The Most to Lose

by Landon, Laura

  Excitement built inside her until she felt giddy with joy. She felt like she was attending the opera or the theater on opening night of a new performance. “Look, Hadleigh,” she said, watching the growing crowd make its way toward the building. “Everyone is here. And more are coming.”

  In unison, they turned to watch as more carriages unloaded their passengers.

  Celie wasn’t sure who noticed whom first, but her gaze stopped when she saw one particular couple coming toward them.

  The rage in the woman’s eyes was frightening, the fury in her steps a warning. She marched in agitated steps with her husband in tow. Celie experienced a dread she wasn’t prepared to handle.

  “Step behind me,” Jonah said, extending his arm to push her back.

  “No, Jonah—”

  “Yes.”

  Celie cast a second startled glance at Melisande’s mother and realized that Lady Kendall was going to cause a scene. Even after all these years, Melisande’s parents hadn’t recovered from her death. At least Lady Kendall hadn’t. The fiery hatred in her eyes intensified as she stopped in front of Jonah and glared at him.

  “How dare you show your face in polite society,” Lady Kendall said. Her voice was loud enough that everyone near them stopped to listen. “You should have been hanged for murder.”

  “Margaret,” Lord Kendall said in a soothing voice, “let’s return home.”

  “I prayed each night you were at war that you wouldn’t come back alive. I asked that God would just give me that. But He didn’t. He let you survive.”

  “Come home with me, Margaret,” Lord Kendall said again. “You’re only upsetting yourself. There’s nothing you can do.” This time he placed his arm around his wife’s shoulder and turned her away from them.

  “You deserve to die,” she hollered over her shoulder as her husband escorted her to their carriage.

  Her hateful words echoed in Celie’s head even after the couple disappeared and the Marquess of Kendall’s carriage was out of sight.

  “Are you all right?” she heard Jonah ask.

  She looked up and saw the deep frown on his face. She tried to answer him, knew she should be worried about him instead of him worrying about her—but she couldn’t. She was trembling too badly to find her voice. And if she could find her voice, she wouldn’t be able to form the words. Her teeth chattered too violently.

  “Do you want to go home, Celie?”

  “Do you?” she finally managed.

  He shook his head. “I have to face this. Running will only fuel the gossip.”

  “Then I will stand at your side and face it with you.”

  He tightened his arm around her shoulder, and his strength traveled through her.

  Jonah turned to Amanda. “Would you like to return to Hadleigh Manor, Lady Amanda?”

  She laughed. “I should hope not. The evening has just begun. I’ve come to dance, and I can hear the orchestra from out here. They sound more than passable. It should be quite enjoyable.”

  That left only her brother, and they all seemed to focus on him at the same time.

  “Well, Your Grace, have you decided with which camp you will toss your lot?” Amanda asked.

  Hadleigh bristled visibly. His eyes narrowed when he lowered his gaze to meet Amanda’s and his shoulders stiffened in determination. “Yes, Lady Amanda. I have decided what I am going to do.”

  Hadleigh didn’t exactly step closer to where Amanda was on the narrow walkway, but it seemed as if he had. He raised himself up to his full height and towered over her like Celie had seen a vulture hover over its prey. “Someone is required to take responsibility for my sister, and if I leave, you would be that person. I shudder at the thought.”

  For the first time since Celie had known Amanda, her friend seemed at a loss for words. She recovered quickly, but not before Celie noticed a look of satisfaction on her brother’s face.

  “Your kindness never ceases to amaze me,” Amanda said, fluttering her fan as if Hadleigh’s words were a compliment instead of an insult. “Shall we go inside, then? The night is getting away from us.”

  Celie gave Jonah’s arm a reassuring squeeze, then entered the assembly room with a smile on her face. This was the same as it was three years ago when Hadleigh had turned his back on Jonah, and society had followed suit. Except this time the outcome would be different. This time Jonah wasn’t alone. This time she was with him.

