by Cecilia Rene
“I believe it has more to do with the fact that I did not inform her of it. Since she is refusing to see me, I can’t be sure.” He walked past his mother, going to the sideboard to pour himself a much-needed drink.
“I’m sorry, Karrington. We can find some other place to stay tonight. I’ve written Evers and will get the remainder of my things in the morning,” Lady Evers said from behind him.
“You and Emily are more than welcome to stay with me,” Remington heard his mother say as he gulped down the brandy.
“Karrington, are you all right?” Heartford asked from beside him.
“I’ve lost her, Henry.” He poured more brandy, trying not to cry—again. Drinking would numb the pain.
“May I speak to my son alone?” His mother’s voice was soft but demanding.
Heartford squeezed his shoulder before he walked away. Remington heard the door close but refused to turn around and face his mother.
“Remington, you have to fight for her.” He could feel her standing behind him.
It annoyed him how simple she made it sound. Throwing his head back, he let out a humorless chuckle. “She won’t see me, Mother Di.”
“Look at me!” she yelled at his back.
Remington turned around, his eyes were now blurry with unshed tears.
“You love her—”
“Yes, I love her, damn it! I love her so much that I can’t breathe without her, but she doesn’t want me, Mother!” he shouted, so angry at himself for believing that he could have any type of happiness.
“Fine then, give up. Run back to Hemsworth Place! Forget about Livie. It doesn’t matter that you love her and she loves you.” His mother stood glaring at him.
Remington blinked several times, not believing his mother’s words.
His breath stuttered. “S-She loves me?”
“Yes, you fool of a man.” She placed her gloved hand on his cheek wiping his tears like she did when he was a boy. “Now fight for her.”
He nodded briefly, making up his mind to allow her some time. Tomorrow, he would go to her and fall at her feet. Livie loved him and nothing else mattered.
The Bachelor Duke cleared!
While Lady O is crying over her ended engagement. Mothers and daughters all over England can rejoice that our duke is not a monster. Perhaps there is hope for us all to wed him now that Lady O supposedly has snubbed him.
Livie awoke the next day, eyes red and puffy, feeling as if she had been run over by a carriage. She laid in her large brass bed surrounded by decorative pillows wishing that she could just go back to sleep. The grief from losing Remington and the lies he told her were heavy on her heart.
She knew he was innocent of Lillian’s death, but she couldn’t forget how he had lied to her. Before yesterday, all her hopes and dreams were coming to fruition, and now it was all gone in the course of a day.
The pain was too great and she wanted nothing more than to fall into a deep, dreamless abyss.
She did not want to face society. They were correct, she was plump, and he was the Bachelor Duke. Why would he want her?
He had never said he loved her. Every touch, or kiss implied something deeper, but perhaps it was just the heat of the moment.
She heard someone enter her room, and moments later the bed dipped. A firm hand began rubbing her back. She knew it was her mother. It reminded her of when she was small, a simple back rub from her mother would cure whatever it was that ailed her. It would not be that simple now that she was no longer a little girl.
The previous evening her father told her everything after he returned from the Coopers with Remington. She refused to see him, knowing there would just be more lies. He didn’t trust her enough to tell her the truth, and that hurt more than anything.
Livie turned over and saw her mother’s sad smile. Livie was thankful she had her family at this time. They were all she had.
“Abigail is bringing your breakfast up. Don’t worry about getting out of bed today.” Her mother kissed the top of her head.
“I’m sorry I called off the wedding,” Livie whispered, wiping at the tears that were forming again.
“Oh darling, it’s fine. If you can’t forgive the duke, I understand. Whatever you decide, I will always support you.”
“He doesn’t love me, Mother. He didn’t trust me enough to tell me his deepest secret. It was all a lie.” She hugged her mother tightly and cried.
Her mother gently pushed her away and raised her chin, so that they were eye to eye. “Olivia, this is your choice, but I’ve watched you two together. I know love when I see it, and the duke does love you, my darling girl.”
