The Perfect Suitor (Bewildering Love Series)

by Hilden, L. A.

  Her vision kept going fuzzy even after she wiped her tears, but she concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other. It felt like she had walked miles by the time she reached the door. When she turned the handle and walked in, she immediately wished the house smaller.

  She slowly looked around, trying not to make her head hurt more with sudden movements. Still, there was no one in sight. “Hello,” she called, but her voice came out in a whisper.

  She leaned against the wall for extra support as she made her way down the long hallway. She needed to rest but was afraid that, if she sat down, she wouldn’t be able to regain her footing. “Hello,” she tried to call out again. Where is everyone? She was becoming angry. She wondered how long she had been in the storm cellar. Who would have done such a thing to her? And why? She decided to think about that later. For now, she needed to focus all her energy on moving, on finding help.

  She turned down another hall and saw a chair. The place to rest beckoned her forward and she finally reached it.

  She sat and put her throbbing head between her hands, wondering what kind of substance was in her hair for it was all stuck together in clumps.

  Then she heard a sound. Someone was in the study. The thought gave her the energy she needed to walk again. With her hands against the wall for support, she made it to the room. The door was ajar and she slowly walked in eager to reach a chair. Her head was spinning and she swayed. She saw the fuzzy outline of Paxton crouched down in front of the fireplace with his back to her. She thought he was crying as his shoulders shook. “Paxton,” she whispered, and then fell to the ground unconscious.

  ***

  He barely heard her call his name and thought he had imagined her voice until he heard her body crumple to the floor. As Paxton carried Evelyn to the couch, tears of joy streaked down his heavily whiskered cheeks. He immediately checked her pulse and then began feeling up and down her body for injuries. Her clothes were filthy, soaked, and in tatters, and her hair was caked with dried blood. He tried to move the matted strands to locate the injury, all the while whispering words of encouragement and love. “Don’t worry, love. I promise you everything will be all right. You will be feeling better soon. I just have to fetch the doctor. I’ll be back in a second.” He kissed her cheek, which was cold and white. Swiping the tears off his face, he ran out into the hall to bellow, not willing to take his gaze off Eve.

  “I need a doctor!” Paxton yelled as loud as he could. Servants and family members came running from all directions.

  “Barrows, send for the doctor. Tell him it’s urgent!”

  “I’ll retrieve him.” Cole was already out the door and running to his horse.

  Paxton’s mother came to a halt in front of him. “What is it? Are you hurt? Why do you need a doctor? Are you ill? Oh my, you are ill!” When Paxton smiled, she frowned. “Oh no, you haven’t gone mad?”

  Before he could answer, the Stonehaven family came running down the stairs. “What’s happened?”

  “It’s Eve!” he shouted happily. “She made her way back to us.”

  “Where?” Madeline looked around frantically. “Where is my daughter?”

  Paxton pushed the study door open further so the others could see in. Madeline rushed in, falling to her knees in front of the couch. “My precious angel, what has happened to you? Who did this? Is she going to be all right? Paxton, please tell me she is going to be all right.” When he assured her that her daughter would heal, Madeline’s face turned bright red. She was furious. “I want whoever is responsible for this to pay. How could anyone be so cruel to my girl?”

  Charles put his hand on his wife’s shoulder. “I’m sure it’s worse than it looks, dear. I don’t want you to worry. We’ll catch whoever did this.”

  Madeline brushed a few red locks away from Evelyn’s pallid face. “I need a cool cloth.” Barrows immediately brought her bandages and a pitcher of water.

  Madeline mopped Evelyn’s brow with cool water while Cassandra held her sister’s limp hand. Paxton and Charles paced back and forth, and Veronica and Lydia kept the servants calm and out of the way as the household waited for the doctor.

  “Will she be all right?” Cassie stared down in horror at her sister’s still form.

  “She’ll be fine. The doctor will fix her up,” Lydia said, trying to reassure her new friend.

