by Jerri Hines
* * * *
Cathryn lived in a daze. For two days, she refused to leave her room. She had a great need for Jake. She wanted nothing more than for him to take her away from here. He had to have known by this time.
She waited, but he hadn’t come. Lord Lyttleton had.
Her grandmother informed her of his presence.
“Tell him to leave. I want to see no one, especially not him,” she cried, uncontrollable anger spewing forth. “Can you not understand? I can’t abide the man!”
“I will let that go for a time, Cathryn, because you are overcome with grief, but you need to begin to accept condolences. I’m not quite certain what the proper way is to mourn for one that has already been buried, but your grandfather will take care of the arrangements,” Grandmamma said. “You have family. Drusilla has come to express her sympathies. Cecilia would be here if able. Reggie said you even refused to see him.”
“Oh, Grandmamma, I’m so dreadfully unhappy. I don’t know what to do,” Cathryn confessed, wishing desperately for her Grandmother to comfort her, embrace her, and tell her that all will be better in time.
“You need to compose yourself, my dear. I have let you stay such, but I expect you down for dinner tonight. Your grandfather wants to talk with you.”
Left alone again, Cathryn cradled her head in her hands.
“Miss Cathryn?” a quiet voice asked.
“Yes, Mary.” Cathryn glanced up. Mary stood before her, holding the letters the General had given her when he delivered the news of her father’s death.
“Miss Cathryn, have you read thoroughly the letters that were sent? This one from Sumner Meador?”
Cathryn tilted her head slightly. “I read what I could, sweet Mary.”
“I hope you forgive me, but you left them lying out on your desk. I found myself reading them,” Mary acknowledged. “Sumner says your father was shot after you left for England by an assailant.”
“I know. I realized now he worried about my safety, too. It was the reason why he wanted me to come to England. Sumner said Father was shot while out riding by a fanatic who wants the Colonies to break away from British rule. Though, Sumner acknowledged it did seem strange, for the murderer came from a house of Loyalists. I know also that Sumner revenged his death, Mary. I understand his reasons.”
“Yes, ma’am, I took it when he called you sister that he well had reasons,” Mary said plainly. Cathryn eyed the young girl. She was coy, but not unintelligent. “But did you read the whole of the letter? He said that he hadn’t received any communication from you and was concerned. That he had reason to suspect you hadn’t received his. He wanted you to know that your father wanted him to be in control of your inheritance. You don’t find it strange. I have seen you write letters every day. None have found their way? Where are his?”
Cathryn looked at Mary. A chill encompassed her, one that cut down to her bones. She hadn’t read farther than Sumner’s description of Father’s death and how Father had asked Sumner to look after her!
The thought hadn’t occurred to Cathryn until this moment. Her pain hadn’t allowed it.
Mary handed the letters to her. With trembling hands, she began to read them once more…to the end…
I understand well why the Governor wanted you away from here, dear sister. The times are such that it may well be safer for you across the ocean, but if you want to return now, I see no reason why you couldn’t. The threats against the Governor have ended with his death. The unrest with having a British officer within the ranks of Charles Town is gone, and there are still many loyal to the crown. I doubt any would set to harm a mere girl.
The Governor has well documented to me your holdings. He felt your best interest would be served by me, which I do have only your best interest at heart. I will continue on managing the plantations and have given all over to the Governor’s lawyer in Charles Town. You have been well cared for, but I am concerned with not hearing from you. The Governor received confirmation of your safe arrival from Lieutenant Pennington, but has heard nothing from you. I find that in itself strange.
I have faith in you, dear sister. I know the news will be devastating to you and I may be selfish to wish you were here with me for we have both lost the same. If you wish to stay within England, I will bend to your will, but write back to me. Before any action on your part, I would like to review such action for the Governor would have wished it.
In honesty, Cathryn, I know not your family, but I know what you have inherited. Do not trust many, especially if our communication hasn’t flowed freely. Know Mother sends her thoughts and love. We miss you.
