by Dawn Brower
“Ryan,” Estella said gleefully. “I didn’t realize you were here. You should have spoken up.”
“I didn’t wish to interrupt your match.”
Lady Manchester collected the foils and carefully stored them away in a nearby cabinet. She turned to glance at him. “We could have fenced and conversed with you. I’m sure you’ve noticed—we’re quite talented.”
He chuckled lightly. Lady Manchester seemed to be well aware of her skills and didn’t shy away from boasting about them. “Still,” he began. “I enjoyed observing the two of you. It’s to my benefit to remain silent so you continued.”
Estella smiled at him. “You’re not used to ladies that are skilled with a foil.”
“Rapiers too,” Lady Manchester interjected. “But Garrick won’t let me use them. Even when I’m not pregnant, he has made them taboo.”
Rapiers tended to be sharp and not dulled like the foils the ladies had practiced with. There were foils that could be rather deadly too, but he suspected Lord Manchester wouldn’t allow his wife access to those. A man’s patience could only be driven so far. “I’m sure my opinion is in the minority in this room, but I agree with Lord Manchester’s dictates. There’s no need to endanger yourself with a sharpened rapier when you can attain the proper exercise and skill with a dulled foil.”
“You would agree.” Lady Manchester narrowed her gaze. “You’re a man, and all men seem to think they know what is best for what they believe is the weaker sex.” She tilted her lips up into an assured smile. “But don’t worry, my lord, I forgive you for your arrogance. After all, you can’t help how your male brain works.”
Ryan wanted to laugh again, but held it back. He didn’t wish to offend the countess. She had strong opinions, and he respected her for them. Plus, he was in no danger of falling in love with her. She loved her husband, and that was how it should be. Lady Annalise, on the other hand—something about her spoke to his soul. He’d seen sadness in her eyes that mirrored his own. That kind of connection was dangerous to his heart. He mentally shook the thought away and turned to his cousin. “I’m leaving soon, and I wished to bid you farewell.”
“Must you?” Her smile fell from her face. “You’ve barely been here, and now you’re leaving.”
“I have to return to my estate. There are matters I need to see to, and after that, I have to inspect a property I’m hoping to purchase.” He didn’t really like Cinderbury Manor. It came with his title, but there was something about it that seemed missing. The manor was meant for a family, and Ryan didn’t have one to fill it. One day he’d marry; however, he planned on pushing that off for as long as possible. When he did wed, it would be to a woman who he’d never fall in love with. He wouldn’t risk becoming a fool like his own father. His wedding would be one marked by duty to the family line and title—nothing more, nothing less. His heart wouldn’t be involved, and he’d remain protected from the worst sort of betrayal. So he would not become more acquainted with Lady Annalise. She already had power over him, and he hated it. He focused his gaze on his cousin. “I hope you understand why I must depart immediately.”
Estella sighed. “I do. Donovan and I are going to Warwick Manor in a couple of days anyway. At least promise me you’ll visit us there.”
“Of course,” he replied without hesitation. “I’ve missed you these past years. You are the one bright spot in my life. I don’t wish for us to become distant now that we’ve become reacquainted.”
She smiled at him. “Me either. Where is this property you’re viewing?”
“It’s a smaller house. Not as big as Cinderbury. I thought it might be a nice addition to the estate holdings that isn’t entailed.” He also rather liked the location. Not too far from London, but enough distance away as not to be bothered. “It’s in Saltford.”
“Near Bath?” She lifted a brow. “Do you plan on being active in society there? Are you ill and hope to be close enough to partake in the waters?”
He had no intention of going to Bath unless he had to. The small town of Saltford had all he needed. His social life would remain nonexistent. It would give him more time to focus on his business interests.
“I assure you I’m fine,” he consoled her. “I need some place for peace and quiet.”
“All right then.” She stepped toward him and wrapped her arms around him in a hug. “Take care of yourself and write to me often.”
“It’s a promise I can easily make.” He hugged her tightly. “Now I’m afraid I must go.”
