Tabitha's Folly

by Jen Geigle Johnson

  “You’re awake.”

  She opened her eyes.

  Damen sat across from her, his face cold, impassive.

  She gripped her head, dizzy, and tried to sit up. “Damen, why are you doing this?”

  “The laudanum will make you dizzy. I do apologize for that.”

  “You gave me laudanum?” Her creeping sense of danger grew. She hid the shaking of her hands.

  “You were so upset about Henry. I wanted to calm you.” His voice was smooth as ever, but the kindness was gone.

  He had changed clothes. She felt ill at the thought of him disrobing in her presence, even while she slept. He looked an English gentleman in a cravat and shiny Hessians.

  He gestured at his attire. “Today I will become legitimate.”

  She wrinkled her eyes. “What are you talking about? Damen, take me back. You don’t want to do this. They will only catch you and—”

  “They will never find us.” His face looked too satisfied. “Until there is nothing more they can do.”

  “Then you don’t know my brothers.” Damen would not only be found but would not last long on this earth. She almost pitied him. “Or Henry.”

  “That pompous do-nothing.”

  She gasped.

  “Do you think your precious Henry loves you? Do you think he even cares? He had years with you, not once taking note of what was right before his eyes.”

  She swallowed, his tone so sinister, she didn’t want to provoke him.

  “I am a noble, you know. My mother was a viscontessa. Rare in Italy. My grandfather, a conte in the kingdom of Sardinia.” He sat back, even more self-satisfied. “So all these airs everyone puts on, not necessary with me. I myself come from titled blood.”

  “Then why are you a servant?”

  She regretted asking the moment the words left her lips. His face reddened and he clenched his fists. “That is the question, isn’t it?”

  He picked imaginary lint off of his jacket. “My mother fell in love, seduced by a lying English rat!” His mouth sneered in venom. “And his promises, his lies, of taking her to his home to be his duchess produced an heir.”

  She gasped.

  “Me. The heir who was never recognized, because the rat never made good on his promises, and my mother was left to hide in shame.” He ground his teeth. Then relaxed.

  “Through the help of some family friends, a home was found for me here in England with a good servant family.”

  Tabitha thought of the dark curls of Annabella.

  “And a place for me to be gainfully employed.” He cleared his throat. “My mother never claimed me either and went on to marry a viscount in Italy, presumably her new husband never the wiser. She sends me letters, but that is all.”

  Tabitha sat quietly, half listening, half planning her escape.

  “When I approached my father, he paid me to stay quiet and offered education, employment as a barrister, solicitor even, a position in his home, possibly as a steward.” He clenched his fists and stared with dark, menacing eyes. “But not family. He withheld the strength of his name, his title.”

  He leaned forward, eyes sincere. “And so I am left an island between nations, families full of titles for generations back and no legitimacy of my own.” He grinned. “Until today.”

  “No.” The word came out without her even thinking. “I won’t do it. Damen—”

  “Stand and deliver!” The shout startled them. Tabitha felt a wild hope.

  Damen leaned his head out the window and shouted, “Just barrel him down.”

  Tabitha peeked out the window then gasped and ducked down on her carriage bench. The roads were narrow, the cliff face steep, and the man up ahead held a gun. She squeezed her eyes shut, her breath coming faster and the world starting to spin.

  A swerve brought the carriage up on two wheels. Tabitha screamed, and her teeth jarred together when it landed back down on all four. Gunshots sounded, and the carriage began an incline. The horses burst into faster speed than even before. The road opened up on one side, and Tabitha felt a little more relief. The other side dropped off sharply to her right.

  Then the front of the carriage went up high as if climbing a rock. It crashed down again and stopped, rocking forward and back as if swaying in the breeze.

  “We’re on the axle.” Damen’s face was white. And for the first time, Tabitha felt hope. “Stay here,” he warned before he climbed out.

  She followed immediately, then gasped as the carriage rocked and tilted on its axle with the shift in weight.

