“Hello, princess.” Frank put Joyce down and chucked her chin. Then he bowed to Emily and Agnes, kissing their hands. “Lady Lincoln, Miss Newsome.”
“Captain,” Agnes said warmly, her hand squeezing his. “Welcome back to English soil.
Notts watched their interaction with a barely disguised smile. It was clear his brother and Agnes Newsome were in love but beyond a warm smile and the looks, nothing happened. He wanted to bang their heads together.
Emily hung back a little and Notts saw the way she was looking at Agnes and Frank. She looked wistful, almost jealous. It had been a while since she had received any of this affection. Notts wished he could bring something back into her life, to make her smile the way Agnes was smiling at his brother.
But he kept himself silent and fell into step beside her as Agnes and Frank walked on ahead, Joyce skipping in between them. Now was not the time. He wanted to distract Emily and bring her back into the world.
Emily and Joyce’s happiness and making them smile today was his priority.
***
The walk was eventful, to say the least. Notts had been hoping he and his brother could take Emily, her sister and her daughter out for the day, out in the fresh air and meet some people. After two years mourning, Emily needed to inject herself back into the crowd.
What he hadn’t been expecting was for so many people to turn their backs on them.
The first couple who had passed them had pretended to ignore them, surreptitiously glancing over at Emily before hurrying away. The next couple were not as subtle. They stood on the path, blocking their way, and called Emily several names that made Notts see red and made Joyce burst into tears. Emily looked like she was about to break down as well. It had taken Frank and Notts advancing on them, Frank starting to draw his sword that was strapped to his side, for the couple to hurry away.
Emily looked like she wanted to be anywhere but at the park. But she soldiered on and let Joyce run off her tears. Agnes and Frank distracted her while other people gave them scornful looks and turned up their noses. Notts was angry that they would treat a little girl so abysmally. It appeared that the lies had spread further than Notts had suspected.
That was infuriating. Emily had married a man who loved her but came with family that didn’t think the daughter of a baron was suitable for an earl. She had never asked to be ostracized because of one person.
Chapter 5
The Accident
N otts wanted to do something, anything. He couldn’t bear to see Emily upset. But there was only so much he could do without making a scandal. The poor woman looked like she was going to collapse at any moment.
The dowager countess of Lincoln had reduced a loving, laughing young woman into a shell of herself. Notts would never forgive her for that.
They made their way back to their carriages, Frank and Notts walking the ladies over to theirs first. Joyce was playing under a tree while Frank spoke to Agnes, still with the same animation he had displayed the whole time they had been walking. Emily drifted off a ways and wandered around under the tree, not seeming to notice anyone else there. Notts moved to join her, glancing at Joyce as she giggled, kicking through the fallen Autumn leaves.
“Lady Lincoln?”
Emily looked up with a glazed look in her eyes, her hand on the trunk of the tree as she walked around the base. It was a moment before that look cleared and she recognized him. She pushed herself upright and swallowed, smoothing her hands down her skirts.
“My apologies, my lord. I’m not myself.”
“I’ve noticed that.”
Emily’s face went red, and she looked down at the floor.
“And I ruined your outing for us. That was unkind of me and unfair on you.”
Notts snorted and patted her shoulder. There was barely anyone about and he didn’t care if anyone saw them.
“You didn’t ruin anything. It was unfair of me to suggest you should come out.”
“Don’t be.” Emily managed a small smile. “I’m glad I came outside. This park is beautiful.” She sighed. “I just wish I could have enjoyed it more.”
Notts wished that as well.
“I don’t blame you for anything, my lady. I know who’s to blame.”
“But what if she’s right?”
That Emily didn’t need to ask who he meant was worrying. And the fact she was beginning to doubt herself was scary. Notts didn’t believe the rumors at all and Emily had to know that herself.
“You were pushed out by your mother-in-law. You did nothing wrong. Her actions have nothing to do with you.”
But Emily didn’t look like she believed that. Her hands twisted in front of her.
“Why couldn’t I have married into a loving family? Linc was the only decent one of the lot.”
“Because that would have been too easy.” Notts grunted. He squeezed her shoulder. “We don’t always get what we want in life. But you’re well away from them now.”
“I don’t think so. They have poisoned people against me. They’ll be there in the back of my mind, smirking that they managed to get rid of me. I’m the mother of her only grandchild and she doesn’t care.”
“Jackson’s not married, then?”
Emily snorted.
“Who would marry that man?”
She did have a point. Gerald Jackson, the new Earl of Lincoln, was cut from the same cloth as his mother. He bought into her lies and had helped push Emily out without question. Notts wondered if Lincoln really knew what was going on or if he had been poisoned against his sister-in-law. Any woman who married him would have to be prepared to take a back seat to his relationship with the dowager countess.
“I won’t let them hurt you.” Notts promised.
Emily blinked up at him, her expression turning into one of confusion.
“But you don’t have any invested interest in me. I’m just an acquaintance and, even then, you knew me through my husband.”
“Who was my friend and, as his wife, you are my friend as well.” Notts wasn’t about to blurt out the real reason he was on her side. “He would want someone to look after you. Will you let me do that?”
