by Lisa Reisner
“Sometimes it is very rewarding. Other times it seems to put me in precarious situations,” Liam answered. He raked his hands through his hair and knew there was no easy way to do this. Liam decided to be blunt. “Miss Jenner, I brought up my profession for a specific reason.” Liam inhaled sharply. “A few weeks ago, I was hired to investigate you.”
The look of horror on Abigail’s face spoke volumes. “What do you mean? Who wants to learn about me?”
Liam hated to cause such panic but knew she needed to prepare herself against the possibility of being discovered. “It seems Lady Applewood views you as some sort of threat to her daughter marrying Lord Everton. She hired me to find any dark secrets in your past.”
Abigail swallowed. Liam thought she looked pale as a ghost.
“What did you discover, Mr. Stone?”
“I know everything, Lady Bainbridge.”
A tear rolled down Abigail’s cheek. “What do you plan to do about it?”
“Nothing, absolutely nothing,” Liam said firmly. Abigail looked visibly dumbstruck. “My investigator was very thorough with his examination of your past. The reasons for your escape were quite understandable.” Liam looked directly into Abigail’s eyes. “I find the actions of your husband to be despicable. If I revealed my information to the Applewoods, they would surely inform Lord Bainbridge you are indeed very much alive and that is something I could not have on my conscience.”
“Thank you, Mr. Stone. I will be eternally grateful to you,” Abigail said, clearly shaken. “I am sorry you were put in such an unfortunate position. I know it must be a conflict of interest for you, especially since you are entering into business with Lord Everton.”
Liam Stone offered Abigail his handkerchief. She took it and inelegantly blew her nose.
“What Lord Everton doesn’t know cannot hurt him. At least, for the time being,” Liam stated, as his expression turned serious. “But I must warn you that the Applewoods are a force to be reckoned with and they seem rather determined to ruin your reputation. My report is due in less than a fortnight. I will simply tell them that I found nothing of importance. However, that will not stop them from going elsewhere to investigate matters further. I would prepare for the worst possible scenario.”
“I will heed your warnings, Mr. Stone. I will be forever in your debt,” Abigail vowed. She took a deep breath and collected herself as they pulled up in front of the Sunderland residence. “Now I must concentrate on Lady Sunderland.”
Liam helped her down from the carriage. He thought she showed tremendous courage in the light of everything he had just told her. “Good luck, Miss Jenner.”
“Thank you. I am going to need it,” Abigail said as she hurried to the front door.
Liam watched Abigail make her way into the Sunderland home. A wave of sorrow overcame him. Abigail Jenner reminded him of his beloved sister, Tessa. They both shared a similar spirit and charm. Perhaps, if things were different, the two would have been friends.
He swallowed against the bitterness that rose in his throat. He prayed Miss Jenner would meet a better fate than his dearly departed sister.
Chapter 16
The butler only allowed Abigail in the door because she told him that Lord Sunderland had personally requested her assistance with his wife. It was not quite the whole truth, but this was not the time to be splitting hairs on the subject.
Abigail’s head was swirling with several different thoughts, but the agonizing sounds of labor instantly sobered her to the task at hand. She traveled up the winding staircase as quickly as her feet could take her to Caroline’s quarters.
Her knock on Caroline’s door was answered by a skinny, grey haired woman, wearing tiny spectacles. Abigail’s intuition told her this woman was the midwife. “What is the meaning of this? Can’t you see we’re busy?”
Abigail knew she would not be welcome. After all, a birth was private and not meant to be witnessed by a woman, other than the midwife. “I beg your pardon, but I have come to help.” The midwife stared at her as if she had three heads. “My name is Abigail Jenner and I have met the Countess previously. Please, may I enter?”
The midwife was about to chastise her for intruding, but was interrupted by Caroline’s breathless voice. “It is all right, Martha. Show her in.”
Martha shrugged her shoulders and allowed Abigail to pass through the door. “As you wish, my lady.”
