by Ella Edon
Her mind had been racing on the way home from Leyton’s hideout, but now she was too exhausted to even think about anything. Except that she wanted to sleep. Everything could wait until the morning. For her, breathing comfortably without having it squeezed out of her was at the top of her list along with sleep.
Her family physician had left, and her maid had also tiptoed out after getting things ready for the morning. Eleanor knew her father would want answers, but hopefully Nathan could provide them.
Nathan. Eleanor smiled. He had been there when she had needed him. Nathan had rescued her. Not only her, but one of his own servants. He had the courage of a lion. Who couldn’t love a quality like that?
When you love a man, it’s easy to love that part of him.
There was a gentle knock at the door. For a moment, Eleanor thought someone was knocking against her head; it felt so loud and it made her moan in pain. Then it happened again. Eleanor shifted up to rest on her elbows, blinking through the dim room at the door.
“Who is it?”
The door opened, and it took a moment for Eleanor’s eyes to adjust on the man who stepped through into her bedchamber. She gasped and sat up abruptly, biting back the nausea as the room tilted.
“Nathan! I mean, Captain!”
Nathan chuckled as he shut the door behind him.
“Considering the room we’re in, do you really think calling me Captain is such a good idea?”
“But...what...what are you doing in here?” Eleanor grasped the sheets to her neck. Even though she wore a nightgown, she felt very naked before this man. “Father’s going to be furious!”
“He knows I’m here.”
“What?”
“He gave me special permission to see you now.” Nathan crossed the room. “But I’ve only got two minutes.”
“Oh.”
Edward Heavenly had allowed Nathan to come in here? Was he mad? But Eleanor couldn’t be angry at her father. The sight of Nathan made her feel lighter, a little better. She just wanted to be back in his arms again.
Nathan reached the side of the bed, staring down at her. He was still looking sooty, the smell of the smoke clinging to him. But Eleanor had never seen a more welcoming sight. Nathan eased himself onto the edge of the bed, reaching for her. Eleanor went to him, sighing as Nathan embraced her with his face buried against her hair as he let out a shuddering breath. His arms tightened around her, one hand stroking her hair. Eleanor wrapped her arms around him, smiling as she nuzzled his shoulder. Things didn’t seem so bad now.
“How are you feeling now?” Nathan eased back, brushing her hair out of her face. “Are you able to breathe now?”
“A little bit.” Eleanor rubbed a hand over her heart. “My lungs still feel like they’ve been squeezed, but it’s easier to breathe. I’ll live.”
“Thank God for that.” Nathan cupped her jaw. “You scared me when I saw you like that.”
“And you scared me when you went back into that house.”
“I wasn’t going to leave Bailey to die in there. He’s one of mine. He’s going to be speaking with a hoarse voice for a while now, but he’s going to be fine.”
That was something. Eleanor had remembered seeing Bailey stretched on the cobbles, unconscious but breathing. At least he was going to live.
“And what about Leyton? Will you get him?”
“Someone got to him before we could.” Nathan’s expression tightened. “Lord Reading found him dead by the river.”
Eleanor covered her mouth as she gasped. Leyton was dead? He needed help, but he didn’t deserve death. Suddenly, she felt cold.
“What...how?”
“All I will say is his death wasn’t pretty, and I doubt it was quick.” Nathan sighed. “It’s best if you don’t know all the details.”
“I will be asking for the details at some point, Nathan.”
Even as she said it, Eleanor knew she didn’t want to know. Her stomach rolled at the thought of knowing how Matthew Leyton died. He was a disturbed man, and he had shown how dangerous he could be, but even Leyton didn’t deserve that. Eleanor didn’t wish that on anyone.
“I know you will.” Nathan gave her a half-smile as he stroked her cheek. “You’re not one to take things without explanation.”
“That’s true.” Eleanor wished her voice didn’t shake. She rested her head on Nathan’s shoulder. “So, I won’t need to worry about Leyton anymore.”
“No. The one who killed him did us a favour.”
“That’s not a very kind thing to say, Nathan.”
Nathan snorted. “After what he’s done, I’m not feeling very charitable.”
He did have a point. Eleanor wished she could feel charitable, but all she could feel was relief. Relief that she wasn’t going to be looking over her shoulder at her wedding expecting Leyton to come barging in objecting to the ceremony.
Speaking of weddings…
“Can I ask you a question, Nathan?”
“Of course.” Nathan’s hand brushed over her hair. “What is it?”
“Do you still want to marry me?”
Nathan stiffened. Then he eased her back, hands on her shoulders as he stared at her.
“Why do you ask that?”
“Well, things have…” Eleanor winced. “I brought a lot of trouble with me. That’s hardly making me good for a wife, is it?”
Nathan looked bewildered. Then he smiled and squeezed her shoulders, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Your trouble is no longer here. I still want to marry you, Eleanor. Not just for the agreement that was drawn up, but for me.”
