The Earl's Runaway Bride

by Sarah Mallory

  ‘He didn’t stumble, my lord,’ growled Collins, who was examining the hunter’s legs. ‘He was brought down. There’s some nasty gashes here.’

  ‘There is a rope across the path,’ added Felicity.

  Nathan stared at her and raised one hand to his head. She said quietly, ‘This time there can be no question. Someone deliberately tried to harm you.’

  ‘We must get you home, my lord,’ said Collins brusquely. ‘If my lady will stay here with you, I’ll ride on to the Hall and fetch a carriage.’

  ‘You had best have some of the men search the woods and park, too,’ said Nathan. ‘Although I have no doubt the attacker is long gone. And send a boy to walk Jet back to the stables.’ He waited until the steward had ridden away before fixing his gaze upon Felicity once more. The scar across his eye was very noticeable, enhanced by the bruise beginning to form on his cheekbone. His eyes fell upon the stick lying beside her.

  ‘What is that? Did you mean to cudgel me to death while I lay helpless on the ground?’

  ‘Pray do not joke, sir. I picked it up for protection.’

  ‘Hmm.’ He put a hand to his head, wincing. ‘What were you doing in the wood?’

  ‘I walked out to meet you. I regretted not riding out with you this morning.’

  ‘Tell me what you saw.’

  ‘Nothing, my lord. I was approaching the track when I heard your horse fall. I ran here and…found you.’

  ‘And you saw no one?’

  ‘No.’ She pointed towards the cord, still lying across the path. ‘Whoever was holding the rope was on the far side of the path. They were gone by the time I came up.’ She shivered and looked around apprehensively. ‘It is another attempt upon your life, Nathan. This time you cannot deny it.’

  ‘No. I shall take care not to ride out alone again.’

  ‘Good.’

  ‘You must come with me, for my own protection.’

  That drew a reluctant smile from her. ‘I will, my lord, gladly, but my presence is not sufficient.’

  He waved his hand towards the discarded cord. ‘I beg to differ. Whoever is trying to kill me is very keen not to be detected.’

  ‘I disagree, my lord. I—’

  Nathan held up his hand. ‘Enough.’

  He struggled to his feet. Felicity jumped up, putting her arm about him as he swayed.

  ‘You are still dizzy, you must not stand.’

  ‘Neither can I remain on that damp earth.’

  She guided him to a fallen tree and sat down beside him. She shivered.

  ‘Are you cold, Fee?’

  ‘No. A little frightened, perhaps. Your attacker might return.’

  ‘I doubt it.’ He took her hand and squeezed it. ‘Not with you beside me.’

  Their companionable silence lasted no more than five minutes before Nathan exclaimed, ‘Oh to the devil with this sitting about! We will walk on and meet the carriage.’

  ‘But, Nathan—’

  ‘I am not an invalid,’ he retorted, getting up and walking towards his horse. ‘If you would kindly pick up my hat for me, it is better for us to be moving than to grow chilled to the bone sitting here. Come along.’

  He held out his hand to her. Felicity took it and, with Jet hobbling along behind them, they made their way slowly out of the woods.

  Word of the attack spread quickly. Nathan met with neighbouring landowners and extensive searches were made of the surrounding area. When it was known that it was not the first time someone had tried to kill the Earl, patrols were organised to keep watch on the local roads and fields. Gerald Appleby was one of those who volunteered for this duty.

  ‘I thought you were off to London,’ remarked Nathan, surprised.

  Gerald merely grinned at him. ‘I have no intention of returning to town when there is such excitement going on here,’ he said.

  Despite all the activity, Felicity remained anxious and could not relax until Nathan was safely returned to the house every evening. However, there was one piece of news that cheered her—she learned that Serena Ansell had left Hampshire and would not be returning until the spring.

  Mrs Elliston conveyed these tidings when she came to visit Felicity and Mrs Carraway just days after the attack.

  Mrs Carraway, who had not taken to the widow on the few occasions they had met, proposed her own theory for Lady Ansell’s departure.

  ‘You do not suppose that she was responsible, and has gone away until the dust has settled?’

  Felicity was immediately upon the alert. ‘What makes you say that, ma’am?’

