One word turns into a war
Why is it the smallest things that tear us down?
My world's nothing when you don't
I'm not here without a shield
Can't go back now

Both hands, tied behind my back with nothing
Oh no, these times when we climb so fast to fall again
Why we gotta fall for it now

I never meant to start a war
You know I never wanna hurt you
Don't even know what we're fighting for ~ Jordan Sparks. (Battlefield)

I know I can love you much better than this,
It's better this way.

Prologue

She was already so thoroughly compromised that she knew that even if they were successful in rescuing her sister from the clutches of his brother, that the family was already going to be ruined. At least Sarah could claim that she loved Alan Junior and that was why she ran off with him to Gretna Green, but there would be no such excuse for Elizabeth. For while she knew the truth about the Viscount Quartermaine, and The Honorable Jason Quartermaine did as well, she knew that the vicious tongues of the ton would wag harder against her than her sister. Even if they could prove that the only reason the viscount had absconded with Sarah was because he was in debt up to this eyebrows and since Lord Quartermaine, the Earl of Morgan, was still alive and healthy and the viscount did not have control of his inheritance so he needed the dowry of a wealthy bride, it would not matter. The viscount had played the game of the ton, and there was no questioning his parentage as he looked like both the earl and his wife.

Jason Quartermaine was the younger son, and there were rumors that he may or may not be Lord Quartermaine's son. Although there were more rumors that he was indeed Lord Quartermaine's son, but he was not birthed by the countess. While the family firmly stood behind him in public, there would those amongst the finest families who would always view him with suspicion and therefore had never allowed him to dance with their daughters, let alone court them. The viscount would be chided for eloping to Scotland, but people would stand behind him and not his brother who would say that the viscount had eloped with Baron Jeffrey Webber's eldest daughter only because the second one proved too shrewd for his tricks and he realized that it was Sarah who was easily duped into believing he was in love with her while all he wanted was her dowry of twenty thousand pounds.

It wouldn't matter that Elizabeth had traveled with a maid inside the carriage at all times and a footman on top of the coach and that the only reason she had agreed to travel with Jason was because he was worried about her sister. She would be seen as a tainted woman now. For while the youngest daughter of Lord Webber had made her curtsey to the Queen and was in the middle of her debut season, there was enough gossip about her to make matchmaking mamas and proprietary fathers steer their sons away from her. The rumors of her parentage were quieter than Jason's, but they were there. Combined with her forthright manner and refusal to play the games of the ton, she was secretly labeled a hoyden and many a wager had been made in the betting books of Whites and other gentlemen's clubs that she would end her first season without a match and the only way she ever would receive an offer of marriage was when a financially strapped family deigned to accept the wild daughter of a baron with an enticing estate that allowed him to settle generously on his daughters.

Sometimes Elizabeth wondered why she was even bothering to risk her reputation on this crusade. She and her sister had never been close, and when the viscount had transferred his attention from Elizabeth onto Sarah, her older sister hadn't believed her when she said that the man was not to be trusted. There was something unsettling about him, something proprietary in his behavior, and decidedly improper in his manner of address. Sarah had only scoffed and said that Lizzie was jealous that Viscount Quartermaine had seen Sarah and withdrew his affection from her. It was not Sarah's fault that Elizabeth had not been able to hold onto a man, but Sarah had no intention of letting him go.

Which was why that even if they did manage to overtake the viscount's carriage, or arrive in Gretna Green in time to stop the wedding, there was little chance that Sarah would not agree to go forward with the wedding. And Elizabeth knew that there was little hope of her father being too angry to acknowledge the elopement and not release Sarah's dowry. While the couple had traveled to Scotland and married without the baron's consent, he would not bring further shame to the family by now acknowledging the wedding once it had taken place. A.J. would get enough money to pay off his immediate debts and then be in full control of the remainder of Sarah's dowry. Elizabeth had heard enough in the past two days of constant travel about the other man's evil propensities to shudder for the life her sister would be subjected to.

And that did not even begin to take into account what would further happen to her family's name based on her actions. Her mother and father would no doubt forgive Sarah, but she would be scolded and have untold vitriol unleashed on her for running off with a man she was not connected to. She'd probably be exiled. Perhaps she should just stay in Scotland. Surely she could find work as a governess or a companion and stay in the cold wilds of Scotland; it wasn't like her family would ever welcome her home again.

"You should try to rest."

She jerked her head and ceased staring unseeingly out of the window and gazed at the man across from her. Her maid was asleep on the seat beside her and so they could converse without censoring themselves for fear of what the servant might further spread about this trip.

"You have not slept much," Jason stated. "You should try to sleep."

"I cannot," she admitted on a soft whisper. "I fear we have little chance of success. Your brother and my sister had too great of a start on us and each time we stop and change horses we hear how they were hours ahead of us. They are not stopping for the night either, and by the time we reach Gretna Green, I fear they will already be wed. Then what will happen to me?"

It was the first time she allowed herself to be pitiable, and as she turned back to the darkened view outside the window to hide her tears, she felt a soft square of cotton pressed into her hand as he gave her his handkerchief.

By the time they reached Scotland, A.J. and Sarah could have already been wed...but the wedding had not taken place. The intended bridegroom was nowhere to be found, and all they found was a pitiful Sarah sitting in an inn with her luggage at her feet and her eyes red from crying. Apparently, the viscount had attempted certain liberties with her sister before they had reached Scotland and she had resisted. With each passing hour, he continued to try to convince her, and she admitted she became disgusted by his behavior. But by that time she had already allowed enough to transpire between them that she knew her reputation was in tatters. When they finally arrived in Gretna Green and A.J. had first wanted to spend time in a room above stairs instead of heading straight for a reverend, Sarah had finally had enough.

A.J. swore he would not wed such a frigid woman even with her twenty thousand. He did not like her enough to tie himself to her, no matter how great the inducement of her dowry. Surely there had to be another way to escape his debts, and he left. Sarah clung to Elizabeth and wailed, wondering what she would do now. She tried to be comforting and calm her older sister, but when Sarah began to insinuate that this was somehow all Elizabeth's fault, any empathy she had fled. She pulled away and looked at her sister in disgust.

"I do not know what we are going to do, Sarah," she stated coldly. "For I will be in the same situation you are in, but you don't see me carrying on like a fishmonger's wife."

"Perhaps I can help," Jason said, stepping into the private parlor he had arranged for the sisters once they arrived at the inn. "My father will be forced to deal with A.J. after this. I have spoken to my brother's carriage driver that he left behind and the man was able to provide me with a sketch of my brother's activities and just who my brother is in debt to. The person will not rest until he is paid, and my father will be forced to cover his debts in order not to lose the family estate. There is no way the Dowager Countess will allow this indiscretion to be covered up. I do not believe my brother will be disinherited, but there is, unfortunately, a likely chance that Sonny Corinthos will order my brother killed as a lesson to those who borrow and do not pay him back. I..."

He looked down in embarrassment and Sarah quickly surmised what he was not saying. "You would be Viscount."

"Yes," he nodded, then cautioned, "But perhaps not. However, perhaps if you return from Scotland married to the son of an earl, it might help take the sting out of the censure your family will feel."

He approached the pair and Sarah straightened in her chair, throwing her shoulders back and Elizabeth half expected her to pinch her cheeks as she simpered a smile at Jason. However, her sister's features fell into bitter jealously and anger when The Honorable Jason Quartermaine stopped, turned and bowed to Elizabeth.

"Miss Elizabeth," he stated. "Will you marry me?"

Part 1

She had to be crazy. She had to be. She'd always been wild, the unacceptable daughter of Lord Webber, and even if she returned home married her reputation would not change much. For while it was well known amongst the ton that Viscount Quartermaine had been paying considerable attention to The Honorable Sarah Webber after having flirted briefly with Elizabeth, the same could not be said for The Honorable Jason Quartermaine. He had paid scant attention to Elizabeth, and while she knew that they had once danced together, she could not remember exactly when or where.

Obviously it was this year since it was her debut season and she could not have danced with him otherwise, but Elizabeth could not remember much about their time together. She had put her focus into fending off the attentions of his elder brother when the viscount began attending to her at balls and calling on her. She had never trusted him, had never liked the way his words were a little too nuanced while not seeming to raise ire or suspicion, and she certainly had not liked how his glanced lingered a little too long on the neckline of her gown or his hand held her for a moment longer than was proper. And she certainly hadn't liked when his lips went above her glove to brush across her wrist during a moment on the balcony at Sir Luke's house when Viscount Quartermaine had found and cornered her alone.

It was after that that he withdrew his attentions from her and transferred them to Sarah. She was certain that he would go to her father and show the proof of her slap upon his face, and then things would have been bad. Just the knowledge that they'd been alone on the balcony could have been damaging to her reputation, and she had never fully understood why the viscount had not used the moment to his advantage and pressed his suit.

She had learned from his brother that the viscount had not wanted the scandal himself. Their parents, the Earl and Countess of Morgan, would have been angered and the viscount was still too fearful of his father to risk openly incurring his wrath. Of course, he thought he'd have an easier time with Sarah and be able to whisk her speedily to a fashionable wedding wherein he'd receive control of her dowry. He had not counted on the vanity of Sarah who liked the thought of having her sister's old beau for herself, and being able to show him off among her set. That she, the daughter of a baron, lowest of the peers, should capture the son of an earl, a viscount which would make her a countess one day, was not something she was willing to let go to waste.

Sarah wanted outings to the opera and theatre, though she cared for neither. The point was to be seen on the arm of a viscount and have it be wagged about on the tongues of the finest that they were courting. Carriage rides in Hyde Park during the height of fashionable hours, walks through Kew Gardens and excursions to Vauxhall Gardens were a must. She wanted her triumph to reign for weeks, even months, and then and only then would she have agreed to a proposal which would lead to a wedding at the end of the season. The viscount was forced to play her game because she was his easiest chance of escaping his pressing debts.

However, Sonny Corinthos, seedy denizen of London's underworld, was not inclined to wait that long for his money. He began pressing the oldest Quartermaine brother, even making a few threats against the Dowager Countess when the viscount was dragging his feet. Feeling pressed, and finally moved to protect his grandmother, although protecting his name and reputation were probably the greater inducements, he convinced Sarah of his pressing love for her and that he simply could not wait another moment to make her his bride. He had no connection to the Archbishop of Canterbury by which to gain a special license and he simply could not wait the three weeks for the banns to be read in their parish churches. Moved by his flattery, Sarah had agreed and left in the middle of the night for the Scottish border.

That she had left the note for Elizabeth was just another part of her sister's digs against her. Sarah never rose before noon when they were in town, and often did not see her parents until afternoon tea - if they were in the house - and sometimes not until dinner when they dined in preparation for their evening's entertainment. Sarah could have easily had her maid cover for her, but she had deliberately informed her sister, knowing that when the truth was discovered, Elizabeth would be in trouble with their parents for not informing them sooner, even though Sarah had begged her younger sister not to say anything. She wanted to surprise her parents by writing to them and signing her name Viscountess Quartermaine.

Distraught and unsure of how best to deal with the situation, Elizabeth had escaped the house with her maid and a footman to take a walk in the park across the street in the hopes of gaining some clarity. Instead, the Quartermaine carriage, bearing their crest, rounded the corner and Jason Quartermaine had descended the steps before the liveried servants could open the door. He had discovered his brother's plans and had raced to the Webber house hoping he was not too late. One look at Elizabeth's face told him he was, and he vowed to help her recover her sister. Without packing, without writing a note to her parents, Elizabeth climbed into the carriage with her maid Nadine while the footman, Francis, insisted upon riding on top of the carriage.

Their presence, though, would not protect Elizabeth's reputation; which was why she was standing in her room at the inn contemplating going through with the insane idea of marrying Jason Quartermaine. She wasn't sure if it would save her reputation entirely - nothing would do that - but in spite of her doubts she was definitely considering going through with the plan simply because it would remove her from her sister's presence. Sarah was decidedly not happy that Jason had asked Elizabeth to marry him instead of her.

"It really should be me, Lizzie," Sarah said peevishly as she watched from the corner while Nadine readied a gown Jason had purchased for her. He said that no one should have to marry in a rumpled gown they'd worn for several days in a row. Sarah had declared that Elizabeth could not wear one of hers, as if that would some how stop the wedding.

"I am the oldest," her sister continued on, "and by rights I should be the first to marry. I still cannot believe that Mother and Father let you debut when I had not married yet. It damaged my chances and made me look as if I was unmarriageable. I am only two years older than you, certainly not on the shelf, but that is how men perceived me when my sister came out."

"I know, Sarah," she murmured tiredly in reply. "I heard all your protestations while my dress was being created, and I heard it at least once a week until Viscount Quartermaine began to shower his attention on you. Our entire circle heard it for your friends were not discretionary in repeating your bitter ire. It was why the viscount singled you out. He believed you would be easy prey since you were desperately throwing yourself at men this season. Why, you threw yourself at Lucas Spencer, the son of a mere knight, simply because of your jealousy over my coming out."

"Well at least there is no question that he is truly his father's son," Sarah sniped, standing up and advancing on Elizabeth cattily.

"Give us a moment, Nadine," Elizabeth asked and when her maid finished fastening her dress she nodded and stepped back. Turning to face her sister she said, "If you are so bothered by the rumors surrounding the Quartermaine family, then why did you accept Lord Quartermaine's attentions? You are a hypocrite, Sarah, and jealousy does not become you. You are the one who brought shame and scandal on our family by rushing off to Gretna Green."

When her sister started to speak she raised her finger and continued on so as to not let Sarah spew more of her venom. "You deliberately left a note for me in the hopes that I would get into trouble. We are not confidantes, we do not share secrets...you share those with Allison Barrington. Why would you leave a note for me telling me you eloped with Viscount Quartermaine unless you hoped that I would receive the larger portion of our parents' wrath? I raced after you hoping to stop you from making a mistake, but you don't care about that."

Shaking her head she placed her hands on her hips. "If it was not for the fact that the viscount proved exactly what kind of amoral man he was and decided that he did not want to be married to you even despite your twenty thousand pounds, you would be married to a man who frequents brothels, who seduces married women and who is in debt to a very dangerous man who threatened the life of his grandmother all in an attempt to get the viscount to pay his debts. You did not believe me when I said that Viscount Quartermaine was no gentleman, you were having too much fun crowing over the fact that you were now being courted by him and saying how I could not hold onto a man. The rumors surrounding his family did not matter then; it is only now that Mr. Quartermaine offered for me that is he unacceptable. If he had offered for you, you would not care."

"You always have been a petty and vindictive sister," Sarah spat at her.

"I believe you are confusing me for yourself," she shook her head. "There will be scandal surrounding my marriage, I know that. But how much more scandal will there be if both of us return to London unwed? Do you think your flight from Town will have escaped notice? Who knows where Viscount Quartermaine went after he abandoned you here. Do you think he will give a care to your reputation? You traveled alone with him; I had Nadine and Francis accompanying me. The viscount is a known gambler and rake and you will be seen as the foolish daughter of a lesser peer who ran off with him and because he is a future earl he will be excused his behavior. Where is your excuse? It may not be much, but at least my marriage will bring some measure to mitigate the gossip that will follow us. We shall all have to abandon the season and retreat to the country, you may never live down the scandal to your name, but all you care about is that I am marrying before you."

"That is why Jason should marry me," her sister insisted. "I shall be ruined; if he marries me I will be saved."

"Perhaps you should have thought about that before you fled with the viscount," Elizabeth stated.

"You are selfish," Sarah cried, her hand flashing out to strike Elizabeth's cheek. "We could easily say that Jason was secretly pining for me and that he followed after us because he did not want his brother to marry me. He stopped the wedding, professed his love and we took advantage of the local and wed."

"And we could just as easily say that I became mesmerized by your sister during our travels to Scotland," Jason stated as he stepped into the room. Nadine stood behind him, anxiously wringing her hands and Elizabeth realized she had not even noticed her maid slipping from the room. "I will never say this in public, but why would I want my brother's castoff, Miss Webber?"

Sarah paled and he advanced further. "Let me make something perfectly clear from this moment forward. Your family may abandon you, society will scorn you for a while, and you may never marry, and whether I provide any assistance to you in the future will depend entirely on the approval of my wife. But no amount of her good will shall ever induce me to give you so much as a farthing if you strike her again or continue to harangue her for your folly."

Part 2

The wedding passed in a blur. She recalled Sarah fuming in the corner, Nadine and Francis standing in the back of the church feeling privileged to watch, and Jason standing next to the reverend as she approached them. She knew her Bible and she knew her Book of Common Prayers and knew the words of the wedding ceremony, but until she was standing with her hand in Jason's as he pledged his troth to her, it had not entirely registered what it meant. She was no longer connected to her father; she was forever Mrs. Jason Quartermaine.

No longer was she merely the youngest child of a lowly baron, moving in fashionable circles but never truly the elite ones. Her father was a gentleman, her husband was a gentleman, but there was no mistaking that being the son of an earl gave him greater prominence. Her life, her fortune, her...her body was her husband's, and she could only hope that she had not misjudged him. She did not believe he would prove to be as unscrupulous as his brother, but aside from the conversations, hampered by the presence of her maid, they'd had in the carriage as they traveled to Scotland, she knew nothing about him. She did not even know what he did with his life since younger sons must find some form of occupation since they could not inherit the estate.

"Miss Elizabeth...excuse me," Nadine nervously cleared her throat. "Mrs. Quartermaine, will there be anything else?"

Eyes wide, she shook her head and could barely speak above a whisper. "No-no, Nadine."

"Miss Webber told me to come help her prepare for bed, but...but Mr. Quartermaine said that he wanted to hire me to be your maid and since…and since you are now my mistress I...I wished to see what your orders were," the young woman continued on nervously.

"You...you may help Sarah change out of her gown," Elizabeth said after a moment to digest all the implications in her maid's words. But she knew her sister and said, "But after that you may retire. I...I will let you know when I need you in the morning. Do...do not let Sarah declare that you need to do more for her. You...you may state that you now work for Mr. Quartermaine and if Sarah needs further assistance she should ask the innkeeper to send someone to her."

The maid nodded, a look of relief flashing briefly across her face. Then, because she was feeling anxious, Elizabeth reached out and grabbed the other woman's hands. "Nadine, please...please do not speak to my sister about... I am sure that she will ask questions and try..."

"Don't you worry, miss...mistress," Nadine smiled. "I know who I work for. Miss Webber will never hear anything about your personal life or your household from me. I doubt Francis will tell her anything since the master hired him as well. She was always orderin' him about and putting on airs with all the servants. I know where my loyalty belongs."

She dropped her head and her cheeks stained red as if she feared she had said too much, but Elizabeth couldn't help smiling. For the first time she felt like she truly had someone on her side instead of taking orders from her parents and reporting her activities to them. Sarah had always ordered the servants about with an unkind tone and too many were afraid of being dismissed without a reference to ever do anything but put up with her. Now that Nadine no longer worked for the Webber family but for Jason, she apparently felt secure in showing her loyalty to the one person in the baron's household who had never overlooked her or held her in contempt simply for being in service.

"Thank you," Elizabeth said warmly. "Do not forget what I said; you may help her change from her dress but then you are free for the rest of the evening."

"Thank you, ma'am," her maid smiled as she dropped a curtsey. "If you'll forgive me for sayin', I think I'll enjoy working for you and the master."

Then she slipped from the room and Elizabeth pulled her dressing gown tighter around herself as she was alone with her thoughts. She knew that in the other room, Jason was getting ready for bed; she simply didn't know if he meant to use the one in his room. Or come to hers. It was their wedding night and he was her husband. In the rush of preparing for the event, she hadn't had time to think about all that would come after, and now her mind could not stop.

When the soft tap sounded on her door, she spun around as if she heard gunfire and her hand went to her throat. She tried to speak, but no sound came and it was only when she heard the tap again that she could finally get her vocal chords to work. "Ye-yes?"

The door opened hesitantly and Jason, her husband, entered the room slowly. He was dressed in his breeches and shirt, but had discarded his cravat and coats. She had never seen a man so informally dressed aside from the time she came upon her brother when he returned from his fencing club. The hand at her throat clutched the top of her dressing gown convulsively as she stared at him, wondering what would happen next.

She was beautiful. It was the first thought that ran through Jason's head, and it echoed the thought he'd had of her the first time he saw her at a ball. Elizabeth Webber...Elizabeth Quartermaine was beautiful. She was also very young, and he could see that she was also very scared. He held up his hand for a moment to silently ask her to wait and then slipped back into his room. He'd forgotten to bring the bottle of wine he'd asked Francis to procure from the innkeeper.

When he stepped back into her room and closed the door, her eyes widened and she looked at him with trepidation. It was up to him to speak and lead tonight; he was just finding himself as unsettled as she was. He had certainly never planned on anything like this. He had left London furious over his brother's actions, both those that had put their family - especially their grandmother - at risk, and then for preying on an innocent young woman in an attempt to escape his folly. He had not expected anything that happened afterwards.

"Would-would you like to sit down?" he asked after clearing his throat. He gestured to the worn sofa near the fire and walked towards it first to leave space for his bride to move without feeling like he was crowding her.

He thought she would refuse at first, but instead she nodded and moved forward. She took a seat and then reached out to take the glass of wine he'd poured. Taking a sip from his own glass and a deep breath he decided that they would simply be honest with each other and speak freely. It was a trait he'd hoped they'd begin and keep for their marriage, but that was all he had for tonight to guide him. Hope.

"I...I know that you're scared," he began. "And I'm sure you're unsettled. I-I am. I have never been a husband before, and you have never been a wife. We..."

He gave her a soft smile. "We shall learn together how we shall fill those roles. I am sure you have thoughts on what is supposed to happen, based on your parents' marriage, or what society says."

Taking another sip of his drink he said, "But I do not want to have a marriage based on society's dictates. I...I want us to speak to each other, E-Elizabeth. I do not want you to fear me...I will never hurt you. I...I will not tell you I don't want you to speak; I want to know what you are thinking. How can I know what you're feeling if you don't tell me?"

"My father never wants to know what my mother thinks. He simply tells her what he feels she needs to know," she replied, speaking for the first time.

"Many marriages are like that," he agreed. "I...I hope we do not become like that. Ours is not a conventional marriage, but I...I do not want you to feel like you are slighted."

He rubbed his hand against his forehead. "I know that there will be certain expectations of us. We married in Scotland; we were alone in the carriage for days even though your maid was present. Many will believe I compromised you, just as many will believe my brother compromised your sister. We...we will be looked down upon for our actions."

"I know," she said weakly. "I...this will hurt our standing in society."

"I do not care about society," he said honestly. "The falseness of it all has never appealed to me. I know the rumors surrounding me, how some people look down upon me for potentially being born on the wrong side of the blanket when they have children of their own that they do not acknowledge because they were born to mere serving girls they took advantage of. If society wants to judge us and not accept us, it will not bother me at all. But I do not want it to affect you...or any children we may one day have. I do not want you to be shunned, or even cut direct, so I will do everything that I can to help you."

"If you did not have to worry for me, what would you do?" she wondered.

"I would retreat to my house," he told her simply.

"Your-your house?" she wondered.

"My grandmother gave me a bequest," he said, his voice softening with thoughts of Lady Lila. "Younger sons do not inherit and the estate will be A.J.'s. She didn't want me to worry for my future, so from the time I was old enough to understand she told me that the estate her father provided as part of her dowry and my grandfather assured her would always be hers, would become mine. When I graduated she arranged for me to take possession of it, provided she would always be welcome there."

He smiled as he confessed, "When she wishes to escape London and the rest of the family, she goes there instead of the dower house."

A faint smile teased Elizabeth's lips as she said, "It is obvious you both care for each other deeply."

"We do," Jason nodded immediately. "I hope to introduce you to her soon. The rest of the family may be upset and yell, but I am confident she will understand, and she will like you."

She blushed deeply and looked almost embarrassed, even as he saw longing in her eyes. He wondered if she was liked by her family, but could imagine the answer based on her sister's behavior and the few interactions he had seen between Elizabeth and her mother while in London.

"It has been a long day," he continued on, "and I am certain you wish to sleep. There are some things I wished to speak with you about first. Many will...many will believe that I seduced you...or that you wantonly threw yourself at me for they will judge you harshly for leaving with me. Many will..."

He cleared his throat and tugged at the collar of his shirt, even though the restricting cravat was long ago discarded. "There will be many who will speculate on whether we have clandestinely been seeing each other and perhaps saying my brother ran off with your sister was all just subterfuge to cover our own misstep. Many will probably watch you for signs of being with child and look for the announcement of an early delivery."

The embarrassed blush was replaced by one of flaming mortification at the frank speech he employed. He wished he could be delicate as she deserved, but this was a matter he felt needed to be addressed to help minimize the scandal that would surround them. One day, their children would enter society and he did not want them to face obstacles because of their parents' actions. He wanted them to be free to do what they wanted and not be blocked by prejudices of the past.

"I know that tonight many will expect me to...to assert my rights as your husband," he said and she looked down, fisting her hands into her dressing gown. "But...but I wish to wait."

Now her gaze flew up to meet his. "Wh-what?"

"When it is obvious that you are not with child, or that a child was not born nine months or less after our hasty marriage, it will take the power out of their speculation," he explained. "But I also...I know you are unsettled because you do not know me. We...we do not know each other and...and maybe in time we will grow to love one other, or at least feel something beyond politeness as acquaintances. When I showed up outside your parents' house that morning we were near strangers. I...I wish for us to get to know one another...to feel comfortable before such an action is taken."

She stared at him mutely for such a length of time that he began to grow uncomfortable, wondering what she was thinking. Her words, though, gave him cause to believe that his marriage with Elizabeth would indeed be marked by honest frankness on both sides.

"It makes sense...what you suggest," she began and looked down. "I-I just need to know one thing."

"Anything," he found himself saying.

"Are you...are you going to be like your brother and visit...and visit brothels?"

Part 3

Sitting across from Sarah Webber, Jason was very tempted to throw his wife's sister out of the carriage and leave her to fend for herself. If they were near a post stop, then he might be generous enough to take her and leave her there. He would not leave Francis to protect her, she would merely have to make her own way, or find a means of supporting herself until someone in her family came to retrieve her. From the moment he and Elizabeth had descended the stairs after sharing breakfast in their room, she had done nothing but complain. She did not like her room, she did not like the food, she did not like that Jason had hired the Webber servants for his own household, she did not like that Elizabeth had suggested she get a maid from the inn to help her instead of letting her have Nadine, and that was what she had said before they left the inn.

