by Joyce Alec
Thinking of Henry seemed to calm her, so Eleanor kept her thoughts fixed on him as she slowly pulled herself to her feet, grasping her cloak with one hand to hold it tightly over her dress. Lord Thornley’s snores did not stop, and Eleanor crept towards the door, desperately hoping that he had left the key in the lock. To her very great relief, she felt the cool metal brush against her hand and, pressing herself against it so as to muffle the sound, turned it quickly.
The click of the key turning seemed as loud as a thunderbolt and, to Eleanor’s horror, Lord Thornley’s snores suddenly stopped. She kept herself facing the door, hoping her dark cloak would make her appear nothing more than a shadow as Lord Thornley tossed and turned in his bed. The seconds ticked by with an agonizing slowness as Eleanor waited for Lord Thornley to return to slumber.
Her shoulders slumped with relief as the sound met her ears once more. She turned the door handle, and it opened at once. Her brain screamed at her to slam it closed and run to her freedom, but she forced herself to move slowly and carefully until, finally, she stood on the other side of Lord Thornley’s door.
She could not lock the bedchamber again, but perhaps he might believe that he had been too much in his cups to lock his door. Letting out a long breath of relief, Eleanor rested her head against the door for a moment, allowing her breathing to return to a more sedate pace.
Moving through the silent and dark house was no easy feat, but Eleanor took her time and managed to make her way back down the stairs and out of the servants’ door. Racing across the gardens, she ignored the worried look on her coachman’s face as he helped her inside, her limbs growing weak with relief.
“I know it is late, but I must go to see Lord Armitage,” she said breathlessly, just as the coachman made to shut the door.
He nodded and did not say a single word of complaint, evidently aware that something serious was going on. As the carriage rolled away, Eleanor looked down at the ruby in her hand, her fingers slowly releasing their tight grip on the jewel. She had to hope that Henry would know what to do and that he would forgive her for calling on him at such a late hour.
Her heart was still pounded in her chest as Eleanor made her way up the steps towards Henry’s townhouse, rapping quietly on the door so as not to use the knocker. Unfortunately, there was no answer and, now terrified that Lord Thornley might somehow appear at any moment, Eleanor was forced to lift the knocker and let it fall.
To her very great relief, the door opened, and Henry himself stood framed in the doorway, looking quite disheveled as though he had only just awoken. His shirt was untucked and open at the neck, with no cravat to be seen. His hair was tousled, and there were no shoes on his feet. Eleanor could not have been happier to see him.
“Goodness!” he exclaimed, staring at her as though she was some kind of apparition. “Eleanor?”
“Oh, thank goodness,” Eleanor gasped, stepping forward and flinging her arms around him. He returned her embrace after a moment, and Eleanor found herself sobbing into his neck, the relief of what she had endured overwhelming her entirely.
“Come in,” Henry murmured, his arms tightening around her waist. “Come now, you cannot stay outside on the step. Someone could see you.”
Eleanor did not let him go. “It will simply add to the scandals that already surround me,” she replied, with a hiccupping sob.
“Come,” Henry said again, rubbing her back gently. “Please, come in.”
Taking a deep breath, Eleanor steadied herself and turned to wave her carriage away, having already instructed them that she would get a hackney back home. She did not want her servants to have to wait any longer for her, given that she had already asked so much of them.
“I am so sorry to intrude on you like this,” she said breathlessly, as the front door closed behind them both. “I know it is quite untoward and entirely inappropriate, but I had to see you.”
“I have been worried about you,” he admitted, running a hand through his hair and making it stick up even more. “Have you only just returned from Lord Thornley’s dinner?”
“I have,” Eleanor answered, taking off her cloak and handing it to him. “I…I could not do as you wished.”
“Whatever do you mean?” he asked, hanging up her cloak.
Eleanor opened her hand and showed him the jewel within, seeing him frown.
“I am sorry,” she said, almost desperately. “He came into the room just as I found it, and it was all I could do to not be discovered.”
