“You could have waited,” Ethan said. “I would have settled his debt.”
The other man shrugged his shoulders. “It was his choice.” He retrieved his jacket from his own second and slipped it on. They mounted their horses and rode off.
Even with Colby’s second pressing hard against the wound, Ethan was concerned with the amount of blood that leaked around his jacket. It didn’t look good. Ethan prayed that help would arrive soon. He hadn’t seen too many gunshot wounds before, but this one looked serious. “Hang on, Colby. The surgeon is coming.”
Colby opened his eyes. “You were always the good one.”
“Shhh…don’t talk now. Save your strength. Help will be here soon.”
Colby closed his eyes and fell silent. Ethan could only hope that it wasn’t for the last time.
Chapter 14
Emily opened her eyes and felt a moment of panic. She didn’t know where she was, but as she looked around her beautiful new bedchamber, the memories of last night came flooding back. Now she remembered. She’d ruined everything including her wedding night.
She pushed the covers back and slipped out of bed. Rigal was in the sitting room waiting for her. “Good morning, Rigal.”
Rigal stood. “Good morning Ma’am. I hope you slept well.”
Emily wasn’t sure what to say. Did the butler tell her lady’s maid that Ethan had fled into the night? She had in fact tossed and turned most of the night and it wasn’t something she wanted to share. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw the pained look on her husband’s face, but she would put on a brave face for the servants. “Yes, thank you.”
“Would you care for your breakfast up here?”
“No, I’ll go downstairs.”
Rigal nodded. “Is there a particular dress you’d like to wear today?”
“Whichever one you choose will be fine.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
When Emily finished dressing and her hair was neatly pinned up in chignon, she descended the stairs. Rigal had told her where the dining room was and she walked through the rooms until she found it. The room was tastefully decorated in hues of green and cream and held a large table that would easily seat twelve. Floor to ceiling windows on the east wall let the morning sun stream in. It was a delightful and elegant room.
Her hopes were dashed though when she saw only one place setting at the far end of the table. Ethan had not returned. She straightened her shoulders and walked into the room.
A maid was setting out dishes of food on the sideboard. The aroma of freshly baked bread floated through the air and Emily’s stomach growled.
“Good morning.”
The maid turned. “Good morning, Ma’am. Would you care for tea?”
“Yes, please.”
Emily took her seat and within minutes the maid returned with her tea. “Thank you. By the way, what is your name?”
The young girl blushed. She was not used to the mistress of the house asking about her, not even her name. “I’m Molly, Ma’am.”
“Well, it’s good to meet you, Molly. Thank you for my tea. You may go. I can tackle breakfast on my own.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Emily wasn’t sure if she should have been so familiar with the maid. In her parent’s home, she knew everyone’s name, but perhaps she should not have put the maid on the spot like that. She would have to ask Rigal the rules practiced here before she made any more blunders. She had a lot to learn about running her own household because the last thing she wanted was to be an embarrassment to Ethan.
When she finished eating, she went in search of her lady’s maid. She wanted to know everything that was expected of her now that she was mistress of the manor from the servants’ names to the layout of the rest of the home and Rigal was just the person to advise her.
***
Ethan paced back and forth in the Tisbury parlor, nearly wearing a path in the plush carpet. He’d been holding vigil for his cousin for the past ten days. Fortunately, Colby had survived the initial gunshot, but just barely. The surgeon had removed the bullet lodged in his upper chest. He was lucky that it had narrowly missed both his heart and his main artery. Unfortunately, he had lost a lot of blood at the scene, and now fought for his life in an upstairs bedchamber.
Footsteps made Ethan turn toward the doorway and his aunt swept into the room. An air of exhaustion surrounded her and her eyes were puffy from shedding too many tears sitting by her son’s side. He quickly went to her. “Aunt Mary, how is he?”
“The doctor has bled him again in the hopes of ridding him of the infection. He has done all that he can. We must pray that the wound doesn’t fester any longer. If he survives the next two days, he should recover.”
Ethan nodded in understanding and embraced the older woman. “He’s strong. Let us remember that. Come, sit down and get off your feet. You’ve worn yourself out with your vigil. Shall I call for some tea?”
“Yes, thank you, Ethan. I don’t know what I would have done without your support. Your presence comforts me greatly, but I’m concerned about you still being here. Shouldn’t you return to your new bride? She must miss you greatly and your place is at her side.”
A grimace passed over Ethan’s face. He pushed a lock of his blond hair off his forehead to stall as he composed himself before answering. “I will stay with you until Colby is out of danger. I’m sure Mrs. Richardson will understand this grave situation.”
His aunt sat down and he walked to the table and picked up the small silver bell.
The maid appeared almost immediately. “Yes, Lady Tisbury?”
“Please bring us some tea and refreshments,” she said.
“Yes, Ma’am.” The maid curtsied, and scurried out of the room.
Ethan sat down next to his aunt, trying his best to comfort her. He held her hands in his. “My place right now is here with you.”
“Are you sure? You left on your wedding night.”
“All will be fine. Do not worry yourself about that. I’m only sorry I did not reach Colby in time. If I had been a few seconds faster, none of this would have happened.”