  ‘I have seen the way she looks at my son.’

  Mrs Elliston gave a very girlish giggle. ‘Do you think he spurned her advances? A woman scorned, as they say…’

  Felicity hurriedly changed the subject. ‘S-several of our neighbours have left Hampshire,’ she observed. ‘Do you plan to remain at Hazelford for the Christmas period, Mrs Elliston?’

  ‘Yes, we always spend Christmas very quietly at home. Judith is making her annual visit to her aunt in Bedfordshire, but once she returns we shall not stir again until the new year. And you, ma’am? The neighbourhood will be expecting grand entertainments here, now that Rosthorne has a new mistress.’

  Felicity was at a loss to answer and it was Mrs Carraway who replied quietly, ‘Not this year. We shall keep the season very quietly. However, I hope you can be persuaded to join us for dinner one evening. Lady Charlotte and her son will be staying with us for a few days and I know they would be very happy to see you both—and your daughter, of course.’

  ‘We shall be delighted,’ replied Mrs Elliston. ‘Judith and Mr Appleby were getting along famously at the assembly the other week, and I have no objection to continuing the acquaintance.’ She added, with a touch of defiance, ‘Though I doubt Lady Charlotte will be quite so sanguine about her son’s friendship with a mere Miss Elliston, being herself, as she never fails to remind us, the daughter of an earl!’

  Chapter Sixteen

  ‘We will soon be back at the Hall now, my lord.’

  Nathan heard a hint of relief in his steward’s voice. They had ridden out to look at the plantation Nathan had established the previous year and the short December day had closed in upon them very rapidly. Collins still insisted upon accompanying the Earl whenever he rode on the estate, even though there had been no sightings of any strangers in the area and the regular patrols set up after the attack had ceased. Felicity, too, colluded with his staff to make sure Nathan was never alone.

  He thought of his wife as he rode through the gates and into the park for the final part of his journey. She was so anxious for his safety, yet she still kept him at a distance. They had resumed riding together every morning and during the day she would be friendly, affectionate even, but she resisted his every attempt at intimacy, putting up an invisible barrier between them. He was careful not to allow his impatience to show, but he wondered how long he could continue before his resolve snapped and he broke his promise not to enter her bedchamber.

  The icy December wind cut at his cheeks and the scar over his eye throbbed in the cold. A good thing, he thought bitterly. It took his mind off the ache in his loins.

  They clattered into the stable yard, where a large, old-fashioned travelling carriage was being manoeuvred into one corner.

  ‘Lady Charlotte has arrived, sir,’ observed Collins.

  ‘Oh lord,’ he muttered ruefully, ‘I had forgotten she was coming today.’ He jumped down and handed the mare’s reins to his groom. ‘Take a look at her left hind fetlock, Pat, I fear it might be sprained.’

  A shorter, thickset figure came running out of the stable, tugging at his forelock.

  ‘Will ’ee let me take ’er, Mr Patrick? I’ll look at ’er.’

  Patrick handed over the reins and turned back to Nathan with a slightly apologetic smile.

  ‘It’s Harris, my lord. Lady Charlotte’s man,’ he explained as they watched the man lead the horse into the stable. ‘He’s a half-wit, bu
t a natural healer. He seems to know just what to do with animals.’

  Nathan nodded. ‘Very well, if you are sure, Patrick. Report back to me later.’ He turned and saw Felicity coming across the yard to meet him, a paisley shawl pulled tight about her shoulders and Bella trotting at her heels.

  ‘I was watching out for you, my lord; you are very late.’

  ‘I beg your pardon. My mare went lame and I didn’t want to push her.’ Her anxious eyes flew to his face and he shook his head, smiling a little. ‘It is all perfectly innocent; with Jet’s knees not fully healed I have been riding Juniper a little hard lately.’ He put his hand on her elbow. ‘Shall we go indoors, out of this biting wind?

  ‘Where is my aunt?’ he asked as they walked through the flagged passage leading to the hall.

  ‘Your mama is entertaining Lady Charlotte and Mr Appleby in the drawing room.’ She glanced up. ‘You are cold, sir. I had Sam build up the fire in your dressing room; you will need to change.’

