Best of Both Rogues

by Samantha Grace

  “Let me close up shop, then we will retire above stairs. Robert will join us as soon as he returns from the mill.” Charlotte’s mother moved to the window to place the closed sign, then locked the door. “Follow me, please.”

  The Tanneys’ living quarters were above the bakery, and the smell of cinnamon and ginger hung on the stuffy air. The scent reminded him of Charlotte and made him smile.

  “Please, have a seat at the table.” Mrs. Tanney bustled to a window in the kitchen and threw up the sash, then snagged a plate of sweets on her way to the table. “Ginger biscuits can never repay your kindness, sir, but they are still warm. Would you care to have one?”

  “Thank you.” Ben allowed Eve to choose one first before helping himself. The biscuit melted in his mouth, the bite of ginger sharp and yet pleasant. “Mr. Tanney owes me nothing. All rents owed were cleared when I purchased the property. However, I am tempted to accept future rent payments in biscuits.”

  “You would hear no complaints from me,” Eve said, then took another nibble from her biscuit.

  As soon as the agreement with Wellham was signed and the deed was transferred to Ben, he’d sent his man of business to Eton to notify the tenants of the change in ownership. Two other businesses occupied the building besides the bakery, and Mr. Yearwood, the hatter next door, had fallen behind on his rent by a quarter as well. The Earl of Wellham had raised rents at the beginning of the year in an attempt to clear his own debts and, in doing so, created a hardship on the tradesmen. While in Eton, Mr. Davis had been under orders to research the average cost of rent on High Street. All slates were wiped clean and now the tenants’ payments were on a par with their neighbors’.

  The door to the living quarters flew open and banged against the wall, causing the women to startle. Robert Tanney stood in the threshold with two uneven red splotches covering his face. “Pardon me. The breeze caught the door.”

  Mrs. Tanney smiled at her son and waved him to the table. “Come. Allow me to make introductions.” Charlotte’s mother played the perfect hostess while Robert Tanney stood with his hat in his hands and rocked from foot to foot. “Sit down, Robert,” his mother scolded.

  He hung his hat on a peg by the door and hurried to do his mother’s bidding, choosing the seat across from Ben. He sat with his eyes downcast, which was far from the scornful man Ben had expected to meet today. Robert Tanney was nothing like his father. “Mother and I are honored to receive you and Mrs. Hillary, and we are deeply humbled by your generosity.”

  When Tanney glanced up, Ben saw determination burning in his eyes.

  “I swear I will repay everything owed, sir. The bakery’s business has improved since the start of the half at the college, and if I add a little more to my payment each month, I should be able to clear our debt in a year.”

  Ben leaned back in the chair with a slight frown. “You owe no debts, Mr. Tanney. As long as you make your rent next quarter, you are in the clear. In truth, I am not here to discuss the bakery.” A lump rose in his throat, but he forced his words around it. “I wish to speak about Charlotte. I never had a chance to apologize for what happened that day or make amends to your family.”

  Tanney and his mother wore matching looks of bewilderment. “Make amends? Whatever for?” Tanney asked. “My sister’s death was an accident.”

  Eve eased closer to Ben’s side, lending him strength.

  Ben cleared his throat and started to explain. “I was with her before the accident. She was troubled, and we had words. If I hadn’t upset her, she would not have run away or been too distraught to notice the coach coming around the bend.”

  Charlotte’s mother pursed her lips. “Mr. Hillary, I do hope you haven’t been carrying this burden all this time. We do not hold you responsible.”

  “Mother is right. The coach was traveling too fast around the bend, and for such a narrow lane. It is no wonder poor Charlotte was struck. May she rest in peace.”

  Ben didn’t know what to say. The coachman hadn’t driven the team of four with recklessness, as Charlotte’s brother suggested. Perhaps her mother and brother were altering their memories of the past simply to placate him. He now held their lease, and therefore held some sway over them.

  Eve spoke up on his behalf. “Please forgive my interruption, but I understood that Mr. Tanney senior blamed my husband for Charlotte’s death.”

