by Wolf, Bree
Her friend’s gaze remained lowered, her eyes no more than glancing up at Rebecca now and then. “Lord Wentford is a kind and decent man, and I liked him. I was…content being his wife.”
“That sounds utterly boring.” In fact, it sounded the way Rebecca imagined her life as Lady Tedious. Her heart beating in a steady, uneventful rhythm. No ups and downs. No urges of excitement. No adventure. Just…contentedness. When had contentedness become such an awful word? “What about your new husband?” Rebecca inquired, loath to believe that her friend was trapped in the very kind of marriage she herself feared with every fiber of her being. “Would you say he’s an improvement?”
A tremble shook Eugenie at the mention of her current husband, the rumored Beast of Ravengrove, and she drew in a shuddering breath as heat darkened her face. Her eyes, however, remained downcast in such a way that Rebecca could have rejoiced. “That looks promising,” she commented, fighting to keep her hopes from bursting through the ceiling. “Tell me about husband number two.”
Fleeing her friend’s scrutinizing gaze, Eugenie began to pace the room, keeping her back rather insistently turned toward Rebecca, unable or unwilling to meet her eyes. “There’s not much to say. He, too, is a kind man, who married me…despite my circumstances. I’ll forever be grateful to him.”
Rebecca delighted in her friend’s rushed explanation for it proved that theirs was not merely a marriage of convenience. No, there were emotions involved. Emotions that spurred the heart and stole one’s breath, and Rebecca felt herself turn green with envy.
Still, something didn’t add up, hadn’t from the beginning for every marriage of convenience ought to hold some kind of benefit for both parties involved. “But why?” Rebecca asked, her mind churning to put all the pieces she’d received that day into a whole.
“Why what?”
“Why did he agree to marry you?” Rebecca mused. “Did you not ask him?” So far, it seemed that only Eugenie had benefited from this marriage, especially since her child was not also his. In fact, there was not only no benefit for him but, instead, a rather large disadvantage. So, why had he done it?
“Lord Wentford asked him for this favor. They are childhood friends,” was all the explanation Eugenie could give.
Rebecca scoffed, not believing it for a second. “Not the usual kind of favor one might ask of a friend.” She shook her head. “No, if you ask me, there’s more to it. No man in his right mind, especially a lord with no heir to his title – at least not yet – would agree to marry a fallen woman – no offense intended,” she grinned sheepishly at her friend, “and accept another man’s child as his heir. Who would do that?”
“I don’t know,” Eugenie whispered, her gaze distant, and Rebecca knew that her friend had wondered the very same thing herself. There was something here that didn’t quite fit, and yet, the look in Eugenie’s eyes when she spoke of her new husband continued to send a jolt of jealousy through Rebecca’s heart. Indeed, she could not wait to meet the rumored beast and see for herself what kind of man he was, for surely no beast could ever have conquered her friend’s gentle heart.
“We don’t speak much,” Eugenie mumbled, sadness darkening her large, gray eyes. “He keeps to himself, and I respect his decision.”
As her friend spoke of the distance that existed between her and her new husband, Rebecca noted the sadness and regret in Eugenie’s comportment. Still, now and then, a pleasant memory seemed to draw her thoughts, sending the ghost of a wistful smile rushing across her blushing face. Unrelenting, Rebecca pressed for more details, and finally Eugenie relented.
“He escorted me to my chamber and…”
“And?”
Her breath shuddered past her lips. “And he kissed me.”
Having expected more than a simple kiss – after all, did husband and wife not kiss? – Rebecca could not keep the disappointment from showing on her face. “That’s a bit anticlimactic. After all, he’s your husband.”
Eugenie cast her an indulgent smile, explaining how their agreement saw them married in name only. They were still strangers, living separate lives in separate parts of Ravengrove. However, Eugenie had clearly come to dislike that fact.
“Sometimes, I think he cares for me,” she confided in Rebecca, her head bowed as though she feared she was reaching for something she had no right to, “that he does not keep his distance because he dislikes my company but…for another reason.”
