Charlie continued to provide solace and snuggled in Marcus’s lap.
Occasionally, Marcus would drift to sleep as the long nights took their toll on him. He did not sleep well or long during the day.
Midway through another long night, Marcus put booted legs up on the edge of the bed, crossed one over the other at the ankle. He sank down in the chair to relax. He had not intended to sleep but could fight it no longer.
~*~
Light penetrated.
Josie fluttered her eyelids open, and the brightness hurt. Where was she? The bright morning sun streamed in the windows, illuminating the yellow roses on the wallpaper and almost blinding her. Blind. Wait. Wasn’t I blind? How am I seeing? She stretched her arms and legs and tried to push herself up but collapsed in weakness. Something must have happened. She gazed to the left, and noticed scuffed boots. Her eyes traveled up the muscular legs to a man slumped in the chair, his head tilted to one side, a small brown dog snuggled on his chest. Both slept.
The man had dark hair, a little long in the back and a lock that fell on the forehead. A handsome face with a day’s growth of whiskers looked innocent in repose. Peaceful. This man filled out his jacket nicely, and his cravat was untied, his shirt open at the neck. One hand cradled the dog as if he had been petting it when he had drifted to sleep. Josie smiled. Marcus. This had to be Marcus. But why was he sleeping in a chair by her bed?
She drank in the sight of him. How was this man not married? He was divine. She already knew he had a beautiful heart. She had believed Molly’s description, but even touching his face had not led her to this image in her mind.
She could see! She had been blind. Now she saw. She grinned. She was no longer condemned to darkness. She relaxed back into her pillow and gazed at the man sleeping before her. She would never forget this moment. Waking up to this sight was a wonderful gift.
His eyelids fluttered, and soon her gray eyes met his brown.
Marcus sat up. His boots came off the bed and landed on the floor with a thud.
Charlie was displaced and whined about it. The dog jumped onto the bed and curled up to resume her nap.
“Josie?”
“Marcus, what are you doing in here? It is improper.”
Molly snored away in the corner.
“You are awake.” His eyes blinked rapidly as he attempted to wake up.
She nodded. “I’m thirsty.”
Marcus jumped up to get a glass, filled it with water, and held it for her to drink, supporting her upper back with his arm. When she had indicated that she’d had her fill, he gently settled her back down and put the glass on the table. He sat. “We were worried about you.”
Josie frowned. “What happened?”
Marcus shook his head. “We found you on the ground by the base of the fireplace with a head wound.”
Her eyes narrowed. “How long have I slept?”
“Over a week. I am not sure. I lost track of the days. How are you?” He leaned forward with concern etched in the lines on his forehead and between his eyes.
“Weak. However, my arms and legs all seem functional. And I can see.”
“You can—see?” Marcus held up a hand with some fingers raised. “How many?”
“Three.”
“What color is my vest?”
“Green and white.”
“You can see. I have to call for Dr. Miller to come. And your father. I’ll go get him. And your grandfather, Lord Chester, will be pleased.” Marcus jumped up and grabbed Josie’s hand. He flipped it over, kissed her palm, and closed her fingers over it. “Molly! Come tend your mistress. She’s awake, and she can see!” He dashed out the door as Molly came to her side.
Josie held her hand close to her heart to treasure the warmth his kiss had ignited inside her.
Chaos erupted.
The doctor came, and she visited with her father and was introduced to her grandfather.
Lord Westcombe, Lord Harrow, and Sir Tidley made brief appearances, and of course, Lady Grey shepherded her through it all. She saw Marcus no more that day. She grieved the loss of his presence keenly.
16
Marcus was both elated and exhausted. After listening to Dr. Miller’s report on Josie, he plodded to his room and collapsed into a deep sleep. He dreamt of Josie—rescuing her, holding her in his arms, her anger at her circumstances, her face as he described a sunset, her music. He also relived the terror of finding her and all that blood. He remembered the first time he was mesmerized by those gray eyes that opened briefly and met his when he’d rescued her.
Was it then that he fell in love with her?
His dreams twisted with images of her walking away from him with her father, entering a carriage, and leaving his life forever. He dreamed that life had turned to black and white without her there to smile at him.
When Marcus opened his eyes, it was to discover he had slept through to the next morning. His aunt had posted a footman to stand guard at his door so no one would disturb him. He grinned and whistled as he walked down the hall. He loved his aunt and was grateful for her care, but he longed to see Josie.
In spite of the early hour, Marcus found Mr. Storm in the breakfast parlour.
Josie’s father was pleased that his daughter was recovering.
Dr. Miller had cautioned against her traveling for at least a week, however, to let her gain strength and make sure that her injuries were not serious.
Marcus asked to meet with him in his study after they’d eaten.
“Thank you for your care of my daughter, Lord Remington. I will depart tomorrow to go home but will return in a week to bring her home to Westwood.”
“Both you and your daughter are welcome here for as long as you need.” Marcus had been seated but stood to pace. “I will waste no more time. I have come to love your daughter, and I would like permission to request her hand in marriage.”
