by Lisa Follett
She nearly dropped her cup of tea. She was missing something here. “I thought your uncle only threatened to cut you off. Are you telling me he actually withdrew his support?”
“Do not worry your pretty little head about it. I should not have said anything. It is only temporary.” He continued his breakfast as if he did not have a care in the world.
“But if you have no income, how will we live?” Her concerned deepened as she began to realize her error.
“I have a little money stashed away. We will manage for a couple of months, and by then, I am sure my uncle will change his mind. I am his only heir you know.” A serving girl interrupted their conversation to refill their mugs. She shook her head trying to clear her mind and piece together this turn of events.
“And if he does not change his mind?”
“He will.” He stated with an air of finality.
“What about your mother and sisters? Are they not dependent upon your support? And what of our children? What if you are wrong? What will happen to us?” Cassie could see the future as clearly as the pebbled bottom of the river running through Camberley. His crabby old uncle would turn his back on Mr. Parker. He would cut him off, therefore, cutting off his mother and sister’s means of support. He would come to resent her. She would be the reason for his financial distress. He was not thinking. He was following his heart and not letting his head consider the ramifications.
Tears clouded over her eyes and fell down her cheek as she realized what she had to do.
***
William sat at his desk and went over his accounts for the fourth time this morning. He could not concentrate. He read and reread the same entries over and over again without comprehension. He shut the book and rubbed his hands across his face. He should take a walk to clear his head, but that only reminded him of another walk he took not long ago.
He gently sent Lady Quartermane on her way the next day, insisting she risked her reputation by staying in a bachelor’s home. The truth was he wanted her to leave. He felt a disgust with himself for taking her pleasure and not offering anything in return, for using her to sake his lust, especially when he had no intention of seeing her again.
He started to rise when a knock sounded at his study door. “Come.”
Scott entered, but before he could announce his visitors, Mary, Elizabeth, Anne, and Jane pushed themselves past the shocked butler and swarmed into his space. He laughed and met Stephen’s eyes who followed his sisters in. Stephen shrugged. The girls obviously twisted his arm and insisted on his escort for this little unexpected visit.
“What brings half the Prescotts here? I am assuming it is half.” He looked around Stephen to see if any other Prescotts, mainly his mother, appeared in the doorway, but the space behind Stephen remained empty.
“Just us.” Stephen walked over to William’s brandy and helped himself. He raised his glass in question, and William nodded yes. A good stiff drink is exactly what he needed at the moment.
“It was Mary’s idea,” said Anne.
“My curiosity overwhelms me. I wanted to see what my brother has done with Rosehill Manor.” Mary cocked her chin daring anyone to question her motives.
He caught her eye. Something was afoot. He loved all of his sisters, no matter how pesky they could be at times, but he had a special connection to Mary, his twin, his better half as she often reminded him. She had something on her mind and could hardly wait to let her lips loose, and would if not for Elizabeth and Anne giving her a warning glance.
Jane walked over to William and kissed his cheek. “How are you doing William? You left in such a rush we wondered if something was wrong.”
“I had paperwork to attend to, and I wanted to check on the third floor renovations. I do not like to be away for so long, leaving the carpenters unsupervised.” Part truth. Part lie. How could he tell them he was running away from his desire for a woman he could not have? His answer would have to satisfy their insatiable curiosity, not to mention his sister’s penchant for being nosy where their brothers were concerned.
“The house looks lovely William. You are doing a splendid job. I cannot wait to see the library.” Elizabeth hugged him. His older sister with her ink stained fingers would probably last five minutes before she made her way to the library and pulled out her journal. He secretly smiled when he thought of the books he bought for his library. He thought of her when selecting each volume, and the smile it would bring to her face. It reminded him to ask Stephen if he found out the name of the “lady” writer of Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice yet. They were working to obtain an autographed copy of each book for Elizabeth.
“It is impressive William. When do you expect the renovations to be complete?” asked Stephen.
“A few more months. I recently added a bathroom and built in tub in the master suites. I am also expanding the third floor nursery.” If only he had a wife to give reason to expand the nursery. He thought of Miss Chambers and took a quick, fortifying breath.
“Are you planning on filling the nursery soon, William?” asked Mary.
“He needs a wife first,” said Anne.
“Do you have one in mind?” asked Jane.
“What is this? The Prescotts pushing for a wedding? I thought you were all immune to the idea of wedded bliss.” William could not imagine what got into his sisters. Granted, he was the one who openly wanted a wife and family, who did not deny his willingness to marry when he found his bride, but the rest of the Prescott lot were the bane of his marriage-minded mother’s existence.
“We were just wondering. That is all,” said Elizabeth.
“You too?” He looked at Elizabeth with suspicion. She shrugged her shoulders.
“Speaking of weddings, it seems the poor vicar’s daughter, Miss Chambers will not be marrying after all.” Mary gave William a pointed look.
He did not move a muscle. He looked from one sister to the other until his gaze landed on Stephen. Each of them looked at him and waited for his reaction.
“What happened?” He was almost afraid to ask, to believe.
“It is quite the sordid affair, really,” said Jane.
