Forever Winter

by Amber Daulton

  “No, you aren’t nervous about tonight.” Gaynor easily maneuvered around the lounger. “You have experience. I’m sure the viscount is grateful, but I highly doubt he would like that information spread. I have many connections, you know. All I have to do is tell a few certain people and the ton would be aghast.”

  She bit her lip. “You have no proof. Would you like to be sued for slander? Attacking a proper lady’s reputation without fact or merit is risky.”

  He shrugged his shoulders. “I am willing to take that chance, unless you find a way to convince me otherwise.”

  Susanna barely breathed as dozens of thoughts rushed through her mind. She wasn’t virtuous, but he had no way of knowing it. He was testing the water, trying to break her by blackmail. She refused to fall victim, refused to allow his cold words to taint that night of passion she held dear to her heart.

  “Be my guest, but expect a barrister and a Bow Street Runner on your doorstep.”

  He folded his arms across his chest in challenge. “You act innocent, but I doubt you are. Men have needs and waiting for a proper woman is torturous. Not that I know anything about that. Deandra was quite willing before our nuptials.” He smirked as she cringed. “I do not see a man of Beckinworth’s reputation waiting long. Perhaps he sought solace elsewhere? Do you know of his travels in Europe?” Triumph sparked in his eyes as she clenched her fists. “He was living with two prostitutes in Amsterdam when his parents died. He visited brothels all the time while at Eton. We often shared ladies, but rarely spoke outside idle chitchat.”

  Tears beaded under her lashes but Susanna used anger to push them back. She heard similar rumors and even mentioned a few to Camden. He admitted to them but promised those bachelor days were over. “I am asking you politely to leave me alone. I’m not a frightened little girl you can bully. Not anymore. If you do not step aside, right now, I will tell my father and fiancé about this. I will not keep this harassment quiet any longer.”

  His grin widened clear across his face. “I swear Beatrix was not this difficult.” He cocked his head. “She barely argued the first time I cornered her. And now, even though she is married, she hungers for our occasional rendezvous.”

  Susanna felt sick. Beatrix had slept with him? She never would have imagined that Bea, the obedient, proper child, indulged in affairs. “I’m leaving. You will not follow me.” Stomping around a reading desk as tears burned and threatened to fall, she knocked over a chair as he hurried after her.

  Gaynor tripped, just as she planned, but still managed to wrap his strong arms around her and haul her away from the doors. Refusing to scream, and not wanting the entire household to witness the attack, she fought her captor and clawed at him with her nails. Cursing her gloves, she stomped hard on his foot, but he merely grunted.

  Pinned helplessly against him, her head spun in disbelief. He laughed at her useless efforts and tossed her on the nearest sofa. She landed with a hard thud and cried out as the sharp edge of a discarded book jabbed her spine. She barely had time to shove the book to the floor before he jumped on top of her. He straddled her waist and grabbed her flailing arms to pin them at her sides. She kicked and thrashed, screaming for him to get off, uncaring that anyone could burst through the door and find them. In fact, she wanted someone to find them— she didn’t give a damn about her reputation. He would force her, rape her, and she wasn’t strong enough to stop him.

  Pinning her arms with his knees, he painfully squeezed her breasts and trailed his hands down her torso as she hissed and cried out. Ripping the lace from her bodice, he forced his fingers beneath layers of fabric to grasp warm flesh. He pinched her nipple and shifted his knees to rub his crotch against her.

  She jerked her hands free as his shifting knees loosened around her arms. Instead of shoving and pushing him off, Susanna ripped off her gloves and slashed his face, aiming for his eyes. Blood beaded across his cheeks in deep lines as he hauled back in pain. She grabbed the book and rammed it into his gut. Shifting sideways to loosen her trapped legs, she kneed him in the crotch and he fell to the floor. She scrambled to her feet but he tackled her, pinning her with his body and slapping her hard across the face.

  She cried out just as the doors to the library crashed opened. The sound of stomping echoed in the chamber as several people rushed in. Hands pulled Gaynor off her. She clamped her legs together and scurried back. Tears welled in her eyes as Camden punched the bastard several times in the face. Gaynor collapsed on the floor, blood spewing from his mouth.

