“Pray tell?”
“Making up.” He wagged his dark brows.
“You are a cad!” She teasingly pushed him away before surrendering to the passion he brought to life.
* * *
“I do declare, Martha, how are we ever going to eat all this?” Caitlin studied the sideboard overflowing with everything from hoe cakes, eggs, fried potatoes and oatmeal to sausage, bacon and a whole ham. The usual toast, biscuits and scones were present with butter, honey, molasses, and strawberry preserves.
“I figured ye would be needing your strength.” She ladled the grits into a ceramic serving bowl.
“Oyster stuffing.” Caitlin’s brows arched. “Since when is that served for the morning meal?”
“‘Tis master Dillon’s favorite.”
“You spoil me, Martha.” Dillon slipped up behind the women. He almost felt like an intruder. He’d been watching them talking for several minutes. They certainly were getting along better. His life seemed to be falling into place. If only he could get rid of his parents quickly, and stay out of jail; his life would be perfect.
A commotion of voices drew their attention to the entryway. Bernadine stopped short at the sight of Dillon with his arms around Caitlin. He looked so happy with her. How would she ever break them apart? “Such public displays of attention are inappropriate.”
Dillon’s good-natured humor evaporated like steam off boiling water. “We are not in public. We are in my home where you are intruding.”
“Well, I never would have thought you capable of so much disrespect.” Her pointed nose elevated as she crossed the room in a graceful sweep of black velvet. The black hat, trimmed with jewels, sat perched atop her head like a crown. Her raven tresses were pulled back in the chighon so tight that her face looked like a snake. “Why do you think we traveled all this way, if not to spend time with you?”
Dillon bit his tongue, not wanting to start a debate over the real reasons she had come. “Is there something I can do for you?”
“How about offering some hospitality?”
“If you want to visit, fine. But mind your manners.”
“I am not the one in need of manners.” Her posture stiffened even more. Taking in Caitlin’s white gauze morning dress and cottage cap, she added, “And you might try putting on some respectable clothing.”
“’Tis nothing wrong with my clothing.” Caitlin’s temper flared to life. “I am wearing proper morning dress.”
“I have seen fancier night gowns than that rag you are wearing.”
“Just because I do not parade around in jewels, and fancy material, does not mean I am any less of a person than you. At least I follow the proper decorum of the dress code.” Caitlin crossed her arms, elevating her nose in mockery of Bernadine. “I am not the one wearing an evening gown in the morning.”
“’Tis almost noon,” Bernadine righteously informed them. “And I have never been one to dress cheaply. There is nothing wrong with looking your best, no matter what time of day it is.”
“I would rather look cheap than walking around looking like I’m in mourning.”
“Hogwash!” She advanced toward Caitlin with her fist raised. “I will show you mourning.”
Dillon stepped in front of Caitlin, taking the blow to his chest.
“Bernadine, stop it!” Roderick shouted.
Dillon grabbed her wrist. It took every ounce of self-control not to squeeze it hard enough to break it. “Do not ever touch my wife, or speak to her in that manner again.”
“Did you hear her, Roderick? Did you hear what that Irish trash said about me?” Tears flowed down her cheeks. Some from anger. Some from pain.
“You started it.” Roderick’s tone was indifferent. “If you would learn to keep your mouth closed, people wouldn’t get so upset with you.”
Finally freeing her hand, Bernadine glared at her husband with stone cold eyes. She was tired of him never taking her side. Never defending her. His indifferent attitude had gone beyond annoying, and now bordered on animosity. “’Tis a sad day when a husband is to feeble to defend his own wife.”
“If his wife were ever in the right, he might try defending her. I do not defend the guilty.”
“I need a chair. I feel as though I shall faint.” Bernadine swooned, but no one came to her rescue.
“There is a chair over by the table.” Dillon nodded his head, but never moved from his spot to offer assistance.
Giving up the act, Bernadine stopped swooning and stocked to the nearest chair, only to take up the act once more. Leaning back in the chair, she put her arm across her forehead and moaned, “I need some water. The room is spinning.”
Roderick knew the storm brewing now would be unleashed on him later. Sighing he filled a goblet and took it to her, hoping to at least lessen the vicious attack she would bestow upon him.
She took the water, glaring at him, but since they were in the presence of others, managed a very tight lipped, “Thank you.”
The awkward tension drew tighter than a pair of new leather boots. Dillon decided that if he ever wanted to eat his meal while it was warm, he’d better do something.
“We were just about to partake in the morning meal. Would you care to join us?” He offered.
“’Tis a bit late for the morning meal.” Bernadine noted. “In my household the morning meal is served promptly at seven.”
“Then kept warm for you until you roll out of bed sometime past noon.” Roderick knew angering her more was treacherous territory, but he was going to defend his only son.
“That is hogwash and you know it,” she yelled. “You no good, lousy, self-righteous, pompous, old man.”
