But Belle did look at him. She couldn’t pull her eyes from his.
Oliver’s lips twitched, and she shook his head. He held her eyes as he said, “I will.”
Belle’s heart squeezed, and she hoped that vow promised what she thought she saw in his eyes.
“Belle?” Lady Serveck asked with a faint smile. Her astonishment was clear.
Belle walked on shaky legs as she moved farther into the room she’d been caught in five years ago. They’d not seen one another in five years. Lady Serveck was not a part of either Gregory or Cassius’ circle, so they’d never have a chance to meet otherwise.
“Hello, Lady Serveck,” Belle whispered. She felt just as nervous as the first time they’d met.
“Where’s Oliver?” Lady Serveck asked.
“Out in the woods.” She sat and called for tea. Then she told Lady Serveck about the boys and Oliver’s plans for them.
“Extraordinary,” Lady Serveck said. “I always told Oliver that he would make a good father. He was very protective of Nicholas while growing up. Leo, on the other hand, was hardly ever here.” She lowered her voice and said, “He would sometimes come to me. I became Leo’s refuge at times. It was why I married Serveck to begin with, to be as close as I possibly could to my grandchildren.”
Belle remembered her story from all those years ago. Oliver’s father had been terrible to his sons. His fear had driven him to mistreat them. Lady Serveck had been banned from interfering, so she’d taken it upon herself to leave widowhood and marry a lord who lived right on the border of her son-in-law’s property.
Women had very few rights, but she’d done what she could. Thankfully, Lord Serveck bad been very nice to her.
Belle had imagined Oliver in fatherhood many times before, mainly with herself at his side. She was glad she’d told him that she trusted him before he’d gone away with the young men. He’d remembered her saying otherwise, but he had to know she meant what she’d said yesterday.
Those boys were hers, and she wouldn’t just give them to anyone.
“What happens at the end of the four weeks?” Serveck asked. “What is their reward for completing their manly training?”
Belle hadn’t thought of that. “Well, they’ll be back here in two weeks. They’re only in the woods for a fortnight. Then Oliver wants to teach them normal things, like how to ride and read. I don’t know if he’s planned any reward. What do you think we should give them?”
“A party!”
Belle laughed. “How did I know you’d say that?” Lady Serveck always enjoyed a party. She loved them above all else.
Belle had attended one during her final week in Venmont’s care.
“But the boys don’t have many clothes,” Belle said.
Lady Serveck waved her hand. “Let me worry about that. I have a group that has been taking donations from the well-to-do homes in the area. Of course, you’ll need to go find them and measure them for this. A footman can escort you, I’m sure.” Her eyes widened. “You know, there is a girls’ orphanage not far from here. Let’s dress everyone up and have a party.” The excitement in her eyes said she’d not be denied this.
Belle shook her head. “The children wouldn’t know how to dance. They’ve never attended a junior ball. My lady, they’re not dolls.”
Lady Serveck waved that thought away. “They’ll get over my antics once they see all the food and confections I’ll serve them. After everything they’ve lived through, they deserve it. It will be a night they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.”
Belle sighed and imagined what it would have been like to have nothing to look forward to but food and music as a child. Such pleasures had been ripped from her at a very young age. “You’re right. Let’s do it!”
They began to work on their idea. While guilt still pained Belle, she was able to focus on Lady Serveck’s words. The planning went on until dinner.
And it wasn’t long after they sat that Lady Serveck finally asked, “What happened between you and my grandson? I thought you two were perfect for each other.” Sadness filled her eyes.
Belle looked down at her lap. How did she tell the woman that it was her fault without explaining herself?
There was no way around the truth. She knew Oliver was trying to protect her feelings, but she wouldn’t lie to this woman anymore.
“It was my fault,” Belle told her. “I came to Oliver under false pretenses. When he found out…” She shrugged. “He hasn’t forgiven me since. I would understand if you couldn’t either.”
Lady Serveck stared at her. “You mean, someone hadn’t beat you and left you here?”
“No, that was true, but… It’s complicated.”
Lady Serveck sighed. “Well, we’ve all night to make it less complicated, don’t we?” She looked at Belle’s throat. “That necklace belonged to his mother, didn’t it?
Belle touched the wreath at her throat. She’d caught Lady Serveck gazing at it more than once during the evening. “Oliver gave it to me.”
The woman lifted her eyes. “Then it seems he has forgiven you.”
Belle shook her head. She wouldn’t tell this woman that there was a chance Oliver liked his mother just as much as he liked Belle. Which was very little.
“Nardo gave it to her when things were good between them,” Lady Serveck said with a smile. It was the first smile Belle had received since they’d sat down. “Nardo wasn’t always full of fear. There was a time of great love between them.”
Belle hadn’t known that. She’d imagined a madman had given it to his bride. “They were in love? Does Oliver know that?”
“Oh, yes, he knows. His mother told him stories of that time and so have I.” Lady Serveck looked away. “I never discovered what had scared him. It was very strange. Some say the hill is haunted. I’m sure Oliver told you about the Vikings who are believed to have settled here years ago.”
Belle nodded. Oliver had taken her to a rock that had symbols etched into it by the sea.
