But what did he know about Mrs. Wilson besides the fact that she appeared harmless? He’d learned long ago never to trust a smile or turn his back on a potential enemy.
“What’s your sister’s name?”
“M...Mary.”
“Mary and Joseph?” Mrs. Wilson chuckled with a twinkle in her eye. “Did she name the infant Jesus?”
Leo smiled. “She hasn’t decided on a name yet.”
“Oh!” The woman’s eyes widened. “Well, the right name will come to her soon, I’m sure.” She smiled again.
Leo sighed and made a decision. “I’ll go get her.”
He went back and found Madison was asleep. She’d curled her body against his bag on the floor. The baby was back amongst Leo’s shirts.
Leo placed a hand on Madison. “Mary.” He shook her awake and continued to call her by her new name. She might as well start getting used to it now.
Her eyes slowly opened. She made a sound that seemed to say, “What?”
“Your name is Mary Lewis,” he told her softly. “You’re going to stay with Mrs. Wilson. You’ll move into the house next door tomorrow. My name is Joseph Lewis. I am your brother. Your son doesn’t have a name yet. He is a month old. Now, tell me back everything I just said.”
It took her long seconds, but she did as he asked.
“Good.” He walked her into Mrs. Wilson’s house and placed her and the baby into the room the woman directed him toward.
The house was not large by any means, but it was clean and had a pleasant warmth to it.
Madison barely said more than a greeting to Mrs. Wilson before falling asleep.
In the hall, Leo thanked Mrs. Wilson.
“I don’t have another room,” Mrs. Wilson said.
“Never mind that. I’m fine sleeping on the floor in Mary’s room. We’ll settle the paperwork in the morning before I leave.”
“You’re leaving?”
“Yes, I cannot stay. I’ve work to see to. Thank you for your generosity.”
“It’s nice to have someone else in the house and a baby at that.” Mrs. Wilson was beaming with joy. “My own son never had children and he died in the war. Don’t worry about your sister and nephew. I’ll see to their care.”
He nodded and then he made his last request. “No one can know Mary and the baby are here.”
Mrs. Wilson frowned. “Is she hiding from her husband?”
Leo nodded and thought about Madison’s confession. I’m not Lady Hivers. He didn’t know how he’d begin untangling that mystery.
Mrs. Wilson took his hand and gained his attention again. “I’ll keep her safe.”
If Leo were a believer, he’d say that Mrs. Wilson had been sent by God. The circumstances were too fortunate. As he laid on the cold floor in Madison’s room, Leo questioned if he was doing the right thing. He was dealing with matters he’d never faced before. For the first time in years, he wouldn’t have minded having someone to ask direction from.
At the sound of fussing, Leo sat up. He’d left a lamp on at a soft glow. The baby was awake and making struggling sounds. His brows were pinched. Was he having a bad dream? Leo didn’t know what to do but picked him up.
The first thing Leo noticed was how he seemed to weigh nothing. The next was how soft his skin was. The shirt that he’d been wrapped in was slightly damp so Leo cleaned him with the water from a basin and then wrapped him in a clean one. He was running out of clean shirts, but that didn’t matter.
When holding him didn’t stop his attempts to cry, Leo knew he had no choice but to wake Madison. “Mary,” he called.
She hardly stirred. She’d not put on a bonnet before they’d left the house. Her dark curls spilled across the pillow underneath her head and flowed like black rivers in the shadowed room.
Leo put the baby next to her. “I think he’s hungry.”
She responded without opening her eyes.
Leo looked away when she undid her dress. His heart raced.
A second later, the baby stopped fussing.
Leo laid back on the floor and fell asleep to the sounds of the child’s contented suckling.
∫ ∫ ∫
2 8
* * *
Madison woke the next morning with a start. She looked around the strange room for her son but didn’t see him.
It was a cloudy morning, but the amount of light that cut through the gray winter sky told Madison that it was late. She’d slept most of the morning away.
