by Vella, Wendy
He shook Valentine hard. “I don’t care who you are or what you do, but if you ever make unwanted advances toward Miss Carlow or any woman again, I will make you pay. Do you understand?” He shook the man again.
“Y-You can’t threaten me! I know about you!”
“I don’t care,” Nathan said slowly. “Touch her, and I will kill you. Now go and collect the king’s guards and all your friends and find that book, and when you do, can I suggest you take better care of it!”
Valentine gabbled something indecipherable and fled.
Looking around, Nathan noted they’d drawn some curious looks. Placing Beth’s hand on his arm, he thought it best they moved. They walked in silence for several minutes until the tension in her eased.
“Pigs? Care to tell me what that was about?”
He led, and she followed. Had he continued to yell at her or demand answers, she would walk away from him. He wasn’t letting her do that again. He needed to calm down, as did she, so they simply walked through the guests at the fair until that was achieved.
“Mr. Valentine did not care for them, so he ran.”
“Leaving his jacket behind?”
“Yes.”
“He took his jacket off while seducing you, didn’t he?”
She said nothing in reply to that.
“My only regret is that I did not see the pigs scaring him,” he lied. His regret was he didn’t make Valentine pay for what he’d done to Beth.
Her laugh was forced, but a laugh just the same. She then sighed.
“You didn’t need to threaten him, but I thank you for it, Nathan.”
He dipped into his pocket and pulled out a bag, handing it to her.
She popped a peppermint stick in her mouth and sucked; he did the same, all the while working through how he could ask the question he needed to. In the end, he went for the direct approach.
“Do you know where Mr. Valentine’s book is, Beth?”
“No.” She hadn’t hesitated, and while he thought she was telling the truth, he couldn’t be certain. She was a different woman from the one he’d thought he’d known.
“My brothers and I can be trusted, Beth. You can come to us should you need anything.” Nathan wanted her to know he was there for her.
“I have no need of your help, but thank you.”
“You are hiding something from me,” Nathan said softly so only she could hear. “I know you well enough to see that.”
“Maybe that was once true, but not now.”
“Because three years ago you were trying to be who I wanted you to be?”
“Nathan, there is no point in any of this. It is done. We must move on.”
“How is that possible when every time I meet you, instead of answers, I have more questions. I never wanted you to be anyone you didn’t want to be, Beth,” he added.
“We are raised to meet expectations,” she said, looking ahead where a man was breathing fire and children were looking on in awe. “Schooled in the right way to behave for our future husbands. I was no different.”
He’d known that was true of many women, and yet not once had he thought Beth anything other than she appeared to be.
“I’m sorry I led you to believe I wanted you to behave in any way but who you really are, Beth. That was never my intention.” He’d not known. Not seen she was trying to be who she believed he’d wanted her to be. But he should have. He’d been arrogant, seeing only her adoration. To his shame, he realized it had stroked his ego to have a woman so devoted at his side.
“Beth!”
Mary Blake was hurrying toward them with Zach and Michael on her heels. She grabbed Beth, hugging her hard.
“What possessed you to run from me in such a harebrained manner!”
Nathan let the woman have their reunion and went to his brothers.
“She was with Valentine.”
“Which to my mind strengthens belief that all is not well in the Carlow family,” Michael said. “Because why would a young woman want anything to do with a man like him?”
“Power and status,” Zach said.
“Beth is not like that,” Nathan snapped.
“So it’s Beth again, is it?” Zach asked.
“She’s behaving out of character,” Nathan said, ignoring his youngest brother.
“And yet you were only too happy to believe she made a fool of you before,” Michael said. “Why has that changed?”
Nathan’s eyes went to Beth. Looked at the delicate curve of her jaw.
“Perhaps because of what we’ve uncovered, but also I am no longer blinded by rage and so many other emotions.”
“I do believe I’m about to cry.” Zach sniffed. “That really was a lovely statement.”
The words forced a laugh from Nathan. “Idiot.”
“But the most handsome idiot of us all.”
“We have another problem,” Nathan said softly so Mary and Beth did not hear. “It seems the book Valentine carries on his person constantly has gone missing. It is filled with pages of secrets the king entrusts him with.”
“What kind of secrets?” Michael asked.
“By the look on Valentine’s face when I confronted him about his cavalier care of the book, I would suggest the names of those involved in Alexius are one.”
His brothers cursed softly.
“Does Miss Carlow have it?” Michael asked softly.
“She said she didn’t.”
“Did you believe her?” Zach asked.
“I have no idea,” Nathan said honestly. “Once I would have, but this Bethany Carlow is very different to the one I knew.” His eyes found her and he felt a heavy weight settle in his chest.
“Valentine is searching for it with the others as we speak, so keep your eyes open. Apparently, pigs stole his jacket, and the book was in that.”
“Pardon?” Michael stared at him.
“It’s a long story.” Nathan waved a hand at his brothers. “It seems the man has a fear of sus domesticus.”
“Ah yes, as named by Carl Linnaeus sometime in the 1700s, I believe?” Michael said.
“What?” Zach looked from Nathan to Michael.
