by Fiona Miers
“Father, it was not Thomas’ fault that the water became turbulent and that I fell. I am a grown woman—”
“Who cannot swim, yet he insisted you join him on his excursion to death.”
Rebecca sighed at the theatrical demeanour and she shook her head. “He was not at fault. He rescued me from the water and kept me safe while waiting for the tide to lower. He risked his own life swimming across the water while I was carried by Marcus. There is no need to be hard on him.”
He ignored her words and lowered his gaze, his jaw tightly clenched. “You will remain in bed for the rest of the day.”
“Father, I—”
“I will instruct Connie to ensure you are given warm drinks on the hour, and that you are to be kept comfortable.”
“Father, I am feeling much better. Can I not move myself to the parlour, in front of the hearth? Surely I can stay warm there as well.”
“You will rest in your chambers, and that is final,” her father said grimly and rose to his feet.
As he walked to the door, Rebecca said, “Perhaps instead of ridiculing Thomas and imprisoning me, you should be grateful for him rescuing me and trust my words.”
Her father glanced at her over his shoulder and shook his head. “Trust should be earned and not purely given, Rebecca.”
“Father, wait. Please.”
“Connie will be sent to you shortly.”
As her father left the bedchambers, tears of anger filled her eyes and she threw one of her cushions at the door. She had known her father to be stubborn, but never in her life had he been so unreasonable.
Chapter Six.
Thomas stared at the door of the Dowager Duchess’s guest suite from the far end of the hallway, his heart thumping in his chest. The mere thought of facing his mother, especially after what had happened today, was daunting.
The events at the bay had already been circulating around Weymouth – although his heroism had been wildly exaggerated – and there was certainly a good chance his mother had already heard them all. She would wish to know how all that had occurred in fine detail, and who the young woman Thomas had rescued was.
His jaw clenched as he slowly made his way along the long hallway towards the door, and he scolded himself for the feelings inside him. He had never been afraid of his mother, although she did intimidate him.
She seemed pleasant on initial meeting, and her petite stature made you feel as though you should not feel intimidated. But as soon as she began to speak, those feelings changed drastically. She spoke with confidence and authority, and apparently it had been that way even before she married a duke. Her strong personality made her very desirable to men, although they were wary of her. Their father had found her to be a delight. He liked that she would stand up for herself and not allow anyone to trample over her.
The Dowager Duchess was not a doting, affectionate mother, but she loved her sons and had taught them the proper way to treat women.
Thomas drew in one last breath before he stopped in front of the door and knocked softly.
“Come in, Thomas.”
It should not have surprised him that the Dowager Duchess was aware it was him. She had called for him, after all.
He opened the door and quietly entered the guest suite. His mother, who stood by the window, turned to him and cocked her head. She was clothed in a dark blue day dress, her greying hair parted down the centre and pinned tightly at the nape of her neck. For her age, she looked well, although by the set of her eyebrows, she seemed annoyed.
“Good afternoon, Mother,” Thomas said as he approached her. “Lovely to see you again.”
“Indeed, my dear Thomas,” she said and embraced him. “Although I wish it could be under better circumstances.”
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“Sit with me,” she said.
Thomas nodded and took a seat on the sofa near the window. His mother sat on the sofa opposite him and placed her hands on her lap.
“I expected better of you, Thomas. You are an intelligent young man with a brilliant and curious mind, but your silly hobbies and refusal to behave as a responsible adult make me question your character.”
“Mother, they are not silly hobbies. I have a passion for fossil hunting, a deep love for it, and it brings me joy in ways no one seems to understand.”
“Even if it poses a threat to you?”
He frowned. “I don’t understand.”
The dowager duchess sighed and motioned to his leg. “I hear that you badly injured your leg, and that the physician called for Charles to bring you to the estate, as you were incapable of doing so.”
“I lost quite a bit of blood, indeed, but I am perfectly fine. There was no need for you to travel all the way from Portsmouth to be here. I am not a child.”
“Then stop behaving as such.”
Her voice echoed through the room and Thomas lowered his gaze.
“Who is the young woman you rescued earlier this morning?”
“She is the physician’s daughter. I invited her to join me as I hunted for fossils.”
“And she purposely tried to drown herself in order for you to save her?” the dowager duchess asked.
“What? Where did you hear such nonsense?” Thomas asked.
“Answer my question, Thomas? What are her intentions towards you?”
“There are no intentions,” he answered, confused at his mother’s tone. “She showed interest in the fossil I found when I was injured. Very few people show any interest in it at all, and I merely thought...”
“That she was different?”
Thomas sighed once more and glanced away.
“My dear Thomas. You were born into a prominent and noble family. She is the daughter of a local physician, with no titles or nobility. She knows exactly who you are, and who our family is. Do you not think that she only pretended to be interested in you because of your status?” she asked.
Thomas’s jaw dropped for a moment, and he shook his head. “No. Rebecca is not that kind.”
“And how well do you know this woman?”
