“I need a brandy!” Edith responded tartly. “I was such a fool.”
Ralph smiled at her words. “You’re no shrinking miss, Lady Edith. I think even the most experienced young woman would have been taken in by the charms of Mr Sage,” he defended her.
“Yes. Even I thought he was up to snuff,” Miles admitted.
“You relied on your friend’s recommendation,” Ralph said.
“Malone is going to rue the day he came back into contact with me,” Miles said grimly.
“There’s little point in my saying it isn’t worth getting into a fight over it, isn’t there?” Edith asked.
“In this, I’m afraid, yes,” Miles admitted. “He wouldn’t expect to get off without retribution. He knows me of old.”
“I don’t want to see you hurt. Lord Pensby will suffer enough from his fight,” Edith said, finally looking at Ralph.
“Stiff knuckles are a small price to pay for teaching that blackguard a lesson,” Ralph said roughly.
Edith flushed a little. “It was my stupidity. I shouldn’t have climbed into the carriage.”
“No. You shouldn’t have, but likewise, it wasn’t unreasonable to presume he would act the gentleman in an open vehicle in the middle of the street,” Miles responded.
Ralph left the brother and sister alone. He had blood on his clothing, which would probably have ruined the fine fabric, but he didn’t care. He’d never been as angry in his life as when he’d seen the state of Edith and the look of desperation on her face as she was trying to make her escape. Sage was lucky to be still breathing, because Miles had been wrong. It was worth hanging for to be rid of the person who threatened the woman he loved.
He stilled as his valet helped him out of his clothing.
He loved her.
Of course he loved her. He’d known it for weeks, but no matter what his feelings were he still couldn’t have her. The more he kept that thought in the forefront of his mind, the better for all of them.
Eventually returning to the drawing room, he was notified that Edith had been taken to his guest chamber and was bathing and changing into clean clothes. He’d taken a large swallow of whisky at the thought of Edith bathing under his roof, but he chided himself at his base thoughts after what she’d been through.
“I’ll order my carriage,” Ralph offered to Miles. “There’s no point forcing your sister to walk, or ride any further. I expect she’s more shaken than she appears.”
“Yes. She’s made of firm stuff, but she was trembling when I first got hold of her,” Miles admitted. “Thank you for the thrashing you gave Sage. I owe you a debt of gratitude.”
“You would have done the same for me. I couldn’t have stood by and watched him get away while you were tending to your sister,” Ralph answered.
“I cannot believe how close she came to ruination,” Miles admitted. “The thought terrifies me, but what if we hadn’t been passing? I suggested Hyde Park, you were the one to offer an alternative. If we’d gone to Hyde Park, we would have been too far away.”
“I know,” Ralph said quietly. His friend’s words did nothing to settle Ralph’s temper, which was still bubbling under the surface. He chose the moment to leave the room to order the carriage.
After the servant left the hallway, under Ralph’s instructions, Ralph took the moment to let out his breath and run his hand through his hair. She could have so easily been ruined.
“Lord Pensby?” Edith asked tentatively, as she walked into the hallway. She had bathed and changed her clothing and for all intents and purposes looked as if nothing untoward had happened.
“Yes?” Ralph asked in return.
“How are your hands?” Edith asked, crossing the hall and holding out her own hands to take Ralph’s.
“There is nothing to worry about,” Ralph responded, but placed his hands in hers, nonetheless.
Edith rubbed her thumb over Ralph’s knuckles and winced at the already developing bruises and cuts that covered them. “I’m so sorry.”
“What for?”
“For being a fool. For causing this. But I thank you from the bottom of my heart that you would do such a thing to protect me. I don’t deserve it. I’m quite ashamed of my actions,” Edith admitted, her words babbled because of embarrassment and humiliation.
Ralph squeezed her fingers, even though the action caused him pain. “Don’t recriminate. It wasn’t you at fault. And if my situation were different…”
Edith looked in puzzlement at the unfinished sentence. When it was clear that Ralph wasn’t going to continue she spoke. “I don’t fully understand.”