“The same day you left Miss Chambers went missing.” Anne arched her eyebrows, but she looked bemused rather than shocked.
“Missing?”
“Yes, missing. Her parents found a letter. She ran off with her Mr. Parker to Gretna Green.” Mary began to rattle off the tale, but she paused when she saw her brother’s face drain of color. “She came back.”
Anne filled in the gaps. “Unmarried. Ruined. Well, I do not know if she was truly ruined, but ruined in the eyes of Society.”
“It seems she changed her mind. She cried off and asked Mr. Parker to return her home,” said Elizabeth who was no doubt dreaming up a story based on this sordid turn of events.
“It is a shame, though. She is such a sweet dear, and we have become such good friends. I hate to see her packed up and sent off to Yorkshire.” Anne chewed her bottom lip.
“Yorkshire? Why is she going to Yorkshire?” His gut churned. He could see the flickering light in the darkness, yet he failed to regain his composure from the shock of this outrageous story.
“She is disgraced, William. She ran off to Gretna Green and returned unmarried. Ruined. Humiliated. On the shelf. Done for.” Mary looked as if she wanted to smack him across the face, and it would not be the first time.
“Her father is sending her to live with a great aunt,” Anne sighed. “I shall miss her so.”
“It is not fair that she must live in exile because she had the good sense to change her mind, to retreat before making an irrevocable mistake. I imagine her Mr. Parker will return to Society, select a new bride, and carry on. The way women are treated in this world…”
“Stop Mary!” William never hollered at her. Mary’s eyes were wide with disbelief. He did not understand his reaction either. He was used to Mary’s rants, to her modern ideas about women and their independence, but he did
not want to hear those right now.
He needed time to think.
“So, what are you going to do about it?” asked Stephen.
Bloody hell! Did he read like an open book? They stared at him with clear expectation in their eyes. Of course, they knew him too well. Heaven forbid he ever hold a secret, a personal desire, something that was his alone. He was surrounded by a family of mind readers and tormenters.
What was he going to do about it? “Make yourselves at home.” William walked out the door, ordered Scott to have his horse saddled, and within a quarter of an hour was headed on the road to Camberley.
***
Cassie blew her nose and pushed away the never-ending tears. She upset her family, but she never imagined her parents would send her away. The disgrace and scandal was too much for the new vicar to handle. His parishioners would look upon the family with disdain. Lord Camberley might send them away, force her father to find a new position. What would happen to them? Her actions could affect Jocelyn’s chance to find happiness. She washed her face again for the hundredth time. Someone knocked at her door. Not now. She took a deep breath before answering, “Come in.”
Jocelyn entered the room. Her eyes were as red rimmed as her own. She hated to leave Jocelyn. She hated what she had done to her sister. She only prayed Jocelyn would not suffer the repercussions of her actions. Once she was gone, she prayed the community would forgive and forget.
A fresh bucket of tears welled in Cassie’s eyes. How long would she have to suffer this misery from her actions? Forever…yes, probably, forever.
“Mother says that maybe once things calm down you could return home. Once the dust is settled and the gossips move on to the next on dit. Consider this a temporary visit to see an aged aunt. That is all it is, truly.”
“I only wish…I am so sorry, Jocelyn. I should have thought of you, the scandal, and how it would affect you. I confess I was selfish, only thinking of myself, my own feelings.” Cassie turned away, so ashamed she thought she might retch from the pain. She could not look at Jocelyn’s tear stained cheeks.
“I do not blame you. You are in love, and Mr. Parker is so charming, so convincing. You were betrothed after all. I am glad you did not marry him. How would you have lived? And what about his mother and sisters? They would have suffered, and I know you Cassie, you would have never forgiven yourself for causing their miseries.”
Cassie clenched her teeth. “But what about you? What about father and mother? Look what I have done to the people I love most in the world.”
Jocelyn took Cassie in her arms and let her cry until the tears dried up and her eyes stung. It was done. She could not turn back time.
Jocelyn helped Cassie pack her clothes in a trunk brought down from the attic. She picked up her green silk wedding dress, fingered the soft material, and handed it to her sister. “Burn this.”
“What? But it is so beautiful,” cried Jocelyn.
“I no longer need it, or want it. I suppose you could keep it. Change it up some. Save it for a dance or a ball.”
Her mother knocked at the door, but did not wait for Cassie to call out for her to enter. She had a brilliant smile on her face. The sudden change in mood startled Cassie. Just this morning her mother burst into tears at the breakfast table. She shamed her mother, and she could not think how she would ever forgive herself for it.
“The most unbelievable thing has happened. You are saved Cassie!” Her mother beamed and hugged her to her heavy bosom.
“Whatever are you talking about?” she asked.
“Lord William Prescott just asked for your hand, and your father has given his approval. They are arranging a special license. You will be married in two days.”
Cassie sat on the bed in shock. Lord William offered for her? But why? She was ruined. Her skin tingled and her heart thudded in her ears. Marriage to Lord William?
She closed her eyes and shivered from the memory of his touch. The man disturbed her sleep and interfered with her days. She half blamed him for her predicament. If he only had kept his hands to himself, if he had not kissed her senseless and left her confused, perhaps she could think straight.