His gaze lowered and he realised that his mother may possibly be right. He did not know Rebecca very well at all, but he’d never had the impression that she was only interested in him because of who his family was.
Had he misjudged the young woman’s intentions?
The kiss certainly did not seem as though she was pretending. In fact, she had not been the one who made the first attempt to kiss him. He was the one who’d kissed her.
“I am certain her intentions are nothing as corrupt as you claim them to be,” Thomas said and stood from the sofa.
“You barely know the woman,” she said.
“Mother, with all due respect—”
“There is not a trace of respect in your tone, young man. Need I remind you who you are speaking to?” his mother said firmly and rose to her feet. “You are a Melton. A noble and titled unmarried man. A wealthy, attractive man who has not yet found a wife.”
“No, I refuse to believe that. Rebecca is not—”
“Whether you think she is or not, she is trouble. And because of her attempt to trap you by spreading rumours of you and her in quite an intimate moment at the foot of the cliffs, I forbid you to have any contact with her, effective immediately,” the Dowager Duchess said.
“You cannot forbid me. I am a grown man—”
“Until you begin to act like a grown man, I will be making your decisions for you,” she interjected firmly.
“I will not be controlled, especially not by you! This is none of your concern,” Thomas said.
“When it affects the reputation of my family then it is my concern. You are not to see that woman again. Is that clear?”
Thomas clenched his jaw and without another word, stormed out of the guest suite and stomped to his bedchamber. As he slammed the door behind him, a stabbing pain erupted in his head and he slid to the floor with his back against the door.
To
o many thoughts muddled in his mind, but not one of them was of Rebecca’s ignoble intention. He did not believe it for a moment. Her eyes had been sincere when she’d gazed upon him. They bore an innocence that made him believe that she did not see him as a Melton or a lord, or the brother of a duke. She saw him as a human being, and she was interested in his mind and his heart, not his wealth.
His mother was wrong. And he wouldn’t allow her to ruin his life with her own ignorance.
WITH A POUNDING HEART, Rebecca smoothed the skirt of her dress and opened the door that led to her father’s physician rooms.
She felt much better and wished to interact with people. She hadn’t realised how lonely she would be, seeing Connie only briefly when she brought her meals and warm drinks. Connie did not stay very long, which made Rebecca pine for human interaction even more.
What her father would say would remain to be seen.
Rebecca stepped into the rooms and much to her dismay, her father’s nurse, Nurse Beckett, stood behind the wooden counter.
“Good morning, Rebecca,” she greeted cheerfully.
“Good morning, Nurse Beckett. I was not certain whether you would be here today.”
“Indeed, I am.”
“Is everything all right with your family? My father informed me that you had a family emergency,” Rebecca said.
“The situation is better and under control. My sisters arrived from London and will be handling things while I am at work.”
“I am certain my father would have allowed you to tend to your situation for a few more days.”
“I am aware, but my sisters can be a bit of an annoyance,” Nurse Beckett said with a stiff grin. “Nevertheless, I am happy to be here.”
Rebecca smiled awkwardly and shifted her weight. “Nurse Beckett, would you...”
At the sound of her father’s voice, Rebecca turned towards him and she tried her hardest to not be frozen with fear. Her father’s voice trailed off as he noticed her standing at the counter and he lowered the file in his hands.
“Rebecca,” he said simply.
“Good morning, Father.”
“What are you doing here? You ought to be resting.”
“I think I have rested enough. I feel perfectly fine,” she insisted.
Dr. Morton’s jaw clenched, and he glanced at Nurse Beckett, who returned to organising a stack of documents that was in front of her.
He walked to the door that connected his rooms to the townhouse and motioned to Rebecca to follow him. Of course, she obediently did as she was told.
As they entered the hallway, her father closed the door and turned to her.
“Father, I am aware of what you said and I know you think I should be resting, but I am perfectly fine. I cannot bare another minute alone in my bedchambers. I wish to assist you with patients today.”
“Nurse Beckett is here, so there is no need for you to assist me. We can manage,” he said coldly.
“Father, please. You cannot expect me to stay within the confines of my chambers any longer. I wish to go outside, to breathe the fresh air. Please.”
“I do not expect you to understand, Rebecca, but the mere thought of losing you is excruciating.”
“Perhaps, but tightening the reins on my life will only cause me to pull harder in the opposite direction.”
Her father narrowed his eyes and shifted his weight. “What is it that you wish, Rebecca?”
“I wish to go to the cliffs, Father. I need sunlight and fresh air. I need to not be in this home any longer. I cannot stand these walls.”
“Need I remind you what happened the last time you went near the cliffs?” he asked.
“Connie can come as well. I can take my easel and sketch. You know how it makes me feel better. Please, Father, since I am not of any importance here.”
“That is not what I said,” he said.
“It was not what you said, Father, it was the manner in which you said it. It was hurtful. Now you want me to merely return to my chambers, expect me not to be upset? That is not fair.”
He shifted his weight and glowered at her for a short while. She held her breath, her heart racing in her chest. She’d never said such things to her father before. Never once had she stood up to him like this. But she would simply go crazy if he locked her up again.
