by Karen Lynne
Patience licked her dry lips, appraising the situation, trying to remain calm.
“Let me go, Anna,” she said slowly, trying to keep the fear from her voice. “I’ll be missed. Do you want to lose your job?”
Anna shook her head. “My employer will arrive shortly.”
“Your employer? What are you talking about? The Longman family employs you,” Patience reminded the maid, her mind still spinning. “Please, just let me go.”
Anna ignored her. Patience was about to implore again. She wasn’t against groveling for her life, when the door rattled and opened. A bulky figure filled the frame, then stepped inside, coughing from the dust that swirled at his feet.
“My, this shabby place gets worse each time I visit.”
Patience’s eyes widened as they settled on Lord Danbury. He spotted her, visibly startled. “Miss Hawthorn?” His eyes snapped to Anna. “Anna, what are you doing with this poor girl?”
“Lord Danbury, please release me!” Patience cried. “The maid is insane!”
“Miss Hawthorn. I’m baffled. Truly baffled.” He lumbered over, lowering himself to the ground. He squatted beside her.
Patience twisted, lifting her tied wrists so he might undo them.
He took her wrists in his hands and fingered the ties. “Anna, why did you bring Miss Hawthorn here?”
“She was snooping, sir. Looking through the Longmans’ things. Asking about me. About Mr. Longman’s death. It’s like she knows.”
Lord Danbury stilled, Patience’s hands still in his. Her heart beat hard against her throat. “Lord Danbury, please…” He dropped her hands and she looked him in the eyes.
“Miss Hawthorn. Care to share any suspicions with me?”
“No!” Patience stuttered. “What is it I am to suspect?”
“Why are you looking into Daniel Longman’s death?” Lord Danbury’s charismatic smile had taken on a forced look.
“I’m not,” she insisted.
He sighed, then looked to Anna.
Anna grasped the shovel.
For the first time, a nasty grin spread across her face. “Would you like me to take care of her, sir?”
Lord Danbury stood. “No, Anna. You’ve done enough already.” He looked down at Patience as she squirmed, though it did her little good as her feet were tied as well.
“Well, this is a mess, isn’t it?” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pistol, too petite in his meaty hands.
If she hadn’t known the damage it could do, her fright might not have been complete.
“I’m afraid I’ll have to dispose of you now,” Lord Danbury mused. “And Walter, because that boy just doesn’t know when to quit.”
Patience’s eyes widened as her breath came out in short, shallow gasps. “Why are you doing this?” she whispered.
Lord Danbury’s lips pursed. “Alright, fine then. We can delay the inevitable.” He stood, shifting from one foot to the other. “You don’t think I’ve become wealthy from inheritance and petty investments, do you?” The glint in his gray eyes deepened. “I’m a dangerous man who doesn’t like to follow the rules if I can help it.”
Anna giggled from somewhere behind him, but Patience forced her concentration on the devil in front of her. He seemed to gloat in his evil as if he were proud.
“I need a barrister in my pocket. A greedy man who knows how to win. Mr. Bamber is one of the best and fits the bill. But your friend, or should I say lover?” His eyes scanned her body, chilling her to the bone. “Walter Longman has impeded Mr. Bamber’s promotion. Anna here set up Vanderbilt by murdering an opium-addicted Peer and then placing damning evidence in Mr. Vanderbilt’s rooms. It was a simple case to win, but one that also captured public interest. Two excellent things for my future plans.”
Patience pieced together what Lord Danbury was saying. She didn’t know much about Walter’s case, the one he was working on to better his life, but never guessed there was a connection.
“You killed an innocent man,” she rasped, “then framed another. All so Mr. Bamber could win and receive a promotion?”
“Precisely.” Lord Danbury grinned as if pleased with himself. “I’ve played this game for years, Miss Hawthorn. I realized I could grow my fortunes faster with multiple wives.” He shrugged. “So, I pushed my first wife off the cliff.”
Patience’s jaw dropped.
