'Of course it isn't. If you were not so terrifying I would never have done anything so silly.'
He sat back, folded his arms and fixed her with his steely gaze. 'So, you're now saying that the fault is mine? Was lying by omission to both me and your parents about having permission to ride in the first place also my fault?'
She wriggled uncomfortably. Somehow his reasonable tone was more frightening than if he raised his voice. If she wasn't going to be spanked then why was she so nervous of him?
'I've always done as I please and am well aware that this will stop once I'm married to you. I just wished to do something reckless for the last time before I become a sedate married woman.'
If she had announced she was about to become a devil worshipper he could not have looked more surprised. He sat forward and she couldn't help flinching. Instantly his expression changed and in two steps he was beside her. He dropped to his haunches and took her hands in his.
'Little one, you must not be afraid of me. I'm not a violent man and don't believe in any sort of physical punishment – not for you or for children. Do you give me your word you'll never do anything like that again?'
She nodded, but for some reason was unable to form a coherent sentence when he was so close to her. Her hands trembled in his and this time it wasn't from fear but anticipation.
He was on his feet and by the door in one smooth movement. 'I'm waiting for your answer, Bella.'
'I'll do my best to behave, Simon, but I can't promise I won't transgress occasionally.'
His voice was gruff when he replied. Was he going down with a head cold? 'There's no need for you to retire, you must be starving having not eaten since first thing this morning.'
Forgetting the reason he'd moved so smartly to the furthest side of the room she scrambled from the chair and ran over to him. He held up his hands to ward her off but she ignored his gesture and was about to throw herself into his arms.
The outraged gasp from Annie brought her to her senses. 'Are we friends again? I thought you'd ring a peal over me that I'd not recover from for weeks.'
His smile was unnerving. 'Believe me, my love, you'll get your comeuppance once we're married. I'm prepared to bide my time until then.' He turned to go but then turned back. 'I'm more disappointed in your deception than your running away. You will not lie to me again. Do I make myself clear?'
'I didn't lie, I just didn't tell the entire truth which is quite different…' His eyes narrowed and she wished the words unsaid. 'I apologise, you're right to demand I don't deceive you again even on the smallest point.'
He nodded and was halfway through the door when she couldn't stop herself from speaking unwisely.
'I hope this honesty is reciprocal, my lord, that you intend to be as open and honest with me.'
Her heart almost stopped beating as he froze in the door and turned to face her. There was something implacable about him, she'd touched a nerve and wished the words unsaid.
'I think, Annabel, you will regret that request. There are some things between a husband and wife that are better left unspoken.'
With that cryptic remark he left her with more questions than she had answers. Did he have secrets she would prefer not to know about? Or did his comment refer to his opinion of her? Although she had not eaten since first light her appetite had deserted her.
'Annie, that encounter with Lord Sawsbury was most unpleasant. I'm not feeling at all the thing and intend to retire as planned. I shan't require a supper tray. Once I'm abed you're free for the remainder of the evening.'
Her abigail bobbed and nodded. 'Thank you, miss, I much appreciate your kindness. I'll be in bright and early with your morning chocolate and sweet rolls – that's if they have such a thing at this place.'
'I need you to inform my parents that my indisposition is trivial and merely brought on by overexertion.' She didn't want her mother or Emily coming in to disturb her.
The bed was an old-fashioned tester and with the curtains closed she was cocooned in darkness with only the sound of the fire crackling for company. She was indeed exhausted both mentally and physically. She had ridden for hours and had never done so before.
It would be a relief to travel in the carriage with her parents tomorrow as this would remove the necessity of talking to Simon or his family. A week ago, when she'd arrived in Town, her plans had been simple. Find herself a compliant aristocrat and marry him. No emotions, no love involved – just a business arrangement between friends.
Now she was about to be married to the least biddable gentleman in the kingdom and it was entirely her own fault. He was right to castigate her. Right to say that if anyone of note had seen her gallivanting about the countryside with just her groom for company she would be so far beyond the pale even his good name could not save her. She shivered as she recalled the place they had stopped for refreshments and left hurriedly because there were gentlemen from Town already there. Was it possible someone had seen her through a window that she'd not been aware of?
If this were so then her name would be further blackened, she would be unmarriable, he would be honour-bound to return the money to her father – even though she would insist he kept it – and her stupidity would have ruined them all. Tears seeped unbidden from beneath her eyelids and her pillow was sodden before she eventually fell into a restless sleep.
She woke in the night her mouth dry and her stomach rumbling from the lack of sustenance. Tomorrow she must make sure she ate a substantial breakfast before they set off. The inn was silent – no – that wasn't true. There were no human sounds but there were creaks and groans, the occasional pitter-patter of rodents in the ceiling above her, and foxes called and owls hooted in the darkness.
She was up and dressed when Annie came in at first light with her morning tray. She'd washed in cold water and braided her hair and arranged it in a coronet around her head. This would make wearing a bonnet uncomfortable, but she cared not about such trivialities.
'Miss Burgoyne, you should have rung the bell and I'd have come to attend you. Here are your chocolate and rolls.'
