She concentrated on ignoring the searing pain in her head. She concentrated on Marcusas fingers, gentle and strong, easing the pain more each moment. She remembered Lord Chiltonas name from their days in Paris. He was a man both Badger and Spears very much wanted to avoid during all their machinations. He was, they said, very much Marcusas friend since theyad heard that Marcus had saved his life and he wouldnat take kindly to anyone coercing Marcus into doing anything. He was also dangerous, theyad said, and silent and very threatening.

Shead certainly given him a diverting welcome.

25.

DOCTOR RAVEN, SURELY an overly romantic name for a man who was as short as the d.u.c.h.ess had been at twelve, was thin as one of the stair railings, and had the most beautiful head of blond hair. He didnat appear to be unduly influenced by the d.u.c.h.essas overwhelming beauty. His voice was soft, his manner matter-of-fact. He even gave Maggie only a cursory look upon entering the d.u.c.h.essas bedchamber, and that brought a grunt of surprise from her and a rude gesture. Marcus dismissed her, then immediately closed the door after her.

Marcus watched Doctor Raven closely, ready to smash him into rubble if he offended.

Doctor Raven said calmly, as he lightly touched his fingertips to her head, aYour husband tells me that you struck your head before, my lady. Yes, I can still feel a slight rising there just behind your ear. There is no swelling from this fall. I think you will have headaches for perhaps several more days, but nothing more. You will take some laudanum. It will help.a aSheas pregnant,a Marcus said. aShe fell down the stairs and sheas pregnant. Thereas more here than just her head.a Doctor Raven merely nodded and smiled easily at her. aJust lie still then and let me feel your belly.a Marcus moved closer to the bed. Doctor Raven merely eased his hands beneath the covers and felt her stomach without pulling up her nightgown.

aDo you have any pain or cramping?a aNo, nothing.a aAny bleeding?a aNo.a aThatas good.a His hands were light as the petals of a rose, yet she felt his knowledge in the way he touched her. She looked at him to see that his eyes were closed. She was, she supposed, a collection of familiar landmarks to him, and he was checking for something unfamiliar.

aHave you been ill, my lady?a aSheas been very ill, vomiting up her breakfast, her lunch, her dinner, and everything in between. Sheas skinny as a stick, but now sheas felt well for at least a week and a half.a She grinned at her husband, who was hovering like a preacher over his collection plate in a room full of thieves. aI do feel quite all right now, Doctor Raven. I tire more easily than I used to, but Badger a.s.sures me thatas normal.a aBadger?a aHeas our chef.a aAnd my valet.a aInteresting,a Doctor Raven said. He didnat say anything more, merely continued pressing here and there, his eyes still closed. Then he pulled his hands away and straightened, b.u.mping into Marcus.

aWell?a aShe appears to be fine, my lord. However, I would like her to remain in bed for two more days. She isnat very far along in her pregnancy and there might be aftereffects from that fall. The first three months in a pregnancy are the most critical. I simply donat know, no one does. Just keep her in bed and keep her calm. If she has any cramping or bleeding, have me fetched immediately.a The d.u.c.h.ess said gently, aDoctor Raven, you really can speak to me, you know. I hear quite well and I have a modic.u.m of intelligence.a aI know, my lady, I know. But your husband appears to be very protective of you. I fear if I spoke to you he would accuse me of attempting to make an a.s.signation. Iam young and just beginning my profession. Iam doing quite well. I donat wish to be cut down before Iave even reached the prime of my craft.a aYouare quite right. At times my husband is most unaccountable. I will remain in bed.a aExcellent. I will come to see you on Wednesday, if you have no more symptoms.a Marcus ushered Doctor Raven from her bedchamber. She closed her eyes, wishing the headache would just stop, but she knew it wouldnat. Badger would appear any minute now with laudanum. She didnat want it, but she knew she had no choice. She had too many hovering friends and a husband who appeared suddenly as possessive of her as Aunt Wilhelmina was of the wretched Wyndham treasure or legacy, whatever.

She dutifully drank down the lemonade Badger silently handed her, knowing it was laced liberally with laudanum. As she fell into a deep sleep, she remembered again seeing that shadow, that slight movement before she tripped and fell down the stairs. And she knew in that final instant before sleep claimed her that she hadnat tripped, that a hand had struck her hard between her shoulder blades, shoving her forward, and then shead tripped. She heard again her own scream of terror, felt the blinding helplessness as she rolled and tumbled, trying desperately to grasp the railing to stop her fall, but she couldnat, and then, suddenly, there were hands to stop her, hands drawing her up, and she fell into welcome blackness.

aI donat like it, any of it.a aNor do I. Iave never been so scared in my life, Marcus. I was standing there in the entrance hall, being intimidated by all those ancestors of yours glaring down on me when I heard this horrible scream and looked up to see your wife tumbling down the stairs. I got to her as quickly as I could.a aIf you hadnat moved so quickly, she would have hit the bottom of the stairs and been thrown hard onto the marble and probably been killed. G.o.d, it curdles my blood to think about it. Thank you, North. Now weare even. No more looking over my shoulder to see you behind me with you, in turn, looking over your shoulder for ruffians out to s.n.a.t.c.h my purse.a aOh no, not yet, Marcus.a Marcus just shook his head. Head never met a more stubborn, more loyal friend. aHave it your way, but Iam now in your debt, at least in my poor view. Like I said, when I came through that front door and saw you holding her and she was all limp, Jesus, I donat want to be that afraid again in my life. No, I donat like it, not a bit.a aWould you care to be more specific, Marcus?a Marcus told him about the Wyndham treasure or legacy, told him of the d.u.c.h.ess finding the old book in the library and being struck down, told him about the American relatives, Aunt Wilhelmina in particular, who was eccentric in the extreme, and who had probably poisoned a neighbor. aWhen James Wyndham found her unconscious on the floor before dawn in the library, I wanted to believe that she was struck down because of that d.a.m.ned book, but now I donat believe it for an instant. Someone pushed her down those stairs, just as someone struck her down in the library and left her for dead.a aGood G.o.d, man, you become an earl, you get stripped of your wealth, you get yourself married, regain your wealth, and now someone is trying to murder your wife?a aThatas about the size of it. You want a brandy, North? My b.a.s.t.a.r.d uncle, G.o.d rot his soul, the former earl, has only the best French brandy.a As he poured North Nightingale a snifter of his uncleas prized smuggled French brandy, he heard him say, aA gentleman, your butler, I believe, was wringing his hands, nearly in tears, saying something about the d.u.c.h.ess being pregnant. Is she, Marcus?a aYes.a aWell? Is the babe all right?a aI a.s.sume so. The doctor examined her. Sheas just to stay in bed for two days.a aCongratulations. On your marriage and on the coming birth of your son or daughter.a Marcus grunted.

