“Then I have no hesitation in telling you everything,” Mrs. Laurencekirk continued, gazing steadily at Sarah. “Especially since my brother has sent you here.”
It took a moment or two for Sarah to realize what had been said. It took another few moments for her to realize what it meant and even longer for the implications of it to sink into her mind. Mrs. Laurencekirk was not Lord Ruddington’s mistress, nor a lady that he was attempting to court in some way. She was his sister. His sister. That meant there was an acceptable reason for him to have been out walking with her the day she had seen them both in the bookshop.
“I do not understand,” she murmured, squeezing her eyes closed for a moment as she tried to make sense of what Mrs. Laurencekirk had revealed. “Lord Ruddington is your brother, Mrs. Laurencekirk? Then why has he never said so?”
Mrs. Laurencekirk sighed and shook her head. “Because he knows that if he did so, then the ton would, most likely, be inclined to lift up again what occurred all those years ago,” she said, which did not make any further sense to Sarah. “That is not something either of us wants.”
Sarah sighed, took a sip of her tea, and set her teacup back down on the saucer. “I am afraid I do not understand any of what you have said, Mrs. Laurencekirk,” she said bluntly. “You are Lord Ruddington’s sister—that, I understand. But what is it you do not wish the ton to bring to light again? And why did you have such a reaction when I mentioned Lord Britton and Miss Marks?”
Mrs. Laurencekirk shuddered visibly. “Because Lord Britton’s family brought disgrace upon me and then did nothing to ensure that my honor was somewhat restored as they ought to have done,” she said quietly, lowering her eyes to her lap. “Lord Britton’s son—his heir, the honorable Stephen Marks, took advantage of me. I was enjoying my second season and hoped to find a suitable husband. The gentleman was introduced to me, and I found his company enjoyable indeed.” She took in a shuddering breath, closing her eyes tightly. “But when it became clear I would not give him what he wished for, I confess his character changed in an instant.” She swallowed hard, opening her eyes but blinking rapidly.
“Pray, do not distress yourself, Mrs. Laurencekirk,” Sarah said hastily, not wanting to upset the lady further and already feeling quite appalled at what had been revealed. “If it is too distressing for you, then I would beg of you to keep your troubles silent.”
Mrs. Laurencekirk shook her head, taking in a breath and settling her shoulders. “No, indeed, Miss Crosby. I do not mind speaking of it as it is necessary to understand my brother’s actions, foolish as they may have been.” Her vision cleared, and her expression returned to one of determination. “My father, whilst present in London, had not much to do with society. He, therefore, had a companion hired who was to accompany me here and there and behave as my chaperone at all times.” She shook her head, her face paling somewhat. “Unfortunately, Stephen Marks could be suave and flirtatious, meaning he managed to cajole my companion into allowing me a few moments alone with him. Believing he intended to propose to me—for I do not think she was malicious but rather easily led and a little too romantic—she set up the occasion during one of Lord Britton’s evening soirees, and I went in entirely unaware Marks was waiting for me.” Again, she shook her head. “The man tried to take from me what I was not willing to give.” She came to a stop, her hand over her mouth as a dark ball of fear settled in Sarah’s stomach. Surely Mrs. Laurencekirk had not had to endure violence at the hand of Mr. Marks?
“I will not go into details, Miss Crosby, but only to say that he very nearly succeeded. My companion, hearing me scream, hurried in at once—just as Lord Britton came in also from an adjoining door.”
“Goodness,” Sarah breathed, her stomach knotting and her heart swelling with both anger towards Mr. Marks and compassion for Mrs. Laurencekirk. “What did Lord Britton do?”
