The Viscount's Vendetta (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic)

by Paige Cameron

  “Surely you did not expect Damon to agree to stay at my father’s house. We have been to London. I thought on the way home I’d stop and see how father is doing.”

  “There is more to this visit. Damon did not even walk you to the door. I heard the carriage and looked out a window.”

  “If you must know, Mother, Damon is planning a legal separation from me.”

  “Separation! No one in our family has ever brought a breath of scandal to our name. We will be disgraced. What have you done?”

  “Really, Mother, I hardly think the whole family will be disgraced. I will not be received, but I do not care. I won’t bother you and father very long. After a brief rest here, I plan to move on and find a small cottage for Nanny, Mary, and myself.”

  “You must reconcile. I am sure this is only a slight misunderstanding. Damon may try to ruin your father again. You must go back to Damon for us if not for yourself, you silly girl. Of course, you will not go live in a cottage. How ridiculous.”

  “Damon does not want me back. As I said, Mother, I will leave day after tomorrow.” Caroline put her cup down and stood. “I am cold and tired. We can discuss any other questions you have in the morning. Where is Papa? I’d like to say hello.”

  “He has gone to see Lord Phillips about a horse trade. I don’t expect him back tonight.”

  “Why is he out riding such a distance when he’s been sick? Caroline asked.

  “Because he is as stubborn as you, and he refuses to stay home and rest as the doctor and I would prefer.”

  “Then I’ll have to wait and tell him hello in the morning. I’m going to my room to rest. Please ask Jennie, our cook, to send soup and hot chocolate to me for dinner.” Caroline started out the door.

  “I was so proud of you when you married the viscount and now, you ungrateful child, you come home in disgrace.”

  Caroline didn’t respond to her mother’s comment. She plodded along. Her feet heavy like lead weights. Caroline walked slowly up the curved staircase and held on to the bannister.

  Later, lying in bed with blankets over her and a warm brick at her feet, Caroline thought about her husband’s departure. He had refused to meet her eyes and was brusque in his speech when mentioning his lawyer. Then he’d turned and rushed back to his horse.

  Hannah had said they planned to stop at an inn further down the road. Caroline knew Damon would never sleep in her father’s house. She recalled Hannah’s pale face at the window of the carriage. She had tears in her eyes when the carriage pulled away, and she continued to wave until the carriage went out of sight.

  Caroline winced when she remembered the scene with Mama. She was furious Caroline had been sent home, and about the threat of a separation. Her mother’s shrill voice echoed in her head. She’d had little regard for Caroline, but worried more about the family being ostracized because of Caroline’s behavior. Caroline was sure Damon planned to keep their marital status as private as possible.

  I must leave. Tomorrow, I’ll make plans.

  Damon had put some notes in her hand when he helped her out of the carriage. Hopefully, it was enough to help her rent a small cottage far from all of them.

  In the early hours of the morning, Caroline finally slept. She woke a few hours later, feeling tired and sad. Mary helped her put on her wool gown. Slipping downstairs, she eased herself out of the house.

  What she needed was time alone to think about her future. The sun was peeping out, and the day was warming as she made her way alongside the lake. She found her favorite spot under a huge weeping willow which grew at the edge of the water. A private area was created by the low-hanging branches. Underneath the canopy was a world colored green.

  She had often come here as a child and as a young girl. She’d dream about her future. But today she had to conceive a plan. One she hoped would be good for all of them.

  Caroline spread the blanket she’d brought with her and lay down on the clean-smelling grass. Thoughts and plans swirled around in her head. The warmth of the sun and the peace of her surroundings lulled her to sleep.

  Caroline was standing outside Damon’s study at the estate. She saw him talking to a man in black. Suddenly, the man raised his hand, threatening Damon. A long, silver knife was in the man’s hand. Caroline turned the knob and tried to get in to help Damon, but the door was locked. All she could do was stand outside and watch the battle between the man in black and her husband. Caroline saw the flash of the knife and…

  “So here you are and all of us worried sick about you.” Nanny’s voice startled Caroline awake.