Once they were inside the carriage, her complaints continued. And were expounded upon. She didn't understand why they did not make Nadine ride up on top of the coach with the rest of the servants but instead made her, a baron's daughter, sit beside Elizabeth's maid. She began to criticize her sister until Jason merely had to speak a reminder of his promise to her before the wedding. Silenced from her normal methods of attack, Sarah Webber then proceeded on a campaign to embarrass his wife. She began to ask about their wedding night.

She declared that Elizabeth and Jason were sitting too close together and that could only mean that they had become acquainted with each other in the physical sense, a very quick thing for two strangers. It did not register to her that the carriage was small, having been chosen so it would be lighter and faster in their flight north, and everyone was cramped inside; she was perverse, and unrefined enough, to refer to things she knew she should not speak on. Regardless of being a maiden, it was simply poor taste for anyone to refer to marital relations in such a manner.

"There's no way Mother and Father will take you back now," Sarah said with a triumphant smile. "Although why they should even if you had not done such an activity last night I do not know. Clearly you learned no refinement at school; I told them they were wasting their money sending you there."

"Perhaps they wasted their money sending you," Elizabeth replied, tilting her head slightly. Jason bit his tongue to keep from smiling at his wife's retort that his new sister did not seem to even understand.

"I am afraid you will find that your reception amongst the ton will not be as easy as you believe," Sarah continued on, spite entering her voice as she ignored Elizabeth's remark. "You have never been well-perceived and this stain on your character - for what woman so readily gives herself to a man she barely knows? - will certainly not help."

Nadine did her best to stifle her small gasp and his wife stiffened by his side. Incensed and having endured all he would tolerate from his new sister Jason leaned forward, encroaching on Sarah. "Miss Webber," he began coldly, "I urge you right now to cease speaking. You have three options; you stop speaking for the rest of the trip after you issue an apology to my wife, you ride on top of the carriage with the servants since your tongue is no better than a common fishmonger's wife, or we find the nearest post stop and secure you transport to your family. Let us not forget the real reason for our journey to Scotland."

The silence was blissful.

After Jason commanded Sarah to cease speaking, and her sister actually listened, silence had descended over the coach. Nadine looked relieved to no longer hear Sarah's petty and spiteful attacks, and did her best to be unobtrusive and quiet in the corner of her seat. Sarah huffed under her breath and shifted on her seat, often deliberately pushing at Nadine, but she said nothing. She glared at Elizabeth and Jason, but they found it easy to ignore her.

Perhaps Jason was as tired as Elizabeth and had his own eyes closed as well. Or perhaps he was able to bear someone's glares unperturbed and was staring back at Sarah in return. Her sister was stubborn, and foolish, and would not back down from a fight. For while she was certain that Jason would not actually abandon her at a post stop and leave her to find her own way back to London unescorted, Elizabeth felt that her husband would actually follow through on his threat.

If there was one thing she had learned last night in speaking to him, it was that her husband was an unfailingly honest man. He was also honorable, even while he admitted there were times he did not follow all of society's dictates. Expelling his sister-in-law from his carriage in order to protect his wife...while it surprised her that he would actually do it, she did believe he would. For after speaking so plainly to her about his past and how he would behave in their marriage, she did believe him on this.

Jason had been so quiet last night after she questioned if he would visit brothels that she began to fear he would not answer her. It was a highly unusual, and even improper, question. Regardless of being married, regardless of him claiming he wanted honesty between them, she began to doubt. Men were governed by a different set of rules, and men of society and wealth even different beyond that. A man could have a mistress, so long as he was discreet, or perhaps even visit a courtesan at the highest and most exclusive brothels, because a marriage was not for mutual pleasure. Women were to provide legitimate heirs to a man, but were not expected to enjoy the act of procreation. They were considered wanton if they did. But men were men and their needs were different; so if they sought pleasure elsewhere, it was overlooked, and even expected.

Finally, when Elizabeth was ready to offer her apology for offending him, Jason had taken a deep breath and answered. He told her that he would not dishonor her in any way, and that included visiting brothels or setting up a mistress. When she tilted her head at his words he went on to say that he did not have a mistress, nor was he a frequent visitor to brothels now. He actually blushed slightly and rubbed at his neck when he confessed that he had...experience, but that was from his youth and there was nothing that could reflect poorly on her now.

Once the embarrassing questions were over, they had moved on to a variety of other topics; one thing seemingly leading into another while they shared more about themselves and their pasts. While there was still much she did not know about her husband, he was not the stranger he had been when he placed his signet ring on her hand in lieu of a wedding band. Between the fire, the wine and the fatigue and stress of the journey, Elizabeth had found herself nodding off as he described Rosewood, his estate. She had struggled to stay awake, though, because she found she liked listening to the sound of his voice and his presence was soothing. She did not want to be alone in an unfamiliar place. As the rocking of the carriage began to lull her to sleep, a smile curved Elizabeth's lips as she remembered the sensation of her husband's arms around her as he carried her to her bed, and his immediate agreement to her plea to stay when she roused enough to fear being alone. She hoped he would be able to sleep as well on the trip, considering the sofa in her room had not been long enough to accommodate his tall frame, and thus allow him a few hours sleep last night.

In the silence of the carriage, Sarah eyed the occupants across from her and scowled in a most unladylike manner. Her sister had a smug smile on her face as she leaned into Jason Quartermaine's side like a hoyden, and he had his arm resting lightly around her, securing her to his side as he reclined in the corner of the seat. There was too much familiarity between the pair and Sarah knew that marriage had been consummated last night, even though she was not able to stay above stairs long enough to bribe a servant to see the proof on the sheets.

Although, as she watched Elizabeth and her sister's husband, she began to wonder if the marriage had been anticipated long before the trip to Scotland. Perhaps her sister's reaction to the viscount abandoning her and courting Sarah had merely been subterfuge. Her youngest sibling had seemed relieved when A.J. withdrew his attentions to her, only protesting loudly when he then began lavishing them upon Sarah. Perhaps it was not because the viscount was supposedly immoral, but because Elizabeth had been.

Sarah tried to recall the parties, dinners and balls that had occurred while she was being courted by the viscount and instead of recalling his attentions, she was trying to remember where her sister and Jason Quartermaine had been. The younger Quartermaine brother was a quiet man, and Sarah had dismissed him as inconsequential because he was merely the younger son. She heard that he had some sort of property, and was engaged in an occupation, but Sarah felt she was destined for more than being the heiress to keep a younger son in the lifestyle he felt he deserved; she was destined to marry a first son who would inherit the family estate. That a viscount and future earl was paying her attention was merely her due.

Now, she was cursing her inattention to Jason Quartermaine. Elizabeth's movements would be easily tracked once she returned to her friends and asked them to cull their memories of the past weeks and months. While her sister was plain and mousy, Sarah and her friends had always made sure to keep her movements under watch because they did not want their cutting gossip to reach her ears, or to have her become aware of their schemes and plans. She could only hope that someone had also been watching her beau's younger brother.

It would be delightful if it could be proved that her sister and her husband had been seen speaking together, or perhaps even absent at the same times, during these events. It would make it more plausible for people to believe that their affections had become engaged during that time, and that perhaps Elizabeth had favored him with her charms. For while it appeared that her sister's carriage had arrived too quickly after Sarah's ignominious arrival in Gretna Green for them to have stopped and shared an illicit moment during their travels, it would make their apparent wedding night activities all the more believable...and scandalous.

Unless the younger Quartermaine was a brute who demanded his rights. But Sarah did not believe that, for he had seemed angered at his brother's actions, although, she did admit, one truly did never know. Quiet personas often concealed scandalous natures.

A smile curved her lips as she decided that, no, it would be a much better scandal for her sister and the Quartermaine family, if it was believed that the newlywed couple had been having a liaison long before they were actually wed.

Part 4

As Elizabeth walked up the steps to her parents' house, she was grateful for her husband at her side and the supportive arm he lent her. Nadine and Francis had scurried around the corner to the back entrance for servants, and Elizabeth knew her maid would hastily pack as many belongings of her mistress as she could before Lord and Lady Webber might react angrily and declare that none of their daughter's possessions would leave their house. It would not do for Elizabeth to be completely without raiment. She doubted her family would be providing the funds for her trousseau; if Sarah's calculating gleam was any indication. So she would need what clothes she could take.

While Sarah was the one who had originally fled, she had an amazing ability for not being punished for her actions. It was somehow Elizabeth who always seemed to bear the brunt of her parents' anger, especially that of her mother. While Sarah had been quiet for the remainder of the journey back to Town, there was something in her demeanor that instantly set Elizabeth on edge. She had shared her concerns with Jason when they stopped the first night of their journey home, and he declared that he would defer to her superior knowledge of her sister. He was already predisposed to not like her based on her words to Elizabeth; so while she didn't know what her husband had planned, she sensed he was prepared for anything that might come.

The door opened and Sarah tried to push her way past Elizabeth, but Jason very subtly moved them right into her path and blocked her efforts. At the door, he bowed his head to the old butler and asked, "Are Lord and Lady Webber at home?"

"They are in the blue drawing room," he replied, looking at Elizabeth questioningly.

"Thank you, Bates," she replied. "We will see ourselves there."

Then she took the initiative and reached behind her, looping her arm through her sister's. "Come along, Sarah. Let's greet them all together. I'm sure they will be most anxious to welcome you home."

Her sister huffed and tried to remove her arm, but Elizabeth held tight and marched forward, Jason right by her side. As they neared the drawing room, a footman drew himself up straighter and glanced at the family members and the unknown gentleman. But habit had him opening the door and Elizabeth swept inside before words could be spoken.

"Close the door, Sarah," she ordered as their parents surged to their feet. While the doors weren't completely soundproof, there was no need to make it easy for the footman to collect his gossip by leaving the door open.

"Elizabeth! Sarah!" their mother exclaimed. "Where have you been?!"

"What is the meaning of your disappearance?" their father demanded. "The ton's tongues are wagging wondering where our daughters have gone. Especially since Viscount Quartermaine disappeared followed by his brother and there is supposition your disappearance was connected to theirs. While the viscount returned, his brother has yet to reappear."

Then as if finally realizing that there was someone else in the room, he looked overand his eyes widened. "Mr. Quartermaine? What is he doing here?"

"He's Lizzie's husband," Sarah said scandalously, moving quickly to her mother's side. "They married in Gretna Green and I'm sure there is no way for you to annul the marriage now, Father."

"Elizabeth!" her mother hissed angrily while her father mottled an alarming shade of red.

"Unhand my daughter and I demand you explain yourself at once, young lady," he finally commanded.

Jason firmed his shoulders and leaned forward slightly, "You will not speak to my wife in that manner...Lord Webber."

"Wife?" her mother asked, clutching her hand to her throat. Elizabeth half-expected her to suddenly declare herself faint and call for smelling salts. "Oh, we are ruined."

"Yes," Jason continued on gravely, never looking away from her father's gaze, "I fear there shall be some scandal. My marriage to your daughter cannot entirely diminish the gossip that will be said. For I am only one man and could not marry your eldest daughter, Miss Webber, after she had absconded to Scotland with my brother and was then abandoned by the viscount."

"That's not true, Mama," Sarah declared and Elizabeth could only gape at her sister. How did Sarah truly believe that she would spin this tale her way? For even if she somehow succeeded in attaching the blame solely on Elizabeth, the scandal would still taint her as well. The missteps of one person in the family were held upon the heads of all family members.

"Mrs. Quartermaine," Jason said softly and she started when she realized he was speaking to her. "I believe you still have your sister's note?"

She looked at him for a moment and then nodded her head, opening her reticule and withdrawing Sarah's letter she had retained since that fateful morning. He held out his hand and she placed it in his grasp, ignoring her father's decree to give it to him. With precise movements, her husband unfolded the note and held it before him.

Dearest Lizzie -

I know that Mama and Papa shall be disappointed when they discover I am missing today; do try your best to console. If you are capable of the act. For while you believe Viscount Quartermaine is not a man to be trusted, I know you are merely jealous that he abandoned you for me. My dearest A.J. quite loves me and declares he no longer can wait to marry me. While I would have wished to have adorned the cathedral with ribbons and flowers and have everyone witness my triumphant match, I can in no way repine that I shall hereafter be known as Viscountess Quartermaine.

If you can somehow find a way to not answer Mother and Father's questions, you can relate to me how they looked when they read my first letter to them. Perhaps you will say that I am with the Barringtons...for Amanda's parents are away for a visit to Kent. Do not disappoint me, Lizzie...although I do not know why I have hopes for that. Perhaps this one time you may truly act like my sister instead of letting your jealousies overcome you.

Sarah

Jason folded the letter and tucked it into his waistcoat pocket, her father's eyes following every movement. He let out a sigh and then said, "I discovered, through independent means, that my brother had fled London because he is in debt to a rather unscrupulous man. I knew that he had been paying court to Miss Webber, and I arrived that morning fearful that he may have thrown society's dictates off and tried to persuade her to marry him...although I even feared he may have absconded with her forcefully all in an attempt to gain access to her dowry in order to pay his debtors. When I arrived, I found your other daughter in great distress and she showed me the note. I set out after my brother with the intent of stopping them, and asked Elizabeth, along with her maid and footman, to accompany me in the hopes she would convince her sister to change her plans and then be there to escort her back to town."

He paused and then said regretfully, "Unfortunately, they had too great a lead on us. We did not stop except for as long as it took to change horses, and at every place I learned that my brother was not stopping, either. We gained on him slightly, but arrived in Scotland too late. Had my brother remained, the wedding would have already taken place."

"Had he remained?" the baron asked through clenched teeth.

Jason looked at Sarah, then back her father. "I fear my brother's motives changed and he was no longer anxious to walk your daughter immediately to the altar. He wished to...he wished to take liberties with her first and when she resisted he declared he would not have her at all, regardless of her dowry, and he returned to England."

"Oh," Elizabeth's mother gasped and clutched at Sarah's hands. "The rake."

"Yes," the young groom nodded wearily. "I made inquiries and when I realized he was no longer in Scotland, I feared for the scandal that would befall your family. That is when I offered for your daughter Elizabeth. I know it will not quiet all talk, but I hoped that if at least one of your daughters returned home wedded, that it might mitigate some of the vicious comments that will surely be made."

"But why marry Elizabeth?" her mother asked. "Sarah is the one whose reputation was in greater risk. You should have married her. Elizabeth can fend for herself, or we can send her to relatives elsewhere. Why must Sarah face the scandal?"

"Perhaps because it is Sarah who brought the scandal on the family."

Every head pivoted towards the doorway where Elizabeth's older brother stood quietly. Elizabeth had not realized he was at home; she wondered if perhaps the butler had informed of their arrival.

"Steven," their mother said dismissively in the face of his agitation. "Surely-"

"Mother," he interrupted. "There will be scandal; there will be no escape. Our season is over. But for once in your life, place the blame where it belongs. On Sarah. Elizabeth did nothing wrong except foolishly care for a sister who would not take the same care to save her if the situations were reversed. From what I gathered since I have arrived, Sarah planned to elope with Viscount Quartermaine and Elizabeth's only fault was in caring enough about a sister to try to stop her from making a mistake and bringing shame on the family."

"She was alone with Jason while they traveled to Scotland," Sarah insisted.

"She had a maid and a footman from our family," Steven countered back, walking further into the room and looking directly at his sister until she looked away. "Can you say the same, Sarah?"

He paused and then said, "And he may be our new brother, but it is still the courteous thing to call him Mr. Quartermaine until he gives you leave to call him otherwise."

"Steven," their mother chided insistently, while plastering a false smile on her face. "This is really not the time to get into such dealings. We should not air our family grievances in front of near strangers."

"But he's not a stranger," her son replied triumphantly. "He is your daughter's husband. That means he is family. Just because he did not marry your favorite daughter and cover up her shame does not mean you can ignore him. Perhaps if you had indulged Sarah less she would not have thought it was a good joke to run off with a worthless rake and bring shame on this family."

"We had no way of knowing that Viscount Quartermaine was so very bad," the older woman shook her head.

Steven turned to look at their father appraisingly and asked, "Shall you tell her, or shall I?"

Looking at her husband, the baroness asked, "What? What does he mean?"

"I mean that when Elizabeth tried to warn Sarah, and our father, about Viscount Quartermaine's true character she was dismissed. Sarah believed she was merely jealous, and our father believed Elizabeth did not know the way of the ton since it was only her first season." Steven looked at Elizabeth and Jason, and then back to his mother. "Then I spoke to Father. I had heard rumors at Whites and my fencing club. I did not believe he was the kind of man who should be courting my sister, even Sarah. Father ignored my warnings."

With a disgusted shake of his head he said, "Like you, Mother, he was too caught up in the wonder that was the viscount. Of the great honor he was paying our family by courting Sarah. He liked that we would be linked to an earl's family. That his daughter should make such a match. He did not insist upon proper chaperones, he did not look into any of the rumors that anyone of the ton should have heard. Simply put, he did not care."

Gesturing to his two sisters he said, "And now look what has become of our family. Sarah eloped with a rake. The fact that she is not married to him is going to be known. Do you honestly think that the vicious gaggle of friends she keeps company with will keep her secret? They will turn on her as they turned on Lady Serena when she was jilted by her betrothed. Sarah claimed to be great friends with her, and then took great delight in tormenting her; cackling over her friend's betrothed being caught in a compromising position with another woman and getting the other woman with child. She did not care of the heartbreak of her friend, she only cared of the gossip she could spread and the scorn she could participate in with others."

Looking at Elizabeth, Steven's look softened. "Elizabeth has been the subject of their petty gossip as well, and I have no doubt Sarah wanted to embarrass our sister and somehow try to place all the blame and scandal upon her shoulders. Why else would she speak so inelegantly as to reference marital relations? Sarah probably believes that she can reenter society and she will not be judged for her misstep, forgetting of course, that if Elizabeth is in shame then she would share it as well. Unless she means to cut her own sister and disavow association with her."

Standing by Elizabeth's side and taking her hand, her brother said, "That is entirely unfair to Elizabeth who was only placed in a compromising position with an honorable man solely because they cared more about Sarah's reputation than she did."

Piercing a glare on their parents he declared, "Our entire family will face scorn, but it will face even more scorn if you do not curb Sarah and immediately welcome Mr. Quartermaine here to the family and openly acknowledge and sanction the marriage. For I have heard some rumblings at the club that cease the minute I walk into the room, but I have gathered enough to suspect that Viscount Quartermaine will not scruple to keep his journey with Sarah quiet. I overheard two men speaking and I believe the story the viscount intends to spread is that it was Sarah who threw herself at him and hid away in his coach when he left for a hunting trip to Scotland. When he discovered her...or more than likely tired of her meager charms, he left her behind. He will make great sport of our family, and the only way to minimize that damage is to welcome his brother as Elizabeth's husband."

Part 5

Elizabeth twisted her fingers in her lap as she sat across from Jason, the only outward sign of distress and nerves that his new wife would allow herself to make. The sounds of London drifted in through the carriage and a slight dampness crept inside as well as fog began to envelop the town. Elizabeth rubbed her hands lightly over the arms of her spencer as she looked out the windows of the carriage before dropping her hands back to her lap and her fingers immediately twining together again in a tight knot. The silence stretched between them and while he was normally one who relished the quiet stillness in company, he had learned enough of his wife to know that Elizabeth grew quiet when distressed and anxious.

That they were on their way to his parents' home was probably the source of her nerves. It was certainly the source of his.

Walking into the Webber home and facing Elizabeth's parents and older sister had been easy. Despite Baron Webber's rank and Sarah's peevishness, Jason had felt calm in the encounter. Perhaps because they were not the family that he grew up with and so they did not know how to work on him and manipulate his feelings as well as they could Elizabeth's. From the time that Jason had come to town and reluctantly participated in the Season, and then discovered his brother's interests in the well-dowered daughter of a baron, he had watched the Webber family closely and made a few inquiries in regards to them.

Nothing he had learned had particularly impressed him. The baron had an estate of some means, and was generally liked as a landlord, but he didn't exert himself. He left the management of his estate to his steward, or to his son, and did not truly know the needs of his people or address them in a manner he should. He was not an evil landlord, or a completely negligent one, it was merely that he did not make any effort. It seemed that the son was truly running the estate, but he was hampered from doing what he wanted by the fact that the baron was reluctant to implement changes he deemed too modern or that might truly benefit his tenants simply because of the initial outlay of expenses.

Baron Webber enjoyed his lifestyle, and so did his wife. They may have donated to poor houses, and volunteered at Ladies' Aid events, but it was more for show or because it was expected of them because the baron's father had begun some of the programs. Baroness Webber spoiled her oldest daughter and was neglectful of her youngest, and Jason had no doubt that was the reason A.J. had targeted Sarah after being dismissed by Elizabeth. Being the favored daughter, she would be easier prey; A.J. could also read people, and Sarah's spoilt attitude would make her eager to accept him in order to spite her sister. The baron and his wife were concerned about status and Steven Webber had accurately pegged his father in declaring the coup of a viscount courting their daughter was greater than the need for them to protect their daughter from a known rake.

Undoubtedly, had Sarah actually wed his brother, they would have sanctioned her marriage immediately. That it was Elizabeth who married had the baron threatening to withhold her dowry, even after her brother had spoken plainly to his parents and told them the consequences they would all face if they did not welcome Jason into the family. It was only after Steven dragged his father and Jason into the baron's study and frankly told the older man what would be said in regards to Sarah and the detriment it would be to their standing in society that his wife's father began to see reason.

While he did not particularly seem enthusiastic about it, he did declare - once they had returned to the ladies - that Elizabeth and her husband were to be welcomed warmly into the family and that the baroness was to host a dinner in a week to celebrate the marriage. In the mean time, he would send a notice to the Times announcing Elizabeth's marriage. The scandal would hit them and they would undoubtedly lose those they had considered friends, but they would do their best to mitigate it. The dinner would be their last evening in Town. The four Webbers would retire to their country estate the following day.

Elizabeth had been quiet after the men's return from the study, and Jason had noticed it, but was anxious to be on his way after the baron's decree to his wife and daughter. He suspected her mother had said some unflattering things, or had deliberately intended to upset Elizabeth; he did not know but it did nothing to endear his new mother to him. He knew not to press the issue and demand to know what was said because Elizabeth had grown even quieter, if possible, when they entered the carriage and Jason directed the driver to take them to Mayfair Square where the Quartermaine house was.

Perhaps he should have done, or said, something to calm his new bride, but Jason was facing his own battles at the moment. He knew that his parents would not be happy with his announcement, simply because of the way the affair was handled. And when they learned exactly why Jason had been in Scotland with Elizabeth, things would definitely not improve. Despite the best efforts of his parents, A.J. had certainly not grown into a respectable gentleman.

Sadly, that was due to their grandfather's influence in their lives. The former earl was a man obsessed with wealth, power and status. And for him, the only reason to have a second son was to have a spare in reserve should something happen to the heir; otherwise there was no use for him. A.J. was the apple of the old earl's eye, and Jason was relegated to an afterthought merely because there was already a first son. While his parents did their best to teach him and his brother good principles and respect for everyone, Jason knew they had faced a losing battle because his grandfather has spoiled A.J. and undermined their efforts. If their parents told A.J. no, the young man would merely go to their grandfather, whine, plead and flatter and soon he'd be granted everything he wished for.

The overindulgence by the earl had led A.J. to the belief that he was better than everyone, even his parents. Jason's grandfather had always been disappointed in his son because he was not ruthless enough for the old earl's tastes. Edward Quartermaine would lie, cheat and steal from his friends, and certainly from those he deemed beneath him, simply to add more money to the coffers and advance the family name. Scruples and honesty were for others, not for the Earl of Morgan. His son, Viscount Quartermaine, did not believe in such practices, much to the eternal chagrin of his father.

Jason's grandfather could also never forgive his father for the choice of his bride. It did not matter that he had sanctioned the marriage, albeit reluctantly, because the family faced potential financial ruin due to his dishonest practices, compounded by the scandalous death of his Aunt Tracy's first husband. Lady Monica was not whom he'd wanted, and he resented her presence in his life and so sought to make his son's life miserable, as if it was his sin instead of the old earl's. Jason's mother was a kind woman, but she was not a meek pushover, and stood up to the earl on several occasions. Her devotion to her husband had been scorned, and some had tried to insinuate that the couple had been unfaithful and cast aspersions on the parentage of Jason, and even his brother. His aunt had been the driving force behind some of those rumors, egged on by her father, all in the hopes of forcing her from the house and weakening Jason's father.

The earl wanted to raise A.J. in his image and quite resented his parents claiming that he was their son and insisting he step back and stop interfering. Lady Lila was sometimes able to curtail him and check his behavior, but her husband had taken great delight in indulging A.J. and sometimes even pitting father against son and brother against brother simply for his own amusements. Now that his grandfather was dead and his father was the earl, A.J. had become openly fractious and quarrelsome with his parents because they refused to indulge him as he was accustomed to.

He did not wish to be denied anything, and when the earl cut his annual stipend, A.J. turned to gambling and shady characters in London underbelly to keep him supplied with enough money. Unfortunately, the viscount did not have a head for cards any more than he had a head for the business of an estate, and he did not understand that those who would loan him money would apply such terms to the promissory notes to make it dangerous for everyone associated with him. He did not believe that they would be smart enough to cheat him because they were inferior, and so A.J. only ever won enough money to keep him hooked and anxious for more, but never enough to truly come out ahead.

His mounting debts had led to his desperate attempt to elope with a wealthy heiress, without any regards to the consequences of his actions. The fact that he had returned to London and society and was seeking to disparage Sarah Webber's reputation would not bother A.J. at all. Jason could only hope that it would bother his parents, and the dowager, as he told Elizabeth back in Gretna Green. Perhaps they would finally step in and firmly address A.J.'s problems as they had been threatening to do, but had never followed through on. Perhaps they would work even harder to rein in his wild brother, instead of turning a blind eye to the worst of his actions and hoping that he would care enough to desire to reform.

Jason personally did not hold much hope for such a scenario, and feared that the family infighting sure to begin over this scandal would reach Biblical proportions. A.J. had always accused Jason of coveting his position as the eldest son, simply because he would have resented Jason had he been born second. The viscount could never understand that Jason had accepted his status; certain that like Cain Jason sought to bring about his demise to usurp his position and status. It always made Jason cautious around his brother when A.J. spoke of Jason murdering him; because he sometimes wondered whether his brother would seek to do him harm. Jason had an estate that was not dependent upon their father, he had investments separate from the family holdings, and while Jason did not flaunt his means, he was certain A.J. was shrewd enough to know he had independent wealth. For how else would Jason have purchased a London home?