She touched her necklace again. The necklace meant so much more now and yet confused her all the more. Oliver’s father had been a normal man? Why had she never thought that possible?
Did Oliver think he’d change eventually? She couldn’t see him fearing such a thing. He didn’t fear anything.
“It looks good on you.” Lady Serveck’s smile grew. “You’ve been very patient with my grandson. Oliver can be stubborn. He thinks too much.”
“I don’t understand what you mean.”
“You must know that he allows very few on this hill,” the woman said. “You must know how private he is about his life. That he didn’t take you into town the day he found you says something.”
Belle pushed her meal away. “He wants me to marry any man but him, my lady.”
She looked stricken by the words. “He couldn’t have said that to you.”
“He’s made it clear that he will not have me.”
“I’ll speak to him,” Lady Serveck pronounced. “I’ll get to the bottom of this.”
Belle laughed. “I will not be forced on anyone. Please, don’t speak to him.”
“Belle—”
She couldn’t take any more confusion. “I’m not feeling well. I’d like to go to my room. If you’ll excuse me.” From the corner of her vision, she saw the woman nod.
In her room, the one Oliver had given her last evening, she sat on the bed and undid the necklace before setting it on the nightstand.
It had been a gift of love? Given during a time of peace? Did that matter to Oliver?
If she dared, she could ask him tomorrow.
Lady Serveck wanted her to go measure the boys for their clothes.
She smiled. If she knew Lady Serveck at all, she knew the boys would be surprised by their new clothes. She allowed the thought of their happiness to take her into her sleep.
∫ ∫ ∫
4 5
* * *
Oliver woke when he heard a twig break. The sky was a few
shades lighter than midnight with a hint of orange lingering. He guessed the hour to be eight or so. The world was quiet once more. He kept his eyes on the tall trees that canopied him.
Another snap.
A footstep.
He sat up and turned in the direction of the sound.
His footman was coming up a slope in the hills. The young man reached back, and a small hand gripped the staff member’s hand then Belle emerged with Shepard at her heels.
She was grinning. Her cheeks were flushed. Her breath was labored. A twig stuck to her bonnet. She looked happy. She caught Oliver’s eyes just as the rest of the party began to rise.
“Lady Belle,” Johnathan called. He smiled up at her as though she’d brought the sun into their camp.
The other boys woke at the sound of her name.
Belle bent to greet Johnathan and spoke in quiet tones to him. Oliver couldn’t hear her words, but from their twin smiles, he was glad he couldn’t. The moment was intimate.
Johnathan reached up and took the leaf from Belle’s hair, doing the exact thing Oliver had planned to do. Now he’d have no reason to touch her when she finally approached.
Oliver’s footman came over and told him why they’d arrived. Fittings for a tailor. A party was being planned. He knew his grandmother was behind it before the footman even said her name.
Landcastle volunteered to help move the process along.
There was much to be done today, but Oliver had yet to move. He had one leg stretched out while the other remained bent. He kept his eyes on Belle and watched her straighten to her full height. He remained sitting on his pallet. Some of the other boys got up and approached her. Everyone shared what they’d learned, and she returned their enthusiasm with some of her own.
And Oliver realized that for these young men, Belle had brought the sun. And what was the point in lying to himself? She’d brought the sun for him as well. Why did the air seem purer and the forest seemed more enchanting with her presence?
Like the notes of morning, her voice flowed with the sounds of the birds and crickets.
Clive called the boys and told them to start getting ready to move.
They parted toward their pallets, and Belle finally approached Oliver.
She looked nervous as she bent down to speak to him. Her skirts brushed the earth, but she didn’t seem to mind. “Your grandmother is planning a party for the boys.”
“So, I’ve been informed.”
“You’ll let them go, won’t you?”
He grunted. “Have you tried telling my grandmother no?”
She smiled and laughed. “Thank you. I think they’ll enjoy it. It shouldn’t take me long to size them.”
“Why don’t you join us for breakfast?” Oliver asked. “Ward and Noel caught some fish. There’s plenty.”
“Well, how could I resist such an offer? Thank you.” She didn’t move away after that.
Oliver felt as though he was being watched. “Is there anything else you wish to discuss?”
Her eyes flashed in affirmation and surprise, but she shook her head. “No. That was all.” She stood. “I’ll go take the boys measurements now.” She scurried away and Oliver allowed it.
He had other things to do before they ate, like teaching a few how to start the fire.
He got up and started his morning.
He noticed Clive handing a discussion with Johnathan some time letter. There seemed to be some tension and confusion, but then Clive patted the boy’s shoulder and sent him on to be measured.
Oliver approached the marquess. “What’s the matter?”
“Johnathan woke with his sack open,” Clive said. “He swore he didn’t open it last evening and I know it didn’t come undone on its own. I tied the rope around it myself this time.” Clive looked confused again. Then he shook his head. “It makes no sense, but I don’t want to overthink it. Maybe he simply forgot that he went inside it sometime in the night.”
“Or maybe someone went into it.”
Clive lifted a brow. “You think someone would try and steal something from him? What would he have worth stealing, Oliver?”
