The Baron's Wife Read online

  On Friday, Laura accompanied Teg to Penzance. Nathaniel’s train pulled into the station with a loud hiss, filling the air with sooty smoke. Laura straightened the skirts of her new outfit as she waited for him to alight. She hoped her new pink, green and white pique gown with its gilt buttons and Eton jacket, and the straw hat with the matching green silk band, would please him. When he stepped onto the platform, he looked so tired and strained that she had to hold herself back from rushing into his arms. She smiled as he kissed her cheek.

  Teg drove them through the green valley toward Wolfram. “Was your trip a success?” Laura asked.

  “Yes, thank you, my dear.”

  Their shoulders touched as the carriage swung around a corner, but it seemed as if there was a wide gulf between them. Nathaniel would make love to her tonight. The thought made her treacherous body respond. She wished she could keep a cool head around him. Nathaniel would lose himself in the lovemaking, and for a while, he would be hers. But no matter how closely he held her, she seemed unable to reach his heart. Was it unreasonable of her to want more?

  Nathaniel’s voice broke into her thoughts, discussing his week, pleased with the support for the changes to the Poor Law Act. He was behind a bill to set up orphanages in Southern England, the first to be for homeless girls in Bodmin. She watched him, proud of her handsome husband and she said so. She was rewarded with a warm smile. But then he passed a tired hand over his eyes.

  “It was kind of you to come to meet me, but unnecessary, Laura. Please don’t bother next time.”

  “I thought you’d be pleased.” She wanted to add that she couldn’t wait another minute to see him, but felt too shy to utter it.

  “I’m sorry, sweetheart.” He squeezed her gloved hand. “It’s all in its infancy. I don’t wish to bore you.”

  “But you weren’t,” she said. “It’s a very good cause.”

  “It is good to see you.” His gaze roamed from her hair down to her waist. “That is a pretty dress. You look as lovely as a flowering peach tree.” He drew down her glove and kissed the inside of her wrist, “the fruit too tasty to resist.”

  “Hush, Nathaniel,” Laura murmured, aware of Teg’s sturdy back near enough to hear every word, but she was pleased, and her pulse leapt at the touch of his warm lips on her skin.

  He smiled and tucked her hand through his arm. “It’s wonderful to be home.”

  While he was in a good mood, she decided to broach the subject of the phone call. “Nathaniel, that letter…?”

  The warm spark disappeared, and the gray depths of his eyes became unfathomable. “I told you I will deal with the matter, Laura.”

  Laura bit her lip. Her spirit, which might have deserted her in recent times, rose like a smoldering fire in her breast. She would have this out with him in the privacy of their bedroom. She accepted the irony of it, that this would be the catalyst for change.

  When they settled in front of the library fire after an excellent dinner, Laura described to Nathaniel the swatches of fabric for the dining room curtains she’d ordered from London. “A bright chintz would bring this room to life,” she added, noting Nathaniel’s unenthusiastic response.

  He frowned. “My mother chose those curtains. There’s so little of her here, I suppose I’ve been reluctant to replace them.”

  Laura flushed, feeling awkward. But that must have been years ago. Odd that although there were portraits of family members stretching back through the years, she’d found none of his mother. “Is there a likeness of your mother here? I must say I’m curious to know what she was like.”

  Nathaniel sighed. “They are all at another one of my properties. I’ve been meaning to have them brought here.”

  How very strange. Consumed with curiosity, she longed to ask him, but he turned the page of his newspaper, apparently inviting no further questions. Had Amanda faced the same problem? “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

  “How could you?” Nathaniel reached across and squeezed her hand before returning to his paper.

  Was that to be the end of the matter? Nathaniel’s expression gave little clue to his mood. Laura continued regardless. “I know you will wish to vet my ultimate choice, but I’ve interviewed a local woman for the position of housekeeper. Another in London has expressed interest. She comes with a referral from one of my mother’s friends.” Her mother’s reply to her letter had arrived almost by the next post. To Laura’s relief, she hadn’t asked any awkward questions.

