The Outcast's Redemption (The Infamous Arrandales)

by Sarah Mallory

  He said quickly, ‘And having put the blame on me you went off to Newmarket.’

  ‘Well, I did not wish to intrude upon the family’s grief.’

  ‘Generous of you,’ drawled Wolf. ‘So you took young Thriplow’s fortune and left him to blow his brains out.’

  Urmston shrugged. ‘If it had not been me, someone else would have relieved him of his fortune.’ He took another step closer. ‘Now give me those diamonds.’

  Wolf’s hand closed over them and he held his fist across his chest. ‘Surely you would not kill us before explaining how the diamonds came to be here and not where you left them?’

  ‘Meesden,’ said Urmston tersely. ‘She caught me hiding the necklace. I paid her to say nothing, gave her enough for her to buy her shop in London. But she must have realised that it was I and not you who was responsible for Florence’s death and decided to have her revenge. When I heard you were back in England I posted here immediately, only to find the diamonds were gone.’

  ‘And you had lost track of Meesden, too.’ Wolf spoke quickly, trying to cover what was surely the sound of steps outside the chapel. ‘And just how did you know I was back in England, Charles?’

  ‘Your lawyer. I paid him to alert me if he should hear from you.’

  ‘And was it Baylis who gave you Meesden’s direction?’ asked Wolf.

  Urmston stepped closer.

  ‘Yes. The fool thought I wanted her as a witness against you and was only too happy to help, no doubt thinking of the money he would make defending you.’

  Wolf saw the merest flicker of light in the doorway and spoke his next words clearly, praying whoever was holding the light would hear Urmston’s answer.

  ‘So you forced brandy down Annie Meesden’s throat and took her to Vauxhall, where you murdered her.’

  ‘What else could I do? Oh, I tried to reason with her, I sat for an hour while she finished her mending, but she would not tell me what she had done with the diamonds. She even threatened to tell you. So I had no choice but to kill her. I thought the plan was pretty neat, dispose of Meesden and have her murder added to the list of your crimes. And this will be your final victim.’ Urmston stared hard at Grace. ‘I saw you at Horsemonger Lane. Wolfgang’s lady of mercy. Hatcham thinks you helped him escape.’

  ‘She is innocent, Charles. Let her go.’

  ‘Oh, no. I have seen the way you look at her, Wolfgang. I think her death will hurt you more than the others.’

  A boot scraped on the doorstep. Urmston’s head came up. He swung the pistol towards Grace. He was so close, he could not miss, but even as he squeezed the trigger Wolf pounced.

  He saw the flash from the pistol, felt the searing pain in his side but he kept going, landing against his opponent with such force that they both fell to the ground. Even as the blackness closed in on him he heard voices and the heavy tread of boots on the stone floor. Grace was safe.

  * * *

  Grace froze as the pistol turned towards her. In that same instant she saw Wolf drop the necklace and throw himself in the way. A shot reverberated around the little church and the two men fell, but although Sir Charles continued to struggle there was no sign of movement from Wolf, whose dead weight pinned his opponent to the ground.

  The urgent shouts of the men running into the church broke the spell. Grace flew towards Wolf, helping the men to roll him away from Sir Charles. A red stain was slowly darkening Wolf’s coat and Grace closed her eyes, praying harder than she had ever done in her life that he might be spared.

  ‘Grace! Are you hurt?’ Loftus was lifting her from her knees.

  ‘He is innocent,’ she said urgently. ‘Wolfgang is innocent.’

  He nodded, scooping up the necklace and the handkerchief that was wrapped around it and putting them in his pocket.

  ‘I heard enough to know that, my dear. Come out of the way now.’

  She sank down on one of the pews as everyone bustled about. Sir Charles was marched away, Wolf was carried to the house, but when Grace went to follow, Loftus stopped her.

  ‘May I ask what you are doing here?’ he asked. ‘I received your father’s note, saying you had but today returned to Arrandale.’

  Grace exhaled. ‘I have a lot to tell you, Loftus.’

