by Wendy Vella
She didn’t know what to do. Should she stay and wait for him to go, or leave herself? But she wanted to see how the other girls were faring, and they would be arriving in the shop soon.
“Do you care for tea, Miss Whitlow?” Heather shot a look from her to Leo and back again. She must be intrigued by what she had overheard.
Leo spoke before Beth could. “If it’s not too much of an imposition, I would like a cup. It has been some time since I left home, and without my morning meal.”
Beth closed her eyes and fought for patience. She should never have agreed to becoming his fiancée, then her life would have stayed as it was.
Boring.
Where had that thought come from? Beth was more than happy with her life… wasn’t she?
“I shall have it prepared,” Heather said, disappearing.
“Will you tell me about this place?”
He was beside her once more.
“No.”
“Please.”
“No.”
“I know you have something to do with it, Beth, as Miss Little said you were her savior, and I overheard you mentioning the other girls. I think I understand that some of them have suffered abuse, but now—”
“You did not overhear, you were eavesdropping, and I have no wish to discuss this further.”
“If as I suspect you are helping these women, then you have my admiration, Beth.”
He stood before her now, eyes steady on her face.
“I insist you call me Miss Whitlow, and I don’t want or need your admiration. I should never have acquiesced to your silly proposal last night. Everything has now turned on its head.”
“I am a friend, not foe. And you are Beth to me, as that is what your cousin has always called you in my company.”
She shook her head. “Please just leave this alone, and go at once.”
He touched her chin, placing a finger beneath it, tilting it upward.
“Perhaps I could help in some way?”
She shook her head but said nothing further as the door opened once more. Beth looked at the young girl entering; her right eye was bruised, body hunched in on itself. Her eyes went to Leo’s back and widened.
“Leo, please move away,” Beth whispered. “Go behind a cabinet or to the corner, and stay there until I come for you.”
He hesitated.
“Please.” She wrapped her fingers around his wrist. “I need you to do this for me.”
He nodded, and thankfully said nothing further. She waited until he had retreated, and she could see only his shoulders and the back of his head as he inspected a shelf. Beth then approached the girl, who still stood in the doorway.
“Good morning, how are you this fine day?”
“G-good morning.”
She was slender and pale. There was beauty in the lines of her face, and Beth realized that she was very young, perhaps no older than sixteen.
“My name is Beth.” She held out a hand and waited. The young girl looked at it, and then Beth, before holding out hers.
“Jessica.”
“That’s a lovely name. Do you live near here, Jessica?”
She nodded. “I am a maid.”
Beth kept the smile on her face, although it was becoming more strained by the second. She knew the look of a woman who was being abused. Had seen it more times than she cared to.
“Would you take tea with me, Jessica?”
“I cannot. I need gloves, and then I must return.”
“Of course. Which gloves are you interested in?”
Heather had arrived at the counter once more when she turned, and their eyes met, and the woman gave a slight nod, confirming to Beth that this was the woman who had been in here before, the one that had them worried.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Leo made himself look at the shelves before him as Beth conversed with the young girl who said her name was Jessica. Her voice was gentle as she tried to coax the girl into talking.
“Jessica, are you happy?”
“P-pardon?”
Leo made himself focus on the shelf before him when what he wanted to do was turn and watch, try to understand how he and society could have been fooled for so long about the true nature of Miss Elizabeth Whitlow. She was far from cold and aloof, that much Leo now knew… but very little else.
“Are you happy?”
“Why are you asking me that?”
“Because I was once unhappy, and you look as I did.”
Who made her unhappy? What the hell was she talking about? Surely no one had hurt her? The thought made him feel ill.
“I have to go.”
“Of course, if that is your wish, but I would say this to you before you do. If as I suspect you are being mistreated in some way, then it will not stop until you take steps to remove yourself from him.”
Leo heard the moan from Jessica. It was like that of a wounded animal, and made his stomach clench.
“I cannot run… he will find me!”
“He will not find you because I will not let him.” Beth spoke calmly, her words even and softly delivered. There was a surety in her tone the girl could not fail to hear.
“I have nowhere to run. I-it is not easy for the likes of me.”
“I understand that, Jessica, I really do. But I can help you if you let me.”
“No you can’t. My money goes to my family, they need it.”
Her words were high-pitched and panicky now. Leo was usually someone who liked action. He did what needed to be done; he never stood back and waited. For the first time in a long while he felt helpless.
“I will find you employment and I will give you money to help you until then.”
“Why?” The word was an anguished whisper.
“Because I want to help you, and because I know what it is to be scared and alone.”
Dear Christ, how does she know that?
“I-I must go.”
“Very well, and I will not stop you. But I want you to take my card, and know that all you have to do is come into this shop and hand it to whoever is behind the counter, and they will help you, Jessica. You will be removed from your life immediately, and put in a safe place.”
