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HIS LADY'S KEEPER
By
Marly Mathews
© copyright by Marly Mathews, Jan. 2009
Cover Art by Alex DeShanks, Jan. 2009
ISBN 978-1-60394-260-7
New Concepts Publishing
Lake Park, GA 31636
www.newconceptspublishing.com
This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the author’s imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or events is merely coincidence.
Prologue
England, 1822
“Mallory’s home, he’s back from sea!” Gemma St. Martin watched her younger sisters dash through their old damp family castle, headed toward Mallory, and his pretty young wife.
Only Ann, the sister next in birth order to her remained behind. Their mother rushed out of her morning room, stopping briefly to regard them.
“Allow me to ascertain the situation first, Gemma, dear, before you make your appearance. I shall see for myself what sort of a woman this Elizabeth Caulfield truly is.”
“Mother, her name is Elizabeth St. Martin now,” Gemma said gently, watching her mother’s face flash briefly with deep sorrow.
“I know.” She sighed. “I must remember that she is indeed Mallory’s wife. Why did he have to marry her at sea? Couldn’t he have put it off long enough to announce the banns and do everything the traditional way?”
“I guess he ruined her honor so he had to make her respectable,” Ann said softly. Gemma could see how it pained her to realize that her surviving son had made their sworn enemy’s daughter his duchess. Her mother’s face drained of color.
“I shan’t know why he would do this to us, but we must be brave, my darling girls. The younger ones, especially those younger than you, Ann and Maud don’t really understand what this means for the family and how it will impact our way of life.” Their mother stepped toward them taking their hands into hers. “You’ve been brave young women these last few years, helping me to run what is left of our estate, and I want you to both know how much I appreciate you.”
“We know, mother.” Ann sounded choked up.
“He’s going to take us away from this place. As soon as he remembers how old and dilapidated it is, he’ll whisk us off to one of our more stylish estates, now that he has them back. No wonder Old Caulfield never wanted this terrible place, it’s barely staying together,” Gemma sighed.
“Terrible or not, it’s the original seat of the St. Martin power and glory. William the Conqueror himself gave these lands to your ancestors. In its day this castle saw many kings and queens, we should be proud of its history.”
“We are, mother. But Mallory isn’t. We’ll never be as happy as we were here again.” Gemma sighed mournfully.
Her mother’s gaze rested on her. “Gemma, you shall be happy again, our little piece of heaven on Earth couldn’t last forever. These should have been the most trying years of our lives, and yet, through the hardships, my daughters became good women. I am so happy for that. You both have level heads on your shoulders, and even though your life is about to change, you must always remember that Mallory loves you all.”
“He has a funny way of showing that by flaunting that woman in our face. She’s the daughter of the man that ruined us! That fat pig, Geoffrey Caulfield put father into an early grave—and now, I’m supposed to embrace his spawn and call her sister?”
“She didn’t choose her father, Gemma. You shall do well to remember that. I don’t want either one of you snubbing Elizabeth. Nor do I expect you to call her sister until she has earned that coveted place in your heart. You will be civil and you will grace her with all of the ladylike manners I tried so hard to instill in all of you. Please don’t let me down.”
“We won’t mother,” Ann said, darting a furtive glance at Gemma.
Gemma smiled at Ann and then at her mother. “Of course we won’t … but who’s going to make sure that Elizabeth doesn’t let you down?” Gemma grumbled.
Their mother gave them a quick kiss and then walked toward the once grand entryway. Mallory had just stepped inside of the castle.
“Mother!” His voice boomed out at her.
“Mallory, my dear boy.” She embraced Mallory, forcing Mallory to release his hold on Elizabeth.
Elizabeth stepped further into the entryway, and at that precise moment their gazes locked. Gemma bowed her head at her, forcing a smile for her new sister-in-law’s benefit. Elizabeth returned the smile with a curt nod. She nodded at her! Good lord!
