Forsaking the Prize

by Boyd, Heather

  She leaned into his touch. “Being known for generosity is an accomplishment for a gentleman,” she sighed and sat up straight once more. “Unfortunately, I cannot tell anyone of the service you’ve rendered me today. The gossip would be quite awful and it could reach Venables ears. He would demand Adam’s things returned to his questionable keeping.”

  Tobias dropped his hand. “He can try.”

  She twisted to face him, knees drawing up beneath her skirts. “He would be within his rights. But at least Mercy is spared any involvement in my problems.”

  He shook his head. This woman was always trying to avoid creating a fuss. “But it isn’t a decent thing to do to you. I’ll bear the brunt should it become known. Being accused of theft shouldn’t surprise anyone.”

  “It would surprise anyone who knows you.”

  Tobias chuckled. “Careful, B. You’re encouraging me again without meaning to.”

  She dropped her gaze to the grass between them. Devil take it! When she didn’t contradict his observation he was very encouraged. Her hand lifted from the ground and then she touched his ankle, right where the worst of his scars were. Tobias quickly tucked his unsightly scars under his other thigh, out of sight again, his pulse racing.

  “You suffered greatly at the duke’s hands, didn’t you?”

  More than he cared to let on. Life aboard the East India Company ship the old duke had sent him to, the Williamstown, hadn’t been easy. The short-lived capture by the French a brief reprieve. But service on the Williamstown paled in comparison to the horror of service aboard the slaver, Enid Wren. The slaver captain had been a truly vicious man and had demanded immediate obedience from his crew. At first, Tobias hadn’t been quick enough.

  He shrugged to shake off his sudden unease. “Tis not a discussion for a lady to hear, B. I won’t distress you by relating the tale.”

  Blythe didn’t need to know the truth of the matter. He’d healed and, if given enough time, he may even begin to forget the painful bite of leather beating across his bare skin and shackles around his ankles. The duke was gone and he was the only one Tobias could have taken revenge on. The time for seeking retribution was over. He had to put the past behind him. He would when Rosemary and Oliver were found. If they were ever recovered.

  Blythe’s fingers clenched together. “How did you get the scars on your back?”

  He tensed in shock. He’d no idea how she’d learned of them or why she would bring them up. “I trusted the wrong person and paid the price.”

  “Do they hurt at all?”

  Tobias ground his jaw. He didn’t want to discuss them, least of all with Blythe. He stood. “Excuse me. I should go and see what is keeping your housekeeper.”

  Eleven

  “Wait, Toby.” Blythe grabbed his ankle to stop him leaving. She should not have brought up what must be a painful matter for him. She couldn’t understand why she’d asked. But the rough, imperfect skin beneath her fingers caused her heart to skip a beat. He’d endured so much that she was embarrassed by her behavior. Who was she to lecture him about how to live his life when he’d been lucky to survive to have one? “I’m sorry for prying. Please sit down. Look the tea is coming and Finch has gone to so much trouble today that I would hate to disappoint her by quarrelling with you.”

  He hesitated, and then wrenched his ankle from her grip. Blythe rubbed her hands together, but she could still feel the uneven bumps and roughness as if she was still touching him. When he sat cross legged, he positioned himself a little farther away on the grass than he had previously been, his brows drawn together.

  Finch set a tray between them with Tobias’ help. “Such lovely amenities in the house,” Finch gushed. “So sad to think everything has been boarded up for so long. It’ll be nice to have everything used again.”

  Tobias gave her a wary smile and when Finch hurried back to the house, he stared after her. “She does know that this arrangement to store your possessions here is temporary, doesn’t she?”

  “Of course she does. Finch is an excellent housekeeper. She’d never leave Walden Hall. In fact, I am certain that should my stepson attempt to replace her then Finch would do something drastic to retain her position. She is very loyal to the Venables.”

