“A candle?” Alexandria’s brows creased. “Do you mean a lantern?”
“Yes, of course that’s what I meant,” Joanna snapped.
Alexandria did as her sister commanded and was back within three minutes. She walked with Julian toward the trees, holding the lantern high to light their way. He wasn’t sure just how far back Joanna was, but he knew she wasn’t close enough to hear him whispering to his wife. He needed to ease her worries a little. Then again, he didn’t dare give her too much hope. There was still the chance Joanna could shoot him.
“Lexie,” he said softly.
She turned her head toward him, but didn’t answer. Her eyes were watery, and worried lines creased her beautiful face.
He kept his voice low. “Whatever you do, don’t make your sister upset.”
“I’m so afraid,” she choked on her whisper.
“I have a plan, but you mustn’t get her upset.”
Her eyes widened. “All right, I shall do my best to keep her calm.”
He paused for a brief moment before adding, “I really do love you, you know, and I’m so very happy that you are my wife. I hope you don’t believe what your sister has said about men changing after marriage.”
She hiccupped on a low laugh and shook her head. “You have already proven your worth, my dear husband. And I love you so much. I feel as though I am the luckiest woman alive to have you as my husband, and yet...” She swallowed. “I’m so afraid I’ll lose you.”
“Don’t think that way, my love. Trust in love. Trust in me.”
A tear slid down her cheek. “I don’t think I could love you more than I do right now.”
Love burst in his chest and it was all he could do not to take her into his arms and kiss her passionately. But this was certainly not the place to shower his love on his wife, and if he didn’t want Joanna upset, he couldn’t outwardly show Alexandria his love. However, he’d wanted his wife to know how he felt just in case his plans didn’t work the way he’d hoped.
Stop thinking negatively, he scolded himself. He’d make certain his plans work. He been through many battles in the military and had only been injured a few times. He wasn’t about to allow a disturbed woman to steal his life and take away his happiness!
“It will be my goal to make you love me more every day for the rest of our lives.”
“And mine, too.” She sniffed as tears streaked down her cheeks.
They reached the grove and waited for Joanna to join them. She wobbled like a newborn calf. He suspected she would lose consciousness very soon. But her stubbornness surprised him.
She pointed to the ground. “What are you waiting for? Start digging.”
He met Alexandria’s gaze again. Her lips trembled. He leaned down and kissed her briefly on the mouth before turning toward his task. Joanna wouldn’t shoot him before he dug a hole large enough to bury him, only because she didn’t want to dig it herself, so he must take his time.
Nothing was spoken between the three of them as Julian pushed the shovel into the ground and threw back the dirt. Occasionally, he glanced at Joanna. A frown marred her face as she gently rubbed her injured arm. She flexed her fingers quite a bit which told him her arm was going numb. How much time did he have until she lost consciousness, he didn’t know.
“Joanna?” Alexandria asked in a quiet voice.
“What?” her sister snapped.
“What will happen to me? To us?”
Joanna took a deep breath and released it. “After I kill your lover, I’m going to get rid of Martin. He has kept a mistress since right after we were married. He knows I’ve been displeased with him, but like the fool he is, he doesn’t care about my feelings. I came to realize while I’ve been laid up in bed, that I don’t need a man in my life. I’m the Duchess of Linden, and with my loving sister by my side, we can accomplish anything. The two of us will live like queens. We’ll have men kissing our feet and doing our bidding. We shall never have to rely on them for happiness again.”
Julian watched Alexandria closely, and it appeared as though she was fighting with her emotions. She struggled to show her sister a pleasant smile as she bunched her hands into fists by her sides. He prayed she would keep her temper under control.
Alexandria took slow steps toward her sister. “I think I would like that.”
“Indeed, you wo-od...”Joanna slurred, continuing to blink rapidly. “We both dis-deserve this.”
“We do. And, you are so very clever.” Alexandria shrugged. “You have always been the smarter sister. I certainly need you in my life. What would I do without you?”
