Chapter 7

Mac walked through Vauxhall Gardens, passing dozens of statues, plants, and performers of all variety. Peering around the pavilion for any signs of thick brown curls, Mac nearly glided into a man juggling four balls at once. Thousands of glass lanterns surrounded the massive gardens as the extravagant members of the ton filled every corner, drinking and entertaining themselves with the latest gossip. All were gathered to raise funds for Wilberforce’s Anti-Slavery Society, which he was diligently campaigning for. Though the society wasn’t quite official yet, Wilberforce took every opportunity to gain support.

Vauxhall Gardens wasn’t Mac’s usual haunt, but as one of the lead printers in the abolitionist movement, he had to make an appearance and report on the event. Pocketing his pencil and small notepad, he went searching for Letty. It had been a sennight since he’d seen her, and he’d known that she was in attendance with her family. He’d received a missive from Letty stating that her family would be attending the charity event that evening.

Seven days was entirely too long to go without seeing her or being in her intoxicating presence. Foolishly, Mac had thought he’d be able to walk away from her, but that was before he’d tasted the sweetest nectar ever known to man. There was no turning away from her now, all he could do now was beg for her forgiveness for his moment of weakness.

He’d decided in their days apart to accept Richmore’s offer of assistance and find a new building to house his print shop. It shouldn’t be a huge ordeal. Between him and his one employee beside his brother, moving everything should take a fortnight. But the fact was, it was past time for Mac to remove himself from his landlord’s greedy claws.

“Mr. Meriweather,” Lady Pinerose said, stalking toward Mac like she was the predator and he her meal. He stood in front of a large flowing waterfall, waiting patiently for the older woman. The scowl she gave Mac was as if he had done something grave and personal to her.

Mac peered around desperately in search of Letty. His traitorous heart, longing to see Letty again, beat rapidly in his aching chest. Would he be able to contain himself and not touch her in front of all society?

Fuck, he was going mad.

Not seeing his temptress anywhere in sight, Mac forced a tight smile on his face as he greeted her mother. “Lady Pinerose, are you alone?” he asked, obviously looking around her.

“No, however, I did want to speak with you about my daughter.” She was a small woman, but her essence and deadly stare was that of a woman much taller.

Like her two daughters, Lady Pinerose was a beauty—it wasn’t difficult to see how she’d captured the elder Pinerose’s affection.

Mac released a weary sigh, positive that he knew what the older woman was going to say. “Your daughter?” he asked, feigning ignorance.

Surely, she wasn’t aware of his and Letty’s relationship, but soon everyone would know how he felt about the woman who suddenly meant everything to him. Once, he made Letty his wife, no one would doubt his intentions.

“Don’t play innocent with me. I’m aware that she was with you a sennight ago,” she sneered, her gaze making Mac feel like a small child.

Dear God, was this the behavior that Letty endured daily?

“Was she?” Mac wasn’t positive how much Lady Pinerose knew and did not want to reveal his and Letty’s acquaintance to her.

The proper thing for him to do was to approach Pinerose and gain permission to court her. But first, he needed to confess his role in Cedemoor’s plan to ruin her, then grovel for her forgiveness.

She let out a loud huff of annoyance, folding her arms. “Her maid reported that she returned covered in ink.”

Mac covered his chuckle with a cough, it wasn’t time for humor, indeed. But he could still see the results of their activities on his own clothing. It had taken him days to get the ink off his trousers, shirt, and forehead where Letty had gripped him and pulled him closer as she reached her climax.

Damn it to hell, he couldn’t think such things while facing her mother’s wrath.

“If she were, would there be a problem with me instructing Lady Leticia on printing?” Mac stood firm; he wouldn’t be cowed by a woman half his size, no matter whose mother she was.

Besides, if she were to be his mother-in-law—assuming Letty forgave his momentary lack of honor—he would have to deal with the woman for the rest of his life.

Lady Pinerose stepped closer to Mac, peering up at him like he wasn’t a man twice her size. “Whatever game you’re playing with my daughter, I insist you stop it this instant. I will not allow a fortune hunter to ruin her chances at an advantageous marriage.”

Before Mac could defend or deny her accusations, Letty’s sister, Miss Hayward, interrupted them. “Mr. Meriweather, how wonderful to see you again,” Miss Hayward said, giving Mac a welcoming smile and holding out her hand.

Unlike her mother, her countenance was friendly, her dark brown eyes seeming to try to convey a message. She peered at her hand, which was clutched, then back up to Mac. It took him a moment to realize that she was holding something in her gloved hand.

