The Marquess Meets His Match Read online

  More than once, he’d had to remind himself that the war was over.

  He stopped in front of his townhouse and stared up at it. Stone steps led up to the three-story building that was so familiar to him. He had so many memories of joking with his father and brother here. This would always be considered their bachelor lodgings while Parliament was in session. Christian’s mother had died in childbirth so it had just been the three of them. It wasn't until he was much older that he realized most fathers, especially dukes, didn’t take an active role in the upbringing of their children. But his father had loved them and showed it. Christian’s heart clenched anew that John was gone, and his father would soon be joining him.

  Slowly climbing the steps, Christian nodded to the butler as he went inside and headed directly to his study. “I don't want to be disturbed, Carruthers,” he said as he passed.

  He needed a drink. Maybe two. He wanted to numb the grief, the war, everything. But with his fingertips on the door handle, he stopped. He’d made a promise after drinking himself into a stupor the first few weeks he’d returned home. He didn’t have to drown in alcohol or in memories. He was stronger than that. Facing his demons was the solution, even if he did it one day at a time. Turning on his heel, he went directly to his bedchamber and closed the door.

  Sitting down in the overstuffed chair, Christian took off his boots. Wiggling his toes, he stretched them out toward the fire and stared at the flames. If he looked long enough he’d be able to see the grim faces of his men that had surrounded a small but warm fire the night before they'd breached the walls of Badajoz. They’d lost so many soldiers that day― their screams as they died still echoed through his dreams. But he’d tried to make peace with their loss and his survival by working in intelligence and making sure their sacrifices hadn't been in vain. Edward would have to reach that point himself before he could attempt to move forward from the past. Hopefully his business with Pembroke wouldn’t make anything worse―like being hanged for treason.

  He closed his eyes for just a moment, needing to rest but not wanting to dream. His body finally succumbed to slumber, however, and this night, his dreams involved chasing Alice through a garden. She was laughing, and he wanted to reach her, to keep her close and safe next to him.

  A distinctly male voice cut through his dream. “My lord.”

  Christian opened one eye. It was Brooks, his valet. “What’s wrong?” Sitting up in the chair, Christian rubbed his sore neck muscles.

  “I’ve brought you some breakfast, my lord.” Brooks pointed to the tray on the table behind him. “You left instructions with me yesterday about getting an early start to Langdon Park this morning.”

  Christian nodded. Several agents were heading to Langdon Park today to tighten security for the duke. It was also the beginning of the Huntingdon house party and Christian wanted to be one of the first to arrive. He was looking forward to getting an update from the duke and seeing if Alice had gathered any more information. As partners, he planned to keep her busy with intelligence gathering and far away from anything dangerous.

  After he'd breakfasted, Christian opened the daily update from his father’s physician. The little flicker of hope in his heart burned a little brighter. Maybe this time the letter would say his father was getting well. But Christian’s eyes scanned the parchment. There was no change. No matter how hard he hoped for different news, it was always the same. The duke was not expected to live.

  His heart heavy, Christian finished taking care of some mundane estate matters, making sure to leave his direction for the physician and instructions to inform him immediately of any change with his father’s condition. With the last details taken care of, he went out to his horse. After checking his saddlebags, he mounted and rode toward the outskirts of London. A long ride was just what he needed to clear his head. If the weather held and the roads were good, he would reach Langdon Park before nightfall.

  Not wanting to dwell on his father’s condition, Christian turned his thoughts to what his next move might be to stop the traitor. The first thing on the agenda was to ensure the safety of the duke and his family. One attempt had already been made on Alice's life; he was sure of it. Why else would a shot be taken at her while at home? Then he needed to discreetly question Lord Pembroke. He thought of his bold wink at Lady Alice on the terrace and was irritated all over again. Yes, until he determined Lord Pembroke’s guilt or innocence, he would keep Alice’s interaction with Pembroke to a minimum. For safety’s sake.

  When he finally arrived at the country estate, it was nearly sunset. The two-story mansion was set on a small hill to show it off to its best advantage. The last rays of the sun made the stones look warm and inviting. Like many country estates, Langdon Park had been the country seat for the dukedom for hundreds of years, and the architecture was grand and meant to impress from the castellated roof and turrets to the oriel windows. The rolling lawn and trees surrounding the house were inviting, and a lake sparkled in the distance.

  As Christian rode closer, a groom came out to greet him. “May I take your horse, my lord?” he asked, bowing and tugging his forelock.

  “If I didn’t know you as well as I do, Pearce, I wouldn’t have ever guessed you haven’t been in service all your life.” Christian dismounted and grinned, barely holding back from hugging the man he’d served with and considered a brother. “I’m surprised to see you. I thought you were still in France.”

  “That’s where I prefer everyone to think I am.” Jack Pearce had been extremely useful behind enemy lines and had saved countless lives monitoring French movements and getting the information to those in charge. He was also one of the best snipers the British army had. “Wanted to be here for the duke, though. If my name’s about to be sold, I’d like a hand in stopping that.”

  “The duke is lucky to have you.” Christian gave his horse’s flank a pat before Pearce took the reins.

