A Bond of Honour

by Joan Vincent

  Grimacing at the taste, Juliane coughed. “What was that?"

  "Something to soothe your nerves, my dear,” a frigid voice informed her.

  The most formidable woman she had ever seen entered Juliane's vision as she turned her head toward that implacable voice. The massive and elaborately powdered periwig was beyond belief. It must be my imagination, she thought. No one could travel with such a coiffure.

  "Mama,” André said softly as he crept close to her.

  "Never fear André, I am fine,” she comforted him. Juliane attempted to sit up, but everything began to swirl again. She did not resist when Lord Adrian pressed her back to the bed.

  "What did you give me?” she accused. Passing her hand before her eyes, she sleep was beginning to overwhelm her. Juliane became alarmed when she realized it was difficult to think.

  "How am I to care for the children?” she asked, panic putting an edge to her voice.

  "You need not worry about them. Meg has agreed to let Alva come and stay with us during our visit to Trees. Everything is arranged. Rest now. We will be home soon."

  "Alva with us? Home soon?” Juliane found it so difficult to reason. “Home? Judith—the children, I must...” She drifted asleep.

  Lady Tretain, who could not make sense from Lady Juliane's mutterings touched her son's elbow. “What is she rambling about?"

  "It is nothing,” dismissed Lord Adrian.

  "Mallatt, fetch Lady Juliane's cloak and then fetch a rug from the coach. I do not wish to risk her taking a chill.

  "Meg!” the earl called loudly.

  Disliking to desert Lady Juliane with such a harridan descending upon her, Meg had been hovering close by the door. When she entered and saw Lady Juliane collapsed on the bed she gasped.

  "It is all right, Meg. We gave her a draught to help her rest. You know how much she has overexerted of late.

  "Will you have Alva ready the children? Are the warming bricks ready yet?"

  Meg eyed those in the room with mistrust. Lady Juliane had not been happy with the idea of leaving. Were these people to be trusted?

  "The bricks be ready,” she said slowly. “Be ye certain her ladyship be all right?"

  Lord Adrian went to Meg and put a hand on her shoulder. He looked directly at her. “I promise you, Lady Juliane will have only the best of care from now on."

  "Ye make sure o’ that, m'lord,” Meg choked. She turned away quickly and called to André to come with her.

  * * * *'

  With Mallatt's help, Lord Adrian wrapped Lady Juliane in her cloak.

  His mother sat on the lone chair during this procedure. After Mallatt went for the rug, mother and son assessed each other.

  "Is she your wife?” Lady Tretain asked.

  "Would I travel to Trees with her if she were not?” the earl parried.

  "I know not,” she sighed. “I am an old woman and not well. You have tried me sorely these years past. I trust you have enough feeling for your heritage, if not for me, not to play such a farce."

  Returning, Mallatt said, “The rug, my lord."

  "Let us wrap it about her. I will carry her. You shall take down the remainder of the baggage.

  "Don't give me that look. I am completely restored and trust I can manage her,” Lord Adrian snapped when Mallatt hesitated. He lifted Lady Juliane into his arms.

  "Mother, if you will."

  Lady Tretain rose and haughtily swept from the room. If her son would not confide in her, she would soon see how this “wife” withstood her “welcome."

  * * * *

  Alva and the children were settled in the light carriage in which Lady Tretain's servants travelled by the time Lord Adrian's party reached the yard. His mother ordered her abigail to accompany the children and allowed Mallatt to hand her into the coach.

  Since Lady Julianne had not proven a bit of fluff, Lord Adrian handed her to Jove. He glanced up and saw the coachmen absorbing every detail. They would store everything they saw and heard to share with the staff at Trees.

  Doubting he could he forestall them he climbed into the coach and asked the farmer to hand Lady Juliane to him.

  "Mallatt, I wish you to replay the coachman and take up the ribbons. Mind you, keep the pace easy.

  "Meg, Jove. Thank you for your kindness. I will take care that Alva is happy in her work. You will be rewarded,” he told them.

  "God speed to ye, m'lord,” Jove told him.