She touched her stomach to make certain that the events of yesterday actually happened. She’d actually given birth to her baby. Leo had helped her escape.
But where was her son? Where was Leo?
She looked down on the floor to where she’d thought she’d left the baby in the bag, but neither the child nor the bag was there. Had Matthew found them?
She stilled as she heard humming coming from another room somewhere in the house.
She remembered a woman. She remembered her name was Mary now. And her son. She still didn’t have a name for him.
“Mrs. Wilson?” Her throat croaked and she fought to clear it.
The humming stopped and the door opened. The old woman from yesterday came in.
Madison held her arms out for the child in Mrs. Wilson’s arms. Her fears didn’t die until she was holding the baby in her grasp once more. The child’s eyes were open. His eyes were a pale green color, lighter than Judd’s but they were definitely his father’s eyes.
“He’s a sweet boy. I put him on your chest a few times this morning. I hope you don’t mind.”
For some reason that didn’t disturb Madison at all. It was just more proof of how much her son needed her.
She needed to speak to Leo about what they would do and about the baby. She’d have to name her son soon. She simply couldn’t keep referring to him as “the baby.”
“Edmond,” she whispered. That was what Judd would have named him, she was certain of it. Edmond was Judd’s father’s name.
“Is that his name?” Mrs. Wilson asked. “It’s a marvelous name. Are you hungry?”
Madison looked up and nodded. “Thank you for being so kind.”
The wrinkles around her eyes deepened. “My pleasure. Your brother left me with quite a bit of money to make sure you’re tended to until his return.”
Leo was gone? “Did he say when he’d be back?”
She shook her head. “I’m having Mr. Trim clean out your house next door, but don’t think there is any rush to leave here. We should have the place outfitted properly for you and the baby. There’s so much you’ll need. I don’t know everything, so I’ll have to ask around, but don’t worry. I’ll make certain no one knows you are here. You’re very fortunate to have a brother like yours. The law says he should not have interfered, but I suppose some loves are stronger than laws.” She smiled at that.
Madison looked away. Leo didn’t love her. Leo was just…
She didn’t know why he’d done it. She had to think it was his conscience. All she knew was that she’d prayed and her prayers had been answered.
She began to cry happy tears as her son’s mouth moved in a sucking motion. Then she laughed. “It seems he’s always hungry.”
“He’s much growing to do, and you’ll need to keep your health to see to it.” Mrs. Wilson stood. “I’ll bring you a tray. I won’t be but a moment.” The woman moved slowly to the door.
Madison called out. “If I’ve some time later, I would like to learn how to cook.” She didn’t want Mrs. Wilson serving her every day. She needed to help. Also, if this was to be her life then she needed to learn all the things she must do to care for herself.
She’d need a job as well, but she’d worry about that later. Perhaps Leo could help her find something. They were still in Oxford, so she assumed she wouldn’t be here for long.
For the first time since leaving Matthew, she worried about Leo. They would look for him. Matthew had likely already sent the authorities out to hunt for
him. His reputation and chances of teaching at the school had been ruined.
And all because of her. All for her and her baby. She would never be able to express her infinite gratitude toward him.
“Edmond Leonard Blake,” she whispered once Mrs. Wilson was gone.
She smiled at the name’s perfection and even though she knew the future would not be easy, she had no fear of it.
* * *
Leo stood amongst those who’d gathered for the Countess of Goldbloom’s dinner party. Wess often played for the woman’s gatherings. Since the day she’d first heard his talent, she’d become as fixated with his playing as Leo had.
The other people present spoke in low tones around him, and Leo knew it would have been proper for him to join in the conversation, but his eyes were fixed on Wess as were his thoughts.
But then they flowed to Madison’s son and the moment she’d begged him to save them both.
What would she have done had he refused her request? What if Matthew was really the monster she claimed? Would she have fought her for her son or simply allowed Matthew to do as he pleased? Would she have given in as his mother had?
