Читать книгу Bound By Love - Rosemary Rogers - Страница 10

Surrey, England

AT A GLANCE, THE TWIN gentlemen who were currently strolling through the traditional English garden appeared startlingly similar.

Both possessed raven-dark hair that fell onto their wide foreheads in charming disarray. Both possessed the angular, Slavic features of their Russian-born mother. Both were blessed with dark blue eyes that had been sending women into a swoon since they left the cradle. And both had the sort of leanly muscled bodies that were shown to perfection beneath their tailored jackets and buckskins.

A closer study, however, would reveal that the elder twin, Stefan, the current Duke of Huntley, had skin a few shades darker than his brother, Edmond, Lord Summerville. And his shoulders were just a tad broader. A result of the hours spent overseeing his vast farms. Stefan’s features were also a trace more delicate than Edmond’s. Elegant rather than powerful.

The physical differences, however, were nothing in comparison to the differences in personalities.

Edmond had always been a restless soul, or at least he had been until he had wed Brianna Quinn several weeks before, while Stefan was deeply devoted to his estate and the vast number of people who depended upon him. Edmond was charming, swift to anger and frighteningly courageous. He had willingly risked his neck on several occasions during his time as advisor to Alexander Pavlovich.

Stefan, on the other hand, was far more reticent, preferring to remain in the background rather than calling attention to himself. He was also prone to speak the truth rather than offer flattery, which perhaps explained why he was more comfortable in the company of his tenants rather than the aristocrats scattered about the neighborhood.

They both, however, shared a shrewd intelligence and fierce loyalty to each other, as well as those who depended upon them.

It was that loyalty that had brought Edmond to Hillside on this late spring morning.

Strolling through the gardens of Hillside that were being ruthlessly manicured after fifteen years of neglect, he slid a covert glance toward his brother, who was walking silently at his side.

“So, your guest has arrived?” he murmured.

Edmond’s lips twitched; no doubt he easily sensed Stefan’s looming lecture.

“She has.”

Stefan tossed aside any notion of subtlety. It had never been his talent.

“I cannot comprehend why you allow yourself to be taken advantage of by Alexander Pavlovich,” he growled, stepping around a pile of branches that had been cut from the now tidy hedge. “You are not one of his advisors.”

“I have never been an advisor to King George either, but that does not halt him from taking advantage,” Edmond pointed out. “Of either of us.”

Stefan ignored the reminder of King George’s incessant demands. Instead he concentrated on the two women currently entering the garden from the rambling Palladianstyle home.

Brianna was easily recognizable by her vibrant red hair and her swift, rather unladylike stride. In many ways she was as impulsive and reckless as Edmond.

A familiar, fond warmth filled his heart before Stefan was turning his attention to the tiny woman struggling to keep pace with Lady Summerville.

“Is that her?” he demanded.

“Yes. Miss Leonida Karkoff.”

In that moment the woman turned her head and Stefan stumbled to a startled halt.

It was not the female’s beauty.

Well, at least not entirely.

She was lovely. Hair as golden as a morning sunrise, alabaster skin, and a slender form that was currently shown to advantage by her moss-green walking dress that was modestly scooped at the bodice with tiny puff sleeves.

No, it was the unmistakable line of her profile and the potently sweet curve of her lips.

He would bet his last quid her eyes were the color of a summer sky.

“Good God.”

Edmond chuckled. “Lovely, is she not?”

“Lovely, and remarkably familiar.”

“Yes. There is no mistaking her father,” Edmond agreed. “A pity he was already wed to Elizabeth before meeting Leonida’s mother. Nadia would have made a formidable czarina who might have given Alexander Pavlovich the courage he needed to defy the nobles and insist upon the reforms he desired when he was still young.”

“His grandmother would never have allowed him to wed a provincial chit with nothing but beauty and sheer cunning to recommend her.”

Edmond flashed him a wry glance. “Never underestimate a determined woman.”

“Which is why I prefer a more timid female,” Stefan smoothly countered. “Life is much more peaceful.”