Tears fell down her face, and she felt her heart breaking all over again. Livie wished her mother was correct, but he never declared his love for her. If he loved her, she may have forgiven him, but the fact that he didn’t trust her enough to tell her about Lillian, proves that he doesn’t love her.
Her mother gave her a small smile, before she stood. “Stay in bed for the rest of the day. I will send out missives informing the guests the wedding has been canceled.”
Livie nestled into her bed. She heard whispers until the door closed.
Her mind wandered to the proposal at Talbert Abbey, remembering his words, his kiss, no one would ever replace Remington in her heart. He ruined her for any other man.
The door opened and Abigail came in with a tray, her head bowed. “Oh Livie, I’m so sorry about the duke.”
“Thank you,” Livie whispered, watching her friend closely as she sat the tray down.
Abigail picked up a missive on the tray. “This came for you, it was delivered to the kitchens by a maid. I’m worried it will just upset you more.”
Livie blinked, her hand shaking as she held it out. “What is it?”
She handed Livie the missive. “It’s from Lady Evers. There have been more rumors about she and the duke,” Abigail said in a quiet voice.
Livie threw her head back, letting out a frustrated groan. She wished she didn’t care, wished her heart wasn’t shattered into pieces, but it was, and she did care. She had to know the truth about the man she had planned to marry.
If he had lied to her about Lillian’s death and his involvement, then he could’ve lied about his relationship with Lady Evers.
Livie looked down at the missive in her hand and ripped it open. Her eyes quickly scanned the words feeling another bout of tears threaten. Why would Lady Evers write such a thing if there was no relationship between them?
Looking down at the letter one last time, Livie set her shoulders, her resolve firm. “I’m going to see Lady Evers. If my parents ask about me, tell them I’m in bed, don’t let Mother come check on me.” She stood and walked around the room, grabbing a day dress that was laid out.
“Livie, no!” Abigail tried to reason with her.
Livie handed her the letter. “No. I want her to tell me. After all, she sent this for a reason, and it says for me to come alone!” Livie pointed to the note; her mind made up. “I’ll return before anyone knows I’m missing.”
Livie pulled the nightdress over her head, before she stepped into the simple day dress and went over to Abigail to lace it up.
“Livie, please don’t do this. Why go if the engagement is off?”
Abigail finished tying the gown and Livie rushed to the armoire, pulling out a pelisse.
“I need to know if he lied about Lady Evers as well.” Livie put on the pelisse, and gave Abigail one last look. She fled the room, down the servants’ steps, through the kitchen, and out the door.
Livie took a deep breath as she stood in front of the three-story townhouse. She looked around noticing a carriage with the Oakhaven crest on it. She found that odd, not knowing of any connection between Lady Evers and the Earl of Windchester’s wife. The driver and another man stood eyeing her, their cold eyes unnerved Livie, and she quickly turned back to the door.
She rapped the knocker twice then nervously ran her hands through the si
de of her hair for any loose strands.
The door opened, revealing the maid. “Yes?”
“Lady Olivia St. John to see Lady Evers.” Livie gave a brief nod.
“Lady Olivia! Please come in. We weren’t expecting you,” the maid said, taking Livie by surprise.
Surely, Lady Evers was expecting her since she sent the missive. Livie followed the maid through the empty home that was void of any personal belongings.
Lady Evers was in the parlor, a small number of items in her hands when she turned to face them. She blinked several times looking at Livie.
“Lady Olivia, what a surprise. Are Karrington and Henry with you?” Lady Evers placed the objects down on the table.
Livie’s brow crinkled as she concentrated. Was the woman playing a game with her? “No, you sent me a missive,” Livie said in annoyance, waving her hand towards Lady Evers.
This was becoming very confusing to Livie, all she wanted to do was stay in her bed and cry. She was already in a foul mood with the cancellation of her wedding. Any time she thought about Remington, tears threatened to fall, and she couldn’t cry if she was to face the woman the gossips said had his child.