He gazed at her for a moment, his face filled with concern. “I cannot imagine what you have endured,” he said, after a moment, putting one arm around her waist and drawing her into his chest. “You have done very well, my dear. Come now, if you do not mind going to the kitchens, then I can attempt to rustle up some tea and cake, if that will soothe your nerves?”
Eleanor breathed him in for a moment longer, her relief at finally being safe in his arms and in his home calming her entirely. He had been the one she had thought to run to, the one she knew she could depend on. Just the thought of him had been enough to calm her when she had been making her way from Thornley’s house. Her affection for this man was growing steadily, and Eleanor knew she could not pretend she felt nothing for him.
“You are quite wonderful, Henry,” she murmured, finally stepping back from him. “I cannot tell you how much I am in your debt.”
His eyes caught hers, the flickering candlelight seeming to put an almost ethereal glow around him. Eleanor’s breath caught in her throat as Henry’s fingers brushed her chin, the gentle touch of his fingers sending a sweeping heat straight through her.
She closed her eyes as his lips touched hers, the briefest of kisses, but enough to make her heart come to a standstill for a moment. When she opened her eyes once more, Henry was smiling at her, his eyes alight with the deepest of emotions.
“Tea,” he said, taking her hand in his. “And I insist that you tell me everything that has happened.”
Eleanor followed at once, her whole being settled at being in Henry’s presence once more. The ruby still lay, enclosed, in her palm, but with Henry’s calm assurance that all would be well, Eleanor felt herself grow quiet once more.
The only question was, now that she had discovered the jewel, would they be able to find a way to lay the blame squarely at Thornley’s feet? And, if they did, what would Eleanor choose to do? Would she continue to live as she had, with Miss Wiltshire as her companion? Or would she listen to her heart and choose to marry the man who was now making his way around the kitchen, attempting to make her a fresh pot of tea?
Eleanor smiled as he set down a tray in front of her, having absolutely no qualms over sitting at the servants’ table. He touched her hand briefly, smiling at her in the candlelight.
“Have as much as you want,” he said, indicating the tray filled with a variety of repasts. “And, when you are finished, tell me everything that has happened.”
Chapter Thirteen
The following afternoon, Eleanor was seated quietly in the drawing room, awaiting the wrath of Lord Thornley that was soon to be upon her. She had no concern over his anger, however, knowing that Henry was soon to be arriving. Smiling gently to herself, Eleanor recalled how he had reassured her only a few hours earlier when she had been seated across from him at the servants’ table.
“You were late arriving home last evening,” Miss Wiltshire commented, not looking at Eleanor and, instead, focusing on her embroidery. “I do hope everything is all right?”
“Everything is perfectly fine,” Eleanor said carefully. “Were you awake?”
“I was,” Miss Wiltshire answered quietly. “You are my dearest friend, and I was worried about how Lord Thornley would treat you last evening.”
Eleanor smiled. “You need not worry, my dear. Lord Armitage and I intend to come up with a plan that will prove your innocence and remove Lord Thornley from us forever.”
Miss Wiltshire looked up with surprise. “Truly?”
“Truly,”
Eleanor replied, with a chuckle. “You see? You will have a life free of scandal very soon.”
Her companion studied her carefully. “And Lord Armitage is to help you?”
“He is,” Eleanor said, quietly. “He has suggested that, should things go awry, we might marry.” She glanced at Miss Wiltshire, expecting her to be appalled at such a suggestion, given her previous comment, but to her surprise, her companion said nothing of the sort.
“Lord Armitage is a good man,” Miss Wiltshire said quietly. “Despite his past indiscretions.”
Well aware of the reasons behind Lord Armitage’s imprudence, Eleanor felt her cheeks color. “Everyone makes mistakes, I suppose.”
Miss Wiltshire nodded approvingly. “Quite. Despite that, he appears to be very helpful in our current predicament.”
“You believe that he would not be a bad choice as regards a husband, then?”
A small smile appeared on Miss Wiltshire’s face. “I thought you declared that you would not marry, Eleanor.” She lifted one eyebrow and regarded Eleanor carefully.
