Cry of the Baroness: Secrets of Scarlett Hall Book 9

by Jennifer Monroe

  Inside the smaller box she found a stack of notes neatly bundled, a sum easily surpassing a thousand pounds. Why would Eleanor have kept so much money on hand? Was she not afraid someone would come in and steal it?

  She closed the first box and opened the larger, where she found a pair of matching pistols. Although she had little experience with guns, it was not difficult to see the craftsmanship of the weapons were of the highest quality.

  How strange that these two items were stored together. Were they intended to be used together or was it merely coincidence that they shared a drawer?

  Hearing voices coming from the hallway, Harmony closed the lid of the box containing the pistols, returned both boxes to the bottom drawer, and placed her journal on top of them.

  Two breaths after closing the drawer, Lydia and David entered the room.

  “My lady,” David said with a deep sweeping bow, “I wanted to thank you for letting me come to say goodbye.”

  Harmony smiled as she rose from the desk. She glanced at Lydia, whose eyes were rimmed in red.

  Poor thing, she thought. Lydia had explained how David had asked her to go with him and that she had refused. When Harmony asked her why, Lydia had said that in the future perhaps she would but refused to explain further.

  “You are quite welcome, David,” Harmony said. “I wish there was something I could say to convince you to stay with us. I am willing to offer you better wages, if that is what it takes.”

  “Although your offer’s more than generous,” David replied, “I’ll have to politely decline. The truth is, it’s something I’m needing to do.”

  “He leaves because he knows trouble is at hand.”

  Harmony looked up to find Nathaniel standing in the doorway. She closed her eyes for a moment. Her husband wore a coat that had not seen an iron in weeks, his eyes drooped from lack of sleep, and his voice had a slight slurring to it. Was he already drinking?

  “Go on,” Nathaniel said as he approached them, slapping the man on the back as if he was an old companion he had not seen in some time. “Admit it. You see trouble coming our way.”

  “My lord,” David said, “It’s been an honor and privilege being in your employ.”

  Nathaniel snorted. “Yes,” he said, his voice filled with sarcasm, “it has been such an honor and privilege that you have decided to leave. Now, be gone with you.” He then turned to Lydia. “You should leave, as well. David can see how everything is falling apart. I would recommend you leave while you can.” He gave a laugh that turned Harmony’s blood cold.

  It was David, however, who responded. “Her allegiance is to Lady Lambert,” he said as he gave Lydia a sad look. “And that allegiance is greater than mine.” With a bow, he left the room, and Lydia hurried after him.

  Harmony looked at her husband. “You look tired,” she said. “Perhaps you should rest before dinner.”

  He drew in a deep breath. “I am more than tired,” he replied. “But there is work to be completed and people to whom I must speak. I will not be here for dinner and may not return until tomorrow.”

  Taken aback, Harmony asked, “where are you going? Please, talk to me.”

  “I will not tell you anything save this,” he replied. “I made a final offer to Isaac just this morning, and he refused. I now must consider my next steps.”

  Placing a hand on his arm, Harmony said, “There are things in life that you have done to protect me. What you said to my father, I know it has troubled you deeply. I do not want you to feel guilty for what you did to save me not only from him but also from being forced to marry Lord Miller. He likely would have used a fist on me daily if you had not done what you had.” Nathaniel nodded, and for a moment she could see the man she loved so deeply. “Please, release that guilt, for it is killing you. I beg of you not to make a decision that will replace one guilt with another.”

  “I will consider your words,” he whispered. “And tomorrow, no matter what happens, I will repair what has come undone.”

  Harmony smiled through tears as he leaned in and kissed her cheek. Without another word, he turned and left the room. She turned her gaze to the gardens outside, her heart troubled.

  How much time passed, she did not know, but it was the sound of footsteps that caused her to turn. What she found, she had not expected.

  “Harmony, it is vital that I speak to you.” Isaac’s voice had an urgency to it, yet he wore a peculiar smile.

  “What is wrong?” she asked in a stiff voice.