“Gemma, come and step out of the shadows,” Mallory said. She obeyed her brother, wincing as the bright sunlight hit her full on in the face. “Elizabeth, this is my sister Gemma. She’s the eldest sister, and as a matter of fact, I think you and she will take to each other like ducks to water.”
“Don’t bet on it,” Gemma mumbled.
Elizabeth shivered. Mallory caught the shiver, and reached out for her pulling her close. “Don’t worry, Elizabeth, we’ll leave this place as soon as we can get the family packed up. I wouldn’t want you to have to live in this old moldy castle.”
Gemma’s heart sunk down into the pit of her stomach. Mallory had done exactly what she’d predicted, all to please his little wife.
Life as they knew it was over.
The enemy was in her house, and now, she had to call that enemy family.
She’d never forgive Mallory—not for as long as she lived.
Chapter One
Scotland, 1824
Lady Gemma St. Martin was a woman that lived outside the conventions of her society. She dared to do what women weren’t supposed to do and she balked at the rigidity of her position as a Duke’s daughter, even though she embraced the benefits her noble position afforded her.
The strong wind whipped her long blond plait back into the wind. The riding hat she wore blew off of her head and fell around her shoulders. She felt so free when she rode through the forest that bordered their highland estate. She rode toward the loch, where she intended to have a nice afternoon dip. It would cool her off after her long ride.
Despite her brother’s protestations, she rode alone. He hated the thought of her being without a chaperone, especially since it was rumored that highwaymen had taken up residence not too far from Mallory Hall. But since he’d married Elizabeth, he’d become a lot less controlling, and for that she would always be immensely grateful to his wife. If nothing else, Elizabeth’s presence was a calming influence on Mallory. Over the last two years, she and Elizabeth had come to an understanding, Elizabeth stayed out of her business, and she stayed out of hers. So far, it had been a smashing success.
Gemma leaned forward on her horse and stroked Midnight’s mane. She could beat any other rider on her mare. No one could stand against them.
She emerged into the clearing, and stared at the peaceful loch rippling before her. Dismounting her horse, she shook out her riding skirts and tried to tuck her plait back up under her hat. The cool air made goose bumps erupt across her flesh. Perhaps, she’d forego on her dip into the lake after all. Holding the reins to Midnight, she started to walk toward the loch. She reached for a blanket from one of her saddlebags and laid it out on the sandy beach. The mountains in the distance caught her eye. Sighing, she settled herself on the blanket and stared up at the white clouds in the sky.
A rustling sound in the near distance made her snap out of her reverie. Sitting up, she looked over to Midnight.
“Did you hear that?” she asked Midnight. Her horse neighed and turned toward the bush. Stiffening, she stood up and in a moment, she’d hoisted herself up in the saddle.
“I’d stay right where you are, if I were you.” A deep husky voice made her sit up straight in the saddle. The voice came from behind her. Fighting the urge to turn around, she bit her lip and prepared to take flight as soon as she could. “Unless you’d like a bullet in your back, my lady, I’d stay right where you are. I have need of that beautiful piece of horseflesh you ride.” His voice affected her in a way she was quite unprepared for.
Remaining silent, she listened as soft footsteps approached her. In the blink of an eye, the man stood in front of her, holding his pistol steady in his hands.
“You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into! You obviously have no idea who I am.” She tried to sound regal and influential but doubted she was pulling it off.
“Oh, I think I have a fair idea. By the looks of you, you came from Mallory Hall. With those fine clothes you’re wearing, you must be some sort of a grand lady. And with your cultured British accent, I can tell you were not raised in these parts. If you were, I’d already know you.”
She stared at the mask he wore. His thick Scottish brogue belied his heritage.
“For a man who knows so much, you know very little. You are a coward for hiding behind that mask. Only a man weak in the knees would stoop so low.”
