by Sandra Heath
The maid searched as instructed, but then turned in puzzlement. ‘I – I can’t find it, my lord.’
Louisa lowered her eyes. ‘You’ll find it on the floor at the very back.’
The maid stared at her and then searched again, slowly drawing the squashed, ruined garment out. Seeing the state it was in, she looked askance at Louisa.
Kit took the riding habit and then dismissed the maid. As the door closed behind her, he turned to face his wife. He’d wronged her. In this he’d wronged her very much indeed. ‘Will you tell me what happened?’
‘What point is there? You won’t believe me because you’ve already decided I’m guilty.’
‘My grandfather told me Lawrence attacked you, but that’s all he told me. He said I must learn the rest from your own lips.’
‘And if I tell you, will you then declare that there’s no smoke without fire and I must have encouraged everything?’
He looked away guiltily, for at first that was exactly how he had reacted. Dear God, if only things were different between them, if only jealousy and pride didn’t fill him, and if only she hadn’t given him so much cause to feel both destructive emotions … But she had, except that in this particular instance he’d misjudged her. ‘Just tell me what happened, that’s all I ask.’
‘Very well.’ She told him everything, but couldn’t look at him while she did so. Dull color stained her cheeks and she toyed nervously with the hairbrush Pattie had replaced on the dressing table. Her voice shook, for with each word the assault returned to her; she could feel Geoffrey pressing down on her, taste his lips, and hear the ugly sounds of his lust.
Kit remained very still throughout. His face was very pale, and his eyes bright with anger. There was no doubting she was telling the truth, it was written so clearly on her face. He despised himself for having said what he had earlier. She’d been subjected to a dreadful attack, and he’d accused her of going gladly to meet her attacker. She hadn’t gone to meet Lawrence, he’d waylaid her. But had she met him before, at Lawrence Park? Had she gone gladly enough then? Doubts milled in his head, and with a curse he flung the riding habit across the room. ‘I’ll have his vile heart out for this,’ he breathed, his voice tightly controlled.
She turned toward him. ‘Aren’t you going to accuse me of inviting his attentions?’ she asked coldly.
‘I was wrong to say what I did earlier, and I ask you to forgive me.’
‘Do you ask my forgiveness for ever having doubted me?’
His eyes met hers. ‘For that I’d have to forget the existence of the locket.’
‘Then I don’t forgive you for anything, sir. Things remain as they are between us.’
He nodded slowly. ‘I fear they must,’ he said softly. ‘I also fear that Lawrence must be made to pay for what he did today.’
‘He isn’t worth bothering about, Kit,’ she said quickly, suddenly sensing the level of his anger.
‘I cannot and will not let it pass. I’ll have his sickening life for this.’
‘Please don’t do anything rash, you’ll only regret it.’
‘I won’t regret anything.’
‘You’re not above the law, Kit.’
‘Nor is he. You’re my wife, Louisa, and today he would have raped you, so do you really expect me to stand idly by and do nothing about it? I’m going to make him suffer, both for what he did and for what he would have done.’
‘You’ve made your opinion of me quite clear over the past week or so, Kit, and now I can only believe your reason for wanting to punish Captain Lawrence is that your insufferable male pride has been bruised because he laid hands on me.’
‘Is that what you really think?’
‘Yes,’ she replied without hesitation. ‘What else should I think after all you’ve said and done since the arrival of that cursed locket? You’re not concerned about me right now, you’re concerned about yourself.’
‘It’s your prerogative to think what you like, just as it’s my grandfather’s to request me to cravenly stand down from the race against Rowe, which is what he did this evening. You’re both wrong in your judgment of me, Louisa, as I trust you’ll both know in the end. Good night to you.’ With a curt nod of his head, he turned and walked out.
As his footsteps died away, tears shone on her lashes.
It was dark as Kit rode along the lane toward the Rowe villa. The gates were closed and the lodge was in darkness, but he could see the French windows of the drawing room standing open, the light of the candles within shining palely over the shadowy lawn.
