Maggie looked him up and down. aYou shook her on purpose to make her sick. I spent a good twenty minutes brushing her cloak from all her trips to that wretched abbey where she grubbed around on her knees looking for that wretched treasure, and now just look. Black dirt, worms, and G.o.d knows what else.a aI did not shake her for that purpose. However, the result just might be a dollop of common sense in that womanas brain of hers. Sampson! Ah, there you are, just behind me. Youare becoming a lurker, just like Spears and Badger. Have her ladyshipas valises removed back to her room. Do not delay. Once she is on her feet again, her brain just might be swayed again to perversity.a Maggie snorted.

Marcus went outside into a beautiful summer morning. The sky was a light blue with white clouds dotted here and there, the smell of cut gra.s.s heavy in the air, and his wife was retching on her knees in the rosebushes.

He waited until she was done, then picked her up in his arms and carried her back upstairs, not pausing to say anything at all to any of her cohorts. He pa.s.sed Aunt Wilhelmina, who raised a brow and said, aPerhaps she has finally c.o.c.ked it?a aNo, she hasnat. Good day to you too, Aunt Wilhelmina.a aMama!a he heard Ursula say. aReally, you shouldnat say such awful things. Sheas the d.u.c.h.ess and sheas the mistress here.a aI? I said nothing at all untoward. I merely wondered if she had merely knocked herself up with all her activity.a aI could do better than that,a Marcus said under his breath. She wanted to smile at that but she felt too wretched. aI donat like this, Marcus.a aNo, I shouldnat like it either. Now you know that you must be calm and placid as a cow, and do exactly what I tell you to do.a He reached her bedchamber, frowned a maid out of the room in a near dead run, and laid her on her bed.

She took sips of the water he handed her. She groaned, grabbing her stomach.

He left the room and she heard him shout, aMaggie, get her some biscuits. Doubtless you packed dozens. Go, quickly!a Not three minutes later, she was chewing slowly on a biscuit flavored with cinnamon. She sighed, finally relaxing.

aYou donat want me here. Why are you being perverse? Is the vicar due to call on you? Do you fear he will see your wife leaving you?a He was silent. He turned away from her and began his familiar pacing, back and forth at an angle between the bed and the winged chair, long strides in his black boots.

He was such a splendid-looking creature. She liked him in those tight buckskin breeches. She remembered how head looked in his uniform and sighed again. aIam willing to leave, Marcus. As you know, Iam very rich. And you also know, even without the money my father left me, I can still manage. I obviously didnat get pregnant on purpose, that, I suppose, is impossible. But I am with child and thereas nothing I can do about it.a Suddenly she sucked in her breath and whispered, aNo, surely not. You donat want me to do that.a aSurely not what? What donat I want you to do?a aI have heard of women who try to rid themselves of their babies and many succeed. They stick things inside themselves. Sometimes they die too.a aOh, for G.o.das sake, d.u.c.h.ess, just shut up. Yes, I can certainly see you tripping into some back alley in York asking for an old besom to rid you of the child. Or better yet, why donat I drag you by your hair into a back alley? Just cease your asinine talk. You may be quiet or you may turn red raging at me. Just donat be a fool.a He began pacing again, more quickly now, his steps longer, his heels clicking on the wooden floor. He was indeed very nice to look at, the sod.

aWhat do you want me to do, Marcus?a Then he turned and he was smiling. aIt seems that now I wonat have to withdraw from you. The damage is done, so to speak.a She could only stare at him. aYou said Celeste would be here in four days.a aI could have lied. Iam a Wyndham and it is a possibility that I didnat write to her instructing her to come. You possibly know I was perhaps lying, donat pretend otherwise. Since your bouts of illness come and go with neither rhyme nor reason, then Iad best enjoy you when a propitious moment is offered. Like now.a She didnat move for the longest time, nor did she speak. Then, very slowly, she rose from the bed, walked to the chamber pot, and retched.

aWell, h.e.l.l,a he said, kicked over a stool, and went to hold his wife until she sagged back against him.

aYou know,a he said, drawling out his words as he lightly stroked her hair from her face, aI just might have Celeste come after all. You are in no shape to offer me much of anything, fight or pa.s.sion. What do you think, d.u.c.h.ess?a aYou just try it,a she said.

He stared at her a long moment. She could see him thinking, sorting through ideas, then he said, aI think Iam beginning to see things more clearly. I donat think you had any intention of leaving Chase Park or me, did you?a aDid you not see the valises? Wasnat Maggie all decked as fine as a nine pence? Was the carriage not there waiting?a aDid you?a Actually he was perfectly right. She was only pretending to leave, the valises had been empty, and Maggie, bless her actressas heart, had doubtless enjoyed herself immensely. Shead prayed he would come to grips with the existence of the child, prayed that if he thought she was leaving him, he would realize he wanted her, that he wanted both her and their child. Now she had no idea at all if shead gotten what shead prayed for.

