He had been stunned beyond belief, and it was not long before he began to formulate a plan to regain what should have been his. Although he could have been angry at his mother for accepting money for her silence and for allowing them to live a life as people of lesser means, he could not, for she clearly had loved Charles. If only the man had returned her affection so strongly!
Therefore, he set out to claim his rightful title, but not before making those at Scarlett Hall suffer as he had all his life. Fate had already seen to Lady Eleanor Lambert, who was inflicted with some sort of illness no matter how much she denied it.
Isaac was then forced to focus his attention on the brother who had stolen his inheritance. To get to him, he had to go through the wife, for it was clear that she was his weakness. Isaac was no fool; her benevolence was clearly staged, yet the fact she made the effort at all exempted her from his wrath. Yet, Nathaniel was another story altogether.
A smile played at the corner of his lips as Harmony, who sat across from him at the dinner table, took a sip of her wine. He had to fight to keep his eyes from falling to her ample bosom. The gown she wore was alluring, but he had no intentions with her, at least not yet. She was the key to the destruction of the Lambert family, and if he succeeded, which he had no doubt he would, not only would they fall, but he would then swoop in and take her for his own. He smiled again. Lady Harmony Thorne did have a wonderful ring to it.
“You are quiet this evening,” Harmony said, breaking him from his thoughts. “Is there anything wrong?”
Isaac sighed, and his fork made a light clink as he placed it on the plate. “No, all is well. I was only thinking about my time here thus far. I must again thank you for taking the time to help me. I believe I am now prepared for my first party…whenever that may be.”
Her return smile made him grin. He, of course, needed no lessons, for tutors had seen to all areas of his education since he was quite young. His lie had been meant to draw his brother’s wife closer to him, whether or not she realized it.
“I must admit that I have enjoyed our lessons,” she said, setting her glass on the table. “I doubt there is anything more that I can teach you.”
Although he did not want the lessons to end, Isaac could think of no argument. Plus, pushing the matter would only make the woman suspicious, and he would do nothing to jeopardize his plans.
“If you believe there is nothing more you can teach me, I suppose we should conclude our lessons. However, we could…”
The door opened, and Isaac clenched a fist as the butler entered the room. How he despised interruptions!
“My lady,” the butler said with a dip of his head, “forgive me for disturbing you during dinner, but a letter has arrived. I believe it is from Lord Lambert.”
Harmony’s eyes lit up as she took the letter from the silver tray Forbes held out to her.
When Isaac glanced at Forbes, he found the man’s eyes settled on him. Did the old man suspect something?
“I am feeling a bit tired and was thinking of retiring early,” the butler said. “Is there anything I can do for you before I do?”
Isaac frowned. A servant who set his own schedule? He may have not had much experience on the receiving end of servitude, but he could not think of even one instance when a servant retired before his master. He nearly snorted. This man would be the first to be replaced once he gained control of the estate!
“No,” he replied to Forbes’ question. He waved a dismissive hand. “You may leave.” There, now he had given the order rather than the servant dictating what he would be doing.
The butler dipped his head again and left the room.
“He is returning tomorrow!” Harmony said. Her happiness only increased Isaac’s annoyance as she pressed the letter to her breast.
Isaac forced a smile. “That is wonderful,” he lied. “Do you know when exactly?”
She looked at the letter once more. “He believes it will be no later than mid-afternoon.” She sighed. “I have missed him so!”
“As have I,” Isaac said through gritted teeth. His mind began to race. He had thought he had more time to draw Harmony closer, but now his brother would be returning before he had accomplished his goal. “Although, I must say it has ruined my plans for tomorrow.”
“Plans? What plans?”
He heaved a dramatic sigh. “I had hoped to surprise you,” he said, although the idea had occurred to him only moments before. “I wanted to thank you for what you have done for me. I could have you returned home before he returns…no, forget I said anything.” He stood and downed the remainder of his wine. “You have more important matters to concern yourself with than me. Good evening.”
He took slow steps toward the door, waiting for her to call him back.
“I see no reason I cannot accompany you as long as I am here for my husband’s return. Can you promise that?”
With his back to her to hide the smile he could not erase, he replied, “Only if you are certain. I would not want to make you do something you do not wish to do.”
“Not at all,” she replied. “I want to. A surprise would be lovely. It is kind of you to think of me.”
“How could I not?” he asked, his back still to her. “I have matters I must attend to. Good evening.”
As he made his way to the drawing room, he had to force himself to keep his gate even. What he wanted to do was jump for joy.
He went straight to the decanters and poured himself a healthy measure of brandy. His plan for tomorrow was simple. If all went well, he would receive confirmation as to where Nathaniel had gone. Not only that, but he would also drive the first stake that would create a rift between husband and wife. A rift that would eventually tear them apart.
Chapter Ten
Harmony had awoken that morning with thoughts of Nathaniel. Today he would return home, and she hoped for his sake that the news he brought was good. The past two weeks had been torturous, and her longing for him increased as every minute without him passed.
