Chapter Sixteen

July 1863

A rthur sat in his study, looking through his correspondence. He was to meet Linc at their club later and then they would likely retire to Arthurs home, since he had taken steps to ensure his staffs discretion. Theyd given up meeting at The Market not long after their last encounter with a woman between them. While he cared deeply about Linc, there was only one woman he wanted between them.

And she was no longer theirs.

Pushing aside the painful memories, he tried to focus on the letters his secretary had left on his desk for his attention. But there was a knock at his door.

Enter.

Your sister the Countess of Brougham is here to see you, my lord, Harris, his butler, announced.

He repressed the sigh that wanted to escape. If Emily was there, it couldnt mean anything good. She normally only came to see him when she wished to harass himin that loving way only a sister couldabout one thing or another. Usually about his marriage prospects. Please show her in.

Very good, my lord. Harris bowed and swept out of the room.

A few minutes later, his sister swept in, looking elegant in her apple green walking gown. Good, youre home, Arthur.

Indeed I am, Em. What can I do for you on this fine summer day? He settled back into his chair, resigned to enduring whatever she was here for. As if he did not know.

She settled into a chair across from him, her skirts swishing with an authority he couldnt remember her having before shed become a countess. Arthur, Im here about your promise to me. The one you have not been holding up your end of the deal on.

Arthur groaned. Out loud. He should never have made her that promise to find a wifebut hed needed her to marry the Earl of Brougham, for her own reputation.

Her gaze narrowed. Do not do that. You promised me youd look for a wife and I have left you alone for a good while. No match making. No hints. No nudges.

He closed his eyes. How could he tell her? How could he explain it wasnt his fault? He raised his hands to his head. Em, I know. And I have tried. I swear it.

How Arthur? How have you tried? Her hazel eyes glinted green as her gaze drilled into him.

Ive danced with ladies. Arthur resisted the urge to cross his arms and pout like a petulant child.

You have, but that is all you have done. One dance each, with a few eligible ladies. Nothing more. Not one of them warranted a second dance?

No. He met her stare. Not one.

How is that possible? What are you looking for in a wife?

He sighed. Its not as simple as you think.

Arthurs gut churned. Should he tell her? Should he reveal his deepest secret? A truth he hadnt even shared with the person it most concerned?

Then help me understand. What are you looking for? Perhaps I can help you find it? His sister looked earnest, not angry.

Silence stretched between them. Long and thick with tension.

He cursed and jumped from his chair to pace. Em, I need to tell you something. I dont know how you will feel about this. And I need to ask you to keep what I tell you private.

He continued to walk back and forth in front of the enormous fireplace. He could feel her gaze on him, nearly a physical touch.

Whatever it is, Arthur, you can trust me.

I know, I do. But its still new to me. Something I am wrestling with in some ways.

Emily rose and came to him, cupped his cheek in her hand. I love you, Arthur. You could never tell me anything that would change that.

He laughed worriedly. Be careful. You never know how much I may test such a vow.

It cant be worse than you discovering I was a jewel thief. Emily dropped her hands and clutched them in front of her as she stepped back. Tell me.

I met someone. Two someones, to be honest. He offered her a wry smile.

And you cant decide?

I had no need to choose. I love them both and I believe they love me. Well, at least one of them Im fairly certain does. The other is unavailable.

I dont understand. She stood staring at him, confusion and distress playing out across her face.

Im in love with another man

Emily gasped in shock.

and a woman. Arthur wanted to groan out loud as he voiced his truth. Hed denied it for so long because he knew the challenges loving a man created. He had a title to pass on. He needed to marry, sire heirs, yet he loved Linc.

He had yet to tell the man, but deep inside, he knew the truth.

Oh, dear. Emily stepped back and flailed for the nearest chair.

Seeing her need to sit, Arthur grabbed her arm and helped her find her seat. Shed gone most pale.

He knelt at her side. Em, are you well? Blast, he shouldnt have told her.

Im fine. Ive been a bit under the weather lately. Nothing serious. She tried to put him off.

Lady Emmaline Brougham, you will not sit here, demand my secrets, and expect me to accept such a vague response. Still kneeling, he looked up into her face. Tell me what is wrong.

She smiled sweetly. Nothing is wrong, it is justI am with child.

Arthur grinned. A baby?

Yes. She smiled back. A baby. We think he or she will arrive just in time for Christmas.

Congratulations! He hugged her close. What wonderful news!

His sisters joy beamed from her face. It is, but we havent told anyone. Youre the first. Her face grew stern. And you are sworn to secrecy until we formally announce the news.

My lips are sealed. But I am truly happy for you.

Thank you. Now tell me about this manand woman you are in love with. His little sister was already acting more like a mother, focusing on the important things. Her child would be well cared for, and most importantly, loved.

Arthur sighed and stood up. Im in love with Linc.

Oh, thats wonderful! His sister sounded genuinely happy for him.

Its taken me a long time to come to terms with how I feel. Its not how we were raised. Its not even legal. He let those words hang in the air for a moment. But I cant deny how I feel, though I havent told him yet.

Do you think he suspects? she asked gently.