North raised an eyebrow. aThereas more here than just someone trying to murder your wife, find a buried treasure, and steal it from you, I gather.a ad.a.m.nation, itas none of your b.l.o.o.d.y business, North.a aFine. I believe Iall go wash up before luncheon. Iam tired, my bloodas thinned out from being scared out of my skin, and I want to recover my strength to meet this Aunt Wilhelmina of yours. Do you think sheall poison my soup because I saved the d.u.c.h.ess?a Marcus laughed. aOne never knows with Aunt Wilhelmina. Itas true she has not a whit of liking for my wife.a aYour pregnant wife.a ad.a.m.n you, North, go away.a North just grinned, then looked thoughtful as he tossed the empty snifter to Marcus and strode from the room.

aMarcus said you were silent and brooding and ever so mysterious. He said you were dangerous.a aI did not, Ursula. At least not mysterious. Heas about as mysterious as a toad on a lily pad.a aWell, you said other things very romantic like that. Are you, my lord?a aYes, I am. Iam a melancholy fellow with little wit, a gloomy sense of humor, and a shadow on my soul.a Aunt Wilhelmina announced to the table at large, aGentlemen, particularly n.o.blemen, Ursula, can be as surly as it pleases them to be. They believe it becomes them. The ruder they are the more romantic to ladies they think it makes them.a aOh no, surely not, Mama. Surely rude and surly arenat at all like silent and dangerous and brooding.a aItas boring behavior, quite uncomfortable for those having to suffer it, and thus it is even more than surly. It is petulance and it is choleric. It is, as I remarked, a very manly thing to be.a So saying, Aunt Wilhelmina went back to her ham slices, covering each one carefully and thoroughly with Badgeras special apricot jam.

Trevor was laughing. aTaken down by a lady from the Colonies, my lord.a aDo call me North. If I allow Marcus to be so familiar I might as well allow the same courtesy to his cousin.a Trevor nodded and raised his gla.s.s of wine. aMarcus, I have decided as the head of the American branch of the Wyndham family to remove all of us from Chase Park on Friday. Yes, old fellow, thatas only four days away. Then you will have only North here to get rid of so that you may enjoy the company of the d.u.c.h.ess alone.a aOh no,a Aunt Gweneth said. aWillie, you didnat tell me you were going to leave so soon.a aIf she would but die I could stay.a aOh no! What did you say, Mama?a aMy dear girl, I said only that if she would but be willing to share dear Marcus with us, we could remain.a North stared at her, mouth agape. This was far more promising than mere poisoning. aThat was astounding, truly marvelous,a he said to Aunt Wilhelmina.

She stared at him. aYou are supposed to be silent. You are supposed to brood. See to it.a aYes, maaam,a North said and fell to his spiced pears, tangy with cinnamon.

aWillie, surely you donat wish to leave now. Why, itas really too unpleasant in London in the summer.a aDear Aunt Gweneth,a Marcus said, smiling at her, ayouave never traveled beyond York. There are always amus.e.m.e.nts aplenty in London, no matter the month.a aMarcus, itas unclean in London in the summer. The heat makes everything smell abominable. I donat want them to leave. Trevor, is this your notion?a aYes, Aunt Gweneth. This game of the Wyndham legacy grows old. Besides, if there is indeed such a thing, it is yours, Marcus, not ours.a aTrevor!a aMama, take hope in the fact that we arenat paupers. Indeed, I even plan to improve our coffers by marrying James off to a proper English heiress. What do you think, brother?a James looked frankly appalled. aMarried! Me? Good G.o.d, Trevor, Iam only twenty years old. I need many more years of seasoning, many more years ofa"a aDissipation? Wild oats? Come now, James, I was thrown over the anvil when I was but twenty-two.a Marcus stared from one brother to the other. They seemed to be enjoying themselves vastly until James said, aThrown! Good Lord, Trevor, you wanted Helen, you panted after her like a puppy, she was all you wanted.a Antonia said, aUrsula told us that Helen was the most beautiful girl in all Baltimore. She said it was a love match, like it was just out of Mrs. Radcliffe.a aShe did, huh?a Trevor said, but he smiled. aShe was very young at the time.a aBut Trevor,a Ursula said, confusion writ clear on her young face, aI thought you adored Helen. I thought she was the luckiest woman to have you until she died.a f.a.n.n.y was silent. She was looking longingly at the spiced pears but took an apple instead.

Trevor merely shook his head at his sister, still smiling. He said now to North, aI understand that you, like Marcus, have wisely avoided the fighting on my sh.o.r.es and stuck instead to that very short fellow, Napoleon. I salute you both for your caution. I shouldnat have liked to stick my bayonet into either of your bellies had you attempted to come into Baltimore.a aHo, Marcus, shall I take him outside and pound him into the ground?a aYou couldnat,a James said. aTrevor is stronger than a horse and heas fast.a aI heard you say he was a dirty fighter, James,a Ursula said.

aWhatas a dirty fighter mean?a f.a.n.n.y wanted to know, the apple halfway to her mouth.

aThat, my children,a said Aunt Wilhelmina, ais quite enough. It is more than enough. Youave quite overset my nerves. Sampson, please tell Badger to make me some lemon curd to settle my innards.a Antonia whispered to f.a.n.n.y, aI think we should go tell the d.u.c.h.ess. She probably needs to have a fun laugh.a The Twins slipped from their chairs after a nod from Aunt Gweneth, and out of the morning room.

aI still donat want you to leave, Willie,a Aunt Gweneth said.

