Chapter Eleven

February 1862

J o, now the Marchioness of Whitestone, sat in the rundown drawing room of her new husbands townhome. Theyd just returned from their honeymoon, spent mostly at his country estate.

Fortunately, she both enjoyed the country and winter. Less fortunate was the company that she was forced to endure. Whitestone was tolerable, though far too advanced in years for her taste, but his sister and her son had passed by uncivil and careened straight into rudeness almost upon meeting her.

Fortuitously, her new relatives had remained at Whitestone Manor when her husband had been called back to the House of Lords for an important vote. The Marquess had waved farewell that morning after bidding her to get to work on refurbishing the house to her liking. Now his coffers have been replenished , she thought sourly. With my money.

Jo sat alone, staring at the drawing room without the faintest clue where to begin. Had the man bid her to reorganize his library, she would have rolled up her sleeves and gotten to work straight away. But decorate? A house? Perhaps she should have paid greater attention to those lessons her mother had tried so desperately to impart on her. Her last husband had had a staff which ran like a well-oiled machine. They had required nothing of her beyond the occasional approval of a menuand even that normally had gone to her husband. Perhaps she should have looked at a few magazines now and again, instead of assuming shed be free to go her own way after her first husbands death. Clearly, she had miscalculated.

A knock preceded the opening of the drawing room door. Excuse me, my lady. Lords Dunmere and Lincolnshire are here to see you. The butlerwhat was his name again? Bell! Mr. Bell stood there looking very aggrieved that she had two male visitors.

They are? Jos stomach gave a little flip. What on earth were they doing calling on her? How did they find her? Well, there was only one way to find out. Please show them in.

A few moments later, the very two men who shed thought she might never see again were standing in her shabby little drawing room.

Once Mr. Bell exited the room, Jo rose to her feet and ran over to the men. Arthur, Linc! She hugged each man she had once thought to spend the rest of her life with, though no more, considering her newly married state. It is so good to see you both.

The men hugged her back, Linc rather stiffly, and Arthur with a bit more warmth. Jo, it is good to see you looking well. Arthur smiled at her.

Marriage seems to agree with you. Lincs words came out stilted and stiff as though he was holding himself back.

Her joy at seeing them withered a little. Shed known theyd be hurt once they found out, but truly, she hadnt been allowed a chance to tell them. If theyd listened to her, theyd have realized she had no choice. Well, I wouldnt go that far, Linc. But it is certainly better for me to be here than my baby sister. She let one brow lift as she eyed him.

Darting a look at the closed door, she wondered just how private they truly were. It mattered naught, really. Nothing inappropriate would transpire between them now. She may not love her husband, but she respected the vows she took.

Im sorry if my disappearance and marriage hurt you both. When I returned home that afternoon, my father leveled an ultimatum. I marry Lord Whitestone, or Rebecca would. She has just turned twenty, still a young woman who dreams of falling in love. Jo took Arthurs hand and squeezed it until he looked at her. I couldnt steal that from her in pursuit of my own happiness. I secured a promise from my father that he would allow her to marry where she chose, and in return I would marry Whitestone. In the end, I would have been miserable knowing shed been married off to Whitestoneor someone like him. I had to protect her.

Arthur reached out and touched her shoulder. Of course you did. But will your father hold to his end of the deal?

Jo nodded. Strangely, he prides himself on keeping to his agreements. It is the one thing I cannot fault him for. So yes, I expect he will allow Becca to marry where she wishes. I just hope she is smart enough to marry well.

Jo, Linc said before hesitating. Isyour husband awful?

Jo smiled a little. No, hes not awful. Hes just old and set in his ways. I dont love him, not like I She let the words hang there unspoken. It would do none of them a spot of good to finish her thought aloud.

The moment grew thick with tension as the three of them stood there, touching, but not really touching. Not as they all would have preferred. They were connected one last time.

We could take you and run away. To America. Arthur offered, almost in a whisper, as though too afraid to fully voice the suggestion.

No, Jo replied, as a tear welled up and slipped down her cheek. This man . He broke her heart. Thats not the woman I am. Not the kind of woman I hope you would want in your life. I took a vow, and I shall uphold it until the end. She released Arthurs hand and turned away from Lincs touch. Perhaps this would be easier if we did not see each other again. She walked to the front window that overlooked the street. I fear I find this far too painful to endure.

There was a choking noise behind her as she watched the hustle and bustle of people going by on the street. A pained moan came low and mournful. Then finally, movement.

Goodbye, Jo. If you ever have need of us, we shall be there for you. No matter what. No matter when. Lincs solemn words felt like the final blow to her heart, but there was nothing else she could do.

She was married now.

Linc led Arthur from the townhouse and out onto the street. After weeks of stopping by daily to see if she was at home, they had finally found her in. Hope had sprung eternal, only to be squashed by painful reality.

But he had little time to wallow, he had Arthur to consider. Whites?

No. I think someplace more private is definitely in order. Arthur looked fragile, as though he might shatter.

Or was Linc projecting his own state of mind on his friend? Yes, probably best.

A short while later, they were once again ensconced in Arthurs study with multiple bottles of whisky, a roaring fire, and their mutual sorrow. For a long while they sat there drinking, neither saying a word.

Finally, Arthur broke the silence. We knew her for such a short time, yet I feel as though a limb is missing.

It is an oddly physical ache for what is largely an emotional loss. Though she had spent so little time between us, perhaps it was more than a physical bonding than we realized?

So it would seem. Arthurs words slurred a bit.

Long after the sun sank and the whisky ceased to flow, Linc helped Arthur up to his bed. There they both stripped and lay together, holding each other as they tried to forget the woman they loved. The woman theyd lost.

The next morning, just as the sun had enough nerve to peek through the heavy curtains guarding the window, a knock sounded at the bedroom door.

Linc moaned and rolled over, reaching for Arthur. Thank God I locked the bloody door last night.

Arthur shoved Lincs arm away and shot out of the bed while making an urgent shushing sound.

Confused, Linc sat up, suddenly more awake. Whats the matter?

They might hear you! Arthur whispered, panic making his eyes open wide as his gaze darted around the room as though looking for a suitable hiding spot.

Who might hear me? Your servants? Linc was still feeling a bit confused, between the too early hour and the aftereffects of last nights over imbibing. In fact, there was a distinct headache forming right between his brows.

Yes! Arthur all but hissed the words. I cannot be found with a man in my bed!

Linc wanted to curse, having assumed they were past these types of pretensesat least in Arthurs own home. My apologies. He stood from the bed stiffly and began pulling on his clothing. I had no idea we would continue to sneak around, even within these walls.

Hush! Arthur snapped.

My lord? The door appears to be locked. Travers announced the obvious to all and sundry as he knocked at the door.

Yes, Arthur replied as he pulled his sleep shirt on over his head. I didnt wish to be disturbed last night.

Linc finished gathering his things and moved to the door that joined the masters chambers. It would have been the future countess rooms, but under the circumstances, it seemed a perfect place to hide until the servants departed.

Linc Arthurs voice called out in hushed tones.

Dont. Linc cut off his excuses and slipped away quietly. He didnt need more disappointment piled on top of yesterdays heartache.