Reese's Bride. Kat Martin

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      “This way.” He moved off toward the drawing room, limping only a little, hoping his harsh tone of voice would compel her to turn and leave. He walked into the drawing room and waited as Elizabeth moved past him, her full black skirts brushing against his legs. He closed the sliding door, making them private, but didn’t offer her a seat nor take one himself.

      “It’s the middle of the night. What is it you want?”

      She lifted her chin and he noticed her complexion was far paler than it should have been. She was fighting for composure and the realization filled him with satisfaction.

      “I—I know you what you think of me. I know how much you hate me.”

      He laughed without mirth. “You couldn’t begin to know.”

      She bit her bottom lip. It was as full and tempting as he remembered and the muscles across his abdomen contracted. Damn her. Damn her to bloody hell.

      “I came here to plead for your help. My father is dead. I have no brothers or sisters, no true friends. You are a man of honor, a veteran of the war. I am here because I believe you are not the sort of man to turn away a desperate woman and her child—no matter your personal feelings.” She swayed a little and beads of perspiration appeared on her temple.

      Reese frowned. “Are you unwell?”

      “I … I am not certain. I have been feeling ill of late. That is part of the reason I am here. Should my condition worsen, I am concerned for what might happen to Jared.”

      “Jared? That is your son’s name?”

      “Yes.”

      She swayed again and he started toward her, using his cane only once as he crossed to where she stood and caught her arm to steady her. He was a gentleman, no matter how difficult at times that might be. “Sit down before you fall down.”

      She moved forward, sank unsteadily onto the burgundy sofa, her black silk reticule falling into her lap. She reached a trembling hand to her temple, then looked up at him with the beautiful, haunting gray eyes that invaded his dreams. The memory of a thousand sleepless nights hardened his jaw and fortified his resolve against her.

      “I am not the help you need.”

      “There is no one else I can turn to.”

      “You’re the Countess of Aldridge. Surely there is someone.”

      Her hands gripped the reticule in her lap. “I intended to go to London. I might have tried to make it tonight if I hadn’t been feeling so unwell.” She looked at him with those beseeching gray eyes. “I believe my in-laws may be doing something to my food or drink. If my condition continues to worsen, my son may be in grave danger.”

      His jaw tightened. “You’re speaking of Mason and Frances Holloway?”

      “Yes. I’m afraid that even should I reach London safely, my brother-in-law will arrive within days. I’m afraid he’ll find a means of forcing my return to Aldridge Park. Once I am there …” She shook her head. “I am frightened, my lord. I am here because I don’t know where else to go.”

      “What do you expect from me?”

      “I suppose I expect that your honor will dictate you must help me. You’re a strong man, the sort who can protect my son. I suppose I am hoping that no matter what I have done, you will not be able to turn me out of your home.”

      Anger simmered just below the surface. She knew how much he valued his honor. She knew more about him than any other person in the world. He worked to calm the angry pounding of his heart.

      “I am afraid, Countess, you ask too much.” Purposely, he used her title, a reminder of all that had transpired between them.

      “Elizabeth …” she softly corrected. “We are too well acquainted for anything more formal.”

      A hard smile surfaced. “I suppose you could say we are well acquainted. Very well acquainted, indeed.”

      For an instant, a flush rose in her cheeks, erasing the pallor, but she did not glance away. “Will you help me?”

      He began to shake his head. He couldn’t do it. He couldn’t bear having her in his house, under his roof. He couldn’t stand the painful memories.

      She came up from the sofa, so close he could measure the incredible length of her thick black lashes.

      A black-gloved hand settled gently on his arm.

      “Please, my lord. I beg you not to refuse. My son needs you. I need you. You are the only person in the world who can help us … the only person I trust.”

      The words hit him hard. She trusted him. Once he had trusted her. Reese stared at the beautiful woman standing in front of him. He had loved her once. Fiercely and without reserve. Now he hated her with the same unrelenting passion.

      Still, he could read her desperation, her fear. As she had said, he was a man who valued his honor. She had come to him for help. How could he turn her away?

      “I’ll have Hopkins show you and your party upstairs.” A harsh smile curved his lips. “I believe you remember where to find the guest rooms.”

      She glanced away but relief washed over her features. “Thank you, my lord. I swear I shall find a way to repay the great debt I owe you.”

      And then she collapsed at his feet.

      “Corporal Daniels!”

      Elizabeth stirred as Reese lifted her into his arms. Her mind was foggy, blurred. She blinked up at him, into the hard, carved lines of his face. “I … I’m all right. You don’t have to—”

      “Daniels!” he shouted again and a brawny, red-haired young man appeared beside him.

      “Yes, sir?”

      Reese dumped her unceremoniously into the younger man’s arms. “I can’t carry her up the stairs—not with this damnable leg.”

      Corporal Daniels looked down at her and smiled. “Rest easy, ma’am. I’ll get you there in a jiff.”

      She had no time to protest as the young man swept her out of the drawing room.

      “Mama!” Jared rushed forward as they entered the hall and grabbed frantically onto her skirts.

      “I am fine, sweetheart. Just a little dizzy, is all. Bring Mrs. Garvey and come upstairs.”

      Jared turned and raced back to where the older woman stood waiting and grabbed hold of her hand. The butler led the pair a few steps behind as the corporal carted her up the stairs. He carried her into one of the guest rooms and settled her carefully on the bed.

      “I’ll fetch Gilda to attend you, ma’am. She’s the chambermaid.”

      She didn’t protest. She still felt light-headed though the spinning had begun to slow. She rested her head on the pillow and looked up at the ceiling. It was white while the walls were a soft yellow, pretty though the СКАЧАТЬ