Kimberly Nee - The McKenzie Brothers (9 page)

She fell quiet for a long moment, perfectly content in his arms. It felt so right to her, being there, her ear pressed to his chest, his hand smoothing over her hair. She could stay there forever and be perfectly happy.

Finally, Garrett broke the silence. “I suppose we ought to think about sleep. The house seems quiet to me.”

Fresh disappointment rose. He was repulsed by her confession. To spare herself the further humiliation of being asked to leave, she pulled out of those comforting arms. “Very well. I will go.”

As she moved to stand up, he caught her hand. “I think not, love.”

Before she could utter so much as a whisper of protest, he tugged her back, toward the bed.

“I wish I could take it away for you.” He, eased his arms about her waist to pull her back to his chest. “I wish more than anything I could take it away for you, sweetheart.”

She waited for the skim of his lips on her, but it never came. Nor did he give any indication that he was about to slip her chemise aside. However, his embrace wasn’t exactly comforting, as his arms were stiff about her. Tension corded the muscles in his upper arms, and they bulged into her in such a way it gave her pause. He was a powerful man, physically capable of taking another man apart. Anger simmered from him, judging by the tautness of his body against hers.

He assuaged her increasing apprehension by smoothing his hands up her arms in a gentle caress. His chin pressed lightly against the top of her head. “And you are
not
ruined, love. Not a whit.”

She wasn’t so certain she believed him, but it was nice to hear all the same. Then, he released her. “One of these nights, Katherine, we
are
going to make love. And there will be no interruptions.
None.
I promise you that, sweetheart.”

She stood there, staring in disbelief as he skirted her to cross to the bed, where he tugged down the counterpane and sheet. He turned back to her, a devilish grin playing at his lips as he gestured for her to take her place. “Don’t look so surprised, Kat. I’ve made my intentions perfectly clear and I fully intend to fulfill them.”

He stretched toward her, catching her just by her fingertips. A gentle tug. Laughter rose to her lips, but she was quick to clap a hand over her mouth before it rang out. He winked, tugged harder still, and added, “When I open my eyes tomorrow, you damn well better be right here beside me.”

She lowered her hand. “Garrett, that would cause endless gossip.”

He grinned then, leaning over to kiss her, releasing her hand to grasp her hip and urge her closer to the bed still. “I don’t give a damn, sweetheart. Let them gossip. Let them relish each word that passes their lips. Gossip isn’t anything new to me.”

She could believe that. Somehow, she wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to find him the subject of endless chatter. He was a rake, no doubt. A charming rake, but a rake all the same. Probably supplied the gossips with enough fodder for a month of Sundays.

However, considering he was determined she was going to sleep beside him, it was probably best
not
to make him keep insisting. The linen was cool and crisp, smelling of sunshine and apple-scented fall air, and the tick was luxuriously soft.

Garrett slid in beside her, and pulled her up against him. “Now, go to sleep, love. You look absolutely worn out.”

It was odd to be stretched out beside him, to have him holding her the way he did. But it was also so very comforting, the soothing feel of his embrace. Sleep came easily, and she offered up no resistance.

Garrett lay awake for a good portion of the night. Katherine’s confession left him with an uncomfortable mix of emotions. Anger, of course, but not directed at her.

Not at all.

His anger was directed at the fat little toad he’d seen vanish into the shadows of the alleyway behind the Bayside. The toad he could’ve caught, had his attention not been focused on Katherine.

There was disappointment as well. Not that there had been another before him, but that other had taken Katherine by force, robbing her of what should have been a precious memory. By stealing her virginity from her, she was bound to associate an act of love with violence and humiliation instead.

Glancing down at the woman curled up against his side, Garrett couldn’t help but wonder if the damage was permanent. Would he be able to make her see otherwise? Force would never come into play as far as he was concerned. A man who used force to bend a woman to his will for his own pleasure deserved to be destroyed, like a diseased animal needed to be put down. Such a man was no man at all and did not deserve to be treated as one.

As he lay there in the darkness, listening to the peaceful lull of her even breathing, Garrett knew he would not rest until the toad had paid for what he’d stolen. Her virginity had been hers to give to the man she chose, not some trinket or bauble to be swiped on a whim.

The time would come.

He would take revenge on her behalf and the ugly toad would never know what hit him.

