by GG Shalton
A knock on the door startled her as it creaked open. A maid she did not recognize came into the room. Sunshine streamed through the window, and a disoriented Amelia realized she must have fallen asleep. She was fully dressed and laying on the bed.
“Pardon me, miss. I brought you some eggs to break your fast.” She curtsied and brought a tray placing it on the table. Amelia tried to adjust her eyes to the light and sat up on the bed.
“Where is Beatrice?” She wondered why she wasn’t bringing her a tray. The maid looked down. “Mrs. Baird, Beatrice is no longer working for the household.”
Amelia drew her eyebrows together. “Why ever not?”
The maid’s flushed face told all she needed to know. Amelia flipped her hand toward the door. “Never mind. I am sure that it was my husband’s order.”
The maid said nothing and walked out the door. Amelia was not hungry and the smell of the food was making her sick. She looked at the corner of the room and saw a trunk with some clothes and a basin of water. She washed herself and changed into a nightdress. If she wasn’t allowed to leave the chamber, then she would not dress for the day.
She walked around the room unable to sit idly by. The room was not large and had worn furnishings. There were a few paintings on the wall and some worn carpets on the floor. After a few hours, she was bored. The small window allowed some sunshine to come through, but she was unable to open it because it was too high up and out of her reach. Tears threatened to fall as she pondered her fate. It was worse than prison as prisoners could go out of their cells on occasion.
She crawled into bed hoping to sleep. At least in her dreams, she was free. A plight of a woman was historically oppressed by the men in her life. Her options were limited, and escape was her only thought. She would rather live poor with nothing than to be subject to a life of misery.
Andrew traveled out of town on business. Not wanting to speak to Amelia, he notified the staff he would be gone for a few weeks. He needed space from her to make final decisions on the state of their marriage. He would contact his solicitor to find out his options. Part of him wanted to make her pay dearly for her deception, and the whispers of his associates proved they thought as much. He was expected to punish her in a way befitting of a blackguard. Protecting his reputation as a ruthless businessman was key to building his empire. No one mentioned her name on their trip afraid of his wrath.
Dundee was a shipping town where Andrew owned a small cottage. He set up the rooms and hired a small staff. Brian accompanied him making inquiries with some business associates regarding some shipping partnerships. Their days were spent with local merchants discussing supply runs and their nights in a local gambling club. A few days after their arrival, Brian accepted an invitation to a dinner party by a prominent shipping owner. Andrew had reason to believe that he may need some help securing some contracts with some influential friends. A deal could be struck.
Brian accompanied him with a few of their guards to the man’s home. He spared no expense and had plenty of entertainment. This was not like the formal dining parties of the aristocrats. Dinner guests were dressed in fashions and painted woman were on display. Tables were set up for games as brandy flowed freely. Mr. Bradley welcomed the group and offered special accommodations. Andrew was more interested in a private meeting, but he loosened up his cravat and took a glass of brandy.
“I have arranged some rooms for your group as my dining parties last most the night.” A cynical laugh rumbled out of Mr. Bradley. Andrew lifted the side of his mouth in a smile accepting his hospitality. Brian left the group and took an arm of a woman near the tables. The rest of the group mingled as Andrew wiped his finger across the glass studying the various groups of guests.
“Andrew? How many years has it been?” A well-dressed man stood behind him. Andrew recognized him immediately and turned to embrace him.
“Jasper, my friend. It’s been years. How is your family?” The older gentlemen cracked a smile. “My family is well, and my brother just finished college. Can you believe a blackguard like me sent his brother to a university?”
Andrew tilted his head. “Nonsense, you were my hero growing up. What about you? Last, I heard you were engaged to be married. Rumor had it that you were in the market for an heir.”
The man laughed. “I heard the same rumor about you. How is your wife? I am a little offended I was not invited to your nuptials.”
Andrew’s eye twitched at the thought of his marriage Not wanting to explain his displeasure of the topic he tried to change subjects. “It was a small affair. We have settled in Scotland. How is Jack? I heard he had built a few factories in America.”
Jasper shook his head. “Not good. I took him in after his dad passed away. My nephew is a dreamer. He lost his money trying to make deals with McKenzie. I told him to go see you, but he said he owed you some money and would try to ship the goods another way. His factories were bought on credit, and when he lost his supplies at sea, he lost everything.”
Andrew took a drink. “He was like family to me, practically my stepbrother for a few years. My mother loved his father. I would have helped him. His father taught me a lot about how to survive the streets. I owe him.”
Jasper nodded and patted his shoulder. “Your mother would have been proud of you. I think about her all the time. Did you know that I introduced her to my brother? She was not perfect Andrew, but did the best she could.”
Andrew’s throat tightened as he tried to mask his emotions. Jasper was a special friend of his mother. He became like an Uncle to Andrew. His brother George lived with his mother for a few years before he died and did a lot of the dirty work while Jasper was the brains of the operation. They focused on petty gang activity which Jasper invested the profits in some estates up north. When their operations started to lose money, Jasper pulled out and lived off the rents of his tenants. George was murdered and shortly afterward Andrew’s mother died. The water supply in Glasgow was not clean and cholera ran rapid. It claimed his mother and many other neighbors. Cholera and smallpox took many that year. Andrew took over the operations at a very early age and built it back up to a criminal empire. Jasper kept in touch, but sold off his interests to Andrew and practically disappeared from the streets.