She pushed aside her anticipation, however, and focused her attention on the man who walked beside her. The late morning sun peeked out from behind a wall of thick white clouds and a light breeze made for a wonderful day for an outing. Isaac had yet to reveal his surprise, and she could not help but look forward to what he had in store for her.
They had walked through the gardens, out the back gate, and through the large field behind the main property.
“My curiosity is getting the better of me,” she teased. “May I ask where you are taking me?”
Isaac laughed. “You may ask, but I cannot tell, for then it would not be a surprise, now would it?”
“I suppose not,” she replied with a light giggle.
As far as the eye could see lay rolling green hills with clusters of trees and cottages dotting the landscape. She had not walked this far from the house, and the fact she was experiencing this with Isaac and not Nathaniel was a bit disconcerting. However, she would not hurt this man’s feelings by not accepting such a kind invitation.
“We are nearly there,” he said as he turned to look at her. “I promise it will not be much longer.”
He spoke the truth, for it was not long before they entered a small copse of trees with long branches sparsely flecked with leaves that indicated their age. When they came upon a glen with a large blanket spread over the grass and a cloth-covered basket placed in one corner, she halted her steps. Such a surprise was pleasant, but was it proper?
“I see that I have failed to impress you,” Isaac said, a sad note to his tone.
“No, it is lovely,” she replied. “Thank you. I was not expecting this, is all. Your gesture is kind and thoughtful. I do appreciate it very much.”
“Count yourself fortunate that I am not a warrior of ancient times who partakes in long-gone customs,” he said with a chuckle. “If I were, you would truly be surprised.”
“Oh?” she asked. “I did not realize warriors had picnics.”
&n
bsp; He threw his head back and laughed outright. “No, not picnics, but their customs were much different from ours. Here, allow me to show you.” He swooped her up into his arms as if she weighed nothing. “They would take a woman and march her around like this.” And then he indeed marched about, laughing all the while.
Harmony wanted nothing more than to have him return her feet to the ground. “Isaac, please set me down,” she said. “This is not proper.”
Rather than doing as she bade, he laughed all the more. “But we have only walked around the glen once! During those times, a man would have to make three circuits in order to claim his lady!”
He marched around the blanket again, and Harmony’s annoyance grew. How dare he be so forward!
“Do not worry,” he said, “I do not intend to marry you.” He stopped his marching and looked down at her. “Now, the final journey.”
She pursed her lips. She did not enjoy feeling helpless. Indeed, it only made her angrier.
Once he completed the final circuit, he set her back on her feet, laughing all the while.
Harmony, however, was angry beyond belief. “Under no circumstances should you ever pick up a lady as you did!” she admonished. “Especially one who is married. Please, never do that again!”
He took an unsteady step backward. “I…” He swallowed visibly. “I was only meaning to have a bit of fun. I did not mean to offend you.” He dropped his gaze to the ground, clear contriteness on his face. “Did you believe that I…? But you are my brother’s wife! Oh, I am a fool!” He spun about, placing his back to her. “I have embarrassed myself and angered you. I sometimes forget I am not the blacksmith’s apprentice and must remain a gentleman at all times.” When he turned to face her once more, he gave her a beseeching look. “Please, I beg your forgiveness for my impropriety. I did not mean any offense.”
She let out a heavy sigh, for she oftentimes forgot that he had received a very different upbringing from that which she or Nathaniel had been given. His ignorance in that showed today, and she could not help but feel sorry for him.
“I am not angry,” she said, placing a hand on his arm. “But you cannot do that again.”
“Then you forgive me?” he asked, and Harmony nodded. “Oh, thank you! And please, do not tell my brother when he returns. He already hates me, and I fear if he learned I offended you, he may become irate and hurt me.”
Harmony frowned. “Nathaniel does not hate you, nor would he hurt you,” she assured the man. “And do not worry, I will not tell him.”
Isaac smiled. “I appreciate that.”
“Now, no more hoisting me, or any other woman, again,” she said with mock severity. “Is that clear?”
“I promise I will not,” he said with a grin. “I will be nothing more than a gentleman from this moment forward and make you proud of the lessons you have given me.” His eyes held an eagerness to please. “Now, my lady, may I assist you in sitting?”
“Yes, please,” Harmony said with a tiny nod.
He took her hand and helped her sit before taking his place across from her. “I carefully selected a variety of cheeses,” he said as he removed a cloth package from the basket. “I also chose a bottle of red wine. I heard somewhere that red goes best with cheese.” He looked up at her as if looking for confirmation, and she nodded her agreement. “I hope they meet your standards?”
“My standards?” she asked with a frown.
“Why, yes,” he replied. “You are a lady of elegance and high caliber, and although I am trying to show my thanks for what you have done for me, I worry it is not enough.”
She laughed and took the glass he offered her. “Believe me, this is plenty,” she replied. “I thank you for your gift and I can assure you that you have nothing about which to worry.”
As she said the last, his smile widened. She took a sip of the wine and sat back on her feet, enjoying the quiet and solitude of the surprise she had received. This would be a perfect place to bring Nathaniel, and she was determined to do just that later in the week.