Chapter Thirteen

Katherine hummed as she flicked her duster over the rows of books in the library. It was the first room on the first floor to be completed, and Garrett had wasted no time in filling the shelves with heavy, leather-bound tomes.

Perhaps she shouldn’t have fallen asleep with Garrett, but she didn’t regret doing just that.

She cradled the delicious secret next to her heart and smiled as she continued her dusting. It was odd, knowing Garrett wanted her, but she forced herself not to dwell on it or try to search for a deeper meaning. What would be, would be. She need only keep it tucked away.

She moved to the large desk in front of the window, overlooking the front yard of Ravenswood. She was careful as she moved the fluffy feathers over the breakable items on the desk. Perhaps her imagination toyed with her, but she didn’t remember the sun ever shining as brightly as it was that morning. Normally, Mrs. Riley was not very creative when it came to breakfast. But today, the eggs seemed even more flavorful than usual.

She laughed softly. “It isn’t anything she’s done, I’ll wager. No, it’s me. It’s amazing how it feels when one is unburdened.”

And that’s what it was, the relief of no longer feeling shamed by what had happened in London. She no longer had to fear being discovered and brought back to England to stand before the magistrate.

There was no murder.

There would be no hangman’s noose.

But a pall settled over her. Sanders was in Brunswick. She hadn’t seen him since coming to Ravenswood. She had no way of knowing whether or not he’d learned of her whereabouts but that didn’t matter. As long as she was safely behind the doors at Ravenswood, he could no more touch her than he could the sky.

“I do believe this is the first time I’ve ever actually seen you dust.”

She spun around to find Garrett in the doorway, leaning up against the frame as he’d done the night he’d caught her sneaking his bourbon. He looked dashing in black trousers and a white cambric shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Even as a flush rose to her cheeks, she couldn’t control her silly smile as it curled her lips upward.

“I have to admit, there is precious little in this house that needs dusting,” she said, setting her duster atop the desk. “You ought to consider furnishing the rest of it, I think.”

“All in good time. The less furniture I have, the less visitors I have. Which means the less family I’ve to put up with.”

“Are they so bad, then?”

“Hardly. Just a bit overwhelming at times.” He stepped into the office, pulling the doors shut behind him.

“Mr. McKenzie — ”

“If you call me
Mr.
anything, love, I’ll take that feather duster to your backside,” he growled, moving to stand before her. “There are no prying eyes, Katherine, and I think formality would be foolish, considering you spent the night in my bed. Even if it was a bit unorthodox.”

Heat crept into her cheeks. “You ought not to say such things to me.”

He grinned, lifting her discarded duster. Dust motes swirled in the sunbeam as he traced a feather’s ragged edge with one fingertip. “Is that so? Well, hold onto your bonnet, Miss Bainbridge, but I’ve quite the gift for saying things I oughtn’t.”

The heat grew stronger, flooding her entire body. “Garrett.”

“Ah, I knew there had to be some way to get you to use my given name.” He lowered the duster, then bent to sweep his lips over hers. “I promise to try my best
not
to embarrass you.”

She wasn’t so certain of that, but kept her doubts to herself. “Is there something you needed me for? Should someone come in here and see us, what would they think?”

“They would think nothing, given all they’d see is me speaking with you. Nothing more and nothing less, and nothing either one of us should be embarrassed by.” He brought his free hand to her cheek and caressed it lightly. “Now, should we be caught on the desk…” He laughed as she couldn’t halt her gasp. “I am but teasing. I would never take the risk of ruining your reputation amongst your peers. Or anyone else.”

She felt a twinge of irritation and snatched her duster back. “I never know when to take you seriously, or when you are jesting.”

“Give yourself a little time to get to know me.” His hand fell to his side. “You’ll know. Actually, most people would be quite surprised to find I even know
how
to jest.”

“Is that so?”

“Certainly. The jesting normally falls to my brother. I am the serious, hotheaded one.”

“Hotheaded?”

“My temper’s something of a legend around here. People who provoke it are normally quite regretful after the fact.”

After his spats with Mr. McCallister, she wasn’t at all surprised by his confession. “You have a brother, then?”

Darkness flashed through his eyes. “Yes. A younger brother I’ve no desire to discuss at the moment.”

“Yes, sir,” she replied softly.

