“I remember Laddie. A beautiful dog, with multicolored sable fur.” Abbie smiled. “He had a sunny disposition, and he was completely devoted to you.”
“He was,” Garrett replied.
“Is Scotland beautiful?” Megan asked. Garrett glanced at Abbie and she smiled encouragingly.
“My family—our family—lives outside of Edinburgh, and are involved in the making of spirits. The family is descended from Clan Mackinnon; our ancestors lived on the Isle of Skye and were fierce warriors in all number of battles, including the Jacobite Uprisings.” Garrett gazed across the bleak winter landscape. “Rolling, lush hills, yet the land possesses a stark ruggedness, especially when storm clouds form overhead. Beautiful? It is one of the most breathtaking places that I’ve ever seen.”
“When were you last there?” Abbie asked.
“Many years, close to five. I became steward of this estate… and along with the horses, I’m far too busy for traveling.” How he wished that he could show Abbie and Megan his mother’s homeland. Hell, when had he become a romantic, waxing poetic about Scotland? “We should head home. I’ve ordered pots of hot chocolate and frosted cakes for our tea this afternoon.”
“Mama, may I canter ahead?”
“Yes, but stay in our sight.”
Megan snapped the reins and headed in the direction of the stables. Abbie and Garrett stayed behind, side by side.
“Your family has been very welcoming, considering the circumstances,” Abbie said.
“What circumstances?”
Abbie arched an eyebrow at him. “The fact that I kept the pregnancy secret, and that Megan was conceived outside of wedlock.”
“There is still hurt and resentment on both sides, Abbie. Something that we need to come to terms with. The edge in your voice proves my point.”
She sighed. “Yes, you’re right. You’ve apologized for the way that you treated me, the things you’ve said. Allow me to do the same. I should have told you that I was with child…”
“You had sound reasons not to contact me. I understand them, but as I said, hurt and resentment lingers.”
“You blasted, stubborn man, can you at least allow me to finish? Everything that happened between us was because of your obstinate nature and your unnatural belief in your family’s curse,” she snapped irritably.
“Me, stubborn? Good God, lass, look in a mirror. You refused to tell your parents who the father was. And you refused to contact me.”
“You’re making me cross, and I don’t wish to be. We were both at fault—too young, too stubborn, and far too emotional.” Abbie gave him a stern look. “And we are picking up right where we left off.”
Garrett grabbed her reins. “I ask you once again: Why are you here? What do you want? For us to pretend the past fourteen years did not happen? To pretend we did not do and say things that cut so deeply we both carry scars to this day?” He pulled her closer, until the horses were barely inches apart. Patriot shook his head and whinnied. “Do you want us to continue where we left off, indulging in a passion so fierce it scorched us both?” The last words were whispered in her ear, his voice husky and his emotions raw.
Abbie blinked, her eyes glistening. “Yes. No. I don’t know.”
“I don’t accept your irresolute reply. You came to me. You want me. Say it.” He pulled on the reins. “Because it can’t be half as much as I want you.”
“Garrett…”
“Mama, are you coming?” Megan called out.
Hell. He released the reins and turned Patriot about. As Abbie had stated, this was far too emotional. He’d better get a handle on things, or this situation would spin out of control. Blast it, it had already.
* * * *
The Marquess of Sutherhorne watched the affecting encounter through his opera glasses with a good deal of amusement. The Scottish beast acting emotional in a woman’s presence: what a delight to the imagination. The marquess was far enough away, hidden in a cluster of oak and beech trees to ensure he could not be seen. “Delaney, who is the lady?”
His hired man sat upon a horse next to him. “Not sure, my lord. Do you wish me to find out?”
He lowered the glasses. “Yes. Find out her name and where she comes from, and the flame-haired chit with them. It might prove to be useful in my scheming.”
“What about the schoolmaster?” Delaney asked. “Any plans for retribution there?”
