Page 41 of Until I’m Safe in Your Arms

A shout went up all over the room, the buzz of noise being loudest in the corner behind Alex. Dazed by everything that had just happened, he peered over at his uncle, who seemed to be coming to, assisted by his second and the large gentleman he’d seen earlier. An air of strangeness made his head spin until Emma appeared and threw herself into his arms.

“I’m so sorry, my love. With so much at stake, I couldn’t stay away.”

Immediately, Alex pulled her away, his head clearing. He had to get her out of here before she was discovered. “You must leave now, Emma. We will speak of this, at length, tonight, but you must get away before you are found out.” He nodded to the man assisting his uncle to stand. “Who is that man who came with you?”

She gazed up at him, fear suddenly in her eyes. “Lucinda.”

Dear God. If anything happened to his pregnant wife, Uncle Jack would mop the floor with Alex for sure. “Go to her and make her leave. Tell her I will bring Uncle Jack home, but you both must leave, now.

Emma hesitated, glancing from him to his aunt.

“Go!”

She started toward Aunt Lucinda, and after some struggle, managed to pull her away from his uncle. They left the ring, and he thanked God when they finally disappeared out the door.

Meanwhile, the room had erupted into cheers and whistles. His cousins were still haggling over their bets, but he saw slips of IOUs being passed back and forth, so everything seemed to have worked itself out. After he changed, he’d seek out Jules and collect his winnings.

He’d won. Alex had scarcely taken that in yet. He wasn’t going to have to spend his life teaching this dreadful sport to other unwitting soldiers. Emma’s dowry was intact, and they now had an estate. Grinning from ear to ear, Alex headed over to his uncle’s corner, where the man was drinking water and blinking rapidly.

“So the best man won, nephew.” His uncle looked up at him and winced as he moved his jaw. “That’s a devilish right hook you’ve got there. I’m proud of you, even though I’ll be eating blancmange for a week.”

“I hope not, uncle. You’ll be fine in a day or two, unless Aunt Lucinda takes you to task for getting injured.” Alex wondered if she’d already done so just now. “Can you stand?”

Slowly, his uncle rose, and Alex took his arm. “You may be getting too old for this sort of thing.”

“Nonsense, my boy.” He winced as he started to move, Alex’s arm around his shoulders. “I’ve never felt better.”

“I suppose you must feel miserable all the time then.” Alex laughed and Uncle Jack joined in. They climbed down from the ring, making their way toward the dressing area through throngs of congratulatory spectators.

“Tell me something, Alex.” His uncle limped as he went behind the curtain. “Who was that gentleman who tried to assist me when I couldn’t get up? I didn’t recognize him, but then I was so dizzy at that point I couldn’t see straight. Do I know him?”

Laughing, Alex thumped Uncle Jack on the back. “Yes, uncle, you know him. Allow me to let you in on a little secret.”

*

After settling his wagers with Julius, Alex arrived home in a happier mood than he’d had in many weeks. He’d won the estate free and clear from Uncle Jack, Emma’s fortune was intact, and his own had grown substantially in the past several hours. Once his commission was refunded from the army, they would be on solid financial footing to begin their new life in Shropshire.

The only thing marring his joy was the knowledge that Emma had disobeyed him in a spectacular fashion. By attending the boxing match not only had she gone against his wishes, but she’d exposed herself to rowdy men with coarse language unfit for a lady’s ears. Not to mention the dangers Lucinda had been subject to in her delicate condition. Had they been recognized—and he wouldn’t know that for days until the gossip about the match circulated through the ton—both families might have to slink off to the country and wait for Society to forget this transgression.

Now, despite his exhilarated spirits, he would have to play the stern husband and devise a punishment for his disobedient wife.

The butler opened the door for him with, “Congratulations on your victory, Captain Bancroft.”

“Thank you, Buckleigh.” Well, news did travel fast these days. “Is my wife at home?” She’d better be.

“Yes, sir. I believe she has repaired to the bedchamber.”

“Very good.” Best deal with this now. No need to put it off. “There may be some callers this afternoon, gentlemen wanting to render their congratulations as well. I am not home to anyone for the rest of the day, Buckleigh. Is that understood?”

“Perfectly, sir.” The butler bowed and Alex headed up the stairs to confront his recalcitrant wife.

The door to their chamber was ajar. Alex paused to put his sternest face on, then pushed it open.

Emma sat on the chaise longue in her nightgown, all trace of the boyish masquerade gone. As he entered, she looked up, bit her lip, and rose. “May I offer my congratulations on your victory?”

Alex strode toward her, his mouth opened to scold her soundly. But her soft voice, the sweet smell of jasmine that swirled around her, and the look of adoration in her eyes banished his rebuke. Instead, he grabbed her head in his hands and his mouth descended onto hers. God, he had missed kissing her. And touching her. He ran his hands over her luscious form, reveling in the feel of her.

No, no, he needed to admonish her for her blatant disobedience. Alex broke the kiss and stared down at his flushed and aroused wife. It had been a long two weeks, but she had to understand—