More than Passion Page 10

  “Hello, Father,” she said softly.

  “I wasn’t expecting you, girl.” He turned to Geoffrey. “Kane, it’s good to see you.”

  “Yes, sir.” Geoffrey took the man’s outstretched hand. “I’d like you to meet my family, Kingsley.”

  Thomas nodded in greeting as Geoffrey introduced the others, respectively.

  “Will you be staying to dinner, then?” he asked Becca.

  “Yes.” She smiled at Geoffrey. “I’m afraid I’ve extolled Cook’s talents.”

  “Capital.” Thomas led them into the parlor. “It’ll be about an hour.” He bowed and left them.

  Patricia and John settled themselves on a couch.

  “The place is quite pleasant, Rebecca,” John said.

  Becca favored him with a smile. “Would you like some refreshment, Lady Margaret?”

  “Some tea would be lovely, dear,” she replied.

  “And for you, Patricia?” Becca asked.

  “Yes, please,” Patricia answered.

  Becca nodded and went off to the kitchen to see to it. Geoffrey watched her go, a small smile on his face. It fled when Thomas stepped into view.

  “Kane?” he asked.

  “Yes,” Geoffrey answered coolly.

  “I’d like a word with you if I may.”

  Geoffrey stood. “Of course.”

  “And if you will excuse me, ladies,” John said. “I believe I’ll take a look around.”

  John left and Geoffrey followed Thomas into his office.

  In Thomas’s study, Geoffrey stood ramrod stiff.

  “Please sit, Kane,” Thomas said.

  Geoffrey did. “What is this about, Kingsley?”

  “Kane, I wish to apologize for what I said the day you left.”

  Geoffrey stared at the man, certain he’d heard him wrong. Thomas sat for a moment, apparently collecting his thoughts. In the silence, Geoffrey heard footsteps in the hall outside the door. He glanced toward the doorway, but Becca’s father spoke again.

  “I was wrong to ask you to pay for the girl, Kane.”

  “Damn right you were.”

  “I can see that she loves you. You make her happy.”

  Geoffrey nodded.

  “You had to marry her, I know,” Thomas went on. “But you have affection for her, yes?”

  “Kingsley, what are you getting at?”

  “I hope I’m wrong about this, but I don’t want you to make the same mistakes I did.”

  He stood and crossed to the window. Geoffrey watched him, his interest piqued.

  “Keep her close, Kane,” Thomas continued. “I meant what I said about her mother. Don’t let the girl stray.”

  “What the devil happened to her mother, then?” Frustration bit at him. “You have mentioned her before, and in less than glowing terms.”

  Thomas shook his head. “I loved her mother. That’s all you need to know.”

  There was something the man wasn’t saying. He appeared almost angry where his late wife was concerned, a strange thing as she was dead and gone. Had she betrayed him?

  “Kingsley, I can assure you my wife keeps herself to me.”

  Thomas turned then. “I know you don’t love the girl, but I trust you don’t want anyone else to have her.”

  Geoffrey wouldn’t discuss what he felt for Becca with him, a man who surely never showed Becca much. “I keep what is mine.”

  Thomas nodded, satisfied. The two men rose to join the others in the parlor.

  John stepped into the room soon after, his eyes narrowed on Geoffrey.

  “Where were you, John?” Geoffrey asked.

  “Did a bit of exploring, brother.” He settled himself beside Patricia. “Lovely inn.”

  * * * *

  The dinner hour arrived and they adjourned to the dining room. Emmy saw them and let out a loud whoop of joy.

  Becca smiled and took her hands in hers. “Emmy, how are you?”

  “Never mind me, Rebecca. Don’t ya look fine!” She leaned closer. “Marriage agrees with ya, I think.”

  Becca blushed and Emmy turned to the other guests and greeted them.

  “Hello, Emmy,” Geoffrey said easily.

  Patricia turned her nose up at the serving girl and ignored Geoffrey’s introductions. Emmy paid her no attention, noting instead the way John eyed her. She favored John with a grin, showing the dimple in her cheek. She faced Becca again. “I got my duties, Rebecca. We’ll talk more later.”

