Chapter 22

A aron skipped down the staircase, with his mind on Rebekah, where it stayed most of the time. As of late, he'd been unable to think of anything else. His aunt was in her corner. His staff had taken an instant liking to her. His house was not his own.

Bollocks.

This is what having a wife in the house was like?

He reached the bottom of the stairs and turned toward his study, passing the drawing room. He caught his breath, smelling an achingly familiar soft fragrance. Rebekah's fresh scent was everywhere in his home.

He'd been able to avoid her as long as she'd been at his country house in Surrey. Now that his wife was under his nose, not only did he have to accept her presence, he had to interact with her. See her. Talk to her. Admit he had a wife.

His wife.

Damn and blast.

Speaking to her was no hard task. Being in the same room while his mind ran rambunctious with unsavory thoughts was another matter entirely. Her creamy breasts were exposed to his gaze which only made him want to release them from their confinement. He couldn't control the thrill of anticipation every time he thought about caressing her sweet mounds.

Her eyes captivated him. It made him angry when she quickly turned her gaze away. He loved the color of her eyes. He just didn't get to look into them long enough.

He'd spent the morning convincing himself—not successfully—that the marriage was not a complete mistake. Rebekah was intelligent, and clearly had a backbone, showing up in London without any warning.

Good God, she'd taken the ton by storm.

And him.

A wolfish grin sneaked up on him as he recalled his first glimpse of her. His body had tightened at her beauty, and dammit, several times since then. It would appear he was becoming infatuated with his wife.

When had Rebekah crept under his very thick skin? No woman had such an effect on him. Not even his mistress. Which he had not visited since his wife had become his wife.

Devil take him. He shouldn't be thinking of cuckolding his wife.

The best course of action would be to carry on as though his schedule—his life—had not completely changed. Yet, of late, when he left the town house, he'd been unable to purge Rebekah from his mind. She'd taken residence in his brain and now he rarely thought of anything else.

Supper was at eight, sharp. Usually, he had a light repast. Or ate at the gentleman's club. With Aunt back in town, his schedule swiftly changed. She required sticking to the particulars regarding tradition.

Yet, tonight, she would be eating in her chamber.

There was little to gain making Rebekah think he did not want her here.

He opened his pocket watch and saw the supper hour only a few minutes away. He and Rebekah would be dining alone. As he replaced his watch in its pocket, he glanced up—and his heart lurched. His breath caught in his throat. If the moon suddenly fell out of the sky, he couldn't be more surprised by his reaction.

He shifted uneasily.

For days, Aunt had been Rebekah's shadow. Her protector, more like. So having Rebekah to himself was a mixture of excitement and dread.

He drew a breath. Every time he saw his wife , she was more beautiful. More real. Something akin to pride filled his chest, even though he knew he did not deserve her, let alone merit the satisfaction. She was no lightskirt for him to lay claim to a lustful evening. But he couldn't help thinking of the idea of a night with her in his bed.

She was his wife, for God's sake.

He may have the right as her wedded husband, but the cad who left her in the country should be horse-whipped.

Good God, he was a mixture of emotions. He needed to get his head out of his arse and play his part.

"Good evening, Rebekah." He held out his hand as she reached the last step. The blue of her gown enhanced the color of her bright eyes. A man could drown in such striking eyes. "Aunt is having dinner sent to her chamber."

She regarded him for a few seconds. He had a feeling if Rebekah had known in advance, she would have stayed in her room, as well. Making her decision, she placed her hand in his. He escorted her to the dining room, and then held her chair as she sat down.

Aunt would be proud.

"You look very nice this evening," Aaron said as he pulled out his chair at the head of the table. He'd purposely placed her to his right. He didn't like the idea of her at the other end, so far away. He sat down, and when he looked up, her eyes were wide with surprise.

"Thank you."

For what? Then he quickly remembered his compliment. He turned to the maid. "We are ready for the first course."

"I hope Penelope is all right."

"If I know my aunt, this was her way of giving us time alone."

"We were alone this afternoon," Rebekah said.

"Yes, we were. Discussing our arrangement. Perhaps at supper, we will speak of mundane things."

"I would not want to bore you."

Aaron snorted. "I don't think you could ever bore me, my dear." Yes, this was better than dreading their circumstance.

He watched her as she lifted her spoon.

"Ah, turtle soup. One of my favorites. Do you like turtle soup, Rebekah?"

She was staring down at her bowl in horror. "I've not had it before."

He wanted to chuckle. "You should taste it. If you don't like it, I'll order for something else. But I think you should try it."

"Do you? Will you be telling me what to eat during my stay here?"

Bloody hell. If he wanted peace with his wife, he would need to try harder.

