“Oh, how horrible!” Alice exclaimed as she brought her hand to her chest.
“It was,” Sarah replied sadly, “and it did not help that he only had one tooth.” Though she was not fond of telling lies, the description helped the story and therefore made it excusable. “Because of his ailments, his parents allowed him to behave in whatever manner he saw fit. It was that behavior that almost destroyed our entire estate.”
A bird flew past them and landed on a branch of a tree above her as if to listen in on her story, much to Sarah’s glee. She had told many a bird this very story; they were the most willing audience. How pleasing it was to see that even the birds far from home enjoyed a good tale. Now she had two in attendance, which made her all that more animated.
“I was in the drawing room that fateful day so many years ago when I first heard the screams of terror coming from our help. I followed his parents and mine out to the gardens, and we all stopped and looked on in utter horror…” She glanced down and saw Alice staring her, her eyes wide and her mouth hanging open. If her story was impressing a woman such as Alice, then Sarah knew her hardships were extreme indeed.
“What had he done?” Alice asked in a fearful voice.
“I will get to that momentarily,” Sarah replied as she began to pace once again, her hands clasped tightly behind her back. “So, we went outside and the gardeners ran to us, screaming that their lives were in danger and that we should all hide.” Sarah stopped her pacing and glared down at Alice, jutting her chin forward. “The others hid, but I did not. I decided to stand up to the foul beast, even if he was armed with a pitchfork.”
Alice gasped into the hand that now covered her mouth. “Did he hurt anyone?” The fear on her face was so pronounced, if anyone would have happened upon the two women at that moment, that person would have thought the woman was being personally attacked.
Sarah nodded. “A few men lost an eye or limb, though something far worse befell us all that day. You see, my family's gardens are known for their beauty far and wide. Royalty has visited just to stroll through them, that is how great they were regarded.” Her face fell to demonstrate the sadness her family felt. “The Monster destroyed it all. Years of careful planning and cultivating of the hedges, the roses, all of it, destroyed.”
“I am so sorry! How did you manage to stop him?”
“It was simple. I ran at him,” —she ran forward, her hands outstretched before her, “grabbed him by the hair,” —her hand clasped at her own hair— “and gave it a stout pull. He cried out in pain and immediately dropped the tool. Thankfully, the servants who were not maimed came running back; though, I must admit, it took four grown men to take him down, his strength was so great.”
“You were very brave indeed!”
“Thank you,” Sarah replied as she lowered herself to the ground and swiped at her gown as if to rid herself of the dirt James had gotten on her dress that day. “I must confess, it gets much worse.”
“Worse?” Alice gasped. “How could it be worse?”
“That boy? He is now the man my parents have insisted that I marry!”
“No! After all he did, they wish you to marry him?”
Sarah nodded sadly. “They do. My mother wants me to bear his children. I fear they will be born with his maladies…and his appalling attitude.”
“Then you must come with me,” Alice said firmly, brooking no argument. Not that Sarah had one. “You will work with me at my millinery and hide away forever. It will be great fun!”
Although the idea was entertaining, Sarah knew where she needed to go. “I thank you for your invitation, but I must respectfully decline. The man I was supposed to marry has been on a great journey for the King himself and is due back at any time. I must do something drastic to hide myself, and though your millinery would certainly be a place he might not consider, where I am going will be even less of a consideration on his part.”
“Very well. However, if you are ever in the need of a new hat, please visit every shop until you have found mine. Perhaps you will no longer need to be in hiding and can then come to work for me. Unless you have somehow become renowned on your own.”
Sarah laughed. “We will see about me becoming renowned. However, it would be a pleasure to visit your shop.” She had known this woman all of an hour, and yet she felt a bond that would lead them together again at some point.
“You know,” Alice said as she eyed the dress Sarah wore, “you will be easy to spot in that dress.” She reached into her bag and pulled out a simple white dress bereft of any decoration whatsoever. “I believe we are the same size and this should fit you perfectly. Perhaps even better than it would fit me.”
“The dress of a commoner?” Sarah asked skeptically. She had never owned anything so plain in her life, and she found the fabric to be scratchy compared to the current garment she wore. “What is this fabric?”
“Yes, a commoner’s dress,” Alice replied. “That is burlap, and believe it or not, it is of what flour sacks are made. However, it is a sturdy material, which is a necessity if you will be doing any type of work. Trust me, I felt as you do when I left home and my friend offered me the clothes I now have. However, no one has questioned me or given me a second look. I blend in well with the locals, and so will you, making it more difficult to be found. Had you not considered that a reward certainly be posted for your safe return?”
In all reality, the thought had never crossed her mind. How lucky it had been that she had encountered this exceptional woman.
“Change quickly, and then I must be off. I have so much to do to set myself up as a famous milliner, and the sooner I get to St. Maws the better.”
Sarah eyed the dress apprehensively. Would the fabric be too coarse for her delicate skin? What if she broke out in a rash and had to be bedridden? She did not even have a bed yet. However, Alice was right; if Sarah was to live amongst the commoners, she would need to look like them. The idea began to grow on her, and she gave a firm nod. No one would know she came from richer stock while wearing this.