Mrs. Laurencekirk closed her eyes tightly and did not immediately answer. When she did speak, her voice was thin and high pitched, clearly trying to press down her emotions. “My gown was torn, my bodice ripped, and dark bruises settling over my cheek and my eye. My gloves were gone completely; my arms red from where Mr. Marks had held me. I was crying with fear and then with relief, half collapsing into the arms of my companion, who could only hold me in utter horror, staring at Lord Britton as he surveyed the scene.” Opening her eyes again, Mrs. Laurencekirk took in a long breath. “Lord Britton did nothing, Miss Crosby. Looking towards his son, who was standing with his breech flap unbuttoned and loose about his waist, the man chose to support his son rather than acknowledge the sin that had been committed. Therefore, he took me by the arm, even though I was holding onto my companion, and flung me from the room. This did not go unnoticed by some of Lord Britton’s staff as well as by one or two guests who were milling about in the hallway.” Shame crept into her features, her cheeks beginning to color. “I returned home in disgrace, telling my father the truth about what had occurred. My companion was honest about everything also, much to her credit, and my father did not even consider that I might be the guilty one.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “I believe the bruises made him see there was no wrongdoing on my part. My dear papa did his best to speak to Lord Britton, to demand justice, but Lord Britton did nothing other than laugh in my father’s face.”
Sarah’s anger burned furiously, for even though Lord Britton was her distant relative, she had no kind thought for him for she knew his character well. Lord Britton was selfish, arrogant, and much too haughty, looking down on those he believed to be his inferiors, no matter their titles or the like.
“I was forced to return home to the estate with my father,” Mrs. Laurencekirk continued softly. “The next thing I heard about Mr. Marks was he was married and settled to a very rich young lady who had an excellent dowry and more than enough wealth to increase Mr. Marks’s standing.” She sighed and lifted one shoulder in a half shrug, her eyes downcast.
“What could I do, Miss Crosby? I had no way to regain my honor. The ton knew some of what had occurred, of course, and chose to throw themselves into the story as much as they could. There was so much gossip, so many untruths going about, that there was nothing that could be done to prevent it. As far as society thought, I was an improper young lady who had thrown myself at Mr. Marks and been rejected in the most embarrassing of ways. They did not know the truth, and nor would they care if they did discover it.” She sighed miserably and looked away, making Sarah’s heart ache all the more.
“So justice was never given to you,” Sarah said gently. “Lord Britton allowed society to think ill of you to save his own son’s reputation.”
“Yes,” Mrs. Laurencekirk agreed quietly. “That is it precisely.”
“And where was your brother during this time?”
Mrs. Laurencekirk gave her a half smile. “He was abroad, looking after my father’s holdings on the continent. My father wrote to him despite my pleas not to trouble him, but he insisted upon it. Of course, Ruddington returned as soon as he could, horrified to hear what had occurred. There was much discussion between my father and himself as to what might be done to force Lord Britton to make amends and to admit to his son’s guilt so that my stains might be removed, but it soon became clear there was nothing that could be done.”
Sarah linked her hands together, her tea forgotten as she leaned forward and watched Mrs. Laurencekirk closely. “So Lord Ruddington could do nothing either?”
“The decision was made that I should be found a suitable match and marry quietly,” Mrs. Laurencekirk said by way of explanation. “My brother was furious that no justice could be found and deeply angry that Lord Britton could behave so callously without any reprimand.” She shrugged again. “But then my father passed away, and things moved on.”
Sarah’s spirits sank even lower, seeing the distress etched upon Mrs. Laurencekirk’s face and feeling her heart reach out in sympathy for the lady.
“My brother found me a match once the mourning period came to an e
nd,” Mrs. Laurencekirk continued, her voice so soft now that Sarah had to strain to hear it. “My husband is a parson, although we have come to town for a short holiday before returning to the country.” She smiled then at Sarah, her expression a little brighter. “He is not a titled man, but he is kind and compassionate, and I am greatly contented with that. My brother has been very financially generous, meaning we will have no difficulties in our living for the rest of our days. We have found happiness in each other that I did not ever think would be possible. There is no desire in me for revenge, no need for me to seek out justice now. It is gone now, it has been set in the past. I had every intention of leaving it there.”
“Except it seems Lord Ruddington has not done so,” Sarah added, seeing how Mrs. Laurencekirk closed her eyes in frustration. “This is Miss Marks’ first season. Can it be that he was waiting for her to enter into society before trying to do something akin to what her brother did to you?”
