“I am sure they will still appreciate it,” she said carefully, looking around one of the bedrooms set aside for the boys. “The ocean is very close, and I can imagine having the privacy of the cottage will be good for them when they start their lessons.”
She had wished for such an escape. She did not have the same learning that the sons of a duke would have but it had been enough to get her the job of a nanny—and hopefully their governess when they were older—but she did not wish to be presumptuous.
“I am certain,” Rockford agreed.
“I don’t think they should be separated,” Laura said, ducking her eyes to make it a suggestion. “This has been as trying a time for them as it has anybody else and they always seem to make it easier for each other.”
Rockford nodded quickly. “I had the same thought.”
There was a long silence, broken only by James and Bruce starting to call for each other. They weren’t quite saying each other’s names, but it was close enough that Laura couldn’t help but smile. She pressed a kiss to James’ temple.
“I wanted to thank you,” Rockford said immediately. He was staring intently at Laura and she met his eyes slowly, her heart speeding up a little. “I know this has been difficult for you, the threats and the attacks, but you have still remained dedicated to the boys. A lesser woman would have fled the estate.”
Laura clutched James tighter and as if he could read her distress, he grabbed at her neck, attempting to say her name, and bumping his head against her nose. “I could not abandon them. Besides,” she said, heading for the hallway. It was time the boys had something to eat. “I am not going to let a stranger drive me away.”
Once the boys had eaten, and they had been put into bed for the night, Laura could feel the day catching up with her. She was still tired, body wracked with the occasional shudder, and Rockford had already bought her a shawl to cover her shoulders. The small sitting room was well decorated but minimal, and the sofas were plush and comfortable. Rockford kept his distance, though he was close enough that should Laura need him, he would be there. There were a few books that she had taken a liking to, but she couldn’t concentrate on the words, found herself reading the same passage a couple of times.
“Duchess Claire told me that I had been talking while I was asleep,” Laura said eventually, apprehensive about bringing up the subject. “I apologize if it stirred up any feelings for you.”
It took Rockford a moment to answer. She couldn’t see his face from where she was sitting, but she could see his body tense. Eventually it relaxed as if he had blown out a slow breath. “It was difficult.” He turned, letting her see the sincerity and concern in his expression. “Though I believe more for you than for me.”
“I don’t remember,” Laura said with regret. “I wish I could tell you why I was so preoccupied with Louise, but I do not remember much from that time.”
“Whether you remember or not,” Rockford told her, “my mother will be looking for anything of interest. Please do not stress yourself. You are here to recover.”
Laura nodded, turning back to her book. She couldn’t help but be preoccupied with the thoughts of Louise, however, even though her body was aching enough that she wanted to rest. The cottage was a wonderful place to be, and she could not deny that despite the gossip it would garner in society, she was not upset that Rockford and the boys were here with her. She could pretend, even for a little while, that this could be her life.
Chapter 6
Cottage Care
Miss Williams was recovering well.
James and Bruce were both flourishing at the cottage and Rockford felt guilty that he had not brought them before. He had been so wrapped up in his own grief and worry that he hadn’t thought to think of how they were really handling not having their mother in their lives.
Louise had died during their birth and though Rock had known her, the boys never had her in their lives. The only stress and sadness they had to deal with was his. They seemed to have latched on to Miss Williams, and she on them. It eased something in his chest, released a tension he hadn’t realized he had been clinging to. She was a breath of fresh air for the boys, gave them confidence and someone to turn to when he could not be there and for that he would be forever grateful.
They spent a couple of days down on the beach, exploring the sand and the water, neither of which seemed to daunt them. Rockford was proud of them both, of their exploration and their daring. They would be strong boys.
James splashed in the water, giggling heartily. Bruce was more reserved, choosing instead to plant himself in the sand under Miss Williams’ care, shoving clumps of it around. They were a little young to appreciate their surroundings, but Rock was glad to see them happy.
It had been a long time since he had been able to tear himself away from work and the running of the estate. It had been a means to avoid his grief, again perhaps not doing himself any good, but Louise had meant so much to him.
Miss Williams was watching him, her cheeks pink, and Rock met her gaze, unashamed. She was beautiful, had always been so, even when Rock had fallen in love with Louise. It was hard not to notice, no matter what the divide between their social standings might be. Rock adhered to social norms as best as anyone in his position ought to, but Duchess Claire had always demanded he listens to his heart first, his money second. His father had not been so forthcoming, but he had loved Duchess Claire dearly and Rock wanted the same thing for himself. It was why he had chosen Louise and was why he did not refuse to acknowledge his growing feelings for Miss Williams.
She was helping Bruce build a sand castle, James trying to help by dumping water on the sand. Bruce didn’t seem to mind, clapping his hands together, wet sand sticking to his hands and arms.
“Come on,” Miss Williams said, brushing sand off Bruce’s cheek, sighing as she took in the rest of him. “Let’s get you cleaned up and make dinner.”