Marcus gave her a sympathetic smile. aWe must allow such decisions to reside with Trevor, maaam.a aWhy? Heas as young as you are, Marcus. Why should he have the final say? Sheas his mama; heas not her husband.a aHeas still the man, Aunt Gweneth. Heas the head of the family.a aBosh,a said Aunt Wilhelmina. aHeas a mere twenty-two, twenty-three, at most. I told him that just the other day when he mistakenly claimed to be nearly twenty-five. I will speak to him, Gweneth. He will come to reason.a Trevor just shrugged, grinning down at his plate. Marcus and North exchanged expressions that none of the females at the table comprehended.

They faced each other in the d.u.c.h.essas bedchamber.

aNo. I forbid it. Thatas it.a aMarcus, Iam fine, I promise. Iall go quite mad if I stay in this bedchamber for another instant. Please, I want to go riding. Iall be most careful.a He had his steward, Mr. Franks, to suffer for a good two hours. Crittaker was hanging about, with a hopeful expression with fistfuls of accounts to review and a score of letters to answer. Two of his tenants wanted to see him. He said, aIall ride with you. You canat go alone.a She threw her arms around him. aOh, thank you.a He eased his own arms around her back and gently hugged her to him. aYouare so skinny, d.u.c.h.ess.a aI wonat be for much longer. By fall, Iall be as round as the pumpkins over in Mr. Popplewellas farm.a He said nothing. His arms loosened around her.

aMarcus.a Shead raised her face and he looked at her a moment, into those deep-blue eyes of hers, so very deep her eyes, filled with uncertainty, too much uncertainty, and oddly enough, caring. Caring for him? He supposed so. Otherwise, why should she have gone through with the marriage? A manas honor would carry him so far, but surely there were limits. A womanas honor? He didnat know, but he did know her. Her honor went deep. He kissed her then, his tongue lightly stroking her lower lip. She came up on her tiptoes, fitting herself to him more tightly.

aI canat make love with you yet, else that d.a.m.ned too young Doctor Raven would have apoplexy. No, d.u.c.h.ess, no. Ah, you taste marvelous, you know that? And youare so b.l.o.o.d.y soft and giving. You enjoy me, donat you?a aThere canat be another man like you in the world, Marcus. Even that poacher Trevor or the silent and brooding Lord Chilton canat come close to you.a He grinned even as he continued kissing her, nipping lightly at her lower lip, slipping his tongue into her mouth, his breath warm. aIs that a compliment or a condemnation?a aYou want me, Marcus. I can feel you.a aIf you couldnat feel me then I should go slit my wrists. I want you every time I even think about you, anytime I smell that perfume of yours, whenever I hear your skirts swishing.a But he didnat want the child she carried because he hated her father so very much.

She wondered in that moment if head wanted her to miscarry the child. No, he wouldnat ever have wished for it consciously, not Marcus. She shook her head even as she moaned into his mouth, even as she accepted that child or no child, it was Marcus who was at the center of her life, at the center of her heart.

aBy all thatas holy, I want you.a His hands swept down her back, cupping her hips, and pulling her hard against him.

aYes,a she said against his mouth. aIam perfectly fine.a In the next moment, he pressed her against the wall, lifting her. aPut your legs around my waist.a She did, not understanding, but that confusion lasted just a moment, just until head freed himself from his trousers, pulled up her gown and widened her for himself. He came up high into her and she was ready for him, warm and soft, so very eager, and she moaned even as he filled her, even as his fingers stroked her flesh, and his tongue was deep in her mouth. He climaxed, his big body shaking, clenching as his muscles released and tightened, pushing for he knew she hadnat yet reached her release and she knew even as she grew closer and closer that he wouldnat ever stop until shead gained such pleasure shead yell with it.

She gasped when the urgent feelings began to roil through her, tensing her legs, making her want to scream, but she didnat because she was gasping into his mouth, and he took her cries when they built and kissed her, pushing her and pushing her more until she was limp and exhausted against him. Slowly, her legs slid off his flanks. He held her close, still kissing her, stroking her, and he said, aI missed kissing your beautiful b.r.e.a.s.t.s.a aAnd I missed kissing your belly, Marcus, though Iave yet to do it. You always distract me. Perhaps I could kiss you even lower, do you think?a He groaned at that, lightly slapped her b.u.t.tocks, then caressed them.

aBathe yourself, sweetheart, and then, if youave still the energy for it, Iall take you riding.a He paused a moment in the adjoining doorway. aIf youad like to try that, I shouldnat say nay.a She gave him a very inquisitive, very absorbed look that made his belly clench in l.u.s.t. Perhaps, just perhaps, this was the beyond Badger had spoken about. She couldnat wait.

26.

THE COLONIAL WYNDHAMS took their leave on Friday morning, mountains of luggage piled high atop the traveling chaise Trevor had procured for his family.

Aunt Wilhelmina said to the d.u.c.h.ess, aYou look quite well again, moreas the pity.a aWhat did you say, Mama?a aMy dear James, I only told the d.u.c.h.ess that she looked well and surely she could join us in the city.a aJust so, maaam,a the d.u.c.h.ess said. aJust so and I hope that you may fall ill of a vile verbal plague.a aAnd what did you say, d.u.c.h.ess?a James asked, grinning behind a gloved hand at her.

aAh, I merely hoped your mother would call upon us again someday.a Aunt Wilhelmina stared hard at her, continuing in a lower voice, aItas remarkable how you are able to repair yourself time after time. Surely someday there will be an end to it.a aDoubtless youare right, maaam. However, in the natural order of things, since youare many years my senior, you will quite probably reach your end before I do.a aOne can only hope,a Marcus said under his breath but still within hearing of his American aunt.

aYou deserve to die too. Her insults you approve.a aGood heavens, Mama? What did you say?a aNothing at all, Ursula, merely that Marcus deserves a shy wife, one who doesnat insult her relatives, which is what the d.u.c.h.ess does, doubtless out of ignorance brought on by her lack of breeding.a The d.u.c.h.ess laughed.