  ‘Should I not make my apologies to my aunt first?’

  She chuckled. ‘I fear that whatever you do, you will be in the wrong. It is her way. Go upstairs, sir. I will make your excuses.’ She began to move away, but he caught her hand.

  ‘Shall we leave my mother to look after our guests?’ he murmured, drawing her into his arms. ‘You could come upstairs with me and help me out of my muddy clothes…’

  The light in the passage was very poor, but he thought he saw a sudden longing in her eyes. A swift flash of desire. It was gone in an instant, replaced by the wary, anxious look she wore so often these days. He ran his hands gently up and down her arms. ‘What is it, my dear? What is worrying you?’

  ‘W-worrying me?’ She gave a nervous little laugh. ‘Why, nothing, my lord, only the thought of entertaining Lady Charlotte. I have already had to bring Bella away, because she objects to dogs in the drawing room…’

  Felicity looked past Nathan towards the hall, then down at the little spaniel, anywhere rather than into Nathan’s face, for there was no mistaking his look and it made her knees grow weak. She wanted so much to give in to him and to her own yearning, but the spectre of Serena Ansell haunted her and she could not rid herself of the conviction that Nathan would always compare her unfavourably with the beautiful widow. Her thoughts returned to their first meeting at Souden House, when he had swept her up, intending to carry her off with him. If only he would show the same forcefulness now. If only…

  Nathan’s hands fell away from her shoulders. ‘Of course. Take Bella to my mother’s apartment, Norton will look after her. Then go back to your guests and I will join you as soon as I may.’

  Felicity watched him stride away. Bella scampered after him, but a curt word sent her back to Felicity, her ears flattened.

  Since neither Mrs Carraway nor Lady Charlotte kept late hours, the evening came to an end before midnight.

  ‘I hope that was not too intolerable for you,’ said Nathan as he escorted Felicity to her room. ‘My aunt is not the most amenable of guests. Her comments concerning the attack in Home Wood were outrageous. I hope you did not take her seriously.’

  ‘No, indeed. Do you…?’ She hesitated. ‘Does she truly think I tried to murder you?’

  ‘My aunt likes to make mischief, nothing more.’

  ‘But it is suspicious! When Mr Collins came up I was holding that stick…’

  ‘Hush now. You have already explained it to me.’ They had reached the door of her bedchamber and he stopped, turning to look down at her. ‘When I came round to find you bending over me, the look in your eyes was not that of a murderer.’

  ‘It—it wasn’t?’ Felicity gazed up at him. She suddenly felt very short of breath.

  ‘No.’ He lowered his head until his lips were just touching hers. She put her fingers against his chest and grasped the lapels of his evening coat. Smiling, he captured one hand and turned it.

  ‘Remember,’ he said softly, pressing a kiss into her palm, ‘I am in the next room if you want me. You only have to walk through the door.’

  ‘I—I—’

  He dropped a light, butterfly kiss on her forehead and walked away. A moment later she heard the soft click of his door closing.

  Sam was laying out his master’s nightgown and banyan when he entered the room. With a word Nathan dismissed his valet and stood, head bowed, straining his ears against the silence. He heard Felicity go into her room, the soft pad of feet across the boards, the murmur of voices. She was not indifferent to him, he would swear to it. He had noted her relief when he had arrived that evening, seen the shy longing in her eyes, felt her cling to him when he had kissed her goodnight. He could have taken her then, swept her into his room, into his bed and kissed her into submission. She would respond to him, he was certain of it, but he wanted more from his wife. He wanted her to come to him. Nathan walked across to the adjoining door and rested his shoulder against the wall, staring at the door handle, willing it to turn, willing Felicity to come in.

  But the door between them remained resolutely closed.

  Christmas Eve dawned grey and windy, the blustery weather reflecting Felicity’s restless mood. Lady Charlotte was a difficult houseguest, but Felicity was determined not to be intimidated by her autocratic manner, nor her constant references to the way Rosthorne used to be run. Her courage dipped a little when she found only Gerald and his mother at the breakfast table, but she scarcely had time to say good morning before Mrs Carraway came in, leaning on Nathan’s arm.

  Gerald, pouring coffee for his mother, bade them all good morning and offered to fill their cups.