Mary patted Ethan’s hand. “This is not your fault, dear boy; none of it. You have done more than any man should be required to do. I’m not blind to my son’s failings. This rests squarely on Colby. I can only hope that this dreadful incident will finally curb his lust for gambling.”
“Yes, I hope for that as well.”
The maid walked in bringing a tray of tea, biscuits and cheese. “Will there be anything else, Lady Tisbury?”
“No, thank you. That is all for now.”
After enjoying a light meal with his aunt, Ethan made his way upstairs to his cousin’s bedchamber. He let himself into the room and walked to the bed. He sat down in the chair at his cousin’s bedside where his aunt had held her vigil day after day. Colby was pale and lay unmoving against the pillows.
Ethan reached out and laid a hand upon his arm. “Colby, can you hear me?”
Colby stirred and opened heavy-lidded eyes. “Hello, Cousin.” His voice was weak, and came out as barely a whisper. “I see I’m still alive.”
That brought a chuckle out of Ethan. “Yes, indeed you are. No thanks to you though.”
Colby tried to sit up, but he could barely lift his head off the pillows. “How long have I lain here?”
“Ten days now, but the surgeon is confident you will live. He has removed the bullet and bled out the infection.”
“Good to know. I feel like I’ve been kicked in the chest by my stallion, not exactly what I was going for.”
“I can’t say that I know what you mean,” Ethan said.
“Trust me, you’re lucky you don’t know. I thought I was a better shot, but…”
Ethan patted Colby’s arm. “Shhh…enough about that. You need to rest and regain your strength. And Colby…”
“I know, Cousin. I know. No lectures, please.”
Ethan nodded. “Of course, now is not the time, b
ut we will talk again soon.”
Perhaps his cousin’s penchant for gambling had finally been satisfied. Getting shot will do that to a man. He hoped that was the case with Colby. He didn’t know how much more stress his aunt and uncle could take especially when it came to their son and his gambling problem. He had continued to embarrass the family regularly, and Lord Tisbury was reaching his breaking point with his antics. Colby would have to make changes if he was going to smooth things over with his parents.
“Rest now. I’ll come back later to see you.
Colby nodded and closed his eyes. Sleep overtook him almost immediately.
Ethan got up and silently left the room, closing the door behind him. Now that Colby appeared to be on the mend, his thoughts turned toward his bride. He would have to return home sooner or later, but he couldn’t say that he was particularly looking forward to it.
***
The morning sun streamed into Emily’s upstairs sitting room. She went to the window, but no rider came down the drive. She looked for her husband every morning and every evening, but Ethan hadn’t returned. She’d spent the last ten days getting to know the staff, and learning her way around the mansion and grounds. She was trying to maintain her composure around the servants, but her nerves were fraying. She wished Ethan would come home or even send word of his whereabouts. What had kept him in London for so long?
Poor Ethan. Did he hate her now for the way she had acted on their wedding night? She wouldn’t blame him if he did. She would never forget the hurt in his eyes. How could she have done that to him? No wonder he had left her.
There had been no word from him since that night and she did not know when he would return, if ever. She was so ashamed of her actions that she had not told a soul, not even Mia, what she had done. All she wanted was a chance to make up to her husband for her mistake, and to once again see the love shining in his eyes. He’d been her champion all along, and she hadn’t seen it. She’d been dazzled by all the wrong things. She had to make amends and show him that she was so sorry.
“Please come home, Ethan,” she whispered.
“Ma’am, did you say something?” Rigal asked.
Emily turned from the window and walked into her bedchamber. “No, nothing at all.”
“Are you ready to dress?”
“Yes, thank you, Rigal. Please have my morning tea delivered to the downstairs parlor?”
“Yes, Ma’am.” Rigal helped her dress before she left to see about the tea.
Emily sat down at her vanity. She picked up her brush and ran it through her hair. She re-braided it, and wound it into a chignon at the back of her neck securing it with pins. With one last glance in the mirror, she got up and made her way down to the parlor.
She was walking through the long gallery on her way to the parlor when she heard voices. Her heart skipped a beat. Had Ethan finally come home? She quickened her pace, but stopped short at the door. Her hand flew to her belly to quell the nervous butterflies that had gathered there. Her wish had been answered.
Ethan stood by the fireplace.
The housekeeper brought the tea and refreshments into the parlor and set them down on the table. She turned back to Emily. “Will there be anything else, Ma’am?”
Emily stood frozen. She was afraid to move. She’d been praying and hoping for her husband’s return for so long and, now that he stood in front of her, she found she was afraid to speak. What if he refused to speak to her? Or worse, what if he turned around and stormed out once again?
“Mrs. Richardson?”
The housekeeper’s voice startled her. “What? Oh, yes, thank you. That will be all for now.” She found the courage to walk into the room. She clasped her hands together to keep them from shaking. She never took her eyes off Ethan. He looked tired, but he never looked better to her. He had not moved either toward her or away from her and she prayed that was a good sign.
“May I pour you some tea, Mr. Richardson?” she asked, her voice shaking.