  He laughed. “Nothing is wrong,” he replied. “In fact, everything is right. Tonight, we shall dine together, and during our meal, I shall give you a gift.”

  Harmony lowered her eyes. “I cannot. My husband…”

  “Has gone,” Isaac said. “And you must eat.” He walked over to stand beside her and looked out the window. “Since the first day I arrived, have I ever lied to you?”

  It took a moment for Harmony to consider the question, but try as she might, she could not think of a single instance when he had. “No.”

  “Then, believe me when I say that tonight will be a night of celebration. When my brother returns, you shall tell him a wealth of good news and watch his smile return!”

  She frowned. “Good news? What good news?”

  Isaac laughed and waggled an accusatory finger at her. “Dinner,” he said teasingly. “I shall tell you everything tonight at dinner.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Rain continued to pelt against the window as Harmony looked at her reflection in the mirror. For the first time, she noticed dark tinges beneath her eyes and blotches on her cheeks.

  Yet, she was not alone in her exhaustion, for Lydia, who was working on her hair, also appeared tired, as well. As a matter of fact, everyone at Scarlett Hall seemed as dreary as the storm that raged outside, as if the coldness itself had seeped into them all.

  However, it was Lydia on whom Harmony was focused at the moment. The woman had grown especially quiet since David’s departure and each time Harmony made any attempt to broach the subject, she quickly changed it.

  “There,” the maid said as she patted the last curl into place. “I believe my work is done.” Gone was her usual smile. “What do you think? Does it suit your needs?”

  “You have outdone yourself,” Harmony replied as she looked at the neatly styled coiffure in the mirror. She stood and took Lydia’s hands in hers. “Now, tell me why you chose not to leave, and do not change the subject again.”

  Lydia sighed. “It does not matter. David is gone, and I do not wish to think of him anymore.”

  “Did he upset you in some way?” Harmony asked, probing for more information. “Did the two of you quarrel?”

  “No,” Lydia replied with a shake to her head.

  “Then why did he leave and you stay?”

  Lydia turned away, busying herself with tidying up the vanity table. “David believes that trouble is afoot and that it’s only going to get worse. That’s the reason he left.” She paused and looked at Harmony. “And why I stayed. I can’t have you suffering alone, now can I?”

  Overcome with emotion, Harmony embraced her friend. “You are too good to me,” she whispered. “But I believe things will only get better.”

  “That’s what I’m hoping,” Lydia said. “But I’m afraid it won’t go as you believe. That Isaac is an evil man.”

  Harmony frowned. “Evil?”

  “Yes,” Lydia replied firmly. “I can feel it radiating from him. I know he’s been nothing but kind to you, but you must believe me. It’s for that reason I stay. I want to protect you from him.”

  This woman’s loyalty was beyond anything Harmony had ever witnessed. And although she could not see Isaac as Lydia did, her devotion was overwhelming. “I promise to be careful, but if anything egregious happens, I will go directly to you first. Is that enough for you?”

  Lydia gave a small laugh. “I suppose it’ll have to do,” she said. Then she gave her a motherly glare. “But I can’t he
lp you if you don’t come to me.”

  “Isaac has promised me good news, and the last time he made such a promise, he showed me a letter he had received from one of his solicitors. My hope is that the news tonight will be even better.”

  “Still,” Lydia said, “remain vigilant. No matter what, promise me you’ll do that.”

  Harmony smiled and hugged Lydia again. How lucky she was to have such a wonderful friend by her side! “You worry over nothing. Things are changing for the better, and by sunrise tomorrow, Scarlett Hall will be a place of happiness once more. Just you wait and see.”

  ***

  Nathaniel stood staring at nothing through the window of the cottage belonging to Reverend Creassey. He had yet to replace David and had chosen a footman to drive him, and although they arrived in one piece, he would have a few bruises to account for the incapability of the driver. It was not the fault of the footman, for the rain had not helped the smoothness of the roads, but the poor man had spent several minutes begging Nathaniel’s forgiveness for the tumultuous journey.