  Her betrothed rushed to her side and pulled her into his arms. Susanna grasped him hard and buried her face against his chest, crying in panic and relief. He buried his hand in her messy braid and murmured soothing words, coaxing her to explain. Once she finally pried herself from his chest and stared over at Gaynor, who had risen to wobbly knees, she noticed that her father and three servants bore witness. Anger and confusion strained the baron’s eyes. She lowered her gaze and quickly explained.

  Gaynor fervently shook his head and clasped his aching jaw. “She coerced me into the library. She is very beautiful, and very persuasive. Shamefully, I lost all inhibitions.”

  With that, Camden launched himself at the earl and tackled him to the hardwood floor.

  The baron ordered the servants to drag Camden off Gaynor just as Lady Lorican and Deandra rushed into the room. The women gasped as the men rolled on the floor, fists flying. The servants grabbed Camden’s arms and pulled him back. Gaynor kicked out but missed the viscount’s leg. Camden shrugged off the servants and rubbed at his sore jaw. Lady Lorican rushed to her crying daughter and held Susanna close.

  Deandra hurried to her bleeding husband but he shoved her away. She scowled at the seething viscount but focused on her youngest sister. “What did you do? Tempt him?” Deandra hissed at Susanna. “My husband is loyal. He would never touch you!”

  Susanna gripped her mother harder as sobs overwhelmed her. Both Susanna and Deandra cried as Camden bristled and clenched his fists.

  “Leave,” the baron ordered the servants. “If you speak of this situation to anyone, consider yourselves jobless and your families homeless.” The servants quickly nodded and left. Only the Lorican family remained. “Deandra, Susanna quiet. I cannot handle two emotional women with a blasted headache.” He rubbed his temples and then stared at Lord Gaynor.

  The earl tried to speak but his words slurred together. He wiped blood from his lips with the sleeve of his dark shirt and swallowed the excess blood pooled in his mouth. Gaynor rose to his feet as Deandra clung to his arm to keep him steady.

  Lord Lorican crossed his arms and scowled at his son-in-law. “I believe my daughter. You cornered and attacked my child on the day of her wedding. You struck her, groped her and now deny it like a rat.” He held up his hand as both Gaynor and Deandra tried to speak. “You may be an earl, my lord, but are no longer welcomed in my home. I will see that a doctor tends to your injuries, but you will leave once the roads are passable.” He focused on his eldest daughter. His eyes softened but his tone was firm. “You are always welcomed here, as are your children, but not your husband.” He ignored Gaynor as the earl fumed. “You have shown little love or respect for your sister. I thought better of you, Deandra.”

  Deandra wrung her hands. “My husband would never touch Susanna. Or Beatrix. Dallying with my sisters is one boundary he would never cross.” Gaynor squeezed her arm for silence as she swiped at falling tears. “I admit my husband and I have marital issues, but I am certain this whole thing is a huge misunderstanding, Papa.”

  Lord Lorican glanced at Camden. The younger man nodded. The baron then licked his lips and sighed. “Lord Beckinworth and I have had long talks about your husband’s actions regarding Susanna. I hoped what he had told me was nothing but tall tales, but after this, I believe him entirely.”

  Susanna frowned and flushed red. She met Camden’s gaze.

  “I’m sorry, love.” Camden approached her but paused as she turned away. He clutch
ed his hands behind his back and then met Lady Lorican’s questioning, teary gaze. “She wanted it kept secret. Lord Gaynor made several innuendoes over the years. Several ‘accidental’ grazes, but nothing like this. No direct attack, as far as I know.” He arched an eyebrow at Susanna. As everyone in the room stared at her, she nodded quickly. “If everything would have gone according to plan today, I would not have seen you until the ceremony. I couldn’t have guarded or protected you. I told your father because I needed someone to watch out for you in my absence.”

  Susanna finally looked up to see shame fill his gaze. He obviously blamed himself for this predicament, but he shouldn’t.

  “Lord and Lady Gaynor,” the baron said, “you are dismissed. We will speak later, my lord, at great length.”

  The Gaynors left. While Susanna didn’t really expect better, she still felt betrayed that her sister believed her snake of a husband. She unwrapped herself from her mother and stood on wobbly legs. Camden rushed to her side and pulled her safely into his arms. Without a word, she flung her arms around his neck and kissed him.