Andrew smiled, “Tell me what brings you to Dundee?”
Jasper’s smile widened as he started shaking his head with humor. “Can you believe it’s a woman? My previous engagement ended a few years ago and I met Mrs. Sellars in London. I heard you took the prettiest woman, so I settled for second best.” There was amusement in his eyes. He patted Andrew on the shoulder. “Tell me about your bride. Who caught the Black Baird and brought him up to scratch?”
Andrew took a drink and inhaled a deep breath. His thoughts turned to Amelia. His chest constricted at her deception and he took a moment before answering. “It was business. You know how I feel about women. She is very beautiful but nothing more. I needed an heir.”
Jasper studied his face drawing his eyebrow together. “Perhaps you will find more than that. Let us toast to your marriage. I hope I will get to meet her one day.”
Andrew hid his discomfort and toasted with his old friend. He noticed his once smooth skin covered in fine lines and the gray hairs hiding the golden locks that once defined his appearance. Andrew remembered the first time he saw him. It was raining outside the day he pulled up in a new carriage in front of their home. He exited with his mother and was dressed in the height of fashion. He walked with a golden cane more for appearance reasons than for help walking. He gave Andrew and his brother a new coin and sweets. Jasper owned the gambling hall where his mother worked. Her boyfriend was his brother. Although George and his mother had a turbulent relationship, Andrew learned a lot from him.
Jasper whispered, “Your mind seems occupied. I hope you will find time to relax. You have made the business bigger than w
e ever thought possible.”
Andrew stopped his woolgathering and looked at Jasper. “It’s all I know.”
Jasper started to refute his friend but was interrupted by Brian. Brian embraced Jasper. The two of them spoke for a few moments and joined a few others at a card table. Andrew’s mind was occupied and he decided to call it a night. He thanked his host and was led to a room by the butler.
He entered the chamber that was richly furnished with gold tapestries and blue coverings. He went to the water closet and undressed himself, washing in the basin. He put on his robe and walked back eyeing some movement on the bed. As he got closer, he walked around the four-poster bed seeing a beautiful painted woman lying in the middle. She wore a nightdress of silk that barely covered her voluptuous body. She smiled and pulled the pins out of her hair while staring at Andrew.
“I am a gift from Mr. Bradley.” She moved seductively on the bed inviting Andrew to join her.
Andrew’s body reacted, and he wanted her. Holding back from the temptation, he composed himself and held out his hand. She took it stepping off the bed. Her smell intoxicated him, and he ran his fingers through her hair. It was shorter than Amelia’s and not as silky. Her face was painted, and she was pretty but not naturally beautiful. Her skin did not entice him, and he held her back from rubbing against him. He leaned down to speak closer to her face. “I am flattered that I could have your company tonight, but I am married. Please thank Mr. Bradley for the thought, but I will have to decline.”
She pushed out her bottom lip to protest, expertly moving her shoulders to expose parts of her breast. “You should never return a gift.”
His lip twitched at her presumptions. He whispered in her ear as he closed her robe for her. “I sleep alone. Please show yourself out.”
She looked down at her hands and shrugged her shoulders. “If you change your mind, I will be at the end of the hall.”
Andrew watched her leave and locked the door behind her. He leaned against the wall shaking his head. He was growing soft. It had been days that he had been without a woman and all his body craved was his disobedient wife. She invaded his thoughts. He assured himself that all he needed was time away from her. Time to remember her deception and let his hate consume his heart.
Andrew’s trip ended a few days early and he headed back to his estate. It would take a few days to reach his home and decide Amelia’s fate. He would not allow her to live with him. She would be sent away. Preferably stripped of all her assets and forced to fend for herself. His generosity was over.
Chapter 18
They arrived late in the evening. There was an unmarked carriage near the front door. When Andrew entered his home, he noticed a sober look on Mr. Charles’ face.
“Mr. Baird, you have arrived early. You must have missed the missive we sent out yesterday.”
Andrew raised his brow. “What is it, Mr. Charles?”
The butler straightened his shoulders. “It’s Mrs. Baird. She has taken ill, and the physician is with her now. He will wish to speak to you.”
Andrew’s heart pounded. Unable to mask his emotions he climbed the stairs to speak to the doctor. The doctor was leaving the green room with a sober look on his face. Andrew stopped him. “Doctor, I am Mr. Baird. I am anxious to hear about my wife.”
The doctor nodded at Andrew. “Mr. Baird, I am Doctor Bailey. Is there somewhere we can go and speak in private?”
Andrew showed him to the next chamber which had a private sitting area.
“Mr. Baird, my understanding is that you have been out of town. I have examined your wife and have news of her condition.” The doctor spoke matter-of-factly as Andrew shifted in his chair.
