Colin had had many failures in his thirty years of life. He’d been unable to stop his father from beating James until shortly after Colin’s sixteenth birthday when he’d finally been able to fight back successfully. He’d joined the Guards as soon as he was done with university, but he’d been unable to save so many of the men under his command. Good men. Ones with families who loved them.
Then, after his father died, Colin had been unable to save the family finances. Rose would not have a Season. If she weren’t so skilled with needle and thread, neither she nor Letty would have clothes that fit. As it was, they were far from fashionable. It had been his plan to save them by marrying an heiress. But that hadn’t worked, either. Though, selfishly, he would never regret his choice of bride. Ava had saved him. And it was Ava the previous night who’d held him in her arms as he’d wept about his greatest failure: the failure to keep Win safe.
But he would not fail her again. He would do anything – anything – to save her life.
As the carriages made the turn into the Lynwood House drive, he was pleased to see the duke and Ned waiting outside for them, along with two ladies and a girl who must be Ned’s daughter Violet. Irene was standing with them, but there was no sign of James or Win.
As the carriages drew to a halt, Anna jumped out. Oblivious to the cold and ice, she ran across the courtyard, then jumped into Irene’s arms. Irene was thrilled to see her and soon the two were laughing. They presented quite a contrast in appearance. Irene had fair hair and blue eyes, while Anna’s Algonquin heritage graced her with skin the color of tea. They looked different, but nothing could disguise the strong bond between them.
In his letter, James had not mentioned marriage plans or whether he was staying in England or returning to America. Irene’s presence and the love on her face as she held Anna in her arms made Colin think that no matter where James might end up, Irene would be by his side.
“Matters must be going well with Miss Wallace,” said Nick.
“They simply must get married,” said Rose. “We need one small bit of joy in this horrid business.”
Rose had taken the news of Win’s difficulties hard, but she’d stepped up to the mark and immediately begun strategizing for Win’s defense. It was hard for Colin to admit, but Rose was a young lady, no longer a child.
Colin and Nick got out of the carriage and helped the ladies do the same. Liam and Ned met them, with their families in tow.
“We cannot thank you enough, Lynwood,” said Colin, as he shook the man’s hand.
“I’m glad I was able to help. We are all united in offering whatever assistance you need. But first, may I present my dear wife, Rosalind, as well as my lovely sister-in-law Jane, and our most esteemed Kellington, Violet.”
Colin introduced his family. Letty was unusually shy, clinging to Ava’s skirts. Irene joined them, still holding Anna.
“Anna!” said Violet.
Anna smiled at her.
“Lady Leticia,” said Violet, as she made a perfect curtsy, “I was wondering if you and Anna would stay with me, if Lord and Lady Ridgeway allow it.”
For the first time since the journey began, Letty lost some of her sadness. She turned to Colin.
“May I, Colin and Ava? Please?”
“That’s a lovely idea,” said Colin. “And yet another kindness from the Kellingtons.”
Rosalind smiled at them. “I am certain you are all tired from the journey. I asked Heskiss to set out tea in the drawing room for you, where James and Win are waiting. You may wish to join them, then perhaps Violet can come get Letty and Anna in a quarter of an hour or so.”
Lynwood’s duchess was both kind and sensitive. He’d made a wise choice. And as they walked into the house, Lynwood put his hand on Rosalind’s extreme lower back, just above her bum.
Colin would wager all the money he wished he had that the duke and duchess were very much in love.
Colin wasn’t sure how he’d react when he saw Win again, how he could bear to see her injuries. Then Ava took his arm.
“Dearest, everything will work out,” she said.
“I envy your optimism,” he said, kissing her hand.
“You should have the faith in you that I do.” She smiled at him and he was reminded that he, too, had chosen well in love.
Heskiss showed them into the drawing room and suddenly Colin was face to face with the sister he hadn’t seen in years. Win and James were on the settee, but they rose when everyone entered – with James helping Win to her feet. There was a moment of silence. Colin felt Letty’s presence by his side, as she leaned into him.