  A footman closed the door at Lord Adrian's nod.

  The interior of the coach was richly appointed and thickly padded with velvet cushions. Lord Adrian settled Lady Juliane amongst these. Making himself comfortable in the opposite corner, he eased her head onto his lap.

  After carefully tucking the rug around her and arranging the warming bricks to his satisfaction, Lord Adrian signalled Mallatt to set off. Then he lifted his feet and placed them leisurely on the opposite seat.

  Lady Tretain hurumphed as she moved her skirts to avoid having them creased by his boots.

  "Three teams, Mother?” Lord Adrian said archly and then leaned his head back and closed his eyes to begin to sort matters out. Was he playing the fool?

  Opening his eyes, Tretain looked down at the tumble of auburn hair. This woman raised a warmth within him that he had not felt for a woman since ... for a long time.

  There was such an appealing innocence, an earnestness about her. He brushed back a straying tendril and laid his arm across Juliane's shoulders. He had been deceived once in the past and yearned to know if he would be again.

  Closing his eyes once more, Lord Adrian tried to relax. She had not once mentioned marriage and she could easily demand it under the circumstances. Surely that was a sign in her favour. Yes, this time it would be different. If she would but trust me.

  Lady Tretain watched her son for some time. Despite the outward appearance, it was still difficult to believe he had a wife and family.

  Why was this “Lady Juliane” unconscious. More importantly why did her son wish to keep the woman so?

  The young woman did not appear to be in his general line. Or what Adrian had led her to believe was his type. Her gown was simple. She did not possess a periwig and had no abigail. The latter fact was the most damnable. No lady of Quality would dare travel without a personal made. Most certainly not without a nurse for the children.

  Why, in her day—but this was not her “day” and it was her duty to make sure her son did not make an utter fool of himself over some chit. She would have to see how far he would carry this foolishness.

  * * * *

  Dusk was falling when the coach halted. Lord Tretain instantly became alert. He relaxed when the coach door was opened by his coachman.

  "With your permission, my lord, Mallatt wishes to rest the horses before proceeding further."

  "Very well. In the servants’ carriage you will find a basket of food Meg packed for us. Have the footman bring it to us."

  "Yes, my lord."

  Lowering his feet to the floor, Adrian looked at his mother. “I hope you do not mind a cold collation."

  "Do I have a choice?"

  "One would think you were not pleased with me,” he smiled mischievously.

  "Long ago you grew accustomed to my not being pleased with you. Have you ever altered your behaviour to please me?"

  "But Mother, I have only done what you have urged upon me for these past years,” Lord Adrian answered innocently.

  Lady Juliane stirred just as Mallatt opened the coach door.

  "André’ has been asking after her ladyship, my lord. Would it be permissible for him to join you for your repast?"

  "Yes, bring him.

  "Mother, where did you place the laudanum?” he asked when Juliane stirred again.

  "It is not healthy to keep her drugged. You cannot do so indefinitely. Why do you fear having her conscious? Is she that much of an embarrassment?"

  "No!"

  His tone and accompanying look startled Lady Tretain. She was inured to h
is disobedience, but he had never before been disrespectful.

  "I know what is best for ... my ‘wife.’ I wish her to sleep until morning. She was unduly concerned over meeting you and I will not have her upset."

  "Not have her upset? Of all the upstart—You descend upon me with a ‘family’ and care not how it affects me? And think I am to welcome them with open arms.

  "What of her family? Is her background correct?” she staccatoed.

  Lord Adrian tightened his hold around Juliane as if to ward off blows. “I did not descend upon you. Rather it was the other way,” he said icily.

  "We have not gotten along well in the past, Mother. I regret that. But do not cross me in this. I will not have Juliane harmed by anyone. Do you understand?"

  "My lord,” came a call from without.

  "Yes? Ah, André. Here take hold. That's right. Now sit beside your grandmère."

  He smiled when the boy threw him a startled look. “She will not eat you. Are you hungry?

  "Mother, will you find something for him?"

  Lady Tretain opened the basket. After removing the towel that covered the contents, she passed pieces of bread and cheese to André, who took them gingerly.