She stepped back and looked up at him. “Before you do, can you make me another promise?”
“Anything.” He meant that too. Ryan had failed to protect her when she needed it most, and he wanted to do whatever he could for her now. “The Duke of Wolfton has an estate that isn’t far from Saltford. It’s why I recognized the name.”
His heart leaped in his chest. Saltford would be near Annalise, and if he purchased that property he might cross paths with her. That wouldn’t do at all… “Oh?” He frowned. “What is it you need from me?” He was almost afraid to ask, but he had to.
“It’s not Wolfton Castle—the ducal seat is in Kent, but the duke prefers his manor in Saltford. Less people around to notice anything nefarious he has planned. He’s more likely to be there and keep Annalise with him.” That was interesting. That might have been good information to have when he searched for Estella. She took a deep breath then continued, “If you can, will you call on her and ensure she’s all right? I fear the duke will punish her for helping me. Marrok can’t do anything to help her, and he’s more likely to stay in London. If he crosses the duke outwardly, the evil bastard will cut off his funds. He’s done it in the past, and Marrok had no choice but to cave. I know he’s been secretly working on building his own fortune; however, I’m not sure he’s succeeded. Annalise will need someone to look out for her.”
Ryan wasn’t sure he’d be much help in that regard. He hadn’t been able to assist Estella. What good would he be to Lady Annalise’s plight? The duke was a powerful man. His own grandfather wouldn’t go against him and they were both dukes. Ryan had never asked his grandfather why. Especially after he refused to fight him for guardianship over Estella—the Duke of Wolfton must have something over Ryan’s grandfather for him to back away. He didn’t believe he’d have given up on Estella otherwise.
“You must realize I’d do anything for you…”
“Don’t say you won’t help her,” Estella interrupted him. “I do understand you won’t be able to do much for Annalise. The duke is an awful man and his control is absolute. But if you give her the option to come to you if she needs someone, it might be enough. She’s close to reaching her majority, and then she might be able to free herself from the duke’s hold.”
Ryan sighed. “The next time I find myself in her company, I’ll extend the invitation for assistance if she should ever be in need of it.” Whether he wanted to or not… Estella didn’t often ask anything of him and it was the least he could do.
Estella hugged him again. “Thank you, my dear cousin. You are truly the most wonderful man.”
Ryan glanced up at the sound of footsteps echoing through the room. Estella’s husband rounded the corner and met his gaze. A wide grin filled his face as he closed the distance between them. “And I thought I held that title,” Viscount Warwick teased his wife.
“Some days you do.” Estella turned and walked over to him. “All right, most of the time you do. It’s been a while since you’ve disappointed me.”
He frowned. “Shouldn’t that be my complaint? After all, you’re the one who broke my heart.”
“And I’m thankful you forgave me for that,” she said as she wrapped her arms around him. She leaned up and kissed his cheek. “That’s only one thing that makes you wonderful. Have you come to bid Ryan goodbye?”
He nodded at Ryan. “We’ve said our farewells. I’ve come to coax you into spending time with me.”
“I’ll leave you to alone.” Ry
an nodded at them both. “I’ll be off.”
The pair didn’t seem to notice him leaving. A part of him was envious of their relationship. They had an amazing love between them. He wished he could trust someone with his heart in that way. Unfortunately, he was too broken for that to be a possibility.
After he exited the house, he headed toward the stable. Once there, he asked a stable hand to saddle Octavius. He roamed around the stable, glancing at the horses inside as his horse was prepared for him. He stopped at one of the stalls and fed an apple to the mare inside. She appeared to be heavily pregnant and probably would birth her foal soon. It soothed him to pet her mane.
“My lord, your horse is ready for you.” The stable hand yelled to him.