  Damen grabbed her face, squeezing her cheeks until her mouth opened. “I said. Stay inside.” He pushed her back in and slammed the door.

  “Ow.” She whimpered and grabbed her face. She peeked out the window. Damen was not nearby. So she approached the door again, stepping carefully as the carriage swayed with every step.

  The door flung open and Damen yanked her out by the arm. “Come with me.” He jerked her roughly forward along the dirt road toward a horse.

  “No.” She pulled back against him, but his grip was firm and he dragged her along. He stopped in front of a horse and grabbed her around the waist, throwing her up on the saddle. She wobbled for a minute. A man steadied the horse in front of her, holding the reins. She scowled at him, but he wouldn’t meet her eye. Damen placed his foot in the stirrup, but she was not waiting for him to leap up behind her. She kicked the horse. “Hiya!” which made it jump, and the coachman with the reins reached forward. “Easy girl.”

  Damen’s foot became caught and twisted in the stirrup, and he hopped to stay balanced, grasping for the saddle but finding little to grip.

  Tabitha kicked again and the horse reared, skittish now. Damen was flung off and landed in the dirt. She kicked again. “Come on girl! Go!” At last, they took off at a gallop. She urged the horse faster and faster, not caring where she went as long as she escaped Damen. A sob caught in her throat. How could she be so deceived? And what would become of him now that he had done such a thing? She tore across the empty field as though chased by demons.

  Horse hooves sounded behind her. Fear in her heart, she whipped her head backwards.

  Henry. His face a stone mask of determination. He tore after her, his horse’s hooves flinging dirt out behind them. She was saved. Oh Henry. Her heart soared, and she found new courage.

  Exhilarated and overjoyed, she lay forward on the horse’s neck, grabbing for the reins. But the horse was frightened, and the ride, not smooth. Riding at a crazed gallop across an open field, she hoped there were no rocks or holes in the uneven ground.

  Pounding hooves sounded behind her, and a wisp of a voice carried on the wind. “Tabby!”

  She at last got hold of the reins and pulled back. “Whoa girl, easy now.”

  The horse would not listen. Henry raced closer. “Hold on.” His shout was nearer, his strong voice calming her heart and steadying her hands.

  He came up to her side, reached for the reins, and then slowed both horses together.

  When they at last stopped, her legs pressed between the horses’ flanks, Henry’s frightened face searched her own.

  “Henry.”

  He leapt off his horse, coming around to her side, and pulled her down into his arms.

  “Henry.” Sobbing, she couldn’t stop. She clung to him, and a great wave of relief washed over her. Even if this was all he offered—the love of a friend, a brother—he was in her arms. She squeezed as though she’d never let go.

  “Tabby, my Tabby. Are you well?” He ran his hands up her back, over her hair; then pulled away and looked into her face. “Are you unharmed?”

  She choked on a sob to see his frantic care. “I am well.” She smiled. “You came.”

  “As soon as I knew. Your brothers—”

  The sound of more horses approached. Edward crested the hill, a figure draped across the back of his horse, followed by Julian and Oscar.

  Edward’s face was white, but he waved to them and urged his ho
rse faster till he skidded to a stop. Damen’s body fell to the ground as Edward rushed to Tabitha.

  She couldn’t see for her tears. Dear, dear Edward.

  Henry squeezed her hand. “He’ll be a much happier chap when we’re married.”

  She gasped beside him.

  He winked at her, and then Edward picked her up and swung her around. “Did he hurt you?”

  She shook her head. “No, unless you count the laudanum. I feel fine.”

  He looked to the sky, such relief on his face that a lump rose again in her throat.

  “I’m sorry to be such a bother.”

  He held his finger to her mouth and shook his head. “No, Tabby. It is our duty to protect you.”

  Tabitha hugged Oscar and Julian in turn. “I don't understand how Damen could be so awful.”

  Edward snorted. "Don't you?"

  They all turned to find his body had disappeared. Tabitha gasped, “He's gone!”

  Oscar turned his horse around and took off.