“Swine, boy. We are discussing it,” Nathan said.
“Is it any wonder I am forced to consume vast amounts of alcohol nightly?” the youngest Deville said. “But enough of that. There are games afoot; come on.”
“Pardon?”
“The blindfolded egg-and-spoon race around an obstacle course, Nathan. I was sure you would have heard about it by now.”
“Apparently, it is a new development this year,” Michael said. “A woman guides the man, which concerns me slightly, but as I’ve said we’ll do it, there is no backing out now.”
“I hope you’re not including me in that,” Nathan demanded.
“It is for an excellent cause. Stratton is raising money for those injured in factory accidents. They are often just cast out on the streets and lose everything as they can no longer work,” Michael said.
“We should really do more,” Zach sighed.
“We protect our king. I’m not sure what more you think we could do?” Nathan asked.
“More for those that do not sleep in satin sheets and have everything laid out for them, I mean.”
“Very well, we shall think on it,” Nathan added. “And I have never slept in satin sheets.”
“You should try it,” Zach said with a sly smile. “Very restful.”
Nathan simply cuffed him over the back of the head.
“Come, we are to participate in the race now,” Zach said to Mary when he’d smoothed his hair.
“And this interests me why?”
“Because I need someone to guide me, and you are likely the only one here with a few intelligent thoughts and will not see me in a pond.” Zach’s smile was mocking. “Of course you’re excluded from that comment, Miss Carlow.”
“I’m excessively grateful,” Beth replied.
“I’d rather guide a rodent.�
�� Mary’s brows lowered.
“And they are off again,” Nathan muttered, moving to where Beth stood alone. “Come, you can guide me.”
“I don’t think so.” She shook her elbow free of his grip. “I wish to look at the fair and purchase some things.”
What she wanted was to get away from him, Nathan knew.
“We don’t often get what we want” was all he said, grabbing her elbow again. “Now move your feet.”
She had to or fall on her face.
“Let me go, Nathan.”
“I do believe you’ve said that more than once today.”
“And yet still you are not listening to me,” she snapped.
Swallowing his smile, he led her behind the still arguing Zach and Mary to where a group had gathered.
“Why do you think they argue constantly?” he asked Beth.
“Because your brother treats her like she is not as intelligent as him.”
“That’s harsh. He’s a good man, just high-spirited,” Nathan defended Zach.
“High spirits are the term given to any number of indiscretions performed, when in fact what they are is badly behaved men who are far too puffed up with self-importance. Men who are also far too used to having their own way.”
She’d never spoken this way before. Nathan found that once the surprise passed, he liked the forthright manner. He was sorry he’d not seen it before now.
He’d loved her, yes, but there had been times he’d wanted her opinion on things and all she’d say was “whatever you wish, Nathan.” Or “I agree with you, Nathan.”
“Why did you not speak to me like this before?”
“I was too busy simpering and being agreeable.”
“You’re actually taught that?”
She shot him a dark look.
“It seems your simpering days are behind you now,” he added.
“The point is—”
“By all means, get to the point,” Nathan niggled her, enjoying the fire in her eyes.
“Men don’t consider women or their wishes. They are so consumed by their own.”
“You’re quite the vixen when you want to be. I wonder how that slipped by me.”
She pressed her lips together.
“Oh come now. Silence, Beth? When you’ve just shown your true colors?”
She looked away from him.
“That lecture you’ve just given me is at odds to your recent behavior. Valentine is the epitome of a man who sees no further than the end of his nose, and yet you willingly chose to spend time with him. Why?”
“I have nothing further to say on that matter.”
“And yet you will say it,” Nathan added. “Soon.”
“No, I won’t.” She folded her arms.
“Welcome, everyone, to the first annual blindfolded egg-and-spoon race around an obstacle course. Now, hand over your money!” The Duke of Stratton held out a hat as he walked down the line of contestants. “It’s for a worthy cause, and you lot can afford it.”
“I have no wish to do it, Dimity.” Gabe was on Nathan’s left. His frown fierce, he looked ready to flee.
“And yet it is for a good cause,” his fiancée said, prodding him in the chest.
“I will hand over money if that appeases you, but must I also make a fool of myself?”
“Earls are an elite bunch who rarely make fools of themselves, Gabriel. You will do it like you do everything, looking noble and dignified.”
“Surely you’re not falling for that?” Nathan asked Gabe.
“She does have a point,” the eldest Deville, said leaning in to kiss his fiancée right there in front of society’s finest.
“No, she doesn’t. You can’t set a foot in society and not stand on an earl these days; you are a common lot. Dukes, however,” Nathan said. “Now they are rare.”
“Thank you, Deville.” The Duke of Stratton bowed to him, having heard the comment.
Beside him, Beth snuffled.
“What?” He looked down at her. There were smudges under her eyes and worry etched in her face, but she was still, in his eyes, the most beautiful woman he’d ever known.
“I’d forgotten about how you and your brothers converse.”
“It’s called brotherly love.”
“Is that what we’re calling it?” Michael said. Beside him stood Miss Helen Stillman.