“Then seek him out,” Rebecca urged, grinning at her friend. “Simply because he refuses to talk to you does not mean you cannot talk to him.”
Eugenie’s gaze darkened, and a deep sigh left her lips. “There is a woman,” she began, reluctance in her soft-spoken voice. “In fact, she’s my lady’s maid, and—”
“Is he having an affair?” After seeing Eugenie’s subtle signs of devotion toward her new husband, Rebecca had hoped that ultimately her friend’s story would come to a happy ending, that husband and wife only needed to speak to one another, to reveal how they felt in order to see that there was more between them than convenience.
This sudden turn of events made Rebecca angry, reminding her of the sting of betrayal she’d felt when Lord Pembroke had sneaked off with another woman after allowing her to believe that she meant something to him. Were men generally untrustworthy? Was she foolish for entertaining the notion of finding an honest, outspoken man who would delight in having her for his wife? Was that truly an impossibility?
“I don’t know,” Eugenie answered her question, her voice tinged with doubt and uncertainty. “I don’t…think so, but I’m afraid that might only be wishful thinking.” Rebecca knew how that felt. “I do not trust myself to—”
“Then trust me,” Rebecca interrupted, seizing Eugenie’s hands in a reassuring gesture. If she could not find clarity for herself, then she would at least do so for her friend. Perhaps there was still a chance for a happy ending. Perhaps it was truly a misunderstanding. “I promise I’ll find out the truth. I might as well do something good while I’m here and prove my uncle wrong. He has such a low opinion of me. I don’t know where he got that.”
The joy on Eugenie’s face spoke volumes, and Rebecca felt more like herself now that they’d exchanged confidences. Still, a small voice whispered that she herself had not said a word about a certain Lord Pembroke who – even from afar – continued to occupy her thoughts.
“How long do you think you can stay?”
Rebecca grinned innocently, noting the way her friend’s gaze narrowed.
“Does your uncle know that you’re here?”
“Not from me, at least.”
Sighing, Eugenie shook her head. Still, a smile teased her lips. “How long do you think before he finds you?”
Rebecca chuckled. “Oh, at least a fortnight.” Hopefully!
Concern etched into her friend’s face. “Will you promise me not to do anything…foolish while you’re here?”
Blinking innocently at Eugenie, Rebecca knew that she’d never been able to fool anyone in that regard. “Oh, you know me, old friend.”
Eugenie laughed. “That’s precisely why I’m worried.”
Chapter Twelve
The Beast of Ravengrove
With a skip in her step, Rebecca explored Ravengrove. Indeed, being here, even with limited company, proved to be most diverting. After all, there was a secret to uncover, something to be revealed that might lead to a dear friend’s happiness, and it felt wonderful to be needed.
To help.
To do something meaningful.
Besides, not all the rumors about Ravengrove proved to be false for the old fortress did indeed seem almost lifeless. Few servants were in employ, and those that were moved around like ghosts, quietly and hidden from sight. At times, Rebecca felt as though she were the only living thing for miles around and her skin prickled at the forbidding air that lingered over the grounds. It was as though something dark lurked in the shadows, and Rebecca reveled in the excitement, in the way her he
art would pause only to pick up at a frantic pace a moment later. She felt alive, daring and adventurous, and her determination to discover the rumored beast’s true feelings toward his wife strengthened with each day he managed to evade her.
Every now and then, Rebecca had glimpsed the back of his head as he’d strode around a corner, quickly retreating to the forbidden west wing upon returning from the kitchen downstairs or the ballroom where he on occasion sparred with his gardener as Eugenie had told her.
Tall, with board shoulders, he still moved with the grace and quickness of a man aware of his physical limits, and Rebecca had to admit that she was curious to look into his blackened soul if indeed he possessed such a one.
Lying in wait, she soon discovered that the Beast of Ravengrove stuck to a rather fixed schedule as did everyone else. So while his few servants were otherwise occupied in different parts of the estate, he would leave his chambers and venture through the house unseen.