He laid his own spoon down. "This is your home, Rebekah. As much as it is mine. As for how long you stay here, that is entirely up to you."

"You will not send me back to Surrey?"

"If you want to go, then yes. Until you do, we will both remain here."

She took a few bites and so did he. He supposed she liked the soup. Somehow, it seemed ridiculous to ask.

"Will you escort me to the next ball?"

Her choice of topic surprised him. "Of course."

She scrunched up her pretty nose. "What do you mean, of course? You don't have to, you know."

He grinned. "I wouldn't think of letting my wife go without me. Besides, don't you want me to escort you?"

She hesitated. What did his lovely wife have on her mind now?

"I thought you would prefer to go elsewhere."

"Elsewhere?"

"Anywhere that I am not."

Good God. Had he hurt her that badly?

He laid his spoon down again. "Rebekah, I was unkind. I didn't mean to be, but that is neither here, nor there. A husband should escort his wife wherever she wants to go. Unless, of course, you go shopping with Aunt. I would much rather see the things you buy, instead of helping you choose. It seems more the sort of thing a woman does."

"Afraid I'll embarrass you while picking out unmentionables?"

Ahh. Finally, a smile.

He took a swallow of his soup. "Actually, I think you would be the one embarrassed."

He enjoyed watching her eyes go round. This is something he should get used to, he supposed. After all, they were husband and wife. Even if in name only.

"Come back here!"

A big black dog came hurdling around the corner with a slippery footman right behind. He slid to a halt. "Oh, sire. I'm sorry."

The Black loped to Aaron's side.

"Sit, Black." The dog obeyed immediately. "It appears he's looking for me."

"Yes, sire. I believe he heard your voice."

"Hello, Black." Aaron fondly rubbed the dog's head and ears. "Rebekah, this is The Black. Odd name, I know, but that's what it is."

"Penelope mentioned he is still a puppy."

"That he is. Another six months should see him fully grown."

"Six months? He's so large."

"He's an Alaskan Malamute. One of the oldest and most impressive dog breeds in the world. They are powerful, intelligent, and devoted to their owners."

"I can see that."

Black turned to Rebekah.

"He is curious about you. Have you been properly introduced?"

"The night I arrived; he came at me."

Aaron's brows shot to his hairline, then lowered into a deep frown. "What do you mean came at you?"

"He knocked me down. I'm sure he didn't mean to. I was caught off guard. Surprised is all."

Why am I just now hearing about this?

"Were you all right?"

"Yes. Nathaniel helped me up. I was fine."

The night his brother brought Rebekah to his home.

"I apologize for him. Black is not usually so rough with the ladies. My brother is a different story."

"Really? Which one?"

"Nathaniel is the one who charges into a room like thunder. Actually, I gave Black's sibling to Edmund. He didn't want a dog, but they became fast friends."

The dog's excitement grew. "He won't stop until he sniffs you. Do you mind?"

"He won't knock me out of my chair, will he?"

"Absolutely not," Aaron nearly roared.

"Very well." Rebekah smiled, and suddenly Aaron wanted to be the one at her feet, begging for her to like him.

"Hello, Black."

The dog hurried to her side and sniffed her hands. She rubbed his head, then he placed it on her thigh. Dear God, Aaron had to stop this line of thinking immediately.

The Black was quite taken with her—the cur. Soaking up all of her praise and attention.

The kitchen maid stepped into the dining room. "Oh dear."

"Bring some bowls for washing, Corinne." The maid hurried to do his bidding. "Enough, Black. Go have your own supper." Aaron twisted his finger in a twirl, and the dog loped back to the kitchen.

"He seems well behaved."

"The Black is trained. But he forgets how to behave when a pretty woman comes to the house."

Rebekah blushed and Aaron couldn't believe his eyes. Did his casual comment please her?

There were so many layers to this woman. He would enjoy peeling back each one.

Aaron was about to close the study door, when his butler hurried down the hall. As much as the older man could hurry. If Berthright was anxious, something must be afoot.

"A runner is here with a message."

"Is it the same man?"

"No, sire. He gave me this."

Aaron tore open the missive.

The Reef

Come now.

"Berthright. I'm going out."

Feeling the need to hurry, Aaron grabbed his coat and stormed off. Every step he took, he prayed Pauly had news of Blade.

When he got to The Reef, he found Pauly at the same table. Aaron slowed his movements, not wanting to draw attention. He slid into the chair opposite Pauly.

Aaron signaled the barkeep for an ale, then turned back to Pauly. "Well?"

"Bone told me to set this up."

"Where is he?"

"Don't get yer breeches in a bind."

Aaron glared as his temper surfaced. "I have little patience. My brother has none. Be glad I am not my brother."