Finally, he said, “You may go.”
“Thank you—”
“But,” he interrupted and raised his hand. “You may only go if Connie accompanies you, if you keep yourself warm, stay away from the cliff’s edge, and avoid the water.”
“Yes, yes, and yes, Father,” she said with a relieved smile.
“And I should not need to remind you that I still do not grant you permission to go anywhere near Thomas Melton. He has been forbidden to see you or have any contact with you, and you are to do the same. Is that clear?”
Rebecca cocked her head to the side and stared wordlessly at her father. She did not wish to argue with him, and despite her need to defend Thomas’ actions, her father had already granted her the freedom to go to the cliffs. She wouldn’t say anything that would jeopardise the small bit of trust he still had in her.
“That is clear, Father.”
“Please be careful. I do not wish to see you in the state you were in three days ago.”
“I promise you, I will be careful.”
She briefly embraced her father in gratitude before turning on her heel to find Connie and inform her of the wonderful news. She was certain that Connie would also be relieved to be in the fresh air after tending to Rebecca in her bedchambers.
As she walked the narrow steps, a smile formed on her lips only to be met with a hint of sadness. She was already aware that a future with the charming and handsome Thomas was impossible, given their respective positions. She was the daughter of a physician whose only title was that of Doctor.
She did not come from a noble lineage. Her family was not wealthy, and she had not attended the most prestigious finishing school, or any, for that matter. Not that it was of importance. One’s education and scholastic opportunity did not determine whether one possessed grace and kindness. It was not something that went hand-in-hand.
Thomas did not seem to care that she possessed no title, and that her family was not wealthy. He enjoyed spending time with her even though he knew her father was the town physician.
Her smile faded as the thought of a future without Thomas alarmed her in the most surprising way. She came to an abrupt stop in the midst of the hallway and her hand unknowingly reached for her heart. Imagining a future without Thomas was bleak, but it was the best option.
But the best for whom? Certainly not for her.
“Are you well, Miss?” Connie asked her so suddenly that it startled her.
She jumped and nodded. “I am perfectly well. In fact, I am delighted.”
“Wonderful, Miss.”
“Indeed, it is,” Rebeca said with a smile. “Prepare my easel and my painting supplies, please. We are headed to the cliffs. My father has granted me permission to go and wishes you to accompany me.”
“Of course, Miss. Right away,” Connie said, a bright and cheerful smile on her lips.
She’d been right. Connie was as relieved and delighted at the news as Rebecca was. The fresh air was needed by them both.
Chapter Seven.
Something wasn’t right.
Thomas shook head in disapproval as he stared at his easel. Although the view around him of Weymouth Bay and the cliffs and the town to his right was picturesque, something was wrong. His painting appeared dull and lifeless, entirely uninspiring. It lacked passion and heart, and Thomas knew the precise reason.
After his mother had rudely prohibited him from ever seeing Rebecca again and referred to her as “that woman”, Thomas had been in a mood. A dark cloud of anger and resentment had been following him around ever since, and his tolerance for his family had been very low. Even towards his brothers, who had little to no say in the matter beca
use of their mother’s rank.
Even his eldest brother, Charles, had come to him late the previous evening, informing him of their mother’s conversation with him. The dowager duchess had asked Charles to ensure that Rebecca did not set foot on the estate grounds, and that she should be dealt with accordingly if she did attempt to do so. She’d also made it perfectly clear that Thomas was not allowed to go anywhere near Rebecca, and that her reasoning for taking such drastic steps was that she wished to protect the Melton family name.
Her reasons, however, were not good enough for Thomas. She did not personally know Rebecca, nor had she made any attempt to meet her. His mother was in no position to pass judgement, although she had planted a seed in Thomas’ mind that Rebecca was not to be trusted. Thomas despised himself for even contemplating the idea, although it was only for a moment. Rebecca was not the kind of woman who would be capable of doing such things.
Nevertheless, there was very little that Thomas was able to do, although the mere thought of his mother trying to control him was infuriating. His actions have not been childish or immature, but clearly his mother thought otherwise. He had rescued Rebecca, and this was how he was treated.
He groaned in agitation and brought his brush up to the canvas again, desperate to find the inspiration inside him. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed movement, and as he turned, his sombre mood lifted. Making their way up the side of the hill towards the cliff were Rebecca and her maidservant. The maid carried an easel and Rebecca carried a folding stool and her leather satchel. He assumed the satchel container her art supplies as she’d had it with her when he’d encountered her at the beach, sketching.
Rebecca was dressed warmer than necessary, but it was most certainly due to her father being overprotective of her. Thomas had accepted that the doctor did not want him near her, but seeing Rebecca at that moment, neither the physician’s words, nor his mother’s threats carried any weight.
“Rebecca!” he said, calling out to her as she came closer.
The young woman stopped suddenly and her eyes widened. The expression on her beautiful face alarmed Thomas and his blood ran cold in his veins. Would she back away and leave? Had she also been threatened by her father if she were to come near him?