  Jonah escorted her through the room, and Celie recognized some childhood friends she’d grown up with. With her arm linked with Jonah’s, they made their way to speak with them.

  At first the tension in the room was uncomfortable. Conversations seemed stilted; people stared. But as the evening progressed, the scene outside lost importance.

  Celie danced one dance with Jonah; then Squire James asked for the next set, and Robbie Benson, whose father owned the Keg and Ale, asked for the next. Amanda didn’t lack for partners, either, although Celie noted that Hadleigh wasn’t one of them. Jonah was monopolized the entire evening by several groups of townsmen who were interested in the improvements he was making to Haywood Abbey.

  The evening was progressing much better than it had started.

  “I haven’t had a chance to be with you all night,” Jonah said from behind her. “Would you care to step outside?”

  Celie turned. The second she saw Jonah’s captivating smile, a surge of warmth radiated through her. “I’d love to. I was afraid you weren’t going to escape Vicar Redling and Mr. Hawthorton until the party was over.”

  “The thought crossed my mind, too, but Mrs. Hawthorton complained that her husband had only danced with her once, so to keep peace at home, he led her to the dance floor.”

  “Wise man,” Celie said as they made their way out a side door and down the stairs that led to the lawn. Several other couples had the same idea and were walking through the little park the town had made surrounding the assembly hall.

  Jonah led her to one of the few vacant benches placed inside the fenced-in park and they sat.

  “I didn’t get a chance to tell you how beautiful you look tonight. I’m sure all the other females are green with envy.”

  “I doubt it,” she said with a smile on her face, “but I thank you for saying so. Have you noticed that Amanda hasn’t lacked for admirers tonight?”

  “Yes, I noticed. She was talking to the Conroy brothers when we left. Bertie Franklin was with them. All the young bucks here tonight are trying their hardest to make a favorable impression on her.”

  “Everyone except Hadleigh.” Celie sighed. “Have you ever seen two people so opposite each other in your life?”

  “They do seem to inspire the worst in each other. I’ll say that for them.”

  Celie paused. “Have you recovered from the confrontation with Lady Kendall?”

  “Yes, have you?”

  “Me?” Celie placed her hand atop Jonah’s. “I wasn’t the focus of her tirade. You were.”

  “Yes, but she reminded everyone of Melisande’s death three years ago. That couldn’t have been pleasant for you.”

  She gently squeezed his fingers. “Nor for you.”

  His eyes closed briefly and he shook his head. “It’s as if what happened that night will never go away. No matter how many years pass or how hard I try to distance myself from the events of that night, something or someone resurrects Melisande’s death.”

  “Rumors have circulated about Lady Kendall’s mental stability for quite some time. But I didn’t realize she was so ill.” Celie was suddenly struck by a frightening thought. “Jonah, you don’t suppose Lord Kendall was responsible for shooting at us the day we arrived?”

  He shook his head. “That thought occurred to me. I asked around about Kendall tonight, but Brandon Ransdell told me Lord Kendall didn’t arrive at Kendall Park until the day before yesterday. He would know. His nephew is in charge of the stables at Kendall Park.”

  Celie experienced a sinking feeling. “If it wasn’t Lord K
endall, who do you think it might have been? Are you sure there’s no one else who might want to harm you?”

  Jonah placed his other hand atop hers. “I don’t know. Maybe what happened was an accident. Perhaps there was a hunter nearby and his shot went wild.”

  “You don’t believe that, and I know it.”

  He smiled at her, but his smile wasn’t sincere. “No, but it does no good to concentrate on the questions I can’t answer.” He gathered her hands in his. “I’d rather talk about us. Is Hadleigh still determined to leave for London in the morning?”

  “Yes. Will you return with us?”

  “No. I have too much to oversee here. But I’ll be there in the morning to see you off. As soon as I finish here, I’ll come back. I can’t stay away from you too long, you know.”

  Jonah wrapped his arm around her shoulder and brought her closer. Celie went willingly. She remained in his arms for several wonderful moments before he spoke.