“I assure you I did not send you a missive. I’ve been too occupied trying to secure a new home so that I can leave your home, before you are the next duchess.” Lady Evers shook her head walking over to Livie.
Through her confusion, Livie thought of Remington and how she would never share his life. “That cannot be. I received a letter from you stating that you wished to speak to me about the duke’s connection to you and your child.”
Lady Evers tilted her head to the side as if she was trying to solve a difficult problem. She sat down on the sofa, her hands clasped on her lap. She looked at Livie and patted beside her. “Please sit down. I’m sorry you came all this way alone.”
Livie sat down on the opposite end of the sofa. Her body was tired, and she ached all over from the loss of Remington and the life they could have had.
“Lucy, if everything is loaded in the carriage, please take it to the new townhome.” Lady Evers requested to her maid.
“Should I take Emily with me?” Lucy asked, from behind Livie.
“No, let her sleep. Send the carriage back for us once it is all unpacked, I’m sure Henry or William will accompany it.”
“Very well.” Livie heard Lucy respond.
Lady Evers took Livie by the hand. She looked up into clear green eyes and gave her a watery smile.
“Lady Olivia, you must know that there is no connection between Karrington and I. He was kind enough to let my daughter and I stay with him these two days, but that is it.” She squeezed Livie’s hand and gave her an encouraging smile. “I honestly have never seen the man in such a state. He looked as if he would cry when he informed us you wouldn’t see him. He loves you dearly. The papers are wrong.”
There it was again.
Love.
“I-I don’t understand if you didn’t send the missive who did, and why hint at a connection between the two of you?” Livie felt more and more confused.
“I’m not sure. Someone wants to come between you and Karrington. Do you have any idea who would do that?” Lady Evers relaxed back on the sofa.
“Baron Bromswell is slightly obsessed with my dowry, and I recently found out that he and Remington share a past. I just don’t understand why insinuate that Remington is your child’s father.” Livie sighed in frustration, wondering why anyone would want her to believe that Lady Evers’ child was Remington’s.
“I don’t like this. Once Lucy sends the carriage back, we will get you home. I’m not sure if Karrington has left by now—”
“Left? Left for where?” Livie asked in a panic. Her heart felt as if it were breaking all over again.
“I’m not sure if he left. Lady Olivia—”
“Livie. Please call me Livie, after all, it is I who is intruding on you.” Livie gave her a small smile, wishing she could snap out of the melancholy she felt.
“Then I shall be Amelia.” She gazed off toward the window, avoiding eye contact with Livie. “I feel that I may have some blame in you and Karrington’s parting.” Amelia clasped her hands together.
“I was upset with the constant rumors in the gossip. You also did seem very familiar with him. Then after the news of Lillian Cooper’s death came out. I wondered if perhaps he lied to me about the relationship he had with you.” Livie admitted, feeling as if she had been fooled by the gossips and society.
“The only relationship is that Karrington is Emily’s cousin through her father, Lord Windchester.” Amelia looked down and picked a piece of lint from her dress.
Livie’s mouth fell open. The earl was married to Lady Windchester, although the couple seemed to have some sort of arrangement. “The Earl of Windchester is your daughter’s father?”
“Yes.” Amelia let out a weary sigh, exhaustion evident on her pretty face. “We began an affair last season. William was funny, kind, and unlike any other gentleman I’d ever met. We talked and laughed, and he actually cared for my opinion,” she chuckled, a wistful look on her face. “His family estate was bankrupt, and he refused to borrow the money from Karrington. He needed to marry a lady with a fortune. I did not have one and I never wanted to marry again after my first husband died.”
“Do you love him?” Livie inquired.
Amelia placed her fingers to her lips, pulling at the corner. “I did not think I was capable of loving anyone, after I was forced to marry a cruel older man.” She closed her eyes shuddering. “I fell in love with William, but when he married Josephine, he broke my heart. I discovered I was with child three days after his marriage.”