“The rest had more finesse—a bit of poison here, a bit of poison there. The doctors could never figure out what illness took my other two wives.”
Her heart raced. Patience thought she might vomit. He wouldn’t be confessing this if she were to live.
“I’m building my wealth bit by bit, Miss Hawthorn,” he continued. “And I need Mr. Bamber as the head barrister to help me. When we learned Mr. Longman had a high possibility of being awarded the case, we quickly formed a plan. The death of his brother would be a sure way to get him out of London, and then Mr. Bamber would step in. It was all very clever until Longman poked around. He wouldn’t give up. Wouldn’t stay home. Become the country gentlemen when he had his chance.”
Anger surged through Patience. “You killed Daniel just so you could get Walter off a case that you constructed?”
A sickening laugh bubbled from the Baron’s throat. “Devious, isn’t it? It’s rather addicting, picking off souls one by one.” He leveled his pistol at her. “I’m afraid you’re next, Miss Hawthorn. Pity you got in my way. I thought you might be my next wife.”
He looked to Anna. “Untie her. I like the thrill of the chase.”
Patience held perfectly still, focusing on breathing while Anna cut her bonds loose. Everything in her screamed for her to run, but she knew it wouldn’t make a difference. Lord Danbury would shoot her in the back.
She wasn’t sure she could run, as petrified as she was. Her ankles were sore. Her head ached, so she remained on the ground, cowering.
Anna kicked her in the ribs. “Get up,” she demanded.
Shaking, Patience stood, stumbling over nothing. Bile rose to her throat as she faced Lord Danbury. He cocked the gun and slowly raised his arm, aiming as he advanced toward her.
“Not a runner, eh?” He was so close she could smell the tobacco on his breath. A thick finger ran from her cheekbone down to the base of her neck. She stiffened at his touch. “No matter. I prefer it this way. More intimate.”
Patience had always thought of this old man to be an eccentric member of society. Too loud and clueless to be of any use to the world, but standing like this with his perfectly constructed plans, she knew it had just been an act. A clever illusion.
He pressed the pistol under her chin as she fought to hold tears back. She would not let him see her cry. Not give him the satisfaction he craved. She swallowed, gaining her composure.
Lord Danbury’s free hand wandered down her waist to the outside of her thigh. She closed her eyes as he continued to fondle her. Refusing to remain silent any longer, a scream ripped from her throat. But Lord Danbury only laughed.
She heard a door crash amidst the commotion. Walter barged into the room, grappling with Lord Danbury, wrapping an arm around his neck. The pistol clattered to the floor, and with it Patience sank, trembling, her eyes wide as she watched Walter throw Lord Danbury against a wall, a fist beating into his ribs.
“You dog!” Walter seethed. “You dare lay a hand on her!”
Anna stepped back from the scuffle as her eyes frantically sought Patience, then focused on something next to her side. Patience followed her gaze to the pistol.
Anna leaped forward, and Patience crawled for the gun, refusing to let it enter the mad woman’s hands. Her fingers curled around the pistol just as Anna barreled into her, knocking her back. Patience’s head hit the stone wall, and for a moment it blinded her. Anna grasped the pistol, trying to wrench it out of her hand. Patience attempted to push her away, but she was strong for someone so small.
A shot rang through the building, and the room stilled. Patience froze, he
r breath taken away. She looked into Anna’s eyes, which were lit with gleeful malice, then dimmed. Patience pulled away.
Blood covered her front. She looked back toward Anna. The light in her eyes lost focus, her smile pulled downward. She crumpled on top of Patience as they both fell to the floor. From somewhere in the room, Patience heard Walter shout her name. Her ears ringing from the loud shot, her mind tried to grapple with what had just happened.
Strong hands pulled Patience from under Anna’s body, and Walter’s voice floated into her consciousness.
“Patience? Patience, heaven above, I thought she had shot you.”
He was so close. So warm. She looked into his wide, desperate eyes and wrapped her arms around him, relieved. He pulled her closer, into a tight embrace. Sitting on the floor, they held each other. Anna’s body lay beside them, her face turned away.