Sutherhorne glanced at him. He had recently employed Delaney after observing him as a participant in a brutal bare-knuckle fight, and later performing sexually with another man at a brothel. Both acts were illegal, but Sutherhorne saw Delaney as a man after his own heart. He liked to inflict pain on other men as much as Sutherhorne enjoyed watching it. A particular personality quirk he’d discovered during his youth at Eton.
He’d also hired him for protection. No man would ever lay a hand on him again with Delaney hovering nearby. The boxer stood nearly as tall as the Scottish beast. If Wollstonecraft ever threatened him again, he would unleash his own animal, and enjoy watching the spectacle. What had Delaney asked? Ah yes, the schoolmaster.
“I am not concerned with Riordan Wollstonecraft at the moment,” Sutherhorne stated. “He threatened me verbally, but the loutish uncle?” He pointed toward Garrett Wollstonecraft. “He had the audacity to manhandle me, and he must answer for it. I haven’t decided how yet. I will head to London in my carriage. You stay. Discover what you can and join me afterward.”
He paused, watching Wollstonecraft and the woman head toward the stables. “If needs must, we will return in a timely fashion. Meanwhile, stay out of sight. Wollstonecraft saw you at the Debtor’s Court; he knows you are connected to me.”
“As you say, my lord.”
They turned and headed toward Sevenoaks. It was not as if Sutherhorne believed in cold-blooded murder—that particular response would be exaggerated for the insult he’d endured. But he would come up with something adequate to satisfy his lust for revenge.
Sutherhorne’s eyes narrowed as he stared across the horizon. The entire family had to be taught a lesson. How dare they interfere in his plans of obtaining the woman he’d desired for the past eleven years? It still galled him that Sabrina Durning Lakeside threw him over for a lowly schoolmaster. Him, a marquess and a close advisor to Prince Albert. Granted, the schoolmaster turned out to be the grandson of an earl, but the insult stood nonetheless.
Now Sabrina was married to the beast’s nephew. Sutherhorne smiled cruelly, as he’d already found satisfaction in exacting a certain sort of retribution by proxy, and because of it, may not even bother with the schoolmaster and his bitch bride. Yes, he’d managed to soothe his ache for revenge on that score.
His thoughts drifted to the party he and had Delaney attended in London last month. A truly wicked and corrupt affair, with vices of all sorts available for consumption. When a rather motley crew announced they had an earl’s heir to sell, Sutherhorne could not resist. He started when the cockeyed, disheveled young man stepped forward. The schoolmaster!
Then he took a second look and recalled that Carnstone had paternal twin grandsons. Ah yes. The black sheep. The look was similar, but not the same. No names were offered, but it hardly mattered. The wraith-like wreck wore the stamp of a Wollstonecraft, with his dark hair and startling light blue eyes.
This would be part of his vengeance on the smug, arrogant family. Destroy the heir. Once one hundred pounds had exchanged hands, he’d turned the sickly looking heir over to Delaney’s ministrations—while he watched. Sutherhorne himself never participated in these illegal physical acts, but he did quite enjoy observing.
Regardless, how to exact the rest of his vengeance on the red-haired brute would require further thought.
But it would be soon. Very soon.
* * * *
The next afternoon, Julian and Garrett strode toward the Ea
ton residence and the upcoming talk with Jonas. Their breaths huffed out in icy clouds as their boots sunk into the snow. A few inches had fallen overnight.
“I am not looking forward to speaking with Jonas about male desires, human anatomy, and reproduction,” Julian stated.
“You must have had the talk with the twins,” Garrett replied.
“Yes, when they were of a certain age. Thinking about it, I suppose intellectually Jonas is the same age the twins were when I spoke to them.”
“I will have to keep Jonas’s condition in mind and hold my temper in check,” Garrett said.
“Overreacting is never prudent, though I suppose I should heed my own advice in most situations,” Julian replied.
Garrett smiled and winked. “I’m sure you’re looking forward to seeing Alberta.”
