“Catherine! Come here for a moment, please.”
The young maid hurried to him, curtsying once she stood before him.
“Yes, My Lord?”
“Call Maddy, please. I wish to speak with her.”
The maid’s expression changed. Hugh could read the concern in her eyes, and he grew worried himself.
“My Lord, Maddy is not in her room, neither is she in the stables. I’m afraid that I have not seen her.”
Alarm coursed through him. Would she have run away? Hugh cautioned himself to remain calm. He needed to see to Lady Scarborough, and then he would worry about Madelene’s absence.
“Please call Mrs Wickham and have her meet me in the study.”
“Yes, My Lord.”
The maid curtsied once more and hurried away in the direction of the kitchen. Where are you, Maddy? I pray that you have not run away due to my own foolishness. Hugh returned to the study, meeting the gaze of an interested woman.
“Well? Where is she?”
“I’m afraid that Madelene could not be found, but her servant will be here promptly. She will vouch for my words.”
Hugh hoped that Maria would not disappear soon after finding out that he knew their identities. He was no threat to them; on the contrary, he hoped to make them a permanent part of Scarborough House. The French woman entered the study, her expression carefully guarded. Hugh went to her and guided her to the seat opposite that of Lady Scarborough.
“Lady Scarborough, may I introduce to you Maria Sweeney, abigail to Madelene Huntington.”
Maria’s eyes flew up to his, fear and alarm mingling in her eyes. Lady Scarborough gave the woman a speculative look.
“Lord Scarborough tells me that his stable hand is none other than this woman, Madelene Huntington and that he wishes to marry her. Is this true?”
Maria frowned and looked down, fiddling with the apron of her dress.
“Maria, I love Madelene, and I wish you no harm. Lady Scarborough simply wishes to know that the woman I have a tendre for is, in fact, a woman. I do intend on marrying Madelene if she will have me.”
The words that Hugh spoke were sincere and full of emotion. He needed Maria to see that he meant every single word. After what seemed an age, Maria nodded.
“Yes, Lord Scarborough’s stable hand is indeed my mistress, Madelene Huntington.”
Lady Scarborough leaned forward in her seat, clasping her hands before her.
“Tell me, why would a young woman choose to don a man’s disguise and work in a filthy stable?”
Maria smiled. “Miss Madelene has had an unconventional upbringing, Lady Scarborough. She grew up upon the seas, free from the conventions of England. There is nothing strange about what she has done, at least not to those who know her.”
Lady Scarborough nodded and uttered a great laugh, pushing away from the table and walking to give Hugh a hard pat on his shoulder.
“I will have grandchildren yet! Your choice of bride is hardly proper, but who am I to judge? The heart wants what the heart wants. I expect to receive a wedding invitation before long, you hear? And now I really must be off – I have many things to arrange at Pemberley Manor! Nicholson!”
Lady Scarborough left the study, her voice loud with the call for her butler. Hugh turned to Maria, who was looking at him with what seemed like many questions.
“Well, I would say that went relatively well,” he said.
“My Lord, may I ask what you mean by informing Lady Scarborough of a marriage to my mistress? And how have you to come to discover her true identity?”
The line of questioning was impertinent, but Hugh understood the reasons behind it. The abigail was merely worried for Madelene.
“Maria, believe me when I say that I love Madelene with my entire being. I only recently discovered who she truly is, but that does not change how I feel about her.”
“And the wager with her uncle for her hand in marriage?”
Hugh coloured slightly. “That was a low moment, but there was never any ill intent involved. The same day that I came across you, I was off to inform Huntington that I had no desire to take a woman by force. I would have never married her by force, Maria. It was simply a mistake on my part to have allowed Harry Huntington to wager his niece’s own hand. But I am happy that I did so.”
Maria lifted her eyebrows. “Happy, My Lord?”
“Yes, happy. Madelene ran away from her uncle’s house to hide from me, but instead, she came to work for me. Had she not done so, I would have never known what a remarkable woman she is. She has breathed life into these walls, Maria, and into my life. I cannot see a future without her.”
Maria slowly nodded. “I believe you. Why have you not informed Madelene of this?”
Hugh turned away to walk to the window, looking out to the grounds. He took a deep breath and turned to face Maria once more.
“I was not aware of the extent of my feeling for her until ... until recently. I wish to inform her of everything, but I do not know where to start.”
