Garrett’s deep voice carried through the winter air. He was frantically calling her name.
“Go to your man. Do it, or I’ll run you down. This horse will trample you good and proper.” The words were plainly spoken, but this time there was no menace behind the threat.
Abbie lifted her wool skirt and broke into a run. Delaney may well run her down regardless. She chanced a glance, but the man had already disappeared into the forest, the booming sound of horses’ hooves growing fainter.
“Abbie!”
Ascertaining the direction of Garrett’s worried voice, she ran toward the sound, tears streaming from her eyes. A leafless branch scraped against her cheek, but she kept going. Abbie emerged from the thickest part of the forest to find Garrett running toward her. Her heart leapt at the sight of him. “Garrett!”
They met, and with his free arm, Garrett pulled her against him, lifting her from the ground and hugging her fiercely. “Damn it all, if anything had happened to you,” he rasped huskily while laying multiple kisses along her neck.
Abbie felt safe. Warm. Protected. Despite it all, regardless of everything that stood in their way, all the complications, the curse, and whatever else, all that mattered was being in his arms.
He lowered her, then frowned, his gloved finger brushing across her cheek. Blood was on the tip. “He hurt you.”
“No, it was a tree branch. He didn’t hurt me.”
“Samuel is fetching the horses. Not sure I can ride, but I’ll hunt the bastard down and I will—”
Abbie clutched Garrett’s arm. “Let him go. It is not worth your health or your safety. I truly believe he only wished to talk to Aidan. Besides, he had nothing to do with the shooting.”
Garrett’s mouth dropped open. “The brute threatened you and Aidan, held a knife on you both! He deserves a sound thrashing, if nothing else.”
“I agree. But you’re not fully recovered, and I will not allow you to be injured further. Nor will I allow you to send Samuel after the man. He could well handle himself, but…I do not wish to see him harmed.”
Garrett slipped his right arm about her waist and together they slowly walked toward the sanatorium. “I am sorry you were pulled into this never-ending drama.”
“There…there is…or was…something between Aidan and Delaney.”
“Yes. As you’ve heard, Sutherhorne has been banished. But he did fire off a final volley. Gossip about Aidan is making its way about London, concerning his behavior at one of those debauched affairs certain peers like to attend. I will tell you more later. You are shivering, and the cut on your cheek needs attention.”
“Why did you come to Standon? Because of Aidan?”
“In part.” Samuel rode up, holding the reins to the other horse. Garrett halted the young man. “I imagine he is long gone, Samuel.”
“Shouldn’t we try, sir?”
“We live to fight another day. Return the horses to Mrs. Hughes’s residence. We will follow you there directly.”
Samuel touched his forelock, turned, and trotted away.
As soon as the young man was out of earshot, Garrett said, “I came to see you, Abbie, as soon as I well enough to withstand the trip. We need to talk.” Garrett pulled her close and nuzzled her neck, causing much needed warmth to roll through her once again.
The clinic came into view, and Abbie breathed a sigh of relief. “Yes. But not today. I am utterly exhausted. Where are you staying?”
Garrett looked disappointed, but after this latest drama, she could not fully engage in an emotional conversation and give it her full attention.
“The George Inn. Jonas is there, along with Laddie. We came straight from London and the meeting with Prince Albert.”
“Jonas? And Laddie, how wonderful. Well, Megan will be happy. She returns from school the day after tomorrow. Will you still be here then?”
“That is entirely up to you,” he murmured sensually. “Jonas was the concession my family allowed for me to travel here, for you are correct, my love: I am not fully recovered. And the puppy? He is my constant companion. The loveable imp hasn’t left my side since I was gifted with him.”
Gethin rushed toward them from the rear entrance. “Thank God, you are both safe. I will send for the parish constable at once.”
“The man, Delaney, has vanished, and our family would prefer if this incident was kept quiet. If you would inform your staff, and ensure their discretion, it would be greatly appreciated.”
“Your family name is not Black then, I take it?” Gethin remarked.