He laughed. “A coward isn’t something I’ve ever been called. Alas, I’ve been called a great many things, but never, never a coward!” His voice took on a dangerous edge. A shiver ran up and down her spine.
“You give me that horse, or so help me, I will shoot you!”
“Only a man without honor would shoot an unarmed woman.” Stealthily, she reached down to the side of Midnight, where the saddlebag hung that held her lady’s pistol. Her brother insisted that if she rode alone, she didn’t ride unarmed.
“You do look familiar. With those eyes like green sparkling jewels, and that Saxon blond hair of yours, you make a right lovely young lass. I could do with having a tumble with you in the sand.”
“Keep dreaming.” She just needed to strain her fingers a bit further … she’d have the pistol in her hands before she knew it.
“I’d like to see that other wayward hand of yours.” He directed his gaze to where her hand searched in her saddlebag. “Stop bobbing it about in that bag and show me your pretty little hand.”
“Would you? Why?” She asked, adding an innocent air of sweetness to her voice.
“Because I have a thing for hands … especially when they could be reaching for a weapon. Get to it, show me that dainty little hand of yours, little lady.”
She had it.
Her fingers touched cold steel. When she pulled her hand out of the saddlebag it clasped the pistol tightly. Before he could react, she had it leveled at him.
His black eyes twinkled. “What do you intend to do with that, my lady? I don’t think you have the guts to spill my blood. And, I’d make a fair bet that I’m a quicker shot than you, with probably a steadier aim.”
“Oh, you’d be surprised about what I’m capable of. My brother has a reputation for being a dangerous man and he taught me how to defend myself against bloody blackguards like you. If he was here, he’d wipe the ground with you,” her voice trembled. Not with fear, but with anticipation. What was wrong with her? The man was trying to steal her horse, and yet, all she could think about was how attractive he looked in the tight trousers he wore. She had to be losing her mind.
“And would your brother happen to be that grand blond haired, English duke that just took up residence at Mallory Hall with his raven haired wife? In his fine clothes, I’d warrant I’d be the one besting him if we got into fisticuffs. He’s just such a little dandy. I doubt he’d even know how to block a punch.” His eyes danced with humor.
“You seem to know a lot about my family for being a common outlaw.” Snorting, she was reassured by the cool steel of the pistol’s trigger pressing against her finger.
“Yes, well, I have my moments. And besides, I don’t think your brother has that clean of a past himself,” he whispered, making her arch her back at the intimation.
“My brother is a distinguished war hero.” She proudly lifted her head and then, lowered it so she could stare him straight in the eyes. They were dark, and save for the way they had a constant animated look to them, they were impassive. For some reason, she just couldn’t believe that he’d shoot her in cold blood and leave her for dead. The warm feeling he exuded warred with the hard nature he tried to let on he had.
“Is that what you think?” he chuckled. “Aye, he is at that … but he has a few more skeletons rattling in that grand wardrobe of his than you’d think. ‘Course, I would expect no less from his sister. No doubt, he has you thinking he is a man without faults. I bet you worship the very ground he prances on.” He rested his gaze directly on her lady’s pistol again. He sighed heavily. “It would seem that we are at an impasse. Why don’t you tell me your name so that when I finally shoot you, I’ll know who I’ve harmed?”
“You seem to know quite a good deal about my family. You should already know my name.”
He sighed. “Well, that’s where the problem arises, isn’t it? You are one of six … I can’t keep track of all of you. I salute the duke for keeping the six of you straight in his head. I’d go mad with so many sisters! The shrieking in your household must give one migraines.”
“I don’t think I like the tone of your voice. Your impudence is galling!”
His rich laughter boomed across the still landscape. “Oh, you are amusing! Beautiful and entertaining, that’s a deadly package that is.” His eyes sparkled. “Here I am holding you up for your horse at gunpoint, and you are appalled by my sleight against you and your sisters. You are a rich little lass.”
She tilted her head. “You are making fun of me.”
