by Aston, Alexa
He tried again, his desperation growing. Another two women began weeping hysterically, waving him away as he approached, fear evident on their faces. Having remembered the punishments Anna told him about, he understood their reluctance to speak out and suffer such dire consequences.
Finally, the dam broke. Nine of the patients sprang from their seats and surrounded him, revealing why they had been put away. Only two from this group, a Miss Stone and Lady Eastman, were lucid enough to answer his questions rapidly and succinctly and seemed to have a chance of being helped.
“I cannot promise you anything,” he told the two women, “but I will speak to your families and see if I can have you removed.”
Lady Eastman burst out into tears, returning to her bench and placing her head in her hands.
Miss Stone said, “Thank you, my lord. For giving me hope.” She kissed his hand. “Thank you.”
She, too, returned to the bench she had occupied and, minutes later, Matron returned with Dr. Cheshire in tow. Dez hid his dismay, knowing he would not be able to help the vast majority of the women locked away in this madhouse. He steeled himself, though, ready to confront the warden of this asylum once again.
The physician glared at him. “You’re back again, stirring up trouble, I see. What is it now, Lord Torrington?”
“Find a room where Lady Jergens can be examined,” Dez said and nodded to Mr. Black.
Quickly, the solicitor outlined the case and then Dr. Caymon stepped forward.
“I will examine the patient to see if her hymen has been breached. If it hasn’t, then she is not the wife of Lord Jergens but Lady Alice. Mr. Black can serve as a witness and testify to the court, if necessary.”
“And she will be leaving with me—her father,” Lord Morton roared, his arm about his daughter, who huddled against him.
Dez approached her. “My lady, do you remember me?”
“I do, my lord. You came back.”
“Have you heard what has been said and understand?”
“Yes. I will swear in court if I must that Jergens never touched me beyond a few kisses during our courtship. That he only wanted me for my dowry.”
“Do you understand why Dr. Caymon must examine you?” he pressed. “And that Dr. Cheshire must be in the room to confirm the diagnosis?”
“Yes,” she said, her tears beginning to fall. “Will you go with me?” she begged.
“Wouldn’t you rather have your father with you?” he asked gently.
She looked to her father. “Papa, I don’t want you to see me like that. Surely, you understand.”
The earl’s eyes filled with tears. “I do, my precious. Go with them now. Lord Torrington will protect you.”
She eased away from her father and gripped Dez’s arm.
“I am ready.”
He turned and saw the fury on both Cheshire’s and Matron’s faces but they both wheeled and moved down the hallway. Dez led Lady Alice while Black and Caymon followed. They entered a room similar to the one Anna had slept in.
“Lie on the cot,” barked Cheshire. He now held a lantern in his hand. “Raise your skirt and spread your legs.”
Lady Alice turned to Dez. “Will you stay by my side? Hold my hand?”
“It would be an honor, my lady.”
She went and laid on the cot. Dez moved to where he was close to her head and knelt beside her. He took her hand and she gripped his as she pulled up the rag she wore.
Dr. Caymon moved closer and instructed her to put her feet flat on the cot, bending her knees and spreading her legs. She did as asked, squeezing her eyes shut. Dez watched her face as the doctor called for Cheshire to hold the lamp close as he examined her.
Moments later, he rose and said, “She is intact.” The physician stared at Cheshire. “See for yourself. And if you break her hymen and she bleeds, I will know what you did.”
Cheshire knelt before Lady Alice. Dez kept concentrating on her face. She flinched when Cheshire touched her but she didn’t cry out.
“You are correct. Lord Jergens did not see to his duty. Get her out of here.” Cheshire stalked to the door and then turned. To Dez, he said, “I hope never to see you here again.”
“And I hope you rot in the bowels of Hell,” he snapped.
Cheshire left the room. Dr. Caymon lowered Lady Alice’s skirt and Dez helped her sit up. When she stood, her knees buckled and he swept her up, carrying her past all the silent patients and out of the asylum. Lord Morton’s footman set the steps down and Dez climbed into the carriage with her. Lord Morton followed and closed the door.
“The others will follow us,” he said tersely. “I only wish I could kill that doctor and Jergens. Black says to leave everything to him.”
As they drove away, Dez vowed to return and do everything in his power to free Lady Eastman and Miss Stone.
Finally, Lady Alice spoke. She scooted from Dez’s lap and sat next to him.
“How can I ever repay you, my lord?” she asked softly. “I will never be able to show my gratitude.”
“By living a good life,” he replied. “The life you were meant to live. It will take time to recover but you are now free.”
“What of the woman you came for—Miss Browning? How does she fare?”
He smiled. “Thank you for asking. She is doing quite well. She has returned to her family and was overjoyed to be reunited with her sister, who was only six when they were separated.”
A smile lit her face upon hearing that news. “Miss Browning was the strongest of us all, my lord. She would slip small bits of bread to those who looked as if they needed it most. She would catch your hand and squeeze it reassuringly when the attendants were distracted. When Matron became perturbed at a patient, Miss Browning would step forward and ask to take their punishment. She was so strong and unwavering. I admired her a great deal.”
