Lords of Retribution (Lords of Avalon series)

by Richards, K. R.

  How dare the Reverend, a man of the cloth, look at Zenny’s breasts, or any other part of her body for that matter! Zenny was his.

  Something inside him snapped. He felt something that resembled rage at the thought of another man looking at his, er, rather Zenny’s beautiful breasts. He realized he’d kill any man who tried to touch them. The feelings assaulting him must be because he always felt a responsibility toward her. His feelings for Senny were something he never fully understood.

  The Penrose siblings’ parents died within a year of one another almost ten years before. Senny was always quiet and gentle. She did not have the outward fire or enthusiasm that her siblings possessed. People noticed Wenna and Lanyon, not Senny. For as long as he could remember, Gabriel had always made an effort to make time for her. She was the most beautiful babe, the most beautiful golden-haired child. His mother used to say Zenny was as beautiful and delicate as a fairy. To him, she still was.

  Her father died of a sudden seizure of his heart.

  His own mother said Ailla, Senny’s mother, died of a broken heart following his death. The day her mother died, Gabriel came to Callywith. He’d found fourteen year old Senny by herself, crying in the summerhouse. He was twenty at the time. She’d desperately needed someone to talk to and to hold her while she grieved.

  Even now, all these years later, he remembered how tightly he had held her and how small and fragile she felt in his arms. He had stroked her beautiful hair and whispered to her as she cried. He made a promise to her that day, he promised he would always be there for her. He had been.

  Since that day, he and Senny remained close friends. He soon realized that in his company, when the two of them were alone, she was not so quiet and reserved. He and Senny talked about many things. She was never shy with him about giving her opinions on issues or talking openly with him. Senny was highly intelligent. She just seemed to prefer keeping to herself and blending into the background. She had never liked people taking notice of her. She especially hated people staring at her.

  Then there was the matter of her empathic ability. She absorbed other people’s feelings and emotions and often became overwhelmed. It was something she could not control. Many who did not know her well thought her odd for it, but he did not. He understood her gift. He knew how to soothe her when she became overwhelmed. He was better at calming her than anyone was.

  Wenna slumped. She sighed heavily. She caught John looking at her bosom a few times, but she never noticed him paying attention to Senny’s breasts. She remembered thinking he spoke to Grandfather rather harshly a time or two.

  What was it Trevan said? She’d only known him six weeks. Trevan was correct in that regard. She did not know John Madingly well. Nor did he know her if he thought she would leave her family or her homeland.

  “You must excuse me,” Wenna sniffed. She tried to blink back the tears that threatened. “I’ve a lot to think about. I’m going to speak to John tomorrow at the church. I have no intentions of leaving my family.” She raced up the stairs leaving Gabriel and Senny alone.

  Chapter Two

  Senny turned to Gabriel, her blue-green eyes wide.

  “Zenny, you must come fetch me when Wenna leaves tomorrow. We will follow her to the church. I wish to make certain no harm comes to her when she speaks to the Reverend. I no longer trust that man.” Gabriel reached out to caress Senny’s cheek. She appeared to be quite upset. He could see she struggled to keep her panic at bay. “Don’t fret, my sweet. We’ll get to the bottom of this.”

  He stepped closer to her. “Everything shall work out fine.” He smiled down at her. His hands rubbed up and down her arms to soothe her. He exhaled when she gave him a wan smile in return. He was so close to her he could feel the heat from her body. She smelled of mint and possibly geraniums.

  “Did you make mint jelly today, Senny? I swear I smell mint.” Gabriel realized his voice sounded a little too deep and husky.

  “Yes. I had a feeling yesterday that you’d be home soon. I know how you like mint jelly,” Senny offered with a small laugh.

  He grinned. He loved to hear her laughter. “I love your mint jelly. You are forever spoiling me, Zenny.” She loved to make her jellies and breads, and her luscious sweets. She always made something especially for him. The cook at Callywith adored Zenny and let her make whatever she liked in Callywith’s kitchens. He guessed Senny found peace in the kitchens.