“The pleasure is all mine.” Taking her hand in his, he bowed, deftly removing the paper she was holding.

He could feel the eyes of Lady Pinerose on them but chose to ignore the older woman. He needed to see Letty, to experience her sweet kisses, if only for a moment. Then he would tell her the truth and beg for forgiveness … whatever the cost.

“Ahh Meriweather, moved on to another sister already, have you?” Cedemoor asked, his gaze going from Mac to Miss Hayward with a disapproving look on his face.

“Please do not use my daughter’s reputation as a sign of your amusement,” Lady Pinerose said.

The look she gave Cedemoor made it clear that she was not a fond of her stepson in the least.

“I’m sure he meant nothing by it, darling,” Pinerose said, placing his hand on his wife’s shoulder and tapping it three times.

Ignoring the small family, Mac excused himself, desperate to know what was written in the note Miss Hayward had passed. Striding through the crowd, he avoided several individuals who wanted to engage him in conversation of the movement, including Wilberforce himself. He had already had several conversations with all of them and really did not need to speak to them further. He had recorded every quote and would write up an article the following day. What Mac needed to focus on was reaching Letty.

Mac still wasn’t positive how he would confess the depth of his betrayal to her, but he would. They wouldn’t be able to move forward together until the truth was revealed.

Reaching the secluded portion of the gardens, he opened the missive, smiling at the neat scribble on the small bit of parchment.

‘Meet me at the first cast iron bridge near the canal.’

Mac didn’t hesitate to move his body through the maze of the lavish gardens. Turning down one dark corner to another, he discovered lovers in intimate positions.

“Meriweather,” Richmore greeted as he escorted a giggling duchess past Mac.

“Richmore, Your Grace.” He nodded to the red-cheeked duchess, not stopping his own stride.

“Do be careful out here, Meriweather, anyone could discover you.” Richmore called after him.

Mac sighed in relief when he reached the cast iron bridge over the canal. The moon was bright in the sky, lighting his way as he searched for Letty. That particular part of the gardens was devoid of lanterns.

“Letty,” he whispered in the dark, not seeing her anywhere.

A lone garter—the exact replica to the one he currently had in his possession—lay on the bridge. Picking it up, he listened closely, anticipation coursing through his blood as he spotted something bright on the lawn ahead of him. Pushing his long limbs into a light run, he reached a lone glove, bending to pick it up.

“Letty, you’re going to be in trouble when I find you,” he said to the night, squinting his eyes, trying to see properly.

His cock jerked in his trousers, the game exciting him more than he ever thought possible. Strolling deeper into the maze, not hearing a sound, another glove lay draped over a perfectly manicured bush. This one was purposely pointing deeper into the gardens. Mac took the glove in his hand, his feet automatically leading him in that direction. A sheer fichu lay only a few meters away, and Mac added it to the pile of clothing in his overflowing hands.

Gazing around he spotted a thin petticoat in the center of a half circle of shrubbery and trees. Licking his lips, he reached the petticoat, his body so aroused by the little game of chase that he could barely bend to pick it up. The thin garment hung on his fingertips as he stalked each corner like a predator looking for his next meal.

A girlish giggle caught his attention, and he whipped around to find his temptress standing across from him, hidden between two large shrubberies.

She dazzled in the moonlight, a purple gown clinging wickedly to her thin but curvaceous frame. Her wild curls were piled high at the top of her head, that long delicious neck of hers on display, as the swell of her breasts peeped out from her exposed bodice.

Dropping the garments, he reached her in two long strides, pulling her into his arms and claiming her mouth with his.

Mac was fully aware that there was much for them to discuss, but he couldn’t have pulled himself away from her if the Prince Regent himself had demanded it.

“You want me to take you right here in the garden, so that anyone can see us? Is that what you want, temptress?” he asked, unable to hide the bite of command in his voice.

“Yes,” she cried, as his lips traveled down her neck to the swell of her breast, his lips caressing the sensitive flesh.

Dragging her bodice down, he freed the most perfect pair of round breasts he had ever imagined. The dark-brown nipples were begging for him to take them into his mouth and worship them.

She was driving him absolutely mad; he tightened his grip around her waist, closing the small amount of space between them. From the moment he tasted her, he knew he would crave her for the rest of his life. Trying to deny their connection was futile.

“Mac, please,” she begged him so sweetly, pressing into his hard member.

Damn it! The traitorous flesh pulsed in his trousers, demanding relief.

