All she could do was nod. It took several deep breaths before her feet would move forward. She clung to Jonathans arm. She wasn’t certain if she had seen the man in the bushes. Her mind may have been playing tricks. She’d enjoyed herself this evening, especially the walk in the garden. She wasn’t certain why those memories disappeared while she spent time with Jonathan. Yet, her mind wouldn’t let go of the past. Maybe it was meant to be that she left all this behind.
* * *
Jonathan kept calm. He noticed Lilly walking swiftly across the courtyard. The last thing he wanted to do was scare either of them. Just after Bethany pulled away, he took a step forward when out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a face disappear behind the hedges. At first, he wasn’t certain he’d seen it, but Bethany’s reaction told him otherwise. Someone was out there.
Mistress Thayer touched Bethany’s arm. “What is it? What has happened?”
Bethany placed her hand on her chest. “I felt faint. I would like to return inside, if you do not mind.”
Jonathan placed one hand at the small of her back and with the other, took her arm; with Lilly on the other side they guided her toward the parlor. A few feet before they reached the door, Bethany pulled herself away.
“Please, I do not want to worry Seanna. I believe I can manage from here.”
Lilly gave Jonathan a worried glance and followed her closely as she entered the room. She was as beautiful as she was stubborn. Knowing she was in good hands, he went in search of James. Damn it to hell, he knew there was more to James’s request than he had let on before the ball. He should have asked more questions, investigated the situation.
Jonathan pulled James aside. “Master Bryant, there is more to the story than you’ve told. I would like to know the truth. What ails Bethany?”
“What do you mean?”
“First you have me needlessly watch over her at the ball. Just now the poor girl froze and stared off into the distance. Something made her uncomfortable to the point of fear. This has happened twice now.”
“Are you certain?”
“She was looking toward the bushes, on the perimeter of our property, and froze. I, too, noticed someone looking over the hedges.”
“I will return momentarily. I must find Nic.” He turned and rushed out the front door.
Jonathan didn’t wait; he followed. The moment he reached the front door, he noticed Nic racing toward them.
James called out. “Have you seen anything unusual?”
“No. I have received no reports.”
“I believe Bethany has seen something. I wonder if it may be one of your men.”
A young man, the size of a tree, stepped up, removed his hat, and gave a quick bow. “We will do another sweep of the area.”
Nic nodded. “Report to me immediately, Timothy.”
The large man nodded as well, then raced off.
Jonathan looked both ways, wondering how a man could get on the property, spy on them in the gardens, then disappear without anyone noticing. Then again, he had no idea Nicholas Mattingly had a handful of men patrolling the grounds.
Just then he heard a thud, and turned; Avery was pulling himself into a standing position. The boy glanced at his hands, tears filled his eyes. When he noticed Jonathan watching, he sprinted the best he could in his boots. He could tell the boy was injured and upset. He knelt down to his level.
Avery looked at James and Nic, then leaned forward and whispered in his ear. “Master Jonathan. I saw a big man watchin’ you an Lady Bethany. He gives me a penny to says I didn’t.”
Avery opened his hand. His knuckles were scratched and bleeding from the fall. “’Tis what he gaves me.”
Jonathan was surprised to see Nic kneel next to the boy. “Why did you wait?”
Avery’s eyes grew wide. "I was scared. He is bigger than me.”
Nic smiled. “Understandable. What did he look like?”
“He was big. Like him.” Avery pointed across the courtyard at Timothy.
“And which way did he run?”
Avery pointed north. James took off in a run, calling out to Timothy to follow.
Jonathan closed Avery’s hand. “Save the penny, you earned it. Go to the kitchens and have them tend to your wounds. You did good.”
Nic crossed his arms and watched the boy run toward the back of the manor. “A good man you have there. Loyal, smart. When he is older, send him to me and I will give him work.”
“No, my friend. That boy will stay with me until I reach my death bed. Now tell me, by all that is holy, what this is about?”