After an agonizing moment, Ethan moved over to the chair beside the table and sat down. “Yes, thank you,” he said stiffly. He did not look at her.
Emily poured the tea, and placed the cup in front of her husband. “I’m glad you’re back. I was very worried about you.”
Ethan gave her a hard look. “Madam, I highly doubt that.”
Emily flinched at his icy tone like he had physically struck her. It was so unlike his usual behavior toward her that it took her a moment to continue. “Mr. Rich…Ethan, please. I must speak with you privately. It’s important. I was…”
Ethan waved a dismissive hand at her. “Mrs. Richardson, now is not the time. I have affairs to attend to here.” He took a sip of tea.
Emily nodded. “Of course, I understand. Please let me know when I may speak with you.” She poured herself a cup of tea and sat down next to husband. It was abundantly clear that he was still angry, or hurt, or both. She could hardly blame him, but she desperately wanted to tell him that she had made a terrible mistake and beg for his forgiveness. She would do whatever it took to make things right between them. In the past ten days, she had grown to love the manor house and the staff and wanted nothing more than to share it with Ethan.
After another sip of tea, Ethan stood. “Good day, Madam. I will see you at dinner.”
Emily was disappointed by his abrupt departure and there was nothing left to do but to watch him walk out of the parlor. “I look forward to it,” she said to his receding back.
That was it. That was all she got to say to him. She longed to tell him the truth of the matter, but it appeared Ethan was not in a frame of mind to forgive her or listen to her apology. She had no choice but to wait another agonizing day until after dinner before she hoped to right a terrible wrong.
She busied herself throughout the day planning the evening menu with Cook. She wanted to make sure that Ethan’s favorite foods were served. She strolled out to the garden and talked with the gardener about the flowers to grace the table, but the hours crawled by.
Finally after the longest day of her life, it was time for her to go upstairs and change for dinner.
Rigal had laid out a light blue dress for her to wear, but Emily shook her head at her choice. “Rigal, I would like the white one please.”
The lady’s maid looked at her with raised eyebrows. “Your wedding dress, Ma’am?”
“Yes, that one, please.”
“Of course, Ma’am.” Rigal scooped up the blue dress, and returned it to the armoire. She pulled out the white dress, and brought it Emily. “Shall I redo your hair as well?”
Emily fingered the beautiful embroidery on her gown before sitting down at her vanity. “That would be lovely. Thank you.”
She took her time walking down the staircase and down the hallway. She was determined to win her husband’s love back, one step at a time and hoped that by wearing her wedding dress again, Ethan would realize that she was trying for another chance at a magical wedding night. When she walked into the dining room for dinner, she saw Ethan’s eyes widen in surprise. She hoped that he would say something to her, but no compliment left his lips. They sat down, and an awkward silence filled the room. The only sound was the maid, bringing each course in and out of the room.
Emily didn’t know what to do. Should she speak first? Or should she wait for Ethan to initiate the conversation. Her mother’s words came back to her and she sat patiently waiting for her husband to address her.
“I was in London,” he finally said halfway through the meal.
Emily looked up from her plate. “Oh?”
“Family business.”
“I see. I hope everything has been resolved satisfactorily.”
“Colby was shot.”
Her fork clattered to her plate. “Oh no!” She placed her hand on her husband’s arm. “I’m so sorry. Did he survive?”
“Yes.” He glanced down at her hand, but offered no more explanation.
She withdrew her hand and the pa
inful silence once again filled the room.
When the meal was finished, Ethan offered his arm to her. “Shall we?”
Emily did not know what Ethan meant, but she didn’t care. At least he was talking to her. “Of course.” She swallowed her disappointment when Ethan steered them to the parlor. He separated from her and sat down in the chair by the fireplace.
“Would you care for music this evening?” she asked.
“Whatever suits you,” he said, not looking up from the book he’d picked up.
Emily sat down at the piano and began playing. After three distinct pieces, it was clear that Ethan was not interested in listening anymore. She waited to see if he would request her to play on, but he continued to read and ignore her.
She got up from the bench, picked up her own book and sat on the couch pretending to read. Another hour dragged by. After trying to read the same two pages over and over again, she could stand the tension no longer. “Mr. Richardson?”
Ethan looked up from his book.
“I am going to retire for the evening. If it pleases you, I would like to speak with you.”
He nodded, and returned to his reading.
She closed her book and stood. “Good evening,” she said, and walked out of the room without a backward glance.
Rigal was waiting for her in her suite of rooms, and helped her undress putting the dress back in the armoire. She pulled out the embroidered nightdress. “This one, Mrs. Richardson?”
“Yes, thank you.”
Rigal helped Emily slip on the nightdress. She pulled the pins from Emily’s hair and the curls fell across her shoulders and down her back.
“Thank you, Rigal. That will be all for tonight.”
“Very good, Ma’am. Good evening.”
Emily walked into her sitting room and sat on the chaise. The fire was lit and threw off welcoming heat, but it offered little comfort to her. Nervous butterflies roiled around her insides. She clasped her hands in her lap and waited.
And waited.
No one knocked on her door and the minutes ticked past.
Age of Innocence Boxed Set (Books 1-3) Page 11