Edmond grimaced. “Tedious.”

Stefan returned his attention to the approaching women. “How long does Miss Karkoff intend to linger?”

“She has not revealed her plans.”

No, he did not imagine she had. Or was likely to.

“It hardly makes sense for the Emperor to send her to this remote part of Surrey if he desired her to mix among English society.”

“The London season is at an end.” Edmond’s expression was suddenly sly. “Besides, why toss the lovely Leonida among a crowd of other lovely ladies when she could be the only eligible female within miles of an unwed duke?”

“You think…” Stefan shook his head, not about to fall for such an obvious ploy. “No. Not even Alexander Pavlovich is so lacking in finesse as to blatantly dangle his daughter beneath my nose.”

“Perhaps not, but her mother would.”

“No.”

Edmond arched a raven brow. “Why are you so certain?”

“I am not so isolated that I haven’t heard the usual gossip that trickles from London. From all accounts, the Countess Karkoff has her heart set on nothing less than a prince for her daughter.”

Edmond shrugged. “A wealthy English duke would surely trump a destitute prince from a principality that is little more than a spot on the map.”

“Not if that principality possessed soldiers that Alexander Pavlovich could count loyal to his throne,” Stefan retorted. “I have many things, but no army to lend aid.”

“No, but you do have the ear of the English king. A most powerful ally.”

“A king that has peevishly proclaimed his disapproval toward the Czar.”

Edmond chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. He, better than anyone, understood Stefan’s abhorrence at the thought of being wed for his title.

“Maybe this is Alexander Pavlovich’s attempt to make peace.”

“Then the wench should be in London,” Stefan growled. “I do not doubt she could easily wrap the King about her finger.”

Edmond narrowed his gaze. “Why are you so suspicious of the poor chit?”

“I have not forgotten the last occasion you became involved in Russian affairs.” Stefan frowned. “Both you and Brianna were nearly killed.”

“Hardly Alexander Pavlovich’s fault.”

Stefan could not argue. It had been yet another plot to overthrow the Czar, but of course, it had been Edmond who was tossed directly in the middle of danger.

“Perhaps not, but he is never hesitant to put you at risk for his own cause. I do not wish to see you once again entangled.”

Edmond tossed an arm around his shoulders. “Do not worry, Stefan. Much to my surprise, Leonida is not only charming, but utterly lacking her mother’s ambition and her father’s Machiavellian plotting.”

“Hmm.” Stefan was not so easily convinced, but it was obvious Edmond was not prepared to heed his warnings. It would have to be Stefan’s duty to keep a careful watch on the unwelcomed guest. “Does she at least realize that she is intruding into the privacy of newly weds?”

A wicked humor twinkled in Edmond’s eyes. “You are surely familiar enough with me, Stefan, to know that when I desire to spend time alone with my exquisite wife I allow nothing and no one to stand in my way.”

“True enough,” Stefan was forced to concede. “I cannot recall how many dinners I have attended at Hillside only to find myself shown to the door before I could even finish my port.”

“Someday, my dear brother, you will understand.”

“I believe one Huntley blinded by the agonizing throes of love is quite enough.” His tone was flippant, disguising the dull ache of loneliness that had plagued him over the past year. That was a secret he intended to keep to himself. “Think of our reputation.”

“Should I think of my reputation as a frivolous rake or your reputation as a dull farmer who pays more heed to his cows than to society?” Edmond teased.

“Surely not dull?” Stefan protested. “I have always thought I possessed a small measure of wit.”

“A very large measure of wit. Unfortunately it is rarely on display outside Meadowland. I fear you may become as moldy as your books.”

Stefan pulled away from his brother’s arm, discomfited by the turn of the conversation. He would stab a dagger in his heart before he would allow Edmond to realize just how jealous he was of the happiness he had discovered.

No one deserved it more than Edmond.

“My books are not moldy, and neither am I.”

Edmond’s gaze was searching, perhaps sensing his brother’s unease. “It would not hurt you to practice your social skills.”