Pauly's eyes narrowed, and his expression darkened. Aaron knew he should be more careful around cutthroats, but he didn't care. He had to know. Where the hell was Bone?

Pauly leaned back in his chair like he hadn't a worry in the world. "You ain't makin' no threat now, are ye?"

A man grabbed a chair and spun it around. Then sat.

Basil.

Basil jerked his attention to Pauly, then back to Aaron—and never said a word.

"If you have any information concerning Blade, I want to hear it. And nothing else."

"I guess I can understand yer worry over a friend. Blade is a good ‘un. He's alive."

Aaron stared in shock.

Thank Christ.

"How do you know? Where is he?"

"What we know, and what we think, can't say right now. Bone went to find him. That's all I know."

Joyanna had stopped by on the pretense she'd just purchased a new gown and was, frankly, parched. Serena was already there. Penelope was taking a rest in preparation for the ball this evening. So, the three of them had tea, while Serena and Joyanna regaled stories. Rebekah hung onto their every word.

"Of the three brothers, Aaron is the more relaxed. He loves living in Town and is known for having his fun." Joyanna took a sip of her tea.

Fun and Aaron did not belong in the same sentence.

"I'm sure he's having loads of fun, without me."

Joyanna replaced her cup in its saucer. "It's his natural way. A smile is always on his face."

Rebekah gaped. "Who are we discussing? It certainly cannot be Aaron. He has a grin now and then, when he wants something, or tries to get one to see things his way. But a real smile, I cannot believe it."

Joyanna laughed. "Edmund is truly the brooding one. He's serious minded, analytical. Accountable for everything, whether it belongs to him, or his opinion of another, He has an explanation for everything."

"Now I know you jest. Your husband worships you. He acts like a man hopelessly in love. He appears to be the more relaxed one."

Joyanna waved a hand. "He is that way now. I mean, he's still methodical and reasons everything, he just takes more time to play now."

"Play?"

"She's right, Rebekah," Serena replied. "You should have seen him before Joyanna came back to London. He was brooding, moody, always angry. Of course that could have had something to do with the headaches."

"Of course, it did," Joyanna agreed. "But you are also right about the former. He is happier now."

"Clearly, you make him happy," Rebekah said. "I cannot believe he was as moody as you make him sound."

"Nathaniel is moody." Serena rolled her eyes. "He has to have everything his way. He has the aura of commanding attention when he enters a room."

"Aren't most lords like that?"

Serena and Joyanna both laughed.

"Oh heavens, if you knew how much he hated the title … Nathaniel never wanted to be an earl. As a matter of fact, he left Greystoke Manor for years. It was going to ruin. Thank goodness he came back and had the place restored. But he's always been moody, so I'm told."

"Yes, Serena, but nowhere near as bad as his brother."

"You can say that again," Rebekah piped up.

"Not Aaron," Joyanna said to Rebekah. "I'm talking about Edmund. I told you, Aaron is the fun brother."

"I still don't believe it."

"It's true. Edmund was a bear. Even to me, until we cleared the air. He was furious with me when I went to France and married someone else."

"That would make any man grumpy, I'm sure."

"I've always loved Edmund, and now we are together. So yes, I suppose he does seem happier."

"He's in love with you," Serena said quietly.

Joyanna beamed.

"He is wonderful with me. Since he had performed the duties of the earl for a while, I'd wondered how the ton would treat him after Nathaniel's return. Not that Edmund cares, none of them do, but I am happy he is still respected by all."

"I assumed all three brothers were well respected."

"For different reasons. But what I'm trying to say is Aaron is normally a … rascal." Joyanna grinned. "He's intelligent, strong, and very likeable. Seeing him so serene is a side I've not seen." She caught Rebekah's gaze. "Until you."

Until I came into his life.

She would love to see this side of Aaron. Was she the cause of his temperamental state?

"Oh lovely. I'm making Aaron miserable."

"No!" Serena cried. "That's not true at all."

Joyanna laughed. "Not the way you think."

Rebekah gaped. If she didn't stop dropping her mouth open, she would get lockjaw. "See." She glanced to Serena. "Even Joyanna thinks so."

Joyanna held up a finger, slightly waving it a bit. "Perhaps he is moody because he is unsure of you."

Of me? Huh. Aaron is filled with confidence. He simply tolerated her. "What do you mean?"

"He does not know how to behave around you. You've only just met. The arrangement is uncanny. Perhaps he is as confused as you."

"Ha. That man knows exactly what he is doing. You'll not convince me otherwise. He seems very capable of saying and doing exactly as he pleases."

"Give it time, Rebekah. I think you will find he likes you more than even he realizes."

"Ha. Now I know you're joking. He can't stand me.

