Chapter Six

B roderick stood stunned. Not because he had kissed Emmie, but because he enjoyed it so much.

Usually, he preferred more experienced women, and those who dressed better. Certainly, she wasn't the kind of woman he would usually seduce. Yet he had been thinking about doing that very thing since noticing her hiding behind the statue.

He shook his head and turned back toward the house. His uncle and aunt were saying their goodbyes to the last of the guests who just wouldn't leave, and Broderick really didn't want to be included in that, but he had to go inside nonetheless. As he opened the door and stepped inside, he noticed a friend from earlier who was speaking to Uncle Henry. Broderick hadn't wanted to say anything to his friend before, since there were too many gossipmongers about, but now would be a good time.

Just as Broderick reached them, his uncle walked away. Broderick stood in front of the other man, eyeing him warily. He tried not to grin, but his lips pulled upward. "I'm hesitant to ask if this is a coincidental meeting… Mr. Daughtery." He chuckled softly. "I honestly didn't expect to see you here."

Phillip grinned and folded his arms. "Ah, my good friend, Mr. Worthington. I almost didn't recognize you." His gaze lifted to Broderick's hair. "You actually look better with brown hair, I must say."

Broderick laughed. "But I think you used too much black when you changed your hair color."

Phillip ran his fingers through his crop of hair. "Yes, the person who helped me was not as talented as the one who assisted you."

"Obviously."

"Tell me, Worthington, why are you here?"

"Mr. and Mrs. Crampton are my uncle and aunt." Broderick took a quick glance around the empty room. "Who are you here with?"

"My cousins, if you must know. I had nowhere else to hide out but with them."

Broderick nodded. "I understand, my friend." He clapped his hand on Phillip's shoulder.

His first mate took a step closer. "I'm sure you were surprised to learn the lord chancellor's niece was staying with your aunt and uncle," he said, lowering his voice.

"Very much so." Broderick dropped his tone as well. "Apparently her father is acquainted with my uncle. However, my uncle doesn't want others to know who her uncle is. While she is here, she is just the earl's daughter."

"How very interesting." Phillip arched an eyebrow. "This is something we could use to our advantage."

"Believe me, I have already thought of that. I'm not going to let this matter rest. I plan on finding what the woman knows about her uncle's plans."

"Is that why you took her outside earlier?" Phillip scratched his chin. "Or was it the normal reasons you take a woman out under the moonlit sky?"

Broderick rolled his eyes. "Trust me, I do not have plans to seduce Lady Sarah."

Phillip chuckled. "If you say so."

"I do," Broderick snapped, not appreciating that his friend jumped to conclusions.

"Very well, I shall leave you to Lady Sarah. I had thought to woo her tonight, yet she was always dancing with other men. I ended up dancing with your cousin, Miss Rebecca, and getting to know her."

"I'm sure she loved your attention as well as your company."

"As did I. I found her delightful."

Holding back a laugh, Broderick bit his lip. Was his friend addled? Rebecca was exactly opposite of that. "I suspect she was putting on a grand performance if you found her delightful. Most of the time she is more like…" He scratched his chin. "A shrew."

"Oh, come now, Worthington. Your cousin was very pleasant."

"I'm glad you think so." Broderick folded his arms and glanced around the room again. "So tell me, did the rest of the crew go into hiding as I instructed?"

"Indeed they did. They were all looking forward to the much-needed rest."

Broderick felt more at ease. "I wish I knew how long we need, but for now, at least two months."

"Aye, captain."

Broderick glared at Phillip. "Keep your voice down, man. We do not need others hearing."

"What others?" Phillip snickered.

"Servants have ears, too," Broderick clipped out. Taking a deep breath, he stepped away from his first mate and, in a louder voice, said, "It was good to see you, Mr. Daughtery. I hope we can meet up again soon."

"As do I."

"In case I need to contact you, where are you staying?"

"Joseph and Mildred Caldwells'. They live just down the lane from the mill."

Broderick nodded. "I'm sure my uncle will be able to direct me in their path if I cannot locate them."

"I'm sure he can."

After the men shook hands, Phillip quit the ballroom and the house. Broderick scrubbed his hands over his face. Exhaustion set in, and he couldn't wait to rest. Making his way to his room, he realized he might not sleep tonight anyway. Not with his mind occupied with the passionate kiss he had shared with Emmie.

*

Broderick rose early in the morning and quickly dressed in his riding clothes, preparing to spend a leisurely afternoon doing nothing but enjoying his solitude in the countryside. It had been two weeks since he came to stay with his uncle, and boredom had begun to consume Broderick's mind. He had led a busy life of spying these past few years, and time for leisure was rarely heard of.

After flying down the stairs, he hurried across the wooden floor and made his way to the front door. When he neared his uncle's study, Broderick slowed and trod softly, hoping Henry wouldn't see him. This was one time he did not want to be bothered. Unfortunately, as Broderick passed the room, his uncle looked up from behind his desk and motioned with his hand.

"Broderick? I would like a word, please."