He wondered if his mother had ever begged anyone for help or if she’d feared her husband far too greatly to step in and stop the abuse. He knew it was unfair to compare his mother to Madison. The circumstances were different, and he could never know what his mother had been thinking. She was gone, therefore he couldn’t ask.
He thought about Wess again and once more, Leo wondered if he were doing right by his own son. Should he be spending so much time with the boy? If Matthew was a monster then Leo didn’t know what that made him, a man who could kill as easily as walking down the street.
Leo had barely been six when his father began his training.
“Lord Leo.”
He turned as the Earl of Ganden approached. The man’s nephew, Mr. George Parker, was at his side. Ganden was big but not in a grotesque manner. He wasn’t the tallest man Leo knew, but he was one of the fittest. The man looked like he pulled his own carriages. His arms and thighs bulged with power.
Leo couldn’t help but wonder which one of them would win in a fight.
Ganden had been known for his temper a few years ago, but he’d calmed since wedding his wife.
Lady Ganden was right behind him. She was small with pale brown hair and hazel eyes. She was lovely. Her nephew George looked much like her, only his face wasn’t so soft. His fifteen-year-old features were becoming those of a man.
“We wanted to thank you again for letting Wess join us for the holiday,” the earl said. “George is anxious to introduce Wess to some of the people we know from London. A few lords his own age.”
Leo’s heart raced. He didn’t want Wess going with this lovely family just as much as he did. He wanted Wess for himself, but this was for the best. “I’m sure he’ll have a pleasant time,” Leo murmured. Wess was leaving tomorrow.
“You could join us,” George said brightly.
Leo kept from narrowing his eyes at the young man. “Thank you for the invitation, but I’ve things to attend to on this side of the country.” He still had to confront Matthew. The sooner the better.
The music stopped and Leo’s eyes caught Wess’.
Countess Goldbloom rushed to Wess, grabbing his attention, and Leo watched as the woman thanked him for his performance. Once done, she left and Wess stood. He limped toward Leo with a crutch. His leg hadn’t been broken, just injured, so the metal contraption was gone.
It took a great deal of effort not to rush over and help Wess navigate the crowd. He was so small compared to the adults in the room.
Leo grabbed him around the shoulders when he neared in an effort to take some weight off Wess’ good leg, but the gesture looked intimate, as though Leo wanted Wess close.
Lady Lucy smiled at them and then turned to Wess. “Are you ready to go?”
Wess nodded.
“Wait,” Leo said, tightening his hold. “I would like to say goodbye to Wess.”
“Take your time.” Lord Ganden took his family away and Leo turned to his son.
∫ ∫ ∫
2 9
* * *
Leo led Wess out to the foyer. “Are you sure you wish to go with them?” Leo didn’t know why he was so nervous, especially considering he himself had rarely stayed in one place as a growing young man.
“I want to go,” Wess said anxiously.
It was a blow to Leo’s heart because what he heard was that Wess wanted to leave him.
He was a little jealous of Wess’ affection for George, but Leo knew being with Lord Ganden’s family would be good for him. He’d be able to see how a normal family looked.
Leo was so far from normal. This was good. He squeezed Wess’ shoulder again and then let him go. “Do you have your trunk? Have you forgotten anything?”
Wess laughed. “You already asked me that before the party.”
“Oh.” Leo had forgotten. “I’m just making sure.”
“I’ll miss you.” Wess leaned in and hugged him.
Leo hugged him back and stopped just short of squeezing the life out of his son. He grabbed Wess’ head. “Be smart. Stay out of trouble. If you hear shooting, take cover. Don’t run.”
Wess frowned and Leo thought the expression was like looking in the mirror. “Why would I hear shooting?”
“Don’t interrupt.” Leo’s licked his lips. His mouth felt dry. And he realized why he was so nervous. Wess was his only son. The only son he’d ever have. Leo had been so determined not to have a legacy. As a young man, he’d sworn to never love anything or anyone.
