Annabelle's Courtship

by Lucy Monroe

  “The squire told Lady Beauford that they were attending a lecture on magnetism.” Something in the butler’s voice made Ian look closer at the man. “And?”

  “I heard him ask Lady Annabelle to attend a lecture by Mrs. Burnaby. It is one of milady’s friends with her cause.”

  She had promised only the night before not to attend a lecture of this type without him. She had also warned him that she sometimes acted precipitously. Instinctively, Ian knew that Annabelle would have what she considered a very good reason for going with

  the squire. He had no doubt that his unpredictable fiancée would never betray him. She was nothing like Jenna.

  Creswell cleared his throat. “I doubt that was his intention, milord, and that is why I took the liberty of sending you a message.”

  Ian felt foreboding creep along his skin. “Where do you think he took her?”

  “His carriage was set for traveling, milord, and I noticed luggage stowed in the luggage box.” He said no more, leaving Ian to draw his own conclusions.

  “Lady Annabelle, did she take anything with her?” He nearly choked on the question, but he needed to hear the butler tell him no.

  “No, milord, she believed he was taking her to a lecture. He promised her that he would leave Town afterward. If I may be so bold, I believe she is trying to circumvent the duel.”

  Ian cursed. Belle was unlike any other lady of his acquaintance. Why had he believed she would sit idly by and allow him to participate in a duel she strongly opposed? The thought of his Belle in the clutches of the lecherous squire sent his stomach plummeting to his toes. He had to find her.

  “There is one more thing, milord. Whilst engaged in conversation over a cup of ale with John Footman, the coachman made a comment about the weather in the north. One might assume from this comment that he expected to head that direction.” Creswell’s words brought the first smile to Ian’s face since he had read the butler’s note requesting his immediate attendance at Lady Beauford’s townhouse. After asking detailed questions regarding the squire’s equipage and the livery of his coachman, Ian stormed outside. Instructing Creswell not to alarm the dowager, Ian gained his horse and was off.

  His first stop was Finchley’s home. He needed a pistol. It would be foolish to face a man of Renton’s ilk unarmed. He updated Finchley on the latest development and asked his friend to go directly to Hamilton and apprise him of recent events.

  “Send a note, eh what? Can’t go tearing after the blackguard alone.” Ian didn’t want to take precious time arguing. “I’ll write the note while your mount is brought around.”

  Finchley raced upstairs to don a pair of riding breeches. When he came back down, Ian was ready. “I told Hamilton to follow in his carriage with Lady Hamilton. I will not allow the cur to tarnish Belle’s reputation.”

  Hours of hard riding later, Ian spied the coach ahead of him on the highway. The horses and coachman’s livery matched Creswell’s description. Ian considered his options.

  The most important thing was to get Belle from the man’s clutches. He could deal with the squire later.

  “Is that the coach?” Finchley rode close, so his voice would not carry and alarm the coachman.

  “Aye.”

  The fury that had abated on the long ride returned full force. Indicating with an inclination of his head that Finchley should go to the right of the carriage, Ian rode up on the left. He waited until the coachman turned nervously at the sound of the thundering hoof beats behind before firing the pistol.

  “Stop the coach or I’ll put a hole through your heart.” Ian roared the command.

  The coachman didn’t take time to think about it, he immediately sawed on the reins and within minutes, the coach came to a standstill. Finchley rode to the front and trained his weapon on the coachman.

  Ian heard Belle scream from the inside and he was off his horse in a moment. He reached the coach just as the door flew open. The squire held Belle around the neck and pointed a cocked pistol at her head. Ian froze in his tracks.

  Renton’s gaze swept past Ian to where Finchley sat atop his horse, his gun aimed and ready. Gripping Belle more tightly, he smiled. “It would appear that we are at a standoff.” Ian ignored the remark. “Let her go.”

  “I’m afraid I can’t do that. Tell your friend to move away from the coach and drop his weapon.”

  When Ian didn’t comply immediately, Renton yanked his forearm against Belle’s throat until she could not breathe. She twisted wildly in his arms, but could not gain a foothold. Her face turned a dangerous shade of red.

