Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Six

The next day Ciara kept busy. She rode all over the property with Faolan and Kosse. She had never felt so alone. This was the first time she had been separated from her son.

A warning growl from her animals alerted her to a rider coming up. It was Richard. He stopped his horse beside her. It was covered with scars from whippings. Even now it was lathered and blowing hard.

“A word?” His tone didn’t escape her.

“What do you want?” There was no civility in her question, for she didn’t see the need. She didn’t like him and she didn’t trust him.

“I was just wondering why you were allowing your son to be the subject of ridicule?” At her blank look he continued, “I was at the races, where I saw my brother conversing with not one, not two, but three of his old mistresses. He introduced your son, excuse me, his son too, as ‘just a boy’ he was bringing to the races for a day. He even made some assignations.”

He looked as if she should be upset by his claim.

“Why should you care what he does to my son? Isn’t it true that if he claims him, you have even less chance of inheriting the dukedom? So why would I believe you, for all I know you just want him out of the way so you can get your nasty hands on the title?”

Ciara didn’t let him see how those words that he had spoken hurt her. She would deal with Wolf later.

“Your son is still a bastard, since you aren’t married. Not to mention he is just a kid, and children are prone to accidents.” Richard’s attitude raised her protective instincts in an instant.

“I know he is a child, which is why he is well watched. I will know of any harm that would befall him. I will allow nothing, nor anyone, to hurt my son.”

“Are you threatening me?” He seemed almost incredulous.

“No more than you are threatening my son.” Her words spoken laid down the stakes. At his raised eyebrows, she nodded. “Good. I see we understand each other.” She rode off, thinking that the sooner she left this country, the better.

When she got back to her aunt’s house, there was a note from Lucien waiting for her. It read—

Bryn did well, we had a wonderful time. My horses won (in case you wondered).

He decided that he would stay the night again. I said it would be all right.

If you wish to come over, I have room in my bed for you.

Maybe you could tuck me in properly.

We miss you. Some of us are lonely for your company.

On the chance that you will decline to join me in bed,

The meeting my sister requested is scheduled for ten o’clock.

I will see you then, if not before.

Love,

Your Wolf

Ciara crumpled up the note and threw it into the fire. He was teasing her. He wanted her to rush over there to see her son. She wouldn’t do it. She trusted him. Her son would be safe.

To keep her mind occupied, she spent the night carving a statue. Her uncle had given her some wood and she was making him a statue. Her grandfather and cousin were spending the evening with her so she was not lacking in company. It just wasn’t the company she wanted to be with. If they noticed her agitation, they made no mention of it.

“We will be leaving at the end of the week.” Her grandfather spoke, breaking the silence.

“So soon?”

“We need to get home with the winter coming on. You know you and Bryn are always welcome on the Isle. Come for a visit. Please, the rest of the clan would love to meet you and my great-grandson.” Pride shone in his eyes. “He is a wonderful boy and my boy did a wonderful job of raising you. I am proud of you, Ciara McKay. Don’t ever forget that. And don’t e’er forget that we are family.”

Ciara nodded as she rose to give him a hug. On impulse she gave one to Conar as well, who whooped and grabbed her for a long kiss on the mouth. “Get off me, oaf.”

“Here now, lass. I thought you were coming with me.” The rest of her cousins that were present just laughed. She looked around. There were twelve men present plus her grandfather.

All of them tall and brawny. A good-looking lot. All cousins, all family. All clan. They all began hollering for a kiss and soon she was being handed from one to the next as they claimed their kisses. By the time she was back on solid ground, her aunt and uncle were in the room and they were laughing along with everyone else.

She gave her grandpa a carving of a mountain lion that her father had started and she’d helped with. There were tears in the old man’s eyes as he accepted the gift. She went to bed with a happy heart. It had been a good night.

* * * *

She rode into Heartstone a little before ten. Bryn was waiting on the steps and came running before she had dismounted. He looked so happy.

“Morning, Mama. I am going to take Toka for a ride. Can I bring Faolan and Kosse with me?”

