Aidan pursed his lips. “I'm afraid I can't tell you that or you won't want to go.”
“What? Why?” she asked, a note of panic in her voice.
“Don't worry, I promise you'll be safe.” She looked doubtful, and he sighed. “Elizabeth, I am begging you to trust me. For once, just please trust me.”
She didn't move, but stared hard into his eyes, and saw everything she needed to see. “I trust you,” she said softly.
He regarded her for a moment, and then held out his hand. “Come lie down with me.”
She took his hand and allowed him to lead her to the bed, where he settled himself down on the coverlet. He grabbed a nearby blanket and waited for Elizabeth to join him. She hesitated, then crawled onto the bed beside him. He said not a word as he pulled her into his arms and tossed the blanket over them. She rested one arm on his chest and settled her head against his shoulder, soaking in the warmth and solidness of his body. Aidan closed his eyes and began to absently stroke her forearm. The fire crackled in the fireplace as it died down, and many minutes had passed when Aidan heard the change in Elizabeth's breathing. He tightened his arm around her and pressed a kiss into her hair.
“Sweetheart. Don't be afraid to cry. You're allowed.”
She didn't respond, but her whole body tensed, and Aidan wasn’t surprised when he heard the first whimpers emanating from her. It was all so overwhelming for her to confront her demons, expose her secrets, and come face to face with the man who had murdered her family all in one night. He encircled her with his other arm and pulled her even closer as her crying began in earnest.
“It's all right, my love. I promise you, from now on, everything will be all right.”
He comforted her the best he could until she had finally cried herself to sleep. He, however, didn't close his eyes for the rest of the night.
Chapter 30
The first rays of dawn were streaking across the sky when Aidan gave Elizabeth a little nudge. “Time to wake up, love,” he murmured, rolling her over. She inhaled deeply as she began to stir. He smiled down at her as her eyes fluttered open and focused in on his face. She was momentarily startled, and he chuckled. “Forgot I was here, did you?”
She nodded, then smiled shyly. It was a little odd waking up with him beside her, but somehow…somehow she felt as though this was exactly where she was supposed to be. He was still here. She had told him every horrible detail of her life, and he was still here, and looking so…so…tired. “You didn't sleep much, did you?”
Aidan shook his head. “Did you sleep well?”
Elizabeth blinked. “Yes,” she said, a little surprised. “I haven't slept that well in years.”
“It feels good to let go of all your darkest secrets, does it not?”
Elizabeth realized in that moment exactly how she felt. She felt wonderful, the enormous weight she'd been carrying around for years finally lifted from her shoulders. She stared into Aidan's eyes for a moment, so grateful for everything he had been to her. “Thank you, Aidan,” she said softly.
He smiled. “You're welcome.” He brushed her cheek with his fingertips. “So was it as horrible as you imagined?”
“Was what horrible?”
“Spending the night next to me, of course,” he said with a grin.
“Oh, Aidan,” she giggled. “Honestly.”
“What? I should know if I'm an ogre or not, shouldn't I?”
Elizabeth grinned. “How would I know? I was sound asleep!”
Aidan chuckled. “Wench,” he chided, kissing her temple. “I hate to rush you, but we have a long day ahead of us and must be on our way soon. Mary will be in soon to help you pack a few things.”
“Are you still insisting on not telling me where we are going?”
“I'll tell you once we're underway, I promise.” He pulled himself upright and swung his feet to the floor. “Come on, then. Up and about. I want to catch the early train.”
“Goodness! That's not much time.”
“My point exactly.” There was a brief knock at the door before Mary dragged herself in. It really was early. Elizabeth blushed furiously at having been caught with Aidan in her bedchamber, but Mary didn't seem surprised at all. Rather, Elizabeth wasn’t entirely sure Mary’s eyes were actually open.
“Mornin', my lord. Miss Elizabeth,” she yawned. “We'd best get you on your feet. We've not much time to get you dressed and packed.”
Elizabeth looked at Aidan, but he just winked at her and left the room. Mary picked a travel costume out of the wardrobe while Elizabeth pulled her hair into a chignon. She was dressed, packed, fed, and in the foyer in under an hour. Aidan was already outside giving last minute instructions to Tibbs. Mrs. Bartlett handed off Elizabeth's small bag to the footman and squeezed her hand reassuringly.
