“Heath, I think we should go to the dance,” Abbey said, trying to hide her apprehension. He’d let go of her hand, so she took a few steps backwards.
“Sit down and have something to eat,” Heath said insistently. “I had the cook prepare something very special.”
“I’ve already eaten, Heath,” Abbey said, but he ignored her comment and took her hand again, pulling her towards the table. Abbey thought she had better go along with him for a few moments, so she sat down. Heath poured her a glass of wine, which she ignored.
“I appreciate the trouble you’ve gone to, Heath,” Abbey said firmly, but gently. “But”
“Would you like to dance? The food will stay hot for a bit longer.”
“No, Heath. I was going to say that I’d like to go to the dance in Manoora.”
“We’ll eat first, then,” Heath suggested. He had no intention of going anywhere, and neither would he let Abbey.
Abbey thought he seemed in a strange mood. “I’m really not hungry, Heath.”
“Please, try and enjoy all I’ve done for you, Abbey,” he said.
She sensed he was restraining his anger, but she had to speak her mind. “I don’t understand what this is all about, Heath. You promised we would only be friends and yet”
“I know, and I’ve tried, but it’s impossible, Abbey. I think I’ve fallen in love with you.” He gazed at her longingly.
Abbey gasped. Immediately she thought of the baby. “Heath, don’t say things like that,” she said, alarmed.
“Why not? It’s the truth, so it needs to be said. We could have a wonderful life together, Abbey.”
Abbey had to look away so that he wouldn’t see how panicked she felt.
“All of this could be yours,” Heath added. He was sure the idea of being lady of the manor would appeal to her and was grateful that she didn’t know the truth.
“That can never be …” Abbey whispered emotionally.
“Yes, it can, Abbey. Why do you keep saying that? I love you, and I know you could love me if you just relaxed and gave in to your feelings.”
“No,” Abbey said, looking away again. “I can’t fall in love with you.”
“Is it Jack?” Heath asked angrily. “Do you love him?” He’d never let Jack destroy his plans.
“This has nothing to do with Jack, Heath,” Abbey felt suddenly weary. All of this stress was taking an emotional toll. She just wanted to get away from it all. She stood up and walked towards the railing, looking out into the dark night. The distant hills were just smooth shapes barely visible in the pale moonlight. Overhead, in the dark night sky, millions of stars twinkled down on her.
Heath dismissed the violinist with a snap of his fingers and walked towards Abbey.
“Are you going to let what my father did come between us, Abbey?” he asked in a frightening tone. This wasn’t going as smoothly as he had planned, and he was becoming frustrated.
“It is between us,” Abbey said, as she thought of the baby. “And it will never go away.”
“Yes, it will, if you give it a chance.”
Abbey turned to look at him. “I can’t, Heath. You must accept that.”
“I won’t ever accept it. As far as I’m concerned, I’ve found the woman I want to marry. It doesn’t matter to me that you married my father first. That was only one night, and he died. I don’t consider the marriage legitimate.”
Abbey’s head dropped. She was angry that Heath would dismiss the truth as if it were inconsequential. “You should know the truth, Heath. Your father raped me. While I lay unconscious from a drug he gave me, he raped me.”
Heath looked momentarily shocked. “How can you be sure he did that?” he asked. He flicked a glance over her that made her shudder in revulsion.
“I know he did. You’ll have to take me at my word.”
Heath saw his plans fading. He couldn’t have that. “I can … we can put it behind us,” he stammered.
Abbey knew he’d been going to imply, tactfully, that he could overlook the fact that she was no longer chaste. Somehow, she sensed it wasn’t out of love. “I can’t put it behind me. I never will,” she said angrily. She turned away again.
“But you must, Abbey. I know it was a terrible ordeal, but”
“You’ve no idea,” she said emotionally. All of her hurt and pain were rising inside her, ready to erupt.
“But you can’t let it stand in the way of your future happiness. And I could make you happy, Abbey. Please let me try.”
Abbey shook her head. “You can’t undo what your father did, Heath. No one can.”
“Let me prove I can,” Heath said, becoming desperate.
Abbey’s anger flared dramatically. How dare Heath think he could fix her problem so easily? He had to face the harsh reality that was her life. “I am carrying your father’s child,” she blurted out. In an instant she regretted the words, but it was too late. “The baby is your half-brother. How can you fix that?” she asked angrily.
Heath gasped and stepped back as if she’d struck him. If what she said was true, that meant there was another heir to the estate. “No,” he yelled. “You can’t be!”
“I am,” Abbey said, her face going red. She had expected him to be shocked, but Heath seemed truly horrified.
Heath turned and stumbled towards the table. He grabbed the bottle of wine and took several gulps. An instant later, using his other hand, he lashed out at the table, knocking everything off it. Plates, glasses, and bowls of food went flying. The glasses and plates smashed, and gravy from a bowl splattered in her direction, splashing her new dress.
Abbey began to tremble. She didn’t understand his violent reaction, but she sensed that she was in real danger. She went to dash for the door, but Heath blocked her way. The look on his face was terrifying.