“I’m not going take you here in the gardens like a courtesan. The first time I have you full of my cock, it won’t be in Vauxhall where anyone could interrupt us.” He swirled his tongue around her nipples, and a whimper poured from her swollen lips. “No, the first time I fill that sweet little cunny of yours, there will be no one around but the two of us, and I will have you screaming in ecstasy.”

His free hand caressed her other breast as his hungry mouth sucked on her taut nipple. Swirling his tongue around the flesh, he suckled it, enjoying the tremble in her body as she bent backwards, offering herself to him like a sacrifice.

It was taking everything in him not to throw her to the ground and prove to her that they were meant to be together forever.

“I want to touch you. To feel you in my hands,” Letty said, her trembling hands pulling at the flap of his trousers.

Bloody hell, she was going ruin him.

Mac bit the sensitive flesh of her nipple gently, causing Letty to release a wanton moan from her sweet lips.

Delicate hands slipped inside his trousers, wrapping around his cock.

Releasing her nipple, Mac pressed his head against her chest, panting like he’d swum several laps in the Thames. His body quivered like it was his first time with a woman.

He groaned as her tentative fingers traced up and down his rod, circling the swollen head. Taking a hand full of her hair, curls fell down to her shoulders. He pulled her to him, his mouth ravishing hers in a searing kiss. “Letty?—”

She closed her hand around the sensitive head of his cock, squeezing and exploring.

“I want you to take me, Mac,” she said, before tracing his bottom lip with her tongue.

Closing his eyes, Mac fought with himself. He needed to confess everything to her first.

Begrudgingly he removed her hand from his trousers before stepping away from her. Righting her clothing first, he ignored the frantic beating of his heart, and the ill feeling building in his abdomen.

“What are you doing?” she asked, confusion lacing her words.

“We need to talk, sweetheart.” He righted his own clothing, trying to hide the evidence of his arousal.

She stepped forward, her arms wrapping around his neck. “I don’t want to talk. I want you.”

Pressing his head to hers, his hand gripped the back of her neck, the silky strands of her hair tickling his fingertips.

“I want you too. Forever.” He brushed his lips against hers, feeling her body stiffen in shock.

“F-forever?”

He nodded, finding strength in her light-brown gaze. “Yes, I hadn’t always wanted it, but now I want nothing more but to spend the rest of my life proving that I am worthy of you.”

“Oh Mac,” she sighed, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “What about my magazine? I have dreams Mac. I won’t abandon them, not even for you.”

He took her by the hand, kissing her fingertips.

Dear God, please let her forgive him.

“I would never ask you to surrender your hopes and dreams to anyone, especially me.” Exhaling a ragged breath, he held her gaze, the palm of his hands hot and filled with perspiration.

“You’d be the talk of the ton with a wife that works,” she said, a smile teasing on her kiss swollen lips and breaking his heart.

If only he could keep that smile safely in place forever. “It doesn’t matter. Nothing matters to me but you.” Mac swallowed down castle lump in his throat. “I have a confession?—”

“What confession?” she stroked his cheek, and he couldn’t help closing his eyes and basking in her touch a little while longer.

Opening his eyes, he willed his emotion away, not wanting to shed tears at his own stupidity. Now he was in jeopardy of losing the only person who meant anything to him because of cowardice and fear.

“When I first arrived at Crestview …” he began, his body trembling in fear. “My only thought was of my failing business. I never imagined that I would become so hopelessly in love?—”

She leapt at him crushing her body to his, peppering his face with kisses. “Oh Mac, I love you too. I’m just so afraid that I’ll have to give up everything like my mother did.”

She loved him.

Dear God, she loved him, and he’d deceived her their entire acquaintance.

He went cold, a chill running rapidly down his spine, a black hole of dread growing in the pit of his stomach.

“Mac?” she questioned, taking in what he was sure was an expression of horror.

“Letty, I’m sorry …” he shook his head repeatedly, searching for the courage to tell her what he had conspired to do.

Before he could open his mouth, footsteps and voices were heard around them.

“Lady Leticia!”

“Letty, where are you?”

Dread filled Mac as he quickly released Letty. They both were now fully clothed, but the evidence of their activities was obvious. Letty’s hair was completely freed from its confines, his own clothing was wrinkled, his shirt hanging vicariously free.

“Where on earth did she go?” Lady Pinerose’s voice came from somewhere behind where Mac and Letty were.

Bloody hell.

“I believe I saw her go in the same direction as Meriweather,” Cedemoor voice was unsurprisingly cheery.

