Marrying Mischief

Chapter One

Southern Coast of England—1856

She had only meant to tug the gate open. Yet here she stood with the old broken latch in her hand and the rotten boards of the neglected little portal collapsed at her feet. She peeked inside. Emily Loveyne could scarcely believe that she, the vicar’s own daughter, was breaking into the Bournesea Estate.

With a disgusted sigh, she raked away enough of the overgrown ivy and morning glory vines to squeeze through. Obviously no one had used this as an entrance or exit for years. She had when she was a child accompanying her father on his Sunday afternoon visits when her ladyship still lived.

The small gardener’s gate had been the nearest way in on their approach from their cottage, and had led them directly past the roses, once inside. Her father did love roses. They still enjoyed the beauties grown from cuttings Lady Elizabeth had given them for their own garden. Good thing, too, she noticed. No one had tended the parent bushes for quite some time. What a weedy, overgrown tangle!

These days she supposed everyone went in and out the front or side entrances. Unfortunately, both of those were closed, their decorative wrought-iron gates locked tight as a sailor’s hitch. Staunchly guarded, too, by burly, bearded ogres she did not know. Judging from their attire, they were clearly seamen.

She shook her head in consternation as she rounded the tall hedges flanking the walls and made for the servants’ quarters. That’s surely where her brother would be, not in the manor house itself. She was infinitely glad she wouldn’t have to approach that place. As familiar as she was with it, she had no wish at all to enter there and risk an encounter with the new earl.

How dare he keep Josh on duty here now that the ship had laid anchor. The double-masted brig had been there, well off the coast, for at least two days before she heard of it or she would have come sooner. Why, she wondered, was it not in the harbor?

Her brother was only thirteen and must be homesick after more than six months away. Their father needed to see his only son, and Emily had missed Josh terribly.

No matter how much she had objected at the time, Father had allowed Josh to sign on as cabin boy with Captain Roland for the unhappy voyage all the way to India. They had gone to inform Lord Nicholas of his father’s death and to bring him home to assume his duties.

Lord Nicholas. He had always possessed the honorary title, of course, since he was the earl’s son. Now he had inherited the earldom and, things being as they were, she must remember to call him lord if she ever saw him again.

But, earl or not, the man had no business keeping her little brother under lock and key in this place, and would do that no longer if she had to bring it down around his noble ears. Why the devil were there guards on the gates? They had told her nothing. They had just stood at a goodly distance behind the lacy ironwork and ordered her away.

She lifted her skirts a bit higher, stepped around the puddles standing in the gardens and made for the door to the outer building adjacent to the carriage house.

Other than the guards she had seen, no one was around, she noticed. Today’s village gossip held that the skeleton staff remaining after the old earl died had been ordered away when Nicholas arrived.

No one in the village had seen him yet. Isolating himself this way seemed to be taking his grief a bit too far, considering the animosity between father and son. Must be Nicholas’s guilt working, she reckoned, and was glad of it. He ought to feel guilty, leaving as he had.

She pushed open the door to the half-timbered, two-story building that she knew was home to the male servants in the earl’s employ.

Anyone here? she called hesitantly, ducking her head in all the rooms that stood open. Nothing but dusty furnishings. Then she heard voices down the hallway.

Never a shy mouse, Emily quickly headed in that direction. As she did, she passed a chamber with the door ajar and stopped to peek inside. There on the bed lay her brother, sound asleep. Imagine that, in the middle of the day!

He was not even dressed. His sleeveless undershirt revealed his skinny arms and shoulders. So pale, she noted.

Josh? she said softly, so as not to startle him awake. When he didn’t answer, she went straight to the bedside and put her hand on his arm, shaking gently. Darling? Are you ill?

His eyes flew open. First he appeared overjoyed, but then his expression turned to one of stark horror. Em, get out of here!

Nonsense, I’ve seen you in your smallclothes before and—

Two men suddenly rushed in and grasped her by the arms. Without a single word of explanation, they hurriedly dragged her out of the building and across to the manor house.

Terrified that the entire place had been invaded by a horde of pirates and thieves, Emily fought them all the way to the door to the kitchens and across the hall inside the main house. Let me go! she screamed, struggling and kicking to no avail.

One let go of her arm long enough to open a door and the other thrust her unceremoniously into the earl’s library.

She grew still when the men no longer held her and looked around.

The man behind the huge cherrywood desk rose. She almost did not recognize him. He looked so much older, so much larger, so absolutely furious that she was here. Blue eyes that had held such warmth seven years ago now rivaled arctic ice its chill. Dark brows lowered, giving him an almost menacing appearance. The beautifully shaped mouth that had once pressed so fondly against her own drew into a firm and disapproving frown. His nostrils flared.