  Blythe picked up a tea cup and admired the pattern. The pretty design was unknown to her so Finch must have investigated the contents of the house. She’d lifted the corners of enough sheets to know Harrowdale held many items of obviously fine quality to agree with Finch. It was a shame that no one had lived here recently to enjoy them. To see them hidden beneath covers was a sad waste. She hoped Tobias did not mind her servant’s curiosity too greatly. Or hers.

  When she peeked at Tobias, his gaze was fixed on the house; his expression remote and uninviting of further conversation. Rather than interrupt his musing, she prepared the tea, sweetened his with three spoonfuls of sugar, as she had noticed he liked it, and held out the cup and saucer for him to take. After a pause, he took the cup and left Blythe holding the saucer. “I should return to Romsey Abbey,” he said suddenly.

  She set his saucer on the blanket, closest to him, and picked up her own cup and saucer. “I know. Thank you for helping me yet again.”

  He drained his cup and set it down on the saucer with a loud clatter. “You should return to the abbey, too.” He picked up a piece of Finch’s fruit cake and bit into it. He appeared to relish the taste. When he picked up a second slice and ate it with the same gusto, Blythe bit back a smile. It was not hard to determine this man’s moods in most situations. He was often transparent when he liked something.

  “My place is at Walden Hall. My stepson will expect me to be in residence to greet his guests.”

  The groom hurried from the house and into an outbuilding, his arms full of white cloths. “Mercy needs you,” Tobias said.

  No one needed her. Not really. Blythe sighed as the truth of the situation struck her painfully. “She has Leopold and he has taken over the place completely. He’ll be her husband soon and will take care of her very well.”

  “Then come back for the young duke’s sake. He enjoys the time and devotion that you bestow on him.”

  As much as she loved Edwin, he couldn’t replace her son in her affections. It was better to remain his favorite aunt than an annoying fusspot who had to be endured. “My nephew is not the reason to return. He has a mother to love him, and soon a father to teach him to be a good man.”

  Tobias, having finished eating for the moment, stretched out on his side and faced her. “What about the attempts to drive your sister from the abbey? Do you not wonder who is behind it all?”

  “Of course I wonder. Having been a suspect myself I feel very annoyed by the situation.” Blythe snorted. “But you’ve seen how helpful I’ve been on that score. I cannot even look at what was done without breaking out into a discomforting flush. As you said, the problems facing Mercy do not directly involve me. No, I’m just in the way at Romsey.”

  “You’re not in my way.”

  Blythe blinked as his words caught her unprepared. She’d have thought, aside from losing a woman to torment, that he’d be indifferent to what she did with her time.

  “Come back to Romsey tonight,” he pleaded. “I need you.”

  Her breath stuck in the back of her throat. Was he about to suggest something scandalous? She shifted, moving slightly away from him on the blanket and regarded him warily. “For what exactly do you need me?”

  He traced the pattern on the blanket with his fingertip. He didn’t look up. “You’re clever. Cleverer by far than I could ever hope to be.”

  She frowned. “I am clever enough not to fall for your flattery. Why else should I return?

  His shoulder lifted as he shrugged without looking at her. “My education ended when I was taken from my family and put on board ship. I can bargain on the docks and fix a headsail to catch the best wind, but the finer nuances of society and family connections escapes me. I believe you understand the old duke
better than anyone. I need you to catch the things I miss. Two heads are better than one, and all that.”

  A flush of warmth swept up Blythe’s neck to her cheeks. It was incredibly flattering to hear a grown man ask for assistance from a woman he barely knew. To have Tobias Randall insist she return to Romsey Abbey to help with the search for his family caused her pulse to race. “What about Leopold? He is head of your family and very clever.”

  “Forgive me if I don’t share your observation with him. He’s opinionated enough now. I’d rather not add to his ego.” Tobias kept his eyes focused on the ground. “The company I kept did not care that my cravat was perfectly tied so I never learned about the niceties. He forgets that I didn’t have his advantages in life.”

  Impulsively, Blythe leaned across the empty space between them and placed her hand over his. When he didn’t pull away, she squeezed. “Brothers can be impatient. My own is equally annoying at times and I find it best to humor him when such moods afflict him.”