“Ah, I begin to understand your devious plot.” Stefan deliberately turned the conversation from himself. “You wish me to keep Miss Karkoff distracted so you can spend more time alone with your bride.”

“My only thought is for you, dearest Stefan.”

Laughing at his brother’s pious tone, Stefan abruptly realized they were no longer alone. A curious tingle inched down his spine as he turned to smile into Brianna’s astonishing green eyes, only grudgingly turning his attention to the woman at her side.

Without warning his breath was wrenched from his lungs as he encountered the clear blue gaze that shimmered with a guileless innocence.

Christ. It was no wonder Alexander Pavlovich had sent this female to do his bidding. Leonida Karkoff was every man’s fantasy. Sweet, untouched purity combined with a golden beauty that stirred a primitive need to sweep her off her feet. Who would not be dazzled by such a vision?

Even Stefan.

It was the sound of Brianna delicately clearing her throat that made Stefan realize he was staring like a damned fool, and with a silent curse at allowing himself to be distracted for even a moment by the dangerous siren, he determinedly returned his gaze to Lady Summerville.

“Good day, Stefan,” she murmured, her smile impish.

“Lovely Brianna.” With a deliberate motion, he grasped her hand and raised it to his lips. He enjoyed provoking his twin. “As always you brighten my day.”

On cue, Edmond shifted to place a possessive arm around his wife. They both knew that Stefan regarded Brianna as a beloved sister, but some reactions were too instinctive to be denied.

Perhaps that explained why he was so vividly aware of the innocent blue gaze still fixed to his profile, and the enticing scent of jasmine that filled the air.

Instinct.

Thankfully obtuse to Stefan’s uncharacteristic distraction, Edmond waved a slender hand toward his guest.

“Stefan, may I introduce you to Miss Karkoff? Leonida, my brother, the Duke of Huntley.”

With no choice, Stefan grimly ignored the peculiar race of his heart, and turned to watch Miss Karkoff perform an elegant curtsy.

“Your Grace.” Her voice was low, with only a trace of accent to mar her perfect English.

The dip of his head was just short of rude. He would not forget his suspicions.

Not even if Leonida Karkoff did possess the face of an angel.

“I hope you are enjoying your visit to Surrey?” Her smile was dazzling. Of course. Everything about her was dazzling.

“Very much, thank you. Lord and Lady Summerville have been most welcoming and I have discovered a great deal of beauty in the English countryside.”

“It must be a bit tedious in comparison to St. Petersburg. As I recall there is a constant variety of entertainments offered to young and beautiful women.”

She shrugged, drawing attention to the delicate line of her shoulders and the slender neck that was circled by a perfect strand of pearls.

“I prefer the peace,” she countered, a hint of curiosity in her eyes, as if able to sense his distrust. “And to be honest, I am pleased to be in the country where I can truly bask in your summer warmth.”

He curved his lips into a smile, taking her arm to firmly lead her down the paved pathway. Obviously he would have to take greater care if he were not to put her on guard.

“Like a cat?”

She stiffened, as if caught off guard by his touch, then with a smile that was as false as his own, she fell into step beside him.

“Yes, I suppose I do feel rather like a cat,” she said, lifting her face as if enthralled by the warm sunlight. “At home I rarely leave the house without being wrapped in at least a shawl.”

“What a pity to conceal such skin.” Against his will, Stefan’s gaze skimmed over her delicate features. God, but she was beautiful. “It shimmers with the beauty of alabaster in the sun.”

“I am confused, your Grace.”

“And why is that?”

She turned her head to stab him with a penetrating stare. “I understood that your brother was the practiced flirt while you preferred substance to charm.”

“I seem to be referred to as a stodgy bore with depressing frequency of late. I never realized I was so dull.”

“Substance is not dull.”

His brow lifted at her vehement tone. “No?”

“Quite the opposite.” She pinned the stiff smile back on her lips. “Lady Summerville mentioned that you possess the finest library in Surrey.”

“You are interested in books?”