Silence filled the room for a moment, making Sarah wonder if she had spoken out of turn, spoken with too much honesty, or if she was thinking of Lord Ruddington much too ill. But then Mrs. Laurencekirk began to nod slowly.
“I believe you are correct, Miss Crosby,” she said sadly. “I think my brother has harbored such anger and upset over the disgrace that was brought to bear that he has sought to find a way to bring our family name justice. Although I did not ever think he would be as cruel as to try to ruin Miss Marks, all for the sake of avenging me!”
“He was to elope with her,” Sarah said, shaking her head. “I do not know if that meant he planned to travel to Scotland and be married over the anvil—for that in itself would be a disgrace—or whether he meant to take her away only to return her to her family a day or so later.” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “Either one would have brought shame to the Britton name.”
Mrs. Laurencekirk nodded. “Indeed, it would have,” she agreed sorrowfully. “But you say he was prevented from doing so?”
Sarah swallowed hard, tears filling her eyes as she remembered how Lord Ruddington had stared at her in horror, having just declared to Miss Marks that he did not think he could do what he had planned. He had told her he could not bring himself to do it, that he had thought of none but her as he had looked at Miss Marks. There had been regret in his eyes, pain in his expression, and yet she had not been certain whether or not she believed him.
“I think he was deeply tormented,” Sarah murmured, quietly. “When it came to it, it seemed Lord Ruddington could not bring himself to behave in the same way as Stephen Marks. I think even if he had not been discovered, Mrs. Laurencekirk, he would not have been able to bring himself to do as he had planned. I confess I have struggled to know what to believe, to know what to trust of him but now that I have heard from you, now that I know the truth, I must admit I believe him to be honest in what he has said. I believe he did not wish to take her from her father’s house, even though that had been his intention.”
“That is something of a relief,” Mrs. Laurencekirk murmured, pulling a handkerchief from her sleeve and dabbing at her eyes. “Oh, the burden he must have carried about with him! I wish I had been able to speak to him of it. I wish I had known of it before now, Miss Crosby. Then I might have been able to assure him he had nothing whatsoever to worry about, to tell him I was quite happy and fully content. I have no need for revenge, Miss Crosby, and I pray it was not for my sake alone that he thought of doing this. The only thing I can say is I am truly glad he did not go through with it. He would have ruined his own life as well as that of Miss Marks, who herself has done nothing wrong.”
Sarah felt her own tears beginning to prick in the corner of her eyes. Mrs. Laurencekirk had endured a great deal at the hands of Mr. Marks and yet had been unable to find any justice. As such, she had been forced to endure a near-disastrous encounter that would have robbed her of her virginity and rendered her a spinster for the remaining years of her life, for even a parson would not likely have taken a wife who had been sullied by another gentleman, particularly if the rumors were that she had gone to the gentleman willingly. The shame and disgrace that had been thrown at Mrs. Laurencekirk must have been unbearable. Little wonder that Lord Ruddington had wanted to do something—anything—to come to the aid of his sister!
“I pray you, Miss Crosby, if you can find it within you, do not hold it against my brother,” Mrs. Laurencekirk murmured, looking at Sarah with a clear expression, her handkerchief tucked away again. “If there is any measure of understanding within you, allow it to consider his reasons for doing what he chose to do and then think upon his decision not to do as he had intended.” She leaned forward in her chair and fixed her gaze directly upon Sarah. “He is an excellent gentleman, Miss Crosby, even though he may not have proven it to you. Undoubtedly, you will have a good many questions regarding his true character, but if you search for it, you will find there is truth in what I say. He was wrong. He was misguided in seeking to bring the same disaster upon Miss Marks, but he did so to avenge me. The fact that he did not do it speaks of the struggle in his conscience, I believe.”
“I do not know why you are telling me this, Mrs. Laurencekirk,” Sarah replied, a little embarrassed at how openly the lady spoke. “I do not think Lord Ruddington will care about what it is I think of him.”
