His suspicions did not stop him, however, from enjoying her company in the drawing room as they shared in a glass of wine and a few kisses in between, and they had done so over the past three days. Not once had she balked, nor did she push him to make any rash decisions. Would a woman wanting to trick him be this patient?
“Perhaps you should join Harmony,” he said, pouring them each another glass of wine. “Do you not miss her?”
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t,” Lydia replied. “But I’ve no desire to serve her anymore. I warned her to stay away from you, but she refused to listen.”
“Is that so?” Isaac asked, amused. Why would the woman admit this outright?
She laughed. “Of course. It’s like I said before. You’re not a man anyone should play games with, and although I care for Harmony and always will, she should’ve listened to me.” She shook her head. “After all the time I’d spent giving her advice and she refused to listen.” Then she looked at him. “May I be honest?”
“Yes. Tell me what you wish.”
“I grew angry with her. How could she not be so blind and not see what was right there in front of her?”
Isaac furrowed his brows. “Explain your meaning.”
“Oh, I knew right off you were using her to get what you wanted.” She pursed her lips. “But now I realize that perhaps deep down she knew, as well.” She took a drink of her wine, and her plump lips now stained red caused the desire within him to grow. “Well, it doesn’t matter now, does it? She made her choice and now she has to live with it.” She said the last with a shrug as she took another sip from her glass.
“And I have made mine,” Isaac said huskily before pushing himself against Lydia. How soft her lips were! “Come to my room,” he whispered.
Rather than doing his bidding, she pressed a hand to his chest. “Wait. If I may, I’d like to prepare your room for tonight. A bottle of wine, a few well-placed candles, a most romantic evening we can share after dinner.”
He considered refusing and demanding to take her right there, right now, but as she caressed his chest, he reconsidered. “Very well,” he replied. “Go, prepare the room now. Tonight we will dine, and then after we will share in a delectable dessert in my bed.”
“You disgust me.”
Isaac sat upright and turned to glare at Nathaniel, who stood in the doorway. How dare the man break the serenity of the moment? Rising, he turned to face his brother.
“How could you betray Harmony?” This was directed at Lydia.
“Betray her?” Lydia asked, unruffled. “I’ve done no such thing. Don’t be angry that I’ve come to realize who holds the real power here.” She pushed her nose into the air and stormed from the room.
Isaac belted out a laugh. “The woman has spirit!” he said. Then he turned to his brother. “Even the lady’s maid cannot resist me. You truly are pathetic.”
“I am going into Rumsbury and will not return until late,” Nathaniel murmured as he turned toward the door. “Tomorrow, I leave.”
“If you expect a tearful goodbye,” Isaac called after him, “you will not receive one!”
Nathaniel stopped at the door. “No, but I do wish to say one thing. You win. My marriage is over and the title is yours. Goodbye, Isaac.”
Isaac shook his head and laughed as Nathaniel left the room. Never had his brother said anything so true!
However, he did not wish to think about Nathaniel, for tonight he would conquer another woman within the walls of his grand new home. A fitting end to his old life, for tomorrow, he would begin his reign as the new Lord Lambert. Maybe he would even contact his solicitors about having his name changed from Thorne to Lambert. Lord Isaac Lambert. It did have a nice ring to it.
Chapter Thirty-One
Although the cottage that had been Harmony’s home for the past week was quaint, it was not where she truly belonged. Not because she believed Scarlett Hall should instead be her home but rather because Nathaniel was not at her side.
She did not fault him for his anger, for how could he not feel betrayed after what she had done? Maybe not being able to recall what had happened that night was an unexpected blessing, for at least she was not plagued by memories of her betrayal.
That did nothing to assuage her guilt, however. Whether she recalled or not, she had hurt Nathaniel beyond belief. How could she ever forgive herself let alone expect him to forgive her?
Nearly as bad was the loss of a friend, for Lydia had coaxed her into doing the unspeakable act. How could the woman have done what she had?
No, she could not blame Lydia. The decision had ultimately been that of Harmony and not that of her lady’s maid.
She pulled the wrap tighter to ward off the cold air as she looked up at the darkening sky. Tiny droplets fell upon her face, and she closed her eyes and sighed. How she wished Nathaniel was there to keep her warm, to hold her and assure her all would be well.
“My lady?” Forbes said in his quiet voice. “It is growing colder. You should come back inside. You do not want falling ill.”
Harmony blinked back tears. “I doubt it matters any longer if I am well or ill,” she said. “I find there is nothing left for me now.” She turned to the tall man. “I once used to sing a song about a butterfly that would bring people their dreams. I had once believed that it had been that butterfly who had brought me Nathaniel. But that was the thinking of a child, of a naive woman. There is no magical butterfly, nor are there any dreams left.”
A gust of wind blew a silver lock of Forbes’s hair across his forehead. “Lady Lambert, that is the former Lady Lambert, faced plenty of troubles, just as you have. Often, times were bleak and there was no answer in sight. Yet, through everything she endured, she found the strength to continue on.” Pain flashed in his eyes for a moment, but it was gone in an instant. “She saw that same tenacity in you, and I see it, as well. You must take that with which you have been blessed and use it to guide your steps.”
