A Lesson in Forgiveness (19 page)

Keeping her eyes on her food, she asked, “I was wondering if you might like to stay tonight.”

Not fully understanding, Miles replied, “Of course. Did you think I would leave as soon as dinner was over?” Looking up from his meal, he noticed that Bethany was staring at her lap. It suddenly hit him what she was asking. “Oh,” was all he said at his epiphany.

Looking up, staring him right in the eyes, she was suddenly filled with trepidation. Maybe he didn't want to take it any further because of his friendship with Colin. Why had it never occurred to her that he wouldn't want to screw over his friend? “Oh, God. Did I just assume something I shouldn't have?”

“No!” Miles was out of his chair and at her side in seconds. Taking the seat next to her, holding her hand in both of his, he declared, “You may have assumed, my lady, but not incorrectly. I only wonder why now?”

Hearing her explanation in her head, Ginny realized how unbelievably selfish it was. Blushing from the shame, but not willing to lie, she explained, “Today is my anniversary and as you can see, my husband still hasn't come home. I'm tired of waiting. I feel like I'm using you, but there is no one else I'd rather spend my miserable one year anniversary with than you.” A small smile tugged at her lips.

Pulling himself up, looking regal in his black coat and pants, he smiled a seductive smile back. “I would be honored to spend your anniversary with you. Is that what we were waiting for all this time?”

“I had to give him a chance. Although it sounds kind of silly to me now.”

“Not silly. You are a woman of great honor.” Taking her hand and caressing her cheek, he continued, “He did you a great injustice. I fear my own imbecility led to such a circumstance. You deserve far better than either of us, Bethany.” His voice was more of a caress than his fingers. Ginny was smitten, and none too little horny. Miles was gorgeous and experienced and willing. A sexual trifecta.

“If you're done with your dinner, my lord, perhaps we should retire.” Whispered, but no less a promise.

That beautiful, roguish smile appeared and made Ginny's heart flip-flop. “I am quite finished with dinner, my lady.”

Pulling out her chair, he led her from the dining room. On the way up the stairs, Ginny asked the butler to have some whiskey brought to her room. Hand on his arm, the two walked up the stairs together.

Once outside her room, Miles opened the door and excused himself for a few moments. Ginny figured he was going to the bathroom, possibly freshening himself. After using the privy herself, she then walked to her vanity and took a hairbrush to her cropped locks. One of the first things she'd done when she returned to London after her wedding was cut her hair. Her russet curls now bobbed and swayed with her movement. It felt great not to have so many hairpins in place anymore.

A gentle knock came and with it, the butler with a tray, a decanter of whiskey and two glasses. He gingerly placed the tray on the table in between two chairs in front of the hearth. No fire blazed tonight, not with the humid air of July. The windows were open and emitting a small breeze that helped cool the room.

Ginny walked to the table and had just finished pouring two glasses when Miles appeared in the doorway. His smile revealed every emotion. Happiness, excitement, longing. It was nothing that Ginny wasn't feeling as well. He entered the room, closed and locked the door and came to stand next to her at the table. Ginny handed him one of the glasses, held hers up and declared, “To tonight.” Clinking her glass to his, she downed the shot in one gulp.

Miles sipped a small amount of the amber liquid. Not the best he'd ever had, but he knew that Bethany enjoyed her whiskey. Taking her glass from her and placing it back on the tray, he grabbed her suddenly. Pulling her toward him, he kissed her hard. He felt her hands come around his neck as her fingers played with the hair at the back of his neck. When her tongue began to duel with his, Miles knew he needed to slow down or this would be a short night indeed.

Pulling her away, he tsked, “Now, now, my dear. We mustn't get ahead of ourselves.”

Ginny set herself in the chair by the hearth. “Maybe you should remove your clothing, my lord. I shall just sit here and watch.”

Miles nearly lost it right there and then.
My God, I may be in love with this woman
, he thought as he untied his cravat. After removing it, he undid the buttons on his jacket. Not bothering to fold it, he threw it on the other chair. Next came his waistcoat and shirt. Sitting on the chair, Miles removed his boots and stockings. Left with only his breeches, he turned his head and stared at her in return. “I believe it may be your turn, my lady.”