She quickly changed into the dress and looked down in shock. The bodice was tight, pushing her bosom so it was displayed to the whole world to the point that her breasts could tumble out at any moment. “I am unsure of this,” she said skeptically. “Is this what the women wear?” She had seen many a ball gown that women wore to flaunt themselves, but somehow it had seemed more appropriate in that setting. To think that common women worked dressed this way left her dumbfounded. What if they toppled out while they were on their hands and knees scrubbing the floor. Not that she would be doing that type of work, of course. She did not have to do anything quite that menial, just menial enough to be believed.
“They do,” Alice assured her. “You appear the simple common woman if I ever saw one.”
The words brought a smile to Sarah’s face. If this adventurous and worldly woman felt that Sarah could blend in, then indeed she would.
Alice untied her horse and grabbed the reins. “I must be on my way if I am to keep to my schedule.” She gave Sarah a quick hug. “Remember, look me up when you need a new hat.”
For some reason, Sarah was overcome with emotion and tears rolled down her cheeks. She wished they could travel together, and for a quick second, Sarah considered going with her. However, her plans had been set. Her hero could not disembark from a boat to rescue her and whisk her way to a life of love and adventure if she was not near the water.
“Now, there is no need for tears,” Alice said as she pulled Sarah in for a hug once again. “Adventure and excitement lies ahead for us both.” She broke the embrace and mounted her horse.
“Goodbye, Alice!” Sarah said. “I look forward to bringing my new husband with me when I visit.”
“Yes, please do,” Alice replied. “You should have no problem finding me. I will be in the finest millinery in all of Cornwall. Until the day we meet again, goodbye, my friend.”
A moment later, Alice was off and soon she disappeared
behind the trees, off to her destiny. Sarah silently wished her well and then walked over to pet Molly’s nose. Then she tied her bag back onto the saddle and hoisted herself up, ready to see what the day would bring her.
“Well, Molly, it is time for me to meet my destiny,” she whispered and then prodded Molly forward. Yet as the rolling green hills and farm houses flowed past, a nagging thought plagued at her.
Was she going to her destiny or running from it?
Chapter Seven
James leaned against the desk in the library at Buckthorn House deep in thought as his hand rubbed at his chin. Two days had passed since Sarah and her family came for dinner and to tour the house and grounds, and yet it felt as though a lifetime had gone by. Sarah’s beauty, her mind, her very soul, all she had to offer, he treasured and longed to have in his life.
He had meticulously planned his return to Greystone Estate, and those plans had not played out as he had imagined. When he learned that Sarah remained unwed, and after so many years had passed since that unfortunate incident in the gardens of Greystone Estate, that perhaps their years of childhood friendship could be the basis for forgiveness. That Sarah would be ready to receive him in her home, just as her parents had, and more importantly into her life and into her arms.
So many nights while attending school and then off in India with his father’s business he had thought of the young girl who had a propensity to theatrics, had the ability to bring any story to life through her tellings, and was so full of life, the world around her only brightened with her in it. As children, she captivated him with her tales of pirates and knights, to the point that he wished he were so charming and brave.
Alas, his plans to whisk her away and ask her to spend the rest of her life with him went astray because he had rushed headlong into believing she would jump into his arms without a second thought for what had transpired so long ago, without considering that there was a chance her feelings would not be mutual. Not only did she not wish to marry him, it seemed her hatred for him was strong, all because of the actions of a boy eight years previous, actions that would be deemed normal by most standards. Boys did not have a head for romantic feelings, so they tended to show their affections in the only way they knew how. Through the physical. If he could simply explain this to her, perhaps she would see reason.
His intentions had not been to win her in a game of cards; however, when she spurned him before even allowing him the opportunity to express his feelings, he jumped at the opportunity which had presented itself. Granted it was not the most sentimental path he could have chosen, but the practicality at that moment made sense to him. Then, once they were wed, he could show her how much he had changed—with his words, with his mannerisms, and with his heart. It was his way of showing her the man he had become.
“If you would like, My Lord, I can ride to Glasgow. There is a horse merchant there who has a fine selection.” James turned to Bartholomew Staten, who had arrived some twenty minutes earlier to discuss the purchase of a pair of riding horses, one of which James planned to gift to Sarah. “The cost would be substantial, but I believe he will have exactly what you are looking for.”
The gift of a horse was not only a way to win over the woman he loved, but it would permit them an activity they could do together, just as they had done as children. He knew of her love for riding, and a new horse allowed her the opportunity to have the freedom she enjoyed. He knew, or had heard stories of, many women who spent most of their time inside looking out the window with longing to leave the mundane life behind. He could not, and would not, hold Sarah to those customs if she preferred to be free, just as was her spirit.
“Very well, if you believe that is where you will find the best mounts,” James replied. “When will you leave?”
