William sat by the open window and smiled. Since the patio was underneath the bedroom window, he’d heard the conversation between Lady Burwell and his wife.
As he closed the window, his heart beat with unprecedented life, opening a new future for him. A future he couldn’t wait to pursue. My wife does love me!
Whether or not Mercedes admitted her love, he planned on telling her his feelings tonight. He still doubted she was the woman he exchanged marriage vows with, and that thought made him happier than he expected. If the woman wasn’t his wife, that meant she hadn’t been inti
Shadows teased throughout the room. Shapes appeared on the wall from the moon’s glare, slicing between small openings on the curtains. William halted his footsteps. The shadows played with his imagination and sent prickles of trepidation dancing up his spine. Floorboards creaked outside the hallway. He spun toward the closed door and listened.Nothing.Only the fierce beating of his heart pounded in his ears, making him re-think his purpose for probing through Colonel Burwell’s study. William had to accomplish his goal tonight, for in the morn he and Mercedes would return home. This would be his l
Happiness and gaiety filled William’s home upon their return. The children ran into their father’s arms and greeted him with kisses, and then turned and rained the same affection on Mercedes. Her chest expanded with happiness.For the rest of the day, she stayed by William’s side as he sat on the couch and played with the children. He touched her often with gentle caresses. Was this all a wonderful, beautiful dream?But all dreams had to end, and William’s problems made her heart sick. When she first decided to play her sister’s role, she was out to prove him unlawful. Yet now th
Gabriel Lawrence, Watch Brandon Kennedy closely tonight. I have it on good authority that Mr. Kennedy is going to meet Captain Wilkes in secret to sell him some drawings. I fear your friend, William Braxton will be blamed for something, and I want it stopped.Your Friend, Always.William scowled as he glanced at the missive in his hand. &ldquo
Mercedes stepped outside onto the back porch and the wind blew against her face. The children were in the nursery. This afternoon, she needed time for herself yet the more she thought about her problems, the more worried she became.With a heavy ache in her chest, she walked toward the stable. The maid, Beth, informed Mercedes of the conversation one of the servants had eavesdropped on while at the bank. Mr. Braxton was meeting someone tonight at nine o’clock to secure a deal. All the servant knew was that the men spoke in hushed tones.Anxiety hammered through Mercedes. Would William tell her about thi
Trees canopied the darkened sky and hid the moon, making the path harder to follow. The cool wind howled around Mercedes, blowing leaves and dust in her face. With one hand she gripped the reins. With the other she pulled the hooded, black cloak tighter around her head. The cool night’s breeze slipped through the man’s clothing she wore.Where is William?She’d feigned sleep until she heard him leave the house. Instead of following him immediately, she waited a few minutes, then left. She scrambled out of bed and ran to the stable to dress in the servant’s clothes Hyrum had le
The meeting went very well. Lord Arlington was excited about William’s plans. Lord Arlington agreed to think it over and give William an answer in two days. Excitement pounded in his heart, and yet, through the excitement, guilt ate away at his. He’d soon have to confess to Mercedes, and he prayed she’d understand and forgive him.Shadows played with his vision while he traveled home, especially when he spotted a couple atop a horse in a lover’s embrace. He narrowed his eyes, not believing what he saw. His heart dropped, shattering as it hit the ground. What was Mercedes doing with Captain Wilkes?
Brandon Kennedy stalked across the office floor, his hands bunched into fists at his side. He kicked his chair from under the desk and it toppled and landed on the floor. Yanking off his overcoat, he cursed. He tossed it toward the coat rack, missed the mark, and it slid to the ground. Kennedy exploded with another set of curses as he marched over, picked it up and latched it on a hook.William leaned back in his chair, holding back the grin that threatened to sneak across his mouth. He was dying to know what had his partner in a dither. When the grin threatened to make its debut, William quickly rubbed his hand over his mouth, trying to wipe off his smirk. Now was not the time to gloat. “What ails you, Kennedy?”
“May we call you Mother?”Mercedes gasped at James’ question. Her heart quickened, and tears stung her eyes. Slowing the horse they’d been riding, she smiled down into his upturned face. His gray eyes glistened, so much like William’s. A lump of emotion tightened in her throat. Amazing how fast she became emotional lately, but James’ sudden request caught her by surprise.“Of course, you may call me Mother.”“You won’t g