“Am I?” He sobered. “Perhaps I am poking fun at you. I can’t help it. The look you get on that ravishing face of yours when you are put out is enough to undo any man, let alone me. You have turned both of my heads, my little one.”
The look he had in his eyes now, she recognized well. “I could take my chances, and turn tail and ride away before you had time to react.”
“Perhaps. Though I daresay you aren’t fast enough for me.”
Somehow, in the space of a few seconds, he had crossed the short distance between them. Midnight remained calm, why didn’t the braggart unsettle her? She was very in tune when it came to the threat of incoming danger, but not with him.
“If you’d like to know my name, I should know yours, so that when they catch you and hang you, I can say a prayer for you. You should know we don’t take kindly to horse thieves or horse thieves that would steal a helpless woman’s most cherished horse, while holding her at the threat of gunpoint.”
“You don’t look too helpless to me at the moment. In fact, I think you look well in control of your senses. You have steel running through those veins of yours, my lady, and I admire that stunning trait more than you’ll ever know.”
Reaching out with his free-gloved hand, he gently stroked Midnight. “Oh, you are a pretty lady.” Midnight actually had the audacity to neigh in reaction.
“You seem to have more affection for my horse, than you have for me.” Her words startled her. Why would he even have any sort of regard for her? She didn’t know him … and he didn’t know her. As far as he was concerned, he was ready to shoot her and toss her in the loch.
“Oh, if I had the time, I could show you that though I love horses, I do love women with more fervency. There are things I could show you that would make your ears turn red, your breaths quicken, and your body quake.”
“I doubt that … and besides, you may put that romantic notion out of your head. I am otherwise engaged.”
He looked up almost as if he’d been stung. The look of rage in his eyes resembled that of a jealous lover. He was definitely jumping the gun in that regard; he didn’t know her from Adam.
“Engaged?” His question came out as a hoarse whisper and his eyes widened dramatically.
“Indeed. I am set to be wed to the Earl of Kilworth in three months.”
“That little prick? He isn’t good enough for you. He can’t take care of you the way you deserve.”
“Well, you seem ready and willing to take care of me, though I don’t think I care for the outcome. I’d much rather welcome married life with Kilworth.”
“You will be in utter misery. That man could bore a priest, and he has some questionable fetishes if you ask me.”
“He is quite entertaining when he puts his mind to it.”
“I’m sure he is. But I warrant if you do marry him, you’ll be asleep for most of your married life. You might even die of the monotonous and tedious lifestyle that man has, and I assure you, you would not enjoy your wifely duties.” His eyes narrowed, and hardened. The sparkle ebbed out.
“You seem awfully knowledgeable when it comes to the lives of the members of the haut ton. Almost as if you have contacts within the inner circle. Ah, that must be it, you were a valet for a lord, weren’t you?”
She caught his slow crafty smile. A shudder rippled through her.
“Yes, I must keep myself appraised of the lives of the rich and famous … so that when I go to steal from them, I know what I’m getting. It certainly pays for me to be in the know so to speak.”
“You are unbelievable!”
“Thank you. You know, now that I think about it, I could take you with the horse. There is no need to shoot you and get you to leave the horse … I shall just take you as an added bonus with the package.” He took a step toward the side of Midnight. She followed him with the pistol aimed at him. “You aren’t about to shoot me.” He snorted and shook his head. “You are more bluff than action. I can see your finger wavering. The look in your eyes belies what you’re trying to let on. Despite your better intentions, you are completely besotted with me. Come a little closer, darling, and I’ll make you mine. You wouldn’t shoot me then in a million years. I’m already making your pulse race, and your heart quicken, come a little closer and I’ll show you more pleasure than you can possibly dream of. You don’t want to shoot me, no more than I wanted to shoot you .…” His voice started to lull her along. He had the sort of smooth manly voice that could intoxicate a woman with every whispered promise. She had to snap herself out of the trance he was trying desperately to lead her into.
