Never a Mistress, No Longer a Maid (Kellington Book One) Read online

  “It’s still attached, although I sometimes wish the thing would roll away,” he said as his body hardened just at the sight of her.

  She leaned over him to gently prod the knot on the back of his head. Her fingers were cool against his scalp. Her breasts were just inches above his mouth.

  “I checked on Vi when I came upstairs,” he said. “She was sound asleep.”

  Jane smiled as she continued her exam. “She’s always been a good sleeper. Even as a baby.”

  “I wish I’d been there. When she was a baby.”

  Jane’s fingers stilled and she met his gaze.

  “I can’t imagine what you went through,” he said. “And I can’t believe what I missed. She surprises me every day. Makes me laugh. I wish I’d been there from the beginning. I wish I’d been with you.”

  Then he pulled her down on top of him, into a deep kiss. He brought his hands beneath her nightgown and trailed them up her body, stopping when he reached her bottom. He squeezed the globes, as he rubbed his cock against her.

  “Your head,” she said between kisses.

  “This will be good for it,” he said.

  He lifted her enough so he could bring his mouth onto her nipple through her night clothes. It was already hard. He suckled as she pressed against him, offering more of herself to him. He ripped apart her night rail, scattering buttons everywhere.

  He threw back the sheet that lay between them, then positioned her legs so she was straddling him. He began suckling her again, then moved his hand between her legs to find her wet and ready for him. His finger slid into her easily and he was rewarded with a low moan that sent a jolt of lust through him.

  She tried to move off him to lie on her back, but he held her on top. Her quizzical look told him he’d need to take the lead. He lifted her up just enough so the head of his cock was positioned at her center. She rubbed herself against him eagerly, then he slowly penetrated her.

  He pulled her down onto him. Impaling her and growing harder as she covered him in her tight sheath. He prayed he’d last long enough to give her pleasure, but knew it’d be close.

  Just as he was about to move, she whispered, “I don’t want to bear another child out of wedlock.”

  That got his attention as nothing else could. “I would never put you through that again. If you get with child, we’ll marry.”

  She began to pull away, but he held her to him and conceded. “That’s a discussion for another day. I promise to withdraw.”

  He hoped that would put her mind at ease. But still she didn’t move.

  “I…I don’t know what to do,” she said.

  He smiled, then began to move within her. Slowly at first. He held her hips and moved her up and down as he slid in and out. Her hair framed her beautiful face and soon her eyes filled with passion. Her lips were slightly parted and her breathing grew labored as they moved faster and faster together.

  He was losing control too fast, so he moved his finger to her curls and found the heart of her. He pressed as she rode him. Her beautiful breasts bouncing and her thighs gripping him tightly. It wasn’t long before she exploded in passion. Her spasms squeezed him hard and it took all he had to keep from coming.

  The moment she began to recover, he rolled her onto her back. After a few hard thrusts he pulled out and spilled his seed between them.

  It had been a close thing.

  After several long moments, he recovered enough to roll off her. He lay on his back and pulled her to his side.

  They lay there without speaking, his arm stroking her back.

  “I still don’t know if I should marry you,” she said.

  He hated hearing the words, but knew he had to give her time. “I know,” he said.

  “I was so scared when I heard what had happened at my grandfather’s. You could’ve been killed.”

  “But I’m here now. I’ll be here as long as you want.”

  “I know,” she said. “I know.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  The family was at luncheon the next day when Heskiss announced the arrival of Inspector Stapleton.

  “Why didn’t you tell me the earl’s granddaughter and great granddaughter were staying with you, your grace?” asked Stapleton rather impatiently when Lynwood and Ned met with him in the study.

  “I’m not in the habit of announcing details of my private life,” said Lynwood.

  “Very little remains private in a murder investigation,” replied Stapleton. “Would you like to tell me the connection between your family and Miss Wetherby?”

  The Kellington brothers said nothing until Ned broke the silence.

  “I’m the father of Miss Wetherby’s child.”

  Stapleton showed the glimmer of surprise that it would be admitted so easily. “Was the earl aware of that?’

  “I don’t believe so. He knew I had a special regard for the lady. That’s part of what we argued about on my first visit to the house. But I don’t think he knew I was Vi’s father.”

  “He almost certainly didn’t,” said Jane as she walked into the room. “Otherwise, I’m sure he would’ve been only too happy to arrange a marriage with Lord Edward. Inspector Stapleton? I am Jane Wetherby.”

  Stapleton looked surprised by the forthright lady who held out her hand to him. He bowed over it perfunctorily. “While it is a pleasure to meet you, madam, I would like to conduct this interview in private.”

  “I can hardly see how it’s private when you’re talking to both his grace and Lord Edward. Please take a seat, gentlemen,” she said as she did the same, “because I have no intention of letting you discuss my life without me.”

  “I have already experienced Miss Wetherby’s determination in such things, Inspector” said Lynwood. “I suggest we all sit down and include her in the discussion.”

  Stapleton acquiesced and they took their seats. Then he tried another tack.

  “Lord Edward, were you aware Miss Wetherby was an heiress?”

  “I have an inheritance,” said Jane. “But I’m sure it’s quite modest.”

