by Joyce Alec
***
An hour later, Charles and Matthew bowed to Lady Suzanne, who sat them down at once and rang for tea.
“I am sure you are wondering why I asked you both to call, especially since we are going riding this afternoon, Lord Hoskins.” She smiled at Matthew, who returned her smile with one of his own.
Charles coughed, deliberately ruining the moment.
“Now,” Suzanne continued. “I have heard, Lord Green, that you have been told something of the most terrible nature concerning my friend, Lady Martha.”
“If I might spare you the trouble,” Charles said, getting to his feet, “I am well aware that you are going to defend her with all of your might, but it will be to no avail. Good day, my lady.”
"Sit down at once, Lord Green." Suzanne rose to her feet, her color rising, "You do me a great discourtesy by refusing to listen to a single word I have to say, and I will not have it. I have known Martha far longer than you, and you should at least respect that."
Charles, intimidated by her sudden anger and ashamed by his slight, sat back down immediately, dropping his gaze to somewhere near her feet.
Matthew couldn’t hold in his laughter. “Well, Suzanne—may I call you Suzanne? That is the first time I have ever seen Charles put in his place by a woman. If I may say so, well done.”
“Thank you, Lord Hoskins. And yes, given the circumstances, you may call me Suzanne. I shall refer to you the same.”
Charles mumbled something under his breath, earning him an icy stare from Suzanne.
“Now, Lord Green, would you like to tell me precisely what it is that you believe about Martha?”
Sitting up a little straighter, Charles glowered at the interfering lady. “No, I do not, I thank you. It is not for a gentlewoman’s ears.”
“Really?” Suzanne retorted, quirking an eyebrow. “Might it be something along the lines of Martha being compromised?” Charles’s head shot up. “Ah, I see that it was.”
"How do you know of such a thing?" Charles asked. "Oh, I assume you, too, have heard the many rumors, have you? There are too many rumors of a similar nature to be ignored, Lady Suzanne. They must have a basis in fact."
“What a ludicrous assumption, Charles,” Matthew interjected. “The lady may simply have an enemy who wishes to make cause her to fall from grace within society.”
Suzanne nodded, throwing him a look of thanks. At least she only now had to convince one gentleman, not two.
“Indeed she does.”
“Truly? Who?” asked Charles, with disbelief in his tone.
“It is her stepbrother, Gerald.”
“Come now,” Charles cried, pushing himself to standing. “For what possible benefit would he do such a thing? The man promised his stepfather to care for her and has inherited much of his fortune. Why would he tell such lies about her? To do so would ensure she could never marry and would always be a burden on him—living on his wealth and staying in his home. The idea is absurd!”
There was silence, broken by the maid bringing in the tea tray and leaving almost as quickly as she had come in.
Suzanne took a breath, knowing she was going to have to be frank with Charles.
“I believe Martha wanted to tell you something about her stepbrother, but never got the chance. Is that correct?”
Charles nodded mutely, his eyes fixed on the floor.
"What she wanted to tell you, Lord Green, was that her stepbrother was holding her to ransom."
“What?” breathed Matthew. “How terrible.”
“She has been a prisoner in her own home, held in a cage of fear as he has continued to threaten and intimidate her in any way he can. He is her legal guardian, of course, and she has never been able to find a way to leave him.”
Charles did not want to hear her words, but something inside him grew restless, prodding him to listen closely. He kept silent, keeping his own counsel as Suzanne continued.
“The reason Gerald told you those awful things, Charles, is because he wants a worthless piece of land that Martha owns.”
“If that were true, why wouldn’t she just sign it over?” asked Charles.
“Because,” said Suzanne, “Gerald took everything from Martha. It is the last thing she has from her father, and she can’t bear to give it up. He has beat her and withheld basic living necessities from her. Gerald is an evil man.”
“How can you be sure?” Charles whispered, with his voice trembling.
Suzanne smiled sympathetically, tears filling her eyes.
“She told me…and I have seen the bruises. It’s been her burden since her father’s death, but since she was in mourning for her stepmother, and then for her father, she has not been able to mix with society and find aid for herself.”
“You mean someone to marry her,” Matthew said, stating the obvious.
"Yes," Suzanne replied, getting to her feet and coming to kneel before Charles. "That's why she was so happy when she met you, Charles. For the first time in her life, she thought she might have found a possible savior. And, she was falling in love with you.”
Charles stared at Suzanne, feeling her warm hand take his ice cold one. He felt a shaking in his limbs, a mixture of horror and disgrace running through him as he realized how easily he had been taken in by Lord Crewe. She had loved him. Shame filled him as he realized how he had let her down.
“He hit her last night,” Suzanne continued, a single tear making its way down her cheek. “The side of her face is a little bruised this morning. I wanted to let you know, so her appearance does not shock you.”
Charles closed his eyes, lowering his head to his hands. He felt sick. He remembered the red marks on Martha’s neck the first time he had called on her, and something akin to rage filled him.
