Fascinated Page 23

  “Yes, sir.” It was a dismissal. He should leave now, but he could not make his feet move. “Sir?”

  “Yes, Carstairs?”

  “I would like to continue to care for her. Afterward.” After I lock her heart away from her. After I condemn her to the mist and the cold.

  The lines on Smith’s face deepened. “I can see no reason why you should not. She will need someone.”

  “Thank you, sir.” Carstairs was able to move again. Not easily. The weight of what he must do pressed down and made him clumsy as he started toward the door.

  “Edward,” said the captain behind him.

  “Sir?” Carstairs stopped, but did not turn.

  “This is no fault of yours.” Smith paused and added more softly. “Neither was the death of your brother. That was our enemy’s doing, as is this.”

  Carstairs bowed his head. He tried to accept those words, but he did not have the strength. He had never had his strength when he needed it most. Still, he made himself nod, and walked out of the office. Automatically, he picked up hat and stick as he passed out onto the street.

  Sometime while he was inside, it had begun to rain. Fat, heavy drops splashed against the cobbles, and drummed against his scalp, but he seemed lack the ability to lift his hand and place his hat on his head. Rather, Carstairs stood in the middle of that anonymous street with it dangling from his fingers.

  He would give Alicia one more day. It was all he had. He would make that day a feast for the senses he must then smother to keep her safe, to keep the Service safe. It would be filled with all the forms of pleasure it was in his power to procure. Maybe that would ease the cold of the mists, and be some comfort when he raised the walls once more around her heart. It would not have to be forever, he told himself. One day, when the Fae were finally defeated, Alicia could be safely freed again. He would make sure it was not forever. He would fight them all to the last drop of his blood. He would never stop. Alicia would be free again.

  Carstairs looked up at the sky, letting the rain run down his cheeks and wash away his tears and the fragments of his shattered heart.

  Oh, God, forgive me for what I must do to her. God help me for what I’ve become.

  Moving like an old man, Edward lowered his gaze toward the stony streets and walked away.

  Twenty-three

  Edward did not return to the house that night. Instead, he sent back a note, which Alicia read over beside the library fire while heavy rain pummeled the windowpanes. The missive told her Edward had met with his captain, and that there were arrangements he had to attend to personally without delay. He urged her to rest, and assured her he would return as soon as possible.

  Alicia found herself remarkably unperturbed. Indeed given all the new information they had acquired, she had thought something of the kind might happen. The idea of more inactivity chafed a bit, but the truth was, she was so exhausted by the riot of changes that had occurred since her engagement ball, a night of respite from action and new revelations seemed a welcome prospect.

  Mrs. Talbot helped her get ready for bed. Alicia slept soundly and woke the next morning feeling much refreshed. Mrs. Talbot, however, was not entirely convinced and insisted on bringing up Alicia breakfast on a tray. Being waited on like this was an unheard-of luxury, but rather than protest, Alicia made up her mind to enjoy it. When she had finished the jugged kippers, coddled eggs and buttered toast, she allowed the housekeeper to help her to dress and do her hair. She felt like a queen, giving instructions and having them carried out. No. Better. She felt like the mistress of the house.

  Was it possible this who she was to be; mistress of Edward’s house? Lady Carstairs in truth, not just for convenience’s sake? No. She must set that aside. With so many dangers and so much uncertainty still swirling around them, it was trivial and self-indulgent to be thinking of marriage and housekeeping. She was involved in a larger battle, and now that she had been made aware of her duty, she would not fail. She would learn to use her powers in the service of Crown and Country. She would free her family and stand for her people. All the rest would follow in its own time. She could wait. After all, she had the important fact in her hand now. Edward loved her. He loved her as she loved him.