Mr. Storm smiled. “I suspected you had a tendre for her, and from what I have seen and heard of you, I have no objection to such a match for my daughter should she wish it. I will give you permission to court my daughter. You have known each other under adverse circumstances, and you have been her hero. Josie has not been amongst the beau monde in which you live and move. She has not had the experience of being sought after by various men or living with the challenges of London society. She needs to be comfortable with these things.
“I cannot have her marry without those experiences to weigh her decision as to whether the life you live is one that she could adapt to. She is a country girl. Would she be comfortable being the kind of hostess you would expect? How would she deal with other men paying attention to her? How would you cope with that as well? She cannot know those things until she has had the opportunity to experience them firsthand.” He put up a hand to keep Marcus from interrupting. “I do not doubt that you care for her and her for you. I want Josie to have time to learn more about the ton before she commits her heart. Lady Grey has volunteered to escort Josie through the next season. You may court her during that time, and if you both still feel the same way at the end of the season, I will be more than happy to grant you permission to wed.”
“Do you doubt that my love will be steadfast?”
“No. But my daughter’s heart is untried. She needs the opportunity to meet other men, but she also needs to watch you interact with other women and be confident that she can trust your love. This should not be an onerous task for you, given your reputation. I would not have either of you marry with regrets or doubts.”
Marcus nodded. “What you say is fair. I will abide by your wishes.”
“If a marriage between the two of you is meant to be, your love will be more mature for the wait.” With that, Mr. Storm rose, shook Marcus’s hand, and went to find a partner for billiards.
~*~
Josie soaked in every visual detail of her suite. She had spent a little time gazing out the window at the beautiful vista below with the rolling hills and green trees in the dista
nce. She itched to explore the estate, or at least the gardens. She sketched as she sat before a fire that chased the spring chill from the room. She longed to go downstairs, but Lady Grey and the doctor had suggested one more day of rest before she ventured out of her rooms. Josie sighed with frustration but was determined that she would be grateful for the gift God had seen fit to give her with her sight and not bemoan her temporary captivity. It would not be for much longer. She itched to explore the rest of Marcus’s home.
Molly allowed a visitor to the room.
Josie’s heart rate sped up as her mouth grew dry. Words escaped her as she gazed upon the Viscount’s handsome features and figure. Heat rushed to her cheeks as she absorbed his image. She wanted it branded into her memory for the future.
He strode across the room, and his brown eyes twinkled as he lifted her hand to place a light kiss on the back.
A strange tingle traveled up her arm at his touch. Emptiness enveloped her heart when he moved away. How could she be comfortable and yet nervous now that she could see him?
“Good morning, Josie. How do you fare?” He was tall and strong. And he sat down with elegance and grace.
Her heart skipped a beat. “I am well. I can see. My day is brighter for your visit.” She frowned. “I missed you yesterday.”
“I am sorry I disappointed you.” He motioned to her sketchbook and pencils. “You’ve been drawing?”
She nodded. “I’m attempting to. Later, I hope to do some watercolors. But for now, I’m trying to capture some images on paper.”
“I would love to see them sometime.” His lips twitched, and a dimple appeared on his cheek.
Fascinating. She forced herself to look away. She did not want to be caught staring. Hadn’t she done enough of that while he’d slept yesterday morning? A shiver of delight coursed through her body at the memory—or was it because of the vibrant man in front of her? “I’ve been informed that I have a week left of recovery at Rose Hill before I return home. It seems that my father and your aunt have plotted for a season in London in the fall.”
“I also heard that.” He grinned. “I hope I will get a chance to dance with you there.”
Her heart lightened. “Does that mean you will be calling on us when we are in London?”
“As you will be staying with my aunt, I expect you may find me darkening your doorway on occasion. In the meantime, I look forward to showing you around Rose Hill for what is left of your stay here.”
Josie blinked. A beautiful home, a handsome man, and a bright future. Those many nights of despair already seemed a distant memory. “I would enjoy that.”
“There might be some competition for your favors. You have charmed my friends.”
“They are admirable gentlemen. I am grateful for their friendship.”
Lady Grey entered the room and informed Marcus that his visit was at an end. “If Josie is up to it, you may visit her again later.”
Marcus rose, lifted Josie’s hand, and kissed it as he raised one eyebrow.
She got lost in the warm chocolate of his eyes.
He turned and approached his aunt, picked her up in a bear hug, twirled her around, and gave her a buss on the cheek.
Lady Dorothea laughed. “You rascal! What was that for?” She sat near Josie and sounded out of breath.
“For being you.” With a wink to Josie, he left the room.
~*~
The next morning, Josie was able to leave her room and have breakfast with her father before he departed. She was sad to watch him go but grateful for another week at Rose Hill before she resumed her duties managing her father’s home. After she broke her fast, she was able to have a tete-a-tete with her grandfather.
Lord Chester pace in the drawing room.
