The Earl's Runaway Bride

by Sarah Mallory

  ‘Enough, madam. Man or boy I never was, nor ever will be, for you.’

  He saw the flash of anger in her eyes. It was gone in an instant, and she was smiling again. She shrugged.

  ‘I suppose it is still honeymoon for you and that innocent little bride of yours. But when the novelty wears off, I shall be waiting for you.’

  Without a word Nathan turned away. Her self-assurance was incomprehensible. As he walked back into the ballroom, his uppermost emotion for Serena Ansell was pity.

  Chapter Fifteen

  ‘Well, upon my soul!’

  It was only the briefest moment before Mr Elliston whisked Felicity back into the ballroom, but the vision was imprinted upon her brain: Serena with her arms around Nathan’s neck, his hands placed possessively upon her waist.

  ‘Really, I would not have expected such behaviour from Rosthorne!’ muttered Mr Elliston, distressed.

  ‘Y-you misunderstand, sir,’ replied Felicity. ‘The earl has known the lady for many years. I am sure it was no more than a friendly greeting.’

  The words sounded hollow, even to herself. She had gone happily with Mr Elliston when he had suggested they should look for Nathan in the card room, but as they stepped out of the ballroom there had been no avoiding the sight of the earl locked in a passionate embrace with Serena Ansell. This was no friendly greeting—she and Mr Elliston both knew that.

  ‘By Gad, I wish we had not walked away,’ declared her partner. ‘I wish I had told him then just what I think of such outrageous behaviour! When I see him—’

  ‘No!’ Felicity stopped. ‘I pray you, Mr Elliston, please, for my sake, say nothing of what we have just seen.’

  ‘But it is scandalous! I had not thought it of Nathan.’

  ‘Then pray do not think it now,’ she begged him. ‘Please, let us go and find Mrs Elliston, and forget the last few minutes.’

  Mr Elliston puffed out his cheeks and stood, frowning down at her. Felicity looked up at him imploringly and gave his arm a little shake.

  ‘Please, sir. For my sake.’

  He let his breath go in a long, disapproving sigh. ‘Very well, my dear, if that is what you wish. But it goes very much against the grain. And it has destroyed all my pleasure in this evening.’

  ‘Yes.’ Felicity nodded sadly. ‘So, too, has it destroyed mine.’

  Mr Elliston guided Felicity back to his wife, who was watching Judith Elliston dancing with Gerald Appleby. Felicity was content to join her, a fixed smile upon her face while inside her heart was breaking. She glimpsed Nathan through the crowd, but made no attempt to attract his attention and it was some time before he found her. As he approached, Felicity cast an anguished looked at Mr Elliston, who was visibly bristling. Reading the entreaty in her eyes, the old man harrumphed and walked off with barely a nod towards the Earl as they passed.

  ‘So there you are. I thought I should find you wearing out your slippers on the dance floor.’

  Nathan’s smile roused Felicity to a speechless rage. How dare he act so unconcerned, when only moments ago he was locked in the arms of his mistress! Felicity was pleased when Mrs Elliston answered for her.

  ‘I think it is the Countess who is worn out,’ she told him, smiling. ‘The poor child has been sitting here this past half-hour and spoken barely a word!’

  ‘I am a little tired,’ admitted Felicity, unable to meet Nathan’s eyes.

  ‘Then I shall take you home.’ He reached out for her hand and pulled her to her feet. ‘No one will miss us if we slip away now.’

  ‘Yes, yes, take her home and cosset her,’ cried Mrs Elliston. ‘Goodnight to you, my dear. I shall call in a few days to see how you go on.’

  Felicity kept her head high as she accompanied Nathan out of the building. She had come in so full of hope and happiness and was leaving now enclosed by a fog of misery. She wanted very much to burst into tears, but that would not do: she was the Countess of Rosthorne and must keep her smile in place. As they left the room they passed Lady Ansell, surrounded by a group of laughing gentlemen. She looked up as they passed and her smile reminded Felicity of nothing less than a cat that had lapped a whole pot of cream.