For himself? Did that mean…?
“What are you…?”
“I love you, Eleanor.” Nathan drew her close and kissed her cheek, her nose, and then her mouth. “I wouldn’t have anyone else as my wife. No one would match up to you. That’s it.” He kissed her again. “I want to marry you because I love you.”
He loved her. The three words floated around in Eleanor’s head, but they didn’t really sink in. She had not been expecting that. Eleanor had wondered many times if Nathan would ever say those words to her. Now he had, and she couldn’t take it in.
“Don’t look at me like that, Eleanor.” Nathan groaned. “It took a lot for me to confess it for the first time.”
“I... Nathan…”
“My Lady?”
Eleanor jumped back, almost sprawling on the mattress. One of the maids was at the door. She hadn’t even noticed anyone enter the room. The maid was looking pointedly at Nathan.
“Baron Heavenly says it’s time for Captain Reynolds to leave.”
“Of course.” Nathan slid off the bed and straightened up, adjusting his coat. “I’m due a clean-up myself. I smell like I’ve been living in the hearth for a week.”
Eleanor was still staring at him as he took her hand and pressed a gentle kiss to her palm, his eyes seeming to glow as he looked at her. She couldn’t find any words to say as Nathan stepped back and bowed before heading towards the door. She was still speechless even after the door closed behind him.
He loved her, and she had been shocked into silence. Not exactly the most romantic thing to do. But Eleanor couldn’t help but smile as she settled back under the blankets, closing her eyes as she savoured the moment.
“I’m glad you’re feeling better, Lady Eleanor.” Lady Vanity said as she reached for her cup. “But are you sure you wanted to come out so soon after something like...well, I don’t know how to describe it.”
Eleanor smiled and patted the older woman’s hand. “I’m stronger than you think, Lady Vanity.”
“I can tell.” The Countess shivered. “I don’t know if I could have coped after that. I’d be laid up in bed for at least a week.”
That wasn’t in Eleanor’s nature. After one night, she had felt much better. Her head was throbbing a little and her throat was still sore, but Eleanor was feeling better than she had the day before. A long, hot bath prepared for her and some fresh clothes, and E
leanor felt even better. She had to keep moving, or she was going to end up losing most of the day. Eleanor wanted to keep herself busy, find something that wouldn’t remind her of what had happened.
And not think about Leyton’s death. Eleanor felt a pang of sympathy for him. She detested the man, and she would rather he wasn’t in her life, but she wouldn’t have wished him dead. Eleanor knew he needed help, and a lot of it. If they had managed to keep hold of Leyton, maybe they could have done that.
But now he was dead. Eleanor didn’t know what was happening to his body, and she wasn’t sure she wanted to know everything. Knowing that he had been murdered was already sending a chill down her spine.
Enough. Think about that later. Right now, you’re having morning tea with your future mother-in-law.
That was the reason Eleanor had come to visit Lady Vanity. This had been in their diaries for some time now, and Eleanor didn’t think it was polite to turn down a long-standing invitation, even if she had a valid reason for cancelling at the last minute.
Besides, it meant seeing Nathan again. Although when Eleanor had arrived, she found that Nathan had already left to see someone. That made Eleanor a little downcast, but she perked up knowing that he would be back soon. Then she could ask him to say that he loved her again, to make it sink in.
Because then she could say it in return.
Eleanor took a sip of her tea. “How’s Bailey? Captain Reynolds said he was going to be all right.”
“He’s actually back at work.” Lady Vanity sighed. “The silly fool wouldn’t take a day off, said he would rest when his actual day off comes around. Even after a wash, he’s still walking around smelling of smoke.”
Eleanor smiled. “I think most of us will for a while. Your son rescued us at the right moment.”
“That he did.” Vanity beamed. “My son is always rescuing people. A bit like his father. The last Earl of Brixton wanted to save everyone and give them a place in life.”
That sounded like Nathan all over. Eleanor raised her little cup.
“After having experienced it first-hand, I highly recommend it.”
“I do as well.” Vanity’s smile dimmed a little, and she sighed, sipping her tea before putting the cup back down and reaching for a biscuit. “If it hadn’t been for my dearly departed husband, I wouldn’t be where I am now. I would’ve been married to a man who liked to flout the rules of beating wives.”
Eleanor blinked. “You were betrothed before your husband?”
“It’s something that’s known if you go asking about it. But it’s been thirty years, so thankfully that part of my life is over.” Lady Vanity nibbled delicately at the biscuit. “While I managed to walk away with my head held high, people whispered for so long. I wasn’t the one in the wrong and was fully within my rights to break the engagement, but I was the one people thought was the cause of the engagement breaking down.” She gave Eleanor a little smile. “My husband didn’t see me that way. He saw someone who needed rescuing, someone who needed love and attention. And that’s what he gave me.”