Harmony sighed. “Your words are kind, but I am no longer a baroness. Plus, I am nothing like Eleanor. She was so much more a lady than I can ever hope to be.”
Forbes gave her a kind smile. “There can only be one Eleanor,” he said. “But there is also only one Harmony, if you excuse my use of your Christian name. It is not about comparisons but rather how we use what we have learned from those we love.”
She wiped at her eyes. “I know you and she loved one another. I am so sorry for the pain you must have endured after such a loss.”
The butler looked down. “I did love her,” he said. “And I care very much for her children, just as I care for the woman who stands before me now. Do not give up hope, my lady, for your story is not over yet.”
It was strange how much this man reminded her of Nathaniel, for he had that same glint in his eyes. As a matter of fact, they had very similar eyes. No, it was much more than the eyes.
Then a realization came over her. “The love you and Eleanor shared?” she asked, her heart racing at the thought. “Nathaniel…is he your son?”
For a moment, she considered he would not reply. She had not meant to offend him, but he did not appear upset.
Finally, he said, “He is, but he has yet to accept it. That does not matter, however. What does is your marriage to him. Let us go inside and think of a way to speak to him, to let him know that your love for him is as great as I know his is for you.”
“Do you truly believe there is a way to right the wrongs?” she asked as she followed him back into the cottage.
“Eleanor used to tell her children one thing. ‘Listen to your heart, for in it is the answers you need.’ I would trust any advice she would give, just as you should.”
***
“I will prepare us a light dinner,” Forbes said as he rose from his seat. “I believe you could use some time alone.”
Harmony smiled. “Thank you.” She indeed needed time alone to consider all they had discussed over the past hour.
The butler —
it was difficult to think of him as a butler after all he had revealed — had shared with her his love of Eleanor and Nathaniel, which was to be expected after she had learned the truth. However, it was his love for Eleanor’s other children, those who were not his own, that astounded her. Never had she seen such loyalty, such devotion. She had thought Lydia possessed such qualities, but how quickly she had been relieved of that notion!
The storm continued outside, although it had subsided and blue patches were beginning to peek through the gray clouds. It was as if the weather was unsure what to do, mirroring Harmony’s uncertainty.
For some time, she sat and considered how she would approach Nathaniel. If she could only explain that she had no recollection of what had happened, he would understand and all could be saved.
She was uncertain how long she sat there deep in thought, but when footsteps came to her ear, she turned expecting Forbes to appear to announce that dinner was ready. Yet, it was not he who had arrived.
“Lydia?” Harmony asked in shock. “Where have you been? You must tell me what happened that night I went to your room.”
“I…that night I did something I had to do. To save your marriage.”
Rage filled Harmony and she bolted from her seat. “Save my marriage?” she shouted. “My marriage is now over because of what you did! How could you allow me to go through with such a terrible thing? You plied me with so much drink that I remember nothing, which led to my destruction!” She shook her head. Never had she been so angry — so hurt — in all her life. “After all your warnings, how could you put me in a position that would allow that man to put his hands on me?” With one swift movement, she pulled her hand back and slapped the maid across the face. “How dare you? You were my friend, someone I thought I could trust! And you betrayed me!”
Lydia did not touch her cheek where a clear handprint appeared. “That night when you came to me, I knew what David had said was right. Scarlett Hall was on a road to destruction, and those within its walls would be destroyed, too.” Tears glinted in her eyes. “As I watched you suffer, I knew I couldn’t allow anything to happen to you. I decided I had to do something to help; it was my duty.”
“Your duty?” Harmony asked incredulously. “How could you do such a thing?”
“Because I cherish you,” Lydia replied. “Because you are the closest friend I’ve ever had, and so often you stood up for me, your servant, as if I mattered. And because I love you and don’t want to see you hurt, I did what no lady would ever do.”
“I do not understand,” Harmony whispered.
“I gave you enough drink to put you to sleep, and when the midnight hour approached, I donned your nightgown and took your place in your bed.”
With a sob, Harmony threw her arms around the maid. “Oh, Lydia!” she cried. “My beautiful friend. I am sorry I doubted you!”
“Your marriage has remained pure,” Lydia said as she pulled away. “And tonight, Isaac will grow angry as he waits for me to join him in his bed.” She laughed as she wiped away the tears that trickled down her cheek. “Not only will he find me gone, but he will also find gone the only thing that gives him his power.” She reached into her coat and placed a piece of parchment in Harmony’s hand. “I knew he wouldn’t give it to you, so today, I went to his room and found where he’d hidden it.”
With trembling hands, Harmony unfolded the paper. It was indeed the very document that Isaac had shown her before he had her thrown out of Scarlett Hall, the very document stating that he relinquished his rights to his rightful inheritance.
“What you have done for me, the sacrifice you have made, I can never repay you nor will I ever have the words to thank you.”
Lydia smiled. “Go to your husband and let the love you share shine bright once more. With that love, you will destroy Isaac. But do so soon, for he plans to leave Scarlett Hall tonight.”