Because she ran off with Mr. Parker in a rash moment after her indiscretion with Lord William, her entire life was in shambles. Out of fairness, she could not lay her sins at his door, no, not really, not when she embraced his kisses, dreamed of him, wanted him with every fiber of her being. The madness of her attraction to this man led her astray in her thoughts and actions.
Cassie looked into Jocelyn’s eyes and saw hope. Perhaps she could redeem herself and save Jocelyn from the repercussions. Lord William provided her a way out of this impossible situation, but that would mean marriage, a lifetime bond with a man she barely knew. What other choice did she possibly have? She could continue her journey to Yorkshire and leave their fates in God’s hands, or she could correct her mistakes.
Marriage to Lord William held potential. Their attraction to each other gave her assurance she would not suffer the indignities of the marriage bed with someone who did not appeal to her. At least, he was handsome and kind. Cassie braced herself to face Lord William, and to accept what he offered. This unexpected turn of events changed everything.
“He is waiting for you in the drawing room.” Cassie’s head snapped around and she meet her mother’s eyes. “Go on now. Do what must be done.”
Cassie was reminded of the time when her mother scolded her for playing with her grandmother’s finest china. She brooked no argument. She knew her mother expected her to accept this offer and make things right for everyone, for Jocelyn. She turned and caught Jocelyn’s tentative smile. For Jocelyn, she would do this.
She washed her face again, stiffened her spine, and descended the stairs to face her future.
Chapter Six
William waited in the small, but well appointed drawing room of the vicarage. The soft mixture of blues, pinks, greens, and lavenders made him think of spring time, which turned his thoughts to sunshine, ultimately leading him to Miss Chambers’ golden hair.
He could not wait to make her his. He dreamed of this moment, but never thought it could be a reality. He did not hesitate to come round and offer his suit once his family descended upon him, although he was surprised to learn his affections for Miss Chambers were so obvious.
He worried a bit that she might resist him and refuse his offer, but something inside him knew better. From the moment they met, something lay between them; something they were now free to explore.
His arrival shocked and pleased Cassie’s parents. They thought her ruined, and he could tell they were truly devastated she was forced to go away, but they thought it best to save her and Jocelyn from Society’s disdain.
He wondered what happened on the road to Scotland and back, but he would not press the issue now. It did not matter. The only thing that counted was making Miss Chambers Lady William Prescott. He wanted to show her Rosehill Manor, to let her have her way with the decor, not to mention the man of the house. He smiled at the taste of her lips, and the feel of her breast against his hand. Yes, married life would suit him well.
The door to the drawing room finally opened. Cassie’s face was face drawn, and her eyes were red and puffy from crying. He wanted to go to her, wrap his arms around her, and reassure her everything would be fine. Time would heal all wounds, and once he wooed and seduced her, he felt certain she would put all of this in the past forever. He counted on their physical connection to get them through the first days of their marriage.
His smile reached her. She smiled back, shyly turning her eyes to the floor; a blush blooming on her cheeks. He knew she was embarrassed, but he vowed to wipe the pain away, for her. “Miss Chambers.”
“My lord.”
“Please, come and sit down. I have something I wish to discuss with you.”
She appeared grateful for the opportunity to sit and fairly collapsed on the rose colored sofa. She twisted a handkerchief in her hands, kept her
eyes in her lap, and chewed on her lower lip. He lowered himself beside her on bended knee, and took her hands then forced her to abandon her handkerchief. He lifted her chin with his index finger in order to meet her eyes.
And then he kissed her.
Her lips were sweet, succulent, like a fine wine after dinner. She was the dessert, and he wanted to taste her, all of her. He wanted to kiss and lick every inch of her. He hardened painfully at the thought then broke away to look at her. She was so unbelievably beautiful that his heart swelled.
“We have had this connection since the moment we met. There is something between us, something I believe will grow if we cherish it, feed it, and water it like the rarest rose. I feel as if we have been given this chance, and I for one am willing to risk everything to take it. Marry me Cassandra. Be my wife, the mother of my children. Let me take you home to Rosehill Manor.”
She stared at him as if she could not believe her ears. “Do you not want to know what happened before you make this offer?” Although it killed him to think this Parker fellow may have taken her virginity from her before they were wed, he did not care. He refused to consider it. She would be his. He would seer his image into her mind and on her body, so she never forgot who she belonged to.
“No. What happened happened. You are free to be mine and that is all that matters.”
“This offer is rather generous of you. I am a disgraced woman after all. What about your family? If I marry you will it not bring shame to your parents and siblings?”
He laughed and thought of his siblings, all of his sisters in a line, standing over him, waiting for him to charge out on his white horse and rescue the damsel in distress, and even his brother Stephen participated in the girl’s romantic plot. At least Elizabeth would consider it a plot. No, he did not worry about his family or the possibility of a scandal.
“Except for their nosy interference in all of our affairs you do not need to worry about my family.” William reached up and kissed the end of her pert nose. “They will stand behind us with unwavering support, and Cassie, this too shall pass.”