Livie squeezed her hand understanding the heartbreak that Amelia must have felt. “I’m sorry, Amelia. You must have felt so alone during that time.”
“I did, but I had Lucy, my maid, who has been with me since I was a girl. I decided to go to France and have Emily. I stupidly returned thinking I could hide Emily while I settled my affairs.”
“Perhaps you can still escape society, but I’m afraid their reach is long. If only I could go with you,” Livie said with a sad smile. She knew no matter where she went, she would never escape her love for Remington.
Amelia stood, laughing. “Although, I would enjoy your company, I’m sure Karrington would search until the edges of the earth to get you back.” She began walking toward the door, and Livie rose to follow her out. “If William displayed half of the emotions that Karrington showed for you yesterday, I would forgive him. Unfortunately, the only thing he has done is to inform his wife that he is Emily’s father.”
Following her up the stairs, Livie’s mind was on Remington. When she returned home, she would send him a missive, insisting they talk.
They entered the second-floor nursery, careful not to make any noise. Livie glanced around the bare room while Amelia went to the baby’s steel cot and peered down.
Walking over to the cot, Livie saw the beautiful baby sleeping peacefully.
Amelia looked up at Livie. “She’s the only good thing that has ever happened to me, Livie. I will always want and love her no matter what. My mother nor my real father have shown me any love.”
Livie squeezed Amelia’s hand. “That is what a dutiful parent should do, what your parents should’ve done for you.”
It was difficult for her to understand parents mistreating their children since her parents always loved and cherished her and Julia.
A noise from downstairs grabbed their attention. “That was rather quick of Lucy,” Amelia said as she grabbed the last of the baby’s things.
Livie took what Amelia could not carry and followed her back downstairs.
“Lucy, did you return with Henry?” Amelia asked as they walked into the parlor, their hands full.
Suddenly, Amelia came to an abrupt stop causing Livie to run into her back, dropping the baby’s things she was carrying on the ground.
Before Livie could inquire wh
at caught her attention, she was grabbed by force and pulled against a manly chest. She looked around the room frantically and saw a man holding Amelia by the throat.
“Hello, Lady Olivia.”
Livie froze hearing the cold menacing voice of Baron Bromswell at her ear.
“There isn’t much time. Let’s tie them up quickly,” Lady Windchester said from in front of the fireplace.
Livie began struggling in Baron Bromswell’s arms, fear consuming her. She kicked at his shins, tried to scratch his hands and face, but he did not release her.
“I do like a woman who fights,” he whispered in her ear, causing revulsion to course through her.
“What are you doing here?” Amelia demanded, as the man holding her flung her in a chair nearly causing her to fall.
“I want you and the bastard gone … for good, and Bromswell has a score to settle with Karrington.” Lady Windchester informed her sweetly as if she was speaking about the weather and not the death of innocent people.
Panic seized Livie as she saw Amelia’s wide tear-filled eyes. Livie fought the baron with every ounce of strength she possessed. She would not fall victim to this cruel man.
“Lady Olivia, I see you received my note.” Lady Windchester gave Livie a cold smile that sent terror through her.
“No! Release us!” she yelled, not believing that two members of society would behave in such a way. Bromswell slapped a thin hand across her mouth, muffling her cries.
“We’re going to give them what they want, and I promise you, we’ll get out of here.” Amelia’s voice was calm, calmer than Livie felt.
“You’re a fool if you think we’ll let either of you go. Josephine here really needs you and your bastard gone.” Bromswell released his grip on her mouth, taking hold of Livie’s arm.
“No! Emily is just a babe, please!” Amelia screeched.
“You can’t do this! I demand you release us!” Livie screamed at Baron Bromswell, as he dragged her to a chair.
He laughed at her. “You have no power here. You should’ve agreed to marry me. Now you will be duchess of the ashes.”
