An Unexpected Title (Suspicious Circumstance Book 1)

by Jackie Williams

  “Give yourself a moment. There is no rush.”

  The maid looked down at the floor.

  “I’m sorry, my Lady. I don’t know what came over me. Please forgive me.” She wrung her hands together.

  Madeleine shook her head.

  “I quite understand. The shock and the doctor’s sleeping draught caught you unawares. But perhaps now you are recovered enough to go about your duties.” While she didn’t want to sound unkind, Madeleine wanted to be alone to think.

  The maid nodded quickly and keeping her eyes down, ran for the door. But solitude hadn’t been as comfortable as Madeleine hoped. With her mind still reeling and the driveway now empty of any interesting subjects, Madeleine followed her maid out of the door and down the stairs to look for a distraction. She soon found it in the hall. A painting of her mother sitting on Milady had her heading for the stables.

  Milady’s new born foal seemed content enough. The stable lad’s speedy actions in getting the foal to suckle from its dying mother had probably saved the animal’s life. Now it drank greedily from a pail, it’s soft muzzle becoming wet with cow’s milk and added honey, while Madeleine listened to Aiden’s tale of the previous evening’s events.

  And after hearing young Aiden’s stout declaration that Mr. Leyman would, ‘never have deserted any horse in such distress, let alone his mistress’ favourite without there being a bloody good reason! Beggin’ your pardon, my Lady.’ she was convinced that in complete contradiction to whatever the gossips and supposed evidence said, something untoward had happened to the man.

  If only she hadn’t seen the look on Thomas’ face as she had run from her father’s study the evening before. Perhaps he had been filled with jealousy and anger and done something unimaginable. She shook her head before she finished the thought. No, never, even if his pride and his heart had been wounded. He was not a cruel man. He would never have deserted Milady when she needed him so badly.

  Aiden’s story and the new foal kept her busy for more than an hour before she once again returned wearily to her room. This time to stay there. The events of the day had caught up with her. She needed to rest. With sudden fatigue consuming her, she had laid on the bed and closed her eyes, only to be disturbed a few minutes later by an impatient knock on the door.

  Mrs. Grenfell had wasted no time in informing her of the vicar’s arrival. The shocking, tragic news was already abroad in the village. Reverend Green had apparently set out the moment Mathews returned to town, to offer solace, comfort, and advice to the earl’s grieving daughter. Madeleine once again left her room.

  At last Reverend Green’s prayers were over. The man clambered from his knees and faced Madeleine. After a few moment’s consolation and enquiries into what was being done to discover the murderer, he mentioned that he had also heard the news of the new earl’s timely arrival. He seemed very keen on an introduction.

  “Of course, it must be easier with the new heir already in situ. Is he here? I would be delighted to make his acquaintance... If at all possible. The church roof is leaking over the pulpit. I doubt it will last much longer. And I am a little fed up with water dripping down my neck every time it rains.” The man looked hopeful.

  Madeleine shook her head as she thought of Asher’s sudden and hurried departure.

  “Oh dear! I can see the urgency of your appeal but I am afraid that his Lordship has gone out. A pressing matter in town required his immediate attention. I am not sure when exactly he will return.” Maybe never? She knew that wasn’t a possibility. Of course he would return, he was heir to Claiborne, but she wasn’t sure why a knot suddenly formed her stomach at the thought of never seeing him again.

  Reverend Green’s cough drew her attention. The man clearly had more to discuss.

  “Another time then. I am sorry, Lady Madeleine, I know it must be painful, but we should really confer about the funeral arrangements. Obviously your father will be interred with the Countess, but there are other things to consider, such as the hymns, the reading. When the funeral can actually take place.”

  Madeleine held up her hand as she took a few steadying breaths.

  “I am sorry, Reverend, but I cannot think of it today. Please go ahead and prepare what needs to be done. The other things can wait a day or two, I am sure.”

  Green bowed his head.

  “Of course, my Lady. It is perhaps fortunate that the new earl is already in residence. At least he can take care of running the estate. However, it does leave the question of where you will reside.”

