Mistress of Merrivale

by Shelley Munro

  Leo separated their bodies and drew her into his embrace.

  “What happens if I have a girl?”

  “As long as you both come through the birth safely, I’ll be happy.”

  Surprised, she stared at him. “Most men want an heir.”

  “Of course I’d like a son, but you’re important to me.”

  It was almost a declaration of love, and Jocelyn beamed at him. “I’ll do my best to have a son.”

  A tap on her bedchamber door told of the passing time.

  “Leo,” she whispered in consternation. She bounded out of bed and thrust her arms into her robe. She belted it with jerky moves. “You shouldn’t have stayed so long.”

  “It’s all right. Cartwright knows I’m here. I’ll be attending the festival later and greeting the guests at your side.”

  “Has Cartwright found the murderer?”

  “Not yet.”

  “Oh.” Jocelyn worried her bottom lip and considered the reasoning for freeing Leo.

  Another knock sounded on the door. “Mrs. Sherbourne.”

  Sighing, Leo rolled out of bed. He picked up his breeches and pulled them on. “Don’t overdo things today. If you start to get tired, make sure you take a rest. Everyone will understand. I’d better not let Susan see me.” He picked up his shirt.

  The door burst open. “Mrs. Sherbourne— You!” Susan came to a halt, an appalled expression on her face. “Murderer!” She whirled away, signaling an intention to leave, but Leo grabbed her and shut the door.

  “Leo,” Jocelyn protested.

  Susan screeched, and Leo clapped a hand over her mouth to mute the sound.

  “What are you doing? Let Susan go.”

  “I can’t have her telling people I’m out of jail,” Leo said. “Hand me my shirt.” He indicated the shirt he’d dropped when he’d grabbed Susan.

  All of Jocelyn’s fears rushed back to swamp her newfound equilibrium. Was he telling the truth? Had Cartwright really released him?

  Another knock sounded on the door, and Jocelyn hurried to answer. Her room felt like the front room of a coaching inn this morning.

  “Mrs. Sherbourne,” Woodley said. “Captain Cartwright has arrived. He wishes to go over last minute plans with Mr. Sherbourne. I have put him in the study.”

  “Let Woodley in,” Leo instructed.

  Wordlessly, Jocelyn opened the door and gestured for the butler to enter.

  “Susan, I’m going to take my hand away,” Leo said. “Don’t scream.” He slowly removed his hand.

  A panicked cry rippled through the room.

  Leo slapped his hand over Susan’s mouth again, cutting off the noise. Jocelyn risked a glance at Woodley as her maid kicked in an attempt to gain freedom.

  “Stop that racket this instant,” Woodley snapped, acting the stern butler from his rigid expression to his upright carriage.

  Susan stilled, but Jocelyn could see her panicked eyes, could imagine the frantic race of her heart.

  “Mr. Sherbourne didn’t commit those murders,” Woodley said in a crisp voice. “Captain Cartwright is here to speak with him. Mr. Sherbourne isn’t brandishing a weapon, nor is he threatening Mrs. Sherbourne, which tells me the master didn’t escape jail in order to murder us in our beds. Now remain silent, and Mr. Sherbourne will release you.”

  Leo carefully let her go, and Susan darted over to Jocelyn, standing protectively in front of her. “You will not hurt Mrs. Sherbourne.”

  Leo gaped at her. “Why would I hurt Jocelyn?”

  “Because she’s been—” Susan stopped abruptly and clapped her hand over her mouth. “Never mind.”

  “What are you going to do?” Leo asked, giving the maid a hard stare.

  Leo didn’t cow Susan. She squared her shoulders and glared right back. “I will speak with Captain Cartwright and come to a decision,” she said in a haughty voice.

  “This way.” Woodley marched off without a backward glance, clearly expecting Susan to follow him.

  Leo waited until they’d disappeared. “What is she talking about?”

  “I have a feeling Susan thought I was having an affair while you were locked up. Hannah thinks the same, by the way.” Her hand smoothed over her belly. “Susan assumes that man is the father of my baby.”

  Leo barked out a laugh. “I’ll have to challenge him to a duel.”

