Devoted to You

by Rebecca King

  “Yes, I did,” Mrs Kempton spat. “But then you had to go and marry him. You and that Edwards woman were like two cats fighting in a bag. She wouldn’t leave well alone either.”

  “Wait!” Aidan interjected. “Why would you want anyone to ‘leave well alone’? Whom I see and when has nothing to do with you, Mrs Kempton. You are the housekeeper, nothing more.”

  “What had Alice done to you? She was my wife,” Jerry demanded.

  Mrs Kempton turned a glare on him that was acidic. Rather than reply, she tipped her head back in defiance and threw a contemptuous glare at the dowager.

  “You never bothered to raise them yourself. You were always too busy entertaining your friends. That nanny of yours, Aldred, did the job for you, but even she wasn’t up to the job. They spent most of their childhood in the kitchens watching me cook. These boys are like my own. When it became apparent that you were prepared to sell your own son to the highest bidder, I decided to do whatever I could to protect their interests. After all, it was evident you didn’t care about them. I heard them talking. You pushed them into things they didn’t want: Aidan going to London; Jerry marrying that stupid Alice woman. He didn’t want to marry that awful creature he was lumbered with, but you wouldn’t leave him alone. They were miserable, but that never mattered to you. All you cared about were your blasted connections. It is a disgrace, the way you treated them. Your friends and associates were always more important than your own children. When he married that Alice creature, I decided to do what I could to help them, especially when it became evident that his wife hadn’t got a clue what she was doing, and was just as miserable as he was.”

  “You didn’t need to kill her,” Jerry snapped.

  “I didn’t intend to,” Mrs Kempton replied. “She was just moaning at me one day that she was fed up of you always going off on your travels. I told her that she should never have married you. She got upset and spun around to leave but her legs got tangled in her skirts, and she fell down the stairs.”

  “She was alive when she hit the bottom,” Rollo informed them quietly. “I found her lying there asking for help, but Mrs Kempton didn’t move. I don’t know how long the mistress had been asking Mrs Kempton to do something, but she was only alive for a few minutes once I arrived. She passed away asking why.”

  “You knew yet you never said anything to me.” Jerry glared accusingly at Rollo. “You protected her.”

  “I had no proof that Mrs Kempton had done anything wrong. The mistress wasn’t around to say anything. I just couldn’t accuse Mrs Kempton of murder just because I suspected she had pushed her. She just hadn’t helped her, but then I have no way of knowing when Alice fell down the stairs. I asked her why she hadn’t immediately summoned help after the funeral, but she refused to talk about it. She always said it was too distressing, and it was best forgotten.”

  “I didn’t want to help her,” Mrs Kempton informed them. “The world was a better place without her.”

  “But when she asked for help you had no idea that she would die from her injuries, did you?” Jerry’s voice was full of the fury everybody felt.

  “It was evident that she was severely injured from the way she was all twisted and bent,” Rollo said.

  “I told Rollo it was a blessing she was gone. You have done much better without her.” Mrs Kempton sounded almost proud of her accomplishments.

  “I thought you liked me,” Petal said, her voice full of confusion.

  “I couldn’t sit by while the master got himself lumbered with a servant. There is one thing to sleep with the man, another thing entirely to wreck his future by dragging him to your level. There is no possibility that you could ever join the circles he moves about in, and do anything other than make the man look a fool. Not only do you not belong because you do not have the connections, but you have never been trained or raised to know what to do. Your ignorance will let you down. More importantly, it will let him down. He had stars in his eyes, though, and was swayed by a beautiful face, and your eagerness for him.”

  “You hated Edwards because she was one of them,” Petal accused thinking over all the arguments Mrs Kempton had had with the nurse. Her protectiveness of Aidan had been evident then. Petal had just never stopped to consider why she had been that protective over someone who is, essentially, her boss.

  “She was a conniving woman. She wasn’t worthy either because she was just like that uncouth creature Jeremy got lumbered with,” she reported disparagingly.

  “Mrs Kempton, not liking someone does not give you the right to take their life. You are just the housekeeper. I know you have been a stalwart of the family home for a long time, but you are still an employee. It has gone far beyond your remit to involve ourselves in any of the family decisions, especially deciding who we should or should not marry,” Aidan declared.

  Mrs Kempton glared at him. “Someone has to look after you because your mother has never been able.”

  Nobody paid the dowager much attention when she stood and wandered over to the window to stare out absently across the landscape.

  Aidan lifted a querulous brow at Rollo. “So, what involvement have you had with today’s attempt on Petal’s life?”

  “I was definitely pushed,” Petal assured everyone.

  “Did you know what Mrs Kempton had done, or intended to do?”

  “No, I didn’t know what she planned. It shocked me as much as anyone else. I took my jacket off because I had been polishing silverware in the scullery. I just popped out to get some flowers for dinner. When I got back, my jacket had gone. While I was looking for it, Mrs Kempton appeared in the kitchen with it in her hand. I didn’t realise what she had done until I went into the hallway and saw Petal lying there like that. Then I began to wonder, especially when I saw her slip Laudanum into the tea. Don’t drink it, it is spiked.”