Nicholas? she gasped, unable to credit how much he had changed.

What the hell are you doing here? he demanded, his expression promising retribution for her trespass. Who allowed her in?

One of the wretches who had dragged her here cleared his throat. No one admitted her. She sneaked in somehow, milord. We caught her in young Josh’s room out back.

Nicholas grimaced as if in pain and pressed his temples with a thumb and forefinger. Damn! His deep voice grated on the vehement, solitary word.

Well, damn you, too! she exclaimed, her own ire rising to meet his. "I had not expected to trouble you with my presence, my lord. I merely came to fetch my brother home. If you will kindly excuse me, I shall do just that."

You cannot, he said, his voice gruff.

Watch me, she replied, whirling around to leave. The men blocked the door. Move aside, she ordered in her best schoolmistress voice. She had been practicing it for her new position and thought it quite effective. It obviously did not work on adults. They stood firm.

Nicholas had come around the monstrosity of a desk. Emily heard him move and could now feel his presence there, invading the space just behind her. She jerked around to face him.

Emily, we must talk. Would you please have a seat? Wrecker, pour us a brandy, he said in an aside to one of the men.

She propped one hand on her hip. The other rested at her throat, hopefully hiding the rapid pulse in her neck. You know very well I do not take spirits, my lord. Say what you have to say, then permit me to leave and bring Josh home with me. He looked ill when I saw him.

He reached for her hand. She ignored the gesture. His frown grew darker. Leave us, he said to the two men, and find out how she got past the guards. See that no one else does, or you will answer for it.

She heard the door close. Now what will you do? she demanded, determined to show no fear even though she felt very nearly petrified. This was not the Nick she knew. That smiling, witty suitor had disappeared. In his place stood this disheveled, intimidating stranger who frightened her silly.

Please sit down, Emily, he said.

She did not. Instead, she swiftly stepped around him, afraid of his nearness.

He must not have shaved his beard for several days and was in his shirtsleeves. Those sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, exposing strong, sun-browned forearms. His rich dark hair fell tousled across his brow and curled over the back of his collar. That same collar stood open at his neck, revealing a glimpse of chest covered with a mat of even darker hair.

The forbidden sight perturbed Emily. Never before, even in their youth, had she seen him look so rumpled. Like an unmade bed. Thinking of Nicholas in conjunction with a bed of any kind upset her even more. For someone she disliked so wholeheartedly, he certainly could provoke some highly dangerous thoughts.

She backed against the desk, putting as much space between them as possible. Her heart galloped like a runaway horse.

His expression changed from anger to what appeared to be regret. You should not have come here, he told her.

Emily expelled the breath she’d been holding and rolled her eyes. You need not worry, my lord. It is not as if I came to confront you. Even I have more sense than to hound a peer of the realm for an explanation of his actions, past or present. Get out of my way and I will trouble you no longer, she snapped.

"Would that I could believe that. Does your husband know you’re wandering about the county, breaking into private property where you have no business?"

"My husband? She laughed bitterly. No, I’d reckon not, since I do not have one! Thank God for small favors," she added.

You…have no husband, he demanded, as if confirming her words so there would be no mistake.

Certainly not, and we both know the reason. But I do have a brother, and Josh will accompany me home or I shall know the reason why.

Because he is ill, Nicholas told her, his voice gentler than before. Joshua cannot leave the grounds of Bournesea, and—now that you have entered—neither can you.

What? You would hold us here against our will?

If I must, that is precisely what I will do, he said firmly, yet not unkindly. We fear it is blue cholera.

The breath left her in a choked cry of alarm. Her vision wavered, her knees buckled and she grasped the desk behind her to keep from falling. Oh, God. Blue cholera? The Asian sort. Before she could right herself, he was there, his arms around her, lifting. Resisting did not even occur to her.

When he had placed her on the brocade settee, he knelt before her, his hands still on her arms. Emily, believe me, I am so dreadfully sorry this has happened. Please forgive my bluntness in the telling. I knew no easy way to say it.

She brushed a shaking hand over her eyes, then clamped her palm against her mouth and swallowed hard when sickness threatened.

Breathe deeply, he suggested. Lie back. Not waiting for her to comply, he pushed her into a reclining position, her head resting uncomfortably against the high, padded curve of the couch arm.

She watched as he rose and hurried to the sideboard. A moment later he returned with a snifter and put it to her lips. Sip this. It will help, he promised.

Consuming spirits suddenly dropped far down on her list of things to avoid. She grasped the glass and swallowed deeply. The coughing fit almost undid her. Tears rolled down her face unchecked. Will…will Josh die? she rasped when she was able to speak.

