by Dayna Quince
“I’m going to marry you, Maddie. Lady Flora can try to keep us apart, but I will always find a way to you. I will always seek you out. There will be no doubt in anyone’s mind that we will be married—including Lord Berett.”
Maddie was stunned by his conviction. “How?”
“You’ll see, but for now, you better hurry back.”
“What about you?”
“I’ll follow a little behind to make sure you return safely.”
Maddie turned to leave but stopped. She squeezed his hand. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet.” He kissed her swiftly and ushered her out of the summerhouse.
Chapter 7
Jonathan woke with a headache but nevertheless, was determined to rise early and move his campaign forward. Last night, he returned to the terrace just as Maddie and Lady Flora had made their excuses for retiring. The gentlemen sauntered off for more drinking and revelry while the ladies went up to bed. There were already bets taking place about who would be sleeping with who and which lonely lass could be found wandering the dark halls without a chaperone.
Jonathan listened carefully, but no one uttered Maddie’s name, or rather, her nickname. She was still the undesirable Mad Maddie in their eyes, but Jonathan saw differently. He’d staggered to his bed early this morning still craving her soft skin in his mouth, her raspy cry in his ears. He didn’t care that anyone but he wanted her. All they needed to understand was that he meant to have her no matter what.
There would be scorn, jokes, outright derision. His family would be confused, and he was sure Maddie’s father would refuse at first. But he would have her.
Camden brought him coffee and a hot breakfast. He intended to ride early this morning and then practice in the arenas before lunch. He wouldn’t have a chance to see Maddie until the hawk hunt this afternoon and even then, it would be from a distance. The more promising avenue would be the twilight dinner. A buffet styled dinner in the out of doors followed by walks through the lantern-lit forest. It was the usual time couples started to out themselves at the party. After the walk would be dancing on the terrace. It was the last romantic event before the following day’s tournament. Thursday and Friday would be devoted to the gentlemen’s tournament with the champion’s dinner Friday evening.
There seemed so little time to woo Maddie—no, he didn’t need to woo Maddie, he needed to claim her in front of everyone. His intentions had to be undeniable. The challenge would be Lady Flora and Lord Berett. They had already accepted that Maddie’s marriage to Lord Berett was a certainty, and Lady Flora was doing her mightiest to protect that. She had made that clear at dinner last night. She may as well have announced their engagement.
What he didn’t understand was why. If Maddie was such a pariah in most circles, why was Lady Flora so keen to hitch her brother to her? Jonathan didn’t know, but he anticipated fierce competition from that quarter. It didn’t matter how hard they fought for Maddie, Jonathan would not lose, not when he was sure it was he Maddie wanted, and not Lord Berett. There would probably be talk, maybe a little bit of a scandal, but Jonathan didn’t care.
He finished his breakfast and readied for riding. Reaching the stables, Camden had already sent word, and his horse was ready and waiting. The morning was crisp, and fog still clung to the roads and hills. He cantered out of the stable yard behind Lord Davey and Sir Stanley. Many of the gentlemen were riding this morning, but what caught his eye was Lord Berett sitting on a massive horse in full armor. He was heading toward the arena. Jonathan pulled his horse up beside Davey and Stanley who had also paused to watch.
“Who wants to wager the old man dies when he takes his first hit?” Davey said.
In some ways, Davey reminded Jonathan of Lord Draven, but beneath Draven’s cold and calculating exterior was a heart of pure gold. Davey was just a spoiled lad in gentlemen’s clothing.
“I’ll take that wager,” Sir Stanley said. “It’s a wonder Lord Worthington agreed to let him compete.”
“He’s supposed to be descended from a knight of the round table, whatever that means. Bloody codger just likes to play dress up and pretend.”
Perhaps, Jonathan thought. But he wasn’t about to underestimate his opponent. Part of his plan in claiming Maddie was competing and beating Lord Berett in the games. He was going to challenge him for Maddie’s hand just like days of old.
“Let’s be on our way,” Jonathan suggested. He turned his horse away. He would study Lord Berett’s abilities on the field once he’d had a good ride.