Abigail was not prepared for the sight that greeted her. Caroline Sunderland was soaking wet with perspiration and her usual peaches and cream complexion was now an alarming shade of grey. Abigail watched Caroline scream out in pain as her hands tightly gripped the mattress. It was very evident another strong contraction had just swept through her body.
Abigail sensed there was no time to waste. She needed to act fast. “Your husband and Lord Everton are bringing a physician from Reading as quickly as they can.” Abigail placed her grandfather’s medicine bag on the nightstand. She opened it as she spoke to Caroline. “I wanted to make something for you to take. It may help with your labor.”
The midwife chimed in. “Are you mad? The countess needs a surgeon, not some silly potion.”
Caroline looked too exhausted to make a decision. It was up to Abigail to think for her. She looked directly at Caroline. “If you do need a surgeon and this is just a silly potion than there is no harm in trying it, is there?”
Caroline looked hopefully to Martha. The midwife’s features softened. “I guess there is no harm in trying it,” Martha conceded as she slowly made her way over to assist Abigail. “What do you need?”
She smiled at Martha. Abigail respected the midwife for allowing a different kind of approach. “Please, just a pitcher of water.”
Martha immediately brought over a carafe and goblet. She bent her head to whisper something into Abigail’s ear. “I am afraid the situation has become rather grave.” Martha paused to make sure Caroline was not able to overhear the discussion. “The birth canal has hardly expanded; if she doesn’t make any progress soon, the incision that will be needed to remove the baby will surely lead to the Countess’s death.”
Abigail gulped back her fear and forced herself to relax. Stay calm, Lady Sunderland needs you. She summoned all of her grandfather’s strength and expertise and went to work.
Abigail retrieved her mortar and pestle, and the necessary ingredients for the elixir. First, she crushed a generous amount of black and blue cohosh into a fine powder, a powerful duo that should increase Caroline’s contractions. When she was satisfied with their consistency, Abigail sprinkled in a concentrated form of motherwort to prevent hemorrhaging and ease the strain of childbirth. Lastly, she saturated the contents of the mortar with evening primrose oil, turning the entire concoction into a thick paste.
Abigail poured a small amount of water into the glass and spooned in some of the potent mixture. She sat beside Caroline and held the glass to her lips. “You will need to keep drinking this until the baby comes.” Caroline nodded, too tired to speak. Caroline took a sip of the dark liquid and grimaced. “I know it is vile, but it will be worth it,” Abigail encouraged.
Caroline took another swallow and grabbed Abigail’s hand. “I am so scared. I don’t want to die. I want to live to hold my baby in my arms.”
“And you shall,” Abigail said with conviction. “You are a brave woman, Caroline Sunderland, and this is no time for cowardice. You need to fight,” Abigail commanded.
Caroline rallied and drank down the entire glass. Abigail smiled supportively and refilled the goblet. In Abigail’s opinion, Caroline needed to drink at least ten times the amount she had just taken for the herbs to work effectively.
Lady Sunderland was a brave woman indeed, but she needed more than bravery to bring her child into the world. She needed a miracle.
∞
Marcus had practically ridden his stallion into the ground. They made record time retrieving the doctor and now they were mere minutes away from Caroline.
&nb
sp; Robert was terrified. He had never seen his friend in such a dreadful state. Marcus breathed a sigh of relief as they finally arrived at the Sunderland townhouse. He gave his horse over to the waiting groomsmen. Marcus watched Robert leap off his horse and practically drag Dr. Peterson down from his mount.
They all stopped in their tracks when the front door swung open and the Sunderland butler, Harrison, appeared before them. He wore a big grin. “I wish to be the first to offer my sincerest congratulations, my lord.”
Robert’s jaw flexed with emotion. “Is my wife all right, Harrison?”
“The midwife reported she is doing just splendid, considering everything the countess went through,” Harrison answered and then gave Lord Sunderland an inquisitive look. “But don’t you want to see for yourself?”
Robert did not wait a moment longer. He rushed past his butler and dashed up the stairs.