  Becca nodded and sat herself next to her husband.

  They enjoyed a simple but excellent meal of lamb, vegetables, and potatoes. Geoffrey sat very close to Becca, picking food off her plate now and then. She swatted his hand away with a smile.

  “Really, Kane,” Patricia said.

  “Country manners, Patricia,” Lady Margaret said with a smile. “I for one greatly enjoy seeing my eldest son so relaxed.”

  Near the meal’s end, Becca excused herself to talk to Emmy. “I miss you, Emmy.”

  “How is everything, Rebecca?”

  “Just wonderful.”

  Emmy looked across the room and found John staring at them. She turned her attention back to Becca. “I’d watch out for Kane’s brother. I don’t like the way he looks at you.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “He wants ya, ’tis plain to see.”

  Becca shook her head, but Emmy nodded just as adamantly. “Yea, he does. And if his cold fish of a wife finds out, there’ll be trouble for sure.”

  “That can’t be.”

  “Promise me you’ll be careful?”

  “I ….” Emmy looked so worried, Becca nodded. “All right. I promise.”

  When she returned to their table, Geoffrey arched an eyebrow at her. “What is it, love?”

  Becca shook her head, setting aside Emmy’s worries and her own regarding Geoffrey’s brother.

  Chapter 13

  As the carriage rolled into London, Becca bolted upright, gaping out the window. Lady Margaret pointed out the pertinent landmarks, the imposing bridge and looming towers, giving Becca a brief history on them, as well. Geoffrey supposed it was a lot to take in, raised as she had been in the little hamlet of Oakham. He sat back and smiled at the wonder on his wife’s beautiful face.

  They crossed over into the fashionable West End near Mayfair, where Geoffrey’s townhouse was located. The carriage came to a stop in front of the white brick structure and Becca’s small gasp drew his attention.

  “Geoffrey, your house is so beautiful.” She breathed.

  “Our house, love,” he gently corrected.

  They alighted the carriage and he held her elbow as they walked up the short path to the glossy-black front door. A liveried servant opened the door, bowing to Geoffrey. He greeted the servant and turned to Becca who apparently saw the intent in his eye a moment too late. He swept her up in his arms to carry her over the threshold as he’d done at Kanewood, letting loose a big booming laugh as he twirled her around.

  “Here we go again!” Becca laughed.

  He set her down and hugged her to him.

  Patricia snorted at the display and swept past them to head up the stairs. “Come, John.”

  “Yes, my dove. Kane, I’d enjoy sharing a brandy a bit later.”

  “Very well, John,” Geoffrey said. “Mother, do you want me to show you to your room?”

  Lady Margaret shook her head and winked at Becca. “I shall see you in the morning, children.” She went upstairs to retire for the evening.

  Geoffrey turned to Becca and tilted her head up, running his gaze over her face. “I’m so happy you’re here with me.”

  “I love you. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

  He nodded, pleased as always to hear it. He kissed her lightly and proceeded to show her the townhouse, happy to finally be sharing the lonely place.

  “Why don’t you return to our chamber, love? I promise I won’t be long with John. And tomorrow we’ll ride in Hyde Park.”

  She
nodded absently. “Which dress …?”

  Geoffrey watched as she drifted up the stairs, her mind no doubt on the coming day, even as his was on the coming night.

  Geoffrey met John in the study. John already had a generous amount of liquor in his glass.

  “Attending the bashes, Kane?” John asked. “That’s sure to raise some eyebrows.”

  Geoffrey smiled. “True. I haven’t been very sociable the last few years.”

  “That’s putting it a bit mildly, brother.”

  “Well, now that I have Rebecca, I’m actually looking forward to the stuffy, pretentious, uncomfortable affairs.”

  John sipped his brandy and smiled crookedly at him. “I predict your lovely young wife will have them jumping through hoops.”

  Geoffrey arched an eyebrow. He hadn’t missed John’s interest in Becca. “How so?”

  “She’s simply magnificent, Kane. If she were my wife, I wouldn’t let her out of my sight.”

  Geoffrey held his composure. “Don’t fret, brother. No one will come anywhere near her.”