* * *
Jonathan’s back was soaked with sweat under the padded armor. Lord Philip landed another blow to his back and Jonathan winced. He cursed as he pivoted, blocking the next swing and going on the attack. He slashed at Lord Philip relentlessly, driving him toward the fence as the others cheered. Lord Philip dropped to one knee, blocking, but his strength was waning.
“Enough!” he shouted through his helmet.
Jonathan ceased and stepped back. Just breathing under the weight of the padding was difficult. He helped Lord Philip to his feet, and they removed their helmets.
“Bloody hell, Rigsby. What did I do to offend you?”
“I’m only giving as good as I got, Philip.” Jonathan clapped the man on his back. “I think you bruised my ribs.”
“I’m trying to make things fairer for the rest of us tomorrow.”
“Then you should quit, not I.”
“Tell us who you’re fighting for,” Stanley said with a grin.
“You’ll see soon enough.”
He saw the speculative glances they shared. “Don’t bother betting. You’ll all lose.”
With the help of a footman, he removed his gear and stretched his aching muscles. He’d been practicing for hours now, finding relief from his pent up desires over Maddie through brute activities. He was actually enjoying himself, feeling his heart pump vigorously, and his muscles strain with exertion. Perhaps this was what they did in the dark ages to curb their lustful appetites? Whatever the case. He felt invigorated, yet relaxed.
He accepted a cool, damp cloth and mopped the sweat from his brow and neck. Banks and Davey were waiting at the fence to watch Stanley and Sir McGregor's practice match. He leaned on the fence to watch.
“Did you happen to see Lord Berett in the jousting arena?” Davey asked.
“I did,” Jonathan said. He’d gone to watch. Many of the household was anxiously watching.
“Well, he didn’t die,” Davey muttered.
“No, he looked quite capable,” Jonathan said. More than he wanted to give him credit for. He had watched him joust, ax throw, shoot arrows, and practice with the sword. The man had the skill and apparent strength, but Jonathan had yet to see him face an opponent. He’d practiced only against dummies thus far.
Jonathan turned away. He needed to get cleaned up before this afternoon’s activities. He returned to his room and summoned Camden. He had a quick basin bath and then dressed in a green coat and tweed trousers. Feeling like a gentleman again, he made his way down to the drawing room. Some guests had gathered there already.
Miss Cecelia took immediate notice of him as he entered and came to his side. He hid his irritation and put on a charming smile.
“Good afternoon, Miss Cecelia, Miss Worthington.”
The elder sister looked him over with appreciation. If she considered him marriage material for her sister, she was going to be disappointed this evening.
“Lord Rigsby, I do hope you will escort my sister on the walk through the lantern forest tonight. You have far more experience than Mr. Banks.”
Jonathan raised a brow. What a bold wench. “I have no experience with the lantern walk. As of yet, I’ve never taken part. Mr. Banks and I have that in common. If you will excuse me, my father beckons,” Jonathan lied. He peeled Miss Cecelia off his arm and escaped. He went to his father’s side, which was conveniently near his mother who was conversing with Lady Flora. Maddie sat next to her. He had a bout
of nervousness as he approached. This was his first foray into courtship, and he was about to do it in front of his own mother.
He stopped before them and bowed. “Mother, Lady Flora, Miss Prescott. How lovely you all look this evening.” He let his gaze touch on his mother, then Lady Flora and then settle on Maddie.
There. First step accomplished. He was establishing meaningful, prolonged contact with the intended recipient of his attentions. Her eyes widened, she blushed, and then suddenly, she pressed her lips as if she were going to…laugh? He narrowed his eyes briefly before addressing the elder ladies again. The minx. Just what did she find so amusing?
His mother was watching him in abject curiosity, and Lady Flora didn’t look pleased at all.
“Good evening, Lord Rigsby. Have you enjoyed the practice games thus far?” Lady Flora asked.
“I have indeed. I feel as though I’ve stepped back in time. Have you any dragons for me to slay?”
“There were no dragons in medieval times,” Maddie said. Her lips twitched.