  Henry cleared his throat. They all turned to him.

  “It will be light in a few hours. Let us return and make an appearance at the ball before finding our beds.”

  “Good idea. Keep Tabby’s reputation intact.”

  Henry led Tabitha towards his horse.

  “What are you doing?” Edward’s voice held a note of incredulity. Tabitha wondered the same.

  “Taking Tabby back.” He grabbed her by the waist and lifted her up onto the saddle. Only when he had settled in behind her, his arm wrapped around her waist and her body safely ensconced against his, did he turn to the brothers.

  Tabitha couldn’t hold back her grin.

  Edward looked from one to the other. “I suppose you’ve been doing this for years.”

  Tabitha's enjoyment deflated a hair. It was true. They had.

  But Henry chuckled behind her. “Oh no, Edward. I’ve never held Tabby quite like this before. Have I, my sweet?”

  Tabitha turned to face him, wonder filling her heart. “So you won’t try to brush me off on low lying branches like you used to?”

  He shook his head. “I promise not to do such a terrible thing. Lest I lose someone who is most, most precious.” His eyes smiled at her. The love in them beaming at her in bursts of joy.

  She sucked in her breath. “Henry?”

  “I love you, my Tabby Cat.” His words for her only, spoken in a deep hush, sent gooseflesh through her core.

  “I love you too.”

  15

  At Last

  Everyone wondered where Damen had gone. And the Eastons kept quiet. None of their group cared to think on him again. But for the unattached ladies, Damen was generally considered the handsomest footman they were likely to see. Odd that any discussed him at all. For good or ill, he had left his mark.

  How someone so handsome and genteel could be pushed to such desperate measures confused Tabitha still. She secretly hoped he would make something good of himself, somewhere far away. Oscar had not been able to find him, and no one knew where he’d gone.

  Tabitha shivered every time she thought of him, disturbed she could be beguiled by such a man.

  Henry reached for her hand under the table. His concerned eyes warmed her all over again. She smiled, not hiding her joy.

  The house party was over, and they would all return home today. Her life would be her own again but so much sweeter. Henry loved her. At last.

  She nibbled at her breakfast food. Everyone was subdued, talking quietly to the person at their side. Then her brothers entered and the noise in the room grew. They grabbed plates, chattering together and smiling at Henry and her in turn. What a difference one night made.

  Once her brothers had settled, Henry and Edward engaged in quiet conversation. Edward gave a subtle nod, and then Henry stood. “If I might have everyone’s attention.”

  All the room stopped and turned their eyes to Henry.

  Tabitha held her hands together in her lap, sitting as still as possible, wonder building inside.

  “I would like you to be a part of something very special to me, to us.” He indicated Tabitha and all the Eastons. Large grins grew on every face. Even the countess’ lips quirked.

  Henry held a hand out to Tabitha. “May I?”

  She placed her hand in his and rose. He led her a few paces from the table and said, “After a swift crack on the skull in the river, near fisticuffs with the Easton brothers, multiple misunderstandings, a drugging, carriage accident, and kidnapping—”

  Gasps filled the room, the ladies wiggled uncomfortably in their seats.

  “Oh, not to be worried, just some private matters within the Easton family. Jokes, if you will.”

  They relaxed again, all smiles.

  “What I really mean to say is, the happiest blessing of my life has always been right before my eyes, if I would only see.” He kissed her hand. “And now that I do see, I wish to spend every day for the rest of our lives proving my love to you., making up for the days I missed.”

  Tabitha’s grin couldn’t grow any wider.

  He dropped to one knee. “Lady Tabitha Easton, will you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?”

  She squealed, not even caring how girlish she sounded. She thought of all the times she’d doubted this moment would ever come. Filled to overflowing with love for this man who knelt in front of her, she said, “Yes. Oh Henry, yes!”

  He stood and pulled her into his arms, hesitating only a moment before pressing his lips to hers.

  And then the world spun. Their kiss was everything she had ever imagined it could be. Her legs no longer supported her.