“No, Doctor. Between you and me, it is Wollstonecraft, and I, and my father, the Earl of Carnstone, and the rest of my family, would prefer we kept it between us. To everyone else, including your daughter, the name is Black. Agreed?”
Gethin escorted them to a private room. “Agreed. Allow me to treat your cut, Abigail.” Both men helped her to take a seat.
“May I see Aidan?” Garrett asked.
Gethin reached for a bottle of antiseptic from the nearby shelf. “Ah. He fell unconscious briefly when Delaney released him. When he woke, he immediately became agitated, so I gave him a liberal dose of laudanum. He will be sleeping soon enough. Also, he asked that he be left alone the rest of the day. I must defer to my patient.”
“I must talk to him, Doctor, at some point. It is important, and to do with what happened today,” Garrett said, his voice firm.
“Then come by tomorrow morning, and I will convince him to give you a brief audience.” Gethin blotted her cheek with a clean cloth soaked with the antiseptic. “It is fortuitous, your arrival. I was about to post my first report to you. Come to my office later, and we will discuss it. I also wish to know of this man and what he wanted with my patient.” Gethin placed a small plaster on her cut. “As for you, my dear, I recommend rest. Are you injured anywhere else?”
Abbie shook her head. “No, he did not harm me. I did this running through the forest.” She looked between the two men. “Delaney asked me to look after Aidan, and said he would see him soon. Strange as it may sound, I believe he cares for Aidan in some inexplicable way.” She placed her hand at her forehead. “Perhaps I should head home. My head is pounding.”
“I will escort you,” Garrett stated in a firm voice. He would accept no argument, it seemed.
Gethin held out an envelope to Garrett. “Headache powder. Add it to a hot cup of tea.”
Once they collected her cloak and gloves, Garrett gently took her arm, and escorted her outside. A carriage stood by the entrance. They remained quiet during the short journey, but his intense and heated gaze never left her, which made her tingle all over.
Garrett entered her house, filling it with his masculine presence. “Where is your bedroom?”
“Down this hall, first door to the left.”
Again he took her arm, and slowly led her to the door. Abbie wasn’t certain who was leaning on whom. With tender and deliberate care, he assisted her with the removal of her coat, then her wool skirt and blouse. Every brush of his fingers caused her skin to heat. Lastly, he loosened her stays, then laid her on the bed, pulling the quilt over her. Leaning down, he kissed her on the forehead, then a soft kiss on the lips. “Rest. Before I leave, I will fetch you that cup of tea. Samuel will be nearby, and will send for me if needs must. After I speak with Aidan tomorrow, I will come straight here.” He smoothed her forehead with the tips of his fingers. “I love you, Abbie. Never doubt it. Never forget it.”
“Oh, Garrett,” she swallowed down a sob. “You came for me.”
“Always. You’ll not be rid of me so easily, my dearest love. Not ever again. In fact, I will stay with you this afternoon as long as you wish. Unless you want to be alone.”
Hot tears burned at the corner of her eyes. “I would like for you to stay awhile. And hold me, nothing else.”
Garrett kissed her softl
y on the lips again, causing her heartbeat to speed up. “We will leave the serious conversation until tomorrow. Let me fetch your tea and I will hold you close to my heart as long as you wish.” He gave her such a heated look, her breath caught. “For the rest of our lives. Hell, forever.”
Garrett departed, leaving his enticing scent in his wake. She inhaled, then the sob she had held in escaped. As did the tears. Not only from what had happened at the sanatorium, but the fact that Garrett had come to her. Would he claim that he was leaving the curse behind him? Could she believe him? All she knew was that in a moment of pure terror, leaving aside their daughter for the moment—she had wanted Garrett. Most desperately. To hold her. To tell her in his deep but soft voice that all would be well. She yearned for him to protect and love her. To claim nothing else mattered to him—but her. Not the curse, not any outside influences or dramas. Not the past, or recriminations and mistakes on either side.
Now Abbie just had to find the courage to do the same.