“Yes … I will shoot you, if you take one step closer to me.” Her shaky voice betrayed her true intentions. How could she in good conscience shoot him when he hadn’t hurt her yet, and for all of his bravado the kind look in his eyes made her hesitate to actually cause him harm. Not to mention the fact that she was getting a little hot, even with the cool breeze rustling the branches of the foliage surrounding them.
Gemma, you will rue this decision … you are acting foolishly. Mallory would box your ears if he knew what you were doing … you can’t allow this horse thief to kidnap you. Can you?
Aiming her pistol so that it was no longer directed at him, she shot it into the air. Birds flew out of the trees and other woodland creatures skittered at the earsplitting cacophony.
“Within minutes, help will arrive. My brother will hear the gunshot since he and my sister-in-law are out in the gardens. Heed my warning and leave immediately. I assure you, being caught is something you wouldn’t want to suffer.”
“It will take him time to summon a horse and ride to this spot. Even he can’t cross a distance of ten minutes by horseback in a few seconds,” he calmly countered.
He had it all in hand. Nothing could ruffle this braggart’s feathers.
“You are not making this easy for me. You will be in irons soon, and yet, you are shooting the breeze with me as if you haven’t a care in the world.”
“Maybe I don’t … or at least, I didn’t until I met you. You’ll waste your life on marrying Kilworth. He can’t fulfill what you truly desire. I think now, contrary to what I used to believe, that love at first sight truly does exist. You must give in to what you truly desire, my dearest.”
“What do I truly desire?” She watched him holster his pistol, and jump up behind her in the saddle.
This was sheer madness. She’d gone to Bedlam! Why oh why was she allowing him to put her in such a dangerous situation?
He’d broken down her defenses, and now he was closer to her than she’d ever allowed a strange man to be.
“You truly desire, adventure and freedom.”
“I’ll have my freedom with Kilworth. He has money … so my brother will not have to support me for the rest of my life, and he has—”
“Aye, what does he have?” His hot breath caressed the nape of her neck. She bristled at the odd sensations his breath created within her.
“He has stability.”
“Ah, I see. Stability. So, in other words, you have a place to put down roots and settle. Well, that fits, since you’re settling for the bastard in the first place. I can’t believe you haven’t had other offers.”
“Most of the men on the marriage mart … are shall we say—” She cleared her throat. “Why do you want to know so much about me?” She lowered her voice to a mere whisper.
“I have an innately curious nature.” He reached around her, taking a hold of the reins from her. She shivered.
Why was she allowing him to take control of the situation?”
“Tell me, what exactly are your objections against the men on the marriage mart?”
“They are, shall we say, intimidated by my brother. He has a certain effect on other males when he meets them, and he’s terribly protective of my sisters and me. He can be quite the thorn in a young lady’s side when it comes to snagging a husband.”
“I can imagine. And then, there is your unconventional ways to consider.”
“Come again?” She lost herself in considering what he’d said.
Midnight went into an easy canter as he directed her back into the forest. What was this man playing at? Didn’t he know her brother would be arriving soon? The steady rhythm of Midnight’s movements coupled with the intoxicating feelings the nearness of his body made her experience, sent her careening almost to the breaking point.
“Well, first off, no sensible, gently bred young lady would ride astride on horseback. You must give your insanely sensible brother a fit whenever you go out riding. Strange men might think you have loose morals.”
“Loose? Well, go ahead. You have continually insulted me so far, and you have me at a disadvantage.”
“You could have fought harder, and yet you let me get up on this horse. If I was a betting man, I’d bet that I could ease my way between your legs just as effortlessly. I think I’d like to partake of the honey I’d find there.”
“You are a vile, snake-tongued creature.” Sighing with pent up frustration, she gave him a hard jab with her elbow. He groaned. “Besides, I am a sound judge of character, and I do not believe you are a threat to my person. I have always possessed an uncanny knack of summing up one’s character.”
