Love Sneaked In (Montgomery Family Trilogy) (41 page)

With his last thrust, he groaned as he emptied his seed deep inside her. His arms wouldn’t hold him up, so he gently pulled out and rolled to her side as he pulled her into his arms. Matthew’s heart swelled with love and contentment stronger than he had ever felt before. He had his beautiful Helen back in his arms, and she’d forgiven him.

With tears swimming in his eyes, Matthew whispered, “My love…you are my life.” Cradling her in his arms, they drifted off into peaceful slumber.

Later that evening, Helen and Matthew went down to dinner. As they entered the drawing room, everyone was already there. Melody, Kathryn, and Mary rushed over and hugged Helen.

When Melody hugged her, she said, “Thank goodness you’re all right. We were so worried about you. Matthew sent a message telling Henry that you’d been taken to a brothel in town. They were already planning to attend that auction because of the rumors. Then Old Maude came and told them that you were at Madame Lucille’s awful place. We were so relieved to find out where you were.”

“I’m just glad I got out of there. The only thing that kept me from losing my mind that last day was the hope that Old Maude had gone to Henry.”

Simpson came in and announced dinner. Melody had ordered a special meal prepared to celebrate Helen’s return. After dinner, the men decided to join the ladies in the drawing room instead of having their port and cigars. They talked and laughed with joy that they were all together again. Since Matthew and Helen were still quite exhausted from lack of restful sleep, they were the first to go to their rooms.

Upon returning to their rooms, they went into their sitting room, sat on the sofa, and talked. “Helen, tell me what happened to you. I’m amazed you were able to hold off Madame Lucille. I’m thankful that you did, but I’m still astonished she allowed you to wait.”

Helen smiled smugly. “I told her I’d just given birth and if she forced men on me too soon, I’d be damaged, and she wouldn’t make as much money. I kept thinking that if I could just delay anything happening you would find me, or I’d figure out a way to escape. I almost did, but that brute Bernard caught me. That was when she beat me. Thank goodness, she allowed Old Maude to treat my wounds.”

“Helen, you’re brilliant. Thank God she wanted to protect her investment. When I thought about what could happen to you in a brothel, it drove me mad. It terrified me when I believed you’d probably been violated. I worried that even if I did find you, you’d be dead, or terribly hurt.”

Touching Matthew’s hand, Helen replied, “I never gave up hope that you would find me. I prayed constantly to have the strength to endure. Now, what are we going to do about your suspicions regarding Cecilia? When do you think the Bow Street Runner will return? I need to get home to our sons right away.”

“We’ll go home in a few days, after you’ve had time to recover from your ordeal. I know you’re anxious to get home, but neither one of us have been sleeping very much. Mr. Livingston should be back soon. He’s been gone for about ten days. I just hope he was able to get Cecilia to talk. I’m convinced she’s the one behind all this. This Louis character, he never said anything that hinted at who was giving the orders?”

“No, nothing at all. I’m just so glad to have this whole ordeal behind me.”

“You know your brother holds me responsible for your troubles, and I don’t blame him. But it bothers me terribly because I respect him tremendously, and now he’s lost all respect for me. Melody was so disappointed in me that she wouldn’t even make eye contact with me. It made me feel very ashamed of my behavior. I just hope they can eventually forgive me. It’s up to me to show them how much I love you, and that I’ll never hurt you again.”

“Matthew, I’m sure they’ll forgive you now that I’ve returned unharmed. My darling, I know that I’m tired, and I’m sure you are too, so let’s go to bed.” They went to Matthew’s room, hands clasped and fingers laced, and he tenderly made love to her. As he held her in his arms, she drifted off to sleep.

The next day, Henry met with Helen and Matthew and told them the Bow Street Runner wasn’t able to find out anything when he went to Devonshire. Helen noticed how cold Henry was acting toward Matthew and decided she would have a talk with him privately. They needed to work together if they were going to prove that Cecilia was the instigator behind this debacle.

Matthew went to their townhouse that afternoon to tell the housekeeper they wouldn’t be opening the house for the season after all. While he was gone, Helen went to Henry’s study to talk with him. “Henry, I need to speak with you regarding your attitude toward Matthew. I’ve forgiven him, and I want you to forgive him also. He’s my husband, and I love him very much. He feels terrible about what happened to me, and that it could be his fault, because of Cecilia.”

“Helen, I don’t understand how you can forgive him so easily.”

“I love him. Besides, I believe that even if he had broken it off with Cecelia before he came to London, she would still have reacted with animosity. You haven’t met the woman, I have. I believe she’s insane. We need to move forward and work together so we can stop her from doing anything further harm. Our focus needs to be on how we’re going to prove she’s behind all this. So, can you ease up on Matthew for me?”

“Oh, all right. I’ll ease up on him. I do believe he cares for you and that he’s very remorseful over this entire situation, so yes, I’ll forgive him. All I want is your happiness and safety. You’re right about us needing to work together to prove that Mrs. Arlington is behind the attempts on your life and your abduction.”

“Matthew respects you tremendously, and he’s worried that you’ve lost all respect for him, just when you’d started to become friends. I hope you’ll let him know you’ve forgiven him. Thank you, it means so much to me.”

“Anything for you, sweetheart.” Henry pulled her into his arms and gave her a hug.

Helen left Henry’s study feeling much better about everything. She understood why Henry held Matthew responsible, but he didn’t know Mrs. Arlington. Now she wanted to talk to Melody, so she went to find her. She found Melody in the drawing room and gave her a hug. “Good afternoon, I’d like to talk to you about Matthew. Do you have a few minutes to talk?”