  John apparently missed the warning in Geoffrey’s tone and smiled in agreement. Geoffrey eyed him over his glass, twirling the amber liquid absently as talk turned to more mundane matters.

  * * * *

  The next morning dawned bright and as clear as London could be at that time of year. Becca awoke to find Geoffrey fully dressed.

  “Are you eager for our ride this morning?” she teased.

  He shook his head, regret clear on his face. “No, love. I must meet with my solicitors this morning.”

  Becca sat up. “But you assured me you wouldn’t be attending to business for a few days.”

  He crossed to the bed. “I know I did, but this couldn’t be helped.”

  Fully awake now, Becca noticed the look of worry on his face. “Geoffrey, what is this about?”

  He turned to the cheval mirror and adjusted his cravat. “It isn’t anything for you to worry about, Becca.”

  She was confused by his demeanor. As he pulled on his waistcoat and jacket, she fancied that with each article of clothing, he was becoming more distant from her. She rose from the bed and touched his shoulder lightly.

  He turned with a start, his face serious. “I need to see to this matter.”

  Becca tried to hide her disappointment but failed. He stroked her cheek, his gaze tender, and once again he resembled the Geoffrey she knew and loved.

  He kissed her. “I’ll return as soon as possible.”

  She watched him go, bemused. As she sat at the vanity and brushed her hair, her mind worked. He’d seemed so distant to her for those few moments. Not like himself at all. Finally, she rang for Mary and set about her morning toilette.

  Downstairs at breakfast, Lady Margaret suggested that she ride with Becca herself. “We’ll ride on the Ladies’ Mile at Hyde Park, Rebecca,” she said. “And perhaps trot down Rotten Row?” Her eyes sparkled. “I want to make sure the ton get’s a good look at my new daughter-in-law.”

  Trepidation filled her limbs. What would the fashionable set think of her, the simple girl who had married so far above her station?

  “I don’t know if I should go out today,” she said softly.

  “Nonsense!” Lady Margaret patted her hand. “The ton like nothing more than gossip, dear. And you are precisely whom they would love to talk about.”

  Becca’s stomach seized. “I’d rather not be gossiped about!” she replied nervously.

  “Yes, but not to worry. You’re fresh and lovely, and you’re married to my remarkable son.” She flashed that smile so like Geoffrey’s as she said this. “You will outshine all of the debutantes this Season, depend upon it.” She waved a hand. “Besides, no one would dare speak ill of my daughter-in-law.”

  Becca took a deep breath and squared her shoulders, trying to affect a bit of Lady Margaret’s bearing. “I shall do my best not to misstep.”

  “I have no worries on that count. To the park, then?”

  Becca smiled at last. “That would be lovely, Lady Margaret.”

  Becca was surprised to see so many people out riding that morning. It appeared Lady Margaret couldn’t have been more pleased, however. A number of matrons asked to call later that day and more than a few gentlemen appeared very solicitous. After stopping to make a few calls themselves to Lady Margaret’s oldest and dearest friends, they returned to the house.

  Soon after lunch, the callers began to arrive. Lady Margaret and Becca received them in the parlor, Becca was relieved that John and Patricia were out making calls of their own. Her nervousness was nearly nonexistent when her caring and supportive mother-in-law was the only one present.

  Many older ladies called, expressing their pleasure over Geoffrey’s marriage. They were chagrined, however, to find the earl absent. This wasn’t the case for the gentlemen who called later that afternoon. They were more than happy to talk to Becca without Geoffrey in attendance, in Lady Margaret’s company, of course. One man, Viscount Roberts, was extremely attentive. He was a man about Geoffrey’s age and very good-looking, with black hair and gray eyes.

  “Lady Kanewood,” Roberts began. “Will you be attending the Winslow bash next week?”

  Becca looked to Lady Margaret for an answer.

  “Yes, Lord Roberts,” the older woman replied. “We received an invitation just this morning.”

  Roberts turned his attention back to Becca. “Wonderful,” he offered, his eyes sparkling.

  Finally, the last of the callers departed. Lady Margaret looked at Becca then. “You look quite done in, dear. Why don’t you take yourself upstairs and rest a bit? We won’t dine before seven.”