Maria stood up and came to him, laying a hand on his arm.
“It is best that you start somewhere, and soon, or you will lose her, My Lord.”
Fear gripped him. “Lose her? What do you mean?”
“Madelene has left, My Lord. She has gone back to her uncle’s house. She means to leave for France as soon as she is able.”
Hugh could not lose her, he just couldn’t.
“When did she leave?”
“Early this morning by stagecoach. She is at least a day ahead of you.”
“Then I must leave at once. Excuse me, Maria. I must speak with Prescott.”
Hugh left his study with his heart in his mouth. Madelene had left him, but he would bring her back again. He had to. Hugh would grovel at her feet if he needed to, but she had to come back to him. He just hoped that he could convince her to.
*****
Madelene arrived at Grosvenor House tired and dirty. Her dress was crumpled, and her hair was itchy from all the dust the stagecoach had kicked up on the country road.
“It will be a miracle if Aunt Cornelia will allow Rebecca to draw me a bath. I will gladly do so myself if need be!”
The journey had taken longer than expected, but at least she was here.
“Not once did I think that I would return, let alone to beg.”
But beg she must if she was to leave this country. She walked up the path, stopping to wave at the few servants in the garden. Many of them stopped what they were doing, their eyes huge with surprise. Madelene argued if she should go around the back, through the servant’s entrance, or through the front. Through the front door is best. After all, I am no servant, but a niece of the Master of the house. Madelene walked up to the front door, and opened it, banging it shut behind her. That should alert someone of my presence. Jenkins came rushing towards her, stopping when he realised who she was.
“Miss Madelene?”
“Good day, Jenkins. Is my uncle home?”
It appeared to take Jenkins a while to register what she had said. Poor man. Must be truly shocking to find a wayward niece back in this house. He shook his head, no doubt clearing it of whatever had brought him to a standstill.
“Yes, Mr Huntington is in the drawing room with the Mistress. Shall I announce your arrival?”
Madelene nodded. “That would be kind of you, Jenkins. Thank you.”
Jenkins gave a short bow and hurried in the direction of the drawing room, his footsteps nearly silent on the carpet lining the hallway. She followed behind him, taking note of her sparse surroundings. Her uncle did not seem to be doing too well if he had resorted to selling a few items from the home. A large Grecian vase that had once stood tall and proud near the entrance was replaced by a clay pot with a few sparse flowers. Even the carpet appeared threadbare. Madelene had a sinking feeling in her stomach. There is an excellent chance that my uncle has used my money for his own ends. Jenkins, who had disappeared into the drawing room mome
nts before, emerged with an angry looking woman behind him.
“You!” her aunt spat. “How dare you show your face in this house after what you did!”
“Good day, Aunt Cornelia. It is good to see you again.”
“You impertinent little girl! After all your uncle and I did for you.”
Madelene was already growing tired of her heated words.
“Please Aunt, I wish to apologise for my actions. I admit that I was wrong, and I wish to make amends.”
Her aunt laughed. “Make amends? After the humiliation that you put us through? It is no wonder that my girls still managed to get married! Thank goodness that the Pevenseys and Wickhams did not hold your actions against this family.”
Madelene was about to make a retort when her uncle came rushing from the drawing room and placed a hand on his wife’s shoulder.
“Now, Cornelia. Let the child be. Can you not see that she is tired and in need of some refreshment? Hello, Niece. It is good to see you once again. How was your trip?”
Why on earth was her uncle being so kind? Madelene had expected him to scold her as well, as he had the most to lose by her disappearance.
“Well, thank you, Uncle. Dirty from my trip, but otherwise in good health. How are you and Aunt?”
“I’ll tell you how we are!” her aunt snapped.
“We are well, well indeed,” her uncle cut in. “Might I suggest that you have a rest? Rebecca will come to your room with refreshments, and you can come down once you are ready to speak with us.”
Madelene found that she did not like this; she did not like it one bit. Why is he being so kind? And why is he stopping my aunt from giving me a piece of her mind? But she was tired – a bath and a rest would do her a world of good.
“Yes, thank you, Uncle. A rest will do wonderfully. May I take your leave?”
“Of course. We will send Rebecca to you soon.”
Madelene hurried up the stairs before they changed their minds. What has happened to both of them? They are not like themselves. She would just need to find out once she had had her rest.