  Thus resolved, Alicia composed herself to patience. Edward would return with news and instructions when he was able. Until then, she would simply contrive to keep herself calm and occupied. It was not as if she had nothing to do. Once Alicia was dressed and settled in the sunny morning room, Mrs. Talbot brought in Miriah Fleetwood to be interviewed for the position of lady’s maid. Miss Fleetwood proved to be a prim older woman, but she also possessed impeccable references and a certain dry wit that Alicia found engaging. Her fledgling intuition told her she would get on well with this woman. She agreed to hire Miss Fleetwood on a trial basis, provided Lord Carstairs should give his approval, of course.

  After Miss Fleetwood departed, Alicia asked Mrs. Talbot take her on a tour of the house, so she did not have to continue make her way around by guesswork. Mrs. Talbot brushed aside Alicia’s apologies at taking so much of her time. What, the housekeeper wanted to know, did she have to do more important than to help make her ladyship feel at home?

  Alicia still flinched at Mrs. Talbot’s use of the title that did not truly belong to her, but she set that aside. It would be settled soon enough. She was sure of that as well.

  The clock was just chiming eleven when Luddington brought her a letter from Verity. Alicia retired to the library where she read the note avidly, and with a sense of deep relief. Verity wrote she was safe and well. Lady Jane and her husband were treating her like a rescued princess and had given her her own room in their house until she could be fully enrolled at the school Edward had spoken of. She had already been to the Lynne Seminary for Select Gentlewomen and found it delightful. But, Verity wrote, she must see Alicia as soon as possible.

  I’ve been told the truth, Alicia, dear. I always knew something was different about us Hartwells, but this is beyond anything I could have imagined. Do not think I am afraid. Now that I finally know the truth, I do not think I can ever be afraid again.

  Alicia felt herself smiling. Such fearlessness was the essence of Verity. She dashed off a reply for Luddington to take away, filled with assurances that they would meet again quite soon, although, obviously, she could make no promises until she heard what Edward and his captain had to say. That her beloved cousin would now be able to live freely and fully was a blessing unlooked for, and Alicia relished it. They would find a way to rescue Aunt Mary too, and the others who had suffered from Aunt Hester’s mistaken attempt at rule and protection. That was one promise she could make to Verity, and to herself.

  It was almost one o’clock when Edward returned. Alicia was still in the library. Cook, fearing she might have grown faint from her busy morning had prepared a nuncheon of roasted partridge, cock-a-leekie soup and lovely fresh rolls. Alicia was just settling down with her coffee and what looked to be a journal written by the sixth Lord Carstairs, when Edward strode into the room.

  “Alicia, I trust you have not been dull?” He kissed her swiftly and favored her with a bright smile before sitting down to the table. “I was told there was a nuncheon here, and it looks as if you might even have saved me some.”

  “I’m sure Cook will be glad to provide you with anything additional you require,” replied Alicia. “She certainly seems to have taken it as her mission in life to fatten me up.”

  “That’s no surprise. She’s been doing the same to me since I was a child.” Edward flashed another smile and concentrated on helping himself to some of everything.

  “Is there news?” Alicia joined him at the table. “What did the captain have to say about what we learned?”

  A muscle high on Edward’s cheek twitched. “We’re alerting the other agents in Town as to the new situation,” he told her. “A number of our people must be recalled, and a plan of attack organized. We can do nothing else yet.”

  “And
what of Aunt Mary? You did tell your captain about her?”

  “I did. We are fortunate there. The physician called to attend her is known to us. He’d planned to go back to Hartwell House today. He will firmly recommend a nurse be hired to attend your aunt. This recommendation will be made to your uncles, not Aunt Hester. That nurse and her assistant will be two of our female agents. As soon as they are in place, they will send us news of her health and circumstance. It would be dangerous to try to move Mary while she’s still so weak. They will work to bleed off the enchantment Hester’s placed on her, a little at a time until she’s strong enough to stand an escape.”

  “Thank you,” breathed Alicia. “And thank the captain for me.”

  Edward nodded and pushed his plate away. He’d taken a large amount of food, but she noticed, had not actually eaten much of it. Instead, he leaned back and folded his hands, contemplating her as if from a great and lordly distance. “So, we are to stand and wait until further orders are received. In the meantime, how would you like a honeymoon?”

