Take My Heart (Heroic Rogues Series) (13 page)

Not only were her actions misplaced, but he couldn’t decipher why his body reacted so violently to her beauty and charm. It had never spun out of control before, so why now?

He pushed himself away from the table and stood. His appetite had disappeared. Rest was even a stranger to him. Perhaps it was time to find out what happened when his wife went to New York and why she returned a different person.

He walked to the window, hoping to see a glimpse of his beautiful, alluring wife, but his enthusiasm dropped when only Hiram and Levi exercised the horses. The past few mornings before he’d left for work, Mercedes and James had been standing by the fence watching the stable boys and the horses. William also enjoyed the morning, but his attention wasn’t on the animals, rather on his wife. It pleased him to see her interact so well with his son. While she talked with James, she tenderly touched his face or held his hand. Softness grew in his heart. It still confused him, but his anger slowly dissipated.

From out in the hallway, a rustle of skirts and clicking of a woman’s shoes echoed through the front of the house. He swung toward the door. When he rested his lonely eyes upon Mercedes’ beauty, his heart leapt. This morning she adorned herself in a rose-colored dress. The deep bodice had been altered and a small amount of lace had been sewn in the dress to hide her bosom. Her lovely raven hair was upswept into the same fashionable arrangement she’d worn since returning from New York.

Her outward changes stirred softer emotions in his heart. She appeared more reserved, more regal. More fitting as his wife—the kind of wife he’d always wanted.

Cursing, he buried his weakening sentiments. He could never think of her as his wife. “Good morning, Mrs. Braxton.”

She smiled. “Good morning, William.”

From her sweet tone while using his name and the soft smile with which she greeted him, his heart sprang to life. He’d repeatedly told her not to use his first name. Stubborn woman! Still, it did sound rather pleasant when she said it.

He grinned. “I must say you look fetching this morning. Have you plans for the day?”

“I thought about going into town again.
Lizzy’s
birthday is just a few days away and I would like to buy her a gift.”

She remembered his daughter’s birthday? “Splendid idea. Are you going to take the children?”

“Yes, as long as you agree. Their nursemaid will not be able to accompany us today, though. Will you let me take them alone? I promise to keep them in my sight at all times.”

Her green eyes pleaded with him that he not object and it gripped his heart. His breath caught in his throat. Just a simple look, a softly spoken request from her had the ability to weaken his resolution.

He cleared his throat. “I am certain the children will love to go. They had an enjoyable outing with you last time.”

Her smile widened. “As did I.”

She stepped nearer to him, her lilac fragrance knocking his senses off balance.

“Is there anything you would like me to purchase for you?” Her warm breath caressed his face.

“No.” His heart hammered as he fought for control. He swallowed hard. “Is there something special you need?”

Her gaze focused on his lips. He balled his hands into fists to keep himself from taking her in his arms and kissing her.

“No. You have given me too much already.”

She remained close to him and the longer she stayed so near, the more uneven his breathing became. “Have a pleasant outing, then,” he said, his voice strained.

“Thank you, William. And thank you for allowing me to take the children.” She raised and touched her lips to his cheek, kissed him briefly before stepping back. His heart beat out of control now, and he didn’t have the slightest urge to stop it.

“What was the kiss for?” he finally managed to ask.

“For being so kind and for trusting me with your children.”

“You deserve it.” His answer was whispered and he couldn’t understand why he’d say that. Did she really deserve it?

She slid her hands over his, and automatically he clamped onto her, wanting to keep her from leaving his side. He wanted to take her in his arms and devour her mouth with his.

“You have no idea how long I have waited to hear you say that.” Her eyes sparkled. “I will not disappoint you, William. I assure you.”

She leaned up to kiss his cheek again, but he turned his face and met her kiss with his mouth. The kiss was soft, as were her lips. He hungered for more, but just as he released her hands to hold her in his arms, she broke the kiss and stepped away. A pink tint highlighted her cheeks, making her eyes sparkle.

He waited to see what she wanted to do next, hoping she’d decide to fall into his arms, but she took another step back toward the door.

“Thank you again, William.” Her voice was sedated. “Have a good day at work, and I shall see you tonight.”

His emotions tied in knots and he let her walk out of the room. He thought about running after her to stop her. The wild beat of his heart knocked against his ribs and his lips tingled from the memory of her sweet kiss. But it was still too soon. As much as his body starved for passion’s touch he didn’t trust her with his life, or more importantly, his heart.

* * * *

The lovely morning passed too quickly for Mercedes and the time she’d spent with James and
Lizzy
would soon come to an end. Within an hour they’d be going back home and she didn’t want the pleasure to stop. When each child clasped her hand, her heart soared. Completion intensified in her chest, causing her to burst with happiness.

The morning had started out perfect, first with the tender conversation she’d had with William, followed by the brief but earth-shattering kiss which had left her shaking. Then to have William’s children come to accept her kindness and love… Definitely, the day could not be better.

Mercedes traveled through town, purchasing a few items for the kitchen which Cook had requested, but her main purpose was to find a shop that would buy Kat’s dresses. The other day she had gone through her sister’s closets and pulled out the gowns that could be altered. Many of the dresses Mercedes simply couldn’t modify. She wanted to find somebody to buy them. Several dressmakers agreed to purchase the slightly used garments at a fraction of their cost. Mercedes couldn’t refuse the great offer and made arrangements with them for a delivery date. The money earned would go to pay her sister’s medical debt. Once again, the sun shined on Mercedes.