  Tobias turned his hand, shifting his until they were palm to palm. “I’m unused to my brother after so long away.” His long fingers curled around hers in a light grip. “It is difficult to confide in him.”

  After a moment, Blythe withdrew her hand. She didn’t know what had come over her around Tobias, but she knew she had to stop her foolishness. He made her forget who she was: a countess, a widow, and a proper lady. She sat up as primly as she could on the grass and set her hands in her lap. “I cannot imagine how difficult it must be for you to be here again, but your brother is unwaveringly proud of you. I see evidence of his affection every time you walk into a room.”

  Tobias didn’t respond and Blythe didn’t dare peek. It was incredibly touching how Leopold hung on every word his brother uttered, even the incautiously uttered ones that scorched her ears with their vulgarity. Despite the long separation, they were close siblings. It should be natural for them to work closely together on the problem.

  Tobias cleared his throat roughly. “Don’t think I’ll allow you to change the subject so easily. Come back to the abbey?”

  “I’ll just be in the way.”

  “Wouldn’t you rather keep your distance from your stepson and his questionable company?”

  Blythe stared at him. “Your brother does not trust me.”

  She fought back the hot angry tears her confession brought on. It was humiliating to be so distrusted. She’d never been in this sort of situation before. She’d always had her family’s unwavering support. Leopold Randall wasn’t family yet. But he would be one day when the vows were spoken binding him to Mercy. Would her sister come to regard her with the same unease if the threats continued?

  Tobias grabbed her hand. He threaded their fingers together. “Did I say my brother was a wise man? I did no such thing. But he is overwhelmed with the estate and hasn’t spared the time to get to know your character better. He will, though, but not if you leave before he has a chance to see the good in you.”

  Blythe peered into Tobias’ face. His amber eyes held hers steadily, his lips lifted in a warm smile. Her heart beat erratically as he drew their joined hands against his chest. “Come back to Romsey and clear your name by helping me locate Oliver and Rose. I hope and pray they are still alive.”

  Blythe’s breath caught. “Surely you don’t think . . .”

  His expression darkened. “After what the duke put me through, no, I don’t hold out much hope. I had to find my own way home from half a world away and if Oliver and Rosemary haven’t done the same by now then I fear they will not at all. The most I expect is to discover where they were sent.”

  His grip tightened and she covered his fist with her free hand. She’d never suspected he’d held so little hope of their recovery before now. Was the reason they hadn’t returned truly because they’d died far from home? How would Tobias bear the news that he might have been the lucky one?

  As she beheld Tobias’ hopeless expression she made a decision. She’d be there to help search and if the news turned grim she’d offer what comfort she could. She knew how it felt to lose loved ones. Perhaps, if the worst came to pass, she could help him through the pain better than she’d done herself. “I’ll come back tonight.”

  ~ * ~

  “Blythe,” Mercy called as she swept down the front stairs of Romsey Abbey to embrace her sister. “You came back.”

  Tobias stepped back into the shadows of the entrance hall and let out a relieved breath. For a while there, he hadn’t been certain Blythe would keep her word and return to Romsey Abbey. As night came closer, he’d moved to the window with a clear view of the drive, hoping for a glimpse of movement. When a horse and smart open curricle had come into view with Blythe at the reins, he’d poured himself a drink.

  A small celebratory drink.

  “Everything is ready,” Blythe said as she handed her hat, gloves and pelisse to Wilcox with a smile and then chafed her hands together.

  “Oh, you’re chilled through,” Mercy scolded. “Come, let’s get you warm again.”

  As she moved away from the main door, Tobias stepped from the shadows to reveal his presence. “Good evening, Lady Venables.”

  She curtseyed. “Good evening, sir.”

  Then she swept from sight on her sisters arm, leaving Tobias alone with his elation. She’d come back. Oh, not come back for him, but she had come back to help with the hunt. She’d trusted his word that everything would take a turn for the better. That surely had to be better than fretting over the arrival of her worthless stepson or the graves of her family. He followed them into the drawing room where Blythe stood before the fire, getting warm again.