  The carriage was blessedly dark and Felicity could stop smiling. Anger still simmered inside her. Should she confront Nathan? Would he admit his involvement with Serena or would he perhaps tell her it was none of her business? She remembered his words that night in Berkeley Square, when she had first challenged him: ‘What did it matter if I had a whole string of mistresses?’

  She stifled a sigh. Her knowledge of men was woefully inadequate. Apart from Sir James Souden, who was a most devoted husband, the only other man with whom she had any close acquaintance was her late uncle, Philip Bourne, and she had learned very quickly that any attempt to confront or question his authority resulted in physical punishment. She did not think that Nathan would actually harm her, but the thought of hearing from his own lips that Serena Ansell was his mistress and that she must accept the fact was worse by far than any beating.

  Nathan tucked a carriage rug around her knees and climbed into the coach beside her.

  ‘There…’ he reached for her hand. ‘Was it the noise and the heat that overset you?’

  ‘I think so.’ She hesitated. ‘Lady Ansell came in very late. She is very popular with the gentlemen.’

  ‘It has always been the same.’

  ‘Mr and Mrs Elliston do not know she was…acquainted with Adam?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘Should—should they not be told?’

  Nathan put his head back against the squabs and exhaled slowly. ‘Why rake up old coals?’ he said at last. ‘It would only cause them distress. Besides, I do not think she means them any harm.’

  Felicity bit her lip.

  She could readily believe that Serena had no interest in the Ellistons—she had her sights fixed on another prey entirely.

  Felicity retired as soon as they arrived at Rosthorne, but she did not sleep. Every time she closed her eyes she saw Serena Ansell clasped in Nathan’s arms and the image had her fighting to wake up. She lay very still when Nathan came to bed, hardly daring to breathe when he leaned over her and dropped a gentle kiss on her neck. She heard him sigh and turn away, but did not stir until his regular breathing told her that he at least was at rest.

  She used the same tactics the following morning, waiting until Nathan had left their chamber before she sent word that she was too tired to join him for their usual morning ride, and when at last she did appear in the breakfast room she looked so haggard that Mrs Carraway insisted upon sending for the doctor.

  Nathan knew nothing of this until he returned from the stables to find the house in uproar and a message from his mother to attend her immediately.

  ‘Well, Mama, what have you done to set the house by the ears?’ Nathan strode into her sitting room, his riding crop and hat still in his hand.

  She smiled up at him, accepting his kiss upon her cheek. ‘Doctor Farnham has called to see Felicity.’

  ‘The devil he has!’

  ‘No need for alarm, love.’ She gestured to him to sit down. ‘She was looking so worn down and tearful this morning that I asked him to look in. He thinks it is nothing more than an irritation of the nerves. He has bled her, and she is quieter now.’ She studied the rings on her fingers. ‘He recommends separate bedchambers.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘Pray, do not look so black, Nathan. You know that the old earl and his wife always maintained their own rooms.’

  ‘Of course I know that! It was I who ordered one of them to be redecorated as the countess’s dressing room.’

  ‘Yes, well, Mercer is organising for a bed to be made up in there for Felicity. It is only a temporary measure,’ she added quickly. ‘Doctor Farnham thinks her recovery will be swifter if she is allowed to rest.

  With a smothered oath Nathan got up and began to prowl about the room. ‘Is Farnham saying it is my fault? That somehow I—’

  �
�No, no, love. Many young brides find the transition to married life difficult, and you must admit that the circumstances of your marriage are a little…unusual.’

  Nathan shook his head. He walked over to the window and looked out. The view was a particularly fine one, stretching out over the formal gardens and to the park beyond, but today Nathan saw nothing of its beauty. He thought only of his wife.

  ‘I must see her.’

  ‘Of course.’

  Felicity lay in the great bed, her head and shoulders supported on soft white pillows. Doctor Farnham had been very kind, telling her cheerfully that her spirits were a little disordered, but it was nothing that rest would not cure. When he had suggested she should have her own room she had agreed to it, although with a little anxiety as to Nathan’s reaction. But now, with the doctor gone and only her maid bustling quietly about the room, she felt too tired to be anxious about anything.