He left his horse in the usual place, climbing the tree and dropping down the other side of the wall. He could hear piano music, and Thea’s sweet voice singing. He made his way across the lawn, pressing back against the wall at the side of the terrace before the drawing room. Moths fluttered in the pool of light from the bright chandeliers within, and Thea’s singing was clearer now.
By turning his head a little, he could see the room reflected in the great gilt-framed mirror on the wall close to the windows. Thea was wearing her damson silk gown, with plumes in her golden hair. Rowe was leaning on the piano, his face cold as he watched her. His black coat was resting around his shoulders, and Kit could see how gingerly he held his arm, wincing now and then as it pained him. His face was sallow, lacking even its usual pale color, and it was quite obvious that he’d suffer the legacy of Tom Cherington’s lucky shot for some time to come.
Geoffrey was standing by a console table. He wasn’t wearing his uniform, it needed drastic cleaning after the dowsing he’d received on the marsh, and he looked a lot less impressive in a plain dark-blue coat and beige trousers. There was a large glass of cognac in his hand, and as Kit watched, he drained it, turning immediately to replenish the glass with another generous measure. He didn’t look at all relaxed; in fact, he looked very ill at ease, suddenly putting the glass down and taking a letter from his pocket. It wasn’t a long letter, and its contents evidently upset him a great deal, for he closed his eyes for a moment before folding it and putting it away again. Then he drained the second glass.
Thea’s singing came to an end and she smiled sweetly at her husband. ‘It’s so pleasant to be here with you like this,’ she said untruthfully.
He wasn’t at all impressed. ‘Indeed? You do surprise me,’ he murmured acidly, straightening and turning to Geoffrey. ‘What in God’s name is that damned letter you’ve been looking at all this evening?’
‘It’s from my father.’
‘Do all his communications have this effect on you? You’ve been as sick as a dog ever since it arrived, sicker than you already were after the latest fiasco with the governess.’
‘You read it and see if you still think it’s amusing,’ snapped Geoffrey, thrusting it into his hand and then pouring himself yet another liberal glass of cognac.
Rowe glanced at him. ‘You’re very generous with my brandy,’ he observed coolly, managing with some difficulty to unfold the letter because of his wounded arm. He began to read aloud. ‘ “Sir, This is …” ’ He broke off in surprise. ‘Sir? A little formal for a father to his son, don’t you think?’
‘Just read it.’
‘Very well.
Sir,
This is to acquaint you with the fact that your heinous disloyalty is now known to me in full, as is the infidelity of the woman who has been my wife but who is soon to be divorced from me forever. If you thought by spite only to strike at her, you were mistaken, for your actions have redounded upon yourself as well. You’re no longer my son, sir, you are disowned, and should you attempt to set foot on my land again, you will be thrown off. Emma is my sole heir now and will inherit my entire fortune. You will have nothing.
Ashley Lawrence, Baronet.
Rowe handed the letter back. ‘Dear me, you have made a mess of things, haven’t you? Tell me, are you capable of doing anything properly?’
Geoffrey colored. ‘Damn you,’ he breathed, reaching for the decanter again.
/> Rowe stopped him. ‘I think you’ve had enough. Why don’t you toddle outside for a little fresh air?’
For a moment Kit thought Geoffrey would balk at being denied the cognac, but then with a muttered curse he put his glass down and came toward the open windows. Kit pressed farther back out of sight as he came out onto the lawn. Thea began to play again, her trilling voice drifting out into the darkness.
Geoffrey stood on the edge of the light from the house, reaching into his coat for a cigar and his lucifers. He didn’t see Kit, he didn’t know anything until a hand suddenly came from behind, clamping roughly over his mouth and almost ramming his unlit cigar down his throat. With a muffled cry, he struggled violently as he was dragged toward a shrubbery and pushed out of sight of the house. He whirled about immediately, swinging his fist at Kit’s chin and almost connecting. Kit jerked back just in time and kicked the other’s feet from under him, so that he fell heavily to the ground. Instinct made Geoffrey dangerous; he grabbed a handful of earth and tossed it fully into Kit’s face, blinding him for a moment. With an oath, Kit struck out, catching him squarely on the chin.