Then the silence was broken by an ecstatic Anna, who was still in Irene’s arms.
“Papa!” she said. “I missed you so much.”
James crossed the distance between them in an instant, taking her into his arms. “I’m so happy to see you, love. I’ve missed you so.”
Perhaps it was that emotional reunion which set in motion another one. For in the next instant, Colin, Nick and Rose all swarmed Win, gently hugging her and trying unsuccessfully not to cry.
Only Letty held back, clinging to Ava’s skirts.
James put Anna on her feet, though he still held her hand. “Win, may I introduce Anna to you? Anna, this is your Aunt Win.” He also motioned for Letty to join them. She did, but it was obvious she was scared to go closer.
Letty had been just two years old when Win had been married off. It was only natural she would be nervous. Colin just hoped Win wouldn’t take offense.
“Letty, I am so happy to see you again,” said Win carefully. “And Anna, I cannot believe I’m finally meeting you.”
There was a moment of awkward silence until Anna said, “I had a chicken pox in my mouth.”
That made Win laugh through her tears.
Letty stepped forward. “She did! I saw it!”
“Well, that must have been awful for both of you,” said Win. “Would you like to sit next to me and tell me about it?”
The girls went to her, then proceeded to tell the tale of Anna’s illness and recovery, punctuated by comments from everyone who’d witnessed the events. The girls lost all their reticence as Win drew them out. Colin didn’t think it was possible to laugh under such circumstances, but it was a welcome respite.
“Will you come back to Wiltshire with us?” asked Letty. “You can meet Jasper, our cat.”
“I hope so,” said Win, with a glance at Colin. “But there are a few things I must clear up here first.”
“I want you to come,” said Letty shyly.
Win pulled her close and hugged her.
“I want you to come to Wiltshire, too,” said Anna.
“I think it would be lovely if everyone came back to Wiltshire,” said Colin with a meaningful look at James.
His brother sighed. “Anna,” he said. “I have some bad news.”
Anna sat up and looked at her father nervously. She bit her lip. “Are you sick?” she asked softly.
“Oh, love, no,” said James as he reached for his daughter. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have scared you that way.” Anna’s mother had died only a little more than six months earlier. “My bad news is that we’re not going back to America. I lost our farm.”
This time James looked at Colin meaningfully.
“I am sorry to hear that,” said Colin sincerely, for he knew how much his brother’s dream had meant to him.
“Where will we live?” Anna asked.
“Well, if it’s all right with everyone here, I was thinking we could move to Wiltshire.”
Letty’s high-pitched shriek of joy nearly deafened everyone. But there was no mistaking the happiness in the room.
“Would you like that, Anna?” James asked, once the din had died down.
“Yes,” she said with a big smile. Then she leaned toward him and whispered, “Will Irene come, too?”
“Well, that is a conversation I was hoping we’d have in private.”
“Just pretend we’re no
t here,” said Colin with a grin.
James shot him a look which said he’d pay for that later. “Anna, what would you think if Irene and I got married?”
Anna nodded her head solemnly. “I would like that.” After a moment, she added, “Where will I be?”
“Where will you be?” asked James. “You’ll always be by my side. Only now you’ll have Irene on your other side.”
“Really?” There was no mistaking Anna’s joy.
“Truly,” said James.
“Anna,” said Irene carefully. “I know I can never replace your mother. She loved you very much. But I was hoping you’d consider letting me be your English mama. You don’t have to call me that, of course. But it would make me very happy if you would be my daughter. For I love you very much and I already consider you the daughter of my heart.”
Anna climbed on Irene’s lap and whispered something in her ear.
Irene hugged her close. “She said yes.” Then Irene cried.
Win reached for her handkerchief and the entire room was in tears.
Heskiss chose that moment to knock and let Violet in.
“Oh, no!” she said. “Why is everyone crying?”
