To Release an Earl

by Ilene Withers

  "Yes," John said, lifting Willa's hand to his lips and brushing them gently across the back of it. "I am nervous about leaving you, Willa dear, but your father will keep you safe from harm while I am gone. Promise me you will be extra careful of your own safety and report any suspicious things to your father."

  "I promise," she whispered.

  Chapter Eleven

  The trip to London went better than John expected. He left at first light and paced his horse on the road toward the city. Though traveling light just as he had claimed he would, he did arm himself on the chance a highwayman might present a threat to him. At lunch he stopped at an inn where he enjoyed a meat pie and a pint of ale, then he stopped at dark to let his horse rest and to get some sleep himself. It was the next afternoon when he arrived at his town house. Once there, he changed and cleaned up before leaving to visit the investigator.

  The investigator's office smelled of tobacco. A young man sat at a desk in the outer office and soon escorted him into the inner office, introducing John to the investigator. Yale had filled John in on the man's credentials. Samuel Parker had left the Bow Street Runners just a few years earlier after suffering from a gunshot wound to the shoulder. Now, John greeted the other man. "I have heard a lot about you, Mr. Parker. Lord Amhearst has nothing but the best to say about you.”

  "The respect is mutual," the investigator said. "The viscount is a good man. Now, what I can do for you, Lord Roydon?"

  John took a seat when Mr. Parker indicated he should do so. "I am affianced to the viscount's only daughter."

  Mr. Parker smiled. "Congratulations! When are the nuptials?"

  "They were scheduled for a short time before the holiday, but we were forced to postpone them."

  "Oh?"

  "Miss Dutton had a riding accident and it is feared she suffers from paralysis."

  The man's face displayed sympathy. "That is most regrettable. Is there no hope for her?"

  "We're unsure," John answered. "One of my intents during my visit to town is to seek the advice of the most renowned physicians." John was quiet for a moment. "The reason I came to you is because the viscount and I are sure someone is trying to harm Miss Dutton, possibly even to kill her."

  Mr. Parker reached for a pen and tablet. "Tell me what gives you this idea."

  "The day of the accident, the saddle girth strap had been cut almost through. When Willa, that is Miss Dutton, and her horse started to take a fence, a bird flew up and hit the horse in the belly. The groom reports Miss Dutton and the saddle flew off the horse. She fell and struck a tree root."

  John paused as the man scribbled notes and then looked back up from his writing. "Do go on, my lord."

  Continuing with the recounting, John outlined the approximate timeline. When John finished telling Mr. Parker of the incidents in the stables and in the house, the investigator looked up at him. “Do you have any idea who would wish to do Miss Dutton harm?”

  “Unfortunately, no one comes to mind. I did wonder if perhaps the culprit is trying to get some type of revenge on Lord Amhearst. In his business, I’m sure he has made enemies over the years.”

  The investigator scribbled a note. “Does anyone in particular come to his mind?”

  “No. He agrees that, over the years, he has made enemies, but no one who displayed this level of anger.”

  “And you, Lord Roydon, do you have any enemies who might be wishing to harm your fiancée?”

  “I can think of no one,” John admitted.

  John watched as the investigator read over his notes again. “It seems to me last spring there was talk about a young woman blackmailing another to marry you.”

  John looked intently at the investigator. “Yes, there was. Willa’s cousin, Miss Claire Stuart, was attacked by Viscount Pitt. After witnessing the attack his sister, Lady Regina Norton, blackmailed Miss Stuart during the season. In fact, that is how Miss Dutton and I met. My friend, the Duke of Lamberton met Miss Stuart and immediately became enamored of her. However, her attentions for him ran hot and cold until she finally confessed she was being blackmailed. At that time, Lady Norton was caught in an indelicate situation and backed off of the threats.”

  “Is that how it ended, then?”