Eleanor’s cheeks, already warm, grew hot. “I had thought that I would not, for I swore that I would never marry again without having some kind of affection for the gentleman in question…”
“I see,” Miss Wiltshire murmured, looking away from Eleanor. “Then I am quite glad for you, my dear.”
“I shall not ask you to leave me, of course,” Eleanor replied firmly. “You are to stay with me without question. I insist upon it.”
Miss Wiltshire smiled, covering her look of relief. “Thank you.”
“Although I am sure you might, one day, find such a man of your own,” Eleanor murmured quietly. “Once all of this business is over, you shall have no need to worry about carrying any kind of scandal with you.”
Miss Wiltshire opened her mouth to reply, only for something of a loud commotion to catch her attention. The butler pushed through the door, his face drawn and angry—an expression Eleanor had never before seen on his face.
“Lord Thornley, my lady.”
Before the words had left his mouth, Lord Thornley pushed past him and stormed into the room, his eyes glittering with malice. A sudden fear pushed into her heart, a fear that he had known of her presence last evening and had come for retribution.
“Eleanor,” he gritted out, standing before her.
Eleanor lifted her eyes to meet his but did not stand. She had no need to show deference to him, not now. His end was nigh, although he did not know it.
“Lord Thornley,” she murmured, indicating a seat next to her. “How good of you to come and see me today.”
He glared at her.
“I trust you had a pleasant dinner last evening,” Miss Wiltshire interrupted, as though drawing his attention to her presence.
Thorney spun on his heel and faced Miss Wiltshire. “It must have been something of a surprise to you that Eleanor returned so early.” He lifted one eyebrow, as though demanding that she admit that Eleanor had not returned home as she had said.
Miss Wiltshire did not bat an eyelid, nor throw even the smallest glance towards Eleanor. “Indeed,” she replied calmly. “I was abed, of course, but I admit that I did not close my eyes until I heard Eleanor’s return.”
“And I went straight to bed, of course,” Eleanor continued quickly. “My headache has gone this morning, which is something of a relief.” Well aware that she had not had the opportunity to explain to Miss Wiltshire the excuse she had given for her hasty departure, Eleanor shot her companion a glance and saw at once that her friend understood.
“You are dismissed, Miss Wiltshire,” Lord Thornley demanded.
Miss Wiltshire’s eyebrows rose, but she did not make a move to obey Thornley’s words.
“I said,” Thornley grated, his eyes now narrowed slits, “you are dismissed, Miss Wiltshire.”
“I do not believe that is your place, my lord,” Miss Wiltshire responded quietly, refusing to back down. “I shall remain here.”
“I insist you remain, Miss Wiltshire,” Eleanor added, getting to her feet and looking Lord Thornley straight in the eye. “We are not wed yet, Lord Thornley. Be careful.”
“Who are you to threaten me?” he retorted, grasping her arm and dragging Eleanor forward. “Do you not remember what it is I hold over you? How dare you—”
“I suggest you unhand the lady.”
Wrenching her arm from Thornley’s grip, Eleanor watched as Henry walked into the room, his face filled with anger. His lips pressed tightly together as he waited for Thornley to step away from Eleanor, the whiteness around his mouth betraying just how furious he was.
Thornley’s hands curled into fists. “How fortuitous that you are here, Armitage,” he bit out, each word spiked with malice. “Come to save Lady Brooke, have you?”
“Lady Brooke can take care of herself without my intervention,” Henry said, mildly. “But if my presence can stop you from using your strength against her, then I will always be by her side.”
Lord Thornley laughed, a harsh sound emanating from his lips. “Your time by her side grows short, my lord. She will be wed soon, and then what will you do?”
Eleanor watched as Henry pressed his lips even more firmly together, as though attempting to prevent himself from making a retort he might come to regret.
“I have come to tell you that you are to join me at Lord Whittaker’s ball tomorrow evening,” Thornley continued, turning to face Eleanor. “You have received an invitation, I think?”