***
Jack was livid with Heath. As a result, Tom and Clementine endured a hair-raising journey to Manoora. In the back of the buggy, Clementine hung on for dear life, often asking Jack to slow down, but he gave no indication he heard her.
Once they arrived at the dance hall in Manoora, Jack looked for Heath’s carriage, but it was nowhere to be seen. When they went into the hall full of people, he searched frantically for Abbey. Tom and Clementine had no choice but to follow him around.
“I can’t see Abbey,” Jack said worriedly, once he’d circled the hall.
“Relax, Jack,” Clementine said. “She’ll be here somewhere.”
“How can I relax, when Heath’s driver all but kidnapped her?”
“That’s a bit melodramatic, isn’t it?” Clementine said, trying to hide her anger.
“I don’t think so,” Jack said. “I’m going to have a look around outside.” He headed for the door.
Clementine turned to Tom. “Do you think your brother is unduly concerned, or is it just me?” she asked sarcastically.
“He does seem to be more concerned than he should be,” Tom said. He saw no reason to believe that Abbey was in any danger. “Would you like a drink? I need one after the trip we’ve just had.”
“Yes, something strong, please,” Clementine said. They headed for the refreshments.
Outside, Jack checked all the carriages again to see if he had missed Heath’s coach. Some of the drivers were still with their carriages, so he asked if any of them had seen Alfie Holbrook. Most of them shook their heads, and he despaired.
“I think I passed him on the road near Mintaro,” one man said. “He was driving that big fancy carriage of Ebenezer Mason’s.”
“Yes, that’s it,” Jack said hopefully. “Do you think he was on his way here?”
“I think he turned off the road just outside Mintaro and headed in the direction of the Hall, but I can’t be sure.”
Jack was furious. He now doubted that Abbey would ever arrive at the dance hall. Ob
viously, Alfie was following Heath’s instructions and had taken Abbey to Martindale Hall. He thought about what Heath’s father had done to her and started to panic.
Back inside, Jack found Clementine and Tom at a table with their drinks. A band was playing and lots of people were dancing. “I’m going to Martindale Hall,” he said loudly enough to be heard over the music.
“Why?” Clementine asked in disbelief.
“I believe Heath may have told Alfie Holbrook to take Abbey there,” Jack said.
“What makes you think that?” Tom asked.
“Someone outside passed Heath’s coach on the Mintaro road, but they think he turned off, so he could have been going to the Hall. If Alfie had been going to pick Heath up, they’d have been here by now.”
“I don’t know what you’re worried about, Jack,” Clementine said. “Can’t we just have a good time while we’re here?”
“I have to go to the Hall.” Jack headed for the door.
Clementine became angry and followed him. She caught up with him outside.
“Jack, wait,” she called.
Jack turned around. “I’ll come back for you and Tom if I find Abbey,” he said.
“What’s wrong with you, Jack?” Clementine snapped. “Abbey is a grown woman. If she wants to be courted by Heath, it’s none of your business.”
“Courted! She can’t be courted by him after what his father did to her,” Jack said without thinking. He regretted his words, but when Clementine didn’t look surprised, he realised he wasn’t telling her something that she didn’t already know.
“Abbey is old enough to decide who should court her,” Clementine stated between clenched teeth. She was beginning to really lose patience with Jack.
“I know she’s old enough,” Jack said in the most dismissive tone he’d ever used with her.
“Then forget about her. You invited me to this dance, so dance with me,” Clementine shrieked.
“I can’t. Abbey may be in danger.”
“What danger? Heath is a handsome man. Any woman here would love to spend time alone with him. Come inside with me, now.”
“No,” Jack snapped, angry that Clementine would defend Heath.
“For goodness’s sake, Jack! Are you in love with Abbey?”
Jack flinched, and his anger with Clementine flared. “Are you so jealous of Abbey that you’d leave a paddock gate open and then lie about it?” he countered. It had been galling him that Clementine would do something so terrible and blame Abbey.
Clementine’s fury exploded. “Why would I be jealous of someone who is carrying Ebenezer Mason’s child?” she hissed.
“What?” Jack went white.
“That’s right. She’s carrying his child,” Clementine said, enjoying his distress.
“You’re lying again,” Jack accused her. He was sure that Abbey would have told him if she were with child, or at least told his mother if she felt uncomfortable confiding something so personal to him.
Clementine was hurt that he’d attack her and not Abbey, as she had expected him to. “No, I’m not,” she said furiously. “I went to the doctor with Abbey in town, so I know it’s true.”
Suddenly Abbey’s withdrawn behaviour made sense to Jack.
“Forget about her, Jack. She will only bring shame to you and your mother,” Clementine said, hoping he’d finally see sense now that he knew the truth.
“Obviously, Abbey told you what Ebenezer Mason did to her,” Jack said. That was the only way Clementine could have found out.
“Yes,” Clementine said. “It was unfortunate, but then again, perhaps she shouldn’t have gone to his house alone.”
Jack was shocked by Clementine’s coldness and lack of empathy. He couldn’t believe he hadn’t discovered these character traits before. “She went there to discuss compensation for the loss of her father, who was killed in his mine. She had no idea what he had planned. What happened to Abbey wasn’t her fault, Clementine.”