“You are correct, Miss Prescott, but if there were, I’d happily slay one for you.” Jonathan gave her one of his heart-melting smiles.
“If we lived in a world with dragons, I’d like to think I could slay them myself,” Maddie said.
“Heavens no, Miss Prescott. It isn’t for a lady to slay a dragon. Leave that to my brother, Lord Berett. He will gladly slay your dragons.” Lady Flora patted Maddie’s hand.
Maddie pulled her hand away. “I’d rather slay my own—that is unless we’re talking about drawing room dragons. Those I gladly leave to you, Lord Rigsby.”
Lady Heath made a strangled noise and then coughed gently into her handkerchief. “Please, excuse me.” She stood. “Son, do take me to your father.”
“He’s just over there, Mother.” Lord Heath stood only three feet away.
Lady Heath glared at him. Jonathan smiled and turned to Maddie. “May I escort you to the field for the hawk hunt?” he asked.
“Very gracious of you, but I have need of Miss Prescott’s escort myself.”
Jonathan ignored Lady Flora and willed Maddie to answer for herself. They would both need to be bold and willing to break the rules if they were going to succeed with this courtship. Come on with it, Maddie.
She nodded first and then spoke. “I’d love to.”
“I do know my brother wished to escort you, Miss Prescott,” Lady Flora said coldly.
“He did not ask,” Maddie returned.
Jonathan presented his elbow. “Shall we?”
“We shall.”
They were the first out the door to head to the fields, which meant everyone in the drawing room saw him escort Maddie from the room. It was as declarative as things could get at this point. Tonight would only convince them further. He could feel the eyes of everyone on his back, but as they stepped out the terrace doors, they couldn’t hear the murmurs of speculation.
“I hope I haven't caused you too much trouble,” Jonathan said.
“There was always going to be trouble. I knew that going into this.”
“What will they do?” Jonathan’s voice rang with concern.
“It depends on who it is. Lady Flora is probably speaking with my father right now. My brother will make snide comments as usual, and my father will at some point need to speak privately with me.”
She said it so resolutely it troubled him. He wanted to bear the brunt of all her troubles, but he simply couldn’t just yet.
Jonathan looked back. Everyone was following them at a distance. Who would have thought the heir to an earldom would have so much resistance to finding a wife? It was laughable. Someday, he could tell Winchester, and Winchester would understand.
He missed his friends. They were busy being husbands and fathers. Their lives were as different as night and day now. Even when he married Maddie, they would still be different. They married for love and Jonathan…well, he was marrying Maddie for different reasons. Would they ever have common ground again?
At the top of the hill was a man waiting with a great big bird on his arm.
“What an exquisite creature!” Maddie gasped.
As if on cue, the hawk spread its great wings.
The ladies and gentlemen sat on provided blankets while Mr. Wraith, the keeper of the hawk, gave them a demonstration of the birds hunting prowess.
Jonathan paid little attention to the demonstration. His mind was filled with different scenarios about how his family and her family might react. His own father and mother might not completely believe in his intentions and wait for further evidence, but her own, well, they had a strict plan to see her married to Berett, and now Jonathan was going to thwart it. What obstacles would they try to put in his way, he wondered? The first obstacle would undoubtedly be Lady Flora. She could keep him and Maddie apart simply by not allowing Maddie to leave their room. What would they do then? Jonathan would have Camden investigate the location of this room.
Mr. Wraith selected a volunteer, Miss Cecelia. The women gasped with delight as he instructed her to stand very still and hold her palm out and flat while he put a red pouch in it. Lady Worthington looked fit to faint, but Cecelia basked happily in everyone’s attention, that was until the hawk leapt from Mr. Wraiths arm and straight toward her. She shrieked and ducked. A cascade of screams resulted while the hawk retreated to the air above them. Mr. Wraith struggled to calm the ladies. Jonathan grumbled as he grew hot in the direct sun.
“Do they think this caterwauling is attractive?” Maddie said at his side. “She knew what was going to happen!”
