Love Me Always (The Fielding Brothers' Saga)

by Marie Higgins

  Catherine jumped. “What?”

  “How can you stand there so innocently, knowing you were the reason my uncle had an attack? Did I not remind you how fragile he was?” He swept his gaze over her wrinkled clothes again.

  Tears gathered in her eyes and she slowly shook her head. “Why are you saying this to me? Why would I want him to have an attack? I don’t want him to die.”

  “Of course you do. You don’t want to be tied down to an older, sick man, so you tuned on your charm, knowing his heart wouldn’t be able to take it.” He raked his gaze over her again. “Did you let him kiss you as well?”

  Tears streamed down her face. “No, Nick. It wasn’t like that. I didn’t—”

  “Quiet! I refuse to hear your lies.”

  “I’m not lying.”

  Turning back to his uncle, he tried ignoring her, but she grabbed hold of his arm. He pierced her with his angry stare.

  “Blast it, Nick, will you please believe me? Why would I want him to kiss me when I’m still very afraid of that? Things didn’t happen the way you think.”

  “Women like you are all the same.” He shrugged away from her touch and turned back toward his uncle, continuing to undress him. “Go downstairs and wait for the doctor.”

  Out of the corner of his eyes, he witnessed the drooping of her shoulders before she turned and left, her maid following.

  Nick remained with his uncle until the doctor came, then he made his way downstairs to wait with the others in the parlor. Although his brothers sat still on the sofa, Nick couldn’t. He paced the floor, clenching and unclenching his hands. Catherine stood in a corner of the room, peering out the window.

  How could she do that to his uncle? Earlier this morning he’d thought she was different from other women, but now he knew the truth. She was a schemer and liar, just like the rest of them. To make matters worse, he had reacted to her unkempt attire when she came to get his help. She had looked so beautiful with her hair windswept. It was her rumpled clothes that made her look less than perfect, and he enjoyed that too much. Silently, he cursed his weakened state of mind.

  He glanced her way. She’d changed into a prim day dress with high neck collar and long sleeves. Her slightly swollen eyes gave evidence of her worry, her lips pursed in a straight line. She sniffed back a tear, and Gregg jumped up from the sofa and rushed to her side.

  Nick rolled his eyes. Such a performer.

  Footsteps from the hallway snapped Nick’s attention to the door. The doctor walked into the room. Everybody turned his way, but Nick stepped forward.

  The doctor nodded. “His Grace is conscious now, but he’s resting. His sister, Miss Gertrude, is with him. He’s had quite a setback and will probably be bedridden for at least another week before I will allow him any activity. I don’t want any undue stress put upon him. Is that clear? Also, absolutely no excitement.”

  Nick’s gaze flew to Catherine. When she looked at him, he narrowed his eyes. She slowly lowered her head as more tears rushed down her cheeks.

  Gregg and Ian moved to the doctor, each shaking his hand. “Thank you. We appreciate your time.”

  “Here’s a sleeping solution that might help, although I’m certain because of your uncle’s weakened condition, the medicine will not be needed.”

  Nick strode over to the doctor and shook his hand. “Thank you. Not to worry, we shall follow your instructions thoroughly.”

  Gregg and Ian walked with the doctor outside of the room. Catherine moved to follow, but Nick stopped her, stepping in front of her as he closed the door. When her gaze flew to his, he scowled.

  “We will follow the doctor’s advice. I will make certain you don’t excite my uncle in any way.”

  She lifted her chin and faced him with her back straight. “Yes, I shall follow the doctor’s instructions precisely. Although you seem to think this is all my fault, it’s not and I shall do everything I can to help Grant recover from this setback.” She glared at him. “Now, please remove yourself from my way so I can pass.”

  Her stubborn courage impressed him. Almost. Women usually didn’t dare stand up to him with fire in their eyes, let alone, challenge him with their words. He stepped away from the door and swept his hand in front of him. “Go right ahead. I’m through with you for now.”

  “Thank you.” She opened the door and with a stiff back and her head held high, marched out of the room.