  She opened her eyes when she heard the door open. Nathan came in. He was still wearing his riding jacket and topboots and when he came closer she saw the tiny furrow in his brow. He dismissed her maid and smiled at her.

  ‘Now then, Fee, what’s all this?’

  The concern in his voice nearly overset her.

  ‘I am a little out of sorts, but I shall be better directly, if I rest.’

  He sat on the edge of the bed and took her hand. ‘Will you tell me what is the matter?’

  His gentle tone brought the tears welling up, clogging her throat. She gave the tiniest shake of her head. Muted thuds and bangs could be heard coming from the adjoining room.

  ‘So, madam, you intend to abandon me again—’ He broke off when she gave a little sob. ‘Ah, love, I did not mean to make you cry, I was merely teasing you.’ His brows contracted. He said quietly, ‘Is that it? Have I frightened you with my love-making?’

  Her cheeks flamed and she covered them with her handkerchief. ‘No, no,’ she said, her voice muffled. ‘You have been so kind, so gentle…’

  ‘There was nothing gentle about our first night in this bed,’ he said drily. ‘Nor when I threatened to carry you off by force from Souden House! But you may rest easy, love—I shall not touch you again until you command it and I will not enter your bedroom uninvited, I give you my word.’ He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. ‘I shall leave you to sleep now.’

  He was gone as swiftly as he had come and Felicity was left staring at the closed door. He had not countermanded the doctor’s orders; she was to have her own apartment, her own bed. With a heavy heart Felicity could not help thinking that she was driving him even more surely into the arms of Serena Ansell.

  It was not to be supposed that Felicity’s youthful spirits could stay at low ebb for very long. The following day she left her bed, and by the end of the week she was well enough to venture out of doors, although she declined Nathan’s suggestion that she should join him once again on his morning ride. She thought a little innocuous conversation over breakfast and again at the dinner table when Mrs Carraway was present was far less dangerous than being alone with Nathan. And for the rest of her day there was plenty to occupy her: the final fittings for her new wardrobe, gentle drives with Mrs Carraway as well as receiving morning callers. Mrs Elliston and her daughter were regular visitors and very welcome, unlike the appearance of Lady Charlotte Appleby.

  ‘I vow,’ said Mrs Carraway, when her sister-in-law had departed, ‘she came with no other purpose than to see what changes you have put in place and to criticise them! I begin to wish that we had not invited her and Gerald to stay at Christmas, I swear we shall come to cuffs!’

  Nathan laughed. ‘Nonsense, Mama, you never fight with anyone. You are far too sweet-natured, just like Fee.’ His eyes rested upon his wife, who was picking at her dinner. ‘Were you subjected to my aunt’s caustic tongue, my dear?’

  She glanced up, a distracted, unhappy shadow in her eyes. He wished he knew how to banish it.

  ‘Only a very little, my lord.’ She tried to smile. ‘I was very properly engaged with my embroidery when she arrived, and apart from telling me that the new curtains in the morning room are entirely the wrong colour, she was more aggrieved that you were not there to greet her.’

  ‘But I had no idea she was coming!’

  ‘That is no excuse, Nathan,’ said Mrs Carraway, chuckling. ‘My sister-in-law expects the world to wait upon her pleasure! However, I told her that since she chose to call before noon there was little chance of finding you at home, since you spend every morning on estate business, usually riding here, there and everywhere!’

  ‘Well, I am very glad I missed her,’ declared Nathan. ‘But talking of riding—the weather looks set to be fine tomorrow morning. Felicity, would you like me to have your mare saddled up for you?’

  ‘Th-thank you, that is very kind, but, no, I think not.’

  Nathan bit back his disappointment. He said coolly, ‘Just as you please, my dear. But if you change your mind, you only have to send a note to the stables.’

  Felicity remembered his words when she awoke the next morning to find the sun streaming in through her window. When she heard the door open she looked up hopefully, but it was only her maid bringing in her morning cup of hot chocolate.

  ‘It is very quiet next door, Martha. Is the master sleeping late?’

  ‘No, my lady. He was on his way out o’doors when I came up to you.’

