“No.”
“Yes.”
Both Anthony and Richard spoke simultaneously. “I won’t hide something so important from her,” he told Anthony.
“We shall talk about this later,” his twin replied. “Sarah is in trouble, so let’s focus on one problem at a time.”
“I’m sorry.” Sarah reached and took hold of Richard’s hand. “I don’t want to cause either of us more pain. I wouldn’t have told you except I need your help to protect me and my child.”
“Protect you both from whom?” his brother asked before he could get the demons swirling in his brain into some semblance of order.
“Timothy Chesterton could not hide his triumph, as he’ll inherit the title. So you can imagine his anger when he learned I was with child. Once again, I was foolish. I should never have told him, but pretty soon I’ll not be able to hide it.”
“He has to wait for the required fourteen months before he claims the title in case you are with child.” Understanding dawned. “If you have a son, Timothy will no longer be the heir.”
The men looked at each other, both not articulating what the other had deduced. Timothy was capable of doing anything to ensure a child would not take everything from him.
“Worse. The groomsman assigned to me at the Wrentham Estate, whom I took with me from my home when I married Charles, has written to me privately. He’s certain that Charles’s saddle was tampered with. Luckily, I’d stayed in London at the last minute and hadn’t accompanied Charles to the hunt. I was feeling too ill to travel. I’m sure Timothy would have made me look guilty of the tampering otherwise. I would have been the perfect villain. Everyone knew I wanted to marry you.” She started shaking again. “I’m sure he killed Charles, just as I’m sure he will try to kill me too. I’m too scared to sleep in case I’m killed in my bed, and I’m too scared to eat in case the food has been poisoned.”
God, no wonder she looked like hell. Fury filled him. She might be carrying his child and he’d be damned if he’d let another Chesterton hurt Sarah or the baby. “I will ensure your safety.”
“We will protect you, Sarah,” added Anthony.
Her shoulders shuddered in relief and he silently thanked his sibling.
“But how? I’m too scared to stay in this house. Besides, I’ll be looking over my shoulder for the rest of my life if I produce a son. Timothy seems to be a patient man. He waited until he saw the opportunity to make his move with Charles. I was perfect for the role of murderess. He had hoped to frame me for Charles’s death. I know it.”
She was probably correct. Richard’s fists gripped the arms of his chair. “Then we must prove he’s guilty of Charles’s murder, while in the meantime keeping you and the babe safe.”
“I’ve written to my brother. He’s in Italy and until he returns, I have nowhere to go.”
“You’ll come and stay with me and Melissa until your brother returns. That will get you out of this house and to a place where my men can watch over you.”
Richard had never been so grateful for a brother in his life. There was no way he could have made the offer. It would have been unfair, not only on Maddy, but all of them. He still didn’t know how he’d tell her about Sarah and the baby.
On hearing Anthony’s offer, a bit of color returned to Sarah’s cheeks. “How?” She rubbed her forehead. “What possible excuse can I give for leaving my home to move into yours? Timothy would get suspicious.”
Once again Anthony came to the rescue. “I have a plan but it needs very careful implementation.” He pulled a cheroot out of his pocket and lit it. “I suggest a small fire in the kitchen. At this late hour, I assume the staff has retired for the night. We’ll contact Rufus and his men, and we’ll light a controlled fire.”
“Brilliant. We can say we were visiting Rufus and everyone will simply assume we came to help.”
“Exactly. A fire that destroys the kitchen will ensure there is enough damage to make the house inhabitable. Until it’s repaired, you’ve accepted my offer of hospitality.”
“Rufus’s house is across the street. We can say we came to your aid when we saw the smoke.” Anthony nodded at Richard’s statement. “It will also give us time to gather the evidence against Timothy.”
Anthony rose and made to leave. “I’ll go out through the kitchen and over to Rufus’s and we’ll get everything in place including plenty of buckets of water to wet the areas we don’t want burnt and to stop the flames getting out of control.” With that he slipped quietly out of the room.”