“Have a safe trip, my dear.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Bartlett. I would rest a little easier if I knew where I was going.”
The housekeeper smiled. “His Lordship told me you might ask that.”
“You're not going to tell me, are you?”
She chuckled. “No, Miss, I'm not.”
Elizabeth sighed. “Sometimes I think you are too devoted to your master, Mrs. Bartlett,” she laughed.
“I'm just as devoted to you, Miss Elizabeth. Now off you go. Don't keep his lordship waiting.”
Elizabeth walked down the steps to the waiting carriage, and Aidan handed her inside, followed by a very sleepy Mary. The morning dawned gray and cool, and Elizabeth hoped it wasn't going to rain.
“Let me just give a few instructions, then we’ll be off. Gavin will be meeting us at the train station.”
“Gavin is coming with us?”
“Yes, and don’t panic. I assure you, it is Gavin.” He closed the door and went back into the house, leaving a footman guarding the carriage. Elizabeth waited nervously for what seemed like an eternity, then Aidan yanked open the door and climbed inside. Though shaved and in fresh clothing, he still looked exhausted. Elizabeth felt a little guilty that she had slept so well, albeit only for a few hours.
The carriage jolted, and they were on their way. Aidan leaned his head back and closed his eyes. He was silent for so long that Elizabeth was sure he was asleep, until he unexpectedly spoke and nearly startled her off the seat.
“I suppose you'd like to know where we are headed.” He opened his eyes and pinned her with a questioning gaze.
“That would be nice.” She fidgeted with her gloves. Aidan leaned forward and put his elbows on his knees, steeling himself for her reaction.
“We're going to Colonel Mayfield's estate.”
“Colonel Mayfield?” she gasped. “Garrett’s father?”
“One and the same.”
“Have you lost your mind?” she cried. “That's the first place he'll look for me!”
“That's what I'm hoping.”
“What?” she shrieked. “Aidan, he'll kill me!”
That got Mary’s attention. She was wide awake now and taking in every word.
“He's not going to kill you, I won't let him. I promised to protect you and that's exactly what I'm going to do. But I have to get rid of him once and for all to do it, and in order to do that, I have to draw him out of hiding.”
“By using me as bait?” she snapped.
Aidan sighed. “Where you go, he will follow, and when he shows up, we'll be ready for him.”
“Aidan, you're not…you’re not going to kill him, are you?” she said, horrified.
“Not if I don't have to. But if it comes down to him or you…” He took her hand and kissed it. “I think you know which one of you I'm going to choose.”
“Aidan, you can't,” she whispered, her eyes filling with tears. “I can't let you murder someone to protect me!”
“Elizabeth, killing Garrett is not my intention, but I will do what must be done to ensure your safety. For heaven's sake, take a deep breath and try to think rationally. Colonel Mayfield is a well-respected man with many of his
former comrades who have stayed on with him to protect his family from his own son. All he has to do is ask, and many more men will arrive at his doorstep to help him protect you. It's the best place I can think of to end this nightmare. You'll be safe, we'll capture Garrett and send him back to prison where he belongs, and you and I can start living our lives…together.”
“But what if…oh, Aidan, what if he sneaks in and finds me when I'm alone? He'll take me away and—”
“You're not going to be alone. Anywhere. I will have your bed chamber door guarded while you sleep and you will be accompanied wherever you go.” He sighed, squeezing her hand. “I know you're scared, but I promise you, everything will be all right. You'll see. You just have to trust me.”
Elizabeth sat in worried silence, her mind racing. People were going to be put in danger, and it was all her fault. If only she had been able to confirm Betsy's message before the carriage had hit her, she might have been able to find Garrett before he'd found her. Good Lord. Everything was such a mess.
But if Aidan was right and they were able to send Garrett to prison for good, her life could have a peace and happiness that she hadn't known since she was a child. If she could just get through this, things would get better.
She understood why Aidan hadn't told her of his plans earlier. She would have run in the opposite direction. She was frightened out of her mind, both for herself and everyone involved. She just prayed that it would all be over soon.
