One Fateful Night

by A. Sylvur

For those who were well acquainted with Justin Cabriny, they knew he daydreamed at the most inopportune times.

Yet, as he waited to be introduced with his brothers who stood before him, dressed in the latest fashion, he began to have regrets about the deal. Odd, at the time it seemed fair and what he wanted. But now it just seemed cruel, as every pair of female eyes waited for the Cabriny brothers to descend into the ballroom. Though his father had never shown favoritism among his sons, unlike most titled wealthy men of England, who followed a particular tradition of a favored first born male child, Justin had begun to think their father couldn’t tell them apart, which is why Lord Thomas Cabriny decided to divide his fortune. A second before Justin was introduced he wished his father would throw the fortune and titles to his eldest brother Alexander. Well, Justin wanted Alex to be the eldest, but wasn’t exactly sure himself.

“The First, Second and Third sons of The Duke of Cabriny,” the servant loudly announced, “Lord Alexander, Lord Nathaniel, and Lord Justin.” Thankful he wasn’t forced to point out which man went to which name, the servant bowed graciously.

Justin tugged his cravat and hoped to hide from all the curious female eyes as they descended the elaborately ornate staircase. The murmurs of the most handsome men in all of England began to make its way back to them. Nate and Alex loved the adoration.

However, Justin shrugged off a blush and pressed his lips together as he thought, I’m an explorer, Alex, not a charmer. Why the bloody hell am I here?

The youngest Cabriny always talked to his brother Alex in his thoughts; because if he spoke to himself it would make him feel like an eccentric.

Alex nudged his younger brother after he noted the distant expression in Justin’s eyes. “Are you alright?”

“As good as I will ever be.” Justin muttered.

Nate chuckled softly. “Will these bloody stairs never end?”

The comment drew a laugh from his other brothers.

Justin much preferred to be in his own quiet world while Nate and Alex enjoyed the adoration of all the ladies. But for the sake of propriety, he made his polite remarks as he rushed through the ballroom, shyly flattered the ladies, then made his false excuse to having promised a meeting to someone else then vanished for the evening. That was his life.

As he passed through one set of grand French doors his mind was already engaged with anticipation to reach the center of the maze. His eye caught sight of the entrance several feet away. The tall evergreen hedges mocked his last attempt. With a joyful sigh, he stood at the entrance to the maze.

The soft laughter and music from the ballroom drifted on the cool evening air.

For the moment, he knew he was alone, until a noise reached his ears. Desperate to be alone, Justin rushed around a long then short hedge before something overhead caught his attention. As he looked up, he was stunned to see beautiful, curvaceous legs hanging over the tall thick hedges.

“Oomph,” was all he managed to say as she dropped on him.

Abigail gasped as she landed on someone, and lost a few of the papers in her hand. Not about to draw attention to her and this stranger in such an indecent position, she held her breath, afraid to move. She opened her fan to cool her heated cheeks then gaped at the warmth of his inquiring touch on her legs. She rolled off of the man to have a look at his face. Once on her hands and knees, she held her breath as she turned around to face the stranger. Before she could utter a word, surprise flashed in her eyes and a second later his hand covered her mouth.

Recognition heated her cheeks. For years she had watched this particular gentleman from the shadows, and had she not been chased she would have known when he arrived. As she studied his face in the shadows, she relaxed as she gazed at the slight arch of his dark brow, the way his hair was tousled from being landed on and the seductive dash of his tongue to his lips. Her gaze jumped to his blue eyes.

Justin shook his head to clear his carnal thoughts then another thought struck him. Though he didn’t have a sister, he was sure she should be wearing more under her gown. However, he considered the view a just payment for his suffering. Alex, surely a knight would not throw away the diamond which jabbed him. Slowly, he began to remove his hand from the young woman’s mouth. Wow. Exquisite, full and lush! He pressed his lips together. Hush, Alex. Slowly, a thought began to seep into his lust filled brain. The knight in him rose, ready to defend her honor, if she had anything left of it.

