Two Wicked Nights

by Quince, Dayna

  Anne took his hand. “I’m certain she is fine.” Anne glanced at Chester and Violet. “She knows what she is about.”

  “But she should be home,” Mr. Marsden whined.

  “She wouldn’t have fled if you hadn’t agreed to Lord Kirkland’s plan,” Anne said.

  Mr. Marsden sniffed. “I know tis my fault as well, but the money, the marriage. Those are the two things our family lacks. I’ve spent a decade away from my family searching for husbands for all of you to no avail. I couldn’t refuse Lord Kirkland’s offer.”

  Anne patted his shoulder. “I’m going to marry Roderick. You need not force Bernie to marry anyone now. Do you see?”

  Mr. Marsden blinked up at her. “Truly?”

  Anne nodded. “Yes. So go home and tend to mother.”

  He patted her hands. “That is joyous news.”

  “Yes, Papa.” Anne mouthed her thanks to Violet and Weirick and escorted her father out. Violet followed.

  Weirick sat with a sigh. “What a poor excuse for a father, and I should know, my own father set the bar exceedingly low.”

  Chester wanted to concur but didn’t. He used to have rather grand opinions about his own father that now fell short. He took Mr. Marsden’s seat.

  “What brings you here this morning? Did you hear his wailing from Kirkland?”

  “I’ve come for advice about Bernie.”

  Weirick sat back in his chair. “She’s not in Scotland, is she?”

  Chester shook his head. “Is your carriage in disrepair?”

  “No, but Violet told me I cannot let him have it nor the traveling carriage that returned late last night. So where is she?”

  Chester considered him. “Do you truly tell your wife everything?”

  “Everything I must.”

  In his gut, Chester knew he could trust him. It was only until Bernie made her miraculous return, which must be sooner rather than later. Everything had to come to light. His conscience could not stand more lies.

  “Bernie is at Kirkland.”

  Weirick happened to be taking a sip of coffee when Chester said this. He choked, spitting coffee over his papers. He coughed and cursed as he blotted the papers.

  He cleared his throat. “What the devil?”

  Chester grinned. “More specifically, she’s hiding in my chamber and only I and my valet know.”

  Weirick smirked and folded his arms. “Interesting.”

  “We’ll marry as soon as possible.”

  “Undoubtedly.”

  Chester huffed out a sigh. “I just don’t know how to connect those two occasions.”

  “This sounds like a plan that should involve both Bernie and Violet, the true masterminds.”

  “I haven’t spoken to her about it yet.”

  “Why not?”

  “Is fear an acceptable reason?”

  “When it comes to women and marriage? Yes.”

  “She knows we will marry. I proposed last night. There isn’t a problem discussing the future when it’s just us, but when I think about the inevitable inclusion of our families, I get lost. My father and mother will not accept the marriage, and I’m certain they will threaten to disown me and shun me in the meantime. When it comes to getting what he wants, my father is ruthless.” Chester ran his fingers through his hair in aggravation.

  “It seems the only solution is to be more ruthless.”

  “What?”

  Weirick opened a drawer and set a piece of paper on the table. “Let’s write it down. Nothing is clearer than ink on paper.”

  Chester scooted the chair forward. “What do we write?”

  “We’ll list the worst things that can happen. For example, disowning. What will you do for money?”

  “I’ve been investing on my own. I have enough to support us.”

  “Good, then you can scratch that worry from your list.”

  Chester nodded. “Her sisters will be scorned from society.”

  “None of them has entered society.”

  “They’ll have no chance once my mother returns to London for the season and slanders them.”

  “The Marsdens have allies too. I think we can mitigate the scandal if the two duchess’ exert their influence, assuming, of course, any of the sisters even wish to enter society.”

  “Isn’t that what all young women want?”

  “To be honest, they are not ready for a London ballroom, and London is not ready for them.”

  Chester snorted. He half agreed.

  “What else?” Weirick prodded. “What is standing between your and Bernie’s everlasting happiness?”

  Chester thought it over. On paper it seemed so easy, but in his heart and head he knew it wasn’t.

  “Hurt.”

  Weirick raised a brow. “Hurt?”

  “I’m going to lose my parents. What if they never speak to me again?”

  “If they choose to cut you, would you honestly care?”

  “How could I not care? I’m their son. I’m their only child. It’s like every pleasant memory I have of them will be ripped from me, as if it were all a lie somehow.”

  Weirick set the quill down. “I see.”

  “Do you?”

  Weirick leaned back in his chair again. “My father was no saint—far from it. I knew that before my accident left me bald and scarred. But it still killed me to hear him say he’d rather I die from my injuries than recover. It did alter all my memories of him, painted them with a new brush that cannot be undone. So I do understand. If it feels like you will lose a great deal, it is because you will. Your father is much kinder and caring than mine ever was. You have a true relationship. You will lose that. You will lose your mother too.”

  Chester hung his head in his hands.

  “Is Bernie worth that?”

  “Yes,” he said without hesitation. Because she was, but it didn’t change the pain he felt, the slash of guilt to his gut.