Jason did not wish his brother ill, despite not liking him. When he spoke in Scotland that A.J.'s creditors may seek to do him harm, he did not say it with hope of inheriting the earldom one day; he spoke it in fear for his brother. A.J.'s recklessness would be his downfall, and because he was not married and lacked a proper heir, the earldom would devolve to Jason. Something he was beginning to suspect his brother would do anything possible to prevent. It was a frightening thing to contemplate, but it was a growing fear.

It made him very glad he had a separate residence both in Town and in the country. Because he had now just created another target for his brother's perfidy. Jason had a bride, and only the two of them knew that she could not be with child. Jason knew that he would have to ensure that his staff knew to be on their guard for any action A.J. might take against him, or his bride. He just did not know exactly how much of a threat his brother would be, but he had a feeling he would get a clue very soon. For the carriage had just stopped turned onto Mayfair.

Part 6

Elizabeth squared her shoulders as she stepped out of the carriage and looked up at the imposing home before her. It was certainly one of the bigger homes she'd visited, her friends farther removed from the upper circles of society and not possessing such prominent residences, and it was slightly intimidating to know that she was now family to those who resided here. Jason was looking at the house with his own look of trepidation and she decided that just as he'd been strong for her when they visited her family, she now needed to be strong for him.

She touched his arm lightly and was rewarded with a grateful look and just the hint of a smile as he seemed to shake himself out of his thoughts and slip her hand easily into the crook of his arm. He stood a little taller as they ascended the stairs to the front door and Jason was about to reach out when the door opened and a tall, slender man appeared. He must have heard the carriage's arrival and was waiting for Jason to appear before the door.

"Mr. Quartermaine," he said with a bow of his head. "Welcome, sir."

He eyed Elizabeth curiously, but did not say anything. As the obvious butler of the home, he would be too ingrained in the duties of his role to inquire who she was. It was for Jason to introduce her.

"Thank you, Reginald," her husband replied. "Are my parents and grandmother at home?"

"Yes," the man replied, helping Jason with his great coat while a maid appeared to help Elizabeth out of her spencer. "They are in the Gold Drawing Room. Shall I announce you?"

"In a moment," Jason stated. "I wanted to ask you if you've seen my brother recently."

The other man hesitated just a second before replying, "Not for several weeks. I believe the viscount usually stays...elsewhere when he is in London."

"Yes," the younger man replied, his expression darkening. Then he let out a breath and said, "Reginald, I would like to introduce my wife, Elizabeth Quartermaine, daughter of Baron Jeffrey Webber."

The only reaction the butler allowed himself was a lift of his eyebrow and then he turned to Elizabeth and said, "Mrs. Quartermaine. Welcome, madam."

"Is my sister at home?" Jason wondered.

"She is in the music room with her companion," was the reply. "You know the countess has declared this time for her practice."

"Yes," he nodded. "It is probably better she is there for now. I believe it should be just us when we speak to my parents and my grandmother."

"Of course, sir," the butler stated. "Let me announce you."

He looked as if he wanted to stop the man, but in the end, they followed behind him. The house was grand and opulently decorated, more ornate than Elizabeth personally preferred but thankfully not so ostentatious as to be gaudy. The butler opened the door and stepped inside just enough to block the doorway. "Mr. and Mrs. Jason Quartermaine."

"What?" she heard a man exclaim, but then Jason was guiding her inside the room and the butler stepped back to close the door. Three people stared at them and the earl, as dark as Jason was fair, demanded, "Jason, what is the meaning of this? Reginald announced Mr. and Mrs. Quartermaine?"

"Hello, Father," Jason said, his voice strained, yet firm. "Please, allow me to explain."

"I should think so."

"Alan," a soft, reedy voice drew attention to the chair near the sofa where a woman with silver hair sat. "Let them come in before you begin demanding answers. The fact that Jason is here shows he has come to talk to us. Allow him the opportunity to speak."

"Yes, Mother," the older man instantly softened and his shoulders relaxed. "Please, come in, Son."

"Thank you," Jason inclined his head. "Thank you, Grandmother. It is good to see you. And you as well, Mother."

He cleared his throat and then said, "Reginald was correct when he introduced us. Please allow me to introduce my wife, Elizabeth Quartermaine. She is the daughter of Baron Jeffrey Webber and...and we were married in Scotland."

The earl's eyes darkened and before his wife could place a hand on his arm he demanded, "Eloped? You eloped with a baron's daughter?"

"It was not planned, Father," her husband said firmly, yet his voice was not angry as the earl's. "We actually traveled to Gretna Green to prevent her sister from eloping with A.J. We arrived to find that A.J. had abandoned Miss Webber and left her there, and I was trying to minimize the scandal that I knew would affect both our families when I offered for Elizabeth."

"A.J.," the Earl of Morgan hissed harshly. "So that is where he has run off to. I suppose he is now in the country to avoid Baron Webber coming after him and demanding he marry Miss Webber."

"No," Jason shook his head. "A.J. has returned to town and has begun saying that Miss Webber snuck into his coach while he was on his way to Scotland for a hunting trip. He is trying to ruin her reputation so that he may find another heiress to marry and provide him the means to repay his debts."

"Blasted!" the older man thundered. "He is in debt again?"

"Alan," the countess spoke. "It does no good to become angry with Jason. Plus, we have not even welcomed our daughter-in-law or asked her to sit down. I know you have questions; I know you are angry, but, please."

"Forgive me, my dear," he said, his tone once again softening. "Forgive me, Mother."

Then turning to Elizabeth he said, "Forgive me, Mrs. Quartermaine. I apologize. It was, you can imagine, a shock."

"Of course," she murmured, remaining rooted by Jason's side, her grip on his arm tight.

"Please have a seat," the countess encouraged them, standing and crossing the room to pull the chord in the corner.

Jason took her hand from his arm, but held it, while the arm she had been holding onto went behind her and a gentle hand settled on her back. He propelled her forward until they were by the dowager and Elizabeth saw that the chair she was sitting in actually had wheels on it. They were mostly hidden by the blanket which covered her lap. Jason went bent down and placed a kiss on his grandmother's cheek and she beamed up at him, then turned a soft, welcoming look on Elizabeth.

"Welcome, my dear girl," she said with a smile. "I am so pleased to have a new granddaughter in the family."

"Th-thank you," Elizabeth stammered out softly, dropping a respectful curtsey to the dowager countess. "It is an honor to meet you."

"No formalities needed, dear," the older woman shook her head and lifted an arthritic hand. "You may call me Grandmother if you wish. I know that it is unconventional and there is much to discuss, still, but let me congratulate you on your marriage."

Elizabeth looked to Jason, feeling lost and he gently guided her to the sofa and sat down beside her. The countess had relocated to a chair next to her husband's and they were all quiet for a moment, each regarding the other person as a maid arrived and set a tea service on a table. The countess did the honors herself after dismissing the younger woman, and handed Elizabeth the first cup after enquiring how she preferred her tea. Once everyone had drinks, she looked at her son and tilted her head to the side.

"I suppose you should start at the beginning and tell us all that happened." She shot a look at her husband and the earl stayed silent, taking a large gulp of his tea.

Jason took a breath, and then with an economy of words explained the situation. From the recent gambling debts he'd heard of, the rumors at his club that came to his attention, and watching his brother pay particular attention to Sarah. The viscount was in deep and Jason had begun to investigate, knowing that his brother was trying to avoid it coming to their father's attention, and discovered that the sum was large and Sonny Corinthos was growing impatient. There were also debts of honor among A.J.'s friends, and he was feeling pressured from many sides, including the family who had told him they would not cover his debts again after the previous times.

Letting out a breath he said, "Then there was the bet in the book."

The earl looked sharply at his son and Jason said, "I investigated the betting book at the club and there was a wager that said A.J. would marry Elizabeth's sister before the end of the season. Some wagered it would be much sooner, and then there was one that A.J. himself wrote stating that perhaps he would return from Scotland some day soon with a viscountess."

He reached over and took Elizabeth's hand and said, "I began watching A.J., knowing that Miss Webber was in jeopardy from his attentions and wondering how I could arrange an introduction to Baron Webber to warn him. My man got word that A.J. had left town in a great hurry and that he was talking of a traveling companion. I immediately set off for the Webber's house and discovered Elizabeth outside, upset to find her sister had eloped with A.J. We took her maid and footman and set out for Gretna Green ourselves, inquiring at every stop and discovering A.J.'s coach was not stopping. We arrived in Scotland too late to stop the marriage, if it would have occurred. A.J.-"

He suddenly stopped and looked at his grandmother and mother and cleared his throat. "A.J. made inappropriate requests of Miss Webber and when she would not comply, he stated he would not marry her. He left her in Scotland and returned to Town where he has now begun a process of ruining her reputation by stating she chased after him and he had his fun, but that was all."

The earl looked incensed and Elizabeth wondered whether he believed her husband or not, but it was the dowager who spoke. "The whole business was inappropriate."

"Yes, Grandmother," Jason murmured.

"And so you offered for the younger sister?" she prompted gently.

He nodded. "I knew that the Webber family would be affected by scandal and I hoped that by there being at least one marriage, that some talk might be mitigated. Elizabeth traveled with me, and although there was a maid present at all times, I knew that people would question her reputation as well."

"Why not offer for the older sister?" his mother wondered. "She would have the greater scandal attached to her name."

Elizabeth looked down, feeling the implication behind the words. Jason should not have married her; he should have at least married Sarah who was more acceptable in spite of this misstep. She felt her husband squeeze her hand and she closed her eyes hoping to stem the sting of tears.

"I would not have married Miss Webber even if Elizabeth had not been there," he stated. "Sarah Webber may be a pretty girl, but she is cruel and vicious and not at all the kind of woman I wish to be married to."

She glanced up cautiously, ready to divert her gaze again, but stopped when she saw her husband looking at her, and not his mother. When he caught her eye he smiled slightly and continued on. "I came to know Elizabeth as we traveled and I came to admire her character; her loyalty to her family even when her sister would not show her the same consideration, her bravery and her intelligence. While I know that this marriage is not conventional..."

He turned to look at the two other ladies in the room, "And I am sorry for the talk that will surround our union...I find that I cannot really regret my choice. I...I look forward to the opportunity to come to know my wife better, to deepen our connection by building on common interests and discovering new ones, and...and maybe coming to care for her as I have seen you have in your marriages."

There was silence after he finished speaking, and then he flushed slightly and cleared his throat. Elizabeth gazed at him in pure wonder, amazed at all he had said. It was not common in marriages to feel this way, it was not done to share one's thoughts and feelings - even with family, and she truly hoped that Jason honestly felt this way and was not just saying pretty words to convince his family.

"Very well done, my boy," the dowager spoke warmly, her eyes twinkling with delight at the couple. "I see now why you acted so. You were not merely being honorable."

The Countess of Morgan leaned forward and reached her hand out, brushing it over her son's arm. "I couldn't agree more."

"Yes, yes," the earl broke in gruffly. "It is all very good that Jason appears to have found himself a bride, but there is one remaining point. What are we to do with A.J.? The fact that he could so carelessly and callously act and injure Miss Webber is reprehensible, not to mention the fact that once again he has amassed debts when I told him I was done covering for him. I cannot allow him to behave so or the moment I am gone this earldom will become morally and physically bankrupt. Yet...yet, I cannot turn my back completely on my son."

Jason clenched his jaw and said, "I do not know what to tell you, Father. But I will not allow his actions to injure my new family. The Webbers are hosting a dinner to celebrate their daughter's marriage and I...I worry about what A.J. will do when he reads the announcement that will run in tomorrow's Times."

His father's face darkened into a terrible scowl and he sat back roughly in his chair and breathed out once again, "Blast! What am I to do with that boy?"

Part 7

Viscount Alan James Quartermaine was not a happy man. His mother and father were kind people, but their standards were laughable and he could not understand how his father had not grown up demanding and expecting the best as was clearly his right. His parents' marriage was an arranged affair, as so many of those among the upper echelons of society were. Marriage was not about love, it was not about things so foolish and sentimental as emotions, it was all about finance, power, status and future security. His mother was a pretty sort of woman, and had probably caught his father's eye, but how A.J.'s grandfather had ever truly sanctioned the marriage was beyond his comprehension.

His mother had brought a sizeable dowry to the family, and because of the old earl's taste for the finer things in life, it had been necessary at the time. But the dowry did not entirely make up for the low status of A.J.'s mother, or the ridiculous sentiment his father showed her. It was almost as if his father actually loved her.

While A.J.'s grandfather had come to love his grandmother, it had not happened immediately. The dowager was a kindhearted woman that no man would be able to resist, so it was not surprising that the old earl came to care for her genuinely. But that had not stopped him from behaving as had been his right. Before he was tamed by his sentiment for his wife, the now deceased man had not been faithful to her. A.J. didn't know if his grandmother ever knew that, the earl never mentioned that part of the tale when he told A.J. about the life he'd led and the life that could be the younger man's.

There had been an affair with a beautiful actress and then a lovely French courtesan had warmed the old man's bed. His grandfather had done his duty and produced a son on the first try, but had failed to secure a spare the second time around. While the countess never locked her door to her husband, his grandfather did admit that following the birth of his aunt, Lady Tracy, the marriage had been strained. That is when his grandfather scoured his biggest coup, plucking the woman a duke had set his sights on; a Spanish beauty named Adela. That the woman had become with child was not a matter the earl had concerned himself with. There was no way the child could be recognized, he certainly could not be passed off as the dowager's child for his coloring was too dark, and so a few token offers of aid were made, but in time the child and his mother were forgotten because the Quartermaine legacy must be preserved and protected at all costs. The money had to be spent on family, not someone born on the wrong side of the blanket.

It was what allowed A.J. to know that he was not to blame in his behavior towards the child the actress Caroline Roberts claimed was his. While he occasionally gave her a few coins if he saw her, he had never spent time with the boy. He had seen the child only a few times from a distance; the red hair that must have come from Caroline was a blessing in that the child did not overtly resemble the viscount to create speculation and talk. So while the fading actress could claim she had not been with another man while with him, the lack of familial resemblance was enough for A.J. to absolve himself of any duty towards the child with a clear conscience.

He would marry a proper, respectable girl, and like his father and grandfather before him, produce an heir who would inherit the earldom. Maybe if he was lucky, he would produce a spare as well. Then he could ensure it was his lineage that perpetuated, and his brother could go to the Devil.

A.J. had been so close with the eldest Webber daughter, but looking back on the affair he could see that he'd let his temper get the better of him. He should not have been so hasty in demanding his rights. She was an innocent maiden, flirtatious, but not truly knowing the ways of the world or upper society. While another girl might have been willing to share her favors before the ceremony, Sarah Webber was truly naïve enough to believe that he loved her and his intentions were honorable towards her. That she had believed the overwhelming depth of his love and devotion to her and consented to an elopement had been a major step. She had forgone the big society wedding she had undoubtedly been envisioning and risked a level of scandal to run off with him. If he had only waited until the blacksmith pronounced them man and wife, he could have taken her to an inn and received his husbandly due thereby ensuring her father acknowledged the marriage and released her dowry. Instead, he'd frightened her with his demands, had been angered over the fact that a mere baron's daughter would say no to him, and had abandoned her in Scotland.

Her dowry could have been his by now, if only he'd been a little more patient. Then he could have paid off his creditors, basked in the acceptance of his family - for they surely could not risk shame and scandal by not welcoming him in and feting him for his marriage - and with any luck his bride would fall with child soon and then he could find someone to truly delight him in the flesh.

Instead, he was feeling great pressure and anxiety because he did not have the money he owed to Sonny Corinthos and the man was not a forgiving creditor. He had to come up with a plan, but he was desperately running out of time. How was he going to convince another heiress to run away with him quickly enough? Corinthos would not extend his deadline, instead he'd send one of his thugs after him and A.J. knew he would be no match against the mountains the criminal employed.

For as much as he didn't want to do it, he knew there was really only one option for him. He was going to have to go to his father. He was going to have to debase himself and beg for money. Eventually his father would probably give it to him, but A.J. would have to endure chastisements and lectures and looks of disappointment from his mother and grandmother. His mother was easy to ignore; after all, his grandfather had done so. But his grandmother was another story. He hated to disappoint the dowager. Perhaps if he went late in the evening, he would be able to arrive after the women had gone to bed, and then he'd only have to put up with his father's superior attitude.

Elizabeth stood in the middle of the large, opulent chamber and could only stare in disbelief. The room was bigger than the one she'd had at home, the furniture was large and decidedly masculine, and she felt like a little child sneaking into some place she wasn't supposed to be. Yet, she'd been commanded to stay here.

No, she sighed, she hadn't been commanded; Jason hadn't done that. She'd been asked, almost begged and pleaded with, and her husband simply hadn't taken her refusal. He was now in the dressing room instructing his servants to bring in an extra wardrobe from a guest chamber and telling his valet to allow Nadine to take whatever space she needed for Elizabeth's clothes.

She wanted to tell him, again, that it wasn't necessary. Even if Nadine had taken every piece of clothing Elizabeth owned, it still wouldn't fill the extra wardrobes he was ordering placed in the room. She simply didn't own that many clothes, even though she had received all new clothes for her debut this season. Her debutant wardrobe had been nothing compared to the clothes Sarah had received when she made her curtsey to the queen, and their mother had constantly added a frock or two for their sister, especially after the viscount began paying court to her. Elizabeth certainly hadn't been neglected, but she hadn't received the obscene amount of clothing that her sister had two years ago. Plus, some of her clothes had remained behind at her parents' house, and it was doubtful that they'd be sent over. Elizabeth was shorter than Sarah, but her mother would probably order an underskirt to cover her sister's ankles and her wardrobe would be absorbed into Sarah's. Or given to a maid as payment, or perhaps even thrown away.

She would probably have to use her pin money to build up her collection of clothes so that she did not disgrace her husband or the Quartermaine family. Before she and Jason had left, his mother and grandmother had declared that they would host a ball in the couple's behalf. It would signify that the family fully stood behind Jason and Elizabeth and welcomed her into the family. It would introduce her to a society beyond what she'd previously known, and she would need to have a gown suitable for the occasion. Which meant she'd have to go to the modiste soon.

Her nose wrinkled at that thought, but she knew it was necessary. A ball, hosted by the Earl and Countess of Morgan would go far into squelching the scandal that would undoubtedly erupt tomorrow when her wedding announcement appeared in the Times. People would call on her husband to see her. There would be dinner parties, appearances they would be expected to make at the theatre...if they were not completely shunned, that is. The parties and outings could probably wait until after the ball, but she was sure that the countess would have a definitive opinion that would be shared tomorrow when she called, as promised, with Jason's younger sister.

"Oh," she sighed heavily. "Why must it all be so complicated?"

"E-Elizabeth?"

She whirled around when she heard her husband's voice and flushed a deep red when she saw him standing inside the room. He looked awkward, but it was his room; she should be the awkward person.

"Are you alright?" he asked kindly. "I thought I heard you say something."

"I...I was just thinking about tomorrow and your mother's intention to call," she admitted. "And thinking of how unnecessary it was for you to have the footmen move those heavy wardrobes. I am sure Nadine was not able to gather much from my parents' house."

"Perhaps," he conceded. "But you will surely get new clothes. I...I don't know what all you'll need, but I'm sure my mother will be willing to guide you. Emily loves to shop, so perhaps you can make an outing of it one day. As for the wardrobes...I apologize for not having things in the mistress' chamber. I...I had not given much thought to marriage, but I believed that whenever I did, I would order furniture to her tastes and wants. We will do that...both for here and for Rosewood."

"Oh," she said, her eyes wide. "I...I did not expect. Jason, there is no need for such an extravagance. Surely there are adequate pieces in your guestrooms?"

He smiled just a bit at her and said, "Elizabeth, we will order pieces for you. I...we have sufficient funds to do so, and you should not have to make do with something. You should get something that you will like."

She blushed once more and looked down. "I still must protest you giving me your room."

"There is nothing in your future chambers," he said, and her heart seemed to stutter on those words. Not because they would be decorated to her tastes, but because she would be alone in them. Although it was normal for a husband to visit his wife and then retire to his own room...the thought left her cold somehow. "I certainly will not put my wife in a guest room. People would comment on it."

"Right," she bit her lip and looked down. "The servants always gossip. My mother says we must be guarded in our actions so that we do not become common fodder for others to make sport of."

He did not his servants to discuss the true nature of their marriage and give rise to more speculation than there would already be.

"But...but where will you sleep?" she wondered. "Surely if you take a guest room there will be talk."

"They will say that I am a generous husband who afforded the best to his wife, as was her due," he replied.

He was going to leave. She could see it in his eyes. Just like that night at the inn when she was alone and unsettled, fear gripped her. She only knew Nadine and Francis here, and while the housekeeper seemed like a kind woman, Elizabeth very much felt her young age as fear manifested itself at being all alone. She gripped her fingers together as blood began to pound in her ears.

"Elizabeth?"

Jason's voice sounded distant and fuzzy, as if he was calling to her from outside, and then he was before her, grasping her upper arms lightly and bending at the knee to try to look at her face. "Elizabeth?"

His touch seemed to ground her and his voice sounded louder, although still distant.

"Are you well?" he asked her. He guided her back until she reached a chair in front of the fire and he pushed lightly until she sat. Kneeling before her he took her hands in his and rubbed them briskly. "Take a deep breath, Elizabeth. You began breathing so shallowly I was afraid you would fall before I reached you. What is wrong?"

Her face was aflame with mortification and she shook her head. "I...I am well. I...I apologize for worrying you."

"You are not well," he countered firmly. "Please, Elizabeth...tell me what is wrong."

"It is all so silly," she shook her head and forced a laugh from her lips. "I certainly do not share a room with Sarah, but the thought of being alone suddenly had me acting like a silly, overwrought character Mrs. Radcliffe would write."

He looked at her searchingly, and then his face softened. "You do not want to be alone in a new place. It is perfectly understandable. So much has occurred today; of course you would feel adrift."

He squeezed her hand and said, "I will speak to my housekeeper while Nadine helps you prepare for bed. Then I will return and we can talk, or merely sit together, until you are ready to retire."

"Would you?" she asked him hopefully.

Her husband smiled at her and nodded. "Of course, Elizabeth. I would do anything to make you comfortable."

Part 8

What his room needed was a sofa. Somewhere he would be able to sit with Elizabeth curled up against his side and they could stretch and relax a bit, but it would not be a bed and contain all the stigma associated with that piece of furniture. He was going to have to direct his housekeeper to find him a suitable one to be placed in here tomorrow, and then when he took Elizabeth to the furniture maker, he was going to have to order an addition for his room. Perhaps he would be able to convince Elizabeth to get a chaise lounge made for her room. Somewhere she could relax to read a book by the fire, and yet he would be able to sit with her as well.

He hoped she would want something like that for her suite. He would like something like that. Someplace that they could sit together, talk and relax and so she would not feel that he was coming to her room only to exercise his rights over her. He did not know when they would both feel ready to take that step, and he could not imagine not being close to her before - or even after - they had progressed in their relationship. For Jason had discovered a truth he never even knew existed; he liked to hold his wife.

It was an odd thing to discover about himself, for he'd never thought it possible. He was an educated man, he had some experience with the opposite sex, and he knew what was expected of his behavior in marriage. Separate bedchambers were maintained because propriety demanded it. A husband was not supposed to linger with his wife afterwards, either. For Jason, the mere thought of behaving so made the whole process seem cold and impersonal, no different from the expensive brothels and courtesans men of his station were allowed to visit. It was why Jason had not exercised that particular privilege often, and why he hoped that his marriage did not devolve into a cold and lifeless entity so many of the ton had.

He hoped that with building a friendship with his wife, she would be agreeable to fashioning their own rules and standards, regardless of what was considered proper. He would not be a brute to her, and hopefully would not scare her, but there was something…pleasing, in merely holding Elizabeth in his arms. Be it on a sofa, or in bed; even if he was sitting up while doing so.

Although the physical contact with her, especially in his present location, did present a few problems. He had the privilege of having her scent surround him; a clean, pure floral scent more enticing than the heavy, cloying scents some women employed. Her skin was soft and pale, protected diligently from the sun, and her hair was soft and shiny. Her innocence made her captivating, her forthright statements made her refreshing and alluring, and the more he got to know her, the more he found beautiful about her entirely and it only enhanced her physical features. He could find himself greatly attracted to her, and he knew there was certainly nothing wrong with that. They were married, there would be no annulment and divorces were costly, took years to obtain, if they were even granted at all. He had no reason to want to part from her, but he could not allow himself to focus only on the physical moments that would one day come with their marriage.

While his wife was strong and could be very determined, it was also becoming evident to Jason that she was hiding a fragility born of hurt from those who should have loved her. The comments she made regarding her wardrobe, even stating that she promised to use her pin money frugally so as to not displease him, let him know that the Webbers had inflicted hurts on Elizabeth. Sarah was clearly the favored daughter, and thoroughly spoiled. When he returned from speaking to his housekeeper, a pretense merely to give his wife time to change, he'd arrived in his room to find her and her maid still in the dressing room.

Her abigail was apologizing for not being able to retrieve all of Elizabeth's wardrobe. She had done her best to get a variety of clothing articles to serve her mistress well, but Sarah's maid had arrived and questioned why Nadine was taking the clothes and the maid had thought it best to escape with what she'd managed to already pack. Elizabeth said that she would write her mother and ask for the remainder of her clothing to be sent to Jason's house, but she was not hopeful that it would actually occur. The clothing would probably be given to Sarah, even though it would have to be greatly reworked to fit her, or simply thrown away to spite Elizabeth. Because despite what her parents had said about hosting a dinner for the newly married couple, Baroness Webber had told Elizabeth quite plainly that just because she'd managed to somehow fool Jason into marrying her, didn't make her better than Sarah and Elizabeth would deserve to have her husband cheat on her for having the audacity to hurt her sister this way.

While Jason had seethed that the baroness had dared to say that to his wife while the men had been absent from the room, he now understood her relief when he said they were going and her withdrawn nature. It also explained why she believed her mother wouldn't send her wardrobe to her as her due, or even provide a trousseau for her, even if it was after the wedding. And her parents' stingy nature explained why Elizabeth didn't believe that she would be allocated funds to furnish her wardrobe, but would instead have to make do with whatever money he gave her. She probably believed she'd be kept on a tight, and meager, allowance, because she probably hadn't received much from her parents.