Intensely, he searched her eyes for clues. Ladies have been raped in their own homes. Nothing new, Alex, but this lovely creature deserves better. There was something familiar about her. Miss Ashtyn? Some parts of her resembled Lady Ashtyn. A second later he looked at his feet. Because the last thing he wanted to analyze was whose lips she inherited and would it somehow make him a Sodomist?

“Oh. I=m thankful it is you.” She whispered, “I’m not thankful I dropped on you. I’m rather sorry about that, but I’m thankful you were you and not someone else.” She stepped closer to him, as though her soft whispering voice could get even softer.

Any softer and he wouldn’t be able to hear her. But if she continued to get closer, he feared he would carry her off, since the curvaceous warmth of her bare legs under his hand was still fresh in his mind.

“I had a . . . chase and . . . a few brushes while I was running away from, um . . . something, which accounts for my lack of . . . necessities.”

He smiled at the memory.

She blushed. “Forgive my chatter, my Lord.” She shuffled the papers in her arms then offered him her hand. “Hi, I’m Miss Ashtyn.”

She loves to talk and I like to dream. We’re, “Perfect,” together, Alex. Slowly, he reached out and pulled her hand to his lips. “I’m—”

She laughed softly. “No need, my Lord. Everyone knows you and your brothers. I dare say; your whole family is very well known. My father keeps a picture of you and your family in the library along with your uncle and his wife. I remember my mother speaking highly of your father and his brother from her youth. Quite dashing when they were seeking a wife. Broke many hearts I fear. My mother=s included, which nettles my father to this day.”

Justin winced. Ouch, that is a huge obstacle she just placed in my path, Alex. He turned away from her to gather his thoughts. Lord Ashtyn probably hates us. You don’t suppose Lady Ashtyn still likes father, do you? Suddenly, he wondered, If so, perhaps Scotland is an option? With a shake of his head, he sighed. No. We have to avoid a scandal.

“There was something about a scandal,” Miss Ashtyn announced and Justin’s shoulders slouched briefly. She continued, “On the contrary, it was romantic and some people still talk about it. I do hope mother will tell me the full story some day.” She took his hand in hers to get his attention. “I tend to babble on. Forgive me. Are you enjoying your evening?”

He wanted to kiss her, but reluctantly released her hand. “What are those papers, if I may inquire?”

She glanced at the papers and blushed. “These? Oh, nothing really, just a childish way of passing time.”

Justin chuckled softly. “Must I beg?”

Reluctantly, she handed him the one on top. “This is the first draft. I can’t have you deprive everyone of your presence over a silly verse.”

He took it from her then held it up toward the moonlight and began to read:

Many think the kiss of death

Is a deadly kiss upon one’s lips?

Or perhaps a pledge of wedded bliss,

The fabled fatal kiss to die to self?

The kiss of death is not fatal.

Just the joining of hearts–of selfless people?

Myself I give, and my selfish I oppose,

Your heart I’ll cherish above my own?

Yes, my heart shall brave the selfless net,

My entire being and no less.

Not many can give or accept,

Such wedded bliss as a fatal kiss and die to self.

“Miss Ashtyn, this is wonderful.”

“You like it?”

“Truly, I do.”

She nibbled her bottom lip.

“May I have this?”

Her eyes began to mist and she looked away. “I have never let anyone read my work before. And with such praise, how can I refuse?”

He folded the paper then put it in his pocket. “You should consider publishing your work.”

Abigail recovered from his praise. “If I had a husband to publish it for me perhaps I would.”

“Engaged?”

She shook her head which caused her brown curls to sway.

“Why are you out here instead of dancing? Such a beautiful Lady should be enjoying the evening.” He studied her as she composed her words to speak. She was hiding, as he was. From the look of her emerald gown, she filled it quite nicely; her breasts were larger than average, which made her appear less fragile. She’s the one for me, Alex.

“My Lord?” She frowned as he blinked. “As I said, I thought that would be obvious.” When he caressed his chin, she sighed. “Because of my size. No man wants to dance with a woman who isn’t able to fly away with the breeze. I’m a hopeless case.” She fluttered her hand near her face to shoo the thought away. “My cousin, who coincidentally is your fiancée—”

Both of his brows shot up. I’m getting married? Though I should be grateful for not having to do the work, it is rather high-handed of this cousin to assume so much without having spoken to me, Alex. Besides, I intend to marry Miss Ashtyn. There were times, like now, that Justin wished Alex would answer him in his thoughts. It would be most helpful.