After making the final arrangements with the last shop owner, she and the children walked outside. Breathing in the fresh air, she pondered on what they could do next. From up the street, the bong of the church bells rang through the town. She hadn’t been to church since arriving in Philadelphia, and she missed it greatly.

The wide doors opened at the cathedral-style building and several people walked down the few steps onto the road. At last, a Priest exited the church, but stood at the top of the steps, waving to his congregation.

Although she hadn’t been to church in a while, there was one problem weighing heavily on her mind she would like to discuss with the priest.

Marriage to William.

According to the marriage certificate she’d discovered in the Bible, she was legally Mrs.
Baxton
. Yet, how could she be married to this man if she never attended the actual ceremony?

“Children,” Mercedes asked. “Would you like to come with me to the church?”

Both James and
Lizzy
nodded, so Mercedes hastened her step toward the man of God. Questions swam in her mind and she needed answers. That marriage certificate she’d seen the other day had left her in a state of turmoil, wondering if she were truly married to William.

Since she’d stumbled across the certificate, she’d been trying to convince herself this wasn’t possible—that a vital piece of information was missing. Things did not add up, and Mercedes didn’t know how to go about finding answers.

Now with the priest not far away, she would take a moment and see if he could help.

The priest rested his gaze on the children and smiled, but when he turned his eyes to Mercedes, his expression appeared forced. Inwardly, she groaned.
He knows about Kat as well!

“Good day,” she said sweetly.

“It is a very good day,” he answered.

“Might you have a moment to spare to answer a question for me?”

“Only a moment, my child.”

“That is all I need.” She took a deep breath for courage. “My question will seem a little strange, but I assure you I have a good reason for asking.”

“What is it, my child?”

“I want to know if proxy marriages are legal.”

The older man’s eyes widened and his bushy, gray eyebrows lifted. “Proxy marriage, you say?”

“Aye. Can you tell me about it, please? I beg you, Father, I desperately need to know.”

“I shall answer you to the best of my knowledge.” He folded his arms. “It was common for European monarchs and nobility to marry by proxy. Were you aware that Marie de
Médici
, the second wife of King Henry IV was married by proxy?”

Mercedes gasped. “No, I was not aware, Father. So if she was married by proxy, then it is indeed legal to have another person stand in for the absent person who cannot attend their own wedding. Correct?”

“Yes, my child.”

Peace settled over her confused mind.
I am married to William!
Her heart flipped with excitement, yet at the same time, confusion filled her. Did she want to be married to him? Little by little, she realized William was not the monster Kat had created in her mind, but he still may indeed be a traitor. How could Mercedes possibly want to be a traitor’s wife?

“Thank you, Father. We will leave you now and let you attend other matters of God.”

She took thoughtful steps away from the church, holding each of the children’s hands. Questions still swam in her head, and she prayed they leave. Living the life of her sister made Mercedes understand how cold-hearted and calculating her sister had been. Why would Kat marry a man under a different name? Nothing made sense!

And now that she knew she was William’s wife, would she still want to find him a traitor? Could she possibly turn him in and see him hung? Her feelings for him had grown since she first met him, and she prayed he wasn’t a traitor. But if he was…

Mercedes took a deep breath and released it slowly. First things first – she must obtain his trust. Maybe then he would open up to her and tell her the truth about his life. Then, and only then, would she decide what needed to be done.

With the decision in mind, she smiled and continued on her way with the children. Just then, a wonderful scent drifted around her and tickled her senses. Freshly baked sticky buns permeated the air with their wonderful cinnamon aroma. Her belly growled in response to the irresistible smell.

She stopped and crouched to the children’s level. “
Lizzy
? James? Are you hungry for a sticky bun?”

Happy energetic eyes widened and the children giggled. She laughed, joining in their mirth. She raced with the two into the next shop to buy the treats. Within minutes, the three left with rolls and icing-caked fingers and lips.

Across the street she spied a small patch of grass, so she led the children to a perfect spot just under the tree. Along her way she nodded greetings to some familiar faces, but the names didn’t come to mind. An elderly gentleman tipped his hat and smiled, then winked at the children.

When they reached the grassy spot, they sat and finished eating. The gentle breeze blew a lock of hair across her warm cheeks, and the shade from the tree blocked the sun’s rays from making them too uncomfortable.

“Oh, Mercy,” James chimed in a voice filled with joy, “this is the best day in the whole world.”

“I think it is a wonderful day, as well.” She looked at the special little four-year-old. “Do you not think so, too,
Lizzy
?”

The girl’s head bobbed, making her blonde ringlets bounce in rhythm, but still the girl said nothing.

Mercy frowned. “James? Why does your sister not speak?”

He shrugged, then took another bite of his roll. “She talked a little before you and Papa got married, but I do not know why she stopped.”

“Is she still frightened of me?”

“Don’t think so.”

Mercedes stroked
Lizzy’s
cheek with her knuckles. The girl didn’t flinch, which was a good sign. “
Lizzy
?”

The little girl’s eyes met hers. “Will you say something for me?”
Lizzy
shook her head and concentrated on eating her roll, but Mercedes continued. “Can you say Papa?”

Without looking up,
Lizzy
nodded as she licked her fingers, but she remained quiet.

“
Lizzy
?” The girl looked up again. “You do not have to say a word now, but will you talk to me one day? I would really like to play dolls with you.”

The girl’s eyes widened and light danced inside her huge orbs. In excitement, Mercedes’ heart picked up a faster rhythm. “Would you like that?”

Lizzy
nodded.