  “Finchley, do as the man says,” Ian commanded.

  When his friend had obeyed, the squire loosened his hold and Belle took several choked gasps of air.

  “Well done. I do believe you realize the precarious position of Lady Annabelle,” the squire said.

  Ian’s fury was barely in check. He focused on keeping it under control as the squire instructed Finchley further.

  “Now, dismount from your horse and send both your horse and Graenfrae’s off.” Finchley looked to Ian for direction. Ian gave a short nod. Finchley did as he had been told. The stupid squire was looking quite pleased with himself. He then demanded that Ian throw away his gun.

  “Nay.”

  The squire’s polished veneer dropped. “No? Do you want me to shoot Lady Annabelle?” he screeched. “If you do not drop your weapon she does not have a prayer.”

  “If I do, she has less of one.” Ian started toward the carriage.

  “Stay back.” The squire sounded desperate.

  Ian ignored him and kept going. The squire threw Belle away from him and gave his coachman orders to go. Ian caught Belle as she tumbled toward the ground. By the time he set her on her feet the coach was already out of pistol distance.

  Ian cursed.

  Belle shuddered against him. Giving a piercing whistle, he hugged her close. Within seconds Nightsong stood before him. Turning to Finchley, he instructed him, “Take my horse and find your mount. He will not have wandered far.” Ian swept Belle into his arms and carried her off the road. He found a likely boulder and sat on it with Belle in his lap.

  “He wanted to take me to Gretna Green. He’s mad, Ian. He thought I would marry him.”

  “Dinna fret, Belle. You are safe now.”

  She pushed away from his chest and glared at him. “I’m not fretting. The man could have shot you. Do you realize that?”

  The squire had held a gun to her head and she was worried that he might have shot Ian? Ian could not fathom the working of her mind. “’Twas not likely. I am sorry I could not throw down my pistol. I dinna wish to risk you, but the risk of letting him leave with you seemed greater.”

  She nodded. “You are quite right. He wanted to marry me, not kill me. I’m no good to him dead.”

  “The man must be mad.”

  “Or desperate. There have been rumors that he was in deep water financially.

  Perhaps he sought to repair his fortunes.”

  Ian caressed Belle’s back and pulled her close into his embrace. “I dinna think your modest dowry would tempt a man to kidnapping, Belle.” She went stiff in his arms. “Ian, there is something I must tell you.” What was she going to say? For an insane moment, he feared she would confess involvement with the squire. He rejected the thought the minute it entered his mind. She had said she loved him. True, she had been under emotional strain when she had said the words, but that did not negate their commitment. He would hold her to them.

  “What is it?”

  “It’s about my fortune.”

  “Here you are.” Finchley rode up leading Ian’s horse. “You were right, Buttercup had not gone far at all.”

  Ian wished the horse had ridden into the next county. He wanted to find out what Belle meant when she spoke of a fortune.

  Finchley said, “We’ll want to make for that inn several miles back, eh what?”

  “Aye.” Their horses would not stand the ride back to Londo
n without rest, water and food. Ian stood and set Belle on her feet. “Are you ready to ride?” She nodded. “I am completely unhurt, except of course my pride. I do not know if I will tell you the terrible things that odious man said.” She was wrong about that. She was going to tell him everything, including what she meant about a bloody fortune. He helped her onto Nightsong and then swung himself up behind her.

  They did not try to talk on the way to the inn. Ian wanted all of his senses on the ready. Travel was never safe, but the thought that the squire might turn around and chase after them was a real possibility. The man had given up much too easily after going to the trouble to kidnap Belle.

  They reached the inn and Ian dismounted, pulling Belle down after him. She stumbled a bit. He put his arm around her to steady her. Finchley stayed outside to see to the horses. A round woman in a mobcap came forward to greet them.

  Ian said, “We need a private parlor.”

  Remembering what had happened the last time he and Belle had shared a private parlor, he looked down at her. She remembered too, if the blush on her cheeks was any indication. She met his gaze, her eyes pools of passionate mystery.