Joyanna gasped. "Where on Earth did you get that idea?"

"For one thing he hid me away at his country estate. Since I've been here, he's gone most of the time. If I enter a room, he leaves. I go to soirées alone. With Penelope, of course."

"You are wrong." Serena said. "I don't think that's the reason. He watches you."

"I know."

"Do you pay attention to the way he looks at you? It's a possessive look. Men don't look at their wives like that, unless there is a personal interest."

"Serena is right. Most men have mistresses. Lords and Ladies live separate lives."

"Like me and Aaron."

"No. You began a bit uniquely, but that's changed since you came to London."

Tears threatened to break free. She had foolishly hoped and prayed Aaron would come to love her. But she had to face reality. If he liked her, it would be a bonus.

"Oh, Rebekah. I didn't mean to upset you."

"It's nothing. Sometimes I feel sorry for myself, but I truly have a grand life. And you two are my best friends."

Aaron filled his brothers in on what he'd just learned. Good news in small doses.

"That's all he said?"

"Didn't know much more. Someone Bone knows must have spotted Blade or knew he was on a ship."

"What happened to him? Where's he been all this time?"

"He's not even sure it is Blade. This bloke was tossed into the sea. Had a stab wound, and was delirious. A crewman spotted him floating on a piece of wood. Dropped him off at the next port, and when the man healed, he signed on another ship. But Bone thinks it's Blade."

"I suppose we'll find out soon enough." Nathaniel tossed back the last dollop of brandy. "My wife tells me Rebekah is not a happy woman."

Aaron stood at the hearth, staring down into an empty glass. "She has fooled me. She goes to parties every day and balls every night. It would appear she is having a splendid time."

"With you glaring right over her shoulder."

He shrugged. "What would you have me do, brother? Act like a devoting husband and kiss her toes?"

"Don't be impudent."

Good God, he was tired of all of this. "Why not? There are those who already considered me the neglecting husband who abandoned his wife."

Edmund had to add his own assessment. "The gossipmongers were calling her the estranged wife. Now, they are trying to figure out why? She is likeable. The ton adores her. Therefore, the fault lies with you."

Aaron stretched to his full height. "You may be older, Edmund, but I am taller."

Edmund stood and faced him. "Give it your best shot, brother."

"You two stop." Nathaniel growled.

"Isn't this ironic," Edmund said. "You being the intermediary rather than the adversary."

"Now you know how I felt all those years of playing facilitator to the both of you." Aaron shoved his hair out of his face, as he stomped across the carpet.

"Aaron, you're being ridiculous."

"Am I? She has every randy cock aimed in her direction. I'm her bloody sentry. No one cares that she is married."

Edmund laughed. "You remind them indubiously."

"If rakes think she is estranged, Aaron, you have only yourself to blame. What excuse did you give the ton?"

"I didn't realize you were a sponge for the gossip mill, Nathaniel. Am I to believe you have taken your title seriously?"

"You had to tell them something," Edmund added.

"My wife—God, I'll never get used to saying that."

"You'd better!"

Aaron glared at Nathaniel. "Lucky for you, fratricide is considered quite beyond the pale."

"I will remind you that you are the one who got into this mess."

He did at that. A mess of his own making. And the entire family was paying for his blunder. "The rumor mill believes my wife needed time due to personal family needs, requiring time adjusting to the idea of marriage."

"Good God, what a bunch of balderdash."

"Now see here, Edmund. When did you go over to Nathaniel's court?"

"I am your brother, not your bloody kowtower."

Aaron went to the sidebar and refilled his glass.

God give me strength with officious brothers.

"Why not accept her, Aaron?"

He whirled about. "I already have, you clod."

"No," Edmund stood and brought his own glass with him. "I believe our brother means accept her as a true wife. You do like her, don't you?"

Bloody hell. How was he to answer that. He more than liked Rebekah. The drawback was he did want her for his wife. He wanted the rights of her husband every time he saw her in a bloody gown. He wanted to kill every man who looked at her.

"You know, Aaron, I believe she would accept you. I think she already has a fondness for you."

"Hard to believe with the way you've been acting," Nathaniel added.

Aaron lifted his brandy glass. "A ruse. Nothing more."

"You think she's pretending when hurt fills her eyes?"

Hurt? He whirled to his brother. "What do you see that I have not?"

"Apparently, quite a lot," Edmund said.

Bloody hell.

Would this farce never end? He was in no mood to deal with his brothers tonight. He was trying to woo his wife. Clearly, she was not making it easy.

"She got what she wanted," he said aloud, mainly to convince himself.

"I'm not so sure." Edmund shook his head. "A marriage, yes. In all seriousness, Aaron, the way she looks at you … I believe Rebekah has feelings for you."