Midnight Masquerade (31 page)

“Amelia, why didn’t you just tell me once you learned I was searching for you?”

“I wanted to, so badly. There were so many times it was on the tip of my tongue to tell you, and then I lost my courage. In reality I was jealous, of myself. I was jealous that you had become so obsessed with this mystery woman yet I was within your eyesight at all times.”

“No you weren’t, when I look back at it now I realize just how much you pulled away from me after I began my search for Andromeda. We rarely danced after that, in fact the more I think about it the more I realize you were avoiding me. Bloody hell I should have seen right through it.
”

“In the middle of making love to you that night, I almost screamed your name. I knew if I did, it’d be over. You were under the impression that Andromeda didn’t know who you were either. I knew that if I told you who I was you would have marched me right home and demanded we get married out of honor.”

“Honor my ass Amelia, I would have went down on my knee right there because you claimed my damn heart. Not because I took your virginity, because you captured a piece of me that night. I couldn’t understand the visceral reaction I had to you that night, after I realized it was
you
it all made sense. You were correct, I never stepped out line for years, I held you in high regard and honestly I chalked you up to being off limits due to being Luke’s little sister. However, that doesn’t mean I didn’t watch you, crave you for years. You were always in my sights, even if I didn’t flirt with you or touch you like a man who had intentions towards you. I knew if I crossed that line I couldn’t go back.”

“Do not deny for one moment that you would have forced my hand on marriage Alastair, you know you would have used my virginity as a fulcrum to
make me yours. Your damn honor would have required it of you.”

“Of course, but it would have been only to shield the fact that I was in love with you and refused to allow you to marry anyone else. I have been internally jealous of your suitors for years Lia, you know that on a basic level given my comments over the years. My possessive stance by your side when Gideon was at war, and the fact that I refuse to marry anyone who couldn’t compare to you.”

“You compared women against me?”

“Of course I did.”

“I wonder if we’d be engaged today if I hadn’t went to that masquerade.”

Sighing, he ran his hand through her hair, “We were on our way there. I kissed you in the garden after Porsche told me she was Andromeda. At the time I had no idea it was actually you. I let my heart lead that night, and it showed me what truly lay between you and I, after that, if you remember correctly I told you to put me on your suitor list.”

“You also told me I was the
one
.”

“Bloody right I did, after that kiss in the garden the tides shifted for me. I could no longer deny what I felt for you, regardless of who your brothers were.”

“And then you overheard my conversation with Helena regarding my newly discovered pregnancy, and it all went south.”

“Had I known it was you at Van Allendale’s that night, I would have immediately known it was my child you carried Lia, but I didn’t. I had no clue we slept together, so I made the assumption you had slept with another man and carried his child, not mine. I
was crushed, in my heart I had already began to think of you as mine. Hearing you were with child devastated me, I knew no matter how much I cared for you that I could not let a
nother man’s child be my heir. You should have told me right then and there Lia…”

“I know. I was still trying to wrap my mind around being pregnant when you burst into the room and yelled at me. I was shaken up, in shock and overwhelmed. I knew for a
less than an hour
, adding that on top of someone trying to assassinate me in my own garden the night before and I was a horrible mess. Then you insulted me, and I wanted to wring your neck.”

“I jumped to conclusions Lia, never did I imagine you’d be a woman to loosely give herself to a man without the security of at least engagement. I was utterly shocked myself, I came to your house that morning to comfort you after being woken from my bed with the news someone tried to kill you.”

Sighing, “What an awful mess I threw us into, I would have told you Alastair on my own time, I promise I would have
. I just needed time to wrap my head around the entire situation. I’m far too stubborn for my own good.”

“I know you would have love, I’m sure the news of my engagement to Porsche didn’t help the cause at all. You holed yourself up in your house for days after the news broke, don’t think I didn’t take notice.”

“I did. It was like a knife through the heart. I was still spinning from the news I carried your child, the attempt on my life and our fight. Next thing I know Hero is busting through my bedroom door telling me you were engaged. I didn’t eat for days, finally I pulled myself together and went for a ride in the park.”

“Which was the first time I had seen you since I found out you were pregnant
, promptly followed by us going back to Gideon’s house to avoid the storm where I your lovely sister-in-laws provided me with the missing piece of the puzzle.”

“Ah yes, sweet Helena and Genevieve. You know, to this day I think Helena started that conversation on purpose. She knew you were looking for a woman with a white gown and dark hair, and she knew I owned that gown. She went into great detail describing the gown I should wear for the outing that night…great detail.”

