Dangerous Liaison (Lords of Whitehall Book 2)

to the church doors, the warmer his arm became. Heat moved up his arm and to his horror invaded his chest.
For a moment, he wanted to drop her hand and run out the church doors. His pride won the day and he remained at Gillian’s side.
Moreham said a thankful prayer once they were in his carriage. Only then did he realize, he’d neglected to kiss his bride. What an idiot he was. What man regardless of the circumstances forgot to kiss his bride? No doubt at that very moment Sturm and Cross were laughing at his oversight.
Gillian shifted next to him. All thought of his friend’s amusement forgotten. There was a more important question. What did his bride think of his failure to seal their union?
“Moreham, are you unwell? You’re pale, the same hue as Aunt Isadora’s bed linens.”
Gillian’s question caught him off guard. He struggled once again to find the correct words to say.
“I– rather we–I mean to say I only just now realized I failed to perform my first duty as a husband.”
Gillian frowned at him, clearly confused. “Failed?”
“I didn’t kiss you…at the church.”
Gillian tossed back her head and laughed. Not the titter of a girl but the full-bodied laugh of a woman.
“I think considering my aunt was sobbing throughout the ceremony you should forgive yourself for. I shudder to think what she would have done had you kissed me.”
From his perspective, that kiss would have been the high point of the wedding even with the duchess’s crying. He promised himself once the blasted wedding breakfast was concluded and he escorted Gillian to their home, he’d pull her into the first room with a door and proceed to kiss her thoroughly. Woe be to the poor soul who interrupted their privacy.
Would his kiss be Gillian’s first? Had Arnold kissed her? What of some other gentleman? His insides burned at the thought of the traitor or some faceless man kissing her. He refused to name what he was feeling. Better to focus on Arnold.
He was committed to finding the mastermind behind the traitors. Percy Arnold’s escape from his custody had only strengthened his resolve. He took complete responsibility for Arnold’s subverting custody. The least he could do was link his name to Gillian. Even he knew this was the most expedient manner to protect her.
He wished he could keep reality at bay, but he had to speak to Gillian now. “Gillian, your actions for the next few days are very important. You must present the happy face of a new bride to everyone. There is much at stake. Far more than you know.”
Gillian Buckley, Countess of Moreham…how strange that sounded to him…stared at him in shock. Her face lost all color. “Moreham, I cannot do this. You must think of another way. My aunt is distraught over our marriage. Uncle is convinced we are a love match. I am a silly woman who wanted to help save the two people who love her as their own. You were right. Please help me save them. Save my uncle’s life.”
“You must trust me.” He took her hands in his and held tight. “You may not be too far off with your belief Whitney is innocent. There is still the possibility Whitney is being used as a pawn. Blackmail could be why he is involved. We will never know unless we proceed. We must continue. Please believe me when I say I will do everything I can to safeguard you and your loved ones. I protect what is mine.”
Gillian finally nodded her agreement as his carriage slowed to a stop in front of Whitney’s town home.
“We have arrived. Time to smile and be the blushing bride I know you can be. I have faith in you. I know you can do this.” Moreham patted her hands hoping the gesture shored up her resolve to see this through.
His wife leaned forward and pressed her lips to his with the inexperience of a virginal miss. He pushed her away, but not before seeing the hurt in her eyes. He wished they were in love. What a silly romantic notion! Not well done of him at all.
Cross leaned against the massive church doors and waited as Moreham’s carriage pulled away from the church. He sensed rather than saw Sturm step out from the shadows.
“A monkey.” Sturm snapped his fingers before holding out his hand.
Cross growled. “How did you know he would actually marry her? He could have fled to the country and left us to continue on with the assignment. That’s what most gentlemen would have done.” He tossed the small purse filled with his one hundred pounds to Sturm.
Sturmbridge laughed. “Not likely. You, my dear friend, are not a student of human behavior. Should have paid more attention to Moreham. He’s been entranced with his countess since she danced with him that night Arnold was arrested at Whitney’s ball. Remember when she rode with him in the park. He didn’t pay us any mind when we rode past that morning. He only had eyes for her.
“When she entered the church on her uncle’s arm, I don’t think Moreham could remember his own name. He is besotted with her. The funny part is Lady Gillian believes she is immune to Moreham. Should be an interesting time watching the newly wedded couple discover they are in love and that, my friend, is what the playwrights call irony.”
Sylvia Buckley, Dowager Countess of Moreham entered her carriage to find her friend Lady Philomena Preston waiting. “Oh Philly,” Sylvia’s voice quivered with emotion. “He is married. Gillian was the perfect choice for him. Did you see how she tried not to look at him? Did you see him sneak a look at her when she said her vows? I think my son was disappointed when the vicar did not give him leave to kiss her. My heart almost burst at that hungry look in his eyes. For a moment, I thought he was going to