Ginny was temporarily struck dumb. Watching him remove his clothing had been so erotic that she was practically panting. His chest and shoulders were magnificently tanned in the candlelight. His dark chest hair liberally covered his muscled upper body, continuing where she could not see it under his waistband. Standing slowly, ready to take her turn, Ginny realized that her dress had its buttons up the back.

“I will need some help, my lord.”

Speaking breathlessly, he responded, “It would be my pleasure.”

Running his hands slowly up her back, his fingers finally made it to the top button. One by one the buttons were undone. By the time he reached the last button, he felt his control slipping. After faithfully completing his task, Miles again sat in the chair and watched her, painfully aware of the tightness in his trousers. He watched as she slid the dress forward, letting it drop to the floor. Watched as she removed first her petticoats, then her slippers, garters and stockings. Before she could remove her chemise, he stood before her, letting his fingers trail a line down each side of her neck, over her shoulders and down her arms.

“You are the most beautiful woman I have ever known.”

His simple declaration, made so genuinely, started her heart fluttering. Bending down, he took her mouth, possessing it. His tongue swept into her mouth, tasting the whiskey on her breath. His hands, seemingly working on their own, cupped her breasts, then slowly released the tie at the top of her chemise, moving it down her shoulders and letting it fall to the ground. Naked before him, he took a step back and admired the view.

Ginny never felt such power before. It made her all the more heady as he swept her up in his arms and brought her to the bed. Placing her down on top of the covers, he stepped back and began to unbutton his pants. As his fingers reached the first button, there was a small knock on the door. At first, Ginny thought she was hearing things. When the knock came again, followed by a small voice saying, “An urgent message for his lordship,” Ginny was ready to start screaming.

Miles walked to the door, opened it a hair to allow for the missive to be passed and closed the door again. Walking to the nearest candle while looking to Ginny with concern, he opened the note. Ginny noticed his face. Even in the candlelight, he looked suddenly pale.

“What is it?” she asked, climbing off the bed and walking to his side.

“My father. He is dead.”

“Dear God. Miles, I'm so sorry.” She stared at the letter, incredulous. “What can I do?”

Turning his head to look at her, realizing at that very moment that he was head over heels in love with her, he said, “I must go.”

“Of course. I'll get dressed and have someone fetch your carriage.” Ginny grabbed her chemise. After putting it on, she grabbed her robe from the wardrobe and walked to the door. Calling out from the doorway, the butler returned and she gave him instructions.

Returning to the room, she began to collect his clothing and help him get dressed. Once completed, with his cravat crudely tied and somewhat askew, he said, “I am sorry.”

“What? You have nothing to be sorry for. I'm the one who's sorry. Were you and your father close?”

“No. He was a cold man who fancied himself dying every other month. I had always thought he would outlive us all.”

Taking his face in her hands, she pulled him down to her face. “If there is anything I can do for you, Miles, please let me know. I am at your service.”

“I will be leaving the city tonight. Hopefully I will see you during the season.” They walked out the door and started down the stairs. At the bottom step, he said, “You must know I had planned this evening ending a little differently.”

She smiled at him and stated, “A lot differently I hope. Take care, Miles and God speed.”

On his way out the door, the butler handed him his hat and cane. “Good evening, your grace.” It was at that moment that Miles felt the enormity of the situation. He was now a duke.

Chapter 17

Weeks after setting out, Colin finally got to walk on solid ground again. His ship docked late in the afternoon, so he would not be able to start his journey to Wellesley until the next day. The plan was to go to his London townhouse, get a good meal, a bath and good night's sleep. The rest of his plan would have to wait until he saw his wife again.

Hiring a hackney, his valet helped load their trunks on the back. They set off from the port, journeying up familiar streets. Pulling up in front of his home, Colin felt a sort of nostalgia. It had only been a year, but it felt much longer, perhaps because of the guilt. Bethany had probably stayed here while he was gone. It felt good to be somewhere she'd been.