  Then, in the soft, flickering light of the church candles, Grace made her confession. She related everything, from the moment Wolf had first arrived at the vicarage to their night-time flight back to Arrandale. The only thing she kept to herself were the savage kisses they had shared. Those memories were too intimate, too precious to be divulged.

  ‘I have been very careless of my reputation, Loftus,’ she said at last. ‘I helped him escape from prison and spent last night alone in the woods with him.’ She raised her chin. ‘I cannot regret it, I did it to save an innocent man. But I do regret the pain this must cause you. I beg your pardon for that.’

  Silence fell in the chapel. Grace hung her head. Loftus really could not be expected to marry a woman who had behaved so badly. She would go home to Papa. If Wolf lived, if he decided to remain in England after all...

  She would not think of that, not yet.

  ‘I cannot deny that I am shocked by your confidences, Grace,’ Sir Loftus began, with heavy deliberation. ‘But I am also proud. You have integrity, the courage to act upon your convictions and I admire that. I am aware that the world would censure you most severely, if your actions should become known, but you shall not hear a word of reproach from me. And I shall not break our engagement. I have always considered it my duty as a magistrate to see that justice is administered and I am not such a hypocrite to turn away from you when you have followed your conscience. No, my dear, with your permission we shall instruct your father to call the banns next week and we will be married within the month. You shall have all the protection my name can give you.’

  She felt his hand on her shoulder, a gesture of comfort and reassurance. To Grace it felt as heavy and confining as a yoke.

  * * *

  ‘He’s stirring.’

  Wolf was aware of the faint smell of lavender and a cool cloth wiping his brow. He opened his eyes.

  ‘Grace.’

  The frail whisper must have been his own voice, for she took his hand and squeezed it gently, smiling at him in a way that made him wonder if he was in heaven, being tended by an angel.

  ‘You are safe now, Wolf.’ She added softly, ‘You saved my life.’

  He glanced down at the bandaging around his chest.

  ‘And who saved mine?’

  ‘That was Raoul.’ Lady Cassandra came closer, her husband at her side. ‘You should be thankful that he brought his surgeon’s case with him.’

  Raoul grinned. ‘I have learned that where there are Arrandales, there is trouble. However, on this occasion your life was not in danger. The bullet skimmed the ribs. A glancing blow merely.’

  ‘Aye,’ said Richard, coming up. ‘Another inch to the left and it would have killed you. How do you feel, Brother?’

  ‘Damnable,’ muttered Wolf. ‘Where am I?’

  ‘In the morning room at Arrandale,’ Grace answered him. ‘The day bed here was more convenient for everyone to look after you than trailing all the way up to your bedchamber.’

  As she spoke Wolf glanced past the four persons gathered around him. Of course. The room was familiar, although in the bright light of day it looked much shabbier than he remembered. Neglected. Like the rest of the Arrandale estate. Ten years without a master was taking its toll. He frowned.

  ‘How long have I been here?’

  ‘The constables carried you in here last night,’ said Richard, ‘after Urmston shot you.’

  As memory returned Wolf wanted more answers. He tried to sit up, but Grace’s gentle hands pressed him back.

  ‘No, no, you must
stay there, at least for the present. There is no danger now. Loftus knows Urmston is the true villain. He arrested him immediately.’

  ‘Aye.’ Richard laughed. ‘Braddenfield was as mad as fire when he found the fellow trying to kill his fiancée!’

  Wolf’s eyes flew to Grace. There was a faint flush on her cheeks, but she made no attempt to contradict Richard. Wolf caught her wrist as she went to move away.

  ‘Grace, I must talk to you, alone. I need to know—’

  The blush deepened. Gently she freed herself from his grip and moved out of reach.

  ‘Hush now, sir. There will be time to talk when you are better.’

  That was her answer, then. She loved him, wanted him, but she would not break her promise to marry Braddenfield. Wolf closed his eyes. It was best this way. Grace might love him now, but once the first joyful bliss had faded she would compare him to her first love. Let her marry her magistrate, she would go into that marriage with her eyes open, not blinded by starry infatuation. And as for himself, the sooner he was away from here the better. But first he must see his daughter.

  He glared at Raoul Doulevant. ‘How long must I stay in this cursed bed?’

