by Joyce Alec
Starting with surprise, Martha got to her feet, hastening to the door.
“Charles?”
“Oh, Martha!”
Catching her up in his arms, Charles buried his face in her neck, weeping unashamed tears as he held her close.
“I am utterly ashamed of myself! Please, please, I beg your forgiveness!”
Hardly able to breathe, Martha clung to him, never wanting to let him go. “Charles?” she whispered, barely able to believe he was here.
“Martha,” he said again, pulling back to look into her face. “Dear Martha, can you ever forgive me?”
She cried at his words, tears of happiness and relief flowing down her cheeks. She cradled his face with her hands.
“Of course I do,” she whispered, pressing her lips to his cheek.
Charles breathed her in, moving his lips closer to her own. His kiss was strong and fierce, speaking to her of possession and love. She melted into him, wanting to be a part of him, to have him with her always. He was her soulmate, and with him beside her, she felt whole.
"I am never letting you out my sight again," he sighed, breaking the kiss. "Martha, I have been a fool. I should never have believed a word of what your stepbrother said. I should have trusted what I knew about you."
Martha shook her head.
“He is a despicable man, Charles, and I do not blame you for falling into his trap. I am just thankful to know that soon I will be free of him. Suzanne’s family has agreed to let me stay here for now and hide me if need be.”
"No, my darling. You will always be free of him. There is no need to hide," Charles cried, pulling her against him once more. "I love you so very dearly, Martha, and I swear never to let you go again." Dropping to one knee, he held her hands in his. "Martha, will you have me? Even after all my failings, all my doubts—will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Martha smiled as fresh tears tracked down her cheeks.
“Yes,” she whispered, immediately being pulled into his arms once more. “I will, Charles. I love you with all my heart.”
“Today?” Charles whispered against her neck.
“Today,” she replied, safe and secure in his embrace.
Epilogue
“Well, that certainly was a thrilling day,” Matthew said, leaning back in his chair. “I am quite done in.”
Matthew grinned at Charles, who sat with one arm wrapped around Martha as she rested her head on his shoulder. They were the picture of happiness.
“What did the accountant say?” asked Suzanne.
“It turns out that my parcel of land is actually worth a lot more than Gerald led me to believe. In fact, the income from my land is funding his whole existence. He squandered the inheritance from his own father, and now the inheritance that my father left him is almost gone. That explains why he was so eager to get his hands on my land. Now that I am married, Charles and I will receive the income from the property. He will be left quite destitute.”
“Well, his actions do make more sense with that knowledge,” said Suzanne. “Although, nothing he did was excusable. I still find him to be a wretched man.”
“I must thank you, Suzanne, for your hospitality and for your help,” Charles said seriously. “Without you, this might have turned out quite differently.”
“Indeed,” Martha agreed, in a soft voice. “Thank you, Suzanne.”
Suzanne smiled, accepting their thanks. “It is nothing you would not have done for me, Martha, I am quite sure. Besides, to see your happiness makes it all worthwhile.”
An angry voice interrupted their conversation, as the door was suddenly flung open, and Gerald stormed in. All four of them rose to their feet.
“You!” He pointed at Martha, rage emanating from him. “Did you really think you could hide from me? Didn’t you think this would be the first place I’d look? Get outside and get in the carriage immediately.”
Martha didn’t move, her hands clinging to Charles’s arm.
“Lord Crewe,” Charles said, his voice low and dangerous. “May I suggest you remove yourself from this place at once.”
“Don’t you speak to me like that, you insolent fool! I am taking my stepsister home, back where she belongs. Don’t you dare try and stop me.”
He took a step towards Martha, who let out a frightened cry, hiding behind Charles.
“Take one more step,” Charles warned, standing in front of Martha.
“Get out of my way!” Gerald screamed, lunging for his stepsister.
Charles, without a moment’s pause, dealt Gerald a staggering blow, advancing toward him as he struggled to his feet.
“You listen to me, Lord Crewe,” he said, quietly. “Martha is now my wife, and her home is with me. You are never to come near her again. She is a married woman and safely out of your clutches. I should call you out for what you did to her, but my love for her is the only reason why I won’t.”
Shock crossed Gerald’s face, followed by anger that twisted his features.
“How—”
“Special license,” Charles growled. “The bishop had no qualms in granting my request immediately, once he heard the truth. I have to say, I think your days of good standing in society are at an end.” Charles paused for a moment, reining in his temper, then continued, “Martha’s land will never be yours. Now get out, and do not ever come near us again.”
Charles stood tall and strong, waiting for Gerald to make his choice. Gerald, showing the spineless man that he really was, turned on his heel and made his way out of the door without a backward glance.
Suzanne let out a long breath, collapsing back into her chair.
“Phew!” Matthew said, pouring himself another glass of port. “Well done, Charles, didn’t know you had it in you.”
“Oh, Charles,” Martha cried, reaching for him.
“Be still, be still, my love,” Charles crooned, rocking her gently. “It is truly over now. Gerald will never be able to hurt you again.”