“Of course, baby. Have fun and be mindful of the men riding with you.”

“Bye, Mama. Papa says that you are having a meeting. Are you going to marry him so we can all live together?”

Bryn ran off before she could even think to answer his question. “Yes, Ciara. Are you going to marry his papa so you can be one family?” Lucien asked from the top of the steps, the serious gleam belying the smile on his face.

Yes. I would love to marry you and live with you forever. Her heart spoke one thing. Her mouth said nothing of the sort.

“Good morning, Wolf. Stop putting ideas in his head.” She brushed past him on the stairs and didn’t get more than two steps away before she was pulled back.

“Uh-uh, princess. I need a good-morning kiss.”

He tugged on her shirt, reeling her in a slow, but constant motion. He lightly touched her lips with his before begging entrance to her mouth with his tongue. When she opened, he sucked on her lower lip until she shuddered in his arms. He made a broad sweep of her mouth then pulled back, leaving her wanting. Again.

Grabbing her by the arm, he propelled her into the house.

“They are in the library waiting. Do you know what this is about?”

Lucien was nowhere near as calm as he was portraying. He was as hard as the stone his home was made of. All he had to do was inhale her honey and berry scent and he was as randy as a goat.

Damn her pride. He knew she wanted him—every response he got said as much. She wouldn’t, or couldn’t, let go of needing to go back to America. He was about ready to abduct her and take her to Scotland.

They entered the library to find Devonna fiddling with her hands and Rafe looking as confused as Lucien felt. They waited in silence as the servants brought the tea and Devonna served all present.

After a time, Lucien looked at his sister and said, “Well? Devonna, what is it you have to tell us?”

Devonna had moved and was sitting alone in a chair closest to the door. Rafe sat on a settee facing her. Lucien occupied a tall-backed chair by Rafe and Ciara had claimed the couch with her back to the large windows in the room.

“Devonna. Come sit by me.”

Ciara issued the order and to his surprise Devonna didn’t hesitate but came right over and sat next to her. The woman who owned his heart then turned her gaze to the men. “You two need to hear her out before you say anything and before you judge.” That was also a command. Lucien recognized this Ciara, the protector. He and Rafe nodded their agreement.

With a little additional prodding from Ciara, Devonna began, her voice so low he had to sit up to hear.

“First, I want to start off by saying that I understand that you may wish to cry off from the wedding after you hear this.”

Christ, she’s pregnant.

“I have to thank you, Saint, for taking me with you seven years ago when you left Stokley. I know I didn’t make it easy for you, with flinching from you every time you came near me. I am sorry for that and wish I could take it all back.” Her voice shook with each word she spoke.

“I just feel that it is not fair, especially to Lord Harrington, to marry me under such pretenses. I don’t know how to say this, but…” Her voice faltered.

Lucien looked to Ciara for an explanation but she pinned him with a glare. Obviously, she had meant what she said about hearing her out.

“Go ahead, Devonna. Tell them.”

She offered her hand and Devonna latched on to it. Lucien noticed Ciara’s wince.

“I’m not a virgin.” She never raised her voice but they all heard.

“What!” Lucien roared.

Devonna cringed as tears began to fall. He spun on Rafe who had the same look on his face, so Lucien knew his friend hadn’t done it.

“Who did it? Damn it, Devonna, who? Quit cringing. Tell me who did this.”

He stood, flexing his hands, longing to hurt someone. Since his direction was focused on Devonna, she shrank back even farther. The marquess had returned in full form.

“Enough. Sit down. Let her finish,” Ciara interjected and Lucien ignored her words but not her intrusion.

“Keep out of this. It is not your business.”

He was so mad. How could Devonna have done this?

“How could you have done this? Were they right when they called you a slut?”

“Enough, Luc. I will still marry her. It doesn’t matter to me. There is no need to put her through this,” Rafe said.

“Of course you will. You would never go back on your word. But, Devonna, how could you? With who? Damn you, tell me!”

