He carefully thought of everything down to the minutest detail in order to bring restoration.
“I make no excuses for my mother’s behavior,” he added.
A growing adoration for Dudley filled my heart, and I wanted to jump to my feet and comfort him tenderly.
“Mr. Crawford and his son have been arrested, the brothel shut, and the remaining girls rescued. The Crawford’s were charged with procuring women for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual activity.” He paused and woefully looked at Ann and Abagail. “The other victims are being helped by various parishes in Manchester. However, I hold myself personally responsible for your welfare. I swear to oversee your restoration, since it is I who placed you in dire straits by hiring you as companions for my mother,” he added.
“Have they arrested Lady Catherine?” Ann asked, frowning at him.
Dudley pulled his eyes away. “She was placed in custody but released shortly thereafter.”
“Released?” Ann screeched.
I could understand the poor girl’s anger, for I too thought she should be suffering behind bars in a cold, damp cell.
“At the least offense, she will be charged with the moral crime of gambling. As far as her involvement in handing you over to Mr. Crawford, I am unsure of forthcoming consequences. A grand jury will review the circumstances, and whether an indictment is imminent, only time can tell.”
It would be a terrible family scandal, which would taint their lives forever. What in the world was Lady Catherine thinking? Everyone sat silently pondering the outcome of Dudley’s words. He appeared so emotionally distraught that I felt compelled to give him a reprieve. I rose from the chair and announced to the ladies my concern.
“Perhaps we should leave his lordship alone. He must be tired from his trip and overwhelmed by the grave matters he faces.”
Miss Wade stood in agreement. “Come along girls,” she said. “We have much to do.”
I intended to leave with the three of them and was about to do so when Dudley called to me in earnest.
“Wait, Mary. Don’t go. Please, I implore you to stay with me.”
It sounded as if he were on the verge of sobbing. I halted my step and slowly turned around. His pleading eyes gave me no other choice but to stay.
“Of course,” I replied, walking toward him.
Dudley threw restraint to the wind. He stepped forward and gathered me in his arms, pulling me close to his chest. One hand stroked the back of my head lovingly. My shock over his actions made me speechless, and I dared not to embrace him in return. Undoubtedly, he acted rashly in a moment of weakness. He drew away and looked at me longingly.
“I must beg your forgiveness for many things,” he began.
“For what?” I asked confused. “You rescued me from a terrible plight. I should be thanking you, not forgiving you.”
“Come sit with me,” he woefully said, pulling me down next to him on the divan. “I have much to confess.” He kept my hand in his and lifted his eyes. “When I hired you, I already suspected my mother had done something to Abigail and Ann, but had no idea of the severity of her actions.”
The admission bothered me. He intentionally placed me in harm’s way. “Do you mean to tell me you suspected that I would be next to disappear?”
He shook his head affirmatively. “I assure you, the entire time you were at Whitefield Hall, I kept a close watch on you.”
“Well, not when you left after an argument with your mother the day you rescued me with a broken heel,” I seethed. “You left me alone and headed for London, didn’t you?” After the words flung from my lips, I paused. My assumption had been erroneous.
Dudley conveyed my error as he tilted his head and merely said, “Think.”
“You didn’t go to London,” I said, realizing what he had done. “Instead you went to Manchester.”
“I’ve watched your every move, Mary, to make sure of your safety.” He grimaced slightly as he continued. “What I hadn’t counted on, though, was Crawford’s son pulling a derringer on me, but nonetheless I knew the police were waiting outside.”
“This is all so very confusing to me,” I admitted, closing my eyes to push away the fearful memories.
“I know I have not been forthright with you, but I had been working with the police to bring this to an end,” he declared. “After the disappearances of the others, I hired a private detective who discovered their fate.”
He used me and put me in danger, yet the outcome saved the lives of others. I had to admit that my participation in his scheme released poor girls from a fate of captivity and shame.