  “It is easier to point the finger elsewhere than face the truth,” Robert Tanney said, then addressed Ben. “The moment Father noticed a spark of interest between you and Charlotte, he began asking around about you. He reasoned because your grandfather was a tradesman, you would be more amenable to marrying a baker’s daughter. You seemed to be the answer to his financial troubles, so he encouraged a flirtation. He was rather insistent about it.”

  Mrs. Tanney shot her son a chiding stare and swept an imploring hand toward Ben. “Please do not think Charlotte played you false, Mr. Hillary. She cared a great deal for you, but she was also vulnerable to suggestion. She was still a girl and infatuated with a handsome young man. I was not surprised she preferred to listen to her father’s false hopes than reason, but anyone with any sense knew your gentleman father would not allow a match with a tradesman’s daughter with no dowry.”

  Ben reached out to pat her hand in reassurance. “I never doubted Charlotte’s sincerity, and while I appreciate your generosity, I do not deserve to be regarded as blameless. Charlotte was upset with me. I should have taken better care with her feelings.”

  Mrs. Tanney planted her palms against the table and slowly pushed to her feet with a soft grunt. “The kettle is likely ready.” She moved to the hearth, turning her back to them.

  “You were not responsible for her state of distress,” Robert Tanney said. “She was already high on the ropes when she sought you out.”

  “May I ask what was troubling her?” Eve spoke softly, as if concerned she might be overstepping her bounds, but Ben appreciated her involvement and slipped his arm to the back of her chair in a show of inclusion.

  Charlotte’s mother returned with a tray bearing a simple white teapot and chipped teacups. “My husband had a difficult time accepting that a match between you and Charlotte was not made in the stars. When he heard news of your return to school, he sent Charlotte straightaway to find you.”

  “But not before he fed her worries and filled her head with nonsense,” Robert Tanney spat, ignoring his mother’s chiding glance. “She left on a mission to bring you up to scratch. Father warned that he would not accept no for an answer and neither should she. It was her duty to catch a wealthy husband. I hold him responsible for her death, Mr. Hillary. My father killed her.”

  Tanney’s dark glower and venom left Ben taken aback. Eve sat stiffly at his side, and he gently touched her shoulder for reassurance. Tanney’s fury was not directed at either of them, but it was palpable and uncomfortable all the same.

  Mrs. Tanney poured a cup of tea and slid the saucer and cup to Eve. “Would you like another biscuit, madam?”

  “No, thank you,” she murmured and sipped her tea, studying Tanney over the rim.

  Charlotte’s mother tried to pass Ben a cup as well, but he declined. Changing the topic to Eton’s cricket matches—something slightly less volatile, although Tanney had strong opinions on this as well—allowed Eve to finish her tea in relative comfort.

  “We should find the inn,” Ben said after the requisite time had passed to leave without appearing rude. “Our trunks have already been delivered, and I imagine my wife is ready to rest after our journey.”

  Eve took his cue and thanked their host and hostess for their hospitality. Charlotte’s mother and brother responded graciously and insisted on seeing them safely back to the walkway outside the bakery.

  At the front door, Mrs. Tanney stopped Ben with a light touch to his elbow. “Mr. Hillary, if I may be so bold… You have never required our forg
iveness, but I suspect you need to forgive yourself. Our Charlotte was just a girl and you were only a boy. Perhaps you could show that young boy a bit of compassion. It does not seem right to make him pay such a steep price for wanting to honor his father’s wishes.”

  Ben’s eyes widened. He had never considered that he had been punishing a mere boy all this time. Inclining his head in thanks, he ushered Eve from the bakery and headed in the direction of their lodgings.

  That evening he shared a quiet meal with his wife before they retired to bed early. As they cuddled under the covers, he reflected on the afternoon and Mrs. Tanney’s suggestion that he forgive his younger self.

  “I think I should return to the place where Charlotte died. It may sound morbid, but…” He didn’t know how to finish his thought.

  Eve placed a tender kiss on his cheek. “I think it sounds like the right thing to do, my love.”