Laughing, “It wouldn’t surprise me one bit Amelia. She does have a habit of meddling in peoples’ lives on a frequent basis.”

“I couldn’t believe it, the moment she described my costume I knew you’d know. I was speechless, and scared.”

“Scared?”

“I kept two very large
secrets from you Alastair. In one
crashing moment you found out both of them, not from my lips. It wasn’t how I wanted you to find out. I knew I had to get away from my family so our argument didn’t include them. I
,
in reality was trying to run from you so I could breathe.”

“When I looked at you across the room that morning after Helena described that gown, I was speechless myself. It wasn’t until we were outside in the pouring rain until I realized you carried
my
child, I had temporarily forgotten about that as my mind was reeling with the reality that
you
were my Andromeda.”

“Alastair?”

“Yes love?”

“Did you have anything to do with Porsche being found in the arms of another man?”

“Ah, no, not directly.” He answered coyly.

“What the hell does that mean?” She demanded, sitting up on his lap, looking into his deep blue eyes she could tell there was more to tell.

Running his hand farther up her thigh, he held her tight, “You can thank Luke for that. I did not know about it until after the deed was done. Luke hired a man to seduce Porsche where she would be seen by Lady Juliet
and a few of the other grand dames
, it appears that your family was sick of waiting for
me
to break the engagement so they went about it their own way.”

Groaning, “Oh good lord,” shaking her head.

Shrugging his shoulders, “I feel no remorse, she lied to me repeatedly and wanted me only for my title and money. She was jealous and spiteful of you Lia, she had a heart of black…I was happy to be rid of her.
Honestly, it didn’t take the man much to seduce her, she would have been a horrid wife.
”

“Everything has happened in such a blur for us, now we are slipping out of London on our way to your Scottish castle for a clandestine wedding, and of course hoping the murder follows us so we can catch him.” 

“If you’d much rather get married at Westminster we can turn back around right now.” He teased, winking at her as he grabbed a handful of her bare ass.

“Not a chance in hell. A small country wedding at my lover’s castle is exactly what I want. My question to you is, do we wait for the murder to show up before we get married, or can we get married first then deal with this criminal?”

“That my dear is an excellent question. We are by all means hoping he shows his face, that doesn’t mean he will. I would hate to delay our wedding waiting for a man that might never show. I’m confident in our family and staff that we can keep you safe at Castle Blackstone and not delay our wedding. Your brothers and family will be arriving a few days after us, if you’d like we can have the wedding at the end of the week, unless you require more time.”

“I require nothing more than you at the end of the aisle, and my family.
”

“So it shall be my love, so it shall be.” He purred, kissing her ravenously.

Traveling to his castle had gone smoother than he anticipated. He had been a pillar of strength for Amelia these past days as they rode north to his family’s historic castle far deep into the rugged land of Scotland, but inside his heart was filled with worry.

Stopping only a handful of times a day to eat and refresh themselves and the horses they had made excellent time. Amelia had been a delight to travel with, typically making the trips alone he usually read massive novels, but having the beautiful woman inside his luxury coach had proven itself to be a wealth of entertainment.

Unknown
to Amelia, he had a team of heavily armed security guards riding ahead of them,
and
behind them to guarantee their safety. He refused to play
loosely
with Amelia’s life. W
ith the killer still hiding in the shadows he was unsure if the man had set traps.
It was a very real possibility that Amelia was being followed at all times, he couldn’t assume the killer wasn’t already i
n the know she had left London.

Not wanting to worry Amelia he hadn’t informed her of the security detail that watched the carriage at all times. Looking out the window, he saw the familiar surroundings of his property come into view. It was
evening;
Amelia was fast asleep next to him, curled up with
their new puppy
Romeo. The sun was just beginning to dip into the sky, coloring the sky in a beautiful display of orange and red haze.

Rubbing her back, he leaned down and kissed her temple, “Wake up little lady, we’re home.” He knew how excited she was to see his castle, he had been telling her all about it for the past few days. The dungeon, the hidden passages, the elaborate gardens. He however had left out the magnificent size of the castle, wanting to enjoy her reaction to seeing her new ducal seat in Scotland.

Rubbing her face, she slowly sat up, “Hmmm?”

Pointing out towards the castle as they approached, “Welcome home
Your Grace
.”

Kissing his nose, she turned to view the approaching castle with wide eyes, “Home…Bloody hell Alastair, you didn’t tell me your estate was this big! Your castle looks bigger than Gideon and Luke’s combined!”

Chuckling, he put his arm around her shoulders, “Aye, it is. I believe it is even larger than your family’s historic estate in the south.”

