Ballad of the Innocents

by Monroe, Jennifer

  Her point about the possibility of Parker returning had been unsettling. How could he not have considered this problem? He had never thought himself dull of mind, but even the most inept person would have considered it. Juliet had never made such a statement, but having a woman believe him to be incompetent would never do.

  He nearly laughed when she suggested that he should rid himself of her uncle. She was proving to be much more like him every time they were together! And who would be better equipped, more adept, to speak to Parker about his true intentions than his niece?

  Yet, despite his delight in her change of heart, he kept his senses honed. How did one trust a woman who had tricked him in the past?

  That was the reason he had the contract prepared. She was far too crafty for him to accept her word outright. If she signed the document, it would prove once and for all that he had nothing to fear from her, and she would have no means of escape this time.

  A sigh from Juliet broke him from his thoughts. When she leaned her head on his arm, he opened his eyes wide in shock.

  “It was such a lovely picnic,” she said dreamily. “Wine, talks of marriage, another gift. If every day is like this, I will never ask for more.”

  Hugh raised an arm and slipped it over her shoulder, and to his greater surprise, she snuggled in closer.

  But why should he be surprised? She no longer fought him. In fact, she may have become interested in him as more than a man who gave her gifts. He was not a homely man - many women vied for his attention. Yet, it had always been Juliet who he had wanted since he first laid eyes on her.

  Still, something in the back of his mind tickled at him. Was she merely playing him as a child spinning a top?

  He glanced down at her, and she batted her eyelashes at him. No, he was much too strong to be fooled by this woman. And besides, if she and Lady Lambert signed the contract, it would not matter.

  “I was wondering,” Juliet said as she snuggled further into his arms, “when will our wedding take place?”

  Hugh moved a strand of dark hair behind her ear to reveal more of her beautiful face. She possessed such flawless skin, and those dark eyes stirred passion inside him. “I thought it only fitting to have it one week after the stable boy is sentenced.”

  She gave him a startled look. “Surely the paperwork for my divorce will not be finalized that quickly.”

  He wanted to explain to her how intelligent he was, that he had set into motions his carefully thought-out plans months before that stable boy had been taken from his hovel. That Hugh had never filed the paperwork that would see her marriage dissolved. No man of his station married a divorcee, not a man who valued his reputation.

  No, she would not become divorced, for he had spoken to an influential man and paid a great deal of money to have any record of the marriage between Juliet and the stable boy erased. She did not realize it, and more than likely never would, but in the eyes of the law, she and the boy had never married.

  “Do not worry,” he said, kissing the top of her head, “all will be well. I have seen to everything.”

  As the carriage slowed to make the turn into the drive that led to Scarlett Hall, she smiled up at him. It amazed him how much this woman glowed with vivaciousness! With such fire! He could not wait to experience her in his bed!

  She sat up and turned to him, her eyes sparkling. “I must buy a new dress,” she said. Then she reached down and took his hand. “And may I make a request?”

  His mouth had gone dry and therefore he could do nothing more than nod.

  “For a wedding gift, I will ask my mother for a country house that lies perhaps a half-day’s drive from here. I have always wanted it, and now I can have it.”

  The greed in the woman’s eyes sent a fire to his belly. “I think it a wonderful idea, but you also must remember that it will become mine.”

  “Of course,” she replied. “My point is that I want a secluded place,” she leaned forward and her breasts pressed against his arm, “where we may consummate our marriage without interruption.” Her eyes twinkled with the same lust that rose in him. What a vixen this young woman was! And he would possess her perfection in every way possible.

  He smiled down at her. “I see no reason why that cannot happen,” he managed to say.

  Juliet whispered her thanks before exiting the vehicle. Hugh followed behind, and as he looked up at the grand house of Scarlett hall, his smile widened. Soon, with Juliet as his wife, he would make frequent visits to this home. Once he gained control of the estate, and he had the business prowess to make it happen, he would become even more powerful than he already was.

  And the woman at his side would aid him in achieving all of it.

  ***

  The last thing Eleanor wanted to do was smile, yet she would do what had to be done. Juliet and Lord Parsons sat in the chairs across the desk from her in the study as she studied the documents the viscount had presented to her.

  The wording was simple enough - a promise of marriage - yet it also included a promise of a business arrangement between the Parsons estate and Scarlett Hall.

  She glanced up from the document, looking first at Juliet and then the viscount. The despicable man wore a grin that expressed he felt he had achieved some sort of victory, and for a moment, she considered retrieving one of a pair of pistols nestled in a box inside one of the desk drawers. She had never shot anyone, but if the need and circumstances arose, she was certain she would not hesitate to do so.

  Yet, such thinking was irrational and would do her no good. At least not now.

  “Is there a problem with the contract?” Lord Parsons asked. “I would be happy to explain any points that may confuse you.”

  Eleanor placed the document on the desk and neatly folded her hands together. “Everything is in order, my lord.”

  “Then you will witness my signature and sign it, as well?” Juliet asked. “I understand that your signature will create a much-needed connection between the two estates. But, what do I know of business dealings? I only care about what I will receive from this arrangement.”