If it weren’t for her.
Hidden in doorways and around corners, Rebecca watched and finally caught more than a few, short glimpses of the elusive beast.
Indeed, the man was an impressive sight, which made her wonder about the harsh rumors circulating about him even more. Although a large scar snaked its way down the right side of his face and his pale, blue eyes glittered with a hint of danger, he did not strike her as someone fearsome, someone who would hurt another without provocation, without reason. The dark aura that lingered was certainly enhanced by his midnight black hair as well as the full beard shrouding his face in shadows, seeking to hide any emotion that might pass through his heart.
An intriguing man if ever there was one!
And then one day, answers presented themselves, requiring very little interference from Rebecca herself aside from a watchful eye.
Once again, she stood hidden in a doorway, her eyes trained on a corner around which his lordship generally came around this time of day when a golden-haired, young woman stepped into her line of sight. She remained a few paces away from the corner in question and only moved forward when Ravengrove’s beast appeared.
At the sound of her voice, he froze and then turned, his gaze narrowed and a thunderous expression on his face. The young woman stepped toward him, her demeanor not suggesting even the slightest unease as words flew from her mouth.
Oh, how Rebecca wished she could understand what was being said!
His lips curled into a harsh snarl as he retorted, displeasure and annoyance darkening his gaze. The young woman – presumably Eugenie’s lady’s maid – remained unimpressed, her movements betraying a great familiarity that brought a fearful tension to Rebecca’s heart. Could Eugenie have been right? Did he have an affair with his wife’s lady’s maid?
When the young woman stepped forward and placed a hand on the beast’s arm, Rebecca held her breath, muttering a silent curse for the thought to crush Eugenie’s hopes was a pain she’d been certain to avoid. Was she simply a foolish romantic? Never would she have thought of herself as blinded by emotions, but perhaps it had simply been her desire to see her friend have her happy ending that had led her to believe that the beast was indeed an honorable man.
And then he reached out and pulled the young woman into his arms, his chin coming to rest on the top of her golden-haired head.
Rebecca tensed, and anger rushed through her veins at the sight. Still, a quiet voice deep down whispered that she only suspected, but did not know. Often, things were not what they seemed, and before she went to Eugenie and shared what she’d observed, it was her duty to ensure that she would not be sharing falsehoods.
And so Rebecca inhaled a fortifying breath, raised her chin in the best accusatory fashion she could manage and strode toward the two standing in what seemed to be a loving embrace. “My, my, what have we here?” she mocked, determined to keep her anger hidden and delighting at the jolt that went through the young woman at the sound of her voice.
His lordship, however, showed no signs that her appearance had rattled him. His thunderous gaze turned slowly toward her. If she’d been a weak-willed person, Rebecca was certain she would have turned and fled in terror.
Holding his gaze, Rebecca noticed the young woman shrink back, wiping frantically at her eyes, tears lingering on her face as she quickly mumbled an apology and then fled down the corridor.
Hmm, Rebecca mused, wondering what had caused her tears. Indeed, did they not argue against a lover’s embrace?
Curious, she stepped closer, slowly, measured step for measured step, her gaze lingering on the beast’s dark countenance. “Was that Isabelle?”
His pale blue eyes narrowed, and his shoulders drew back. “What is it to you?” he growled as he drew himself up to his full height, no doubt in order to intimidate her.
“Do I truly need to explain?” Rebecca asked, taking a step closer in defiance. If he thought he could frighten her, he would learn a valuable lesson today! “Can you not imagine who might have spoken to me of her?”
His face remained still, expressionless, as he inhaled a slow, almost imperceptible breath. “Still, it is none of your concern.”
“Oh, but I disagree.” Rebecca’s gaze narrowed as she tried to read him, disappointed that he indeed possessed the ability to hide his thoughts well. However, Rebecca had never been one to give up easily and she would not start today.