  “What time is it?” Caroline asked, feeling confused and disoriented.

  “’Tis past breakfast and soon will be lunch. Whatever are you doing lying on the ground with only that thin blanket to keep the cold from you? You’ll make yourself sick.” Nanny helped her up.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t sleep well last night. I relaxed out here and fell asleep. But I know what I must do, Nanny. I’ve got to go to Charles’s boyhood home and talk with his brother or Charles’s girlfriend, if she is still around. I must solve the questions regarding Charles. Otherwise, Damon could be in real danger.”

  “Damon won’t thank you for any more accusations about Charles. He may deeply resent your traveling to see his cousin’s brother.”

  “I must do something. I know”—she put her hand across her heart—“Damon is in danger.”

  “All right, we’d better tell Mary not to unpack if we’re going to leave soon.”

  Caroline found her mother in the sitting room. She told her about her plans.

  “I don’t understand you,” her mother said. She paced around the room. “I am sure Lord Royston would not approve of your going off alone to the far reaches of England.”

  “I will not be alone, Mother. Nanny Fowler and Mary will accompany me.”

  “An old woman and a young girl. Anything could happen to you.”

  “What is really bothering you, Mother?

  “Lord Royston may reconsider and come back to get you. If you are not here, he will surely go away in a temper.”

  “Leave Caroline alone, Margaret.” Caroline spun around, as her father came into the room.

  “I’m so glad to see you looking good, Papa. Mama wrote you were not well.”

  “A bit of gout. I’m much better, and I’ll be back to hunting as soon as this damp weather clears for more than one day. Let me look at you.” He held her away from him and nodded. “You are even more beautiful. Your mother told me you and Damon had separated.”

  Caroline looked down at the blue-flowered rug. “It is true, Papa. But you knew Damon did not love me.”

  “Hmm, I always suspected he did. I don’t think he has realized it himself.”

  Caroline looked up in surprise. “Really, Papa? Then maybe there is hope. I must travel to the coast to meet with his cousin. It is too complicated to explain. I am hopeful the information I learn can solve a puzzle and clear the misunderstandings between us.”

  “Then you must not ride alone. I will travel with you. No.” He put up his hand. “I insist, and I will not change my mind.”

  Caroline threw her arms around his neck. “Thank you, Papa. I must admit I’d feel better having you along. However, when we return, I must talk to Damon on my own.”

  “Agreed.” Her father smiled. “Now let us enjoy the wonderful meal Jennie has prepared for us.”

  * * * *

  Caroline marveled at the changes in the land as they got closer to the northern coast. The moors were full of heather and she smelled the salt from the sea. They had passed through the small town the Royston family called home, and were traveling up a narrow path to a towering house. It sat on the very top of the mountain.

  The townspeople had assured them that the Honorable Harold Royston had recently arrived home from a journey. Caroline had breathed a sigh of relief to hear they had not come this far for nothing.

  “It is a beautiful castle, Papa, but also spooky with its
turrets and high walls.”

  “They are living in an old home. I wonder how or why this branch of the family settled so far from the other.”

  Caroline pulled back inside the carriage window from where she had been leaning out. “Damon never said how his father’s brother came to move away. Perhaps he married a lady from this area.”

  Her father looked back out. “Possibly, being a second son he would have to marry well or go off to the military.”

  Caroline was breathless with excitement. Finally, she hoped to find the answers she needed. But what if she were wrong and the Charles at Atelstone was this man’s brother? So much would be determined very shortly. If she were wrong, she would apologize to Damon and Charles.

  Her hand strayed to her stomach. If not for the fullness in her skirts in the front, people would already suspect she was with child. If Damon turned her away, she must disappear. She did not want to lose both Damon and his child.

  “Here we are. It looks like the top of the world,” her father said as he stepped out of the carriage and put his hand up to help Caroline down.