As they walked up to the cottage, Rock let his gaze linger. There was more color in Miss Williams’ face and she was stronger than she had been. While carrying Bruce, she had strength enough to deal with his wriggling and jumping around. Perhaps it was that she spent every day with them, was used to having them in her arms and carrying them throughout the house. They were starting to walk, close to a stumble than anything else, but it was the first time they had moved around under their own steam.
Rock knew he didn’t spend as much time with his children as he might want to, it just wasn’t proper for a duke to raise his children with everything else he had to do around the estate. That didn’t prevent him from wishing it sometimes, when he had moments with his children, or when he could see just how close they were to Miss Williams. It was a difficult choice he had made, despite his regrets.
James was content to hang on to Rock’s arm, slapping his sand-covered hand on Rock’s jacket, and he lamented the fact that it would have to be cleaned promptly for fear of staining. Clothes were of great importance but the joy on his son’s face, in that moment, meant more to him.
While Miss Williams was getting dinner ready, both boys in their chairs and playing with blocks at the table, Rock retreated to the small study. The housekeeper had delivered a couple of letters that morning, one of them bearing the family seal, and Rock knew it was from his mother.
Andrew,
I hope you and the children are doing well–and that Laura is recovering swiftly. Larkin and I have been thorough in checking out the rest of the staff. Please do not panic but someone set a fire in Laura’s room the night that you left. It was a boon that we did not tell anyone you were leaving until you did. I suspect that Andrea, Josephine’s daughter, was responsible, but I do not have solid proof. It pains me to have to write this and as you can imagine, there is some apprehension about having her in the house, but with you and Laura away, I hope that she will either play her hand or reveal what she knows.
Take care my son.
Rock was furious.
Andrea had been in the hou
se for years and had never seemed anything other than a demure, collected maid. The fact that Miss Williams’ room had been set fire to, that had she been in the room, she would have been hurt–
“Your Grace?” Miss Williams stood in the doorway. “Dinner is ready.”
Rock slipped the letter into his pocket, determined to bring it up with Miss Williams later, but now was not the time. Bruce and James had been through enough without listening to yet another distressing discussion, so he pushed it all down, as he habitually did with any thoughts of Louise, and headed into the dining room.
Miss Williams was preoccupied with the children, but Rock could see her glancing at him, confused, as if trying to figure out his silence. He knew he was being more brooding than usual, but he could not shake the worry about Andrea. If it was true she was responsible, Rock did not trust that he could take Miss Williams back to the estate while Andrea was still employed.
“There is no proof,” he told Miss Williams later, when the boys were in bed. He stared down at the whisky in his glace. “But Andrea has been acting strangely in your absence.”
Miss Williams folded her arms across her chest in a comforting gesture. Her eyes were closed, clenched tightly, but Rock did not know what she was thinking. “I keep trying to think about Lady Louise and Andrea. I don’t think I ever saw them together. I don’t know why–”
“You don’t have to strain yourself,” Rock said. He was concerned with how desperate Miss Williams seemed to be in trying to regain her memories of that time.
“Do you wish to return home?”
Rock was startled by the question, but Miss Williams’ gaze was imploring and determined. “Pardon?”
“The boys do not deserve to be here,” Miss Williams said. “It is a wonderful holiday home, but they belong on the estate. I cannot be the reason they are driven from their home.”
“They were not driven away,” Rock protested, though he knew it was a lie.
Miss Williams’ smile was kind. “Your Grace, I have driven you from your home. I appreciate and understand that I am good for your boys—I love them—but I will not let Andrea, if it is her, keep me from letting the boys flourish. I wish to return to the estate.”
“She could hurt you,” Rock protested. “Until we know exactly what happened between Louise and Andrea–”
“I promise you I will be vigilant.” Miss Williams straightened a little on the sofa, nodding tightly, as if trying to convince herself. “I would never allow anything to happen to the boys—or to me,” she added, and Rock was glad she had amended her statement.
“If you are certain,” Rock started.
“I am.” Miss Williams looked defiant and confident, and Rock had never been prouder of her than in that moment. His heart squeezed painfully, akin to how he felt about Louise, and it was such a startling thought that he could not make his voice work. Miss Williams didn’t seem concerned. “If you are in agreement.”
“I wished to keep you safe,” Rock admitted, being clear with his feelings for perhaps the first time in months. Miss Williams looked startled, receptive, but startled. “If you are comfortable returning to the estate, we shall return.”
Chapter 7
In Plain Sight
Laura was not confident that she had made the right decision.
It was frightening to think of going back to the estate, especially when Rockford confirmed that there had been a fire in her room. If it was indeed Andrea that was responsible for the attacks, Laura did not think she could pretend nothing was amiss around her.
Spending time at the cottage had been wonderful. Bruce and James had flourished under attention from their father, and even Rockford had seemed less tense than he had been. Laura was aware that she was part of the reason that worrying over the staff in his household being disruptive and dangerous was draining.
Though she knew her mother would worry, Laura did not wish to tell her. It had been a long time since she had worked at the estate, but Laura’s mother would demand to come and see her, to make sure everything was fine, and that was the last thing Laura wanted.