aYou are such a crone, maaam. I hope you get clipped by a carriage wheel.a aMarcus,a Aunt Gweneth nearly shrieked. aWhat did you say?a aI just told Aunt Wilhelmina that she deserves a throne for her kindness and a new carriage.a aYou have your nerve, young man.a aYes, I finally appear to, donat I?a He gave her a slight bow, then turned away to Trevor. aTrevor, you mincing dandified sod, doubtless the d.u.c.h.ess and I will see you in London. How long do you intend to remain in England?a aJames wants to visit all the flesh pots, every gambling hall, every den of iniquity.a aOur capital is rich in sin,a North said. aThus it should take you a good ten years, then.a aJames is very young. Heas fast. Iall wager he has his fill in three months. Possibly less time were you to come to London and be, er, our guide. What do you say, North? Marcus?a aNow, brother, donat rush me,a James said, throwing up his hands. aA man must come of age knowing every vice in existence so that he may be a wise father to his sons.a aGoodness, you gentlemen are quite depraved,a the d.u.c.h.ess said. aI donat know if I should allow Marcus to join you. Besides, my husband doesnat know anything at all of such places, do you, my lord?a aNary a thing,a Marcus said cheerfully. aNot a blessed whit of a thing. Consider me a devout and pious Methodist when I enter the evil climes of London.a aYou will write me often, Willie?a aCertainly, Gweneth. Oh, how I dislike leaving the Wyndham legacy to him and to her. Itas the American Wyndham legacy.a aDespite all the remarkable clues we found, maaam,a Marcus said easily, aIam still not convinced thereas anything to be discovered. This Ja.n.u.s-faced nine business with the lurking monster, surely it is a monkas ravings, nothing more. Itas fancy, whimsy.a aI agree,a Trevor said. He shook Marcusas hand, looked down at the d.u.c.h.ess, then lightly kissed her forehead, and stepped back. aNow, weare off. Marcus, take good care of your beautiful wife. North, I hope to see you again. If you come to London, Marcus has our direction. Weall all repair to those infamous flesh pots together. Youare not a Methodist, I hope?a He kissed each of the Twins and Aunt Gweneth, then turned to wave good-bye to Sampson, Badger, Spears, and Maggie.

aYouave got quite a collection of interesting specimens here at Chase Park,a James said, waving now himself. aMaggie is quite the most unusual ladyas maid Iave ever encountered. She actually patted my rear end, Marcus.a aI trust you gave as good as you got,a Marcus said, and a.s.sisted Aunt Wilhelmina into the carriage.

aI tried,a James said, abut she just smiled at me and told me to come see her again when Iad ripened.a They watched the carriage roll down the long wide drive of Chase Park. They waved when Ursula stuck her head out the window and shouted another good-bye.

aHow dispiriting it is when such loving guests take their leave,a Aunt Gweneth said. aWeall be quite low now.a aIt was Trevoras decision,a Marcus said. aI swear, Aunt Gweneth, I didnat order dear Wilhelmina to leave, despite her strange proclivities and her quite malicious tongue.a aStill,a Aunt Gweneth said, sighed, and walked with her shoulders drooped back into the house.

Maggie sniffed loudly when she was close enough for the d.u.c.h.ess to hear her. aThat old besom is a horror. I donat trust her an inch, d.u.c.h.ess. Iam certain she was the one who pushed you down the stairs and struck your poor head in the library.a aHow did you know about the stairs, Maggie?a aWhy, Mr. Sampson told me. And Mr. Badger. And Mr. Spears. We discussed it, naturally. Thatas why you were never alone until that old crone finally took her leave. My pity flies toward all the innocent folk in London.a aIt does rather boggle the imagination,a the d.u.c.h.ess said.

aAmen, d.u.c.h.ess,a Badger said at her elbow. aNow, youare looking just a bit pale. Come into the Green Cube Room and Iall bring you some nice tea.a The peace lasted until the afternoon. At one oaclock, just when they were all settled down for luncheon, Sampson appeared in the morning room and said in a voice of a king bestowing a prize to his champion, aYour mother has arrived, my lord.a aGood G.o.d,a Marcus said, dropped the fork that held a bite of rare roast beef, or as Badger called ita"rosbief anglais la sauce des fines herbesa"and rose. aSheas early, but why am I surprised? She was early in labor with me and has never let me forget about the hideous pain I forced upon her. I keep telling her that I have no recollection of it, nor do I believe I planned to torture her. Also, since I arrived early, did I not save her some pain?a The d.u.c.h.ess rose to stand beside him.

He took her hand. aEveryone continue eating. The d.u.c.h.ess and I will sacrifice ourselves on the hearth of filial duty.a The earlas mother, Patricia Elliott Wyndham, a lady of fifty summers with only about forty of them apparent on her face, was very elegant, small, with a lovely head of thick black hair. Not a strand of gray in the entire lot, and eyes as blue as her sonas.

She eyed the d.u.c.h.ess up and down. aMarcus would come home as a boy and speak of you. He said you were quite the most unusual child head ever met, not at all like the Twins who were little nodc.o.c.ks, head say. He said you were graceful and reserved and arrogant. He said if anyone looked at you, your nose went directly into the air and didnat come down. I didnat think he liked you very much. Why then did he marry you? And without writing to tell me of it until it was already done? And why in Paris, of all places?a The d.u.c.h.ess smiled down at her new mama-in-law. aHe fell in love with me, maaam. He begged me to marry him, swore that he couldnat continue with life without me, that even his port and his food counted for nothing if he couldnat have me. He slavered. What could I do? Iam not a cruel woman. I didnat want him to starve, to thirst to death, to throw himself beneath pa.s.sing carriage wheels, for he is a man of swiftly burning pa.s.sion and when he becomes, er, pa.s.sionate, he is capable of doing anything. I just happened to be visiting in Paris and he was there. There wasnat time for him to do his filial duty and consult with you. Isnat that true, Marcus?a aAbsolutely,a the earl said. aAh, which part of it, d.u.c.h.ess?a aAlso, maaam, to be perfectly honest, I quite adore him myself. It was quite to my liking to marry him. I would have preferred if you had been there, but there wasnat time. I am so very sorry.a He stared at her, wondering, always wondering, for she had changed, his d.u.c.h.ess, and he couldnat be certain what she meant anymore. She adored him? Shead wanted to marry him? It wasnat just her d.a.m.ned honor, her sense of justice? Ah, there was thinking here aplenty for him to do.