“It’s not your problem, is it?”
“She’s my employee, and I’ll help her all I can, and I’m sure my mother feels the same. She’s become very fond of Abbey.”
Clementine was shocked that he would decide to help Abbey, rather than turn his back on her, as Clementine had expected. Obviously, they didn’t know each other at all. “She’s not going to give either of you the chance to help her, Jack. She’s leaving town tomorrow.” She felt no guilt for revealing Abbey’s secret.
“What?”
“That’s what she wants to do,” Clementine said with some satisfaction. “And I think it’s for the best. You and I have been planning a life together, Jack, and I think we should start living it and forget about Abigail Scottsdale.”
“We won’t be having a life together, Clementine,” Jack said wearily. He’d been awake half the night thinking about it.
Clementine visibly flinched. “What do you mean? We’ve discussed a future together many times.”
“Yes, we have, but in my heart, I know we’re not meant to be together. These last few days have opened my eyes to the truth.” Despite the fact that she’d lied to him, he wanted to soften the impact of his decision. “You are not suited to life in the country, Clementine, and you must know that.”
Suddenly Clementine slapped Jack’s face, hard.
For a moment they glared at each other.
Clementine’s lips were trembling with rage. “How dare you treat me like something you can discard after growing tired of it!” she hissed.
Jack saw her for exactly what she was. “I didn’t tire of you. I just realised how selfish you are and that you have no compassion for others. You also lied to me just to hurt Abbey, and I find that truly unforgivable, Clementine. Frankly, I deserve better.” He walked away.
CHAPTER 28
“This can’t be happening,” Heath yelled, holding his head with his hands in tortured anguish.
Abbey was frozen with fear and could only stare at him. “I want to leave,” she managed to gasp through a sob. She would have run, but Heath was standing between her and her only means of escape.
“My father has ruined my life,” Heath yelled angrily.
Abbey was stunned. “It’s my life he’s ruined, not yours,” she said, her own anger rising again. “I’m the one carrying his child, and I’m the one soon to be homeless.” She could hardly believe Heath was saying something so foolish from a position of such immense wealth.
“Homeless?!” Heath laughed almost hysterically for a few seconds and then glared at her. “You’ve got everything,” he said furiously. “And all because of a stupid piece of paper and some ridiculous wording.”
Abbey didn’t understand. “What are you talking about, Heath? What have I got, and what piece of paper and wording?”
“I can’t let you do it. I can’t let you have what should be mine,” Heath shouted, his eyes wide and his face flushed. “I can’t let you or that baby,” he said, pointing accusingly at her abdomen, “claim my inheritance.”
Abbey was sure Heath was confused. But for whatever reason, he saw the baby as a threat to his inheritance and her fear of him increased ten-fold. If he wanted to harm the baby, that meant harming her. “I don’t want what’s rightfully yours, Heath. I had planned to go away tomorrow, and I will.” Her hand went unconsciously to her stomach. Although she’d detested Ebenezer Mason, this innocent baby was part of her, and she would protect it.
“You say that now,” he spat derisively. “But that’s not true. If you knew all this was yours,” he waved his arms around in the air, “and it had been left to you in my father’s will, you wouldn’t just give it up. So, don’t lie to me.”
“Your father and I were married for just a few hours. How could you possibly believe he’d leave me his estate?”
“He didn’t leave it to you specifically, but it’s yo
urs just the same. How’s that for irony?”
“You are not making sense, Heath.” She wanted to call him delusional, but she didn’t want to anger him further.
“Then let me clarify. Thanks to my father’s second wife, Meredith Barton, who convinced him to change his will when she married him, his estate was to be left to his wife,” Heath agonised. “The will is still valid, and the wife is now you!”
Abbey was shocked, but she was sure Heath must be mistaken. “That can’t be right,” she said.
“Oh, but it is. My father’s solicitor, Edward Martin, told me.”
Abbey couldn’t believe it. Was Heath telling her that Martindale Hall and the acres of farmland and stock were hers? And the Burra Monster Mine? Surely not!
Heath was watching her face as she digested this news. He saw the wonder she felt at being such a rich woman, and he became even angrier. “I stopped Meredith from getting my inheritance, and I’ll stop you and that baby, too.” His expression softened just a little before hardening again. “I’m sorry it has to be this way, Abbey. I would have married you. We could have had a reasonable life together.”
Sorry! Abbey suddenly realised that the glint in Heath’s eyes was murderous, and her heart began to thump madly. She wanted to ask what he meant when he said he’d stopped his father’s previous wife from getting his inheritance, but she was too afraid. “I don’t want what’s yours, Heath. I swear. Please let me go. I’ll sign any documents you want me to, and I promise you’ll never see me again. Just don’t do anything rash.”
Heath shook his head. “I can’t take that chance, Abbey.”
Abbey backed away from Heath, but he took several steps towards her, stalking her like prey.
“You aren’t thinking of harming me, are you, Heath?” Abbey asked in a breathless voice. She was so terrified that she felt faint. Desperate to put distance between herself and Heath, Abbey took several more steps backwards.
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