“What was she doing here?”
“She came to tell us that Diana has invited us back in the house for the night because of the storm, but we are to leave first thing in the morning.”
Nodding, Tristan adjusted himself on the ground, draping his arms over his bent knees. “I’m glad to know she has come to her senses…at least about that.”
The confusion thickened in Nic’s head, giving him a headache. He grumbled and strode to his blanket before plopping down on the covering. “Worthington? What if we’re wrong?”
Tristan’s head didn’t move, just his gaze as it rested on him. “Wrong about what?”
“About Tabitha.”
“What makes you think we are wrong?”
Nic sighed as he picked off some of the hay from the blanket. “During my talk with Tabitha earlier tonight, I saw a part of her I hadn’t noticed before. And, just a moment ago,” he motioned his head toward the stall where they’d talked, “I noticed the same thing.” He lifted his gaze and met Tristan’s. “Would a cold blooded killer think of others when her life hung by a thread?”
Tristan didn’t say anything for the longest time before shaking his head. “No. A cold blooded killer would only think of themselves, not others.”
“Well, Tabitha was thinking of you and Diana. Do you know what she told me?”
“What?”
“She told me that if I cared about you, that I would try to find the real killer so that you and Diana could be together…as you both deserve.” Sighing heavily, he pushed his hair back away from his eyes. “Worthington, I think we both jumped to conclusions when he overheard her and Sally. I honestly feel deep down in my heart that Tabitha is not the killer.”
Tristan laid back and looked up toward the rafters. For several minutes he was quiet, and Nic didn’t want to say anymore, either. Blaming Tabitha had been very wrong, and even if Tristan didn’t realize that, Nic would have to apologize to Tabitha soon or the guilt would eat him up.
“I can’t do this,” Tristan muttered.
“Can’t do what?”
“I cannot allow things to be unresolved between Diana and I. And I especially cannot go on with this doubt in my head.” He met Nic’s gaze. “I, too, have felt that blaming Tabitha was wrong, but with everything we’d heard and the way the maid acts, it’s hard not to think that way.” He scrambled to his feet. “Now that I’ve had more time to ponder on this, I realize that Diana would discern the girl well enough to know if she was a killer or not.” He breathed deeply. “I have been too quick to judge when I should have trusted Diana more.”
Tristan marched to the stall’s gate and picked up his overcoat. “I’m going back to the house to speak with Diana. Things need to be resolved tonight!”
Chapter Twenty-One
Tristan treaded as softly as he could up the stairs toward Diana’s bedroom. The house was quiet, and he feared everyone would be asleep. He didn’t care if the maids were asleep, but he needed Diana awake. They needed to talk this thing out.
He reached her door and stopped, lifting his hand to knock…but hesitated. What if she wouldn’t allow him entrance? He couldn’t very well carry on a conversation with a door between them.
Instead of knocking, he grasped the handle, turned it, and entered. The room was dark, but in the corner near her bed was a lamp that had been dimmed, illuminating Diana’s body as she sat at her vanity table and stared in the mirror. She didn’t look his way, so he assumed she hadn’t heard him. He waited a few brief moments before taking a step inside.
She wore the same nightgown and wrapper that she’d been in the first time he saw her after his kidnapping. And although he still thought she was the loveliest woman he’d ever seen, her eyes were swollen from crying and her desolate expression nearly brought him to his knees in agony. She was this way because of him.
“Diana,” he whispered.
Gasping, she swung toward him but remained on the chair. “Tristan! What are you doing here?”
He walked in further, closing the door behind him. “We need to talk.”
Her surprised expression turned hard as anger appeared. “No we don’t. We have said everything that needs to be said.” She turned back toward the vanity mirror. “I would appreciate it if you left my room.”
“I fear that I cannot do as you request. You see,” he paused, stepping closer to her, “I cannot let things continue like this. It’s breaking my heart to see you so distraught, and this matter must be resolved tonight.”
“Tristan, please,” she said with a heavy sigh as her hands covered her face. “We have nothing further to discuss.”