Nic sighed. “It is time you know the truth. Two months ago, the Maycott caravan was attacked by a group of rebels, and the Lady Bethany abducted. Instead of money, the group wanted a letter that they thought had been hidden at the Maycott Estate by a papal courier. Seanna and James went in search of her and she was found in Cornwall at an old monastery near Plimmouth. Most had been taken into custody by Thomas Howard’s men, a few got away. Two weeks ago, we received word. Those who had been detained, escaped. Our fears have been realized and they may be searching for the Lady Bethany. The women have yet to be informed.”
“Do you know who is behind this?”
Nic pursed his lips. “James’s sister—Viola.”
“You mean cousin.”
“I fear not. James is, in fact, the Earl’s son, not his nephew, which makes him the heir to the lands and title. We are certain Viola is seeking retribution. Somehow, she has managed to leave the convent her father placed her in in France and is now in league with the Scottish Queen. I have yet to conclude her true motives.”
Jonathan sat down on the step, fearing his legs would not hold him. All this time he’d known James, and he was nobility. He’d never liked James’s cousin. Sister, he corrected himself. She was pompous, cunning, arrogant, as if she were royalty. Now he liked her even less. “It was Viola who had Bethany abducted?”
“Yes. Very few are privy to this information. For now, I would appreciate your silence.”
“Of course.” He knew if his mother or any of her friends knew this information, the entire city would know within hours and London would be gossiping about this in a couple of days. “I will do everything in my power to keep Bethany safe.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
It had been several days since Bethany had seen the man’s face in the hedges. At times, she wondered if she’d seen anything at all. It didn’t appear anyone else had seen him. After she’d been escorted back to the women visiting in the parlor, she took a seat and pretended to be interested in the conversation, but her mind kept reeling.
It wasn’t her the bandits truly wanted. It was the letters they believed to be in her father’s home. On their way to the Bryant Estate, she was told that those men who had held her had been imprisoned—except the woman who had led the men, and a few of her associates who had escaped. Nic promised he would search for them. It wasn’t until she safely returned to the estate, the day she had met the Lord and Lady Dohetry, that she discovered the woman who had held her was related to the Bryant family. She still remembered walking into her father’s chambers and seeing the portrait hung above the mantel, an image of the woman who still gave her night terrors.
Bethany peeked out the window for the sixth time that morning and watched as people, in horses-drawn carriages rode down the street. Jonathan had sent a message requesting to call upon her this day, and she was in dire need of his company. Since attending supper at his home, she’d had to endure visits from the same men who sought her hand. She was tired of playing host and pretending not to notice their advances. It was by sheer luck that they hadn’t been invited to a ball or another nuncheon. Right now, she preferred to stay inside, where she felt safe.
She watched through the window as Jonathan handed the reins of his horse to a young boy, dusted himself off, and walked to the door. Bethany took a deep breath. Why was she was nervous at his arrival? There was no reason to feel this way… other than
that she mentioned he was to wed. She’d thought he had been upset with her. Bethany shook her head. He wasn’t here to court her. They were friends, she reminded herself.
Jonathan entered with a hearty smile. “Lady Maycott. It is good to see you again.”
Bethany nodded. “Lord Butler.”
Jonathan’s smile brightened and he sat down in a chair across from Bethany.
Seanna walked through the doorway. “Welcome, Lord Butler. I believe Mistress Thayer will join us momentarily.” She glanced over her shoulder. “I will see to the refreshments.” She turned and disappeared down the corridor.
“Lady Bethany, forgive me for being too forward.”
“Forward?”
“Yes. I fear my actions may have caused you distress. I meant no insult.”
“No insult has been taken, Lord Butler.”
“Please, call me Jonathan.”
“I do not believe we are on such terms, Lord Butler.”
Jonathan sighed. “If you would do me the honor, I would like to escort you through the park this day.”
Bethany tipped her head. She wondered if the walk would be another ruse for Jonathan to create gossip. Though, she didn’t want to leave the security of the cottage. What if she saw the man again? What if it wasn’t her mind showing her images that were not there?