  * * *

  The next morning Eve held her husband’s hand as they strolled along a narrow country lane. Green meadows, sprinkled with yellow and white wildflowers, rose gently over hills and sloped down the other sides. Azure skies with nary a cloud were perfect for a day of frolicking and laughter, but she and Ben moved in somber silence.

  His fingers tightened around hers as they neared a bend in the dusty lane. They must be approaching the site of the accident. Eve closed her eyes and said a silent prayer for Ben. She supported his need to revisit the location, but couldn’t help fretting over how it might affect him.

  He slowed his step until eventually he stopped before rounding the curve. She stood still, holding her breath. Releasing her hand, he hugged her to his side, and when she looked up to determine if he wanted to turn back, he smiled ruefully. “Many wives wouldn’t humor their husbands like this.”

  “If that is true, they are a sorry lot. Furthermore, I am not humoring you. I am standing by your side, and there is no place else I would rather be.”

  Tiny crinkles appeared at the corners of his eyes when he smiled. “That was my poor attempt at saying thank you for being at my side.” Leaning down, he placed a soft kiss on her lips, lingering and sharing one slow and steady breath. When he straightened, his blue eyes reflected strength and determination. “I am ready.”

  Eve’s stomach churned as she accepted his arm. When Ben suffered, so did she. Yet she wouldn’t shy away from being his lifeline if he needed one. As they walked around the curve, her breath left her in a relieved whoosh. She didn’t know what she had expected to see, but there was nothing but more meadow and a row of wizened oaks standing haphazardly along one side of the lane.

  Ben silently surveyed the area, while she couldn’t shift her gaze from him. She watched for any hints of distress with such vigilance, her own hands began to tremble. Her husband looked toward the field, then back at the road several times before nodding. “It looks nothing like my nightmares anymore.”

  “Oh?” Her whisper was nearly lost on the breeze.

  “It is beautiful and peaceful. The trees are large enough to cast shade, and I can hear the birds.”

  She wondered what he heard in his nightmares, but she refrained from asking. All that mattered was he didn’t hear it now.

  “Charlotte loved wildflowers,” he said.

  “Should we gather some to place on her grave?”

  “No, I do not believe she is there.” Ben guided them toward a massive tree before looking up at the green canopy. “All around, I see Charlotte’s spirit. In the sway of the branches. The butterflies flitting about the field. Even the scent of sunbaked earth reminds me of her.” His mouth curved up gently as he turned to Eve. “This is a better way to remember her, to honor her life.”

  “Oh, Ben.” Tears clouded Eve’s vision. Perhaps her husband could find peace at last. She retrieved a handkerchief from her reticule and dabbed at her eyes.

  “I am grateful you encouraged me to return,” he said. “You were right about my need to say good-bye, but now it is time to look toward our future.” He gathered her to his chest and rubbed his hands slowly up and down her back as she rested her head on his shoulder. “I love you, Evie, and I am enthusiastic about loving you for the rest of our lives.”

  “Likewise, Mr. Hillary.” Eve slid her arms around his neck and flashed a playful smile. “Likewise.” And then she pulled him toward her for a kiss that demonstrated just how enthusiastically she intended to love him forever.

  Epilogue

  Eve gripped the ship’s railing, her gloves protecting her hands from the rough wood. “Is that land? Dear Lord, are we nearing Lisbon at last?” Relief diminished the wave of nausea that had almost overpowered her moments earlier, driving her husband to usher her onto the quarterdeck for fresh air before she tossed up her accounts yet again.

  “We have reached Portugal,” Ben confirmed and slipped his arms around her from behind, supporting her against his chest and keeping her from dissolving into a quivering puddle on the deck. “Soon we will sleep in a real bed and enjoy a decent meal.”

  She groaned at the mention of food.

  “My apologies, love.” He chuckled under his breath. “I only now realize my words could have been better timed.”