  Gabriel realized at that moment how much he adored his sweet Zenny. Apparently, today he also lusted after. It must be he’d been too long without female companionship. He would rectify that at his earliest opportunity. Of course, it would not be here in St. Mabyn. He would never want Zenny to hear of it.

  Senny flashed him a bright smile that normally would make him reciprocate. Smiling was not foremost in his mind today. He noticed how full and beautiful her mouth was. A very distinct longing to kiss her took hold of him. He resisted the temptation. The Penroses and Chynoweths were in a crisis. Senny was upset and could become overwhelmed. He found himself in a very strange and perplexing mood. Never in his life had he lusted after Zenny.

  Gabriel held out his hand to her, “Come, we’ll speak to your Grandfather about all this. He’s in his study?”

  Senny nodded. She expected Gabriel to put her hand on his arm, but he didn’t. Instead, he’d entwined his fingers with hers. He’d never done such a thing before. She thought it felt very nice when he held her hand. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, wondering what had changed with him.

  “I knew that man was trouble the day he walked through Callywith’s door, Gabriel,” Robert Penrose sat in the chair with wheels that Trevan found and purchased for him in London the year before. Robert was seventy. He willingly took on the responsibility of raising his grandchildren ten years before when his heir died. He became the only parent to his granddaughters and grandson after their mother died the following year. Robert had been confined to a chair or bed for the last two years. Trevan purchased the Bath chair for Robert in hopes it would give him more freedom. It had.

  “I will do some more checking on the references Madingly provided, Robert. I must confess I did not check them all when I gave him the living. At the time, I was elated to have someone willing to be the Vicar of St. Mabyn church. I think I made a grave error,” Gabriel sighed heavily.

  “Don’t say that, Gabriel,” Senny spoke up in his defense. “Whatever you do is for the good of the people in St. Mabyn. You had the village’s best interests at heart. Our people wanted a vicar and you found one.”

  “Zenny is correct, Gabriel. You have never done anything but good for St. Mabyn,” Robert agreed with his granddaughter. “Join us for dinner, Gabriel. My Zenny just made her mint jelly. She said you’d be home soon and here you are.” Robert cackled.

  Gabriel smiled at him. “I will stay, Robert. I cannot pass up mint jelly.” He winked at Senny. Gabriel pushed Robert’s Bath chair. He followed her down the corridor into the comfortable dining room of Callywith Manor. He watched the gentle sway of her hips beneath her gown as she walked in front of them. He was definitely lusting after Sennen Penrose today. The thoughts that came to him as he watched her walk were not those of a gentleman.

  Wenna dabbed at the tears that had not yet stopped. She had taken her meal in her room. She simply could not still love Trevan after the way he had treated her. Could she?

  She kept remembering the feelings his kiss had aroused in her. Feelings she thought were long gone.

  She should love John. He would make a much more suitable husband. He had kissed her once, and in truth, it had been rather awkward. She could not say she enjoyed it or that it gave her any other feeling but disappointment. Surely, it would be better the next time.

  Then she wondered could she truly trust John? Should she trust him? They had only known one another six weeks. Perhaps she had been too hasty in accepting his proposal. She would march straight to the church the next morning and talk to him. Once she spoke with hi
m, she would feel better. Then she could forget about Trevan Chynoweth for good.

  “Miss Penrose, what a surprise. To what do I owe such a pleasure?”

  Wenna was encouraged John Madingly gave her such a warm welcome. Though he was not a large, strapping man like Trevan, he was handsome. He was tall, and though slender, appeared to be somewhat muscular.

  “Mr. Madingly.” Wenna gave him a quick bow. “I am a trifle concerned. Lord St. Mabyn mentioned last evening at dinner that you are looking to move to Australia, that you have applied for a Parrish there.”

  “I have, but I must tell you the chances of my getting the living are quite slim. It has been a dream of mine to go to Australia. Does the idea of moving to Australia not suit you, Miss Penrose?”

  “Mr. Madingly, I cannot leave my family. That is out of the question,” Wenna wondered why he did not tell her of his decision. “John you just asked me to marry you. Did you not think to ask me what I thought about moving to Australia?”