Sarah’s eyes widened with worry. “Is this safe? Does Anthony know what he’s doing? I don’t want anyone hurt.”
“You’d be surprised at what both Anthony and I are capable of.”
“I don’t know how to thank both of you.”
Silence fell, yet surprisingly it wasn’t awkward. Sarah was the braver one. She spoke first. “You look happy.”
“I am. I don’t want to hurt you, Sarah, but…”
“I know, Richard. I could see it on your face as soon as you walked into the room. Madeline is special to you. She always has been. I just thought what we had shared was rather more.”
“At the time I thought it was too. I owe you an apology. I’m sorry, but if you had not married Charles, I would have married you.”
Sarah looked away. “I don’t believe you pursued me maliciously, you did love me. I know you did. If Maddy…”
Richard remained silent. Maddy did not cause his feelings to wane. He didn’t understand himself why his feelings for Sarah had changed.
Sarah wouldn’t let the conversation politely die. “I can’t help but wish I’d eloped with you, then this child would be yours and we’d be happy. If you were free, now that I am widowed, would we be together?”
Richard very much doubted that, but his lips spoke other words. They were words that needed to be said, given her delicate state. “I will never regret being with you.”
She noticed his evasion. “Even if this child I carry is yours?” At his strained silence, she sighed. “It seems a high price to pay for our wantonness. I will protect this child from scandal. It is the innocent party here. To do that, I shall deny any rumors the child could be yours. I’m sorry but that is how it must be.”
He remained silent for a few moments letting the knifing pain of truth cut him to his core. “You’ll make an excellent mother.” Her head lifted to meet his gaze and the haunted look in her eyes dimmed slightly. “You’re already doing what must be done for your child and I can see the fierce protectiveness there. If it is mine, I could not have asked for a better mother. It is more than I deserve.” He took both her hands in his. “I understand what you must do, but I don’t have to like it. And remember this. I will always, always, be here for you and the child regardless of its parentage.”
“You don’t owe me that pledge.”
“Yes.” He smiled at her. “Yes, I do. I want to. You will always be special to me.”
“Do you think, if we had eloped, we would have been happy?”
He hated that he lied, but perhaps in her delicate state he could be forgiven. “Yes. If there had been no Maddy or Charles, I believe we could have been happy.”
She finally smiled back at him. “Thank you, even if that is not the truth.” She took a deep breath. “And thank you for helping me. Once my bother returns from Italy, I’ll bother you no more.”
“I’m hoping we’ll get to the bottom of this long before your brother arrives. The longer it takes, the greater the risk of Timothy uncovering what we are up to. That will make it virtually impossible to prove his guilt. Plus, I suggest we send your groom to Hascombe, Rufus’s estate, to keep him safe.”
It was almost morning by the time the fire was completely out. The whole street was awoken by the small fire, the event providing plenty of neighbors who could attest to the fact that Rufus and his guests had rushed to help put it out.
As morning broke, Anthony and Richard stood in the water and fire damaged
kitchen. “Now let’s go home and sleep so we can start trying to catch Tim-bastard-Chesterton.”
Richard couldn’t have said it better. He collapsed into Anthony’s carriage. His twin climbed in after him. They’d sent Sarah and her maids on to Anthony’s house as soon as the fire had started, and the carriage driver had brought more men back to help fight the blaze.
Richard had almost nodded off, when his brother spoke. “I know you share everything with Madeline, but I don’t think you should tell her the babe might be yours. There is nothing to be gained by doing so—yet.” Richard made to open his mouth to object, but Anthony continued firmly. “You will never be able to acknowledge the child.” He drew in a breath. “Think what the child will face if there is even a hint that you could be the father. Worse still, think of Maddy. She will have to live with the fact you have a child with another woman.”
Richard closed his eyes and swallowed the guilt and pain. “I made Maddy a promise that I would never lie to her.”
