The Captain of A Lady's Heart: A Historical Regency Romance Book

by Alice Kirks

  ‘Tell me Katherine, for I now need to know. Am I one of those people?’

  Her pale face suddenly coloured crimson, but she did not answer. Yet her breathing continued to be ragged, and he wondered if it was in response to his question, or whatever appeared to be troubling her, for she had not yet removed her hand from holding her head.

  ‘I cannot continue with this uncertainty any longer.’ He said determinedly. ‘We have spent much time together and I need to know. After your confession, it is important to know where I stand. Tell me Katherine, do you love me or do you not? Have I simply been a pawn in your game of lies, or have the feelings I thought you may have had for me, been true? Please, put me out of my misery and tell me.’ He demanded. ‘Do you love me?’

  For a second, he thought she would answer, for she opened her mouth as though to speak. But he watched as the colour once again drained from her face, a panicked look flashed in her eyes and taking one last gasp, she collapsed before him.

  Chapter 22

  ‘Katherine! Katherine!’

  A panic of his own now rose within him, for even as he tapped her face lightly, she would not come to. She was completely unconscious and there was still a long journey ahead. Robert had no medical supplies to help her, not even smelling salts, but given that he already had an idea of the cause of her sudden ill-health, he was unsure if they would have been much assistance.

  Moving her small, limp body with ease, he lay her on the seat of the carriage and searched around him for something to rest her head upon. Seeing nothing suitable, he removed his top coat, bundled it into some sort of pillow-shaped object and tucked it beneath her head. He could feel a nip in the air already, the draughty cabin having little seal on its doors, but her comfort was more important than his.

  Bad enough that she was unconscious, but with the treacherous roads, he feared any sudden knocks may worsen her condition. And whilst the more modern carriages were privileged with a better suspension system, they were no match for ruts in the road the size of a grown man.

  For a long time, feeling helpless and emasculated, he could only stare at her white face, as her body rocked gently with the roll of the carriage. Holding her freezing cold hand in his, his fear grew with every mile.

  Alongside the fear, guilt resided within him. His pressing for an answer had caused her to collapse. Though, he knew, it was not just that. Her unhappiness at Winfield had presented itself more and more in her appearance, and whilst he had noticed it, he had felt unable to confront her.

  The woman was practically starved. Compared to the healthy complexion and appearance of the beautiful Lady he had first noticed on the hunt, mounted proudly on her steed, she was now skin and bone. And he had done nothing.

  Perhaps, had they been the true husband and wife that he so desperately desired, he would have felt more comfortable in approaching her. Yet, given that their relationship was, at the most cordial, he presumed any comment on her weight or appearance would be completely rude and overstepping an invisible boundary of decency.

  In fairness, he had only really noticed it more in the last few days, though he was certain, that her unhappiness had been suffered much before that. His attention had been taken with the legalities of the title he was soon to inherit, and the visit from the obnoxious, Lady Westland, as well as battling off the pushy desires of the Duchess.

  Yet, he knew, even now, he was attempting to excuse himself. He had neglected her well-being and his guilt was palpable. And whilst her confession had been a huge blow, it did not negate the points he had made clear yesterday evening at the inn. He had still deceived her, still lied and withheld information from her that may well have influenced her decision to marry him.

  It appeared, they had both deceived each other, and having done so, had given their relationship even less of a chance of working. Yet he did not regret agreeing to the union with her. He had never regretted it, not even when she confessed her deceit.

  In the grand scheme of things, she had, as usual, been trying to protect another whom she loved dearly, her sister. Having been pushed into an impossible corner by Lord Ennis, and knowing well the love William and Melinda had for each other, she had taken her only means of escape, albeit, a pretentious one.

  She at least had the decency to admit, that she had also benefited, for she did not want to marry a man whom she did not love, nor who did not love her. And that was now, where his trouble lay. For he still had not retrieved an answer from her, and looking at her now, the situation quite serious, he doubted he would for some time.

  It was too far to Spencer Manor to continue travel, both the horses and the driver needed rest. Under Roberts instruction, as late as was reasonable, they stopped at yet another inn. The driver was a little taken back when Robert stepped from the carriage with Katherine in his arms.

  ‘I want us to be ready to leave again at dawn.’ He instructed.

  ‘Certainly Captain. Is Lady Katherine unwell?’

  ‘She is, but there is little to be done, we are too far out in the country to seek help, and it would be a miracle to imagine there might a physician staying at this place.’

  This place being a small establishment on a rough country road, that appeared to be a very basic stop for overnight travellers.