Jason could not understand the mindset of the baron, and yet, he knew it was not all that uncommon. Jason had known from an early age that he would have to find some means of surviving in the world because he would not get it from his parents. The earldom and the properties would go to A.J., and while Jason was given an allowance, he'd known that if he wanted to have any kind of life not dependent on finding a rich wife, he'd have to find a profession. He'd considered the army, especially because his mother refused to let him leave for the navy as a young child. The church held no interest, and the law hadn't been much more enticing.

That was when his grandmother had stepped in and gifted him with Rosewood. He became a landed gentleman apart from the Earldom of Morgan, and was guaranteed his own independent income. An income that he'd used wisely to invest in business ventures - for a gentleman could not work at a factory or on a ship, but he could own them, and provide the capital for them - and his careful selection had proved profitable. Profitable enough for him to have accounts that solely built interest, and funds that he could use to invest, while still having the means to take care of his property and tenants.

His brother was jealous of his independence, because A.J. was still waiting around for his father's demise. His aunt, Lady Tracy, had been angered by her mother giving Rosewood to him, because she felt that as the daughter of an earl she should have been given a more substantial dowry. A dowry of property that would have remained hers after her husband's death should have been her right, regardless of the fact that the men she'd married had provided handsomely for her in the marriage contracts. Jason had known, though, that they would not have cared for the property as he had if the dowager had given Rosewood to them.

And because he was independent of his father's charity and the family's coffers, Jason had the means to provide for his wife and any future children that might come and not have to live under the fear of retrenching as the Quartermaines often had. And he would begin by providing for Elizabeth, providing her the finest things that he could. Not so that he could impress society by the quality of the silk and lace she would have on her gowns, or the size of the jewels she wore, but because he honestly believed she deserved it. What little he had gleaned of the Webber family told him that she was overlooked, neglected and certainly hadn't been treated like her older sister had been.

He knew some might call it foolish or mawkish to be so affected by her treatment, especially given the circumstances of their marriage, but Jason knew that he did not need a proper courtship of his wife to feel the injustice of her treatment. Perhaps he identified more with her, the second daughter, because he was the second son. Perhaps it was that he was already coming to care for her and so felt her hurts more deeply than he would have for another in such circumstances. Whatever the reason, Jason was determined that she would be treated as she should have always been, and especially as was now her due as a married woman. She was not second class and merely his property, she was deserving of so much.

He would make sure she had what she should and also what she wanted, and know the reasons she was receiving them. And he would make sure that their future children were never brought up in the circumstances they were. His first son would inherit Rosewood, but Jason was determined that any other sons, as well as his daughters, would be provided for as well and not be left to the whims and mercies of an uncertain life. And if there were no sons, then he would keep Rosewood in the family by granting it to a grandchild.

As his eyes drifted closed and Elizabeth stirred against his side bringing a fresh wave of her scent to wash over him, he knew that he would need to meet with his solicitor first thing tomorrow. He may not have married Elizabeth with the benefit of a marriage contract, but he would not let that go unanswered. He would make sure his wishes for her and their family were known and guaranteed, and then he would show it to Baron Webber to let the man know the sincerity of his actions.

It was late when the viscount arrived, but the household held a level of activity not usual for the time of night. Unless his parents held a ball, the house was usually much quieter than this. He knew no such action had taken place for while he did not see his parents every day, or even every week, there was no way he could have escaped knowing that his parents were entertaining society's elite. He would be expected to make a showing, simply to keep up appearances.

Reginald dutifully took his outerwear as A.J. stood expectantly, and then after passing the articles to a comely looking maid who kept her eyes glued to the floor, the butler welcomed him and inquired after the nature of his visit. Should hot water be sent to his chambers or would he like a spot of tea?

"I would like to speak to the earl," A.J. answered in irritation. While many would say the butler was just doing his job, A.J. heard the note of disapproval in the man's voice and saw the subtle displays that indicated the man was not pleased with his arrival.

"Very well," Reginald answered and turned for the earl's study. He knocked, waited for a reply and then opened the door and announced, "Viscount Quartermaine to see you, Lord Morgan."

There was a heavy sigh as A.J. stepped into the room and the younger man rolled his eyes as he smirked, "Please, Father, try to contain your enthusiasm to see me."

"What is that you want, A.J.?" the earl asked wearily. "Come to flatter me and then ask for more money to cover your debts?"

Angered that his motives had preceded him when he believed his father to be ignorant, A.J. bit down hard on his initial response. He knew that he must proceed with finesse to not provoke further ire, but still obtain the funds to repay Corinthos.

His father waved a hand to the chairs in front of his desk and commanded, "Sit down, A.J. I know why you are here. Despite our words to each other the last time you were here with your hand out, you have once again run up enormous debt to Sonny Corinthos. I have sent some inquiries around, and the initial amounts I am hearing astound and grieve me. As does the fact that Corinthos is making veiled threats towards your grandmother. Heaven and Earth, what were you thinking?!"

The earl stood and paced towards the fireplace. "That is not the half of it, though, for I have heard your actions in regards to Sarah Webber. She left a note for her sister; it was not Miss Webber stealing away in your carriage as you are trying to claim. You deliberately set out to seduce a young woman in the hopes of attaining her dowry to pay off your creditors. You have brought scandal to the Webber family and shame to ours."

When A.J. stared at him mutely, his father glared at him and said, "Oh, yes, son, I know all about your actions and I have seen the note Miss Webber wrote. You see, your brother announced all to us, when he came to introduce his bride, the former Elizabeth Webber."

Part 9

A storm was brewing over London and it was not one that could be weathered with an umbrella and a good cloak. This battle could quite possibly rip her family apart, but Lady Monica Quartermaine, Countess of Morgan, knew that she could accomplish nothing at home. No, she needed to marshal the troops and prepare for battle on another front, one that would hopefully keep a portion of the family together. She could only hope that both she and her husband were successful in dealing with their children's lives. Although admittedly, she had the easier assignment today.

She had awakened last night and would have drifted back to sleep if it had not been for the loud thump, followed by equally loud curses, that came from her husband's bed chamber. She rarely heard such language from him, and wondered if perhaps he had indulged a bit too much while contemplating all that they had learned about A.J. from Jason. While she knew his valet would handle him efficiently and put him into bed, she could not help the desire she'd had to ensure her husband was well. She pulled her robe on and crossed the room, tapping lightly at the connecting door and then opened it in case her husband's man was occupied and could not answer the door.

She'd been surprised to find her husband alone and definitely not in his cups. He had dropped a pile of ledgers and was decidedly frustrated at the action and at the conversation he'd had with A.J. when their eldest son arrived late that evening. He had come asking for money, and had at first denied, and then unrepentantly confirmed all that had occurred with Sarah Webber. He claimed that nobody would care what was said about him, and the sad thing was, nobody probably would. A man could act with impunity, although there might be some mild scandal attached to his name. No, the person who would bear the brunt of the shame for this folly was Sarah Webber, a girl who had foolishly believed A.J. loved her and wanted to marry her.

Her husband was angry with their son's entitled attitude, cursing his father for the boy's indulgence and dismissal of their role as his parents. He was angry that A.J. believed he could ruin the reputation of a perfectly respectable woman and they would give him money to cover his debts and allow him to seek out another bride. Alan said he had half a mind to insist that A.J. marry Sarah so as to diminish the stain on her reputation, for it was the honorable thing to do, but said his reservations were not about the status of the Webbers - for they were welcoming Elizabeth into the family - or whether Sarah was truly worthy; her husband was reluctant to force such a marriage onto the young woman as she would endure with A.J.

Their son was a rake and sorely lacked in moral character. He visited courtesans, carried on affairs with widows and disgruntled wives, and Alan believed that Monica did not know about their illegitimate grandson, but she did. She did not want to wish such a man on Sarah Webber as well, but she did not want to see shame and ruin come upon the Webber family, either.

So Alan was left to tackle the issue and try to wrestle out a solution, while Monica was charged with doing her best to show society that just because their son married Elizabeth Webber in Scotland did not mean they did not support Jason's choice. That meant she took advantage of their familial connection to the newlywed couple and the countess and her daughter descended on Jason's townhouse where a nervous Elizabeth awaited them. Emily was delighted to meet the young woman she had only heard about last night, and while the two began conversing, Jason had quietly taken his mother aside and shared a few of his concerns. And Elizabeth's.

It seemed that the Webber family had spoiled Sarah nearly as bad as Edward had spoiled A.J. and Elizabeth had somewhat of a wardrobe, but she would certainly need more. And Jason was not going to be dependent upon her family to provide his bride her due; he would ensure that she had a trousseau worthy of a Quartermaine bride. This meant that it became even more important for Monica to take her new daughter shopping; for it was no longer a show to be seen with her about town and thus quiet gossip before it got out of control, they had work to do. The young woman would need a new gown for the dinner her parents would host at the end of the week, and she must have an absolutely stunning ball gown for the Quartermaine event, and every level of clothing as befitting a new bride. It was a large undertaking, and so Monica had herded the young women out into the waiting carriage bearing the Morgan crest so that when they descended on Bond Street, everyone would know they had arrived.

And heads did turn. Whispers floated along the street as Monica, Emily and a woman nobody knew previously was connected to the Quartermaine family though she looked somewhat familiar entered one of the most prestigious shops on Bond Street and were immediately greeted by the owner herself and then swept into a back room. Monica introduced Elizabeth as Jason's wife and stated that they needed the woman's considerable talents to outfit the newest member of the family.

Mademoiselle Kate, as French as Monica was, circled Elizabeth, appraising her slowly. While the blonde woman was snooty and tried to behave as if she had not been set up in her shop by a former lover, she was truly gifted with choosing the most flattering colors and styles for her customers. She disappeared after a moment, then returned carrying a book of sketches and immediately declared which styles she believed would best suit the daughter-in-law of the countess. Once Elizabeth was able to voice her preferences, Kate swept them back into the main area of the shop and declared that it was time to choose fabric. She called an assistant and a young woman named Maxie appeared at her employer's side and the process began.

Elizabeth looked shell-shocked over the whole process as the finest silks, muslins and lace were produced for her to choose from. Monica discovered that Jason's wife possessed a distinguished eye, pairing complimentary colors to such a degree that even the owner cooed appreciatively over her choices. Elizabeth preferred simple, yet finely elegant styles, not covered with an abundance of lace or frippery; choosing instead one truly exquisite adornment to enhance the look instead of overpowering it.

Fabric was chosen for beauty, and purpose, and soon Elizabeth had the material chosen for morning dresses, evening dresses, formal wear and that which she would use when she went out on calls. A riding habit was arranged for, and a rich velvet was chosen for a warm cape for the evenings. But the pieces that Kate was instructed to complete immediately was a dress for dinner and a ball gown. Maxie was just returning after taking fabric to the back and was looking rather disgruntled about having to make yet another trip, when the door opened and Monica looked over, her eyes narrowing only briefly with displeasure until she masked it behind the perfect façade of civility.

"Lady Morgan," Lady Alexis Lansing said coolly.

"Viscountess Lansing," she replied. Looking over, she said, "I see you have brought your daughter with you this morning."

"Yes," the other woman smiled. "We are beginning on her wardrobe for this fall when she will return to school."

"My, she certainly has grown," the countess murmured thoughtfully. "Her sister does not seem to share her height, but perhaps she has not merely hit her stride."

The younger woman flushed slightly and inwardly Monica triumphed. She knew the gossips of the ton loved to speculate on the true parentage of her sons, but she and Alan had never deigned to acknowledge the rumors. A.J. was a mirror of his father as a young man, and though her hair was now liberally graced with gray, the countess had been a fair-headed young woman. So many were convinced that Jason was the product of an affair by her husband since he was different in coloring from his siblings, but Monica knew the truth. She knew who had carried the child and she equally knew who had fanned the flames of those rumors; the same man who had cast aspersions on the legitimacy of her eldest until he weighed and measured his grandsons and saw more mimicry in A.J. and so decided to finally believe he was the true heir. The hint of rumors, though, would simply not go away completely among the most determined gossips.

However, it was harder for Lady Alexis to hold her head high like Monica, because she had hastily married the Viscount Richard Lansing and then less than seven months later gave birth to an early child that was kept in seclusion for health reasons. It was hard to believe Kristina Lansing was ever ill, not when she was so tall for her age and previously delicate constitution. That Alexis had been one of the tittering girls who had tried to dredge up the scandal as the bloom had begun to fade years after her debut had not endeared her to the countess and so she should not have stooped to a lower level, but she was determined to put the viscountess on her guard. Especially as the Quartermaine family was about to embark on a new wave of gossip.

"And you are here with your own daughter, Lady Emily," the younger woman replied. "Surely she is not returning to school in the fall. I thought she would have made her debut this year."

"No," Monica shook her head. "She will complete her education at home with a companion we have hired for her. She will debut next season."

"Oh," Viscountess Lansing said, appraisingly looking over Elizabeth. "You are outfitting your daughter's...companion?"

"No," the countess answered. "I am assisting my new daughter select those items she will need."

"Your new daughter?" the other woman wondered curiously.

Emily had caught her mother's silent gesture and arrived at her side with Elizabeth. Her daughter betrayed little emotion, but her son's wife was clearly curious, and nervous, as to the summons and the woman before her. Monica smiled warmly and with formality said, "Viscountess, may I present Mrs. Elizabeth Quartermaine? Mrs. Quartermaine, Viscountess Alexis Lansing."

Elizabeth curtsied respectfully and Monica continued, "The entire family is thrilled to welcome Jason's bride to the family; Emily and I simply could not contain ourselves and brought her for a day of shopping. The earl and I are hosting a ball in two weeks for our son and wife to celebrate the wondrous occasion. Invitations will be going out soon."

"How delightful," Alexis smiled tightly, and if she felt the disparity in Elizabeth being welcomed warmly into the Quartermaine fold versus the near-exile she received from the Lansing family, then Monica considered the shopping trip doubly successful. There would be no shame felt by the house of Morgan; the Quartermaines would hold their head high.

Part 10

"You did not truly believe that Viscount Quartermaine would attend tonight's dinner, did you?" Steven asked, looking at his sister but addressing the question to the room at large. It was truly meant for his mother, but he knew he could not openly challenge her. While his father seemed to be realizing the standing of the family and the consequences of his years of neglect, his mother still refused to believe that she or Sarah had done anything wrong. They had been going on about how unfair it was for Elizabeth to be married and how very ill Viscount Quartermaine had used Sarah.

Sarah sniffed daintily and looked down, arranging the folds of her gown. A gown that until days ago had been Elizabeth's, but then miraculously ended up in Sarah's wardrobe, drastically made over. Steven leaned back against the sofa and threw his arm over the side and arched his brow. "And what did you hope to accomplish by wearing that?"

"It is a very nice gown," Sarah stated.

"You declared it ugly, but deserving of Elizabeth when Mother bought it for her," he scoffed and looked pointedly at their father. The older man raised his brows somewhat and appeared to be studying the dress. "Then somehow it does not get sent to Elizabeth as it should have, and then it is altered to fit you and you just end up wearing it to your sister's dinner tonight?"

"You said that you sent Elizabeth's clothes to her the day after she and her husband announced their wedding," his father looked the baroness searchingly. "You said that her maid had taken many of her clothes, but you would make sure that the rest were sent to her husband's house."

"How did Nadine take most of Elizabeth's clothes when Sarah's maid stopped her?" Steven wondered, sharing the information his valet had gleaned for him. "Said she would accuse her of stealing...and of more than just the clothes that should rightfully belong to Elizabeth. Elizabeth's maid left with what she had already packed so as to not lose them."

The baron glared at his wife and eldest daughter and only Sarah had the grace to look down. "You kept Elizabeth's clothes from her? For what purpose?"

"Surely she did not need the clothes," Steven's mother shook her head, forcing a smile to deflect the accusations against her. "I had never seen that dress she wore tonight. Her husband must have purchased it for her."

"Yes, Lizzie acted quite like she was above us," his sister squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. "Putting on airs like she was better than us."

"She's better than you," Steven stated bluntly. "And she's above you in seniority now. I saw how you glared at her when she went before you on our way to dinner. Not only was the dinner in honor, but she's above you now because she's married. Did you expect her husband to escort you and leave his wife to walk last into the dining room?"

Her cheeks flushed slightly and she glared at him, then looked away pointedly.

"And that's why you wore her dress," he continued on. "You knew she liked that gown, you knew that she looked well in that gown and that it certainly was not ugly, but you hoped to embarrass and discomfit your sister by wearing her favorite gown and hoping that she would be dressed less fine than you."

"Sarah?" their father asked pointedly when the room was quiet and she refused to look at anybody but send a few glances towards her mother. "Is your brother correct?"

"Steven is a man, Father," she shook her head. "He's grasping."

"I believe it is you who are grasping," their father said sternly. "You and your mother conspired to embarrass Elizabeth even after all that I declared."

Turning and sending a thunderous look at his wife, the baron continued. "You have spoiled the one daughter and neglected the other...and for what? Elizabeth is married now, Sarah's name is spoken of in derisive tones because of the story the viscount has spread. The earl and countess have done their best to mitigate the gossip in regards to Elizabeth and their son, and they came here in an attempt to help our family, and you still sought to hurt your daughter."

He stood and paced away, then his fist clenched at his side as he turned back to face his wife and daughter. "There were men who were shocked that Sarah attended the dinner tonight. They tried to be gentle, but they let me know what is being said in the clubs in regards to her. They came tonight only because the Earl and Countess of Morgan would be in attendance. They did not think we would be so foolish as to have our disgraced daughter in attendance as well."

"Sarah is not disgraced," their mother insisted.

"She is," Steven interjected. "Father is correct, the men were kind. They have probably not even heard the half of what the young bucks and the viscount's friends are saying. Our family has lost credibility and people are looking to see just how badly we are mocked and set down after this dinner party. Elizabeth traveled to Scotland to help Sarah avoid disaster, and the thanks she receives from the two of you is having her clothes stolen from her by a selfish sister and a mother who fawned more over her disgraced daughter than the guest of honor."

His mother looked ready to argue, but his father stopped her before she could speak. "It is the truth, and you know it. And it is why we will be leaving Town tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" she asked in dismay. "But we could not possibly..."

"Your maids have already been instructed to begin packing," the baron stated. Then turning to look at Sarah he said, "You will leave out your sister's gowns."

"But, Father," she cried.

"If they were made over to fit you, I am certain they can be returned to their original form," he declared firmly. "Although she may decide she does not want them. The countess has taken her shopping, from what I understand from the earl. She has been charged by her son to lavish a new wardrobe on Elizabeth."

He shook his head and said, "I do not know if the earl told me for the purpose of making me feel a failure to my daughter, but that was the result. I had already left funds for Steven to deliver to Mr. Quartermaine, but it appears that once again I am too late to be of use to my daughter. Her husband has stepped into the role of protector to his wife, and he finds little use or value in our family. It is why we will not attend Elizabeth's ball, but will instead say that business has come up that necessitates our removal the country."

"Father." "Jeffrey, you cannot mean it."

The baron silenced his daughter and wife with a quelling look and declared, "I have made up my mind. I suggest the two of you retire because we will be leaving early tomorrow. Now, I need to speak with Steven since he will remain in Town. And, Sarah..."

She turned to look at him defiantly on her way out of the room. He lifted a brow and said, "Your sister's gowns will be kept out, or I will personally go through your trunks and who knows what of yours I might take."

Elizabeth sat on the sofa near the fire and curled her toes into the thick rug while tucking her hands under her legs. The flames danced before her sight, her eyes unfocused as she let the heat sink into her. She was so glad tonight's dinner was over.

She had known tonight would not be a pleasant experience. Even though her father had declared the family would support her after her marriage and the dinner would be their way of stating that, she knew that her sister and mother would try to hurt her. After all, they had told her that her husband would soon realize the folly of his choice and cast her aside like so many did to their wives. He would take a mistress and it would be no more than Elizabeth deserved for having stolen the rightful place of her sister. Elizabeth should have refused Jason and insisted he marry her sister to spare Sarah the shame that would come on her. And because she had not, her mother was apparently determined to hurt her.

That is why very few gowns arrived from her home. That is why Sarah wore Elizabeth's made over gown. And that is why her mother deliberately chose Elizabeth's least favorite dishes for the dinner tonight. Tonight had been a deliberate attempt to hurt her, and it had worked.

She had tried to be strong and not show her emotions, and with Jason and his parents there, she had been able to push aside most of her hurt. She'd smiled graciously in the face of backhanded comments and intrusive questions, deflecting and ignoring what she could and refusing to show that she was ruffled by those she could not so easily ignore. With the countess by her side, it had not been so bad. But Jason's mother was not able to remain by her side the entire time. It would look like the older woman was protecting her, refusing to let her stand on her own, and they did not want to convey that the only reason she was accepted was because her mother-in-law was controlling her every move.

Her mother had moved in during those moments and with her few friends who had remained at the family's side, done her best to embarrass and discomfit her daughter. Elizabeth was exposed to the comments of married women, and discovered that they could be just as distasteful as the discourse Elizabeth had been told to avoid inciting in men. Visits by their husbands were discussed, mistresses, illegitimate children and maids who had to be dismissed for seducing their husbands. Her mother looked at her in a falsely sincere manner and said that she had not been able to prepare Elizabeth for the marriage bed, but she had to do her duty as a mother to prepare her for marriage.

She could only hope that her cheeks aflame with mortification could be excused by being so newly married. For Elizabeth would not betray her husband by ever indicating they had not yet joined as man and wife. Nobody would believe that it had been weeks already since the marriage and Jason had not yet claimed what was his lawful entitlement. And if her mother ever discovered the truth, Elizabeth had no false beliefs that the older woman would not try to somehow use it to her advantage to further her campaign against her.

While Elizabeth did not doubt her husband's claims that he would not ever disgrace or betray her by taking a mistress and he did not have dalliances with maids, the talk had done one thing. Elizabeth was now terrified of the time when Jason would come to her bed, whereas before she had been uneasy with the process. The women laughed and tittered about their horrible first times, and how some even still had to experience bumbling and unfeeling husbands who did not care for them but only for their own base moment. While she was not completely naïve, girls in finishing schools do talk and some had older sisters who said they would tell the truth of what really happened between men and women and how it differed from what mothers shared with their daughters, Elizabeth had never been one to join in the conversations. She knew enough, and tonight had done nothing to settle the growing unease she felt.

Perhaps it was because she did not want that kind of experience or even marriage for she and Jason. Her husband was a kind man, he was sensitive to her feelings without making her feel as if he was treating her like a child, and though he was a reserved man, she had grown to enjoy listening to him speak about issues that were important to him. She had learned about his estate and his family, as well as his investments and his travels. Having only been away from her family when she was at school, the thought of sailing on a ship to Ireland to visit land that had been in his grandmother's family was as exotic to her as if he'd told her he'd traveled to India.

Perhaps she should feel uncomfortable because they sat together, often with his arms around her, and spoke at the end of the day, but she was not. She actually enjoyed those moments. Her husband did not frighten her, she discovered that she trusted him because he was honest with her and he treated her with kindness and respect, something she had not had with her family. At times he seemed almost shy with her, and then she would marvel at his self-assured demeanor when he dealt with his household staff or craftsmen. He was a study in contrasts, and she enjoyed all that she discovered about him.

She knew that he was definitely a man she could come to love, and was probably already on her way to being so. One day he would come to her and truly make her his wife, and one day she hoped to bear his children. But the unknown was frightening, and her mother's words and those of the older women echoed in her head tonight and made her wonder what kind of a husband Jason would truly be. She hoped...she prayed, that she had not misjudged him and that whenever the time came, his tender interaction with her would carry over into all aspects of their marriage. For she would hate to have to suffer in silence.

Part 11

It was unfathomable that he, Viscount Quartermaine, should be reduced to this. Hiding out in unfashionable homes of those he could bully into helping him. While he had friends who could let him stay in a more acceptable room, it was too dangerous to stay there. Sonny Corinthos wanted his money, and he wanted it now. With his father refusing to assist him and A.J. unable to shame himself to go to his grandmother, he was left with little resources while he planned.

His skills at the card table were deserting him and he had too little funds to gain entrance to the truly high stakes games where he would be guaranteed to cover his losses in one night with just a little luck. Not to mention Corinthos seemed to have interests in all such games and he would know immediately if A.J. surfaced. If only he could go to his club; he was certain that he could find someone to loan him money that would not be as ruthless as the criminal. Or, if he were truly lucky, he would find someone who carelessly left their wallet about and be able to avail himself of their largess.

However, the one time A.J. had contemplated going to Boodle's he stopped when the fog cleared and he recognized one of Corinthos' employees standing near a street lamp. It appeared that the older man was not merely paying lip service this time. He was going to extract his money, or the equivalent pound of flesh, and he would not be put off by the fact that A.J. was a viscount.

By having to hide, he was not able to attend the social events that would bring him in contact with another heiress. If he could not find someone to convince to marry him, and quickly, word might get out about his unfortunate circumstances. Then he might have a harder time convincing a concerned father to allow him to marry his choice, even if the man's daughter would eventually become a countess.

A.J. took a drink from brandy snifter in his hand, and then threw the glass at the fire. It was entirely his brother's fault he was in this mess. When Jason had come to Town from his estate, he had seemed suspicious of A.J.'s activities. Even when the viscount was everything proper and polite in his interaction with Sarah Webber, Jason never seemed to be far away. He was always there on the sides of the rooms, watching and scrutinizing him. A.J.'s servants heard rumors of his brother making inquiries, and he knew it was only a matter of time before the golden boy discovered the viscount's recent debts.

It was his brother looking into affairs that were none of his concern that pushed A.J. into action. He'd felt panicked and pressured and knew that he must act quickly before their parents and grandmother discovered he was once again in debt. Then, it was Jason who told the family exactly why his older brother had run off with the Webber chit. And he was welcomed into the family along with his bride, even though he had gone off and done exactly what A.J. had planned. The earl had lectured A.J. over improper behavior and blustered and raved, but never spoke a word against the actions of his youngest son.