Leo did not hear the girl speak again, only the sound of the door shutting behind her. The silence in the shop was thick and laden with so many emotions, he could not begin to name them all.
He walked out from behind the cabinet and approached Beth. Her shoulders were back, eyes focused out the window, watching Jessica walk away.
“Beth.” He touched her, and she jerked away from him. She turned to look at him, and he saw tears of frustration.
“He’ll do it again.”
“Yes, he likely will, but you have done everything you can for her until she is ready to seek help.”
“It is not enough… it’s never enough.”
The hand she lifted to her lips shook. He watched as she pressed it there to stop any noise escaping. Leo wanted to touch her, but realized at that moment, it would not be welcomed.
“I have tea, Miss Whitlow.”
Beth drew in several deep breaths before turning away from Leo.
“Thank you, Heather.”
They drank tea standing at the counter, which while odd, helped put color back in Beth’s cheeks. Thankfully no one else entered.
“I shall leave now, Heather. Please send word should you have need of me. I will return shortly, and see the other girls then.”
“Of course, and good day to you, Miss Whitlow.”
Leo bowed, and followed Beth outside. He took her arm, placing it on his as they made their way down the street to where her carriage now waited close to his horse.
He had so many questions and yet did not know how to ask them.
“I own that shop, and the house behind.”
Her words surprised him, as Leo had been sure she would tell him nothing.
“How long have you owned it?”
“Three years.”
“Are a
ll the women who enter seeking refuge?”
“They are.”
“Who made you unhappy, scared, and alone?”
Her fingers twitched on his arm, but she kept them there.
“Pardon?”
“You heard my words, Beth.”
“No one made me unhappy, scared or alone. I simply wanted to empathize with Jessica.”
Leo knew that for a lie, but now was not the time to pursue the matter further. He needed her trust before he did that, and that was not earned overnight. That her cousin knew nothing of this other life she lived was obvious.
“No one knows about this, Leo.”
“Then it shall be my secret, but I will add to that, your cousin is a good man, and would understand and be proud of what you are doing, Beth. I would like you to think seriously about telling him.”
“I have thought about telling him lately, since Grace entered his life, as he is changed.”
“Yes, and you should.” Leo thought about the secret Nick had not told Beth, and knew it would surprise her, just as hers would surprise him.
“I will think about it.”
“Beth, if you ever need anything, I hope you know that I will be there for you.”
“I have my cousin, Leo, and we are nothing to each other, so I thank you for your words, but they are not necessary.”
Her tone was light, and Leo knew she was attempting to reestablish the relationship they’d had, but it was too late for that now. In the space of a day, everything between them had changed. For one, he now knew that this woman had a great capacity for caring and giving, something he had never believed her capable of before.
“Are we to ignore what happened in that shop, Beth?”
“Nothing happened in there but what we have discussed. I wish to speak on the matter no further.”
Frustration and anger rose inside him but he tamped them down. No good would come of displaying either, but Leo was a man who liked answers, and yet he could do nothing to get them at the moment—but he would. Someone had hurt Beth, he knew it, just not who or when. One day, he thought, one day she would trust him.
CHAPTER NINE
Leo released Beth as he drew near his horse. A man had grabbed the young boy and was shaking him, deliberately intimidating him. Nudging Beth behind him, he stepped closer.
“Release him.”
The man shot Leo a look, but didn’t do as he had asked.
“He’s my boy, and I’ve a right to discipline him!”
“What has he done?” Leo wrapped his fingers around the man’s wrist and squeezed hard, which forced him to release the boy. He then pushed the lad behind him with Beth.
The man looked cagey suddenly.
“I’m trying to feed our family, and he does nothing to contribute. I want my share.”
“Of what exactly?” There was little doubt that to a young boy this man with his ready fists and angry face would be frightening, but not to Leo. He hated bullies. He’d loathed them at school, and had not changed his opinion in the following years.
“You gave him money, and I’m ensuring he gives it to me, for the family.”
“I did, because he is doing something for me. You, however, are not. In fact, what you are doing is making me angry, and that is not wise, sir.”
The man gave Leo a belligerent look.
“How many in your family?”
“Five, and I feed them meself. Me wife is dead.”
“There is only my father and me,” the boy said from behind him.
“He lies!” The man tried to get at the boy again. Leo stopped him by stepping into his path.
“Leave my sight and do so at once if you please. If you do not, then I shall make you.”
“You got no right to tell me what to do. He’s my son!”
Leo took a step toward him, and the man ran. Turning when he was sure he had gone, he faced the boy, who much to his surprise was being tended by Beth. Of course, she’d shown him that she was capable of kindness in that shop, but she was now down on one knee, the dirty street marking her skirts, and had taken out a handkerchief and was pressing it to the boy’s sore cheek.
“There now, Eric. I’m quite sure that hurts, and my handkerchief can do little without water, but perhaps it is cool?”