  “Not unless you consider £80,000 modest.”

  Stapleton had been studying Ned closely and what he saw now was shock. On both his and Miss Wetherby’s faces.

  “That can’t be true,” said Jane. “My parents lived quite modestly.”

  “It’s true that your grandfather did not lend much monetary support to his daughter and her husband and child. But your father’s family emigrated to America and did quite well. Your inheritance has grown over the years to that current amount. And it is still increasing. Apparently, your grandfather was able to use his influence to become executor of the estate, although he’s been unable to touch the money himself.”

  “How did you discover this?” asked Lynwood. “Even my solicitors have been unable to learn the details.”

  “While I have no doubt you employ excellent solicitors, your grace, they don’t have the authority to arrest someone for fraud, which was my first order of business this morning after poring through ledgers I found in the earl’s office yesterday. I don’t yet have all the details, but I can tell you, Miss Wetherby, that you will be a rich woman once you marry.”

  Jane was stunned. “My inheritance is dependent upon marriage?”

  “It always has been. And should you die, the money would be passed on to any children you have borne.” Stapleton cleared his throat. “There is no proviso stating that the children must be the issue of a marriage.”

  It was almost too much to believe. “So my daughter Vi would be able to inherit?”

  “That was the opinion of the magistrate who looked at the document with me.”

  “Now we know why some bastard tried to kidnap her,” said Ned.

  “What are you talking about?” asked Stapleton.

  As Jane filled him in on the details, Ned thought about the implications. It was highly likely that the earl’s death was directly connected to Jane’s fortune, and therefore linked to the kidnapping attempt
s. There’d been two so far. Now that he knew the stakes, he would wager more would be on the way. And someone could try to force Jane into marriage. She and Vi would have to be protected at all cost.

  Apparently Stapleton had reached the same conclusion.

  “I suggest you stay close to Kellington House, Miss Wetherby, and don’t let your daughter out of your sight,” he said. “Until we catch the man who killed your grandfather, you both may be in danger.”

  “Is my brother still a suspect?” asked Lynwood.

  Stapleton studied Lynwood for a long moment. “I can’t officially rule out anyone as of yet because I simply don’t know enough. But the member of the Kellington family who had the greatest motive to kill Huntington is you, your grace.”

  Lynwood had a rare, unguarded moment of surprise, then his lips curved into the slightest smile.

  “You’re right, Inspector. As you so astutely observed yesterday, I would do just about anything to protect my family. And, in extreme circumstances, that could include murder and kidnapping, just as I have the feeling you could do the same if given adequate provocation. Am I correct?”

  After a moment of silence, Stapleton nodded.

  “But these are in no way extreme circumstances. As was brought to my attention last night at dinner, Miss Wetherby and Miss Violet are already members of the family, although not legally recognized at this time. As their relationship becomes known – and it will become known – we will very happily claim Miss Violet as our niece. And should Miss Wetherby ever consent to marry Lord Edward, we would very publicly welcome her into the family. You haven’t yet met our sister, but I assure you she’ll wear her association with Miss Wetherby and her daughter as a badge of honor. Anyone who attempts to slight them will be cut down socially, perhaps never to recover. Now, have I reassured you or shall it be a trip to Newgate for me?”

  “I hope, your grace,” said Stapleton as he rose, “that I never have the occasion to go against you on anything, because I have a feeling I would lose.”

  “It’s funny, Inspector,” said Lynwood, “because I was thinking the same thing about you. I hope your search is fruitful. Please keep us informed of any developments and we will ensure Miss Wetherby and Miss Violet are safe.”

  Lynwood escorted Stapleton out, leaving Ned alone with Jane.

  “I’m an heiress?” she said, not quite believing it. “Why didn’t my grandfather tell me?”

  “Perhaps he wanted to keep you under his control longer. Or he didn’t want your past to come up again if you re-entered society.” Ned wanted to go to her and comfort her, but knew he had to give her the time and distance she needed.

  “I have no plans to re-enter society. I’ll quite happily live the rest of my life in Marston Vale. But at least now I’ll have enough money for food and to provide a future for Vi.”

  “If you marry.”

  She looked at him. “If I marry. You must know that in many ways you would be my logical choice. You’re Vi’s father. She loves you. But I just can’t make that decision right now. I need time.”

  It was hard for Ned to hear. But he didn’t have a choice. He kissed her, then walked toward the door.

  “Where are you going?” she asked.

  “To get some help. Don’t leave the house and don’t let our daughter out of your sight. And, Jane?”

  “Yes?”

  “Please don’t keep me in suspense for too long.”

  * * *

  There were some advantages to being a veteran when you needed to get information on someone. Ned was sitting outside the Cathedral Theater in Covent Garden talking to his old sergeant Ambrose Fisk, whom Rigg had tracked down a few hours earlier.

  Fisk had lost his right leg from the knee down at Waterloo and was currently sleeping in a room at the theater in exchange for watching over it at night. Ned knew it was a waste of the man’s talents. He’d seldom met anyone who was more efficient or dedicated to his job than Fisk.

  “So what’s this Overton bloke done?” asked Fisk, after Ned had explained the situation.

