by Vikki Vaught
“Let me try.” Alex threw his considerable weight against the door, and it flew open. The sight before Cortland’s eyes sent a blaze of fury roaring throughout his body. He dashed to the bed and grabbed the back of the marquess’ jacket and flung the man down on the floor. Mary’s eyes were clenched tight, her mouth opened, ready to scream again.
He pulled her into his arms and murmured, “Mary. I have you. You’re safe now.”
She burst into tears. After he untied her hands, she threw her arms around his neck. “Cortland, you’re here. You have to save Aimee. H-he had Hugo throw her in the w-wine cellar. H-he said there are r-rats.”
He stroked her hair. “I’ll find her, don’t worry, my love.” He turned to Alex, and saw him standing still, his hands in the air. The marquess stood before him with a pistol in his hands, pointed at his brother-in-law.
“Back away, or I’ll shoot,” Worthington spat, his eyes wild, his hand trembling as he held the pistol. The gun could go off at any moment.
Alex took a step back, and the marquess swung the pistol toward the bed, then pointed it at Mary. “If I can’t have her, then neither will you.”
Everything happened at once. Two shots exploded, and Cortland covered Mary’s body with his. A bullet whizzed over them and hit the wall.
She cried, “Cortland. Speak to me, please, please don’t be dead.”
He reached up and stroked her cheek. “I’m fine. The bullet missed me completely. “You can let go of me. I need to get up; I heard more than one shot. I need to check on the others.”
He sat up and saw the marquess lying on the floor in a pool of his own blood. Looking around, he saw Andrew standing in the door with a discharged pistol in his hands. He drawled, “It appears I arrived in the nick of time.”
Cortland let out a sigh of relief. “Perfect timing, my friend.”
Alex crouched beside the marquess and checked for a pulse. He straightened up. “Nice shot, Billingsley. The bullet entered through his temple. The man’s dead.”
He grinned. “I knew all that target practice at Manton’s would pay off someday.” His face turned somber. “Your father is asking for you, Mary. You need to go to him right away. He’s had a heart seizure.”
Cortland shrugged off his jacket when he saw that her gown was ripped open and helped Mary put it on, then he helped her up. Once her modesty was seen to, she asked, “Where is he?”
Andrew told her, “I’ll take you to him. Lord Robert helped me get him to a bedchamber down the hall. He’s resting as comfortably as he can under the circumstances.”
Cortland wrapped his arm around his wife’s shoulders, and they followed Andrew to a room a few doors down. When they entered, he could tell by the earl’s pasty complexion, he was close to death.
Mary rushed to her father’s side and leaned over him. “I’m here, Papa.”
The earl opened his eyes. “I-I’m sorry, Mary. P-please forgive m-me.” He gasped for air, then continued. “I never…meant this…to go so far.”
She sat on the bed beside him and clasped his hand. “None of that matters now. You just need to concentrate on getting better.”
Cortland watched as the old man attempted to squeeze her hand. “Daughter. T-there’s no time. Take c-care…of your…brothers. You’ve married…a good man. He’ll make sure Ben has h-help until he reaches his majority.” He gasped for another gulp of air, “and he’ll t-take care of y-you.” Her father drew in another shallow breath. Once he exhaled, his chest no longer moved.
Cortland joined her on the bed and gathered her into his arms as she sobbed. While the man had not been a good parent, he was still her father. His heart ached for Mary. He rocked her for a few minutes, just letting her cry out her grief.
He hated to press her, but he needed to find Aimee. “I’m sorry, Mary, but you told me Aimee was in the wine cellar. We need to go get her. She must be frightened to death.”
She straightened and drew in a shaky breath. “Of course. There’s nothing else I can do for my father. I’ll take you to her.” Cortland helped her stand and held her close to his side as they made their way downstairs. Taking a lamp from the entry hall table, they climbed down the rickety stairs to the basement.