“She informed me that I should not bother.” Abigail glanced at her feet. “She is right of course. I prefer to stay in the country or in the library reading books. But my father forced me to attend this one. And honestly, I am much too old to be looking for a husband.”

“Old?” He was sure she was still in her youth. “Really?”

“Well, I was referring to my thinking.” Her eyes glittered with mirth.

He laughed then stopped suddenly and listened. “Indeed, you are. And I also enjoy reading.”

“Well, we do so for entirely different reasons, My Lord.” A soft laugh escaped her lips. “Anyway, my cousin. . . I mean, Lady Panberry, was only trying to help by offering her kind opinion.”

Not bloody likely! “Would you do me the honor of dancing with me?”

She closed her mouth, speechless. “But Lady Panberry? I don’t want to upset her. I’m sure she is looking for you.” Her eyes brightened. “Oh. You were looking for her. I can help you find her.” She waved her finger back and forth in a reprimanding fashion. “Secluding her is not the way to woo a Lady, My Lord. You should stay in the gardens. This kind of meeting would lead to seductions or Gretna Green.”

Justin noticed her eyes brighten when she mentioned Scotland. Among the ladies, had it become some romantic fantasy? Gently, he took her papers then placed her hand on his arm. “I have never met Lady Panberry. Must be one of my other brothers she is thinking of.”

“But I could have sworn you were Justin Cabriny.”

“How did you come to that conclusion?” Though he would be extremely pleased if she could distinguish him from his brothers, he was certain it was impossible.

“Well. Isn’t it obvious?”

He was beginning to hate that saying.

“Your brother Alex is quite the charmer, and Nathaniel is reputed to love dancing.”

“How is that simple?”

“You are the only one, who has yet to develop his reputation, and since you are here alone, not dancing or charming the ladies, I came to conclusion that you must be Justin. Oh, is it true that you get lost in your musings?”

Justin smiled. “For lack of respect for propriety, Miss Ashtyn, may I inquire as to your Christian name?”

“Abigail. And you are very lacking in propriety, Lord Cabriny. Trying to lure my innocent cousin into the maze,” she added dreamily, “it’s rather dashing.”

“I hate to shock you, Miss Ashtyn, but again, I have never met, spoken, or danced with your cousin.” He stated before he pulled her into his embrace.

Stunned, she inhaled her shock. “Indeed?” She forced her mind to think, but it was difficult with his eyes in desperate need of her attention. “Perhaps, I misunderstood, and it was her wish to marry you?”

“Perhaps.” His lazy gaze touched upon her lips then shook off the thought and began their walk to the ballroom. Don’t let me mess this up, Alex. It wasn’t until they were a few steps from entering the ballroom that Justin risked a question, “You haven’t answered my question, Miss Ashtyn. Will you dance with me?”

“What a ridiculous question.” Abigail was disappointed he felt he should ask. “No woman in her right mind would deny you, My Lord.” She smiled. “Though I have been told I’m not the brightest Ashtyn, I must say in my defense that there is a method to my distraction.”

“Why?”

“Have you had too much to drink, My Lord?”

Justin chuckled. “No. Not a drop. Why?”

“I thought it would be obvious.”

“If it is so obvious, Miss Ashtyn, why am I still waiting for my answer to dance with you?”

She flushed, but saw the laughter in his eyes. “You are teasing me, My Lord.” Her fan lightly tapped his arm.

“Perhaps I am. However, you haven’t answered my question. I will have a direct answer, if you please.”

Abigail sighed. “I would be honored, My Lord Cabriny. And you know very well, that you are far too handsome to be seen with me.”

He grinned. “Thank you, Miss Ashtyn. I would look rather foolish dancing alone. And I see no inequality in you. You are like a precious gem jabbing at my heart.”