  They chuckled together and Jocelyn acknowledged her earlier fears were silly. Leo would never hurt her. She was displaying the same mad tendencies as her mother if she thought that.

  “I’d better go and see Cartwright,” Leo said, bending to kiss her cheek. “I believe he wants me to stay out of sight until later. I’ll see you then.”

  Jocelyn started to dress herself, and Susan arrived ten minutes later.

  “This isn’t right,” she burst out on seeing Jocelyn.

  “What are you going to do?”

  “I intend to watch him,” Susan said, shooting a militant glance at Jocelyn. “I’d persuaded Ella to attend today. I don’t know what she’ll do when she sees him.”

  Instead of reprimanding her maid, Jocelyn merely nodded. She could understand her loyalty, admired it even. And in truth, she could hardly blame Susan for her behavior.

  “Watch the other gentlemen too,” Jocelyn said.

  “You haven’t heard Ella,” Susan said grimly. “In her mind she’s convinced Mr. Sherbourne kidnapped and violated her. You should take care. Beneath his charm and pretty face, your husband is a ruthless man. I’ll go and get you breakfast.” Susan marched off, leaving Jocelyn staring after her. Her maid sounded so positive.

  Could Jocelyn be wrong about Leo and only seeing what she wanted to see?

  The morning hours passed rapidly. Jocelyn kept busy with last minute questions and tasks, although her mind flitted from one worry to the next.

  A loud noise sounded behind her, and Jocelyn jerked. She whirled around, her heart attempting to leap out of her chest.

  “Careful with the tables,” Woodley admonished one of the footmen.

  Jocelyn gave a shaky laugh and went back to her list. Her mother would have enjoyed the bustle, and the last minute panic to finish everything in preparation for their guests. Later this afternoon, they’d organized a cricket match with the male Merrivale staff playing against the men from the village. She was positive the children would enjoy their games, and after the cricket, the maze would open for everyone to explore. A group of travelling players was stopping by to perform a play, and the vicar had organized a puppet show, which both young and old would enjoy. A feast would follow the entertainment along with a bonfire and dancing.

  Finally the guests started to arrive.

  A figure appeared from the direction of the rear garden, drawing her attention. Leo. Her breath caught as she stared at him. Tall and handsome, he wore black breeches and a matching jacket. The silver embroidery on his waistcoat sparkled in the sun. Casually, he strolled to her location, his head held high. On reaching her, he flashed a charming smile, unperturbed by the stunned bystanders.

  She was vaguely aware of the shocked whispers from the newly arrived guests. Leo paid them scant attention, focusing fully on her. “You look radiant.” Despite their audience, he kissed her on the lips. “You’re beautiful, and I’m proud to call you wife.” He pulled back and placed her hand on the crook of his arm.

  More villagers arrived on foot and via other various modes of transport. Soon a collection of carts, gigs and carriages filled the entrance near the stables. Excited greetings carried on the air. The gaiety faltered when the new arrivals noticed Leo.

  Leo remained smiling at her side and unfailingly polite. He introduced her to every new arrival, never hesitating with his greetings. Captain Cartwright appeared and some of her uneasiness dispersed when he didn’t haul Leo away in chains.

  “Who is ready for arm wrestling?” Leo asked.

  Enthusiastic shouts of agreement sounded, and the men left for a bout in the area under the oak trees. Some of the
younger women and wives went to watch while Jocelyn, with the aid of Mrs. Allenby, organized the children for footraces.

  Jocelyn tried to enjoy herself, but her gaze kept diverting to Leo. A hard knot of worry stirred, churning her belly relentlessly. This was one ill that a piece of dry bread wouldn’t fix.

  The women from the village were cautious but soon thawed once she drew them out with questions about their offspring.

  “I thought your husband was in jail for murder,” the baker’s wife said in a challenging voice. “Why is he here?”

  “Because the parish constable said he isn’t guilty.” Jocelyn prayed her words were true. The locals seemed positive of his guilt. How could it not play on her mind?

  “How is everything going?” Leo slipped his arm around her shoulders.

  Jocelyn jumped. “Leo, you gave me a fright.” Aware her tone held shades of a London fishwife, she took a deep breath and let it ease out slowly. Yet still her heart pounded in an unnatural manner.