aHe always was a boy of intelligence and charm,a Mrs. Wyndham said. aYes, the girls in the neighborhood were always simpering at him, flirting endlessly with him. It made him quite conceited, I fear. He gave them all hope, my charming boy, teased them and gave each of them his special smile. I have always wondered, Marcus, did you take Melissa Billingstage into the Billingstage stable and up into the hay loft?a aI have no recollection of such an event, Mama, or of this Melissa girl. She wasnat that quite delicious little flirt whose father was squire of Ba.s.sing Manor, was she? The girl with the huge pansy eyes and, er, quite substantial endowments?a aYou know very wella"ah, there, d.u.c.h.ess, heas done it again, trapped me into my own accusations as quickly as a heron can snag pilchards from the sea.a aHe is quite adept, isnat he, maaam? And heas still quite conceited, but I must confess that it is part of his charm and thus part of him. His smile is probably the most special Iave ever seen. Itas to his credit that he practiced it to perfection when he was a boy since it gives me remarkable pleasure.a aSheas just the girl I would have chosen for you, Marcus,a his fond parent announced, taking the d.u.c.h.essas hand. aI see youare wearing a strange wedding band. You must have mine for it has been in the Wyndham family for at least three generations. I will have it sent to you.a aThank you, maaam. Do you agree, Marcus?a aCertainly. I forgot about it.a aSheas your wife, Marcus. It must be on her finger.a aEr, just so, Mama. Welcome to Chase Park. How long do you intend to stay? Long or short?a His mother gave him a frown that, if head had the d.u.c.h.essas objective eye, he would have known he wore the same expression when he frowned. aSampson said that the Colonials just left. Of course, I knew of it already. Dear Mrs. Emory, my very good friend, wrote me when Mr. Trevor Wyndham said they would be leaving today. But I didnat trust that womanas tactics. Iave stayed in Darlington for the past two days and stationed a man here to tell me when their carriage finally rolled out of the drive and took a left turn. I always detested that Wilhelmina woman.a aBut youave never met her, Mama.a aIt doesnat matter. A mother knows everything. Isnat she a rude, utterly obnoxious old crone?a aYes,a the d.u.c.h.ess said, aas a matter of fact she is. One never knows what will pop out of her mouth, and whatever does pop out, itas invariably an insult.a aI knew it. Well, my darlings, now Iam here, and everything will be so much brighter and happier. Where is Gweneth? Where are the Twins? What is this about the Wyndham legacy? And you, Josephina, youave been nearly murdered twice, according to Mrs. Emory. Do tell me all about it, my dear, I do so adore mysteries.a aHer name is d.u.c.h.ess, Mama. Josephina is the name of a goat or a mallard.a aVery well, Iave no intention of abusing my daughter-in-law before she deserves it.a The morning was beautiful, the sky a radiant blue. It had stopped raining during the night, and the air was fresher and warmer than her husbandas mouth when head kissed her with alarming thoroughness at the breakfast table before anyone else had arrived.

She looked over at him riding easily on Stanley, looking into the distance, and she knew he was looking for that oak tree perhaps or the dell with the Ja.n.u.s-faced nines, the well and the lurking monster. Come to think of it, it all did sound like complete and utter nonsense.

They hadnat spoken of the Wyndham legacy for a full three days now. It was a relief. She grinned suddenly, remembering the look on her mother-in-lawas face when shead walked into the morning room while Marcus was kissing her, his hand cupping her breast.

aAre there kippers this morning, my dear son?a Marcusas mouth had gone utterly still on hers. His hand slithered away from her breast. aI donat know,a he said, very slowly rising from where head had her pinned against her chair. aI didnat think you liked kippers, Mama. I thought you detested kippers.a aI do, my dear. I just thought it a good way to gain your attention without surprising you unduly. Good morning, my dear daughter. I see my son is providing you an example of his pa.s.sion.a aYes, maaam.a aHow odd that it would take such a carnal form. I believed you meant that he was pa.s.sionate about causes, politics, world matters, that sort of thing.a Marcus snorted. aYou thought no such thing, Mama. Now, come and sit down. I will serve you. Porridge?a The d.u.c.h.ess said now to her husband beside her as she breathed in a deep breath of the wondrous fresh air, aI quite like your mama. Perhaps you gained your pa.s.sion for causes, politics, and world matters from her? She certainly has deep fondness for Mary, Queen of Scots. Goodness, if she hadnat fallen asleep, I believe we would have heard every intrigue in the French court that revolved around the seven-year-old Mary. Oh goodness, Marcus, look at those black clouds. I fear weare in for a soaking.a In the next instant there was a sudden clap of thunder. Just as suddenly, the warmth of the day dissipated. Dark clouds billowed and roiled overhead, turning the afternoon into dusk. There was a streak of lightning.

Marcus cursed. ad.a.m.nation! Until three minutes ago there was no hint of a storm, no glimmer of a cloud, noa"a The d.u.c.h.ess giggled. aAt least itas warm enough so that we wonat take a chill. Shall we return to the Park?a At that instant, there was a streak of lightning just beyond Birdie, cracking the branch from a maple tree, sending sizzling smoke upward. The branch fell in the center of the road. Birdie, terrified, reared onto her hind legs.

ad.u.c.h.ess!a aItas all right. Iave got her.a She was leaning forward stroking the bit in Birdieas mouth as shead been taught, no abrupt movements, when there was a sharp sound and Birdie flinched, then maddened, reared up again, tearing the reins from her hands.

Marcus wheeled Stanley against Birdie and grabbed the d.u.c.h.ess around her waist, ready to jerk her off Birdieas back. There was a soft pinging sound, then another. To his shock, he felt a sharp pain in his head. He raised his hand, realizing blankly that someone was shooting at them and that a bullet had just grazed his head above his left temple. For a split instant, he was in Toulouse again, bullets flying around him, hearing the screams of his men, urging them forward, then into a quick break around the center of the French line to sweep in behind them. So many bullets, and the blood, like a red weeping cloud covering everything.