  Madeleine lifted her head and looked the vicar in the eye.

  “I will remain here at Claiborne. Certainly for the time being and perhaps into the future. There is no need to concern yourself over where I will be living.”

  The vicar’s nostrils flared as he sucked in a shocked breath.

  “But I understand that the new earl is unmarried! You have no female relative with you, no one to act as your chaperone! I cannot possibly condone any situation where you will be living under the same roof as the man. The very idea!” His outrage could barely be greater. “Your father would turn in his grave!”

  “If he was in it.” Madeleine muttered dryly under her breath while mentally rolling her eyes at her visitor.

  The vicar blustered on.

  “Your grief is affecting your decisions. I understand why but you clearly need guidance over this. Perhaps my wife knows of a place you can go. I will enquire on my return, but I suggest you begin packing your bags. It is inconceivable that you should remain here.” His cheeks flushed with indignation at the thought.

  Madeleine lifted her chin another inch, not sure that she could contain the mental eye roll much longer.

  “Please do not put Mrs. Green to any such inconvenience. Your wife already has more than enough work to occupy her time without worrying about me.” She couldn’t think what, but imagined the gossip if the woman began asking about suitable accommodations. “His Lordship is adamant that I remain in situ. Mrs. Grenfell is here along with several female staff. The new earl is no rake. I will be quite safe, I assure you.”

  The reverend’s expression darkened further as he shook his head.

  “But you must see the impropriety of the situation. I know that most people are willing to accept your er, your less than conventional ways.” He gave a little harrumph and mumbled something like, ‘A woman wearing breeches! The very shame of it!’ before clearing his throat and continuing. “But your reputation...” He didn’t finish but jumped visibly as a deep voice spoke behind him.

  “Her reputation will remain as pure as it is at this very moment.” Ash glowered from the doorway, his tone filled with barely controlled irritation as he carried on. “How dare you cast aspersions over Lady Madeleine’s behaviour, or mine! Lady Madeleine is in mourning not conducting some torrid affair, though if it assuages your conscience or your sensibilities I might inform you that Madeleine and I recently became engaged and will be married soon.”

  The vicar swung back to Madeleine, his eyes full of suspicion.

  “Is this true? Why did you not inform me of this development immediately?” His brows suddenly dipped more. “Had you discussed this matter with your father? Did he condone this plan?”

  Madeleine was about to tell Reverend Green that it was really none of his damned business what she might or might not have discussed with her own father, when she suddenly realized what Asher had said. She stared wide eyed at the infuriating man. Had he really just announced their betrothal? Before she had agreed to any such thing. Regardless of her father sending out invites, she had still assumed she could cry off. She fisted her hands at her sides even while the vicar stared at her expectantly. Blast! She could not lie to a man of the church!

  “My father, God rest his soul, not only condoned it, he arranged it!” She hissed from between gritted teeth. Her heart pounded furiously inside her ribcage as Asher brushed past the startled vicar and came to stand beside her; tall, proud, undeniable.

&nbs
p; Ash faced Reverend Green and suddenly smiled widely.

  “And as both you, and our special licence are here, there is nothing to stop us being married at once.” He drew a paper from his pocket and presented it to the startled man.

  Madeleine gasped.

  “What! No! I have not...” She stopped as the vicar stepped forwards and tore the paper from Ash’s fingers. He glanced up at Madeleine.

  “You have not much choice. The Bishop would not have signed this if he was not convinced that your father wished it so.”

  Asher gave a slight bow.

  “Indeed. I showed him the correspondence between myself and the Fifth Earl of Claiborne. Although changing the date of the wedding is rather sudden, the intention was quite clear and sanctioned by her father. And as you mentioned, marrying now also assuages any potential damage to Lady Madeleine’s reputation. Not that I was the least bit worried about that. For my own part, I am only too glad that she has agreed to make me the happiest of men.”

  Madeleine gasped again.

  “I have not...” Again she was interrupted as Ash smiled at her.

