Some time later, Niall sat up slightly, and ran his fingers over her curves, quite clearly pleased with his work. There was something proprietary in the way he looked at her, which made part of Heather a little annoyed (a part that had been quite absent during their lovemaking).
“So you enjoyed that, beautiful?” he asked, rather smugly.
“I did enjoy it. Which is fortunate.” After all, it would be horribly disappointing to give up all her freedom for something that didn’t shake her to her core.
“Yes it is fortunate,” he said, “because we’re going to do that again. Many times.”
“As my husband commands,” Heather said, a little tartly.Wasit worth it? Or had her heart finally outrun her mind?
Niall’s smile evaporated. “You still think it’s like that?”
“Even more so,” Heather said, recognizing the truth. “We can’t exactly go back now…if we ever could. But isn’t that what you wanted?” Niall never pretended he didn’t need her money, and she had to respect him for that.
He said nothing, but he slid off the bed, and it took a moment for Heather to realize that he wasn’t coming back immediately. When she sat up and looked for him, he was fully dressed.
“Niall? Where are you going?”
He didn’t even look at her. “This is your room. I won’t bother you any longer. Anyway, I have some things to take care of.”
“Wait? We’re done?”
“Aye, it does sound as if we’re done, doesn’t it?” He turned and left the room.
Heather simply sat there, staring at the closed door.
* * * *
Niall was never going to win with Heather. He was never going to convince her that he lovedher, not her money or anything else that came with it. For a short, precious time, he thought Heather had understood—why else would she finally consent to the single act that would irrevocably bind her to him? He had never been so stirred before when with a woman. It really was different when it was someone you loved.
But she hadn’t been that moved, apparently—despite her sweetness during and after sex, like when she said she trusted him.Thathad felt good, almost as good as she felt to him.
It fooled him into thinking all was well, until she just coolly noted that she was stuck with him now. Like a slap in the face, and she didn’t even have to raise her hand.
Niall suddenly understood every terrible ballad and poem about unrequited love.
Evening was descending, but he was in no mood for dinner or socializing with anyone. Compelled by something he didn’t quite understand, he went to his father’s old chambers, and sat in the massive, carved wood chair by the unlit fireplace.
“My lord? Do you require anything?” A servant asked from the door. He must have seen Niall go in, and wondered why.
“Yes. Have the lamps lit, and the fire as well. Then tell Mr. Kemble to meet me here.” Niall got up and walked to the window, staring out at the lands of Carregness. He was earl now, wasn’t he? He might as well take everything that he was entitled to. That was how the world worked.
When the fire was blazing and lamps around the room made it tolerably bright, another servant ushered Kemble in the door.
“My lord, you wanted to see me? I’m sorry to say that I’ve not yet found anything of great use when it comes to the arguments for nullifying the marriage.”
“Never mind that,” Niall said, waving his hand. “Kemble, I need help, and it’s help only you can provide.”
Niall told the lawyer what he wanted.
Kemble frowned, looking out the window for a very long moment. He tipped his head, obviously going through some sophisticated mental acrobatics.
“If I am understanding the situation correctly, there may be one way to achieve your aim,” he said. “Now listen closely.”
Chapter 24
It was the first weekof October, and letters arrived in the castle almost as thickly as falling leaves drifted into the courtyard. One arrived on cream paper with the mark of a lion on the seal.
Dear Heather,