She yelled his name, realizing what was happening.

There was another loud popping sound. The d.u.c.h.ess saw a huge chunk of bark go flying off a maple tree some ten feet beyond him. Without thought, she leapt toward him. There was another loud report.

She felt a sharp jab in her left side, even as she grabbed Marcusas shoulders, pressing herself against his chest, protecting him as best she could. Stanley reared, twisting madly beneath them. Birdie, terrified, galloped forward, leaving his rider dangling from her husbandas arms.

ad.u.c.h.ess! Oh G.o.da"a There came another shot and another. Marcus kicked his booted feet into Stanleyas sides. aQuickly, you d.a.m.ned brute! Go!a Stanley went as if shot from a cannon. Marcus held her tightly against him. She wasnat unconscious, but he knew shead been hit, just as he had, but where, and how badly?

He wheeled Stanley about when the road curved and headed back to the Park through the fields. They would have made it if it hadnat been for the flock of starlings bursting from the protection of a huge thick-branched oak tree. The thunder cracked, the lightning sliced through the black sky, and the birds took mad flight. Stanley reared, twisting and snorting, tossing his great head. Marcus knew in that last instant that head lost his hold. He tried as best he could to protect her as they landed on a slight incline, rolling over and over until he landed on his back in a shallow mud puddle, the d.u.c.h.ess sprawled on his chest. He heard her moan softly, then she went utterly limp against him.

He managed to get them to the top of the incline, the d.u.c.h.ess unconscious over his shoulder, his hand beneath her hips, holding her steady even as the blood from the wound in his scalp bled over his eye, blurring his vision.

Stanley stood trembling, his eyes rolling, but head stayed, thank G.o.d, head not run back to the stables. It took some doing, but Marcus got them back into the saddle. She was unconscious, thus it didnat matter for Stanley ran like the wind. Marcus kept urging him forward, holding him loosely, allowing him to jump those fences he chose to. The last one was a high boundary fence and Stanley took it with a good foot to spare.

His arm was tight around her. His hand, he saw numbly, was wet with her blood and with his as well, for head also been shot in his left hand, something head just realized. Odd that he felt nothing, nothing at all except the deep corroding fear. It was the longest ride of his life. When he pulled Stanley up in front of the ma.s.sive front steps of Chase Park, he was already yelling at the top of his lungs, aNorth! Spears! Badger! Get out here, quickly, quickly!a He dismounted, pulling her easily up into his arms. Her head fell back over his forearm. Oh dear G.o.d.

North roared through the doors, Badger on his heels.

aSheas been shot. Fetch Doctor Raven from Darlington, quickly, quickly.a Badger was at his side then even as North sprinted toward Stanley, caught his reins and was on his back and galloping away within seconds.

aBring her upstairs now, my lord. Mr. Sampson! Oh there you are. Quickly fetch hot water and a lot of clean soft cloths. Lord Chilton has gone to fetch Doctor Raven.a Marcus wasnat aware that he was clutching her so tightly against him until Badger said gently, aPut her down, my lord. Thatas right, here on her bed. Good. Now, letas get her out of this gown.a Marcus was staring down at his hand. aIam covered with her blood, Badger.a aYes, my lord, but itas also yours. Youave been shot too. My G.o.d, you were hit twicea"your scalp and your poor hand. Jesus, this is unbelievable. Thereas too much pain here, too much misery. I donat want her to be hurt like this yet another time.a aG.o.d, I know, I know.a aWhat the devil happened?a It was Maggie, nearly shrieking, Spears right behind her.

aShe was shot,a Badger said calmly. aLetas get her out of these wet clothes so we can get the bleeding stopped.a aNot again,a said Maggie. aGood Lord, not again.a Within minutes, the d.u.c.h.ess was lying on her side, the covers pulled to her belly, Marcus pressing down against the wound just above her left hip.

aAh, at last. Hereas Mr. Sampson with the water and cloths,a Spears said.

Marcus took a hot wet cloth from him, raised his b.l.o.o.d.y hands and looked down at the riddled flesh, still oozing blood. The bullet, thank G.o.d, had gone through the fleshy part of her flank. aJesus,a he said, and began cleaning the wound. The bulletas entry was just a small hole, insignificant looking really, so minor, but the white flesh around the small hole was purple with the impact of the bullet and with her blood. He eased her toward him to look at where the bullet had torn through her outwardly. The flesh was riddled, torn furiously, the bleeding thick and slow.

He swallowed. Head seen too many menas wounds during his years in the army, but this, no, this was too much. This was the d.u.c.h.ess, his wife, and she was slight and surely not strong enough to bear such pain. His hand clenched into a fist. He shook his head.

aThatas right, my lord,a Spears said quietly. aShe needs help now, not rage. That can come later. Weall figure out what to do, donat worry. The bullet went through her, so sheall be spared that pain. I donat think it hit any organ nor did it go near her belly and the babe.a Jesus, the babe. He hadnat given a single thought to the babe, nestled there in her still flat belly.

He raised his head, gazing around the bed. Badger, Spears, Maggie, and Sampson were all there. He drew a deep breath, carefully folded a new wet cloth that Spears handed him, and pressed down again on both wounds. He felt Spears wipe the blood away from his face and dab it against the raw streak against his scalp. He didnat feel a thing.

Suddenly, Maggie stepped forward. aSheas still got on her riding hat,a she said, and began taking pins out to remove it. Marcus almost laughed. There she was, lying there on her side, quite naked, a pert blue riding hat on her head, the feather broken and bedraggled, but the hat was still there atop her tousled hair. He watched Maggie smooth out her hair. He pressed down harder against the wound where the bullet had exited.

aNow, my lord,a Spears said in the firmest voice Marcus had ever heard, aitas time for you to get out of your wet clothing and let me bandage your head and hand. No, my lord, Mr. Badger will continue the pressure on the wound. Come along now. Thatas right.a It seemed a day but indeed, it was only two hours before North returned with Doctor Raven.

