The Regimental Heroes Anthology(35)
John nodded once and said simply, “I am sorry for your loss. If he was anything like Charlie, I know he was a good man.”
Pride filled her from his kind words.
“Tell me about Graeme’s lessons.”
As they chatted about the day, Vivienne found herself to be at ease with John. As she informed him about Graeme’s history and language lessons, he listened with a keen ear. His stillness was born of focus, but it was unnerving that the focus was on her. He’d pull his attention away every minute of so to instruct the boys with what to do next.
She thought of John’s casual ways and wondered if he would be more at ease a simple country squire and not born into noble blood. When he told the lads a joke, his lips curved with quick and easy humor. As he laughed, again she found her mind wandering. His lips were firm but the lower one carried sensual fullness. Would a kiss from his lips be filled with fire or drugging icy coolness?
John grinned as he caught her once again looking at him. Filled with sensual allure, his eyes were provocative. Vivienne couldn’t remember ever being looked at with such a sultry gaze. Like his mouth, his eyes implied things. Erotic things men and women did behind their bedchamber doors. When he reached for another of the ship’s pieces, her heart skipped a beat when John’s hand brushed hers.
“I’m enjoying this evening much more than I ever thought I would,” he said.
“The boys are a great joy to spend time with.”
“Yes,”… he drew out the word. “I am also enjoying time with the boys.” His gaze captured hers. “When you have a free moment, I would like to go over Graeme’s lessons.”
“Any time—”
A young man burst through the study door. “Lord Mitchell, come quick. You father’s collapsed. A stable hand found him and said he wasn’t breathing.”
John looked from the boys to her.
“Go. Do what you must,” she said. “Graeme will be fine. I will take him with Charlie and me. Is there anything I can do?”
“No,” John hurried out of the room behind the servant.
She hoped the stable boy was mistaken. Vivienne knew how in a second news can changes one’s life forever.
Vivienne went to the main kitchen, but no one was there. The kitchen was deserted and the pans from the dinner still sat on the back of the stove.
Something was terribly wrong.
Without letting on her fears to the boys, she collected a quick plate of cold meat and potatoes and hurried the boys up to her and Charlie’s room. She fed them, washed their hands and read the boys a story until they quickly fell asleep. Vivienne brushed hair off their foreheads and smiled.
Little devils during the day but angels at night.
There was a knock at the door. She answered it only to find John on the other side.
“I… came to see how Graeme is?”
“He’s sleeping. Please come in.” Vivienne shut the door, followed him in and sat next to him on the couch. “How is your father?”
He stared at her for a long moment before blurting out, “He’s dead.”
She gasped and put a hand to her mouth. From the feel of the house, she expected this news but it was quite still a shock to hear.
“Lord John, I am so sorry.” She put her hand on the sleeve of his coat.
He looked down and squeezed her fingers tight. “Lord John. Is that what I truly am now? I should feel something… but I don’t. The doctor said it was his heart. The one thing he never used, failed him.”
“It is a terrible blow.”
John drew in a shaky deep breath. “He hated me. I was the stupid son.”
“That you are not.”
He stared at the floor and his boots. “I feel no tears.”
“You will.”
“I mourned the loss of my brother, but I fear I cannot force myself to mourn the loss of my father.”
They listened to the crackle of the fire in the hearth. He pulled in a deep breath and finally said, “Graeme deserves more. I will honor my brother’s memory, I will be a better man, not for my father, but for Graeme.”
“I have not known you long. But what I have seen, you are a good man.”
“No one has ever told me this.” He touched her cheek with the back of his hand.
He brushed her hand with a kiss. His lips were warm and smooth. They lingered a little more than was proper. When he looked up, their eyes met. “Thank you for being here. I know this is most improper and against the rules of the house. I should not be alone here with you.”
“You needed to be with someone. It has been a most dreadful night. I am not a fine lady of the ton. I am a widow with a son. I have no reputation to ruin.” She smiled. “You told me yourself, you are not one who believes in the rules of society, but now you are the lord of the estate. This will change.”