Lord Thomas and his bride (The Duke's Brothers Book 3) Read online

  He cautiously placed the fossil in her hand, his fingers lightly touching her palms.

  “It’s so beautiful,” she whispered, bringing the fossil closer to her face so could inspect it properly. “I’ve never seen anything like it. How does this even happen?”

  “Most likely, the seahorse died and was buried in the sand and silt. Everything but the bones and shells decomposed and the sediment around the plant, or in this case, the seahorse, hardened to stone and was preserved perfectly.”

  She stared at him with wide, curious eyes, “How do you know all this?”

  “My father had various books on the subject. My grandfather and I share the same interest.”

  She smiled, gazing back at the seahorse. “The world is a wondrous place, filled with treasures. I see the beauty of it almost every day, working with my father.”

  “Dr. Morton is your father?”

  “Indeed. I have been assisting with patients ever since my...” Her voice trailed off and she lowered her gaze. “My apologies. I should not be divulging information about myself to you.”

  She handed the fossil back to Thomas and stepped away.

  He placed it back inside his satchel and looked at her, feeling strangely uncomfortable all of a sudden. He’d probably stayed too long. “I should be going.”

  “I don’t think that is such a good idea.”

  Thomas slid off the patient bed and attempted to stand up, certain that he would be able to manage on his own. Clearly, he was mistaken. He hadn’t expected his leg to be as tender as it was, and his knee buckled as he tried to put pressure on it. A cry emerged from his throat as he grabbed for the bed to stop from falling to the floor.

  Rebecca was by his side immediately. “What on earth were you thinking? Your leg is injured. You cannot stand on it.”

  Thomas couldn’t stop the sudden urge to laugh from bubbling up. She looked so concerned for him. “My apologies. I don’t wish to take up any more of your time.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. You are under mine and my father’s care, and I cannot allow you to be in pain. I shall send word to His Grace’s estate to send someone to collect you here.”

  He tried to stop her. He hated being a bother to his family. Especially his brothers. “That is not necessary. I can make my own way—”

  “I will not listen to you arguing with me, Mr. Melton. Or should I address you as My Lord?” she asked.

  “Please call me Thomas. There is no need for such formalities,” he told her.

  A smile formed on his lips despite the throbbing pain felt in his leg. The young woman had rebuked him. He liked her courage in doing so. Not many ladies he’d met would do such a thing to a duke’s brother.

  He appreciated her insistence as it showed she truly cared about his well-being.

  “Very well, Thomas,” she said with a nod. “I will send our manservant to His Grace’s residence—”

  “Finlay Hall,” Thomas interjected as he repositioned himself on the patient bed.

  “I will return shortly. Please do fight the urge to stand by yourself again, as you will most certainly topple over.”

  “At least I know you’ll be there to help when that happens,” Thomas said with a grin.

  Rebecca pursed her lips for a moment and finally sighed. “Please do not do anything foolish until I return.”

  “I will wait for you,” he said with a nod. He didn’t want the doctor tending him if he re-injured himself. His beautiful nurse was more than proficient at stitches.

  Rebecca studied him for a moment, her eyes cool and assessing, before she turned away and left the room.

  Thomas grinned once more and stared down at his leg, perfectly wrapped in a clean bandage. Perhaps his accident and misfortune had brought him to Dr. Morton and the lovely Rebecca for a reason?

  Perhaps it was nature’s way of leading him in the right direction. Or it was merely a sign that it was time to leave the things of the past in the past and focus on the future.

  Chapter Two

  Rebecca hurried into the foyer as the urgent knocking echoed through the hallway. Where was Christopher, the manservant who saw to the door?

  Luckily, she had not been busy with a patient. She had been keeping the handsome Thomas company while intermittently assisting her father with patients. She had not expected the day to be as busy and lively as it was turning out to be.

  Thomas was not only handsome, but pleasant company, and the manner in which his eyes sparkled as he spoke of fossil hunting was a delightful sight. He had such passion and fire. She was truly captivated by him.