Chapter 31
They had made it to the train station without incident, and had travelled along in silence. Elizabeth had never seen Gavin so stony-faced. When they hired a carriage and team for the remainder of the trip, he played coachman, a pistol resting by his side on the seat. Inside, all was quiet as Mary sat dozing in the corner. It had already been a long day.
Elizabeth could bear the silence no longer. “Aidan,” she said quietly, so as not to wake Mary. “Why did you save me?”
Aidan knit his brow. “I did what any decent man would do.”
“No.” Elizabeth shifted in her seat. “I mean before the accident. Why did you cross the street to defend a gutter rat you shouldn't have even spared a glance?”
Aidan leaned forward. “Elizabeth, what's wrong?”
“Nothing. I just…sometimes I wonder why you fight so hard for me.”
“Because I love you. I've loved you from the first. And to answer your question, I saw someone who needed my help. Smythe is a weasel of a man, and no woman is deserving of his attentions. Besides” he grinned, “I'd do anything to best him. It was an opportunity I couldn't resist.”
Elizabeth stared at him, unsmiling. Aidan sighed. “Elizabeth, I can't explain what propelled me across the street. I saw a young woman in a difficult situation, and that's all that mattered to me. You must know me well enough by now to know that I believe in basic human kindness.” He reached out and took her hand. “No matter what choice was made by either one of us that night, I believe neither of us really had a hand in what brought us together. I think someone knew I needed you and gave you a push in my direction.”
“Really? I thought I pushed you,” she teased.
Aidan smiled, his brown eyes dancing with light. “It was a figure of speech. I'm a firm believer in fate, Elizabeth, and I am sure that you and I were meant to cross paths. And I am ever so grateful.”
The road underneath them smoothed out, and Aidan glanced out the window. “We’re here.”
Elizabeth twisted her hands in her lap.
“Don't fret, Elizabeth. You will love his parents,” Aidan said. “I know you will.”
“Do they know—”
“I couldn't explain the whole story in the note I sent, but yes, they know your situation. They will accept you just as you are.”
In only a few moments, the carriage door swung open and Elizabeth froze. Not only was she was completely intruding on total strangers, she was about to tell them about all the hideous things their son had done, and possibly get him killed. What kind of first impression could that possibly leave?
“Elizabeth?” Gavin was standing with his hand outstretched, waiting to assist her. She hesitated before taking his hand and alighting from the carriage. She was stiff from the long ride, and it felt good to get moving again. Mary tumbled out next, followed by Aidan. He placed Elizabeth’s hand in the crook of his elbow, covering it protectively with his own as he escorted her to the door. Elizabeth squeezed Aidan’s arm.
“Perhaps we'd best not mention that fact that I was a light-skirt,” she whispered. “That might reflect poorly on me.” She gave him a nervous smile.
“Duly noted.” Aidan patted her hand. At least she was attempting humor. “Ah. Here we are.”
They were greeted by an enthusiastic butler, who was obviously fond of Aidan and hadn’t seen him in quite some time, and then shown into the parlor where Colonel Mayfield awaited them.
He stood with his back to the door, arms clasped behind him. His broad shoulders and ramrod straight stance seemed to fill the room, and before he even turned around, Elizabeth could feel the air of authority he had about him.
“Lord Ashby, Mr. Mayfield, and Miss Elizabeth Townsend to see you, sir,” the butler said. Colonel Mayfield turned toward them, a welcoming smile on his face.
“Aidan, my dear boy! Come in, come in. It's been a long time.”
“Yes, sir, it has. My apologies for the sudden intrusion.”
“Nonsense,” he said, shaking Aidan's hand. “You're family, and welcome anytime.” He smiled at Gavin. “Hello, son,” he said fondly, embracing him. He turned to Elizabeth, tenderness coming into his eyes. He was a handsome man of about sixty, with pale blue eyes, an endearing smile, and a full head of silver hair that only added to his air of distinction. He gave her a small smile. “And this must be the young lady you mentioned in your note,” he said softly.
“Yes. Colonel George Mayfield, may I present Miss Elizabeth Townsend?”
“Pleased to meet you, sir,” she said, curtsying.
