Yet, all of what she’d gone through was because of him. Emotion clogged his throat and tears stung his eyes. “Can you ever forgive me?” he whispered.
Her eyes fluttered open. She weakly lifted her hand and cupped his face. “For what, my love?”
“For not being able to save you from that evil woman. And for allowing this to happen to begin with. If I hadn’t met that woman...”
“No, Julian.” She shook her head. “Theresa told me she wasn’t the one who killed your father and brother...and she wasn’t the one who shot the cannonball at you, either...although she admits it was her idea.”
He scowled, wishing he had never met that woman. “And you believed her?”
“I had no reason not to. She seemed perplexed to why she could think something and it would suddenly happen.” She shrugged. “Either that or she was insane.”
“I believe it was the latter.”
“But Julian, she didn’t have a wound on her left arm.”
Irritation settled over him. If Martin or Theresa wasn’t responsible for the deaths of his father and brother—and almost for him losing his life—then who was? He couldn’t go another day without discovering the true culprit. He must do something to know this very day.
Johnson bustled in carrying the water and preparing a bath for Alexandria. Julian wouldn’t leave his wife’s side, and he even insisted helping her undress. Thankfully, she didn’t appear bothered by it, either.
The bath went quickly, and soon Alexandria was out, dressed, and in bed. When the physician came, Julian refused to leave the room. His wife assured the physician that Julian could remain.
As the older man examined Alexandria, Julian cradled her hand in his and caressed her arm. He couldn’t tear his gaze away from her enchanting sapphire eyes...eyes that had captured his attention from the first day they’d met. In his mind, he repeated his thanks to the Lord for bringing her back home safe.
She looked at the physician as he examined her, but her focus reverted back to Julian’s, and when it did, she smiled. His heart leapt every time. He could tell in her eyes how much she loved him, because it touched not only his heart, but deep into his very soul.
“Thankfully, you don’t need stitches,” the physician said to Alexandria, “but the wound will take some time to heal, as all head injuries do, so continue to add this ointment to it several times a day.” He handed her the bottle.
“I thank you,” she said.
Julian didn’t want to tear his eyes away from his wife just to look at the doctor, but he knew it would be rude not to. He stood and shook the older man’s hand. “I appreciate you coming to examine her so quickly.”
“She needs rest.” The physician scanned his gaze to Julian’s leg. “And so do you. I’m certain that if I examine your leg, it will be swollen.”
“Yes, it is,” Julian admitted.
“So then I suggest you and your wife lock yourselves in this room for several days and not go anywhere.”
Grinning wide, Julian looked at his wife. He winked, and her face bloomed red. “You can bet that’s what we will do.”
Chuckling, the older man gathered his things and left the room. Julian sat back on the chair and took Alexandria’s hand in his once more. “Are you hungry, my love?”
She nodded. “A little, yes.”
He glanced at Johnson. “Will you have the cook prepare us dinner and bring it up here, please?”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
Just as the maid was leaving, Higley met her at the doorway.
“Your Grace, Lord Hawthorne is downstairs and needs to talk to you.”
Julian frowned. He didn’t want to leave his wife. But he figured his friend would let him know what happened to Miss Theresa. “Higley, I know it’s not proper, but tell Hawthorne to come up here. My wife and I have been instructed by the physician not to leave our room.”
Higley smiled wide. “I shall bring him up directly, Your Grace.”
Alexandria gasped. “Julian, Lord Hawthorne cannot come in here. I’m in my night clothes.”
“Well, he’s going to have to because I’m not about to leave you for one moment.” He pulled the blankets up to her chin. “Just keep yourself covered. He’ll understand.”
She shook her head. “The servants will tittle-tattle, you know.”
“When haven’t they?” He laughed.
Within minutes, Dominic came up the stairs, following Higley. When Dominic stepped to the door and peered in, a blush stole across his expression. Julian wanted to laugh, but refrained.