“I have an English mama!” announced Anna.
“That’s wonderful!” said Violet. “We should eat biscuits! Lord and Lady Ridgeway, can Letty come, too?”
Noting his sister’s enthusiasm, Colin said, “Of course.”
Then with one more hug for Irene and James, Anna followed the two older girls out of the room.
After a few moments spent toasting the happy couple – Lynwood had left his best brandy for them – they all returned to the matter at hand.
“I suppose,” said Win as she took a deep breath, “that I should tell you about my life.”
*
Victor Stemple had been shocked and greatly saddened to hear what had happened to Lady Winifred when Lord James’s note had reached the family in Wiltshire. He’d never met the lady. In fact, he’d only known the rest of the family for a few short months. But he shared their sorrow.
He’d originally met Lord Ridgeway at the end of the war when Victor had been in a hospital recovering from the burns which had scarred the right side of his face and body. His lordship had been a lieutenant in the Guards and was there to visit one of his men. But through the subsequent visits, Victor and his lordship had had a few laughs and spoken at length of the war that had laid waste to so many men.
It was only by chance that he’d met the earl again seven years later. The intervening years had not been good for either of them. While Victor had returned home after the war, his severe burns had scared away many of the customers in his parents’ country shop. To make certain they didn’t lose their business, Victor had invented a job offer in London, then gone to seek his fortune.
Unfortunately, he’d not been able to find permanent employment, given his appearance. He’d survived working job to job and couldn’t be choosy with his employers. He’d done some illegal work, but had never stolen or hurt anyone. But he was nearly destitute when fate put him in the earl’s path once again.
The earl had been without money and in search of a rich bride. He’d needed a valet, yet could not afford to pay one. Despite having no experience, Victor had worked for him in exchange for room and board. On their way back to Wiltshire for Christmas, they’d been stranded at Lord Clayton’s estate, where they each met his future wife. The current Lady Ridgeway had been the governess for Lord Clayton’s sisters and Victor’s wife Maude had been a kitchen maid at the estate.
Now they were all in London and while Victor would do anything to help Lady Winifred, he was not looking forward to his stay in a city that held so many unpleasant memories.
He’d just unpacked Lord and Lady Ridgeway’s trunks and was about to do the same for Lord Layton, when the butler, Mr. Heskiss, appeared. Butlers in general were an insufferable lot. They too often equated their worth with their master’s rank. The butler at Lord Clayton’s estate had told Victor to eat in a separate room so he wouldn’t spoil everyone’s appetite. He could only imagine what a duke’s butler would expect of him.
“Mr. Stemple,” said Mr. Heskiss. “I see you are getting his lordship settled. Please let me know if there is anything he – or anyone – requires.”
“Thank you, Mr. Heskiss,” said Victor, hoping to make a quick escape to Lord Layton’s suite.
But the butler stopped him before he could walk too far down the hallway. “I would like to have a word with you, Mr. Stemple, about a rather delicate matter.”
Victor sighed. He had a feeling he’d eat separately again. At least he knew Maude would join him. And he’d never need more than that. “How may I help you, Mr. Heskiss?”
The man was a bit uncomfortable. Good. If you couldn’t see past a bloke’s appearance you should be a little uneasy.
Mr. Heskiss continued. “We, the staff, have never had the pleasure of meeting an Algonquin Indian before and, quite frankly, we are at a loss. Are there special dishes Miss Emerson likes to eat? Are there foods she avoids? Are there any special customs that would make her feel at home? Anything she requires for a religious practice? It is our job to make all of his grace’s guests feel at home, but we are concerned that we might inadvertently say or do something wrong. Cook is particularly worried that her dinners might be lacking. And we certainly can’t have a little girl go hungry. Can you please help us?”