Broderick sighed in defeat, walked into Henry's study, and closed the door. "Yes, Uncle?"

"We need to have a serious discussion," Henry began.

Broderick sat in the wooden chair near his uncle's desk. He breathed in the pipe scent that drifted through the air—the same brand his father used to smoke. It brought back a pang of homesickness and sadness, but he quickly dismissed it as he met his uncle's gaze.

Henry held up a piece of paper. "I received this missive earlier from your father's half-cousin, and I fear you won't like the news." He paused, staring into Broderick's eyes as his frown deepened. "You have grown up carefree and not expected to become a responsible adult. Yet whether you know this or not, you have inherited your father's brother's title—Marquess of Wilshire."

Confusion filled Broderick, and he leaned forward, grasping his knees. "My father rarely spoke of his older brother who lived in London. From the stories I heard, Father was disowned by his father years ago, before he married my mother."

"That he was. Unfortunately, circumstances change throughout the years. Your grandfather is dead, as well as his son and your uncle's son."

"Why was the missive sent to you and not to me?"

"Apparently, your family's solicitor didn't know your whereabouts, so he sent it to me hoping I would." Henry sat up straighter in his chair. "You, my nephew, are now the only living male heir. The title is yours."

Not really knowing how he should act, Broderick went with his first instinct and laughed. Actually, a snort was what came out of his mouth and nose. His reaction made his uncle jump back, and his eyes widened.

"Uncle Henry, forgive me, but—" Broderick laughed harder as he stood, now towering over his uncle. "Moving to London and becoming a marquess is just not what I want to do with my life."

Within seconds, a deep scowl appeared on Henry's face, emphasizing his many wrinkles. "But you must."

A sharp pounding started in Broderick's forehead, and he rubbed the irritation. "Is there not a distant cousin that the title can go to? I mean, I have several cousins throughout England."

"But this one belongs to you and none other. Why do you want to give it to a cousin who is already titled? Your father would want you to have it."

Broderick didn't want to explain the reasons why he didn't want to live his life as a marquess. "Uncle Henry, I really need to think this over before making a decision."

His uncle gasped. "What is there to think over, boy? The title comes with a large estate and lands. Many men dream of having such a thing handed to them. You are very fortunate."

Broderick shook his head and walked to the window. He peered out into the yard and gazed upon the predawn sky scattered with billowy clouds. "I'm aware of that, but I have made my own life, and I don't want to change it yet." He heaved a sigh. "Will you give me time to think this over?"

"Yes, but don't take too long."

"But Uncle, I cannot make a rash decision." He looked back at the older man. "This is my future. If I step into a nobleman's life, I would surely be expected to take a wife and have heirs."

Henry nodded. "Just as it's supposed to be."

"But I'm not ready for such a responsibility."

Henry slapped his hands on the desk and stood. His brow creased with irritation. "Then it's time you took on that challenge. You are not a lad living the carefree life any longer. You need to bring respect back to your father's name, and this is the only way you can accomplish such a feat."

"But I want a normal life."

The corner of Henry's mouth lifted in a smirk. "Broderick, I believe you have never had a normal life, especially now."

Curiosity got the best of Broderick, and he wondered exactly what his uncle knew. But he couldn't ask. He didn't want to admit his secret life as Captain Hawk.

"Please, give me time to think about this important decision, Uncle."

"I will."

Broderick left the room in a hurry, wanting to ride, but now he would be in a grouchy mood. Did his uncle know about his secret life? He certainly couldn't tell him he'd changed his hair color to hide from the enemy.

His long strides carried him to the stables, and within moments, he was atop one of his uncle's stallions and riding away from the estate. It irritated him to think his uncle would reprimand him, yet he could see how much Henry worried about his welfare. As his uncle pointed out, it wasn't every day a title was handed over to a commoner.

He growled in frustration and pushed the horse faster. Ideas of what he could do with a title such as this floated through his mind, but he didn't want to be in London, so close to those soldiers who might arrest him for piracy.

Broderick slowed his horse to a trot as he wandered aimlessly along the path ahead, canopied by the trees. A gentle breeze caressed his face, bringing with it the heady scent of wildflowers nearby.

He stopped the horse on the top of a knoll and looked out over the countryside, breathing the fresh air. He relaxed slightly. Soon he would have to make a final decision about his future, but right now, this break refreshed him.

Out of nowhere, something Miss Emmie had said to him came to mind, making him chuckle. She'd accused him of trying to make Lady Sarah fall in love with him because he was a penniless man. The lady's companion would probably faint dead away if she knew exactly how much money he had in his coffers —and that he was just given a title. But to her, he was a normal man.

He grinned wider. At least he knew he was playing his part well.

Miss Emmie was a strange little woman. Over the past two days, he had taken Lady Sarah on a few carriage rides, and even on picnics. Emmie had made it obvious through her glares that she didn't approve. Sometimes he wondered if he courted the earl's daughter just to get a reaction from her companion.

It was rather funny, now that he thought about it, because Emmie hadn't met his gaze since their kiss. However, she still watched Lady Sarah closely and had an even closer eye on him.

