“I still do not think we could have survived that last night if not for two of you. We owe you our lives,” Adam stated.
“We were just carrying out our duties,” stated Bradbury. “You don’t have to thank us, my lord.”
Adam nodded. “I believe you are here to ask about the cufflink and the journal?”
“Right. We checked the envelope you took with you. There was nothing inside except a sheet out of the journal.”
Adam nodded. “Yes. I could not trust Nicholas and I had my doubts regarding the plan we had. I decided to improvise and thank God I did. That man could have killed us both in that house.”
“Well, thank God for your cleverness,” replied Langley. “Where did you get the journal and the cufflink in such a short time? If I recall correctly, we gave it to you before you arrived at the greenhouse. It was very dark so we could not see every detail from afar.”
Adam chuckled. “There was a saddlebag on my horse. Magnolia, please send a servant to get it.”
She nodded and stood up, leaving the room and beckoning to the first servant she saw.
“Yes, my lady?” asked the young male servant.
“Go to the brown stallion my husband rode last night. There is a saddlebag attached to its neck. Bring it to our room, please.”
The lad nodded and left.
Some minutes later, the young servant carried the bag to the bedroom and handed it to Adam. Adam opened it, brought out the cufflink and the journal, and gave them to Langley.
“What now?” asked Magnolia.
“We shall present this in the court tomorrow,” said Langley.
“So soon?” Magnolia asked, looking surprised.
“I think the earlier we put Wilde behind us, the better,” Adam opined.
“Agreed,” put in Aunt Dorothy. “Let us just do the needful and forget about him.”
Magnolia was fine with the plan and the officers left. Later the two women also left, leaving the couple alone in their bedroom.
“There is something I have been wanting to ask,” Adam said.
“About what?” asked Magnolia.
“You once made a birthday gift for me while we were young. That should be during my seventeenth birthday, I think; I can’t really remember.”
Magnolia chuckled. It was when she had been infatuated with the young earl and had made a cravat for him.
“Yes, I believe I did. What about it?”
“Why did you never give me the gift?”
“Oh . . . because I saw you and that girl kissing in your room,” she replied, with a shrug.
Adam was surprised. “But why did you not talk about it?”
She chuckled, climbing into bed with him. “Because that would mean I would have to tell you how long I have had a crush on you.”
He laughed, and her eyes grew wide. “Do not tell me you knew I had a crush on you, Adam Avery!”
“I did not know. But I later found out. Even my mother and your brother saw right through you.”
Magnolia shrieked and covered her face, laughing at the same time.
Chapter 39
Magnolia Richmond Avery, the Countess of Strickland
“And that was how Nicholas’s fate was sealed forever,” Magnolia said, as she read from a newspaper in her hand.
“Good riddance to him,” replied Aunt Dorothy, who was sitting in the parlor with Magnolia. She had yet to return to the Richmond Manor.
That morning, it was written in the newspaper about how a popular lord who was well respected in the community was discovered to be a murderer and a slave trader. He ended up being sentenced to death by hanging. There was no word yet on what would happen to properties, workers, and servants.
Adam was well enough to go to court with his mother to testify against Nicholas, but Magnolia and her Aunt Dorothy had decided to stay at home, not wanting to see Nicholas ever again. “I cannot bear to see that devilish man again,” Magnolia had said, so her aunt decided to stay at home with her.
It was now two days after the court session. Adam’s health had greatly improved so he had decided to go out that morning. His mother was somewhere in the house.
“I was hoping we could take a walk this morning,” said Aunt Dorothy.
“A walk? Why?”
“For an exercise. The physician said you need to move around more. It is good for both you and the baby.”
Magnolia scoffed. “I just feel like lying in bed all day, Aunt Dorothy. Not taking a walk.”
“Well, if that is your wish, we can always walk some other time. So, tell me. How is Caroline?”
Magnolia frowned. “I believe she is all right.” It seemed somehow strange that her aunt should ask about Caroline in such manner, since Caroline had just come the previous day.
“Is she planning on getting married anytime soon?”
She stared at her aunt. Where was this coming from? “When last did you go to your usual tea gathering Aunt Dorothy?”
The older woman threw her a glare. “What does that have to do with anything?”
“Well, is there any reason why you are asking about Caroline when you could have asked her yourself yesterday?”
“You are her best friend, Magnolia. There are some things she will be more comfortable hearing from you than hearing from me. Besides, since you inquired, the reason I asked is because, while you were abducted, and she was here with Richard. I could not help but catch Richard looking at her in a very unusual way. I think she knows that he likes her. She seemed to be enjoying it!”
Magnolia was surprised and straightened up in her seat. “Are you saying that you think Lord Waterston is attracted to my friend?”
“I am saying they are attracted to each other but may not know of the other’s affections.”