After a few sips she pushed the drink aside and attempted to eat one of the rolls. These were warm, crisp and tasty but turned to sawdust in her mouth and she couldn't swallow. Whilst her maid was busy repacking her overnight things she hastily hid the remaining food in her handkerchief to dispose of later. She tipped the chocolate into her chamber pot and then returned to the small table by the window.
'If you have everything you need, miss, I must go if the luggage is to arrive ahead of you today.'
Bella wandered disconsolately around the room and then decided to go downstairs and see how her horse had recovered from his exertions the previous day. Her groom would have to lead him, but no doubt he was quite capable of doing so.
She checked Rufus and he appeared pleased to see her. 'Good boy, I'll see you tomorrow if you're recovered.'
When she emerged from the stables she heard the sound of running water and decided to investigate. After several false turns she emerged on the riverbank. There was a narrow path running alongside the fast-flowing stream, it was hardly wide enough to qualify as a river, and she walked along it for a while. There was a solid brick wall that presumably bordered the grounds of the hostelry they were staying in.
For some strange reason her eyes were blurred and she felt decidedly strange. She would sit on the wall and recover her equilibrium before making her way back. There had been no one apart from the servants up when she left but she was certain her party would be down for breakfast very soon. She had apologies to make to them as well before they set off for Sawsbury.
As she approached the wall her foot slipped on a clump of wet grass and she tumbled forward. There was a searing pain in her head and her world went black.
*
When Bella failed to appear for breakfast Simon was concerned. 'Has anyone seen her this morning?'
No one had so he abandoned his food and went up to her room. This was empty an
d as her maid had departed some time ago he couldn't enquire from her where she might be. Next, he headed for the stables and again no one had seen her there.
He was now seriously worried. One thing he was quite certain of was that Bella wouldn't do anything to upset him after giving her word she would conform in future. He was joined by Mr Burgoyne.
'No sign of her, sir, I think we have to look further afield.'
'Find the grooms, young man, and I'll round up as many men as I can to help with the search.'
Emily rushed up to his side her face etched with worry. 'Something untoward has taken place, there can be no other reason why she's missing. I'll come with you, we might find her the sooner if we work together.'
After an hour of fruitless searching and still no sign of her Simon was becoming desperate. Emily had returned to the inn in the hope that someone else had better news. Then he was hailed by an old man with a dog. 'Over here, sir, the young lady's met with an accident.'
Simon vaulted the wall in front of him and saw her spreadeagled on the grass and for a split second he thought her deceased. She was so still, so white and there was so much blood. Then he dropped to his knees beside her and felt for her pulse. It was weak but discernible.
He ripped off his stock and then snatched his handkerchief from his inside pocket. He folded this into a pad and pressed it across the gash on her forehead, and then held it in place with the strip of white cotton he'd removed from around his neck.
The old man stood by muttering to himself. 'Pretty young thing like her shouldn't be a wandering around by herself, mister. She could've died here if I hadn't come along and raised the alarm.'
'I thank you for your assistance, if you would care to come to the King's Head you'll be recompensed for your trouble.'
He put one arm under her knees and the other around her shoulders, leaned back on his heels and swayed to his feet. There was no time to lose. He raised his voice. 'I've found her, I'm bringing her in, someone send for the doctor.'
His words carried and immediately there was a response. Burgoyne appeared at a run. 'Follow me, I'll show you the quickest way back.'
It took him ten minutes to return and, in that time, Mrs Burgoyne had things arranged as they should be in the bedchamber. 'Put her on the bed, my lord, Mrs Featherstone and I are experienced in such matters. She has gone to fetch her first aid kit and will be able to put in any sutures without the necessity of fetching the local sawbones.'
He was reluctant to leave her but knew when he was redundant. Burgoyne took his arm and all but dragged him down to the private parlour. 'Sit down, my boy, you're almost as pale as my girl.'
Simon closed his eyes for a moment unable to comprehend what had transpired. If he had lost her he would have been bereft. At that moment he understood he'd fallen irrevocably in love with her. This was no longer a business arrangement as far as he was concerned but a love match.
The glass was pushed into his hand and he drained it without thought. Cognac scorched his throat and he coughed. 'Now, hot coffee with plenty of sugar is what you need.'
He was beginning to feel better when his sister burst in. 'How dreadful! Do you know what happened? I sent for the doctor but he's away from home delivering twins and not available.'
'Aunt Jemima is taking care of matters for us. The time she spent on the Peninsula following the drum must have given her the necessary skills to tend to a head wound. Neither she nor Mrs Burgoyne seemed unduly worried, but Bella was so very pale and deeply unconscious when I found her.'
'I can hear someone coming.' Emily rushed to the door and Aunt Jemima walked in and immediately smiled and nodded in his direction. 'She lost a deal of blood, but nothing that can't be remedied with a pint of warm, watered wine. Don't look so perturbed, my boy, apart from the four stitches in her head she will be fully recovered by tomorrow.'