  His thoughts turned to David and his leaving. Had he been correct in guessing that the man left because he feared an uncertain future for Scarlett Hall? And how long would it be before Harmony decided to do the same?

  Reverend Creassey offered Nathaniel a brandy, his third thus far today. “And what did you see?” the vicar asked. “Do not be afraid to tell me.”

  Nathaniel sighed. “They were engaged in a kiss,” he replied, that all-familiar pain writhing through him whenever he remembered catching Isaac and Harmony together that fateful night. “The man was clearly drunk.” He pursed his lips. “And now that I think about it, Harmony was quite upset.” How strange he had not remembered that until now.

  “Upset for her actions? Or upset because she was caught?”

  The man’s words did not sit well with Nathaniel. “Clearly because of what had transpired. I am certain she did not wish it.”

  The reverend looked away, and Nathaniel followed his gaze. The last light of the evening was gone, and all he could see was their reflections looking back at them.

  “You do believe me, do you not?”

  Reverend Creassey heaved a heavy sigh. “Nathaniel, it is not whether or not I believe what you have told me, it is the fact that I warned that this may happen.” He placed a hand on Nathaniel’s shoulder. “And I hate to say it, but it is exactly what has happened. I do not understand how your concern is not about the wandering eye of your wife, who has yet to call on me as I recommended.”

  “I apologize on her behalf, Reverend,” Nathaniel said. “I shall send her to you immediately.”

  “See that you do,” the vicar replied. “For I must get the girl to confess her sins, to accept them as her own. Now, let us discuss what has brought you here. Your most pressing concern is for your title and home, correct?”

  Nathaniel nodded as he took a hearty drink of his brandy. “It is. I have offered Isaac land and money and plenty of it, yet he refuses my offers. That is why I have come to you. I seem to have run out of options.”

  “You are wise to have come seeking my counsel, my son,” Reverend Creassey said with a grin.

  Offering the man a small smile in return, Nathaniel turned as another man entered the room. Five and twenty was his estimate with hair the color of mud and a wide muscular build.

  “Michael, I would like to introduce you to Lord Nathaniel Lambert. Nathaniel, this is Michael.”

  The man dipped his head. “My lord, my father has spoken of you and your family often and in high regard. It is an honor to meet you at last.”

  “Father?” Nathaniel asked. “Am I acquainted with your father?”

  Michael smiled. “Of course you are,” he replied. Then he motioned toward the vicar. “This is my father.”

  Nathaniel took a step back. “I did not realize you were married,” he said, shocked. How could he have not known such an important detail?

  The reverend laughed and walked over to his son. Although there was a large age difference between the two men, they had a great resemblance. “Michael’s mother sadly passed away many years ago, but he was brought up with the finest tutors. I am proud to say that he has completed his studies at St. John’s College in Cambridge and has now returned to continue his studies with me. His interest is to do the Lord’s work like his father.”

  “So you wish to be a reverend, as well?” Nathaniel asked.

  “I do, my lord,” Michael replied. “Father has trusted me enough to give the sermons during some of the services to allow him more time to help those in need.” He smiled. “Make no mistake, I am here to do the same. If anyone from the house of Lambert makes a request of me, it shall be done.”

  The words hung in the air, and Nathaniel was uncertain what to make of them. Yet there seemed to be an underlining meaning to them, but did he dare make such a serious assumption?

  “Thank you, Michael,” the reverend said. “Now, leave us.”

  The man dipped his head and left the room.

  “Michael has been apprised of the situation at Scarlett Hall. I hope you understand why I have shared it with him.”

  “Is it because he is your son?” Nathaniel asked.

  “No,” Reverend Creassey replied. “If he is to take over my position one day, he must know all he can about those in the flock. He is an honorable reverend like me, and as he said, there is no request he can make that he will refuse.”

  When his gaze remained steady, Nathaniel took another drink of his brandy and was surprised to find his hand shaking. Why was he so nervous?