Lucien watched his sister flinch back and try to hide behind Ciara.

“Luc, enough. Leave her alone.”

Rafe had risen as well, facing off with Lucien.

“I will get to the bottom of this, Rafe. Stay out of this.”

“That is my future wife you are yelling at. I have every right to be in it.”

“She behaved like a whore. She gave herself to someone knowing that she should go to marriage a virgin,” Lucien grated out, with an accusing finger jabbing at his sister.

“Enough! Sit down both of you and keep your mouths shut.”

Ciara had risen and was in full fury. Lucien looked at her as. She narrowed her eyes, pointing at the chairs they’d vacated, and snapped, “Sit!”

He did and in his periphery noticed that Rafe had as well. She pinned them each with a glare that froze him to their seats. “Both of you promised to hear her out. So listen.”

Lucien shook his head. “Emma was right. She called her a slut. She just—”

“Shut up, St. Martin. Listen to your sister.” Ciara’s tone and words made him take notice. She never called him St. Martin.

Devonna amended her last statement. “Ciara says I still am a virgin since…since it was not given away freely. I am sorry that I had to put you through this.” She sank to the couch and covered her face with her trembling hands. “I can’t do this, Ciara. Will you tell them?”

Ciara rounded on him and Rafe. “Don’t the two of you realize what she is saying? She isn’t a virgin anymore but it wasn’t by choice.” Pinning a glare on Lucien, she snarled, “Your sister was raped. Since she was sixteen until you took her away. That was why she cringed from you. For if one brother would do it, why not the other? It’s not like her father helped her.”

“I’ll kill him,” Rafe growled.

“Not before I will.” Lucien echoed his friend’s growl. It all made sense. I have been so blind.How could I not have known?

He looked at Ciara. “Have you always known?” His tone was tortured.

“I figured it out.”

“How?” He begged to be told how he could have missed this.

Ciara swallowed. “Like recognizes like. I knew the signs.”

Her meaning sank in. His heart broke anew. “That is why your parents? Oh god, princess, I am so sorry.” He reached for her, but she waved him off.

“Tend to your own. I will leave you all alone for a while.”

Ciara offered a tiny smile to Devonna before she left. Lucien enfolded his sister in the first hug he’d received since she came to live with him.

They would deal with Richard after.

* * * *

Ciara called for her horse and rode out to find her son. She caught up to them deep in the woods. He was trying to get the footman to race. She sent them on their way and spoke to her son.

“We need to go to Auntie Fi’s. We can race on the way there.”

“Why, Mama?”

“Your great-grandfather and all the cousins are leaving. We need to say goodbye.”

“Will we see them again?” He fell in beside her as they rode through the woods.

“Aye. We could go visit them in Ireland. Would you like that?”

“Could Papa come?”

Ciara looked around for Faolan and Kosse as she got control of her emotions. “We’ll see.” They were slinking through the shadows of the trees, present but hidden.

“Mama? Can I ask a question?”

“Of course, baby? What is it?”

“Well, I know that Auntie Dev is getting married to Uncle Rafe. They say that if people are to be a family, the parents should be married. When I was at the races with Papa, he had lots of women coming up to him asking when he would marry them. They sent me evil looks. Why aren’t you and Papa married? Auntie Fi loves Uncle Trent and Auntie Dev says she loves Uncle Rafe. Do you not love Papa? Is that why we aren’t a family?”

Bryn had stopped the horse and was looking at his mother with a sadness that tore her heart out of her chest.

“It’s not that simple, Bryn. Your papa and I have some things to work out between us.”

“I want to be a family. Like you always talked about. Is it me?”

“No. Never think that. England is different than back home. Your papa is a very wealthy man and over here there are certain rules about who he should marry. I will talk to him, all right? I think it is time the two of us had a chat.”

“Okay, Mama. You look sad. I didn’t mean to make you sad. Please don’t be sad.”

“I’m not sad. Just thinking. Have you thought of what you would like to give Auntie Dev as a gift for her wedding?”