She remained silent. She wouldnat give him that kind of ammunition. Her chin went into the air.

aYou now offer me another challenge,a he said, and his blue eyes glittered. aYou like games, madam? Now that I know what youare about, youall soon realize you havenat got a chance. You will be humiliated. Youare a mere babe at this. You have no clue of proper strategy, no instinct for just what to do at any exact moment. Yes, a challenge from youa"when youare not puking on the rosebushesa"just might please me.a aI just might leave you tonight, at eight oaclock.a He laughed.

aI donat like it,a Marcus said to Badger and Spears. aSheas ill all the time. Sheas pale and sheas thin as a d.a.m.ned stick. Sheas too exhausted to even get angry, and the good Lord knows I bait her enough when she appears well, goad her until if I were her Iad shoot me or stab me with a dinner knife, but she doesnat even take a nibble.a aThat is worrisome indeed, for you are renowned for your bait, my lord,a Spears said.

aI donat like it either,a Badger said. aYou are also renowned for your goads.a aAnother two weeks,a Spears said. aI understand your concern, but I have studied this thoroughly, my lord. Surely just another two weeks and sheall be much improved. Mr. Badger is preparing excellent dishes for her to eat, and what she is managing to keep in her belly is very healthful for her and the babe.a Marcus flinched whenever anyone mentioned the child. He still had no idea what he was going to do. Send her away when she was well again? To Pipwell Cottage? He cursed, which made both Badger and Spears regard him with some surprise.

aI had thought, my lord,a Spears said, athat this was a meeting with a purpose, namely, to relieve your mind of your wifeas continued illness.a aYou sound as austere as my mother, Spears. Incidentally, when is my fond parent to arrive?a aMr. Sampson said she would be coming the third week of July.a aOh G.o.d, can you just see my mother with Aunt Wilhelmina? She and that harpy from Baltimore will have a fine old time. Poor Aunt Gwenetha"sheall be buried along with the rest of us beneath the sweet poison darts those two will be flinging about.a aYour mother isnat at all difficult,a Spears said. aShe is amusing. She doesnat suffer fools, thus I wager that the harpy from Baltimore will quickly find herself at point non plus. I told Mr. Badger that she was fanciful, what with her adoration of Medieval legend and lore. Quite harmless, I would say, my lord, and charming.a aNot only Medieval, Spears. She believes that Mary, Queen of Scots, is just one step earthward of the Virgin Mary, Queen of Heaven. I fear that she and Aunt Wilhelmina together will send all of us to early graves. My mother is sharp-witted, you know. She quite terrifies me.a There was a cough at the door. It was James Wyndham and he was looking steadily at Marcus.

aAh, James, do come in. Spears, Badger, and I were just conferring on the possible winners at Ascot next month. What do you think, Elysian Fields or Robert the Bruce? Both are strong in the chest and run faster than a storm.a aI have always thought that Robert the Brucea"the mana"was just excellent. I should bet on him.a aJust so, Master James,a Spears said. aNow, Mr. Badger, itas best that you get back to your kitchen. We will all endeavor to curtail our worrying.a aWhat are we having for dinner, Badger?a aBaked cod and smoked mussels, my lord. Many other courses as well, but I wonat bore you with the recital of them. Also, some gla.s.s pudding, a favorite of the d.u.c.h.essas. Itas light so her stomach shouldnat rebel. I might try another Frog dish, perhaps some crme de pommes de terre aux champignons would sit nicely in her belly.a aPotatoes and mushrooms? Yes, give it a try,a Marcus said, half his attention on James Wyndham, who was regarding Spears and Badger as if head suddenly stepped into a Drury Lane play and didnat know his lines. Marcus supposed that the denizens of Chase Park werenat exactly what one would expect, not that he cared a whit.

When they were alone, Marcus said, aWhatas wrong, James? You look all tight in the jaw.a aIave been thinking, Marcus, thinking and remembering and thinking some more. When I found the d.u.c.h.ess unconscious on the floor, that book wasnat on top of the desk. I do remember that clearly. If you donat mind unlocking the library, I think we should look in that spot in the bookshelves where she found the first one. Perhaps there are more volumes that just might give us clues about the Wyndham treasure.a aLetas go,a Marcus said. He fetched the library key from Sampson and he and James went into the gloomy room. Marcus threw back the thick draperies. Bright afternoon light poured into the room. aLetas open some windows as well. This place needs a good airing.a He turned to see James on his knees gently pulling out books all along the second bookshelf from the bottom. There were no volumes behind the outside books.

While James replaced the books, Marcus removed those on the shelf above. Still nothing.

They continued, saying nothing much, until James let out a cry. aGoodness, hereas something, Marcus.a He pulled a very old thick book, that sent up billows of choking dust when he lifted it. It was set behind sermons of a certain George Common, an itinerant preacher of the early last century.

aItas just as old,a Marcus said. aHere, James, put it on the desktop.

aWell,a Marcus said after a few moments, aIall be d.a.m.ned and red.a.m.ned. Your brain is good, James, very good.a aMy mother believes so,a James said with a c.o.c.ky grin. aIall have to admit that she gave me the idea when she was carping on about the treasure and how to find it. And keep you from finding out, naturally.a aLetas see the back pages.a aMarcus, I know you suspect my mother of striking down the d.u.c.h.ess. I know someone in the house is responsiblea"but my mother? Itas difficult to swallow.a aThereas always Trevor or you or Ursula.a aI see your point,a James said as he gently turned the pages.