Once they reached the wine cellar, they found it locked. Cortland called out, “Aimee. It’s Cortland. Can you hear me?”
Her sweet little girl’s voice came through the door. “I knew you would save me. Oh, Papa. Get me out of here,” she wailed.
He had to blink the tears from his eyes when he heard her call him papa. “We’re going to have to break down the door. Stand back.” Alex’s brawn came into play again, and with a few strong kicks, the lock broke, and the door swung open.
Aimee ran out and straight toward Cortland, throwing her little arms around his waist. He pulled her up, cradling her close as he kissed her cheek. Mary moved beside him, and he pulled her into their embrace.
He sighed as contentment rolled through him. All he needed to make his family complete was Gerrard. He owed his life to that brave young man. Without him, not only would he be dead, he might have never found Mary and Aimee.
Thank you, Lord, for bringing us together. I promise to keep them safe.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Mary clung to her husband, thankful to be in his arms again. Relief at their narrow escape sent adrenaline surging through her, causing her body to shake. At least she and this sweet little girl were safe from her late father’s machinations.
Perhaps she should feel distraught at the earl’s demise, but all she truly felt was immense relief. The tyrant—whom she had called father—was gone. Yet, ultimately, he was her sire. Although he had treated her and her brothers vilely, should she not feel some sense of loss? Guilt tugged at her, but she pushed it away. Once she was alone, she would allow herself time to cry for her father and what could have been. For now, she would keep those painful thoughts at bay and just bask in the warmth of her husband’s embrace.
Cortland kissed her forehead and murmured, “Let us get out of this damp cellar.” With Aimee still in his arms, her husband led them from the cramped, musty-smelling room, then up the stairs and into the parlor.
After Mary took a seat on the sofa, he sat Aimee next to her, then straightened. “I hate to leave you alone, but I need to take care of a few matters. Once I’ve met with the magistrate, I shall return.”
She pulled on her inner strength, unwilling to appear weak. Cortland needed her reassurance that her emotions were under control. “I understand. We shall be fine. Aimee and I will remain here and rest until your return.”
“Yes, rest from your ordeal. It’s what both of you need most.” He leaned down and stroked her cheek, and kissed the top of Aimee’s head, then rushed from the room.
She pulled Aimee onto her lap. The sweet child slumped against her breast and fell asleep. Exhausted as well, she closed her eyes, only intending to rest, but soon joined her soon-to-be adopted daughter in slumber.
Sometime later, a noise startled her awake. Disoriented, she had no idea how much time had passed since her husband had left. Opening her eyes, she saw Cortland standing in the doorway. The scruff on his strong jaw and his tousled hair gave him such a thoroughly roguish look she could not help noticing, and her core tightened.
Lord, I am truly becoming a wanton.
She was amazed to have sexual thoughts so soon after what that disgusting marquess had tried, but it relieved her to know it had not affected her desire for her husband. Dismissing her inappropriate thoughts, she straightened in her seat. “Goodness, I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”
He moved into the parlor and took a seat beside her and Aimee, who continued to slumber. He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “I’m glad you did. I was gone longer than I intended. The magistrate has taken away the marquess and Blakely’s body, and the last culprit is in his custody. That was a surprise to find out that man was involved in the plot.”
“I was shocked as well.” She bit her bottom lip
, more concerned over how the magistrate had accepted the news of the Marquess of Worthington’s death, then their ex-steward’s involvement. After all, that vile man had been a peer. “Did he believe you when you told him what happened?”
He patted her hand. “Completely. Since Andrew was actually the one who shot the marquess, he has to remain a bit longer to answer more questions, but there’s no need to worry, it’s just a formality.”
“Thank goodness. I would never forgive myself if Andrew was accused of murdering a peer of the realm.” A few stray tears moistened her eyes as she thought of her own father’s death. “What are we going to do about the earl?”
”I’ve made arrangements with the local undertaker,” he explained, “and he will take your father to his estate for burial. I assume that is your wish?”