“No. I don’t have anything. Maybe you could carve something from the both of us.” He sounded so hopeful all she could do was laugh.

“Maybe I could. We’ll see. Let’s race to the other side of the clearing. Stay on the road, though.”

“I’m gonna win.”

“Ready. Set. Go.” Both horses took off like a shot. Toka was running all out. Ciara knew that she could win, but she let her son have his victory. They were laughing as they rode up to the Trenton house.

* * * *

Lucien rode hard to Stokley. It was time for some answers. He had convinced Rafe to stay with his sister while he confronted their father.

“I promise not to confront Richard without you.”

“I will hold you to your word, Luc.”

Lucien was entering the house before his horse had been led away. “Father!” he bellowed.

“My lord, the duke is in his study,” the butler said. “He is not to be disturbed.”

“Good. See we aren’t disturbed.” He brushed past him, knowing full well that wasn’t what the butler had meant, and headed off to confront his father. At the door he stopped for about two seconds before he ripped it open.

“Damn it, didn’t I say I wasn’t to be disturbed?” There was a lot of shuffling in the chair that was turned from the door.

“I heard something to that effect.”

The duke spun his chair around in surprise. “What are you doing here? Did that bitch whine to you about me sending for her a few days ago, or was it the fact that I offered her money?”

So that was where Ciara had gone. “Neither. She has not spoken of it to me. Thanks for telling me. This is about Devonna. Tell me you didn’t know.”

“Know what? Is this going to take long? I’m busy.”

“Did you know?” His voice was dangerous and low.

“Know what? And watch your tone with me.” He raised his walking stick and shook it at Lucien.

Snatching the cane, Lucien broke it over his knee and threw the pieces back at the duke. “The fact that your daughter was being raped by your stepson. Did you know?”

If his father had paled when his walking stick was tossed back to him in two pieces, it was nothing compared to the paling his face did at Lucien’s blunt announcement.

“What…what did you say?”

“You heard what I said. Answer my question. Did you know?” Lucien was shaking he was so angry.

“No. I had no idea. Are you sure about this?”

“I have no reason to lie. Even you must have noticed that she pulls away from males.”

“How do you know it was Richard?”

“She told me. Where is he?”

“I don’t know. He left yesterday saying he had something to take care of.” The duke slumped in his chair, at the moment looking all the older for his years. “Is she all right?”

“I don’t believe you have the right to ask that. You have despised her since she was born.”

“I was mourning the loss of my wife.”

“And ignoring your child. She has endured the hate-filled stares and your comments about her with a quiet pride. You have ignored her for her whole life, and now you wish to play the hero. Forget it. If and when you see Richard, you tell him I am looking for him.” There was no mistaking his meaning.

“Why are you looking for my son?” Emma asked from the door.

Lucien spun around.

“For what he did to Devonna.” The expression that flashed across her face was not one of curiosity, but one of fear. “You knew. You knew what he was doing to her. How could you?”

“He said that she came on to him. It was not my place to say or do anything.” She spoke with the authority of one used to being a duchess. “Boys will always take what is freely given.”

“You bitch. Were you a man, I would call you out for this and kill you.” He spun on his father. “You are to blame for this. You.” He strode to the door, his penetrating gaze making his stepmother jump out of his way. With a final glance over his shoulder, he frowned. “I will find him. He will pay for harming my sister.”

* * * *

Lucien rode hard to the Trenton house. “Where is Ciara?” he asked the butler as soon as the door opened.

“I believe she is up in her room. Shall I let her know you wish to see her?”

“I’ll go tell her myself.” He started to brush past the butler when he saw Trenton come into the foyer.

“Good day, my lord. Was there a reason for your visit?”

“I need to see Ciara. Now.”

“This is my home. If you will follow Potter to the sitting room, I will let her know you are here.”

Lucien struggled with his desire to just march up there and kick in her door. “Very well.” He followed Potter down the hall to an amber sitting room.