Seanna returned to the parlor much too quickly. “And what brings you here this day, Lord Butler?”
Jonathan looked at Bethany, then back at Seanna. “I hoped to take Lady Maycott through the park.”
“Oh Bethany, that sounds wonderful. Of course, she would love to join you.”
Bethany rolled her eyes and looked up at Jonathan. He cracked a smile. She knew, then, that Jonathan had an idea of what she was thinking. Any fear and frustration she had left her. Without saying a word, she stood up and nodded. Jonathan raised his elbow to escort her out of the parlor.
They reached the doorway when Seanna called out, “Take your cloak, Bethany.”
She knew it be too warm for the cloak, but to argue would cause delay, and it was time, she should get out of the house for a bit. Surely, she would be safe with Jonathan. She threw the cloak over her shoulders knowing she could remove it later.
The day was warm with big, white clouds scattered in the blue sky. For the first time, she realized she was completely alone with Jonathan; Mistress Thayer had yet to arrive that day and her sister had not accompanied them. It felt…nice, almost like she was free. When she was with Jonathan, she did not feel as if she had to put on an act.
As they walked, she realized how warm her body was getting. Quickly, she removed the cloak Seanna insisted she wear.
Jonathan reached for it. “Let me.”
“My thanks.” She watched as he neatly folded it in half and hung it over one arm.
When they reach the park, Jonathan pointed across the way. “Do you see that bench? That is where my mother sat one afternoon waiting for Anon to paint her portrait. You see, Alexander has perfect memory. He could see a person once and paint them days later with fidelity.”
Bethany was amazed with Jonathan’s description of Anon. She’d never known anyone who could create such beauty. And he did it even knowing he would be ridiculed were he discovered. But then he had been discovered, without ridicule following, but rather, with praise. Bethany could only assume it was because he was a man. And men were able to do as they chose.
“Pray tell, have you chosen a suitor for a husband?”
She shook her head. “Nay, none appeal to me.”
“Then we shall have to do more.”
“What more could we do?”
“Have you been invited to another ball? I may have to attend.”
“Seanna would know.”
Jonathan laughed. “Do you always do as your sister bids?”
“No. For many years it was I who attempted to direct Seanna, but she would not have it. Instead of tending her studies, she would sneak out, take our elder brother’s fishing pole and find her way to the pond.” Bethany laughed. “Or dress in armor and challenge our father’s men.”
“You have done well. She appears to conduct herself as a proper lady.”
“She has fooled us all.” Bethany giggled. She couldn’t believe she had just revealed this information to him.
He stopped and became serious. “I remember your words in the garden. It is important for you to know that I am not betrothed.”
“What of Lady Goodwynn? She stated…”
He shook his head. “Her words matter not. I am not to wed Lady Goodwynn, or anyone else, for that matter.”
She placed her hand on her stomach and gently let out a breath. There was a lightness in her step, as if she were walking on a cloud.
In the distance, they heard a clap of thunder. Both Jonathan and Bethany looked up. The sky was now filling with thick, dark-gray clouds. She faintly smelled the scent of rain. A cool, wet drop landed on her nose, another on her cheek.
“We best get you back to the cottage, lest we get drenched and cause another issue others could speak of.”
Bethany laughed. “Is it not gossip you seek? We again could be the talk of the town.”
“It would cause attention. However, I do not wish to be wet.”
Jonathan took the cloak and held it above both of their heads. “Stay close to me.”
She huddled near him. She caught a mellow and musky scent and could feel the nearness of his body. She thought to pull away, but the rain began to fall. Seanna was right; Bethany needed her cloak. They walked with a swift pace as he led her home.
They reached the cottage and rushed in the front door. Her cloak was drenched. Jonathan removed it, then hung it across the railing to dry.
“We can retire in the parlor and I will have a servant bring us a beverage.”
