The Duke Who Loved Me

by Rachelle Stevensen

  After he got dressed, he walked to Cole’s room. When he knocked and heard Cole’s voice telling him to enter, Aidan walked inside.

  Cole was in bed, and was shirtless; with a sling over one shoulder supporting his arm.

  Cole looked up when Aidan walked in. “How are you today?” Aidan asked as he walked to Cole’s bed.

  Cole tried to shrug, and grimaced. “Good lord that hurts.”

  Aidan quirked one side of his mouth up and Cole growled. “I hate this. Lying here in this bed like an invalid. Mother said I need to rest. It hasn’t even been 24 hours and I am going insane. I don’t know how you did it for those months. Both times.”

  Aidan chuckled darkly, “Trust me on this, it was not my favorite thing. I wished every single day that I could leave my bed and never see it again for a very, very long time.”

  Cole shook his head. “I am sorry brother. Truly.”

  Aidan nodded, “It wasn’t your fault Cole. None of that was. I never blamed you, mother, or anyone. It was always him. His evil deeds did those things to me. He held the whip, not you. He made the decision to hurt us, not you. I wanted to try to shield you from it. To take your punishments so you didn’t need to feel his wrath. And now, even after he is long dead, he is still haunting us. I never knew that someone would enter our home, and try to hurt us. Not again. It was so far from the realm of possibilities, it never occurred to me. Not once.”

  Cole nodded, “I had no idea either. I don’t think any of us did. Not mother, especially not her. I am worried that what he said was true.” Cole shook his head, and rubbed at the scruff on his chin.

  “Was he truly our cousin? How could we not know that our father had a twin? How could we have not seen this as a possibility?”

  Aidan looked at Cole, who had his head down, shaking it repeatedly as if this would shake the answers free. He had no idea either, and that was a hard thing to take.

  “I am so confused. And that is the hardest part Aidan. Not me getting shot, but how many questions were left unanswered. How many things we should know, but don’t. Never did know them at all. I need to look into this Aidan. I have to. For our family. He said our father could still be alive, but if he is, where has he been for all these years? What could have made him stay away?”

  Cole rubbed his forehead and sighed. “I need to get these answers. Otherwise, we are leaving a piece of our legacy to die. Maybe it already has, but I have to know Aidan.”

  Aidan stood up and paced back and forth. “I know you want the questions answered Cole. I do too. Yesterday, it completely shattered the illusion of our father. Of most things we already thought we knew. I want to know the answers to these questions as well. I just worry Cole. I am still not accepted in the ton. And, I am starting my life with Rhia. I don’t want to leave her to go on a wild goose chase. I just can’t. If you want the answers, go and find what you can, and I will help from here. I give you my full support and I will do what I can for you.”

  A voice spoke up from the doorway, and Lily walked in Cole’s room. “I am going with you Cole. When you are well enough, I am going. I want to know this too. Braddock told me some things, he said I was actually his sister, as was Rose. That his father was the one who fathered us. Not yours. I want to know the truth. I need to know too. So, I am telling you Aidan, not asking. Telling that I am going with Cole.”

  Rose walked in next, with Lydia trailing behind. “I will stay here with Aidan. I can help from here and I know mother has a lot to do with the villagers.”

  Lydia was looking down at the ground. When she looked up, tears were running down her cheeks, and she sobbed.

  “I am scared to find out the answers Cole. Truly frightened of what will happen if we do. What if the man we thought was your father, truly wasn’t? What if your real father is still alive? I honestly had no idea that he was a twin. It never came up, and I would have not questioned it, until that fateful time he came back completely different. So different. Like it wasn’t him at all.”

  Lydia held a hand to her stomach, and one to her mouth, as she tried to hold in a sob.