Martha nodded, feeling a freedom that she had not experienced since before her father died. “Thank you, Charles.”
Smiling, Charles tipped up her chin and dropped a tender kiss on her lips, ignoring Suzanne and Matthew’s presence.
“I love you, Martha, and I swear I will always protect you.”
“I love you too, Charles,” she whispered, bringing her lips to his once more.
*****
THE END
A Heart’s Rescue
Text Copyright © 2016 by Caroline Johnson
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events or locales is entirely coincidental.
First printing, 2016
Publisher
Love Light Faith, LLC
400 NW 7th Avenue, Unit 825
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302
www.LoveLightFaith.com
A Heart’s Rescue
By: Caroline Johnson
A Heart’s Rescue
Chapter One
England, 1843
Eliza smiled and held out her dance card, bestowing a gracious smile on the gentleman in front of her. She curtsied, nodded, and smiled some more, grateful that her card was almost full. At least then he could not hound her as he had done these last few days. Letting out a breath, she turned her eyes to the dancing.
“Ah, Miss Williams,” a voice said in her ear. “I see your dance card is not quite full. Let me rectify that.”
Numb, Eliza allowed the odious man to grasp her wrist before writing his name on her dance card in one of the few remaining spaces. A waltz, no less. He looked at her, all charm and smiles, dropping a short bow before walking awa
y, glancing back at her with a look of triumph.
“Oh no,” Eliza whispered to herself, dropping into a nearby chair. “Oh no…”
“Are you quite all right, my dear?”
It was her mother.
“Yes, Mama, yes of course. I just felt a trifle warm; that is all.” She smiled brightly, attempting to push aside her fear and trepidation. She knew she could not share her burden with Mama.
Her sister danced past her, looking overjoyed at her partner’s attentions, but Eliza knew it was nothing more than flirtation. At least she’s enjoying herself, Eliza thought grimly. Sophie had no idea about the horrific situation Eliza was in – not that she would be of much help.
“Miss Williams, shall we take to the floor?”
It was Lord Stockton. He had signed up for the quadrille, and Eliza was relieved to see him. He has been showing me particular attentions lately, Eliza thought, seeing her mother's beaming smile as she watched Lord Stockton escort Eliza to dance floor.
“Are you quite well, Miss Williams?” Lord Stockton asked as they prepared for the dance. “You seem a little distracted this evening.”
“Do I?” Eliza asked, gazing to the left of his shoulder. “I feel a little fatigued, that is all. I am sure.”
Lord Stockton said nothing, dancing the quadrille in silence. Once it was over, he tucked her hand under his arm and escorted her to an empty chair.
“Would you like some ratafia, Miss Williams?” he asked, his face clearly concerned. She smiled in response, trying to ignore the sight of Lord Penn approaching her.
“Indeed, Lord Stockton. Still, I should much rather come with you, if you please?”
Surprised, Lord Stockton did as she requested, allowing her to place her hand on his arm as he escorted her towards the refreshments. However, she was not to make her escape; the firm hand of Lord Penn grasped her arm.
“Miss Williams! Surely you cannot have forgotten that this is to be my dance?”
Lord Stockton, dropping his arm, turned about to face Lord Penn.
“Ah, Lord Penn, how do you do?” He executed a short bow. “Indeed, I would not deny you your chance to dance with Miss Williams, but only on the promise that you will return her to my side once the dance is over!” He chuckled, turning to Eliza. “Miss Williams, I will have refreshments waiting for you upon your return.”
Bowing again to Lord Penn, he left her alone. Eliza closed her eyes briefly. Lord Stockton was not to know, but she desperately wished he had not been so much of a gentleman. Had he demanded that she take some refreshment, she might have been spared this dance with Lord Penn.
“Shall we?” he smirked, his eyes triumphant as he took her hand. Resisting the urge to tug it away from him, Eliza allowed him to lead her onto the floor. Odious man! He had chosen the waltz specifically, she was sure. The feelings of his arm around her waist made her shiver as she determined to remain silent, no matter what he said.
“Have you considered my proposal, Eliza?”
Her eyes flashed. She had not given him permission to use her given name. He laughed.
“I can tell that you have. You will see that there is no way out, my dear. You must acquiesce, despite how much it may pain you. You will let me know when I am to take collection of the item? I cannot wait to hold it in my hands!”
Eliza bit her lip, refusing to speak a single word, despite the retort that pressed against her lips. She stared straight ahead, willing the dance to come to an end.
“I will hear from you soon, Eliza. Very soon, I imagine.” He bowed, escorting her from the floor and back to the waiting arm of Stockton, bidding them both farewell. Eliza was not surprised. He had fulfilled his purpose of coming here tonight; there was no need for him to stay.
“Did you enjoy your dance, Miss Williams?” Lord Stockton asked, handing her a glass of ratafia.
“I did,” she replied shortly, wishing she could tell Stockton the truth, but knowing she could not. Lord Penn had made it very clear that she would be forever ruined in the eyes of the ton, should she breathe a word to anyone. She did not know how he would achieve such a thing, but she had no doubt that he would.