Julian tried not to grin. That’s my girl. Alexandria was actually the smarter one, and right now he was thrilled that she was using her wits to ease Joanna’s anger.
Joanna swayed again, but she quickly righted herself and focused the pistol back on Julian. “I shall always be here for you, Xandria. You shall never have to imagine what life will be like without me. I’m the only one you can count on.”
“You look like your arm is hurting,” Alexandria said. “Is there something I can do for you?”
“No, I shall be fine. I assure you.” Joanna swung her attention to Julian and scowled. “Keep digging. You’re too slow.”
“Forgive me. I’m tired,” he lied and moved the shovel faster. He took a deep breath. “I’m just so, very...very...tired.” He spoke the words slow, hoping it would make an effect on Joanna and make her more tired as well. When she swayed, he nearly shouted with joy.
Alexandria glanced up. He was certain she’d not be able to see the sky very well, so he wondered what she could possibly be searching for. He couldn’t stop from gazing upward as well.
“Oh, my,” Alexandria said in a soft voice. “Look at the white owl perched on that branch. I’ve never seen one so lovely.”
He snapped his attention back to Joanna. Thankfully, she took the bait. Tilting her head back, she lifted her eyes heavenward. She swayed, and this time she closed her eyes and crumbled to the ground.
Alexandria gasped and rushed to her sister. Julian dropped the shovel and hurried to their side, grabbing the pistol out of Joanna’s cold, clammy, and weightless hand.
“Is she breathing?” he asked in a rush.
Alexandria leaned her face closer to Joanna’s mouth. “I cannot tell.” She switched directions and placed her ear on Joanna’s chest. “I don’t detect a heartbeat.” Her voice conveyed her anguish.
Julian moved Alexandria’s head so that he could listen. Holding his breath, he tried to hear her heartbeat, but he feared Joanna’s infection had finally claimed her life. Because she had looked up at the owl, this had caused the blood to stop flowing to her head, which was the reason she finally collapsed. Perhaps her body decided to stop working at that exact moment, as well.
He placed his fingers to her neck, trying to feel for a pulse. Once again, he didn’t feel anything.
Blowing out a frustrated breath, he sat up and met Alexandria’s teary eyes. “My love, I’m afraid she was just too sick. The infection had been in her body for too long. I’m surprised she didn’t die sooner.”
Her body shook with silent sobs as tears streamed down her face. He moved closer and gathered her in his arms. “Don’t fret, my love. You know I will take care of you.”
“I just wish,” she sniffed, “I wish my sister hadn’t killed your father and brother. I cannot believe she was so very evil. What will people think of me when they discover she had killed before, and tried to do it again with you?”
He kissed her forehead, hating how her crying twisted his heart. “I’ll tell you what.” He withdrew just enough to look into her eyes. “Your sister’s terrible secret will be buried with her. We’ll continue to let the world think that my father and brother died from a sickness.”
“Truly?” She blinked with wide eyes. “You would do that for her?”
He shook his head. “I’m doing it for you.” He pressed his lips against her forehead again. “I want you
to remember your sister the way she was before, not the way she was tonight. Indeed, she was not in her right mind. Fever from the infection can make any sane person mad. I’ve seen it many times on the battlefield.”
She nodded. “Thank you so very much. You don’t know how much this means to me.”
“I think I do.” He tightened his arms around her. “And for your happiness, I’ll do anything.”
The next few minutes she cried in his arms and he comforted her. He studied Joanna’s still form, knowing that he would have to inform Martin about his wife’s death. Julian would have to make up a story for Martin about how Joanna died—leaving out the fact that she held Julian at gunpoint, and that she’d killed before. Unfortunately, he had no clue what he was going to say to his cousin, but it needed to be done tonight.
Clearing her throat, Alexandria pulled away from Julian and looked into his eyes. “We must find Martin now and let him know.”
