An Artful Deception
Page 18
Tears slid down her cheeks.
Another servant announced the arrival of the awaited clergyman. Cedric escorted him into the parlor. He was offered neither food nor drink as Lord Graynor demanded that he immediately perform the service.
“I believe that he should see to our marriage first,” Mrs. Parker suggested.
“Do not be a fool. The sooner Cedric marries Katharine, the sooner we are safe from any interruption that might spoil our plans.”
With a scowl, Mrs. Parker pulled Katharine to her feet. “Get up. And no tears or hysterics. The sooner you are married, the sooner it will be my turn.”
With one quick motion, Katharine drew out her weapon. She thrust one arm around Mrs. Parker’s neck. With the other, she held the sharp blade to her throat.
The clergyman gasped and shrank to the wall.
Katharine glared at her uncle. “Step aside and let me pass. I will use this if you make me.”
Lord Graynor shrugged. “Then you will save me the trouble of doing it myself. I do not intend to marry her and do not fancy having her mope about as a servant in my house.”
Mrs. Parker drew a shuddering breath. Her face went very pale. She seemed less concerned with the weapon at her throat than the breach of promise. “You never intended to marry me.”
“Indeed I did not. Even when you were younger and prettier, I would not have stooped to marry you. I certainly would not do so when you have grown bony and sallow.”
“You have used me ill for the last time, sir.”
In one swift motion she grasped Katharine’s hand and propelled the blade deep into Lord Graynor’schest. He gasped, eyes widening in surprise. Blood pooled near the creamy handle of the weapon. He swayed once and dropped to his knees.
Mrs. Parker released Katharine’s arm and both women stared in shock at what had been done.
Cedric stared as his father fell sideways. He knelt to examine the lifeless figure.
When he arose, his gaze encompassed the two women. “All of this estate is mine now and I shall do as I please with it.”
He advanced upon Mrs. Parker. She screamed and tried to duck away. He caught her by the neck, closing his fingers tightly around her throat. She clawed and scratched at his hands. Yet, he only tightened his hold.
Katharine pulled herself away from the violence done to Lord Graynor and tugged at Cedric’s arms. She was horrified by the satisfaction he seemed to take in this act of vengeance.
The clergyman began to protest. “See here man, you must not do this. You must stop.”
He advanced hesitantly toward Cedric.
Cedric released Mrs. Parker with a suddenness that left her staggering and gasping for breath. Katharine whirled to see that Philip had appeared, clasping his well muscled arm tightly about Cedric’s neck Three of his armed stable hands stood with him, watching Cedric struggle to break his hold.
“If you are fond of choking your victims, let us see how you like it,” he growled.
He released him suddenly and flung him away.
Katharine helped Mrs. Parker onto the settee as the unethical clergyman wiped his brow and said repeatedly, “On my,” until it sounded like a chant from his liturgy.
Cedric righted himself and stood facing the intruders. His usually pale face was blotched with anger. Katharine left Mrs. Parker and flew to Philip’s side. “I knew you would not leave me. I am so glad that you are here.”
He drew her protectively against him. “I shall never lose you again.”
He gestured toward Lord Graynor. “Is he dead?”
Katharine swallowed hard. “I believe that he is.”
The clergyman pointed at Mrs. Parker. “That lady has stabbed him with the young lady’s letter opener.”
Philip turned to the clergyman. “Then I shall entrust you to take her back to the village to see what is to be done with her. See that you set off at once or I cannot be responsible for her protection.”
“Yes, yes, of course.” He urged Mrs. Parker to her feet. She had begun to sob quietly and offered no resistance.
Philip studied Cedric. “As to you, I suggest that you see to your father. And if you ever come near Lady Katharine, I shall see that you suffer a penalty so severe that I shall not mention it in her presence.”
Cedric scowled. “You may have no fear on that account. I do not want her. It was my father’s idea to bring her here. I can find more obliging ladies anywhere in London.”
The men backed away, keeping Cedric in their sights until they were well clear of the house. Philip lifted Katharine onto a horse and they set off at a canter, leaving her memories, both good and bad behind her.”
When they had covered some distance, they slowed their gait. Philip glanced at Katharine. His heart hammered as he asked, “He did not hurt you, did he?”
She shook her head. Her smile felt like sunshine on a wintry day. “No. You were just in time to prevent it.”
He grinned at her. “It seemed you were already taking matters into your own hands.”
Katharine drew a breath of perfumed spring air. “And making a very bad show of it, I am afraid.”
Philip drew their horses to a halt and stared deeply into her eyes. “I do not want you to ever have reason to be afraid, ever again. I want you to feel safe and loved and protected.”
Katharine covered his sturdy hand with her own delicate fingers. “How could I have ever doubted my good fortune in coming to you?”
In answer, he leaned toward her and made her dream come alive by placing a fervent kiss upon her waiting lips. “I cannot wait until you are truly mine.”
“Nor can I,” she whispered.
“Then let us return to your Lizzy and my mother, both of whom are nearly mad with worry. By this time tomorrow, all will be forgotten and my mother will happily resume her dedication to our wedding arrangements and the general running of our lives.”
Katharine straightened herself upon her horse. “As long as I am with you, I do not care who arranges or wedding or where we may live.”
He smiled at her and Katharine imprinted the image of his face forever in her mind as they rode together side by side in this moment of joyful freedom into the sunshine of a glorious afternoon and the promise of a lifetime together.