Mrs. Laurencekirk gave her a small smile, tilting her head just a little. “I think you know this is not the truth, Miss Crosby,” she said softly. “The day we were in the bookshop together, I asked him what had delayed him so above stairs, thinking it was some excellent volume that he had begun to read. However, he became embarrassed and looked away.” Her expression was gentle, her eyes fixed upon Sarah. “I teased him, of course, for I suspected it was some young lady. And now you are come, obeying my brother’s request for you to speak to me in order to ascertain the truth.” She paused. “Am I wrong to consider the two incidents connected?”
Sarah could not prevent the searing heat from climbing up her spine and into her face.
“I do not know what to think,” she said honestly, looking back at Mrs. Laurencekirk. “I am deeply sorrowful to hear of what occurred with you and I can, I think, understand why Lord Ruddington chose to take such a path—but it was wrong of him to do so. Deeply wrong.” She sighed and rubbed at her forehead, all too aware that her heart was desperate to return to him, to allow her affections to spill out through her. “And yet, it is as you say. He did not do as he had intended. His conscience would not allow him to do so.”
“He made a grave mistake,” Mrs. Laurencekirk agreed, quietly. “But will that mistake sit upon his shoulders for the rest of his days, Miss Crosby? Will it keep you from seeking what might be a joyous future with him? Consider it all, Miss Crosby. Allow it to run through your thoughts, to run through your heart. Speak to my brother, Miss Crosby. And then think of your future and decide what you shall do.”
Chapter Thirteen
It was five days after the incident that Daniel had received a note from Lady Smithton asking him to call tomorrow for afternoon tea. He had also gone to visit his sister, who had told him Miss Crosby had indeed called and she now knew everything. Whether this was an encouragement, Daniel did not know, for Miss Crosby had not said anything directly to his sister about how she felt other than she was deeply troubled and still somewhat confused.
Walking into Lady Smithton’s home, Daniel swallowed hard, hating that he felt such anxiety. He had to take full responsibility for his actions and, whilst he would make it plain to Lady Smithton that he had deep regret for what he had intended, he did not know if she would accept it from him. The small flare of hope that had been within him ever since the day the incident with Miss Marks had taken place still remained within him, even though he had sought to quench it with everything he had. He should have no expectation that Miss Crosby would either be present or would listen to him, although he was grateful she had chosen to go to speak to his sister. That was a blessing, for even if Sarah refused to come and
speak to him, at least she would know the full reason for his actions.
Actions that still clung to him, leaving their dirt and stain on his skin.
Clearing his throat and trying not to drop his head with the sense of mortification that rose within him, Daniel followed the butler and walked into the drawing-room where he knew both Lady Smithton and Lord Havisham would be waiting.
“Good afternoon, Lord Ruddington,” came the welcoming voice of Lady Smithton. “Thank you for attending.”
“How could I refuse?” he asked, bowing low and delaying the moment where he would have to look directly at them both. “I have much to explain, I know.” Raising his head, he looked first at Lady Smithton, then at Lord Havisham, and then, much to his shock, to Miss Crosby sitting quietly in a chair between them both.
“You have nothing to explain, Lord Ruddington,” Lady Smithton replied gently. “Miss Crosby has explained it all to us already.”
Daniel stared at Miss Crosby, who was not quite managing to look at him. Her gaze was slightly to his left, her cheeks a little pink and her hands clenched tightly together in her lap.
“I—I do not understand,” he stammered, still not quite certain what this meant. “Miss Crosby has told you everything.”
“Indeed she has,” Lord Havisham answered, his voice grave and his expression rather stern. “Everything has been explained to us, Lord Ruddington. Your sister, Mr. Marks, Lord Britton, and your understandable need to find justice for your family.”
“Although we cannot condone what you did to seek such justice,” Lady Smithton added quickly. “But it is, in a way, understandable.”
Daniel swallowed hard, not looking at anyone but Miss Crosby. He could not quite believe what she had done, could not quite accept she was now in the very same room as he. What did this mean? Surely it could not mean she wanted to resume their acquaintance, for that would be more than he deserved.
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