Doctor Raven said even before he reached the bed, aHas she regained consciousness yet?a aYes, but not really,a Marcus said. aSheas drifted in and out. I donat think sheas been conscious enough yet to feel the pain.a aGood,a Doctor Raven said, rolled up his sleeves, and gently shoved Marcus out of the way. aExcellent, my lord,a he said after head lifted the pad and examined the wound. aThe bullet went through her, thank G.o.d. You got the bleeding stopped. Yes, quite good. Now, while sheas unconscious, letas clean this exit wound with brandy and then Iave got to st.i.tch her up.a aWill it leave an ugly scar?a Maggie said.

aYes, but hopefully sheall be alive. Whatas a scar compared to being alive?a aShe wonat die,a Marcus said blankly. aMy G.o.d, she wonat die, will she? I saw so much poisoning, so much fever, so much delirium and then death, too much death. No, not the d.u.c.h.ess, thereas so much I have to tell her. Thereas so much we have to do together. No, not her, sheas my wife, you see.a Doctor Raven straightened, turned, and looked up at the earl. aYes, she could die, my lord. However, Iam very good at my profession. Letas hurry. I want her unconscious, it will spare her pain.a If Doctor Raven thought that five men and one woman peering closely at everything he did was in any way unusual, he didnat say anything. Their fear was palpable, as were their worry and their caring. He hadnat the heart to order them out. The earl was holding her steady, one of his large brown hands over her ribs, the other on her upper leg.

aAll right,a Doctor Raven said. He sent the needle into her flesh and pulled through the thread. Marcus watched the blood seep through his fingers, soak the black thread, and he wanted to cry. aJust another moment,a Doctor Raven said. aThereas no need to st.i.tch where the bullet entered,a he added.

Then the d.u.c.h.ess moaned and all of them froze.

27.

aOH NO,a MARCUS said. aNo, please, no.a aHold her, my lord!a Marcus rose then to give himself more leverage. She was conscious enough to feel the awful pain of the needle as it went through her ripped flesh, and she was gasping with it, heaving with it, trying to escape it, trying to jerk away from him, soft cries erupting from her throat, then cries, tears running down her face. Badger tried to get brandy and laudanum down her throat but it was difficult. By the time it took effect, Doctor Raven would be through.

aSteady, d.u.c.h.ess, I know it hurts. Dear G.o.d, I know. Hold steady, love, just a moment longer.a He kept talking. He had no idea if anything he said reached her, but it didnat matter. It was as much for him as for her. It seemed an eternity, but then Doctor Raven said softly, aThere, thatas the last st.i.tch, now let me knot it off. All done now, my lord.a Doctor Raven looked up. aMr. Badger, Iam going to turn her head just a bit. Give her some more brandy laced with laudanum. Quickly now. Mr. Spears, the bascilic.u.m powder, please. Miss Maggie, dampen that white cotton cloth and have it ready. Mr. Sampson, just stand there and make certain everyone does what I told him to do.a Not many more minutes pa.s.sed before her head fell back to the pillow. She was in a stupor, the pain, for the moment at least, far away from her. When he raised his hands from her body, he saw that head bruised her. He cursed.

aNo, Marcus, stop it.a North clasped his arm and gently drew him away. aLet Maggie put her in a nightgown after Doctor Ravenas finished bandaging her. Sheall be all right, Marcus. She will, I know it. Now, youave been shot yourself. Doctor Raven, itas now his lordshipas turn. No, Marcus, come away, sheall be fine now.a aHow the b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l can you know anything?a Marcus, his rage now bubbling over, turned on his friend, shook his hand off, and yelled, ad.a.m.nation, she could die! Do you hear me, all of you? She could b.l.o.o.d.y well die because she tried to protect me. She saw a bullet crease my d.a.m.ned skull and what does she do? She throws herself hard against me, trying to cover me. Me! Curse her hide, why couldnat she just yell at me to duck down? Why?a aFor the moment, my lord,a Doctor Raven said, ait is a question that is moot. Now, let me see that hand of yours. Ah, good, the bullet went through the fleshy part of your thumb. Now, your head, my lord.a It was dim and shadowed in the bedchamber, only one candle lit beside the bed. She lay on her side, a pillow against her back to keep her steady and a pillow against her stomach and chest to keep her from rolling onto her belly. There was a light coverlet to her waist, nothing more. Her nightgown was soft white batiste, a school girlas nightgown, a virginas nightgown, high-necked, small pearl b.u.t.tons down the front, selected by him so they could get her out of it easily.

He rose and stretched, never looking away from her. Shead thrown herself at him, covering him as best she could. She hadnat thought, hadnat hesitated. d.a.m.n. If head had time, if only head had time, he could have thrown her facedown over his thighs, at least protected her that much, but everything had happened so quickly. Marcus thought back. There had been at least six shots. The b.a.s.t.a.r.d had used several pistols. There was no other way head have managed to fire in such rapid succession. Changing quickly from one gun to the next must have helped ruin his aim, thank G.o.d.

He leaned down and laid his right palm on her forehead. His left hand was bandaged. Theyad both been lucky. The bullets that had struck them had gone clean through both of them. He cursed long and fluently. She was hot to the touch. She had the fever. He didnat pause, pulled his dressing gown closed, and went swiftly from her bedchamber down the hall to where Doctor Raven was sleeping.

aItas the fever,a he said only when the young man shook his blond head and looked up at him.

aIall be right there. Have Maggie fetch cold water and towels, my lord. Do you have ice?a aIall get Badger.a They were all gathered around her again at two oaclock in the morning. She was moaning softly, her head thrashing back and forth on the pillow, tangling her hair around her face.