  Juliet was playing a very serious game, and Eleanor feared it would cost the girl dearly. Yet, at this point, there was no choice but to go along with the charade. By signing the contract, she risked the estate, but she also trusted that Juliet knew what she was doing. Plus, there were ways of getting out of contracts. They might not be legal ways, but they existed, nonetheless.

  “I will sign it,” Eleanor replied. “But first, I want to thank you, Lord Parsons. You seem to know my daughter well. Having this document drawn up was wonderful foresight on your part. I do hope that in the future you will not need to go to such lengths to get what you need from her.”

  “I pray as much,” Lord Parsons said. “Although Juliet has expressed that she has changed, and as much as I believe her - and I assure you I do! - I felt it was needed. By adding your name to it, and by agreeing to do business with me, I will be confident that you find my wish to marry your daughter agreeable. After all, she was born to two of your former servants, and if that was somehow revealed to our peers, such news would harm not only your reputation, but that of your children, as well.” He leaned back into his seat, a triumphant look on his face. “To think Lord Lambert raised the girl as his own and never knew she was not.”

  His chuckle was like metal upon metal, harsh and grating, and Eleanor struggled to keep herself calm. What she wanted to do was see him thrown out of her house! How dare he come into her home and threaten her with blackmail!

  “Lord Parsons,” she said, pleased her voice showed none of her inner turmoil, “there is no need for veiled threats.”

  The viscount laughed outright. “My threats are not veiled, Eleanor,” he said. How dare he use her given name! “Have no doubt that if Juliet makes any attempt to back out of this agreement, if she runs away, I will reveal all that I know. Including the fact that your niece, Amelia is it? That she was raised as a servant in her own home!”

/>   Eleanor’s shock must have been evident, for his grin widened. “Your brother Josiah is a fountain of information. He told me about your sister and how she birthed a child out of wedlock. In fact, I had not realized you were a daughter of the Parker family until recently.”

  “If you are wanting money from that estate, I…”

  “Have given control of it to your sister, yes, I am aware of this. No, it will remain where it is. I care nothing for it. My only concern is what I can gain as a partner with Scarlett Hall.”

  “Then we shall engage in business in due time,” Eleanor said, her eyes never waving from the viscount’s gaze. “I have only one request. We never speak of my brother again.”

  Lord Parsons stood, his tall frame looming over her, but if he meant to frighten her with his imposing figure, he was greatly mistaken. She felt nothing but contempt for this man!

  “Parker is expendable as far as I am concerned,” he said as he walked around the desk. “Whether I choose to allow him to seek his vengeance upon you is at my discretion, not yours.” He placed his hands on the desk and leaned forward. His breath was hot and his voice just above a whisper. “Now sign the damned document.”

  With a nod, Eleanor took the quill pen in hand and signed her name in the appropriate place. She did not care what this document said, for it would never be honored. Not as long as she lived and breathed. She would find a way to put an end to this madness.

  Lord Parsons pulled the quill from Eleanor’s grasp. “Now you, my love,” he said as he offered the pen to Juliet.

  She gave him a sweet smile and added her signature. The last person to sigh was Lord Parsons himself. He lifted the paper and blew on it to dry the ink before holding it at arm’s length as if it were a masterful piece of art.

  “This will do nicely,” he said, his tone that of a child who had received his favorite toy. “And now, Juliet has a request of you.”

  “The country house, the one outside of Rumsbury.”

  “Yes,” Eleanor asked, attempting to decipher her daughter’s intentions. “What of it?”

  “I would like you to gift it to me as a wedding present,” Juliet replied. Then she glanced at Lord Parsons and gave him a tiny smile. “Or rather as a wedding gift to my new husband.”

  What on earth would the girl want with a cottage that was rarely used? Yet, she had to trust that her daughter had devised a plan.

  “Very well,” she replied. “I will speak to the solicitor today. You do realize that the transfer of the deed will take some time, do you not?”

  The viscount nodded. “As long as it is done and my future wife is happy, that is all that matters.”

  “Is there anything else?”

  “I believe that is all,” Lord Parsons replied. “I am pleased that this has gone as smoothly as it has.”

  Eleanor rose from her seat. “Now, concerning the wedding. I know a vicar…”

  “Oh, there is no need,” the viscount interrupted. “Reverend Creassey will perform the ceremony. I have also requested he hold onto this.” He held up the contract they had just signed. “And do not forget to see to the transfer of the land deed. I do not like delays.”

  So, the good reverend had refused to help her in this matter, and yet he was giving aid to Lord Parsons? She would speak to Reverend Creassey herself to ascertain what exactly had taken place, for it made little sense to her.

  Lord Parsons bid them a good day, and as Juliet saw the man to the door, Eleanor went to the window. As she gazed out at the large oak, a tiny smile crossed her lips as she recalled the times her children sat beneath that very tree.

  Now her children were grown, all except Nathaniel, and three of her daughters were enjoying time together in the village today. Juliet should have been with them but instead she was forced to do what she could to save the life of her husband.

  Anger filled Eleanor as she considered the viscount. How dare the man threaten her! And how dare he upset a loving and happy marriage! He would pay for all he had done!