  “He didn’t know when my birthday was, when your birthday was. He didn't know the day we wed. Even though he said he would never forget that day as long as he lived. He had no clue about things he had previously known. He didn’t even try to be the father he was before. He didn’t remember the song he would sing to you before you went to bed. And how he would cradle you both to his chest while he sang it. Those were the hardest things for me. That he stopped being the great father he was, and turned into someone who couldn’t stand the sight of you. Especially Aidan. My heart broke every night when you waited for him to come sing to you, and he never did. You were such small boys, and you didn’t understand.”

  Lydia put both hands to her mouth and tears poured down her cheeks. She sobbed and said, “My babies just didn’t understand what happened to their loving father. He looked the same, but hated you. And all you wanted was for him to hold you, to love you like he did before. And it broke me. Broke me so deep inside to see his hatred.”

  She sobbed until Aidan pulled her into his arms and gently rocked her back and forth. “Shh, mother. We will figure this out together. Like we always have. Please, don’t cry.”

  Cole tried to rise from his bed, to comfort his mother as well, but Lily gave him a stern look and he stayed where he was.

  Lydia took a deep breath to calm herself, “Cole, please be careful. If this is important to you, then go. Find what you seek, and come back to me. Don’t get yourself killed over this. If this is a mystery we can’t solve because you have to choose between answers or death, then please let this mystery stay a mystery. Nothing is worth more than your life. Not a single thing. No answers are worth your life. Please. I can’t lose you. Not my child.”

  She broke down, almost collapsing into sobs yet again.

  Aidan scooped her into his arms and held her tightly, like she was a small child.

  Cole climbed carefully from his bed; disregarding Lily’s look this time.

  Clutching the bed sheets around his hips, he walked to where Aidan was holding their sobbing mother, and Cole reached out, and cupped her face in one palm.

  “I will be careful mother. And, if Lily wishes to go with me, then I shall take her. I will do what I think is best. And, you know I will take care. I want to come back here and see how much Rhia has turned Aidan inside out. I will always come back. And, I have a girl out there just waiting for me to stop being a stubborn ass, and finally speak to her. I have to be all right mother. For that reason, along with countless others.”

  Lydia pushed out of Aidan’s arms and hugged Cole tightly.

  The girls rushed over and they all held tightly together in a circle for a minute. Cole broke it up, saying, “My arm hurts something fierce right now. Bloody stupid bullets.”

  Aidan helped him walk to his closet and put on a pair of breeches.

  Aidan made Cole sit in a chair and he cleared his throat, “All right, Cole, you can take Lily with you to London. You will both take care and if something happens, you will send for me immediately.”

  Cole nodded his head, “Of course Aidan. I will send you letters and let you know how everything is going. Every single step of the way. You will be informed. Do not doubt that.”

  Aidan nodded as well and went on, “I know that yesterday was a huge blow to our family and it has affected us, we just haven’t quite figured out all the emotions of the day yet. I am sure it will hit us all soon. Last night I realized that life was much too short to stay in the dark and not live my life. I will not hide away any longer, and I am not waiting to marry Rhia. I know it is soon after everything, trust me; this is something I have agonized over. But I will wait no longer to make her my wife. I went about it wrong yesterday and only had our family present. We need to include our staff, her friend Julia and the correct priest from the village. I want to do something for Rhia, make it a day to remember, for both of us. This should be a celebra
tion, not something locked away in a small room with few people attending. She deserves that. And more. I want to do what we can. But I need to know if I am pushing this too far, or doing this too fast.”

  Lydia stood up and walked up to him, grabbing his hands, “Aidan, we shouldn’t let this rule our lives any longer. If we can’t move on from this, I am afraid we will always be stuck. I think we can get everything ready for tomorrow. Is that soon enough?”

  Aidan nodded and looked to Cole. “Will you be well enough for that? I know Rhia asked you to give her away.”

  Cole nodded. “I am a little dizzy today, but tomorrow I will be right as rain. Just tell me what I need to do, and I can do it.”

  Lydia put her hands on her hips, “You sir are going straight to bed. If you are feeling dizzy, you need to rest. We will sort everything out. Cole, I will bring you some medicine to help you sleep.”