“I can’t explain,” Ralph admitted. “But know this, if things were different, if I could be as I would wish… but I can’t.”
Edith was completely baffled by his words but was sure that he felt the same as she did. She lifted his hands to her lips and kissed each one. The sharp intake of breath was encouragement enough that she hadn’t erred.
“Thank you for protecting me. I appreciate it more than I can express,” she whispered quietly.
Edith gently let go of one of Ralph’s hands and placed her own on his cheek. She was emboldened by the way he closed his eyes and leaned into her touch.
They sprang apart when the servant returned to the hallway and coughed his presence. Edith broke the contact and flushed a deep red, but Ralph shielded her from the prying eyes of the servant.
“Tell Lord Longdon to prepare to leave if the carriage is ready,” Ralph growled out.
As the servant entered the drawing room, Ralph bent his head and kissed Edith so quickly, so lightly that afterwards she would almost doubt that it had happened. Then reluctantly he moved away from her to await Miles’ entrance.
He was a cad. A devil, but he needed to show her that he cared deeply. Which wasn’t fair on her, but he never thought straight when she was in his company, especially when she looked as vulnerable and trusting as she did now.
*
Edith surreptitiously touched her lips as they travelled the short journey to Curzon Street. He had kissed her. She’d hardly been able to respond before Miles had walked into the hall. If he’d seen the kiss, there would have been another whole situation to contend with on what had turned out to be an eventful day, but he hadn’t.
She couldn’t fathom what it meant. Ralph seemed to want her but then contradicted himself with his words. He sounded like he didn’t know what he really wanted, he certainly couldn’t speak eloquently on the subject so how she was supposed to guess his feelings was anyone’s business.
Miles laid a hand on her arm. “I suggest we don’t tell Mother about anything which has occurred today.”
“Oh, certainly not!” Edith responded emphatically. “I don’t wish to have even further recriminations from her.”
“Are you still determined to leave tomorrow?” Miles asked.
“Yes. It’s convinced me even more so that I’m not suited to this life. Perhaps one day I’ll return to London, but it won’t happen for a number of years, if at all,” Edith said.
“I still think it’s a shame, but I’ll support you as much as I can. I will remain in London until Mother decides she’d like to return to Barrowfoot,” Miles said.
“I’ll hopefully have made some firm plans to establish my own home by then,” Edith said.
“There’s no hurry. You will have to spend time with Mother in the future, you know,” Miles cautioned.
“I know. But I think we both need a break from each other. We have gone through the worst of times recently. Perhaps we just need for life to be less stressful and charged for a little time,” Edith responded.
When they reached home, Miles handed her down from the carriage, but went to step back into the vehicle when Edith was on the pavement.
“Where are you going?” Edith asked in surprise.
“I have a score to settle,” Miles said. “Don’t worry, I’ll return soon.”
“Oh, no! Leave it, please!” Edith pleaded.
“I can’t m’dear,” Miles said, gently leaning out of the window and putting his finger under Edith’s chin so she looked him directly in the eye. “I have to do this.”
Edith gave a slight nod and moved away from the carriage. Her stomach would be in knots until Miles returned safe and well. For now, she had to trust he knew what he was doing and accept that it was something he had to do.
*
It didn’t take much effort for Miles to gain access to Albert’s rooms. Staff who were not being paid tended to be more amiable to someone handing out a pocket full of coins.
Albert started when Miles entered his drawing room. Miles had purposely walked in nonchalantly, taking off his hat as he entered through the doorway.
“Longdon, I can explain.” Albert stood up and faced his old officer.
“I doubt it, but I shall indulge you whilst you try. You can no doubt convince me why you chose my sister for an easy target for that shuffling slyboots, you introduced as a gentleman,” Miles said, his tone steely.