Oliver didn’t know, but he couldn’t quiet his suspicions. “Johnathan didn’t understand how his kettle had come undone by the river. Perhaps he was not at fault. Maybe someone is tampering with his sack.”
Clive frowned. “Do you really think so?”
“I don’t know. I could be overthinking it, as you said.” Oliver placed his hands on his hips and looked around at the boys. Was his mind piecing together small things to make a really big thing? Maybe it’s the madness.
“Well, I’ll keep an eye on him today, just to be sure.”
Clive’s words sounded reasonable. They could keep an eye on Johnathan. There was no harm in that and when nothing came of it, Oliver’s mind would settle and find peace.
But what if there was more trouble to be found? There’d been something in Johnathan’s eyes back at the inn. What if the boys were connected to a bigger scheme? The people Oliver hid on the mountain could be in danger.
“No,” Oliver whispered to himself. He was thinking too much.
But perhaps… he’d encourage the people to remain in the cave until they got to the bottom of the matter. It was too late for the people on Ben Nevis. Husher was likely already on his way to Scotland. Oliver tried to set all of that aside as they got to work.
Once the fire was built, Oliver taught Ward and Noel how to clean the fish and then watched the pride that came over their faces as the boys around them ate.
Jackson was the only one who wasn’t wearing a smile, but he grinned when Belle gave him some attention. He’d been quiet and watchful since the beginning of the journey. Was it Jackson who’d broken into Johnathan’s sack?
Oliver shook the thought away.
Belle sat by Landcastle when the meal was given out. The fish was served with bread and everyone seemed happy. He watched Belle and the earl interact. There was no hostility between them. Their smiles were warm and some sort of friendship looked to have formed.
Oliver thought that good. Landcastle was just the sort of man Belle needed. His connections to the royal family would stop any man from thinking to touch Belle, including Oliver.
Clive sat by Oliver and asked him questions about how he tended his land and kept the rivers and forests well stocked and how he kept the locals from invading. The boys listened as Oliver spoke. His father had taught him how to limit how much he took from the earth, and this included hunting and fishing.
When the meal ended, Belle approached him. “I think I have everything I need from the boys. Thank you for the meal.”
“You’re welcome.”
It was clear she wanted to ask him something but wouldn’t unless he prompted her to. Why was she so nervous? It wasn’t like her at all.
“What is it?” he asked bluntly.
She sighed. “Can we walk?” She pointed in a direction.
He led the way.
The farther they went, the more his own nervousness grew. “What is it?” he asked when they were far enough for the boys not to hear, but close enough that he could see.
“The necklace…”
He turned to her. “I won’t take it back.”
“I know.” She had her hands behind her back. Her brown eyes were troubled. “You didn’t tell me when your father gave it to your mother. You didn’t tell me how it had been between them in the beginning.”
Oliver thought about a time he rarely thought about. He’d been born a few years into his father’s madness. He had memories of peace between the storms of anger that rose within the old Venmont, but it was about the time of Leo’s birth that he grew worse.
His mother had told him stories of a time when there had only been peace. She didn’t understand it, but she stayed and prayed for the peace to come again. She believed it would.
It never did.
“That time doesn’t matter. My mother told me about it, but I still find
it hard to believe.”
“They were in love.”
He stared into Belle’s brown eyes and nodded. “They were apparently very happy.”
She smiled. “Can you describe it like she did?”
Oliver’s chest squeezed in on itself. “I don’t remember everything.” He didn’t want to talk about it. “It doesn’t matter.”
“If I’m to have an heirloom from that time, I’d like to know about it.”
“All you need to know is that I gave it to you. I want you to have it.” He looked at her throat where the jewel hung. He’d been surprised to see it on her that morning. Perhaps that was the reason for his earlier peace.
She looked angry. “Oliver, why are you being difficult?”
“I’m not. You are. Have you ever asked any other man about the items they gifted you?”
She lifted her hands in surrender and then started away.
“Wait.” He grabbed her hand. “I didn’t mean to make you angry.”
“Yes, you did.” She was watching him closely. “You’re pushing me away. You always do.”
His heart stopped. He felt more exposed than ever as he stared into her face. “I’m not hiding. Hiding would imply that I’m scared of something and I’m not.” He was lying.
She took her hand from his and laughed. The sound was almost sad. “If you wish to hide from me or your father then very well. I can’t stop you but know that I’m aware of what you’re doing and so are you, Oliver.” She turned away and Oliver changed his anxiousness into anger.
* * *
“Don’t leave,” Ross said as Belle rolled up her measuring string. Ross was one of the youngest boys, only a year older than Johnathan. “I’d fetch you water and hunt for you and give you whatever you want.”
Every boy around her offered her the same and Belle felt truly loved. They wanted her to stay. They wanted her to sit and watch them display their new talents. It had only been a day, yet their new confidence was nearly tangible.
She cupped a few faces and stared into their eyes. “You are the sweetest men I’ve ever met, but I must go. This trip is just for men. I will anxiously wait at the house for your stories upon your return.”
The Marquess Who Kissed Me: (The Valiant Love Regency Romance) (A Historical Romance Book) Page 23