  * * * *

  For the rest of the evening, Catherine stayed with Miss Gertrude by Grant’s side – against the wishes of Mrs. Berkley. He slept peacefully and probably didn’t even know she was there. Yet, she wouldn’t leave. She was out to prove to Nick she cared about Grant’s health. His nurse was there most of the time, doing what she could to help.

  Off and on during the evening, Grant opened his eyes and smiled at Catherine, then mumbled her mother’s name. As good fortune would have it, nobody in the room was close enough to hear it during those times, except for Gertrude. That woman wouldn’t hear a cannon exploding if she stood right next to it. Catherine didn’t know how she’d explain to the others why Grant called her Sophia.

  Nick stayed in Grant’s room most of the day. Catherine tried ignoring him the best she could, especially when his glare pierced right through to her heart. Each time this happened, her chest tightened a little more, heaviness settling inside.

  He was such an inconsiderate mule’s back end. He’d blamed her for causing Grant’s attack, yet wasn’t it Nick who’d asked her to make his uncle happy in the first place? Nick was too bull-headed and stubborn to see past the end of his arrogant nose.

  Catherine sat in the cushioned chair next to Grant’s bed as she sewed one of her samplers. In the chair next to her, Gertrude held a book but did no readings since her gray head tilted back and her lips parted and her eyes were closed. Soft snores escaped her mouth. The room had been quiet for the longest time, so when Nick’s voice boomed loudly, it made her jump. Gertrude continued to snore.

  “Catherine, it’s getting late. I think you should go to bed now. You need your rest.”

  Keeping a hardened expression on her face, she stubbornly lifted her chin. “I’m not tired. If you are, you are more than welcome to leave. You need not stay with me.”

  “Catherine,” he warned, his voice turning harsh as he moved across the room toward her. “You are acting childish, and you need to learn when to obey authority.”

  She raised one of her eyebrows and threw his words back in his face. “Obey authority? From you?”

  “Yes, me.”

  She looked back at her sampler. “I think not.”

  “What?” His voice rose higher.

  “You heard what I said. I shouldn’t have to repeat myself. I think the only deaf person in this room is Miss Gertrude.”

  “Listen, Miss Martin,” he began sharply, but mumbling came from Grant and stopped him.

  Both Nick and Catherine rushed to the bed as Grant stirred. He opened his eyes and looked from Nick to her. “My loving Catherine and my devoted nephew are still by my side? Why is this? Do you not have anything better to do?”

  “Of course not, Uncle Grant.” Nick walked around the other side of the bed and sat on the edge. He held his hand. “We enjoy being here and looking after you.”

  Catherine sat across from Nick and held Grant’s other hand. “Is there anything I can get you?”

  “No, I’m fine,” Grant whispered. His eyes moved over Catherine. “So, my dear, what are you planning on purchasing during your shopping trip tomorrow?”

  “Oh, Grant, you cannot expect me to go when you are like this. I will not do it.”

  Grant squeezed her hand. “I want you to go, my dear. You’re too young and too full of life to be nursing me.”

  “Grant, no—”

  “Catherine?” He cut her off. “Do you not want to make me happy?”

  “Yes, of course I do.” Although she kept her eyes on the weak man in bed, Nick’s heated gaze burned holes through her. />
  “Then go shopping tomorrow. That will make me happy.” Grant glanced at Nick. “Make certain this beautiful woman is kept happy. Will you do that for me?” he pleaded, then moved Nick’s hand and placed it over the top of Catherine’s.

  “Yes,” Nick answered softly. “I shall see to her comfort.”

  Grant’s eyes slowly closed. “Thank you,” he whispered before drifting back to sleep.

  Catherine dared to glance at Nick, and just as she expected, his glare made her cringe. Nick quickly removed his hand as if he’d been touching hot coals. She casually returned to her chair and picked up her sampler as if nothing happened, although the heaviness in her heart spoke differently.