Mac’s gaze swept over Letty, ensuring she wasn’t exposed in anyway. All color had left her, fear and trepidation clouding her beauty.

Taking her by the hand, he squeezed, letting her know that whatever happened he would always be by her side.

“This is going to be dreadful,” she mumbled just as Oakfield and Miss Hayward entered the clearing followed closely by Letty’s parents and brother.

“What is going on here?” Oakfield asked, his gaze roaming from Letty’s and Mac’s joined hands to something on the ground across from them.

Mac focused on the pile of garments. Fuck, if he thought there was a way to save Letty’s reputation from the scenario, he was wrong.

“I believe it’s pretty obvious what is going on, Oakfield.” Bertram walked over to the pile of clothing, bending down to lift up the discarded petticoat for all to see. “Well, well, it seems that our little Letty is not as innocent as you thought she was, Father,” Cedemoor said, the joy in his voice palpable.

“Thank you for your observation, Bertram,” Letty snapped at her brother, stepping forward toward her silent parents. “I can explain?—”

“Explain?” her father spat, waving his hands from her to the pile of clothing. “How do you plan to explain losing your virtue in a field like a light skirt?—”

“Father!” she shouted, the hurt from his words evident in her quaking form.

Mac had heard and seen enough. He stepped forward, wrapping a hand around Letty’s shoulder. “Pinerose, I assure you that I plan to marry Lady Leticia.”

“Do you expect us to rejoice that she is to marry a penniless printer?” Lady Pinerose said before turning to Oakfield. “My lord, surely we could forget this little indiscretion if Lady Letitia agrees to marry you.”

“I cannot marry Oakfield, because I’m marrying Mr. Meriweather.” Letty leaned into Mac, her arm going around his waist.

Unspeakable joy jolted through his veins, and he couldn’t stop the painful smile that spread across his own face.

“Well, I have never been so embarrassed in all my life!” Oakfield shouted before he stormed out of the clearing.

“Leticia, think of your future. Marrying a man who works for a living will get you nowhere in this world. Believe me, I know first-hand,” her mother pleaded.

For a moment, Mac believed the woman’s sincerity. She really believed that money and position were greater than love.

Letty shook her head, her hair looking spectacular free of its confines. “I am thinking of my future, Mother. I’m marrying for love. Besides my inheritance will provide for us.”

“It will not.” Pinerose stepped forward standing in front of Letty and Mac.

“What?” Letty asked horrified. “Father, you promised?—”

“I promised that if you behaved according to your station in life and was not married by the end of the season, you would receive your inheritance and dowry. However, I will not grant you either.”

“Fine! If you can wield your fortune around like it is a sword to cut and cause harm whenever you feel, then we do not need it.” Letty held her head high though tears trailed down her cheek.

“Do not think I do not know what this is, Meriweather. Once her fortune is gone, I’m sure you will be right behind it,” the older man said pointing to Mac.

“You’re wrong, Pinerose. I love your daughter and I’ll be by her side until she tells me to leave.” Mac squeezed Letty to him, taking comfort in the warmth of her body.

“We’ll see. Repair yourself. We’re leaving.” Pinerose escorted his wife away.

Once their parents were gone, Cedemoor began clapping loudly. “Bravo, Bravo.”

“What are you talking about, Bertram?” Miss Hayward asked, glaring at the heir like he was mad.

“Meriweather here was working for me in order to save his precious print shop,” Cedemoor said, bouncing on his heals.

Letty gasped, shaking her head. “No, that’s not true—tell him Mac,” she demanded, her gaze frantically traveling from Mac to Bertram.

“It’s true,” Cedemoor said taking a familiar crinkled sheet of parchment out of his trouser pocket and presenting it to Letty.

Mac couldn’t breathe, as she took the paper with trembling hands, opening it. She read the eviction notice.

“Why?” the pain in her voice was his undoing.

Mac held his hands up in surrender. “Letty, I can explain everything. At first, yes, I did accept his offer, but then I refused?—”

“Did you? I don’t recall that part.” Cedemoor laughed, before continuing. “You can stop performing now. You should really consider the theater, Meriweather. You even had me believing that speech for a moment. Well, done.” He clapped again, loudly. “I will pay you what I owe. I’ll have plenty to spare once my father hands over the brat’s inheritance to me.”

A loud gasp escaped Letty, her body jumping away from his as if he’d burned her.

Mac shook his head. “Letty, please?—”

SLAP!

The sharp sting to his cheek was nothing compared to the absolute devastation on Letty’s face. She ran away, her sister running behind her and calling her name.