  “Thank you, Lady Margaret. Who would think that sitting and talking would be so tiresome?”

  “Society, my dear,” Lady Margaret said with a smile.

  Becca went to her and Geoffrey’s chamber. Mary assisted her out of her tea gown and stays, and removed the pins holding her hair in place. Mary left and Becca stretched out on the bed. She was asleep in less than five minutes.

  * * * *

  Geoffrey sat in his carriage on the way back from his meetings, his mind working furiously. The news he’d received didn’t sit well. Not at all.

  He’d thought to simply review the accounts for Kanewood, having discovered some oddities on his recent tour of the estate. It seemed that the repairs he’d ordered hadn’t been completed. Several cottages needed their roofs re-thatched and the fencing bordering the properties were in a woeful state. He’d wondered if these conditions were somehow related to the missing funds and that morning his suspicions were confirmed. What the devil was going on?

  As the carriage pulled up to the townhouse, he shook his head to clear his thoughts. He alighted and strode into the foyer, surprised to find the salver full. The silver tray now held more calling cards than he’d seen in recent memory. Many of the names were familiar and a small smile lifted the corner of his mouth as he went in search of his very popular wife.

  He found Lady Margaret reading in the parlor. “Hello, Mother. Where is Rebecca?”

  “I sent the poor dear upstairs, Geoffrey. The social whirl was quite a bit much for her today.”

  He nodded. “Yes, I saw that there were many callers. I’m most pleased I was absent.”

  “Oh, you,” his mother said with a shake of her head.

  “I’ll see you at dinner, Mother.”

  Geoffrey left the parlor, bound for their chamber. He opened the door and his breath caught at the sight before him.

  Becca lay sleeping on the bed, clad in only her chemise and petticoat. Her hair fanned out in delightful disarray, framing her face. Her lashes were dark on her cheeks, which were flushed from sleep. He stared for a long moment, feeling the tension of the day melt away. He closed the door and crossed over to her.

  He watched as she slept, her chest rising and falling as she breathed deeply through her parted lips. He shed his clothes and, wearing only his breeches, he stretched out alo
ngside her.

  He trailed a finger down her cheek, her neck, causing her to stir. He bent his head to nuzzle her smooth skin, flicking her ear with his tongue. A soft moan escaped her. He untied her chemise, placing feather-light kisses on her breasts.

  Her eyes fluttered open and she smiled sleepily. “Geoffrey.”

  “Yes, Becca.” He came up to kiss her. “I’m back.”

  He proceeded to make love to her, gently and thoroughly. A while later, they lay on the bed.

  “What a lovely way to awaken.” She sighed.

  Geoffrey wrapped her in his arms, her head resting on his chest. “Indeed.”

  “I missed you today.”

  He dropped a kiss on her hair. “I know, love. I missed you, too.”

  She turned to face him, placing her hands on his chest. She appeared to hesitate. “Won’t you tell me what had you so troubled this morning?”

  He stiffened, used to keeping his own counsel on such matters. But when he looked into her beautiful eyes and saw the concern there, he relented.

  “There have been some disturbing entries in my accounts for the last few months. I discovered them on my last trip to town.”

  At her nod, he continued.

  “And today, I learned that repairs I had ordered were not made to the estate, yet the account had been billed. It’s very puzzling, to say the least.”

  She rested her chin on her folded hands. “What do you think is going on?”

  “That’s precisely what I intend to find out.”

  “Why didn’t you share any of this with me before?”

  He stroked her cheek. “I didn’t wish to trouble you, love.”

  She furrowed her brow at that. “I was more troubled that you didn’t trust me with your problems.”

  He smiled then and kissed her frown away. “I took note of the many calling cards, Becca. You passed a busy afternoon, I daresay.”

  “Yes. You have a great many friends.”

  “Really?” he asked, smiling crookedly.

  “Quite a few gentlemen called today. They were disappointed that you were out.”

  He chuckled. “I’d wager they weren’t.”

  “What? They were most solicitous. Especially your friend Lord Roberts.”

  “He is a good friend,” Geoffrey said. “I believe when next he calls, I shall receive him, as well.”