  "Why do you stare at me so?” she snapped, still angry with Lord Adrian.

  "I have never had a grandmère before and you. You are so ... magnifique. Can it be you are truly Papa's mama?” he asked incredulously.

  Softening at his openness, the Countess laughed. “Yes, André, I am Lord Adrian's mama. And you, where did you learn French?"

  "But where else, Grandmère, at home,” he answered, puzzled.

  She looked to Lord Adrian for explanation.

  "André and Leora were born and raised in France."

  "Your ‘wife’ is French? She cannot be."

  "No, she is as English as you and I. Circumstances ... deemed it wise for her and the children to remain in France until now.

  "Let us eat. It will be very late when we arrive at Trees."

  * * * *

  It was near midnight when arrived at their destination. In the moonlight Trees was magnificent.

  Built in Elizabethan times, it had been expanded wisely and lovingly over the years. Lord Adrian's father had made several improvements in the interior, mainly to ensure the comfort of the dwellers. The present earl wished Juliane could be awake to see this first breathtaking glimpse as they rounded the tree-lined drive and the house emerged into full view.

  Tired from the journey, Lord Adrian yawned as the coach halted before the main steps.

  The children and Alva had to be awakened, as did most of the household. No one had imagined the countess would return at such an untoward hour. They were further startled to learn that the master accompanied her. And more, he had a wife and two children with him. What wonder was this?

  "I gather you have kept the master bedroom in readiness for your ‘victory', Mother."

  "You will not..."

  "See to it that the countess’ room is in all readiness,” the earl cut her off coldly. “We shall be here for only a brief visit but I want my wife afforded all the respect due her.

  "We shall place the children in the two rooms across from our suite. That will be quite suitable for a temporary nursery. Juliane will wish the children near us as they are quite easily frightened.

  "Will you see to the orders for me?” he asked conciliatorily.

  "As you wish,” Lady Tretain answered coldly. “It will take a few moments. I will instruct a fire to be started in the small salon. You may be comfortable there until the rooms are ready."

  A thought entering his mind, he said, “And, Mother—"

  "Yes?"

  "Do you have a young servant girl who would be capable of acting as Juliane's abigail? She need only be trustworthy."

  "I will ask Mrs. Soams to recommend someone. Everyone here is trustworthy,” she added, insulted to the core.

  Lord Adrian left Lady Juliane in the hands of his mother's abigail and a young girl named Bess. Believing they would settle her safely into bed, he went to check on the children.

  Alva, although slightly overwhelmed by the size of Trees and the stateliness of its furnishings, was nevertheless carrying on efficiently with the children.

  "If there is anything you need for the children or yourself, all you need do is ask."

  "I be havin’ all I be needin', m'lord. ‘Cept, could a cradle be found for Mistress Leora? She could fall out of that huge bed."

  Lord Adrian immediately went into the hall and instructed the liveried servant he encountered there to fetch a cradle from the nursery. he said, Returning to the temporary nursery he said, “It will be here soon."

  Tretain went to the bedside and tousled the yawning boy's curls. “Sleep well André. We will visit in the morning.

  "You are good at games—non? We mustn't let Grandmère know our secret just yet."

  André nodded and curled into a ball.

  "Good night.” Lord Adrian leaned down and kissed the boy's forehead. He was rewarded with a hug and a kiss. “Sleep well."

  Going back to Alva, he asked, “How is Leora? Is there any sign of her cough?"

  "No, m'lord. Me mum sent some of her makin's along if it should be back, but she be fine."

  Lord Adrian gazed down at the babe. Noticing for the first time how much she favoured Juliane, he wished she was his daughter. If only they were mine, he thought, leaving the room.

  Mallatt had finished laying out Lord Adrian's things in the master suite when Lord Adrian went to it. The earl quickly undressed and washed. Then he drew his robe over his nightshirt. “What is worrying you, Mallatt? I will do the girl no harm."

  "It is not that, my lord. I believe we were followed, but I cannot be certain."