Geoffrey’s eyes became glazed and he went limp. Seeing him lying there, Kit almost forgot himself, reaching out to seize him by the throat and shake him furiously for all he’d done to Louisa.
Geoffrey moaned, recovering sufficiently to try to pull the choking hands away, but Kit was remorseless, his rage and contempt so great that his only thought was to continue until the other was no more. But then Louisa’s words returned to him. ‘He isn’t worth bothering about, Kit … Please don’t do anything rash, you’ll only regret it.…’ She was right. Slowly he relaxed his hold and for the second time that day Geoffrey gulped great breaths of air he’d thought never to breathe again.
Kit stood over him. ‘I want you off this island on tomorrow morning’s packet, and if I hear a single whisper connecting your name with my wife’s, I swear I’ll finish off what I started today. Do you understand me?’
Geoffrey stared mutely at him.
Bending, Kit seized his lapel and shook him like a rat. ‘Do you understand me?’ he repeated.
‘Yes,’ rasped Geoffrey, terrified. ‘Yes, I understand!’
‘You’d better mean it, my friend,’ said Kit with soft menace, ‘because if you don’t, you’ll be very, very sorry.’ He flung him disdainfully away, looking toward the house where Thea sang on, not knowing that her lover was so close. Then he slowly melted away into the shadows, leaving Geoffrey lying there.
It was a minute or so before Geoffrey crept out of the shrubbery and stumbled back to the house. He stood swaying weakly in the candlelight and Thea’s singing halted on a scream.
By the time, a furious Rowe had gathered some servants to search for the intruder, Kit had long since gone.
30
The following morning, carefully following the earl’s instructions, Louisa breakfasted alone in her room and then dressed to go to Cowes. Kit still knew nothing of the intrigue going on behind his back. His grandfather hadn’t said anything to him, and he certainly didn’t know anything from Louisa, for he’d ignored her existence completely since returning to Highclare after his confrontation with Geoffrey.
She waited by the bedroom window, toying nervously with the drawstring of her little pink reticule. Her white muslin gown was scattered with pale-pink spots, and over it she wore a rose velvet spencer that was left unbuttoned to show off the intricate ruching decorating the gown’s high-waisted bodice. Her gypsy hat was tied on with wide white ribbons, and Pattie had once again dressed her hair so that a long curl tumbled down over her left shoulder.
Outside the sun was shining from a clear sky, and there was a light breeze stirring through the trees in the park. On the Solent there were a number of private yachts, their sails billowing as they sped over the blue water. It was perfect weather for sailing. She stared unhappily out. Fate hadn’t answered her silent prayers; there was no gale to force a postponement of the race, and soon Kit and the Spindrift would be sailing out to whatever vile revenge Rowe had planned. Her heart tightened. Please let him come safely through it. Please.
A carriage drove from the stables, its gray-lacquered panels gleaming in the bright morning light. The team of perfectly groomed strawberry roans tossed their fine heads, their harness jingling as they came to a standstill below the terrace. She drew a long breath. It was time for her to go down to the breakfast room, where Kit would be faced for the first time with his wife’s intention to accompany him.
He was seated at the breakfast table with his back toward the door as she entered. The earl rose immediately, coming around the table toward her. He wore a pea-green coat and beige breeches, with shining top boots, and his hair was tied back with a dark-green velvet ribbon. He smiled, giving her a secret wink to signify that Kit wouldn’t be able to do anything about her presence. ‘Ah, there you are at last, my dear.’
Kit got up the moment he realized she was there, and his expression was far from pleased. A chasm yawned between them this morning after all that had been said so coldly the night before. She’d said she couldn’t forgive him, and he knew he couldn’t forgive her.
The earl kissed her. ‘I understand you’ve already breakfasted, my dear, so we can leave immediately, but first I must have a brief word with Newton. I’ll see you both in the carriage.’ He squeezed her hand encouragingly and then hurried out.