“Indeed? You seem quite confident in that talent.” He gave her a gentle squeeze and pulled her closer against his chest. Her heart thundered so loud, she wondered if he could hear it.
“I must say, I would have wanted my sister to fight a bit harder … you hardly gave me a struggle at all. Why don’t we dismount and have a little splendor in the grass? Would you like to feel my hands caressing your body, my mouth giving you sweet ecstasy and my .…”
“Cease your teasing at once! You are too much to be borne.” She sighed tiredly.
“I don’t think I’d be too much for you. I rather think we’d fit together perfectly. I would make it quite pleasurable for you, my beautiful lady.”
She closed her eyes and prayed for strength in dealing with him. “You are a nuisance of the first class.”
“Thank you. From you that is most certainly a compliment.”
She stared around at their quickly passing surroundings. This couldn’t be right, this couldn’t be happening. “Where are you taking me?” she demanded.
“Well, I’m kidnapping you. I found you, and captured you, so now you belong to me,” he purred against her earlobe.
“I belong to no one, least of all you!!!”
“Ah, that is where you are partially mistaken. I grant you, no one will ever own your heart, no one but me.”
She seethed. Fire ran through her as she jabbed him in the ribs hoping that her sudden movement would unseat him.
No luck. Damn the bloody man. Was he made of pure rock? He hadn’t grunted or made any indication that her jabs were causing him discomfort. That riled her up even more.
“I must know my kidnapper’s name,” she insisted.
“My name is Hart … or at least that’s what you can call me, Lady Gemma.”
“Gemma? Wait, you said you didn’t know my name! Upon my word .…” Realization dawned on her as they emerged in the clearing and started to approach Mallory Hall.
“You dirty rotten bastard. I’ve been tricked. You’ve led me through a merry little ruse, orchestrated no doubt by my dear brother.” She craned her neck around to look at him, and found not to her surprise that he had rid himself of his blasted mask. His pleasant visage was an improvement to the mask he’d worn before. And if her heart had been racing before, it bore no comparison to the way it raced now.
Anger continued to build within her when Mallory came strutting into view. He had a very pleased with himself look on his face. Elizabeth walked arm in arm with him, and her complacent expression guaranteed than she had no knowledge in her husband’s devious plot.
“You are right, St. Martin. She does need a keeper. I’ll be most happy to take up that post, if you’re still offering it to me. Someone needs to tame this woman’s wayward ways. She must be taken into hand—and I will have supreme satisfaction in taking her into my keeping.”
“What?” She blustered. She was so furious that she could feel her cheeks burning. She wanted to strangle both her brother and Hart, but she couldn’t decide whom she would deal with first.
“I grant you one token. You are right, she is quite capable of handling that pistol of hers.” Hart inclined his head to Mallory.
“Mallory, you must tell this man at once to stop talking about Gemma as if she isn’t here. That is most insulting—and beyond galling.” Elizabeth looked up in disdain at Hart. Gemma smiled. Elizabeth could always be counted on to give Mallory quite the challenges when the need presented itself. “What is he talking about, Mallory? Out with it, this instant! Why ever would Gemma require a keeper? Oh, what have you done this time?”
“She needs one, much like you required one before you found me. Gemma is too reckless. She has a penchant for finding trouble, and she hankers after adventure. That worries me. She will end up getting herself burned badly one of these days. It is my job as the only male presence in her life to protect her.”
“She will be getting married soon,” Elizabeth countered, shaking her head in disapproval. “Once she is wed, her husband will take precedence over you. You must learn to capitulate to that event.”
“That’s my point—her choice in husbands is something to be desired. I thought you already understood that, Elizabeth. Admit it, our Gemma makes grievous errors in judgment on a daily basis. I can’t understand why. Mama raised her the same way she raised me.”