She gasped. Again she hit him playfully with her fan. “You are a cad and far too polite, but horrid all the same. As any young man should be, I suppose. I can see why you are such a crush with the ladies . . . of all ages.”

“Really?” He enjoyed being with her and she had him stimulated like a fool from the moment he met her. Even now he wanted to sink himself into her, until nothing else existed, but the two of them.

Neither of them was aware of the stares as he escorted Lady Ashtyn into the ballroom.

“You seem rather quiet.” She tried to avoid his eyes. “Or perhaps, I talk too much. My apologies.”

“No need to apologize. I quite enjoy it. Very refreshing.” He set her papers on a nearby table then led her to the dance floor.

“I do believe this will be my first dance.” She blinked back tears of joy then whispered, “Thank you for your kindness, Lord Cabriny. I am forever in your debt.”

He was about to whisper in her ear, but instead touched his lips to her ear lobe. Unbelievably soft was her cool skin against his warm lips. Shocked by his action, she released a delicate moan as the warmth of his breath caressed her neck.

“It is I who am forever in your debt, Miss Ashtyn.”

They joined the dance.

“Would you kindly fill me in on everyone you know?” He could see by the look in her eyes that he was asking for trouble, but if talking made her feel less nervous, he wouldn’t deny her. Perhaps it is too long a list for someone who likes to chatter, Alex.

“Oh. Yes. The ladies.” She forced a smile. “Near the garden entrance, with daggers in her eyes aimed at me, is Lady Amos. She fancies herself in love with you and your brothers.”

“All of us?”

She winced. “Afraid so, my Lord.”

Justin liked the way she said ‘my lord,’ as though he belonged to her. The way she put emphasis on the word ‘my’ made him shiver with delight that the hardest part toward marriage was done. He found the woman he wanted.

“Lady Douglas, has given her heart to someone, but her father refuses to let her marry anyone until you and your brothers are off the market.”

“Rather cruel.”

“Indeed. There are a few other cases like that, but I won’t bore you with details. Now Lady Steuby, Maypels, Williams, Panberry, Cross, Sexton, Ingles, Hardgroves—”

Justin playfully rolled his eyes as the list went on and on then went back to studying her wonderful features, which made her voice falter a bit. He lessened the intensity to put her at ease once again. Suddenly, his gaze collided with his brother Alex, who was extremely surprised to see him. What are you up to, Alex? He asked, but Alex danced away from him rather quickly.

Alex and Miss Panberry joined another dance; away from his brother. “You’re eyes are the most beautiful blue I’ve ever seen.”

His dance partner rolled her eyes. “Are you sure you’re not Alexander or Nathaniel?”

Wounded, his pain reflected in his voice as he inquired, “Why Miss Panberry, are you suggesting I’m attempting to deceive you?”

She blushed. “No, Lord Cabriny. I was just making an observation that every so often flattery just falls of your lips like water from a smooth rock. It reminded me of the rumors I’ve heard about Alexander. Forgive me. But, I hear your brother could sweep a woman with ice in her veins off her feet.”

If I’m that good, why can=t I sweep you off your feet? For a brief moment, Alex pulled her closer than propriety allowed. “We’re triplets, Miss Panberry. We’re together night and day and do pick up on each other’s habits.”

She laughed and pushed on his chest to gain some distance. “Very well, tell me about Alex.”

He sighed, but there was a wicked gleam in his eyes. “He’s a charmer, who hides behind the charm he exudes, hoping not to get hurt again.”

“So, he’ll hurt others to keep himself from being hurt?”

“When you put it that way, he sounds horrid.” Alex was truly offended. “He doesn’t lead a lady to be ravished in the gardens, nor does he tell her he loves her or makes promises he has no intention of keeping. My brother happens to be a gentleman, and perhaps—”

Whatever he was about to say was lost by gasps of horror, shock, and palpable scandal in the making. Alex turned around to see what was going on. Immediately, he located his brother, Nate, whose face was drained of color. He followed Nate’s gaze. Shocked, his mouth gaped open as Miss Panberry shrieked, clutched her heart with one hand, and then covered her mouth with the other.