And now the family was planning a ball in their honor. Jason and his bride Elizabeth, the insignificant girl who dismissed him when he was paying her the great honor of his attentions, were going to be lauded and feted like the prodigal son. Jason was the one who had actually eloped, but that seemed to be no concern for their parents. He was being declared noble and caring for doing his part to spare the Webber family the shame that A.J. had inflicted on them by his absconding with Sarah. It was completely unfair, and the viscount knew that if his grandfather was alive he would entirely agree with him.

His parents were fools if they thought that A.J. would attend to honor his brother. Didn't they know that in addition to that being the first place Corinthos would be watching for him, that A.J. would never take part in their farce of a ball? There was no way he would smile and toast his brother, not when his brother was the reason he was in this predicament. If anything, Jason should pay for what he'd done to the viscount.

Sonny Corinthos looked up as the door opened and the woman walked into the room. There were very few people who could get away with entering his inner sanctum without his permission first, but Caroline Roberts was one of them. In her days on the stage she had truly been a beautiful woman, but she had not aged particularly well. The make-up used on stage had done damage to her face, and now she required continual use of them to maintain an illusion of her former beauty. Had she not lost her position to a younger woman at the height of her career, she might still be onstage and entertaining the masses. But having to take time away for personal matters had lost her fans and when she returned with the Viscount Quartermaine's by-blow, she found she no longer was the star.

Unable to accept she was no longer top billing but only a supporting role, and forced to fend for herself and her young whelp had hardened the woman, furthering the loss of her good looks. She still retained some beauty, but she was certainly not the kind of woman Sonny could have, and still did without Caroline's knowledge. No, Sonny's use for the former actress was for other reasons beyond her physical charms. The ability to memorize her lines had led her to be able to repeat large tracks of conversations with others, and that is where her true talent lie.

A.J. Quartermaine was a braggart, and when he was availing himself of the many charms of Caroline, he had spoken of his family. No doubt it was meant to impress the woman with thoughts that one day she might be a part of such world and therefore continue to allow the young man into her bed, but it now allowed Sonny to know the inner workings of the Quartermaine house in a manner that he never would have been able to find out from whatever servants he might have been able to bribe into betraying their masters' secrets.

The current Earl of Morgan was nothing like the man who had sired Sonny and then abandoned his mother. Edward Quartermaine was a selfish and arrogant man who believed that he was entitled to anything he desired simply because he wished for it. He had desired Sonny's mother, and so he set out to court her, flatter her, and ultimately lead her to her ruin and then refused to acknowledge the byproduct of his actions. The current viscount had been raised in the same manner and had carelessly tossed aside his paramour and refused to acknowledge his son as well.

However, unlike Sonny's mother who had ultimately died heartbroken and sad because of her betrayal, Caroline had turned bitter and bent for revenge. She knew there was no chance that A.J. Quartermaine would ever acknowledge her son, and so she was not bothered in the slightest by revealing every detail she could remember from every conversation with the viscount. It enabled Sonny to piece together a sketch of the inner workings of the Quartermaine household, and would be very useful to him in the future.

The youngest son had recently taken himself a bride, and to celebrate the joyous - if somewhat shady - event the earl and countess were hosting a ball for the couple. There was a very strong possibility that the viscount would make an appearance that night. He had to be growing desperate, hiding and living in the shadows as he was. An appeal to his family for help, on the night of his brother's ball, it was exactly the kind of cowardly action such a man would take. And if the man was not present, then Sonny would simply have to work on getting his money from other members of the family. The dowager was a sweet woman by all accounts, in spite of her being married to Sonny's natural father, and the information he'd gleaned since the announcement in the paper was that the newest Mrs. Quartermaine was a beautiful woman whose husband seemed to dote on her. A strike at either of them would ensure that the Quartermaine family paid Sonny his due...and then some.

"And what is that smile about?" Caroline asked as she glided across the room towards him. She wore a smile of her own, something proud and triumphant and she challenged him without words as she sat down across his lap and let the tips of her fingers play across the knots of his cravat.

"Merely contemplating our plan," he said. "What brings such a smile to you?"

"My maid has made a friend in the Quartermaine household," she purred in delight. "I have some news about the upcoming ball."

His wife was truly a beautiful woman, and every day only served to emphasize that fact. While they had attended a few events, they still were not at home to visitors and the knocker was definitely not on the door. While they did have the occasional visitor, and had ventured out to make some purchases for their homes, they spent a great majority of their time together alone. While being a necessity to become comfortable and at ease with one another to pass off the story behind their hasty marriage in Scotland, Jason found himself truly enjoying it.

He continued to learn more about his wife and liked watching her interact with the staff in their home. She was gaining some confidence, but he could sense that she was shy and hesitant in other areas. The housekeeper no longer came to him with household matters; she was working with Elizabeth and being kind and instructive as they learned to work together. Elizabeth asked him questions on his preferences and habits, but slowly she was taking control of her domain and the staff seemed to respect her presence and his already efficient staff added polish to their tasks.

Yet, in many ways, his young bride was uneasy and uncomfortable and looking back, Jason could trace her unease to their return from her parents' home after their celebratory dinner. He did not like his mother-in-law and he sensed that somehow she was behind his wife's demeanor. The question was, he asked himself as he looked into the mirror in his new dressing room, how did he go about broaching the subject?

While Elizabeth seemed open and comfortable talking about the house and discussing books and travel with him, she would deftly change the subject any time he tried to steer the conversation to her parents and particularly her mother. Baroness Webber had done or said something, and Jason knew that to continue to let it sit between them would make them uncomfortable with one another. So tonight, when he went to his wife to sit with her as had become their custom since their marriage, he was going to broach the subject and not allow her to avoid it.

Whatever the baroness had said was wrong. He did not know what happened, but Jason knew enough to know that Elizabeth's mother did not know her. For the older woman had no idea how beautiful her daughter was, or how talented she was. Jason had seen many a young woman's efforts at art; a woman apparently could not be considered accomplished unless she could sketch a passable portrait or paint a table in an intricate design. Elizabeth far surpassed such efforts and displays of talent.

When her brother arrived to deliver her errant gowns and money left by their father to cover her trousseau, he had also arrived with something that brought true delight to his wife. He had delivered her art and supplies. While Jason cared little for the works of the masters and visits to museums, he could see that his wife had more than just true talent, she had passion for art. That it had been belittled and demeaned by the baroness was apparent, and so based on all that he had come to know about his wife, he was confident that whatever had been said or done by her mother contained as much fallacy as her belittling of Elizabeth's efforts.

Subtlety and finesse were not Jason's strong suits; he was used to dealing with problems head on and in an open manner. However, he did not believe that such a forthright tact would work with his wife tonight. He could only hope that when they sat together by the fire and she allowed him to hold her in his arms, that he could find the words to coax the truth from his wife, and then do his best to correct whatever false impressions her mother had created.

Part 12

"Why do you ask this, Jason?" Elizabeth asked, pulling away from her husband's side to look at him. "I told you that my mother and sister were falsely sincere regarding our marriage and I was merely glad to leave and return to our home. Why do you persist in asking what she said that night?"

Now agitated and unable to sit beside Jason, she stood and paced away from the sofa by the fire. Only a few moments ago it had been a glorious place to be. Before a warm fire, in her husband's arms, leaning against him and breathing in the scent she was coming to love about him while his fingers brushed lightly over her arm. But she could not sit beside him while he pressed these questions.

"My mother said many things that night," she stated, not looking at him. "Am I to be expected to recall each conversation?"

"No," he answered softly and she could tell by the sounds behind her that he was standing as well. "I would not expect you to, Elizabeth, and I am not demanding that you do. But I believe you recall this one. You have been tense ever since that night, though you have tried to appear unaffected."

"It is because your parents' ball is still ahead of us," she claimed, turning to look at the fire and offering him her profile. That much was true. The Quartermaine ball was still to come and Elizabeth was nervous about it. "I had dance masters, I attended balls before our marriage, yet I was never expected to lead out the ball before. We are going to have every eye in the room on us; analyzing us, watching us...I am so frightened about mis-stepping or turning the wrong way. And your sister...your sister said she hopes that a waltz is played. I have heard that it is danced on the Continent and Sarah tried to act like she had seen it performed, but I know nothing of the dance and all that spinning and standing so close..."

"Elizabeth," Jason cut in gently, touching her arm lightly as he came to stand beside her. "Breathe. I do not believe my parents will arrange for a waltz to be played. Emily only knows what she has heard in whispers, but my parents are not going to flout convention that greatly by arranging for one that evening."

He took a breath and said, "You are deflecting. I believe you are nervous about the ball...I am not looking forward to having every person watching me either. But there is more than that, Elizabeth."

She looked up at him, her eyes wide and said, "Why do you persist? Why can you not merely accept my answer?"

"Because we said that we would be honest with one another," her husband replied. "And I can tell there is something bothering you. I see it in unguarded moments, and I feel your gaze on me at times, searching and frightened. I want to help you, Elizabeth, but I do not know what I am facing."

"It is nothing," she insisted with a shake of her head.

"If it bothers you this greatly, then it is not nothing," he countered. "What did your mother say that has frightened you so?"

"She," Elizabeth began and then she caught herself, her eyes widening. She could not believe she almost divulged all. While Jason was kind and caring, this was not something she could tell him.

"Elizabeth," he said softly, his fingers coming up to brush against her cheek. Some hair had escaped her nightly braid and he gently tucked it behind her ear. "You may speak freely with me; I will not hold your words against you."

"I could not," she shook her head and felt her cheeks flame with warmth, only some of which was embarrassment.

He looked at her for a moment and then asked, "Would it help if the room was darker and I did not look at you?"

She blinked, not having expected such a question. Gently he released her and then moved around the room, extinguishing candles until the room was lit only by the fire. Then he returned to her and took her hand, leading her to the end of the bed and the low bench placed there. He helped her to sit and then sat beside her, not crowding her, but took her hand and gave it a gentle, encouraging squeeze.

Silence reined between them, but he did not press. Finally in a voice barely above a whisper she began to confess. "My mother and her friends felt they should educate me. She said it was too late to warn me of my wedding night-"

She faltered slightly when she felt his hand tighten briefly around hers before returning to its gentle hold. Taking a breath and licking her lips she looked down at her lap and continued, "My mother claimed that she must prepare me for the rest of my marriage. She and her friends...oh, Jason, please do not make me repeat all that they said. Suffice it to say that I have never heard women speak so. It went against all that I was taught I must behave, but apparently now that I am a married lady I no longer need to be shielded from those parts of life."

Her swallow was heard audibly as she went on. "They spoke of mistresses and servants being seduced and illegitimate children and I...I could endure those comments, however embarrassing, because we had already spoken and I... I believed your words when you assured me you would not take a mistress, that you had no paramour and you did not trifle with the help. I believed in you and not what my mother said."

"Thank you," her husband said, his voice thick with emotion. "I...it is a great honor to have your trust, Elizabeth."

They were silent once again and then he gently prompted, "There is more, is there not?"

She nodded her head, even though she did not believe he was watching her. "Yes. They spoke of their husbands' visits to their beds and ways to cope with a man's demands and ways to manage him and...and endure the disgusting things he would ask of her. It was meant to frighten me and drive a wedge between us and...and..."

His arm came up and around her shoulder before he gently tugged her towards him. "Shhh. There is no need for more, Elizabeth. I understand."

Softly his hand brushed her hair and down her back as she leaned against his chest. She gradually became aware of their position and the thundering of his heart beneath her ear. "I am sorry," she whispered.

"You have no need to apologize," Jason countered. "Your mother intended to hurt you, and she succeeded. I am sorry for your sake that you heard such things. I was not aware that women spoke of such things. It is no more appealing to know they do than to hear men speak of their wives and lovers at gentlemen's clubs."

She felt his body move as he swallowed and his voice was tight as he asked, "Did you believe her?"

"That you would be a brute in the marriage bed?" she asked, pushing back slightly to look up at him. His face was in shadow and only the faintest of light reached this portion of the room, but she could see enough in his eyes to know that he was worried of her response. With only a faint nod from him she immediately shook her head and declared, "No. I did not believe her. I do not believe you are a brute because if you were you would have come to me already and demanded to share my bed as your right as my husband. You have not, and I do not believe it is just because you wish to ensure I do not become with child too soon and have others question the timing of our child's birth."

Her breath caught in her throat and then she said, "I have come to know enough about you, Jason, that I do not believe you would come to me six months from now and demand your rights."

Her husband shook his head and she found the courage to continue. "I did not believe them on that, but I...I must confess that they did frighten me. I...I am frightened of when you will come to me."

"What?" he asked, confusion and hurt in his voice.

Her face crumpled and then she leaned against his chest, unable to face even the little of him she could discern through the shadows. His arms immediately wrapped around her and she could once again hear his heart pounding. "Elizabeth," he asked. "What do you mean?"

"I...I know nothing of the marriage bed," she confessed to him with painful embarrassment and buried her face against him as tears burned her eyes. "I know some, for girls do talk at even the finest finishing schools, sharing stories their older sisters have told them. I have seen paintings and sculptures and do know of the differences in anatomy. But I..."

"You do not know what is to take place," Jason said, understanding now entering his voice. "And what you have heard has only served to confuse and frighten you."

She nodded against his chest. "Mothers are supposed to tell their daughters, and all we hear before we are engaged is meant to frighten us and scare us into staying chaste. Even had we had a normal courtship and engagement, I...I do not know what my mother would have said to me. I...she did not want me."

Her husband's arms tightened around her. "What do you mean?"

"She delivered an heir on the first try, and only agreed to allow my father into her bed again to provide a spare. Instead she got Sarah and she chose to love her and spoil her and told my father that they must each be content with their one child. There were arguments, there were rumors of infidelity on each side, and then one night after returning from a ball where each consumed too much from the punch bowl... My mother did not want me. I do not know what she would have told me."

"Probably nothing reassuring," he said with a weary sigh. "I am truly sorry, Elizabeth, that you endured such an upbringing. I must confess that nothing you say makes me feel charitable towards your parents."

She let out a breath and said, "So her words had their desired effect, though not how she probably intended them. I know...one day..."

"One day," he spoke when she trailed off, no longer able to continue. "One day I will come to you, Elizabeth, and I will love you as the Creator intended."

Her breath caught in her throat as the word love passed through his lips. He spoke of the act, but could it mean that one day it would be his feelings as well? For she felt hers growing for him; slowly, surely, and not just because they were married and she was resigned to their circumstances. She found him to be an intriguing, kind, intelligent man and she truly enjoyed their time together. She had only thought of marriage as something that would happen to her one day, but now that she was married, she could not imagine herself with any other husband than Jason.

"The Church teaches that the act is for the creation of children and...and one day I do hope to have children, Elizabeth," Jason confessed to her, his voice now soft in the night. "And this is not just because we are married and I must say such things. Circumstances brought about our wedding, it is up to us to bring about our marriage. When I told my mother and grandmother that I had watched you, that I knew you and I would never have offered for Sarah...that was the truth. I may have watched my brother and your sister because I did not trust A.J., but...but you captured my attention as well. Sometimes you were distracting in how much you captured my attention."

He swallowed, and she felt the tension in his arms as he held her. "I know our marriage came about under less-than-ideal circumstances, but I...I do not regret it, Elizabeth. I find that I could never regret being married to you. I could never regret that one day, you will be mother to my children."

"Oh," she breathed out softly against his fine lawn shirt.

He hugged her, and then gently released her, clasping her arms and moving them so they could look at one another in the dying light of the fire. "And one day, when it is right, we will share a bed, and it will be more than merely consummating our marriage."

Elizabeth swallowed roughly and wanted to say something, but she could find no words adequate to convey all she felt. His hand came up and his fingers once again brushed the side of her face. "You are a beautiful woman, Elizabeth, and I will do my best to not frighten you."

She shook her head, wishing she could find her voice to tell him that she knew that. That she was no longer frightened; that his words and gentle demeanor had calmed her, just as they had that first night in Scotland. She was no longer frightened, except in terms of one day facing the unknown. But she also began feel anticipation of that day, and found that frightened her just as much as thoughts of the unknown.

Finally she found her voice and was able to say, "I trust you, Jason."

An odd sound came from his throat, and she sensed, more than she saw until the last moment that he was moving towards her. But it was not to return her to the safety of his arms' embrace. His head moved towards hers, angling slowly and her eyes drifted closed of their own volition. Then his lips were upon hers and she was experiencing not just her first kiss with her husband, but her first kiss ever.

Part 13

It was a good thing that his wife's parents would not be here tonight. He did not particularly care if he ever saw them again, was not sure he would ever willingly welcome them into his homes, but he would, in the end, leave the decision to his wife. They were her family and if she wished to see them, or to invite them, then he would support her. He would not declare that she could have no further contact with her family, even though he was sorely tempted to.

After hearing that her mother had told her Elizabeth she was unwanted, Jason understood better the neglect she had grown up with. That she had not let that neglect turn her soul bitter was a testament to the beautiful nature she possessed. She did not seek to injure others for the hurts she had endured, instead she had become withdrawn and reserved with her family, and with others at times. Those feelings, though, were melting away as she came into her own as his wife and mistress of his homes. As she realized that she commanded the household and was treated with deference as respect as his wife and partner, she grew in confidence that she'd lacked as a maiden daughter under rule and command of her parents.

While she was still a maiden, her confidence and transformative growth had been wonderful to watch. It captivated him, and made him realize that he didn't just admire his wife, he didn't just like his wife, or care for her; Jason realized that he loved his wife. He had hoped that one day he might come to such a state, and believed that he would. He was certainly not indifferent to her; she had captured his attention when he returned to Town after being at his estate. While watching his brother and being suspicious of A.J.'s interactions with Sarah Webber, he found himself often paying more attention to Elizabeth Webber than he probably should have.

When he'd discovered her that morning outside her parents' home, he had not been bothered in the slightest that they would travel together to Scotland. While he was glad for her maid's presence to keep up the appearances of propriety, he had begun to realize that their journey together would hardly be overlooked and forgiven. Even then, he now realized, he was beginning to consider thoughts of marrying her. When they discovered his brother had abandoned her sister, he had not hesitated to do what he thought would help minimize the scandal on her family. And had she rejected his proposal, he would not have then offered for Sarah.

His time with his wife since their less-than-ideal beginning had only increased the feelings that had begun when he watched her across the room at balls and gatherings. As he learned about her interests and capabilities, he truly lost a little more of his heart to her, until he now realized it was hers completely. It wasn't merely a reaction to the kisses they had shared. He did not feel the need to whisper pretty words of love to her in the hopes of getting her into his bed to slake his physical wants that had been ignited by the taste of her kisses. No, he truly loved his wife, and he needed to let her know that.

If only he could find her.

They had arrived at his parents' house early so that his mother and grandmother could speak to her before the ball. Because Emily was not yet out, she would not be in attendance and she had wished to speak to his bride as well. Elizabeth had been whisked away shortly after their arrival and he knew that she would be returned to him soon for the guests would soon be arriving and they were expected to stand in the receiving line with Jason's parents, but he wanted to see her before the guests' impending arrival.

His father chuckled as Jason opened the door to the library and then was preparing to leave at having only discovered the older man and not Elizabeth. "Jason," his father called out to him. "Take a minute to sit, son, and relax. You will be wound so tight by the time the guests arrive you are liable to strangle yourself on your cravat. Have a drink with me, Jason."

"Forgive me," he shook his head, barely moving into the room. "I did not see Elizabeth upstairs and I thought perhaps she had come down here. I am looking for her."

"I can tell," the earl replied, standing and moving to the sideboard to pour a glass of port which he then held out to his son.

"No," he shook his head. "I...I would like to find my wife. There is...there is something that I need to speak to her about."

Amusement gave way to concern as his father's brows furrowed together and he asked, "Is everything alright, Jason? It is unlike you to be so nervous, son."

He was nervous, but it was not about the ball. Instead he merely sent a pleading look to his father who set the glass down and crossed the room. Putting a steady hand on his son's shoulder he said, "Let us ask Reginald. He knows all, especially in regards to your grandmother. He'll know where your wife is."

Following in the earl's wake, Jason remembered moments from his childhood. His father was a tall, and sometimes imposing man, but this time the younger man was not being taken to task for a misdeed, instead his father sensed that for whatever reason and purpose, Jason would not be kept from his wife any longer. And with his father's presence, his mother and grandmother would not declare they were still busy and therefore he needed to wait to see his bride.

The murmur of soft voices could be heard in the room Reginald had directed them to, and after a soft, but firm knock, his father opened the door. He stepped inside and bowed respectfully before stating, "Forgive the intrusion, my dear, but our son desires a moment with his wife."

The countess looked briefly as if she would object, but Elizabeth was already crossing the room, looking not at the earl, but at Jason who stood behind him. She was radiant in her gown, her hair gathered on top of her head in an intricate style Nadine had spent an hour on, as gems sparkled from her hair and around her neck. Her eyes held a mixture of uncertainty, pleasure and question.

"Mother, Grandmother," Jason said, taking his wife's hand in his. She had not yet put on her gloves and he relished in the feel of her skin against his. Looking at the other women in the room he apologized. "Forgive me; I need to speak to Elizabeth."

"Of course, Jason," his grandmother said, her aged voice full of understanding and delight. "We were about to join you and your father."

"The guests will be arriving soon," his mother called out as they stepped out of the room.

Looking up and down the hall, Jason quickly crossed it and stepped into another sitting room, Elizabeth at his side. He closed the door behind them and looked down at his wife who was regarding him with wide eyes. "Jason?"

"I wished for time alone with you before I spent countless hours being watched and scrutinized by endless people," he told her, taking her other hand and gently caressing the backs of her hands with his thumbs. She smiled at him, her cheeks glowing with color and he declared, "You are beautiful tonight, Elizabeth. Your gown, your hair...the way the emeralds glow around your neck."

"Thank you," she said softly, shyness infusing her voice at his compliments. She looked down and he smiled tenderly as he released one hand so that he could gently lift her face. "Your grandmother said the emeralds once belonged to her, and she had given them to you for your bride."

"Yes," he confirmed, his fingers gently brushing over her cheek and along her jaw. "I am glad she told me they would go with your dress tonight. Truly...you are so beautiful. Every eye shall be on us because of you."

"Oh," she shook her head. "Do not say that. I am so afraid of stumbling during our dance."

"Even if you do, I will be there," he told her. "I would never let you fall, and I would never let anyone say anything disparaging against you."

He stepped closer to her and saw her catch her breath. He knew he must be careful not to ruin her hair and unpin all of Nadine's hard work, but he was determined to kiss his wife while they were alone. Once the ball began, they would be watched the entire time. There would no opportunity to leave for as the guests of honor they would soon be missed. He did not want another man to dance with her tonight, but knew it was simply the nature of the event and others would come to claim a dance with her. However, he would leave her in no doubt of his feelings for her, and do his best to ensure she thought of him for the half-hour she danced with another man.

Her eyes drifted closed the moment his head moved towards her, and she received his kiss gladly. She had been shy at first when they kissed, but since that night nearly a week ago, she was no longer hesitant. She welcomed him, participated, and left him breathless with each kiss they shared. Tonight was no different, except that now he felt so much more for his wife. He loved her, and he truly began to desire her.

Reluctantly he pulled back and rested his forehead against hers. Her eyes were closed and he could hear her labored breathing as she tried to bring it back under control. His drifted closed as well as he softly said, "I want you to know, Elizabeth; I love you."

He felt her react instantly. She gasped and her body stiffened before it trembled slightly. He moved his head when she lifted hers and opened his eyes to find her staring at him, her eyes wide and filled with shock, but so much more.

"J-Jason?" she whispered, her voice shaky.

"I do, Elizabeth," he told her, his voice equally low. "Though we may have begun as near strangers, I have come to care for you. It is more than care...I love you, Elizabeth. Not just because I should respect you as my wife...but for you and the amazing woman that you are."

Her eyes welled with tears and soon tumbled from her lashes, to trail down her porcelain face. With his thumbs he brushed them away. "I did not mean to make you cry."

"It...it is not bad," she said to assure him. "I-I am...I am so overwhelmed. Amazed. That you should love me. No one...no one..."

He wondered if anyone had ever told her that before. Had her parents ever expressed their feelings towards her? Her mother probably had not, and it was doubtful that her father ever had, even if he did not feel towards his daughter as her mother did.

"Oh, Jason," she breathed out reverently. "I hoped...hoped that one day you might...oh, I am not saying this right."

She gave a little shake of her head before she looked at him directly and did not flinch away from his gaze, even though her cheeks were flushed with emotion. "I love you, too, Jason. I believe you are truly the best man that I know and I..."

Whatever his wife might have tried to say, it was never voiced. Jason lowered his head to cover his lips with hers. Words were no longer needed at this moment. He had told her how he felt, and in an amazing turn she responded in kind. He knew she was sincere and not merely saying what she believed he wished to hear or what she felt she must answer. She loved him.

He was in very great danger of forgetting all that was required of them tonight. That guests would be arriving imminently, that his parents were waiting for them, that this night was about dampening rumors that had arose around them. None of that mattered to him. His wife was in his arms, she had accepted his declaration of love and shared her own, and was so sweetly, willingly in his arms. He did not want to attend the ball; he wanted nothing more than leave, to take his wife home and banish the servants and love her.

"Well, well, well," a voice drawled and Jason immediately stiffened, his arms tightening around Elizabeth. He lifted his head and saw his brother standing in the doorway to the parlor, a disgusting look on his face as he leaned casually against the door frame, arms crossed over his chest. "I didn't know you had it in you, little brother."

Jason quickly moved Elizabeth behind him, shielding her from A.J.'s gaze as it raked over her body and lingered on her derriere. His hand clenched at his side and his gaze hardened as his brother moved into the room. A.J. looked beyond Jason, still trying to catch a glimpse of Elizabeth, and then returned to meet Jason's glare. He merely smirked and said, "It appears I wasted my time on the wrong sister, and perhaps gave up too quickly on this one."

"Get out, A.J.," he growled as he felt Elizabeth tremble behind him.

"So you can return to your pleasures?" his brother laughed lecherously. "Tell me, Jason...just how soon after your arrival in London did you pluck this little beauty?"

Part 14

It was clear he had given up too soon on Elizabeth Webber and wasted his time on her sister. He thought at the time it was prudent, she was not easily impressed by his title or his behavior, and so he'd dismissed her. Especially when her sister began to flirt with him, playing to his affections and flattering him, giving him smiles and looks that her sister never had. When the eldest Webber daughter then began to declare that the viscount was only wasting his time on a simpleton such as her sister because Elizabeth wouldn't know the first thing about a man, he'd decided that he no longer wanted a young debutante in her first season. Perhaps a young lady with several seasons experience who knew exactly how the game was played was precisely whom he needed to focus his attention on.