  Once Susanna pulled back and stroked his sore jaw, he kissed the crown of her head. “This was why I wanted you to wait for me in the tea room with the door locked while I spoke with Lord Lorican. I feared Lord Gaynor’s actions if he found you without an escort.” He then cursed his words as she lowered her head in fault. He lifted her chin with his finger and forced her to meet his gaze. “I shouldn’t have expected you to listen to me without an explanation. Susanna, I do not wish to control you, but everything I say, whether I ask or order it, is for your own protection.”

  The baron kissed his wife’s hand before folding his arms across his chest. “Do not fret about any of this, Susanna. It will soon be nothing but a horrible memory. There is, however, more bad news.” He sighed as Marie stared up at him in concern. “We have to postpone the wedding. The road is now impassible with icy slush. Several guests are likely stranded in Derby and other nearby towns. Luckily, one of the guests already here is a doctor. He gave Reverend Chauncey a clean bill of health but ordered bed rest. Because of the road we cannot call for another reverend.”

  Lady Lorican sniffed and wiped away tears.

  “We don’t have much choice, love.” Camden brushed stray hair from Susanna’s bruised cheek. A purple blemish formed beneath her eye. He clenched his fists and held her tighter. “We shall marry in a few months. We’ll obtain another special license to have the wedding outside your family’s parish. By then, the snow should be gone. You’ll wear the dress you designed, the courtyard will be overfilled with spring flowers and everything will be much calmer.”

  Susanna pinched her eyes shut but nodded. She clutched Camden closer.

  Camden then addressed her parents. “My lord, my lady, I wish to take her to her chambers. She needs rest.” His gaze narrowed. “I understand my request is highly inappropriate but, given the circumstances, I do not care. Her well-being is my only concern.”

  Lord Lorican’s brow rose as he glanced at his wife. Lady Lorican nodded. “Of course,” the baron replied. “We trust you with her. Make sure my daughter rests and all her needs are met. Come by my study within the hour.”

  Camden agreed.

  Susanna bit her lip. Gaynor held more power, prestige and money than either her fiancé or father. They would undoubtedly speak with the bastard in private and hopefully come to some kind of resolution. If not, a lawsuit could be on their hands.

  She silently cursed, wishing she could just snap her fingers and wake from this horrible dream. “Camden…” She peered up at him as he silenced her apology by placing his finger on her lips. The love, concern and protection that boiled like embers in his dark eyes burned through her defenses. God, she loved this man more than life itself.

  The library doors suddenly burst open and her brothers rushed in, flanked by Beatrix, now heavy with child, and her husband. Susanna’s eldest brother explained that they found Deandra crying alone outside her old bedchamber. They hastily sought out the library after she explained what happened, though still in denial of any wrongdoing on her husband’s part. Each brother hugged Susanna, as did Beatrix. Embarrassment and shame darkened Bea’s eyes. Susanna now believed Lord Gaynor lied and took advantage of her sister. They would have a long talk about that later.

  Once the three men shook Camden’s hand and Beatrix hugged him in gratitude, the baron’s eldest son, the heir to the Lorican Barony, focused on his father. “Reverend Chauncey is awake. He is tired but determined to see the wedding through.” He directed his gaze toward those in question. “Are you still willing?”

  Susanna eagerly nodded as Camden sighed in relief.

  Lady Lorican clapped her hands together. “There is still much to do. Camden, my son, I will take Susanna upstairs to prepare. You will speak with my husband, do what you must and then dress. Once the two of you leave this room,” she narrowed her gaze on both her youngest daughter and future son-in-law, “there will be no more contact until the music plays. Beatrix, you will accompany us.”

  Beatrix nodded happily.

  Once Marie Lorican gave orders, no one defied her. As her mother and sister pulled her from the library, Susanna glanced over her shoulder and met her betrothed’s gaze. She wanted to stay, needing to know what the men decided regarding Lord Gaynor even though she had no control over the earl’s fate. The day had been a complete disaster. She still felt frazzled and unsure of herself but as Camden mouthed the words, ‘I love you’, she focused on the only thing she now had control over—the wedding. She would finally get married. And it was about damned time.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  “Beautiful.” Lady Lorican dabbed at tears beading under her lashes.