“Of course, I don’t have anything planned this afternoon so I’d happy to talk to you. I’m just so glad you’re all right. We were terribly worried about you.”

“I’m just glad this horrid ordeal is behind me. Listen, Matthew told me how disappointed you were when you found out he’d had a mistress when we got married. I was angry with him myself when I first found out. Matthew should have broken it off, but he didn’t, and that can’t be changed.”

“I was mainly just concerned about you. I was so afraid you’d be hurt.”

“Melody, I’ve forgiven him, and I want you to forgive him also. It’s important to me that we all get along and respect each other. Matthew realizes he made a grave mistake by not breaking off with her, and he feels awful about what’s happened. What we need to focus on now is making sure that this woman is stopped. Can you do this for me?”

“Helen, I’ve already forgiven him. I know how much he loves you. He was so distraught when you were missing, and I know he feels a great deal of remorse. All I want is for you to be happy. If you’re willing to forgive him, then that’s all that matters.”

“I’m glad we had this talk. I feel much better. Now, can we go see your children? I haven’t seen them since December. I’m sure Magnus has changed dramatically. I wish you could see my sons. They’re adorable, and they look just like Henry.”

“I can’t wait to see them. If they look like Henry, then I’m sure they’re adorable. Henry was so pleased when you named one of them after him and Nelson. Oh, it’s so good to have you back with us. Now, let’s go up to the nursery.” Leaving the drawing room, arm in arm, they went upstairs.

Helen and Melody played with the children for about an hour, but it made Helen miss her sons tremendously. They were too small to be without her, so she needed to get home to them right away. She hoped they could leave tomorrow.

After they left the children, Helen went to her room. At loose ends without her children, her thoughts turned to the night before. Last night had been wonderful. Now that she’d told Matthew she loved him, their lovemaking was even more fulfilling than before. She was still embarrassed by her behavior the other night, but Matthew had assured her he didn’t mind her wantonness at all. She felt heat scorch through her just thinking about how erotic making love with Matthew had been.

Later that afternoon, Margaret arrived. When she saw Helen in the entry hall, she rushed over and gave her a hug. “Helen, I was so worried about you. Have you found out who was behind your abduction? Peter wrote me and told me everything. I’m sure it was perfectly horrible. I can’t imagine how you felt when you found yourself in a brothel. What was it like?”

Helen was glad to see Margaret and returned her a hug. “It was perfectly awful, and I’m just glad that it’s all over with and that I’m safe. We both feel that Mrs. Arlington is behind it all. She must think that if I were done away with, Matthew will return to her. By taking my children, she has tangled with the wrong woman. We’ll find the proof, and then she’ll be punished to the fullest extent of the law.” Then, smiling fondly at Margaret, she added, “I’m thrilled to see you, but you didn’t need to come all this way just to see me.”

“Of course I wanted to see you. You’re my sister now, and I love you. I’m sorry I gave you such a hard time when you first got to Collingswood Hall. I acted very childish and made things much harder for you. I know you were just worried about me and afraid I’d make a terrible mistake. I know that I’m young, but I really do love Peter, and I’m very happy. I think you’re right about Mrs. Arlington. She’s always been a bit unhinged, so I can believe she would think that getting rid of you would get Matthew back.”

“I agree. Cecilia is definitely deranged. Now tell me what your plans are, now that you’re in town.”

Margaret grinned. “Now that you’re safe, I’ve come for the season. I won’t be able to attend any of the parties because we’re in mourning for his uncle, but we can still go the ballet, opera, and plays and such. I’ve never been to London, so I’m very excited about being here. I need to get some mourning gowns made, but I want them to be as fashionable as possible. Who do you use while you’re in London?”

“You need to go see Madame Devy. She’s marvelous, and I’ve been using her forever. Her shop is located on Bond Street, so she’s easy to find.”

“Are you going to stay for the season?”

“We had planned to come for the season, but now all I want to do is get back to my sons. Margaret, they’re so beautiful, and they look just like my brother. I wish you could see them. I was very impressed with Peter, by the way. He helped Matthew recover my sons, and I’ll be eternally grateful to him for that. I know Matthew really appreciated his help. I hope you have a good time this season. Even if you can’t go to the parties, there are so many things that are available in London.” Looking up, Helen saw Melody and added, “Oh, here comes Melody.”

Melody came into the entrance hall and walked over to them. “Welcome to our home. Your husband told me you were arriving today. He’s been so helpful through all the turmoil of finding Helen. I understand you’ve arrived for the season. You’ll have to come for tea one day soon.”

“I’d love to. Our townhouse is on Curzon Street, which isn’t far from here. Once I’m settled in, I’d love to have you over, Your Grace.”

“Please, call me Melody. After all, you’re part of Helen’s family, so now we’re related by marriage.”

“I’d be happy to, and please call me Margaret.”

The ladies went into the drawing room to continue their conversation, and Melody called for refreshments. Helen was impressed with how mature Margaret had become. Evidently, marriage had agreed with her.

As they sat there talking, Matthew came into the room, went over to his sister, and gave her a hug. “Hello, Puss. When did you get here? Peter told me you were coming for the season. Are you excited?”

“Oh yes, Matthew, I plan to attend all the entertainments that are offered, except we can’t go to the parties because of his uncle recently dying. I wish you could stay, but I understand you need to be home with your children.” Soon Peter showed up and took Margaret home. As they were leaving, Melody and Margaret agreed she should come for tea in two days. After they left, Helen and Matthew went up to their rooms.