To Walk in the Sun (Wiggons' School for Elegant Young Ladies - Book 1) (26 page)

“I can protect you,”

“You already offered that reason. And, I can
protect myself,” she argued and dismissed him.

“You have been the best secretary ever in my
employ and I’m loathe to lose you.” He took a step in her
direction.

Tess retreated further. She would not allow
him to be within reach. “If I recall, you have never had a
secretary before.”

“My headaches,” he continued. “Nobody can
soothe me the way that you do.”

“I will be happy to train one of the
servants.”

He stopped his advance on her and tilted his
head, a look of consternation on his face. “How did you accomplish
that, by the way? Nothing has brought relief other than brandy or
laudanum.”

“It is an ancient Chinese remedy.” She waived
her hand in dismissal. “They called it acupuncture. Though they use
needles. I simply did the same with my fingers and hoped they would
produce the same effect.”

“You did. I haven’t felt this wonderful in
ages.” His grin widened.

“It is still no reason to marry.” Tess
crossed her arms over her chest in determination. There was nothing
he could say to sway her.

“Where did you learn about acupuncture?”

“I have a fascination with China,” she
sighed. “I would love to visit one day, but know that it is
impossible. So, I learn all that I can.”

“Did you ever want to learn how to do the
treatment with needles?” He offered a teasing grin.

She cringed.

“I suppose not.” He laughed and stepped
forward. Tess knew she should step back and away, but couldn’t her
make legs move. His fingers traced the cut across her forehead.
“The coloring is quite remarkable. Did you know it is now a
greenish brown?”

“I have a mirror,” she offered in a dry tone.
She knew, as well as anyone, how ghastly her injury looked. “Are we
finished?”

“No,” he sighed. “Another reason is because I
need you.”

“You don’t need me. You have a house full of
servants,” she countered.

“I
want
you.” His face no longer held
humor but reflected his intent to get what he wanted. His dark eyes
bore into hers with an intensity that scared her. She turned
away.

“That is a base desire that anyone can
fill.”

“I desire
you
.” He reached out and
clasped her elbow.

Tess pulled her arm away and moved to stand
by the fireplace. “Again, it is fleeting and will pass.” Atwood had
not given her one good reason to enter into marriage. Yes, her
heart lurched at the possibility. He was handsome, kind, for the
most part, and caring. Those were not the reasons to marry
either.

She would probably hate herself in the future
for saying no, but she just could not marry a man that did not love
her. Even if he claimed that to be the reason, she could not trust
his words. Percer had said the same thing to her and all he wanted
was her piece of the map. Look at how well that turned out.

No, despite wanting to be with Atwood, and
wanting to be his wife, her answer would be no. She just needed to
make him understand that. Tess was beginning to believe Vincent had
never been denied anything in his life.
This may be the first
time he does not get what he wants
.

“How long have we known each other?” she
asked.

“It seems like forever,” he answered.

Tess rolled her eyes. “Less than a week.”

“As I said, it seems much longer.” He
grinned.

Tess stood fast in her determination to make
him see reason. “How long did you know your first wife?” she
countered

The smile fell from his face. “What does that
have to do with anything?”

She crossed her arms across her chest once
again and tapped her toe. “Answer me.”

Vincent shrugged. “At least a year, perhaps
more.”

“Exactly!” Tess threw up her hands in
validation.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Vincent
countered with irritation.

“At least you gave yourself a chance to get
to know her, to fall in love. This proposal is for
you
,
because
you
need to protect,
you
need a secretary,
and
you
want someone to soothe
your
brow when the
headaches get too bad. It has nothing to do with
me
.”

“That is not true,” he argued.

Tess marched to the door and threw it open.
“Then I suggest you come up with a more reasonable explanation if
you wish me to be your wife because your current explanations have
no merit.” She stalked out the door.

“Tess, wait,” he called after her.

She ignored him and continued up the stairs,
down the hall and into her room where she slammed the door behind
her.

* * *

Vincent was shocked the moment the words left
his mouth. Whatever possessed him to ask Tess to be his wife? Yet,
once the impact wore off, he knew it was the right decision. But,
how did he make her understand?

He fell into the leather chair beside the
fireplace. His reasoning was sound, so why had she objected? She
needed someone to protect her. In truth, Tess was alone in the
world. A lady should never be alone, it was far too dangerous.

However, his other reasons were selfish. He
had to admit. Still, it would not be a bad arrangement for her. He
was an earl, after all. There were very few ranks above him and
most ladies would be thrilled with the title of Countess.

Not Tess.

Frustrated, he stood and made his way to the
side board and poured a glass of whiskey. Not his usual choice, but
Wesley had chosen well and Vincent enjoyed the taste at times like
these, when he was utterly and completely frustrated.

How do I convince her
? He walked to
the window and looked out. He could declare undying love, but she
would not believe him. Besides, he wasn’t so sure he did love her.
Want her, yes. Desire her, definitely. Want to claim her has his
own? Beyond a doubt!

So, what was he to do?

He knew he could make her happy. Tess would
want for nothing, including his attention and affection. Women of
the
ton
often went without both, once the vows were
repeated. He was not like the rest of society and intended on
making sure she was a part of his life every single day and night.
But would those reasons be enough?

No, Tess would want more than his affection.
She deserved more. But how could he promise a deep love? He had
only known her a few days.

Frustrated he turned from the window. She was
right. He was insane for considering the idea. Yet, regardless, he
knew, deep down, that he wanted to marry her.

Veronica would know what to say or do. He
threw his head back and shook it. If Veronica were here, he would
not be considering marrying Tess. Still, she would have the answers
and help him see the situation with a clear head, as she always had
in the past.