The little boy nodded, and Leo saw the look in his eyes was a mix of fear and adoration.
“Where do you live, Eric?” Leo joined her by taking a knee.
“An hour’s walk from here.”
“Is there really just you and your father?”
He nodded.
“Well, I am in need of a stableboy. Should you wish it, I shall take you home with me now, and you have no need to come back here.”
“But, surely you can’t….”
Beth’s words fell away as she looked from Leo to the boy and back.
“I mean, surely it is not that simple?”
“It is actually, as you very well know from what you have done for those girls. But of course it is up to the boy.”
“His father….” Her words fell away again.
“Is, as you just saw, a fine upstanding citizen. Surely you can see Eric will be better with me?”
“Yes,” she managed a nod, but he could see she was still grappling with what he was about to do, just as he had with her. It seemed there was a great deal they did not know about each other.
“What’s it to be, Eric?”
“I’d like to go with you.”
“Do you have anything here you want?”
The boy shook his head.
“I will have you returned home anytime you wish it, Eric,” Leo added. He then picked the boy up and threw him on his horse. “We shall leave soon,” he said, handing him the reins.
He took Beth’s arm and walked to the carriage. It did not take her long to start speaking.
“But how can you simply take him?”
“Would you rather he stayed at the mercy of that man?”
“I would not, no, but are there not rules, or something that could stop you? The father, do you not think he will look for him?”
“No one cares about the likes of Eric, Beth. Unlike your maids and young women who are being mistreated, he is of no use to anyone. You know that as well as I. So if I can rescue one boy, then I should surely do so.”
“Have you rescued many before him?”
Uncomfortable with the question, Leo simply opened her carriage door, and urged her inside.
“Answer me.” She grabbed his hand when he would have stepped back.
“A few.”
He was close to her now, their eyes level, and he thought that Miss Elizabeth Whitlow’s lovely blue eyes looked beautiful at this time of the day. Leo could do nothing to stop leaning into her. He told himself it was simply to shut her up, as he wanted no more questions, but it wasn’t. He wanted to drink from her lips.
“Leo, no.”
He ignored her, and the small thrill of hearing her name on his lips confused him even more than the first touch of her mouth. Soft and sweet, he brushed his mouth over hers gently. His hand cupped a cool cheek, and as he wrapped his fingers around her neck to take the kiss deeper, his head spun, his knees felt week, and his body… Christ, his body wanted more of her, and that was enough to have him lifting his head.
“No!” She shook her head, and scrabbled backward a step. “Don’t touch me.”
Fear was etched in every line of her face.
“Beth.” Leo tried to step inside the carriage as he saw her distress, but she simply placed two hands on his chest and pushed. Off-balance, he stumbled. She then reached for the door, and slammed it shut. Seconds later he watched the carriage roll away from him.
What the hell had just happened? Leo’s eyes followed the carriage until it had disappeared. He’d kissed her, and what a kiss. He could not remember a woman’s lips creating such torment inside him so quickly. Then when he’d taken it deeper, she had panicked.
Because I know what it is to
be scared and alone. Her words ran through his head.
“What the hell is going on with you, Miss Whitlow,” Leo muttered as he returned to his horse.
“She’s a nice lady.”
“She is, Eric, but be warned, women are extremely confusing.”
Leo headed back to his townhouse, trying to make sense of what had just happened. He’d kissed Elizabeth Whitlow, and he knew she’d responded, if only briefly, and then the fear had taken over. Bothering, bloody hell. Not only was he betrothed to the woman, but now he wanted her.
One thing he had learned today was that Miss Whitlow had secrets just as he did. Surprisingly, he wanted to learn each and every one.
CHAPTER TEN
Beth had returned home in an unsettled state, and gone straight to her room. Her mind had been consumed with what happened that morning. She was no clearer in her head about the matter now, several hours and many morning callers later. She was also worried for Jessica. The young girl was distressed, and Beth hoped that soon she would take steps to put herself out of harm’s way.
Leo now knew things about Beth no one else did, and that made her uncomfortable, but not because she feared he would expose her; he wouldn’t, she knew that much. Leo was a good man, he had shown that by looking after Eric, and there had been other signs over the last few years that she’d pretended to ignore. She was worried because he’d seen a side to her she’d never showed anyone else. A side that exposed her weakness, and Beth had striven hard in her life to never be weak.
He’d also kissed her, and she would be lying to herself if she did not admit the first touch of his lips on hers had been something she had never expected. She’d always believed after what happened in her fifteenth year that she would be repelled if a man kissed her… not so in Leo’s case. The gentleness of his touch had taken her breath away; that had only changed when his grip on her tightened. Fear had chased everything but the hurtful memories away.
“I am pleased you have finally decided on a husband, Elizabeth, and very happy with your choice.”
“Thank you, Aunt,” Beth said, looking at her elderly relative. They were still seated in the parlor after a continuous flow of visitors. Both were exhausted.