Gemma seethed. Shrugging Hart’s hand off of her, she jumped down from Midnight. “Well, I hope you are quite happy with yourself, dear brother,” she spat. Holding her sense of decorum, she restrained herself from hitting Mallory. “You are a hateful brother! If I had heart troubles like Ann does, well, you would have given me a fit.”
“Ann isn’t like you. She has a level head on her dainty little shoulders.”
“Ah.” Elizabeth snapped her fingers. “I think I understand now. You and Gemma are two peas in a pod. The two of you are so much alike, and yet, Mallory, you can’t see that. Why she is the female version of you … though I daresay she looks every bit a woman. Thank heavens for that.”
A muscle jumped in her brother’s cheek. “That’s just it, darling. Gemma is like me. Do you now know why I’m worried?”
Gemma shook her head. “What is going on here? Some sort of secret society discussion? If this has anything to do with your adventures at sea, you can spare me the details.”
Realization appeared on Elizabeth’s flawless features. She touched her hand absently to the one black curl that blew around her face. “Oh, I see.” Now, Elizabeth looked more than just a little flustered. “Can you trust this man you’ve hired to watch over her?” Elizabeth asked, her little mother hen instinct was rearing its pretty little head again.
“I would trust Hart with your life, my life and our child’s life.”
“Then, I think, Gemma, that you now have a guardian angel. Be happy for it, dearest. I’m quite certain that Mallory is only working in your best interest. Besides, it will be quite a few months yet, before you are wed.” An uncomfortable expression crossed Elizabeth’s face. “Nothing is truly set in stone, Gemma, until you take those vows. Life is a game of chance. We never know what our destiny holds in store for us. I certainly didn’t see Mallory coming into my life, and finding him and sharing in the love we have for each other, makes my life worth living.”
Gemma couldn’t believe it. She didn’t want to listen to Elizabeth’s sage words of advice. She’d given up on finding love long ago. She wanted to marry just so that she could be out from under Mallory’s watchful eye, and she was making a grand marriage bargain, why couldn’t anyone see it the way she viewed it?
“Well, you can all go and stuff it! I will not have my own personal bodyguard. I should have gone to Kilworth’s sister’s house this season, instead of letting you two whisk me off to the barrens of the Scottish Highlands.”
“Barrens? You should be honored by the majesty of my ancestral lands. You do need a personality change, my dear lady,” Hart hissed, his eyes narrowing at her.
“Mallory? Are you going to let him talk to me in that way? He is nothing but a hired man for pity’s sake! You are a duke, I am your sister, live up to the station that you have been born into!” Gemma shouted, surprised by her tone. In fact, she could care less what station he held, she was still smarting from their manipulations. Mallory had planned all of this, and now, now, she was stuck with a keeper of all things! Hart might be a foul wretch, but he set her heart pulsing faster than any other man. If she wasn’t careful, she was going to jump right into his little web and be happy with her sticky situation.
Mallory took Elizabeth’s hand and guided her back to the gardens. “There is no reasoning with you, Gemma, when you are in this sort of foul temper … you are acting like a petulant child! Hart, have fun, she’s yours to deal with now.” With one last wink in her direction, her brother and Elizabeth were off.
“Don’t even say it, Hart. I don’t want to hear it. I don’t belong to you! Contrary to what my brother seems to believe I don’t belong to any man!” Taking a hold of Midnight’s reins, she walked toward the stables. “Oh, and don’t follow me. In fact, why don’t you go and find a nice fire in hell to bathe in?” A stable groom came to meet her to take Midnight off her hands.
“Give her a good brushing, and make certain she’s well taken care of.”
“Yes, my lady.” The groom lowered his head, and talking softly to Midnight they wandered off toward the stables. She quickened her pace, trying to cross the long distance between the stables and the house in the shortest time possible.
“Yes, Her Grace was correct. You are just like your brother. Oh, this will be the most enjoyable season I’ve spent in ages.” A grin cracked across his dark features. Tossing her head, she walked further away from him.
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