  “You have not had time to change your frock. No matter, you look just as lovely in black. Ah, Mrs. Grenfell and Mr. Flack, just the people.” He beckoned the housekeeper and butler into the room. “You will agree to be our witnesses? Thank you.” Ash ignored their startled expressions, took hold of Madeleine’s hand and drew her towards the vicar. “We are ready to begin.”

  Madeleine wrenched her hand away and was about to protest when Mrs. Grenfell rushed to her side.

  “Oh my dear! His Lordship asked us to join him but didn’t inform us of your intentions. Is this really what you want? I know I sounded perturbed earlier but I wouldn’t want you to rush into anything.” She glanced at Asher, her eyes taking in every inch of the man.

  Madeleine felt her mouth fall open. Was Mrs. Grenfell flirting with her fiancé? No! That couldn’t be possible. Perhaps it was simply tears of happiness that made the housekeeper’s eyelashes flutter.

  “The earl and I have talked a little...” She couldn’t say anymore. Her throat closed around her words, but it seemed that none were necessary as Mr. Flack limped forwards and interrupted.

  “Well, what unexpected news, my Lady! When his Lordship rushed off to town, I confess that I guessed his purpose. He had that determined look in his eye, and after Mrs. Grenfell had brought up the matter of propriety only this morning... Ah well, I knew this would work out. I was only telling the rest of the staff what a magnificent new master we have.” Flack coughed into his hand as the housekeeper’s eyes drifted up and down said master once again. His elbow caught the housekeeper’s arm. She narrowed her eyes, but then smiled sweetly as the butler carried on quickly. “With him arriving only this morning and taking over the house so suddenly, I was a little unsure. Especially as you have no other relatives to go to. This is the only practical solution. And your parents would be so thrilled that you will remain at Claiborne.” The man had begun to gush.

  Madeleine felt the situation spiralling out of control. She had to say something but her mouth had gone dry, her tongue apparently stuck to her palate. Panic ripped through her and she forced her mouth open.

  “Claiborne is my home, but...” Her words wilted on her lips as Mrs. Grenfell dipped her eyebrows at Flack and then smiled brightly before she broke in.

  “I recall how your mother worried about not having an heir. She was frantic about it, about you, especially as her health was failing. Until she returned from that last trip to Bath. I wasn’t sure what she meant when she told me that it was all worked out, but it gave her such peace of mind in those final days. Now I can see what happened. This marriage was already arranged.”

  Ash noticed that the woman’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. Curious, as she was the one who had brought up the possibility of Madeleine’s ruined reputation. He turned to look at his prospective bride.

  Madeleine opened her mouth, and then closed it. She looked up at Asher, and while she wanted to slap the triumphant smile from his lips, she couldn’t help admiring the line of his jaw. Damnation! What was she to do? Whatever it was, it would have to be quick. Could she walk out? Finish packing her bags and leave. But what about her father’s funeral? How could she organize it if she had nowhere to live, not even a roof over her head?

  And the vicar was right. She could see the truth of it now. If her father’s demise was already about town. Her living under the same roof as an unmarried bachelor would be about even quicker. And then she would never be able to hold down a position as governess or teacher, or anything. No one would accept being taught by a fallen woman. She would not only be homeless, but completely ruined.

  She flinched as heat suddenly spread through her and she looked down. Ash’s fingers had entwined with hers. They felt warm, strong, sure. She glanced at him again, at his broad shoulders, his unruly hair. His eyes shone down at her, a challenge in his gaze. Was he daring her to defy him? Or daring her to marry him? Either way he would still be the earl, master of Claiborne. And she would have nothing. However much she had tried to convince herself that she could be independent, it simply wasn’t possible without funds. And all she had were the few shillings lying amongst the fluff lining the bottom of her purse.

  She turned to face Reverend Green. Mrs. Grenfell’s words had clearly hit their mark. All doubt over her circumstances was gone. He smiled at her, his cheeks now flushed with delight. Her parents had wanted this, had arranged it, and agreed to it. Any talk of ruination had been silenced by Asher Derwent’s quick thinking. Oh God! Madeleine’s stomach rolled, a roaring sound filled her ears, and the room began to float in her vision. Asher’s hand gripped hers more tightly. His arm brushed her shoulder, his elbow tucking in behind hers to support her.