  She’d never heard of hunting for fossils, and the very idea intrigued her. Even though she’d only met Thomas a short while ago, she sincerely wished he would invite her on such an excursion.

  Of course, that would never happen. He was the brother of the Duke of Waign. He was a noble and influential person. A notable person in the fossil hunting world as well and had his own exhibition at a museum in Bournemouth, as he’d so humbly told her earlier.

  It was not something she’d thought would be interesting, but the delicate and fragile seahorse fossil was beautiful, and if someone such as Thomas would wish to introduce her to his world, she would happily learn as much as she could.

  The knocking continued and as Rebecca opened the door, her jaw dropped in shock.

  Before her stood the Duke of Waign, Thomas’ eldest brother, looking regal and intimidating in his finery. His presence was both impressive and unexpected.

  When Rebecca had ordered one of their manservants to call upon the duke to arrange transportation back to Finlay Hall, she had not expected for the man himself to arrive at her home. She’d have thought him much too busy to take the time to collect his brother himself.

  “Your Grace,” she said quietly and curtseyed as low as she could without toppling over. “I was not expecting you.”

  “My brother is injured, and I came as soon as I heard,” the duke answered. “Is he well?”

  “I will take you to him,” Rebecca said, her heart thumping a little too fast in her chest.

  The duke nodded and Rebecca turned and walked down the side hallway that led to the waiting room. She assumed the duke followed her as the patients she passed paused their conversations for a moment and acknowledged the duke in quiet gestures.

  Rebecca opened the door to the private treatment room where the youngest Melton waited and stepped inside. Thomas smiled briefly at her and she stepped to the side to reveal his brother.

  “Thomas,” the duke said in a stern voice.

  Thomas’ eyebrows shot up. “Charles. I did not expect to see you here.”

  “Why do people automatically assume I would not come? Is everyone under the assumption that I have better things to do with my time? And my youngest brother’s well-being is not a priority to me?”

  Rebecca glanced at the floor in embarrassment. She most certainly had assumed that.

  “Do not be hysterical, brother,” Thomas said as he rolled his eyes and sat upright on the patient bed.

  “What in heaven’s name happened? Your leg is bandaged.”

  “I fell on the limestone rocks at the foot of the cliffs,” Thomas said nonchalantly.

  “At the cliffs,” the duke repeated, his eyes flashing angrily. He turned towards Rebecca and drew in a deep breath. “Would you kindly excuse us for a moment, Miss?”

  She looked at the duke, slightly bewildered at what to say, but instead simply agreed. “Of course. My sincerest apologies.”

  “There is no need to be rude, Charles. Rebecca did a fine job cleaning my wound, suturing it, and bandaging it,” Thomas said, coming to her defence.

  Rebecca smiled at Thomas, grateful for the friend in this strange moment.

  “I do not doubt that for a moment,” Charles said and turned to Rebecca. “Thank you for that, but I still require a moment alone with my brother.”

  Who was she to stand in his way?

  “Of course, Your Grace,” R
ebecca said with a nod.

  After a moment’s hesitation, she hastily left the room, closing the door behind her. She pressed her back against the wooden panel and lowered her gaze, listening to the duke as he spoke to Thomas. His voice was loud and firm, and she was able to overhear every single word, although she didn’t intend to eavesdrop on their conversation.

  “What were you doing by the cliffs? On your own, that time of the morning?” the duke demanded to know.

  “You know what I was doing there, brother. And I prefer to do my fossil hunting alone. Need I remind you of the last time you and the others accompanied me?” Thomas said, nonchalance still evident in his tone, giving the impression that Thomas was not fazed by the rebuke from his eldest brother.

  “You could have been seriously injured.”

  “Possibly, but I was not. Luckily, it was not a long walk from here.”

  “Thomas, your reckless behaviour causes me much frustration.”