“I will have refreshments here soon, my lord.” Potter bowed and left the room. He waited for about five minutes when the door opened and two servants brought in trays with food on them. Still no Ciara.

Pacing the room, he munched on a sandwich. About to go get her himself, he turned and saw her entering the room. The vision walking toward him made his knees weak and he sat down on a chaise. She was dressed in a dress that was like the one she had worn at the cabin. Her feet, bare, were peeking out from beneath the flowing hem. It was green with colorful designs on it.

The fringes were dangling off a belt that accentuated her narrow waist. Her hair was in tight braids and threaded through with ribbons and beads. She looked comfortable. She looked beautiful.

“Good afternoon, Wolf. What brings you here?” She offered him a small smile as she approached.

This was the woman he knew. The woman he had fallen in love with. The one who made nothing seem impossible to accomplish.

He needed to hold her. He needed to be held. He didn’t know how to ask, so he just sat there and looked at her.

Ciara walked up to him, slid between his thighs and wrapped her arms around him. She pressed his head to her breast and let her strength flow into him. Neither of them spoke.

Lucien drank deep of her warmth and her scent. She had known. She always knew.

“Emma knew. My stepmother knew what he was doing.”

“It wasn’t your fault. You did what you could. You are there for her now.” She began to pull back so she could look at him, but his arms tightened and he kept his face buried against her.

“I failed my sister. I failed my mother.” She massaged his shoulders and when he relaxed, she pushed him back. He gazed up at her.

The door opened and Auntie Fi entered in a swirl of yellow silk and flowers.

“Ciara. Take him up to your room and let the poor dear get some rest. I am having tea soon and it wouldn’t do for them to see the marquess like this. Then you two need to have a talk.” She walked over and patted Lucien on the cheek. “Dear boy. You look so tired. Treat my niece right.” Then she was gone, leaving behind petals and the feeling of being run over by a carriage.

Lucien looked up at Ciara, uncertain if a trap had been set. “Did I hear that right? Did she just tell you to take me to your room?”

“Aye. We’d better go. Come on.” Ciara led the way out of the door and up the stairs.

Entering her room behind her, Lucien shut the door.

“Where are Faolan and Kosse? Where is Bryn?”

“They are with him in his room. He is sleeping. He was up late last night saying goodbye to his cousins.” She directed him to the chaise beneath her window. “Here, sit.”

He sat and watched her from lowered lids as she moved around her room. She sent for some hot water and lemon for herself and some brandy for him. She had an inborn grace that made him just sit back and wonder.

She brought him the brandy when the servant had set down the tray and left. She curled up next to him, drawing her legs underneath her as she sipped her drink. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“No. Not right now. Why didn’t you tell me my father summoned you?”

“Because it wasn’t important.”

“Did he really try to pay you to leave?”

“Aye. He was pretty sure he knew why I had come to England. We reached an agreement of sorts. He will stay out of my way and I will let him live.”

He couldn’t help himself. He burst out laughing. “I can just imagine you confronting him. I would have loved to have seen it. Does no one frighten you?” He hugged her hard as he shook with amusement.

Ciara continued facing the fire burning in her room. “You do. You frighten me.”

The solemnness in her tone banished the laughter from him.

“Why?”

“Because you make me feel things, things I can’t control. I don’t want to control them when I am with you. And because you have the power to take my son from me.”

“I would never do that.” His hand tipped her face so they had eye contact. “I hope you believe that.”

“I do. It is just hard for me to share him. He’s all I have.” She looked away.

“Don’t look away from me.”

He set down his glass and took her cup from her. Lifting her, he set her on his lap. He placed her legs on either side of his hips, which made her dress ride up midthigh, exposing her smooth legs to his gaze. Clenching his teeth, he tried to ignore the fact that his body was responding to her and focused on his words.

“I am willing to give you everything I have. I promise not to take every bit of your freedom away from you. I want to be what you have.” His voice dropped to a whisper as he drew her mouth within inches of his own. “Marry me. I love you. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife, a marchioness and future duchess of Stokley?”