Only Marriage Will Do. Jenna Jaxon

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СКАЧАТЬ until he had to lean toward her to hear. Tears rolled down her cheeks and she turned her head away. “And he was not always kind.”

      Amiable stood it for about five seconds. “My dear.” He rose, gathered her into his arms, and settled her head against his chest again. “I demand the right of a temporary husband to comfort you,” he murmured in her ear. “Stay still with your head just there.”

      He slowly stroked the bright hair that had escaped her cap. The blond curls cascaded down over her shoulders, so like the riotous copper beauty of Katarina’s hair. He stiffened at the thought. He must remember his original purpose.

      “My lady, can you tell me where I may find Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam? I beg pardon, the Marchioness of Dalbury? I received a letter from her in April and though my sisters informed me she had married Lord Dalbury, I would like to speak with her if I may.”

      “You know Kat?” Juliet squealed and stepped away from him. The genuine smile that lit her entire face transformed her from a harried, fearful woman to one of the loveliest he had ever seen.

      “Indeed, I have known Lady Katarina for some years now,” he said, enchanted by the change in her. “In Virginia. I was a captain in her father’s regiment for the past five years.”

      “She is wonderfully forthright, is she not, Captain Dawson? I have loved her since I met her, which seems an age ago, though really only about three months. I met her on her wedding day, when she married my brother, Duncan.”

      His heart lurched, but he set his features to betray nothing save slight interest by his raised eyebrow. He steeled himself for an onslaught of the retelling of Katarina’s marriage, so puzzling given the letter she had sent in March accepting his suit.

      Juliet turned her frank gaze on him. “What must I do, Captain Dawson? Philippe will return with those detestable papers and try to force me to accept our marriage. I am only a woman alone here. As I told Philippe, Duncan sailed to Italy only yesterday and is not expected to return until December.”

      His stomach plummeted into his shoes. “The marquess has just sailed for Italy? And the marchioness?”

      “Of course she sailed with him. He is taking her to study fencing with a Signore Fucile. Kat is apparently quite a good swordsman, or swordswoman.” Juliet frowned and shook her head. “I’d never heard of such a thing.”

      “That I can vouch for, Lady Juliet. I fenced with Lady Katarina at least once or twice a week for the past few years. Whenever the regiment returned to Virginia. Don’t say I told you this but she’s better than some of the men in her father’s regiment.” Perhaps all was well, despite the misgivings her letter had given him. “Then I have no hope of seeing her?”

      “Not until almost Christmas I believe, Captain. Kat will be all right. I think she and Duncan are starting to get along better.”

      “Better?” His question came out sharper than he’d intended.

      “Than when they first married, yes. But come.” Juliet stood abruptly. “I will explain more in the carriage.”

      “The carriage?”

      “Yes, Captain Dawson. I will press you into the role of knight in shining armor once more and beg you to escort my maid, Glynis, and me to my friend Lady Honoria Claypool’s home. I am to stay with her for several days until my Aunt Phoebe arrives in town. Then I will remove to her townhouse until Duncan returns.” Juliet wrinkled her nose. “My aunt is so difficult. Although I do suppose everyone has some such relative, don’t you think? Glynis,” she called to a girl standing unobtrusively in a corner.

      “Glynis, please get my light shawl.” Juliet rescued her cap then stuffed her hair underneath it helter-skelter. “Get your things, too. This gentleman will take us to Lady Honoria’s.”

      “Yes, my lady.” The girl curtsied then rushed out of the room. Juliet looked expectantly at Amiable.

      Although taken aback by her unexpected request, Amiable summoned his manners and bowed to the young woman. “Nothing would give me more pleasure than to escort you, Lady Juliet.”

      The girl returned and draped a golden silk shawl around her mistress’s shoulders. “The carriage is ready, Captain Dawson,” Juliet said, raising her chin.

      “Of course, my lady.” He offered his arm and, when Juliet took it, pressed her hand into the crook of his elbow. A thrill chased down his arm and he shook off the strange sensation as they moved down the hallway and out the front door, the maid following behind.

      Juliet disappeared into the ornate carriage with the team of matched grays. Her dark pink gown flared over her beautifully rounded hips. A flash of white stockings, clocked with tiny rosebuds above her ankles, made him swallow hard.

      He had held that loveliness in his arms for a considerable amount of time this morning. He willed the image away and assisted Glynis to sit beside her mistress. Ten years in the army had taught him caution, so he surveyed the surroundings before he joined them. Danger lurked somewhere. Whether inside or outside the carriage, however, had yet to be determined.

      Chapter 3

      Love at first sight. Juliet believed it did occur. That had to be the explanation for this sudden breathless feeling, didn’t it? Simple gratitude for his help in getting rid of Philippe would not cause this peculiar sensation deep in the pit of her stomach, this overwhelming desire to remain in his company, would it?

      A knight in shining armor indeed. So protective. That might be the most compelling reason for her tender feelings toward the captain. He made her feel safe—even safer than Duncan did, since he had married. She loved Katarina without question, but her brother’s first allegiance now lay with his wife. The woman Captain Dawson had come to Dunham House to see.

      Her heart flip-flopped painfully in her chest. He’d sounded so wistful when he’d realized he had missed her sister-in-law. That tone had boded more than simple acquaintance could account for, she would stake her life on it. Katarina, thank goodness, was beyond him now. So perhaps she could help him forget her.

      Such a handsome man, and so well made. Almost as tall as Duncan but more slender than her brother, though not to the point of thinness. The captain’s taut bearing, obviously a product of his military training, spoke candidly of his decisive nature and explained his powerful physique. When she’d leaned against him, his chest had been firm, not soft, his arms corded with muscles, unmistakable even through his coat. Dark blonde- hair pulled back in a bag and those intense blue eyes. Soon he’d be with her in the carriage. Yes, Captain Amiable Dawson cut a fine figure. The man would make any woman a wonderful husband.

      The object of her affection entered the carriage and sat opposite her.

      Just looking at him, so close to her, her heartbeat fluttered, her mouth went dry, and all manner of little chills raced down her arms. This must be love.

      “Does the coachman have the direction, Lady Juliet?”

      “Yes. He knows I am to go to Lady Honoria’s home in Beaumont Crescent.”

      “Very well.” Smiling, Captain Dawson rapped on the trap and the carriage started. “You said you will stay some days with your friend?”

      The curve of his sensuous lips caused her heart to pound unmercifully. “Until my СКАЧАТЬ