  “Mother?” She turned to see Juliet walking toward her, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I fear I may be playing a game I cannot win.”

  Eleanor wrapped an arm around her daughter. “I fear the same,” she said. “What will you do if Daniel’s life is spared? You will be bound to Lord Parsons for the remainder of your life, and he will sit in prison.”

  “I know,” Juliet said. “And I have thought much about it over the past week. The idea of being forced to live with a man who sent Daniel to prison breaks my heart. That is why I must find a way to destroy him.”

  The venomousness behind her daughter’s words sent a shiver down Eleanor’s spine, and she closed her eyes. Was her lovely and mischievous Juliet considering killing the man? “If you mean what I believe you do, I must ask that you consider it further before making such a rash decision.”

  “Oh, I will not have to,” Juliet replied. “I have an idea and I will need the country house in order to see it through.”

  Eleanor raised her brows. “How will having the deed to the cottage aid in this plan of yours?”

  Juliet smiled. “Because on my wedding night, Lord Parsons will die, and whether or not he realizes it as of yet, Uncle Josiah will be the one to kill him.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Juliet was exhausted. No other word could express how she felt. Her mind, body, and soul had been pushed to their limit, and now the worst lay ahead. Thinking of Daniel locked away in that filthy, horrible cell churned her stomach, but it was better than seeing him hanged.

  What she hoped was to find a way to see him freed from prison altogether, but for the present, she had to focus her thoughts on more immediate matters - her uncle Josiah.

  With Lord Parsons off taking care of whatever business he needed to complete, Juliet set out for Caprice Hill Estates in order to speak with her uncle. The viscount had been beside himself that she was willing to lend him aid in dealing with Uncle Josiah, but he had no idea what she had planned. She could not wait to set a double trap that would capture two unsavory characters!

  “So, he wishes to blackmail my sister?” Uncle Josiah said with a laugh as they sat in the sitting room of the estate belonging to Lord Parsons. “She is far too cunning to be so easily manipulated by that man.”

  “She is crafty,” Juliet said over the rim of her teacup. “And Lord Parsons will soon be out of the way, so it will be of little consequence.”

  Her uncle leaned back into the blue chair. “You speak as if disposing of the man will be simple. Murder is never easy. What will you do when the constables come to interrogate you? You must have an idea already, I am sure.”

  Juliet tapped the tip of her finger on her lips. “I had not considered that,” she said, although that was a lie. She had worked out every minute detail, but she had to make her uncle believe that he held the reins of this partnership. What better way than to give them to him directly? With her leading the horse by the bit the entire time, of course.

  “Do you think they would believe me if I said he was brutal with me? That he beat me, perhaps?”

  Uncle Josiah snorted. “Of course not, you silly child,” he said with a wave of his hand. “They would throw you out as soon as the words left your lips. You will become the property of Lord Parsons. However he chooses to treat you once you are married is no concern of theirs.”

  Juliet sighed in frustration and smoothed the skirts of her dress. “You know, when Mother and I sighed that contract, he mentioned your name.”

  Uncle Josiah frowned. “Whyever would he do that?”

  “It was a part of the blackmail,” Juliet explained. “He told Mother that you confided in him about my cousin, Amelia, as well as a few other people he did not mention.”

  “Amelia is as evil as your mother,” Uncle Josiah said, his face now a deep purple. “It was because of her and your mother both that I lost everything.”

  “Mother will not say,” Juliet said, “but what did they know, Mother and
Cousin Amelia, that caused you to lose your inheritance?”

  The man set his teacup on the table and placed his hands on his knees. If his look could be described using a single word, evil suited him well. “I will tell you, but only because we are now partners in this pursuit against Parsons. Apparently, like you, I was born a bastard. It seems my mother, your grandmother, had an affair, the hedgewhore. That was the first detail held against me, although I did not know about the affair until only recently. The second concerned a matter Amelia witnessed that threw me into disfavor.”

  Juliet widened her eyes in shock. “What did you do?”

  “Your father, or rather Charles Lambert, and I hired a prostitute, and when the woman tried to cheat us, I killed her.”

  Juliet was already aware of what had taken place, for her mother had told her everything in order to see that she had the ammunition to bring down her uncle. If her mother had not, Juliet was uncertain if she would have been able to keep from gasping.

  Instead, she nodded her head in understanding. “At times, extreme measures must be taken,” she said.

  What did surprise her was the ease to which this man spoke of murdering the woman, regardless of the fact she was a prostitute. Yet, it would make carrying out her plan simpler.

  “I believe I may have a way to rid ourselves of Lord Parsons so we will both get what we want.”

  Uncle Josiah raised a single eyebrow. “Do tell.”

  “On my wedding night, we will be staying at a country estate not far from Scarlett Hall. You will be our honored guest at my request.”

  “To what purpose?” her uncle asked, his face filled with suspicion.

  “I will have told you that he had been beating me and so I requested that you guard my back by keeping to the shadows outside of the cottage. You will hear my screams and see a man leave through an open window. On the ground we will scatter a few trinkets this mystery man left behind. We will say that it was a thief who killed Lord Parsons.”