  “It will get easier,” Weirick said, his voice quieter. “She will make it easier. The children you have together will make it bearable.”

  “You still have your mother,” Chester mumbled.

  “I do.”

  “I won’t.”

  “This is hypothetical. They may choose to accept her for the sake of keeping you. Don’t forget that.”

  “They’ve been so terrible to her,” Chester argued. “I can’t imagine them changing their minds.”

  “Because they think they have a choice in the matter. Take it away from them. Make them choose on your terms. Accept the marriage or lose a son and grandchildren. Never forget to mention grandchildren, they can’t resist the idea.”

  Chester laughed bitterly.

  Weirick stood and set a hand on Chester’s shoulder. “What do you need of me?”

  “I’m not quite sure.”

  “Well, whatever it is, consider it done.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Problems often seem larger than they are.”

  Chester nodded.

  “Though this is significant.”

  Chester stood. He had better get back to Kirkland and figure out what Bernie wanted to do.

  “Thank you.”

  “You should do as I suggested and let Bernie and Violet choose what to do next. Women have a better head for things of this caliber.”

  “I know. But I needed your perspective.”

  “Mine is probably a bit skewed. I spent years hating my father and didn’t return to England until after he died. Yours is very much alive, and if given the choice, I think he will choose the right path.”

  “Thank you, your reassurance means a lot to me. I suppose that is what I came here for.”

  Weirick nodded. “You are welcome.”

  Chester passed Violet again and promised to send a note as soon as he had news to share. He rode back to Kirkland, cautious but confident. He appreciated Weirick’s assurance, but it was in his nature to prepare for both outcomes. Bernie was the leap before you look type. Chester long ago a
ccepted he was the listen, learn, and then consult an expert mentality.

  That thinking had never led him astray.

  But there were no experts in this so he had to trust his instinct and just jump.

  At least he wouldn’t be jumping alone.

  Chapter 20

  Bernie kept herself busy for the day, broken up with visits from Chester and Jensen. She’d begun to like Jensen a great deal. He’d told her of his upcoming marriage and amusing stories about Chester. She hoped that wherever their future took them, Jensen and his wife would come along.

  After last night, she couldn’t stop thinking about the future. He’d proposed to her before making love to her, and it was such a perfect moment, all she could think to do was share it with Anne and Violet. But that would have to wait. So she bided her time, doing more daydreaming than reading.

  Last night they’d made love.

  And though she had a bit of soreness today, she was too caught up in planning the future to care. She could be soon carrying his child. That thought alone paralyzed her with bliss for minutes at a time.

  A baby.

  A boy with Chester’s eyes or a little girl with blonde curls. She almost giggled with joy. She could picture a child, a mix of both of them.

  She stared out the window at the rolling hills that separated Kirkland from Selbourne Castle, with her house tucked in between. Would they have to leave Northumberland? She’d never been further from her family than a few miles except for Violet’s wedding in Scotland.

  She supposed she could ask Chester. He’d said he had money, but how much? Would he buy them their own house? Would he move into her family’s house?

  There was no room for that, but if Anne married Roderick then she’d move to the castle, and Bernie would have her own room.

  Would it hurt him to stay so close to Kirkland? Her stomach knotted.

  She knew he was struggling with his parents. He wanted them to be happy and he wanted her to be happy. But it wasn’t possible to make everyone happy, not when they were at opposite’s sides.

  Bernie didn’t relish the idea of forgiving them for their comments, their withering glares, and especially for trying to force her to wed and ruin her sisters. But if by some miracle they chose to accept her and Chester’s marriage, there would have to be some form of peace. A truce of sorts. Chester would want them in their lives. They may even live here for a time.

  That sounded terrible. Every day she’d have to share her meals with Lady Kirkland. The woman had an icy stare that could freeze a candle flame, or so Bernie liked to imagine. There was also the constant bragging. The woman loved to turn any conversation to herself and all the blessings she had. Most of which involved her wealth and her handsome, oh so eligible son.

  Not so eligible now.

  Bernie smirked. They were going to marry. That was all that mattered. She didn’t care if they built a mud brick hovel under the oak tree. As long as she went to sleep and woke in his arms every day, life would be perfect. She would prefer to remain close to Violet and her sisters, but wherever he chose to live, she would follow.

  Now that they were together, she couldn’t imagine any other outcome. They had always been together. She could see that now. They had been doing an intricate dance, like two courting butterflies, and now was the time for the next phase of their lives, entwined rather than side by side.

  Perhaps this was how it was always meant to be. Their individual experiences shaped who they were, preparing them for the time when they would need to be strong enough and determined enough to withstand the storm. Whatever was to come, they would endure it together.

  She turned away from the window and returned to the bed. The sun had set, and dinner would soon begin. She opened one of the books Chester had left for her that morning and flipped through the pages. Bernie tried to focus on the story, but her mind would not quiet.

  The knock on the door startled her, but she was relieved to have some distraction.

  Jensen unlocked the door and entered with a tray.

  “Good evening,” Bernie said. “How goes the festivities?”