Julian nodded. “I was just thinking the same. But...what shall we tell him?”
A small smile appeared on her face. “I’d better use my creativity and think of a story quickly. Just go with me and agree with what I say.”
Before leaving the grove, Julian quickly filled in the hole he’d been digging. Thankfully, he hadn’t dug the hole very deeply.
Taking Alexandria’s hand, they walked back to the manor. She was still wearing her nightgown and wrapper, and he worried this might present a problem, especially when confronting Martin. Women did not greet men wearing their night clothes, but this evening, she would have done it twice—once with Dominic, and now with Martin. The prospect of this improper situation must not have bothered her because she strode toward the drawing room with her shoulders back and head held high. He loved seeing her so determined.
They neared the drawing room and she slowed her steps just before reaching the door. She peeked her head around the corner and quickly withdrew. She glanced over her shoulder at Julian and gave him a shaky smile.
“He’s by himself, reading a book,” she whispered.
“Do you know what you’re going to say, my love?”
Sighing, she glanced down at her night clothes. “I would feel braver if I was wearing something besides this.”
“Do you want to change first?”
“No. We must get this done quickly, or he will not believe my story.”
She peeked back into the room. Julian stood against the wall and watched her. She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and walked into the room. When Martin noticed her, he quickly put the book down and stood.
“Your Grace. What are you doing out of bed?”
Julian followed his wife and stood by her side.
“Something terrible has happened.” She wiped away a tear. “Not too long ago, one of the servants came to inform me that Joanna was wandering outside in her nightgown. Julian and I hurried outside to find her, and when we did, she was...” She sucked in a quick breath and put her hand to her mouth. “Oh, Martin. She was delirious when I found her. She collapsed in my arms...and she was cold.”
His eyebrows creased. “Cold?”
Julian waited for Alexandria to continue, but tears filled her eyes and her body trembled. He wrapped his arms around her. She released a sob and buried her face against his chest.
“Martin,” Julian took over, “your wife was very ill, and very weak. She’s...” He swallowed hard. “She’s dead, Martin. Joanna’s health gave out on her and she died in the grove of trees while in her sister’s arms.”
Martin’s face paled and he stumbled back against the door. “No. This cannot be right.”
“We’ll take you to her,” Julian said.
He turned to lead the way, but Martin ran past him, down the hallway and to the front door. Julian and Alexandria walked slower, giving Martin more time to grieve alone with his wife.
Julian finally could breathe easier than he’d been able to for several months. Soon, his life would be normal and happy, and he would live peacefully with his sweet wife.
EPILOGUE
Three months later
Alexandria exited the house and strolled onto the front lawn. She smiled. The early autumn sky was so lovely this morning, and she just couldn’t stay inside the house one moment longer.
Ever since Joanna’s and Miss Theresa’s untimely deaths, Alexandria and Julian’s life had gone smoothly. No more threats. No more accidents. Nothing but pure paradise.
Sighing, she closed her eyes. Her wide smile made her cheeks ache, but she didn’t care. She was so very happy and wanted everyone to know it. Her life had literally changed for the better. Being kidnapped by Julian had been the best thing that could have ever happened because it brought her out of her shell. No more was she the shy wallflower, afraid to meet new people, or talk to men. Julian had cured her. His love had made her blossom like a flower in sunshine.
Bundling her pages and writing pen, she headed for the wicker chairs Julian had purchased for her not long after Joanna’s burial. He told Alexandria he wanted her to have a safe haven where she could write to her heart’s delight. He was such a thoughtful husband. How had she become so fortunate? God was certainly smiling down on her.
As she neared the outdoor furniture canopied by the large Birch tree, she noticed Julian sitting in his favorite chair, reading a newspaper. He looked so relaxed, so handsome. She truly always believed her husband was the most handsome man in the world.
“Good morning, my blossom,” Julian said without looking away from his newspaper.