  Nathaniel’s face remained hidden by the broadsheet. “Nathaniel? Did you hear what I said?”

  He lowered the paper. “I did. You have been busy.”

  She eyed him apprehensively. “You don’t approve?”

  “Of course I do, sweetheart. Wolfram needs a housekeeper. But a woman from London may not be suitable. She would be unfamiliar with our ways, and she could have difficulty with the language.”

  She firmed her lips. “I must tell you about the fête.”

  He smiled. “Ah yes, the fête. Did it go well?”

  Laura failed to mention the accusation of murder she’d overheard. She suspected he’d bat it away like everything else this evening. “I visited Mrs. Moffat’s mother who’s been sickly. She was very glad to have company and loved the warm shawl I brought her. I have great plans to visit the school, and I’ve asked the vicar’s help so I might visit the poor.”

  “I have only been gone a week, and so much has been achieved!” He raised his dark brows. “I am proud of you, sweetheart. But no wonder you look tired. You can’t do it all at once, you know.” He smiled. “I see I was right. I knew you would soon become a graceful asset who the people of Wolfram would come to value.” He drank the last of his brandy, stubbed out his cigar and rose. “Shall we retire?”

  It was a perfunctory response to say the least. Exasperated and disappointed, Laura followed him from the room. Being told she was an asset was not the reaction she wanted from him. He was pleased with her plans, but she detected a certain reserve on his part. It appeared everything was to remain forever undisturbed, like still water hiding the turbulent current beneath. She was not so easily dismissed. With each step on the staircase, Laura’s frustration built. By the time she’d reached her chamber, she felt ready to explode. But with a soft caress of her cheek, Nathaniel entered his bedroom and left her to simmer.

  ***

  Nathaniel entered his bedchamber to undress. He pulled off his cravat, tossed it onto the chair and began to undo his waistcoat buttons. Any mention of his mother and his life before Laura came here made his throat tighten. It had to be addressed. Keeping it from her was wrong, but he needed time to set things to rights. She had flashed those green eyes at him earlier with a challenge he’d felt unable to meet. Just now, all he wanted was to bury the past and live in the moment. To take her in his arms and feel the knots of strain unravel as her soft body and her warmth became a balm to his senses.

  He should have insisted she accompany him to London. He’d lain awake every night worrying about her and missing her, and after her telephone call advising him of the letter, worry had almost crippled him. His every thought remained in Cornwall, when he needed to be clear minded and focused on garnering support for the bill. He could no longer ignore how vulnerable his need for her made him. Although he wasn’t a fearful man when it came to his own hide, what he felt for Laura was something beyond his understanding. He should have known. His failure to gain control over his emotions in the past hadn’t served him well.

  In his dressing gown, he opened the panel, finding Laura alone. She stood with her camisole half over her head.

  “May I be of help?” He stepped into the room.

  “No, thank you,” she murmured, her voice muffled.

  She dragged the camisole off with a tearing sound and stood in her lacy bloomers, an arm placed defensively across her chest, her hair swinging and every deep breath seemingly of anger. Yes, anger, Nathaniel thought, eyeing her. He paused midway across the room, admiring hi
s beautiful wife and knowing himself to blame.

  “You are angry with me?”

  She frowned. “Is there nothing I can do here that you truly approve of?”

  Chapter Sixteen

  In two strides, Nathaniel reached Laura, the touch of his hands on her bare shoulders reminding her of the only thing that was right between them.

  “Sweetheart, what’s this about? Have I ever criticized anything you’ve done?” Nathaniel laughed, which only made her more furious. “Why are you so angry at me?”

  Laura fought for control, realizing that her anger stemmed not from their earlier conversation at all, but from the way he continued to hold her at arm’s length. She had foolishly hoped for more, and it was deeply disappointing. “Don’t attempt to humor me, Nathaniel.”

  He brushed a damp strand of her hair from her cheek. “When you’re angry, your eyes flash like emeralds.”