“Why would she even think to ask who the father is? I’m sure she’ll assume the child is Wrentham’s.”
“What if she asks me? I can’t lie…it could destroy the life we’re trying to build together.”
“Let me ask you this. What will be achieved by telling her? The child is more likely to be Charles’s.”
Richard thought long and hard. If he told Maddy the child could be his, she’d suffer more guilt. He knew she was upset that Sarah was widowed and he was not free. If Maddy thought the child might be his, her guilt would only multiply. Her heart would break to learn he could never claim his child. He could wait until the child is born and then, if the child bore any resemblance to him, he could tell her. “I risk more by not telling her. Trust lost is not easily won back.”
Anthony nodded. “You, my brother, are in a situation that has no winner. Tell her and hurt her, or not tell her and hope she never learns the truth.”
“I’m buggered either way.” He ran a hand through his hair and tried to clarify his thoughts. He sighed, “I’ll not tell her. The idea of not being able to acknowledge my child is the punishment I should have to live with, not Maddy. Not innocent, big hearted Maddy.”
Anthony slapped him on the shoulder. “Good man. Now, where should we start our investigation?”
Chapter Nine
The Honorable Mr. Richard Craven
I didn’t tell mother about my incident. Rufus has not been home for months. No one has told me but I overheard Mother telling the estate manager that he’s in France, so I could not tell him. However, I did alert Francis, our head groomsman. He now accompanies me if I need to leave the estate. Before you say anything further, I also take a groom with me when I go riding on the estate too.
Now, tell me everything about India. I hear it’s very hot and the air is filled with the smell of spices. I’ve even heard that the women wear brightly colored cloths wrapped round their bodies. Is it true their midriffs are bare? I suspect you’ve noticed that!
I can’t wait to hear all your stories. When are you next in England, and will you be paying a visit to Hascombe?
Your, eager for news, friend
Madeline Knight
Madeline hadn’t slept a wink. As dawn broke, she rose and dressed. It was now almost nine. Richard had promised to come to her directly he arrived home. She knew he’d not been in his bed all night because she’d checked his room several times over the last few hours.
Unable to face food, she set about exploring her new home and meeting the staff. Clayton, Richard’s valet, was unlike any valet her brother had ever employed. He wore an earring in one ear and spoke with a rough French accent. His small size was at odds with his deep, gravelly voice.
The butler, Biggans, whom she’d briefly met on her arrival last night, introduced her to the rest of the staff, regardless of the fact it was still relatively early in the morning, and an odd time for introductions. The number of staff was not overly large. She’d have to talk with Richard. If they were to entertain, she’d need to increase their number. She knew she’d be expected to entertain, but the thought petrified her. What if she did something wrong? She knew how unforgiving the ton was. Because of her rushed marriage to Richard, they would be watching her every move.
The housekeeper, Mrs. Burton, put her at ease immediately. Richard’s house was smaller than Rufus’s London house, and Maddy knew she was capable of managing it.
With Mrs. Burton at her side, they toured the house, discussing the decor and any changes Maddy may want to make. As she hadn’t discussed budgets with Richard, and indeed could only guess at the state of his finances, she kept the changes small. All she knew was what she’d heard in general gossip, that the Craven brothers were wealthy beyond measure. Anthony, due to his large and profitable estate and other investments, and Richard due to the shipping line he’d developed from the remaining ships when they had closed down their father’s deplorable slave trading business, many years ago.
“Shall we view the nursery now?”
Mrs. Burton’s question made Maddy blush. She’d only just married. “I’m not sure the nursery needs to be addressed so quickly.”
“Oh, I simply assumed you’d want to see it.”
She tried to hide her excited smile, and only just stopped her hand from caressing her stomach. Had they already started a new life? She hoped so. If truth was known, she couldn’t wait to decorate the nursery, as well as fill it with babes, hers and Richard’s children. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to take a look.”