  “You’re not used to strange men wrapping their arms around you.”

  “I should think not,” she said tartly. “How did you go in the arm wrestling?”

  “I came up against the blacksmith,” Leo said. “It was simple to predict the winner.”

  “It’s probably best you didn’t win.” Jocelyn was uncomfortable with the stares and whispers, but Leo never faltered.

  “I had no intention of winning.” A twinkle in his eyes made her smile. “This was a good idea.”

  “You know it was Mrs. Allenby’s idea. The vicar’s wife is a very determined woman. She’s organizing more games for the children.”

  “I haven’t seen Hannah or Peregrine yet. I thought they’d attend. I heard their parents have returned from their trip to London. I’ve seen several of their staff.”

  “Maybe they’ll come later this evening. Hannah is bringing someone with her. She was a little secretive. A new beau, I think.”

  “Nothing would please me more,” Leo said. “There’s Peregrine now. Who is that with—” He cursed suddenly, earning a loud tsk from the baker’s wife. “My apologies,” Leo said in a steely voice. “I need to take care of something.”

  “Leo, what is it?” She could feel the tension thrumming through him.

  “That is Jaego, my former best friend.”

  “Not the one who—”

  “Excuse me.” Leo strode off without another word.

  Jocelyn hurried after him. Several of the locals ceased their activities to stare, but Leo ignored them, and Jocelyn saw he remained wholly focused on Peregrine and Jaego.

  “Leo, wait,” Jocelyn called.

  Cartwright stepped from behind a bush and spoke to Leo. Leo slowed, allowing Jocelyn to catch up with him.

  “Madam, I suggest you go and carry out your duties,” Leo said, both face and voice harsh and uncompromising.

  She halted, struck by the lack of emotion in his voice. It was as if they meant nothing to each other. Too bad. Leo wasn’t going to make a scene and spoil the fair if she could help it. She grasped his forearm and dug in her heels. “Will you listen to me?”

  “This is nothing to do with you.”

  “It has everything to do with me,” she retorted. “Please. If you don’t agree with me after I’ve spoken my piece, I’ll let you be.”

  Cartwright’s solid shoulders were stiff with tension, his gaze watchful.

  Leo gave a clipped nod, but his gaze fastened on the two men and didn’t leave them.

  Jocelyn tugged on his sleeve, demanding his attention. “Ursula wasn’t a good wife. I don’t condone what your friend did, but from what I understand, it wasn’t the first time Ursula cuckolded you. She’s dead now and it’s all in the past. We’re happy together.” When he didn’t reply, she gave his sleeve another sharp tug. “Aren’t we happy?”

  His breath hissed out. “Yes.”

  Relief made her knees weak. “Then Jaego’s appearance means nothing to us. We should greet him together and ignore past history.”

  “He could even be the man we seek,” Cartwright said in an undertone. “We did see him the other night.”

  Leo’s glare didn’t waver. “Despite my dislike of the man, I don’t see him as a murderer. Why don’t we offer our greetings before we return to the rest of our guests?”

  “Thank you.” Jocelyn placed her hand on the crook of his arm and stepped forward confidently at his side. A façade. Inside she trembled with the strain of maintaining a calm demeanor. She recalled Hannah’s tearful request to invite friends. The woman wasn’t to be trusted. It made Jocelyn dread to learn the identity of Hannah’s guest.

  “Peregrine. Jaego,” Leo said in a smooth voice. “Welcome to Merrivale Manor.”

  “What are you doing here?” Peregrine asked. “I thought you were arrested for murder.”

  Jaego stepped forward, his attention on Leo. He stretched out his right hand. “Thank you for inviting me. Most men wouldn’t be as generous, given the circumstances.”

  Jocelyn waited anxiously, praying Leo wouldn’t make a scene.

  “Jaego.” Leo ignored the outstretched hand, giving a stiff nod instead. Jaego finally dropped his hand back to his side. “This is my wife, Jocelyn.”

  Jocelyn inclined her head, not offering her hand either. She wanted to make it plain where her loyalties lay. Where they should lie. There were moments of discomfort as the silence stretched, but Jocelyn didn’t intervene to smooth the awkwardness. She would follow Leo’s lead now that she knew he wouldn’t cause a disturbance. His ex-friend simply seemed relieved Leo hadn’t pulled a pistol on him.