  She turned her face away, searching for some way to penetrate his remoteness. “Someone said that once.” Howard Farmer, after a heated debate at the university.

  Nathaniel took her chin in his hand. “Who? Who was it?” His voice was mild, but his eyes narrowed.

  Surprised at his reaction, she tilted her head. “You’re not jealous, surely?”

  “I want to strike down every man who looks twice at you.” He gathered her into his arms, his voice thick and unsteady, sending a shiver through her. “You are very desirable, wife,” he whispered, kissing the soft skin beneath her ear.

  Was this all she meant to him? Laura pushed him away. “I’m still angry with you, Nathaniel. You shut me out. It’s insulting. Don’t try to sweet talk me now.”

  “Laura…”

  “No!” She turned away from him, stalking to the other end of the chamber to put some distance between them, where she could breathe. Where she could think.

  Nathaniel followed her. He slid an arm beneath her knees and picked her up. The display of manly strength robbed her of speech and fueled her frustration, bringing it to a fever pitch. “Put me down!” She struck ineffectually at his hard, muscled arm with her fist. Ignoring her protests, he walked to the bed and threw her unceremoniously onto it.

  She lay there panting and stared up at him. A slight smile lifted his lips and warmed his gaze. “Does a quarrel inflame your passions, Laura? If so, I’m all for it, but for the life of me, I can’t think of anything to argue about. Although I wish to investigate your concerns, right now I’d much prefer to make love to you.” Placing a hand on either side of her head, he leaned down and took her mouth in a passionate kiss.

  Laura pulled back. “This is the only way you know to resolve an argument.” But at the determined look in his eyes, a lurch of excitement ran through her like lightning, and helplessly caught, she traced her bottom lip with her tongue where he’d kissed her.

  “It takes two to argue, my sweet.” He grinned, reading her like a book. His fingers circled the tips of her breasts. “My God, you have a fine body. You are made for love.”

  “There’s more to me than this, Nathaniel.”

  “I agree. So much more. You are intelligent, and I love how optimistic you are, how you grasp life with such passion. I am very grateful to have you for my wife, Laura.”

  He was adept at pretty speeches. But did he love her? She burned to ask him. But demanding his declaration of love would render the words valueless. It must come from him willingly to be real. “You give me no chance to show those qualities when you reveal very little of your thoughts and evade my attempts to understand you.”

  He inclined his head in acknowledgement. “Then I’m profoundly sorry you feel that way. I thought you were happy here.”

  “I am happy here, Nathaniel. It’s just that…” Darn it, she couldn’t demand he tell her about Amanda now; it would sound like she was jealous of a dead woman.

  “We shall talk, but right now, I want to hold you. May I? I have missed you.”

  He trailed his fingers down her cheek and paused at her throat. The smile in his eyes contained a sensuous flame, but she glimpsed something else: a softness and vulnerability, as if he understood her and felt badly about it. She’d seen little of that since they came to Wolfram.

  She narrowed her eyes, fighting to resist his appeal. “I’d like to hear more about London.”

  “London was the same as ever, foggy and crowded. The bill failed to pass the House of Lords. Francis Bolton and I discussed our next move over too much wine. I retired early every night.” He kissed her cheek. “And I saw your parents.”

  She hit him on the shoulder. “You saw my parents and didn’t think to tell me?”

  He laughed and grabbed her wrist, pressing a kiss to her palm. “You’ve hardly given me a chance. I ran into your father at Westminster. As your mother had come to the city for a meeting of some sort, we caught up for luncheon. I was able to tell them that you were in good health and happy.” His gaze grew serious. “You are happy to be here, aren’t you, Laura?”

  “I never want to be anywhere else on earth. Wolfram is my home now.”

  “My darling.” Nathaniel kissed her ear.

  “Are they both well?”

  “Fighting fit, I believe,” he murmured, smiling down at her.

  She lay back and raised her arms to draw him down with her. “Tell me more please.”

  He laughed ruefully. “You should not do that if you wish me to continue our conversation.”