No, no, of course he won’t die, Nicholas assured her, all sympathy now. I promise you, he won’t. He has been improving every day since we came ashore. In fact, he is keeping his liquids down and the fever is almost gone.

She grabbed his arm with both hands. Nick, he must have a doctor. Please—

He smoothed the hair back from her forehead. He has the best. Dr. Evans is quite accomplished.

Emily sniffed, trying to think properly. I have never heard of him.

He is the ship’s doctor, who has sailed with Captain Roland for years. I trust him implicitly.

"But cholera, Nicholas? Emily whispered. I can scarcely believe it."

It has been epidemic here before, he reminded her. No one is safe from it.

Mostly in London and the crowded cities. Not anywhere near Bournesea.

No, but it does exist now in Lisbon, where we docked on the way home. Apparently, that’s where they contracted it.

In a faraway port? she asked, her voice breaking.

Yes, Portugal. There has been no rampant outbreak here in England recently, and this is what I am trying to avoid. Firsthand, I witnessed the devastation it caused in India. So, you see why I cannot allow you and Josh to leave. By coming here, being with your brother, you have exposed yourself to it, he said gently. Also, I am allowing no possibility that rumors of it will spread and cause panic.

But Father—

Shall be told, of course, when he comes looking for you. Unfortunately, I dare not send anyone out to inform him. When he comes to the gates, I shall speak with him myself from a safe distance. I know I can trust him not to reveal anything.

He is not well himself, Emily said, I can only imagine how upset he will be when I do not return home in time for supper. I neglected to tell him where I was going.

Nicholas sighed and sat back on his heels, holding one of her hands. When had he taken it up and why had she not noticed when he did? She should pull away, but she needed comfort from any source available. Even he would do at the moment.

Does the vicar have someone to do for him in your absence? he asked.

Emily nodded, still so shocked by what he had told her, she could not gather her wits. Concentrating on something as mundane as the vicar’s supper seemed somehow inconsequential. Wrong.

Nick patted her hand. I shall have my mother’s room prepared. She would approve your presence there, I think, he said with a comforting smile.

Here was the Nick she remembered, Emily thought with relief. At least she knew he still existed inside this sun-kissed, muscled, unkempt rogue who scared her. She tightened her fingers and clasped his hand, holding fast to the only solace she could find.

Josh would be well soon. He had to recover. "What if I sicken from this, Nick? There will be no one to care for my father and Josh. I cannot afford to die!"

He tried to soothe her. Isn’t there someone who cooks for you at home? What of Mrs. Pease who used to do that?

She is still with us. I only meant that there must be someone to pay for her services once Father retires, which must be soon. And Josh will have to be schooled somehow.

Ah, he said, taking her meaning. You need not worry about that. Even if the worst happens and both of us succumb to the sickness, you may rest assured that your family will lack for nothing in the future.

What do you mean?

He smiled, the old sweet smile that had convinced her that he loved her all those years ago. But his smile had not signified it then, and she must not mistake the meaning of it now.

The instant I made a profit in trade that did not apply to my father’s business, I placed you in my will, Emily. So, as your next of kin, your family would inherit what I would leave to you.

Why? she demanded. Why on earth would you do such a thing? Guilt?

Certainly, it was guilt, she reminded herself. Only guilt. He had all but seduced a young girl with pretty words, gifts and kisses, then left her the very next day without any explanation, and had stayed away. He had never had any intention of returning to her. A pity it had taken her years to realize that fact. He was no man at all if he felt no remorse for the pain he had caused her.

Guilt, of course, he admitted curtly. He released her hand and got to his feet. The stranger who called himself Nicholas was back. If you are recovered enough that I may leave you alone, I will go and see to your accommodations. Please remain in this room. We are keeping everyone as isolated as is humanly possible. He snapped a perfunctory bow, turned on his heel and left the room.

Emily sat up, leaned forward and hugged herself, trying to dispel some of the horror she was feeling. A thousand questions occurred to her the instant he was gone. What were the symptoms? How long did it last? How many recovered? She looked around her. Books. There would be answers here somewhere.

Quickly she scrambled off the settee and began examining the titles. She picked a Materia Medica off a shelf at eye level. There was a paper inserted, already marking the section referring to the cholera. Nicholas’s doing, she knew. He would have had the same thought as she.

Emily carried the tome back to where she had been sitting, opened it and began to read. There was precious little to learn there, however. Speculation, mostly. Remedies that worked for one, killed another. The cause of the disease’s spontaneous occurrence, or how it traveled one to another remained mysteries only guessed at by the learned minds who should have the answers and cures.