  “I will likely feel different later this evening, but at the moment…” Closing her eyes, she melted against him as the men went about their duties on the main deck. She had been beyond pleased to learn Ben had kept his promise to provide work for the young men who had grown too old to remain at the foundling hospital. Two of the young men were members of the Eve Lorraine’s crew.

  “I am looking forward to our stay in the villa,” she said. She hated to admit it, but she was not the hardy traveler she had hoped she would be. Seasickness had been troubling her every morning since they had sailed from London, and a month on land sounded heavenly. With the way she felt at the moment, Ben might have a hard time convincing her to step foot on the ship again to continue their journey.

  Of course, that would mean Mama, Sebastian, Helena, and Gracie must come to her if she never left Lisbon, because she couldn’t imagine a life without seeing them as often as she liked. Already they had been apart longer than at any other time in her life.

  She’d said a tearful good-bye to her family nine days ago when she and Ben had seen them off to Scotland. By now, her loved ones would have reached Aldmist Fell and were likely settling in at the castle Helena had inherited from her late husband. Eve would miss Sebastian and Helena’s first Christmas together, but she was where she belonged—standing with the man she loved.

  She cracked open one eye for another glimpse of Portugal. The clear blue waters and soaring cliffs along the shoreline were breathtaking. Her stomach pitched as the deck beneath her did the same. She held back another groan, not wanting to worry her husband. Having abandoned her bonnet in their cabin, Eve welcomed the salty wind blowing through her unbound hair. Ben kissed her temple, his presence and loving care fortifying.

  Fortunately, he hadn’t needed her help weathering one of his episodes since they had returned from visiting Charlotte’s mother and brother, for she had been in no condition to support him. She was quite useless lately. He still had bad dreams on occasion, but he no longer cried out or woke gasping for air.

  “Are you recovering, dearling?” he asked.

  “By degrees. I am comforted knowing I will wake on land tomorrow, and this incorrigible seasickness will end.”

  Ben eased her from his hold and turned her to face him. Strong brows lowered over his smoky-blue eyes. “You do not know?”

  Her heart dropped. “Please tell me we will reach Lisbon tonight.”

  A sly smile played across his face. Taking her elbow, he guided her toward the stern of the ship away from the activity onboard. “You haven’t recognized the signs, have you, Kitten? No wonder you’ve said nothing to me. I suppose there has been too much excitement these past few weeks.”

  Ev
e frowned, not understanding what signs she was supposed to recognize and what too much excitement had to do with their stay in Lisbon.

  Her husband’s smile widened. “The nausea in the morning? The soreness in your breasts?” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “When was the last time you bled, Evie?”

  She gasped. “Good heavens! I never thought to calculate…” Could it be true? If so, her husband was correct. She had been too preoccupied with preparing for their voyage and fretting over leaving her family. The shock of possibly missing evidence of one of the most joyful moments of her life caused gooseflesh to rise along her skin. “Do you think I am with child?” she whispered too.

  “It has been at least five weeks since your last cycle. It seems very likely.”

  Her cheeks flamed. “You pay a little too much attention to what I’ve always considered a private matter.”

  He laughed and tugged her into his arms. “I beg your pardon then. If it is any comfort, I cannot help noticing all manner of things about you, like the way you glow after the sickness has passed, or how your hips are beginning to round the slightest bit. I can barely keep my hands off you.” Sliding his hands to her derriere, he fondled her apparently expanding backside and nuzzled her neck, his whiskers tickling.

  “Barely?” She laughingly tried to extract herself from his hold. “You show no restraint at all, sir.”

  He stopped nuzzling her neck, but he didn’t release her. “It is not my fault you are irresistible.”

  “I beg to differ. I might not have recognized the signs, but I do know you are responsible for my condition.”

  His smile faded and he brushed the hair back from her face with both hands, burying his fingers in her wild locks. “Are you pleased to be with child?”

  Her throat burned with unshed tears. How could she be anything except ecstatic to carry his child? He was the love of her life. Her heart’s true desire for as long as she could recall was to be a mother, but the reality was even more joyful than she could have imagined. “Pleased does not adequately capture how I feel. I am elated, Ben. We are having a baby.”