“You will be tied to your partners. The aim is to make it around the entire course with your egg still on your spoon,” the Duchess of Stratton said, standing at her husband’s side. “You will be blindfolded, and the woman will guide you.”
“Empty your pockets, Devilles. Eva wants to make a sizeable donation to our cause,” the Duke of Stratton said, reaching them.
Nathan dug in his. Pulling out notes, he placed them in the small sack the peer held. It was then he noted the gold band on the man’s finger. It was twisted, the stone hidden.
“Veritas scutum tibi erit, Duke.” Nathan bowed his head.
“Veritas scutum tibi erit,” the duke said. “We are hunted, Raine, Deville. Stay safe, and make contact should you need me,” he added softly, so only Nathan and Gabe heard. His eyes were serious now, all levity gone.
“We are at your service also. Stay safe, Duke,” Nathan said.
The duke moved on. Nathan shot his brothers a look. All had seen the interplay between him and the duke.
Interesting, he thought. Another powerful man was letting them know he was part of Alexius. It seemed danger was indeed closing in on them.
“What did he mean?”
He looked down at Beth. She was watching him closely.
“You both spoke in Latin. What did those words mean?”
Chapter Twenty-Four
“I am unsure,” Nathan said.
Beth knew better. What had passed between him and the Duke of Stratton was something important, and Nathan did not want her aware of it.
“Why did he say he wanted you to stay safe?” She’d heard that part also. The rest was not clear, as the duke’s voice had lowered.
“’Tis nothing.”
She gave him a look that suggested she knew it was indeed something but said nothing further. After all, Beth did not want him asking her questions so she could hardly do the same. But she wanted to.
“I think you would be better served with Lady Bramble guiding you,” Beth said, intercepting yet another smoldering look from the woman aimed his way.
“Do you dislike me that much then?” Nathan did not acknowledge the woman desperately trying to gain his attention.
“She is very beautiful, and I believe lost her husband and gained a fortune.” Beth looked at the widow. Voluptuous and happy to show it, she had her eyes clearly set on Nathan. Beth should be happy about that. She wasn’t. In fact, she wanted to hurl the egg that had just been handed to Nathan at her.
“And I repeat. Do you dislike me so much you’d wish me to endure a life with her?” The words were said in a lighthearted tone, but the look in his eyes suggested otherwise.
“I don’t dislike you, Nathan.”
“You just don’t want to marry me?”
“Lower your head so I may place the blindfold around your eyes.” She motioned for him to do as she asked.
“Coward,” he taunted.
She pulled it tight.
“Now now, there is no need to hurt me because I speak the truth.”
“You have no notion of the truth,” Beth snapped, tying the ends together.
“Then tell me.”
“I cannot,” she whispered.
“Ouch!” Beth turned at the sound Zach made. “Is there any need to tie it that tight? And catch my hair in the ends also?”
“Sorry,” Mary said, smiling.
Zach muttered something unflattering.
“How is Walter?” Beth asked before Nathan could ask her another question like, are you sure you don’t know where Mr. Valentine’s book is? She hated lying to him, but she must, to keep him and her family safe.
“Healing well, and really should be up and about. However, he drags himself from place to place so he gets treats and pity. I caught him outside galloping about in the gardens from a window. He then saw Dimity approach and started to limp.”
Beth laughed. “He is a very clever boy then.”
“Very, and we are so impressed with his acting ability we’re letting him get away with it. Even the Duchess of Yardly is visiting him daily with slices of ham, as apparently her ham is superior to ours.”
“Well, well,” the Duchess of Stratton said as she approached with a length of ribbon, which she began wrapping around their wrists. “Fancy you two being tied together.”
Beth wasn’t sure how to answer that, so she said nothing.
“I always thought you were a superbly matched couple and that there was a great deal more to you, Miss Carlow.”
“Oh, well… thank you,” Beth said, unsure how to answer that.
“It appears you are correct, Duchess. There is a great deal more to her than even I had realized.”
“Because you are a man and therefore unable to see beyond the end of your nose.” The duchess patted his hand.
“Stop haranguing the contestants, my love,” the Duke of Stratton said.
“Don’t let her get away again, Deville.” The duchess moved on, leaving Beth uncomfortable.
“Well that certainly put me in my place,” Nathan drawled.
“I’m sorry.”
“You cannot control what others say, Beth, only your own actions.” Nathan looked down at her.
Her actions had been to leave him, and she’d suffered for it every day since.
“I will count backward from five; you will then start. Follow the course, no cheating or harming the other contestants,” the duke stated. “Unless they are siblings, then I doubt anything I say will stop you.”
This caused a ripple of laughter. Beth looked at the other contestants. There were several Sinclairs and Ravens, the Deville brothers, of course, and she saw the Hetherington twins. There would be carnage, she was sure.
“Brace yourself,” Nathan whispered in her ear.
She shivered as the hot breath tickled her skin. The countdown began and then they were all rushing forward. Lord Plunge tripped over his feet, going down; Lady Trilberry managed to keep hers. Plunge landed face-first in his egg.