  “Afterward, Lady Norton did start to spread rumors around London. Lamberton took care of it by visiting with the girl’s father. It was discovered she was with child and her father sent her to Yorkshire to live with an aunt. I can’t imagine any threat is left there. Besides, she didn’t want to marry me.”

  “Hmm,” the other man sounded thoughtful. Parker scribbled more on his notepad and then looked up at John. “I will take the case and start right away. I’ll skulk around town a bit tomorrow, and then I’ll tool out to the Amhearst’s estate.”

  “I appreciate it. I am to assure you that you can be a guest of the Amhearst’s as long as necessary. If you should arrive there before I do, the viscount will answer more questions. They are presently waiting to receive back reference checks on the newer staff.”

  “Wonderful.”

  After a discussion about payment, John rose to take his leave and bade the investigator a good day before leaving the office with a sense of satisfaction. As it was late in the day, he retired to his home where the staff had been thrown into a tizzy at his unexpected arrival. It was obvious the cook had sent scullery maids and footmen scurrying hither and thither, and she had put together a respectable evening meal. John dined on turbot served with a rich sauce and several side dishes before retiring to the library where he sat beside the fire and contemplated his next day’s activities. He hoped he had as much success in seeking second opinions as he had with hiring an investigator. Knowing Willa might be paralyzed for the rest of her life made his heart ache.

  ****

  The days without John stretched by for Willa. On the first day, she spent time listening to Fayre practice the pianoforte. Willa read and then, out of desperation, picked up her needlework only to take a few stitches before having to untangle a knot in the floss and then pick out several more.

  The next day, she begged her father to take her out to see Pirate. Willa fed him an apple and a carrot and saw a gleam in his darks eyes brought on by the extra special treatment. The viscount didn't want her to spend too much time outside after the last attempt to harm her. Without asking, Willa wondered if he was worried someone might take a shot at her. At least it would put her out of her misery fast, she realized.

  Day three brought a bit of relief when the vicar stopped by to call on them. Lady Amhearst and Fayre had gone into the village, so Willa entertained him alone. "I'm so happy you stopped in," she told him as they waited for tea to be served. "I was about to send a note to you, asking you to visit."

  "Oh, well then, this is exceptional timing, is it not?" Vicar Wright had settled into a seat near her Bath chair. "Is there something you wanted to talk to me about?"

  "Yes, there is," Willa decided to get right to the point. "I am contemplating releasing the earl from our engagement."

  The vicar was silent for a bit and then replied, "Might I ask why?"

  "I'm suffering from paralysis, Vicar Wright. It is a lifelong affliction, and John deserves a whole woman to be his wife. Dr. Saunders has told me I dare not risk having a child. John deserves and needs an heir. I cannot walk anywhere. I cannot stand up by myself. I cannot even move myself from my bed to my chair. I am ridiculously helpless, and I love him so much I am realizing he deserves more."

  "I see what you are saying," the man spoke softly as the butler entered with the tea tray. Abbott arranged the tray on the table, and Willa realized she was not even able to reach the pot of tea to pour. "Please pour for us, Abbott."

  "As you wish, Miss." When the tea, biscuits, and finger sandwiches had been served, the butler bowed and quietly left the room, leaving the door ajar.

  "This was a perfect example, Vicar. I cannot even get myself close enough to the tea tray to play the role of hostess. John is an earl and a well-respec
ted one; he needs a hostess. And while his mother is healthy and may be willing to continue to serve in the role, she shouldn't need to. That should be his wife's duty."

  "So you love him enough to release him?"

  "Yes, I do. After all, almost anyone else would make him a better wife. Our dinner party is a fine example. Miss Marty is perfect for him. The two enjoy the same activities, seem to converse easily on endless topics, and she is a wonderful woman who also deserves to marry a nice gentleman."

  "Have you spoken to your fiancé about this?" the vicar asked her.

  "No. He's such a gentleman he would argue I should not break our engagement on these grounds."

  "And if you come to this decision for sure, what will you do if he refuses?"