“Far more than my mother approves of, I fear. If I were allowed to have my way, I would spend my evenings curled before a warm fire with a good book rather than attending the seemingly endless gatherings Russian society adores.”

His heart missed a beat. She preferred books to society? No. It had to be a lie. Just a part of the act she performed so well.

“An unusual preference for a young lady.”

“I disagree.”

“Do you?”

“It is more that young ladies are rarely asked what their preference might be.”

His eyes narrowed. Beautiful and clever. Dangerous.

“Touché,” he murmured.

“Forgive me.” She coyly lowered her head. “I am inclined to speak my mind too frankly.”

“There is nothing to forgive. I prefer honesty.” He deliberately emphasized the word. “And to prove my own sincerity I offer you an open invitation to make use of my library during your stay.”

She stumbled, a faint blush touching her cheeks. “That is very kind, your Grace, thank you.”

A rather odd reaction to his offhand invitation. “Not kind, merely sympathetic. For all your claims to enjoy the quiet it cannot be particularly inspiring to have only my brother and Brianna as company. I have spent enough time with the newly weds to know they have a tendency to forget there is anyone else in the room when they are together. You at least should have some means of wiling away the hours.”

“They are very devoted to one another.”

“Besotted.”

Coming to a halt, Stefan turned to discover that Edmond and Brianna were standing near a crumbling fountain. They made a perfect vision of marital bliss, with Brianna’s head nestled against Edmond’s shoulder while his hand stroked tenderly down her back. Stefan, however, did not miss the concerned expression on his brother’s face.

“I find myself quite envious,” Miss Karkoff murmured. “It is not often a woman is allowed to wed for love.”

“And even less often for a gentleman.”

“Truly?”

His shifted his attention to catch her disbelieving expression. “Why are you surprised?”

“I would think that a gentleman with your wealth and position could wed any woman of his choosing.”

“You have lived among the most powerful families in St. Petersburg, Miss Karkoff, you comprehend how treacherous a courtship can be.”

“Treacherous?”

He shrugged. “Accept one invitation to a ball while declining another and you offend half the members of the House of Lords. Speak with one maiden for a moment longer than another and the room buzzes with rumors. And God forbid I request a few friends to Meadowland without including every unwed sister, cousin or passing acquaintance they might possess. To actually propose marriage…

“Yes, it would no doubt cause another War of the Roses,” she said, her voice so smooth it would be easy to miss the mockery. “Very wise to remain unwed and allow each ambitious papa and title-hungry mama to continue dreaming they might capture you for their daughter.”

His smile became genuine. Despite his suspicions, he appreciated quick wits and a refusal to bore him with insincere flattery.

“My thought precisely.”

“No doubt that is why you prefer to avoid society?” Ah, obviously Brianna had been sharing her annoyance with his refusal to accept the endless invitations that arrived each morning.

“One of many reasons.” He paused. “Ah, but perhaps I should keep my less than favorable opinion of society to myself.”

“Why?”

“That is why you have come to England, is it not? To be introduced into English society?”

“I…my mother thought it might be beneficial.”

“But not you?”

“I am here, am I not?” she said, her light tone belied by the stoic set of her expression.

Odd. Had she been compelled to England against her will? Not that it truly mattered. If she intended to involve Edmond in one of the Emperor’s schemes then Stefan intended to have her run out of Surrey.

“So you are. Rather surprising.”

“What is surprising?”

“There are numerous Russian diplomats in London. I would think your mother would prefer for you to be launched into society by a more formal introduction.”

This time she was prepared. Her smile never faltered as she met his gaze squarely.

“My mother is stubborn, but she is no fool. I, alas, did not inherit her ability to be at ease among strangers. She no doubt hopes that by sending me to Lord and Lady Summerville I can make a few acquaintances without causing too much embarrassment.”

“Hmm.”

She arched a golden brow. “Yes?”

“I was just thinking it was rather a stroke of fortune that Edmond decided to wed at such an opportune moment. Otherwise your visit might never have occurred.”