Chapter 22
After making Abbie her tea, Garrett stayed with her for close to two hours until she fell asleep in his arms. His meeting with Dr. Bevan had been frank and rather emotional, as he’d revealed Aidan’s connection to Delaney. At least, what he knew of it. The doctor had not acted surprised, relaying that he’d heard similar stories from various patients through the years. He told of one man who had prostituted his daughter in order to procure opium. The man had been a respected doctor at a London hospital.
How disappointing to learn that Aidan’s recovery was not progressing as quickly as the doctor had hoped. His nephew’s attitude hampered most of his recuperation. But the doctor remained positive that Aidan would recover.
He had returned to the George Inn sick at heart, but Jonas and Laddie’s happy greetings helped elevate the gloom. Over dinner, he’d decided not to mention to Jonas about Aidan being in Standon, or the drama-filled episode of the afternoon. Nor would he mention it to Megan. He’d rather that they be introduced when Aidan was fully recovered. Deep down, Garrett believed his nephew would come through this. Damn it, he must.
After a fitful sleep, Garrett rose early and shared breakfast with Jonas. He’d informed him that he would be speaking to Abbie, and had asked the young man to stay in the room at the inn until he returned. Jonas held up a book, one Megan had given him. The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens.
At the last minute, Garrett decided to take Laddie with him to visit Aidan. “Perhaps, Doctor, you are not keen having a rambunctious canine on the premises,” Garrett said as he pulled gently on Laddie’s leash.
Gethin patted Laddie on the head. “It may prove to be therapeutic. I heartily approve.” He straightened and met Garrett’s gaze. “Aidan has agreed to see you, but only for five minutes. I am to keep a rigorous timing of the visit. I will extend it a couple of minutes beyond, but no more. I hold firm to the belief that family should not be involved at this stage of recovery.” Dr. Bevan led him to Aidan’s room and opened the door.
Garrett entered, and the energetic Laddie lurched forward and pulled on the leash, tongue lolling, eager to greet someone new. Aidan, dreadfully thin and pale, sat at the front of the room in the wheeled chair, covered in blankets. Yesterday, he hadn’t had much of a chance to observe his nephew’s appearance. It still was a shock to see.
Aidan gave a cursory glance at the dog, then looked away. “If you have come to warn me about Delaney, you’re too late.”
“Yes, I’ve been late regarding many things.” Garrett let the leash drop, then reached into the inside pocket of his greatcoat, pulling out a small stack of envelopes. He set them on the table by Aidan’s bed. “Here are letters from your father, grandfather, and brother. Some of the recent news is in these dispatches. Read at your leisure.”
Laddie loped toward Aidan, woofing softly. With his wet nose, the puppy nudged at Aidan’s hand, no doubt hoping to be petted or have his ears scratched. But Aidan ignored the gesture.
“The Marquess of Sutherhorne—you may remember his name mentioned yesterday—is responsible for a number of incidents that have occurred toward our family.” Aidan’s indifferent gaze slid to the sling on Garrett’s left arm. “This peer was a guest at a party in December. One he claims you attended. He bought you for his man Delaney’s pleasure. The man here in this room yesterday. Is this true?” Garrett took a step closer. Laddie had given up trying to encourage Aidan to pet him and instead sat at his feet. “Did you sell yourself for money in order to acquire opium?”
“It appears so,” Aidan answered in a flat tone.
“Did Delaney force himself on you?” Garrett’s voice was soft, but his insides tumbled with apprehension.
“I do not remember much of the incident. But I was a willing participant. I wanted and needed the opium desperately enough to debase myself. The episode is merely part of many that haunt my disturbed dreams.”
Jesus. Garrett took a deep breath and exhaled. “Well, Sutherhorne is spreading this gossip about London. I thought you should be aware. I doubt it will reach here; no one knows that you are a Wollstonecraft anyhow—except Dr. Bevan. I swore him to secrecy yesterday.”
“After how low I’ve sunk? I hardly think that gossip will affect me.”
“No, but it will affect your family. Not that you gave us any thought as you made your steep decline into debauchery.”
Aidan met his gaze. “No, Uncle, I didn’t. Not once. Doesn’t bode well for my soul, does it?”
“I am sorry,” Garrett rasped.
“For what?”