She had settled for telling her mother that there had been an occasion for her to travel with the boys to Cornwall and look after them while Rockford took them on holiday. It wasn’t the truth, but it was as much as Laura was willing to impart.
“I am glad you are home,” Duchess Claire said. Laura was holding James and Bruce’s hands, both of them stumbling up the steps. They had started to take their first steps at the cottage, and she was doing her best to make sure they continued to do so.
“It is good to be home,” Laura said. At Lady Claire’s look, she flushed. “However safe that may be.”
Duchess Claire gestured for her to go into the house, laying a hand on Rockford’s arm and keeping him outside. Laura took the dismissal for what it was and led the children into the house. Josephine was just inside the door.
“I hope you are doing well,” Josephine said, leaning in to kiss Laura’s cheek.
Laura smiled. Though there was apprehension about Andrea, Josephine had never been anything but kind to Laura. “I am fully recovered. Thank Andrea for helping with the children.”
Josephine nodded. “I am sure she would be more than willing to do so again should you need her.”
Laura nodded but remained non-committal. When it was clear James and Bruce were starting to stumble, she swept them both into her arms. They were getting heavier, growing so much, and it was clear from the expression on Josephine’s face that Laura would do well to ask for help. Still protective over the boys, Laura bid Josephine goodbye and took the boys upstairs.
There weren’t many toys at the cottage, so as soon as Laura let both James and Bruce down onto the floor, they immediately tottered over to their respective blocks and toys, immediately arguing over something, and Laura sighed happily. She approached the rocking chair slowly, furious with herself for being afraid of a chair, but it was hard not to think about the poisoning.
The next few days passed slowly. Both Duchess Claire and Rockford seemed to be on high alert, and even Larkin had taken to talking to Laura more often than he had ever done before. She was apprehensive that their change in attitude would draw out another attack, but she was relieved when it seemed that nothing else was going to happen.
Andrea had spoken to her twice, both times oblivious to Laura’s apprehension, happy to talk about the boys and how they had enjoyed Cornwall. There was a flash of envy in her eyes, but Laura could understand it; servants, maids, nannies—it was rare that any of them were allowed to travel with the family somewhere so comfortable, especially alone.
“I hope it was nice,” Andrea said wistfully. “Sometimes it’s easy to put yourself in that position.”
“It is,” Laura allowed. “The boys have come back refreshed.”
“And you?” Andrea asked, her eyes wide. “Have you recovered?”
“I believe so.” Laura tugged down Bruce’s sweater, cleaning off his mouth. They were due down into the sitting room where Rockford and Duchess Claire had invited the Duke and Duchess of Stratford round for afternoon tea. “I apologize for having to run, but the boys are due downstairs.”
Andrea stepped away from the door, giving her a strained smile. “Do you need help?”
“I don’t think so,” Laura said kindly. Both James and Bruce were getting better with walking. “They should be able to handle everything but the stairs.”
Without waiting for a reply, Laura led both boys down the hall, the back of her neck prickling with awareness. Andrea was still watching her, but Laura didn’t know what to make of it.
When she finally made it downstairs, Duke and Duchess Stratford did not seem surprised to see her come in with the boys, though most of their attention was on Bruce and James. Laura kept out of the way, meeting Rockford’s eyes only once. He gave her a tight but fond smile and she returned it, trying not to let it fool her into thinking it was anything more than friendliness.
That night, lying in bed, Laura drifted off fairly quickly. Andrea had seen her just before bed, wished her a good night, but something had been wrong about the exchange. Perhaps it was Andrea’s smile, or the fact that Andrea had been waiting outside of the boys’ room, but Laura could not pinpoint why.
She woke up a few hours later, drenched in sweat, assaulted by memories of the nightmare that had woken her, desperate to talk to Rockford. She was out of bed and halfway down the hall before she realized how quite improper it would be to show up at his door, but he needed to be told. It could have waited till morning, but Laura did not know if she could wait until then.
“Your Grace,” she said urgently, knocking at his door. She tried to keep her panic under control. When she couldn’t hear anyone moving inside the bedroom, she knocked louder, injecting a little fear into her voice. “Your Grace, please.”
Finally, there was a movement from inside the room and Laura let out a sob, grateful when Rockford opened the door a moment later, looking panicked. Before he could ask her anything, Laura wrung her hands, knew she must have looked a state, but she was thinking of Louise, of the boys, of him. “I remember what I saw that night.”
Chapter 8
Edge of Madness
“Have you noticed anything?” Rockford asked.
Larkin was standing in the doorway, keeping a respectful stance, and he nodded. “There have been reports from the cook and several maids that Andrea has been exhibiting concerning behavior around Miss Williams. I myself have noticed a couple of times that she seems to resent Miss Williams.”
Rockford paced the length of his desk, scowling at the floor. Things had gone on long enough and though there wasn’t any solid proof of what Andrea had done, Miss William’s own panicked retelling the night before of experiencing Louise’s death had drawn him to do this. “I wish to speak to Josephine immediately.”
“Of course,” Larkin said, with a respectful bow.
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