Pride filled Dez at hearing of Anna’s incredible bravery. “Miss Browning is very resilient,” he said, his voice breaking with emotion.
Lady Alice studied him. “You love her, don’t you?”
“I do,” he confirmed. “I don’t know if she will ever be able to return my love, though. Her experience in the asylum was difficult.”
She nodded. “Miss Browning was quite rebellious. She dared to do what none of us did. She fought back.” She gazed into his eyes. “Give her time, Lord Torrington.”
Dez only hoped that Lady Alice was right.
Chapter Twenty
Shelton Park
Anna walked with Jessa to the stables for their daily ride. In the month since she had come home, riding had been what made her happiest. Dez had sent Daisy over, knowing she had been comfortable on the horse. She hadn’t wanted to accept such an expensive gift but she knew his gesture was heartfelt and she couldn’t bear to hurt him more by turning it down.
He had obviously written to Dalinda about Anna’s resurrection from the dead because shortly after her arrival at Shelton Park a thick letter had arrived from her friend. In it, Dalinda expressed how happy she was that Anna was back home and shared what had happened in her life since that fateful day long ago. Dalinda explained why she couldn’t come for a visit to reunite with Anna. Gilford had taken a turn for the worse and she refused to leave her husband, not knowing how long he had and wanting to spend every minute with him that she could. She did issue an open invitation for Anna to come to Gillingham whenever she liked so that she could meet the duke and Arthur and Harry.
Her friend had closed the letter asking that Anna keep an open mind and give Dez every chance. Anna knew Dalinda referred to Dez wishing for them to wed. She didn’t know if Dez had mentioned it to his sister or his lack of referring to it clued Dalinda in that something was amiss.
She missed Dez every day even though her days were filled. She walked and read. Played the pianoforte. Did some gardening. Rode. She had gotten to know Tom and his wife quite well and thought her cousin was doing an excellent job as the new Lord Shelton. Anna’s life was peaceful. No up
s or downs, just a smooth glide. Despite that, she couldn’t help but think she would be complete if Dez were by her side.
She hadn’t seen him since they’d parted. Besides sending Daisy to her, he had thoughtfully sent a note telling her he was going to London for business and would be gone several weeks. He would let her know when he returned and perhaps call upon her if she were agreeable. Hoping that time and distance from him would lessen her heartache, Anna had discovered it only enhanced it. She would allow him to call once he returned but she would have to make it absolutely clear that it was merely a call between neighbors and old friends.
Not the beginning of him pressing his suit.
They reached the stables and Jessa stopped in her tracks.
“Oh, bother. It is Thursday. I am supposed to attend an altar guild meeting at church.”
As of yet, Anna hadn’t left the property. She had not gone into the village, even though Jessa had encouraged her to see the seamstress. Her excuse had been she wanted to wait until she put on some weight and settled into the size she would be. For now, Dalinda’s clothes would suit her. She hadn’t attended church services either. Though word must be out by now of her reappearance at Shelton Park, thanks to their servants, she wasn’t ready to step out and venture beyond Shelton Park.
“Do you mind?” Jessa asked.
“Go,” Anna urged. “I have never been one for sewing.”
Her sister hesitated. “If you are certain you don’t mind.”
“Not a bit.”
They had the grooms saddle their horses and Jessa asked that one of them accompany her into the village. Anna gave a jaunty wave as the two set off. She turned in the opposite direction.
It had been nice to explore Shelton Park again, both on horseback and foot. The estate was a beautiful one. She had avoided talking with any tenants so far, only waving or nodding as she passed. She knew she was the object of gossip and wasn’t yet ready to confront it. The day would come when she knew she would be ready. It just wasn’t time yet. When she did, it would be imperative not to show any emotion when the inevitable questions came. Where she had been all these years. What the asylum was like. Whether she had truly been insane. Whether she still was. Anna knew there would always be those who judged her, be it Polite Society or the locals. Being ready to stand up for herself was important.
She rode the perimeter of Shelton Park and then turned inward, drawn to the lake. Knowing Dez was gone, she had ridden to it several times. She did so now, knowing the water brought her solace. Without meaning to, she crossed from Shelton Park onto Torrington lands and soon found herself at the cottage. Dismounting, she tied Daisy’s reins to a post and tried the door. It was unlocked and so she stepped inside.
This was the place she had truly regained her sanity. Anna had never been mad but she knew for long periods she had retreated within herself. It was here that Dez brought her back to reality. In her short time staying at the cottage, he had helped her regain confidence in herself. There would always be instances when doubts occurred. That was only natural. But after her time with him, she had learned to trust herself.
She walked to the doorway of the bedchamber, standing there as memories of making love with Dez flooded her. She was still glad she had coupled with him. The only regret she had was that it had been selfish on her part, tying Dez to her when she was trying to free him. Still, it would be the only time she would ever be with a man and she was glad she had done so. Everything about the experience had been perfect. It was a well from which she would draw over the years.
“Anna,” a voice softly said and she winced.
Dez had returned.