Emily looked like she had been hit over the head. Notts was surprised to see that she hadn’t expected anyone to stand up for her. Then she smiled, the first genuine smile he had seen since they had entered the park and his heart turned over.
“It would be nice to have someone in my corner.”
She had no idea. Notts had always been in her corner.
“Emily?”
Agnes’ voice broke the moment. Emily turned away as her sister came hurrying over. She looked worried.
“Agnes, what is it?”
“Is Joyce with you? I can’t find her.”
That was when Notts realized Joyce had gone missing. He had seen her playing happily near them with the leaves. The hairs prickled on the back of his neck.
Where was she now?
Emily’s face went white. She groaned and hurried away.
“She’s run off again. Great!” Then she began shouting. “Joyce! Joyce, where are you, honey?”
Notts glanced at Agnes, who was looking as pale as her sister. Frank came hurrying over.
“I’ll head towards the coaches,” He panted, “She’s probably petting the horses.”
“I’ll come with you.” Notts urged Agnes towards Emily as she hurried towards the park. “Go with your sister.”
Agnes nodded and hurried away. Then Notts and Frank crossed a path and ran towards where a group of carriages were parked, their attendants and grooms milling around talking amongst themselves or helping with the horses. Nobody was paying attention to anything else.
Then Notts heard a scream. A scream that sounded like it was from a little girl. His heart pounding, he ran ahead of Frank towards the east side of the park. There was a small heap at the entrance of the park, a carriage stopped nearby. The groom had jumped down and was kneeling beside the heap. The couple who had been in the
carriage were climbing out, the woman gasping at the sight.
Notts could see why. There seemed to be a lot of blood. And Joyce didn’t seem to be breathing.
***
Joyce was alive. She had a crack to the head and her leg was broken. She had barely woken up the whole ride back to the Newsome estate and had opened her eyes once when the doctor was examining her. Emily was still trembling as the doctor told her the news.
When she heard that, Emily had been unable to contain herself. She had simply burst into tears, her mother holding her tightly as the doctor finished tending to her daughter. Joyce had barely whimpered. That had to be something of a relief.
Once she knew that Joyce was going to be all right, and the doctor had finished the bandaging, Emily had stumbled out of her daughter’s room and downstairs. She needed to get out of there. Right now, she needed to be alone.
It was dark outside, and the terrace was deserted. Emily went to the furthest end and collapsed onto the wall, burying her face in her hands as she sobbed. She had been strung tight as she sat at Joyce’s bedside, unable to do anything. Her little girl had been involved in an accident and she hadn’t been around to see her. She had been too focused on herself, selfishly. That had been her downfall.
What must everyone think of her now? They all thought she was responsible for Jackson’s death. Now they must think she was a despicable mother. Emily had barely been able to look at anyone once she saw her daughter.
If the rumors were strong before, they were going to be even worse now.
“Emily?”
Emily jumped and looked up. Notts was coming out of the shadows, coming across the terrace towards her. He looked grim, worry shining in his eyes as he hurried over. Emily’s heart jumped in her chest.
Had she ever heard him call her by her first name? No, it wasn’t the done thing. But Emily wasn’t interested in following etiquette right now. She held out her hands to him.
Notts went to her without question and knelt before her, pulling her into an embrace. Emily rested her head on his shoulder as her arms tightened around him. Notts’ hold squeezed for a moment before he gently urged her back, holding her hands between his.
“Is Joyce all right?” He whispered. “Is she alive?”
“She’s alive.” Emily swallowed. “She’s unconscious, and she’s got a broken leg. With lots of rest, the doctor’s optimistic she will be fine.”
The tension seemed to rush out of Notts’ body. He gave her a smile and squeezed her hands.
“That’s good, at least.”
“I’m not so sure about that.”
Emily hadn’t meant to say that out loud. But she was now thinking about what Frank had said to her earlier. He had seen something and Emily was hoping he was wrong. Calling this an accident was one thing. But to call it otherwise…
That was just too unsettling for her.
Chapter 6
Accident or Deliberate?
“W hat?” Notts straightened up. “Emily, what is it?”
Emily blinked.
“You’re calling me by my name a lot.”
“If it gets you to pay attention, I’ll keep doing it.” Notts said grimly. “What is going on?”
“Have you spoken to your brother?”
“No, he was with Agnes for most of the time we were waiting. Then when Agnes went to her room, Frank took his leave.”
“He snuck in and spoke to me shortly before he left.” Emily let out a shuddering breath. “He told me something that I’m still trying to turn over in my head. I don’t like it at all.”
“Don’t like what?” Notts frowned. “What are you talking about?”
He was going to think she was mad. Her and Frank. But Emily needed to tell him. She bit her lip.
“He said someone pushed Joyce in front of the carriage. That she was lured away and then pushed.”
Notts sat back on his heels, his mouth falling open.
“You mean someone intentionally hurt Joyce?”
“Yes.”
Notts looked like someone had slapped him. He swallowed hard and shook his head.
“I can’t believe anyone would do that to a child.”
At least he wasn’t dismissing it out of hand. That was something.