Eleanor listened as the older woman talked, hearing the soft but sad affection in her voice. Lady Vanity had loved her husband with everything she had, and she missed him. For all her airs and graces and trying to be above others, she just wanted someone to accept her. That’s what her husband had done. He had accepted her, flaws and all, and loved her anyway.
Just like her own parents. That was what Eleanor had wanted for so long. She was sure she would have that with Nathan.
“I wish I could have met the late Earl,” she murmured.
“So do I.” Vanity gave her a smile and took Eleanor’s hand. “He would have liked you, Eleanor. You two are so very alike. I know he would have approved of you.”
“I’m glad you think so, Lady Vanity.”
That meant a lot to her. Eleanor hoped that Nathan knew this as well. From the way he and his mother interacted, they didn’t often talk about the deeper emotions. Maybe they should sit down one day and do it. It would bring mother and son a little closer.
“Are you worried?”
Eleanor blinked at the sudden question. “Worried about what?”
“Marrying my son.” Vanity bit her lip. “I know you have your doubts about this marriage and things have been difficult lately…”
“I’m not worried.” Eleanor put her teacup down and took the older woman’s hands in hers. “I love your son, my Lady. It didn’t take much to fall for him. We’re still going to be arguing about me helping all those children at the orphanage, but I know I can win him over.”
Lady Vanity smiled. This one reached her eyes, making them twinkle.
“I know you will. Nathan needs a strong-minded lady, or he’s going to find life very boring.” Then the twinkling flickered and died, the Countess’ expression becoming a little nervous. “Just make sure you know what you’re up against when you’re with him. Nathan won’t make it easy.”
“Neither will I.” Eleanor grinned. “I will make it work, Lady Vanity, but I won’t lie down and roll over like a dog whenever he wants me to.”
“I’m sure I can change that mindset.”
Eleanor looked up at the unfamiliar voice and stared. Nathan was standing in the doorway, wearing a black suit that fitted well on him. He was looking at Eleanor with a piercing gaze, a gaze that left Eleanor feeling like something cold was tickling the back of her neck.
This was Nathan, but he didn’t look right. Nathan said that he didn’t wear black unless he was in mourning, that it made him feel like he was walking around with a dark cloud over his head. And the voice didn’t sound right, either. It was deeper, somewhat. A thicker accent than what Eleanor was used to. Refined, but thicker.
What was he doing? Had the smoke affected his voice somehow and was his wardrobe that sparse he chose black?
Chapter Twenty-Nine
All questions disappeared when there was a loud gasp and a clatter of tin and china. Lady Vanity had jumped to her feet, knocking against the tea tray and sending everything flying onto the floor. She was staring at Nathan like she had seen a ghost, her face so pale it was the colour of her dress.
“Lady Vanity?” Eleanor jumped up and reached for her. “My Lady, what’s wrong?”
“I…”
Lady Vanity stared at her, clutching at Eleanor’s arms. Then her eyes rolled back in her head and she collapsed, almost taking Eleanor down with her. Eleanor dropped to her knees, easing Vanity onto the floor.
“Lady Vanity! My Lady!”
But the Countess was unresponsive, her eyes closed as she lay unmoving on the carpet. There was a rustling of clothes and then Nathan was beside her.
“Mother’s out cold.”
“What on earth happened?” Eleanor jumped to her feet. “I’ll ring for Desiree.”
“No.”
Eleanor gasped as Nathan grabbed her wrist, holding on so tightly that Eleanor had to bite back a flinch. He had never touched her like this before. Nathan rose to his feet, still holding onto her wrist as he towered over her.
Not so much as normal. Nathan had boasted that he was six-feet-four-inches tall, and Eleanor’s head barely brushed his chin. Now she was almost on eye-level with his chin. Had Nathan shrunk in the night? Was that even possible?
“I’ll look after this, Eleanor.” Nathan’s eyes drifted over her face. “It’s best that you go home. There’s nothing you can do here.”
“I can’t just walk out of here when I’ve been invited! What about your mother?”
Nathan’s jaw tightened. What was wrong with him? Eleanor knew things were a little strained between mother and son, but nothing like this. Why was Nathan being so brusque?
“Like I said, I’ll deal with this. Just do as you’re told.”
Eleanor bristled. “I don’t think this is right, Nathan.”
Nathan’s eyes flashed. Then he grabbed her neck and pulled her forward, his lips crushing hers. Eleanor stiffened. This wasn’t how Nathan ki
ssed. He had never been so forceful when he kissed her. It didn’t leave her with warm shivers. This kiss just left her cold.
Nathan broke the kiss abruptly, his voice barely above a growl. “When we’re married, my dear, you’re going to know that I’m always right.” Then he set her away. “Now go. I’ll make your excuses to Mother.”
And with that he turned his back on her, kneeling beside Vanity, who was still unconscious. Eleanor stared at him, trying to figure out what had just happened there. But Nathan had effectively dismissed her. He didn’t so much as glance in her direction.