She turned slowly. He stood several feet from her, dressed in fawn breeches and a bottle green coat and waistcoat. His hair, always slightly wavy, was mussed from the breeze. There would never be a more handsome man as far as she was concerned.
“You returned from London,” she said, stating the obvious. “How did your business go?”
Anna hated that her tone and greeting sounded stiff to her ears but she couldn’t help it. She had to create distance between them in order to keep herself from rushing to him and throwing her arms about him.
“It went well.” He swallowed. “It involved you to a degree. Could we sit a moment? I’d like to explain because it will affect you.”
“Of course.”
She bravely went to the settee and was surprised when he didn’t sit next to her but took the chair next to it.
“I hired a Bow Street Runner,” he began. “I wanted to track down Lady Jergens’ father and inform him of her situation.”
“Were you successful?”
He nodded. “The runner found Lord Morton and I accompanied him to Gollingham.”
Dez explained how they had also brought along the earl’s solicitor and personal physician and how they were able to liberate Lady Jergens from the asylum, albeit it not quite legally.
“She is now Lady Alice again,” he concluded.
“I am sure she is very grateful to you for all you did on her behalf.”
“She is,” he agreed. “News of her release and petition for annulment, due to fraud, will eventually make the London newspapers. My agent ascertained Lord Jergens’ gambling debts are already growing again.”
“They will never see her dowry again.”
“That didn’t matter to Lord Morton, only that he had his daughter returned to him.” Dez hesitated. “Anna, once the newspapers get hold of the story, there will be talk of investigating Gollingham. You see, Mr. Haggard, the agent I engaged, was able to obtain a list of all of the women there. When we went to retrieve Lady Alice, I was able to speak to each of them briefly. As a result, I have contacted two other families who have relatives who are patients there. I believe that at least Lady Eastman and Miss Stone will soon be released.”
A wave of emotion flooded Anna. “I remember the two of them. That is certainly good news.”
Dez cleared his throat. “With Lady Alice now safely away and petitioning for an annulment—as well as the two other women I mentioned—I cannot keep your name out of any newspaper articles. I never gave anyone your name and Mr. Haggard wouldn’t either but if an investigation is launched by a journalist? One of the attendants is certain to speak for a price. It will come out why you were committed to a madhouse and that you had recently been released.”
She sat numbly, taking in what he said, wanting to retreat into herself again, into a world where she was safe. Anna shook her head vigorously. No, she wouldn’t do that. She was safe at Shelton Park. She need never return to London again. Let the gossips have their heyday at her expense. She would never hear what they said.
“I sent a note to you when I returned this afternoon and would have told you all of this when I called upon you,” Dez explained. “You may disregard it now. I just wanted you to know. I am sorry that—”
“Don’t apologize,” she interrupted. “Lady Alice gained her freedom. Two other women might, as well, thanks to your actions. I don’t care if the newspapers mention me.”
“But your reputation, Anna.”
“I don’t care about that either, Dez. What I do care about is yours. I know you still have feelings for me. You must put them aside. I insist.”
He shook his head sadly. “Love is not a spigot to turn on and off at will. I have loved you for years—even when I thought you were dead. I will go on loving you until I am in my grave. You may not love me, Anna, but you cannot change the fact that I love you.”
Tears filled her eyes. She tried to speak but nothing came out.
“You still love me,” he said. “I know you do. You are trying to be noble and cut ties between us, thinking that I will wed and start a new life with that wife.”
Dez took her hand. “No, Anna. I could never wed. Unless it was you. I have an heir in Dalinda’s older boy. He can become the next Earl of Torrington.” He squeezed her hand. “Oh, why can’t you see that the obstacles you have placed between us are o
f your own making? I can’t stop thinking about that night, Anna. The night we spent together, joined as one.
“I want you in my life. You aren’t the only one who is damaged. The war did the same to me.” He took her chin in his hand and forced her to meet his gaze. “Can two damaged souls come together and find salvation? If any can, it is you and me.”
The dam she had built to contain her emotions collapsed. Anna blindly reached for Dez, tears obscuring him. He brought her to her feet and embraced her, a solid wall of comfort, bringing warmth to her cold, shattered soul.
“I love you,” she repeated over and over.
“I love you, my darling. For now and always. Always,” he said fiercely.
Dez kissed her, a kiss so tender, so loving, so romantic, that it magically mended the broken pieces within her.
She loved this man. He loved her. Who cared what the world said?
They belonged together. For eternity.
Anna broke the kiss. “Love me,” she urged.
“I do.”
“No. Love me,” she repeated.
Understanding flickered in his eyes and he said, “I will—on the condition that you agree for the banns to be read three days from now. This Sunday and the following two. That you will sit with me and hear them proclaimed, letting the world know of our love. That you will marry me and be my countess. My wife. My best friend. The love of my life.”
“Yes,” she whispered and then more loudly, she proclaimed, “Yes. I will sit beside you and hear the banns and marry you and wear your ring. I will share everything with you. My joy. My sadness. My anger. My happiness. And children. Oh, sweet heavens, I want your children, Dez. Your sons and daughters.”