Marcus looked at her closely, decided she was being honest, and said, aVery well, so your belly isnat going to revolt in the next two minutes. Here is the book James found. Youall note there are no pictures, just writing. Iave gone through it completely and translated it as best I could. The monk or monks who wrote it and the other two tomes tells us here where to find the abbey treasure. His rhyme is about as intelligible and lucid as my translation of it.

aLook above to find your sign.

Look hard to find the number nine.

Take it to the shallow well.

Beneath the oak tree in the dell.

Bring a stout bucket and a cord.

Prepare to kill it with your sword.

Lean down deep but do beware.

The monster lives forever in his lair.

The Ja.n.u.s-faced nines will bring the beast.

But be quick or be the creatureas feast.a

aMy translation is adequate at best, but what is this about a monster? The beast lives in the well? And a nine that is Ja.n.u.s-faced? A deceitful nine? Thatas a kicker, isnat it? What do you think, d.u.c.h.ess?a aThat oak tree and well Iave been looking fora"why, thatas it, Marcus.a aWell, it canat be that simple. Thereas still this nonsense about looking up to find this number nine, whatever the devil that means. And the monster in the wella"a aMy lord.a aYes, Spears, what is it?a aMr. Trevor Wyndham wishes to see you.a aShall I allow him in your bedchamber, d.u.c.h.ess? The b.l.o.o.d.y rake just might get the wrong idea. Heas a man and heas got too much experience for my peace of mind and youare looking particularly fetching and vulnerable, a combination to drive any man wild with l.u.s.t.a aDo show Mr. Wyndham in, Spears,a she said. aMy husband will surely protect my virtue.a He was huge and dark and excessively handsome, this cousin of hers. She realized that Marcus was regarding him with a vicious look and said, ah.e.l.lo, Trevor. Have you come to see the book James found?a aYou look lovely, d.u.c.h.ess. Youare feeling more the thing now? Has this boorish dolt been wearying you? Shall I remove him and perhaps challenge him to a duel of wit?a aMy wit, Trevor, will always make yours look like a withered stump. However, I have a dueling pistol that trains its sights automatically on b.l.o.o.d.y Americans. Particularly hungry Americans who look like slavering wolves at my wife.a aYou mean, d.u.c.h.ess, there are other men just like me who slaver like wolves at you?a aIf there were others, theyare long gone now. Being vilely ill tends to dampen ardor, I should say.a aYour repartee is grating on my nerves,a Marcus said, rising. He found himself staring right in Trevoras eyes. ad.a.m.n you, I wouldnat have minded you being a fop, a mincing little dandy. Then I could have mocked you or ignored you, as the mood took me.a Trevor grinned his white-toothed grin, saying, aSorry, Marcus, but the last time I was little I was five years old. Now, you two, James showed me the rhyme. Nothing else but that? An entire volume filled with nonsense about the abbeyas woes with signing the Act of Supremacy, their worries that King Henry would accuse them of owing their allegiance to the pope and not to him, which was, naturally, quite true. Then at the end, just that fool poem about the treasure?a aThatas about it,a Marcus said. aI canat imagine that youad have any ideas. You donat, do you?a aLet me see the book and Iall tell you.a After ten minutes, Marcus said sharply, aTake the b.l.o.o.d.y thing and give it to your mother. Weave got the poem that is surely an aberration of our mad monkas mind. Thereas nothing else that James or I could see helpful. A monster in a well, a nine that is Ja.n.u.s-faceda"two nines together yet facing apart. It seems like a mess of nonsense.a aIt does, but Iall give it to my mother. Sheas nearly bursting her seams with curiosity, and fury at James, of course, for drawing you into it, Marcus. The poem will keep her occupied, at least for a short time.a aTrevor,a the d.u.c.h.ess said after head left her bedchamber, aisnat remotely a fop.a aNo, heas more the beast in the well, the b.l.o.o.d.y scavenger.a

23.

THE d.u.c.h.eSS SLAPPED her riding crop against her boot. She felt wonderful, her belly was happy with Badgeras scones and honey, and shead ridden Birdie without incident all around the St. Swaleas Abbey, to the north this time. She just hadnat found anything. No oak tree, no dell, no bucket, no well, nothing. Not even a monster of any repute, not even a nine that was just a simple nine, much less a nine that was front-faced and one that was backward.

But she wasnat cast down, oh no. She couldnat wait to see Marcus. The past three days head not come to her bed, but he hadnat avoided her; head been as a.s.siduous in his attentions to her as a mother superior to the Virgin Mary herself. She wanted to pound him into the ground for not acting remotely like he should act, like head always acted since shead met him when she was nine years olda"irritating her until she was raging at him, mocking her, making her want to kill him and kiss him and tease him. No, he was acting like a reasonable man, a man who was calm and deliberate, a pa.s.sionless man she disliked immensely.