Ryan stroked the horse’s mane one last time, and then turned to exit the stable. He found his horse near a mounting block. Octavius whinnied a greeting as Ryan neared him. He quickly hopped up and swung his leg over the saddle to seat himself atop Octavius. Afterward, he motioned for him to a canter. He didn’t look back once at Manchester Castle. The happiness that filled the rooms there were as foreign to him as love. Neither one of them had been a part of his life, and in some ways, it had made him uncomfortable to be enveloped in it. Estella had meant well with all her welcoming and hugs; however, those same embraces had pricked at him. Perhaps he was a little cantankerous, but he didn’t want to let go of the misery that had taken root inside of him. That melancholy was at least familiar. Happiness—he had no clue what to do with that. Some things were better left alone, and Ryan’s current lifestyle was one of them.
Chapter Five
Three months later…
Summer was near its end, and Annalise couldn’t be gladder for it. The trees were glittered with various shades of gold, ruby, and amber as the leaves changed from their lively emerald shade. A sure sign of the changing seasons. Annalise closed her eyes and took a deep breath. This was her favorite time of the year, and she was glad to see the steamy weather change to a much more tolerable temperature. She straightened her red cloak and pulled up her hood as she stepped onto the forest path. It was a shortcut from her father’s home to the manor where her maternal grandmother—Victoria Acton, the Dowager Viscountess of Shelburne—lived. It had been too long since she visited her, and she was probably wondering why.
Her grandmother would be full of questions. Most of them she wouldn’t be able to answer. The duke had restricted her time outside of the house once she returned from Manchester Castle. The first week she’d been confined to her room, and that had been without him realizing the extent to which she’d helped Estella and Donovan reunite. She shuddered at the thought of what he might do if he ever discovered that tidbit. Annalise couldn’t allow that to ever happen. Her life was far too miserable to add any more gloominess to it.
Annalise quickened her pace, heading deeper into the forest. A branch snapped beneath her foot as she stepped on it. The crackling sound echoed through the forest. A bird fluttered by, chirping as it sailed across the sky, then landed on a nearby tree branch. A loud boom reverberated overhead. She glanced up at the darkening sky and frowned. Drat. A storm brewed overhead, and soon she’d be caught in a spot of unexpected rainfall. She was closer to her grandmother’s home than her own. Annalise started running through the forest path. She tripped over a root that stuck out and hit the ground with a resounding thud.
“Ouch.” Annalise groaned as pain ripped through her ankle. She pulled herself up to a sitting position and pressed her fingers to it. The pain increased with the pressure from her touch. Lightning blinked in the dark sky, followed by the rumble of thunder. She had to find a way to her grandmother’s or she’d be caught in the storm. There was one choice left. She had to find a way to stand and hobble forward. Shelter of some kind had to be nearby. A raindrop landed on her face, making her urgency grow. She found the strength to stand, but the soreness in her ankle proved nearly unbearable. Tears of pain mixed with the rain drops that were now steadily falling on her. Annalise pulled her hood back up over her head, thankful for that small bit of protection from inclement weather. Slowly, she made her way, one excruciating step at a time.
She seemed to recall that there was a large cottage between her home and her grandmother’s. The lord that owned it almost never used it, and it had a very minimal staff to ensure the upkeep. Which meant there would be someone there to help her. All she had to do was keep moving until she reached it. That would be her safe haven from her current hell. Thankfully, the rain was nothing more than a drizzle, but that could change at any moment.
A cold wind rolled over her. Annalise shuddered, and tiny bumps rose on her forearms as the chill settled deep inside of her. Still, she kept moving. The downpour started as the cottage came into view. She breathed a sigh of relief and stumbled toward it. The weather turned torrential as she reached the front door. Her hands shook as she raised them to knock. It seemed like it took forever before it opened, and she fell forward into the Marquess of Cinderbury’s arms. He was the last person she expected to find at the cottage.
“Lady Annalise?” Shock echoed through his voice.
“Help me,” she begged. He was Estella’s cousin, and she’d always spoken well of him. Surely, as a gentleman, he’d never turn away a lady in need.
He swung her into his arms and carried her inside. His warmth enveloped her as he brought her into a nearby sitting room. A fire blazed in the hearth, and she craved to be in front of it. He set her down on a chair and untied her cloak, shoving it off her shoulders.