  * * * *

  Nick paced the carpeted floor, throwing fixed stares her way, trying to shoot invisible daggers into her soul. His life had been quite normal until this little she-devil entered. He wished he’d never laid eyes on her or heard her name. She was nothing but trouble from the very beginning, and looking at her now sitting so prim and proper in her chair, acting like he wasn’t bothering her, made him even more upset. She acted as if he’d been erased from her mind all together. Well, he’d make certain he left an imprint there to last a lifetime.

  He stopped in front of her chair, and bent, his hands grasping each arm rest, blocking her with his body. Her gaze jumped up and met his as she sank against the cushions. He leaned his face mere inches in front of hers. The sweet fragrance of roses wafted around him, and her warm breath smelled like mint leaves.

  “Let me warn you now I will not play nanny to you tomorrow.” He kept his voice low for his uncle’s sake, also knowing Gertrude wouldn’t hear. “I will take you to town and I will bring you home, but I refuse to be your guardian and watch over you like a spoiled child.”

  Her eyes narrowed and she straightened her spine, which brought her face even closer to his. A fierce rhythm hammered in his chest from her nearness.

  “I promise,” she said slowly, “you won’t have to watch over me like an infant. In fact, I’m vastly relieved you are not going to be near my side for the whole day because then I’m assured a pleasant outing.”

  She did it again. She actually stood her ground and didn’t crumble in front of him. He almost admired her for that strength. Almost.

  “Good, so then we are in agreement about our plans?”

  “Indeed, we are.”

  He tried to stare her down, but she remained stubborn. The longer he stared into her blue eyes, the more he was drawn to her. He lowered his gaze to her stiff lips. Within seconds, her heart-shaped mouth relaxed, her lips parting.

  When he looked back into her eyes, their color was softer, and prettier. His anger dissolved. Once again, confusion clouded his thoughts. He must stay angry or else her beauty might thwart him again.

  Grumbling, he pulled away and left the room.

  * * * *

  With a stretch and a yawn, Catherine awoke with the sun, but once she finally gained her bearings, she glanced around the room. How did I get in bed? She’d fallen asleep in her chair as she sewed, and vaguely remembered being picked up into somebody’s strong arms and taken to her room. By whom, she didn’t know. She didn’t even remember Emily helping her undress for bed, but she knew her maid had.

  Dismissing her confusion, she arose and started her toiletries. Emily had a bath ready, and Catherine hurried through her wash and climbed out. She didn’t want to relax in her activities this morning. She needed to get this day over with as fast as she could.

  She wasn’t looking forward to traveling with Nick, and just the thought made her palms moisten. She couldn’t stand his angry looks and the mean words accompanying his moods. Then again, she didn’t like how her heart pounded when he was nice and smiled at her.

  Emily dressed Catherine in a baby blue day dress trimmed with white satin, with short bell-shaped sleeves. The round neckline of the bodice was proper enough, and the material didn’t fit snugly against her middle like some of her other dresses had. She hoped her attire was elegant enough, especially when she added the white lace shawl and gloves. She also snatched the matching white bonnet to put on later. She wore her hair down and curly today, just pulling the sides away from her face, pinning them with pearl studded combs.

  “Miss Catherine,” Emily said, “you’re looking very lovely today. I wish I could go with you and be the one to fight off the men who I’m certain will flock to your side.”

  Catherine chuckled. “I wish you were going also, but this afternoon will give me more time to get to know Miss Gertrude.”

  “Yes, it will. I think Mrs. Berkley wanted to go, but she’s so stiff and sore this morning.”

  Catherine dared not laugh out loud. “I feel awful for making her chase after me while I raced with Gregg and Ian. I had forgotten Mrs. Berkley wasn’t a horsewoman.”

  Emily stood back and grinned. “There you go again, Miss Catherine, fretting about Mrs. Berkley when you should forget her and have a pleasant trip. The old woman will recover, I assure you, and be the same pompous thorn in my side she’s always been.”

  “Oh, Emily. You’re just horrid.” Catherine laughed. “Nonetheless, thank you. I plan on making this day memorable.” And she did, even if it meant ignoring Nick the whole time.

  When she strolled into the breakfast room, only Gregg and Ian were seated at the table. Nick’s not here. She sighed with relief.