  The word startled Alicia. “A honeymoon?” she repeated. “Doesn’t that usually come after the wedding?”

  “Very true. But you have been sorely taxed over the past few days. There is nothing more we can do now to aid your family or the captain. So, I have a special excursion planned for us both.”

  “Is that wise? Should I not be learning more about my abilities?”

  That muscle in Edward’s cheek twitched again. “Magical ability can be overstressed, like any portion of the body unused to exercise. I have been concerned that we have come close to straining yours. But one more day of rest and relaxation will have you put to rights again. Then we can proceed.”

  Edward’s gaze drifted to the clock as he spoke and suspicion simmered in Alicia’s mind. There was a tension about Edward she did not quite like. He held something back from her. He was certainly unusually reluctant to meet her gaze. “What sort of excursion is this to be?”

  “You’ll have to come with me to find out.” He spoke these words to the window, so she could just see the corner of his small, tight smile from where she sat. He was definitely up to something. Some mischief or game.

  Thinking of the sort of games Edward preferred caused a ribbon of heat to unravel inside Alicia. You are becoming quite incorrigible, Alicia Hartwell, she told herself. For all you know he means to take you nowhere more exciting than the opera or the Royal Museum. But somehow, she didn’t believe that.

  “Very well.” Alicia smoothed her skirts. “I will trust you, my lord. When are we to leave on this excursion?”

  “At once.” Edward got to his feet and crossed to the bell pull. “I’ll drive you myself. And you need not pack anything. All has been arranged.”

  Brimming with excitement, Alicia took the arm he offered her and let herself be led to the door while the men brought the phaeton around. If Edward was rather obviously keeping his gaze averted from her, surely it was just because he feared his sense of humor and anticipation would give away his plans.

  The house to which Edward drove them was a sprawling, somewhat old-fashioned residence in a neighborhood wholly unfamiliar to Alicia. Edward, however, appeared to be well known here. The grooms who took charge of the horses, the liveried footman who opened the door, and the servants who arrived in the foyer to take his hat and Alicia’s bonnet greeted him by name. The foyer was done on the grand scale, with pink marble pillars and black and white tiles laid out in a starburst pattern. Classically themed murals graced its curving walls. The dome overhead had a stained glass cupola, and a grand staircase rose to the upper level. Alicia could see men and women going two and fro overhead in the open corridors that curved around the foyer, not just on the first level but the second as well. They seemed all to be in excellent spirits, and the sound of talk and laughter drifted down over them.

  “Alicia,” said Edward, calling her attention back down to the main floor. “Allow me to present our hostess, Mrs. Hamilton. Mrs. Hamilton, my wife, Lady Carstairs.”

  Mrs. Hamilton proved to be a mature and strongly built woman, a few inches taller than Alicia. She wore a perfectly tailored morning dress, and moved forward with the assurance that came from confidence in oneself.

  “Lady Carstairs,” Mrs. Hamilton said as she and Alicia exchanged their courtesies. “I am delighted to meet you.” She held out her hand for Alicia to take. “Do permit me to wish you very happy.”

  “Thank you,” Alicia replied, but she found herself wondering why Edward had chosen to introduce her publicly in this way. He knew she remained sensitive on the subject. But he didn’t even glance down at her to see how she was dealing with her assumed status.

  “Is everything ready?” Edward asked instead. The edge in his voice as he made his inquiry touched off a flutter of nervousness in the back of Alicia’s mind. She tried to suppress it, but it would not go.

  “All is exactly as you requested, my lord,” Mrs. Hamilton replied. “And you have arrived in good time for the entertainments. I do hope you will enjoy your day here.” She smiled at them both. “You will excuse me? I have some other guests I must see to. Again, welcome, Lady Carstairs. I hope to see you here often.” With that, Mrs. Hamilton departed as smoothly as she arrived.

  “Edward.” Alicia spoked softly, but she faced him squarely. “Just what is this place?”

  “A private club,” he answered. “Where I have arranged for us to attend a theatrical entertainment and have an early supper afterward. Come along now.”

