He glanced around with watery eyes, his gaze flitting from one flowerbed to another until it came to rest on the great oak tree that stood as strong as the woman he adored.
“It is spring and the sun warms us,” he continued, choosing her favorite season in which to place her during her final moments. “Isabel is teaching Hannah how to be a lady, and Juliet and Annabel are watching with great interest. Our son is taking his first steps. His sisters are rushing to his side to shower him with kisses and embraces of congratulations. Then they turn to you, their mother, the lady of strength and love who is always watching over them. You are beautiful in your new blue gown, and your smile brings peace to all who gaze upon it.”
For a moment, he drew in a deep breath, wondering if he could continue. Yet, he knew he would. He must. This was the woman he adored!
“And, as always, I am there with you, ready to do your bidding, for there is nothing I will not do for you.”
He glanced down at the still form in his arms. Eleanor’s eyes were closed and the rise and fall of her chest had ceased. For a moment, heartache unlike any he had ever known washed over him, and he swayed on his feet. His next words were a choked sob as he pulled her close and buried his face in her hair.
“Goodbye, Lady Lambert…my love.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
A light mist fell against the backdrop of gray clouds as Nathaniel stared at the freshly turned soil in the family cemetery. All rested there, from the first Lamberts to Charles Lambert and now his mother, protected by a wrought-iron fence on a parcel of land not far from Scarlett Hall.
“Until that glorious day when we join her,” Reverend Creassey was saying as he brought the funeral services to a close, “may Lady Eleanor Lambert rest in peace.”
Coldness, numbness, anger, and sadness battled for advantage inside Nathaniel. His entire world was falling apart, and now more than ever he felt helpless. Gone was the lady whose strength brought him stability, whose words brought him comfort. Now she would never give him one of her warm smiles or a loving embrace. Instead she rested beneath the ground beside his father.
No, that was a lie. His true father stood beside him.
Nathaniel looked at Forbes from the corner of his eye. The man’s face was solemn, as would be expected for any funeral, but there was no hiding the anguish that lay just beneath the surface. The same anguish that filled Nathaniel.
Reverend Creassey walked up to him and murmured words Nathaniel did not hear — likely words of condolences. Then the vicar moved on to each of the others before finally walking away. Although the rest of the family returned to the house, Nathaniel made no move to walk away but instead continued to stare at the grave.
“I am so sorry,” Harmony said as she snaked her arm through his. “I cannot imagine the pain you are enduring, but know that I am here for you when you need me.” She kissed his cheek and left him.
Her words were partly true, for his pain was unbelievable, and she could indeed help ease it. Yet, he somehow felt further away from her than before, and that only confused him more. It was as if he were sinking beneath the waves of the ocean, yet he could not find a way to cry out for help or to fight his way back to the surface.
Then Forbes came to him. “Truly no greater lady has ever walked this earth,” he said. “But her legacy will live on through her children.”
Nathaniel did not look at him. “I should have done more,” he whispered as anger rose in him once again. “I have more wealth than most; I could have saved her.”
“There was nothing anyone could have done,” Forbes replied. “No doctor…”
Ignoring the water that dripped off the ends of his hair and nose, Nathaniel turned his glare on the butler. “Keeping the truth from me was not your choice to make. I am the lord of this home, not you. You are a simple man, a butler, so you had no right to not inform me about what was going on under my own roof!”
His wife hurried over to him and took his arm. “Nathaniel, please, the fault is not his. He was only obeying your mother’s wishes.”
Could they not see that if had he known sooner, he could have done more? He would have spent every farthing, sold every plot of land, if it meant keeping his mother here with him!
“And you!” he snapped. “You betrayed me, as well. How could you, my wife, keep her illness from me?”
“Because she did not want to see you hurting,” Harmony replied soothingly. “That is how much she cared for you. Even as she knew death was approaching, her concern was for you. Do not dishonor her by speaking as you are.”
He took a step back in shock. “Dishonor?” he asked. “I am doing everything I can to save our home!”
Forbes shook his head. “Your mother’s dream was that all of her children find happiness. It was never about a title nor this estate.”
“And yet she allowed Isaac to stay knowing how unhappy it made me,” Nathaniel replied with a snort. “The man who sat in our drawing room enjoying our wine. He did not even have the decency to attend the funeral!”
“It had been her hope that keeping him here, keeping him close, would save your home,” Forbes said. “It appears her hopes will be dashed. But you can take your wife and find a new home where you will create new memories.”
“Yes,” Harmony said, her eyes shining. “What Forbes says is true. It is not worth remaining if it leaves us unhappy.”
Nathaniel shook his head. “Neither of you understands,” he whispered. “If I lose any of this, who am I?”
Forbes smiled. “You already know the answer to that question, my lord. You have merely forgotten.”
Nathaniel frowned. Whatever did the man mean by that? Yet, before he could ask, the butler walked away, leaving Nathaniel alone with his wife.
“He is right,” she said. “About everything. Let us go in search of a new home, a place where we can begin a new life.”
“No,” Nathaniel said firmly. “Isaac will not take my home from me. Take his side if you wish, or leave with Forbes. I do not care.” As soon as the words left his lips, he closed his eyes in shame. How could he speak such foolish words? “I am sorry.”
