The Mysterious Lord Marlowe (21 page)

‘Careful, my lady,’ he murmured hoarsely. ‘Much more of this and you will find yourself waiting for your tea.’

‘That would never do,’ Jane said with a provocative glance. ‘What would the servants
think if we did not go down to the parlour, but stayed here instead?’

‘I’m damned if I care,’ George said and swept her off her feet, carrying her to the bed. ‘You are a minx, Lady Marlowe, and I think I need to give you a lesson in how to behave.’

‘Yes, my lord, I think you do,’ Jane said and smiled as he took off her shoes and tossed them to the ground. ‘I cannot wait to begin my lessons.’

A
ndrew stood at the window of his study, looking out at the night sky. Jane’s wedding was over; she had left on her honeymoon and all the guests had gone. It was strange how empty his house felt. He had never expected that he would miss his sister this much or feel so alone.

How ridiculous! He might have married years ago had he wished, but, after a first calf-love that ended in bitter regret, Andrew had not thought of marriage. His relationship with his sister had been close for many years, and he’d put his disappointment from his mind, making a life in the army for himself and leaving the estate to Jane.

He had left the army because of a distasteful incident that had left him feeling disillusioned with the behaviour of fellow officers. Andrew’s own behaviour had been exemplary, but the disgrace of some of his friends had left a shadow. The death of an officer, the rape and murder of an officer’s wife in circumstances that had never been fully explained, had left a nasty taste in his mouth. He had planned to put the incident behind him and make a life on his estate, perhaps marry.

His feelings for Lucinda had been strong and, had she been free, he might have asked her to marry him. However, she was Avonlea’s wife and very much in love with him. Mariah Fanshawe had always been around when he was a youth and he had not taken much notice of her when she returned to Avonlea after she was widowed, until she shot the rogue who had blackmailed and then tried to murder Lucinda Avonlea. He had felt admiration for her coolness and quick thinking, and become aware that she was no longer a spoiled girl, but a very beautiful and exciting woman.

He’d known that Mariah was flirting with him in the weeks following that incident, but he had not been certain of his feelings for her. Admiration
for her spirit, yes, and an awareness of her beauty and her exotic perfume, the way she carried herself and her pride. It was her pride that had made him stop and think. Mariah was brave, but she was also reckless and inclined to believe that she could have her own way whenever she wished. Andrew had wondered if their personalities were too alike for a comfortable marriage and so he’d hesitated—and then he’d heard of the rumours circulating.

He had thought the scandal of the dead officer and the officer’s wife had been settled, but now it seemed there was some doubt. Accusations were flying back and forth and even Andrew’s own name had come into the affair.

He was innocent of any wrongdoing, but he had been involved. He had known something that he did not declare at the original court inquiry. His commanding officer had believed him completely, but there was still a mystery. A mystery that Andrew had pledged himself to solve.

A man’s good name was in jeopardy. Unless Andrew could help him clear his name he might be court-martialled and, if found guilty,
hung for murder—and Andrew could be accused of being an accessory to the crime.

How could Andrew ask any woman to marry him with something of that nature hanging over him? After Mariah’s abduction he had been torn with grief and the realisation that she meant more to him than he’d imagined. Jane had advised him to ask Mariah to marry him—but supposing he was unable to get to the bottom of the old scandal?

Nothing could be proved against him, but the accusation might be there—and if it were generally known the scandal would be unpleasant.

Andrew intended to travel to Italy and give Mariah the letters entrusted to him. However, there was another reason for his journey. He must trace a man who had once been his best friend, a man who had disappeared after his wife was raped and murdered.

Until he found Laurence, Andrew would not have time to investigate his own feelings for Mariah. Was he truly in love with her—or had he merely been concerned for a young and lovely woman who had been so cruelly abducted?

He grimaced as he turned and went upstairs
to instruct his valet to pack. Only time would reveal the answers to all the things he needed to know.

ISBN-13: 9781460349328

THE MYSTERIOUS LORD MARLOWE

© Anne Herries 2012

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