Victor hoped he didn’t look as shocked as he felt. It was certainly not what he’d been expecting. “I’m embarrassed to say I don’t know the answers to those questions. I haven’t noticed that Miss Emerson has any particular preferences. In fact, she is very eager to please, so if we have somehow offended her in Wiltshire, she has never mentioned it. Lord James has never given us particular instructions regarding his daughter and he is a very devoted father. But if I do learn anything, I will be certain to let you know.”
“Thank you. And if any of the Emersons or Lord Layton have particular preferences, I would be most appreciative if you would inform me. Ah, Mr. Rigg.”
A smartly dressed servant in his middle thirties approached.
“Mr. Stemple, please allow me to introduce Mr. Rigg. He is the butler for Lord and Lady Edward at Marston Vale and his wife helps take care of the children.”
“She mostly takes care of me,” said Mr. Rigg with a grin, as he shook Victor’s hand.
Heskiss continued. “Lord James asked if it might be possible to house you and your good wife together, Mr. Stemple. We have placed you in the nursery, next to Mr. and Mrs. Rigg.”
Rigg explained. “The nursery is unused, since his lord and ladyship keep the babe with them in their room and Miss Kellington is in the bedchamber on the other side of their sitting room. So, the nursery is actually one of the quietest places to sleep. I can show you where it is, if you have a moment.”
“Thank you,” said Victor, still unable to comprehend the kind treatment he was receiving. “But now I have a delicate question to ask. At my wife’s former house of employment, it was not safe for women to walk the halls at night. I do not mean any insult, but…”
“But you are simply a protective husband,” said Mr. Heskiss with a smile. “I am glad of it. Too many females in this world are unprotected, including some who are married. This is as safe a house as I have ever heard of. Indeed, if something untoward were to occur, his grace would have the offender prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, after first being taken outside and, well, punished.”
“I wouldn’t want to go up against his grace,” said Mr. Rigg. “Or any of the Kellingtons, to be honest. Now, if you’d like to see your bedchamber, I’d be happy to show you and I’ll have my wife look out for Mrs. Stemple.”
As Victor accepted the offer, he hoped the same good fortune that seemed to be finding him as of late would also shine on Lady Winifred. For she certainly needed it.
CHAPTER SIX
Win was exceedingly nervous. She had deliberated
on how much she was going to tell her family, knowing what it would do to them to hear her story. But she realized she was done with lies of all kinds. And especially now that her very life was at stake, it was important to be as honest as possible.
Her brothers were much as she remembered, but different. They were men now. Fully grown men. Not like their father. Never like their father. But noblemen, in the truest sense of the word.
Rose was a beautiful young woman and, from what James had told her, quite intelligent. It had been Rose’s idea to move the family into the dower house so they could rent out the manor for much needed income. It was supporting the family now, along with some income from Colin’s writing. Perhaps there would be enough money from Pierce’s estate to help them out. She could not presume to move home, knowing how she must have disappointed them through the years, but she would do what she could to help them.
“I suppose we should begin,” said Win, her heart pounding and her palms sweating. “I know you are most concerned about the murder charges. I am, as well. And I hope I do not need to tell you I did not murder Pierce.”
“No, Win,” said Colin quietly. “You do not need to say it. Though I have a feeling I’m going to wish I’d killed him before long.”
“And that is my greatest fear – that you’ll do something foolish to help me. I couldn’t bear it if any of you were harmed because of me.”
“But I failed you,” said Colin.
“No, Colin. You cannot take any of this upon yourself. None of you can. I will tell you my story only to help you understand what has happened. But you cannot use it to excoriate yourselves.” Win took a deep breath. All eyes were upon her. “As you know, father arranged my marriage for money. Pierce paid off his debts, but also bought up markers that father didn’t tell him about.”
“Why wouldn’t he disclose all of his debts?” asked Nick.
“I do not know. Nor do I know to whom father owed money or how much. But it had to be either illegal or immoral, because Pierce told me if word got out, father would be ruined. And so would Colin and the rest of you by extension.”
Always Have Hope (Emerson Book 3) Page 6