But then Wess was born.
And Leo couldn’t even claim him out loud.
Remembering that Wess didn’t know he was his son, he said, “Your father wanted me to keep you protected.”
Wess’ expression changed and then closed completely. “I won’t die.”
“Good.”
Wess turned away. “Goodbye.”
“Wait.”
The boy looked back at him.
I love you. “Be safe.”
Wess nodded and Leo saw him to Ganden’s carriage.
George was looking at them strangely. Wess wasn’t looking at him at all.
Leo didn’t understand how the boy’s attitude had changed so quickly. “I enjoyed the performance,” Leo whispered to Wess. who sat silently in the carriage, his eyes on his lap. “I have a gift for you.”
Wess looked up then.
“It’s in your satchel.” He’d placed it in Wess’ bag before the performance.
Wess’ bag was at his feet and he opened it. Madison’s sheet music was there.
Wess looked it over and smiled. “What song is this?”
“It has no title, but I want you to learn it so that I may hear it upon your return.”
Wess nodded as his eyes roamed the pages. Then he looked at Leo. “Thank you.”
“There’s no need to worry,” Lord Ganden called out to Leo when he still didn’t move away. “Wess will be safe.”
He better. Leo would lose his mind if anything happened to him.
Wess smiled then and it calmed Leo’s heart. “Goodbye.”
Leo touched his head one last time and then stepped back. The carriage pulled away and Leo went to his horse. He blamed the weather for causing his eyes to sting.
The ride back to Oxford didn’t take long. When Matthew’s house came into view, Leo wondered what all he would say to the man. He wondered if the authorities were waiting for him but were more concerned about the state he’d find the young earl in.
It had been a fortnight since he’d left Matthew’s house and taken the young man’s supposed family.
Leo decidedly rode up to the front door. The butler opened it without even a hint of disapproval on his face. The servants were going about their day as usual.
Leo was shown to the spare room where he’d began to train Matthew weeks ago. He could hear grunts and movement b
efore the door was opened.
Matthew turned and glared at Leo. His body was covered in sweat. Leo suspected Matthew hadn’t shaved since Leo left. His chin was dark with hair.
“You may go,” Matthew said to the butler.
Leo closed the door behind the servant and turned to his pupil. Neither said anything.
Then Leo sighed and walked farther into the room, “How are you?”
“How do you think I am?”
“Where are the authorities?” Leo glanced around as though they would spring from the walls at any moment. “I heard nothing while I roamed the streets in town.” When he’d left Madison a few days ago, he’d not immediately left for Heaton.
Instead, Leo had worn a hat to cover his face and listened to the conversations around him.
He’d even sat in a tavern close to Matthew’s friends. No one had said a word about Matthew or Madison. It was as though it didn’t happen. Was that still the case?
“I didn’t call for the authorities,” Matthew said. “And I warned my staff against speaking about what happened that night. I needed time.”
“Time? For what?”
Matthew ran a hand through his hair and chuckled. “As though you don’t know.”
Leo lifted a brow.
Matthew crossed his arms. “I needed to forge a wedding license. Madison and I are not married.”
Leo had suspected that. He’d visited the local parishes and had asked—demanded in the name of Van Dero—to see Madison and Matthew’s registry. A nervous Vicar Myers had said no license existed.
“So, Madison was telling the truth. You’re not her husband.” Even being unable to find their registry, Leo hadn’t been able to believe it.
“No, I’m not and now I’ll never be,” Matthew said. “You’ve frightened everyone out of doing my bidding. No one wishes to go against Van Dero.”
Leo hadn’t meant to do that at all. “Is the child yours?”
“No, it’s Judd’s, but I wouldn’t have hurt him.”
“Only Madison.” Leo shook his head. He wasn’t even upset that he’d not figured this out. No one could have figure out this mess. “Why? Why take Madison’s baby? To get back at Judd?”
The Long Awaited Lord Page 14