She began to whistle a tune that had popped into her mind and still hadnat words yet to go with it. She had the idea though. It made her grin just to think of the Congress of Vienna and how Caroline Lamb and Lord Byron should attend. Just imagine what those two could achieve in the way of new boundaries for conquered countries.

She was still whistling when she turned the corner around a huge row of yew bushes that gave onto the front drive. There was a carriage with its four horses blowing and the door was open and there was Marcus helping down a very delicious piece of feminine confection, and this delicious piece was dressed elegantly in a traveling gown of dark green with a matching bonnet tied charmingly beneath her chin. One dainty foot was showing in a soft kid traveling boot of matching dark green.

She watched Marcus raise her gloved hand to his mouth, his eyes never leaving the womanas face. She heard a clear, sweet laugh. She saw the woman lightly stroke her gloved fingers over his cheek. She saw her go up on her tiptoes and kiss him right on his mouth.

She saw red.

aHow dare you! Get your hands off my husband. Marcus, get your mouth off hers, you rotten sod!a She skittered to a halt when the lovely creature turned to look at her, clear gray eyes wide with what? Puzzlement? Amus.e.m.e.nt? She didnat know.

aOh,a the woman said sweetly, aand who are you? Do you work perchance in his lordshipas stables?a aShe does anything I tell her to do,a Marcus said, and patted the womanas hand, aa good thing in a woman. Actually, Celeste, you can call her the d.u.c.h.ess. Sheas the wife of mine I wrote to you about.a Celeste!

The red she saw was turning more crimson by the moment. aYou told me you probably lied, you wretched real liar! You didnat, you wouldnat dare bring her here, you rarefied lout. Gracious heavens, Iall kill you!a She didnat think, just acted. Shead already struck him with a riding crop. She needed something else. There wasnat anything else unless she could rip a branch from that time tree, and that d.a.m.ned branch was too high for her to reach. She sat down in the driveway, pulled off her riding boot, leapt back to her feet and headed straight at him, swinging it over her head.

She yelled as she swung, aI told you I would make you sorry. Oh, why donat I ever have a gun when I need it?a She struck him hard on his shoulder. He quickly set Celeste away from him. aNow, d.u.c.h.ess, you have been ill, you know. Iave been a saint these past days, allowing you to rest your fill, but Iam a man, d.u.c.h.ess. Surely you donat want to be a selfish wife, one who doesnat see beyond the needs of her own sick belly. Celeste here is really quite congenial. Sheall see to me quite nicely. Thereas no reason for you to be upset or to worry.a aI havenat been ill in four days. Four days and youave acted like a man bent on obtaining sainthood through celibacy! You havenat even yelled at me once. You havenat even made me want to hit you a single time. Youave been a bloodless fool and Iave hated you.a She swung viciously and the heel hit his forearm hard. Where was that woman? Ah, she was still hiding behind Marcus. No matter that she was a woman, she was a coward and the d.u.c.h.ess despised her for it.

Sampson and two footmen appeared on the top steps. From the corner of her eye, she saw one of the footmen take a step forward, only to be brought up by Sampson. Good, that meant Sampson was on her side. She hit him again.

Marcus backed up three steps. aReally, d.u.c.h.ess, your d.a.m.ned boot?a aHow dare you bring her here!a she shrieked. aYou could have gone to London on business, like most b.l.o.o.d.y men, d.a.m.n you. You could have pretended. You will pay for this perfidy, Marcus!a She struck him two more times with that boot heel, one a very gratifying thud against his right shoulder.

ad.u.c.h.ess, your aim is getting too good. Stop it now.a He rubbed his shoulder and his right arm. aArenat you tired now? All that hopping about on one foota"and your stocking is quite ruineda"surely youare getting fatigued.a aI will remove your head from your neck, Marcus Wyndham! Iall strangle you with my ruined stocking. I have no intention of getting tired until youare writhing in death throes on the ground.a She raised the boot again, so enraged she was pounding with it. Then something got through to her. He wasnat angry, he was laughing. Laughing!

At her.

She stopped cold and stared at him. The woman was peeping out from behind him. She didnat appear to be the least bit perturbed or frightened. If the d.u.c.h.ess wasnat mistaken, the woman looked ready to break into hysterical laughter along with her b.l.o.o.d.y husband.

She raised the boot again, then very slowly lowered it. She sat back on the ground, pulled the boot on, and rose.

She raised her fist at him, then realized that he was nearly doubled over with laughter.

She jumped at him, flailing at him, hitting him as hard as she could, yanking on his hair. He had his arms around her, pinning her arms to her sides, and still she struggled. He held her there until she quieted.

aSo, that once tranquil, speechless creature is well and truly buried. Youave a strong right fist, d.u.c.h.ess. No, donat try to kill me again, consider me already suitably maimed.a aYou b.a.s.t.a.r.d, let me go.a aWell, if I do, do you promise not to fetch a pistol and shoot me?a She kicked him in the shin.