“Yes, we do.” He reached her and knelt beside her, resting his hand on her knee. “I still need to tell you how much I love you…and how wrong I was to accuse Tabitha, and especially how wrong I was to doubt your word.”
Gradually, she removed her hands as she met his stare. Her green eyes glistened with moisture. “You were wrong?”
“Indeed, I was. Men don’t like to admit that, I know, but when I’m wrong, I say it.” He caressed a lock of her silky auburn hair as it hung on her shoulder. “I was desperate and grasping at anything as a means to bring us together. I’m so very tired of hiding my feelings for you. I want the whole world to know how much I love you and how badly I want to be your husband.”
A tear slipped down her cheek. “But why did you blame Tabitha?”
He shrugged. “Because of what Hawthorne and I had overheard. But I understand now how angry and hurt the maid was for my cousin’s violation against her, and I realize now why she is so disturbed with men in general. I’m sorry I jumped to conclusions and blamed her.” He moved his hand up and stroked her wet cheek. “As I pondered our conversation while in the barn, I realized I hadn’t trusted your word. If I love you—as I have proclaimed—then I need to believe in you. Forgive me, my sweet Diana, for having a weak moment. It will never happen again.”
“Oh, Tristan.”
She turned toward him more and wrapped her arms around his neck. He pulled her close as she cried silent tears against the crook of his neck. Moisture gathered in his eyes, and his heart ached with sadness for causing her so much pain. He kissed the side of her head and held her tightly.
“Tristan, I know Tabitha didn’t do it,” she said brokenly as she lifted her head and met his eyes. “She was too weak and her soul was broken. She wouldn’t have had the strength to kill Ludlow. And your cousin…” She shook her head. “Tabitha was here at the cottage watching over you the night Lord Elliot was killed. We gave you sleeping draught because we both feared what you might find if you had awakened and caught us.” She sniffed and pulled back slightly. “You see, I had left Tabitha here to watch over you so I could ride out to get Sally from your evil cousin. I was there the night he was killed.”
Her words poured through him like ice as shock vibrated through his body. “You?”
“He’d beaten Sally and I had gone to his townhouse to rescue her. When I walked in on your bath the next morning, I had just returned. That’s why my boots were dirty and I looked so tired.” She took a deep breath. “Tabitha had been here the whole time and was still in her room.”
“Oh, Diana.” He grasped her shoulders. “How could you put yourself in danger like that? Do you know what he would have done if he caught you?”
She nodded. “I’d prepared myself, I assure you. I had my pistol with me…but not a blade. I didn’t kill your cousin, but if he would have tried to attack me, I would have pulled the trigger.”
Blowing out a frustrated breath, Tristan stood and paced the floor. Several thoughts flew through his head…and all of them were not good. “Diana, you should not have done that. Do you know what would happen if the magistrate ever found out?” He stopped and faced her. “Oh, my sweet love, he would not understand at all. He would believe you killed both men.”
“Yes, I know.” Her voice shook. “I fear every day that he will discover something and come arrest me. The two
times I rescued maids from their monstrous lords, were the times someone decided to kill them.”
Groaning in despair, he hurried back to her and pulled her into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her head against his chest.
“Tristan, we must find the real killer so I don’t go to prison.”
“We will.” Closing his eyes, he tightened his arms around her, praying to the Almighty that something would happen and Tristan would be able to save the woman he loves. He must save her this time since he hadn’t been able to three years ago.
He exhaled slowly, trying to release the panic rushing through him. “Diana, does the magistrate know about this cottage?”
“Yes.” She lifted her head and looked at him. “I don’t believe he knows the exact location, but I did tell him this was where I was when Lord Elliot was killed.”
“Then we need to hide you somewhere else. If the magistrate finds any evidence that you were at my cousin’s townhouse that night, you will be arrested. Until Hawthorne and I discover what really happened, we need to keep you safe.”