  “We’d better go back inside,” he said, kissing her lightly on the forehead. “I’m surprised your brother hasn’t come for you already.”

  Celie rose with Jonah and walked back inside. She wished she could convince her brother to stay a few more days at least, but knew that was unlikely. She was glad he agreed to stay long enough to attend tonight’s affair.

  When they stepped inside the assembly room, the musicians were just starting a country dance, and Jonah led her onto the floor. They did the steps, weaving in and out of the line of dancers. Each time they came together, their gazes locked and he looked down on her with a smile that warmed her entire body.

  Celie would always remember this night and how deeply she was in love with the Earl of Haywood.

  The carriage came to a halt in front of Hadleigh Manor, and they disembarked. The ride home from the assembly dance had been pleasant, primarily because Amanda and her brother avoided talking to each other.

  Celie attributed their lack of combative natures to the fact that Amanda had enjoyed herself so much. And to the fact that she’d danced so much she was exhausted.

  Celie wanted to laugh. The difference she saw in her friend here compared to how she behaved in London was remarkable. It was as if she were determined to leave her mark on the male population, whereas in London she was determined to avoid being noticed. Celie couldn’t help but wonder why.

  Jonah bid them all a good night, then left to return to Haywood Abbey. When he was out of sight, she entered the manor house with Amanda and Hadleigh.

  “May I speak with you a moment before you retire, Cecelia?” Hadleigh said when they’d given their cloaks and gloves to the butler.

  “It can’t wait until morning, Hadleigh?”

  “No. It’s important.”

  “Very well.”

  “I’ll bid you both a good night, then,” Amanda said as she walked up the stairs to her room.

  Celie followed her brother into his study and sat in the chair in front of his desk. He closed the door, then sat in the chair that used to be their father’s and now belonged to her brother.

  “Is something wrong, Hadleigh?”

  “Yes, Cecelia, something is wrong.”

  Her brother pushed around some papers on the desk, then leveled her with a serious expression.

  “I received some disturbing news today that you need to be aware of.”

  “I assume this news involves Lord Haywood.”

  “You assume correctly.”

  Before she could inform him she didn’t want to hear anything negative about Jonah, he raised his hand and stopped her.

  “I already know you probably won’t believe anything I have to say, but I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t at least make you aware of what I discovered.”

  Celie sighed loud enough that her brother couldn’t miss her frustration. “Very well, Hadleigh. What have you discovered that I need to know?”

  “I received a message from my solicitor today informing me of the astronomical amount of money Haywood has spent to restore Haywood Abbey.”

  “Why does that surprise you, Hadleigh? You knew he intended to make major improvements to Haywood Abbey.”

  “He’s using your money, Cecelia.”

  “Of course he is. He’s using money from my dowry to make improvements to Haywood Abbey because it will be my home when we marry.”

  “If you marry. Haywood hasn’t asked for your hand yet.”

  “He will. You know he will.”

  “I know nothing of the sort. What disturbs me even more is that he has charged all the bills for the repairs to his home to me!”

  Celie stopped. “To you?”

  “Yes, to me! Instead of putting the bills in his name so he can pay them with the money from your dowry, he expects me to cover them. I know you don’t understand what this means—”

  “Yes, Hadleigh,” she interrupted. “I understand what this means. It means that if he doesn’t ask to marry me, or if you would refuse his offer, he won’t get my dowry. If that happens, you will be responsible for paying for the repairs to Haywood Abbey.”

  “Yes, Cecelia. That’s exactly what it means.”

  Celie felt her world shift beneath her. “Why did the merchants think you would cover Jonah’s debts? Why didn’t your solicitor refuse them?”

  “Because of you, Cecelia. Because all of London knows Haywood has been courting you. Everyone already believes the two of you will marry and he will get your dowry. Not only every merchant in London, but my solicitor as well. He didn’t consider that there was anything inappropriate about the bills, since he knew I would want the house you lived in after your wedding to be in the best condition possible.”