“I must go after Lord Crewe and defend Martha,” he growled, getting to his feet, knocking Suzanne to the floor.
“No, Charles, you can’t,” Matthew shouted, reaching out a hand and grabbing the back of his coat.
“Why ever not?” Charles roared, his face red. “After what he’s done to her, the man deserves the grave!”
“No one disagrees with that,” Suzanne said. “But think of the consequences, Charles. I know you are angry, but think carefully for a moment.”
His chest heaving, Charles ran a hand through his hair, knowing deep down that she spoke sense. Ending up hanged himself would not solve anything.
“What can I do?” he asked, wringing his hands and desperation on his face. “I have to save her.”
Suzanne smiled then, a gentle and happy smile that lit her features.
“Charles,” she said, soothingly. “There is one thing you can do that will protect Martha for the rest of her life.”
There was a long pause as Charles stared at her, realizing what she meant.
"Do you think she will have me?" he whispered.
“Why not ask her?” Suzanne replied. “She is staying with us here.”
“She’s here?” Charles cried, running to the door and throwing it open. “I must find her!”
He took to the stairs two at a time, calling her name.
“Will he be all right?” Suzanne asked, turning to Matthew.
Matthew grinned. “I think he will be more than all right,” he said, reaching out a hand and pulling her close to him. “You did very well, my dear.”
Chapter 11
Martha stared at herself in the mirror, barely recognizing herself. She pushed back her unbound hair, staring at the bruise that marred the side of her face. Gerald had hit her hard. Her face was pale, her eyes dull. Even though she knew that thanks to Suzanne and her family's help she would be able to hide from Gerald for now, her heart was sore. It ached. It ached for Charles, and there was no balm for that kind of pain.
“Martha? Martha?”
Starting with surprise, Martha got to her feet, hastening to the door.
“Charles?”
“Oh, Martha!”
Catching her up in his arms, Cha
rles buried his face in her neck, weeping unashamed tears as he held her close.
“I am utterly ashamed of myself! Please, please, I beg your forgiveness!”
Hardly able to breathe, Martha clung to him, never wanting to let him go. “Charles?” she whispered, barely able to believe he was here.
“Martha,” he said again, pulling back to look into her face. “Dear Martha, can you ever forgive me?”
She cried at his words, tears of happiness and relief flowing down her cheeks. She cradled his face with her hands.
“Of course I do,” she whispered, pressing her lips to his cheek.
Charles breathed her in, moving his lips closer to her own. His kiss was strong and fierce, speaking to her of possession and love. She melted into him, wanting to be a part of him, to have him with her always. He was her soulmate, and with him beside her, she felt whole.
"I am never letting you out my sight again," he sighed, breaking the kiss. "Martha, I have been a fool. I should never have believed a word of what your stepbrother said. I should have trusted what I knew about you."
Martha shook her head.
“He is a despicable man, Charles, and I do not blame you for falling into his trap. I am just thankful to know that soon I will be free of him. Suzanne’s family has agreed to let me stay here for now and hide me if need be.”
"No, my darling. You will always be free of him. There is no need to hide," Charles cried, pulling her against him once more. "I love you so very dearly, Martha, and I swear never to let you go again." Dropping to one knee, he held her hands in his. "Martha, will you have me? Even after all my failings, all my doubts—will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Martha smiled as fresh tears tracked down her cheeks.
“Yes,” she whispered, immediately being pulled into his arms once more. “I will, Charles. I love you with all my heart.”
“Today?” Charles whispered against her neck.
“Today,” she replied, safe and secure in his embrace.
Epilogue
“Well, that certainly was a thrilling day,” Matthew said, leaning back in his chair. “I am quite done in.”
Matthew grinned at Charles, who sat with one arm wrapped around Martha as she rested her head on his shoulder. They were the picture of happiness.
“What did the accountant say?” asked Suzanne.
“It turns out that my parcel of land is actually worth a lot more than Gerald led me to believe. In fact, the income from my land is funding his whole existence. He squandered the inheritance from his own father, and now the inheritance that my father left him is almost gone. That explains why he was so eager to get his hands on my land. Now that I am married, Charles and I will receive the income from the property. He will be left quite destitute.”
“Well, his actions do make more sense with that knowledge,” said Suzanne. “Although, nothing he did was excusable. I still find him to be a wretched man.”
“I must thank you, Suzanne, for your hospitality and for your help,” Charles said seriously. “Without you, this might have turned out quite differently.”
“Indeed,” Martha agreed, in a soft voice. “Thank you, Suzanne.”
Suzanne smiled, accepting their thanks. “It is nothing you would not have done for me, Martha, I am quite sure. Besides, to see your happiness makes it all worthwhile.”
An angry voice interrupted their conversation, as the door was suddenly flung open, and Gerald stormed in. All four of them rose to their feet.