“Your Grace, are you certain—” Dominic began, but Julian waved his hand.
“Come in and sit with me on the loveseat.” He met his friend on the piece of furniture. “I’m assuming you have come to report your findings at the cottage?”
“Indeed, I have.”
“Well,” Lexie asked. “Was Miss Theresa still there?”
Taking a deep breath, Dominic raked his fingers through his hair and frowned. “She was still at the cottage, but she wasn’t dead.”
Alexandria hitched a breath and put her fist to her mouth.
“What did you do with her?” Julian grumbled.
“When the stable hand and I arrived, she was hiding in the bushes by the front door. She jumped your stable hand and knocked him to the ground. She held a thick piece of wood and tried to beat him over the head with it.” Dominic paused and licked his lips. “I noticed her own head was bleeding badly—probably from when your wife hit her with the poker. I feared Theresa was half crazed, so...” He cleared his throat. “Forgive my bluntness, but I had no recourse but to shoot her. She is dead now, God rest her poor soul.” He looked at Alexandria. “Forgive me for being so descriptive, but—”
“No, don’t be sorry.” Alexandria shook her head. “I feel terrible that she had to die in such a tragic way, but she was not well in the head. She was dangerous.”
“I’m also grateful she is not around to bother you.” Dominic offered a small smile.
“How is Owen?” Julian asked. “Is his head all right?” He wondered if he needed to summon the physician back to attend the other stable hand.
“He is fine.” Dominic nodded. “Thankfully, he was able to block her with his arms.”
Julian sighed heavily. “Well, I suppose we need to inform her brother.”
Dominic nodded. “I will do that now.” He stood and smiled to Alexandria. “Take care, and I’m very happy you are back home and safe.”
“I’m very happy as well.” She sighed and relaxed against the pillows behind her head.
Julian shook his friend’s hand and Dominic left the room. Once the door was closed he was relieved it was just he and his wife again. He crawled on the bed next to her and wrapped his arms around her. She cuddled her face against his chest as he softly rubbed her back. Closing his eyes, he breathed in her feminine scent. Lilacs...always lilacs.
“I love you,” she whispered into his shirt.
“I love you more than you’ll ever know.” He hugged her tight and kissed her forehead.
“I think I do know,” she answered softly. “Your feelings are in your eyes. I can see it when you look at me.”
“Indeed?” He lifted her chin so she could meet his stare. “I was thinking the same. I’m so very fortunate to have a woman who loves me the way you do.”
“Oh, Julian...when will this turmoil finally come to an end?”
“I know not, my love. All this time I thought my cousin had been the guilty person, but I talked with him earlier today and he explained things that made me realize he couldn’t possibly have been the one who killed my father and brother, and tried to kill me.”
She pulled back slightly and looked at him with wide eyes. “Are you certain you trust him?”
“Believe it or not, I am. Even Lord Hawthorne felt as I had...that Martin was telling us the truth.”
“So if he didn’t do all of those dastardly things to your family, then who did?”
<
br /> He shook his head. “I wish I knew. Could it be that this whole time what I thought was conspiracy to take over the dukedom, was not? Could my father and brother really have died from a plague-like sickness? And could the cannon blast that nearly took my life have been mere happenstance?”
She frowned. “It doesn’t seem possible. The incidents are too surreal.”
“Indeed, they are, but what if they really are just accidents?”
“I don’t dare hope.”
“Me, either.” He released a despondent sigh.
She buried her face back in his chest, and he smiled. He would never get tired of her in his arms, and feeling her hot breath against his skin. He’d always enjoy the touch of her hand, or the sweetness of her lips.
“So, my wonderful husband, what have you planned that will keep us entertained while we recoup over the next few days?” Her voice held a touch of impish humor.
He grinned. “Oh, I’m quite certain we’ll find something that will keep us occupied. In fact,” he lifted her chin again until she met his gaze, “I have an idea right now.” He stroked her bottom lip. “And we don’t have to talk unless we really want to.”