Sumner
“Hold these letters away from everyone, Mary.” Cathryn commanded.
She rose and wiped her eyes. There would be no more tears. Her reddened eyes flamed. If they wanted her down for dinner, she would go downstairs!
Cathryn took no mind to her appearance. She scurried downstairs…her one intent lay upon her grandfather’s study. She had always given her letters to him as he sat behind his desk. Where had they gone? She heard voices carrying into the foyer from the drawing room. She ignored everything, except her mission.
She quickly turned the door handle to the study, thankful no one was within. But the reality was she wouldn’t have cared if they had been. She hurried over to the desk and began opening the drawers, searching, not caring if anyone heard her.
She opened the bottom drawer. There they were. All her letters she had written. Not one had been sent. Where were her father’s….Sumner’s?
“I’m sorry, Cathryn. It was necessary, I’m afraid.”
Her head snapped up to see her grandfather standing in the open doorway. She picked up the letters and threw them at him.
“Why, Grandfather? Why?”
“It’s for your best interest, Cathryn. Your grandmother greatly regretted the decision to let your mother leave England. She never saw her again. When you finally came, we couldn’t take a chance. It’s not safe across the ocean as you well can see. Your father sent you over to be safe. We couldn’t have you return.”
“Now, you have no choice. I’m leaving as soon as it can be arranged. I should have never come to England!” Cathryn screamed. “How dare you! What harm could have been done with giving me my letters! Who took the letters sent to me! Tell me! For I know they were sent!”
“Calm down.”
Suddenly, Cathryn felt she couldn’t breathe. Lord Lyttleton walked in the study. He nodded toward her grandfather, who glanced over at her before he left the room. Lyttleton closed the door behind him.
“Your voice will carry outside.”
“I have no desire to see you. Please let me leave,” Cathryn uttered, trying desperately to keep her voice from reflecting her fear. “I’m in no mood to listen to you.”
He walked toward the desk. Cathryn backed up against the wall. He began to walk around the desk and she broke for the door. He grabbed her arm, squeezing it, and swirled her around to face him.
“Let go of me!” she cried.
Without warning, his hand slapped her across her face hard, propelling her backwards. She stumbled onto the floor. He clutched her wrist and pulled her back to her feet. “Cathryn, you will learn quickly that I’m not one to defy. I have tried to be patient, but now it seems you have the need to have everything spread plainly in front of you. As I told you that first night we met, we are to be married.
As it stands now, I foresee three months, to give you time to mourn your father. A quiet affair. It will be expected.”
“I will never marry you. Are you mad?” she stated.
Then, she winced for she feared another blow.
Instead, he gave a small laugh. “You keep insinuating that you have a choice in all of this. It has been arranged. Your grandfather will now be placed as your guardian. You have no choice. It is his wish.”
“He’s not my guardian. My brother is and he has requested my presence back home.”
“Your brother?
Your brother is dead.”
She stared at him. Too late, she realized her mistake. “Pray let go of me. Please, I don’t understand why you want this. My only wish is to return home. Do you not comprehend? I don’t want to marry you,” she pleaded. “I irritate you to no end with only a word spoken. I could never make you happy.”
He reached over and cupped her chin in his hand. “You don’t appreciate the situation; that is clear. The matter has little to do with love. I will soon teach you what you need to know to become the well-defined lady. But at the moment, know I will take care of all issues. I’ll write to your brother and explain the situation. What is his name, my dear?”
She said nothing, but eyed him with an intense hatred. Her mind raced. She had a strong urge to retreat. She needed to escape this mad house.
“It is of little matter. I have ways of finding out. Besides the fact, Cathryn, do you really feel your brother can save you from across the ocean? I think not. I admit I’m quite taken aback with your reaction. You act as though you have been assigned a death sentence. Most would take well to the news of marrying titled nobility. But this act is becoming tiresome. Go back to your room. It is best to retire to the country at this time. I have already instructed your maid to pack. We will leave at the end of the week.”