  The room steadied again. She took a deep breath. Was she really about to become the Countess of Claiborne? Clearly Reverend Green thought so. He rocked on the balls of his feet, his smile becoming even wider.

  “Lady Madeleine?” He tilted his head “There is no time like the present. We can begin immediately. And as his Lordship rightly says, there is no need to worry about your frock. Your father would understand.”

  Would he? Of course he would. This was what he wanted after all. For her to be mistress of Claiborne. A Countess. Her standing would be raised higher. Her future would be secure. She could see the approval in Reverend Green’s eyes, and in Flack’s.

  And in Asher’s. His expression gentled further.

  “Come, we must do this. Everything else will be easier after. Believe me. I only want the best for you,” he said quietly.

  Indignation hit her once more as tears sprang into her eyes.

  “And you are the best for me?” She shook her head disbelievingly.

  His smile became wide again.

  “Of course. You trusted your father’s judgment before. Why not now?”

  Madeleine could think of nothing to say. He had won. She had nothing left but her pride. She lifted her chin, blinked back the last of her tears, and stepped into her future as she looked at Reverend Green.

  “As the new earl says. I count my blessings that I am able to make him the happiest of men.”

  Chapter Seven

  Concealing the Truth

  Her breath sounded too loud in the room. Now that the service was over and the vicar and witnesses dismissed, Madeleine couldn’t think of a thing to say. She could barely look at her new husband, so tricked into marriage did she feel. So much for building trust. Her heart slammed against her ribs as she fought for some semblance of reason.

  “Please do not frown so, my dear. You know that it was the only sensible option.” Asher’s deep tones filled the silence.

  Her head shot up at the sound of his voice.

  “Not for you. You didn’t have to do this. It makes me wonder at your motives. You surely cannot still believe that you had to stick to your word with my dead father.” She paced the room, hands knotted before her as sh
e walked.

  Ash turned towards the window. He knew that his reasons for going through with the marriage wouldn’t make sense to her. They barely made sense to him.

  “I told you that I never thought to marry. But I had once. I thought the woman loved me, but unfortunately that didn’t stop my fiancée being tempted away from me by a more lucrative offer. It is a humbling moment to be told that you are not good enough, that your love is not sufficient or important enough to hold a woman’s interest. I never want to feel so rejected again. A marriage contract to you seemed to be of little inconvenience. I was going to inherit Claiborne anyway, and it would secure a home for you with no loss to your reputation or to my life.” He turned back to the woman who had so recently become his wife, wondering what she thought of his confession.

  Something stabbed her as his words sank in, but she refused to acknowledge the hurt his words gave her as she felt her heart clench for him. Pain flashed in his bluer than blue eyes and she instantly hated the woman who had caused him such misery. She could barely fathom her reaction and gave herself no time to question it. She could see that the rebuff had wounded him so badly that he had given up all hopes of finding another to love. Had he merely gone along with her father’s plans so that there was no possibility of being hurt again?

  She knew her thoughts to be true and doubts suddenly filled her. He wasn’t an unattractive man. Mrs. Grenfell’s inappropriate fluttering had proved that, but what if he did find another woman to love? Someone who loved him in return? Now that he was the earl it was likely enough that he would meet a different class of woman. A woman who might love him for his wealth if nothing else. What if he wanted children with this new lover? They wouldn’t be his legal heirs. And though the thought of marriage had been bad enough, the thought of divorce was worse. Madeleine cleared her throat.

  “But what if you want children, heirs.”

  Ash stared at her. Was she enquiring as to their sleeping arrangements? While he found her ravishing, he knew that he could never touch her again. The risk of falling in love with her was too great. And she clearly wasn’t interested in falling in love with him. He would have his needs met while he was in London about his business and would remain celibate when at Claiborne. It was the only answer. He looked at her from beneath dipped brows.