever it is makes him quite irritable.”
“I wish I knew.”
“I’m certain you can work your charm on him and pull him out of this mood.”
Strange, but Brandon acted different, especially since they were alone. She hoped he’d finally given up on the idea of them being together. “I will certainly try,” she said with a smile.
She stood and walked to the window. The busy street bustled with people, hurrying from one shop to another. Through the crowd, she searched for William. Where could he be?
Behind her, Brandon Kennedy’s footsteps echoed on the hardwood floor as he neared. His image reflected off the glass. She tightened her fingers around the basket. Heaven help her, because if he made one improper move, she’d whack him up side of the head with the basket full of food.
“Mercedes, I—I want to apologize for my behavior of late.”
She held her breath, surprised he’d even say such a thing. She remained silent, hoping he’d continue.
“Your beauty and charm have enchanted me, and when you stopped coming to see me, the wound left a deeper hole in my heart than I was prepared for.”
She swallowed hard, facing the window, afraid to even look at him. “Mr. Kennedy, you must believe I’m in love with my husband. I’m a completely different person than the woman you knew.”
“So William tells me.”
He stood so near, the heat from his body touched the back of her neck. She shivered in both repulsion and fear.
“Will you forgive me?” His voice laced with sincerity.
She moved away from the window to put distance between them. “I will forgive you, Mr. Kennedy, as long as you make no more overtures toward me.”
“As you wish.”
“I think you are a brilliant man, and I cannot help wonder if your wife even knows this. Have you showed her your passionate side?”
His forehead creased, his lips pulled together. “My wife and I are but strangers.”
“An arranged marriage, I presume?”
“Yes.”
She tilted her head. “But the question remains, do you love her?”
He shrugged and pain etched his eyes. “We’ve had only one child in the five years we have been together. I fear love has not even entered our home.”
“Would you like it to?”
His brows raised, his eyes widened. “I never thought about it.”
“Mr. Kennedy, your wife is very lovely and has been extremely forgiving of your actions. From the little time I have gotten to know her, she seems a knowledgeable woman.”
He chuckled and shook his head. “Kat, you know me well enough to know what kind of woman I enjoy.”
“Please don’t call me Kat, Mr. Kennedy. I’m Mercedes.”
“My apologies.”
“But you were saying—”
He walked away from the window to his desk, and sat on the edge. “You should know I have always enjoyed having a woman of remarkable beauty on my arm.”
“Would you like your wife to be this woman?”
He chuckled. “It’s impossible.”
“Nothing is impossible.”
His brown eyebrows lifted. “And how can we change it?”
She dared to step closer. “Let me give you a little hint about women. Just like a rose, they don’t blossom unless given sunlight.”
“What are you saying? You wish me to keep her outside in the sunshine?”
“No, Mr. Kennedy. You need to compliment her and make her feel pretty.” She touched his arm. “If you really want her to come out of her shell, you will have to help her along.”
The corner of his mouth tugged in a grin. “You’re an amazing woman, Mercedes. I cannot believe you’re trying to assist me in winning over my wife.”
“Encourage her, Mr. Kennedy, or she has no other reason to blossom. But you will also have to do some serious groveling for your past mistakes. If she loves you, she will forgive you.”
He smiled and his brown eyes twinkled. He grasped her hand and squeezed. “Which is why William forgave you, am I correct?”
“Yes.”
The bell from the door chimed, and Mercedes jumped away from Brandon, but not before William’s gaze rested upon her. Her heart plummeted, yet there was no reason to feel guilty. She had done nothing wrong, but would William believe that? From the scowl on his face, she feared the worse. He glared at her with accusing eyes. Not again.
Brandon moved past her toward William. “Braxton, you have returned just in time. Your wife has a surprise for you.”
William’s brow lifted when he looked at her, but the frown still marred his handsome face. “Indeed?”
Her stomach churned violently and she clasped her hands against her middle to keep the waves of nausea from upturning. She didn’t speak for fear her voice would crack.
“William,” Brandon continued, “I must tell you what an incredible wife you have.”
Inwardly, she cringed. Wrong comment to make, Mr. Kennedy.
William’s eyes widened. “Do I?”
“Indeed. She was just now giving me advice on how to woo my wife.”
William’s lips quirked into an unexpected grin. “Woo your wife?”
Mercedes laughed uneasily and walked toward her husband. “Yes, William. Mr. Kennedy knows who holds my heart.” She stopped in front of her husband and touched his cheek. “I tried to tell him how to win over his wife properly.”
William chuckled and shook his head, his smile stretching. “This is, indeed, a surprise.”
“That is not my surprise for you, however.” She linked her arm around his. “I’m stealing you away this afternoon for a picnic, if you approve, of course.”
“But of course. How could I turn down such a charming woman?”
Her heart hammered with each step out to the wagon. William took her arm, assisting her up, and then climbed in to sit beside her. He gripped the reins and urged the team forward.
Seeing the distrust in his eyes made her heart ache. Although he smiled, it didn’t make his eyes sparkle. She slipped her arm around his and cuddled next to him, laying her head on his shoulder. “Should I scold you now or later?”
His head snapped toward her. “Scold me, my dear?”
“You think me blind? You think I didn’t see the look of suspicion when you entered the office?”
He remained silent.
“William, how many times must I defend myself? I’m not Kat. I love you completely and would never do anything to hurt you.”
His body relaxed. “I’m but a normal man, my love.” He chuckled. “A man who succumbs to jealousy quite easily, I might add.”
Mercedes reached up and cupped his chin, and he glanced at her. “Why would another man turn my head when you are the most handsome, the most loving person I have ever met?” She trailed her fingers across his bottom lip. “I don’t want any other man because I have you.”
He laughed and turned his attention back to the road. “Please forgive me for trying your patience. I fear I don’t deserve your love.”
“You do, and I’ll not give it to anyone else.”
“You truly are a forgiving woman.”
She squeezed his arm. “I know you have had a lot on your mind. Mr. Kennedy has even noticed how irritable you are.”
A heavy sigh came from him and his shoulders slumped. “Gabe followed Kennedy last night and he met with Captain Wilkes. They were discussing something in secret.”
“Was this before or after he accosted me?”
“Before.”
“Oh.” She nodded. “Did Gabe discover what they were discussing?”
“Unfortunately, no. But curiously, Gabe had been given a note from an unknown woman who alerted him to the secret meeting between Kennedy and Wilkes.”
“And you don’t know who this woman is?”
William’s gaze stayed on her a little longer this time before returning his attention to the road. “No. We have no clue.”
Her heart twisted. Why did she have a feeling he was keeping secrets from her? She longed for the time he would finally come to trust her fully.
He stopped the wagon near a patch of wildflowers. Although the sweet scent of spring wafted through the air, she didn’t take the time to enjoy it. William’s problems weighed heavy on her mind. Sometimes she wanted to take him by the shoulders and shake him senseless, then kiss him to distraction. But none of these methods would force him to trust her.
He turned to climb down, but she grabbed his arm to stop him.
“William?”
He gazed into her eyes and smiled. “Yes, my love.”
“What is truly bothering you? What have I done to lose your trust?”
His eyes widened and she detected panic. What had she done now?