“The pleasure is mine, Miss Townsend,” he returned, kissing her hand. He was looking at her so intently that it made Elizabeth shift uncomfortably. He studied her a moment more before saying, “My apologies, Miss Townsend. It is my understanding that my other son is responsible for your unfortunate hardship. My deepest regrets for the pain he has caused you.”
Elizabeth's mouth dropped open slightly in surprise. “You do not need to apologize to me, sir. You are not responsible for what Garrett has done. And you have raised a very fine son in Gavin, indeed. I am honored he has chosen to befriend me.”
The Colonel nodded. “Both lovely and gracious. You are a true delight, Miss Townsend. Now,” he said, clapping his hands together. “You must be famished after your trip. May I offer you some tea?”
“That would be lovely, thank you.”
He turned to ring for the tea when a voice from the doorway stopped him.
“Gavin, Aidan!” Mrs. Mayfield bubbled. “What a surprise! George told me to expect visitors, but he didn't tell me it was you.”
Aidan’s head snapped toward the Colonel. “You didn't tell her?” Aidan asked him under his breath.
“I couldn't risk it,” he returned quietly.
“How lovely to see you!” Mrs. Mayfield continued, coming into the room. “Your visits are far too infr—” She broke off as her gaze took in Elizabeth standing at Aidan's side.
Beside him, Elizabeth had gone deathly pale and her fingers dug into his arm. He felt her begin to tremble as she turned to look up at him, her eyes brimming with tears. “Ai—Aidan?”
A pang of guilt stabbed through him as he stared down into her sapphire eyes. Eyes that he was now mentally kicking himself for not recognizing earlier. “Do not misunderstand, Elizabeth. I didn't know who you were until last night.” He touched her cheek. “You know, you really look nothing like your mother.”
Chapter 32
Elizabeth's gaze shot back to the freckled, willowy redhead th
at she would recognize anywhere. Kate Mayfield was staring back at her, her face completely drained of color. Her vivid blue eyes looked Elizabeth slowly up and down, finally coming to rest on the pendant Elizabeth wore around her neck.
A Celtic knot that exactly matched the pendant that Kate wore around her own neck.
“Leighton?” she whispered. “My God, is it you? Is it really you?”
Elizabeth shoved herself away from Aidan and stumbled toward her mother. “It's me, Mama, it's me!”
Kate held out her arms and Elizabeth launched herself into them, sobbing. Kate clung to her. “Oh, my child, my dear child! Oh dear God, at last, at last!” Kate held her daughter tightly as they collapsed to the floor, overwhelmed with joy and tears.
Aidan was not a man very often moved to tears, but the emotional scene unfolding before him was too much. He felt a hand on his shoulder, and he turned to find Colonel Mayfield looking at him with misty eyes. “Thank you, my boy. You have no idea what you've done.”
“I didn't do anything,” Aidan said softly, blinking against the sting in his eyes. “She found me.” It was the most wonderful sight he had ever seen. Elizabeth was finally home.
Sometime later, the two women were seated on the settee, still sniffling and almost afraid to take their eyes off of one another, lest one should disappear again. Tea had been brought for everyone, and they sat gathered around, listening to Kate recount the story of her family's demise. The men had offered the women privacy, but Elizabeth had insisted they stay. Aidan had waited a long time to find out who she was. She wanted him to hear the story as much as she wanted to hear it.
“Mama, what did Papa do that was so terrible?”
“He didn't really do anything. He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Kate sighed, placing her teacup back in its saucer. “He happened to witness a murder.”
Elizabeth gasped. “Garrett?”
Kate nodded. “Your father was at the brewery late one night, long after everyone had gone home. He was working upstairs in his office when he heard shouting on the floor, so he went to investigate. Garrett was there, along with Martin, your father's foreman. They were having a fierce argument, about what, I don't know. But it ended with Garrett striking Martin with a piece of pipe and killing him. Right in front of your father's eyes. Your father was terrified and tried to leave quietly, but in his haste, he knocked over a shovel on his way out. He didn't think Garrett had seen him, but Garrett knew that someone had seen him, and he must have noticed the lamp burning in your father's office and put two and two together.”
All That I Am: A Victorian Historical Romance (The Hesitant Husbands Series Book 1) Page 19