  Henry chuckled, his lips moving over hers. “I’ve got you.”

  She pulled herself closer, pressing her mouth against his again and again, until Edward cleared his throat once, and then again.

  Henry held a hand up. “Thank you Edward.” He placed a few more kisses on her lips, her cheeks, and then her forehead.

  He turned to his best friend. “She is the most precious part of my life. I will care for her with all my love every day.”

  Tabitha thought she might burst, her joy was so great. She shared a look of happiness with each of her brothers. Tauney wiped at his tears, and even Edward’s eyes misted. She didn’t know what to say. “Thank you, dear brothers.” Then, turning to Henry, she added, “And to you, my love. I don’t know that any can be as happy as we two are.”

  Laughter from the other couples in the room only added to her joy.

  Tabitha turned to Henry, more impatient than ever to begin their life together. “And now, let’s go home.”

  Join Jen’s Author Team for news of releases, fun Prizes, and Free Books— Click Here. Or her website: http://www.jengeiglejohnson.com

  This is the first of many Regency House Party Collections. Follow our Newsletter to find out when others become available. HERE.

  Read all the books in this first collection of our Regency House Party. They can be enjoyed in any order:

  The Unwanted Suitor

  An Unlikely Courtship

  Mistaken Identity

  The Stable Master’s Daughter

  Tabitha’s Folly

  Damen’s Secret

  These stories first appeared in serial form at http://www.regencyhouseparty.com. Join us there for the next party. Reach chapter one of Damen’s Secret Below.

  Damen’s Secret

  Chapter One

  Damen Laconi stalked out of the grand hall of Chatwick, keenly aware of his own livery in the face of the grandeur around him. The servants of the Duke of Smalling looked away as he passed. He couldn’t hear Hadley, the butler, but he knew the stiff and stately servant and two footmen followed behind, ready to intimidate Damen if he stalled or deviated on his way to the door.

  With every step, Damen’s breath came shorter, his hands flexed and clenched, and he fought the urge to turn back and place a well-aimed punch into the duke’s face. The man didn’t deserve the title. He didn’
t deserve anything that life had handed him, and he most certainly didn’t deserve to be called father.

  But Damen would have embraced the role of son, if the man had claimed him.

  He should be grateful for the life he was given, his stepmother so often explained. His heart softened when he thought of her. He loved the woman and their home in Yorkshire, outside Somerstone Manor. He was grateful for his upbringing and counted himself blessed to gain employment with the countess—another opulent home and family. And of a truth, he had led a very satisfactory life, which he appreciated, until he learned of his true heritage and the sad story of rejection from those who gave him life.

  He stormed out the door and leapt up into the hired hack. “Somerstone.” Was all he trusted himself to utter.

  As they passed through the village, his mother in all but birth waved to him. He rapped on the carriage ceiling and, when it stopped, stepped out to greet her. “How are you, dear mother?”

  “I am well, Damen.” She kissed his cheek. “I have a surprise for you, a distant cousin.”

  Something in her eyes said this was more than a familiar meeting.

  “Can I come tonight to meet this mysterious cousin?”

  “No son, you must come right now.”

  He sighed. “I’ve had a bit of bad news mother, can’t he wait?”

  She grinned, a new twinkle in her eyes. “No, she cannot. Now come and try to look handsome.” She laughed.

  He shook his head but followed her, signaling the carriage to wait. He couldn’t stay overly long and trespass on the countess’ great kindness in allowing his leave for a petition to the duke. Thinking on the worthless rug, he again fumed. And mentally kicked aside all the man’s offers of respectability. The duke called them positions of respectability. In truth, he offered Damen all but what he truly wanted.

  He stomped after his mother, growing more angry with each step as he humored aggravating thoughts until the door to their home opened and the swish of skirts brought his eyes to the face of the loveliest woman he had ever seen. Her dark hair cascaded all around her, her dress draped down her slender frame, her full, wide mouth showed rows of white teeth. He swallowed and then stopped, looking to his mother.