She took a few steps toward the parlor when Seanna burst out of the room and raced up the stairs. Bethany looked at Jonathan. “I fear my sister has a bit of a temper.”
They entered the parlor and found her father pacing in front of the sofa.
Jonathan bowed. “Lord Maycott.”
“Lord Butler.” Jonas lifted Bethany’s hand to his lips. “Bethany. I am on my way to meet with Master Arden. He claims he could get me an even better price for the wool. Do not worry about your sister. She will calm soon enough. I am sure Master James will take her around the town later as she desires.”
“Of course, Father.”
Jonathan turned her. “The rain has let up. I best take my leave.” He lifted her hand and kissed her fingers. “I shall see you anon.”
She watched him leave and a smile touched her lips. Though the days waiting for the ship had been difficult, there were moments such as this she would treasure for the rest of her life. She turned and ascended the staircase, almost bumping into her sister.
“Bethany, I will be back shortly.”
“Where are you off to?”
“To visit Rachel. She has retired to her birthing chamber. I promised to visit.”
Bethany nodded. “Take your cloak. I fear it may begin to rain again.”
“I do not want to go back upstairs to retrieve it.” She picked up Bethany’s cloak off of the railing. “May I borrow yours? I will be back in a short time.”
Bethany waved her hand. “It is quite damp.”
Seanna placed the wet cloak around her shoulders. “I am certain it will dry before the rains begin again.” Seanna darted out the front door.
Bethany realized there was no one here to bother her. Maybe now, she could enjoy peace and solitude, considering there were no planned engagements this eve. Without another thought of her sister’s visit, she began up the stairs, then stopped and returned to the parlor. She found her sewing basket with her father’s shirt folded neatly on top.
She was thankful Jonathan wasn’t going wed Phoebe. She couldn’t imagine him with someone so selfish. One day he would find a proper wife. One whom he loved and respected. One who would capture
his heart.
She’d barely completed a dozen knots when she heard James’s voice coming from the entrance hall.
“We cannot tell the women.”
It was just like her sister’s betrothed to speak about them. She focused on the needle and thread, desperately trying to put him from her mind.
Nic said in a low voice. “Seanna is dead set on finding Bethany a suitor.”
Bethany watched Nic and James enter the library, both looking sullen, their heads bowed in conversation. She heard the door close.
She sat for a moment and wondered why James sought privacy. She was certain he hadn’t seen her. If Seanna were here, she’d sneak to the door and listen in. Bethany had seen it more times than she could count. But she was not her sister and didn’t want to have James realize she’d heard. Quietly, she clutched the shirt to her chest and tiptoed toward the staircase. With each step, she could have sworn she had taken it too loudly. Her heart raced, but she didn’t understand why she feared being spotted.
She was about to take the first step up the staircase when she heard James’s voice erupt. “Bloody Hell! We know they were at the Butler Estate. We know they found her!”
They were speaking about her. About the man she’d seen in the hedges. Her mind wasn’t simply reminding her of those past events—she had indeed seen his face.
“I have men investigating.” Nic said in a calm, firm tone. “No one has seen them since they were arrested.”
“I was certain they would be found by now. Precautions must be taken. The ship leaves in less than a fortnight.”
“I will send a few men outside of town and see if they can find any new information.”
Bethany fidgeted with the shirt and realized she’d gravitated toward the library. She took a deep breath, stepping back quietly, feeling nervous and then guilty for overhearing this information. She should not have eavesdropped on their conversation. It was unbecoming of a proper lady, and now she was taking after her sister.
But, had her abductors escaped? Her hands began to sweat, her heart beat faster. She turned and rushed up the staircase to her room and quietly closed the door. She began to pace. How could those men have escaped? James promised she would be safe. She knew better than to trust that rogue of a man. She took a deep breath to calm herself. Master Mattingly was taking charge of the situation. He was a more honorable man than her sister’s betrothed, even if he had a lower station in life. Bethany lifted her chin, determined not to worry about the men. Nic would handle the situation.
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