“I am sorry, as well,” Harmony said, her voice as soft as a feather. “I am sorry about your mother and the pain you are suffering. And I am sorry for the endless pursuit of keeping your title.” She wiped at her eyes. “If you choose to stay and fight, I will remain by your side. You are my husband and will never leave you.”
Nathaniel pursed his lips. “I shall speak to Isaac soon. I will make him an offer and hope he accepts.”
“And if he does not?” Harmony asked. “Will we leave then?”
Turning to gaze at the grand home that rose above a haze of fog, he shook his head. “No. I will pursue other means.”
Harmony took her arm away and looked down. “If you are considering what I believe you to be, I cannot support you in that decision.”
He stared at her wide-eyed as she turned and made her way to the waiting carriage. Could he truly bring himself to do what Reverend Creassey suggested? He did not believe so, not really, but if not that, then what? Perhaps Isaac would simply accept the one-time payment and leave them alone forever. Then maybe Nathaniel would be able to find himself again.
***
Lydia watched as David worked the needle through the fabric of the carriage bench. A small tear had appeared, and the man would never allow even the tiniest of imperfections to mar a vehicle in his care. The light rain that had been falling outside the carriage when they first arrived had now become a steady downpour, and thunder rumbled in the distance. A fog had crept through the grounds, a fitting sight for a wretched day.
“I think the time’s come,” David murmured as he pulled the thread tight once more, “for me to go. I’ve given it a lot of thought and I’m telling Lord Lambert today.”
Lydia shook her head in surprise. Given it a lot of thought? He had never mentioned wanting to go anywhere else! “Go?” she demanded. “Why would you want to le
ave?”
He tied off the thread with a heavy sigh and sat on the bench opposite her. “Didn’t you see that look Lord Lambert wore earlier? Or that of the ladies? There’s trouble afoot, I tell you, and I fear it’s only gonna get worse.”
Lydia clicked her tongue. “They’ve just come from burying Lady Lambert,” she admonished. “I’d not expect to see smiles on their faces.”
“No, it’s more than that. It’s that cousin. I’m telling you there’s more there than what’s been stated. He’s a slippery fellow and up to no good.” He leaned forward and lowered his voice conspiratorially. “I think he’s come to claim this home for himself, and if that’s the case, I want nothing to do with it.”
She looked down at the floor. If only she could reveal the truth to him! But no, she had made a promise, and she was not one to break promises.
Despite her attempts to hide her response, he grunted. “I can see you know I’m right, and maybe you can’t tell me, but I know what I know.”
“But where would you go?” she asked. “Do you have a plan?”
David nodded and then to her surprise leaned forward and took her hand in his. “I’ve a cousin who lives in Wales and works for a man who pays fair wages. We…we could both go and work there.”
“You mean?” she asked before swallowing hard. “You wish…”
“I care for you immensely, Lydia,” he said. “And I know you care for me. Let’s go together. We can explore this relationship and see where it goes.”
Lydia glanced through the window and looked up at the grand home of Scarlett Hall. Harmony was more than an employer, she was also a friend, and she could not imagine leaving her, not while she was in such dire straits. “I’m honored,” she said, “but I can’t leave Lady Lambert alone, not now.”
He released her hand and sighed. “She’s a baroness. Do you think she’d consider you if she had to make an important decision about her life?”
“She’s a friend,” Lydia said again. “I can’t leave her, at least not yet.”
“Their marriage is falling apart, you know. From what I’ve gathered, they’ll probably not be here much longer anyways. Come with me. Let’s start a new chapter in our lives. Together.”
Lydia cared for this man, and for a moment, she considered accepting his offer. Yet, she could not bring herself to leave Harmony. “I can’t. I’m sorry. Harmony needs me now more than ever.” The look of sadness that settled on his face made her reach out and place a hand on his cheek. She truly did care for him. “I’ll make you a promise. Once the troubles here are settled, I’ll join you.”
David shook his head and once again pulled his hand away. “It’s exactly what I feared,” he said. “This’ll never work.”
“But it can,” Lydia insisted. “I just can’t leave with you now.”
“I’m too old to wait for another day hoping you’ll come to me.”
Lydia laughed before she realized he was serious. “I will come.”
“But when?” he demanded. “In a month? Or maybe it’ll be more like a year?”
“I…I don’t know for sure.”
“I’m sorry, but maybe this is for the best.” He pushed open the door, alighted from the carriage, and with his back hunched, made his way to the stables.
Lydia wiped away a tear and looked up at Scarlett Hall. She was doing the right thing, she was sure. Everything inside those walls was crumbling, sped up by the death of Lady Lambert. Yet, when the house fell, which she feared it would, she would not allow Harmony to endure it alone. Even if it meant she gave up her own happiness to see her mistress safe.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Since the old lady’s funeral three days earlier, a storm had raged, an ominous sign for which Isaac was grateful. He had come to Scarlett Hall to destroy its residents, and now with Eleanor out of the way, his mission was a step closer to completion. A great step closer.