  He looked beleaguered. As though he had just had all hope dashed and was deflated by it. He frowned at the housekeeper who looked completely unperturbed at the potential ramifications for her.

  “It was you who gave me the Laudanum the other day, wasn’t it? You put it into my food to stop me doing what exactly?”

  Aidan was coldly furious, and determined to ensure Mrs Kempton was put behind bars where she couldn’t do anybody else any harm.

  “That Edwards woman was sniffing around you, and this little harlot was always practically in your bed. I decided to do something about the pair of them. If you were asleep, you wouldn’t be able to be conned into anything by their contrivances. So I put some Laudanum into the food, and I make no apology for having done so. When neither of them stopped squabbling over you, I decided something else was needed. Then you got rid of Edwards all by yourself. I nearly applauded. Unfortunately, there was nothing I could do about you bedding or wedding her. She isn’t of your kind. I decided then to make sure this silly arrangement was ended sooner rather than later. The big problem with your brother’s marriage was that it went on too long. If it had ended like yours should have today, then he wouldn’t have been half as miserable.”

  “I am not unhappy,” Aidan argued. “I love my wife and am glad to have found her. I don’t care what her background is. It is me who has to wake up with her every day. It is me who has to share a house with her. It was my choice, and nobody else’s who became my wife. Petal is my wife because I adore her and always will.”

  Petal stared at the housekeeper. “If you are so averse the marriage, why didn’t you say something in the church? You positively encouraged the union. In fact, you reminisced about your husband.”

  “I was hoping you would get the message. My husband was a servant just like me. I married my own kind. I had thought you would at least have the intelligence to pick up on my meaning. You didn’t though, and married him with stars in your eyes, hoping you could get your greedy little hands on this house.”

  “That isn’t why I married him at all,” Petal assured her. “I love my husband very much. I know that each morning I wake up wit
h him I am truly blessed. I am just grateful I have the opportunity to show him how much he means to me, and shall endeavour to do my very best to make him happy for the rest of our lives together. Lives which will, hopefully, be long and happy ones, in spite of you.”

  Aidan tightened his hold on her hand. He was inordinately proud of her, and couldn’t think of anything else to add to her declaration.

  At that moment, the sound of booted feet outside heralded the arrival of the magistrate and the doctor. Thankfully, with the presence of Jerry, Aidan and Rollo in the room, Mrs Kempton knew there was no way out, and merely glared at each person in turn as she was backed toward the fire.

  “I make no apology for what I did. I have served this family for nearly all of my life, to the total and almost complete sacrifice of my own life. My husband died digging their blasted garden, for Heaven’s sakes. You will never get a more committed person than I have been to this family,” she said.

  She glanced around the room at each individual in turn but found no help from any quarter. Not even Rollo, who watched her with a dark scowl of disapproval on his face.

  “You too, Rollo?” She asked with an air of desolation.

  “I don’t appreciate you trying to implicate me in your scheming, woman. I have always suspected you but had nothing to take to anyone. Suspicions aren’t enough, so I have had to just hope you wouldn’t do it again. It shall be a relief to be able to get you out of this house so we can all be safe, and sleep soundly in our beds at night,” he declared coldly.

  This seemed to help Mrs Kempton make her mind up about something. Before anyone could do anything, she took a small bottle out of her pocket, yanked out the cork, and downed the contents of the bottle in one gulp. She dropped it onto the carpet and smiled sadly at the room.

  A moment of horrified hesitation swept over everyone. The magistrate lurched forward to try to stop her but her eyes rolled to the back of her head before he reached her.

  She fell to the floor. Her wide, sightless eyes confirmed her death.

  “What the hell?” Aidan growled staring in horror at the deceased woman.

  “It looks like some sort of poison,” the magistrate informed them. “She has gone.”

  “Perhaps it's just as well,” Jerry sighed. “Although I won’t be attending her funeral, nor will I have her buried in the cemetery at Abbeygate, she can at least be laid to rest in the village graveyard. At least she won’t be a danger to anybody else now. Nor do we need to discuss this with anyone outside of this room now that her crimes don’t have to go to the judge.”

  “Nobody mentions what has happened to anyone,” Aidan reiterated. “The magistrate can attest that she has admitted to the murder of Alice, and attempted murder of Petal, to everyone here today. However, she is now dead so no further action is required.”

  Everyone nodded their agreement never to discuss it outside of the room.

  The dowager sighed. “Now that Mrs Kempton is no longer with us, Petal can sort out how this house is run. I am, of course, happy to assist in any way I can. After all, I am aware you need to learn how to. Meantime, I think you both should rest.”

  With that, Mrs Kempton was carried out of the room.

  “Do you want to move room for the night?” Aidan asked once Petal had been examined by the doctor.

  Now that they were alone, Aidan drew his wife lovingly into his arms. He had been assured by the doctor that Petal had sustained nothing more than a few bruises, but he still needed to make certain that she was going to be alright.

  “I am not at all squeamish about things like that so it doesn’t bother me,” Petal replied. “But I will if you wish.”

  Aidan shook his head. He slid down in the bed until they were face-to-face.