  “I don’t know that he’s done anything, but it’s rather suspicious that he’d show up now and contact Miss Wetherby after ignoring her so long.”

  Ned knew he was likely grasping at straws, but he had to do something.

  “Can you find a replacement for your job for a few days? I’d like to hire you to follow this chap around. I’ll pay whatever you need.”

  Fisk looked at him. “It’s not a matter of me findin’ a replacement. Any monkey can sweep and keep watch. But what good would a cripple be followin’ this toff around? It’s not like I’d blend in.”

  “You’re the best soldier I ever met, Fisk. I know you’d find a way to get the information. And it’s too important for me to trust anyone else with it.”

  The ex-sergeant looked away to hide how much the compliment meant to his self esteem. “Even if I could do the job, I couldn’t take your money. You saved me life. I also haven’t forgot the way you treated us men. Not like a lot of them other officers. Worthless they was. But not you. You didn’t have your head up your arse,” he said with a crooked grin. “I guess I should probably add ‘Lieutenant’ or milord or something.”

  Ned laughed at his old friend’s candor. “It has always been a goal of mine to keep my head firmly separated from my arse. Although I haven’t met with much success, lately. I don’t know how long this assignment will last, but here’s money for you to move into lodgings while you look into this.”

  “I can’t take your charity.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind should I ever think of offering you any. You’re too far out of the way here. I need you closer to Mayfair and can’t have you wasting time travelling back and forth. I’m also giving you coins to spread around. If you need more, send a message and I’ll make sure you have everything you need.”

  Fisk considered the offer. And from the state of his clothes and his thinner than usual frame, Ned knew how much he needed the funds.

  “This lady must really mean something to you,” said the sergeant.

  “She does. She and her daughter both.”

  * * *

  When Ned left Fisk, he thought about just how important Jane was to him. And Vi. He knew now that he would find a way for the three of them to be together. He had to. Making love with Jane was more intense, more emotional, more physical, more everything. He wanted that now and for the rest of his life. He just had to make her feel the same way.

  He’d leave no stone unturned to learn who had killed Huntington. Jane and Vi were just as much at risk now as they’d been when those men had tried to take Vi in the park. Perhaps more so. Someone had committed murder to get what they wanted.

  Fisk was the right man for the job. It’d been painful to see the man after so many years, looking so pale and thin. He was probably earning barely enough to survive. Ned was glad Fisk had taken the money for new lodgings. When this was over, he’d make sure he had a proper place to live, a job and plenty to eat.

  It was time Ned took responsibility for everyone in his life who truly needed him.

  * * *

  The next day passed interminably slowly for Jane. Ned had forbidden her to leave the house. He’d originally forbidden Vi to leave her bedroom and wanted to station a footman in her room and another outside the door, until Jane assured him their daughter would be perfectly safe at Kellington House, given all the servants had been apprised of the situation and were more vigilant than the King’s own guards.

  But finally it was time for Jane to dress for Lady Crenshaw’s ball. Lizzie had sent a message to the modiste to rush one of Jane’s new gowns and now it lay on her bed. It was the most beautiful gown Lizzie had ever seen, a shade of dusky blue that complemented her eyes and hair perfectly. The bodice was more low-cut than she felt comfortable with, but Lizzie had assured her it would turn a certain unnamed Kellington brother into a tongue-tied fool.

  Jane wasn’t sure what she wanted Ned to turn into. He’d
stayed out until almost midnight the previous day, then when he’d snuck into her room shortly after returning, he’d seen that Vi had arrived before him. He’d simply kissed Jane, then stared at their sleeping daughter for a few moments, before slipping back to his own bed. Jane had been equal parts disappointed and relieved.

  When they’d made love the previous night, she’d realized she’d made the serious mistake of falling in love with a man whom she might not be able to marry. She still didn’t know how it would be possible to meld their two worlds. She was needed in Marston Vale. She wasn’t even wanted in London.

  And now she faced Lady Crenshaw’s ball. Going to the Marston Vale assembly had been bad enough. Tonight she’d face the pit of vipers otherwise known as the ton. It was the height of foolishness to go when there was a good chance she’d receive the cut direct from everyone who remembered her from before. And with her grandfather’s death, everything related to Huntington would be dredged up again.

  There was a knock at her door, then Lizzie entered, wearing an emerald green gown that perfectly accented her eyes.

  “Why aren’t you dressed yet?” she asked.

  “I’m not sure I should go.”

  “But you must, if for no other reason than to rescue me from four overprotective brothers. Besides, we may be able to learn something tonight to help Ned.”

  “Lizzie, you mustn’t do anything to put yourself in danger.”

  “Lud, you sound just like my brothers. You’d think I was still in the nursery with the way all of them carry on.”

  Jane reached out her hand and the other woman took it. “Your brothers love you very much. They simply want what’s best for you.”

  “But it’s so incredibly dull to be sheltered.”

  “You have your whole life ahead of you. Is it so bad to have one dull evening if it keeps your brothers from worrying?”

  “I guess I can handle it for one night. But you positively have to come with me, or I shall behave abominably and it’ll be all your fault. Now let’s get you dressed.”