He had also made it a pastime of late to watch the lady's companion. He couldn't understand why he thought Lady Sarah looked out of place, and especially why she didn't act as bold as her companion. Yet bold as Miss Emmie was, she still displayed a face of innocence. Her crimson blushes gave it away.

Swiping his hand across his moist brow, he kicked the horse into a gallop and rode in a different direction. Since the weather was warmer than it had been in a few days, he decided to take another swim in his uncle's pond. Just thinking about the cool water cascading down his heated body made him urge the animal faster.

He neared the secluded spot and stopped the horse. As he tied the reins to a tree branch, the sound of splashing permeated the air. Tall trees surrounded the pond, so he couldn't exactly see who had invaded his bathing place. He hurried toward the water, and the first thing he saw was an ugly gray dress lying on a rock.

Broderick shook his head and held in a chuckle. Miss Emmie. He really should leave so that she could have some privacy. He was, after all, a gentleman—when he wanted to be, anyway—but currently, he was in the mood to tease a little. Actually, this time he would tease a lot. How could he not, since it had been his first instinct since meeting her?

He waited until she emerged before doing or saying anything. The water slapped against her shoulders and around her creamy breasts. Unfortunately, he couldn't see much, since the water covered her. Stringy, wet brown hair fell around her face and down her back, making her look more like a woman… and that much more alluring. Something must have gotten in her eye, because she vigorously rubbed that spot with dainty fingers. After a minute, she swiped the hair out of her face, shaking her head in the process.

This was absolutely the most enticing thing he'd ever witnessed, and what made it more appealing was that she didn't know she had an audience. The woman was naturally sensual, and this knowledge brought a tightening to his chest as his heart hammered out an uneven rhythm.

Once she opened her eyes and saw him, she gasped. Her arms crossed over her chest to hide what he really couldn't see anyway, and she squatted in the water until the liquid bobbed up around her chin.

"Mr. Worthington?" Her voice squeaked high in panic. "What are you doing here?"

Her gaze combed slowly over him. Desire flowed through him from her adorable expression. May the devil take him, but he liked seeing her all flustered. Her red cheeks made her brown eyes darker.

Wetting his dry lips, he exhaled through his nose, trying to remove the indescribable feelings pumping through his blood. What was wrong with him?

He tried shaking himself out of the trance she'd put him under. "Good day, Miss Emmie. I was just passing by when I heard someone in the pond. I took it upon myself as the nephew of this estate to see if there was perhaps an intruder on my uncle's lands."

"Well, now that you see I'm not an intruder, will you be so kind as to leave me to my privacy? It is not proper for you to be watching me bathe."

"And when you watched me bathe the other day, was that any different?" He shook his head. "I think not, my sweet."

"That is neither here nor there." Her cheeks reddened even more, if that were possible. "Please, Mr. Worthington, leave me alone."

He grinned, deciding this was the perfect moment to start teasing. "Actually," he began as he started releasing the buttons of his waistcoat, "I thought I might join you. The weather has been warm today, and I was in the mood for a swim." He stepped toward the water.

"No!" She moved back farther. "Please, Mr. Worthington, don't come any closer."

He removed his waistcoat and cravat quickly, leaving his neck and upper chest open for her view. Stepping to the edge of the pond, he grinned. As much as the idea of sharing the water with her sounded most entertaining right now, he was only teasing.

Now if his heart would quit hammering from the pleasure flowing through him from just watching her, he'd be able to think rationally.

"Are you certain you would not enjoy some company?" he asked.

She shook her head, and once again, her gaze moved over his chest, resting momentarily on his exposed throat. "Yes, I'm most certain."

He sighed heavily and shrugged. It pleased him to see that her innocent gaze couldn't stay off his body.

"Can I help you out?" He looked around the area where her clothes were located. "I think you will need a towel, but I don't see one."

"I-I-I will be fine, Mr. Worthington. I assure you."

He looked back at her and grinned. "I gather you have never shared a bath with a man."

A deeper blush filled her face, verifying his curiosity. Her reaction was everything he thought it would be, and he wouldn't have traded it for all the money in the world—or his new bloody title. The look on her face was priceless. He loved the fact that he could make her respond in such a way.

"Mr. Worthington, I don't believe it's any of your business, but no, I have never shared a bath with a man."

"I don't suppose you would want to start your first experience now?"

"I would not," she said pertly.

"Is there any way I can convince you otherwise? I assure you, I will show you a most enjoyable time."

"My answer is still no."

"Then alas, my work here is of no avail. I suppose I shall have to leave. Have a pleasant bath, Miss Emmie." He gave her a wink before turning and leaving the woods.

Slowly he made his way to his horse, thinking the whole time that maybe he should go back and spy on her. No, that wasn't like him. When a woman said no, he accepted that as the final answer. However, he quite enjoyed riling her.

He wished he knew why she brought out his wild, rebellious side.

As he mounted his horse and rode off for the house, he realized that today's run-in with Miss Emmie, brief as it was, had certainly brightened his day.