Julian had stayed away from Alberta too long. Perhaps embarrassed that he’d fallen apart in her arms. But hearing the news about Aidan had broken him in two. Garrett had known it would, and had the foresight to ask Alberta to come to the hall in order to comfort him. His brother knew him well, and true to his character, looked out for him. When was the last time a woman held him, soothed him, and wiped away his errant tears?
Fiona. The doctor had informed the family that there would be no recovery from the carditis and her heart would fail. Julian had lost control at the news and Fiona had bravely comforted him. Though he’d spent a lifetime keeping his emotions hidden, he was like the rest of the family: emotions could appear with no warning whatsoever. The Wollstonecraft men felt things deeply, loved fiercely, and were passionate about justice and the rightness of the world.
“Yes. Thank you for having Alberta come to the hall when you told me about Aidan.”
Garrett exhaled. “I understood the information would be devastating. It is plain to see that you care for her.”
Why deny it? “I do. Not sure what to do about it. I’m not a young man any longer. To become involved with a woman at this late date? And of course—the curse. It gives one pause, as you well know.”
Garrett laughed cynically. “But here are Abbie and Megan in fine health. It is making me question everything. Like you, I am not sure what to do about it. Could they be in fine fettle because I was not with them? Who is to know?”
Julian didn’t know how to respond. Who was to know? Drama wherever he turned. Did he really wish to insert himself in this particular drama? Yes, he did. He was fond of Jonas, and perhaps more than fond of Alberta. He was honored that she had asked him to speak to the lad.
Pulling his hat lower to avoid the bracing winter breeze, Julian picked up his pace, and Garrett met his stride. Truly, he had enough on his plate with what had befallen Aidan, and now the dramatic discovery of Garrett having a daughter and a former love. Facing Riordan the day after tomorrow and informing him of his brother’s fate would not be easy. “Father will be coming with me to Carrbury to see Riordan.”
“I would have, Julian.”
“You have enough to contend with. I am tempted to head to Hertfordshire, but I will heed the doctor’s suggestion for now.”
“I believe it best.”
Once they arrived, Julian was disappointed to find that Mrs. Claxton answered the door. She stated that Alberta and Jonas were awaiting them in the parlor. He’d hoped to get Alberta alone for a moment. After their coats, hats, and gloves were taken, Julian and Garrett were shown into the parlor. Jonas looked apprehensive.
Alberta stood. “I will leave you alone. Will you stay for a drink after, Julian? Garrett? A brandy perhaps?”
Hell, yes. Julian would need the drink. “Of course.”
“I thank you for the invitation, but I should return to the hall,” Garrett replied.
She smiled and exited the room, closing the door behind her.
“Bert told me why you’re both here,” Jonas mumbled, looking contrite. “I shouldn’t have kissed Meg.”
Julian and Garrett sat across from him. “Did your body react?” Julian asked. Might as well steam ahead directly into the delicate subject at hand. Jonas nodded. “It is nothing to be ashamed of, lad. It is a perfectly natural response when you kiss a young lady.”
Garrett leaned forward. “The key word here is young. Megan is far too young to be involved with a man. And you are a man, Jonas. Fully grown. Ten years older.”
Jonas met Garrett’s gaze. “I liked kissing her, though.”
“Yes, but it cannot happen again. Not until Megan grows up a little more,” Garrett replied.
Jonas’s eyebrows knotted with worry. “But she won’t want me when she grows up.”
Julian’s heart tightened at the dismay in Jonas’s voice. “That’s not necessarily true. You must be patient. I know it will be difficult. But in this situation, you must be the grown-up. Remain firm in the belief that you must wait. In the meantime, you can visit, write, stay in touch. Can I rely on you to be the grown-up here, Jonas, regardless of your feelings?”
“I love her, Tens. I want to marry her.”
“How do you love her?” Garrett asked in a soft voice. “Do you understand what marriage will mean?”
Jonas paused, and Julian could see him working out the proper response. “Bert and Reese were married. It means sharing things: food, thoughts, kisses, laughter, and more. Sleeping in the same bed. Sitting together in the evening, happy to be with each other.” Jonas smiled. “And love? I want Meg with me always. I want to keep her safe. I’m happy when she looks at me. Smiles at me. I feel strange inside when she’s near.”