The room was exquisite, decorated in creams and golds with accents of deep green and burgundy. It was lit up by tall windows with the draperies pulled back. Pastoral scenes done by master painters hung on the walls.
“Miss Storm.” The Earl of Chester cleared his throat.
“Josie, or Josephine, if you desire.” She wanted him to be at ease.
“Josie.” He stopped and looked at her, sorrow etched in the lines of his face. “Did you know you were named for your grandmother?”
“I had not known. Mama grew sad whenever she spoke of her home and family. We tried not to remind her by asking questions.”
“I was a fool. Blind to anything but money and position. I hope you would understand. I loved my daughters and had the highest expectations that they would marry well amongst the ton. Your mother had my strong will and flouted me at every opportunity.”
“My mother?” Josie gasped. “I would never have guessed.” Josie thought for a moment. “I recant. She was a stickler about our behavior, and we did not dare go against her rules or we’d suffer the consequences. My father was the more gentle about discipline of the two. She ran a tight ship.”
“That would have been her. She met and fell in love with your father, and I refused his offer of marriage. I knew not his character, and I refused to learn. All I knew was that he was not good enough for my Martha. She was inconsolable and eloped. She knew that I would write her out of the will and deny her the dowry I had been prepared to bestow. She said she would marry for love and called her dowry a ‘bribe.’”
“Did you marry for love, Grandfather?”
“No, but love found me eventually, and my wife became my dearest companion and friend. I have been lost without her. She never quite forgave me for what I did to your mother.” He pulled out a handkerchief and blew his nose. “When I got Lady Grey’s letter, I had already lamented the errors of previous years. Her letter compelled me to come and meet you. I hoped we might mend the past. I have discovered your father is an estimable man.
“I learned the hard way over the years that neither a title nor wealth equates with true value and influence. As you may already know, my other daughter, who married as I desired, has not been the happier for it.” He came to sit across from her, his posture rigid. “I’ve made things right with your father as much as I can. Will you forgive me for the hurt I have caused you and your family?”
“Yes. Of course. My mother would have wished it.”
“I’m sorry to have learned of her passing. I depart tomorrow for Westwood to meet the rest of your family. I wanted a few moments today to get to know you better.”
“I would like that very much.” Josie smiled at her grandfather. She was amazed at what God had done because of a random carriage accident.
“I had several conversations with your father. I have agreed to cover the expenses my daughter, your aunt, had charged to his account. I also will finance your season in the fall. You can go and enjoy all the delights without worrying about having to count guineas. I have also rewritten my will. I have more money than I could spend in three lifetimes. I know it will never make up for all the years and the pain I’ve caused. I stopped in London before coming to Rose Hill. You will now have the dowry that I had intended to give your mother. However, you will not want that bandied about the ton or you will be the object of fortune-hunters.”
“I don’t know if I will be particularly interested in most of the men there.” Josie was reluctant to share more. How could she tell him about her affection for Marcus?
“Lord Remington is a worthy man, Josie. Enjoy your season. Meet other men before you decide. You have that luxury now.”
He rose, and taking both her hands in his, he held them between them. “You are much like your mother, Josie. You look a lot like your grandmother as well. I have no doubt you will create quite a stir in town. It will be a joy to watch.”
“You will be there?”
“For a few weeks. I was too busy with my own career when my daughters came out. I missed those last months of Martha’s life with us. Had I been around more, maybe I would have understood Herbert’s worth. Thank you for giving an old fool another chance.”
Josie smiled at him as he lifted her hand
s and kissed them both before leaving her alone. She sat and stared at nothing. Ironic that now she could see and yet wanted to tune it all out to take in what she had learned. She was an heiress, and her grandfather, an earl, would claim her in London, elevating her status. She hoped she would not disappoint him. She rose to find Lady Grey. There were many things she needed to understand. In spite of it being her destination several weeks back, she now realized how ill-prepared she was for mingling with the upper ten-thousand.
~*~
The next morning was a mass exodus.
Lord Chester departed for Stone to visit with the Storm family at Westwood.
Michael claimed he had business to tend to in London and had been gone longer than he intended.
Phillip and Theodore left for Phillip’s new estate.
All the men made it clear that they planned to meet Josie again in London when she made her debut.
An emptiness marked Rose Hill and taunted Marcus. For a moment, standing at the front door to wave everyone off, he again experienced the loneliness that had brought him home to pray about his search for a wife this season. Someone who would bring color and life to the estate. And children. As he had traveled west, he had no image to accompany that dream. Now he did. He envisioned Josie as the mistress of Rose Hill.
A dispirited Lady Grey was still in residence. The bounce had gone out of her step, and her smile appeared forced.
Marcus caught her out in the garden and ambled alongside her.
“Mr. Brown has done a marvelous job in maintaining the garden as it was when your mother lived.” Dorothea spun a daisy in her fingers.
“I remember him working with Mother designing, planting, and pruning these roses and the other flowers. Mr. Brown has refused to change anything out of honor to her.” Marcus broke off a pink rose and handed it to his aunt.
The Virtuous Viscount Page 14
