Behind the Mask (63 page)

“Oh, of course not,” she insisted with wide eyes. “I’ve never told a soul about the baby.” Cameron sighed and looked at the floor.

“I would never betray your trust, Miss Abbi,” Elsa added.

“I know that, and you know that,” Abbi said. “I just wanted
him
to know that.” She thought it best to avoid Cameron’s name, if only to make him feel more at ease.

Elsa looked up to meet Cameron’s eyes, saying in a firm voice that defied her nervousness, “You are Georg’s friend . . . the man he’s helping.”

Cameron glanced to Abbi in concern before he put the pieces together and remembered the connection. He recognized her voice more than her face from the other evening when he’d been hiding in Abbi’s room.

“I am Georg’s wife,” Elsa said. “I want you to know that I would never do anything to bring harm to him, or those he cares for. And I would do anything to help Miss Abbi—anything.”

“Thank you, Elsa,” Cameron said, then he took her hand and kissed it. “I am indebted to you for your support and understanding.”

Elsa looked a little in awe as she bustled nervously out of the room. Following a moment of silence, Cameron said, “Forgive me. I must be more careful.”

“No one ever comes to my room this time of day except Elsa. But it wouldn’t hurt to lock the door when you’re in here.” She did so as she said it. Their eyes met again, but she sensed some kind of tension between them. Her thoughts went to the bizarre relationship she was sharing with Lance in Cameron’s absence, and she wondered if his thoughts were the same. She felt unexpectedly queasy and scolded herself for not eating better through the day. She wished that she’d asked Elsa to bring her something to eat as she sat at her dressing table and began pulling the pins from her hair. As her hair fell around her shoulders, she glanced in the mirror to see Cameron’s reflection behind her. She knew she should say something to ease the strain between them, but she felt lightheaded as she brushed through her hair.

Abbi was about to ring for Elsa when Cameron stepped behind her and took the brush from her hand to take over the task of smoothing out her hair. Pulling it gently through her curls, over and over, his eyes kept moving from her reflection to his brushing. Then Abbi’s stomach lurched and her nausea became too intense to ignore. She put a hand over her mouth and bent forward.

“What’s wrong?” Cameron asked, dropping the brush and taking her shoulders.

Abbi shook her head but left her mouth covered tightly.

“Come and lie down,” he insisted and urged her to her feet, but her lightheadedness overcame her and she fell against him. “Good heavens, Abbi.” He picked her up and carried her to the bed. “What’s the matter?”

Abbi kept her mouth covered and Cameron felt helpless and frustrated, not knowing what to do. “Are you going to lose it?” he asked, but Abbi shook her head. “Is there anything I can do?” Again she shook her head.

Abbi noted Cameron’s visible concern while she struggled to gain control of her insides. She finally moved her hand and relaxed against the pillow with a sigh. “If only I
could
lose it,” she said, “which would be a far cry above feeling that way.”

“Does this happen often?” he asked.

“Only occasionally now. It used to be almost constant. But I’m afraid I haven’t eaten very well today, which only aggravates the problem.”

“Is there something I can do,” he asked, “now that you can speak?”

“Yes, there is,” she replied, placing her hand over her stomach. “You could ring for Elsa,” she motioned to the bell rope, “and have her bring me something to eat.”

Cameron pulled the cord then held Abbi’s hand until Elsa came into the room only a minute later.

“What is it, Miss?” she asked after Cameron unlocked the door to let her in.

“Abbi would like something to eat,” Cameron said with kind authority. “Could you see to it, please?”

“Yes, sir,” she said and left the room as if she’d been taking orders from him for years.

Leaning against the headboard, Cameron put his arm around Abbi’s shoulder and rubbed it gently. “Have you seen a doctor about this?”

“Of course I have,” she replied.

“What did he say?”

“He said it’s all a natural part of pregnancy, and I shouldn’t let myself get hungry or tired.”

He looked into her eyes then pressed a passionate kiss to her lips.

“What was that for?” she asked.