  ‘I would prefer you did not exert yourself today.’ He put his hand on Wolf’s brow. ‘There is no fever and the wound is not deep, but it might start to bleed again. You have the luck most extraordinary, mon ami, but I beg you will stop putting yourself in the way of bullets. This is the second time I have, how do you say, patched you up and I may not be on hand if you should be shot again.’ Raoul put his arm about Cassie’s waist and pulled her close. ‘You should settle down. I can recommend it.’

  Wolf caught the adoring look that passed between Cassie and her Belgian husband and his spirits plummeted. The man was a hero, worthy of any woman’s regard. What had he ever done, save spread mayhem and murder? The opening of the door caught his attention and his sister-in-law came in with Lady Hune.

  Wolf’s breath hissed out. ‘Am I to have no peace?’

  ‘Ungrateful brute,’ Richard admonished him cheerfully. ‘When the family have gathered here to support you! But we will be relieving you of our presence shortly. Now we know you are in no danger Phyllida is anxious to return home to little James.’

  Ah, yes, Richard and Phyllida’s son. And they were expecting another child, which might well be another heir. Wolf’s black mood deepened. He did not begrudge Richard his happiness, but it served to highlight his own bleak existence. Well, at least a nephew ensured the entail was safe and lessened the need to stay in England. As if to give an extra twist to the knife, Phyllida announced that the Davenports had arrived.

  ‘Alex and Diana?’ exclaimed Richard. ‘Why the deuce are they here?’

  ‘They have brought Florence,’ said Phyllida.

  ‘My daughter.’ Wolf’s hand clenched at the bedsheet. ‘I must see her.’

  ‘Not today, I think,’ said Phyllida gently. ‘It might frighten her to see you like this.’

  He tried to sit up again. ‘Then let me be dressed and I can sit in a chair.’

  There was an immediate outcry. Phyllida and Cassie pushed him back against the pillows, talking over his protests until Lady Hune rapped her cane on the floor and called for quiet.

  ‘This is a medical matter,’ she declared. ‘Let us ask the surgeon when Wolfgang may get up.’

  All eyes turned to Raoul.

  ‘Tomorrow,’ he said. ‘If you rest today.’

  ‘I will,’ said Wolf. ‘I will rest now and Grace can sit with me.’

  ‘That is not possible.’ Again that flush mantled her cheeks and she refused to meet his eyes. ‘Kennet is here and he is anxious to attend you.’

  Wolf was about to consign his valet to the devil, but Richard squeezed his bare shoulder.

  ‘Miss Duncombe sat by your bed all night, Wolf. It is well past noon now; she must be exhausted.’

  ‘Yes. Yes, of course,’ said Wolf. ‘Send Kennet to me, then.’ He glanced again at Raoul. ‘I feel weak as a cat, but you say I should be able to get up tomorrow?’

  ‘If you rest today, yes.’

  ‘We’ll leave you now,’ said Richard. ‘And it is not only little Florence who will visit you tomorrow. Sir Loftus wants to see you. We managed to put him off today, but he represents the law here, Brother, and will not be gainsaid.’

  ‘No,’ muttered Wolf, his eyes on Grace. ‘Sir Loftus carries all before him.’

  * * *

  Grace went out with the others to the dining room, where a light meal had been laid out, but she had no appetite. Loftus had reluctantly allowed her to stay and nurse Wolf overnight, but only after she promised to leave as soon as he was out of danger. She had prayed so hard and vowed never to sin again if Wolf was spared and now she must keep those vows. She had behaved outrageously in London, but Loftus was willing to stand by her, to give her the protection of his name. His affection for her was deeper than she had realised and although she could not love him she must be a good and faithful wife. He deserved at least that.

  Grace had already received an early morning visit from Papa and Aunt Eliza. She had been expecting it, because Loftus had promised he would call at the vicarage and assure them that she was safe. What had surprised her was their reluctance to remove her from the Hall. Papa said she could be of more use there than at the vicarage and as Wolf had not by that time regained consciousness, Grace had returned to his bedside. But now she wished Papa had taken her away. Then she would not have seen the warmth in Wolf’s eyes when he awoke. It made leaving him so much harder, but it must be done. She was not free. She had pledged herself to Loftus and she could not withdraw. A line from an old poem went through her mind.

