“Only that he had no choice but to go, and would return as soon as he could,” Luci answered, sighing in a somewhat defeated way. “I don’t understand. It’s as if his marriage were simply another appointment on his calendar, and not something that mattered all that much.”
“You mustn’t feel that way,” Christina cautioned, coming over to sit beside Luci and cheer her up. “We cannot know the nature of all of his business, and perhaps it is something that was already planned, something that he cannot postpone.”
“I know,” Luci said, still looking forlorn. “And you’re right. I had just hoped… I don’t know, I suppose that he would be very happy with his decision, so happy that he might wait a few weeks to leave again.”
“Why don’t you think of some way to be of help to him while he’s gone?” the governess suggested. “After all, you cannot go out with this weather that’s come in. Jacques would despise you if you attempted to ride.”
Luci laughed at the thought of her horse frowning back at her while plodding forward through the rain.
“But how do you mean I could be a help? I wouldn’t know the first thing about his business affairs.”
“No, but what about the house?” Christina suggested, gesturing at the space around her. “Can you not send word to the builders about continuing on with their work?”
“I suppose I could,” Luci answered, lighting up a little at the thought.
As she set about her day, taking note of things that needed tending and parts of the home that needed repair, Luci began to look at the portraits that lined the walls, the books that still stood on the library shelves, the pianoforte that sat untouched in the drawing room. There were so many small things she could begin this very day to improve the house, and she set about her tasks happily.
As Luci moved through the many empty rooms and hallways, she chanced upon a portrait of a man and woman, easily spying Lord Ambergrave’s features in their faces. He had his mother’s beautiful auburn hair and his father’s sharp but understanding features. The green eyes were clearly hers, though, and they stared intently at the viewer from within the confines of the frame.
But she was lovely. It’s no wonder Lord Ambergrave is so distraught after all these years. Luci muttered to herself, taking note of the portrait should she decide to move it to a place of greater honor later on. And his father. He was both handsome and commanding in his presence, yet he looked to be more like a kindly uncle than a commanding Marquess.
The day got away from her as Luci moved through the rooms, inspecting each one, making note of any repairs or improvements. Her pencil worked furiously as she labeled and numbered each one by floor, ignoring the crashes of thunder and the rain that poured against the lead glass windows.
By the evening, Luci was nearly overcome with both excitement and fatigue. It felt good to be of use to the Marquess, even in this small way, and she could not wait for his to return to show him what she had done with her time.
“My Lady,” Derwall said after knocking at her sitting room door, “there is a visitor to see you.”
The butler brought forward a small tray and extended it to Luci so that she might take the card. Luci took it and frowned, then cast a look at Christina.
Bradley Landen, Earl of Stillscar
“What is it?” Christina asked, getting up from her writing and coming to sit next to Luci. She took the card Luci held out and scowled at it. “Good heavens, what could he possibly want?”
“I don’t know. Do you suppose I should refuse to see him?” Luci asked, curious as to what proper behavior required of her.
“I want to say yes, but then again, you are now the Marchioness of Ambergrave,” Christina said, deeply troubled. She turned to Derwall and said, “I know this is a lot to ask of you, sir, but what do you suggest she do?”
“My Lady,” he answered stoically, turning to Luci, “in Lord Ambergrave’s absence, you are now the one to make these decisions. I would never deign to instruct you on these matters, nor on your personal sentiments. However, I will abide by whatever decision you come to.”
“Thank you, Derwall, I am grateful for that,” Luci answered. “I suppose my worry is for the Marquess’ reputation, not my own discomfort. I could never embarrass Lord Ambergrave by refusing to receive a guest in his home. Please inform Lord Stillscar that I shall be down soon.”
“What will you do, Luci?” Christina asked when the butler left to comply, her concern evident in her voice. “I don’t know that this is wise.”
“I’m not certain either,” Luci responded. “Surely it is only that he has heard of my marriage and has come to offer his congratulations, perhaps as he’s traveling on his way north.”
“Well, I shall accompany you just as I did all those evenings when you had your own reputation to preserve.”
“I don’t think that’s wise,” Luci said, surprising them both. “If he has not come to offer his well wishes, then I fear he may make a spectacle of himself in his anger at me. Having someone else to bear witness to that would be too great a shame to carry.”
Christina looked worried but held back her response. Finally, she said, “I shall be nearby then. If I hear so much as a harsh word or a raised voice, know that I will barge in and handle this matter myself.”
“Rather than accusing you of barging in, I would be grateful to you for preventing anything that could cause gossip,” Luci said, laughing and taking the governess’ hand in hers. “Come, the sooner I greet the guest, the sooner I can send him on his way.”
“Wait a moment,” Christina said, shaking her head. “No, let’s not be in a hurry. He should not think you’ve raced down the stairs to meet him.”