He grunted, then pulled her hard to the side of him. aNow, would you like to meet Celeste Crenshaw? Isnat she charming? She adores me, was perfectly willing to come all the way north so I wouldnat be deprived.a She was making a great fool of herself. Head done this on purpose. Head quite made her lose her good sense. Quite simply, head done her in.

She tried to take a deep, calming breath. It was very difficult. She still tried, saying finally, knowing she didnat have but a few moments to salvage her pride and the situation, ah.e.l.lo, Celeste,a in surely a voice that was too shrill and too loud. aSo you are here to take this lout out of my bed. Iam delighted, truly. I was angry at him for quite something else. Please understand, Iam ecstatic youare here. Iam quite tired of pleading endless headaches and endless toe aches. Do you know that I have even tried to make myself become ill to keep him away from me? Ah, yes, now that youare here, I shall be able to smile again. I am so very hungry, but to eat would have made him think that my sickness was all an act. I wonat have to pretend to illness any more. Now I can eat. Thank you, Celeste. Shall I show you to your room or would you prefer to sleep with his lordship in his bedchamber?a She was well aware that his hands were tightening on her upper arms. She looked up at him, giving him a lot of white teeth. aDo forgive me for acting the shrew, Marcus. It is just that you took me off guard. Now that I see the magnificent benefits Miss Crenshaw offers to both of us, I realize quite clearly what a wonderful, thoughtful husband I have. Oh, my dearest Marcus, you are far too kind to me.a aI will kill you,a he said between his teeth. He began to shake her, then stopped abruptly. aNo, if I continue to shake you, you just might vomit in the rosebushes again. Mr. Biggs, the head gardener, was near to tears about it. You quite ruined his new bush. No, I shanat do that again. Now, madama"a He paused, then he began to lightly caress her upper arms. His eyes were very blue. aIf Iam a wonderful, kind husband, why you, d.u.c.h.ess, you are an equally magnificent wife. Now, if you donat mind, Celeste is doubtless fatigueda"from thirst, you understand. Donat fret, my dear. I will see her to a chamber and take care of her needs.a He patted her cheek, kissed her forehead as chastely as would an uncle, and turned to the young woman who hadnat said anything.

aSee how lovely she is, Celeste? And here you were worried that she might not find you as charming as I do. Now, let me take you to your bedchamber and a.s.sist you out of that traveling gown. It is wrinkled and you do look heateda"well, not really wrinkled and in truth itas I who am heated. Yes, a nice cool batha"ah, Iall wash your back for youa"and then we will enjoy the remainder of the afternoon.a aMarcus.a aYes, d.u.c.h.ess?a he said, turning.

aIf you do not take your hands off her, I will do something that you will surely regret.a He dropped his hands immediately. aNow what, d.u.c.h.ess?a aIf you laugh at me again, I will also do something that you will surely regret.a aNot a st.i.tch of laughter in this body, d.u.c.h.ess.a aGood. Now, Miss Crenshaw, you will follow Sampson and he will take you to your bedchamber.a Miss Crenshaw shook her head and giggled. aI think, my Lord Chase, my lady, that this is a stalemate. Both of you have done remarkable things to the other. You two have entertained me more in the past ten minutes than I have been for the past year at Drury Lane. And to think that his lordship even paid me ten guineas for my presence here. Thank you so much for allowing me to remain. Ah, may I remain, my lord, for just tonight? Oh, yes, my name is Hannah Crenshaw. Not this Celeste, a name that is obviously made up for it sounds quite silly really.a aTonight is fine,a the d.u.c.h.ess said. aYou are too beautiful, however, to remain longer. I will see that his lordship is locked in his bedchamber. Badger is a fine cook. You just might want to stay, along with our American relatives, but you canat.a Miss Crenshaw giggled again and walked away from them, her bearing more sedate and elegant than the d.u.c.h.essas.

The d.u.c.h.ess turned back to her husband, saw that he was nearly fit to burst with laughter, and slammed her fist in his belly. He grunted for her, then brought her against him, hugging her hard.

aI had you for a full five minutes. Youare more ferocious than even Spears and Badger believed youad be. Maggie wanted to wager that youad return to being a silent stick, and fade away in quiet misery, but Badger said no, youad wallop the daylights out of my poor body. Spears just sniffed and told me that the entire charade wasnat worthy of the earl of Chase.a She simply stared at him now for a very long time. Finally, she began to rub at his chest and arms where shead struck him. aI didnat hurt you, did I?a aYes, Iam in frightful pain.a She switched from rubbing vigorously to caressing. He said in a sigh, aWe have quite an audience, d.u.c.h.ess. There is Mr. Biggs, over there, hiding behind the rosebushes you nearly killed, doubtless there to protect his new blooms.a aI know,a she said, stood on her tiptoes and kissed his mouth. She stared at him, lightly kissing his chin, his jaw, his ear. aYou will never bore me, Marcus.a aYou think you bore me? You just pulled off your left boot and beat me with it. Never would I have expected such a unique attack.a aA lady must make do with what she has available.a

24.