Nodding, “Incredible, simply incredible. Salthill is the largest estate I have ever known or seen, this trumps Salthill two times over Alastair!”
She of course referencing to her family’s estate in Southern England on the coast, lovingly named Salthill.

“See why there was no need for your family to open up their own castles while here? We have room for everyone.”

“You have room enough for the King’s army if need be! How many people can it sleep?”

“Truly, it has never been tested.
The last time my parent’s had a large event was near my final year at Eton, I remember my mother saying there were three hundred present, and it was clear we could take on far more than that.”

Smiling brightly as she looked out the window in wonder, “How long can we stay here? Do we have to go back to London?”

Shaking his head with a chuckle, “We can stay here as long as you’d like love. I’m in no rush to return to the crowded streets of London, there are no pressing business matters I must attend to. I can answer correspondence from the War Office here, I have a slew of curriers at my disposal.”

Clapping her hands in happiness,
“Perfect!
Oh I’m so happy to be here, I cannot wait till everyone
arrives! T
hey will just love this place!” Holding up Romeo, she held the wrinkly pup by the widow, “Look Romeo, look at all this room for you to run my dear!”

“Would you like to go for a ride tomorrow morning around the estate? I have several excellent horses in the stables if you are willing.”

Eyeing him with suspicion, “Alastair, I for one know you have the largest stable in all of Scotland, your stables are notorious throughout the land, so don’t give me that I have a
few
good horses line!”

Holding his hand to his heart, “You would be correct, I have more than a few horses. So would my lovely fiancée like to go for a morning ride with her lover or not?”

“Indubitably!” Looking at his handsome face, she ran her hands through his hair and grinned, “What are our plans for our first evening alone at your
castle?

“At
our
castle?”

Rolling her eyes, “Yes love, a
t
our
castle.
”

“Well first, I thought I’d get you naked, bathed and feed you and
meander around the castle while we have a few drinks then chase your fine ass upstairs and
make love to you in your new ducal suite until we passed out in a sated bliss.”

Raising an eyebrow, “It sounds like you’ve had time to think this through.”

“You’ve been asleep a long time, days in this enclosed carriage are driving me batty even though you are by far the finest traveling companion a man could have, I’m ready to take a
hot bath
and stretch our legs.”

Although Amelia had slept quite proficiently these passing days while they traveled, he had not. Unable to feel completely relaxed while the killer was still out there, he had remained vigilant throughout the nights in the event they were attacked. The lack of sleep was wearing on him, but tonight he’d finally have her safe inside the walls of Cast
le Blackstone and off the road.

Narrowing their suspects down to three men greatly improved their focus. The final suspects had a team of highly trained spies following them, all men that had worked under Alastair in the War Office. Having the worlds best team at his fingertips had been
an asset he flexed knowing it could mean life and death for his future wife, and her family.

With additional operatives placed throughout London and roads that led to his castle, if any of the men he suspected came north, he would know well before the man entered his vast lands. Employing hawks and coded scrolls attacked to the bird, it was the quickest way for his men to send him a message without scaring away the suspected murderer.

“Alastair, are you okay?”

Her words brought him out of his haze, shaking his head to clear away the lingering worry he ran a hand through his hair and smiled, “I’m more than okay Amelia,
although
I will admit I’m overly tired.”

Sitting Romeo in his bed upon the floor, she ran her hand up his thigh, “We can just have food sent to your room and relax in your bedchamber for the night. There is no need to show me the castle tonight Alastair, lets get you fed, bathed and by a fire with a glass of Scotch in your hand, eh?”

“Our room, our bedchamber…” He corrected, giving her a wink as the large carriage came to a gentle halt in front of his vast castle. Taking her hand, he gave her a tug forward and claimed a kiss as Romeo began to bark.

Hearing the crunch of someone’s footsteps on the gravel drive he knew exactly who was coming to open the door, one of his favorite staff members.

From outside he heard, “Master Alastair, you must have smelled Mrs. Potts raspberry tarts all the way from London, of course ye’d show up just as she pulled them out of the oven!”

Seeing Amelia grin at the elder’s wo
rd, he couldn’t help but smile
at the sound of Alfred’s jesting voice.
Answering back as he held Amelia’s hand, “Aye Alfred, you know how I love those tarts! I rode in this blasted carriage for days just to have some of Mrs. Potts tarts, well, that and I brought along my new wife.”

Just as he said the word wife, the carriage door flew open and his white bearded face looked in, “Well about damn time my boy! Welcome to the family my dear!”