  “Oh, well,” He removed his hat and ruffled his hair, “I daresay, Miss Penrose, I did not think of doing so. I credit that to being so new to this sort of thing. I have never before asked a woman to marry me.”

  Though at first she thought she saw something else in his eyes, Wenna decided he just might be a bit embarrassed or nervous.

  “And if you receive the living, you will go to Australia?”

  “Why, yes, that is my intention.” He shuffled uneasily.

  “I see.” Wenna paused for a moment then continued, “We must break our engagement, Mr. Madingly, for I will not leave my family behind.”

  “No!”

  His eyes narrowed. His voice boomed just as if he were in the pulpit. His word sounded too much like an angry command to Wenna. She raised her eyes and met his. She thought she saw anger in his hazel eyes, but it dissipated quickly. She suddenly felt uncomfortable in this man’s presence.

  “What I mean to say,” John said in a gentler tone, “is could we not take your family with us to Australia? Then you would not have to leave them behind.”

  “No, they will not wish to leave Cornwall,” Wenna said as she shook her head.

  “Oh dear, I see. I seem to have bungled things quite badly, Miss Penrose. I apologize. I’ve had this dream of being a missionary, and decided on Australia several years ago, you see. Perhaps you would consider a longer engagement. When I receive an answer from the Bishop in Queensland, and if I do indeed receive the post, we can break the engagement. If I do not receive the post then we can marry and stay here, in St. Mabyn.”

  Wenna was not certain how to answer. She wasn’t sure how she felt about anything right now. She supposed she could consent to lengthening their engagement. It would give her more time and keep Trevan away, in any case, at least until she sorted through her tormented feelings. She was not certain she wished to remain engaged to this man. Everything was so confusing at present.

  “I-I suppose we can try John. I am hesitant to commit to an engagement if it may well be broken in the future.”

  “For now would you consent to try? I can send another letter asking for a prompt answer from the Bishop. If at any time you decide you do not wish to go through with the engagement, I will certainly allow you to cry off.”

  Still uncertain, Wenna nodded. He seemed very sincere and acted as if it meant a great deal to him. “For now, John, I will try. However, I think we should slow things down until you receive your answer.”

  “Very well, I completely understand. I shall go get my hat and I would be happy to walk you home, Miss Penrose.”

  Wenna nodded and waited in the empty church while John disappeared into the back. She actually felt relieved having bought herself more time. Things between her and John would slow down, and she would have time to contemplate her true feelings for Trevan, while keeping him at bay.

  “You’re certain you don’t wish to stay at Fairy Cross awhile longer?” Gabriel asked his cousin as they sat eating breakfast in the large dining room. The windows looked out onto one of Fairy Cross Court’s lush gardens, which was enclosed by a twelfth century stone wall. A tall and ancient Celtic cross served as the centerpiece of the garden.

  “I’m certain. There will be a mountain of paperwork stacked upon my desk at Menadue. There is no reason for me to stay in St. Mabyn any longer.”

  “Trevan, don’t you think you should at least attempt to win Wenna back? As I’ve told you many times, Madingly is not her type. I don’t know what Wenna’s up to, but she could never be happy with him.”

  “No, there is no need for me to press her any further.” Trevan bristled at the memory of the painful words Wenna spoke to him two days before. “Miss Penrose made it quite plain to me where her preferences lie.”

  “Don’t you think you should visit with Robert? You said you didn’t see him that day. It’s been three months since you’ve been to St. Mabyn. You know he looks forward to your visits.” Gabriel added softly, “His health continues to decline.”

  Trevan grunted. He did need to see Robert. He wanted to. Robert was a good friend, a man he had always admired and respected. He just didn’t want to go anywhere near Wenna Penrose. He sighed deeply. “Yes. I will go to Callywith after breakfast and talk to Robert.”

  “Would you like me to join you?” Gabriel asked.

  “Yes, you can keep that damned woman away from me!”

  Gabriel grinned mischievously. He lifted a brow as he teased, “Who, Zenny?”