Marcus wanted to cry. He leaned down and began wiping her face with the cold cloth, almost too cold to the touch, what with the ice floating in the basin of water.

aStrip her down, my lord. If the fever gets too high, weall put her in a tub filled with cold water.a It was then he seemed to realize that there were five men in the room. He cleared his throat. aPlease, gentlemen, leave us now. His lordship and I will see to her. Please, go.a aNo,a Badger said.

aNo,a Spears said.

aYes, do go, Badger, Spears,a Marcus said. He clapped his hand on his shoulder. aIall take care of her, you may be certain of that. No, donat argue, Spears, I feel fine, just a bit clumsy with this bandaged hand, but Iall manage.a When they were alone, even Maggie gone from the bedchamber, Marcus unb.u.t.toned the small pearls and stripped off her nightgown. The bandage was still white and dry.

aGood, the bleeding hasnat started again,a said Doctor Raven.

aWhatas your first name?a aGeorge.a aAll right, George, show me what to do.a They wiped her down for more than an hour, taking turns, until just after three oaclock in the morning, George felt her forehead, her chest, and her hip near the bandage. aItas down. Letas pray it stays down.a aSheas so weak,a Marcus said as he fetched a clean nightgown and put her in it. aItas like she isnat really here.a aSheas here, my lord, and here sheall stay, weall see to it. She wonat die, I swear it. I expected the fever. Now, you get some rest and I will stay with her and call you in the morning. The last thing I want to have to do is rub you down with ice water. Youare too big.a She was dreaming: a lovely dream really, filled with flowers, all sorts of flowers, brilliant in both scent and color. She was sitting there in the midst of all the flowers, singing one of the ditties shead written, the one about the sailors, which was a bit more than racy, actually, but it had sold the best of the lot so far. Mr. Dardallion at Hookhams had told her that it was so popular amongst the naval men he didnat think it would ever be forgotten. She thought of being immortal through a song, and it made her smile. Then she was back firmly in the meadow, amid all the daisies and the lilies. She turned to stroke her fingers over a velvet red rose petal when suddenly from behind the rosebush came a strange creature that looked for all the world like a tonsured, robed monk, but he was shriveled and shrunken, and he looked older than the barrowed hills behind him, and he said to her, aI was near the well, keeping a close watch, but you never found me. I waited and I waited, for hundreds of years Iave waited but you never came. Youare stupid, no imagination, not like me or my brothers when we decided what wead do.

aHe was Baron Dandridge then, just a simple baron was Lockridge Wyndham, but he helped us, tried to save us, but he couldnat, no one could, and we decided then that we would take care of him as best we could in case he lost everything. Aye, and that miserable king did strip us and our abbey to the bones, he and that miserable Cromwell and his bully boys. Then the baron did die, too soon, poor man, before his son knew what was what, but all the clues were there and several more generations spoke of the treasure and then even that stopped. All the Wyndhams have been ignorant and stupid. Even now youave given it up. So I had to come to you. Now, what do you see?a And she said slowly, aI see a nine. I see another nine, but itas backwards.a aDo you now, Countess? Well, maybe yes and maybe no. You write those little songs, aye, theyare clever, so why arenat you clever about this? Donat be so blind, or the next time I come to you, youall regret it. Monsters never die, they live on and on. Donat you forget that.a And the shriveled old monk was gone and she was left in the midst of the flowers, but then they were wilting, turning brown, shriveling just as the monk had been shriveled, and the clean, clear air darkened and it became cold and colder still. Then she cried out, wanting now only to get away from all the rot and the devastation.

aHush, love, itas all right.a His voice jerked her awake. She opened her eyes to see him standing over her, a white bandage around his head.

aYou look like a pirate, dashing as the devil, ever so rakish. I wish you could capture me and carry me away with you. Iad fight you, but I wouldnat mean it.a aAll right, Iall carry you away, but first, youave got to get completely well again. Iall tell you, d.u.c.h.ess, Iam d.a.m.ned tired of your being hurt.a aNo more so than I am. You must have a black patch, Marcus. And your shirtsleeves need to billow out more. But youare so beautiful, yes, take me with you, to a pirateas island far away, perhaps beyond China but south where itas warm and we could just lie about anda"a She stared up at him then blinked and blinked again. aPerhaps Iave gone mad.a aNo, thatas a fantasy I would gladly give to you if I could. Now, how do you feel?a She fell silent for a moment, querying her body. aMy side hurts, but I can stand it. I feel heavy and dull otherwise, itas strange, as if everything were going more slowly than it usually would. How does your poor head feel, Marcus?a aMy poor head is harder than a walnut, you know that. Now, about this heaviness youare feeling.a aAnd your hand. What happened to your hand?a aThe b.a.s.t.a.r.d who shot us. .h.i.t me in the head, then you, madam, like Saint George, jumped all over me and then he shot you in your side and my hand when I pulled you against me. All in all we were both very lucky.a aWho did it, Marcus?a aI donat know, but Badger left this morning for London, to see if our precious Colonial Wyndhams are there.a aSurely Aunt Wilhelmina couldnat have shot us.a aNo, but she could have hired someone. Badger will discover the truth. If he needs help, heall hire a Bow Street Runner. I donat want you to worry, all right?a She nodded. aYou called me love.a aYes, I did.a aThis was the second time you called me alove.a a aMany more times than that, d.u.c.h.ess, you were just too far under the hatches to hear me.a aI like it, Marcus. If youad wish to say it again, I wonat be disagreeable about it.a She paused just a moment, saw that he was frowning, and was afraid that he hadnat meant it, had just said it because he thought she was going to die. She said quickly, aYou woke me up from the strangest dream. I was sitting in this field of flowers . . .a She told him the scents and the incredible colors of the flowers, of all the beauty that surrounded her, then about the ancient monk and what head said and how head been angry with her.

aSo it could be Ja.n.u.s-faced nines or not. The monk said maybe yes, maybe no, the miserable lout. He said the monster lives on and on. All of it just more of a muddle. Now, d.u.c.h.ess, how did you know the name of that Wyndham ancestor?a aLockridge Wyndham,a she said. aI donat know. The monk said he was the Baron Dandridge, then he said his name. It wasnat scary until the end, when all the beautiful flowers wilted and browned and rotted, all in the s.p.a.ce of a few moments. But the monk and what he said to me, Marcus, I donat understand that.a aI donat either, but I refuse to accept it as some sort of visitation.a aThen what?a aG.o.d knows. You must have read about Lockridge Wyndham in the family Bible, yes, thatas it.a Suddenly there was stark terror in her eyes.