Cathryn shuddered upon the thought. “Grandfather would never agree.”
“Go ask him if you have any doubt,” he said arrogantly. His hand released her chin and pushed back her wild hair from her face. “I know you’re upset, Cathryn, and you in your innocence don’t understand the dealings of the world. Why things are the way they are. If you stop this ridiculous fighting with me, you may find that you will enjoy the inevitable. You will see.”
Lyttleton stepped back, letting go of her. She heard him laugh as she ran to the door. She didn’t stop until she got to her room and collapsed upon her bed. Oh, dear Lord, whatever was she going to do?
* * * *
Her heart raced. She had dressed to travel. She had no idea how or where. Her thoughts lay only upon the money she needed for the journey. To be told she was such an heiress and to have no money of her own!
Mary set readied herself. The two sat with their cloaks about them. Cathryn stood and walked over to the window, staring out it.
Her face stung where he had hit her. Oh, Father, how could I be caught up in such! She had sent Tacy over to the Eversleighs in a futile hope that in some manner she could send word to Jake. He was her only hope of rescue. She released the curtain when she saw Tacy run back in the back entrance.
“Miss Cathryn,” Mary said. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a purse. “It will be fine. My aunt left me money in case I needed it. I’m sure it will get us out of this house. Maybe we could find shelter in an Inn.”
“Hold to it, little Mary. We may well have need, but Tacy is back. We will see.”
Cathryn’s heart sank when Tacy entered back within the room. Immediately, she saw that her maid had not been successful on her task.
“I’m sorry, Miss Cathryn. I couldn’t get through the back door. I tried to say I needed to talk with Her Grace or young Lord Tinsley. But His Grace was there. Had them servants almost throwing me out of the house. Miss, what are we going to do? I knew we should have never trusted the British.”
“Shut up, Tacy. That isn’t going to help us.” Cathryn sat dejected upon the bed. “I know only we can’t stay another night within this house.”
“Then can I offer to help?”
A voice emerged from the doorway as the door swung open. Cathryn turned. Her face lit up. Reggie stood in the doorway.
Chapter Seven
“Reggie! You have come to save us!” Cathryn cried.
She bounded off the bed and flung herself into his arms. “Come,” he said, pulling her back, impatiently. “We don’t have time to tarry. Take only what is on your back.”
“I’m not leaving without Mary and Tacy, Reggie,” Cathryn said emphatically. “How could you think otherwise?”
He glanced over the other two. He hesitated. “I don’t know. Oh, come on. I don’t have time to debate. The carriage is waiting.”
Cathryn squeezed Tacy’s hand while they followed Reggie. “I knew everything would be well.”
“Ssh!” Reggie, irritated, shot back at his cousin. “Are you trying to get caught? Be quiet.”
He led them down the stairs and into a waiting carriage. Within minutes, they rode away from her grandparents’ house. Cathryn sat back; relief flooded her. She turned to her cousin. “I can’t begin to tell you how eternally grateful I am, Reggie. Where are we meeting Jake?”
“I wouldn’t be so quick to thank me, Cathryn.”
“What do you mean, Reggie?”
“I believe he means that you didn’t hear the footman lock the door as we entered the carriage. Miss Cathryn, I don’t believe he’s taking you to your lieutenant,” Tacy said, trying the handle of the carriage.
Reggie reached over and slapped her hand. “Tacy, you have always been too smart for your own good. Sit back. I’m not sure that Lyttleton is going to be happy I brought you along, but it will be his problem. I’ve done what I was told.”
“Reggie, what have you done?” Cathryn cried; wild fear swept through her. She lunged at the door. “Why? You helped me before. Why turn upon me? What have I done?”