  "I plan to prove I am right. I will show him how he needs a normal wife, not someone like me. I've been contemplating playing a bit of a matchmaker. If Miss Marty is not ideal for him, I will convince my parents to host a house party, and I will parade eligible young women in front of him."

  "I see. And what will you do if he does accept your offer and proposes to someone else?"

  Willa felt tears pool in her eyes. "I'm not sure. The truth is, Vicar Wright, there aren't many options open for me. Although my father's title will pass to his cousin's oldest son, I know my father will assure my financial comfort. Of course I will need to move from the estate someday, but I will be able to afford a town home in Bath or a cottage somewhere. There will be no point in having land as I cannot ride a horse." Here the tears began to slide down her cheeks. "I just don't know what I will do for my mental activity." Willa fell silent before setting her tea cup onto a nearby side table with a clatter. "I am so bored, I don't know what to do with myself," she admitted.

  The vicar set down his own cup and leaned forward to take her hand in his and pat the back of it comfortingly. "I will pray for you, Miss Willa. I will pray you make the right decisions for everyone involved. Particularly, I will pray you find a purpose in your new life, something you can be at peace with.”

  ****

  It was five days later, soon after sundown when John rode through the gates of the Amhearst estate. He was tired and beaten down. John had talked to several of the renowned men of medicine and had a promise from one young physician who was considered to be a forward-thinking man to come within a few days. Otherwise, the news had not been good. Little was known about spinal injuries. For those who suffered from them, there was little hope.

  A groom ran out to take the reins of his horse as John rode into the stable yard. Soon, Willa's own groom stepped outside as well. "Welcome back, my lord"

  "Thank you, Brooks. I must say it is good to dismount." Indeed, he was happy to set his feet on the ground. "Has anything untoward happened in my absence?"

  "No, my lord, it has been unusually quiet. Miss Willa came out twice to visit Pirate, accompanied by her father. Otherwise, she has been housebound, I believe. A visitor has arrived. A Mr. Samuel Parker from London."

  "Yes, I had heard he planned on visiting the estate. I'll leave my horse in your good care and make my way up to the house. If I hurry, I may be in time for dinner."

  Indeed, the door swung open as John stepped up to it. How Abbott knew someone had arrived, he would always wonder. "Abbott," he greeted the butler. "Am I in time for dinner?"

  "Yes, my lord, and I believe you have time to change."

  John chuckled. "Is that your discreet way of telling me I smell like horse and am covered with road dust?"

  "I would never suggest it, my lord," Abbott replied with a sniff.

  John found his valet in his room readying his evening wear. "Good evening, Martin," he said. "I see you expected me."

  "Yes, my lord. One of the maids saw you coming down the road, and the news has spread like wildfire."

  “Ah! It has always been a mystery to me how all the staff seem to know things so quickly. Now I know.”

  Martin’s lips quirked. “Perhaps I should not say this, but we often know more about you than you do yourself.”

  John laughed. “That is what I fear!”

  “I trust you had a productive trip, my lord.”

  “I’m not sure, but I do have a young physician who is well renowned coming in the next few days to give us a second opinion on Miss Willa’s condition.”

  “That is good. I still pray for her every night. Miss Willa is such a delightful young lady and well thought of by the staff.”

  The two fell quiet as John readied himself for dinner. After making his way downstairs to the drawing room where he found his fiancée, her cousin, and her parents visiting with Mr. Parker. The family all smiled at him as he walked in the door.

  “John, you are back,” Willa said. He strode across the room and bent to brush a discreet kiss across her cheek, wishing they did not always have an audience.

  “And am glad to be so,” he told her in return before taking the seat closest to her Bath chair.

  “How did it go, John?” Yale asked him.

  John would not say anything to dash any hope Willa might have. He would talk to her parents alone. “A young physician by the name of Dr. Lead will be here within a few days. He is renowned in the Royal College of Physicians and at Oxford where he studied.”

  “What did the others say?” the viscountess asked.