“Where is Lord Danbury?” Her eyes scanned the dim room, but he was nowhere in sight. Reality crashed in. He’d escaped.
Everything came crashing in, and she clutched Walter like a lifeline, a sob escaping her throat.
“It’s alright,” Walter soothed. “You’re alright,” he kissed her cheek. “You’re safe. I’ll never let you go, my love, never again.” His grip tightened as she relaxed into him.
.
Chapter 15
Patience pulled away from Walter, her body still shaking as she looked around the room again. “Lord Danbury escaped?”
Walter grasped her arms, checking her over once more. “Yes. But he will not get far. I heard what he said. It’s the evidence I needed. He will not be free long.”
She nodded, letting the events of the day wash over her. Her head pounded harder. Wincing, she closed her eyes, willing herself to stay strong for Walter. She touched her head. A large bump was forming. She pulled her hand away. No blood, thank heavens.
Walter didn’t need to worry about her condition among everything else. “How did you find me?” Her feet weakened beneath her.
Walter tightened his grip, sliding his arms around her waist, bringing her close to his chest.
“I passed Lord Danbury's carriage on the road to find you. It upset my sister when you left without saying your goodbyes. I almost rode on, but when I realized I’d seen the carriage before, I changed course and followed. I would have been here sooner if I hadn’t lost him at the end.” He trailed kisses down her cheek, but she pulled away.
“How did you know something connected Lord Danbury to this?”
He growled. “He threatened me in London. I figured it connected the case to Daniel’s death. Why else would he threaten you and my family?” He shook his head as if clearing his mind.
“He threatened your family?”
He nodded. “I shouldn’t have involved you, but I did. I did not understand it would put you in such danger. Patience, I would never hurt you intentionally.”
Her head spun. She wasn’t sure if it was because of Walter’s sweet words or the knock on her head. “I know,” she whispered, trying to calm his fears. “Can you take me home? I am feeling faint.”
He looked concerned. “I will bring you to my home. It is closer, and my mother can call for the doctor while I fetch your parents.”
“No! Please. Mama will not wish to set foot in your house, and I will have a hard time explaining this as it is. I do not wish her to know it has involved me with you. She demanded I stay away.” She felt him stiffen and rushed on to explain. “Mama has never listened to my feelings concerning you. I do not wish to give her any more reasons for keeping us apart. If we return to my home together, I might not persuade her to accept our wishes.” She hoped he saw the truth in her statement.
He relaxed and nodded, squeezing her one last time before releasing her. She tried to remain strong for him, but she instantly missed his arms and the support he’d given her.
“I—my horse is in your stables.” Panic momentarily gripped her at the thought of returning home in her condition. Perhaps it was more sensible to return to Walter’s house and call for a physician, but everything in her told her that would be an awful idea. She’d never had strength to go against her mother’s wishes, and she was sure if she tested her mother now, she would lose all hope of having Walter in her life.
“I’ll take you home on my horse, if you’re not opposed to sharing the saddle with me,” he hesitated. “I’ll have my groom return your mare to your stables.
She nodded, “I think that is a splendid idea,” flashing him a loving smile, giving in to his assistance, thankful for his presence. She would need it to face her mother in her condition after all.
He guided her out of the old building, holding her arm in support. She breathed in the fresh air. Thankful she was alive to experience this small blessing.
“What about Anna?”
“I’ll send for the constable as soon as you’re safe. I’m sure he’ll have questions.”
The feeling of euphoria disappeared the moment she stepped into the drawing room. Her mother’s screams pierced Patience ears as her mother fussed about her.
Her eyes were wide, mouth gaping. “What happened?” Taking in Patience’s disheveled state.
Patience looked down at the blood spattered over the front of her dress, and her heart sank. She forgot. She should have marched up to her room to change before confronting her parents.
“I’m alright, Mama,” Patience said, but her mother had already spun on Walter, waving an accusing finger toward him.