  “How are you? Really?” He murmured softly as he studied her face for signs of pain or distress.

  “Shocked,” she replied ruefully. “I have to confess that when you left to go riding, I was bored and decided that I needed something to do with my time. Now, after what has happened, I don’t care how quiet it is, I shall be glad of it. Excitement is all well and good but not if it threatens our lives or our happiness.”

  “I don’t want you to be bored in our marriage,” Aidan said with a frown.

  “Oh, please don’t misunderstand. It isn’t you I am bored with. It is just that this house has been run to Mrs Kempton’s standards, and I have nothing much to think about. I almost need a little project of my own to think about.”

  “Well, there is the new housekeeper to arrange now. My mother has surprised me but was emphatic about her offer of help. I think she will be offended if you don’t ask for her assistance. You may have to concoct something just to assure her that you aren’t snubbing her. I believe she is quite taken with you,” he mused, openly delighted.

  Petal smiled at him, inwardly thrilled at the formidable matron’s shocking acceptance of their union.

  “I have a little project for you to work on,” he murmured huskily once he had eased her around to face him.

  “Oh?” She asked. Her eyes were bright with anticipation.

  “Yes, I want you to take a look at the rest of the rooms up here and pick one you think would be acceptable as a nursery. Then I believe that we should set to work to ensure that your days are kept busy. Once you have recovered, of course.”

  She smiled in delight.

  “I can think of nothing better.” When her husband tugged her down until she lay beside him, she smiled up at him softly. “There is just one stipulation.”

  Aidan laughed. “You are giving me stipulations already?”

  “Of course I am, it is my job to keep you in line,” she replied cheekily.

  Aidan grinned. “What?”

  “I don’t want a nanny raising the children. I know it is unheard of, but I want to look after our children myself. I don’t want any staff to do what I am perfectly capable of doing. Besides, I need something to do with my time.”

  “It will be time-consuming,” Aidan replied cautiously. “Why don’t we get your personal maid to help you? You could have a part-time nanny to help if you need a break, I suppose.”

  Considering the enormity of what they were discussing, Aidan would have given her with anything she asked for.

  “If you want to look after the baby yourself that is fine by me, as long as you have time for me.”

  She tugged his head down to hers and gave him a very thorough kiss. “I will always have time for you. You are my husband. I am here to serve you. As your wife, I am devoted to you.”

  “As I am you, my darling wife,” Aidan assured his wife and set about showing her just how devoted to her he truly was.

  The End.

  MISTAKEN IDENTITY

  SAVED BY DESIRE SERIES

  BOOK THREE

  Available end June 2016

  When Marcus finds himself in a strange town in yet another unfamiliar part of the country he feels more jaded than ever. Determined to bring his part in the investigation of Terrence Sayers to a temporary halt so he can make a long awaited visit home, he joins his colleagues, Joe, and Barnaby, in the search for the man who is hiding in the village somewhere.

  When the finger of suspicion falls upon the rather dubious brother of the village’s lodging house owner, Marcus becomes their newest resident in a quest to discover just how far the brother’s crimes go. However, distracted by Jessica’s delectable beauty, he finds it difficult to investigate each of the strange occupants of the rather unusual lodgings she runs, and finds himself spending more time uncovering her secrets than her brother’s. He soon finds himself going to rather questionable lengths to gain her cooperation; including a little seduction.

  Strange guests and secretive brothers aside, his life takes a surprising turn when his relationship with Jessica quickly deepens. It becomes evident that the lies he has told her will have to become truths if he hopes to have a place in her life. Will she still want him when she discovers just who he really is, or will
the exploits of her brother mean a future between them is impossible? After all, a reputable investigator for the Star Elite cannot be seen to be consorting with a criminal – can he?

  HOPELESS HEART

  COMING IN JULY 2016

  Georgiana Hungerton’s hedonistic behaviour of late is a cause of concern for everybody who knows her, especially Will. It is so uncharacteristic of her that her family is thrown into complete turmoil and are at a loss to know how to stop her.

  Georgiana doesn’t care, though. Nothing matters except that her future is now one of spinsterhood. Before she departs for the desolate wilds of Yorkshire, she is determined to salvage something out of her life and draws up a list of things she wants to do before she departs for the country. It doesn’t matter to her that most of her experiences are somewhat risky, to say the least. The man she had planned to marry throughout her childhood was now going to be wed to someone else. What was there to lose?

  William Calhoun is horrified to have to rescue her from some rather daring pursuits that leave even his hardened heart shaken, and her brothers desperate. While her family is frantic, Will sees a person he doesn’t recognise as rather timid a young girl he grew up with. He had never once considered Georgiana to be so reckless before. Nevertheless, she seems determined to tread a path of self-destruction that nobody is able to help her off.

  Torn between his need to plan his wedding, and a desperate desire to save her from ruin, Will’s life is thrown into turmoil. Not least because the passionate young lady he has always considered family leaves a mark on him, and he begins to see a future with his fiancé that looks rather insipid.

  Is it too late to call off the wedding? Can he persuade Georgiana to confide in him and consider an entirely different life – with him?