Instead, he got the sister who only wanted to parade him around to gloat to all her friends how she'd lured a viscount with her charms, without ever sharing any of them with him. She was young and naïve and would never let A.J. progress beyond a kiss and holding her hand without a glove on. Instead, it was Elizabeth who married Jason in Scotland, and was now standing in a parlor with his brother, kissing him in a manor that let A.J. know exactly where their actions were progressing. Anyone could have walked into the room, and they did not care; they did not curb their displays of affection just because they might have been detected.

If this is how they acted where anyone could come upon them, then how did they behave in the privacy of their own chambers? His brother's wife seemed receptive to Jason's advances, and even seemed to be participating. Unlike Sarah who let A.J. kiss her, but never kissed back. While the viscount didn't think that his brother knew what to do with a woman, for he always shunned invitations to visit courtesans and made his disdain towards A.J.'s actions perfectly clear, it appeared that he had underestimated Jason. Had he not overheard his parents discussing his brother's location and therefore decided to happen upon them, he would have interrupted much more than just a private conversation as he'd been intending.

"Get out, A.J." Jason growled while he reached behind him to keep his bride tucked away from the viscount's sight. It was laughable how his brother could ravage the woman one minute and then act so prim and proper in regards to her the next.

"So you can return to your pleasures?" he laughed, while raising his brows. A thought occurred to him and he wondered if the reason Elizabeth had rejected his attempts at courtship was because there was something long-standing with Jason. Though it seemed unlikely that they would have ever met, the daughter of a mere baron and the son of an earl - especially since Jason was so infernally dedicated to his land and his businesses - perhaps there had been an encounter. Or perhaps she realized what she'd lost when she rejected A.J. and therefore thought to latch onto the younger brother and was much more accommodating towards Jason than she'd ever been towards him.

"Tell me Jason," he began, "just how soon after your arrival in London did you pluck this little beauty?"

"Apologize," his brother spit out on a ferocious hiss. "Apologize right now to my wife and then get out."

"Apologize?" he laughed in disbelief. "For what? For indicating that she seems hardly the naïve innocent? You may be married, Jason, but her behavior is hardly indicative of a woman who hastily married a man she barely shared any conversation in public with. It makes me wonder what was happening in private before your ill-timed marriage. Is she with child? Is that why you felt the hasty need to wed?"

A.J. walked into the room and laughed, especially when Jason turned to keep Elizabeth behind him. "Jason, Jason...don't you know anything? There is no need to actually acknowledge the brat, even if she declares it is yours. While she may be the daughter of a baron and has a respectable dowry...there was no reason for you to feel responsible. You took your pleasure as was your right."

"Get out," Jason growled low in his throat, his face deepening red with anger. "I will not put up with your language, A.J. Especially not in front of my wife. You're angry and more than likely drunk and I will warn you for the last time. Get out and cease such talk."

"Or what?" he taunted. "What will you do, Jason? You won't do anything that would possibly upset Mother and Father, especially when they're putting on this farce of a ball in an attempt to salvage your reputation. Why they care, I know not. But that is the way it always was. They chastised me and spoilt you. Grandfather was correct; they wished I would have died when the fever came through when we were children. It took our sister, which is why they replaced her with Emily. But they wish that I had died so you...the perfect son...the Golden Boy, could have become the heir apparent."

"Leave, A.J.," Jason repeated. "You know who the spoiled child was; I never competed with you, but you always turned everything into a competition. You never could be content, and you still aren't. I am not going to fight with you and do that to our parents and our grandmother, but I will not allow you to disrespect my wife. Apologize and get out."

A.J. walked closer to his brother, looking over his shoulder at Elizabeth as she stood behind her husband. Her cheeks were flushed, her lips still bee stung and he could see why his brother would desire to bed such a woman. It was the reason he'd taken Caroline to his bed all those years ago; Sarah Webber would be the kind of woman who would have insisted on the dark, and would never participate lest she be thought of as wanton. He had no doubt the younger sister would be a pleasure to bed. Once again, his brother had ended up with the better portion, and A.J. was left with nothing.

"Is this why you ignored me?" he asked, speaking directly to Elizabeth and ignoring his brother. "You wanted someone who already had his own estate instead of waiting around for his inheritance? You would pass up being a viscountess and one day a countess all to be mistress of your own estate now? Or did you just want to be my brother's mistress? He might be considered handsome by some, but certainly you could not have known that then when you dismissed me so cruelly."

He reached out to touch her, but Jason blocked his hand and shoved him back, but still never stopped his protective stance before his bride. It would be noble if it wasn't so laughable. His brother the chump; protecting his wife's virtue. All women were whores. Some merely demanded a ring on their finger and their payment in estates and jewels, but they were all whores.

"If my brother wasn't around, then I'm sure my grandmother would give me his estate," he crooned at her. "Then you could have it all. An estate now, and one day, the title."

"Do not speak to my wife," Jason commanded him, putting his hand on the viscount's chest and pushing back. "Get out, now, A.J."

"I don't think I will, little brother," he shook his head. "I think I want to get to know your wife a little bit more. You should feel honored, Jason. That I recognize the beauty you have. The beauty that should have been mine if only she had not been so reluctant. If you don't watch yourself, little brother, you might find that one day, she will be all alone without her protector and then what could happen to her?"

"Do not ever threaten my wife," Jason growled moments before his fist swung up and caught his brother square under the jaw.

A.J.'s head snapped back and he stumbled, his feet catching on a table and falling to the ground, bringing the table and its contents with him. Jason stepped away from his wife and pounced on his brother, his fist drawing back to once again hit the older man. Again and again Alan's younger son swung, and the sound of flesh meeting flesh filled the room. The earl, who had already been hurrying to the parlor after discovering from Reginald that a maid mentioned seeing the viscount, rushed into the room with two footmen who proceeded to grab Jason and drag him off his prostrate brother.

"Jason," Alan called out, his voice sharp to cut through his younger son's anger. "Jason, stop."

Restrained by two footmen, Jason struggled against them until his father stepped in front of him. "Jason, he is unconscious. Stop."

His son blinked, and then the fight left him. At his nod, the footmen released him, but did not move far away. Alan looked at the younger man and asked, "Jason?"

"He insulted Elizabeth," he grit out. "Do not expect me to apologize to him. He was...he was as he always is, but he went too far. I will not tolerate anyone who says such things against my wife."

"No," the earl shook his head. "No, of course not. Your brother was wrong, Jason; I heard your conversation and A.J..."

He looked beyond Jason to where his son's wife stood, her eyes wide and her skin pale. "I apologize, Elizabeth."

At the sound of her name, Jason immediately turned and crossed to her, enfolding her in his embrace. She clung to him and buried her face against him and even though it was a relatively chaste embrace, and perfectly understandable considering all that had occurred, the older man was struck by the intimate feel that exuded from the couple. His son, who had only moments before been attacking his older brother, approached his wife with such infinite tenderness that the contrast was dramatic.

"Pick him up," Alan commanded the two footmen who had accompanied him as he gestured to A.J., "and take him downstairs."

There was so much he wanted to say to his oldest son, but the guests would be arriving in moments if they were not already here. A.J. was unconscious and it was doubtful he would awaken soon unless aided, and at the moment, the earl was not inclined to do so. They had invited A.J. because they felt they must, to present a unified family despite the rumors around town concerning the viscount. He had not replied, and they believed he would not attend, especially since Sonny Corinthos was searching for him.

It appeared, though, that the lure of the night and the chance to cause trouble within the family was too great for A.J. to resist. Perhaps he thought to come and steal a few belongings from the house when the staff would not be keeping watch out for him as the earl had ordered, but would be attending to their duties for the ball. Perhaps he thought without his father present he could flatter his grandmother and extract money from her. Or perhaps he had already done what he'd set out to accomplish; attack his brother and ruin the night for the newly married couple.

"Take a moment, Jason," he said softly. "Attend to your wife. But the guests will come, and if we do not want to cause even more talk, you must be present. We can probably make do without your presence in the receiving line, but you have to be there for the first dance. That will give you some time."

Then he left the room and posted another footman outside the door so that only family would be allowed entrance. Reginald was waiting for him in the hallway and said, "They have taken the viscount downstairs; I have ordered him to be placed in the larder. The room can be locked from the outside and there are no windows to allow his escape. From the bruises on his face, I believe he will be unconscious for some time."

"Yes," Alan agreed, as he walked beside the faithful and trusted servant. "With any luck, you are correct."

"I have ordered a message delivered to Alice," the butler continued. "She is to bring ice, cool water, liniment and rags so we can tend to Master Jason. I've also sent word to your valet to bring a pair of your gloves in case the young master's hand is too swollen for his own."

The earl paused and placed a hand on the man's shoulder gently, "Thank you, Reginald. You anticipated my every order. I want to personally see my son placed in the larder, and then I will join the countess and do my best to appease our guests until Jason and his bride arrive."

Part 15

His wife was not appalled at his behavior.

As he sat in the parlor, watching her argue with Alice who came bearing items to tend to his hands, she was not insisting the other woman go away to leave him to deal with the consequences of his actions as a punishment to him; she was insisting to the maid that she would be tending to her husband's wounds. Not the maid. While it may not be dignified and she might be dressed in her ball gown, there was nothing that was going to stop her from taking care of her husband. Not even the rather large maid who frightened men sometimes with her gruff demeanor. She was completely devoted to the Quartermaine family, and Jason's grandmother had grown fond of the woman, which was why she remained employed with the family.

"Alice," Elizabeth said kindly, but firmly. "I appreciate the devotion you show to Mr. Quartermaine, merely because of your devotion to the dowager countess, but I will tend to my husband. Perhaps you could find a bottle of port and a glass; I believe my husband could use a drink before we join the earl and countess at the ball."

The maid looked at Elizabeth, and then reluctantly nodded her head and relinquished the items to her control. Elizabeth then sat beside Jason, dipped a linen cloth into the water which undoubtedly had something put in it given the slight odor rising from it, and then reached for Jason's hand.

"Thank you."

They both spoke at the same time, and while he looked at her curiously she took the opportunity to press forward. "Thank you, Jason."

"I hope I did not frighten you," he told her.

"I was not," she shook her head. Then she amended, "Not really, and certainly not of you. I...I will admit what your brother said-"

"A.J. is more than likely already drunk," he said with disgust. "It does not excuse what he said; I am not sure I will ever forgive him for those remarks. But when my brother drinks, he becomes a cruel and vindictive person. More so than he is when sober. I could not abide his words to you, Elizabeth, and when he threatened you..."

"Shh," she said softly, gently pressing the cool cloth against his knuckles. "I know. And that is what I... It was in that moment that I truly felt the depth of your love. I-I believed your words completely and I will cherish them always for they are the first time I have ever felt that someone truly, genuinely loves me for me. But when you struck your brother, and it was because of his crass words against me...I knew it was proof of your devotion, that you would not let anyone speak against me."

His wife took the cloth off his knuckles and then raised his hand. She lowered her head to brush a gentle kiss across his skin and Jason disregarded the twinge of pain in his hand as he gently twisted out of her grip to cup her face. He lifted her chin and lowered his head to capture her lips. Her devotion to him, her awe over his love and her acceptance and understanding of his actions moved him, filled him beyond measure and he had to express his love for her.

"A baron's daughter."

"Hasty and completely improper," tittered another lady. "The earl has not thrown off his son, but surely he cannot be happy with the action. Especially with the rumors regarding her sister."

"Do you think they will welcome an early child once they leave Town and escape to his estate?" a third in the group of gossips asked.

"Given their unseemly behavior tonight," the first replied. "I would not be surprised. Do you see how they carry on? He rarely leaves her side, he glares at any other many who asks her to dance and when they are together..."

She sniffed, "One would think his ardor would have cooled given the time since the wedding and with the almost certainty that they carried on most unseemly beforehand."

"His adoration of his wife is lovely," a fourth voice joined the group and the women turned suddenly.

"Lady Skye," the second woman nearly stammered, her voice high with discomfort.

"Mrs. Jones," Lady Skye Jacks barely deigned to incline her head. She looked to the other ladies in the group and greeted them with the same stiff civility. "Mrs. Scorpio. Mrs. Collins."

The women looked at her, before shifting their gazes away uncomfortably. Unfettered gossips, it was not for their merit they had been invited tonight, it was for their husbands'. That they would come to her parents' home and disparage her brother when they themselves were hardly great models of propriety before gaining some respectability upon their marriages angered Skye, and she was not going to let the women get away with it. She was the daughter of an earl, she had married the second son of duke, and these women were not going to insult her new sister, who ranked above them by being the daughter of a baron.

"It...it is endearing that your brother cares for his bride so much," Lucy Collins now tried to cover, as if she had not just been speculating that Elizabeth was already with child and that was why she and Jason had so hastily wed. "One sees so little open admiration."

"Oh, yes," Felicia Scorpio nodded her head eagerly. "I find myself nearly blushing when he looks at her with such adoration. Why I believe he only sees her tonight."

Skye passed her gaze over the woman, for she had not said the worst of the gossip. She had merely commented on the rumors surrounding Sarah Webber and speculated on the earl's acceptance of the marriage. She was mostly a simple-minded woman who repeated what others said, but did not seem truly malicious. No, that was Barbara Jones. It was her barbed tongue that had dismissed Elizabeth and raised doubts over her brother's respectability and behavior as a gentleman. One would almost think she was jealous that she had not been able to entice A.J. into her bed as she had so many other men. While Skye's brother was a rake, he apparently had no interest in the heavily powdered and rouged woman who had all but thrown herself at the viscount two seasons ago.

"My brother is completely devoted to his wife," Skye said, slowly drawing her fan through her right hand before twirling it with her left. The other woman's eyes widened with the message received, I do not like you and I wish to be rid of you, and she swallowed while darting her eyes towards the other women uncomfortably. "It is so refreshing to see someone who I know will honor his martial vows with complete fidelity and won't stand on pious hypocrisy and cast stones while pretending to be sinless."

Then she squared her shoulders and said curtly, "Good night, ladies."

As she walked away Skye strongly suspected that Mrs. Jones would soon seek her husband out and claim a sudden headache that necessitated her early departure from the ball. All the same, Skye intended to speak to her husband so that he could help her keep an eye on the woman and make sure that she did not ruin Jason and Elizabeth's night.

It was all so laughably easy. With the distraction of the ball and servants hurriedly moving about from place to place to ensure that the pampered and spoiled elite of society had plenty to eat and drink while they whiled away their hours in frivolity, Sonny Corinthos slipped into the home that he should have grown up in and no one was none the wiser. With his heir was already born, Edward could have and should have done so much more for him. He could have called him a distant relation and found some excuse to explain away the darker skin Sonny had inherited from his foreign mother. They could have claimed he was a foundling left at the country manor and the duchess' kind heart could not simply bear to have the child taken to an orphanage. But instead, Sonny had been thrown out along with his mother and left to fend for himself. He'd started out young on the streets, working to bring home a few coins to his mother and make her life easier.

Instead, he was now following behind the unhappy maid Caroline's abigail had befriended as she led him along corridors only used by busy and focused servants who would simply consider him another who was going about doing his job. Sonny did not mind dressing as a servant, he was used to adopting disguises to blend in to his surroundings. Samantha waited until the corridor was empty before taking him to the location of the viscount. The foolish younger man, his nephew, had arrived here tonight, and caused a fight with his younger brother. Sonny could not believe his good fortune. The viscount had fallen right into hands, all because he was too angry at his brother to stay away.

"I could not get the key," the maid said reluctantly. "The butler keeps it on him at all times."

"Not to worry, my dear," he smiled charmingly at her. "I have other tools I can use."

She pretended to look hesitant to bring it up, but she finally asked, "My payment? I do not know how much longer I can work for this family and-"

"Make your way to the wagon outside," he told her. "My men will take care of you...and if you can wait, I might be able to ensure you receive a proper reward."

She looked at him with meaning and then nodded, sauntering away. She would be dead before he arrived with the viscount, for Sonny would not leave an easy trail back to him for the earl to unravel. The maid's disappearance along with A.J. would appear as if she had helped him all on her own, probably because they were involved in some manner, and then had fled to cover her crime. Meanwhile, he would have the viscount and none would know.

Producing a set of tools, the criminal quickly opened the lock and pulled back the door. The viscount was still unconscious, although it was hard to tell if it was from the bruise on his face or from the liquor wafting up from his person. It did not matter; Sonny was strong and quite able to carry the younger man. And with the distraction his men would cause elsewhere in the house, there would be no servants around to see him absconding with Viscount Quartermaine.

Part 16

Many of her fears about the ball were never realized.

Her mother did not attend the ball uninvited, she did not stumble and trip during the dances, and nobody overtly snubbed her and called her a wanton, immoral woman. There were a few whispered words behind hands, a few cutting eyes over fans, but with the power and strength of the earl and countess' welcome, she did not experience a direct cut from society. Her husband's older sister, Lady Skye Jacks, had marshaled her around the ballroom, introducing her to women deemed proper and whom would most likely offer their support towards the Quartermaine family and therefore the newlyweds.

It had been overwhelming trying to remember all the names, but her new family had once again come through for her. Skye said she would come to Jason's house in two days when the visits would begin. Nobody would visit the day after the ball; not with the ball ending near dawn. The day after was a day of recovery when people did not rise until well after noon, and so formal morning visits would not occur until the following day. Then the knocker would be placed on the door and the honeymoon would officially be over. Skye promised to come, bringing her husband to distract Jason with a game of billiards or a trip to their club, and help Elizabeth face the visiting hordes.

It did not fill her with joy, but she knew it must be endured. She must smile in the face of the women who would come to peer and gawk, and perhaps some would offer genuine interest. But she was now the daughter of an earl with the full weight of his support; there would be many who would not seek to kindle his wrath, or the countess' by snubbing her. And if she knew that her husband would be waiting for her after the visits were over, she was certain she could endure them.

Elizabeth had been trained by dance masters prior to her debut, and she had danced in public and private balls before her wedding. Nothing, though, could compare to the exquisite feeling of dancing with her husband. When she stood across from him and he stared at her with such intensity, she did not remember the taunting, hurtful words of his brother; she only remembered the blissfully sweet words of his declaration of love. She remembered the feel of his arms around her and the taste of his lips. It was the first time she had felt the stirring of his passion and it did not frighten her, it had only served to stir her own. How different would their time in the parlor have been had the viscount not arrived?

She wondered if Jason pondered the same thing, for his hand lingered on hers far longer than required or even proper when they danced. His eyes smoldered with barely banked intensity as he gazed at her across the line. And if she accepted a dance with another man, he was there waiting when it ended to claim her once again and keep her at his side until he was forced to relinquish her.

When the last strains of the supper dance faded away and he escorted her into the room where a lavish meal had been laid out, she had been grateful for the respite, but had truly begun to wish they did not have to stay the full length of the ball. Jason was solicitous and kind, never leaving her side and barely participating in conversing with those around them. His hand brushed her leg under the table, or took her hand resting in her lap. He focused his attention on her and Elizabeth wondered if she was warm merely from the blaze of candles strewn about and the press of people who had been invited, or if she was blushing under the intensity of his look. She may be inexperienced, but even someone with her innocence could fully understand the looks and touches her husband gave her.

Somehow, though, she made it through the remainder of the ball without exposing herself or embarrassing her husband and his family. As the guests began to disperse and make their way to their homes in their carriages, Jason seemed to abandon all propriety and placed his arm around her waist, drawing her close to his side. He led her towards his parents who smiled at their approach.

"Thank you, Mother," he said, bending down to press a brief kiss to her cheek. Then he turned to the earl, "Father. Thank you for your support this evening."

"You are welcome, Jason," the countess replied. "It was our pleasure to celebrate your marriage."

"We will speak tomorrow about all that occurred," the earl told his son with a slight wave of his hand. "It has been a long night for us all and everything can keep until later."

"Jason." A voice cut into the moment and Jason turned to see his sister and her husband.

"Skye," he smiled softly. "Thank you for attending."

"We are pleased for you," she said and her husband nodded. Looking at Elizabeth she said, "I will see you the day after tomorrow. Now, if you will excuse us, Mother has appointed us rooms here and we are still recovering from the journey to Town. We bid you good night."

"Mister Quartermaine," Reginald, the butler, broke in softly to the family moment, allowing Skye and her husband to slip away. "Your carriage is next in queue, sir."

"Thank you, Reginald," Jason replied. Then with brief good-byes to the rest of his family, he led her to the waiting maid and took the wrap before the maid could assist Elizabeth. He gently settled the rich velvet fabric around her shoulders, brushing the curls of hair Nadine had deliberately left down to rest on her bare skin. A shiver went through her that had nothing to do with the open door.

Taking her hand and resting it in the crook of his elbow, he led them down the stairs and to the waiting carriage. After assisting her inside, he joined her, sitting down on the bench beside her instead of across from her. As the conveyance moved forward, he lifted his arm around brought it around her shoulder, a move she welcomed immediately by nestling against his side.

"It is done," she sighed.

"Yes," he agreed. "It is done. The society columns will discuss it tomorrow, visits will follow over the next several days, but we need not stay for the scrutiny. We have held our heads high in the face of the gossip that has surrounded our marriage, but we do not have to stay in London if we do not desire to."

Elizabeth looked up at her husband, only a dim light illuminating his face and said, "You do not desire to stay. You wish to return to Rosewood."

"Yes," Jason admitted. "Not to hide from what might be said."

"Because you prefer the country to Town," she finished for him. "I know. You enjoy your estate and are happiest away from the scrutiny and trappings of London."

"Yes," he nodded, then lifted his hand to brush his fingertips lightly over her jaw. "And because I wish to introduce you to our home. I want to show you the parks and the gardens, to walk with you along the paths and show you the views that I love."

"I want to see our home," she whispered softly. "To see it through your eyes and come to know it as you do."

She brought her own hand up, boldly touching his jaw despite the nerves that seized her stomach. His whiskers had started to grow, even though his man had shaved him as he dressed for the ball. Her fingertips lightly danced over the roughness and a low sound emanated from her husband's throat before he leaned forward suddenly and claimed her lips. It was filled with dark passion fueled by the early morning hours that had not begun to lighten. She was tired, yet so exhilarated and she clung to him, her arms around his neck as he pulled her closer and tighter.

Confusion settled over her as her husband raised his lips from her neck and breathed out softly, "Blast."

Blinking and lowering her head to look at him she did not understand why he had stopped until he swallowed roughly and straightened. "We are home."

Her eyes widened slightly, embarrassed that they had forgotten themselves and that her hair had been loosened from its pins and it would be obvious what they had been about. She wanted to retreat from the overwhelming emotions and intensity and she knew that Jason would respect her actions, undoubtedly berating himself for forgetting himself. However, she knew that such action on her part would create space between them, space she did not want. She loved her husband, she knew he loved her, and although she was nervous, she knew with certainty what was coming. It was not merely because it was her husband's due or a duty she must perform to provide an heir for her husband, it was the next step in the progression of their love.

Gathering all her courage, she found her voice and said, "Let us go inside, my dear husband."

With a heavy breath he nodded and reached for the door. Once he began to open it, the footman was there, efficiently pulling it back and lowering the step. Jason kept his eyes on her as long as he could before stepping out, and then he immediately turned to assist her. She did not shrink away from his gaze, but locked her eyes on his and gave just the slightest of nods. She barely realized there were servants there, the butler holding the door open, a maid scurrying forward to take her wrap; she only had eyes for her husband.

Hand in hand they ascended the stairs and went towards the master chambers. Work had begun on the mistress' suite, but she still slept in Jason's room, just as she had since the first night she arrived in London. He walked stopped at the door and she looked at him expectantly.

"Na-Nadine is no doubt waiting to assist you," he said, his voice low.

"Yes," she nodded. "I...I will dismiss her as soon as I am through. I-I wish to preserve the gown, but I..."

Her courage failed her, for perhaps she had misread all she thought. For while she welcomed her husband's kisses, she could not find the boldness to say she wished for him to join her as he always did, but not merely to talk.

He lowered his head so that only she would hear his whispered words, his breath stirring the hairs near her ears. "I will be with you soon, Elizabeth."

Then she was inside their bed chamber and Nadine appeared in the doorway to the dressing room. Elizabeth knew her face was aflame, but not from shame.

"Mrs. Quartermaine?" Nadine ventured softly.

Turning to face her maid she said, "I need your assistance with my gown, Nadine."

Then she drew her lip between her teeth and said, "And then I desire blue nightgown from Madame Kate's. The one the countess purchased. Then...then you are dismissed until I ring for you, Nadine."

Her maid paused only a moment before nodding and turning to disappear into the dressing room. Elizabeth knew that when she arrived, Nadine would have the sheer nightgown the countess added to her trousseau waiting for her.

Part 17

"Your Lordship."

Alan paused, and turned to look at Reginald as the butler came bustling towards him. The ball was over, the last of the guests had left, Monica was speaking to the housekeeper, Mrs. Fields, briefly, and then planning to retire. Alan had planned to take a moment to himself to decide what to do in regards to his oldest son; whether to speak to him tonight, or to sleep and approach the meeting in a more even-tempered frame of mind. He was not sure what he was going to do in regards to A.J., and he had no answer to give Reginald if that is what the butler was coming to inquire about.

"Forgive me, sir," the other man said as he reached him. "I must speak with you."

The earl raised a brow, but nodded and they stepped into an empty room. Servants were still milling about attending to their duties of cleaning, and whatever the butler was bringing him was not something to be discussed in front of the lower staff. As the door was closed, he looked at the man and asked, "Yes?"

"Your Lordship, the viscount is missing," Reginald spoke plainly. "I was alerted by a footman that the larder was open. I kept the only key to the lock on me at all times, sir, and I could not understand how it was possible. Upon investigation, I found scratches on the lock. It appears it was opened by means other than the key."

"Is all the staff accounted for?" Alan demanded.

"I have alerted Cook and Mrs. Fields; they are gathering their staff. I have ordered the under butler to gather the footmen," the butler replied quickly. "We will soon know. There was an incident during the ball, a small fire in the garden behind the house near the stable. It was quickly dealt with, but it did disrupt the servants. I was alerted to what happened and had intended to inform you after the ball. I did not think anything beyond the fact that with the ball taking place, someone may have tried to start a bit of mischief."