  ‘Yes, thank you.’ Mrs Carraway took her seat beside Felicity. ‘I have given Norton a holiday to visit her family in Petersfield, so Nathan came to fetch me for breakfast.’

  ‘Then do not hesitate to tell me, ma’am, if there is anything I can do for you today,’ put in Felicity.

  ‘Must we have that animal in here?’ demanded Lady Charlotte, frowning at Bella who was capering around Gerald’s feet, her paws pattering and skidding on the polished boards.

  ‘I am afraid so, Aunt,’ said Nathan cheerfully. ‘She is used to having the run of the house in the mornings. But you need not worry; we never feed her from the table. She merely waits for any scraps that might fall.’

  ‘And saves the servants the trouble of sweeping up.’ Gerald grinned, still wielding the coffee pot.

  ‘Exactly. No coffee for me, thank you.’ Nathan picked up the ale-jug from the sideboard and filled a pewter tankard. ‘This is one of the old earl’s customs that I have continued,’ he said, a smile glinting in his eyes.

  Gerald looked towards the window, where the rain had started to drum against the glass.

  ‘We must entertain ourselves indoors today,’ he remarked. ‘What time did you say the Ellistons were coming?’

  ‘We expect them before dark,’ said Felicity, ‘unless the storm persuades them to cry off.’

  Nathan shook his head. ‘It is only a few miles and Elliston is not one to fight shy of a little bad weather.’

  Gerald walked over to the window. ‘When I saw them at the assembly, Mrs Elliston gave me permission to call at any time; I could always ride over and escort them.’

  ‘By all means,’ said Nathan, ‘if you think it necessary.’

  ‘I do not see the least need for such a thing,’ stated Lady Charlotte. ‘Indeed, if the weather remains inclement this afternoon, I shall want you here to entertain me.’

  Felicity’s lips twitched.

  ‘We must not expect the gentlemen to wait on us the whole day, ma’am. I am sure we shall be able to entertain ourselves. We might play at battledore in the long gallery, or charades.’

  Gerald chuckled. ‘Mama’s idea of entertainment is to have someone read to her while she sleeps on her daybed.’

  ‘Then I shall be very happy to do that,’ declared Felicity gallantly. ‘In fact, Lydia—Lady Souden—has sent me a copy of Waverley. I was going to share it with Mama Carraway,
but I can easily read it to you both!’

  With Lady Charlotte’s entertainment organised, Gerald went off to order his horse, and when breakfast was over Mrs Carraway took her sister-in-law away to the morning room. Nathan detained Felicity as she was about to follow them.

  ‘It is very good of you to give up your time.’

  Felicity was warmed by his compliment; suddenly the day seemed much brighter. ‘Nonsense, I am only being a good hostess. I very much wish to read Waverley, so it will be no hardship for me.’ She chuckled. ‘I hope it is sufficiently diverting to keep Lady Charlotte happy throughout the day, and then perhaps she will behave herself this evening.’

  In the event Felicity’s hopes were realised, for Lady Charlotte was at her most gracious during dinner. She greeted Mr and Mrs Elliston with a condescension that made Mr Elliston’s eyes twinkle and proceeded to dominate the conversation.

  ‘She behaves as if she were the hostess here,’ murmured Mrs Carraway as she and Felicity led the ladies to the drawing room after dinner.

  ‘As long as she refrains from making any of her more outrageous remarks, I am very happy with that,’ returned Felicity, a glimmer of a smile in her eyes.

  The evening was going much better than she had expected; Mr Elliston had been a little brusque with his host at first, but he observed Felicity’s anxious look and soon took the opportunity to reassure her.

  ‘No need to make yourself uncomfortable, ma’am,’ he muttered, during one of Lady Charlotte’s many reminiscences of how past Earls of Rosthorne had been wont to celebrate Christmas. ‘Much as I would like to take Nathan to task for his dastardly behaviour at the assembly, I gave you my word and we will say no more about it.’

  Her only other concern was that Lady Charlotte might take exception to her son’s attentions towards Miss Elliston, but although her cold stare rested upon the young couple several times during the evening, she made no comment, and even expressed mild disappointment that the party was such a small one.