  ‘Stranger things have happened.’ The driver said, walking away to tend to the horses.

  Robert could not help but almost laugh aloud. For had it not been exactly the case with Katherine on that fateful day she had fallen from her horse. In the very same inn he had been lodging, a physician happened to be available. It could not have been more coincidental.

  Fortune did not decide to shine on them as brightly this time, however, for they were the only lodgers there that night. Even if he were to send word for a physician now and there were even one within several miles, by the time both messenger and physician returned it would be time for them to be travelling once again. He was taking a chance, but under the current circumstances, it seemed he had little choice.

  He lay her on the bed, and whilst he would, as usual, take the chair, he had no intention of sleeping. If she were to regain consciousness, he wanted to be there for her. Awake and aware to retrieve anything she might need. He feared now, that her illness may be more severe than he could have at first, imagined.

  Sleep did come, but in short, fitful stages. His tired eyes closed, his chin slipped from his hand, and on each occasion, he would wake with a jolt. This continued throughout the night. Each time, he strained to look at her in the darkness, sometimes, even standing over the bed to check her breath.

  As promised, the driver and carriage stood waiting for them at dawn, and again, they set off, but at a greater speed. They would be at Spencer Manor in a matter of hours, the horses could rest then. Right now, his pressing need to source Katherine a comfortable bed and some medical attention, was his main concern.

  It could be said that, apart from his parent’s death, they were probably the most desperate and dire hours of his life. Even watching his fellow soldiers drop beside him on the battlefield, did not compare to the powerlessness he experienced on what felt like, an endless journey. The continuous worry and concern, as her breathing appeared shallower, and any sign of consciousness, escaped her.

  Even as the horses thundered up the gravel road towards Spencer Manor, relief did not yet come to him. And he knew it would not, until he discovered that she may recover from whatever had overtaken her.

  On their arrival, a great fuss and performance ensued. Lady Ennis, near squealing with terror, was taken away to be comforted by Melinda and a housemaid. Lord Ennis, as expected, took charge, and between getting her directly to bed, and the sending for a physician, the waiting still drained him.

  With the pending arrival of the physician, Lord Ennis brought Robert to his study, and demanded an explanation. Unlike his hysterical wife, his emotions stayed contained and intact, and he wanted straight answers. What had happened to Katherine? Why was she in this unholy s
tate? Why on earth were they not still in Kent?

  Robert could have lied. He could have saved face for both himself and Katherine, and protected their deception. But there had been too many lies told already. He was tired of all the untruths - now was the time for unburdening. To put all the cards on the table. Exhausted from the journey, he sat, with a strong brandy in a glass, and spilled the whole affair to her father.

  Only out of concern for his daughter, Robert imagined Lord Ennis’s reaction would have been different. Expecting him to explode with anger, he instead, commended him for his respect and honesty. Lord Ennis noted that, he too, did not look in the best of health, and that perhaps, it may be best for him to stay at the manor until he was recovered.

  Robert refused graciously. He would stay long enough only, to discover the seriousness of her condition. Whilst he did not disclose his thoughts to Lord Ennis, he still did not know what Katherine wanted and he felt, under these circumstances, he would now have to wait until she was recovered before he could obtain any answer.

  The physician, Dr Clarke, having spent a considerable amount of time treating Katherine, eventually made his way downstairs and entered the drawing room. Lady Ennis sat distraught, flanked and receiving comfort from Melinda and her housemaid. Lord Ennis, stopped his pacing and Robert, who had been standing, glaring out of the window, turned to hear the news.

  ‘She is extremely emaciated. As you may already have deduced, her weight loss caused the loss of consciousness. I cannot know the length of her recovery just yet, but with constant observation, I think we can pull her out of this.’

  ‘Oh, good heavens!’ Lady Ennis brought her hands to her mouth in terror.

  ‘I assure you Lady Ennis; I will do everything I can. We just now need to build her strength. Katherine regained consciousness for a small amount of time after some treatment. She is safe now. The best thing for her is rest.’

  Robert refused the offer to stay for dinner, much to the protestations of both Melinda and Lady Ennis. He had heard all he needed to hear. Whilst not out of the woods yet, she was at least safe, and receiving the best medical care. It had been positive news that she had come around for at least a short period. Katherine was a fighter, and fight she would. Now, it was time for him to leave.

  Chapter 23

  ‘Do you not think you have put us through enough troubles?’ Lord Ennis bellowed. ‘As if disappointing your mother and I were not sufficient, your actions have brought huge shame to this family. I am sure we are now the talk of the country.’