Kit faced her. ‘I imagine that you and my grandfather think yourselves very clever for manipulating the situation like this. Well, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I really do not care if you come to Cowes now or not; it’s of no consequence to me where you are or what you do. Well, that’s not quite so, for it matters to me that you conduct yourself with dignity in society. Do I have your word?’ He put his hand up immediately to stop her from replying. ‘Perhaps you’d find it easier to comply if I reminded you that any misconduct today will take place in front of my grandfather, and I doubt if you’ll wish to embarrass him.’
‘You’re quite right, sir, I have no wish at all to cause the earl any disquiet.’ Oh, how she hated being like this. She hesitated, suddenly looking earnestly at him. ‘Kit.… ’
‘Spare your breath, you said enough yesterday.’
‘And so did you.’ She held his gaze. ‘No matter what we may think of each other, it makes no difference to the fact that this race today is the height of madness. Rowe isn’t worth it, so don’t give him the ultimate satisfaction of putting an end to you. Please, Kit.’ Without warning she found herself on the verge of confessing her love, and with a huge effort she bit the words back. What point was there in telling him, he didn’t love her and never would.
‘I have no intention whatsoever of standing down from the race, Louisa. Now, then, shall we go?’ He offered her his arm.
Slowly she slipped her hand over his sleeve, and they left to cross the entrance hall and emerge into the morning sun. The breeze played with the brim of her gypsy hat, and her muslin gown fluttered prettily around her ankles as they reached the carriage and he assisted her inside, where the earl was already waiting. When Kit had taken his seat and closed the door, the vehicle drew away.
Very little was said as they drove through the park and then emerged through the gates into the road. She sat with her hands clasped in her lap, very aware of Kit as he sat opposite, his leg brushing the folds of her skirt. He wore a navy-blue coat and buckskin breeches, and his boots were the tall ones he used for sailing. His top hat was tilted back on his fair hair, and he rested one elbow on the windowsill, a gloved hand before his mouth as if to conceal the expression on his lips. As she looked at him, he glanced down for a moment, just as if he were lowering his guard; it made him seem suddenly very vulnerable. She wanted to reach out to him, but knew he didn’t want her comfort. He didn’t want anything from her.
He felt her eyes upon him and met her gaze. She was so near, and yet so very far.
It seemed they reached Cowes all too quickly, the carr
iage rattling down through the narrow cobbled streets toward the quay, where everyone had gathered in readiness.
Not having been present the day before, Louisa and the earl were taken aback by the excited crush, and they looked out in astonishment as the carriage made its slow way along the cobbled quay to where the Spindrift was moored forward of the Cyclops. The breeze had begun to stiffen, rocking the yachts and flapping their rigging audibly against their masts. Farther along the quay the Mermaid Inn was doing brisk trade, and the usual sound of music was drowned by the clamor of a flock of sea gulls around a fishing boat that had just come in. The birds’ cries echoed along the crowded quay as the Highclare carriage came to a standstill alongside the Spindrift.
The earl alighted first, and his appearance caused an immediate stir, for he hadn’t been seen outside Highclare for years.
Kit was about to alight as well when Louisa put her hand on his arm. ‘Kit.…’
‘Yes?’ His blue eyes swung toward her, veiled and offering no encouragement.
‘Please don’t go through with this race.’
‘I’ve already said all I’m going to say on the matter.
‘Is your pride worth your life?’
He shook his arm free and stepped down, more disturbed than he liked by her last words, for hadn’t he said virtually the same thing to her brother before the duel? Taking a deep breath, he turned to look at her again, holding out his hand.
Her fingers trembled as she alighted, and she was conscious of the surge of interest as everyone craned their necks to see the noteworthy new Lady Highclare.
The earl was very aware that there would have been a great deal of speculation about his reaction to such an unexpected bride, and so he seized the opportunity to convey his attitude to them all. He drew her away from Kit, smiling at her and dancing very deliberate attendance as he introduced her to person after person.