“Oh, you’re right,” Luci replied, realization dawning finally. “That would be a very bad look for a married woman, no doubt. You’re right. We’ll sit here for a while and let him wonder.”
Bradley paced nervously along the length of the room, very aware of the butler’s eyes following him. The older man watched his every move as though he suspected him of some underhanded business, and it bothered him greatly.
Although Bradley could admit that his reasons for coming might not be acceptable to some, he bristled at the notion that their butler felt he warranted keen observation.
“So, how old is the house?” Bradley asked cheerfully, attempting to engage the man in conversation.
“Quite,” he said in a clipped tone.
“Well, most houses such as these usually are,” Bradley countered. “Two hundred, perhaps? Three hundred years?”
“I should have to consult the archives to know for certain, My Lord,” Derwall answered in a bored voice, clearly not volunteering anything further.
“I see.” Bradley paused, then tried again. “And the grounds? They’re lovely, from what I’ve seen. Are they extensive?”
“The land office would know that figure better than I could answer,” the man said, continuing to use a nasal, droning tone that bespoke his indifference to Bradley’s questions.
“True, true. Well then…” Bradley was at a loss as to how to respond, so continued his pacing. He brightened somewhat when he turned to say, “I did see the stables, they look very sturdy. Very serviceable.”
“Is the Earl attempting to appraise the value of the property for some reason?” Derwall asked, raising his eyebrows in an accusing glare.
“I beg your pardon,” Bradley shot back. “How dare you speak in such a way and accuse me of anything untoward.”
Unruffled by the outburst, the butler returned to looking bored, perhaps having made his intention rather clear. Bradley fumed at the man’s insolence, though, and his pacing became angrier, more purposeful.
In any event, he did not say anything else until his hostess appeared.
“Lord Stillscar, welcome,” Luci said as she entered the room, smiling slightly.
“Lady Ambergrave,” he replied, bowing formally. He cast an irritated glance at the butler, who still stood by the door.
Noticing his look, Luci turned and said, “Thank you, Derwall. That will be all. Will you send someone up with refreshments?”
“Of course, My Lady. I shall bring them myself,” the butler replied before bowing and leaving for the kitchens.
Turning to face Bradley, Luci smiled politely and said, “So tell me of yourself, Lord Stillscar. What have you been doing as of late? Have you traveled, or perhaps visited with anyone I know?”
“Lord Stillscar, is it?” Bradley asked, frowning. “And am I to address you as My Lady now? Must we stand on ceremony at all times, or only when the staff are present?” Bradley asked, a merry look on his face. “After all, there was a time when I was known to you as ‘my darling Bradley,’ with no need for titles and formality.”
“Yes, well that changed, quite obviously,” Luci said somewhat coldly, feeling rather bothered by his too familiar comment. “You took your time in proposing marriage, so my father saw fit to beat you to it.”
“You know that was not my fault, Luci,” he began, but Luci turned on her heel and walked to the far side of the room as he spoke.
“Fault or no, the fact remains,” she said, sitting stiffly, her posture formal and erect. “I am married now, and my husband is not at home. I don’t think it is at all proper—or acceptable—for you to be here when he is not, especially since he has not been introduced to you.”
Her comment was meant to call him out, to make him see how inappropriate his visit was, especially at this day and hour. But Bradley appeared undaunted by her indifference as he came to sit very close to her.
“That is why I’m here, Luci. I wish to right a terrible wrong!” he insisted.
“What wrong is that? The one where you assumed I would be available for marriage whenever you got around to it?” Luci accused.
“Of course not. You know why I was delayed,” Bradley said. “I don’t understand, I thought you would be glad to see me.”
“How could I be?” she cried, forgetting all efforts at remaining formal and aloof. “You abandoned me. Even after my father made this contract, the banns were posted and read and yet you did nothing. You could have spoken to my father, could have spoken for me. Instead, you blithely allowed this to go forward knowing how I adored you.”
“I was not in a position to put a stop to it, but I am here now. Does that not count for anything in your heart? You would wound me so gravely with indifference to how much I love you?”
“How can you possibly think you can change anything?” she asked sadly. “I am wed to him, the contracts cannot be undone.”
“I care nothing for papers scribbled by earthly hands, Luci. I care only for you.” Bradley smiled adoringly, as though the sentiments they had once shared had the power to undo any injustice.
Luci did her best to decipher his meaning and could only conclude that he was affected by some sort of fever. “How can you believe that this is some simple, inconsequential matter that you can wave away as if swatting at a fly? I am married! Under the law. A bride price was paid to my father. Surely you understand what that means.”
“It doesn’t matter to me, though. Leave with me, Luci. Come away with me right now. We can go to my estates in Scotland and you will never have to think of Lord Ambergrave again.”