Approaching, she continued to watch him, her gaze sweeping over the hard lines of his face and the taut muscles tightening his posture. Indeed, he was uncomfortable! Perhaps…? “Do you care for her?”
As expected, his eyes fell open and, for a split second, he gawked at her before forcing his features back under control, the by now familiar snarl once more on his face. “That is a rather inappropriate question!”
Rebecca laughed, enjoying herself immensely. Indeed, she ought to have come here much sooner! “If one is not willing to ask inappropriate questions, one will never receive answers,” she told him with a slight wink of her eye, “and as I cannot extend my visit here indefinitely, I’m afraid I don’t have time to merely observe. Especially since you seem as difficult to spot as a unicorn in the wild. Tell me, my lord,” she took a step closer, her eyes narrowing as she held his, “why did you agree to marry my friend?”
Unfortunately, he was more prepared for her attack this time as his features merely hardened, but did not slip from his control. “I bid you a good day,” he hissed and, after stepping around her, strode down the corridor.
Delighted at the thought of a chase, Rebecca rushed after him, reveling in the excitement that coursed through her veins. Oh, she’d always been one to speak her mind and test the limits of her life, however, it proved far easier to be daring when one’s own heart and future were not on the line. Perhaps if she did this for Eugenie, she would find the strength to do so for herself as well. “You haven’t yet answered my question,” she called after him, picking up her pace to keep up with his long strides.
“And I don’t intend to!” Abruptly, he pulled to a halt and spun around so that she almost ran into his board chest. Indeed, a tempting man! “Considering your days here are limited, I suggest you return to your friend.”
Grinning up at him, Rebecca asked, “Are you trying to get rid of me?”
“I should have thought that obvious.”
Rebecca chuckled. Truly, this was the perfect man for Eugenie! “And why is that? Are you afraid if you stay and talk to me, I’ll unearth your secrets?”
A hint of fear blazed in his blue eyes, but disappeared quickly as his body once more tensed in fortification.
“I see,” Rebecca mumbled, deciding that it was time to address the elephant in the room. “Let me ask you: do you have an affair with my friend’s lady’s maid?”
Instant shock marked his features; not the kind one felt upon another discovering one’s secret but the kind that was born out of utter surprise and incomprehension. “You cannot be serious?” His jaw clenched, and anger darkened his gaze. “How dare
you think—? How dare you ask such a question? Do you have any manners whatsoever? Any sense of decorum? Of propriety?”
A beast speaking of decorum and propriety? How precious! “I’m afraid not,” Rebecca told him, wishing it were true any other day of the year as well.
Again, he spun on his heel and strode away.
Oh, retreat! Indeed, she had to have hit a nerve. “If you’re determined to outrun me,” she told him, hurrying to keep up with his steps, “I suggest you head down, not up, for eventually there will be no more up.” She chuckled, surprised how much she was enjoying herself. “And then you’re mine.”
Clearly exasperated, he spun around to face her once more. “Then what is it you wish to know?” he demanded, his voice rough and hoarse, but filled with deep, almost raw emotions nonetheless. “What answer do you seek to unearth with all these questions?”
Taking a step closer, Rebecca looked up at him, her gaze watchful as it lingered on his features. For a moment, she considered telling him, asking, providing him with her suspicions and her thoughts. But then in the last second, Rebecca changed her mind. She held his gaze and then simply whispered her friend’s name. “Eugenie.”
As though struck, the rumored beast all but flinched. His muscles tightened, and the air seemed to lodge in his throat. Rebecca saw the pulse in his neck quicken, speed up as though his heart could not help but dance with joy at the mention of his wife. An almost tortured expression came to his face, and his eyes closed as he inhaled a shuddering breath.
All this happened in no more than a moment. But it was enough. It was enough for Rebecca to know that the beast’s heart beat for Eugenie alone. Whatever connected him to the woman named Isabelle, it was not love, not the kind of love that would have stood in the way to a happily-ever-after with his wife.