“You!” He pointed at Martha, rage emanating from him. “Did you really think you could hide from me? Didn’t you think this would be the first place I’d look? Get outside and get in the carriage immediately.”
Martha didn’t move, her hands clinging to Charles’s arm.
“Lord Crewe,” Charles said, his voice low and dangerous. “May I suggest you remove yourself from this place at once.”
“Don’t you speak to me like that, you insolent fool! I am taking my stepsister home, back where she belongs. Don’t you dare try and stop me.”
He took a step towards Martha, who let out a frightened cry, hiding behind Charles.
“Take one more step,” Charles warned, standing in front of Martha.
“Get out of my way!” Gerald screamed, lunging for his stepsister.
Charles, without a moment’s pause, dealt Gerald a staggering blow, advancing toward him as he struggled to his feet.
“You listen to me, Lord Crewe,” he said, quietly. “Martha is now my wife, and her home is with me. You are never to come near her again. She is a married woman and safely out of your clutches. I should call you out for what you did to her, but my love for her is the only reason why I won’t.”
Shock crossed Gerald’s face, followed by anger that twisted his features.
“How—”
“Special license,” Charles growled. “The bishop had no qualms in granting my request immediately, once he heard the truth. I have to say, I think your days of good standing in society are at an end.” Charles paused for a moment, reining in his temper, then continued, “Martha’s land will never be yours. Now get out, and do not ever come near us again.”
Charles stood tall and strong, waiting for Gerald to make his choice. Gerald, showing the spineless man that he really was, turned on his heel and made his way out of the door without a backward glance.
Suzanne let out a long breath, collapsing back into her chair.
“Phew!” Matthew said, pouring himself another glass of port. “Well done, Charles, didn’t know you had it in you.”
“Oh, Charles,” Martha cried, reaching for him.
“Be still, be still, my love,” Charles crooned, rocking her gently. “It is truly over now. Gerald will never be able to hurt you again.”
Martha nodded, feeling a freedom that she had not experienced since before her father died. “Thank you, Charles.”
Smiling, Charles tipped up her chin and dropped a tender kiss on her lips, ignoring Suzanne and Matthew’s presence.
“I love you, Martha, and I swear I will always protect you.”
“I love you too, Charles,” she whispered, bringing her lips to his once more.
*****
THE END
Lady’s Christmas Wedding
Text Copyright © 2016 by Caroline Johnson
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events or locales is entirely coincidental.
First printing, 2016
Publisher
Love Light Faith, LLC
400 NW 7th Avenue, Unit 825
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302
LoveLightFaith.com
A Lady’s Christmas Wedding
By: Caroline Johnson
A Lady’s Christmas Wedding
Chapter 1
England, 1872
The back wheels of the carriage slid deeper into the mud. The Ouse River was out of its banks, and many of the farms of the nearby village were flooded. Lady Lucy Fitzwilliam had taken the carriage with the sole intention of offering aid and assistance to the villagers. She brought them baskets of food and provisions, but now, she was desperately in need of help herself.
It was not customary for a lady in her position to be driving a carriage on a public road, but it was for a worthy cause. Her parents would never have allowed her to go without a suitable chaperone. Lucy and her horse were going to die because she had snuck out on a mission of mercy and compassion. At that moment, she made a promise to herself, and God, that if she survived this predicament, she would never disobey her parents' wishes and take the carriage out by herself again.
Lucy wasn't even sure how she ended up in such a predicament. When she drove into the village earlier that day, the road was slippery but intact. Driving back, that changed. One moment she was driving along the muddy, but passable road, but in the next moment, she rounded a bend and discovered too late that the road was washed out. Now she was sliding down the slippery embankment, along with her horse and carriage, to the raging waters of the swollen river.
The dapple mare, Mabel, panicked and was unable to free herself from the mud. Lucy tried not to join the horse in fear, but it was becoming very clear that their situation was dire. Unless something was done, she and Mabel would be washed away in the raging water.
She tried to calm Mabel down by talking to her, but the mare was too anxious. Lucy knew the only way she was going to save her horse and herself was to free Mabel from the carriage and try to coax her up the embankment. She was not sure she had the strength or the ability to do that.
Lucy jumped down from the carriage seat into the mud and sank up to her ankles immediately in the muck. The horse was agitated, and her movements were only making the carriage slip closer to the river. Lucy needed to free Mabel, but she didn’t know how to do that without being kicked or dragged into the river with the horse.
Lucy called out for help as loud as she could. She was sure that it would not do any good, but she had to try to get someone's attention. The village was not far, and the road was well-traveled. She hoped that someone might hear her over the sound of the rushing water. In the midst of screaming, she also tried to unbuckle Mabel's harness, but it was a struggle. Mabel could feel her panic, but Lucy wouldn't give up. The mud continued to slide down the embankment, and Lucy found a rock with her foot that saved her from slipping all the way down into the rushing water. Mabel tried with all her might to flee the situation, which only made it worse. The weight of the carriage was dragging both of them backwards.