“But a bath first. I cannot rest when I am full of dust and dirt.”
Once she was clean and rested, Madelene would be able to better handle the wrath of her uncle and aunt. If indeed they exhibited any signs of anger. It seemed that her uncle was intent on being amicable and understanding. And while Aunt Cornelia has spoken some words, her uncle had calmed her. Things are certainly strange.
*****
Harry pushed his wife into the drawing room and waited for her to face him before saying anything. He crossed his arms, his irritation rising the longer she took. When Cornelia finally confronted him, he immediately sought to reprimand her.
“You foolish woman! Would you jeopardise our plans for your pride? Have you so quickly forgotten the agreement made with Lord Allandale?”
Harry could not afford to lose all that money. Lord Allandale was paying him a fortune for Madelene’s hand, and he needed that money if he was going to pay off his debts.
“You are the foolish one!” she hissed. “If not for you, we would never be in this mess! You have humiliated me for the last time, Harry Huntington! How dare you speak to me like that in front of that trollop?”
“I had to, Wife! What if she was to leave again? Lord Allandale will not release that money until Madelene is delivered to him. We need her to be happy until he comes. Why do you not understand this?”
Cornelia threw her hands into the air and walked to the nearest chair.
“Very well. I will remain civil to your niece, but do not expect me to be kind.”
“That is all that I ask for, Cornelia. Now, we must send word to the Viscount. He must be eager to collect his bride.”
“Then you best do it before Madelene chooses to leave again.”
The fear of his niece disappearing had him rushing to his study to draft a note to Lord Allandale. Harry could almost taste all the gold that would be his. Surely he could use some of it to wager one last bet at The Golden House? He could win back some of the money he had lost, pay his debts, and gift Bella with a new necklace. Harry would need to buy one for Cornelia as well, but it would be nothing as grand as Bella’s.
“Nothing but the best for my Bella.”
The courtesan would surely welcome him back with open arms once he was able to adorn her lovely neck with something elegant and expensive. Harry rubbed his hands and entered his study.
*****
Madelene stared at her uncle and aunt. They have done it again.
“You cannot mean that, Uncle Harry. You would give me to a man as old as my own father?”
“And what does age have to do with anything?” Aunt Cornelia snapped. “He will provide for you and keep you in comfort. That is all that a woman needs.”
“I will not marry him! Nothing will make me marry a man such as Lord Allandale! My father entrusted me into your care, Uncle. Why would you give me into the hands of the very man my father tried to protect me from?”
Harry calmly sipped his brandy and stared at the amber liquid thoughtfully.
“My brother is a fool, Madelene. Lord Allandale is a perfect match for your high spirits. He will tame you and make you into the lady you should be. Now, stop this nonsense and retire to your room.”
“But, Uncle–”
“NOW!” her uncle shouted.
Madelene had never heard him shout like this before. It is best I go and plan my escape. I will never marry this man, never!
“Very well.”
She stood up, lifted her head, and left. Moments later, Madelene threw herself onto her bed and cried. Was she just a commodity to be bartered with? She wouldn’t let them win, she just wouldn’t. Her ears caught the distinct noise of a key turning.
“You will not be leaving this house, Madelene,” her aunt called out. “You will stay in this room until the Viscount arrives.”
Madelene flew to her bed and banged on the door.
“You cannot do this to me, Aunt, you cannot.”
Her aunt only laughed, the sound growing faint as she moved further away from the door. Her aunt had locked her in! What would she do now?
Chapter 13
Hugh was exhausted by the time he arrived at Grosvenor House, but his need to see Madelene spurned him on. He jumped off his horse and all but ran to the door. The butler must have seen him arrive because he opened the door and stepped outside, blocking Hugh’s view of the interior.
“Good day, Lord Scarborough. How may I assist you?”
“Jenkins, is it? I must speak to Mr Huntington. Would you call him?”
“I’m afraid Mr Huntington is not here, My Lord. Perhaps you can come and call another day.”
There was something suspicious about the way the man stood in front of the door. He apparently does not want me to enter. Interesting.
“Very well, but would you deny me something to drink? I find myself to be quite parched.”
Would the butler deny him this simple request? It seemed that he would do so.
A Lady for the Forsaken Earl: A Historical Regency Romance Book Page 25