  John answered quickly so as not to give them time to assume he was prevaricating. “Not a lot is known about spinal injuries.”

  Thankfully, he was interrupted by the butler who announced dinner. John stood and reached for the handles of Willa’s chair to wheel her in. “I missed you,” he said quietly. “How were the days I was gone?”

  “Long, John. The days were so long. Of course, Papa will not let me leave the house, even to sit in the garden, unless he is with me. I saw Pirate twice, but otherwise have been restricted to indoors.”

  John found his heart often felt heavy for Willa. He resolved to put some thought into helping her with more independence. The injury was chafing on her and he was well aware of it. First though, they had to find out who was trying to kill her, for he believed it was her death they sought.

  Dinner was spent amicably, and when the ladies withdrew to the parlour, John spoke up. “I hear things have been quiet here since I left.”

  “Yes, they have been,” Yale spoke as he lit a cheroot. “Mr. Parker is keeping a low profile but talking to all the servants and stable hands, as well as spending time in the village.”

  “It’s surprising what you can sometimes learn over an ale in an inn, but I admit to having found nothing outside of the estate,” the investigator said.

  “What is your story? Who do the servants believe you to be?”

  “I am a lover of horseflesh who is visiting to learn as much as I can from the famous Lord Amhearst about breeding bloodstock.”

  “Ah,” John nodded, “that is a good one. Quite believable.”

  “It also gives him an excuse to spend a lot of time in the stables, since that is where the threats began.”

  “And have you learned anything at all?”

  “I have found several people I do not think are guilty. Miss Dutton is well thought of, and many of the older retainers and even the newer servants are extremely loyal. However, there are a few that, while they do not openly display any hostility toward her, also do not display any loyalty. I am concentrating my efforts on looking into them at this time.”

  Yale chuckled, “He has also been cozying up with Cook, making trips to the kitchens to compliment her and to ask for receipts for his own household.”

  “Yes, by doing so I can slip in a question now and then about staff. And Abbott, knowing of the threats, is willing to speak to me about the household staff as well. Again, I have ruled several people out, such as Miss Dutton’s maid, Molly, but I have not ruled out everyone.”

  The viscount looked at John then and said, “You were a bit evasive about what you found out about Willa’s condition.”

  “Yes, I didn’t
want to say anything in front of her. The men offered little hope. It doesn’t mean there isn’t any, it simply means that little is known about it. Dr. Lead is interested in meeting her and examining her, he said something about swelling around the spinal cord, but it is the most hope I received.”

  “I do admit I had hoped for more,” Yale replied. “It is breaking my heart to see my daughter in this condition.”

  “I understand. I, too, had hoped for a miracle. As I rode back, I thought it may be time to move past this stage of hoping and move to how to make her more independent and satisfied with her condition. Willa is such a lively person that being restrained to a cumbersome chair on wheels is hard on her.”

  “It certainly is.”

  Mr. Parker spoke up. “If I may make a suggestion, I wonder if perhaps, her Bath chair might be modified so she could push the wheels herself. Miss Dutton might not be able to do so for any distance, but perhaps within a room she could get around a bit more independently. I have noticed you have two Bath chairs, so she could do with one until someone adjusts the other.”

  John and Yale both swung their gazes to the investigator. John replied thoughtfully, “I see what you mean. If the wheels were set farther forward on the chair, she could reach down and propel herself forward.”

  Yale’s face brightened. “I have my own blacksmith, and he is quite good with what he does. I think we should speak to him tomorrow, John, to see if he has any ideas of how to improve the design.”

  “Also, you might be able to have him build a type of lifting device which would allow her to lift herself in and out of bed. It could be hung from a beam over her bed and involve a canvas seat and a lifting bar.”

  Again the men looked at him in astonishment. “Mr. Parker,” the viscount said, “you should have been an engineer.”

  The other man chuckled. “I do admit I thought about it but knew I would need to attend university, and schooling has never been something I enjoyed.”