He also reveled in the fact that his brother and his wife now slept in different beds, all because of their inner fighting. Rather than approaching Harmony as he had said he would, he had kept his distance, allowing the woman to wallow in despair.
“I do not think you understand the gravity of your actions.”
Isaac did not turn to look at the solicitor but instead stared out the window of the man’s London office. Carriages sloshed past without so much as a care that the swells they created drenched pedestrians, who in turn shouted words he could not hear. Obscenities, he imagined, for that would have been his reaction. He chuckled. He likely would have been one of those in the carriages who could not have cared less.
“I know what I am doing,” he said. “I have known since the day I was told who I truly was.” He turned around so quickly, Mr. Reynolds pushed deeper into his chair. “I am Isaac Thorne, son of Charles Lambert and soon-to-be Baron Lambert and lord of Scarlett Hall. I may not have his name, but I do have his blood. And proof that I am the rightful heir to his estate. Now, you were hired to perform a service. If you wish to receive your payment, do as I say!”
The solicitor, in a clear attempt to regain his composure, folded his hands on top of the desk. “If you sign this document, it becomes binding. You will have no way to alter it.”
Isaac laughed. “Do you still not see my reason for doing this?”
Mr. Reynolds gave a sigh. “No, I am afraid I do not. I must ask, have you perhaps been ill as of late? Your judgment frightens me a bit.”
“You are not the one who should be scared,” Isaac said, placing his hands on the desk and leaning forward. The fear that stance brought the man made him smile. “My brother is the one who should be scared, for his wife has such great beauty, I would not allow you to look upon her again.”
“Wha-what do you plan to do?”
Isaac grabbed the quill, dipped the nib into the open inkwell, and signed his name to the bottom of the document. “I am going to offer them exactly what they want — the title, the house, everything that has been his.”
Mr. Reynolds blanched. “Then you truly plan to give it all away?”
“Do not be a fool,” Isaac snapped, turning the document toward the man. “It is bait such as one uses to lure a wild beast.” He handed the solicitor the pen. “Harmony is no beast, of course, but I will use it to lure her, nonetheless. And once she has taken the bait, I shall host a grand party unlike any the people of Rumsbury have ever seen.”
“A party?” the solicitor asked, clearly confused.
Isaac sighed. The man truly had a cannonball for a brain. “Indeed, a party. All the Lambert children will attend with the premise of handing over this document. When that moment comes, I will destroy all their dreams, especially those of my brother and his wife, by throwing it into the fire and watch them writhe in agony as if they themselves had been thrown into the pit of doom!” He laughed at the image that entered his mind. “Harmony will be crushed knowing what it had cost her, and Nathaniel, well, when I tell him what she has done — and believe me, she will do it — the look on his face, as well as those of my sisters, will be worth every farthing I have paid for this farce! I cannot wait to tell them that it is they who are the bastard children and not I!”
The room fell silent, and Isaac studied the solicitor. The man’s eyes were wide and he had paled further. “Y-you would do this? Just to watch them all suffer?”
“I do it not to simply make them suffer,” Isaac said. “I do it to destroy them. Now, sign the damned document.”
***
Would the rain never cease? As she sat in the study that had once belonged to Eleanor, Harmony began to believe they would never see the sun again.
Although it had been nearly three weeks since the passing of her mother-in-law, it felt as if it had been years. Harmony missed her kind smile and affable demeanor, and after Nathaniel’s sisters had gone, the halls had once again fallen into a melancholy quiet.
Nathaniel dealt with his mourning harshly. He had fallen into a deep depression, much like a waking slumber. He di
d little to take care of himself — a short beard covered his jaw, his eyes had a sunken look to them, and his clothes hung on his slimming frame.
With a sigh, Harmony dipped the pen into the ink and returned to the journal Eleanor had gifted her.
I have read only the first few pages of Eleanor’s journal, which spoke of her journey to Scarlett Hall, and a strange feeling came over me, something telling me I should not read any further. I fear what those pages will contain, for after her confession concerning the death of her husband, the other secrets may be simply too frightening.
I understand that Eleanor made decisions not for her own gain but rather to protect those she loved, and I refuse to judge her for that. How can a woman be wrong if she simply wants to keep safe those around her? However, I would prefer to preserve the image I have of her rather than taint it with what has already occurred and that cannot be undone.
I have yet to tell Nathaniel about his father’s demise, and I am unsure if I ever will. For now, I will seek a way to find my husband, who is lost in misery and confusion.
It is my hope that what Eleanor revealed to me is true, that love will break through the darkness and end this storm that has taken over those inside Scarlett Hall. For the future of this family is what is at stake.
Returning the quill to its holder, Harmony listened as the wind gusted outside, carrying the thunder with it. She closed the journal, opened the bottom drawer of the desk, and stopped. Inside were two boxes made of ornate wood.
Placing both on the desktop, she paused. She had noticed them before, but she could never get herself to see what they contained. Should she look inside? What right did she have to pry into the secrets of others?
Harmony chuckled. She was the lady of the house now, so she had every right. Still, she held back. What would they contain? Well, there was only one way to find out.
Cry of the Baroness: Secrets of Scarlett Hall Book 9 Page 16
