Page 66 of Charity

“Oh, do shut up,” Lynton grumbled as he swept his fingers over her cheek until her eyes fluttered open. She met his gaze and a tender smile turned up her lips.

Seeing his mother in Lynton’s arms seemed right. She’d certainly been lucky in love to have Lynton’s continuing devotion. They could do very well together. Lynton only needed time to plead his case. But he couldn’t do that if Oscar placed him in danger pursuing Agatha’s abductors.

He walked out, but heard his new uncle quite clearly. “Brother, do look after dear Essy for us. I’m sure you can still work your charm to make her forget her troubles. We’ll be back before you know it, so don’t get too carried away. Oh, here, I arranged for two special licenses—not just one as you requested. Do be a good fellow and make the loss of six cases of my finest brandy worthwhile. I do love double weddings.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

“Come away from the window, Essy. It is far too soon for any news.”

Although Lynton was right, Estella didn’t want to leave the window. Not when a special license for them to marry rested on a table nearby. Staines, that meddling old fool, had gone too far this time. She wasn’t about to marry Lynton just because the duke demanded it, or because he’d made it incredibly easy to accomplish. The Duke of Staines failed to understand that she was in mourning for Thomas. She had not meant to find comfort in Lynton’s arms after she’d fainted. Staines had misunderstood their familiarity and leapt to the wrong conclusion.

Besides, given the scandals embroiling her family, Lynton should wish to be miles away from them. What was he doing here now? He hadn’t been interested in speaking with either her son or her at Thomas’ funeral. That public slight would give more credence to the stories told by wagging tongues. If not for Staines’ order, would he have slunk away already?

“I cannot help but worry about my son and Agatha.”

Lynton sighed loudly. “We both worry, but Oscar has Staines and Redding with him. He is in good hands. Redding will protect them both and bring Agatha home again very soon. He has unlimited sources in the city. He’ll find her as quick as he can.”

Estella hugged herself. “Why does Staines keep such a man with him? If Redding is as dangerous as you let on, then should he be with my son?”

“Redding is a fine man, a perfect match for my wild brother. He keeps him in line and keeps those who would exploit him at bay. You don’t want to cross Redding. He almost died once to save my brother from harm. Staines rescued him in return, and has had Redding as his shadow ever since.”

Estella nodded. That did explain Redding’s near constant presence behind the duke. “I’d not heard of that incident. Your brother is very lucky.”

“It was years ago, just after I’d taken orders. Redding has my eternal gratitude for keeping my brother at least partially respectable all these years.” He chuckled suddenly. “The quirk of Redding’s eyebrow can squash one of my brother’s mad schemes better than any sermon I could deliver. I rest easy knowing he is there.”

Estella bit her lip. She longed to ask Lynton a question about the earlier conversation, but worried he might take offense once the disturbing subject came up. She didn’t want to wait for news alone, but Oscar’s mention of murder worried her. He seemed—very little like the son she’d raised today. Yet if she discussed the matter with Lynton, she’d get an idea if he had any intention of forging a closer friendship with her son and whether he would be a continuing presence in her life. Oscar had seemed to take the revelation in his stride, but Estella found the notion of having made love to Lynton an uneasy one.

She took a deep breath, prepared to be abandoned at any moment. “Did you catch, by any chance, Oscar’s mention of murder?”

Lynton stood and approached. Her skin prickled as he closed the gap between them until he rested inches from her back. “Staines told me yesterday about an unfortunate incident involving Oscar. I take it that the boy has not confided in you?”

Estella shook her head, panicked that her son should be a murderer.

Lynton sighed, ruffling the hair at her nape with his breath. She shivered. “Redding uncovered a recent incident involving Oscar, Lord Daventry, and his new wife. Although you may not like it, our…our son did a very brave thing. Do you want the details?”

Estella’s heart raced. No wonder Oscar was so thick with Daventry this season. She shook her head quickly. “He will tell me when he is ready, but I appreciate you reassuring me. He’s been so black in his moods lately that I didn’t know what to think.”

Lynton’s hand settled on her arm and stroked over her skin lightly. “He’s had a lot to reconcile, I imagine. He wouldn’t be the man he is if he could take a life without contemplation.”

“And today?” Estella shuddered. “If any harm comes to Agatha, I don’t know what he’ll do. Did you see his expression? He frightened me, Lynton.”

Lynton set his arms about her and pulled her against him. “Shh. He is still the same boy you raised.”

Although she should resist him, his embrace comforted her more than she could let on. She laid her hands on his encircling arms and allowed him to weave their fingers together.

“I should apologize for my brother again.”

Estella waited for him to continue, but he said nothing more. His breath puffed across her ear lightly, and a tingling of desire curled within her. Again, she should fight her attraction to Lynton Manning. But it was hard to do when he was so quiet about his seductions.

She closed her eyes and inhaled. He smelled so good. Clean, like a new forest after rain. Slowly, Lynton turned her in his arms and he eased her against him. “I should apologize…but I won’t.”

Estella opened her eyes to find Lynton smiling at her; a little knowing smile that lifted the corners of his mouth and fixed her attention on his lips. The slow burn of desire sped up. As his hands stole over her back, she willed them lower. Unfortunately, he didn’t comply. But he held her firmly against him.

The hard ridge of his erection pressed against her belly, and her own lips lifted in a smile. “Are you attempting to seduce me, Lynton?”

His lips pursed. “If that were my intention, I’d be under your skirts already. But I won’t do that until you consent to be my wife. I dishonored you once, Essy. A regret I have harbored all my life.”

Estella drew back. “You regret me?”