  “The time has come, young man, for you to decide how you will handle this problem with Isaac. Will you walk away as your home is taken away from you? Or do you allow me to guide you toward a necessary decision that will secure your family’s good name?”

  Surely, a man of the Church would not suggest something sinister! Yet, after what the reverend had said the last time Nathaniel sought him out, whatever implications he made now were just that.

  “Do you mean…that is…”

  “Isaac falling ill from some mysterious illness? Or having a tragic accident? Indeed, that is what I mean. In any other case, I would pray for the lost souls who would choose such a path, but you, Lord Lambert, have been blessed.” He rested a hand on Nathaniel’s shoulder. “Yet, that blessing comes with a heavy burden, does it not?”

  Nodding, Nathaniel replied, “Indeed it does. My name will be ruined once the truth emerges, not to mention the rift that continues to grow between my wife and me. Mother’s passing, my father…” He bit off the words just in time. He had nearly mentioned the truth about Forbes! “I admit that I am confused and lost with all I must endure. That is the reason I have come to you. I need your wisdom and guidance.”

  “Come,” Reverend Creassey said kindly as he led Nathaniel to the sofa. “There is no hurry. We may talk until late into the night if it means we make the best choice.”

  Relief washed over Nathaniel. “Thank you, Reverend. Your acceptance of me in your home and the wisdom you share are very much appreciated.”

  The vicar smiled. “It will be an honor to serve the next generation of Lamberts, and it is my hope that my son will take my place when I am no longer able to do so. Unfortunately, we will not be able to do that if, God forbid, Scarlett Hall falls into the hands of your brother. That is why you must make the right choice tonight. If you wait even another day, all may be lost. For all of us.”

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  The candles flickered on the dining table, creating ominous shadows on the smile Isaac wore. The grin had not waned since dinner began, and Harmony considered it may never leave. He had yet to reveal the reason for this ‘celebration’ as he had called it, and she hoped he would get to the point of the evening soon.

  “Fill her glass,” Isaac commanded the footman with a snap of his fingers. He did not bother to ask if Harmony wished for more. “And do not skimp. There is more than enough.”

&nb
sp; The footman hurried over and did as Isaac bade, refilling the glass to well beyond what would be a typical measure before hurrying to his place along the wall.

  “Have you enjoyed the evening thus far?” Isaac asked as if there had been no interruption.

  “I have, thank you,” Harmony replied. “The dinner was lovely and the wine a fine selection.” How strange to speak as if she were a guest in her own home, but she had to get to the point of this evening once and for all.

  “Well, to dine in the presence of such a lovely woman is a privilege indeed,” Isaac said as the footman scurried to his place beside the wall once again. “Your eyes are such a rich shade of green…” He paused and glanced at the servants. “You may leave us.”

  Uneasiness crept over Harmony as the servants left the room, and it only increased when her brother-in-law stood and came to stand behind her.

  He placed a hand on her shoulder. “Why are you so tense?” he asked, his fingers kneading her flesh in quite an inappropriate manner.

  “I am not,” she replied and then belied her words by jumping at the sound of thunder rattling the window. “I am overly tired is all.”

  “I believe we are all tired,” he replied, never taking his hand away. “With the passing of the great matriarch, I must admit that, although I did not know her well, I do miss her ready smile.”

  “Do you?” Harmony asked as she glanced up at him. He sounded sincere, but how could he be?

  “But of course,” he replied. “It was she who extended the invitation to stay at Scarlett Hall and made this house feel somewhat like a home to me. Yet, she has left you to take her place, a woman of great beauty and flawless in every way.”

  For a brief moment, his hand brushed the top of her breast, and fear swept through her. It was time to put a stop to this overt attempt at wooing her.

  Before she could put him in his place, however, he pulled his hand away and said, “Enough reminiscing the dead.”

  “Isaac, if you are…”

  “Quiet!” His voice was a harsh whisper that clearly expected her to behave. “I promised you a celebration, did I not?”