Patience tried to get Walter to leave her on the steps, but he insisted they approach her parents together.
“You! You let her in harm’s way. I demand an answer. Now!”
Her father stood near the fireplace, silent. He reached out his arms, and Patience went to him, letting him enfold her in a rare embrace.
“Do not be angry at Walter,” Patience said, turning, giving her mother a stern eye. “He did nothing wrong—he rescued me.”
Her mother snorted. “You should have been nowhere near him. I ban the two of you from ever crossing paths again!”
Patience pulled herself from her father’s embrace, stepping toward her mother. “I will not obey you,” she seethed. “Walter is a good man. He saved my life—”
“Mrs. Hawthorn, if I may.” Walter cleared his throat, clutching his riding gloves in both his hands. “I love your daughter more than life itself. My feelings of last summer have not changed. I beseech you—”
“No,” her mother snapped. “No, I don’t wish to hear any more from you, Mr. Longman. Depart at once.”
“My financial and social status has changed,” he continued, braving her mother’s fury. “I have status in London and plan on settling in a small home with Patience at my side. There is no greater joy than I could imagine.”
Her mother’s face grew livid as she turned to her father. “Husband, force this man out. He is no longer permitted on our property.”
Her father did not move as his eyes rolled from Patience to Walter, then back to his wife. “I would like to hear Mr. Longman’s offer,” he said firmly.
Her mother’s jaw dropped, and Patience ran to her father, embracing him again. “Thank you, Papa,” she breathed.
Her mother leveled Walter with a stare. “Go on then,” she nodded between gritted teeth.
Walter squeezed the riding gloves tighter. “I have regarded no one else in all my life with higher esteem than I do Patience. I dare come to you a second time for her hand because I believe our commitment to each other is worth the risk of a second rejection. I implore you to think of her happiness.”
Her father nodded slowly, but her mother trembled in anger.
“I’ve heard enough of this. Patience, go to your room.” She pointed her finger to the door, dismissing her like a child.
Patience broke at her mother’s persistent refusal. She had endured enough of her mother’s degradation. She held firm in her stance as she lifted her chin. “No, Mama. I love Walter. Would you really take that from me?�
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“The answer is no, and that is final,” her mother cried with a voice that bordered on hysteria. “It’s for your own good, Patience. Mr. Longman, for the last time—leave us.”
Patience met Walter’s gaze. The warmth from his face ebbed away, replaced by frustration. Her heart broke when he turned on his heel and marched from the room.
The moment the door shut behind him, Patience whirled on her mother, tears blinding her. “Why are you doing this to me?” she demanded.
“Patience, one day you’ll thank me,” her mother’s voice softening. “Trust me.”
Patience wouldn’t take no for an answer. “I will marry Walter,” she growled. “I will marry him even without your blessing. I love him, and I don’t care about his financial situation. You can’t stop me from being happy.”
Her mother grimaced as she looked at her daughter, then turned to her father. “Leave us for a moment, William.”
He frowned at her mother. “Why?”
She grit her teeth. “Leave us!”
Patience felt sorry for her father. He had endured enough through the years. Any other gentleman would have put her in her place. Patience was sure of it. Grumbling, he marched through the door, slamming it closed behind him.
Her mother faced her, taking her hands in hers. “Patience, my dear. I’ve never told you, never wanted to burden you… but the Longman family deeply offended me long before you were born.”
Patience’s eyes widened, sure there were many people in her life that had offended her mother.
“What happened?” she whispered.
Her mother sighed. “I was young. Careless. Walter’s father promised to marry me. I believed he loved me as ardently as I loved him.”
Patience gaped at her mother. “Walter’s father… he gave you an offer of marriage?”
Her mother nodded, pursing her lips together bitterly. “He backed out at the last minute. It broke my young heart. When I learned you had formed an attachment to Walter, I feared you would suffer the same heartache as I.”
Patience shook her head. “That won’t happen, Mama. Walter loves me.” She paused. “And perhaps this union could put away past feuds and hurt feelings.”