SHE LAY THERE staring into the darkness, waiting for him. Shead heard him come up just minutes ago. Head been playing whist with Trevor, and his hired Celeste, who was really Hannah. The evening had been delightful, Marcus introducing Miss Crenshaw as a distant cousin, more distant even than his cousins from America, more distant perhaps than even China, and all had laughed and enjoyed themselves and Badgeras cooking except Aunt Wilhelmina, who was in top form, even going so far at one point over gooseberry fool, one of Marcusas favorite desserts, to observe, aThis is all quite inappropriate, this jollity. It is her fault. She was a b.a.s.t.a.r.d and thus doesnat know how one is to behave properly.a Marcus had choked on his gooseberry fool, managed to get himself back in control, and said, aI quite agree, Aunt Wilhelmina. Consider Miss Crenshaw a hopeful for my hand once I have gotten rid of the d.u.c.h.ess here. Do you approve of Miss Crenshaw?a aShe has breeding, that is obvious. I shall consider her for marriage with Trevor or James. Miss Crenshaw, have you a dowry that is worthy of my consideration?a The laughter had burst forth, but Aunt Wilhelmina had seemed oblivious. Thank goodness the Twins and Ursula werenat at the dinner table.

But that was then and now it was dark, and she was still carrying a child he didnat want.

When the adjoining door finally opened, she felt empty and dull, all the eveningas laughter sucked out of her.

aWell,a he said after a moment as he sat on the edge of her bed, aI was hoping for a carolling h.e.l.lo and winsome smile. I get neither?a She swallowed the silly tears. aI have a winsome smile. You just canat see it.a He lit a candle.

She turned her head away, but he was fast. He gently cupped her chin in his fingers and turned her to face him. He gave her a look more brooding than a hero in a Gothic novel. aDonat cry, d.u.c.h.ess. I would rather you shoot me than see you cry.a aI would rather shoot you too. Itas nothing, Marcus, nothing at all.a He snorted at that and she knew, of course, that because he was Marcus, he would dig and dig, and thus, she sat up and threw herself in his arms. aPlease, Marcus, please forget that you never wanted me. Forget I made you marry me. Please forget I carry a child you donat want. Kiss me and love me.a He went very still, but not for long. When he was deep inside her and she was trembling from the aftershocks of the pleasure head given her, he dipped his head down and kissed her. His breath was warm and sweet in her mouth. aYou were made just for me, do you know that, d.u.c.h.ess? Just for me. Feel, just feel how we are together. I never would have believed such a joining possible, but itas true. Feel us, d.u.c.h.ess.a She did. Shead believed herself beyond sated, so exhausted with pleasure that she surely couldnat want more, but his words and the touch of his fingers on her flesh, made her suck in her breath. It was she who brought his head down again and kissed him with all her heart, all the feeling that was within her, feeling that was older than the d.u.c.h.ess was surely, deep and full, all that feeling, and it was all for him and it always had been and it would be until she died.

He fell asleep with her gathered against him, her face in the crook of his neck. She wanted to sleep, but it eluded her. She wondered, for perhaps the hundredth time since shead found out she was carrying his child, what she was going to do. Her arm was over his chest. Slowly, she caressed his warm flesh, feeling the strength of him, the power. She rested her hand finally on his hip, aware that her belly was pressed against his side and she was hot from the touch of his flesh.

Would she still be here at Chase Park when her belly would be rounded? If she was, would he still want to hold her like this, the child he didnat want between them?

He felt the wet of her tears against his neck. aNo,a he whispered against her ear, ano, d.u.c.h.ess, donat cry. Scream for me instead.a He came over her, coming into her, and when she did find her release, she didnat scream, just moaned softly into his mouth.

The day, Marcus thought, was one of those few days in high summer when the sky was so clear, the air so fresh, it nearly sent one into tears, that or poetic raptures, that or a good fast gallop. He decided on the gallop. He and the d.u.c.h.ess had seen Hannah Crenshaw off early that morning. Shead had the impertinence to say to him quietly as head handed her into the carriage head hired to return her to London, aSheas very special, my lord. I hope you see that. Sheas also unhappy. She shouldnat be. I trust you will see to it, and not become like so many husbands I have seen and known and none of them worth a pigas snout.a Head said nothing to that, but he had wanted to box her ears for her d.a.m.ned effrontery. Instead, head just closed the carriage door and waved to the coachman. He had stood back, watching the carriage bowl down the wide drive.

The d.u.c.h.ess had said, aShe was an experience, Marcus. You are a bounder, a perverse bounder, but your sense of humor pleases me. I suppose it is up to me now to outdo you.a Head recoiled in immediate alarm. aNo, donat even think it. Promise me, d.u.c.h.ess, not until youare well again.a aI am well again, Marcus. Iam pregnant and quite healthy.a aYes,a he said, his voice clipped, looking for just an instant at her belly, flat beneath her morning gown of pale blue muslin. Head ma.s.saged her belly the night before, caressing her pelvic bones, oh yes, head felt with his hands how flat she was. It didnat seem possible his child could be there in her womb. He didnat look up when she sighed and left him.