  “Son.” Veronica touched Paxton’s arm to still his pacing. “I think she needs to be taken to your room. It will be better for the doctor to examine her there. And I think we should remove her wet clothes.”

  Paxton nodded, knowing his mother was right. Although he was scared of hurting her, he gently lifted Eve into his arms and carried her to their bed, a bed they had yet to share together.

  ***

  Everyone felt much better after Dr. Mathers announced that Eve would make a full recovery. “She has suffered a terrible blow to the head. You have one strong lady there. Most wouldn’t have survived. She may seem disoriented when she awakens due to the knock on her head but also the laudanum I have given her. She should not remove her bandage.” He referred to the monstrous white cloth that was wrapped around Eve’s head. “I will be back before the week’s end to check the wound. Try to get her to eat, even if she claims she is too nauseous to do so. Keep a bucket nearby in case she isn’t able to keep the food down.”

  “Is that normal?” Madeline questioned with motherly concern.

  “It’s very common with severe head trauma. The dizziness can make one sick. Send for me if she comes down with a fever. Otherwise, make sure she has plenty of rest and fluids. She can have more laudanum to help ease the pain. In a week she will be feeling much better.” He looked around at all the worried faces. “And smile, she is going to be fine.”

  “Thank you, doctor.” Paxton shook his hand and Cole escorted Dr. Mathers from the room.

  ***

  “Paxton?” Eve called out in the middle of the night.

  “I’m here, my sweet.” He lay next to her on the bed. “Close your eyes and sleep. I’m not going anywhere.”

  Eve followed his instructions and her eyes fluttered shut. She slept for two more days, finally waking with a start. “Paxton?”

  “Shh! It’s all right, dearest.” Mother patted her hand, smiling.

  “Where’s Paxton?” Her voice didn’t sound at all like her own.

  “I insisted he go in the other room and sleep. He hasn’t slept in many days, and I told him you would prefer him to be well rested for when you awake.”

  “Is he all right?”

  “Of course, dearest. He only needed to rest, just as you do. Now lie back and I’ll go tell him you’re awake. He made me promise to rouse him when you woke up.” Madeline blinked away her tears. “I’m so happy you’re all right. You really gave us quite a scare.”

  “I gave myself quite a scare too. Someone tried to kill me, Mother. Who would do such a thing?”

  “Don’t worry about that. You’re safe now.” She kissed her forehead. “I’ll be right back.”

  “It’s good to see you again, Mum,” Eve said as she closed her eyes and leaned back to wait for Paxton.

  ***

  When she felt the bed shift with his weight, a smile lit her face and her eyes flew open. “There you are. Did you sleep?”

  Paxton grinned. It was just like Eve to be concerned about him when she was the one injured. The color was back in her cheeks and her eyes were vibrant blue, no longer hazy and unfocused. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”

  “But you need your sleep,” she insisted.

  “Now that you are awake, I should be able to do so.” He took off his robe and buried himself under the blankets with her.

  “How does your head feel?”

  “Sore, but at least it’s not throbbing anymore. I must look a fright with m
y head wrapped the way it is.” She put her hands up and felt her head, laughing at the chunks of her red hair sticking up through the bandage.

  He laughed with her, giving her a kiss and then cuddled in closer. “You’re beautiful.”

  “Why didn’t you meet me in the stables?” Eve asked, rubbing her foot along one of his legs, which he enjoyed immensely.

  “I didn’t send you that note, Eve. I’m sorry to say that I didn’t send you any of the notes or gifts you received.”

  “Then who did?”

  “That is precisely what Cole and I have been trying to figure out. At first, we thought it was Henri. You see, he has escaped, the slimy bastard. It is rumored that he is in France, and knowing his dedication to Bonaparte, we believe the rumor to be true, which is why I started considering Bakersfield.”

  Eve laughed, then grimaced as pain obviously shot through her temples. “He would never do such a thing to me.”

