Rory (22 page)

“How do you know this?” Marilyn asked, looking alarmed.

“The man I brought to Lord and Lady Graston’s party, Clinton O’Connor, he is Shannon’s cousin.”

“Oh God,” Marilyn said. “I thought Shannon was acting rather strangely the night of the soiree. She seemed taken aback upon seeing Clinton.” She brushed a hand over her face. “I do not know what to do.”

“We must warn them. I do not want to just send a letter.”

Marilyn shook her head. “No, we must go there.”

Anna’s brow furrowed. “We?”

“Yes, I will go with you.”

“Go home, pack, and I shall meet you in an hour.”

Shannon glanced toward where her horse grazed in the meadow. The white gelding that had looked so demure had a wildness about her that she related to. When she had left the stable, she had felt Zachary watch her. He had not at all been happy when she told him she was going for a ride alone. In fact, he’d insisted on going with her … until she confessed she was meeting Lord Ambrose.

She had seen the disappointment in his eyes, and the concern. But she wouldn’t let that stop her from meeting up with Rory.

Again, she could not help but think of the question he’d asked her. How tempting it was to agree to become his mistress. Lord knows her life would be much easier than it was now if she were to accept, and she could think of nowhere else she would rather be, or who she’d like to be with, than with him.

And yet she had to remember where she came from, and that women who became mistresses were asking for a lifetime of unhappiness. One day Rory would marry, and she would be the other woman, waiting patiently for him to come to her. And what if she was with child? That child would be a bastard and never recognized as a true heir, but instead joining the ranks of yet another blueblood’s by-blow.

She heard hoofbeats headed her way and could not help the excitement that rushed through her at seeing Rory in the distance, coming toward her.

He wore brown leather breeches tucked into a pair of well-
worn knee-high boots and a linen shirt, open at the neck. His long hair was ruffled from the breeze, and as he dismounted, an ache grew deep inside her heart.

Lord help her, but she loved him.

Desperately.

Desire was a dangerous thing, she knew that, and yet as he came toward her, arms open wide, she knew that she could never tell him no. He could tell her he was the devil and it would not matter.

He swung her around, her legs coming up off the ground, and she smiled as his laughter vibrated through her.

His arms held her tight, and with hands on his shoulders, she looked up at the sun and blue sky, and was unable to remember a time she had been so happy.

The ends of his dark hair tickled her fingers, and as he set her back on her feet, he leaned in and kissed her.

It was a gentle kiss, a light pressure against her lips. “I have a surprise for you.”

“A surprise?”

“Yes, we’ll have to ride a little ways.”

She started toward her mount, but he shook his head. “I want you to ride with me. I need to feel you in my arms.”

Exhilaration danced along her spine. The words pleased her in every way. He helped her mount the beautiful black thoroughbred and slipped behind her, pulling her close against his chest. She relaxed completely, and as they started across the meadow, she smiled to herself, content to forget about everything else and just enjoy the moment.

The village was tiny and had an impressive market. The atmosphere was exhilarating, with an old man playing the fiddle and young children dancing on the green lawns. A girl close to Shannon’s age sold flowers, and she seemed intrigued by Rory, as were all the people in the village. Shannon felt a sudden surge
of pride that she was with him, walking hand in hand, looking at the wares. She saw the envy in the women’s eyes, and when Rory bought her a simple silver locket, she was on top of the world.

“Thank you,” she said, rubbing the cherished necklace between thumb and forefinger, trying without success to forget the bracelet he’d bought for Georgiana.

“You deserve to be spoiled, Shannon.”

She felt a blush rush up her neck as he watched her with a familiar gleam in his eye.

“I want to spoil you, and I hope for that opportunity.”

Meaning he wanted her as his mistress.

A girl who could not be five years old tugged on Shannon’s skirts. “Flowers?” she asked, her vibrant green eyes hopeful, her cheeks like two tiny apples. Braids bracketed her cherublike face, and when she smiled, Shannon’s heart melted.

Rory reached into his pocket and pulled out a coin, much more than the flowers cost, and pressed it into her chubby hand. “Thank you, love.”

The girl beamed at Rory, and Shannon’s heart warmed toward him even more. He handed Shannon the small bouquet of wild flowers.

The rest of the afternoon was a dream, and when they returned to Claymoore Hall, Shannon was on top of the world. Zachary had said nothing to her when they entered the stables, but she could see the disappointment in his eyes. She would not let her brother’s disapproval ruin the exhilaration she felt.

She was right on Rory’s heels when her brother cleared his throat. She turned and glanced at him, as did Rory.

He looked right at the locket, a strange expression on his face. Was that disappointment?

“Thank you,” she replied, and followed Rory out the door.
He dropped her hand immediately and knew they would have to part ways before anyone in the manor saw them.

“Come to me tonight?” he asked.

“I shall try.”

She could tell he wanted to kiss her, but he wouldn’t. Not here where they ran the risk of someone seeing them. In fact, he had only kissed her once today. He had surprised her when they had not stopped to make love. Her body had burned for him, and she had felt the evidence of his desire against her back when they had ridden.

And despite the fact she wanted him, the waiting would make it all the sweeter.

Hiding the bouquet in her skirts, she rushed into the room, put the flowers in a glass of water, and lay down on the mattress, reliving every second of the afternoon they had shared.

He had made no mention of her past, but he had asked her about herself, what she enjoyed doing, her favorite color, her favorite book, her favorite artist.

And he had been surprised by some of her responses … in a good way, if the smile on his lips were to tell.

Exhausted from lack of sleep these past nights, she closed her eyes and dreamt of Rory.