Chuckling at their interaction, Amelia let go of his hand and took Alfred’s hand and allowed him to escort her out of the carriage, “Good evening Alfred, I’m most happy to finally meet you! My brothers have told me many stories about you.”

Pointing to Amelia, Alfred asked him, “You are married to the Somerset boys’ sister and they didn’t kill you?”

Laughing, “I’m not
officially
married to her yet, we are going to give you and the staff the honors of hosting the event in the very near future, and for the record, they were most pleased I am taking her off their hands.”

Swatting at him, Amelia giggled, “Oh you!”

Putting his arm around both him and Amelia, Alfred shook his head, “The entire castle is ready for your arrival, and that of the Somerset families that are no doubt days behind.”

Standing outside Alastair’s castle she tried to keep her composure. Never had she seen a house, a
ny mansion or
estate so grandiose in her life. She had attended parties for the royals, the wealthiest Tonnish figures and visiting kings and queens from other countries, but never had she been stunned speechless by others’ abodes.

Once believing Salthill, the
ducal mansion Gideon owned in S
outhern England to be the largest home possible, what
lay before her dwarfed Salthill estates. A pristine gothic
quad tower fortress that sat directly on the elevated cliff, dramatically dropping hundreds of feet to the crashing sea below the vast estate radiated power and wealth.

Slipping her hand into his she gave him a slight squeeze as she attempted to take it all in with grace.
Standing outside the elegant entrance next to her future husband she took a moment to look up at his face as he eyed his beloved home with pride. It was clear to see he harbored fond memories of Castle Blackstone, free of having to hide his emotions now that London was behind
them;
she was able to see his
earnest
reactions these past few days. It had been enlightening.

“Welcome home Your Grace,” she whispered to him, delighted with his happiness.

Looking down at her, his smile widened as he raised his eyebrows quickly, “Home. It feels much more than home Amelia, this place is in my blood. My family built this estate with their own hands through the passing generations; I have memories in every corner of this castle, and lands. Having you here by my side makes my heart burst with pride, I want you to love this place just as much as I do.”

“I’m looking forward to creating a few new memories here, ones you shall nev
er forget. Your excitement has m
e anxious to hear your tales, I planned to be entertained and delighted by them for years to come.”

Behind them they heard Alfred call out as he grabbed a trunk, “Aye Lady Amelia, the staff and I have many stories this young man here won’t tell ye, stories that’ll have ye splitting yer sides with laughter.”

Giggling at the elder butlers remark, she looked over her shoulder at him, “Oh I am mos
t intrigued Alfred, I look forward to hearing
on those tales!”

“Oh lovely, so now Alfred is on your side!” Alastair teased, pulling her closer and stepping towards the door, “Come little one, let’s feed that rumbling belly of yours and get out of these clothes.”

Walking just a few steps she saw a woman standing in the grand
entrance
with her hands on her hips, short and plump the dark haired woman burst into a smile the closer they came.

“Well bless the Lord, Alastair finally brought a woman home!” Laughing, she walked towards them with open arms, “Welcome home loves!”

Crushed against the woman’s bosom, she and Alastair hugged the cheerful woman as she squeezed them tightly. Closing her eyes, she hugged the woman back with happiness, her brothers’ households had a
lways been ran by staff that ha
d known them since they were infants. They cared for them, treated them like family, it was obvious Alastair and his parents did the same.

“Amelia, meet Mrs. Potts the keeper of Castle Blackstone while I am away.”

Mrs. Potts pulled back so they might look at each other, which she promptly let go of Alastair and placed her hands upon Amelia’s cheeks, smiling contagiously, “Oh love, I am so pleased to see you dear girl. We have waited a long, very long time for this young man to bring us home his wife.”

“We aren’t married yet Mrs. Potts, we wanted to do the honors here at the famous Castle Blackstone. I hope you won’t mind hosting my family, and of course, helping me plan a wedding.”

Tearing up, the elderly woman, hugged her tightly, “Oh my dear girl, nothing would make me happier!
”

Hugging the sweet woman, she was pleased they chose to come to Blackstone instead of Salthill. It was time for Alastair to start new traditions for their family, with his parents being gone for so long, he had been living quite alone for sometime.

“Oh Alastair, I just love her. Ya did good son.” Mrs. Potts admitted to Alastair as she released her from the hug quickly kissed her forehead, “Come inside dears, I have food warming in the kitchen for you and a bath drawn upstairs. Alastair if you show your lovely fiancée the library we’ll carry up the trunks and prepare everything you’ll need if you give us a half hour.”