“And how would I know?” she asked.
“I thought you were at least schooled in the facts of life! Could you not see what the duke intended? Had you not heard something of this man you so willingly left the room with? He is a rake, madam, in the best situations. I doubt he would have been repentant had he raped you!”
“I know nothing of him,” she said softly. “Only that he is the king’s bastard.”
“Fortunately you achieved some very influential protection on your first visit to Whitehall. Imagine being dragged out of a lovers’ tryst by the king himself. I wonder that he didn’t try to take Monmouth’s place!”
Her eyes shot up to his face, though she could not see him clearly. He sat opposite her and his anger was heavy in the air. It seemed unfair to her, that he should blame her so totally when he never offered protection or advice. How could it be entirely her fault? How could she be expected to guess a thing like that?
“You might’ve warned me, my lord,” she whispered.
“Chelynne, for Christ’s sake, I’ve more important matters on my mind than raising a little girl into womanhood! As it stands it appears I’ll be kept quite busy beating the men out from under your skirts.” He laughed a harsh and bitter laugh. “It’s going to be mighty hard if you insist on lifting your hem to them!”
“My lord! I promise you it was never my intention to play such a game with His Grace! I simply didn’t—”
“How can you not know something as painfully simple as that? What did you suppose is the most attractive thing about a woman? Her stitchery? Don’t you have any idea what a man wants when he invites a woman into a dark room away from other eyes?”
She looked into the blackness across from her and said very softly, “I repeat, sir: how would I know?”
Chad’s anger mounted. He wanted to shake her. This pretense of innocence and chastity was his undoing. Her young firm breasts were constantly billowing out of her gowns, her tiny waist turning and aiding the delicious swing of her hips, her moist lips always parted as if eager to be kissed. How could any woman possess such an aura of sensuality and be totally unaware of it? It simply couldn’t be. It was impossible for her not to know how she appealed to a man.
“Chelynne, I’m warning you, I don’t want to be bothered with a lot of nonsense over the way my wife displays herself in public. If you’ve a notion to play lovers’ games then do so discreetly. I am not anxious to be dueling over your precious little rump. You will learn to take better care of your virtue or let it fall where it may!”
Chelynne raged inside. “You’ve a mighty gallant way of seeing to your wife, my lord. For a man who can’t even be bothered with the smallest niceties in his own home you surely do embarrass easily!”
“What happens in my home is no one’s business but mine!” he shouted. “And it has nothing whatever to do with the way you behave in public. You are the countess of Bryant and should conduct yourself in a manner that befits your title. Do not test my patience any further!”
“Your patience! You wouldn’t know the meaning of the word! Who sits and patiently waits—”
He leaned over to her and caught her in a powerful grip, his hands biting into the flesh of her arms. “Chelynne,” he said sternly. “Whether or not you are entirely pleased with your circumstance is of no matter to me. If you insist on swinging your delightful little backside into trouble I will not stand and bear the humiliation of your actions. Don’t be looking for me to give gallant defense of your ill-planned adventures. Is that clear?”
She nodded piteously and he released her. She sat back, slow tears streaking down her cheeks. Finally little sobs came from her side of the coach. Chad tried not to hear it. He looked away and sought to pretend himself alone but a vision of her fighting for her virtue at the hands of the lusty young duke crept into his mind.
The fact that the king thought ill of him for leaving his young wife unescorted on her first visit to the palace did not lessen his chagrin. He would have thought her sensible enough to stay out of mischief for that short time at least. His anger began to fade away under the onslaught of her persistent weeping. There she sat, dejected and afraid, simply ignorant of the ways of the court, and he knew it. Of course then he was more the beast for not taking closer care to educate her. With a frustrated sigh he transferred himself to her side of the coach and took her into his arms.
“Chelynne, calm yourself. I realize I was harsh and you’re not completely at fault. Come now, you’ll spoil your pretty face.”
She sniffed away her tears and looked up at him with that vulnerable innocence while not far below those tempting round breasts rose up from her tight bodice. God, what a package this was.
“I’m sorry if I embarrassed you, my lord.”
“It was a sorry way to learn, but perhaps you’ll take greater care next time someone offers you a pleasant stroll.” She bobbed her head obediently and brushed the wetness from her cheeks.
“I was mighty scared,” she admitted with a sniff.
“I don’t doubt it,” he said with a faint chuckle in his voice.
“Truly...I didn’t know...”
“Chelynne, don’t you know that you’re lovely? Desirable? I imagine that there are plenty of men at court who would love to have a taste. Do you think they will care that you’re a little reluctant?”
She shrugged her shoulders, innocent. Always pure and chaste. Chad groaned. His arm slipped around her waist and with a finger he lifted her chin so their eyes would meet. “Take greater care, sweet. The wolves love fresh game.”
Those wide brown eyes full of confusion stared at him blankly. All his wrath disappeared. She was a child, an infant in this world. He held her head against his chest, wishing that he could protect her from it all and knowing he could not. There was simply no way to conceal all the cruel realities she would find here, no way to shield her from them. He could only hope that she could sift out the more censorable portion of her upcoming education and hold onto some of that moral conviction, some of that goodness and innocence that was all of her now.