“Now, you’d best not become a demure, meek little miss, Kat. I rather prefer the stubborn bar wench I met at Bayside.”

“Wench?”

He smiled at the sharpness of her voice. “There she is. I knew she was hiding in there somewhere.” A mischievous glint sparked in his eyes. “I look forward to seeing how passionate you become, Kat. I’m sure I’ll not be disappointed.”

Katherine shook her head. “You are a devil, Mr. McKenzie. You wish me to be a harlot?”

“A harlot? No. Of course not. But being passionate is not the same thing, either. I should think it would please you to know how I approve of the ways you make me feel so desired, so wanted. Both are powerful things for a man to feel, you know. Very powerful, indeed.” As he spoke, he traced his fingertip over her cheek. “I only hope I do the same for you.”

She wanted to tell him that he most certainly did just that, but it seemed so terribly forward. Another slow grin, and he caught her around the waist with one arm to bring her flush against his chest. His lips brushed her ear. “Is that a yes, sweetheart?”

A silvery laugh bubbled forth from her lips as she tapped him lightly in the chest with the feather duster. “You, sir, are a rogue. Do you know that?”

“I ought to be. I’ve worked hard at it.” He took a step back. “Very well, then. I suppose it would best if I leave you to your duties. If anyone looks for me, I’ll be up at Stonebridge for a spell. Then it’s onto the harbor. I’ll be home for supper.”

She felt a pang of disappointment that he was going to be away from the house for most of the day, but managed to hold it back as she nodded. “I’ll inform Mrs. Riley.”

He didn’t answer, but gave her a quick, unexpected kiss. Then, without another word, he left her to her dusting.

Chapter Fourteen

Patsy clutched Katherine’s arm in a tight fist. “Isn’t this the most wonderful thing you can think of? We are going up to Stonebridge tomorrow night to help their staff for a fancy ball Madam McKenzie is hosting.”

“What?” Katherine resisted the urge to shrug off that bony hand. It felt more like a claw. “A ball?”

Patsy nodded. “A ball. Mrs. Riley just informed me. How exciting! I’ve never been to a ball before. Have you?”

She had, but thought it best to keep that to herself. Over the past few weeks, she, Patsy, and Marie had formed something of a friendship and she had no desire to set that back. “No. No, I haven’t.”

Patsy frowned. “Are you all right, Katherine? You look a bit blue, actually.”

Katherine sighed. She
felt
blue. Two weeks had passed since the night Garrett came to whisk her to his room. Despite his teasing promise, he hadn’t sought her out since. In fact, she’d barely seen him at all. He’d had to make an unexpected voyage down to the Carolinas the week before. Since his return, he’d spent most of his days at the harbor, leaving with the sun and not returning until well after supper.

She didn’t know what to think of his sudden loss of interest. Each time she allowed herself to dwell on it, the pain felt fresh. Did her confession have anything to do with this change? Or worse — had he met someone else?

That stung. He was an eligible bachelor and she didn’t doubt many coveted his affections. Although she could lay no claim to him, she’d never stopped to think of the consequences of having to work for him, despite Mrs. Riley’s warnings. Never stopped to consider how much it would hurt to look at him, or think of him, and wonder if he was taking another to his bed in her place.

Now she would have to watch as he spun other women in his arms on the dance floor. There would be no way to avoid seeing him sharing that sexy slow smile of his with another female, knowing what it meant. She had no desire to prance around with trays of drink and refreshment, to wait on him and his escort, all the while remembering the way his lips felt on hers, or the way his hands felt on her body.

Of course, she couldn’t very well say this to Patsy. Instead, she forced a smile to her lips. “No. I’m fine, Patsy. Really. I did not sleep well last evening.”

“You should speak to Mister Garrett about replacing that tick,” Patsy said as they made their way down the hallway to gather the laundry. “I’m sure he’d not mind doing so.”

“Yes. I suppose I should.”

They went into Sidwell’s chambers, where Patsy wrinkled her nose. “I do wish this man would bathe more often.” She gathered his discarded clothing. “These smell something terrible.”

Indeed they did and Katherine had to choke back a rising wave of nausea. Sidwell was a decent enough butler, but his personal habits left a little to be desired.

“Do you want to hear something delicious?” Patsy stuffed the wrinkled, malodorous trousers into the basket.