“He is a gentleman, but without funds. He did what every other fortune hunter would do,” Albert started, trying to defend Mr Sage.
“Every other fortune hunter didn’t use their friendship with me to get to my sister,” Miles pointed out. “You gave him the means to become closer to Edith than anyone else would normally be allowed. Now, why, after we served together and I thought, respected each other, would you do something like that?”
Albert had the decency to flush a little. “I wouldn’t have done so in usual circumstances.”
“But you did this time.”
“I’ve fallen on hard times. No war, means no work, means no money. The pittance I receive would hardly keep a dog off the streets,” Albert said bitterly.
“And especially not a man with your expensive tastes,” Miles spat, looking around the elegantly furnished room.
“No. Not all of us are born to wealth. Charles said he was looking to marry and fell in love with your sister…”
“Oh, spare me the falsehoods! Don’t treat me like some sort of nodcock, or I really will kill you today,” Miles promised.
Paling slightly, Albert swallowed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think he’d resort to kidnap and forced marriage. That was never part of the plan. As far as I was aware he was intent on charming her into marrying him. He’s travelled throughout Europe trying to do the same. No young lady can resist him initially, but he’s never secured a marriage with anyone.”
“And you decided that through mine and your acquaintance, Edith would be an easy target. When you saw Edith wasn’t smitten you didn’t think to advise your friend to stay away? Where is he by the way?”
“He took the ship he’d chartered to take himself and Lady Edith to Scotland. He had to be lifted on board, he was in such a bad way,” Albert admitted. The sight of Charles had filled him with terror, though he was no coward. He had known what the result would be. He’d actually been preparing to leave, underestimating how soon Miles would be seeking him out. “But, yes I did warn him about continuing to moon after Lady Edith.”
“Yet, he didn’t listen. Why are you still here? Why didn’t you leave with him as I told him to tell you?”
“I was arranging my departure. I just had to plan where I was going. I’ve parted company with Sage, I didn’t agree with what he did and I told him as much,” Albert babbled, hoping to save his own skin.
“I hope you did. The fact that you weren’t in the coach would suggest you speak the truth, but I’m afraid you’re still to be held accountable for bringing him into our midst. You could have quite easily sent a message around to my home today, warning us of the danger Edith faced, yet you chose not to. I’m afraid I cannot let it rest that my sister was taken against her will and had to jump from a moving carriage before being chased and half dragged through the streets of London. You could have prevented that. But you didn’t.”
Albert tensed at Miles’ expression and in a sudden movement threw the table next to him at Miles in an effort to hinder the young man, whilst he made his own escape. Miles ducked aside, avoiding the table and flung himself across a sofa to bring Albert and himself crashing to the ground.
Kicking out, Albert struggled to escape Miles, but although he was fuelled by panic, Miles’ motivation gave him the cold edge which he needed. Climbing across Albert, Miles’ fist came into contact with Albert’s stomach. As Albert retaliated, Miles blocked blows while delivering those of his own.
When he was satisfied that Albert wouldn’t forget the consequences of betraying his trust anytime soon, Miles stood and brushed himself off.
“You should have left with Sage,” he said coldly, looking down at the prone form. Albert watched his attacker warily, half expecting another beating, but Miles had made his point. “I suggest you disappear into a hole and don’t come back anytime soon.”
“Where am I to go?” Albert bleated. “I have no money.”
“I suggest you get yourself abroad. I’m sure there are openings for sneaky, untrustworthy scoundrels like you,” Miles said with derision. “But one thing’s for sure, I’ll be letting the whole battalion know what trick you’ve pulled on one of your own. I doubt you’ll get a welcome from anyone in London anytime soon.”
“You’ve as good as made me destitute!” Albert cried out.
Miles bent forward, at which Albert winced. “No. You and your friend did that when you tried to harm my family.” Miles stood straight once more and reached for his hat.