  “Why, brother? I am perfectly fine.”

  “Things could have been much worse.”

  “It was not. I am fine.” Thomas repeated, louder this time.

  “But—”

  “Charles, please. Lecturing me is not going to change what happened. I am fine.”

  “I will call upon our family physician to examine you—”

  “There is no need for that. Dr. Morton and his daughter, Rebecca, assisted me. My wound was thoroughly cleaned, and sutured. There is no need to question their capabilities.”

  “Thomas—”

  “Please, respect my decision.”

  A smile formed on Rebecca’s lips and she stepped away from the door, not wishing to hear any more of their conversation. She had already overstepped her boundaries enough.

  As she made her way to the reception area, she was met by her father as he brought two stacks of paper from his consulting rooms.

  “How is Thomas?” Dr. Morton asked.

  “He and the duke are speaking. They requested a moment’s privacy. But he should be all right to return home,” Rebecca said.

  “And he is experiencing less pain?”

  “He is, yes.”

  “Wonderful. But we must check in on him at his home every few days to change the dressing on his wound. We would not wish for it to be infected.”

  “Indeed, Father,” Rebecca said.

  The door of the private room opened, and Charles and Thomas appeared. Rebecca’s first instinct was to rush to his side to offer her shoulder to support him.

  “There is no need, Miss Morton,” the duke said, holding up his hand. “I will assist my brother.”

  “I insist, Your Grace. I am here for the patients. And it is no trouble at all,” Rebecca said, moving toward Thomas despite the duke’s request.

  A small smile formed on Thomas’ lips as she approached him, and he rested his arm around her shoulders. He was taller than she, so she fit perfectly under his arm as if they were made for one another.

  Rebecca shook her head and scolded herself for even thinking something so preposterous.

  “Thank you,” Thomas said in a whisper, as she walked him out if the house and towards the carriage that waited outside.

  “Your bandage requires changing every few days. Is there a nurse at Finlay Hall who can assist with that, or would you require my father and I to visit you at home?” Rebecca asked.

  “Why would I deny myself the pleasure of seeing your beautiful face again?” Thomas asked.

  His words made her cheeks flush with heat and she lowered her gaze. “Very well. I will see to it that frequent visits are scheduled.”

  “Wonderful. I look forward to seeing you, Rebecca.”

  With the assistance of the duke, Rebecca helped Thomas into the carriage.

  As she was about to close the door, Thomas reached out to her, taking her hand. His warm skin against hers took her by surprise and she gasped.

  Thomas brought her hand to his lips and gently kissed the top of her hand.

  “Thank you, Rebecca. I am forever in your debt.”

  She smiled and pulled her hand free from his, her skin still tingling from his touch.

  She stepped away and felt strangely dizzy as she watched the carriage drive off, the sound of the horses’ hooves clattering on the ground perfectly in tune with her heartbeat.

  THOMAS HAD NEVER BEEN the kind of person who relished in attention, especially not from too many people at once. Which was why he was even more uncomfortable when he arrived back at Finally Hall.

  Of course, his other brothers and their wives hadn’t a clue why Charles had left so hastily when a messenger arrived at the estate.

  So, they watched with shocked and concerned expressions when Thomas emerged from the carriage with a bandaged leg and bloodied clothing.

  He was led to his chambers, bathed and redressed in clean clothes. Afterwards, his brother’s wives frantically attempted to make him feel better. With expressions filled with worry, they tended to him, feeding him and ensuring he was comfortable.

  He understood and appreciated their concern, but he preferred they not fuss over him. All the attention was making him feel tired and slightly nauseated. He would much rather have had the focus of the lovely Rebecca, sharing with her tales of his adventures finding his most favoured fossils.

  Thomas eventually settled on the large sofa in the drawing room with his leg slightly raised on two cushions stacked on top of one another and a drink in his hand. The room was quiet for now, with his brothers and their wives talking amongst themselves in lowered voices, entering and exiting the drawing room at random intervals.