“What’s that?” Katherine relished the mindlessness of idle gossip. Servants always knew what was going on in a household, even if their employers were without an idea.

“Victoria told me that she had been speaking with Sophie, one of the Addington maids, and apparently, Amy Morrison has set her cap for our Mister Garrett.”

“She has?” Katherine felt her stomach drop to her knees. She knew of the Addington family but this was the first she’d heard of the existence of Amy Morrison.

Patsy pulled the bottom sheet from Sidwell’s bed and tossed it into the basket. “I caught a glimpse of her when Mrs. Riley and I went into town yesterday. She is stunning! She and Mister Garrett would make a most perfect couple. In fact, I saw her approach him in Croft’s yesterday and he appeared to be quite taken with her. Personally, I thought it was a bit bold, her approaching him the way she did, but he didn’t seem to mind.”

Katherine’s stomach tossed at that. “Quite taken, you say?”

Patsy nodded. “Not at all concerned with the impropriety, but rather, smiling down at her.”

The thought of Garrett bestowing that devastating smile of his on another woman twisted Katherine’s insides into a tight knot. Well, it would explain why he’d not sought her out again. Apparently another
had
taken her place.

Patsy gathered several of Sidwell’s stockings before saying, “Well, I, for one, hope Miss Amy is the one lucky enough to catch him. And they would, as I said, make quite the stunning couple.”

“Stunning, you say?” The sinking feeling grew worse still.

“Absolutely. I find it odd that she would be friends with Miss Colleen. Or, perhaps I find it odd that Miss Colleen would be friends with Miss Amy. Miss Colleen is not one for competition, you know, and according to Sophie, she has been pining for Mister Garrett for years!”

Katherine wanted to roll her eyes.
Why
didn’t that surprise her? She hadn’t been immune to his powerfully good looks or sensual charm. Why should any other female be blind to it as well?

“I need to venture into town more often,” Katherine commented, stuffing the last sheet into the basket and lifting it easily. “I am always the last to know what is happening.”

“No, Mrs. Riley is the last. Although, she pumps Marie on a daily basis. Luckily for us,” Patsy giggled, “Marie is a decent enough liar.”

Katherine couldn’t help but laugh. There was some comfort in knowing the sour-faced housekeeper was even more unaware than she was. Over the last month since Patsy and Marie joined the staff, Katherine found she’d misjudged both girls terribly. Their friendship might have been slow to develop, but quickly became a comfort as well, as they spent quite a bit of time whispering and laughing amongst themselves. The giggling still irritated her, but she learned to ignore it. It helped ease her growing loneliness as Garrett put more distance between them.

“Katherine?”

She flinched at the distinctly tense tone of Mrs. Riley’s voice. “What does she want now?”

Patsy took the basket from her. “Let me get that whilst you go see what the old crow wants. I’ll wager it’s to tell you that we are working up at Stonebridge tomorrow night. I am looking forward to it. I hear that house is incredible. A mansion on the outside and a museum on the inside.”

“I suppose there is only one way to find out.” Katherine said softly, handing over the basket. “Do be careful, then. It’s quite heavy.”

Patsy grunted as she shifted the rough woven basket against her hip. “It’s fine. Now, go. Before she really turns it up.”

Katherine and Patsy parted ways in the hallway. Patsy went down toward Mrs. Riley’s chambers, while Katherine made her way to the first floor.

She found Mrs. Riley in the kitchen, where she was berating Victoria, the most recent addition to the staff, about some rust she’d found on one of the skillets.

The cook looked as if she’d like to smack the housekeeper with the blasted pan, but she remained stoic. “Of course, Mrs. Riley. I’ll be more careful in the future.”

“Please do so, Victoria.”

“You wished to see me, Mrs. Riley?” Katherine asked as soon as the housekeeper paused to take a breath.

“Ah, yes, Katherine. Mister Garrett left word with me this morning that we are to travel up to Stonebridge this evening to help out with preparations for a ball his family is hosting tomorrow evening.”

“Of course.” Katherine nodded, her stomach churning once more.

“Well,
you
won’t be going. You and Victoria are needed here this evening. Marie, Patsy, and I will go up tonight. You may join us tomorrow.” Mrs. Riley took her by the arm and led her out of the kitchen. “I’ve taken the liberty of laying out your uniform for tomorrow. You are to keep it neat and tidy.”