His sister embraced her and he surged to his feet and was tempted to do the same. 'I cannot thank you enough for your help. There's no doctor available and…' He couldn't continue, was unmanned at the thought of what might have happened.
'Nonsense, my boy. Your timely intervention with your stock and kerchief was enough to prevent further loss of blood. She would have done perfectly well until the physician had arrived.'
Her brisk response was enough to steady him. 'Can I go up and see her?'
'She's awake now and asking for you which is why I came down.'
He was out of the room before she'd finished her sentence and pounded up the stairs. Her bedchamber door stood open and he walked in.
Chapter Twelve
Bella needed to reassure Simon that she'd been doing nothing he could be cross about when she'd had her accident. Her mama was sitting discreetly in the corner of the bedchamber when he burst in.
'I can't tell you how relieved I am to see you awake. Does your head hurt very much?'
'No, hardly at all. I was feeling faint and my foot slipped and that's how I came to knock myself out. I'm sorry to have delayed our departure and caused so much upset by my mishap.'
He ignored her parent, grabbed the nearest chair and pulled it close to the bed. 'You have nothing to apologise for. We shall stay here for another night and leave tomorrow morning.'
'No, there's no need for you to delay on my behalf. I'd much prefer it if you and your family continue to your home and not wait for me. Remaining might cause serious inconvenience to this place as I doubt they'll have enough rooms tonight as we were only booked for last night.'
He looked genuinely surprised that she should be bothered about such things. 'I'm sure they'll be only too happy to accommodate us and whoever loses their reservation will soon find somewhere else in the neighbourhood.'
Mama spoke quietly from her position by the window. 'My lord, none of us have our servants or our luggage. Why would you wish to have your aunt and sister put in this position when it's not necessary? I can assure you that as soon as my daughter is well enough we'll join you at your home.'
He shrugged. 'I see that I'm outmanoeuvred on this matter, ma'am, and agree to leave you here. Bella, I'm not happy to depart without you but will do so as it's what you wish me to do.'
He raised her hands and kissed the knuckles, stood up, nodded to her mother and strode from the room. As soon as he was gone her mother took the place he'd vacated.
'Why do you look so worried, my love? Do you think he was displeased with you for sending him away?'
'He doesn't like being told what to do – but then what gentleman does? No, there's something I must tell you as it has been preying on my mind. I think I was unwell because I haven't eaten or drunk anything for twenty-four hours. I was so worried about an incident on my journey here.'
She explained her concerns and her mother looked grave. 'You're right to be bothered by what happened. I think it would be best if we didn't go to Sawsbury but changed direction and went to our estate. If, as you suspect, you were recognised it will be easier for both of you if you're apart. Your papa must go to Town and speak to Lady Danbury – she will know if the gossip has resurfaced.'
'And what then? I cannot ask him to honour our engagement and ruin his own family's reputation by so doing. On the other hand, if he's obliged to repay papa then his financial woes will return.' She flopped back on the pillow overwhelmed by the possible repercussions of her impulsive behaviour. Mama patted her hand.
'There's no need to concern yourself about that at the moment, Bella, but I can assure you that young gentleman won't suffer because of your indiscretion.'
She must have drifted off to sleep as when she opened her eyes a second time she was alone. If she sat up too quickly her head spun, so she did it slowly. After using the item behind the screen, she tottered back to bed too unwell to think about what might be happening at this very moment to her hopes and dreams.
Although her mother and Mrs Featherstone had been certain she'd not suffered a concussion she thought they might be wrong as her eyes would no longer focus and she felt sh
e was about to cast up her accounts. She would do better safely in bed.
She was woken by someone shaking her shoulder. She opened her eyes to see a strange gentleman staring down at her.
'Good, good, I was becoming concerned when you would not rouse. I am Doctor Fletcher. You have suffered a concussion and must remain where you are for several days. You will recover swiftly and I doubt you'll have need of my attention again. I bid you both good day.'
Bella wasn't quite sure exactly what attentions she'd received from him but something more pressing needed answering first.
'How long have I been asleep?'
Her mother answered from the other side of the bed. 'Too long, my love. Annie and the other servants are now back here with us, as is our luggage. Your papa has returned to London but will be rejoining us in a day or two.'
Bella took a moment to assimilate this information. 'Then Lord Sawsbury is aware that I'm more seriously injured than he thought.'
'No, he galloped on ahead and was able to send them back before they'd done more than half the journey. I thought it better not to communicate with him until we know how things stand in Town.'
'Did he take Rufus with him?'
'I've no idea where your horse is at this moment. I think it the least of our worries at present.'
'I'm feeling much recovered and think we should leave immediately for home. I'm sure Papa can be contacted before he sets out in the wrong direction.'
'Not today, my love, but we'll leave at first light tomorrow. If there's a storm about to break over your head then it would be better if you were in the safety of your own abode.'
The following morning, they left early and Bella soon regretted her decision to leave so soon after her accident. Being bounced and rattled as the wheels of the carriage dipped into potholes and ruts was decidedly unpleasant when one had a horrible headache.
A Season of Romance Page 34