  For several moments, Celie couldn’t move. Her mind spun with possibilities for what had happened. One question refused to go away. Why did Jonah expect her brother to pay for the improvements to Haywood Abbey? What made him think Hadleigh would cover his debts? He knew how much Hadleigh disliked him. He knew what Hadleigh’s reaction would be when he discovered what Jonah had done. But by then it would be too late. How would Hadleigh look if he refused to assist the man who was courting his sister?

  Celie broke out in a sweat. Hadleigh would appear like a miserly bully when society discovered that he wouldn’t loan money to the man his sister intended to marry when in time he’d receive her dowry and be able to pay him back.

  She couldn’t believe Jonah would do something so horrible, but he must have. Hadleigh wouldn’t lie to her.

  “I’m sure Haywood has a valid reason for putting his bills in your name, Hadleigh. We’ll ask him when he arrives in the morning.”

  Her brother shoved the papers to the side of his desk and looked at her. “I sincerely hope so, Cecelia. I sincerely hope so. Now, go to bed. It’s late and we want to get an early start in the morning.”

  Celie rose on shaky legs and walked behind the desk to kiss her brother on this cheek. “I know there’s a reason, Hadleigh. There has to be.”

  Celie bade her brother good night, then went to her room. She would go to bed, but she knew she wouldn’t sleep.

  Why would Jonah have done such a thing? What possible reason could there have been?

  She couldn’t wait until morning to discover what he had to say. But the doubts grew larger with every step she took.

  Chapter 18

  Jonah rode up the lane to Hadleigh Manor and took in the sight before him. The servants were busy loading trunks onto a wagon for their return trip to London. In front of the luggage wagon was a cart to transport the staff members traveling with them. In front of that was the carriage emblazoned with the Hadleigh crest.

  Jonah smiled when he thought of the return trip to London. He was glad he wouldn’t be confined with both Hadleigh and Lady Amanda. He was certain that one of them would be charged with murder by the time they reached London.

  Jonah dismounted near the house and handed the reins to a footman. Hadleigh’s butler held the door open, and he went inside. Loud voices assaulted him t
he minute the door closed behind him.

  He walked to the morning room and leaned a shoulder against the doorjamb. The conversation inside was too humorous to interrupt, so he waited quietly so as not to give away his presence.

  “I think you’ve said enough, Amanda.”

  “But, Celie, you’ve heard His Grace say more than once that if I were his sister, he’d purchase a ticket for me on the next ship leaving England. He’s never had a more perfect opportunity to make good on his threat.”

  “She’s not serious, Hadleigh.” Celie glared at Amanda. “Amanda, behave yourself.”

  “Very well, if you insist.” Amanda crossed her arms over her chest and sat still. “I’ll just sit here and make out my last will and testament. Take your time, Your Grace.”

  The Duke of Hadleigh gave Amanda the most scorching look Jonah had ever seen him give anyone. Perhaps if Lady Amanda would just look a little contrite, his expression might soften. But she seemed unaffected by his glare.

  “May I be of assistance?” he said, stepping into the room.

  “Lord Haywood,” Celie greeted with a smile. “You’ve arrived.”

  “Just in time, from the sound of it.”

  Jonah greeted Lady Amanda with a nod, then moved to Celie and took her hands in his. He released her hands when he noticed the smile on her face fade. “Is something wrong?”

  “I need to speak to you.”

  “Very well. We can go—”

  She shook her head. “Later.”

  He nodded, then walked to the fireplace.

  A low fire burned in the grate. Even though it wasn’t terribly cold at this time of year, the rooms in the larger homes still needed a fire to take the chill from the air.

  He leaned an elbow against the mantel and lifted his gaze to where Hadleigh stood opposite him. The expression on his face looked murderous.

  “Am I interrupting something, Hadleigh?”

  The narrowing of his eyes didn’t bode well.

  “Don’t patronize me, Haywood. I’ve taken all the verbal abuse I’ll tolerate for one day.”