  Peregrine spied Cartwright standing in the background. “What’s going on?” he demanded.

  “I’m an innocent man,” Leo said softly.

  The shout went up to summon the men to play cricket.

  “I must go,” Leo said. “I am the host after all.”

  “Wait, I wanted to speak with you,” Jaego said.

  “I don’t think so,” Leo said, turning away.

  “I say,” Peregrine said. “Jaego has come all the way from London to see you. Don’t you think you could make the time to entertain him?”

  “You could have visited me in jail,” Leo said. “From what I understand you’ve been in the area for a while now.”

  Jaego’s throat worked, his blond hair almost the exact shade of Cassie’s. Jocelyn bit back her shock. There were other similarities between this man and her stepdaughter. Had Leo noticed? It was a motive for murder.

  “Not now,” Jocelyn said, frowning at them both. “Leo is busy.”

  Leo led her away, tension evident in the tight lines of his body.

  “Are you good at cricket?” Conversation would lighten the rigidity in Leo’s shoulders.

  “Yes.”

  “No false modesty,” she teased.

  “Thank you, Jocelyn. Your presence has helped. I’m not sure I could’ve kept my hands to myself if I’d been on my own.”

  “How long have you known him?”

  “We were children together. He used to live at Duxton before Sir James. I believe he rented Duxton to Sir James after Ursula…” Leo trailed off, his muscles tensing again.

  “Some things cross the bounds of friendship,” Jocelyn said.

  “Yes.”

  Together, they walked to the area the gardeners had mown in preparation for the match. Jocelyn parted from him and went to join the other women seated in a shady area to watch the game. Several of the women were whispering excitedly, their heads close together. When she arrived, the frantic whispers cut off abruptly. Jocelyn smiled and pretended she hadn’t interrupted a gossip session. She sat on one of the seats they’d provided, fluffing out her black skirts to avoid crinkling the fabric.

  “Susan said you’re with child,” one of the women said after another nudged her with an elbow.

  “Yes,” Jocelyn said calmly.

  The fraught silence made her want to scream, but she kept her eyes raised, her carriage s
traight and erect. Pride and her mother’s training kept her focused. The village women could count and suspected she’d broken her wedding vows.

  Sighing, she concentrated on the cricket game. She clapped and cheered with each run the Merrivale male staff managed, and gradually the village women shifted their focus to the game too.

  Much shouting ensued during the next two hours. Jocelyn had imagined she’d joke and laugh with the other women while watching the match, but this didn’t happen. When Leo walked up to the stumps, the encouragement halted. Everyone fell silent, but she appreciated Leo’s quick bow of acknowledgement in her direction. Ironic, really. The one person who paid her attention was the one who caused doubts to rise to the surface.

  She glanced over at the other groups watching the match from different vantage points. Spotting Hannah, she raised her right hand to wave. She froze when she saw the face of the man standing next to her.

  Jack Boynton.

  As she stared with horror at the man who had caused her so much pain and terror, Hannah turned her head. Their gazes met. Jocelyn couldn’t read Hannah’s expression from this distance, but Boynton’s presence shrieked of mischief.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Leo hadn’t seen Jocelyn since the end of the cricket match. She wasn’t with the women serving food or those helping to entertain the children.

  “Have you seen Jocelyn?” he asked Mrs. Allenby.

  “She went to organize more refreshments,” the vicar’s wife said. “It’s been a lovely day, just perfect. I want to thank you for hosting the festival. I know you were reluctant, but everyone has enjoyed the day.”

  “You’re welcome.” Ursula had always disappeared during social engagements, usually to meet a lover. But Jocelyn wasn’t missing. She was merely seeing to a domestic matter. “It’s good to see everyone looking happy.”

  Could he move on without causing offense? He wanted to find Jocelyn, merely to reassure himself of her good health. He nodded at Mrs. Allenby, relieved when she didn’t attempt to delay him or ask questions about his release from jail. So far the villagers had given him a wide berth unless forced into an exchange of words.