The earl felt a chill go through him at the butler's words. There was one person who was definitely capable of starting a bit of mischief, and then using the opportunity to take A.J. Sonny Corinthos wanted his money, and could have easily watched the house tonight. It was well-known that there would be a ball celebrating Jason's marriage; for propriety's sake, A.J. would be expected to attend. Although Alan's inquiries into his eldest's son's whereabouts seemed to indicate he was hiding, A.J. had shown up here tonight. Whether to insult Jason and stir up problems as he did, or attempt to steal something from the house while the servants were busy that could be sold to raise cash, or even to appeal to his grandmother; the earl could not say.

It was not surprising that he'd come, just as it would not have been surprising if he had not attended the ball. A.J. was reckless and impulsive and now he was missing. Though it was impossible to determine at this moment, Alan strongly suspected that Sonny Corinthos had taken the viscount. Whether for ransom from the family, or something more sinister was not known.

Sonny Corinthos smiled in malevolence at the viscount currently sitting before him, tied up and gagged. The younger man was attempting to appear his normal brash, arrogant self, but there was fear there. In the way his eyes flicked about the room nervously, in the way he had stuttered his words every-so-often before being gagged, and in the fact that when Sonny's associate had threatened to cut off his pinky finger with his signet ring, the viscount had soiled himself in fright. Sonny did not entirely know what he was going to do with the viscount, but the torment he was clearly inflicting on the man was certainly a fun component.

"Well, A.J." he smirked as he circled the man, curling his lip disdainfully. "Quite the predicament you appear to be in. Do you know why you're here?"

The other man's words were muffled behind the gag forced in his mouth, making him unintelligible. Sonny didn't need to hear the words, though, to understand the meaning. The viscount was decidedly not happy with his current situation and his eyes shot the barbs his words could not fully convey.

Sonny chuckled as he drew a chair closer and sat down. "Yes, I imagine I know what you would say. This is not your fault, I am going to pay for taking you from your family's home, and I will not get away with this. Am I close?"

The viscount's glare was answer enough. The older man reached into his jacket pocket and slowly withdrew a bundle of papers. "I did not force you to come to me, Viscount, and borrow money to cover your debts. You are the one who did not know when to stop his high stakes gambles and walk away with his money and his dignity in tact. Instead, you were certain that you would win on the next hand, and then the next, and then next...and so on. You are a horrible card player."

Of course, the fact that he was playing in gambling houses owned by Sonny through forged papers and names and therefore the dealers always insured the younger man would lose was just his little secret. Or when the viscount played elsewhere, Sonny sent men in to keep enticing the man to bet higher and higher until he was destitute. The man before him was certain that he was superior to everyone else around him simply because he was the future earl.

"Your family has saved you before from your own follies, but this time…this time they did not." With a false sigh, Sonny shook his head. "You expected them to act as they always have done, save you to save face for the family. You did not expect your father to actually remain firm. You did not expect to be held accountable for your behavior because you are Alan James Quartermaine, the Viscount Quartermaine, and therefore above all. Your grandfather spoiled you, and taught you to act like him, and you certainly have done the old man proud. You are as worthless a human being as he is."

When the younger man glared and mumbled angrily behind the cloth tied tightly in his mouth Sonny stood and said, "Oh, yes, I know exactly the kind of man your grandfather was. An arrogant, selfish, despicable man. He seduced my mother and then cast her aside claiming her child could certainly not be his, despite putting her up exclusively as his. I have met the lovely Caroline and the child you cast aside as easily as he cast me aside. You are precisely like your grandfather."

The viscount's eyes were wide and his defiant and angrily struggles had ceased. Walking closer and bending down to look the other man straight in the eye Sonny said, "Yes, nephew, we are related. I would not be the heir, for your father was already born, but I am his brother. I knew exactly who you were when you came looking for funds to cover your profligate and extravagant habits. I made sure you were well and surely snared within my traps, and laughed when you thought you could run from me. I knew where you were hiding; I knew you would not be able to resist the lure of your family's house and the ball for your brother. And I took you because you will pay your debts, and your family will pay for all that my mother endured at the hands of my worthless sire."

Then he turned and strode from the room, leaving the bound man behind. It was time to contemplate what he would do with the young viscount. Pain, certainly. Humiliation, a guarantee; for all involved. Death? Nothing was being dismissed from consideration.

Jason had not slept.

He knew precisely how the evening would end as he'd walked into his house with his radiant bride beside him. Despite the late hour, despite the fatigue from the ball, he had seen the shift in her. He had tasted it in their kiss. He had desired her, but there was more; he knew that she loved and desired him. Even though he was somewhat uncertain and nervous, he knew beyond anything that tonight when he returned to his chambers that his wife would not merely be waiting for him to hold her; she would be waiting for him to love her. She would be receptive to his advances, despite the nervousness he felt in her. He saw her acceptance, her determination, and her want.

He had not expected the vision she would present when he stepped into the room. A filmy blue wrap covered her, the material thin and hinting at what lay underneath as she sat by the fire. He was determined to be gentle, to prove to her that the words of her mother from long ago were false, that he would not be a brute as he took her to his bed, and he wanted more than anything to make the experience as tender and gentle as he could. As she deserved.

However, as the moment progressed and he drew the wrap away from her shoulders he had not expected what he found. Sheer silk, translucent, it almost did nothing to conceal and everything to enflame. He nearly had become a brute, but managed to restrain himself enough to not completely frighten or hurt the woman who held his heart. They became one, truly and irrevocably, and as they lay together afterwards, he could not contain the words of love he had for her. She reciprocated and the heartfelt sentiments she shared as they lay ensconced under the covers touched Jason in a way he had never expected. Their second joining had been tender, gentle and he'd loved his wife in a manner that left them both with tears gathered in their eyes.

As he held her and Elizabeth drifted to sleep, exhausted by the ball and spent from their night together, he could not sleep. He reveled in the feel of her in his arms, of her warmth pressed against him. She turned into his embrace, seeking him in slumber and he felt entrusted with her heart, her body and her soul. She loved him, she accepted his love, and it made him want to give her everything in his power and protect her from all who might hurt her. It was why they would remove to Rosewood soon. He did not trust A.J. to not seek to cause trouble, and he would never let Elizabeth be hurt by anybody.

He stayed awake watching her, listening to her breath and feeling awed by the trust and love she had shown him tonight. He would forever be grateful for that morning outside the Webber residence when Elizabeth had shown a love and loyalty to her sister and came with him to Scotland. While they may not have prevented her sister from being hurt and his brother was still acting as if he had done nothing wrong, Jason had gained something much greater than knowing he had helped someone. He was not shackled to a woman he did not love simply to fulfill his duties in life; he had been blessed to gain a wife that cared for him, that loved him and he loved, and one day, he had no doubt that Elizabeth would be a wonderful mother to their children. After her childhood, she would undoubtedly be determined to make sure none of their children ever felt as she had. And they would be the richer for it.

Stirred by thoughts of children and memories of the night before, he was trying to cool his building ardor. He knew his wife was tired and while he desired her, he did not want to be selfish and wake her. There was nowhere they needed to be today, and he truly saw no reason to leave their bed. At least not any time soon.

He frowned when he heard voices in the hall and then footsteps in the next room. He had told his man he was dismissed until called, surely his valet was not expecting him to rise and prepare for the day soon. His frown deepened to a scowl when the door to the bedroom opened and someone entered the room. Jason pulled Elizabeth closer and made sure she was covered by the duvet, even though the curtains around the bed were drawn.

"Why are you here, John?" he hissed out in a low voice, hoping to not wake Elizabeth.

The footsteps stopped and his valet's apologetic voice was heard. "Forgive me, sir. But an urgent express has come from your father. The earl's butler has come himself and says that it demands an immediate response."

Part 18

When Jason arrived at his parents' house, it was vastly different than when he'd been there less than twenty-four hours earlier. He and Elizabeth had arrived early to see his grandmother and Emily who would be spending their time together instead of at the ball. The dowager was not able to endure the long hours associated with such society events; when most of the guests were just beginning to leave near dawn she would be comfortably ensconced in her room. And Emily was not allowed to attend since she was not out, even though it was a private ball. Because it was celebrating Jason and Elizabeth's hasty marriage and they needed to invite key members of society and the House of Lords to curry their favor and support for the marriage, their mother had decreed that Emily could not even come and sit along the sides of the room. Perhaps at the next ball, when there would surely be less attending.

Most of the house was dark; the numerous candles that had blazed earlier in the evening either had been extinguished or had burned themselves out. There were still some servants moving about, but they would be allowed a few hours sleep and the majority of the cleaning would take place in the morning when the family would still be abed and not expected downstairs until the afternoon. Jason had never liked sleeping half the day away after a ball, but he'd looked forward to the excuse today. To not be at his house with his wife did not make him happy, but he knew his father would not summon him had it not truly been urgent. All Reginald would say was that it was about A.J. and then handed over a note from the earl.

When he realized that his brother was missing and his father was requesting his presence, he sent Reginald back and said that he would soon follow. Then he returned to his chamber where Elizabeth was still asleep, holding his pillow in her arms. He allowed his valet to hastily dress him and then returned to the bed chamber where he tried to rouse Elizabeth enough to explain to her that he needed to leave. While she opened her eyes and even said a few words to him, he was not sure she comprehended all he said so he wrote a note and left it on the table near her bed and instructed John to inform Nadine of its presence so that it was not possibly lost or overlooked. He would have preferred to come later in the morning, but he understood his father's urgency.

He knocked on the study door and stepped inside when his father called out wearily. The older man was divested of his formal evening attire and seemed aged and defeated in his posture.

"Oh, Jason," he said, his voice rallying briefly, but unable to hide the full measure of his fatigue or worry. "I am sorry to bring you here, but I need someone to speak to."

"Your note said A.J. is missing," Jason said. "The staff has been questioned?"

"Yes," the earl shook his head. "And none have confessed to helping him, although a maid is missing. She was a recent hire and her work was not satisfactory, from what the housekeeper says. You know your mother handles the staff, so I do not know what was done in regards to her, but I'm not certain we can say that she was the person responsible. A small fire was started near the stables and was extinguished, but the staff's routine was disturbed and...and someone could have entered the house."

"You mean Corinthos," he surmised.

"You are aware of his reputation," his father sighed. "Your brother was in debt quite heavily to him and was hiding. Corinthos undoubtedly watched the house this evening figuring, correctly, that the lure of your ball would be too much for A.J. to resist."

Folding his hands over his stomach Jason asked, "What do you believe will happen?"

The earl sighed heavily and seemed to age from the question and all the possibilities that raced through his mind. "I believe at best we will receive a ransom demand. At worst, I will learn my son is dead."

"Will you pay?" he asked.

Closing his eyes, the older man nodded. "I know I told your brother I would not cover his debts again, that I was not going to allow him to bankrupt this family with his habits and unguarded behavior, but..."

"You cannot leave him victim to Corinthos," he surmised in understanding.

"No," his father shook his head. "I am sure I have only heard a small portion of what Corinthos is capable of, but I know enough to be certain A.J. would be treated in a brutal manner. I...I cannot allow that simply to teach him a lesson or because I am unhappy with him. It would shatter your grandmother and your mother."

"What do you want me to do?" the younger man inquired. "Do you need me to be prepared to liquidate funds in order to cover whatever demands he makes?"

"No," the earl shook his head immediately. "No, Jason, that is not why I asked you to come. I will find the money from the estate; I will not ask you to spend your money."

Jason was quiet for a moment and then he said, "He is my brother. I will help my family."

It was hard to make that statement, but he knew he must. It was not for A.J.'s sake that he offered. It was for his grandmother, mother and sisters. He did not want to compound their suffering by not offering his assistance.

His father let out a harsh breath and said, "I thank you for the offer and hope that I do not have to utilize your funds. I...I am worried for my son, but I am also..."

Trailing off, the older man stood and paced across the room. "I am angry at him. I am angry at my father. Your grandfather was... When I was a child, your grandfather was distant and only saw your aunt and I for half-an-hour each day when we were brought down from the nursery. He would ask us about our studies, if we were being obedient for our nanny, and then give a gruff 'Yes, well see that it stays that way', pat us on the head and send us back upstairs. It was the way things were done and he was no different than many other parents were and still are. Your grandmother spent more time with us, and I knew that she loved me."

Letting out a sigh he continued, "When I was old enough, he employed a tutor to prepare me for school, and began to talk to me more. I was instructed about the estate, and for the position in society I would hold. He was still distant, but in his own way, I felt he was proud of me as his son and cared for me. When I left university, we would spend more time together and he heartily approved of Skye's mother and I felt that since I was married and my wife was with child our relationship changed."

With a thick swallow he said, "He did not seem to understand my grief when her mother died in childbirth, and he dismissed Skye because she was a girl. He told me it was vital I marry again, for I must have an heir. He paraded countless women before me, each with a bigger pedigree than the last. When your mother came into my life and she did what I had not thought possible, touch my heart, he became angry. He refused to sanction the marriage, threatened to cut my allowance, even blustered on about disinheriting me and giving the earldom to a distant cousin. Your grandmother intervened and I was allowed to marry Monica."

Jason nodded, having heard pieces of this story before, but never all at once.

"He was determined to end my marriage and began rumors that your mother was unfaithful to me and that your brother was not mine," his father admitted. "Your grandfather even tried to start rumors regarding you. He wanted nothing to do with either of you, but you and your brother were determined to charm him and since your grandmother invited you so often to her chambers, he saw you and interacted with you."

"Yes," he murmured. "At first he was frightening and he would scowl, but then he would join us more and more often when we met with Grandmother."

"I do not know why he suddenly took such an interest in your brother," the earl shook his head in slow confusion.

"Flattery," Jason answered bluntly and his father looked up. "A.J.'s tutor explained to him one day that he would be earl. As the eldest son, he would be viscount when Grandfather died and you became earl. Then when you died, he would inherit the earldom. A.J....A.J. lorded it over me. Laughed at me, pushed me, said he could act that way because he would be earl one day and I would be nothing. Grandfather heard him one day and though he reprimanded A.J. because Grandmother was there, there was a pleased look in the old man's eye."

"Yes," the earl said sadly, his shoulders drooping as he returned to wearily sit in his chair. "That sounds like Father."

"A.J. began to speak to him more, ask him question, say he wanted to be just like Grandfather," he continued, explaining to his father what had happened all those years ago. He knew that his parents had tried to counteract what his grandfather was encouraging in A.J., but his brother flattered the older man, ingratiated himself while wheedling extra treats and then more allowance while gloating to Jason that Grandfather loved him best and did not care for a mere second son who was probably not even sired by their father.

"I am sorry, Jason," his father stated. "Your mother and I tried. We removed to the country, even spent some time in Ireland near your grandmother's relatives, but A.J. would not heed us."

"I know," the younger man said softly. "I saw. My brother..."

"Your brother's character was fixed at an early age and he was a cruel child. I think we overlooked protecting you as much as we should have because we were worried about his actions towards Emily. He did not like her; he resented her being born after your younger sister was taken from us by the pox. We should have done more to protect you from him and your grandfather."

Jason shook his head, trying to ease his father's guilt. Nothing they did would have prevented A.J. from being cruel. Because Jason had to learn to defend himself, he had been prepared for when he went off to Eton and a group of boys led by his brother had relentlessly harassed and hazed him. He'd learned how to stay calm in the face of their taunts and not cry like they desired and he knew how to fend off their blows and defeat them even though they were larger than him. But he did not think his father wanted to hear such things now.

"I know I should not say this," the earl broke the silence they had fallen into. "But I was always proud of you, Jason. And sometimes...sometimes I wished you had been born first. I would not worry about your mother and what will become of her after I die, or what will become of the estate."

"Mother may come live with Elizabeth and me," Jason declared. "There is a little cottage that Grandmother uses at Rosewood; Mother will have a home with me."

He heard his father swallow and his voice was thick as he spoke. "Thank you, Jason. That...that eases my mind. I hope it is many years, but..."

"I know," he said in soft understanding. "Of course," the earl said gravely, and hesitantly, "we do not know what will happen to your brother. I would gladly pay whatever ransom comes for A.J., but...I have heard rumors of Corinthos' vicious and cruel streak. How he makes examples out of some men as a warning to others to not cross him or default on their debts."

Jason had heard the same rumors, and rumors of torture. He may not particularly care for his brother at the moment after his insults and threats towards Elizabeth, but he would never wish for his brother to be harmed or killed. However, he knew what his father did not voice. If A.J. was killed, Jason would become Viscount Quartermaine and the future Earl of Morgan. It was an ascension he honestly hoped, for his grandmother and mother's sakes, never took place.

Part 19

When Elizabeth awoke and realized that Jason was not in bed beside her, it took only moments for her to recall his appearance in their room fully clothed and telling her he needed to go. She frowned, trying to recall further details of the conversation and as she was rising from the bed to pull the cord in the corner to summon Nadine, she saw the paper on the table beside the bed. Her name was printed on the outside and she lifted it, unfolding it to discover her husband had left a note for her. While not a classical love letter in the strictest sense, for it contained information that he had gone to his parents' home because the earl had sent word that his brother was missing, there was written proof of her husband's love.

It was clear that he did not want to leave her, and regretted that after their beautiful night together she should wake alone without him by her side. Jason assured her of his love and his awe over being the recipient of hers and she was touched that he took the time to write her. She could sense his urgency, could see it in the slant of his words and the lack of precise writing, but he had taken the time to pen a note to her. Not just to tell her hastily that he was leaving, but to express his love, to let her know that last night had touched him and he was not leaving her because he desired to.

Duty to his family called him away and her husband was an honorable man. Even though he and his brother had fought last night and Jason had protected her from the vile innuendos of the viscount, he had left because his father had called for him. Without even speaking to him, Elizabeth knew that it was for his family's sake, and not his brother, that he had gone. And that is why she determined, as she rose and rang for her maid, that she would travel to the earl's house as well. She would call on her new sisters and Jason's mother and grandmother and see what she could do for them. Even if it was just to sit with them, she would go; for they were family, they were her family, and she would not sit in her house while they had need of comfort.

By the time Nadine arrived, Elizabeth was already at work on her toilette. Her maid quickly took over, helping her into her gown and finishing her hair. Elizabeth had no need of an extravagant style today; she knew the countess and the dowager would not judge her appearance. Once she was ready, she descended the stairs and saw the butler come forward to greet her. She informed him that she would need the carriage because she was calling upon Jason's family, and he stoically nodded and declared he would arrange for her transport. By the time she was finished with a light repast, he was back in the breakfast room to inform her that the carriage, and the footmen who would accompany her, were waiting whenever she was ready.

She was pleased when she descended the stairs to the street to see that Francis was among those servants who would be traveling with her. Her husband had found a place for the faithful man in his house after their wedding, and she was pleased that many in the household accepted him and that the butler often arranged for Francis to accompany her. She felt comfortable with a familiar face close by, and Elizabeth knew that today, she would need to be calm so that she would be able to help her husband's family as they faced the uncertainty and anxiety of A.J.'s abduction.

"Mrs. Quartermaine," Reginald said as he opened the parlor door where the women of the family sat. While the morning after a ball was always subdued, there seemed to be a pall over the room today. As they each had discovered or suspected the truth about A.J., the four women had migrated to this room, and sat silently or in quiet conversation with each other even while they each seemed to keep many of their own thoughts to themselves.

To see Elizabeth step into the room seemed to surprise each woman, and Monica stood as the door closed behind the young woman and she stood just inside looking slightly uneasy. "Elizabeth."

"Forgive me for just arriving," she began. "But when I awoke this morning and read Jason's note, I decided to come. I do not mean to intrude."

"You are family," Lila said from behind Monica, stating what the countess would have said had the dowager not spoke first. "You are certainly not intruding, my dear."

"Thank you for coming," Monica said, stepping forward and taking her new daughter's hands in hers.

"Has there been any word?" the young woman asked as the pair moved towards the group and took seats. Elizabeth sat near Emily and the teen appeared grateful to have Jason's wife there, reaching out to take her hand.

"No," Skye shook her head. "When Jax heard what happened, he went to Father and Jason to offer his help. I suspect they are engaged much as we are. Sitting, worrying, wondering, and just waiting to hear word."

"Skye, dear," Monica said gently to Alan's daughter and the daughter of her heart. "Are you sure are well? If you need to rest, we will certainly understand."

"I am well, Mother," she replied, even though her smile was tired and wan.

When Elizabeth looked confused at the exchange, Skye explained, "I have only just felt the quickening, and am not completely over the nausea and fatigue that has been my constant companion since suspecting I was with child."

"Oh," the new bride smiled. "Congratulations. A babe is wonderful news."

"I agree," Lila smiled warmly upon her granddaughters. "And it is wonderful to have something positive to discuss, especially in times like this. We must not despair, ladies. It does us no good to fret simply because we can. If we cannot aid in the search for A.J., then we do something useful with our time."

Monica nodded in agreement, forcing herself to rally because she knew that they must do something besides sit in quiet worry over A.J. She prayed continually for her son, and hoped that he would be returned to the family unharmed, but she could not continually sit and fret as dire scenarios floated through her mind. She would drive herself mad in such employment. They all needed occupation, and preparing for the arrival of her first grandchild seemed to be the solution. She looked at Alan's mother and smiled her gratitude for Lila's gentle direction. The dowager nodded back and so with renewed determination, Monica ask Emily to ring the bell, and then began a mental list of all the supplies they would need to instruct the maid to bring. Simply sorting through the material, even if they did not begin sewing the clothes and blankets, would help occupy their time better than endless worrying over A.J.

"Mr. Quartermaine."

Jason looked up in surprise when Reginald stepped into the study, interrupting the heavy silence he, his father and Jax sat in. If a note regarding A.J. had been delivered, it should have been addressed to his father and Reginald would not be coming to him. He suddenly wondered if Elizabeth had sent a note to him. The position of the light through the windows indicated she should have arisen by now, even after the late hour she finally fell asleep. He hoped she was not upset or disappointed upon waking alone. Once this issue with his brother was resolved, he was taking her to Rosewood and would instruct his staff there to make sure they were undisturbed for weeks. Or perhaps they would travel to the seaside or the Peaks and sequester themselves away on their wedding trip.

"Yes?" he asked with a slight frown. The butler was not holding a slaver bearing a letter, and the man was too ingrained in formalities to hold it in his hand. Perhaps a servant had been sent from the house with a message.

"I wished to inform you that Mrs. Quartermaine has arrived and has been shown to the countess' parlor." Jason's eyes widened as the servant continued on. "She said she would visit with your mother and sisters and see you when you were available."

"Elizabeth is here?" he asked as he stood. He looked at his father and caught the briefest hint of a smile before it disappeared. "Forgive me, Father."

"No, no," the older man waved.

"Understandable you would wish to see your bride," his brother stated. "You are still a newlywed after all."

"Jax is correct," the earl nodded. "Go see your bride, Jason. But do not be surprised to discover if she desires to return to your mother and grandmother. At times like these, I have found women to be focused on supporting one another, sometimes to the brief exclusion of their husband. It was very nice of her to come; please extend to her my gratitude."

Jason nodded and quickly left the room, not waiting for the butler to show him the way. He had grown up in this house; he knew where his mother's parlor was located. As he reached the door, he took a breath, tugged at his waistcoat and then turned the handle. He stepped into the room and all conversation immediately ceased as the women in his family turned to regard the interruption to their moment. Elizabeth's head was bent over some fabric at the moment and she didn't immediately see him, but when she did look up, his heart swelled from the look that suffused her face when she regarded him.

A rosy blush colored her cheeks, and pure delight shone in her eyes. She relinquished the fabric in her hand to Emily, stood and was crossing the room before she seemed to realize she was moving. It was only a small, pleased, laugh from his grandmother that seemed to cause his wife to realize they were not alone in the room and she did not step into his embrace as he had expected and, he realized, he wanted.

"Jason," she breathed out softly, reminding him of her breathless whispers last night.

"Reginald informed me you were here and I came immediately to greet you," he told her, taking her hands in his. "Forgive me for leaving this morning before you awoke."

"Emily," Skye suddenly said, standing and reaching for their sister's hand. "Would you show me what threads you have in your embroidery basket?"

Before their younger sister could speak, Skye was shepherding her from the room. A quiet conversation took place between his mother and grandmother and then they left the room and Jason found he could not even regret or be embarrassed at his family's obvious maneuvers to give him and Elizabeth privacy. He took full advantage of their generosity by drawing his wife into his arms and kissing her soundly. He did not care what propriety demanded they should do, he loved his wife, he felt like this was the morning after his wedding night, and he had been loathe to leave her. He was determined to express to her just how much he loved her, and how pleased he was to see her.

Later he would tell her how her kindness towards his family touched him, and he would extend his father's gratitude. For now, he would relish in the ability to hold his wife.

"It appears," Jax stated after Jason left the room, "that despite the way their marriage began, that Jason cares deeply for his bride. I would even say he loves her. I watched them at the ball last night and his focus was solely on her. Today, his eagerness to leave the moment he heard of her arrival...it all speaks to a man who is not doing this simply to salvage a reputation."

"Yes," Alan nodded thoughtfully, remembering the scene in the parlor last night after the fight between his sons, and the heartfelt words Jason had spoken when he arrived all those weeks ago to inform the family of his marriage. "I believe my son has indeed found someone to love. It is what I wished for all my children, and am grateful Skye has found with you."

He let out a breath and said, "I loved Skye's mother, and I knew that I had a duty to my family and the people who are tenants on the estate and dependent upon the family to marry again and produce an heir to inherit, but I could not succumb to a loveless arrangement. I never wanted any of my children to, either. I hope that Emily follows in the example of her sister and Jason, but as for A.J..."

"You must not give up hope, sir," Jax said softly.

"Nor must I be a hopeful fool," he stated with a sad shake of his head. "I know my son's behavior, and I know the reputation of the man I am fairly certain has taken him. Should A.J. survive, I will not pin my hopes on a miraculous change of heart. I will encourage him to change, but I am realistic enough, Jax, to not be disappointed should he not. I must simply find a way to manage him better than I have."

The younger man did not reply, perhaps because he could think of nothing to say in the face of such a declaration. Fortunately he was spared by the door opening and Reginald stepping into the room. The butler held a silver slaver in his gloved hand, but Alan knew immediately by the look of trepidation on the other man's face what the letter contained. Sonny Corinthos had finally written.