Justin Cabriny and Miss Ashtyn were tangled in a frenzied kiss. Though they were on their feet, he drank like a man at an oasis, who was on the brink of death in a desert. Her gorgeous calf was exposed from the fabric of her gown scrunched in his right hand.

His brothers broke out of the shock and immediately fought to get their brother as the crowd packed in around the scandalous embrace.

Several more shrieks of horror finally woke Justin from his dreamy state. It wasn’t long before he realized his dream was really happening. He knew the moment Miss Ashtyn knew just what he’d done. “Oh, my dear Miss Ashtyn. I’m—”

Appalled, Abigail’s eyes began to fill with tears as she glanced in horror at the shocked faces around her. Her mind could only imagine what she looked like then she realized their bodies were still in a sensual embrace. Quickly, she stepped away from Justin. Tears began to race down her cheeks at the pity mixed with scorn in everyone woman’s eyes. She whispered, “I’m so sorry for the embarrassment I have caused you. Most everyone else just tells me to be quiet when I ask a question they don’t want to answer.”

The crowd divided into an escape path and she took it. Almost to the staircase, she stopped then ran back to where he stood. More shocked anticipation energized the air in the ballroom.

Justin was sure she was going to hit him and closed his eyes in anticipation. Instead, he felt her soft lips on his again. She kissed him again. He was speechless, but delighted that she didn’t hate him.

“I just had to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.” After that remark, she ran out of the ballroom.

Chatter and speculation echoed around the room.

Justin wondered if he should follow her. His feet carried him a few feet in Abigail’s direction before his brothers took each arm and hauled him up the stairs. He objected, “Wait! I need to fix this.”

“You are in so much trouble, Jus. Be silent.” Alex whispered harshly as he helped drag his brother out of the ballroom and toward the exit.

“But I need to make a formal apology to her father and Miss Ashtyn.”

Alex growled when they were outside. “Abigail Ashtyn? Are you mad? This is her home.”

Nate forced Justin into the carriage and noted Alex’s odd behavior. “It’s always the quiet ones. Home, Edwin.”

After they were inside and the carriage began to move, Alexander removed his hat then raked his hands through his thick sandy hair.

No one said a word. What could they say? Why did you do it? They knew he had gotten lost in something that captivated him. Their brother had always walked around in a dreamy state of mind, not really hearing much around him, especially when he painted. Ironically, Justin’s quiet, withdrawn nature made him extremely visible on this scandalous night.

Just then it hit Alex what Miss Panberry had really seen. His stomach tightened with such force he nearly threw up his dinner. The lady he had fallen in love with thought he had just seduced Miss Ashtyn in public view! How was he going to get out of this without destroying his chances with her?

Nathaniel touched Alex=s arm. “Alex? What’s wrong?”

“Everything.” Alex began to feel light headed as the sick feeling abated. “She’ll hate me, Nate.”

“Who?” He thought for moment. “Miss Panberry?”

Alex nodded close to tears, his throat clogged up with emotion. “She already hates me, and now she’ll want to kill me.” He shook his head. “But she’s wrong. I can’t charm a woman with ice in her veins.”

Nate rubbed his face. “You don’t have to explain.”

Justin’s mind strayed into his habitual dream state and remembered Miss Ashtyn’s graceful fall.

Nate watched the expressions cross Justin=s face during the long drive home and felt responsible for the outcome of the evening. He sat straighter, taking a few deep breaths. One of them had to keep their head and stop daydreaming.

Alex couldn’t get over the notion of knowing he had to tell Miss Panberry the truth. Justin wouldn’t be high in her thoughts after such a confession, he thought, but neither would he for lying. Doomed no matter what he said.

The carriage suddenly stopped and they felt the carriage shake as the horses reared back.

“Thieves.” Nathaniel said as he retrieved a pistol from under his seat then loaded it.

A few seconds later the door opened and a servant boy pleaded. “I beg your pardon, my lords, but Miss Ashtyn asked that I detain you for a bit.”

“Why?” Justin was out the door in a second. “Is she in trouble?”

The young boy nodded. “There was a big argument. She wants to escape with Master Justin Cabriny.”