  Beatrix clutched two of her favorite magazines to her chest: the Ladies’ Cabinet of Fashion, Music and Romance and The Court Magazine and Belle Assemblée. Styling her sister’s accessories and hair according to detailed descriptions, Susanna appeared every bit a model for a wedding fashion plate. “I’m so happy for you.” The petite brunette beamed at her taller sister.

  Susanna swished her skirts and giggled as she admired herself in the full-length mirror. She dressed in a pale pink and ivory silk ensemble, with short, yet puffy, Beret sleeves. Elbow-length white gloves graced her arms. A low, square neckline trimmed with lace fell off her shoulders. A satin band fit snug around her waist. Heavy skirts reached her ankles and were embroidered with silk near the bottom. Twisting her feet to admire her ivory stockings and square-toed heels, she didn’t expect to appreciate—adore—the gown as much as she did.

  With her long tresses swept up and decorated with ivy and holly, they draped a lace veil over her curled hair. Diamond earrings dangled low from her ears and a matching necklace shimmered under the light of the glowing hearth. Powder hid the blemish under her eye and natural blush filled her cheeks. Clear pomade added sheen to her lips.

  A knock resonated at the door. Lady Lorican answered and her husband entered. He beamed with pride and took Susanna in his arms. He kissed her cheek before pulling back to admire her. “You look radiant. I feel so old, sweetheart. All my children are now wed. Well, soon. I expect more grandchildren by next year.” He kissed Susanna’s cheek again before releasing her to hug Beatrix. He petted her growing stomach and cooed to the unborn child. “Well, it’s time. Reverend Chauncey has prepared for noon by tradition. We shall dine with a customary wedding breakfast and dance soon afterward.”

  “It’s so unbelievable.” Susanna clutched her shaky hands together and smiled. “I never thought this moment would come, especially after all the mishaps today.”

  “But none of that is important right now.” Lord Lorican patted her hand. “You are lucky. Even though I detest the idea of arranged marriages, I would’ve chosen a spouse for you had another season in London been disastrous. I can only afford so many parties, balls and gowns.” He laughed softly as she blushed. “Your brothers have been with Lord Beckinworth for the past hour or so, railing
the poor man with their big brother speeches.”

  Her brow rose at a mischievous angle. Camden typically regressed into a callow youth when around her brothers. “I assume he received your speech earlier, too.”

  “Of course. I am your father.” He grinned as Marie rolled her eyes. “I’ve never seen a man more excited, anxious and relieved than your viscount. You’ve chosen well for yourself.”

  “I agree.”

  Taking Susanna’s arm in his, Lord Lorican led the ladies from the bedchamber to the vestibule outside the main reception hall. With Deandra out of the wedding, Lady Lorican took her place as a bridesmaid. As a few smiling servants handed the women extravagant bouquets of winter flowers adorned with ribbons, Lord Lorican stuck his head through the open archway and signaled the quartet he hired from Derby. Once soft music began to resonate through the large chamber, Lady Lorican entered one step at a time. Beatrix soon followed.

  “Are you ready?” Lord Lorican whispered to his youngest.

  “More than you know.”

  He peered down at her and tears shone in his eyes. “I am so proud of you. My little girl is getting married. I can barely believe it.”

  Tears glistened in hers. “I’ll always be your little girl, Papa. And Beckinworth Manor is close by. You’ll see us often. Besides, since you want many grandchildren, I will call on you and Mama for help all the time.”

  He laughed and hugged her close. “I look forward to it.”

  Once the soft sounds of the violin, viola, clarinet and cello deepened, Lord Lorican draped the veil over Susanna’s face and hugged her. Then he straightened, patted his daughter’s arm and led the way.

  Passing beneath a richly adorned archway, mistletoe and ivy impressively looped within thick garlands, Susanna nearly stumbled. Air stilled in her lungs. The once stuffy and oppressive hall was now airy and breathtaking. Ivy, holly and red huckleberry hung from every lofty corner, intertwined with bright, imported amaryllis blooms and white ribbons. Spruce, laurel and galax leaves lay scattered about the floor and on the burgundy carpet beneath her feet. Lace, tulle and ribbons decorated tables and chairs. Ribbons and ivy dangled from gold sconces. Hundreds of white candles, large and small, glowed brightly.