“What you described about love and marriage is very astute,” Julian said. Jonas arched an eyebrow in question. “Astute means smart.”
Another broad smile spread across his perfect features. “I’m smart? Truly, Tens?”
“More than you may believe. If Megan loves you as much as you love her, she will wait. As I said, you must be the grown-up and remain strong. Will you be able to do that, Jonas? Allow proper time to pass before you take your relationship farther? No kisses, no improper touching. It will be difficult, but Megan must be allowed to grow and mature. And if she loves you, she will want you, do not worry.” Julian gave Jonas an encouraging smile.
“I will be the grown-up, I promise. I want to marry her someday, Tens. But doesn’t the man have to have a job? Make money to live? Reese did; he was a barrister. What can I do?”
Julian sat back in his chair. Well. Didn’t expect that. He glanced at Garrett and they exchanged looks of surprise. As he surmised, Jonas was not simpleminded, but had many limitations. Those precincts would be difficult to handle not only for him, but for any woman who married him. It would take an extraordinary young lady indeed. Was his niece up for the challenge? It remained to be seen.
“Let us ponder on it for a while, Jonas. Do you have any other questions?” Garrett asked.
“Is Meg your daughter? For real?”
“Yes, for real. It has been a happy surprise for us all. It is a long story, but it shows what happens when young people give in to passion and love and don’t consider the consequences,” Garrett answered. “Society is harsh toward unmarried young women who find themselves carrying a child. It is entirely unfair that young ladies receive the brunt of the censure. Society is unforgiving; they call it a scandal, and it’s another reason that you and Megan must remain strong and wait. You do not want Megan to find herself in such a situation.”
Jonas shook his head vigorously.
In as many brief words as they could muster, Julian and Garrett explained the act of human reproduction. Jonas absorbed the information, his expression contemplative. “I won’t do that with Meg, not until we’re married, I promise.”
“Good lad.” Damn, he could only hope that the young couple curbed their desires. From experience, Julian knew it was difficult. He glanced at his brother. Garrett was the living proof.
Jonas stood. “
I’m going to feed Poppy. Do you both want to come with me?”
Julian laughed. “And have your llama spit at me again? I think not. Besides, I am going to share a brandy with Alberta.” He rose to his feet. “Any time you have questions, Jonas, you come to me. Or Garrett. We are all friends.”
Garrett stood as well. “Julian is correct.”
Jonas smiled, his blue eyes sparkling. “Tens. Garrett. We’re very good friends.” He scampered from the room and Julian blew out a cleansing breath. Thank Christ that was over.
Moments later, Alberta entered, smiling warmly. “Forgive me. I listened outside the door. I couldn’t sit still in my room.”
Garrett smiled and gave her a slight bow. “And on that note, I will take my leave. You and Jonas will come for dinner the evening after next? Cook will be pulling out all the stops. I know it is short notice, but we would be delighted if you accepted.”
“We would love to attend.”
Garrett nodded toward Julian and exited the room. Alberta sat next to Julian on the settee. “I thought you would have returned to London by now.”
“Prime Minster Peel ended the autumn session prematurely and is reluctant to call us back. He knows he is in danger of losing the house. The Factory Act does not go far enough, and I and others are pushing for further reforms. Also, many of us are pushing for a repeal of the Corn Laws. It all makes for contentious sessions, to say the least.”
Alberta smiled. “Obviously you are not of a conservative bent.”
“Far from it. Nor am I in the House of Lords. Viscount Tensbridge is a courtesy title. I am a Member of Parliament for this district.”
She nodded. “My uncle often wrote of the earl’s causes. Some he agreed with, others he did not. Neither am I conservative. I take interest in what goes on at Westminster, though I know it is not fashionable or acceptable for a woman to do so.”
“I applaud you.” He returned her smile. “And I look forward to future conversations.”
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