Her magnificent eyes flashed with annoyance at his pointed words. Ridiculously, Stefan found himself pleased to have provoked her first genuine emotion.

“There is no need for you to point out that my visit is…awkward considering that Lord and Lady Summerville have only been wed a few weeks,” she said tartly.

“I am certain you are quite welcome, Miss Karkoff.”

“Are you?”

“Of course.”

Her lips thinned. “I did attempt to convince Mother that it was not entirely appropriate to thrust myself upon his lordship, but she was insistent.”

“And do you always do what your mother commands?”

She turned to regard a nearby rosebush, the sunlight outlining the pure lines of her profile.

“Not always, but family loyalty is a strange and powerful thing, your Grace. Even for a woman who considers herself a sane, rational being.”

He frowned, struck by her low words. Was she confessing that she had been sent by the Emperor?

“Family loyalty?”

“Ah, there you are,” Edmond intruded, stepping next to Stefan with a mysterious smile. “I have convinced Brianna to return to the house, and I am certain she would appreciate your company, Leonida.”

“Of course.” There was no mistaking Miss Karkoff’s relief to be away from Stefan as she offered a hasty dip. “Your Grace.”

“Miss Karkoff.”

Barely waiting for his nod, she spun on her heel and hurried toward the house.

Stefan watched her progress in silence, still churning with a strange mixture of emotions.

Anger, suspicion and, over all, a potent fascination.

Who the devil was Miss Leonida Karkoff?

And why was he suddenly missing the sweet scent of jasmine?

“Could you not even make an effort to charm the poor female?” Edmond drawled.

“I do not trust her,” he retorted, not adding he was also unwillingly captivated by the clever minx. “I think she was deliberately sent here by the Emperor for his own devious purpose.”

“Even if she was, I am quite capable of protecting what is mine.” Edmond’s voice held a hard edge of warning. “For all of Alexander Pavlovich’s faults, he is wise enough to realize what would happen if Brianna was harmed.”

“But do you have the sense to protect yourself?”

Edmond shrugged. “I am learning.”

Stefan smiled, folding his arms across his chest. “So, do you intend to share your announcement?”

“What announcement?”

“I may be dull and unsociable, but I am capable of noticing that you are even more overprotective of your bride than usual.”

Edmond’s eyes widened in surprise. “Mon Dieu. I forget that behind your pretense of being a staid farmer you are far more perceptive than any person I have ever known. Nothing gets past your notice, does it?”

“Very little.”

Edmond snorted, shaking his head. “You are fortunate that neither the King nor Alexander Pavlovich know of your talent. They would never allow you to leave their side.”

“And you are very accomplished at evading an answer,” Stefan retorted.

Edmond grimaced, allowing his deep concern to shimmer in his eyes. “We suspect that Brianna might be increasing but it is very early days yet. We cannot be certain.”

Stefan understood his brother’s unease. Brianna had thought she was increasing once before only to lose the child. It would be hellish to endure yet another loss.

Still, she was young and healthy. It seemed reasonable she would be able to bear her child.

He reached out to clap his brother on the shoulder. “You have my deepest congratulations, brother.”

Edmond nodded, but his gaze was searching. “Do I?”

It took a moment for Stefan to realize his brother was referring to Stefan’s proposal to Brianna months ago.

At the time he had been moved by the knowledge he had failed his childhood friend and that he could make amends by protecting her future. There had also been the comfort of familiarity.

Now he could only be relieved that she had possessed the sense to choose Edmond.

“Never think otherwise,” he assured his brother. “You and Brianna were destined for one another. Besides, I can now hope that any need to wed and produce the proper heir has been removed. Just ensure Brianna has a boy.”

“Matters are out of my hands, I fear.” Edmond’s concern eased and he smiled with wicked amusement. “And besides, you would be a fool to become overly comfortable in your role as bachelor.”

Stefan arched a brow. “And why is that?”

Edmond laughed. “I highly doubt that I am the only one destined to tumble into the clutches of a woman. It is only a matter of time, dear brother.”