Forsaking the Prize (The Wild Randalls 2)

He scrambled from the carriage, cast one nervous glance upward, and then shuddered. Blythe slipped her arm about his waist. “Lean on me if need be.”

“Thank you,” Oliver said. “Let’s give my brother some room.”

They made their way inside without sighting Wilcox anywhere. Light flared beneath the drawing room door and Tobias tipped his head in that direction.

Blythe tightened her grip on Oliver. They could very well be walking straight into a trap, but Blythe wouldn’t become separated from Tobias. He pushed the door open slowly and stepped into the gap. He stood still a long time before slowly stepping aside.

Blythe exchanged a quick glance with Oliver and followed.

Mercy and Leopold sat with Edwin chattering between them. Edwin saw her and burst into action. He ran across the room. “Auntie Bly, Auntie Bly. Where have you been?”

Blythe caught Edwin against her legs and hugged him. “I’m here now.”

Edwin peeked at the man leaning on her for support and he grew shy. “Who’s that?”

Mercy rushed forward before she could answer. “Where have you been? I’ve been worried sick.”

Leopold caught Tobias by the upper arms and shook him. “Never run away like that again. I’ve been out of my mind with worry.”

Tobias shrugged out of his grip. “I will if the results can be the same.”

“Mercy was beside herself when she discovered Blythe was not at Walden Hall and that the two of you were missing. If we had known you were with the countess she would not have been so distressed.”

Blythe glanced at Tobias. He nodded. “We have some news,” she said quickly.

“Indeed, you must have.” Leopold approached. “Who is the interesting fellow beside you?” Leopold looked upon Oliver without a shred of recognition.

Tobias moved to stand quite close to Blythe’s side, making her hands tingle with the urge to reach out and grasp his. He chuckled. “I don’t feel so dense now. Brother, may I present, our brother.”

Leopold drew back. “What?”

“I believe that was my first response, too,” Tobias confessed.

Blythe let out a slow breath as Tobias explained, leaving out the details of their night together at the inn. Neither Leopold or Mercy questioned them further. When Leopold led Oliver to a chair, Blythe picked up her nephew and hugged him. The Randall’s had much to discuss and rejoice over. They had Oliver with them once more. Again, she was in the way and unnecessary.

While they were all distracted, she led Edwin toward his toys and settled on the floor to play with him. However, part of her mind remained on Tobias Randall and what kind of future might be possible after last night.

The last days in his company had been a revelation. She’d found a friend and had fallen into bed with Tobias easily. She harbored no regrets about doing so. Once, she’d thought lying with another man would make her feel guilty for betraying Raphael. But instead a great weight had lifted from her shoulders. She felt, for the first time in years that she was free to be happy. She didn’t have to force herself to appear to be having a good time.

“So this is where you’ve run off too, my lady.” Tobias said as he sat cross legged across from Edwin.

Edwin, of course, handed him some toys and they made play at doing battle. Tobias informed him he was a pirate and the boys eyes widened in excitement.

After a time, Tobias looked her way. “Lady Venables, there is a pressing matter I need clarification on.”

“Of course.”

He grinned suddenly. “I quite enjoyed playing the pirate for your entertainment. Are you happy, B?”

Although her heart thumped painfully, she offered him a smile. “Yes. Are you?”

“Foolish question to have asked after last night.” He smiled. “I am overjoyed with my life. Since I was taken from my family, I have felt out of step. I don’t feel that way any longer. Who else could have trimmed my sails and set me on a true course?”

“You were a little wild, at first.”

“Gracious of you.” He leaned across her legs to capture one of Edwin’s ships. “You are an amazing woman, Blythe. I would not have exerted the energy to become this much of a gentleman if not for you.”

Blythe swallowed nervously, glancing across the room, hoping the moment would not be disturbed. “You blame me for taming you.”