  Katie attempted to console him. ‘Oh, Papa, I do not think…’

  ‘No? You think not Katherine? Then tell me, why was Lord Parker able to report back that he had heard of your discrepancies on his visit to London? London for heaven’s sake!’ Her father paced furiously in front of the hearth in his study.

  ‘My god child, news of your affairs is far and wide. Wedded in near secrecy, not bad enough that it was based on complete deceit by the both of you, it also broke the heart of another who was engaged to be married to your so-called husband. And then within months, months,’ he repeated, apparently finding it difficult to believe the words he was saying, ‘the marriage is over, annulled, ended. The Captain high tailing it back to Kent without another word.’

  ‘Papa, that is not fair.’

  ‘I do not care about fair!’ He yelled. ‘I care about my reputation. I care about my family name. Of the effect it will have on your poor mother, not to mention your sister and Lord Sutton.’

  ‘Well, at least their marriage will not bring this family disgrace.’ She replied bitterly.

  ‘No,’ he retorted, ‘because it was not based on deceit to begin with.’

  ‘And yet you would have forced me to marry William, had I not taken the steps necessary to prevent it.’ Katie argued.

  ‘And my mind is not yet changed. You will marry, Katherine. For I can barely tolerate your presence in my house any longer.’ He spat.

  Katie suddenly stilled, for his sentence near pierced her heart. Surely, he could not mean that.

  ‘Father?’ She cried.

  Lord Ennis abruptly turned his back on her. Resting a hand on the fireplace, he took a huge breath in and sighed heavily. An oppressive silence doused the room. With it, a weight that bore down on Katie’s chest, until she felt hardly able to breathe.

  Surely after everything that had happened, he could not detest her presence so much he would put her out completely. And yet, he did not turn back again to look at her, nor did he reply. After another long minute, she could bear the silent tension no longer, and ran from the room.

  She loved her father dearly, but he could not pertain to be so pious and blameless in this whole debacle. Had he not pushed her to marry a man she neither loved, nor who loved her, none of this would have happened.

  Too impatient to wait for her to find someone she would actually have wanted to spend her life with, he had forced her into decisions she would not usually have made. It had been her father’s threats of destitution that had forced her hand.

  For how could she have married Lord Sutton when she was well aware of his deep love for Melinda? To tear her sister’s beloved from her grasp, to have her watch, as he married another right under her nose, that other being her very sister. To have her live with a broken heart for the rest of her life. Was her father so blind that he could not see why she had chosen her path?

  Of course not, yet his pride would not allow him to take any responsibility for his actions. Not comprehending the meaning of humility and certainly never displaying it, her father was always right and everyone else always wrong. Even now, when the truth was plainly before him.

  Almost three months had passed since she had returned to Spencer Manor, and much had already occurred. Of course, her own marriage, having been the farce it was, had now been annulled and, in every way possible, the sharp contrast of the long-awaited union of her dear sister and Lord Sutton, had been celebrated.

  Melinda and William shared their beautiful wedding in the new year, and she was overjoyed to see them so very happy together. Melinda was determined to wait until Katie was fully well again, and so she made the extra effort. The first week being the most difficult. Her stomach had shrunken so much, she could only take thin soups to begin with.

  As her strength built, so did her ability to take short walks in the garden, much to the protestations of her mother.

  ‘It is far too cold to be going out. Surely the house is big enough to walk around.’

  ‘Mother, I am fine. Look, I have many layers. The fresh air will do me good anyway.’

  Several similar conversations happened over the days, but knowing that Katie would not relent, her mother gave in. Eventually, she stopped attempting to complain altogether, for she knew it was pointless.

  Over the following weeks, the weight returned, slowly. The dark shadows beneath her eyes faded, she gained in strength and her body filled her clothes more suitably. Whilst preparations were under way, only when Melinda was absolutely certain that Katie’s health was fully recovered, determinedly having Dr Clarke examine her, did they finally go ahead with the wedding.

  Lord Sutton looked dashing and Melinda looked beautiful. Unlike her own wedding—though it took place in the same small chapel on the Ennis’ property—there attended a wonderful crowd of family and friends. The ballroom of the manor full to capacity.

  Katie played her part, held her smile, nodded when her appearance of good health was commented on, and excused herself when her own marriage was raised. It took all the strength she had, for outwardly, she was gaily happy for her sister’s joy and fortune, yet inwardly, her heart felt as if in a million pieces.

  Robert, much to Lord Sutton’s disappointment, did not attend and sent his apologies to William after receiving an invitation to the wedding. Katie had herself, been disappointed, but not at all surprised. There had been several letters from Kent over the months.