  The sturdy wooden-front doors had opened and a tall butler waited as they ascended the steps.

  “I am Lord Halsford and this is my daughter, Lady Royston, Lord Damon Royston’s wife. We would like to speak to the Honorable Harold Royston.”

  “Please enter and wait here while I let milord know of your request.” He walked down a long hall on the left.

  Caroline looked around at the dark wood of the foyer and the large windows facing out over the moors so far one could see the rooftops of the village below.

  “It is a sight I never tire of.”

  Caroline and her father turned to face the tall, brown-haired man who stood behind them. Caroline immediately noted his deep-blue eyes, so like her Damon’s. This man was thinner and his hair a darker brown, almost black, but he had a definite resemblance to her husband.

  “I am Lord Harold Royston of Howard Way. Please join my wife, Eleanor, and me. We have sent for fresh tea. You can tell us what has brought you to the far reaches of England.”

  Caroline was surprised and confused when she heard his wife’s name. Was it a coincidence or did Charles’s brother marry the Eleanor in the letters they’d found?

  She and her father followed him down the hall and entered a bright cheerful room full of comfortable chairs and a chess board on a table to the side. Two boys sat on the floor playing with toy soldiers. A petite, blonde woman rose from her chair and came to greet them.

  They were soon seated. “My nanny and maid are in our carriage.”

  “I will ask George to see they are invited in and given tea and muffins. It is a cool day on the moors.” Lady Eleanor smiled and asked George, their butler, to take care of the others in Lady Royston’s carriage. She also asked her son’s nanny to take them upstairs. Each one ran over first and kissed their mother and hugged their father. Then they scampered along behind the nanny.

  After a cup of tea and muffins had been passed, Harold Royston sat back and gazed across at Caroline.

  “Perhaps you would like to explain how you come to be looking for me and do not have you husband with you.”

  Caroline smiled. “I see you are a man who comes to the point, as my husband would do.” She stared at her cup, and then raised her head.

  “I need some answers. My husband and I are estranged, and he would be unhappy to learn I am here. Nevertheless, only you can solve the questions that are breaking us apart.”

  “Do they concern my brother?”

  “Yes, how did you guess?” Caroline looked at him in surprise.

  “I have never met your husband or any of his family. I heard of his father’s death. My brother went to work for your husband’s family sixteen years ago and he has not been in contact with us since he left. I hardly see how I can help you.”

  “There is a man working for Damon, who says he is Charles Royston. I don’t understand why I do not like him and have not trusted him since the day we met. I feel he may be an imposter.” Caroline saw Lord Royston’s face pale.

  “You think this imposter may have killed my brother and taken his identity?”

  “I’m sorry to tell you, but yes, I do.” Caroline watched as he got up and went over to the window.

  “I couldn’t understand why Charles did not at least write his fiancée. Many times I started to visit, but I thought he wanted to start over and might resent my intrusion into his life.” Harold Royston turned and stared hard at Caroline. His dark eyes had the same intense regard as Damon’s often did.

  He glanced at his wife and gave her a soft smile. “I loved my brother,” he continued. “We were different and everyone made comparisons because we were only thirteen months apart. Most thought I was the better athlete, hunter, you understand. It was hard on him. I hated seeing how it hurt him.

  “I didn’t feel superior to him. Over and over, I tried to tell him to ignore the others. I couldn’t make him believe I really loved him. Only his fiancée reached him with her love. But they were very young, and so he went away hoping to do well with his uncle and send for her. None of us heard from him. My father did have several letters from the viscount regarding how pleased he was with Charles’s work.”

  Caroline’s heart sank. Perhaps the Charles she knew was the real one. She glanced around the room.

  “Do you have any pictures of Charles?”

  Lady Eleanor smiled “Of course, there are several in the gallery along with paintings of all the family.”

  “Could we go there? I am most anxious to know if I am wrong.”