Ive just come to a place where I can admit the truth. Its been difficult for me and I didnt want to say something I didnt truly mean or that I felt I might wish to take back later.

You have become a very thoughtful person. I am sure he will be glad to know you waited until you were certain. Emily was not at all appalled, it seemed. Now, who is this woman?

Arthur fell into his seat. We met her last January and the three of us fell in love. She was a widow, with her own fortune, but her father forced her to marry a peer for his title. I tried to offer for her, but I was too late.

Oh, no! His sister empathized with him in a way that soothed his still ragged soul.

She is married now, with a child. There is no hope we might all be together, so Linc and I are trying to find what happiness we can together. Arthur shrugged. So I dance with ladies at balls, and truthfully, we have looked for someone who might stir those feelings in us again. But as of yet, we have not found anyone.

Oh Arthur. His sister stood and went to him. Pulling him up and out of his chair as she wrapped her arms around him. I am both happy and sad for you. I am thrilled you have found someone to love, but sad you lost the woman you both embraced.

Thank you. As you can imagine, it is imperative that you keep this to yourself. Im trying to find the right time to tell Linc how I feel, and well, with her, there is no hope. His heart pounded in his chest as though hed been galloping across the countryside.

Of course. Your secret is safe with me. After everything weve been through? I should think Ive proven Im quite capable of keeping secrets. His sister gave him a pointed look.

Indeed you have, my little jewel thief. A sigh of relief escaped him. Now he just had to figure out how and when to tell Linc.

A few days later, Arthur and Linc went for a midday ride through Hyde Park to break in Lincs new mount. It was not the fashionable hour, but it did allow for them to gallop, and with fewer people, the less likely the colt would be to become skittish.

Well, that had been the hope. Linc had pulled a little ahead of him when they heard a woman cry out.

The next thing Arthur knew Linc had yanked back on the reins of his horse, causing the colt to rear up. A scream sounded from the womanand he saw it. A white fluff of fur was bolting into the field, having crossed the path. Linc had fallen off his horse and landed flat on his back but the dog was still hot-footing it into the field and toward the tree line on the other side.

With a curse, Arthur looked over at Linc who waved him on. He swerved his stallion to the left and took off after the dog, quickly passing the animal and leaping from his horse to snatch the panicking snowball. The dog squirmed in his arms then began licking his face as he grabbed the reins of his horse and walked back to where the woman knelt over Linc.

She stood as he approached and reached for her dog, freeing Arthur to check on Linc.

Kneeling at his side, he bent over his loverno, the man he loved. Linc!

Linc lay there with his eyes closed, unresponsive. Arthur patted his cheek, trying to bring him around, but had no luck.

Turning to the woman who hovered nearby, Arthur asked, Do you have any smelling salts?

Oh! I do. My Aunt Ida frequently faints so I keep some in my reticule. She pulled out the little tube and passed it to him. After breaking it beneath Lincs nose, the mans eyes fluttered as he moaned.

Bloody hell! Get that stench away from me. Linc pushed Arthurs hand away.

The woman gasped. Such language!

Arthur grinned at Linc before turning to look up at the woman. Madam, please excuse my companion. He is not quite himself after such a fall.

Very well. Her tone was begrudging and her face pinched, but she said no more.

Returning his focus to Linc, Arthur pressed him to the ground when he tried to sit up. Stay put a moment more. You took a nasty spill.

Im fine, let me up. Linc frowned and attempted to sit up again.

Is he feeling better now? The woman still hovered nearby. Im terribly sorry. Fluffy surprised me and escaped, I nearly fainted when she bolted under your hooves.

Im fine. Just glad I didnt trample the poor little creature. Linc rubbed his forehead.

Arthur helped him up slowly. Once hed gained his feet, he handed the injured man his hat after he dusted himself off.

Linc nodded and plopped it on his head before he turned to the woman. I do hope Fluffy will recover from her ordeal.

The woman smiled a bit. Thank you. Youve been very understanding. She turned and left the pair of them, crooning to her dog as she went.

Shall we make our way to your house, Arthur? I believe you live closest to the park, and Im not sure Im up for more galloping today. Linc took hold of his horses reins, which had been dangling to the ground.

I should think so, Arthur agreed before they ambled carefully toward his home.

All the way back to his house, he fretted over Linc, who continued to assure him he was hale. By the time they arrived in Arthurs study, he was frazzled by having imagined Lincs neck had been snapped in the accident. He closed and locked the door before pushing Linc against it. You scared me to death today.

Linc grinned. Worried about who could stand to pal around with you if I was gone?

You bloody fool! You could have snapped your neck! I love you, I would have been devastated to lose you! Arthur crushed his lips against Lincs.

Their tongues twined around each other as his surge of emotions overflowed. Taking Lincs face in his hands, slid his tongue deeper to explore. To taste. Soon Linc went soft against him, giving in to the sensuous kiss that had gone from claiming and needy to soft and languorous.

As their lips parted so they could breathe, Linc smiled. I love you too.

Arthurs heart skipped a beat or three as they stared at each other. However this had happened, he would not deny how he felt. He wanted to embrace the happiness and this man was the center of it all.

Linc looked at him with uncertainty and then took a breath. What now?