“For going through all of this to give me a child.”

“I’ve never had to wonder if it’s worth it,” she said. “This child is tangible evidence of the love we share.”

Cameron sighed and kissed her brow. “How are you feeling?”

“Awful,” she said, “but Elsa will be here soon. She’s wonderful.”

“So I see,” Cameron said as Elsa entered the room. He still didn’t feel entirely comfortable with the situation as he moved off the bed so that Elsa could place the tray there. But it didn’t seem to bother Abbi, and he had to remind himself to overcome his paranoia and remember that this was Georg’s wife. Never having seen them together, the connection was difficult to comprehend.

“Thank you, Elsa,” he said. She nodded politely and left.

Abbi quickly felt better as she filled her stomach. “Hungry?” she asked Cameron as he stood looking out the window.

“No, thank you,” he said, “Georg had Marta bring me something in the stable before I came.”

“So, Marta is in on your little secret?”

“She’s endlessly faithful. Together they take very good care of me. I owe my life to Georg, many times over.”

“Then I owe him mine also.”

“And your rose trellis.” He chuckled.

“Indeed.”

“I noticed a proclamation posted today in town . . . that the Captain of the Guard is getting married.”

Abbi sighed. “New travels fast . . . which it should, considering that the bride is very pregnant.”

Cameron turned from the window. “I’m terribly jealous.”

“As you should be,” she said. “But I can assure you that his kisses are entirely platonic, and he’s been a perfect gentleman.”

“I wouldn’t expect him to be anything less. I wouldn’t trust my wife and child with just anyone.” He sighed and wandered idly about the room. “I assume everything’s going well.”

“Yes, actually.” She told him briefly about the plans they’d made, and how she’d ordered a wedding gown, which made him smile.

“What’s this?” Cameron asked, noticing the package on her bureau.

“A wedding gift.”

“Really?” He seemed surprised. “So soon?”

“Go ahead and look at it,” she said. “It’s your wedding, too.”

Cameron pulled the handkerchief from the box and admired it. “Very nice,” he said, puzzled.

“Read the card.”

Cameron picked up the card sitting near the box and read with no expression. “Friends of yours?” he asked.

“In a way,” she said. “I met them at the castle last year while attending a party. We keep in touch, although they’re extremely busy. They’re the duke’s sisters.”

Abbi expected him to be impressed, or at least surprised, but he just set the paper down and moved back to gaze out the window. She watched him thoughtfully, grateful to have him here, and to be feeling better so that she could enjoy their time together. She took the tray to the bureau and turned to face Cameron, running her hands through his hair.

“That was a quick rejuvenation.” He smiled.

“I told you it was nothing serious.” She reached up to kiss him. “Hold me,” she whispered. “Hold me all night.”

“I had every intention of doing just that.”

Abbi turned to pull up her hair, indicating that he unbutton her dress. She put on her nightgown while he removed his boots and breeches and got into bed. She slipped between the sheets and into his arms, relaxing her head against his shoulder.

“Tell me more about our wedding,” he said, putting his hands behind his head.

Abbi told him about the gown she had picked out, and of her plans for the cathedral wedding, and the reception afterwards at the estate, which Marta had taken charge of.

“It sounds perfect,” he said, “and it won’t be much longer now.”

“I only wish my father could be there,” Abbi said, and then she recalled the unusual incident with him. Her preoccupation with other things had put it to the back of her mind. But now that Cameron was here, there was a great deal she wanted to know.

“So do I,” he added.

“Just how well do you know my father?” Abbi asked.

“I’ve already told you,” he stated with an edge. “We worked together for a time.”

“I know better than to ask, because I’m sure you won’t tell me, but I can’t help wondering how you came by my mother’s bracelet.”

Cameron looked at her sharply. “How did you find out it was your mother’s? I told you not to take it off.”

“My father took it off. He acted as though he’d seen a ghost.”

“He had every reason to believe I was dead.”

“You don’t think any harm will come of it, do you?”