  “Of course.” Lady Eleanor stood. “Perhaps it would be best if I took Lady Royston to see the paintings, Harold. You and Lord Halsford can visit.”

  Harold stared at his wife and started to get up, but something in her eyes stopped him. “I’m sure you are right, my dear. We will be here when you return.”

  Caroline watched the expressions on Harold Royston’s face and his wife’s. Strong emotions sparked between them. She followed Lady Eleanor out of the room and back to the foyer, where they went slowly up the winding staircase, down another hall and into a large room.

  The walls were covered with paintings. Large windows along one wall let in some light, and Lady Eleanor went around lighting candles on all sides of the room. The walls were a deep ruby color and the paintings were large and in dark wooden frames.

  “This is your husband’s father’s brother. Do you see a resemblance to your husband?” Lady Eleanor’s soft voice brought Caroline’s attention back to her.

  “You look sad, Lady Eleanor. Did you know your husband’s brother before he came to Atelstone?”

  Lady Eleanor glanced away, but she answered, almost in a whisper.

  “Yes, I did.”

  She led Caroline further along. “This is a picture of Harold and Charles at thirteen and fourteen. And this painting was done of Charles shortly before he left.”

  Caroline glanced at the pictures of the young brothers together and moved to stand in front of the picture of Charles by himself. He was leaning against a fence with a large black dog at his feet. There was no imposter.

  Caroline swallowed, her throat dry. “He doesn’t have the Royston blue eyes.”

  “No, he looked like his mother. She was from these parts and had the black hair and dark-brown, almost black eyes. I often thought things would have been different for Charles, if she had lived.”

  “When did she die?”

  “When he was born, and Charles always reminded his father of the loss. You see, it was a love match. They fell in love as soon as they met and married shortly afterwards.”

  “Did his father treat Charles differently because of his wife’s death?” Caroline moved to face Lady Eleanor.

  She nodded. “Yes, he shunned him most of the time. Oh, he never admitted he was ignoring his youngest son, but he was always too busy for him. His only excuse was he was training Harold to be his heir, and so he had n
o time for Charles.”

  Caroline felt sad and sick at heart hearing the unkindness Charles had grown up with as a child and a young man.

  “My husband, Harold, tried to have a relationship with Charles, but their father’s unkindness prevented Charles from trusting Harold.”

  Suddenly, Lady Eleanor moved around Caroline and gently touched Charles’s cheek in the painting. Her eyes caught Caroline’s and held them.

  “He is alive, isn’t he?”

  “Yes.” Caroline stared back. “I believed he was someone else.” She shook her head. “I was wrong.” Caroline noticed the slight tremble of Lady Eleanor’s hand and the unshed tears in her eyes. “You loved him, didn’t you?”

  Lady Eleanor stared back at the picture. “Very much, but it was not to be. I think the day he left, I knew he was saying good-bye for good. I just didn’t want to admit it.”

  “You were his fiancée?”

  “Harold says I was, but not really. We were in love, or at least I was. Charles never asked me to marry him. He hinted he would come back for me, that is all.”

  Lady Eleanor walked over to the long windows and looked out. “I guess you are wondering how Harold and I happened to marry.”

  “It is none of my business.”

  Lady Eleanor turned. “I want to tell you. I waited. I was eighteen when Charles left and I waited for five years. Harold and I would talk about Charles and we became close over those years. One day I finally accepted Charles was gone for good. I began to open my eyes to the man who had been patiently waiting for me.”

  “Harold?” Caroline asked.

  “Yes, dear Harold. I love him very much, and he is a good husband and father. He understood I wanted to be alone when I found out whether Charles was dead or alive.

  “I’m not sure I have ever convinced Harold that I totally love him. We must go back with you and all of us face Charles. The skeletons must be blown away, and we can live in peace.”

  “Do you think your husband will agree?” Caroline asked doubtfully.

  “He will. Come let us go and tell my husband and your father that we will leave tomorrow for Atelstone.”