  “Cole and I agree that he is too cowardly to do something this heinous.”

  “Plus, he likes me,” Eve added.

  “Yes, that too.” He kissed the end of her nose. “So we think it has to be our last suspect.”

  “And who is that?”

  “Lady Beverly. We believe her jealousy and her prejudices have warped her mind, provoking her to attack you. We believe she thought that, with you out of the picture, she could take your place in my heart. I told you she is mad. And Cole said she was very angry after I had her removed from our engagement party.”

  “If what you say is true, she will surely try to end my existence again.” Eve shivered. He assumed she thought she’d have to always be looking over her shoulder to avoid another vicious attack.

  “Not necessarily,” he said. At her perplexed look, he explained, “You see, no one knows you’re alive, and until we catch whoever is behind the assault, no one will. You will be safer that way. Besides, your disappearance gives me time to set the trap.”

  “And what trap is that? It’s not like she is going to confess to murder.”

  “Actually, she will. Beverly doesn’t really want me. She wants my money. When she finds out I’m not willingly to give up my search for you and her scheme to replenish her funds is ruined, she will be so angry that she will own up to her sins. Beverly is not known for holding back her emotions, especially if she thinks she’s been thwarted by someone she considers her rival.”

  “The rival being me?”

  “Precisely.”

  “It sounds like a long shot to me.”

  “It’s the only chance we have since we don’t have any evidence against her. Don’t worry. Cole and I have set everything in motion. All you have to do is concentrate on a full recovery.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

  For the next few days, as Eve lay in bed, Paxton spent many long hours with her. She had been thrilled by the constant attention. He brought her all her favorite foods, read to her from her botany books, and showered her with so much love and devotion that she was quickly mending. Doctor Mathers came by to remove her bandage and stitches, which allowed her to fix herself in her normal fashion today. Working her hair around the white bandage had been nigh impossible. Eve was thrilled when the doctor gave her the go ahead to move around the house.

  She spent time in the gardens with Cassie, played cards with Lydia, planned menus with Veronica, and conversed with her parents at length about future grandchildren. She was finally feeling like her old self.

  She was going through some pattern samples to redo the bedroom when Cole came to her.

  “Paxton wanted me to tell you to stay here.”

  “She’s here?” Eve threw the patterns aside, ready to take action.

  “Yes, she’s arrived. You must promise to stay put. I’m off to fetch the magistrate.”

  Eve had no intention of staying put, but she nodded and crossed her fingers. “I hope your plan works.”

  “Yes, me too.”

  ***

  Beverly looked at the butler with cool disdain when she was shown into the parlor. “Where is his lordship?”

  “He’ll be in shortly, my lady. Can I get you anything?”

  “Yes, I’d like tea with extra lemon and some cakes. And bring in some of those little sandwiches that all cooks seem to enjoy making. I’m suddenly famished.”

  “Yes, my lady.”

  Barrows left the room, giving Paxton a who-is-that-lady look when he went by him in the hall.

  Paxton was purposely making Beverly wait for two reasons. One, he knew Beverly had no patience and the waiting would irritate her, which was exactly what he wanted to do. And two, the delay would hopefully give Cole time to return with the magistrate.

  As Beverly huffed about the room, moaning her complaints to the little sandwiches she was eating, Paxton sat in the next room listening to her ranting and waiting for Cole. He felt relief when Cole finally showed up with the magistrate in tow for he knew any moment Beverly was bound to go looking for him.

  When the magistrate was brought into the room where Paxton had been listening to Beverly, he mumbled, “Now that you have dragged me here, she better confess. I don’t appreciate having my time wasted, Lord Geary.”

  “I assure you it won’t be.” Cole introduced the magistrate to Paxton.

  “From this room you will be able to hear everything next door,” Paxton told the magistrate, who grumbled and took the seat Paxton vacated.