Head stood there, cursed quietly, then took himself to the stables.

As Lambkin saddled Stanley, he looked up again at that sky that deserved a poetas praises. The clouds were whiter than a saintas soul.

aMr. Trevor took out Clancy,a Lambkin said as he picked up Stanleyas left front leg, crooning to the stallion as he examined the hoof carefully.

aRiding my horse without a by-your-leave,a Marcus said, picking up his own saddle and hefting it over Stanleyas broad back. ad.a.m.ned encroacher.a aAye, an excellent rider Mr. Trevor is, just excellent. Like one of them aorse men, you know, my lord, aalf of aim a aorse and the other aalf a man?a aA centaur, curse his d.a.m.ned eyes. A centaur was never named Trevor.a aAye, thatas it, and Mr. James was with him. He enjoys riding Alfie, a fine fellow old Alfie is, all spit and growl, but ever such a sweet goer. Mr. James is different from Mr. Trevor. He treats his aorse like a man would a pretty lady. aEas got magic in ais aands, ae does.a aHa,a Marcus said, gave Lambkin a sour look, and clicked Stanley from the stable yard.

On his ride he didnat see Trevor or James, even though he rode to the ruins of St. Swaleas Abbey. Not a hair of him to be seen. Where was the d.a.m.ned bounder? Where was James? He found that he began searching for the dell and the oak tree and a well and something that could resemble a nine. A b.l.o.o.d.y nine. A Ja.n.u.s-faced nine. What the devil was that? Two nines back-to-back? Why did folk insist on leaving clues that were so obfuscated that even a brainy fellow like himself didnat stand a chance of figuring them out?

He saw a lone female on the narrow country road close to the drive leading into the Park, saw that it was Ursula, and pulled up Stanley beside her. aGood morning, cousin. Why arenat you riding?a aThe day is too magnificent. When I ride Iam too afraid Iall fall off and I wanted to see everything today. Even the leaves on the trees look greener today, donat you think? This is a day to treasure. It rains a lot here, my lord, a lot more than back home, although Baltimore is natureas blight. Thatas what my papa used to say.a He grinned at that. aYou miss your home, Ursula?a aYes, but England is also my home since my papa was born here. Chase Park is the most incredible place. There are no houses like it in America. Oh, there are mansions, but theyare new and shiny, not centuries-old with hidden pa.s.sages and hidey-holes and clues for the Wyndham legacy if we could just find them.a He dismounted, looped Stanleyas reins over his hand, and walked beside his cousin.

aLegacy? Why do you call it that?a aMother says it isnat just a treasure but rather a legacy meant for the younger son since the elder son becomes the earl and gets the Park, the properties, and all the money. Thus, itas a legacy for her husband and since Papa died, itas now hers.a aI see,a he said, wanting to applaud Aunt Wilhelminaas circuitous logic. aWell, I fear that if there is a treasure or a legacy, it must belong to me, the earl. Sorry, my dear, but I shanat hand it over to your mama. Now, James and Trevor are out somewhere but I havenat seen either of them.a aNo, nor have I. Trevor is getting impatient to leave. He keeps giving Mother hara.s.sed looks. As for James, he wants to find our legacy, but I donat think he wants to steal it from you, not like my mother does, if it truly is stealing, and as of yet, Iam not certain who it should belong to. I think I should like to have it though.a aYour mother,a he said carefully, ais a very unusual person. Has she always been so very unusual?a Ursula c.o.c.ked her head to one side. aI think she has but sheas become more unusual as Iave gotten older, or as sheas gotten older. Itas difficult to know which when one is young. Do you think the d.u.c.h.ess is upset at what she says? She doesnat seem to be, though perhaps she should be, for mother is many times quite unaccountable. She does odd things, then forgets them. Or perhaps she doesnat forget, just pretends to.a aThe d.u.c.h.ess is far too intelligent to be cast down by insults, no matter how smoothly couched. As for your mother forgetting things, thatas interesting.a aIt wasnat, until she mistakenly served some spoiled food to a neighbor and he nearly died.a aDid she, ah, dislike this neighbor?a aHowever did you know that?a aWild guess. Look over at that oak tree. By heaven, itas older than you are, surely.a aOlder than me, Marcus? More likely your age or my motheras age, but surely thatas too old, even for a tree. Come now, it would be a mere sapling were it my age. Oh yes, Mr. Sampson said that a Major Lord Chilton was coming today.a aOh good lord, I clean forgot, what with all the excitement.a aWhat excitement?a aEr, Miss Crenshawas brief visit.a aI heard Trevor and James laughing about that. James said the d.u.c.h.ess pinned your ears back on that one. Trevor said you did try, which was a good thing for a man to do occasionally, and that you did have her going wild for just a little while. Then he said something about her beating you with her boot, but that doesnat sound at all likely. What did he mean, Marcus?a aI havenat a notion, the d.a.m.ned impertinent b.a.s.t.a.r.d. Excuse me, Ursula, for speaking so improperly within your hearing.a aItas all right. My brothers always do. Who is this Major Lord Chilton?a aActually, his name is Frederic North Nightingale, Viscount Chilton, and one of my best friends, though I didnat know him well until two years ago when our small party was ambushed by the French. You want to know what he said when I shot the soldier whose sword was barely an inch from going through his back? He said, aWell, by G.o.d, saved by the man who has more sense than to touch Portuguese vodka.a I left him in Paris over a month ago in the care and keeping of Lord Brooks.a aWhatas Portuguese vodka?a aWell, er, you donat want to know. I suppose I shouldnat have told you that.a Oh Lord, thank G.o.d it was such an ambiguous idiom, for Portuguese vodka referred to the wh.o.r.es from southern Portugal.