A small chuckle bubbled up from her throat, even though humor was not the expression on her worried face. “As hard as I’ve tried to rescue abused maids and keep them hidden, it now looks like I’m the one who needs the protection.”
“You are, and this time I will guard you with my life.”
Slowly, a smile touched her mouth. She lifted on her toes and placed her lips against his. He crushed her in his arms and kissed her with all the love and emotion inside of him. He didn’t want to think that this might be the last time they would be together. Even if it meant breaking the law, he was determined to keep her safe.
Diana was the one who broke the kiss. “Tristan, I love you so very much.”
“You are the light of my life, and I will do all I can to keep you here in my arms.”
“I think I have an idea.”
“What is it?”
“Lady Dashwood has always supported me and helped me in my endeavors. If I tell her of my plight, I know she will help. She has many estates and cottages all over Britain. She might be able to hide me.”
Bit by bit, relief eased into Tristan’s chest. He nodded. “Then let us go talk to her tomorrow.”
“No, only I must go. Remember, we still cannot be seen together.”
He frowned. “You are correct. But please, inform me or send me a missive after you have talked to her so that I know where you will be staying.”
“I promise.”
When he kissed her once again, he savored the moment. Kissing her had always been so right…so perfect. Indeed, they were meant to be together. Forever.
He just prayed fate had the same idea.
* * * *
Diana fidgeted in her carriage seat at she stared out the window. She couldn’t arrive at her destination soon enough. It had been one very long night, and most of it she hadn’t slept. She thanked the Lord that Tristan had returned to finish their talk, and it pleased her to know he was now on her side.
Tristan and Lord Hawthorne left early this morning, and once Diana and Tabitha were ready, they took the coach and rode toward Lady Dashwood’s estate. Claudia would know what to do, Diana just knew it.
The carriage bounced Diana on her seat. She scowled and glanced up to where the coachman would be since she couldn’t see it from inside the vehicle. Because she didn’t have a driver, Tabitha donned the same clothes she’d used when she kidnapped Tristan and was now acting as Diana’s coachman. She just prayed that when they arrived at Lady Dashwood’s estate, Claudia’s servants wouldn’t get suspicious of the feminine looking driver.
Worry of the unknown would leave her and gave her a tremendous headache. Groaning, Diana leaned back in her seat and rubbed her forehead. Would this nightmare ever end?
Trying to think positive, she sat up straight and stared out the window. Her life had to get better soon. She’d been living in hell for so long, it was time to bring things to a happy ending…with Tristan, of course.
She smiled, remembering their talk, and especially the loving words he’d said. And their kiss. She smiled. The kiss that could have lasted all night if he hadn’t pulled away and left her room. He was such a gentleman, because if it had been up to her, that wonderful man would have not left her room at all.
The coach hit another bump in the road, jerking her on the seat. “Tabitha! Will you watch where you’re going?”
“Sorry, my lady,” she called back.
Diana frowned. Tabitha hadn’t been the same after last night’s events, even when Diana told her of Tristan’s confession. Something had happened between the maid and Nic, but Tabitha would not discuss it. Diana noticed the fun-loving energetic woman was quiet and withdrawn from everything this morning as they’d readied themselves to travel. It broke Diana’s heart to see her friend that way, and she wondered if Nic had apologized to Tabitha as Tristan had done.
When the carriage slowed to a stop, Diana peered out the window and looked upon Claudia’s grand estate. At least Claudia’s husband was generous enough to leave her money and the house when he died. Ludlow’s excuse to Diana was that because she hadn’t given him an heir, she didn’t deserve any of his money. But the truth of the matter was that she didn’t want his money. The quicker she could break free of that miserable life, the better she’d be.
The door opened and there stood Tabitha—still dressed as the coachman—offering to help Diana out of the vehicle. Once she was out and the carriage door was shut, Diana leaned into Tabitha and whispered, “Stay low until I’m ready to leave.”
“Yes, my lady.”
She missed seeing the twinkle in Tabitha’s eyes and her adorable quirky grin. One day the maid would get them back…Diana hoped.