She sat on the wicker chair and placed her paper, pen, and ink on the table. The large tree beside her gave the shade she needed, and the peaceful outdoor setting helped her creative juices considerably. It thrilled her that Julian was so supportive of her writing and he believed in her.
“Good morning, my love. Is there anything interesting in the paper today?”
“Nothing as interesting as the person with me now.” He folded the paper and placed it on the table.
Her heart did silly little flips again. It always did when he gazed at her with such adoring eyes.
“You flatter me too much,” she said.
“Nonsense. I don’t flatter you enough.”
Closing her eyes, she tilted her head back and allowed the sun’s autumn heat to warm her face. She took in the enjoyment of feeling...free. Free from an over-protective sister, and demeaning brother-in-law, and especially free from jealous women who wanted to be duchess. Being married to Julian didn’t make her feel sheltered at all. He allowed her to do anything she wanted...as long as he could enjoy it with her.
She opened her eyes to find Julian was still watching her. “So tell me something.” She leaned her arms on the table. “Have you talked to Martin lately? I wonder how he’s faring as a widower.”
“Actually, I have spoken to him. Just last night, in fact. He informed me he has decided to join the military and make something of his life.”
“How amazing. I’m very happy for him. I’m certain he felt like my sister was holding him back.”
Julian nodded. “When I confronted Martin, when Miss Theresa had taken you, he shared with me something very personal as well. First, I want you to know he told me he was only mean to you to hurt Joanna. Sad, but true. His marriage to your sister had made him a very unhappy man.”
She nodded. “That is good to know.” She waved a hand to dismiss those bad memories.
“Also, while it was true that Martin had set his sights on your sister before they married, who could have had any man she wanted, apparently, he never could understand why she picked him. Especially since Lord Hawthorne had always wanted to court her.”
Shock hit her and she gasped. “Indeed? That is amazing. But of course, we both know why she chose Martin over Dominic.”
“Yes. It’s very sad what greed and power can do to a person.”
“It really is.”
“Oh, and speaking of Lord Hawthorne,” Julian continued, leaning his hand a
cross the table and patting hers, “Dominic wants us to come for dinner soon at his cottage.”
She grimaced. “His cottage? Are you certain? He didn’t have any dishes the last time we were there.”
Julian chuckled. “That is what I had thought when he first mentioned it. But as it turns out, he decided to fix the place up. He hired builders and decorators, and Dominic is quite impressed with the cottage now. That’s why he has invited us.”
“Oh, that would be lovely.” She squeezed his fingers. “It will bring back memories.”
“Only good ones, I trust.”
She nodded. “Theresa is in the past. And while it is true I was scared for the first few hours after you had kidnapped me, my fears eased once you realized I was not my sister, and I sensed you would be kind to me, which of course, you were. I might not have started to fall in love with you at the cottage, but definitely during that next day.”
He winked. “Me, too.”
Out of the corner of her eyes, Higley came toward them, carrying a silver tray. As he drew closer, she could see it was a letter.
“Your Grace, this came for you.” He placed the tray in front of her.
“Me? Who could have sent me a letter?”
“Why don’t you open it and see.” Julian grinned. “You’ll never know unless you read it.”
As she took the letter, her gaze held her husband’s. A knowing glint shined in his eyes. Did he know about this? The corners of his mouth lifted, but he appeared as though he were trying not to smile. Very peculiar, indeed.
She opened the letter and skimmed her gaze across the top. Confusion filled her as she continued reading.
“What is it, my blossom?” Julian asked with a touch of laughter in his voice.
“I’m not certain. It says they are making me an offer to...” She hitched a breath as excitement rushed through her, shaking her hands.
“An offer for what?”
Goosebumps rose up on her arms. This couldn’t be real. “The letter is from a publishing company, and they are offering to publish one of my stories.” Emotion choked her voice, and she cleared her throat.
“That is marvelous, my love.”
Stealing the Duchess Page 24