aOh no, how am I to learn if people donat tell things in front of me? Is he as nice as you are, Marcus?a aOf course not. Heas dour and brooding and surely he would hate this glorious day weare enjoying. He prefers menacing heaths liberally strewn with rocks and gullies. Heas a man of moods and silences. Heas dangerous and looks it. I quite like him.a She laughed and took his hand. He said easily, aJust donat let the d.u.c.h.ess see you holding my hand. Sheas very possessive, you know, quite jealous really. I would expect her to slit my throat if she saw this. Iam by far too young to croak it yet, donat you think?a aOh! Youare dreadful, Marcus. The d.u.c.h.ess is more a lady than the queen.a aGiven that our dear queen is the farthest thing from a lady Iave ever seen, Iall give you that one. About the d.u.c.h.ess, Ursula, sheas already tried to do me in with a bridle, a riding crop, and her left boot. Yes, that sod brother of yours was right, she did get in several good wallops with her riding boot. She sat down on the drive, pulled off her boot, and ran at me like a banshee. I think a pistol is next on her list of weapons. Thank G.o.d she never carries one with her, else I might be underground with a tombstone over my head.a She laughed and laughed, then skipped away, calling over her shoulder, aYou probably deserved all of it. Iam going to the small brook just yon. Please donat tell my mother youave seen me.a Had he ever been so young? Laughter bubbling out freely, without restraint? Yes, he had, but then Mark and Charlie had drowned that summer, and head lost his youth.

He remounted Stanley and rode back to the stables. He was met in the entrance hall with pandemonium.

His friend, North Nightingale, stood on the bottom of the wide staircase inside the house. In his arms he held the d.u.c.h.ess. She was unconscious or dead. Marcus yelled like a wild man.

Marcus, frantic with worry, knew she was in pain, knew she was weak and afraid, and thus said in a voice as soft as a lone raindrop pattering against a window, aTell me all you can remember, d.u.c.h.ess. Try to remember what you were doing before you reached the stairs.a aI was going to have breakfast, nothing more, Marcus. I was at the top of the stairs. I remember thinking I saw something from the corner of my eye and I turned. Thatas all I remember. When I woke up this strange man was holding me and his face was whiter than the paint on the wall.a aThat white-faced gentleman was Lord Chilton. I forgot to tell you he just might pay me a visit. You didnat meet him in Paris, but he was there. I will tell him you described him as strange, it serves him right. That should elicit at least a noncommittal grunt from him.a Head spoken lightly, but inside, his belly was cramping with the fear head felt when he saw her. He remembered yelling, beyond himself in those few moments before he knew that she wasnat dead. He didnat realize he was squeezing her hand so very hard until she groaned.

ad.a.m.nation,a he said, and began to ma.s.sage her fingers. aIave had Trevor fetch the physician from Darlington. This one isnat a butcher like that wretched Tivit. Heas young and he knows all the newest things.a He frowned. aPerhaps heas too young. I donat want a young man looking at you or touching you. He might simply pretend to be objective, but I canat imagine such a thing, not with a young man and you being so d.a.m.ned beautiful and vulnerable.

aWhat a b.l.o.o.d.y coil, and itas all your fault. I donat want to worry about you either. I have it, Iall simply stay and watch every move he makes. If he succ.u.mbs to you, Iall thump him into the floor.a aThank you, Marcus, for wanting to protect me from a young manas possible l.u.s.tful advances, but Iam all right, truly. I wish you hadnat sent for him. Now heall poke and prod about and make me drink vile potions. Itas only my head that aches so abominably.a aYou fell down the stairs. You hit other parts of yourself than just your head, which is so hard I really donat have too much worry about that. Do you forget youare pregnant? You could have harmed yourself. You could have done some sort of damage to yourself. You will obey me in this.a aWhy would you care?a aYou ask me a question like that again, and Iall strangle you. Iall take my own riding boot to you. I donat want you hurt, is that so difficult for you to comprehend?a She sighed and closed her eyes. aYes, it is,a she said, then turned her face away. He wanted to blister her ears, but held himself silent. He wanted to see what the physiciana"the young, quite good physiciana"had to say before he said anything more on the subject. He began to gently rub her temples the way Badger had shown him a while before.