“Of course. Thank you for taking care of that. You have certainly accomplished a great deal while I slept.” Aimee stirred in her lap, and she smiled down at her. “Did you have a good rest, little one?”
The child rubbed her eyes and stifled a yawn. “Yes, Maman—” She glanced up at her with concern showing in her pretty blue eyes. “May I call you that?”
Mary cleared her throat, clogged with emotion as tears pricked her lids. “Of course. You’ve become the daughter of my heart.”
The child settled against her breast and sighed. Then she looked at her guardian and hesitantly asked, “May I also call you Papa?”
Cortland’s face lit up. “I would love that.” He took her from Mary and hugged her close. “I love you, little one, as if you were my own. I promise to always take care of you and your brother.”
She wound her little arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. “I love you too, Papa. Can we go home now?”
“In a couple of days,” he explained, “but first we must go to your mama’s childhood home. We shall leave once it’s light outside. Now, let us find you a bed for the rest of the night.”
Alex and Andrew remained behind to clear up everything with the magistrate. They would leave later that afternoon to return to Wallingford Manor. Lord Robert left at first light to carry a missive to her brothers and Mildred, giving them the news of the earl’s demise and asking them to meet them in Banbury with all haste.
Mary, Cortland, and Aimee made the journey to her father’s estate, arriving shortly before noon. That afternoon, Cortland went to the rectory to meet with the vicar to make the arrangements for the funeral the following morning.
Her brothers and Gerrard, along with Aunt Mildred, arrived late in the afternoon, just as darkness was falling. Michael and Charles climbed from the carriage, then helped their aunt out. Mary greeted them with hugs and kisses.
After Ben released her, he asked, “Your letter didn’t give us much information, only that the earl has passed. What happened?”
Mary explained the dreadful events that led to their father’s demise. She dashed a few tears away as she told them of his last moments. “Just before he died, he did ask us to forgive him, and told me to take care of you and our brothers. He wanted Cortland to assume the role as your guardian until you turn twenty-one.”
Ben turned to Cortland. “I shall appreciate your assistance. I never anticipated I would inherit my father’s title before I reached my majority. Unfortunately, he has given me very little guidance.” He straightened to his full height. “One thing I do know…I plan to be a better caretaker of my responsibilities than my father ever was.”
Cortland placed his hand on the young man’s slight shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. “We will learn together. After all, I never thought I would become a viscount, so I’m learning as I go. I talked briefly with your steward, and he appears to be competent, so that will help.”
“I know Mr. Wilson is a good man and cares about the tenants,” Ben confided. “At least there should be plenty of funds for improvements. My father hoarded his gold.”
“That’s my understanding as well,” he replied.” Once the holidays are over, we shall sort it all out.”
Cortland’s attitude toward her brother only made her love him even more. He treated Ben as an equal. That would go a long way in bolstering her brother’s self-confidence. With her husband as a role model, Ben would develop into as honorable a man as Cortland.
Mary smiled at her brother and said, “Your housekeeper has prepared your rooms. I’m sure you want to freshen up before tea. I’ve ordered refreshments in thirty minutes.” Then she led them into the house.
They held the earl’s funeral the following morning. It was a somber affair. Even though he had been an awful parent, Mary’s heart still ached at the loss. Her brothers were stoic. Aunt Mildred remained dry-eyed throughout the memorial service, but there was a sadness in her eyes. After all, he had been her only brother, and the last link to her parents.
She and her aunt returned to the house to ensure all would be ready to receive the mourners. Cortland and her brothers followed the vicar to the graveyard. The men returned from the burial, in time to greet the villagers and tenants, along with a few of the neighbors who had attended the service. The old earl had not been popular, but most of them did come to the house to show their respect, and to greet the new earl and his guardian.
Once the mourners departed, everyone returned to Wallingford Manor and arrived just after dark on the twenty-second. By the time the children were settled and Mary made it to her bedchamber, she was too tired to do more than kiss her husband goodnight before crawling into bed.