Part 20

London had some seemly portions of town, places where the less fortunate lived, trying to scrape together a living by whatever means possible in conditions that could only be described as true squalor. The buildings seemed to lean over the streets, the cobblestone was littered with refuse, human waste and who knew what else, and the rats weren't just of the four-legged variety, but they were all plentiful and abundantly visible. Jason had seen those areas that weren't considered fashionable, and where no self-respected son of a peer should be - though everyone knew exactly where they were and what could be acquired there - but he had never encountered this level of filth before. Not a man to keep up with the current trends - who cared how many knots were in Beau Brummell's cravat? - he had never been a person who carried a vinaigrette box around, and didn't care for those who did.

London was a dirty city, and he knew that. Though the quality folk lived on cleaner streets and tried to pretend that the air wasn't dirty and disease wasn't lurking just around the corner, there wasn't always a way to disguise the smell; except by carrying little boxes under the nose, and looking like a fool to Jason's way of thinking. But this evening, as he neared the river, picking his way through narrow streets and stepping over piles of refuse, Jason did wish for a way to disguise the smell. However, he wouldn't pull out his handkerchief to cover his mouth, because he wasn't going to appear weak.

Sonny Corinthos had called this meeting, demanding the earl himself come to discuss his missing son. The criminal would be there, but the earl, would not. Jax and Jason had banded together and argued against Jason's father actually attending the meeting. It was noble and honorable that he intended to go, to not shy away from the meeting with such a man, but it was foolish. He was the Earl of Morgan. The Viscount Quartermaine was already a hostage. They did not intend to give Sonny Corinthos another high-profile captive. Jax had offered to go, as the eldest of the two, but Jason had insisted saying that he was actually a Quartermaine and if his father was not going to attend the meeting, then he needed to be the earl's representative.

Corinthos would probably not be pleased, but the man would simply have to deal with the disappointment. He may have the upper hand by his captivity of A.J., but Jason did not intend to give the man complete control of the situation. He was not going to act as if he was afraid of the older man, or that he would be so frightened of the possible scandal that he would give the criminal whatever the man demanded. He was a Quartermaine, and he was Edward's grandson, and he had learned a few things on his travels. He would face Sonny Corinthos, and then report back to his father so they could decide the next step together.

Sonny Corinthos was not entirely surprised to see that the person who was led into the warehouse was not the Earl of Morgan, but he was slightly disappointed. He'd been looking forward to finally meeting his brother, telling him exactly what kind of man their sire was, and extracting his revenge. Instead, a blond young man walked in with his head held high, his posture firm and even though Sonny knew the man was afraid, the other man was doing his best to conceal it.

"Who are you?" he asked as his trusted employees escorted the man closer.

When they released his arms, he didn't tug his jacket down, didn't act as if he'd been sullied from being touched by lesser men, and Sonny felt a small measure of respect for the man's actions. He wasn't like other people of quality who came to him, asking for money to cover their licentious and profligate ways, but acting as if he was a disease carrying vermin that was beneath them and needed to be scraped off their shoe.

"I am Jason Quartermaine," the younger man replied in a firm voice. "I have come on behalf of my father regarding the Viscount Quartermaine."

"Oh, ho," Sonny laughed. "The Honorable Jason Quartermaine. Come to save your brother? I said I wanted to speak to your father."

"My father sent me for this initial meeting," his nephew replied. "You don't intend to release my brother at this time; we both know that. I am my father's representative and will relay this conversation to him and work towards ensuring the next one."

"How do you know I haven't already killed your brother?" Sonny asked on a laugh. "A dead body is much easier to care for than a live one. I don't have to listen to him talk, I don't have to feed him, and what do I care if he stinks up the back room he's in or the rats begin to take a nibble from him?"

"You want to humiliate my family," Jason replied, his voice clear. "Humiliation is much more attainable when there's a live body."

"Humiliation is still just as attainable with a dead body," he countered, tilting his head to the side mockingly. "I have the notes your brother signed. A strategic placement of his body in Hyde Park...perhaps right along the Serpentine...a few well-placed statements in the ears of men who owe me money still and the story will spread. Everyone will know that the honorable Viscount Quartermaine was indebted to the notorious Sonny Corinthos and killed for his failure to meet my demands. Your father will be ridiculed; your sister will be shunned, even if she delays her debut for several years; your grandmother will be heartbroken; and you and your new bride will embroiled in scandal for the rest of your lives, trying to live down the stain of your brother's actions."

His nephew clenched his hands briefly into fists at his side, and then relaxed them. "Very well," he nodded. "I shall convey this information to my father and the family will make preparations for his body's return. Good evening."

He gave a small bow of his head and prepared to turn and Sonny's admiration for his nephew grew. He wasn't going to play the game that others did. He wasn't going to beg, he wasn't going to demand, he wasn't going to make empty and puffed up threats. Sonny flicked his wrist to keep his men from detaining Jason; he would be able to easily do that with his words.

"Now who said your brother was actually dead?" he asked, and the younger man paused before he had even turned a quarter of the way. "We were simply talking hypotheticals."

"Then let us dispense with hypothetical conjecture and speak plainly. You want something from my family; money," Jason said. "Tell us how much my brother owes you and how much you demand to ensure his safe release and I will convey that to my father."

Sonny walked closer to his nephew and watched as he stood his ground, not flinching or backing away in fear or revulsion. He was a strong man, much stronger than his cowardly brother the viscount, but Sonny knew how to break him. He knew how to break the entire family. Leaning in close he said, "I don't want the money your brother owes me; I want the money my father owes me."

He stepped back to watch confusion flicker across Jason's face and laughed. "Since my father is dead, I think it only right that your father split off a portion of his inheritance and give me what I should have received had my father not tossed me aside for being born on the wrong side of the blanket. I'm not a greedy man; I'll take a sum equal to the amount my sister, Lady Tracy, received for her dowry. Plus the corresponding interest such an amount has been compounding from the day of my majority."

When the younger man's eyes widened slightly with recognition, Sonny laughed again and confirmed, "Yes, nephew, you can go back and tell your father I want what should have rightfully been mine had our father not tossed me aside along with my mother. Once I have that, then we can discuss the return of the Viscount Quartermaine."

He flicked his wrist and said, "Get him out of here."

Then he turned and walked away.

"My brother?" Alan breathed out softly, slumped wearily in his chair.

"That is what he said," Jason nodded. "He claimed that Grandfather was his father. He did not claim to be the first born son; he said that this was retaliation for being tossed aside with his mother."

"I..." The earl scrubbed his hand wearily over his face and tipped his head back, staring up at the darkness of the ceiling. "My father had many faults; amongst them were his affairs. I am not surprised there is someone claiming to be his natural child; indeed it is entirely possible."

"And he wants a sum equal to Lady Tracy's dowry with compounded interest?" Jax asked quietly from his chair to the side.

"Yes," his son answered. "For a start. He did not really mention A.J.'s debts, except to say he held his signature on notes."

"We knew the demands would be ugly, and blackmail would be, and remain, a possibility," the older man sighed heavily. "I...I do not know what to tell your mother, or mine. Theirs was an arranged marriage, and I believe my father cared for her, but there was more affection on her part than his. I do not believe she was ignorant of his actions, but she never spoke of them. How do I speak to her of this?"

Jason looked at Jax and then looked away. Neither man knew what to say to him, and he was not expecting an answer from his sons. This was for him to figure out. Jason had done enough for tonight.

"My offer still stands," his youngest son said softly. "I will help you gather the funds to pay Corinthos."

"As will I," Jax stated. He had his own land and assets, land not tied to the dukedom that his brother would inherit. Once he had discovered what occurred, he had immediately offered his assistance to the family and Alan had not tried to keep him out claiming he was not a part of this scandal. Whatever happened with A.J. would impact them all, and he was not too proud to admit he did not appreciate the support.

"I pray it does not come to that, boys," Alan said, rising from his chair. "It is late and we should not make any decisions tonight. Go to your wives, be with them. We will meet in the morning."

Jax stood and after exchanging a few words with each of them, left the room. Jason looked at his father questioningly and Alan placed his hand on his son's shoulder. "I appreciate all you did, Jason. Corinthos is not a reputable man and I was anxious for you the entire time you were gone. I fear for your brother, even if we should meet all the man's demands. It would not hurt to pray; I know I shall tonight."

"I will," Jason said gravely with a nod of his head.

"Go home," he instructed his son softly, knowing nothing more could be done tonight. "Be with your wife."

He woke to pain on his leg and A.J. tried to move, but was arrested in place by the bonds holding him to the wall. The air was thick and rank and he suspected, by the water seeping down the wall behind him and into his back, that he was near the river. He did not know what had roused him, until he felt the pain again and he jerked his leg. A squeak and a scurry followed, and A.J. froze, listening intently. More squeaks, more scurries, and then he sensed something beside him.

That is when he felt the teeth again.

There, in the dark, with the rats coming nearer, drawn by the blood, A.J. finally and fully gave way to his fears and he screamed until he was hoarse.

Part 21

The house was dark and despite the fires that now burned constantly in the fireplaces, it was damp and a chill had settled in. It had been raining for three days; only letting up occasionally to a light drizzle, but most of the time falling so hard one could not see across the street. The efficient staff was doing their best to keep the drafts out, the house warm and the candles lit, but it seemed like their efforts were as effective as trying to empty a pond with a leaky bucket.

Elizabeth sighed and pulled her shawl tighter around her, before drawing her knees up against her chest. Perhaps it was not ladylike for the mistress of the house to sit on the window seat with her feet up like a little child, but Elizabeth had asked not to be disturbed this afternoon and she knew that the staff would not intrude. If someone did come, it would be the housekeeper, and she would be kind and professional enough not to mention Elizabeth's discarded slippers on the floor and her indecorous position.

Letting out another slow breath, she leaned her head against the window and let the cool from the glass seep into her temple. Her head had begun to throb this afternoon and she had never been fond of the bitter powders her parents' housekeeper would ply her with. She always preferred solitude and a cool cloth. The solitude she had, and the cool came from the windowpane. Rivulets of water ran down the other side of the glass, merging and separating and sometimes she would trace a path with her eyes and sometimes she would stare unseeingly beyond the sight.

It wasn't just the rain that had brought a quiet pall to the house, it was the uncertainty they lived with. Jason would journey to his parents' house every day to speak with his father, but he was never gone long. He would always bring her news, but it was scarce. The dowager countess had taken to her bed after the earl had disclosed the truth about why A.J. had been taken, and the countess was spending her time at her mother-in-law's side. Emily rarely left her room and Skye ventured from her chambers even less. Jacks spent most of his time with his wife, except for when he spoke with the earl and Jason.

When Jason wasn't at his parents' home, he was handling business matters of his own. She knew, without him saying it, that he was figuring out what money he would be able to provide and just how much he could spare without jeopardizing his estate and other business ventures. He spoke with her, tried to include her and seek her counsel, but Elizabeth did not have a head for such numbers. She could manage the household accounts and ledgers competently and accurately, but her husband's business dealings were beyond her.

She had passed the closed door to his study on her way to this room at the back of the house and had not wished to disturb him. He was busy and he was worried and sometimes he needed his own solitude as much as she did hers. Other times, he sought her out and she did her best to support him, offer him strength even when she was not sure she had it to spare. Perhaps they drew strength from each other, for just when she felt at her lowest moments, she would find herself lifted and buoyed by his presence. Even if they spoke of the Quartermaine's family predicament and the helplessness they felt, she always felt better at his side, and believed he felt the same.

It was an odd realization to discover just how much she loved her husband and how that love was sustaining them during this time. They were helpmeets, in the truest sense of the word. Jason tried not to burden her with his worries, but she knew that he would never be fully comfortable until he had shared them with her. While she could not solve his dilemmas or take his troubles away, she could listen and lend her support and love and let him know he was not alone. Just as she knew she was not alone.

Even though she knew her duty was to marry so she did not burden her family in her later years, she had never truly believed she would ever marry. After watching her parents' marriage, she had decided that she never wanted such an arrangement for herself. She didn't want to merely live with someone, allow him into her bed, bear him children and live separate but together lives. Perhaps she was foolish and childish as Sarah had teased her when they were younger, but Elizabeth had always wanted to actually love the person she married. She wanted to be respected for who she was, not how much money she brought or connections she had.

Because she knew that such a marriage in this sphere would be nearly impossible to actually obtain, she really didn't believe she would marry. She wouldn't accept someone just because she might be secure or comfortable, and she would fight with everything she had if her parents had ever tried to force her into such an arrangement. But she never actually had to face that moment.

No, her marriage had not begun under the most ideal of circumstances, but she would never change it. She had married to save her family from scandal, but the only reason she truly agreed because she knew - even when she hardly knew anything else about him - that she could trust Jason. That he was honorable and devoted. She had already thought him handsome, but after their journey to Gretna Green, she knew he wasn't disreputable like his brother and so before she truly knew what she was about, she agreed to his proposal and when they stood together and were married, she was nervous and scared, but somehow, she knew it would be all right.

She heard distant footsteps in the hall and she sighed as the sound pulled her back from her thoughts. Leaving her head against the windowpane, she closed her eyes, even as she continued to listen. They were not the soft, unobtrusive footsteps of the housekeeper, or the quick steps of a servant going about their duties; they were purposeful and determined and she knew as they drew closer that they were her husband's. Elizabeth wondered where he was traveling to; wondered if he had received another note from his father and was leaving. Bringing her hand up in an attempt to ease the pain thrumming low behind her eyes, she sent up a silent prayer that this was not the note that brought news of the viscount's death. It would wound the family so deeply.

Jason's voice drifted down the hall, the words indistinguishable as he spoke with a servant and she strained her ear, hoping for a word that would give her an indication of when he might return, but it caused her head to ache worse and she stopped. She let out a breath and pressed her head harder against the glass and just focused on the cold. In the distance she heard footsteps once more, but they were retreating and she couldn't stop a sigh of disappointment that he hadn't spoken to her. Perhaps the servant had expressed her desire to be alone and so he chose not to disturb her; she could not blame him. The uncertainty had strained both of them as it stretched on and for as much as they loved each other, there were times they both desired solitude.

"Elizabeth?"

She gasped and twisted on the low bench, her eyes flying open to see Jason standing just inside the doorway. Her hand rested against her throat and her breathing came fast and hard in the stillness. "J-Jason?"

"Are you well?" he asked, moving towards her, his brow drawn down into a tight v. "The housekeeper said you asked not to be disturbed, but that you looked unwell. You are sitting here in the dark...let me call for light."

"No," she shook her head. "I...I can see by the window."

He was beside her now and he studied her for a moment before he sat down across from her, lifting her feet and depositing them in his lap once he was seated. He frowned as he rubbed her foot and said, "You are chilled. You should be closer to the fire."

"I am well," she told him. When he shook his head she amended, "I have a slight headache. Which is why I was sitting here. The coolness of the glass is soothing."

He leaned forward and his hand came up to curl around her neck. His fingers then massaged gently over her skin and she closed her eyes at his ministrations. The touch gentle enough to not cause additional pain, but with enough pressure to ease tension she had not entirely realized she was carrying.

"Are you sure it is just a headache?" he asked, concern caressing his voice.

"Yes," she strove to assure him. "I merely sought solitude and quiet, but I am glad you are here. My thoughts were becoming too loud."

Her husband continued to rub at her neck and he sighed. "I would tell you not to worry, but I know it would not accomplish anything."

"No," Elizabeth agreed. "I cannot stop worrying. About your brother...but mostly about your family. They...they have become...my family. And sometimes...sometimes I care more for them than I think about my parents or my sister. I was thinking about how I never thought I would marry because I never wanted to have a marriage as I saw my parents have and I didn't want to marry someone who merely wanted my dowry, and a proper woman to bear his heir but would keep a mistress. I could not know I would ever find a man such as you."

Jason's hand stilled from massaging her muscles, and his fingertips trailed lightly over her skin to skim across her cheek. His eyes were dark with emotion as he said, "I never expected to find a woman such as you, Elizabeth. I have seen many Seasons and seen many girls make their debuts, and I dismissed them because none of them carried your strength or depth of compassion and love. You care so deeply about my family and it...it warms me to see how much you do."

"They are your family, Jason," she said. "And you worry, so of course I worry as well."

"I wish I did not burden you so," he shook his head regretfully.

"I do not," she countered. "I am glad you talk to me and do not shunt me aside as other husbands would do."

"I have not been a very good husband to you," Jason murmured.

She brought her hand up to take his and squeezed it. "Yes, you have."

His thumb brushed over her knuckles. "We should have had a wedding tour. We have been trapped in London."

"This too shall pass," she told him softly and without regret. "And when it does...we will not always be in London. I am glad to have this time with you, to be with you, to talk with you, to spend time with you. Your family has welcomed me and treated me more kindly than mine has. We may have started out inauspiciously, but I know you love me as I love you."

He leaned closer and brushed his lips over hers and she sighed against them, loving the tender friction they always created. "I love you. Thank you for loving my family."

"It is my honor to know them," she smiled at him tenderly. "And it is my honor to be your wife. One day it will be my honor to bear your children. You have given me so much...so much I never thought I would have. What is happening now is but a small moment in our lives that I do not regret it or resent it. I am at your side and will remain there for as long as you will allow me."

Her husband's arms wrapped around her and he drew her closer, pulling her into his lap and he kissed her. Hard. Full of passion. "Always, Elizabeth. Always at my side."

Part 22

How could he have thought of leaving her?

As he sat in the dimly lit room, holding his wife on his lap, he wondered how he could have thought about leaving her today. Even though his father's note said not to come, to stay at his home and be with his wife, Jason had planned to leave. Even if he would have simply sat in his father's study and waited alone, he felt that he should be at his parents' house while his father went off to meet with Sonny Corinthos.

He had ordered the carriage brought around, had given instructions to the butler and to his valet, and had gone in search of Elizabeth to let her know his plans. The house was dark and quiet and the servants seemed to be taking extra care to be silent as they went about their tasks and Jason had not found her in any of the normal rooms she preferred. Finally, the housekeeper approached him - probably alerted by a maid that he was moving about the house searching - and when he asked for his wife's location, the older woman actually hesitated in telling him. At first he was annoyed by the change in the servant's normally cheerful and helpful demeanor, and then he realized she was not being uncooperative to be difficult, she was concerned about her mistress.

The housekeeper told him where he could find his wife, and then gently let slip a few facts Jason had not been aware of. Like the fact that Elizabeth had been sequestered away in the downstairs room at the back of the house since after breakfast. That she had not ordered a tray for lunch, and had barely picked at the one the housekeeper had finally taken upon herself to send to Mrs. Quartermaine. That his wife had asked to be left alone and had looked pale and tired. The older woman was worried, and the change from her normal behavior made him worried. And in that instant, he'd changed his mind. He cancelled the carriage, and then added his own orders that he and his wife were not to be disturbed until they rang for someone.

Now, as he held Elizabeth in his arms, he knew that he'd made the correct decision. He had seen the drawn look on her face, worried about her headache and wondered if it was just the dim light filtering in through the window that made her look paler or if his eyes were discerning the truth. As he held her, he also wondered if it was just his imagination, or if she felt thinner in his arms. The last thing he wanted was for this situation with his brother to make her neglect her care and lead to illness.

However, he knew she was concerned and perhaps that was leading to neglect on her part as it had been leading to neglect on his. She traveled often to see his family, she worried and fretted over him and seemed to always be ordering a tray for him when he was locked away in his study, she stayed up late to speak to him in an effort to ease his mind, and no matter how silent he tried to be in the morning when he rose, he always returned to their bedroom to find her awake and beginning her own day. She was getting as little sleep as he was and while she was making sure he ate, he did not know if she was eating.

He hadn't just been neglecting himself, he realized regretfully; he had been neglecting his wife. He appreciated her support and the obvious care and concern she showed for his family and had been so grateful to have her at his side. Her generosity even went so far as to excuse the pitiful beginning of their married life together, instead of demanding a wedding trip or the removal from London to Rosewood so they could be alone. He should have been devoting his time to her, instead of wasting it worrying about his brother who would never return the same action if their roles were reversed.

"I am sorry," he murmured against her temple before letting his lips linger over her skin in a tender kiss. "I should have done better, Elizabeth."

Shifting slightly, she pulled back to look at him. "What do you mean, Jason?"

"I have not been a very good husband," he said on a sigh. "Even if you understand our lack of wedding trip, nothing excuses my neglect of you."

Her brows furrowed together and she questioned, "Neglect? You have not neglected me, Jason."

"I have," he insisted, his hand rubbing slow circles across her back. "You have been with my family almost daily, lending whatever support and comfort you can, making sure I eat and being there when I need someone to talk to no matter how late the hour, but who has been looking out for you?"

"I am fine," she shook her head.

"No," he said on a soft sigh. "You are not. You are suffering headaches, you are not getting enough rest and I wonder if you are eating. Our housekeeper is worried about you and I am worried about you."

"You do not need to worry about me," his wife told him immediately as she looked away. "You have enough to worry about."

"Elizabeth," he said, his fingers going under her chin to direct her gaze back to him. "There is nothing more important than you. My estate, my business ventures, even my brother and my family...none of that is more important than you. If you are unhappy, then I am unhappy. If you are sad, then I am sad. If you are not well, then I am not well. You have become the most important person to me and I made a vow to take care of you."

A faint blush crept up on her cheeks and she tried to look away, but he would not release her chin. "Jason," she said, embarrassment clear in her voice. "I know you love me."

"I do," he swore as he leaned forward and kissed her lips lightly. "I love you very much, Elizabeth, and I have not shown you that enough lately. I do not want you to ever doubt my love for you."

Her small hands immediately framed his face and she looked at him intently. "I do not. I told you this. I do not regret the manner in which we married, or what has transpired since. I do not care that our time is occupied with concerns for your brother. Your family needs you and your support. I am happy to aid in any way I can. I feel useful instead of superfluous as my family made me feel. I do not feel neglected."

She paused and her thumb brushed gently over his right cheek, creating a friction that ignited heat low in his belly. He did not know if that is what she intended, but it was the outcome. He realized it had been too long since he had done anything more than merely fall asleep beside his wife late at night, his arm draped protectively across her. It had been too long since he'd shown her just how much he loved her, how much he cherished her and how much he desired her.

"I do not doubt your love," she vowed to him. "Never, ever doubt that. You have given me so much, Jason."

"No," he shook his head. "You have given me so much."

He shifted his hold on her, drew her closer to him and slipped his arm underneath her legs. "You have given me your love. You have given me your support and your understanding. You have given your acceptance and love to my family; not for their title, but for who they are. You have given me something I never thought I would have. A family of my own. Someone to come home to, someone I can share my life with. The good and the bad. You have given me such strength and devotion and I adore you. I love you. More than I ever thought possible."

He kissed her soundly. Not comforting or reassuringly. This kiss spoke of hunger, of love and a more primal need. She brought her arms around his neck, matching his passion and then gasped against his mouth when he stood.

"Jason?" she asked, the word nearly lost between them. "What-what are you doing?"

He turned his head, seeking her mouth and silenced her, then began to walk from the room. "Jason," she said again, panic creeping into her voice. "What are you doing? What if someone sees us? What will the servants think? What will they say?"

He paused at the base of the stairs and could not reach her lips so he kissed her jaw. A sure, determined path that then moved to her neck. She stiffened, and then her head moved back just a fraction. "The servants will not speak," he said against her throat, her pulse beating wildly under his lips. "They will never say anything to anyone else, or to you. They know their duties."

Lifting his head he met her gaze and continued, "So let them see me carry you upstairs, I do not care. You are my wife and my job to is to tend to your needs as you have tended to everyone else's. My job is to ensure you rest and you eat and I intend to apply myself diligently to that task."

Her blush deepened on her cheeks and he knew she understood. This time she did not move away when he leaned towards her. Her lips moved against his and he knew he must get them to their bedchamber soon. Reluctantly he pulled away and looked at her with fierce determination. "Today, my only task is to see to your needs. And I have determined that best done from our room. Now let the servants talk if they must, but it will not stop me, Elizabeth."

Then he climbed the stairs and entered their room. Nadine was in Elizabeth's dressing room and was dismissed until she was called for and John was discreet enough to slip quietly from the suite. Once the doors were closed and locked, Jason took Elizabeth into his arms again and proceeded to let her know that rest would come, but later. Much later

Jason heard the clock chime downstairs and Elizabeth stirred beside him, but he soothed his hand over her arm and she let out a sigh and settled back into sleep. He had slept for a little while beside her, content and drained from their emotional talk downstairs and from their loving afterwards. But he'd awoken, his mind's worries intruding into his sleep and not allowing him any further rest. He didn't leave their bed, though; he did not want to leave its comforting warmth and Elizabeth's presence.

He thought back to the note his father sent, informing him that another note had been received from Corinthos demanding a meeting. It had also been quite clear that this time he would meet with nobody less than the earl. Jason's father had agreed to meet the man who claimed to be his brother and had sent the note at such a time to ensure that Jason could not arrive at the house before the older man left in an attempt to talk the earl out of going.

Concerned for his father, worried for his mother and grandmother should something happen to both his father and brother, and feeling helpless and ineffective, Jason had been determined to disregard his father's note and travel to his ancestral home anyways. He let out a breath and determined that his housekeeper deserved a bonus, or at least an extra afternoon off, for speaking up and voicing her concerns about Elizabeth. He would have been so wrong to leave her, even though he knew she would have understood and would not have complained. His mother and grandmother had each other, along with Emily and Skye to console one another. Elizabeth would have been alone, and that would have been unacceptable.

He tightened his arms around her as he closed his eyes. He loved her so much and felt so complete with her by his side that he didn't know why he insisted on shouldering so much alone. It was as Elizabeth said; they were married, they were partners and they were commanded to be helpmeets to one another. She was giving him so much; today had been the time for him to give back to her. It was important to him that she understood just how he felt about her; how she had changed his life for the better and he was not the same man that he had been before.

Pressing a kiss to her temple he slid from the bed and nearly abandoned his plans when she frowned in her sleep and reached for him. However, he was determined to indulge her tonight, which meant calling for a tray of her favorite dishes to be delivered so they could dine in their room this evening, and ordering a bath to be drawn for her later. A long soak in a warm bath, her favorite foods, and then they would return to bed, regardless of what time it was. She needed sustenance, and she needed rest, and if he needed to stay by her side to ensure she received both, then he would do so.

Tomorrow he would worry about his brother and his father's note. Tomorrow, he would travel to his parents' home and discover what transpired tonight. Tomorrow he would let the world intrude once again in his life and his marriage. Tonight he was shutting everything out. Tonight, he intended to show Elizabeth all that she meant to him, and more.