Moments later, Nicholas returned. I see you are using the time productively. Ever resourceful, aren’t you?

She turned a page as she looked up at him. How long has Josh been affected?

Two days out of port after we left Portugal, he came down with fever and began to behave strangely. Two others were similarly affected, all of their complaints consistent with the cholera. Josh and the two men did go ashore together and must have contracted it somewhere there in the city.

Emily felt the need to strike. You allowed a young boy to carouse in a foreign port with two sailors? What sort of shipping enterprise do you conduct, sir?

He raised a brow and glared at her. "One of those sailors is the captain, Emily. A man whom you know and respect. I was not aboard at the time. Captain Roland had business in the city and did not think it wise to leave a young boy alone on the ship without proper supervision, so he kindly took him along."

Oh, Emily said, biting her bottom lip. The captain has it, too?

Unfortunately, but I had sailed enough to chart the course for home, so we headed here. I felt they could not be treated properly at sea. He went on, dismissing her contrition. I had the three, including Joshua, confined to the largest cabin. Our doctor volunteered to tend them and remain apart from the rest of the crew. We came ashore and directly here after dark three nights ago. There have been no further cases among us, so we are hopeful it has been contained.

What of your staff here? she asked, wondering why no word of this had circulated within the village.

I arrived alone and spoke from a distance with the gatekeeper. I simply told him that he and the others were to vacate Bournesea within the hour and hasten to the London house and remain there.

And they left? Just like that?

They went directly as I commanded. They might be curious, but they would never question my order or disobey me. Father trained them well in that respect.

Emily nodded, too disturbed over the issue of the sickness to comment upon the old earl’s iron hand with servants. The doctor has not sickened from his contact with the men and Joshua?

No, and he assures me all three are in various stages of recovery. They are incredibly lucky. Few survive it and many die within hours.

She heaved a sigh of relief. I know. I’ve heard.

No one understands how it is carried from person to person, Nicholas replied in a guarded tone, but none of us have had close contact with anyone outside the crew since they sickened. I figure another fortnight should tell the tale. If by that time, everyone remains well, we may go about our business and count ourselves extremely fortunate to have been spared.

Fortunate indeed, Emily replied thoughtfully. She laid the book aside and stood. I will see to Josh myself.

No! he exclaimed, blocking the door as if she were planning a sudden escape. Which she supposed she was, if the truth be known. He visibly forced himself to relax and held out his hands in entreaty. Emily, you must give it two days. I beg you. I promise if Josh continues to improve as he has thus far, you may see him then. Your contact with him was brief today. Let’s not tempt fate with another visit.

She understood that Nicholas had her best interest at heart. At least in this matter. I suppose you are leaving me no choice.

None, I regret to say. And I am also sorry to refuse your request to leave. But a mere two weeks of idleness should do you no harm.

Little do you know, she muttered.

What? What am I asking you to abandon that is so crucial? Tea with the local ladies? Walking out with some local dandy?

Anger suffused her. She absolutely shook with it. "How dare you judge my days of no account, you stupid man! This enforced confinement will cost me my employment so that my father must work on in your employ for who knows how much longer! She flung herself down upon the settee and dashed the heavy book to the floor. And there is no suitor, thanks to you!"

He smiled, damn his eyes. No suitor? I’m glad of it, but how did that come to be my fault? I heard that you had one and were about to wed.

Well, you were sadly misinformed. She stuck out her chin and pinned him with a glare. After you, sir, I was put off men altogether. Let him find humor in that, she thought with an angry huff.

Her words effectively killed his smile. This employment you mentioned, he said, deliberately switching topics. Is it something in the village? Dressmaking or the like? You plied a magic needle, as I recall.

She ducked her head, wishing she had not brought up the matter at all. Governess, she muttered, then chastised herself for her hesitation. Why should she have any qualms about making him uncomfortable? He certainly hadn’t minded her discomfort in times past.

His expression grew sad. Oh, Emily…

Disappointed, was he? Because she would be trapped in that strata between well-born and servant and accepted by neither? She knew well what she could look forward to, and thought it small price to pay for what she would gain.

Her only goal in life at this point was to secure an income so that she could support her family. Father would not last much longer if he continued working so hard. And Josh should be at school instead of racketing around the world on a boat. Now her plans were dashed.

Emily raised her chin and elaborated. I was to travel to London the day after tomorrow and assume my duties immediately. That was the condition of my employment. Now Lord Vintley will accept someone in my stead.

Vintley? he asked with a dreadful frown. That’s just as well, then. He used to visit the Worthings, where I met him and was not favorably impressed.