“I have, but I have not yet replied.”
“Then reply,” he said, firmly. “I have also come to notify you that our wedding has drawn closer.”
“Closer?” Eleanor repeated, feeling suddenly a little wane. “What do you mean?”
“I mean that our wedding date is now three days hence,” Thornley said, his tone brooking no argument. “You are too flighty, too conniving, for me to wait much longer. Attempting to keep Lord Armitage as your hero and protector has only proven to me that you are best wed as soon as possible. Then you shall be mine and mine alone.”
“You cannot be serious,” Eleanor spluttered, suddenly aghast at the thought. “Our banns have not yet been called for the three required weeks.”
“You will be amazed at what can be done when certain suggestions are made,” Thornley murmured, his eyes running over the length of Eleanor’s body. “The clergy would much rather a lady keep her respectability than lose it, especially when they are meant to be an example to the other young ladies in society.”
Horrified, Eleanor stared at Thornley, her mind spinning with what he might have said to have managed such a thing.
“What did you say, Thornley?” Henry asked, his voice low and face now burning with ire.
Thornley chuckled mirthlessly and waved a hand, as though it were not of any great concern. “You need not worry about that, Armitage, given that she is not your concern. I shall see you tomorrow, Eleanor.” He moved closer, and Eleanor forced herself not to shrink back from him. “And should you even put a toe out of line, you will not know what has hit you. I warn you now.”
Eleanor waited until the man had left the room before collapsing on the sofa behind her.
“Tea, I think,” Miss Wiltshire said, practically getting to her feet. “I will fetch it myself, shall I?”
She did not wait to answer, but left the room, although the door remained slightly ajar. Henry was beside Eleanor at once, his hands chafing her cold ones.
“Are you all right? Has he hurt you?”
Eleanor shuddered. “That odious man, coming here to threaten me yet again.” She looked up into Henry’s face, suddenly overcome with fright. “I know I should not let his words get to me, but I cannot help it. What has he said, do you think?”
She saw the struggle on his face, clearly torn between telling her what he thought and the pain it might bring her. Pulling her hand from his grip, she captured his face between her two palms and looked into his face.
&n
bsp; “Please,” she whispered.
Henry sighed, catching her hand and pressing a kiss to her palm. “He will suggest you are with child, I believe.”
“With child?” Eleanor repeated, her breath catching in her chest. “How dare he?”
“It is the only suggestion that might push the clergy into acting more swiftly,” Henry said, softly. “I had not expected this.”
Eleanor searched his face. “Then, shall we have to go to Scotland?” she asked, worried that their plan would no longer come to fruition.
He shook his head slowly. “No, I believe we can use the ball to our own ends.”
“How?” she asked, suddenly desperate to see the way out. “How are we meant to have him pull out the missing jewel in front of all to see? It sounds quite impossible, especially when we have the ruby in our possession.”
“I will think of something,” he replied firmly. “Can you trust me, my dear Eleanor?”
She smiled then, despite her ongoing worry. “Of course I trust you, Henry. You should know that by now. You are the only one I could turn to at a time like this. Your unwavering commitment and dedication to me and to my cause has been almost overwhelming. I am quite grateful to you.”
He smiled back, although it did not quite reach his eyes. “I hope you know that I still care for you as much as I ever have, Eleanor. You grow dearer to me every day.”
Her heart warmed at his words, and without realizing what she was doing, Eleanor brought her hands back to his face and leaned in to kiss him. He responded at once, his arms encircling her waist as they sat together on the sofa, setting his mouth a little more firmly against hers.
Eleanor could almost feel the way he bridled his passions, holding them back firmly, so as not to overwhelm her. She let her hands fall to his shoulders, her fingers delving into his hair as he angled his head to deepen their kiss. Time slowed around them, as Eleanor’s heart began to quicken with a passion she had never experienced before.
The sound of approaching footsteps broke them apart. Miss Wiltshire took her time to enter the room with the tea tray, giving Henry enough time to take his seat once more, although his gaze never left Eleanor.