An excited feeling filled the pit of her stomach. Children. She’d always longed for children of her own. She’d been so lonely growing up. Rufus was her only sibling. Her mother used to call Maddy her sweet miracle. There was a ten-year age gap between them. After Rufus’s birth, her parents had tried for more children; however, as the barren years passed, her mother thought she couldn’t have any more. Then Maddy came along.
So Maddy knew what it was to grow up with no close siblings. She hoped she could fill this house so that her children had siblings close to their own age to play with. She hoped she was more fertile than her mother.
A gasp of delight passed her lips upon entering the nursery. The light blue wallpaper was patterned with a delightful mix of various animals, and the vibrant red and gold drapes held securely back with ties allowed light and air to flow through the room. She looked longingly at the white and gold cradle covered in muslin on the other side of the large, light, and cheerful room. “I’m surprised the nursery is in such good condition, given Richard hadn’t planned to marry...” Her words petered out and she blushed. How stupid could she be? A month ago he had planned to marry-but marry Sarah. This nursery was for Sarah and Richard’s children.
Mrs. Burton simply cleared her throat and said, “If it is not to your taste, it would not take much to change it.”
Maddy swallowed her hurt. It would be childish to change what had already been done. It was quite lovely. “No,” she said softly. “It’s perfect as it is.” Would she forever be following in another woman’s footsteps? With one more longing look, Maddy again patted her stomach. At least, she would be the one bearing Richard’s children.
They were half way down the stairs when the front door banged open and a loud commotion was heard below. Richard’s valet raced up the stairs toward them, slowing to bow to them before racing on up toward Richard’s bedchamber. The two women exchanged worried glances and quickly descended the stairs.
Maddy looked down to see a sooty and bedraggled Richard being helped out of his greatcoat, which was singed and filthy. Her heart jumped into her throat. He looked so tired and perhaps he’d been hurt. “My goodness! What on earth has happened?”
He gave her a weary, but heart-stopping smile. “There was a fire at Lady Wrentham’s.” Looking pointedly at the staff he added, “Anthony and I were across the road at Lord Strathmore’s and were therefore able to go to Lady Wrentham’s aid. There was not much damage except to the kitchen.”
Maddy reached his side and cradled his face. “Was anyone hurt?” She looked at his singed clothing. “Are you hurt?”
He shook his head before pressing a soft kiss on to her lips. “No. I’m simply exhausted. Clayton is preparing a bath for me.” He pushed her away from him. “I must smell dreadfully.”
Maddy would have laughed at his comment but for the fact that he did smell, a mixture of manly sweat and burned clothes. But it was his demeanor that struck a raw nerve. He was nervous, or rather, anxious. Her immediate thought was he was concerned about Lady Wrentham. “Is Lady Wrentham well?”
“Your bath has been drawn,” Clayton called in his accented voice.
Richard patted her arm as he moved passed her to ascend the stairs. “We’ll talk once I’m clean and more presentable.”
She watched him walk slowly up the stairs. He did not look back at her. He was hiding something. This wasn’t merely tiredness. Panic began to take hold. Had seeing Sarah made him regret this marriage?
#
God, he was tired. He closed his eyes and leaned his head against the high rim of the large copper tub. He was not looking forward to his conversation with Maddy. He hoped he would not have to lie to his wife.
Exhaustion cloaked him, heavy like a cannon ball, yet his body would not settle. The hot water did nothing to soothe his nerves or ease the tension in his muscles or the pain in his chest. What an unmitigated mess. If only he’d understood his feelings for Sarah before he’d slept with her. Why was it almost every man, including him, were unable to work out their heart’s true path before they did something stupid.
In the tortured silence, he heard the rustle of clothing. Snapping his eyes open, his gaze rose up to see the beguiling figure of the woman who now haunted his dreams by night, and thoughts by day.
“What is wrong? What did you not wish to tell me in front of the servants? I know you, Richard. What are you not telling me?” His heart skipped a beat at the doubt and worry in Maddy’s voice.
Invitation to Passion Page 12