Lord Stockton cleared his throat.
“I was wondering, Miss Williams, if I would be permitted to call on you tomorrow? Perhaps a drive through Hyde Park?”
Eliza looked up at him quickly, realizing with a smile that he was blushing slightly. The poor man. She needed to put him out of his misery.
“Of course, Lord Stockton. I should like that very much.”
“I am glad to hear it,” Lord Stockton replied, a smile crossing his face. “I shall call for you at precisely three o’clock.” Seeing Eliza’s mother approaching, he bowed and took his leave, leaving Eliza feeling both excited and happy, Lord Penn’s words completely forgotten.
“My dear!” her mama called, sailing over and taking both of her hands in her own. “I see Lord Stockton has been at your side on several occasions this evening.”
“Yes, Mama,” Eliza replied, in a quieter tone. “He is coming to call on me tomorrow at three o’clock. We are to go driving in Hyde Park.”
“Oh, my dear! How delightful.” her mama gushed. “Lord Stockton is a wonderful man, and I am sure would make an excellent husband. Rich too! You shall be set for life.”
“Slow down a little, Mama,” Eliza laughed, patting her mother’s hand. “It is merely a drive in the park, not a proposal of marriage.” She bore her mother away to the refreshments, trying not to wonder what it would be like to be Lady Stockton.
Chapter Two
Anthony Russell, the Earl of Bessington, relished the cool mornings. He could be himself, with no one around to spot him, to enquire after his health or to debase themselves in order to earn his favor. Ever since his father's death a few months earlier, Anthony had found his new responsibilities both wearying and frustrating. There was so much to do that he barely had time to go for a ride; there was always a tenant to take care of, accounts to go through, or debts to pay. He had barely known his father, but was not in the least bit surprised to find that he had left mountains of unpaid debts that had almost critically wounded the estate. It had proved to be much harder work than he had anticipated, but it seemed the estate was finally beginning to turn a profit. And, of course, his mother had organized a house party to celebrate, as if they needed to fritter away money on such frivolities.
She had not taken his criticism well, promising, at least, that he would not have to make much more than one or two appearances. At least that was a relief. He wandered through the woods that surrounded the estate, appreciating the little things, such as the dewdrops on a spider’s web and the colorful toadstools that littered the path. His valet would have a fit when he returned to the house, but Anthony didn't care. His loose shirt, trousers, and old boots were all he required for an early morning walk, the sense of freedom overwhelming his senses. This was what he needed. This was his relief.
***
Eliza only half-listened to her mother and sister's eager chatter, her wish that it would not last for the entire journey going unanswered. They would be pulling into the Bessington estate in a few moments, and Eliza could not wait to escape the confines of the closed carriage. Her mother, who was old friends with the Dowager Countess of Bessington, had been vastly excited to receive her friend's invitation to the house party, and, having been asked to arrive one day early before the other guests, instantly made all the preparations—much to her husband's amusement. Eliza's father had opted to remain at home, citing business affairs that required his attention. Lord Stockton would also attend the house party, much to Eliza's delight. Their carriage drives had become a regular occurrence, and Eliza was sure there was a proposal of marriage in their future. To her utmost dismay, she had also been told that Lord Penn would be attending, shuddering as she remembered the letter he had sent.
“My dear Miss Williams,” it had read. “I am delighted to inform you that I, too, shall be attending the Bessington house
party. What a pleasure it shall be to spend such a prolonged length of time with you. By now, I am certain that you have seen the sense in my proposal. I shall expect you to bring the Williams necklace to the house party and, at the end of the week, it shall be given to me and remain in my possession. If you do not, you know what the consequences will be. Speak to anyone of this matter, and you shall find yourself ruined in society’s eyes, and what will Lord Stockton think of you then?”
Eliza stared out of the carriage window, focusing on preventing any tears from falling—not that Sophie or Mama would notice. Lord Penn had her firmly in his grip, and she could see no way out. He wanted the Williams necklace, the family heirloom that was only worn by Mama on very special occasions, and would, one day, be passed to her. It was made up of jade, diamonds, and rubies and was the family's safety net. Lord Penn had courted her a long time ago, but both Eliza and Sophie spurned his advances, much to his displeasure. It now became clear that Lord Penn was determined to have the Williams necklace, and unless she could find a way out, he would get it. If she did not give it to him, he would call in her father's debts, which would ruin the family entirely. They would lose everything: their home, their social standing, and their chances to make an eligible match. However, Eliza knew that if she did give him the necklace, Mama would be heartbroken and her father furious.
She thought back to the night her father had come home, blazing drunk and shouting about Lord Penn. He had accused him of cheating at cards, one of the most dangerous and dishonoring accusations against a gentleman. Of course, there was no evidence of Lord Penn’s cheating, so the family had tried to quieten him immediately, knowing the scandal that would ensue should Lord Penn hear of their father's remarks. However, Eliza began to think that her father had been correct in his statements, for she was sure Lord Penn would stop at nothing to possess the Williams necklace.