“Of course,” Katherine repeated. Neat and tidy. If the housekeeper had her way, the motto would be embroidered right on their black dresses.

“You may go now.”

Katherine didn’t reply, but turned on her heel and left the kitchen. She had the feeling she was the only one dreading the upcoming ball and she couldn’t share her feelings with anyone. No one knew what had happened between her and Garrett.

No one could know. No one could
ever
know.

The trek upstairs seemed to take longer than usual. She could hear movement coming from Garrett’s bedchambers. Her stomach flopped painfully as he muttered something indiscernible. Moving as quietly as possible, she padded down the hall towards the staircase to the third floor.

She winced when a floorboard creaked beneath her. A moment later, he poked his head out into the hallway. “Kat?”

She froze, a blush rushing to her cheeks. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb you. I hadn’t realized you’d come home.”

He smiled, stepping completely into the hallway. “You are hardly disturbing me. In fact, perhaps you can help me?”

She turned to face him, the tossing in her stomach growing stronger. “Help you?”

“I cannot find something one of the other girls put away for me. Do I dare ask if you can?”

The churning in her belly ground to a halt. He only wanted her help, for her to do what his maid should do. Stifling a rising sigh, she nodded. “Of course, Mr. McKenzie.”

As she brushed by him to step into his room, he smiled down at her. “Something troubling you?”

“Nothing at all.” She tossed this over one shoulder as she moved to the wardrobe along the far wall. “What is it you need to find?”

He came up behind her, easing an arm about her waist. “Never mind,” he whispered, his lips brushing the side of her neck. “I found it.”

Chills prickled over her skin. “I beg your pardon?”

“This is the first chance I’ve had to steal you away from the vultures,” he murmured, bringing his other arm down to slip about her. “I’ve missed you.”

“Oh, is that so? Well,
I’ve
been here.”

He must’ve heard the chill in her words, the one she didn’t even try to hide, because amusement laced his words as he replied, “Ah,
you
have. But
I’ve
been running like a fool the last few weeks.”

“Yes. I know.”

“If you wish to yell at me, sweetheart,” he brushed her neck with another feathery kiss, “please feel free. I find passion so much more tolerable than cold silence.”

Perhaps that was true, but she wasn’t about to give him the satisfaction, despite the shiver tickling her spine. “You are a devil.”

“Better, but could use a little more emotion.” He gave her another squeeze. “Do tell me what I’ve done, other than be incredibly busy. I’m afraid I’m at a loss otherwise.”

“Is that so?”

He stepped back, releasing her at the sharpness of her voice. “You’re angry with me because I had business that needed tending to? I’d hoped you’d be more understanding.”

“I understood, Mr. McKenzie. I understood perfectly.” She pulled free of him. “Now, if you will excuse me.”

She made to step around him, but he moved, stepping in front of her. “I’m not so certain of that. I find it odd you would be in such a grouch over something so silly.”

She glared at him. “I am
not
in a grouch.”

He snorted. “Of course not.”

“If that is all, then? I’ve work to do.”

“Katherine, if you wish, you may take the rest of the day off.”

“And rest up to serve your
family
tomorrow evening?” The words were out before she could stop them. Heat flooded her as she realized how she sounded.

Jealous.

That was it. She was jealous. Jealous she would not be the one in his arms on that dance floor. Jealous she would not be the one sharing those secret smiles and laughter. Jealous she would have to stand by and watch as others did those very things with the man standing before her.

He arched a brow. “I see Mrs. Riley broke the news to you. The others didn’t seem nearly half as upset by the thought.”

“Yes, well I am not them. Am I?” she countered.

A gleam of recognition came into his eyes. “I will be going alone tomorrow night, sweetheart. I fully intend to leave alone as well.”

“Ask me if I care.”

She wanted to scream at the knowing grin tugging up the corners of his mouth. “Jealousy does not become you, lady. Trust me, if it any other family hosted this ball, I’d not be leaving this house. However, since it’s
my
family, I have little choice in the matter.”

“Jealousy?” She tried to force as much derisiveness as she could muster into that one word. “I am hardly jealous.”

“Is that so?”

“That is.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“I don’t care
what
you believe, you — you puffed up peacock! Why should I be jealous? I am only the
maid
, if you’ll recall.”