  Mercy rubbed her hands. “Why ever did you drive the open curricle at this hour?”

  Blythe smiled slowly. “I was thinking of Raphael today and how I never drive the last present he gave me. The curricle is very smart and perfect for short jaunts about the countryside if the weather permits. I’ll not have to engage one of your servants for the task if I wish to visit friends.”

  Her gaze flittered to Tobias and then darted away again. That one glance clarified two points. Blythe valued her independence and second, she would never forget her son. Having her own curricle at Romsey allowed her to come and go as she pleased. She could visit Harrowdale and no one, particularly her sister, would be any the wiser.

  “I’ve always admired that carriage,” Mercy admitted, “but there is only room for two.”

  “Well, it’s perfect for me nowadays. Am I too late?”

  Tobias listened to Blythe as the two women chatted. She sounded almost happy to be back and he was pleased she had listened to him. He honestly did need her help.

  “No, we were to dine in an hour so you will have ample time to change,” Mercy advised. “Are you very tired from your visit home? I could have dinner brought forward if you’d like. I’m sure Cook won’t mind.”

  “No, that won’t be necessary, but I would like to change. It’s been a very busy day. I feel slightly gritty. I’ll rejoin you all shortly.”

  Any grittiness would have come from her time in Harrowdale, but that was their secret. He had no intention of betraying her trust. Tobias nodded to her as she excused herself. The silence left in her wake deafened.

  “I thought you said she was gone for good,” Leopold said as he strolled in and kissed Mercy’s cheek.

  “Well, that is what she said to me earlier today.” Mercy caught Leopold’s hand and pulled him toward the loveseat. “Something must have changed. She never usually reverses herself so quickly.”

  “Well, whatever the reason, I’m glad she’s returned. At least now you can stop fretting over her.” Leopold pressed a lingering kiss to her knuckles and Tobias looked away. They’d forgotten he was in the room. Again. Did all soon-to-be-wed couples behave in such a way? Tobias didn’t think they did. Maybe he could ask Blythe for advice to fill the gap in his understanding. If he ever proposed to a woman, he should know how to behave and what was allowed. It was as good an
excuse as any to follow her upstairs. He grinned. Maybe he could catch her in the middle of changing.

  He tugged on a button of his waistcoat that he’d noticed earlier was loose. It gave slightly after a few determined tugs and he left it dangling in place.

  He cleared his throat to gain the love struck pair’s attention. “I’ve lost a button. Excuse me. I’ll go find Murphy and change before dinner.”

  “Fine. Fine. Don’t take too long,” Leopold replied, without taking his gaze from his future wife.

  Tobias strode out of the room and pulled the doors closed behind him. As he straightened, he clearly heard Mercy. “He is as handsome as his elder brother. I’m sure tomorrow night will be a success.”

  “I’ll agree with you if we can get through the evening unscathed,” his brother replied. “Are you still determined to try your hand at matchmaking? I warn you, he may not thank you for it.”

  “Oh, Leopold, you worry too much. I am sure Tobias will be very well received, just as you will be once everyone meets you. Blythe will be on hand, too, and will help smooth any ruffled feathers an incautious remark might cause. I’m sure some young lady will catch his eye. I should like to see him happier.”

  “If Blythe can be persuaded to support him then I’m sure that is the best I can hope for. But it is clear she’s uncomfortable around my brother,” Leopold sighed. “Do not push for the other. If he wishes to wed it will be by his choice alone. Let him be. It is enough for me to have him here.”

  Whatever else might have been said was spoken in too low a tone for Tobias to hear clearly. He moved away from the door, but uncertainty gripped him. It was important that tomorrow night’s outing go off without a hitch for Leopold’s sake especially. He hoped he didn’t embarrass his brother, but he would avoid Mercy’s traps and snares. If he married, he’d choose his own wife.