  "Followed! So they have not given up.” Lord Adrian began to pace. “If only we knew what or who was pursuing them. Have Holdt get two able-bodied men to stand guard outside the children's room. We cannot be too careful.” He waved dismissal.

  Preoccupied, Tretain stood where he was for a long time after Mallatt left. Then, purposefully, he opened the door to the short passageway connecting the master bedrooms.

  "My lord,” bobbed Bess. “Her ladyship is abed and sleeping well. Do you wish me to stay the night with her?"

  "No, that will not be necessary. Allow her to sleep as late as she wishes in the morning, but call me as soon as she wakes,” he commanded, not even glancing at the maid.

  "Yes, my lord. Good night, my lord.” With another curtsy Bess left.

  Lord Adrian vaguely heard the door shut as he approached Juliane's bedside. After gazing at her for a time, he blew out the candle beside her bed. “Good night, my angel, my..."

  Adrian drew the hangings shut around the bed and pinched out the candles. Leaving the room he went back to his but let the connecting doors open.

  Easing between the fine lawn sheets which had been warmed, his mind whirled. Lord Adrian didn't realize he had gone to sleep until he heard the cries.

  CHAPTER 12

  When the cries came again, Lord Adrian awoke with a start. Thinking he was in France, he reached for the dagger he usually kept with him. His panic at not finding it beside him brought the earl to full consciousness.

  He was home at Trees? Why? Then the cries ... ah!

  Lord Adrian jumped up and, after fumbling briefly, found a flint and lit the candle. Shielding the flame with his hand, he ran to Lady Juliane's room.

  The earl jerked the bed draperies open and saw that she had became ensnarled in the bedding. Setting the candle down, Lord Adrian grabbed Juliane's shoulders and shook her.

  Her eyes flew open.

  At the wild fear and panic within them, Lord Adrian stepped back as if slapped.

  "Juliane! Juliane. There is nothing to fear. It is I, Adrian."

  Juliane struggled fiercely, then collapsed back, closing her eyes.

  Gently, Lord Adrian brushed the hair from her face, and eased her entanglement. “What is it
? What is wrong?” He took her hand, clasping it tightly.

  Feeling the cold band of metal around one finger, he opened his hand and inspected the ring. It had a crest on it. Studying it closely, Lord Adrian memorized its features. It was his first clue as to who she was.

  Lady Juliane moaned and began tossing about again.

  "You are dreaming,” he soothed. “A bad dream, but you are safe now."

  She slowly opened her eyes.

  Lord Adrian saw that they were still glazed from the effects of the laudanum. It must have been a powerful dream to recall her to consciousness while under the drug's effect.

  "Have they come back?” she asked, gripping his arm.

  "Who, Juliane? Has who come back?"

  "It is not enough that Judith is dead. Oh, God, she is dead.” Tears ran down her cheeks.

  Lord Adrian took her hands to comfort her. “Who is Judith?"

  Juliane looked up at him pleadingly. “Why did they kill her? Why was the baron not there?"

  "Baron? Who is the baron?"

  "Thomas. I should have written Thomas. Why can I not find Uncle? Why?” she sobbed.

  Sitting on the edge of the bed, he lifted Juliane and held her close. Her arms tightened around him while she cried out all the grief and fear she had subdued since arriving at Rouen.

  Holding Juliane, Lord Adrian became very anger with whomever had caused her this pain.

  A long while later he realized Juliane's sobs had ceased. He saw she had fallen asleep. He tenderly laid her back upon the pillows and straightened the covers. Then the earl softly kissed her lips. After gazing at her for several moments, Lord Adrian took the candle, now nearly guttered out, and walked slowly back into his room.

  The sun's rays silhouetted the furniture. Lord Adrian dressed rapidly. Then lighting a new candle, he stalked from his room to the library in the main hall.

  * * * *

  Later that morning Holdt found the earl in the library poring over the latest registry of the aristocracy and gentry.

  "What is it?” Lord Adrian asked brusquely when the valet approached.

  "My lord, the countess wishes you to join her for breakfast."

  "Tell her I will do so soon,” he said absentmindedly. Slowly the earl closed the large book and stared into space.