Dr. Peterson followed in his wake, eager to offer any assistance. Harrison winked at Marcus. “I think my master is in for the surprise of his life.”
Marcus pondered the butler’s words as he heard the healthy cry of a newborn baby. He climbed up the stairs, searching for proof of Caroline’s good health.
Marcus watched Robert charge into the room as if he was going to battle. He knew it was inappropriate for him to follow, so he stood in the hallway at the door’s entrance and listened to the tender scene unfold.
“Darling, are you truly alright?” Robert asked in a near shout as he made his way to his wife’s bedside.
Caroline Sunderland was cradling an infant boy in her arms. “I have never been better. Your son is perfect.”
Robert kissed his wife thoroughly and then beamed with pride at the tiny miracle they had created. He traced a finger over his son’s patch of blonde hair and was startled when a pair of blue eyes flashed open. “He is perfect.” Robert looked at Caroline with heart wrenching tenderness. “I was so worried. I don’t know what I would ever do without you.”
Caroline nuzzled Robert’s strong chest. “I know, I was frightened beyond belief, but thanks to Miss Jenner everything turned out wonderful.”
“What do you mean?” Robert asked.
“I was not progressing on my own. The medicine she gave me worked wonders.”
Robert’s face lit up with gratitude. “I need to thank her in person, immediately.”
Caroline smiled as she looked past Robert. “Of course, but first you need to meet your son’s sister.”
Robert’s dumbfounded expression was priceless. His eyes followed Caroline’s gaze to Abigail, who was holding a sleeping bundle of joy.
“You cannot be serious,” Robert said with awe. He stood up to get a closer look and Abigail put his daughter into his arms. Robert stared down at the precious infant and his eyes reflected pride. “She’s just as beautiful as her mother. I will have to beat her suitors off with a stick!”
Caroline giggled. “Let’s not worry about her suitors just yet. After all, we have a bit of time before she makes her official debut into society.” Caroline’s voice turned into a whisper, “So you are you pleased, darling?”
Robert’s shoulders shook with mirth. He kissed his daughter’s forehead. “I am beyond pleased. We have both a boy and a girl, which means I never have to go through such a terrifying experience ever again.” The baby in Robert’s arms awakened at the sound of her father’s voice. Robert looked at Abigail with concern as he noticed their size. “They are both so small.”
Abigail gave Robert a reassuring look. “That is to be expected with twins, but they both seem to be incredibly healthy.”
“I can’t express my gratitude enough, Miss Jenner. Caroline and I are forever in your debt,” Robert vowed with solemnity. “If you are ever in need of anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Thank you, Lord Sunderland. I was glad to help in any way I could.” Abigail smiled at the happy family. “I will take my leave now and give you some much needed privacy.”
Marcus heard her foot falls as she made her way to the door. He could not explain why, but he pulled Abigail into his arms and held her in a fierce embrace. She reciprocated with an equal amount of enthusiasm. Neither Marcus nor Abigail spoke a word to one another. They just continued to revel in each other’s support, grateful for one another’s existence.
Marcus could not deny that something very real had begun between him and Abigail. He was not sure what that something was yet, but he was completely sure he was lucky to have this beautiful creature in his life.
Chapter 17
“Good morning, Miss Abigail. I brought you some chocolate and The Times. The master thought you could benefit from a special treat this morning.”
Abigail sighed with delight as the young scullery maid put the silver tray on the dresser. The potent aroma of the velvety liquid encouraged her to throw off the coverlet and start the day.
Abigail stretched out her arms and began to rub a slight kink in her neck. After last night, it wasn’t a surprise to her that she was a little sore. Marcus had made love to her until the wee hours of the morning, taking her over and over again. She smiled at the porcelain kettle. Marcus must have assumed she would need an extra boost to start the day.
“Thank you, Molly. I will thoroughly enjoy it.”
Abigail poured herself a healthy amount of chocolate as the maid left the room. She breathed in the sugary steam and took a restorative sip. The warm brew seemed to work its magic.