Her smile made her eyes sparkle. “Oh, please tell me all about it. I’m eager to get started on whatever activities you have spinning around in that brilliant head of yours.”
As she wrapped her arms around his neck, he gently guided her down, lying halfway on top of her on the bed. Their mouths joined immediately, hers just as fervent as his. Passionately kissing her like this took his mind off his worries, just as it had always done. Being with her felt as though they lived in their own little world...a world he never wanted to leave.
Although he should not rush things, he couldn’t convince the impatience flowing through him to take things slow. Having her safe and with him once again, made him want to show her—in every way he could—how much he loved her.
He trailed kisses across her cheek and down her neck. She arched her head, giving him better access, but when he nibbled on her collar bone, she giggled. He grinned and lifted his head to peer down at her.
“Ticklish, are we?”
“Just a little.” She sighed.
Moving his hand to her waist, he squeezed certain places on her body that had her writhing against him. She laughed louder.
“Julian, really! Do you have to do this now?”
“But of course, my dear. You forget, we have all the time in the world.” He tickled her ribs again.
Laughing, she grasped his hand. “Enough.” She took a deep breath. “This isn’t fair. Why can I not tickle you?”
“Probably because I won’t allow it, my love.”
She moved her fingers to his sides and tried to tickle him. When her touch encountered a spot that made him jump, he took her hands and held them above her head.
“Now you are trapped.”
“Indeed, I am.” She breathed heavily, still smiling wide. “I suppose I am under your control from here on out.”
He released a deep growl and captured her mouth with his. This time, he tried taking his time in making love to her mouth only. But through the stillness of the room, the floor creaked, alerting his defenses. Quickly, he sat up and spun toward the intruder.
A woman wearing a white nightgown crept toward them, holding a pistol. Her matted blonde hair stood out, making her look like a wild woman. Dark circles around her eyes gave the impression that they were sinking into her skull. Her skin color was a deathly pale, even in the room’s dim lighting.
“You, there,” she snapped, pointing the pistol at Julian. “Get off my sister or I’ll shoot.”
THIRTY-ONE
Julian didn’t dare move. Obviously, the woman was not in her right mind. Either that or she couldn’t see who he was. Alexandria shifted on the bed. He blocked her with his body to protect her.
“Mrs. Hinsdale, it is I, Julian Stanford...your sister’s husband.”
“You, sir, are lying.” She took another step toward him. “Move away from my sister, now.”
“No, Joanna,” Alexandria said in a rush. “Can you not see? This is Julian, the man I married the other day. You were there and witnessed it. Can you not remember?”
Joanna’s glare moved over him in an unhurried perusal. By her sickly form, he wondered if she was delusional. For certain, she wasn’t in her right mind.
Hard to believe, but this woman had changed quite drastically just in the few days since the wedding. Dominic had once described Martin’s wife as being a most lovely woman he’d ever beheld. Julian for certain couldn’t see that now, and he definitely couldn’t see the resemblance between her and Alexandria.
“Mrs. Hinsdale,” he said again with a gentle voice. “I am Julian Stanford, the Duke of Linden.”
The woman shook her head. “You are lying. My husband is the duke.”
Behind him, Alexandria gasped. “Joanna, what are you saying? Martin is not the duke any longer. Has that fact slipped your mind?”
“I have a very detailed memory. I always will.” The brown, straggly shawl wrapped around her shoulders slipped, so she adjusted it, but still held the weapon steady. “I’m here, my dear Xandria. I shall take good care of you. I shan’t allow this man to hurt you.”
“But he’s not hurting me, Joanna. He’s my husband.” Alexandria’s voice pleaded.
“Nonsense.” Joanna glowered at Julian. “I don’t know what kind of mind-trickery you are playing on my sister, but it’s going to stop now.”
“Please, Joanna,” Alexandria said as she tried to move off the bed, but Julian’s arm kept her from her goal.