She was shown to the sitting room and within minutes Claudia swept in, wearing a beautiful yellow day gown with scooped neck and puffy sleeves. Claudia always wore the latest fashions and was the envy of most ladies of the ton. Her blonde hair hung in ringlets and was decorated with pearls and a golden ribbon.
“Lady Hollingsworth, what a pleasure it is to see you.” She hugged Diana. “Let’s sit and have some tea and biscuits. My cook has just made a special batch that I haven’t sampled yet.”
“I thank you for the refreshment. I’m eager to taste what your cook has made. He’s always creating such mouth-watering treats.”
The ladies sat together on the sofa as a maid brought in the tray of tea and another servant carried in a tray of biscuits. Lady Dashwood poured Diana a cup of tea before pouring her own.
“Thank you, Gladys and Junie. That is all for now.” Claudia dismissed the other women.
Diana watched the two servants leave, and once the door was closed, she switched her focus back on her friend. “Claudia, I apologize for the unannounced visit, but it was urgent that I speak with you.”
“Good heavens, dear. What has happened?” Claudia set her teacup down.
“Lord Tristan and I fear that the magistrate will find evidence that I was at Lord Elliot’s house the night of his murder and he’ll arrest me.” Tears spiked her eyes, and she wished she wasn’t so emotional all the time. “Claudia, you are the only one that can help me.”
“Oh, my dear Diana.” Claudia put down her teacup and reached over to take Diana’s hands. “You know I will do anything to help.”
“Sir Felix knows about my grandmother’s cottage, and so that is not a safe place for me—or Tabitha and Sally—to stay. I apologize for being so desperate, but I beg you to help me. Do you have a place we can go to hide?”
Claudia narrowed her gaze on Diana. “Is Lord Tristan not going to help you at all?”
“He is going to try and find the real killer, Claudia, but if we are seen together, the magistrate will suspect we are in cohorts together.”
The other woman nodded slowly. “Does Lord Tristan believe he can find the killer?”
“I don’t know.” Diana shrugged. “He’s going to d
o all he can to find this person. Once the person is caught, then Tristan and I can be together.” She smiled softly. “It’s been too long, Claudia. I want a real marriage…a marriage where the husband and wife love each other.”
Flipping her hand in the air, Claudia pulled away from Diana. “My dear friend, that is not a real marriage at all. Most of the ton marriages are loveless. You know that.”
“Yes, but I also know that marriage can be one of unconditional love. That’s what I want, and it’s just within my grasp. Please Claudia, help me achieve this.”
“Of course, my friend. You know I will help you any way I can.” She sat back in her chair and tapped a finger on her chin. “One of my estates is Essex is not in use right now. I will need to get a few servants over there to ready the place for you and your maids, but it will take at least a week.”
Relief flooded Diana. “Thank you, Claudia. That will be perfect.”
“But until that time comes, you must say here with me. I cannot have you at your grandmother’s cottage unprotected. My servants are devoted to me and they know what hell you went through, as well. They will not say anything, I assure you. Both Tabitha and Sally can be maids here during our wait. They will have nothing to fear.”
“Oh, Claudia.” She reached over and hugged her friend. “You truly are a gift from God.”
Lady Dashwood chuckled. “I don’t have many close friends, and I will do anything I can to keep my friends protected.”
At long last, Diana’s future was starting to look clearer. Now she needed to pray that Tristan and Hawthorne could find the killer quickly.
* * * *
Tabitha huddled in the corner of the coach house and pulled her overcoat around her neck a little tighter before lowering her hat. A few of the grooms mulled about and only glanced at her a few times. Thankfully, they didn’t act as if they knew Tabitha was a woman.
She prayed Lady Dashwood had ideas of where Tabitha could hide. She didn’t want to bring harm or more suspicion on Diana, but Tabitha also didn’t want to go to prison, either. Diana was correct when she said Tabitha turning herself in was not the right thing to do because the true killer was still out there and might kill again.
The Sweetest Love (Sons of Worthington Series) Page 23