It was over a week since Caroline gave birth, and the time since had been sinfully glorious. Marcus had come to her bed every night and each time seemed better than before. Abigail hadn’t realized there were so many wonderfully wicked ways to make love. A part of her felt like Marcus had led her into a secret world. He made her feel sensations she never believed possible.
However, it was not merely the time they had spent in bed that made Abigail so content. They had shared many meals together, in which they discussed a variety of lively topics, such as philosophy or politics. She was impressed with his vast array of knowledge and in turn, he seemed genuinely interested in her opinions. During her marriage, she had never dared to speak her mind in front of Clayton, but Marcus encouraged her to voice her opinions and even debate certain subjects.
Perhaps the best part of the past week was the several raucous games of chess they had played. Abigail smiled at the memory of Marcus’s shocked face when she stole his queen during a match. She had teased him mercilessly over winning the valuable piece, but ultimately lost the game to his clever strategy.
Is this what it is like to be happily married? A comfortable union filled with a mixture of friendship and ardor.
Abigail’s shoulders sagged and her jaw tightened with built up angst. Why are you torturing yourself? It will never be. It cannot be. Even now, Liam Stone’s words of warning filled her head with panic. She knew at any moment her fragile situation could be discovered. Her mind screamed that she needed to run as far away as possible or risk being found by Clayton, but she could not bring herself to leave Marcus or Olivia.
Abigail’s fondness for Olivia seemed to grow every day and the thought of never hearing the sound of her innocent laughter tore her to pieces. It would be beyond cruel to leave Olivia at such a critical time. Olivia was only just beginning to emerge from her web of sadness. Abigail knew if she left it may do irreparable damage to Olivia’s delicate state.
A knock sounded at the door and Molly popped her head in. “Lord Canterbury sent word that he desires more ointment for his back. He said the first batch worked wonders.”
Abigail went over to her desk and grabbed a fresh jar of liniment. Ever since word spread of Caroline’s birth, several members of the ton had sought Abigail’s services to help with a variety of their different ailments. At first, she thought Marcus would be angry at having his home invaded by all their requests, but he appeared to be rather proud of her ability to help others. “See that this reaches Lord Canterbury,” Abigail said as she handed Molly the conta
iner.
“At once,” Molly replied. The maid left the room, happy to do Abigail’s bidding.
Abigail knew the servants must have realized the nature of the liaison that had formed between her and Marcus. If they thought it was strange for her to be sharing meals and playing chess with Marcus, they were much too polite to say it. She could only pray no one had overheard their zealous lovemaking.
The only person she had confided in about their relationship was Jane. Abigail had written to Jane after her meeting with Mr. Stone. She had informed Jane of the great danger she was facing. Maybe Jane would be able to come up with a solution to her current crisis.
Abigail bit her lip. She understood she had another week before Mr. Stone would meet with the Applewoods. So there was little use of her torturing herself until then. Consequently, she reached for The Times to have something to distract her, but instead of helping to ease her mind, the paper made things worse.
Lady Tabitha Applewood and Lord Marcus Everton appeared to enjoy each other’s company as they shared the supper meal together at the Huffington ball. One can only presume the possibility of wedding bells in the near future.
Waves of pure jealousy washed over Abigail; she knew Marcus had attended the Huffington ball last night and then came to her bed. Early in the evening, Marcus had told her that many of his business associates were to be in attendance and it was in his best interest to make an appearance. Otherwise, he explained, he would much rather have spent the entire night in her company. Liar.
It was not as if there was any formal understanding between them. In fact, Marcus did not owe her anything. So why did she feel so betrayed?
Moments ago, she was planning to risk everything to stay with Marcus, but now that just made her feel ridiculous. Did she imagine Lord Everton’s true regard for her? His words and looks appeared genuine, but maybe she was merely too naïve to realize she was being taken advantage of.
Was he simply using her for pleasure while he planned his nuptials to another? Abigail needed to know the answers to her questions. If indeed she was being played the fool, then it would make it much easier to leave.