“Come love, we’re home.” He helped her out of the coach and took her to her rooms. Stella had been waiting by the fire for Chelynne’s return and jumped to her feet to help her disrobe. But Chad lingered for a moment, thinking of all the things he should say to her. He should have a little talk with her, tell her candidly what actually went on at court, what those elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen did with their leisure time, with almost all of their time. Not finding the right way to begin he helped her out of her cloak and handed it to Stella. And there he was, faced with the young fresh beauty of her again. Unaffected and ravishing. He drew her into his arms and kissed her brow.
Instinctively her arms went to his chest and moved around his neck to draw his lips down to hers. This was as much as she had ever dared. He moved over her mouth tenderly, and her lips parted for him deliciously. Her small body molded to his and neither of them noticed Stella blanch and retreat into the shadows. Chad battled need against good sense. His mind called out a warning again, a familiar one. No attachments now. No bonds, no commitments. The pain grew and grew and he ached with longing. He needed something he didn’t want, couldn’t have. He had had years of needing, wanting, and he had learned to curb that desire. It hurt so violently to become dependent on another for love, for ease. He pulled away from her. He didn’t want her. She was thrust on him and he didn’t want her.
Chelynne puzzled at his change of mood. She looked up at him searchingly and he thought that if he didn’t get a reprieve from that blind devotion and trust in her eyes he would die. He placed another light peck on her brow and quickly left the room.
Disappointment was one thing, but this little encouragement was enough to bolster her. She had dared much in brazenly offering herself as she had, but she had felt his need and desire. It couldn’t have been her imagination. He wanted her. He lectured her angrily against tempting men. That must mean that he found her tempting, sinc
e she had never tried to do so.
She let Stella brush out her hair but she wouldn’t be undressed. She waited some moments, and thinking enough time had lapsed, she took the diamond necklace as her excuse to go to her husband’s bedroom. Perhaps if they talked for a few minutes and if she saw the opportunity she could be close to him again. He could not brush her aside forever.
She heard voices in his room and assumed that it must be his manservant he spoke to. She tapped lightly on the door and Bestel admitted her. Surprise stunned her for a moment, for Chad had changed clothes. He was not dressed gaily now but done up in poor attire and devoid of his wig. He stood quietly, waiting for her to speak, and she realized that she had scrutinized him carefully, remaining silent for too long. “The jewels, I...ah, thought you wanted to keep them.”
“Of course,” he said brusquely. “Thank you.”
She started to leave and then turned back to him impulsively.
“Are you going out?”
He nodded curtly. “I have some business.”
“At this hour?”
“It’s not uncommon. I’m meeting merchants in the Gold Frog on
Prior Street
. That is the reason for this fashion. It’s a poor place and one nobles do not frequent.”
Her mouth formed a silent “oh” though she didn’t understand at all. She lingered for a moment and seeing that he was anxious to leave, she went back to her room. How often did he leave in the night without her knowing? Why would a man do business at this hour? What kind of business?
The thought struck her with sudden clarity. He was going to see a woman. She was as sure of it as she was of her own name. He wasn’t pretending desire; it was real enough, but not for her. Who then? Gwen? She had to know. As if her life depended on it, she had to know who he loved and wanted.
Chad was not in good humor when he entered the Gold Frog. He was angry, impatient and curious. He didn’t ponder his young wife much now. More he wondered what John could have called him here for. That other problem, his long-starved desires, he meant to take care of later, routinely.
He had not been in the tavern long when John found him and then went to an out-of-the-way table. The decent places had private rooms, but their business was not for such places, where other acquaintances might linger. This was a particularly scurvy ordinary stocked with unscrupulous patrons. Neither Chad nor John was dressed to look the part of those with incomes, and they confined their conversation to hushed tones within the packed hall.
“Well?” Chad inquired.
“When did the message come to you?”
“A page at Whitehall. Christ, John, you’ve got to be more careful than that!”
“I hadn’t intended that,” John muttered.
“I’ve a night full of good intentions, friend. Take better care. Now, what’s your business?”
“It’s not my business this time, but yours. I was able to uncover something in Browne that I thought you should know.
“I sent someone out there. There was an injury, it seems, that went purposely unnoticed. There was a girl raped and taken poorly. She was badly beaten and abused. Her family kept her quiet and hid her well. She was the lass tending the chapel, the laundry and cleaning. She saw the man who killed the priest. Chad, it was...it was that young Mondeloy...Harry, with the help of Shayburn’s man, Captain Alex.”
Chad’s face turned to stone. Fury flowed in him; the blood of the priest cried out for revenge. Alex was a character with a vile reputation. Shayburn had long ago surrounded himself with protectors, men who had previously earned their bread by robbing others. Alex was the worst of a bad lot. The title of captain was his own idea, for he took charge of the men who served as Shayburn’s guards. And the combination, Mondeloy and Alex...it was beyond his comprehension.
“What does this mean?”