  Pearce grinned, giving him a bow. “It’s good to be back together, playing our parts like the old days. You find ’em, and I finish ’em.”

  “Hopefully our luck holds out.” Christian smiled and watched Pearce lead the horse to the stables. The man was a crack shot, and they’d worked well together in the field against the enemy. It was still shocking that their services were needed so close to home.

  Christian brushed at his clothes as he approached the door of the house, trying to get some of the road’s dust off before he saw the duke. Or Lady Alice.

  The butler opened it wide and admitted Christian inside. “My lord, we’ve been expecting you,” he intoned.

  Before he could respond, the duchess spoke from the top of the stairs.

  “Lord Wolverton, I’m pleased you’ve arrived,” Lady Huntingdon said as she descended the grand staircase. “It’s nearly time for dinner, and my daughter has not returned from the gardens yet.” Lady Huntingdon drew near and Christian offered his arm. “Would you care to join my little search party?”

  “I’m happy to help, my lady, but I have not freshened up after my journey.” Christian let her take the lead as they strolled toward the back of the house.

  “La, you can do that later. I’ve always loved the smell of leather and horses.” She gave him a smile. “Did you have a pleasant ride?”

  “I did.” Christian stepped out onto the back terrace that boasted a wide path toward the estate gardens. “Does your daughter often lose track of time in the garden?”

  “No. She’s with Lord Pembroke at the moment,” the duchess replied. “He arrived earlier this afternoon, and after some brief refreshment, he asked for a tour of the gardens.” She looked up at Christian. “He must truly love flowers.”

  Christian’s smile froze on his face. Flowers were probably the last thing Pembroke cared about. And Lady Alice had been giving him a tour. What if Pembroke was Thomas’s murderer? He did have a long nose and light hair. His step lengthened slightly, wanting to find him and Alice as soon as possible. Thankfully, they weren’t hard to spot, sitting
on a bench with a maid nearby. They were obviously deep in conversation. What could they be talking about? Was Pembroke giving her the answers she’d tried to get at the ball?

  The duchess seemed to sense his urgency and picked up her pace. They reached Alice’s side quickly. “Alice, darling, it’s nearly dinner, and you need time to get properly prepared.” The duchess let go of Christian’s arm. “You mustn’t make her late, Lord Pembroke,” she chided, then softened her words with a laugh.

  Lord Pembroke gave Alice a warm look. “I wouldn’t dream of making Lady Alice late. Shall we?” He winged out his elbow for her, but her mother stepped in and took his arm instead.

  “I must know what you two have found so diverting,” she said, looking back at her daughter. “Your faces were quite animated.”

  “I’d like to know as well,” Christian said. Alice cast her eyes heavenward, but when she started after them, Christian held out his arm. “Allow me to escort you, my lady.”

  Her upbringing wouldn’t allow her to reject his offer, but he did hear a soft sigh pass her lips before she took his arm. “Did you just arrive, my lord?” she asked, wrinkling her nose.

  Christian leaned closer. “Is that your subtle way of telling me I should have refreshed myself before escorting your mother to the garden?”

  “Perhaps.” She looked away from him, toward the lake. “If you require some water right away, the lake is quite bracing this time of year.”

  “Do you know that from personal experience?” The top of her head was so close to his nose that the subtle scent of roses clinging to her hair wafted up to him.

  “A lady would never divulge such information.” She brought her eyes back to his, her heart-shaped face lit with warmth from the last rays of the sun dipping below the horizon. “I’m sure we’ll be boating and picnicking on the lake during the house party. Do you swim, my lord?”

  “Every nobleman is taught to swim.” He slowed his step as they approached the house, not yet wanting to relinquish her.

  “The Earl of Moreland’s son wasn’t. Isn’t that curious?” She said it as if she were discussing the weather.

  The words were like a bucket of cold water sluicing over him. She had been questioning Pembroke about Thomas’s death. Christian schooled his face not to react. “Did Pembroke tell you that?” Christian looked at the man in question, who was impatiently waiting for them on the terrace. “How would he know such a detail? They weren’t school chums, merely members of the same club.”

  “Lord Pembroke seems to be full of information.” She kept her voice low, obviously not wanting their conversation to carry as they approached him.

  “He’s full of something,” Christian muttered.

  “He’s quite distraught over Thomas’s death.” She glanced at the house. “There is room for doubt of his guilt.”

  “Is there? After what happened at the ball, you must take care, Alice. I don't like people shooting at you.”

  The duchess was waving them on, and Alice let go of his arm. “Who’s to say they were shooting at me?” Her lips curved upward for a moment before it disappeared. “Don’t worry about me, Lord Wolverton. I can take care of myself.” Then the smile was back, as if the sun had broken through the clouds. “I’ll see you at dinner,” she said sweetly, gliding away and catching up to Lord Pembroke and her mother.

  Christian watched her go, admiration mixed with frustration running through him. She was unlike any woman he’d ever met. Under better circumstances, he would be tempted to further their acquaintance for personal reasons. But for now, she needed him to stay close and offer his protection.

  Whether she knew it or not.