“Frank said he was sure it was a man. They were wearing a cloak, and he didn’t see their face but he’s sure it was a man.” Emily raised a hand to her mouth as a sudden thought came to her. “What if it was Lincoln?”
“Lincoln?” It took a moment for Notts to realize what she was talking about. “You mean your brother-in-law? Why would he do that?”
“I don’t know. But he’s the only man I know who would do anything close to this.”
“I agree there. There may be a lot of things levelled at you but nobody in Society would be mad enough to go after a little girl.”
Emily hoped that. Society loved its gossip and would do anything to get the next bit of interesting conversation. But she couldn’t see any of them deciding that hurting a little girl, someone who had never hurt anyone in her life, was the best way to do that. Not even the most callous of people she knew were that cruel.
Apart from one person. And not the Earl of Lincoln. He would probably do it if someone put him up to it, but Emily hoped that her brother-in-law would never do that. She could feel herself trembling, her hands still encased in Notts’ warm grip.
“I feel so helpless,” she confessed. “I want to do something but I don’t know what.”
Notts didn’t say anything. He simply knelt there, giving her silent comfort. Emily hadn’t had any comfort like this for a long time; she had forgotten what it felt like. Notts had always just been there, a comfortable, firm presence that would help pick up the pieces, both before and after Jackson’s death.
He had always been around and Emily wondered why she hadn’t noticed him before.
Realizing that she was beginning to wander into dangerous territory, she drew her hands from the warmth Notts was giving her. The cold seeped into her skin and wouldn’t let go.
“Would you mind giving me some time alone?” she whispered.
She didn’t want him to go but Emily was nervous. The pull towards this man was nothing like she had felt towards her husband. This wasn’t right. Not now. Notts seemed to understand and stood, adjusting his coat.
“Of course.” He gave her a slight smile. “If you need anything, let me know.”
Emily nodded, managing a smile in return. Notts hesitated. Then he reached out and brushed his fingers across her jaw. The sudden action had Emily jumping, staring up at him. But Notts’ expression stayed blank as he drew back and walked away, going back inside.
Then Emily was wishing she could call him back.
***
It was all Notts could do not to go back and refuse to leave Emily’s side. She needed someone with her right now and Notts didn’t want it to be anyone else but him. But that wouldn’t be proper and Notts knew he would feel helpless sitting there with the woman he had loved since before she married. He needed to be out doing something.
And while he had a lot of the information about the Earl of Lincoln and the dowager countess, Notts had a feeling he didn’t know the whole story. And he needed to talk to someone who knew the whole story. Someone who wasn’t Emily.
So Notts made his way to Newsome’s study. The man was astute and knew a lot more than he let on. Most people dismissed him because he wasn’t the loud and sociable type. He preferred to be in the background, something his daughters had followed. But that didn’t mean he didn’t have eyes and ears.
Notts knocked at the door and entered. Newsome was at his desk. He looked to be writing a letter but Notts noticed he wasn’t wearing his spectacles and he was doodling on the blotter. That was understandable; with his granddaughter hurt upstairs, it would be difficult to focus on anything.
Newsome looked up as Notts approached him. He lowered his pen and sat up in surprise.
“Notts. What ar
e you still doing here? I thought you had gone home with Captain Davenport.”
“No, I stayed.” Notts indicated the couches in front of the fire, which was now burning brightly, “I needed to talk to you privately.”
“Of course.” Newsome stood and moved towards the couches. He sat on one and Notts sat on the other. Newsome sat back and rubbed at his eyes. “My wife said that Joyce is going to be all right.”
“Lady Lincoln said the same thing when I spoke to her just now.” Notts sat forward, elbows on his knees as he tried to put his thoughts into words. “And she believes my brother when he says he saw her brother-in-law might have pushed Joyce into the path of that carriage.”
He had been expecting shock and outrage. What Notts hadn’t expected was for Newsome to let out a resigned sigh.
“I wouldn’t be surprised at all.”
“You believe it?”
Newsome fixed Notts with a stern look. Notts had never seen his friend look at him like that.
“What do you know of the current Lord Lincoln and the dowager countess?”
“They hate your daughter. They blocked her from seeing her husband before he died, and she was disinherited.”
“With a fake will.”
Notts sat up. He had half-expected it but had never had it confirmed by someone else.
“Have you got proof of that?”
“Not hard proof, sadly. But I know Lincoln–Jackson–wouldn’t have left Emily and Joyce with nothing.” Newsome looked grim. “He spoke to me shortly before he fell ill, saying that he had had his will revised and while his brother would inherit the title as the next male heir, everything else was going to Emily and then Joyce would receive a third of it when she came of age. His brother had his own money and Jackson wasn’t adding his wealth to that.”
Notts had a feeling Lincoln wouldn’t have coped with just his own wealth, not with the amount of gambling he had done in the past. But what Newsome had said made him interested.
“Revised? You mean they weren’t in the will before?”
“No, they were, but it was to be split between his mother, his wife and his daughter. Apparently, he had promised his mother when he received the title of earl that he would leave her some of his estate in his will. This was shortly before he met and married Emily.”
Regency Romances for the Ages Page 89