“I will,” Harmony replied. “Tonight, I shall find my husband and make everything right.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
Nathaniel stood beneath the night sky, the stars and moon working as one to cast their light as far as the eye could see. Yet, he was not focused on the sky itself but rather on the great Scarlett hall. For eight generations, a Lambert had been seated on the barony, each represented by a portrait that lined the staircase wall. How strange that his would not join them.
The fact he was no longer the legitimate heir no longer left him feeling battered and burned. What he was able to take with him from this place and claim as his true inheritance was what his mother had taught him — be kind to those less fortunate, love your family more than yourself, and above all else, hold on to your integrity, for that is who you are to the core, no matter what you portray to the world.
Her lessons were not taught as a mantra. Never had she said those exact words to him. However, he had learned from her example, which was the most effective manner of teaching. One day he would teach his children. If he indeed had any. Unfortunately, he did not heed her lessons well enough.
As he looked up at his childhood home, more than ever he understood what was lost. It was not the stables that held great steeds, nor the stone from which the house was built, nor the numerous heirlooms inside that was now out of reach. If he had loved his family more than himself, he would not have driven away his wife. Instead, he had loved the barony more, and the cost had been high.
He had lost the chance to accept his true father and to know him as such. He had also lost his wife, for Harmony should have been his most beloved treasure.
Yet, the greatest casualty of this war had been the loss of himself, for along the way Harmony’s prediction had come to pass. He had destroyed who he was for the love and admiration of the barony.
How had he become a man willing to risk all for a title? And who was this man, nay, this brute who would consider physically hurting another man? Granted, he had not followed through on that consideration, but he had deliberated it. That man was someone he no longer recognized.
Now he had received his just rewards. He was alone. As the cold breeze blew open his coat, he knew he did not want to remain so. Therefore, tomorrow morning, he would leave Scarlett Hall for the last time, and instead of going straight to Chatterly Estate, he would go to Harmony and listen to all she had to say.
And Forbes, the kind butler – no, his father! The man whom Nathaniel had rejected – he would ask him if there was any chance of reconciliation. He would not blame the man if he refused, but the attempt had to be made.
These thoughts, this sense of understanding, broke the chains of despair that had been choking him all these weeks. Freedom could not have felt more liberating than it did at that moment! His life was not forfeit simply because he was heading down another path.
With a renewed sense of who he was, Nathaniel mounted the stairs and returned inside. He stopped in the foyer to listen for any sounds of those who still resided there, but the house was eerily silent.
He made his way to the study to finalize the last of the business arrangements associated with Scarlett Hall. Other men might have left everything for the one who was taking his place, but Nathaniel had developed alliances with good men who did not deserve to be treated so terribly. Gone was the sense of sadness, now replaced by a sense of completion.
As he entered the study, he lit several candles on a table beside the desk and nearly jumped at the voice that boomed from outside.
“Do not hide from me, Brother,” Isaac shouted. “Come and face me like a man!”
Nathaniel hurried to the window and looked down upon Isaac, who stood at the ready with the family broadsword, which he used to stab the beloved great oak tree. Over and over, Isaac drove the tip of the blade into the wood, only to pull it out and stab again.
“He has gone mad.”
“Nathaniel! Come face me now, you coward!”
Was the man drunk? Or had his rage become so great he truly wanted to fight? Whatever his issue, it was time to bring this lunacy to an e
nd.
Nathaniel made his way outside and walked up just as Isaac thrust the sword into the tree trunk once more, the blade sinking deep. Already the flesh of the poor oak had the look of a fallen soldier, its gaping wounds a testament of its dignity.
“You will ruin that sword,” Nathaniel said quietly. “It is not meant to be used as an ax.”
Leaving the tip of the sword in the flesh of the tree, Isaac rounded on him, his face red with rage. “Where is it?” he demanded.
Nathaniel frowned. “Where is what?”
“My document, you fool!” Isaac growled. He took a menacing step forward. “Do not make me ask you again, dear brother.” The last was said with a sneer.
“Document? What document? Everything connected to the businesses of Scarlett Hall is in the ledgers where they have always been.”
As his brother stepped from the shadow of the tree and the moonlight highlighted his face, Nathaniel saw for the first time the true evil of the man. “Do not play stupid,” Isaac growled. “That woman, Lydia? You sent her away with them, did you not? Where did she go? To your wife? You were all in on this, meant to play me for a fool!”
Nathaniel shook his head in confusion. “I am sorry, but I have no idea what you are talking about. Was Lydia not to have dinner with you? You were speaking with her when I left for Rumsbury earlier. Surely, you would know her whereabouts better than I.”
In two long strides, Isaac was within inches of Nathaniel, his breath hot on Nathaniel’s face. “I ate dinner alone, expecting the woman to join me. When she did not arrive, I went to my bedroom in search of her, and she was not there. Nor was my document.”
“Isaac, I…”
“No!” Isaac shouted. “Do not lie to me any longer. You had Lydia feign interest in me in order to steal what is mine.” He threw his hands in the air and began to pace. “It does not matter. I will find her, and she and Harmony will pay for your betrayal as well as theirs.”
Cry of the Baroness: Secrets of Scarlett Hall Book 9 Page 20