“No, Abbi. Whatever the situation may be with your father, he would never do anything to harm me.”

Abbi felt some relief in that. “And the bracelet?” she asked. “Why did you have it?”

“He gave it to me many years ago for safekeeping. He had trouble with gambling now and then, and he didn’t want to be tempted to gamble away something that meant a great deal to him. I believe he told me at the time that if anything ever happened to him, I should give it to his daughter.” He smiled at the irony. “So I did.” He took her hand and squeezed it. “Like you, I wish he could be at the wedding.”

Wanting to change the subject, Abbi asked, “What about your relatives? Do you have any?”

“A few.”

“Will they be at the wedding?” she asked.

“I believe so,” was all he said.

“It just occurred to me,” Abbi said, “that if my father can’t be there, well . . . someone’s got to give the bride away. I think it should be Georg.”

Cameron smiled. “What a marvelous idea. I’m certain Georg can handle giving away the bride and standing up with the groom as well.”

“I don’t see why not. Do you want to ask him?”

“I’ve already asked him to stand with me. I think you should talk to him about giving you away.”

“I will.” She smiled and hugged him tightly. “I guess we’re all set then. The rest is up to the people we’ve engaged to come through with their assignments, and you, my dear betrothed. Just when are you going to make this grand switch of the groom?”

“Before the wedding is over.” He smirked.

Abbi didn’t know whether to hit him or kiss him. She opted for the latter.

Chapter Eighteen

MANEUVERS

A
bbi was awakened by a knock at her door. In the darkness she felt Cameron beside her and sensed his concern.

“Who is it?” she called.

“It’s Georg,” he called back in a loud whisper.

“You stay put,” Cameron said to Abbi, pulling on his breeches. She lit the lamp on the bedside table as Cameron unlocked the door and Georg slipped inside.

“What is it?” Cameron asked frantically as he closed the door and leaned against it.

“Hello, Abbi.” Georg smirked toward her. She gave him a sarcastic grin and pulled the bedding up to cover the bottom half of her face.

“Well?” Cameron urged impatiently.

“You know that problem we were discussing earlier, and our hopes that . . .” He glanced discreetly toward Abbi. “. . . That a particular gentleman could help us.”

“Yes.”

“He’s agreed to give us everything we need, as long as he can see with his own eyes that you’re alive.”

Cameron laughed. “Hey, that’s easy. I can do that.”

“He’s waiting for us.”

“What?” Abbi said, peeking over the covers. “It’s the middle of the night.”

“The very best time for fugitives to wander,” Cameron said, kissing her quickly. “I won’t be long.”

Abbi went back to sleep a few minutes after Cameron left with Georg. And the next thing she knew he was climbing back into bed.

“Everything all right?” she murmured, nuzzling close to him.

“Everything’s perfect,” he said and she drifted off again.

Cameron woke instinctively before dawn, knowing his life might depend on it. Feeling Abbi’s warmth next to him, his thoughts went to the child she carried. He had never been a man to think much about the future, mostly because it had always appeared so bleak—until Abbi had come into his life. In Abbi he could see a bright and hopeful vision, well worth dreaming about. And now it was no problem for Cameron to see ahead. He’d worked hard at it all those months alone on the mountain. As he’d waited for Georg’s signal, the only thing he’d had was his future with Abbi, and he’d constantly filled his mind with a dream that he was determined to make reality. Now, as Cameron worked to meet the challenges before him, he depended on that dream more than ever to show him the way. The fight, the changes, the risks would all bring him the future he knew was right for Abbi and the child, because he knew it was what he truly needed to be at peace with himself.

In his mind he could see their wedding, a public ceremony where pretenses and deceptions were gone, and vows that weren’t taken lightly would be exchanged for all to see. There would be all the months and years ahead with Abbi as his wife, without having to hide and worry. But the most fascinating aspect of Cameron’s vision was the child. A product of perfect love, an astounding miracle of nature, and as Abbi had said, tangible evidence of the love they shared.