“Lexie,” he said in hushed tone, only for his wife’s ears, “I believe your sister is delusional.”
“No.” Alexandria choked on a sob. “She cannot be that way.”
“She’s very ill,” he continued just for his wife. “We need to try a different approach with her.” He licked his dry lips and aimed his focus on Joanna. “Mrs. Hinsdale, please put the pistol down and let me help you,” Julian coaxed, motioning his hand to her. “Nobody needs to get hurt.”
“You cannot help me,” Joanna snapped.
“But he will. I assure you.” Alexandria’s voice came out strong and confident.
The older sister growled as she stepped around the bed to Alexandria’s side. A strong stench accompanied the woman, and Julian almost had to cover his nose to keep from smelling it.
“Stop lying to my sister!” Joanna hissed. “I demand you leave this place immediately before I summon the law. You are an imposter and I won’t have you damaging my sister’s reputation any more than you have already done.”
“But Joanna, Julian is not—”
“Xandria, come with me now.” Joanna’s voice rose even higher as she reached for her sister’s hand.
“No, Joanna.” Alexandria clutched Julian’s arm. “My husband is telling the truth. You must believe us.”
“Trust you? Trust him? I cannot do that. Men are liars. They know how to deceive women and crush their hearts. Xandria, the only person you can rely on is me. Now come with me and I’ll save you from his cruel ways.”
Julian couldn’t understand the sister’s behavior. What had he ever done to her? Had she forgotten that he allowed her to stay to recuperate instead of leaving with Martin? Had it slipped her mind that it was his physician caring for her? And it was his servants doing her bidding all day long? If anyone was insane in this room, Joanna was certainly showing it.
“I will not come with you,” Alexandria answered stubbornly. “I will stand by Julian. He’ll keep me safe. Always.”
Tears welled in Joanna’s eyes. “Oh, my dear, foolish sister. You made the wrong choice, Xandria. I cannot save you now.”
Worry tightened Julian’s chest. Both he and Alexandria knew firsthand how impossible it is to try and compromise with people who had lost their mind.
“Joanna, please,” Alexandria begged. “You have been sick, and you look like you need to rest.
Let me help you.” She moved to climb off the bed, but Julian grasped her arm just as she had snatched her wrapper. She shook her head. “Let me do this, Julian. My sister needs me.”
“Not while she’s holding a pistol.”
“Julian,” she whispered and brushed a kiss on his cheek. “I’m the only one who can convince her to put the weapon down.”
He was torn...physically. How could he allow his wife to talk some sense into that sick woman? He thought he’d lost Alexandria once and it nearly killed him. He wasn’t about to go through that misery again. But she had a mind of her own, and she was slowly moving off the bed, anyway.
“I’m here now, Joanna.” Her voice was soothing as she shrugged on the wrapper. “Put the pistol down and I’ll come with you.”
“Can’t you see I’m trying to save you?” Joanna muttered. “Men will lie to get what they want. They’ll tell you what you want to hear, but once you marry them, they turn completely around. It happened to me, and I know it will happen to you. After all, Major Stanford and my husband are cousins. I’m sure it’s a trait that runs in the family.”
“Joanna,” Alexandria motioned her hand toward the weapon, “my husband is the duke now. Please believe me when I say he is a very respectable man. He cares deeply for you, because he loves me so much. Together, he and I will find you a good physician to cure whatever ailment you have.”
Gradually, the other woman’s arm lowered. Julian prayed his wife would be able to calm the woman down into releasing the weapon. The sister must still have a touch of the fever. Why else would she rant like a woman gone insane?
“He’s the devil, I tell you. Both him and Martin.” She tilted her head. “Xandria, we don’t need them. I have a plan that will save us both, and we’ll have all the money in the world. We will never have to rely on another man again.”
“Joanna, are you listening to me? I’ve fallen in love with this incredible man.” She glanced back at Julian and smiled. “He’s been nothing but kind and thoughtful, and he really is my protector in all ways.”
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