  I could not love thee, dear, so much, Lov’d I not Honour more.

  A knot of unhappiness settled in Grace’s stomach and she picked at her food, something that Cassandra, sitting opposite, was quick to notice.

  ‘Oh, dear, are you too fatigued to eat nuncheon? Perhaps you would prefer to sleep first and we will order a tray to be sent up for you.’

  ‘No, no—you are very kind and I am tired, but I was thinking that perhaps I should go home.’

  Her suggestion brought a storm of protests, from Phyllida’s insistence that she had had a shock and was not yet recovered, to a plea from the newly arrived Diana, Lady Davenport, that she stay to meet the children.

  ‘I shall bring them downstairs later,’ she said, smiling. ‘And I am sure you would like to meet Wolfgang’s daughter.’

  Grace knew that would be a bittersweet moment, but in the face of everyone’s kindness, she finally gave in.

  ‘Very well, but only until Sir Loftus calls tomorrow.’ She coloured faintly. ‘I shall write a note, asking him to bring his carriage so that he can convey me to the vicarage. I am sure my fiancé will want to take me away with him, once he has spoken with...once he has finished his business here.’

  Having won their agreement, Grace gave up any pretence of eating and went off to rest. She fell asleep almost immediately, waking only when a maid came in to inform her it was nearly dinnertime. Aunt Eliza had brought over her trunk, filled with the gowns she had purchased in town. Grace would have preferred something older and more demure, but in the end she settled for an evening gown of deep-rose silk with a snowy lace fichu filling the low neckline. She blinked when she found her aunt had also put in her jewel box. Heavens, what was she thinking? This was not some elegant house party. However, the company did include a dowager marchioness and a countess, so she decided it would be reasonable to wear her pearl ear drops.

  Not that it matters, she thought as she made her way down to the drawing room. I am not trying to impress anyone.

  And Wolf would not be there to see her.

  When Grace walked in, the buzz of conversation halted abruptly. She hesitated, wonder
ing if she was perhaps overdressed for the occasion, but a quick look around the room showed her that everyone had changed for dinner. Lady Phyllida came forward to draw her into the company, her manner so warm and welcoming that Grace was reassured. She saw two little girls, the Davenports’ wards, and recognised Florence immediately. With her dark hair and serious grey eyes she reminded Grace so strongly of Wolfgang that her heart contracted painfully. She forced herself to smile and talk with the children, all the time telling herself that this unhappiness would pass. As soon as she was away from this house she would be able to forget Wolfgang Arrandale.

  Lady Hune’s French chef had risen nobly to the challenge of working in an outdated kitchen, and after her refreshing sleep Grace was able to enjoy the lobster and asparagus and even a flavoured rice pudding. Richard Arrandale, sitting beside Grace, kept her glass filled with wine and conversed so pleasantly that the meal was not the ordeal she had been expecting. He excused himself from the table when the dessert course was served and went off to see his brother, but he returned quickly, looking exasperated.

  ‘Wolf has not yet dined,’ he declared, going back to his seat.

  ‘I gave instructions that he was not to be disturbed, if he was sleeping,’ put in Raoul.

  ‘Well, he is awake now and in the devil of a temper because Kennet has gone off to press his coat for the morning.’ He swung round to look at Grace. ‘I know it is presumptuous of me, but would you accompany Croft when he takes in my brother’s dinner tray and remain while he eats it?’

  ‘Me?’ Grace recoiled. ‘No, that cannot be necessary.’

  Richard shook his head at her. ‘It is very important that he eats well, to aid his recovery. Ain’t that so, Doulevant?’

  ‘Very important,’ Raoul agreed solemnly.

  Lady Cassandra leaned forward. ‘We would take it as a very great favour if you would do this, Miss Duncombe. Wolf is far less likely to throw the dishes at you than at any of us.’

  Something close to panic fluttered inside Grace. She had refused the syllabub, so she had no reason to stay. She glanced around the table, but everyone was either intent upon their dessert or looking at her hopefully. There was no escape.