“Have you gone mad? Is that what you think of me, some ill-bred girl who would throw away her reputation and her family’s good name to run off with you in the night like a reckless, short-heeled wench?” Luci would have delighted in slapping the Earl across the mouth.
“It is the only way we can finally be together,” Bradley argued, “to be free of rules and decorum. I have no need of propriety if I cannot have you.”
“Goodness me, it is even worse than I believed,” Luci said quietly, a feeling of disgust flooding through her. “You’re not suggesting I divorce my husband and marry you… you only mean for me to run off with you. And then what? What shall I do when you tire of me and cast me out, shall I roam the hills and bogs with nowhere to go now that I’ve disgraced myself? I would have no husband to return to, no parents who were willing to take me in. You are the most selfish man I have ever had the extreme displeasure of meeting!”
“You’re not thinking clearly, Luci dear,” Bradley argued, still smiling that rather deranged smile. “Your husband would never divorce you, the shame would be too great. He would continue to support you, to support us.”
“You have… you’ve gone mad. Bradley, hear what I am telling you. There is nothing between us. There once was, and I held such deep longing and affection for you. But I cannot undo this, nor would I even agree to.” Luci stated her words firmly and plainly, naively believing that to be sufficient.
“I know all that, but you do not give me enough credit. I can repair it now,” he insisted, taking her hands in his and holding them tightly. Luci flinched from his touch and instinctively leaned away.
“What are you doing, let go of me,” she said in a low voice. Her eyes instantly darted to the door to see if Derwall had returned or Christina might have chanced to come in. Seeing no one, she called out loudly enough for someone to hear, “Get your hands off me and leave this house at once!”
“I will not, not until you confess that you love me,” Bradley answered. He leaned towards her, ignoring her protests as he sought to kiss her. Luci shrank back and turned away to avoid his advance.
“Derwall!” Luci called out, but Bradley smiled.
“You sent him off, remember? It was so we could be alone, I knew that was what you wanted,” he said happily.
“I did not. Now let go of me or I shall scream,” Luci threatened.
“No, you won’t. You love me. If you did not want me to save you from this terrible mistake of a marriage, you would never have received me. I know we will finally have our chance to be happy once we’re away from here.”
Luci felt the crushing weight of this unwelcomed advance pressing down on her as Bradley continued to pin her hands. She fought to free her hands from the strength of his grasp, but he continued to hold fast.
Suddenly, the air around her shifted as Bradley was no longer pinning her back. Luci looked up to see Lord Ambergrave holding Bradley by the back of the collar, his free hand cocked backward to strike him.
“No, don’t!” Luci shouted as the Marquess let loose a punch that caught the Earl firmly in the face. Bradley shouted in pain and pressed his hands to his nose, but it was not enough to stop the blood that seeped through his clenched fingers.
“Derwall, send for the constable and fetch several footmen to drag this intruder to a stall in the stable. Lock him in and stand guard until the constable arrives,” Lord Ambergrave said, still holding fast to Bradley’s coat and keeping his arm poised to strike again.
“Happily, My Lord,” Derwall said.
Lord Ambergrave’s face was a mask of loathing and rage as he turned to Luci and asked, “Are you hurt?”
She shook her head meekly, wiping at the tears that now fell. She looked between the two men with a mixture of humiliation, fear, and relief at being saved as she fought to soothe her nerves.
The servants Lord Ambergrave had called for arrived and half-dragged the bleeding Earl from the room. Luci sat up straighter and tried to stand, but her legs gave way.
“I’m so grateful that you’re home,” she began, “but how did you—”
“How did I know that your lover would pay you a visit in my absence?” Lord Ambergrave spit out, turning and giving her a disgusted sneer.
“What did you say?” Luci whispered, astonished. The heat rose in her cheeks as she was flood with embarrassment. “My what?”
“What else should he be but your convenient visitor? I left before dawn and hurried through my engagements, canceling all but the most important ones so that I might ride all evening to come back to you, remembering how you were distressed by my leaving again. And this is what I find upon my return?” he demanded, pointing towards the door where Bradley had just been removed. “The m
an you had once pledged your heart to, the one you’ve been so angry with me for preventing your marriage to?”
“It is not what it appears,” Luci argued hotly before feeling weak just as suddenly. “I did not know—”
“Spare me your excuses, I have no wish to hear of them,” the Marquess barked at her. “You entered into marriage with me under false pretenses, knowing that you had no intention of severing any relationship you once had with that man. Worse, the very day my back is turned you invite him into my home and make me look the fool.”
The Marquess stormed out of the room before Luci could respond. She sat stunned, too numb from both Bradley’s most unwelcomed visit and her husband’s brutal accusations to think clearly. More tears began to flow as the pain of it crashed down upon her.
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