For a moment Vincent considered going to the
cemetery to visit her grave. Perhaps there he could find some
clarity. But, there was no longer any reason to.

He placed his empty glass on the desk and
exited the library. He knew exactly where he needed to be.

* * *

“I know it was her,” Eliza insisted as she
crawled into bed.

“It could have been anything,” Sophia argued
as she pulled her nightgown over her head.

“What could possibly make a sound that loud?”
Eliza countered.

Sophia shrugged and buttoned her gown.
“Perhaps it was a mouse?”

Eliza arched her brows at the unbelievable
statement. “Rats?”

Rosemary jumped up on the bed. “Don’t even
mention such horrible creatures.”

“Not even a large rat, from the worst part of
London, could make that loud of a sound,” Eliza insisted.

“Regardless, I am sure it was
not
Lady
Atwood,” Sophia argued as she crawled into bed with the other two.
She reached over to turn the lamp down.

“Leave it,” Rosemary insisted and snuggled
down between the two of them. By the time she was settled you could
only see a bit of her chestnut hair.

Sophia sighed and turned on her side so that
the light was not in her eyes and tried to sleep.

“I’ve got it,” Eliza announced and sat up in
bed, startling the two girls.

“You’ve thought of something more plausible
than a vampire?” Sophia asked in a dry tone.

“Don’t be silly, it was her, but I refuse to
argue about it further,” she dismissed.

“Then what do you have?” Rosemary asked from
beneath the covers.

“Tomorrow night is All Hallows Eve.”

“Oh, no.” Sophia flopped on her back.

“Do you remember what I read to you?” Eliza’s
tone grew excited.

“You want to find her and put her in a wicker
basket?” Rosemary peeked out and asked.

“No, that would be too dangerous,” Eliza
insisted. “But, we can lead her from the house. Dress up like a
ghost, just like the pagans did, and she will follow us away. Then
we will lose her in the forest.”

Sophia gave her a pointed look. “I note, they
were
pagans
.”

“So,” Eliza countered.

“Never mind,” Sophia sighed and pulled the
blanket up over her head. She was exhausted. She was worried about
her father, about Miss Crawford and that man who wanted to harm
them. She really did not have the energy for such nonsense
tonight.

* * *

Tess tried to sleep, but all she did was toss
and turn. It was madness, pure madness. Why did he have to change
their professional relationship by offering marriage? Cruel, that
is what it was.

For the longest time she dreamed of being
married, to a wonderful man, running his household and giving him
children. That was impossible now. Not only was she considered on
the shelf, but there was no way even Vincent could protect her.

She flopped on her back and stared at the
ceiling. What would it be like to be married to him?

Her body warmed at the thought. She would
finally learn what occurred between a husband and a wife and
somehow she thought the act would not be unpleasant with Vincent.
Not that she had anything to go on, other than his kisses. But, if
kisses were any indication, he would certainly be better at that
than Percer, who always left her, well, uninspired, for lack of a
better word.

Should she take him up on his offer?

No
. She rolled over and punched her
pillow. Vincent did not love her and maybe never would. The man had
been deeply in love with his wife. One cannot simply decide to love
another. Besides, he had already lost one wife and it stood to
reason he would lose her too. But this time to the gallows. It
would be unfair to him, even if she was able to experience a bit of
comfort and security for a short time.

With new resolve to avoid him when possible,
or maintain a strictly professional relationship while in his
presence, Tess snuggled down beneath the blankets and willed
herself to sleep.

Five minutes later her eyes popped open
again. With a frustrated sigh she rose from the bed. She had been
looking forward to a peaceful slumber, through the night, and he
had ruined it for her with his ridiculous proposal.

She pulled her robe tight around her body to
ward off the damp chill of the room and moved to stir the fire and
add another log. The flames burned brighter and cast a glow about
the room. It was rather eerie, the way her shadow stretched along
the way. She shook her head as she walked toward the window.

When will Percer contact me?

As if in answer to her silent thought, a
light moved in the woods beyond the yard.

He was back.

Tess bit her bottom lip to try and determine
what she should do. Give him the wrong piece of the map or stay
here and pretend she could not see him.

The light moved to the edge of the forest and
he stepped out. Percer looked up and stared directly at her.

She had no choice now. He knew she had seen
him and it was better to get it over with.

Tess turned from the window and grabbed her
cloak. Without bothering with stockings, she slipped on her shoes
and picked up the forged piece of paper. She could only hope he
believed it was real, and wouldn’t have her arrested the moment it
was in his possession. Or worse kill her.

The thought sent a chill down her spine. If
only she had her father’s gun. But it was buried somewhere in the
remains of her room, if that room still existed. However, she would
not meet him without some type of weapon. She looked around her
room. There was nothing of use in here, except for a letter opener.
Tess slid it into her sleeve. While it offered some comfort, she
knew it would be useless against him. No, she needed something
better, more threatening.

Tess glanced at the door connecting her room
to Atwood’s. She had not heard him retire and if he remained in the
same habit, it would be hours before he came to bed. She walked
quietly across the room and cracked the door open. No sound came
from inside. She opened the door further and stuck her head in. The
chamber was empty and she entered.

The fire still burned bright enough to light
the room and she went about rummaging through this desk, closet and
dresser drawers. There was nothing here that could help her.

She didn’t risk going to Vincent’s library,
where he probably kept his gun. Undoubtedly he was still there. Not
only did she not want to face him yet, she didn’t want him
questioning her because he would never give her a gun without an
explanation. She couldn’t embroil Vincent any further into her
troubles and he would insist on accompanying her when she met with
Percer.

No, it was best that she did this on her own
and disappear tonight, if she wasn’t killed first.

* * *