  Giving them no more than a mildly curious glance, the woman led them to a chamber. “I’ll get Polly in here to lay a fire right away, milord.” Ian nodded. “We are expecting another gentleman and lady. See that they are brought to our parlor when they arrive.”

  “Very good, milord.” Bobbing her head, the woman then left the room.

  Belle shivered and Ian immediately began unbuttoning his coat. He slipped it off and placed it around her shoulders. Holding the lapels of the coat, he looked into her eyes.

  “You promised not to attend a lecture of that sort without me, Belle.” Her eyes filled with regret. “I know. I am so sorry, Ian.” She took a long breath and let it out. “I was trying to prevent the duel. Instead, I managed to get myself kidnapped and you had to rescue me.”

  She sounded so pitiful that he could not be angry with her. “You did tell me that on occasion you would act without thinking.”

  Relief filled him when her eyes shot angry sparks. “I did not say without thinking. I never act without thinking.”

  He lowered his head and brushed his lips lightly across hers. “If you say so.” At the sound of Finchley clearing his throat, Ian released Belle. Within a half an hour a fire blazed in the small fireplace and Polly had brought three cups of steaming wine and supper.

  Belle played with the food on her plate. Ian frowned at her. “Ye must eat, lass.” She laughed. The spontaneous sound loosened something inside of him.

  “Yes, Nurse.”

  He smiled in return, remembering her accusation that he had acted like her nursery governess. She took up a small bite and began chewing. He stood up and moved around the room. He wanted answers, but they would have to wait. He could not cross-question her in front of Finchley. Belle had finished her meal and sat with her feet propped up before the fire. Her eyelids were drooping when Hamilton and his wife arrived.

  Diana rushed to Belle. “Are you all right? What happened? I don’t understand. Ian’s note implied you were being kidnapped. I cannot believe such a thing.”

  “I couldn’t either, until the foul man started spouting off about my fortune,” Annabelle replied.

  Robert turned to Ian, his face full of fury. “What is going on here, MacKay?”

  Ian shrugged. “I think Belle could explain that better than I.” Everyone turned toward Belle. She pulled Ian’s coat around her although the room was now warm. “It’s a long story.”

  Robert took command. “Then it will have to be told in the coach on the way home. If we are to avoid a scandal-broth and Aunt Griselda collapsing from shock, we must return to Town.”

  Diana looked up from Belle. “Must we leave right now, Robert? I do not know if I can stand the carriage ride back just yet. I’m not feeling quite the thing.”

  “You told me that you were quite recovered. I would not have allowed you to accompany me otherwise.”

  Robert scowled at his wife and she promptly burst into tears. He looked helplessly at Ian. Ian shrugged. What did he know of teary-eyed females? Belle should be in hysterics after her ordeal, but she was busy comforting Diana and trying to glare some sense into her brother.

  “Robert, you needn’t be so unkind.” Belle turned concerned eyes on Diana. “What did Robert mean? Are you ailing?”

  “I’m just a little queasy. I am sure it is all of the turmoil lately.” Belle patted Diana’s shoulder. “Undoubtedly. It would make the heartiest lady ill.”

  “I have been having terrible nightmares and I feel ill all of the time.” Diana collapsed into another spate of tears.

  Hamilton stared at his wife. His face was that of a man facing the scaffold. “I did not realize.”

  Ian hated the torment he heard in the other man’s voice. This is what love did to a man. Annabelle had told him that Diana was deceiving her husband because she loved him. Love. Ian would not become so vulnerable.

  Diana looked up. Hamilton’s eyes bored into hers and Ian had the impression that no one else in the room existed for the unhappy man. “I will not press you again. I did not realize that my affection had become such a burden.” Diana tore herself from Annabelle’s grasp and flew to her husband. “Robert, you cannot believe that. It has nothing to do with you.” She threw her arms around him.

  After a moment of staring in stunned disbelief at the top of his wife’s head, Hamilton closed his arms tightly around her. “I do not understand, my love.”