  She tucked her hands under her head and grinned, enjoying her sense of power. “What are ladies wearing this season?”

  A dark eyebrow rose. “Eh? You want me to speak of fashion?” He pushed back his black hair. The unconsciously graceful gesture made her want to pull him closer. She curled her fingers into her palms and resisted.

  “I do.”

  He stroked his slightly shadowed chin. “Let me see. Your mother wore a tobacco-colored coat with a fur trim, ermine, I suspect.” He smiled. “I particularly noticed the fur because I thought it impractical, and her large fur muff made me suspect at first that she’d brought along her Pekingese dog.”

  Laura giggled. “And her hat?”

  “I’m not good with such details.” He thought for a moment. “Black with gold trim, I think.” He waved his hands over his head. “More ermine somewhere on it. Entirely too much fur I would say, although I don’t confess to being up on the latest fashion.”

  “Are corseted waists still in fashion?”

  “I was pleased to observe many in evidence.” He lowered himself beside her, and his lips brushed below her ear. “Don’t tell me waists are in danger?” he asked, his voice husky.

  Desire heated her blood. She should not let her handsome husband roam free in London. What was she thinking? Thoughts fled as his gaze settled on her mouth.

  “Are we done talking?”

  “Yes.” Her voice was barely a whisper, as she responded to his kiss.

  “Have you missed me, sweetheart?”

  “Yes.” If only he needed her as much as she did him. “Yes, Nathaniel, very much.”

  She couldn’t maintain her anger and moved to bring him close in the way that worked, at least for now. She pulled at the belt on his dressing gown, and after he shrugged out of it, she pushed him back onto the bed, leaning over him, seeking to take the upper hand to gain some sense of power over him. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. He lay acquiescent, allowing her to have her way. Even as she swept her hand over the smooth olive skin of his chest following the trail of dark hair down to boldly touch his arousal, she expected him to take control. But she had a way to surprise him with the knowledge gained from the book.

  Laura kissed her way down his muscled stomach, and his soft dark hair brushed her cheek. How good it felt to kiss him there, his erection both silky and hard. Passion coiled deeply within her, her need for him tightening her stomach. Breathing hard, she gasped and rejoiced when his hands settled in her hair and he moaned. Amanda might have a claim on his heart, but in this earthly pleasur
e, at least, Laura sensed her power. In this bedroom, he was truly hers.

  “That’s so good,” he murmured.

  Growing in confidence and eager to learn what he liked, she ran her tongue along the hot length of him and took him in her mouth. He groaned, his arousal growing even harder beneath her fingers and lips.

  Nathaniel suddenly pushed her away. He sat up, his dark eyebrows slanted in a puzzled frown. “Where did you learn to do this?”

  He looked so furious and unapproachable. Did he believe she’d been unfaithful? Laura wanted to berate him, but she held her tongue, needing to understand what drove him. Was it Amanda’s behavior with Mallory, innocent or not, that made him so suspicious?

  “It’s in a book.” She gestured toward the volume on the table beside the bed.

  Nathaniel snatched it up. Turning the pages, his smile widened. “The Perfumed Garden!” He chuckled and shook his head. “My bewitching wife!” His heavy-lidded eyes gazed appreciatively over her naked body. “Shall we read it together? A different chapter every night?”

  Thrilled by his response, Laura could only nod.

  He seized her bloomers and pulled them down, throwing them on the floor. “We write our own chapter tonight.” He gently pushed her down.

  He began to explore her body as if trying to commit to memory every small part of her. Murmuring her approval, she abandoned herself to the whirlwind of sensation.

  “I love the soft skin on the inside of your thigh.” His fingers found the folds covering her sex. When he probed gently, he stoked the fire already alight within her until she bit her lip to keep from crying out.

  “No. Please. I want to…” Averting her face to hide her blush, she eased him back and climbed astride him.

  “Yes.” His eyes gleamed. “That’s good, sweetheart.” He pushed into her.