“For not reaching out to you, offering help and support. We failed you. And I am heartily sorry for blaming you just now for your decline and the gossip. You do not deserve my censure.”
Aidan exhaled a shuddering breath. “I’ve failed myself, Uncle. I do deserve your censure. And I believe your five minutes is up.” His nephew pulled the blanket tighter about his shoulders.
“Yesterday, Delaney’s parting words to Abbie were for her to take care of you. And to tell you he will see you soon. She believes it is not a threat as such, but I would like to leave Samuel here in Standon in case the brute makes another appearance.” Garrett had already written a letter to Edwin Seward last night to begin an investigation into Colm Delaney. The way things were going, he may have to place Edwin on permanent retainer.
Aidan shook his head. “No. I don’t want a guard. It is my mess. Leave it be.” Regardless of Aidan’s pronouncement to “leave it be,” Garrett would post the letter anyway.
“What did he want of you?” Garett asked.
“He never got a chance to explain. Whatever it was, it has made me realize just how low I’ve sunk. To discover that my nightmares are actual events…it also made me realize I don’t want to live like this anymore. I intend to recover, but it is something I must work through. Alone.”
“I understand. If you don’t mind, I would like Laddie to stay here with you while I see Abbie. Much has happened. I want her in my life. I love her, I always have.” Aidan did not react, nor did he reply. Garrett continued. “Aidan, I have learned so much these past months. How important it is to allow love into my life. To not wallow in fear, as I had with the curse. As a result, I denied my love for Abbie, I broke both our hearts. I aim to make it up to her. Beg her for forgiveness. Make her understand that I have finally left my insecurities behind and am ready to embrace all life has to offer.” Garrett paused, and his heart squeezed with sorrow as he stared at Aidan. “It is a lesson worth learning. I heartily recommend it. I don’t like that we’ve drifted apart. Your family loves you—I love you—and we want nothing more than for you to be returned to us hale and hearty. Allow us to assist you in your recovery—when you are ready.” Garrett smiled warmly. “You are loved, Aidan. Treasured. Not all is lost.”
His nephew looked away, but not before Garrett observed that his eyes were moist. Garrett stepped outside the room,
then hesitated. Peeking around the door, he watched as Laddie whimpered and laid his head on Aidan’s leg, staring up at him mournfully. His nephew leaned down, and with great effort, pulled the gangly puppy into his lap. Laddie licked his face, happy to be acknowledged at last. With a gasping sob, Aidan embraced Laddie, burying his face in the dog’s furry neck, his shoulders heaving. Garrett quietly closed the door, his heart squeezing with compassion. Not all is lost. Thank God. It would be a long road to travel, but Aidan had the right of it; he must do most of it alone. He climbed into the carriage and banged on the ceiling. Now to go to Abbie and lay his heart and soul bare.
She greeted him at the door, still looking weary, but beautiful despite it. “Ask your coachman to come in and join Samuel in the kitchen.”
“Jacob, climb down, lad, and come here,” Garrett said.
The young man tethered the reins to the post, then stood before Garrett. “Mrs. Hughes will show you to the kitchen.” He slipped several shillings into Jacob’s hand. “Go with Samuel and enjoy a hearty breakfast at the George Inn, then join Jonas Eaton in room three until I come for you. Relax in front of the fire. Read a book. Order an ale—only one mind—and a lunch. If there is not enough coin here, have the innkeeper add any charges to my bill. I wish for privacy with Mrs. Hughes. Understand?”
Jacob touched his forelock. “Thank you, Mr. Garrett. Leave the carriage here, or take it to the inn?”
“Take it to the inn.”
Abbie arched an eyebrow at him, but turned and explained to Jacob how to find the kitchen. Would not be difficult, considering how small the place is. Once Garrett heard the carriage depart, he followed her to the parlor. Abbie silently assisted him in removing his greatcoat.
“You have a beard,” she murmured softly. “I didn’t have a chance to mention it yesterday.”
Garrett scratched his chin. “The beginnings of one. Do you like it?”
“It becomes you.”
Scandal with a Sinful Scot Page 25