  Chapter Five

  ALICE WAS SEATED BETWEEN Lord Pembroke and Lord Wolverton at dinner. It would have been the perfect opportunity to subtly question Pembroke, but the tension emanating from the two men was nearly palpable. She calmly took a bite of her poached salmon and smiled at the vicar, who sat across from her. There wasn’t a polite way for Pembroke to confide his distress over Thomas and confess what their last conversation had been. If there had been, she might have had a more positive case for his innocence, especially if Wolverton was a witness to such a discussion. There was nothing for it, but to keep their conversation on approved topics while in company.

  “Tell me, Lord Pembroke, will you be joining us for our picnic by the lake tomorrow?” Raising her fork, she took another small bite of fish. Her mother had carefully invited an even number of ladies and gentlemen for each day’s planned diversion, so it would be a shame if anyone declined.

  “Yes. Your mother has asked me to take charge of a boat. Dare I hope you will allow me the privilege of rowing you across the lake?” He smiled lazily at her, knowing she wouldn’t refuse. Clearly, Lord Pembroke had rarely been refused anything as had many of their class among the ton.

  “I’d be delighted.” Alice glanced toward the head of the table at her mother, who was watching her carefully, tilting her head toward the marquess. Alice couldn’t be sure exactly what that meant. She looked to her right and was surprised when she met Christian’s gaze.

  “I hope the weather will hold for the picnic.” Christian put his napkin on the table. “The days have been so mild lately, it makes me think that our fine weather will turn soon.”

  “Do you always anticipate negative events if there have been too many happy ones?” Alice’s brows drew down, but her mouth lifted in a smile.

  “Just planning for all contingencies, my lady.” Christian leaned in. “In this instance, I think the odds may be in your favor. There's hardly a cloud in the sky.”

  “How fortunate,” she murmured. He was so close, their shoulders touched, and his breath fanned across her cheek. His scent of bergamot and mint washed over her, the heat of his body magnifying it. Suddenly Lord Pembroke and the rest of the dinner guests seemed far away, and her vision tunneled down to just Christian. “Who would you like to partner with for the boat excursion?” she managed to get out. Had someone caught his eye? Would it bother her if they had?

  “I believe my lady of choice is spoken for,” he said quietly, shifting slightly closer to her. Alice’s heart flipped at his words. Did he mean them?

  “Perhaps I could ride along with you and Lord Pembroke?” Christian raised one eyebrow in question.

  “The boats are made for only two,” Pembroke answered, affecting a sad expression before giving Alice a smile. “I’m very much looking forward to spending time with you, Lady Alice.”

  She dipped her head, a small part of her disappointed that Christian wouldn’t be with her. But they were here to prove Pembroke’s guilt or innocence as a murderer and possible traitor. She needed to focus on that and sharing a boat with him could yield the answers she was looking for.

  “Have you ever been at sea?” Alice asked Pembroke. Maybe she could turn the conversation to details about him that might be useful later.

  “Unfortunately, with the war, I wasn’t able to travel or go on a Grand Tour. Now that it’s over, however, I’d love to spend some time abroad,” Pembroke said. He leaned his head forward in order to see Christian better. “What about you, Lord Wolverton? Do you like to travel for leisure?”

  “Not particularly. I had my fill of living abroad during the war. Now that it's over, I find I appreciate British soil even more than before.” He went back to eating his fish course, the subject obviously closed.

  Alice wanted to know more about Christian. She knew very few details of his war service beyond the reports of valor in several battles. He’d commanded a battalion of men and seemed to be well-loved by them. But how had he received the small scars near his ear and eyebrow? She had so many questions that she couldn’t politely ask.

  The conversation lulled as the next course was brought out. Pembroke shifted in his seat, as if uncomfortable with the silence. “So, Wolverton, did you ever go to Tattersall’s?” he asked while waiting for the servants to set the roast lamb and vegetables before him.

&nb
sp; Christian picked up his glass of wine, holding it loosely in his hand. “No, I didn’t have the time. I’d like to buy a new carriage to match the horses I’m considering buying, though. Tell me, when was the last time you purchased a new carriage? Do you have any advice on what to look for?”

  The air around them was suddenly charged making Alice sit up straighter. What was Christian’s purpose in asking after carriages? She looked at Pembroke who visibly swallowed.

  “It’s been some time since I purchased a carriage. I usually leave that up to one of the servants. Now, horseflesh I can advise you on. Next time we’re both in Town, we can go together and look at what’s available. Perhaps a nice set of matched grays would do.” Pembroke cut into his meat and took a bite, chewing his food slowly.

  “Do all of your carriages have the Pembroke crest on them? I wonder if I should take the time to have the Colborne crest applied to a new carriage or have one without.” Christian speared a bite of lamb from his plate, but kept his eyes on Pembroke.

  “My father proudly displayed our family crest on all our carriages.” Pembroke turned to Alice and took a breath, obviously releasing some of the tension he’d held since Christian brought up the subject. “All this talk of horses and carriages must be so tedious for you. Let’s change the subject to something more pleasing to a lady. Will you be favoring us with a musical selection this evening?”