  Lydia turned and walked from the room. Cole sighed and walked to his bed.

  Aidan put a hand over his mouth to stifle his laughter, but it still came out. Cole glared at him. “Very funny Aidan.”

  Cole grimaced at his bed and climbed in with a sigh.

  Lily and Rose were at his side, helping him situate his blankets and propping pillows up for him.

  He rolled his eyes, but allowed them to fuss. Lydia came back and had her bag with her.

  She quickly mixed together some herbs and medicines and gave it to Cole. He drank it down with a shudder, and Aidan ushered everyone out of the room.

  They walked down the hall and Rhia’s door opened to reveal her, standing there, so beautiful.

  Aidan grinned and walked quickly to her side. He leaned down, hugged her and lifted her off her feet to kiss her. “Good morning love. Did you sleep well?”

  Aidan chuckled when Rhia blushed and she cleared her throat and nodded. “I slept very well, thank you.”

  Aidan placed her back to her feet and said, “Where are you headed my love?”

  Rhia smiled at him, “Julia and I were going to walk outside. We wanted some fresh air and she wanted to speak to me about something.”

  Aidan raised one eyebrow, “May I help you get there?”

  Rhia nodded and Aidan held out his arm for her. Then, he held his other arm out to Julia.

  Julia giggled and walked to him, putting her arm through his, and Aidan escorted them outside.

  He pulled Julia aside for a minute and told her of his plans. Julia nodded excitedly and told him she would help with anything he needed.

  Rhia watched as Aidan pulled Julia aside and then he gave her a wink and walked away.

  Rhia loved him. She knew that it had been impossible, but somehow everything worked out for them.

  She was beyond grateful that he was hers. And she wouldn’t question it. Never again would she ever doubt him.

  Julia cleared her throat and Rhia looked over at her. “There is something I need to speak with you about,” she said and Rhia nodded her head for Julia to continue.

  “I wanted to tell you how sorry I am for not being the friend you needed the last few days. First not being there after the ball, and then yesterday. I am such a failure, I came here to help you and at the first sign of trouble, I was nowhere to be found.”

  Julia sat down on a bench, and put her head in her hands.

  Rhia sat with her and put a hand on Julia’s back. “Jules, what are you talking about? I knew that when I left, I was going to have to figure things out on my own. I have done that. I am so happy you are here with me, but Julia, you don’t need to protect me. I was just fine that night. And yesterday, I am so glad you weren’t in that room. It was something no one should have witnessed, and knowing you were safe elsewhere? That helped me a lot.”

  Julia threw her arms around Rhia’s neck and sobbed.

  “Well, I am still sorry. There was a reason why I haven’t been around, it’s, well it’s because I met someone, and,” Julia cleared her throat and kept going, “We want to get married. We know this is fast, but we also know it’s right for us. He was who I was with when you left the first time, and he is the one who helped everyone escape from that room in the first place.”

  Rhia smiled at Julia, “I am so happy for you! Oh, my dear sweet Jules. I thought my courtship with Aidan is fast, but when it’s right? Why stop? I confess that Aidan told me of your love. I hope that is all right. But, please tell me of the man who has caught your eye.”

  Julia smiled, “If you know, that is a weight off my conscience. I am grateful he told you. I didn’t plan for this to happen, not this way and not this quickly. But you said it yourself. When it’s right, why stop? My dear John. He is the stable master and Aidan’s dear friend. Oh Rhia, he is wonderful and kind. I love him so much. We can’t wait to marry and start a family. I knew he was it from the moment I saw him. And he felt the same.”

  Rhia giggled, “I have only met John a few times, but he seems like such a nice man. I am so happy for you. And, I am not upset you weren’t always there. I am so glad you found your love. Now it seems we both have something we were worried about finding. And, here we are together.”

  Julia laughed, “I cannot wait to tell him you are all right with it. He wasn’t worried, and to tell you the truth, neither was I. I knew you would never begrudge my happiness. It’s not who you are.”