  “As expected.”

  “I’ve very little experience with house parties, especially with the ilk of Lady Kirkland’s guests, having never been to London myself.”

  “I suspect that will change when you marry.”

  Bernie took a shaky breath. Hearing someone else refer to her and Chester’s marriage made it excitingly real. Did Chester tell him or did Jensen just assume?

  “Did he tell you he proposed to me?” Bernie asked out of curiosity.

  “He didn’t have to. I’ve watched him grow into the man he is today. I’d like to think I know him very well, and I knew he cared for you a great deal. I’d been hoping for this outcome, Miss Bernadette.”

  Bernie blushed. “I…thank you.”

  “There has been a lot of speculation and talk amongst the staff, and we all agree that the two of you are well matched.”

  “Oh…but Lady Kirkland and his lordship don’t agree.”

  “I have a differing opinion.”

  “You do?”

  “I think they see what I and others have always seen, and that is why they’ve tried to put distance between the two of you. They are afraid, you see. And scared animals, like people, will always lash out.”

  Bernie tangled her fingers in her lap. “Even at their own son.”

  “Lord Chester has always done as he is told. He’s been a very good son. They see this change in him not as mere disobedience, but as a betrayal, I think.”

  “Influenced by me?”

  He grimaced. “Perhaps, but they have their own demons to face, as they say. But…I believe they do love him and will come to love you by extension. They are, under their societal facades, good at heart. I would not say it if I didn’t believe it. They are good employers, fair, sincere, respectful. You can always judge someone by how they treat their staff.”

  “They haven’t shown me the same courtesy,” Bernie said.

  Jensen had finished setting up her small feast beside the hearth. “No, Chester has said much to me about it. I understand how you must feel. They have treated you badly. But they can change. If anyone can show them their error of their ways, it is you.”

  Bernie shifted, bashful under his praise. “Thank you.”

  “I’ll leave you to your dinner.”

  He left, and Bernie took her place at the table, picking up her fork and thinking about what he’d said as she looked over the fare. He had an outside point of view and knowledge about her enemies she didn’t have. So what could she learn from him?

  What would she tell someone in her position? If her sister was in her place, what would be her advice?

  Bernie took a bite of fish and thought while she chewed. She put Anne in her shoes and Roderick in Chester’s place. They were in love, but neither party had known about their feelings, their secret affair, until now. If Bernie didn’t know how much Anne loved him, she would never support Anne’s marriage to him. From the outside, Roderick was a scoundrel, a careless, womanizing drunkard. But his love for Anne was so strong he gave up his terrible habits. He completely changed for her, earning her love and in turn, changing Bernie’s opinion of him.

  Was that the answer?

  She had to change their minds by proving her love for Chester?

  She set down her fork, stunned by her own revelation.

  So simple and yet monumental. She could admit she hated them. She didn’t want to prove anything to them. They were wrong and hurtful, even to their own son! She clenched her fists, wishing she had something to throw. She folded her arms and huffed, glaring at the fire.

  Why were the right answers always the worst answers?

  She had to do it. There was no other course. Chester’s happiness was everything to her and that meant having his parents in his life. She would have to find a way to mend the chasm between them. Some way. Somehow.

  * * *

  Chester en
tered the room later than he’d wanted to and found Bernie already asleep, curled up under the counterpane. He stoked the fire and added another log before undressing and climbing into bed. She jerked when he touched her, waking with a frown that cleared as she focused on him.

  “Oh, it’s you.”

  “Were you expecting someone else?”

  “What? No, I was dreaming. I was at home and Anne was being terribly obtuse, expecting Roderick to live with us in our room.”

  “Are you saying you were dreaming Roderick was touching you?”

  “No,” she laughed. “In my dream Anne was throwing shoes at me. Somehow she had an endless arsenal of shoes.”

  Chester chuckled. “Good.” He leaned and kissed her. He couldn’t begin to describe how much he’d missed her during the day. He’d visited in between his mother’s planned festivities, but it wasn’t enough. He wanted her by his side. He’d attended countless house parties, balls, musicales, garden parties without her, with most of these same guests. Had they all been this dreadfully boring? He’d counted every minute until he could come up with a reason to slip away. He played his part without complaint but still his mother watched him as if she knew he was barely present. He counted himself lucky she hadn’t come to investigate his room, but sure not even she would imagine that Bernie was there. For all she knew, he was avoiding Bernie as much as possible. Something he’d never done before.

  It was hurting his mother, he knew, he could see it in her eyes, the questions, the strain. As a family, they’d never had tension like this between them. His father was mostly absent, as usual. He was never required to attend more than dinners during his mother’s house parties. Chester was the de facto host, but not this time. He felt as much an outsider as Bernie probably did.

  Something had to change. This couldn’t go on for much longer without one of them, or all of them falling apart. But he didn’t know what to do. He hoped, just as Weirick had suggested, that Bernie would have some ideas.

  “I’m glad you woke me,” she said. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking today.”

  “So have I.”

  “I…I want to return from Scotland and announce our engagement to your parents.”