  Ian could not stand the pain he saw in his friend’s face. He fixed his eyes on Lady Hamilton. “It is time you told your husband. If you are making yourself ill with worry, you canna keep it a secret any longer.”

  Diana’s shoulders sagged. “You are right.” She pulled out of her husband’s embrace and wandered over to the fire. Warmth emanated from the flames, but the poor lady shivered anyway. “Living like this is terrible.” Robert’s scowl encompassed Ian as well as his wife. “What have you been hiding from me?”

  Diana shuddered. “I cannot bear the thought of you hating me, Robert.” Hamilton stormed over to his wife and spun her away from the fire. “I will never stop loving you.”

  The fierceness of his voice and expression did not seem to frighten his wife. In fact, Diana smiled softly.

  Pulling her to a chair, Hamilton forced her to sit. “Tell me.” This time his voice came out in gentle command.

  Diana responded immediately. “It began at the theater.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Throughout the ordeal, Annabelle had felt that Diana needed to tell Robert about Mr.

  Thorn. Now that the time had come, she prayed that her faith in her brother’s love for his wife would not be disappointed. Ian walked over to stand behind Annabelle. He placed his hand on her shoulder.

  Gratitude for being with Ian after her near disaster poured over Annabelle. If Ian had not stopped Squire Renton, she might very well be in another inn somewhere fighting for her innocence and her life. The man was a monster. She shuddered and Ian put his other hand on her shoulder. The soothing caress of his thumbs against her neck soothed her.

  Diana’s broken voice faded as Annabelle’s attention focused on Ian’s soft caresses.

  She wanted nothing more than to curl up in his lap as she had after her ordeal following Mr. Thorn. The presence of the others in the room prevented such forward action on her part. She sighed.

  Ian pulled her until her body rested against his. “Dinna fret, Belle.” Would he be as understanding when he learned the truth about her inheritance?

  Would he still want her when he learned she did not fit his requirements? She pushed the thought from her mind and drew strength from his hard body supporting hers.

  Anger shimmered in Robert’s eyes. He did not utter a word or ask any questions. The more Diana said, the fiercer the look in Robert’s eyes became. Annabelle hoped his anger was directed at the absent Mr. Thor
n.

  Finally, Diana stopped speaking. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “That is all, my lord.”

  Robert’s face relaxed momentarily from his grim expression. “Do not cry, Diana. All will be well.”

  Rather than comforting her, his words sent Diana over the edge of control. Tears spilled over her eyelids and down her cheeks in a cascade.

  Robert dropped on to his knees by his wife. Putting his arms around her, he closed her in his embrace. “Diana, m’dear, please don’t take on so.” Diana covered her face and shook with quiet weeping. Her voice came out muffled through her fingers. “How can all be well? You will be hurt when Mr. Thorn publishes the letters.” She spoke between sobs. “I have sold my wedding pearls. Nothing can possibly be well.” She hiccupped as another bout of crying overtook her.

  Robert stiffened. Above Diana’s head, Annabelle could see a look of cold rage settle on her brother’s face. “How could you sell my wedding gift to you?”

  “I needed the money and I was terrified of you finding out why,” whispered Diana.

  Far from assuaging her husband’s anger, this only increased it. “Diana, do you not trust me to take care of you? How could you bring yourself to deal with vermin like that?

  Why did you not come to me?” The questions came out like angry gunshots.

  Annabelle interrupted before Diana could answer. “Why not, Robert? You prose on so incessantly about propriety and tonnish behavior. It is no surprise your wife believes you care more for her reputation than you do for her.” Ian did not appreciate her blunt declaration. His hands stopped their gentle massage.

  His fingers tightened on her shoulder in warning. “Hush, Belle. ’Tis Lady Hamilton’s place to speak.”

  She wanted to argue, but deep down Annabelle knew that he was right. Diana had to fight this battle on her own.

  “Is this true, Diana?” Robert made the question sound like an accusation.

  Diana raised her head and dried her tears. She pulled from Robert’s arms and stood up. “I have always felt that you would not have married me if I was not so perfectly suitable with a reputation above reproach.”