“He’s the best offer she’s ever likely to get, the dried up, sour ape-leader that she is!” Albert said, anger making him foolish.
In one swift movement, Miles punched Albert in the gut. After watching him writhe in pain for a moment, he placed his hat on his head and walked through the doorway without looking back.
Chapter 15
My Dear Miss S,
Have you ever done something that you really want to even though you know it’s wrong? For once, I forgot what I should do and now I feel like I have behaved poorly towards a person who is dear to me. I can’t regret my actions for even just for the briefest of moments. It gave me a glimpse of a life I might have had if my circumstances were different.
I do not repine. I don’t wish you to feel sorry for me. I accept the decisions I’ve made as the right things to do, but recently, I’ve had cause to imagine a different path and it has rattled my equilibrium.
Life has been eventful recently, surprising for one who avoids it as best I can. I thought I was immune to people, but it appears not. I can fight for what is right, something I didn’t believe to be true.
I have to return home soon and I think that is when our correspondence should end. I need to face my future and you need to plan for yours. Believe me when I say, I know without doubt that you deserve to be loved wholeheartedly by a man worthy of you. I wish I could be that person.
Miss S, you are a delight. Don’t let anyone try to convince you otherwise.
Kindest regards,
Mr S
Edith read and reread the letter, the frown never leaving her face. Eventually, she placed it into her portmanteau which was packed and ready to be carried to the carriage. When the letter was safely away, she moved to the fireplace and stood looking down into it.
Miles entered Edith’s bedchamber and noticed her frowning stance. “What is it, m’dear? Having second thoughts?”
Startled a little, Edith turned a smile on her face. “No, not at all, but I would like to speak to Lord Pensby before I leave. Could you escort me to his lodgings, please?”
“Why do you want to see Pensby?”
“I need to see him after yesterday. I want to thank him properly and to check he is well,” Edith improvised.
“You can send a note round for that. No need to go to his home and disturb him,” Miles responded.
“Miles, please. Take me to him,” Edith cajoled.
“I’m not a fool, Edith. I’ve seen the way you look at Ralph
. I’ve warned you before, he isn’t the marrying kind,” Miles cautioned.
“It’s not about marrying him! Just indulge me in this, I think he needs his friends. It’s a feeling, a niggle, an educated guess – call it what you will, but I need you to go around to where he is staying, even if you won’t take me and check he is well,” Edith insisted.
Miles let out a long-suffering sigh. “Fine. You remain here though. It’ll be easier for him to confess to me if there is something wrong, which of course there isn’t.”
Edith had to be content with her brother’s decision, but she would be on tenterhooks until Miles returned.
*
Miles stepped up to Ralph’s front door and immediately gave some credit to Edith’s feelings, as the knocker had been removed from the door. His friend hadn’t mentioned leaving London, which he always did.
Miles banged on the door in case any member of staff had been left behind. Just as he was about to leave, a young servant opened the door cautiously.
“When did Lord Pensby leave?” Miles demanded not unkindly.
“This morning, m’lud.”
“When does he return?”
“It depends on how well Lady Pensby is,” the servant answered.
“Lady Pensby? Is she ill?” Miles tried to hide the fact that he knew nothing about Ralph’s mother, let alone she suffered from an illness.
“Yes, although, Mr Jackson says that the new treatment seems to be working. Which is good news.”
“It is indeed,” Miles answered. “I have business with Lord Pensby, but nothing urgent, I will see him when he returns. Here’s my card.” Having handed over the elegantly printed card, Miles stepped back onto the pavement.
As he retraced his steps to Curzon Street, he pondered over everything Ralph had ever told him about his family. He had very little to go on, which he suddenly felt ashamed about.
Entering the hallway of his own abode, he went straight into the drawing room when told his sister was waiting for him there. As soon as he entered Edith stood to greet him.
Lady Edith's Lonely Heart: A Regency Romance (Lonely Hearts Series Book 1) Page 12