  Rhia laughed too, “Of course not. Let’s go find him and we can be properly introduced.”

  Julia stood and helped Rhia to her feet. They walked down the path to the mews and Julia called out to a stable boy.

  He ran off and a man came out, he was tall, not quite as tall as Aidan, but he still stood taller than most men.

  He had light brown hair and bright blue eyes. He had a slight scruff on his face, like he hadn’t shaved in a few days, but it made him look handsome. He looked older, closer to his thirties than twenties, and when he saw Julia, he grinned so large it lit up his entire face.

  He rushed over to them and lifted Julia up off the ground and swung her around.

  He kissed her as he did so, and Julia laughed and threw her arms around him.

  Rhia laughed as well, and John put Julia on her feet with a final kiss.

  Julia was blushing and he pulled her into his side. “I take it you spoke with Rhia?”

  Julia nodded and John turned to look at Rhia, he held out his hand and Rhia held out hers and John brought her hand up for a kiss.

  “Lovely to meet you my lady. This girl is the most exceptional woman I have ever met and I cannot wait to make her my wife. I am also glad to hear you are marrying Aidan. He is a wonderful man, and we have worked together for many years. He needed someone to see past his scars, and I am glad it is you. Julia and Aidan both have told me great things about you.”

  Rhia blushed a little and thanked him. “I am glad Julia found someone. Thank you for loving her. She helped me in my darkest days. I cherish her and her friendship very much. She is so selfless and loving.”

  John tightened his hold on Julia and kissed her forehead softly. “Yes, she is.”

  Julia looked up at him, and Rhia just knew they were in love. You could see it in their eyes, the way they held each other, the way they spoke to each other as they were doing now.

  And it made Rhia so happy that the best friend she had in the entire world was as happy as she was.

  As in love as she was. Rhia felt that there was something about this house that she knew was special.

  Yes, she knew that not everything had been good and perfect there, had in fact witnessed it for herself, but she also knew this house held a special place in her heart.

  John left the girls and got back to work, and Rhia needed to get off her leg.

  After the strain of the last few days, and all the drama and intrigue, she just wanted to lay down for a bit.

  Also, last night she didn’t sleep much. Thinking of everything they had done brought heat to her cheeks and a smile to her face as Julia helped her into the house and up the stairs.

  Rhi
a lay back on the bed and fell asleep as soon as she hit the pillow, and Julia left to get to her task that Aidan had set for her.

  They had a busy day today to be able to get it finished for tomorrow.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Aidan

  Northumberland, England Sept, 1812

  Aidan finished with everything he needed to do in record time.

  Now his last task was to ride to the village and invite those who wanted to come, to their wedding. And to find the correct priest.

  Aidan had seen John today with Rhia and Julia, and seeing his happiness was so made Aidan happy as well.

  He knew John didn’t leave the grounds much, and when he did, he was treated with the same horrible treatment his family was.

  And he knew John was lonely and wanted a family. Just as Aidan did. But John didn’t get upset that people never spoke to him, he just laughed it off.

  Aidan was so grateful that Julia had come when she did. John said that from the first time he saw her in the stables that he knew she was meant to be his wife. And the mother of their children.

  He had told John this morning how thrilled he was and gave them his blessing.

  Aidan quickly saddled his horse and rode to the village. His first stop was the inn. He took a deep breath when he rode up and tied his horse out front.

  This was still difficult for him, because he knew there were still people who harbored ill will toward him and his family, but he knew that the man inside was not one of them.

  Aidan walked up the steps and went inside the building. When Aidan walked in, Lucas turned from what he was doing and a grin spread across his face. “Your Grace. How wonderful to see you. Welcome!”

  Aidan smiled back, “Hello Lucas, it’s just Aidan, remember?”

  Lucas chuckled, “Yes, but normal gentry don’t like it when you don’t address them correctly.”

  Aidan grinned at that. “That is true. But, as I said before, I am not normal gentry. So, Aidan it is.”