Page 83 of Once Upon a Reckless Rogue

By the time they stopped in front of the house, the staff had assembled, and Elena stood in front of the door. She was so poised and beautiful in her pale apricot gown that swayed gently in the breeze. He jumped out and ran up the stairs to her and, picking her up, twirled her around, which rewarded him with a giggle and a “put me down, you’re so embarrassing.” He could tell she was pleased as she kissed him soundly on the mouth before whispering, “Don’t ever leave me again.”

The footmen were handing down her mother and sister, and June was the first to bob a curtsey in front of Elena, who did the same.

“Sister,” June said. “I am so happy to finally meet you.”

“I am very happy to meet you too,” Elena replied slowly in English.

“Oh, that was very well done,” June praised. “Thomas said you had been practicing English but do not worry as I speak very good French.”

“Merci…Thank you.”

His mother came up next, and Thomas held his breath as he saw that she had been sizing up his wife.

“Welcome home, Mother,” Elena said.

“Thank you, my dear. I hope we will be good friends, yes?” his mother said in French.

Elena nodded before replying. “Oh, yes, that would be wonderful. I do need all the help I can get, and you are so knowledgeable in these things. I think I will be in great need of your experience.”

This pleased his mother, and she placed a kiss on Elena’s cheek before moving inside.

The rest of the staff followed, leaving Thomas and Elena alone on the landing. “I am so proud of you, my beautiful wife. I see you have made sure the house is shining from top to bottom.”

“Señor Davis has been a godsend. But I am so glad to have you home. Did you find out why they left?”

“Yes. I will tell you all the details once we are alone. First, I want to kiss my wife.”

She stood on tippy-toes and wound her arms around his neck as he lowered his head and kissed her soundly. Elena Markham was like a tonic. He felt so much better after kissing her.

Elena broke the kiss. “We do not want your mother to think me far too wanton.”

“Ha, do you think I care what my mother thinks?’

“Yes, yes I think you do and so do I…keep those thoughts for later.”

He laughed again as they moved into the house. A new chapter in their lives had finally started.

*

The messenger pounded on the door at four am. The drowsy Kingsley opened the door and took the letter. Thomas was already coming down the stairs in his banyan. “What is it?”

“A message sir, from Lord Ashton.”

“Thank you. Do not go yet. I may have need of you.” Kingsley nodded and passed the candle to Thomas so he could read the letter.

Dear Thomas,

I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but we have more information about the three French you killed on the road. I beg you to come to London to discuss what might be done. I would not involve you if I did not think it urgent. I would like you to stay at my house in London with Lucinda and me. Bring Elena.

Your humble servant,

Anthony Ashton

Thomas crumpled the paper in his fist. Would this nightmare ever end? And why would Elena need to come? He might find it difficult to persuade her to leave now that she was settled. He dragged himself back upstairs after dismissing Kingsley. He would tell Elena in the morning. No doubt he would have three very unhappy women to deal with when the sun rose.

Thomas waited until after breakfast to assemble the family in the parlor. He read the now very crumpled letter to them and then threw it in the fire.

“We just got back, and I thought you said you were no longer a spy,” June said, a frown between her brows.