Exiting the carriage, he strode up the few stone steps and knocked on the door. Expecting it to take a few minutes, since there would be few servants in house during the summer, Colin was surprised when the door opened immediately. An unfamiliar footman opened the door and asked if he could be helped.

Colin almost laughed out loud. Could he be helped, indeed. “Where is Cabot?” He didn't mean to sound surly, but it had been a long trip.

“One moment, sir.” Before Colin could correct him, the footman had closed the door. Feeling somewhat perturbed by the lack of recognition, he quickly dismissed it. After all, he had been gone a year and the footman was obviously new.

When the door opened again, the butler, Cabot, took one look at the road weary Lord Whitmore and registered a level of shock. “My lord... I... We... Were you expected, my lord?”

“Cabot, my good man. I am sorry for the lack of warning about my arrival, but I am in desperate need of a good meal and a bath.” When Colin attempted to enter his home, Cabot didn't move out of the way. Noticing his blockage and his shocked look, Colin asked, “Is there a problem?”

“My lord, please come in, but I suggest you leave your belongings outside.”

“Very well, Cabot.” Colin turned to his valet and asked him to stay put for the moment. Colin wondered if Bethany had gotten it into her head to redecorate his townhouse for the season. If so, the house was probably a shambles, with dust and debris.

As he entered the familiar foyer, there were no signs of construction. Confused, he allowed the butler to lead him to the small drawing room off the foyer. Again, the room was immaculate and very much as he had left it. Cabot closed the doors and turned toward Colin. The usually stoic butler now looked confused and concerned.

“My lord, as I stated, we were not expecting you.”

“Yes, Cabot, I understand that. What is the problem?”

“I was not aware that you were uninformed about the status of this house.”

“What do you mean 'status'?” Colin was growing tired of this discussion. Why wouldn't the butler just explain.

“My lord, your wife rented out this house. Currently, Lord and Lady Hammersfield are in residence.”

“What?” Colin couldn't believe his ears. Rented out his home? Was this an attempt to get back at him for leaving? Why would she do such a thing?

“Cabot, what do you know about this?” Colin strained to keep his voice even, but it was obvious that he was quite angry.

“I must say I am not familiar with the particulars, my lord. I know that your wife was having some money issues and this house was rented for the funds.”

Seeing the look on his lordship's face, Cabot wished he hadn't been the one to reveal the circumstances. Although there was much talk, he hadn't any idea why her ladyship was in need of money. He had always assumed his lordship was quite wealthy. It was rumored that she was a gambler, having lost large sums in the gaming hells, but Cabot never received any confirmation.

“How long?” was all Colin could say without revealing the depth of his fury.

“We have had someone in residence since last September.”

Taking a deep breath, trying to calm his agitation, Colin remarked, “Very well, Cabot. I will go to my sister's residence. Thank you for the information.”

“Very good, my lord. If you are in need of anything, I am at your service.”

Colin nodded and left. He was feeling the depth of his humiliation. What could that woman be thinking? How dare she rent out his house? His house? Cabot didn't have the particulars, but Colin was going to get to the bottom of it and as soon as possible. First he would go to his sister's home a few blocks away. After freshening up, he would seek out someone who could explain what happened. Possibly Clarendon was in town and at one of his clubs. Before this night was through, Colin would be armed with the information he needed before heading to his country home and confronting his wife.

His sister was not yet in town, which was no surprise since it was still the middle of August. Most of the
ton
would not be returning until September, right before the beginning of the little Season. The Collingsfords' butler was kind of enough to accommodate him, providing a room and a bath. Colin still had to find a way back to his estate, since he had no access to his own horses and carriage.

After a bath and a change of clothes, Colin went to White's to see if he could find his long time friend. Clarendon would often spend the off season in town, since there was little to entertain him in the country. After entering the club, Colin asked the first servant he could find and was directed to the back room. There, sitting by himself with a brandy in his hand, was Clarendon.