“My plan is to go in a month’s time.” He cleared his throat and shifted his feet. “My daughter is marrying soon, and I wanted to wait until after the wedding…if that meets your approval, of course. If you would prefer, I can…”
James held up his hand. “No, a month’s time will be acceptable.” He reached into his coat pocket, and then counting out a large sum, handing the man some notes. “Take a ten-pound note from this to help with the wedding arrangements.”
Staten beamed. “You are very kind, My Lord,” he said with a bow. James was glad the man did not gush or try to kiss his hand or some other sign of gratitude that would only make them both feel uncomfortable. It was another reason he liked the man.
A knock came to the door, and James called out for the person to enter. Lundburg opened the door and stood as stoic as ever just inside the room. The family butler had always had a disciplined and straight-back stance; however, James recognized the concern that etched the man’s face. “I am sorry to interrupt, My Lord, but a letter has arrived. I was told it was an urgent matter.”
As Lundburg handed the letter to James, James nodded at Bartholomew, who gave a quick bow and then hurried out of the room. Once the man was gone, James tore open the letter and read the words that had hurriedly been written on the paper. As he absorbed the message, his heart began to sink to the pit of his stomach.
“What is it, My Lord?” Lundburg asked, undoubtedly sensing James’s alarm. “Is it the Duchess?”
“No, my mother is safe, as far as I know. It seems that Miss Crombly has gone missing.”
Lundburg gasped, the sound coming from the typically composed man seeming out of place, though James took little notice. “Missing? Do they say for how long?”
James scanned the note again. “Apparently sometime this morning, so they assume she left in the night.” Fear coursed through James with such force, he reached out to steady himself against the desk. He closed his eyes for a moment to regain his composure. He had learned from the captain of the ship on which he had traveled for his journey home that too often in situations of distress such as these, those who panicked, drowned. Well, he would not be one of those who lost his life to fear.
He scanned the letter once more, although he did not truly need to, for every word was now etched into his memory. “Lundburg,” he commanded as he counted his notes to assure himself he had plenty for travel, “have my horse saddled and see that I have several changes of clothes readied. I may be gone for some time.”
Lundburg bowed. “Yes, My Lord,” he replied and quickly went to do as his master bade.
Sarah was a carefree soul who spoke often of adventure as a child. Now she was on one of her own. Although he hoped she was safe, he knew the chances of something dreadful happening to one of her sheltered upbringing was all too real. Time was of the essence; he had to find her, and soon.
***
James stood in the drawing room of Greystone Estate, attempting to remain patient. Sarah had been gone five hours at minimum, if she left as the sun rose, and James still knew little more than what he learned after receiving Mr. Crombly’s letter. Indecision and disorganization made him uncomfortable, and the Cromblys were the embodiment of both at this moment. Mrs. Crombly sat in a high-back chair and sobbed into her hands and her husband was trying to console her while at the same time attempting to prod her for more information as to where Sarah may have gone off.
“I do not know, Thomas,” the woman cried not for the first time. “You continue asking, but I have nothing new to add. What I do know is that she is out there, completely alone, where there are scoundrels who would take advantage of her.”
“Allow me to take a moment to speak to Lord Foxworth alone,” Mr. Crombly said with a sigh. He kissed his wife on the forehead and then patted her hand. “I will send in Mary with some tea for you.” When his wife nodded, Mr. Crombly motioned to James to follow him and they headed out of the room. Once in the hall, he flagged down a nearby servant and sent her off to pass on the message about tea.
They walked to what James recognized as the library where Mr. Crombly poured them each a brandy without asking James if he wanted one, although James took it without hesitation. The liquid lef
t a burning in his throat—a reminder of the horrible situation he had gotten everyone into. Her parents might not understand Sarah’s motives for running away, but James certainly did. She simply was hot-headed and did not wish to marry him.
“Armagnac,” Mr. Crombly said as he looked at the empty glass appreciatively. “Have you ever had it?”
James shook his head. He could not have cared less the type of brandy he was drinking, at least not at this very moment. Albeit, he did admit it was the best he ever had.
“It comes from a remote area in France. Quite expensive, I must admit, but well worth it.” His eyes lost focus for a quick moment as he stared at the glass. Then he turned, lifted his arm, and threw it violently into the empty fireplace. “All I have ever desired was to give my family the finest things in life,” he said, his voice angry. “Take that Armagnac, for example. It is the best money can buy. The furniture, the house, even the paintings, all quite expensive and brings us beauty. That girl has had everything her heart has desired, and yet, she runs off in a huff when the perfect circumstance is placed in her lap.”
“I understand, Crombly, I truly do,” James said, forcing compassion and understanding into his voice that he did not feel. At that moment, all he felt was frustration that they had no useful information as to the whereabouts of their own daughter. However, he had to remain calm to draw out what he could. “I wish her back home safely as much as you and your wife do. Rest assured I will find her and have her back here at Greystone Estate as soon as it is humanly possible.” He downed the rest of the expensive brandy and set the glass on the table. “I must be on my way if I am to find her before anything distasteful happens. However, we both know that Sarah is more than capable of taking care of herself. She is quite a resourceful woman.”
The Duke's Wager: Defiant Brides Book 1 Page 6