Nate searched the area with only the moon to light the trees. “How long will she be? And does her father suspect her intentions?”

“No, mi’lords. Miss Ashtyn always does as she’s told, ‘cept tonight.”

Alex sulked in the carriage. “What a night. I guess we’re taking Jus to Gretna Green.”

A shot rang out in the night. Justin raced on foot toward the sound terrified for Abigail’s safety.

“Arm yourself, Alex.” Nate said before he took off after their other brother.

Alex followed Nate and said, “Bloody hell, Jus is bound and determined to get himself shot tonight.”

Another shot rang out before the Cabriny brothers reached the women. Lady Panberry stood with a smoking pistol in her hand aimed at a wounded and fallen masked figure dressed in black.

“Miss Ashtyn.” Justin called worriedly.

From behind her cousin, Abigail ran into Justin’s open arms. “I was so terrified.”

“Shhh. It’s alright. I’m thankful you were not alone. But why didn’t you take a servant?”

“Where did you learn to shoot, Miss Panberry?” Alex inquired with awe as his brother, Nate, attended the masked stranger.

Miss Panberry smiled. “My father, Alex. He wanted a son, but I was born instead.”

“You know who I am?” Alex’s nausea returned.

The masked figure groaned.

“A woman?”

Nate nodded. “Her shoulder was shot. But the bullet escaped.”

“We’ll have to take her with us.” Miss Panberry ordered as she looked around. “Lord Ashtyn will be after us soon. Where’s your carriage?”

“One moment . . . what happened to our horses?”

Alex and Miss Panberry answered at the same time, “They were spooked by the gunfire.”

Justin swept a concerned Abigail into his arms and ran toward the carriage. Nate picked up the thief as Alex ran alongside Miss Ashtyn’s cousin.

As they reached the door, Lady Panberry slowed down. “I’m sorry I made it so difficult for you. I’ve always known it was you and not your brother. But thank you for being a good sport.”

His hand grabbed her elbow and pulled her to a stop beside the carriage door then Alex asked, “What are you implying?”

Instead of saying anything, she kissed him.

Exhilarated, Alex picked her up in his arms and twirled her around before he set her on her feet again. “We’ll discuss your punishment later.” He smiled as he ushered her into the carriage.

Nate gently handed the thief over to his brothers while he entered. “Change of plans, Edwin. To Gretna Green.”

The footman nodded and nudged the horses forward as the carriage door shut. Quickly, his brothers handed the masked woman back to him. Several minutes went by before Nate decided to remove the mask. The mysterious woman began to squirm.

“Hold still woman.”

“She’s in pain, Nathaniel.” Abigail answered.

Lady Panberry felt no sympathy. “She shouldn’t have become a thief.”

“I don’t believe she had a choice.” Miss Ashtyn muttered in protest.

Justin came to her rescue. “Since nothing was stolen, there is no need to punish the woman further. As soon as we’ve seen to her wound, we’ll let her go.”

“So she can do this again?” Nate lifted a brow. “I can’t in good conscious allow this woman to hurt someone.” He lifted her mask and was instantly mesmerized by her exquisite moonlit features. “However, in this case, we can make an exception.”

The others watched Nathaniel trace the injured woman’s lips and knew he had fallen.

“Her lashes are so long,” Nate whispered. “She’s amazing.”

“And let’s not forget she carries a weapon.” Lady Panberry inserted.

Unperturbed, Nate smiled. “She needs money and I have it. Think she’ll marry me for it?”

His brothers were suddenly concerned.

“You know nothing about her.”

“I see all I need to know.”

Miss Ashtyn giggled. “That’s how I felt when I first saw Justin.” She leaned her head on his shoulder.

Filled with love, Justin protectively tightened his arms around her. “A mutual sentiment, Miss Ashtyn.”

“Then,” Alex shrugged as he said, “it just might work for you and your thief, Nate.”

“Technically, she didn’t steal money, but she did steal my heart.”

A few minutes later, Justin commented, “Odd that we’re all three to be married this night.”

“No, Jus.” Alex kissed his lady’s hand. “It’s fate.”