S
hannon could feel her brother’s gaze on her as she followed the other servants across the green lawns of Claymoore Hall. She struggled with the weight of the basket she held, and Johnny had already tried to carry it for her, but she waved him off.

Was it her imagination, or did everyone know about her little excursion into town with Rory?

This morning when she’d walked into the kitchen, the other servants went silent. The sidelong stares and quirked lips made her realize she had been seen with Lord Ambrose.

Shannon set the basket down and helped another of the servants lay out blankets. Lady Rochester and her entourage were walking across the grass toward them, and Shannon’s stomach tightened upon seeing Rory. He walked beside his brother, laughing at something Victor said.

“A handsome sight, aren’t they?” a nearby middle-aged servant said, and Shannon nodded.

Georgiana walked with the group, and Shannon felt a spike of jealousy race through her. What a happy family they made.

By the time the group descended upon the picnic, the servants had blended into the background, some returning to the manor to finish their duties, while others, like herself, had to stand aside in case her mistress or master needed her.

Georgiana sat beside Rory, so close their legs touched. She even kicked off her shoes. She nibbled on fruit, cheese, and bread, and drank enough wine to become giddy.

Shannon unconsciously rubbed the locket that was hidden beneath the high bodice of her gown, nestled against her heart. At Claymoore Hall she was able to wear her own clothes and do away with the gray uniform that had been required at Lord and Lady Graston’s estate. Though she wore one of her favorite gowns, it paled in comparison to Georgiana’s, which accented the woman’s best features.

Lady Graston required little attention, and Shannon had a moment where she almost returned to the manor, but she did not want speculation to run rampant. It was difficult to sit and pretend indifference when the man she loved was flirting with the woman he would no doubt marry.

“Ye are far mare beautiful than she,” a voice said in her ear, and she nearly jumped out of her skin. She had not even seen Johnny approach.

She didn’t embarrass herself by asking him what he meant by his comment, especially when her jealousy was obviously apparent to everyone around her. “You are too kind.”

“I tell the truth.”

She met his gaze and smiled. He was such a nice young man, and any girl would be lucky to gain his favor.

“Just be careful, Shannon. I do not want to see ye get hurt.”

Although she knew he was well meaning, the words were like a stake to the heart. “I appreciate your concern, Johnny.”

“If ye ever need someone to talk to, please know I am always here.”

“Thank you, Johnny,” Shannon said, feeling Rory’s gaze on her.

“Lord Ambrose, will you take me for a walk?” Georgiana asked in a too-sweet voice, loud enough for Shannon to hear.

Rory looked like he would rather do anything else. “Of course he will,” Lady Rochester said from where she sat nearby.

His dark hair was held back in a queue, drawing more emphasis to his handsome face, and Shannon could see the nerve in his jaw twitch. “As my mother is so gracious to point out, yes, I would be happy to take you on a walk.”

“I would not want to force you.” Georgiana flashed a cool smile.

Standing, Rory reached out a hand. “Come, Lady Kinkade. Let us enjoy this lovely afternoon.” Georgiana slid her fingers around his and came to her feet.

As the two walked off, arm in arm, Shannon tried not to let her gaze linger on Rory’s impressive backside.

Yesterday, when she had fallen asleep, she had slept right through the night and woke at dawn. She knew Rory would wonder where she had been.

Her bedmate had been awake, reading a book, and she had grunted a greeting as Shannon readied herself for the day. Now she wished she had taken more care in her appearance because she felt like she paled in comparison to Georgiana in every way.

It didn’t help that the two made a handsome couple, well-suited in all ways, and they would be the toast of the ton.

She caught her brother’s gaze, and his brow lifted as though to say, “How can ye be so bloody foolish, Shannon?”

Georgiana’s laughter made her clench her teeth.

If Shannon became Rory’s mistress, this would be her life–waiting for him to come to her when he wasn’t with his family.

“You deserve better,” Johnny murmured under his breath, before walking off in the opposite direction.

Clinton watched the small group walk across the green lawns of Claymoore Hall from where he stood hidden in the thick foliage.

The Georgian manor was impressive, if not a bit pretentious with its massive fountains that included Neptune rising from the waters. Gwendolyn had said she wanted such a feature at their Dublin estate, and maybe he would appease her, if only to help to alleviate some of the guilt he felt in recent days.

His time in London had not been all about business. Lady Anna and Thomas Lehman had initiated him into a lifestyle he had never before considered, and he had a difficult time telling them no. In fact, he’d spent the entire night at the hotel with them, smoking opium, drinking whiskey, and having sex.

All night long.

His face flushed at the memories of all they had done, at the wicked things he had allowed them both to do, and what he had done in turn.

Even now he knew he would look them up one last time before he returned to Ireland. And the sooner he finished his business here, the sooner he could make one final visit to the duo. First, he just had to figure out a way to get to his young cousins.

Fortunately, getting inside the sprawling manor would be easier than the Twickenham estate, but the challenge here was getting in and out without anyone seeing him.

He had been half-tempted to ask Jacob to come with him to finish the job he had started, but during their last meeting he had seen suspicion in the other man’s eyes. He said he was returning to Dublin, and perhaps it was out of his own guilt, but he told the private investigator to keep an eye on Gwendolyn until he returned.

As the youngest Rayborne brother approached with the beau
tiful redhead on his arm, Clinton slinked into the brush. Time was of the essence. He needed to make his move soon. Get in, get out, and then he would never look back. He would return to London for a short sojourn to experience more of what Anna and Thomas had to offer, to once again smoke the drug that had a calming quality about it, to feel their hands on his body. For a few hours he could forget about everything: his dark past, the murders of his aunt and uncle, his infuriating cousins, and most of all, the knowledge that one missed step could cause his entire world to crumble around him like a house of cards.