The next morning, she awoke to the sounds of Ella pulling open the drapes. Sunlight streamed into the room. Thank goodness the snow had stopped, since she had much to do to get ready for the parties on Saturday.
She and Cortland discussed whether they should cancel the festivities because of her father’s death, but since they were being held in memory of his uncle and cousin, they decided to go ahead with the arrangements.
Once she was dressed, she went down to the breakfast room. When she entered, Kathleen and Anissa were already there eating their morning meal. Mary filled her plate and joined them at the table.
Once she took her seat, she looked at Anissa. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t here to greet you the other day.”
“Oh, I understand completely,” she assured her. “I’m so sorry to hear of your father’s death. You’ve had a few very stressful days, have you not?”
Mary sighed. “It has been trying, to say the least. While we had our differences, he was still my father. I’m so thankful we were able to talk before he passed. We had an opportunity to say our farewells.”
Anissa touched her hand. “That was a blessing. I will say a prayer for his soul.”
“Thank you,” she replied. Wanting to lift the tone of their conversation, she said, “I shall be a bit busy today. I have to see to the decorations for Christmas and finalize the plans for the children’s party tomorrow, so I hope you’ll understand why I shan’t be available much of the day.”
“Kathleen told me about that,” she replied. “I’m more than happy to assist you with anything you need. I know my children are looking forward to the party.”
Relieved to have the help, she smiled. “That would be much appreciated. Cortland and my brothers are out looking for the Yule log and as soon as they return with it and the greenery, we can start the decorating.”
Kathleen chimed in, “I want to help as well. Arianna is recovered from her fever, so she can spend the day with her nurse and the other children. She is so excited to have playmates. Of course she is the youngest, so my niece, Melanie, has taken her under her wing.”
“Just be careful you don’t overdo,” Mary told her. “After all, you’re anticipating a blessed event in the spring.”
Her friend giggled. “Oh, don’t worry about that. Andrew gave me strict orders that I was not to pick up anything, not even our daughter.”
After a few more minutes of conversation, the men came in. Cortland kissed her cheek. “We found the perfect log. We also brought in
a lot of holly and other greenery for you. Your brothers and I are at your disposal, my dear.”
“Wonderful,” she exclaimed. “We’re finished with our breakfast, so let us get started.”
Everyone spent the rest of the morning decorating. By the early afternoon all the mantels had wreaths hung above them, the bannister had greenery and holly adorning it, and the mistletoe was in place above each door and dangling from the chandeliers.
Mary, along with Kathleen and Anissa, went to the church and spent the rest of the day getting it ready for the children’s party the next morning. When they returned to the house, the ladies went to their rooms to dress for dinner.
Mary found Mrs. Hadley and made sure all was ready for the evening affair the following night, then went upstairs to dress as well. As her maid added the finishing touches to her hair, Cortland entered. Ella curtsied and left them alone.
Her husband approached and took her hands in his. “You look lovely, my dear. How are you holding up? I imagine you must be exhausted after all the decorating today, but the house looks magnificent.”
“A little tired,” she replied, “but Kathleen and Anissa were a great help. The aunts supervised the decorating of the ballroom, and it’s lovely.”
He hugged her close. “I hope I can join you tonight. I missed you last night, but I realized you had to be beyond tired after your ordeal and the last couple of days. I didn’t want to disturb your sleep.”
“I missed you as well.” She looked directly into his gorgeous eyes. “I want you with me every night, whether we make love or not. I sleep better when you hold me.”
“Then we’re in agreement,” he murmured, “I sleep more restfully as well. Now, with that settled, shall we join the others downstairs?”
When they entered the drawing room arm in arm, everyone looked up. Kathleen and Anissa sat on the sofa with the aunts on the adjacent settee. Her brothers stood by the mantel, the holly and berries intermingled with the greenery made a colorful background. Alex and Andrew stood in front of the window in a discussion.