***
Although the time in the glen had been relaxing and Isaac the most gracious of hosts — he made no more attempts to carry her about like a child — the sun had gone well past its zenith. Harmony needed to return to the house to welcome her husband home, but Isaac continued to speak, leaving few chances for her to get a word in edgeways.
“That was how I, an apprentice to a blacksmith, came to be educated,” he was saying. “Unfortunately, as my speech and mannerisms changed, those who knew me from a young age began to tease me unmercifully.” He chuckled as he poured himself another glass of wine, his fourth thus far.
Harmony wanted to recommend that he should slow down his drinking, for his words were already slurring, but she was unsure if it was her place. Yet, what if he collapsed from drinking too much?
“Nathaniel returns today with news on whether he will be able to stop me from taking the title.”
The abruptness of this statement caught her off guard. Gone was the dazed stare, replaced by a sharpness that belied his drunken state. Had it all been a ruse? And to what purpose?
Taking a sip of her wine, she used the moment to consider how to respond. She could not allow her shock to give away what little knowledge she had.
He did not wait for her response, however. “I overheard him speaking of meeting with a solicitor before he left,” he said with a laugh. “Does he honestly believe he will be able to fight against me in court?”
When he leaned forward to refill her yet empty glass, she shook her head. “I have had enough,” she said, but he ignored her pleas.
“Our last glass and then we return,” he said. He placed the bottle in the basket and looked at her once again. “Harmony, you are my friend, and friends do not lie to one another. Does my brother seek to stop me from receiving what is my due?”
She drew in a steady breath. Her next words were crucial. “He has gone away on business.” That was the truth. “And concerning what you overheard, you must understand that he cannot simply hand over the title, or his home, without seeking advice. Just as you spoke with solicitors, so must he. If you were in his position, would you not do the same?”
“Your loyalty to your husband is admirable,” he said, lifting his glass as if to toast. “My brother is fortunate to have you by his side. I must admit, I have never seen such fierce devotion.” He let out a heavy sigh. “I have but one more question. The lessons, were they only to make me believe you were my friend or were you attempting to draw me close for Nathaniel’s gain?”
Harmony looked down at her hands, suddenly riddled with guilt. What had begun as a way to help her husband had turned into something cruel, and she had not planned it that way. “I have enjoyed every moment with you,” she said. “And I will always look fondly back on this time.”
Isaac raised himself to his knees. Her heart thudded. Did he plan to attack her? Then he finished off the remainder of his wine in one gulp and placed the glass in the basket.
“I told you of Mary, the woman I once loved.”
Harmony nodded. “You did.”
He squinted. “You remind me of her. Her hair was like yours, so red it appears to hold the fire of the sun. And your smile makes you more radiant.” He dropped his gaze. “You see? You are not the only one who has not had pure intentions.”
“What…what do you mean?” She found it difficult to keep calm. Was the man attempting to woo her in some way? Fear overtook her when he looked up at her once more, for his eyes held a desire she could not ignore.
“When I am with you, I think of her. I must be honest with you. I did not need the lessons, for I had already received instruction in most you showed me. But once I accepted your offer and the lessons began, I felt happy for the first time in a very long time, as when Mary was alive. In my own selfish way, I wanted you near me to remind me of her. Yet, what I found was not Mary but rather a woman who cares and who hopes I do well in my new life. A woman I am prou
d to call a friend. I hope you consider me a friend, as well.”
Again, guilt filled her. Yet, friendship with her brother-in-law could not be a bad thing, could it? “You are a good man, Isaac,” she said. “And I do consider you a friend.”
He sighed and placed a hand on her cheek. Despite her declaration of friendship, she wanted to swipe it away, but his next words stopped her.
“I will not claim the title nor Scarlett Hall.”
Had she heard him correctly? Was he giving up his right to the barony?
“Will you not?” she asked, doing her best to keep her voice calm.
He shook his head and looked past her for a moment. Then he placed a hand on her shoulder. “I told you that I came to Scarlett Hall for family, not to steal away a title or be granted a great deal of wealth. I wish to make new friends and to be accepted as a member of the ton. If my brother’s wife accepts me, I know my brother will, too. Once he does, I shall leave him here with his wife and the title they both deserve.”
Tears brimmed her eyes as joy washed over her. “Oh, Isaac, you are so kind! I can assure you that Nathaniel cares for you as much as you do him.” She also rose to her knees. “Thank you for what you will do, for it will ease a great burden.”
“If I am to give up my claim, I ask that you promise me one thing,” he said with a smile.
“Of course,” she replied readily. “What do you wish?”
“That in the future, if I write beforehand, may I come and call on you and my brother? I want to know that I still have a family who will make me happy.”
Harmony’s smile broadened. “Yes, of course!” she replied. “You are family and will always be welcome at our home.”
He then smiled and leaned in to kiss her cheek. “My brother is a lucky man,” he said as he pulled her in for an embrace. “I pray I find someone as wonderful as you.”
Harmony sighed, pleased at the outcome of her mission. Kindness had ruled the day and had proven victorious. Now, with Nathaniel returning, she would share with him the good news.
Cry of the Baroness: Secrets of Scarlett Hall Book 9 Page 6