Reggie pushed her back against her seat. “Please, Cathryn, don’t be so dramatic. I’m not in the mood. Do you think I wanted to do this? Far from it, but you see even though I like you, cousin, and feel for you, I like myself a tad better. It’s a fault of mine. I’m not a gallant knight, like your lieutenant. Honor and duty. Look at it as if I’m saving you from a mundane existence with Jake.”
“How dare you! You bastard!”
“Language, cousin. Language! I can assure you Lyttleton will frown upon it. Look at it from my point of view. What do you expect me to have done? I told you when you met me, I’m not an angel. Gambling has always been my biggest vice! Owe a great deal. Had an option. Either help Lyttleton or be swimming face down in the Thames.”
“You sold me out?”
“Cathryn, do you know your problem? You’re spoiled. Granted you have that innocence about you, but when you want something you get it one way or another. Does that make you better than me? I would wager not. If a rule doesn’t suit you, you don’t hesitate to break it to get to where you want to go. That is why you and Jake boy would never work out. He’s one that lives by those rules. The fool! Trying desperately to follow the rules so not to taint your reputation and honor. The problem with such is that no one else follows those rules unless it suits them.”
“Stop the coach immediately! I swear, Reggie, I will make you rue this day.”
“Can’t say you just might. But I can’t do that. It’s the deal. I get you out to his country estate and he pays my debt free and clear. I don’t have much of an option.”
“Why? Why is he so determined to marry me? He doesn’t love me or I him. He could have many wealthy heiresses.”
“Ah! Cathryn, none have what you have. It has to do with the feud between your father and his brother, Lyttleton’s grandfather. It’s probably complicated in his view, but through the dispute, the old man had hopes of reconciling with his brother, for I believe it was your uncle’s fault. Then he had a falling out with Lyttleton, which I’m sure you can understand with his lovely disposition.
“The dispute began when the original Hestershire estate that was entitled to the Earldom was burnt to the ground before your father left England. The Earl rebuilt on a better location. The issue became…he built on land that was your father’s. To make a long story a little shorter. After his falling out with our dear Lyttleton, the Earl settled the dispute by leaving your father the estate, which now falls to you.”
“I’ll give it to him. I don’t want it.”
“And take the fun out of it! He has made his mind up, my dear. I’m sure he long ago decided upon this course of actio
n. You are his equal, by birth if not by actions. You are decidedly rich and what better way to get back at your rival than marry his sweetheart.”
Reggie sighed then continued. “I don’t think you will be able to talk your way out of this. Perhaps you need to look upon it differently. You will be married to the next Earl and the benefits that go with such. Moreover, you can make him undecidedly unhappy for the rest of his life. I’m certain you can think of many ways to do such to him.”
“Stop your incisive joking,” Tacy said. She turned toward Reggie and slapped him hard against his cheek.
“Probably deserved that, ah, love,” he shot back at Tacy. Cathryn looked at Tacy, who eyed Reggie intently. “Don’t feel too bad, Tacy. I really did enjoy your company.”
She raised her hand to slap him once more, but he caught it. “You hurt. Don’t do that again. No, I don’t think Lyttleton is going to be happy I brought an entourage. What a group. Don’t know what he’s going to do with you, little miss.”
“Leave Mary out of it,” Cathryn exclaimed, protectively putting her arms about Mary.
“You know, Cathryn, Lyttleton has looked into your companion. You are as a child that collects injured animals. Sad story, I’m sure, but Lyttleton won’t allow her. Sorry, dearie. Just my opinion.”
“I’m not leaving Miss Cathryn,” Mary said defiantly.
“Ah, you speak! Good for you. Now I’ve had enough of all this talk. I’m tired and we have a long journey. I’m certain I will earn every pence. I’m going to close my eyes. I wouldn’t try the doors. Those are Lyttleton’s footmen. They won’t be as nice as I am.”
Cathryn sat back, but not to rest. She was tired…of being used as a pawn, waiting for someone to rescue her, being told always what to do and how to do it. No, she needed a plan of her own.