  He put her hand back on his arm and held her firmly in place as he took them up the grand staircase and into the east wing of the house. The well-lit corridor was carpeted in a rather stunning shade of red, and all its doors were firmly closed. From a number of them, Alicia heard laughter and deep sighs. A knot made of equal parts nervousness and anticipation formed beneath her breast.

  “Where are we going?” she asked.

  “I told you. To the theater.”

  “This is not a theater.”

  “Not just a theater, no. Ah, here we are.” He opened the last door on the right hand side of the corridor.

  They walked into a grand salon. It was decorated in an old fashioned manner with a great deal of gilding on the plaster trim and gold fringes on the rich, red draperies. The room was filled with French styled chairs, sofas and even chaise lounges. These were occupied by a variety of men and women who sat together in couples and in groups, chatting and laughing softly. The far end of the salon was indeed a stage, and its fringed curtain was firmly closed.

  Edward steered Alicia to one of the empty love seats and settled himself beside her. It appeared Mrs. Hamilton had spoken correctly when she said they were just in time. As soon as they were seated, the servants moved about the salon closing the heavy draperies across the windows and putting out the lights. As the room grew dark, Edward stretched his legs out and, scandalously, rested his arm along the back, so he almost had it wrapped about Alicia. She found herself glancing this way and that, to see if anyone noticed. But no one did. All the others in the room were fully occupied with their own company. Some held hands. Up near the stage, a woman kissed her beau, seemingly unaware they could be seen. A flush began to creep up Alicia’s cheeks, but whether it was because she was shocked, or because of the suspicions about this house that were currently blossoming in her mind, she could not have said.

  “Edward…” she whispered.

  “Hush. It’s starting.”

  They were in darkness now, except for the flickering candlelight that seeped under the stage curtain. The air around them filled with whispers, soft giggles and the rustle of cloth. Edward shifted himself a little closer to her.

  Two servants drew the stage curtain aside to reveal a dais containing a bed and a backdrop painted with a fanciful grape arbor. On the bed’s rich sheets lay a man. He was young and golden, like a shepherd from a classical Greek painting. He was also fully naked and splayed out so Alicia could see his cock where it lay acro
ss his thigh.

  Alicia mouth went dry.

  “Oh,” she breathed.

  She should have known. She should have guessed. She should also be outraged. But as she looked at the golden man shamelessly baring himself on the bed, no outrage came. There was only the by-now-familiar heat. It stole through her to loosen the knot behind her breast, and soften her center. Alicia felt very aware of Edward in the dark beside her on their love seat. His thigh brushed against hers, and his arm lifted from the seat’s back to drape across her shoulders. It invited her to lean back against him, perhaps to stroke his thigh, and in that moment she very much wanted to do both. She was aware too, of the others around them, murmuring and sighing as they too looked on the actor so magnificently and languidly displayed before them.

  On the stage, a door opened, and to Alicia’s surprise, another man entered. This new arrival was fully clothed in a scarlet silk coat trimmed in gold. He had elaborate lace cuffs to his shirt and a three cornered hat on his head. He tossed aside his hat to reveal a head of dark and curling hair. He stripped off his leather gloves and threw them aside as well. Then, smiling, broadly, he sat down on the edge of the bed.

  The golden man opened his eyes, and the two locked gazes.

  No.

  It was not possible what she was about to see, but it was happening all the same. The golden man lifted his head, and the dark man in the scarlet coat bent down. They kissed, slowly and luxuriously, like lovers meeting after a long absence.

  Alicia couldn’t breathe. Her head spun. Nothing Edward had shown her yet had prepared her for how the sight of these two men shook her. On the stage, the golden man was pushing away his lover’s coat, helping loosen his cravat and the lacings on the shirt beneath, so they could be cast aside. The dark-haired man was now naked to the waist. His skin gleamed in the bright light, as they wrapped their strong arms around each other for another open, passionate kiss.

  “What…what…” stammered Alicia.