“Will you find me a new position, as well?” I felt a bit indignant that I, too, deserved restoration of some sort.
“I do not wish you to find another position,” he said somberly. “I wish you to stay at Whitefield Hall.”
My eyes blurred when I realized what he suggested. “Stay? But why?” I drew in a sharp breath over the thought of seeing Lady Catherine again.
“I know this sounds foolish,” he said. “But I need you with me.”
Astonished by his remark, I pulled my hand away. His eyes radiated an unmistakable glance of adoration. Could it be he developed emotions for me? Surely, I was fooling myself for we hardly spent any time together. He was a baron. I belonged to another class of undesirable females in the scheme of English society. He previously reminded me of my place many times, along with his mother. And what of Miss Wade and the compromising moment?
“I don’t understand what you mean,” I finally replied.
Dudley hesitated. “Perhaps I do not know what I’m saying either,” he replied. His voice quavered. He exhaled an exhausted breath, rose from the divan, and walked over to the decanter. After pouring himself a small drink, he downed it in a few gulps. When he replaced the glass, he continued to tremble. It so moved me, without thinking about the consequences, I walked over and took his hand to steady it.
“You must rest, Dudley, and regain your strength. Your nerves are shattered, and I fear for your health.”
He forced a weary smile. “In the short time in which we have spent alone, my affections for you have grown. You are an exceptional woman.”
He brought my hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly, lingering to hold it afterward for some seconds. I witnessed his sincerity, but I possessed unanswered questions.
“But what of Miss Wade? I saw the two of you at the end of the hall, intimately near one another, and you whispered in her ear. It’s been my impression that she holds a sincere regard for you.”
“Miss Wade?” He shook his head no. “You misunderstand our relationship.”
“Then explain to me what is between the two of you.”
“Miss Wade helped to bring this matter to an end. You may think of her as my spy, but I have no admiration or loving regard for her whatsoever. She merely aided me, along with the police, to bring this nightmare to an end.”
Relieved that I had misjudged, I smiled. “I’m sorry for assuming otherwise.”
“Another apology I must make,” he said, lowering his head as if he were ashamed. “I outwardly acted like the rogue my mother painted me to be in order to push her dislike of you forward. My behavior was despicable.”
A moment later Dudley swayed in his stance. “You are quite right,” he hoarsely said, grabbing a nearby chair to steady himself. “I’m exhausted and my nerves frayed. If you will excuse me, I must retire.”
“Yes, of course,” I replied. My concern for his welfare heightened. He dropped my hand and wearily walked to the door, heading for the staircase. As he disappeared, my heart followed after him.
Return to Whitefield Hall
Dudley Beaumont’s real character began to unfold in surprising ways. I was astonished at his kind heart toward the other companions and how quickly he sprinted into action to help them as he promised. Everything came to pass from the medical care to clergy counsel. Afterward, the pressing matter of his mother’s affairs req
uired that he return to Whitefield Hall.
Before his departure, I was introduced to Dudley’s persuasive personality when he asked me to meet him privately in his study. Since he pleaded the night before for me to accompany him, I wrestled with the decision. It had been made clear to everyone in the household that for now, Miss Wade and Mr. Brown would care for Ann and Abigail until they found work. It appeared I was needed elsewhere.
“You know what I’m going to ask you,” he said.
He sat in the chair where I first met him, with both hands clasped in the center of the desktop. I took a seat in the chair, which I used during the interview months ago. The moment was uncanny, except this time, my prospective employer looked and acted much differently.
I fiddled with my skirt, remembering the moment we spent together underneath the oak tree. The charming snake behind the desk cleared his throat. If I were to return to Whitefield Hall, something told me it would be very different. His countenance conveyed a mixture of admiration and hopefulness. A myriad of questions swirled in my head. Nevertheless, the thought of his mother sickened my stomach.