“I’m not altogether sure, Chad. I found that there were others gone to Browne to have a look about. Sent by your father. They learned nothing, of course, just as you learned nothing. I’m nobody.” He smiled, indicating his pauper’s garb. “Simple folk don’t fear talking to me as they do to an earl’s henchman.” John sobered. “I’m sorry about the other news. It comes to you a bit late. Were you aware your father investigated the crime?”
“No.”
“Proof enough he had no hand in it, Chad.”
Chad looked away and nodded. The earl was gone. Chad was relieved to know his father was cleared, but wise enough to know it would have made little difference in the way he left the world. “No matter,” Chad said shortly. “I’m only concerned with what happened and why.”
“Well, the girl was sneaking away when she saw the priest being held. Her parents confided that it was the noble who hurt the girl, though they didn’t know his name. I found that out much later from witnesses and descriptions. It seems Harry amused himself while Alex finished off the priest and the church. I’m not sure that it was Mondeloy’s intention to have so much damage done there, but Alex is the kind of man who can’t stop until he’s done all the damage he can.
“As it is, the girl won’t confess another time and it’s certain she’ll never act as witness against Mondeloy or Alex. The people are sore afraid. The girl was left for dead. It was no simple mischief.”
“What could his intention have been?” Chad asked dully.
“I have no earthly idea. That’s as much as I could find out. I’m going to have to get back to the country but Mondeloy is in London. The rest of his family hasn’t arrived. You’ll see him with the other fops.”
Nothing more needed to be said for Chad to know exactly what to look for. The young gallants roved the streets in droves, done up in lace and ribbons, speaking in the latest French euphemisms, looking more feminine than masculine. “I can’t imagine what he would hope to gain with this,” Chad growled. But he knew about the young gallants. Most of them were small children when Charles was restored and had not lived through revolution and exile. They were bored and spoiled and sometimes for amusement they played havoc on the innocent peasants, doing vandalism and even murder. But did that explain it?
John was reluctant to ask but knew he must, if for no other reason than friendship. “Could this have anything to do with your wife?”
“There is not much goodwill between Chelynne and her cousin.”
“Does she know of your marriage?”
“My father insisted she was innocent of his scheme to see me wed and she acts as if she does not know of Anne or Kevin. She’s never made mention.”
“If she knows, Chad, she would profit by having that record destroyed. Her children would inherit and Kevin would be regarded as a bastard.”
Chad’s eyes were icy slivers of silver and he spoke through clenched teeth. “Only if I were of a mind to allow that. Kevin will be getting his due no matter how I have to assure it.”
“Well,” John sighed. “I think it more likely to expect Mondeloy to seek compensation for his knowledge. Chelynne is terribly young...”
Chad was not listening. He was thinking, deeply. He was not only unsure of Chelynne, he was unsure of himself. He didn’t know what he felt for his young bride. If ever there was a reason to see his marriage to Anne disregarded...
There was a hand on his arm. “Patience, Chad. There’s time enough to learn the truth to this. Don’t fly into a fit. The girl is young—”
“If I could only believe—She alone would have cause—”
“Your memory stirs too much hate in you, Bryant. You’ve got to be objective. You can imagine how Mondeloy abused the girl, you know the type of man we’re seeking. It could be he’s after another prize. It could be the marriage record is for sale. Think about it.”
“I’ll find his cause. I’ll learn his price...”
“There’s another matter. I’ve got to find a way to get word to you better than this. I’ll be back and forth bringing people here and taking some back. I can’t sit still...too much risk in that. Are you still in this with
me?”
“Didn’t I give you my word?”
“It’s not your burden.”
“It’s my burden because I make it so. I’ll see Bess. She would be a willing courier between us.”
“I have two sisters in London and I’ve seen them both. I don’t want any more of my family involved in this. The people of Bratonshire await my attack. Anxiously so. I’ve a feeling that if the baron has a brain he’ll seek out my kin to be assured of my whereabouts. He shouldn’t be expecting anything but it won’t take him long before his suspicion is aroused. If there’s any way to get into his house we’ve got to find it.”
Chad raised a brow. “How well known was the animosity between my father and myself?”
“It was the talk of the shire before a prettier matter came along.”
Chelynne. Again. “Shayburn was aware of it but my question is, does he believe it was severe? Since I came home he might assume that there were amends between us. Do you know what I’m thinking?”
“I believe so. One of the earl’s old servants out of work?”
“Exactly. Someone faithful to my father that cannot serve me because of old wounds. I’ll see what I can do.”
The conversation was short and sweet. It wouldn’t do for them to leave together even though the possibility of their being recognized was slim, especially in this area of the city. Chad set out, bound to see a young woman of simple means who he knew he could trust.
Chad had hired an unobtrusive hell cart that left him at the door of fashionable new lodgings in the city. He rapped impatiently on the door and the landlady was a long time in coming. He knew her from other visits here. When she opened the door a crack and recognized him, she stammered and stuttered. It wasn’t often that people of quality visited her house.
“Cap’n Daniels is not about, m’lord.”
Chad smiled leisurely. “I’ve not come to see Daniels. Is my Bess here?”
“Aye, m’lord. To ‘er rooms, she is.”
“Is she...” He cleared his throat and started again, more determined. “Is she occupied?”