“Careful, my dear, they may be family but they are still witnesses.” Roderick had become accustomed to the loathing in her eyes. She only managed to tolerate him while in the company of others. Then she’d put on the show of her life, acting the part of a loving, dutiful wife. However, it seemed lately that not even the attendance of guests could keep the contempt out of her attitude.
“If you do not mind, son, I am famished. We have not had our morning meal, and it smells absolutely delicious.”
“As you can see there is more than enough.” Dillon took a plate and started filling it. Caitlin and Roderick followed. When hunger finally won out, Bernadine got up and fixed a plate also.
They were all seated and enjoying the meal when Martha bustled in. “’Tis about time you all stopped arguing and started eating. The food is growing cold.”
Bernadine waited for someone to reprimand this servant. When no one said anything she felt it her rightful duty to put the help in their proper place. “No servant in my household would dare speak so freely. ‘Tis disrespectful for someone of such lowly birth to project themselves as the same level as us.”
“Seems to me God created us all equal. ‘Tis what the constitution says.” Martha folded her large arms under her chest, daring Miss High and Mighty to say another word.
“Bernadine can you hold your tongue for five minutes and allow us to eat in peace!” Roderick’s temper reached the boiling point. His wife’s attitude lately had grown unbearable. He couldn’t take much more.
“If we are to stay here then things must be run properly. I will not dwell in a household where servants say and do as they please.”
The clang of silverware hitting the china plate resounded through the room.
“Stay here?” Caitlin had been silent, allowing Dillon to deal with his stepmother, but she managed to find her voice before Dillon, who looked stunned.
“’Tis customary to stay with the relatives you have traveled to visit. How else do you expect us to have time together?” Placing a gloved hand across the table she squeezed Caitlin’s hand in a friendly gesture and smiled. “Don’t worry, dear, ‘tis not your fault you do not know how to run a household. I will teach you while I’m here.”
“Caitlin runs the household magnificently and needs no help from you.” Dillon cleared his throa
t. “So you might as well stay at the Inn. You would be more comfortable there.”
“What?” Bernadine’s mouth fell open. “You are not offering us a place to stay.” She shook her head in disbelief. The black plumes of her hat waving a mournful rhythm. “What has the world come to when your own kin won’t offer hospitality? Especially after all you have done for him, Roderick.”
Dillon rolled his eyes, groaning. “The fact of the matter is you were not invited. You took it upon yourself to come without any warning.”
“It had been way too many years since we have seen you,” she explained, coolly. “And we did send word. It arrived several days ahead of us, but you were not here to receive it. You can ask Caitlin if you like.”
“We are remodeling and the house is a mess. No bedrooms are prepared.” Dillon looked straight at Bernadine. “Perhaps if we had had sufficient notice we would have had time to prepare.”
Bernadine arched a finely tapered, raven brow. “We did not know it would be so burdensome for you.” She sighed, deciding to play the poor downtrodden victim. “We were in such a hurry to see you and find out how you were getting along that I did not think ahead.”
“’Tis no problem to stay at the Inn,” Roderick suggested. “We have quite imposed ourselves on you as it is.”
“Nonsense. You may stay here for as long as you wish.” Caitlin surprised everyone.
“But we have no rooms ready,” Dillon persisted. Bewilderment creased his forehead.
“I am sure Mr. Barclay can stop working on the game room and prepare a bedroom rather quickly.”
“That seems a lot of trouble. ‘Twould be much easier to stay where we are at,” Roderick insisted. “Besides you would have to prepare two bedrooms.”
“Hogwash.” Bernadine laughed. “I do believe that I can endure your snoring for a short period of time.” She wanted to appear as a happy, devoted couple. Perhaps that would spike Dillon’s jealousy.
“I do not believe it will be possible.” Dillon stood firm.
“Why not?” Caitlin asked.
“Would you two mind if I have a private word with my wife?” Dillon stood.
“Not at all.” Bernadine tasted victory. She knew the power of persuasion that woman had over men. Caitlin would have him eating out of her hand. Then she would be living under the same roof with Dillon. Soon she would have him eating out of the palm of her own hand. That image alone excited her more than any lover she’d ever had.
* * *
“Caitlin, are you crazy? I do not want that woman in this house.”
“What about your father? Would you not like to spend some quality time with him?”
“My father never had time for me when I was growing up. Why should I care now?”
“Because you are a kind, caring person, and whether you want to admit it or not, you do love him.”
“’Tis not like we would have much time alone anyway. You forget that Bernadine comes with the package. She will make life more miserable than you can imagine. What you have witnessed so far is only the start.”
“Leave her to me. You forget, sir, that I can handle myself.”
“Not when it comes to Bernadine.” Dillon placed his hands on her shoulders, forcing her to look him in the eyes. “She has only one purpose for being here. That is to destroy us. She wants our marriage annulled.”
“I know what her plan is. However, I have strength in our love. God has brought us together, and you said yourself that only death will tear us apart.”