  Then Paxton put on a sad face and walked into the parlor. “Lady Beverly, thank you very much for coming.” He kissed her on both cheeks, trying his best not to cringe. “I knew I could count on you. I’m sorry I have kept you waiting, but it’s hard to even drag myself out of bed, so heavy is my heart.”

  “Of course, my lord. I completely understand. I was saddened to hear of your bride’s passing.” Beverly tried to console him with a hug, purposely pressing her ample bosom against him.

  Paxton was still reeling from the fact that she had said Eve was dead. “My bride is missing, Beverly, not dead.”

  “I see.”

  Beverly seemed to be contemplating her next words. If she was the one responsible for Eve’s brush with death, then she already knew the lack of a corpse was going to be a major obstacle she had to overcome.

  “Surely you don’t think she is still alive? I mean, she has been missing for well over a week.”

  Paxton cringed at the sincerity in her voice, but then she also knew she had to sound sympathetic for her performance to be sufficiently authentic. He watched in amazement as she even let a tear run down her cheek. “I’m sorry. Of course you hold out for hope. However, although I know it will be a difficult thing to do, I think it is time to consider the possibility that she may not be alive. I don’t mean to be the bearer of bad news, but if she were alive, wouldn’t she return to your loving arms posthaste?”

  It took all of Paxton’s will power to remain calm. He wanted to throttle Beverly. If he had any shred of doubt of her guilty in the heinous crime against Eve, it vanished at that moment. How dare she tell me to forget about Eve after a week’s time when it would take more than a lifetime to do such a thing? He put a safe distance between them so he wouldn’t act on his anger. Then, gritting his teeth, he turned back to her. “I’m sure she will return to me. I can’t live without her.” He hung his head low in despair.

  “Don’t say such things. I know you can live without her. You’re a very strong man.” She went to him and rubbed her hand down his back. “And you won’t be alone. I’m here now.”

  “You’ll stay with me until she comes back?” he asked, making sure the desperation was obvious in his voice.

  “You know I will.”

  “And you’ll help me find her? I search every day from morning to night.” He saw anger pass over Beverly’s face and had to bite the
side of his cheek to keep from grinning.

  Beverly took a deep calming breath. She was obviously bothered by the thought of helping him with his search. “I don’t think it’s healthy for you to keep up a continual search for someone who won’t return. The constant let down is bound to wreck your life.”

  “How do you know she won’t return? She loves me.” He was purposely being argumentative.

  Beverly turned around, putting her back to him, most likely so he couldn’t see her squirm, he thought. “I love you, Paxton,” she announced, and he fought the urge to retch at her words. She finally turned and walked toward him to guide him to the couch. “Come and sit down.”

  He obeyed her wish even though his insides twisted at her mere touch. He said nothing to her false declaration of love. “Why do you say she won’t return?” Paxton continued to look at the floor. He didn’t want her to see the anger in his eyes.

  He glanced up to see Beverly roll her eyes in evident frustration. “Because, my dear, don’t you think she would have done so by now if she could?” She put her hand on his knee. “You need to forget her, which is why I am here to help you.” Her hand slid a little further up his leg as she squeezed his thigh.

  ***

  Evelyn had come downstairs as soon as she saw Cole return with the magistrate. She stood in the hall, her hands fisted at her sides as she listened to the despicable words flowing out of Beverly’s conniving mouth. Paxton and Cole might believe that Beverly would willingly confess when she was frustrated with Paxton’s declarations of love for Eve and his unwillingness to desire Beverly, but Eve thought Beverly needed to be pushed even further before such a confession would spill from her vicious mouth. So she had her own plan, one which she felt would frustrate Beverly thoroughly. She concentrated on hearing their voices.

  ***

  “But how do you forget someone you love with all your heart?” Paxton could tell Beverly was becoming angrier by the minute. Her body stiffened and she huffed as if outraged by his words.

  “For goodness sakes, Paxton! I hate to sound callous, but people die all the time. It’s a part of life. Those left behind recover and even learn to love again, to love even more deeply than before.”