“But why have a little attention when you can have even more,” Jonathan replied. As he said the words, Cecelia clung to the nearest gentlemen. Seeing it was Lord Davey, her sister’s betrothed, she immediately lurched away into another, more eligible gentleman's arms, Mr. Banks.
Jonathan was glad he wasn’t in her vicinity, or he might find her in his lap next. He leaned over to comment to Maddie to find her not there. He looked around, finding her crawling, rump in the air.
“What the devil are you doing?!”
She turned and smiled triumphantly. It was a view he preferred to savor in private, her round derriere in the air, her lush lips curved in mischief. He closed his eyes to savor the image. A different kind of heat, much hotter than the sun flushed over him. He opened his eyes as she stood, pouch in hand. She held it up with a big smile raised the sky, her palm flat.
Everyone quieted, waiting to see what the hawk would do.
Jonathan couldn’t take his eyes off Maddie. She looked like a goddess, ruler of all mortal beings, calling the hawk to her with her magic. The hawk was soaring high above them then dove dramatically. Maddie didn’t flinch, as the predator darted toward her, snatched the pouch, and returned to Mr. Wraith. The group erupted in applause. Maddie smiled at Mr. Wraith who nodded with approval. She’d quite possibly saved his entire show. Then she turned her radiant smile to Jonathan.
Jonathan felt it like a punch to the gut. She looked at no one else. He was the sole recipient of her joy. He cherished the moment as she returned to his side. She didn’t seem to mind the attention as the others hesitantly complimented her bravery as she passed. She took his arm and thanked Mr. Wraith again. He was beside himself with gratitude.
The demonstration ended, and the party returned to the house. Jonathan returned Maddie to her chaperone. Lady Flora looked coldly at them and instructed Maddie to return to their room for reflective calming, whatever that meant. The delightfulness of the afternoon waned quickly as Maddie left with Lady Flora, and Jonathan was again focused on how to gain further ground with his courtship. He retreated to his own room. He summoned Camden and gave him new orders. He needed to know where exactly Maddie’s room was and how one might escape it if need be.
Chapter 8
Maddie followed Lady Flora to their room in silence. The woman had the stiff gate of an executioner, and Maddie wore her courage like an invisible noose. This was the begin
ning of the end of her father’s plan, she reminded herself. She never had any doubts it would be difficult. He was a bullheaded man. Any form of defiance enraged him. But what would Lady Flora do? She’d threatened Maddie already, but perhaps that was only a threat?
They entered as Lady Flora held the door for Maddie and waved her through, her eyes glassy and hard. Maddie stepped through the entry quickly. Lady Flora was right on her heels, closed the door promptly, and turned, slapping Maddie as she did so.
Maddie stepped back, stunned, her cheek smarting, but really, it was minor. Maddie was angrier that Lady Flora would have the nerve to strike her, regardless of anything her father had said.
“How dare you.”
“How dare I? How dare you encourage another gentleman when you have an understanding with my brother.”
“There is no understanding. My father made me a promise. I have a month to find my own husband and if I don’t, only then will he try to force me to marry your brother.”
Lady Flora narrowed her eyes. “You wretched girl. You should be thanking your lucky stars my brother would even consider marrying you.”
“I haven’t thanked any stars, only wished fervently upon them that I will find another man to marry. You think me stupid, you think me as mad as they say? I’ve spent twenty-one years of my life under my father’s thumb, and I’d rather die than spend the rest of it under your brother’s control. I know Lord Berett. He is exactly like my father.”
“You ungrateful child.”
“Call me anything you want, but touch me again, and you will regret it.” Maddie twisted away and retreated to her room. Her hands shook. She was afraid. She leaned back against the door braced for a fight. Part of her welcomed it. She was not going to go willingly. Not anymore. She may not have anything in the way of money, but she had rights. She was of age. She could not be forced to marry Berett no matter what her father did. He might think the weight of his fist could rule her, but it certainly wasn’t above the law. She looked toward her window. She opened it and looked down. She was two floors above the ground floor. Below her were shrubs—no trees or trellis she could use to climb down if needed.