“What were you doing out in this weather?” He lifted the cloak and tossed it on the floor. “You’re soaked through. You’ll catch your death if you stay in these wet clothes.”
She shivered as the cold returned after the absence of his warmth. “Going to grandmother’s house…” Even with her drenched clothes and continuous frozen state, she didn’t regret that decision. Any chance to escape her father’s constant scrutiny made her scurry away.
“I’m sure she’d have preferred you stay at home and not risk your imminent death.” He scowled down at her. She didn’t know why, but it made him inherently more attractive to her, and that seemed almost—odd. Why would she even notice such a thing?
“You’re being overly dramatic.” Her teeth chattered as she spoke. “It was sunny when I left. No one could have known a storm would erupt.”
He blew out a breath and shook his head almost as if he found her frustrating. That almost made her smile, but her teeth wouldn’t stop scraping together from her shaking. “You will have to remove those clothes.” He frowned. “The servants have left for the day. Can you remove them yourself?”
She scrunched her eyes up at him incredulously. He didn’t have servants that stayed overnight? What lord lived that way? None that she was aware of… “I don’t think I can.”
“I was afraid of that.”
Annalise barely heard him. The room had started to spin, and she was having trouble breathing. Hell—she was already sickening. That wouldn’t be a good thing. Annalise’s last thought before she gave in to the need to close her eyes—her father would be mad as hell when he discovered she’d not made it home—one of the servants would surely tattle on her. Hopefully he didn’t return from London early to discover her missing, and maybe she could talk her way out of a punishment. Somehow, she doubted she’d be that fortunate.
Ryan stared down at Lady Annalise’s unconscious form. What was he going to do with her? He didn’t feel comfortable removing her clothing, but it had to come off. She had already passed out from the cold, and she seemed to be favoring her left ankle. What the bloody hell had she been doing out walking alone? Her father was a controlling bastard, and he found it unbelievable she’d been allowed to do so. Would someone come searching for her? What would happen if she were found at his cottage alone with him?
Damn and blast… He knew exactly what that would mean for the two of them. They’d have to marry to save her reputation. Ryan scrubbed his hands
over his face and then stared down at his fate. Fate was having a bloody laugh at him and reveling in his current situation. He hadn’t wanted to marry yet, and she would have been his last choice. Lady Annalise was dangerous to his well-being. He sighed and reached down to pick her up again. She curled against him and tucked her head against his shoulder. He carried her up to a spare bedroom made up for guests—not that he had many, but it always paid to be prepared. He lay down on one side of the bed and pulled the blanket down, then moved her to that side to pull the other side down.
He had to remove her ruby-tinted dress and matching cloak, but he dreaded it. That would be sealing their fate. Without thinking too hard about it, he rolled her on to her side and started undoing her laces. The dress loosened, allowing him to remove it. He worked steadily, taking off her wet clothing until all that remained was her chemise. It was barely damp, and thankfully he could leave that on, giving her some modicum of modesty. He pulled the blanket over her and left her alone. Before he exited the room, he picked up her wet clothing to hang up to dry. He’d check back on her in a little while.
He went into his own room and walked over to the window. The rain pelted the pane and pierced the growing ache in his head. His heart beat heavily inside his chest. He still couldn’t believe this was happening to him. He would have to make an offer for Lady Annalise Palmer. He’d have a wife he didn’t want, or perhaps wanted more than he’d like to admit.
“Bloody hell,” he cursed and started to pace around the room.
He’d promised Estella he’d look out for Annalise. That if she ever needed his assistance he’d ensure she had it. When he’d made that pledge, he never envision it would go this far. That he’d have to give up his bachelorhood to protect her. If he’d known what the day might bring, he might never have left his bed. This was his worst nightmare come to life. Married to a woman who had the power to destroy him. Maybe they could live at different residences most of the year… He’d need an heir at some point, but didn’t see any reason to rush that part.