  Thomas did not take much notice of them, their movements or their conversation, for that matter. He was much too focused on reflecting on the lovely Miss Rebecca Morton. Her beautiful dark eyes, the colour of her golden hair, the manner in which she gazed upon him. The lightness of her touch, her smile. It all fit together perfectly, like an exquisite puzzle.

  She had certainly made quite an impression on him.

  He sipped his drink, deep in thought. Never in his life had he met a woman who had shown as much interest in fossils. She had asked him questions and genuinely listened to him. Most women whom he had spoken to about his interest in such things were disinterested in the subject, finding it tedious and boring, not to mention filthy. But not Rebecca.

  He wasn’t sure whether she was merely acting interested to take his mind off his injury or if she was genuine, but Thomas hoped her curiosity was sincere.

  Perhaps the next time he saw her, he could ask her to accompany him on his next hunting excursion. At least he would then know if she was truly interested in his hobby. It would be a good way to thank her for skilled stitching and kind ministrations.

  Comical laughter drew his attention back to the drawing room and his eye caught his brothers and the women’s stares.

  Thomas’ brows raised expectantly, and James chuckled. “He is back,” James said.

  “I beg your pardon?” Thomas asked.

  “We thought we lost you for a while, Thomas,” Emma said with a concerned expression on her face.

  Emma was a classic beauty, as Charles often described his wife. Her elegance was unrivalled and despite her youth, she had become the mother-figure of their family. She was filled with wisdom and advice on how to navigate life and any given situation.

  She had been married to Charles for nearly a decade, and that in itself warranted a standing ovation. Charles was not the easiest man to live with, but Emma did so with the utmost grace. She was always focused on her family’s well-being and comfort. And at times, at the expense of her own. Nevertheless, she had a caring heart, and they’d become very close over the years.

  “My apologies. I didn’t hear a single word you said,” Thomas said.

  “What on earth has occupied your thoughts so intently that you were unable to hear any of us?” Robert asked.

  “It must be something very important,” Abigail said.

  “Or p
erhaps, someone,” Charles said.

  The others stared at Charles with intrigue, then turned their attention back to Thomas.

  Thanks, brother.

  “Have you met someone, Thomas?” Emma asked.

  He had, but should he share that information so soon?

  “You all will think I am foolish,” Thomas said.

  “We already do, little brother,” James said with an amused tone.

  His brothers laughed while the women fobbed them off.

  “Allow him to speak,” Emma said and looked at Thomas with encouragement, as she usually did. “Tell us, Thomas.”

  “Unless he does not wish to, of course,” Julia said.

  Emma nodded and looked at him.

  Thomas sighed. He may as well tell them. They would find out soon enough and could perhaps offer some feminine advice.

  “Her name is Rebecca Morton. She is the daughter of Dr. Morton, the physician I saw this morning. She attended my injuries.”

  “She did a fine job,” Emma said.

  “She asked me what I was doing at the cliffs, and I told her about my fossil hunting. Unlike all the women I have told about it in the past, she seemed genuinely interested.”

  “Her eyes didn’t glaze over at all?” Robert asked.

  “Much like yours are now?” James asked Robert with a chuckle.

  “Not in the least,” Thomas said and stared down at the glass in his hand. “She asked a lot of questions about it. How fossils are formed, where I locate them. No one has ever done that.”

  “You must see her again,” Emma announced.

  “You think so?” Thomas asked.

  “If she sounded genuinely interested, perhaps you could take her to the cliffs. When your leg is better, of course,” Emma said.

  “I was thinking the exact same thing,” Thomas said.

  “Perhaps that is not a good idea,” Charles said.

  “And why not?”

  “She might slip and fall as well,” Julia said.

  “Or Thomas might bore her to death,” James said.

  “That is up to her to decide,” Emma said and turned to Thomas. “I am certain she would enjoy it.”

  Thomas nodded.