“Yes, I know what you’re going to ask me. Get on with it,” I replied, wanting to pass the moment. Of course, at that time, I still did not know what I would say.
“I’m leaving for Paddington Station in an hour and catching a train back to Manchester. I would be most pleased if you accompanied me to Whitefield Hall.”
Most pleased, I repeated in my mind. Surely if his mother discovered my presence, she would not be most pleased.
“In what capacity shall I remain? As your employee? Your mother will not need my companionship nor want it, and I prefer not to enter into service as a household maid or cook. I wish to find another position as a companion in a home where I am respected and safe.”
Dudley’s eyes widened. “I have no intention of hiring you to do anything,” he replied. “I wish your companionship during a difficult time.”
I rejected his need and clarified my objection to his disregard about the arrangement. “If I do return with you, it will appear scandalous to say the least. A single woman, living with a bachelor. What will Lady Buford think?” A nervous chuckle from Dudley answered my question.
“Lady Buford has already informed me any possible future that we may have had together is severed due to the criminal activity in my household.”
“Oh, dear,” I replied wide-eyed. In reality, I was glad to hear of it for Dudley’s sake but surprised she so hastily removed herself from any association. Lady Catherine would be sorely disappointed, but she had no one to blame but herself.
“I don’t give a damn,” he said. Dudley pushed aside a piece of paper in annoyance. “My mother has ruined our finances and standing in society. Now, I must pick up the pieces and rebuild some semblance of normalcy for our household.”
His voice cracked, and I heard the distressed cry of his soul. “I’m afraid,” I said, lowering my head to avert his gaze. “There is nothing for me there, Dudley. I must get on with my life, too, and find other means of support that is reputable and honorable.”
Dudley shoved back his chair and stood to his feet. He slowly walked around the desk and stopped a few feet away. What did he want from me? Afraid to think it might be affection, I resumed fiddling with my skirt.
“Marry me,” he said, kneeling down in front of me. “I will give you an honorable life as my wife and care for your needs.”
“What?” I sucked in a surprised breath and held it, leaving my mouth gaping open. “We barely know each other, and now you are asking me to marry you?”
He looked at me as if it were the most logical thing to do when, in fact, it was absurd. As I weighed his motives for asking me to be his wife, I surmised it assuredly came from a guilty conscience over what happened. After all, our separation in class clearly made it impossible. Perhaps, he wished to punish his mother by marrying beneath his status as revenge for her actions. Whatever motives he possessed, I found them troublesome.
“You need not marry me,” I replied solemnly, “to gain my forgiveness or pay for your mother’s error in judgment.” I paused, mesmerized by his gaze, which drew me inward like a magnet. Dudley Beaumont possessed the skills to charm any woman, and I felt helpless to resist his enticement.
“Besides,” I added in a matter-of-fact tone, “I told you I had no desire for marriage. And you are a baron; you should marry in accordance with your rank.”
He apparently refused to listen to my reasoning, because he reached out, took my hand, and kissed it sweetly. “You have convinced yourself quite thoroughly you do not need love, but I beg to differ with you.”
Dudley leaned in toward me and before I could react, he kissed me on the mouth. I flinched when our lips met, but the sensation kept me unwilling to pull away or object. It was, after all, my first kiss. The warmth of his lips pressing against mine felt glorious, causing a tingling sensation to flow through me. Beguiled by the moment, I flung my arms around Dudley’s neck. He did not seem to mind as he wrapped his arms around me and nearly pulled me off the chair into his lap.
The longer he consumed me, the more my body responded. My concrete desire to remain unmarried melted like the heat of a candle. He smelled wonderful; he felt wonderful. When the kissing intensified, I could barely breathe and began to ache in areas I thought scandalous. Dudley gasped as well and pulled back. A smile grew slowly across his face.
“Now, Miss Gleadhell, since you have finally tasted what awaits a woman who surrenders to love, do you still wish to be an unmarried spinster the remainder of your life?”