The doctor continued. “After speaking to your wife, I realize this may not be a happy occasion. She has severe morning sickness and was completely out of sorts that she may be with child.”
Andrew’s face drained of blood. He looked like he may faint, and the doctor drew his brow with concern as he reached for him. “Mr. Baird, do you need my assistance? You look like you may pass out.”
Andrew let out a breath. “I am well. How far along?”
The doctor rubbed his lips together. “I would say around two months, maybe a little more.” Andrew felt a twinge of relief. Part of him hoped nothing had happened that night of her escape with the lowlife Billy. Andrew realized the doctor was still staring at him. He sat up straight. “Thank you, Doctor. If you will excuse me.”
The doctor stood up. “Of course. I will be by tomorrow to check on her.”
Andrew stood at the closed door and dismissed the guards. He opened the door and saw her lying on the bed with her back to him. His head was spinning, and he had no idea what he would do now that she was with child. He walked to the bed and sat down.
“Amelia?” He watched her body tense at the sound of his voice. She turned her body to face him but remained lying down.
She whispered, “You’re back? You spoke to the doctor?”
Andrew nodded watching her close her eyes. They sat in silence for a few moments.
“Is it mine?” Andrew couldn’t help but ask.
Her eyes opened, and a look of disgust came over her. Even pale and disheveled he found her irritatingly beautiful. He glared at her response. “It’s a fair question. You were alone with your lover for hours.”
Amelia sat up propping herself against the pillow. She sighed deeply. “He was not my lover. Unfortunately, the baby is yours.”
He looked away from her. “This poses a problem. I was hoping to be rid of you and your infidelity.” He expected a smart retort back, but instead, her eyes reddened. His heart squeezed tightly as he fought with himself not to comfort her.
She took a deep breath as her voice trembled. “I did not have relations with him.”
Andrew breathed a sigh of relief as his voice caught in his throat. “I still don’t understand. Why would you do it? Why would you leave with him?” He searched her face briefly letting down his guard.
She looked away from him whispering low. “I was confused. He was talking so fast and told me he loved me.”
Andrew’s heart sank, and anger filled his belly. “Love?”
She wiped a tear that came down her cheek. A whisper escaped her breath. “No one has ever loved me.”
He stared at her unable to move, his pride softening at her confession. “How can you say that? We are married, Amelia.”
She made eye contact with him. Powerless to decipher his meaning, she continued, “My father despised me. My stepmother always told me I was a burden. I was forced into this marriage. I used to dream that my mother would show up and help me.” She took a deep breath as a sob escaped. “Billy said he found my mother for me.”
Andrew’s emotions played in his head, confused by her story. “I don’t understand. I thought your mother died.”
She wiped her nose with her hand. “I found a letter in my father’s things. It was from his solicitor regarding my mother. It was not very clear, but I don’t think she is dead. Billy traveled the world and I knew her rumored stage name was Dorothy Tress. I asked him if he could make inquiries and find her. Perhaps she has been wanting to meet me and love me too. He told me he might have found her, and I had to go with him to find out if it was truly her.”
Andrew closed his eyes. “Are you that naïve? He was using you Amelia, and now you have lost everything.” He paced in front of the bed contemplating how he would handle their new circumstances.
Running his fingers through his hair, he sagged his shoulders. “Given that you’re with child, our marriage will not end immediately. My child will not be a bastard. For now, you will be stripped of all pin money and assets.”
Amelia’s eyes grew moist as she peeked through her eyelashes watching her husband give out his punishment.
Determined to show his authority in the matter he cleared his throat. “You will be allowed a modest living in a small cottage I own in Dundee. We will live apart. No visitors, guests, or letters will be permitted. After the baby is born, I will decide your fate. If you break any rules, you will be locked away in an institution and won’t see your baby.”
She sat up in the bed, her colorless cheeks turned pink with anger. “I will be a prisoner?”
Andrew shook his head trying to drag his eyes away from her. Pride would not allow him to forgive. Softening a bit, he explained, “Not a prisoner. I will permit you to have run of the house and one supervised walk outside each day. It’s the life you chose when you deceived me.”
She sighed exhaustedly and turned away from him. “Please go away, Andrew. I am not feeling well.”
He stared at the bed not wanting to leave. Though, he would not lower himself to comfort her. Reminding himself of her deception, he held back his feelings. His reputation proceeded itself, and he would be determined not to give in to momentary weakness.
Chapter 19
The next morning one of the maids pulled the curtains open allowing the sunshine to disrupt Amelia’s sleep. The maid placed dry toast and water beside her bed and woke her.
“Mrs. Baird, I have been told to dress you for your journey north. A carriage has been prepared and your escort awaits you. Are you well enough to sit up?”
Amelia sat up and covered her mouth motioning for the chamber pot. The maid quickly ran and held it in front of her so she could vomit. Amelia’s insides squeezed at the dry heaving of any contents left in her stomach. She worried how the baby could survive if she could not hold down any food. After wiping her mouth, she felt better and took a sip of water. “Where is my husband?”