  “Good morning, Catherine.” The brothers stood with cheerful smiles.

  She smiled. “Good morning.”

  Gregg moved around and pulled out the chair for her. “What would you like to eat this morning?” he asked.

  “Well, I’m really not very hungry, so maybe just a small bowl of oatmeal.”

  Gregg signaled to one of the kitchen servants, and the maid hurried away to fetch Catherine a plate.

  “How did you sleep last night?” Ian inquired.

  “I slept well, but—” She paused, then hesitantly asked, “Did either of you take me to my room last night? I fell asleep in the chair while I was with your uncle, but I don’t remember going to my room.”

  Gregg shook his head.

  “It wasn’t us. We were out late,” Ian explained.

  “Perhaps it was Nick,” Gregg suggested.

  “Yes, perhaps.” She wanted to laugh at the mere idea of Nick helping her – not when he was so upset at her.

  As she ate, she focused on Gregg and Ian’s discussion about their evening last night, which sounded to be quite entertaining.

  “Lord Douglas had been cheating the whole time. Did you notice?” Ian spat.

  “Indeed, but what I found intriguing was that he still couldn’t win a decent hand. I think the several drinks he had made his mind too fuzzy to figure out how to cheat correctly.”

  She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Gregg and Ian were gamblers? Did they know what terrible vices these were? Her grandfather’s sermons taught her how gambling and alcohol could ruin someone. “Is there a right way to cheat,” she asked, if only to be part of their conversation.

  Gregg flipped his hand in the air. “Not that I would know, mind you, but yes there is.”

  “And what about Lord Lockton?” Ian continued. “The arrogant man boasted the whole night about all the gaming tables he’d visited.” Ian shook his head.

  “Tell me,” Catherine cut in, wondering if she should throw out a few of her grandfather’s sermons, “how did your game go last evening?”

  Ian scowled while Gregg laughed. “Ian tried to win, but he couldn’t let go of his losing streak.”

  “What about you, Gregg?” she asked. “How did you do at the gaming table?”

  His broad grin stretched across his handsome face. “So much better than my brother.” He laughed then leaned forward. “During one hand, Lockton had bet a lot of money. Most of us who’d played with him before knew he likes to bluff, but the cards on the table hinted he might have a good hand. However,” he straightened, puffing his chest out, “I ha
d three of a kind.”

  She shrugged. “Is that better than what he had?”

  “Indeed, because I had three Ace’s. He looked to have a small straight, but they were in the suit I had, so I doubted he had the winning card.”

  The story grew more interesting, and she forgot her grandfather’s sermon she’d been ready to throw at him. Resting her elbows on the table, she scooted forward. “Then what happened?”

  “Well, Ian finally folded, as did the other two men. Now it was between Lockton and myself. As I studied his expression, I had the gut feeling he didn’t have the card that would win him a small straight, which meant a three of a kind would beat that.”

  Snorting, Ian pushed his fingers through his sandy blond hair and shook his head. “Actually, Gregg is being arrogant now, more so than Lockton was last night.”

  Gregg passed his brother a nonchalant shrug. “You are just jealous.” Catherine laughed as Gregg turned his attention back to her. “Anyway, back to the story.” He grinned. “I finally called, eager to see what Lockton held. I could see he wasn’t too happy, although tried to hide it. I had a feeling I’d won the large pot. So—”

  “Boys, I’m certain your conversation is something that should not be discussed in front of a lady,” Nick snapped as he strolled in the dining room.

  Gregg shut his mouth, and shot daggers at his brother through a narrowed gaze. All Ian did was chuckle.

  Disappointment washed over Catherine and she frowned. The story Gregg related sounded intriguing, and she wanted to hear the end. Did Gregg win after all? Then again, she should have remembered her religious teachings. There was a reason gambling was a sin. No wonder temptation had grasped hold of Gregg and Ian. Look what it had just done to her for only few minutes.

  The corner of Nick’s lip tugged upward, and she thought he would laugh. Instead, he straightened as a scowl returned to his face.