  “You damn well know better than that, cousin! Not Zenny. Our Zenny is as honest as the sun, and a kinder being does not exist. It’s her saucy-mouthed, hot-tempered, red-headed sister that you’ll keep from me.” Trevan scowled at his cousin who wore an amused smile.

  A wicked grin suddenly lit Trevan’s features as he said, “Besides, everyone hereabouts knows you’ve your eye on Zenny, cousin!” Trevan laughed as Gabriel’s smile vanished. “Ha!” He pointed a finger at Gabriel.

  “What are you talking about? Zenny and I are like brother and sister.” Gabriel realized what he just said was a bold-faced lie. For he found himself lusting after her as recently as yesterday, when they followed Wenna to the vicarage to make sure she came to no harm while she spoke to John Madingly. The Vicar walked Wenna home afterward.

  Gabriel and Senny milled about in the village for a short time then returned to Callywith. The entire walk home from the village with her proved to be torture for Gabriel. He could think only of kissing her. In all of his adult years Gabriel never thought of Senny in the way he did the last two days, the carnal way. He wasn’t about to discuss such a thing with Trevan!

  Trevan laughed. “My arse! You came back after your walk with Zenny yesterday looking every bit like a besotted mooncalf!”

  “I did not!” He blurted then realized he probably had. He restrained himself several times yesterday from the temptation to kiss her. “Zenny and I walk often together. We’ve always been close. Like brother and sister!” he reiterated.

  “Uh-huh.” Trevan’s eyes danced with mischief. “You haven’t always treated her the way you do now, Gabriel. When Zenny arrived yesterday you looked at her that way.”

  “What way?” Gabriel demanded.

  “The way a man looks at a woman when he wants to do more than just walk her down the lane!” Trevan winked and gave his cousin a knowing grin. A triumphant chuckle escaped him when the shocked look on Gabriel’s face led him to believe he was right.

  “I did not!” Gabriel argued.

  “Oh, yes you did, and you can’t hide it from me, cousin. You should know better than that.”

  “You can’t read my mind,” Gabriel argued.

  “I can’t read your mind, but your energy I can read. It’s changed a great deal in regards to Zenny.” Trevan emitted a devilish laugh and beamed at his cousin as he chewed a mouthful of ham. “You want her, the way a man wants a woman. There is nothing about friendship or brotherly and sisterly love there. Passion is on your mind, that’s what your energy tells
me.”

  Passion or lust? Gabriel let his fork fall with a clank to his plate. He sighed heavily. “I don’t understand what I feel for her, Trevan. I am confused, for I’ve never felt this way about Zenny. Never have I thought about her in a carnal way until I returned from Glastonbury. I decided yesterday that I can’t take any action until I understand what this is that I feel for her. I don’t want to hurt her. I would never do anything to cause her pain. Ever! Everyone was so worried about her when her father passed, then a year later her mother died. That is when we became close. She can be easily hurt, Trevan, you know this. I need to understand what I’m feeling and why before I do anything about it.”

  Trevan’s features softened. He grew serious. He gave Gabriel a nod. “I know you would never hurt our Zenny on purpose, Gabriel. I respect you for taking the time to explore your heart.” Trevan sighed then added, “I’ve been gone too long from Cornwall. After I catch up with the business piled high in my office, I plan to go to Truro to take care of my own carnal needs, perhaps as early as the end of the week. Would you care to join me?”

  “Yes,” Gabriel answered immediately. He shrugged. Perhaps that explained why these odd feelings for Zenny surfaced so suddenly. Perhaps it had just been too long since he tended to his needs.

  “Well,” Trevan rose with a heavy sigh, “Let’s get to Callywith so I can visit Robert. I am anxious to get back to Menadue.” Trevan just wanted to get as far away from Wenna Penrose as he could. He needed to bury himself in his business matters and try to forget about the empty hole inside of him.

  Gabriel nodded. He rose and followed his cousin from the dining room.

  “Damn and blast! The vicar is here. Let’s turn around.” Trevan started to turn his big black around.