  The disappointment was severe. Now the opportunity was lost, Felicity realised how much she would have liked to go out riding with Nathan. But the sunny weather was having its effect upon her spirits. Suddenly she wanted to be up and doing something. She threw back the bedcovers.

  ‘Find my walking dress for me, if you please, Martha. I am going out!’

  Despite the sunshine there was a chill in the air as Felicity set out to walk across the park, but she strode on, conscious that her mood was lifting. She stopped and looked about her. The park stretched away in every direction with avenues of sycamore and lime leading the eye beyond the palings to where the Rosthorne estate continued in the form of meadows, pastures and forests as far as the horizon.

  ‘I am mistress of all this,’ she murmured and her heart swelled with a curious mixture of wonder, apprehension and pleasure.

  Nathan was fond of her, she did not doubt that. He might not love her, but he was kind and generous; other women managed with far less. She quickly buried the thought that she did not deserve his regard; she would earn it. The past was over; it was time to make amends. A few nights sleeping alone had convinced her that she no longer wanted to keep him at a distance—she missed him too much. And if she had to share him with a mistress—or even a whole string of mistresses—then so be it. She turned her head to look at the trees on the southern horizon, their autumn leaves blazing yellow, gold and brown in the sunlight. The route around the estate might change, but she knew that on his return Nathan always rode through the Home Wood. There were several footpaths through the trees, but only one track suitable for riders. She turned her footsteps in the direction of the wood. She would cut through to the bridleway and meet him.

  Twenty minutes of brisk walking brought her to the edge of the wood and she plunged in, following the leaf-strewn path that meandered through the undergrowth. She did not slow her pace, for she was eager to reach the bridleway to meet Nathan, who would be approaching from the opposite direction. The wood was dappled with shade and she picked her way through the drying leaves and felled branches that littered the path. There was no wind to stir the trees and disturb the peacefulness. A tiny doubt disturbed her—what if Nathan had already passed this way? She quickened her step; she did not want to miss him and have to walk back to Rosthorne alone. She was just beginning to wonder if perhaps she had taken the wrong path when her ears caught the soft drumming of hoofbeats somewhere ahead of her. Relieved, she quickened her pace. The steady drumming was growing nearer. He was moving fast; she recalled following Nathan through the wood, always at a canter. Suddenly horse and rider we
re visible through the branches, one huge dark shape surging along the track. Then the regular thudding stopped, there was a shrieking neigh from a horse, a crash, then silence.

  Her heart in her mouth, Felicity raced the last few yards to the bridleway. The big black hunter was standing riderless, trembling and snorting nervously. She looked around, a giddying wave of nausea sweeping over her when she saw Nathan lying motionless on the ground.

  ‘Nathan!’ She ran forward and dropped to her knees beside him. He was very pale, but she noted with relief that a pulse throbbed steadily in his neck. Her instinct was to call for help, but the wood seemed unnaturally quiet now. Frighteningly so. She looked around. There was something lying on the path: a length of thin cord, snaking amongst the fallen leaves. Intrigued, Felicity walked across and picked up the end. The cord pulled taut across the bridleway, just level with the horse’s knees. A cold chill scurried down her back. She dropped the cord and swung round, her frightened eyes searching the trees. She could see no one, but she picked up a stout stick and kept circling, ears straining for any little noise. She did not know whether to be frightened or relieved when she heard another horse approaching. An instant later the Earl’s steward trotted into view.

  ‘Collins! Thank heavens!’ cried Felicity. ‘You must help me—my lord is hurt!’

  The steward threw himself from the saddle and followed her to where Lord Rosthorne was lying. She dropped to her knees again and dashed away a tear. She must try to think clearly.

  ‘We must get him back to Rosthorne. Ride to the house, Collins. Fetch some men, and a carriage—’

  ‘Wait, my lady. He’s coming round.’

  Even as the steward spoke, Nathan’s eyelids fluttered.

  ‘Oh, thank God!’ whispered Felicity. She reached for his hand. ‘Do not try to move, sir, until you are sure nothing is broken.’

  ‘Only my pride,’ he muttered, struggling to sit up. ‘I shall have a few bruises tomorrow, no doubt. Heaven knows what caused Jet to stumble—’