Page 3 of The Truth Serum
And why did he always answer her with kisses rather than admit he had no answer?
Because he loved the taste of her lips. Because she gasped when he touched her breasts, and he adored the dazed look in her eyes when he showed her how to feel good.
And because one day, he would marry her and end the ridiculous feud between their two families. She was an heiress. Her dowry property was large and on the coast. It would sustain them both, especially since he had skill in managing crops and tenants. And where better to learn about piracy than from there?
So he kissed her whenever he could. He stroked her breasts whenever she allowed it. And because he was a gentleman, he held back from the rest. Though he whispered to her about it. He told her, in great detail, the things that married couples did. He’d learned them from his older brothers, and he planned to discover them all with her.
And she was willing.
Until the day they were caught.
That was the day that the vicar lost his position. It was also the same day Rebecca’s father had a heart attack and died.
And the very next day, Nate was sent for “special education” with the Foreign Office.
Chapter One
London, 1815
Lady Rebecca tuckedaway her novel and dismounted from the travelling carriage, breathing deeply of the London air despite the coal dust that hung everywhere. She was out of the carriage and away from her mother—for a moment—and that was cause for relief. As was the idea that she would be able to get a new book soon. Indeed, she couldn’t wait to get to the lending library. But first—
“Don’t just stand there!” her mother called. “Help me out!”
Rebecca sighed. First, she had to get her mother settled in their London home. She smiled, reminding herself that she was moments away from locking herself in her room to read. She just had to get through this final bit.
“Here you go, Mama,” she said as she extended her hand. A footman stood by her side, his own gloved hand outstretched. Together, they got the Countess of Estril safely onto the street outside their Mayfair townhouse.
“Where is Fletcher? He was supposed to meet us here.”
“I’m sure he’ll show up soon,” Rebecca lied. She wasn’t sure of any such thing, but her mother liked to believe everyone was at her beck and call. And sometimes she was right.
Like now, when Fletcher appeared at the front door and then condescended to come greet them halfway down the walk. Hisexpression was pulled into his habitual smile, one that never reached his eyes and often missed his tone.
“Welcome,” he said as he pressed a kiss to her cheek.
“Hello Fletch—”
“Mama!” he cried with all semblance of enthusiasm. “How can it be that after all those hours of travel, you look as if you are freshly stepped from the boudoir?”
“Oh stop with those Frenchie terms,” Mama chided. “We’re at war with them, you know.”
“Have we ever stopped?” her brother quipped.
“All the more reason to call it my bedchamber.”
“Absolutely not!” her brother said, his brows arching. “You shall never hear me refer to such a location that way, as it pertains to my beautiful mother. Come inside. I’ve made sure the tea is ready.”
Their mother dimpled prettily and allowed Fletcher to escort her into the house. Rebecca was left to watch the baggage to make sure it was adequately unloaded and sent to the right rooms. Normally this would be the job of the butler, but he seemed to be occupied elsewhere. Didn’t matter. She knew how to direct servants. Just because their London home was Fletcher’s primary establishment, that didn’t mean she was unprepared. And truthfully, she relished the moments away from her mother.
“Rebecca! Quit dawdling and come here. Fletcher has things to tell you.”
“Coming Mama,” she replied, feeling a twinge of guilt because she had been lingering. “Are you feeling chilled?” she asked as she entered the house. “Shall I fetch your shawl?”
“Chilled?” her mother said, rolling her eyes. “It’s perfectly warm in here. Now come listen to what Fletcher has to tell you.”
Rebecca dutifully crossed into the parlor to face her second brother. How handsome he was, she realized, as he stood rightwhere the sun would turn his hair to burnished gold. But his face was sour, and his words likely moreso. She didn’t know what had happened to the sweet boy he’d been. As an adult, Fletcher was a pompous ass. Nevertheless, he was her second older brother, and she was unmarried. Custom dictated that she must listen to him, and she did. She just didn’t always obey.
Rebecca faced him, gave him the tiniest bit of her attention, and began thinking about something else entirely. She’d already realized that her best friends from school were away this Season, but maybe some of their younger sisters were around.