“’Twould not be undermining her if she tried that. She is a woman who goes after what she wants full force. There is no stopping her.”
“Come, Dillon. Caitlin smiled. “She will be a headache no doubt, but I can handle the insults and swiftly give some back. I guess the question is do you believe our love is strong enough to last?”
“’Tis not a question of our love.” Dillon stared into her eyes. “I do not want you to be subjected to her. She is the devil”
“’Tis sweet that you worry about me.” She reached up on tiptoes and pecked his cheek. “However, if she truly is possessed by the devil then is it not our Christian duty to show her love? Perhaps that will chase the demons away.” Crossing her arms, she added, “Is that not what Jesus did? The bible commands us to love our enemies and pray for them. Besides we are talking about your own flesh and blood.”
“I left England to get away from her.” Dillon sighed. “I hate when you use the bible against me.”
“’Tis because I am right and you do not want to admit it.” She smiled, knowing she’d won.
“You are sure you want this?” Dillon gave her one last chance to back out. “Bernadine is spiteful, deceiving, temperamental and obnoxious.”
“You forgot controlling, self-absorbed, self-centered and hurtful.” Reaching up, Caitlin cupped his cheek. “But I will endure it all for the chance to visit with the man who sired my husband.”
“My father is English, and the two of you are on opposite sides of this war.”
“You forget that you are English also.” Caitlin arched her rust brows, playfully. “And he is still your father. Besides, what better chance will I ever have of helping Ireland? I will be able to debate and possibly persuade him onto our side.”
Dillon laughed. “That, my dear, will never happen. He is very stubborn.”
“Just think of all the fun it will be trying.” Mischief glimmered in her eyes.
Dillon drew her fingers to his lips, placing a soft kiss on them. “If it means that much to you, I will abide by your wishes.”
“Thank you.” She threw her arms around his neck, drawing his head down to hers. With enthusiasm she kissed him.
“If that is how I am to be rewarded, I shall give in to your demands more often.”
They entered the dining room and told the Lord and Lady Cade the good news. Everyone resumed eating; Dillon with relish. It had been a week since he’d had a good meal. “I did miss Martha’s cooking while I was in jail.” He got a second plateful.
“I believe she missed you just as much,” Caitlin informed him. “I fear I was a dreadful dinner companion by myself. I could hardly eat a thing, I was so worried about you.”
“No more fretting, I am home now.” Dillon leaned over giving her a kiss.
“Honestly, Can you two not show proper respect?” Bernadine’s rivalry increased. She hated watching him kiss Caitlin all the time. “Such attentions should be displayed in the privacy of the bedroom. Not at the table with company present.”
“Perhaps that is how you like things. But in this house we kiss where and when we want.” Dillon lifted a brow. “If you cannot handle it then feel free to stay at the Inn.”
“Leave them be,” Roderick commanded. “They are newlyweds after all.”
“I still cannot believe our son grew up into this untamed, disrespectful animal.” Bernadine sadly shook her head. “It must be this desolate country that did it to him.”
Dillon clinched his teeth so hard that the muscles in his face almost went into spasms. He didn’t know why she kept insisting she was his mother.
“Excuse me I did not know you were still eating.” Mr. Barclay entered the room. “Mr. Cade it is very good to see you, sir.”
“’Tis good to see you also, Mr. Barclay.” Dillon stood and shook hands.
“Mr. Barclay.” Caitlin gave him her brightest smile. “How is the game room coming along?”
“Very well, ma’am.” He cleared his throat. “I see that you are busy. I will talk to you later.”
“Wait, please.” Caitlin came around the table and stood in front him. “I have an urgent matter and must speak with you at once.”
“Oh.” His round, beaded eyes lit up. “How may I be of assistance?”
“We have had an unexpected, but wonderful surprise.”
“Besides the fact that Mr. Cade is home safely?” he inquired.
“Yes. That is an answered prayer, is it not?” She waved her hand to ind
icate Dillon’s father. “This is Lord Roderick Cade, Dillon’s father. And this is his wife Lady Bernadine.”
Mr. Barclay nervously nodded to both of them. He had never been in the presence of nobility. “Good to meet you both.”
“And this is the mastermind behind the remodeling. This house is being artfully transformed by his brilliant mind and hands.”
“You are too kind, Mrs. Cade.” He sheepishly looked down to the ground.
“Nonsense. You have done a remarkable job.” Caitlin went on. “Lord and Lady Cade have traveled all the way from England.” She paused for effect, also to let the news slowly dawn on him. “However, I fear we have not a spare bedroom ready. We cannot just stuff them into an empty, unfinished room, especially after they are accustomed to much finery in England.”
“Oh, no. That would not do.” Mr. Barclay shook his balding head.
Caitlin sighed. “I fear, ‘twould be inhospitable to make them stay at the Inn after they have come so far to visit with us.”
“I agree. That does not seem right.”
“But what am I to do?” Caitlin wrung her hands in helplessness.
The Unwilling Bride Page 26