Spinster. The word stung. No, I’m a companion, I reminded myself. It is the one thing I knew how to do best in life—to stand by another, give them support, and be a confidant and friend. Then it dawned on me that being married to Dudley, I still could be all of those things.
“Well, being a wife is like a companion,” I said, reasoning aloud.
“Be my companion, Mary. I swear to be a loyal, protective, and loving husband, and in time, I pray you will grow to love me.” He touched the side of my face. “And I have no doubt each passing day my regard and love for you will deepen.”
How strange the concept of love sounded but how rushed everything had become. The arrangement was tempting. Did I love him? I had never experienced the emotion, so how could I tell?
I glanced at the clock that ticked toward departure. The idea of accepting his proposal after such a short period weighed heavily upon my heart. Prudence reminded me how quickly I took the job as companion to Lady Catherine and how it ended in disaster. No, it was far too soon to make such a commitment.
“I cannot give you an answer to your proposal of marriage at this time,” I said. Immediately, his eyes dulled in sadness. “But I will allow you to court me like any other man. It’s far too soon to give you my heart entirely, Dudley Beaumont.”
He closed his eyes and kissed my hand again. “You will come with me to Whitefield Hall?”
“With reservation, and as long as it is clear to everyone that I am merely a guest. The very thought of dealing with your mother is also of grave concern to me,” I admitted. My brow creased thinking of the unpleasant moment we would meet. If anything would be an obstacle to a relationship with Dudley, surely it would be Lady Catherine.
“I totally understand, but remember the outcome of my mother’s freedom still hangs in the balance.”
Dudley rose and offered his hands to me, which I firmly grasped. He pulled me to his feet, and I landed in his embrace.
“Gather your things, my love. We must soon leave.”
“I cannot promise you anything—either an extended stay as your guest or a permanent one as your wife. You must give me time to decide,” I clarified in a firm voice.
“I agree to your terms,” he replied.
He released me from his embrace. I decided to enter the spider’s web, anxiously fearing Lady Catherine’s poisonous bite.
The Spider’s Web
&n
bsp; The carriage pulled up to Whitefield Hall. Dudley gave me an encouraging gaze, but it did nothing to still the butterflies in my stomach. Throughout our trip from London to Manchester, Dudley did his best to assure me I would be safe and protected under his watchful care. No matter how close he would be to save me physically, I knew without a doubt Lady Catherine’s words would slice me to the core upon seeing my return as Dudley’s love interest.
Mr. Grove met us at the door, showing surprise at my return. I still held a bit of a grudge against him for tattling on me.
“Shall I give Miss Gleadhell the same quarters?”
“Yes, that would be preferable,” Dudley replied, glancing about. “Where is my mother?”
“I believe she is in the solarium taking in a spot of sun,” he said.
I did not want to see Lady Catherine and begged to leave. “Dudley, please allow me to retire to my quarters to rest and change. I’m quite tired.”
“Yes, of course. Perhaps it is best until I have a private discussion with her.” He reached out and placed his hand upon my shoulder. “Will you dine with us this evening?”
“I will, unless your mother decides to lock me in my room again,” I sarcastically replied.
“She did what?” Dudley shouted loud enough for the entire household to hear him, including Lady Catherine. When she entered the foyer and caught sight of me, her eyes darkened, and her jaw set in a hard line of disapproval.
I remained silent and could barely look at her without feeling hatred. Instead of giving a proper greeting, I picked up my skirt and ran upstairs like a runaway. As soon as I entered my bedchamber and closed the door, the screaming between Dudley and his mother began.
Why on earth did I agree to return to this madhouse? I flung myself on the bed, grabbed a pillow, and covered my head to muffle the argumentative rants floating up the staircase. After a few minutes, I heard silence until a soft knock came at the door.
“Who is it?” If Lady Catherine answered, I would refuse to let her enter.
Whitefield Hall: Novella Page 10