Magnolia laughed. That was too complex to be true…but at the same time, it could be true.
“Caroline likes Lord Waterston. I am certain about that. I am just not certain how he might feel about her.”
“If that is the case, you might need to ask your husband. And it would be a good idea to talk to Caroline and know how she really feels about Richard.”
A servant arrived. “My lady, a carriage has just arrived with a caller.”
Both ladies exchanged glances. Magnolia was even more surprised, but she quickly covered it up when Caroline walked in.
“Hello, Aunt Dorothy. How do you do?”
“Very well, dear. How are your parents?”
“They are well, thank you. They sent their regards to you, Magnolia. I told them everything that happened.”
“You really should not have,” Magnolia replied.
“I could not help, myself. Mother wanted to come but I stopped her. I told her you are much better,” Caroline explained as she sat down.
“I shall pay them a visit one of these days so they will see there is absolutely nothing to worry about,” said Magnolia, gratefully.
“That would be wonderful,” replied Caroline, before Aunt Dorothy stood up and excused herself.
“So, tell me, Magnolia! How is your husband? Is he here?”
“Not at all. He went to see his friend, Lord Midhurst,” she replied. “You remember him, do you not?” she asked, observing Caroline’s every movement.
“Of course. Adam has only one friend. Who else but Lord Midhurst?”
Caroline had said this quite indifferently. If what her aunt said was true, then she would need to press her further.
“So. What do you think of him?”
Caroline threw her a glare. “Who?”
“Lord Midhurst. Who else?”
Then Caroline reddened all of a sudden, and Magnolia knew her aunt was right.
“I do not know what you mean by what I think of him,” she replied, unable to look at Magnolia.
“Your cheeks do not agree with you, dear friend,” she teased, laughing. “Your face is all red! You know it is all right to like him. I remember you once told me that you liked him some time, back.” Caroline stood up
. She was blushing unrelentingly and pacing at the same time. “He is a very private person. He hardly talks about his feelings. I would not know if he feels the same way about me.”
“When last did you two have a talk together?” Magnolia asked. This was getting far more interesting than she thought.
“Well, just during the time of your abduction. We have not seen each other, or talked together, since then.”
“I see. If that’s the case, we must find out how he feels about you. I daresay that whatever you feel for him has surpassed just ordinary liking.”
Caroline stopped and turned towards her. “Am I so obvious?”
“Yes, you are,” Magnolia replied. “I can see right through you. If you are in love with him like I think you are, then you must make him see it, too.”
“I cannot, Magnolia,” she replied, walking to her seat. “What if he thinks I am desperate? I do not want him to see me like that…”
“He would not,” Magnolia replied, trying to calm her down. “That is why I am going to find out from my husband.”
Caroline frowned. “That could be good news or bad. I hope Adam would not think I am desperate as well.”
“Of course not. He might have a good laugh about my friend liking his friend, but if Richard feels the same way then everything would be perfect. Trust me! We shall find out soon enough.”
* * *
Adam Avery, the Earl of Strickland
Adam sat in Richard’s study as they laughed over a bottle of wine, each of them reading from the magazine in their hands.
“Did you see his eyes as he was being taken away?” Richard asked. The two of them had gone to court together two days ago when the judge had condemned Nicholas Wilde to death by hanging.
Adam would never forget the way Nicholas had glared at him as the officer took him away. Written on his face was pure hatred.
Adam had asked his mother and Richard to sit at the front row so that Nicholas would see them. He had expected the glare but never knew it would be that deadly. It would have terrified him if not for Richard, who tapped him on the back to reassure him that that was the end of Nicholas.
“I can never forget such a look,” replied Adam. “I can still feel the intensity as I remember it.”
“Well, thank God we are rid of him,” continued Richard. “We can joke about it now. So tell me, how did it feel to have almost died?”
Adam shook his head as he leaned back on the chair, still holding on to the glass of his wine. “It was the most terrible feeling I have ever had. If I had fainted all at once, it would not have been as bad, but I didn’t. I had to feel the bullet as it pierced my skin, layer after layer. It was like having your skin shredded piece by piece and you are conscious during the process. It was an unimaginable pain. I don’t think anyone should go through that.”
Richard stood up. “Well, thank God you are alive to tell the story. Now you and your wife can look forward to starting your family afresh. Congratulations again on your coming child. I am sure she will be as beautiful as her mother.”
Adam laughed. “What makes you think it is a she?”
“Just a hunch. You do not want a girl?”
“I really do not have a preference.”
“No, it is not about preference. It is about what to expect and I would wager you on it, if you like.”
Adam laughed. “Wager me on whatever you want, I am fine with either a boy or a girl.”
Richard sipped more from the glass while placing a hand to his hips. “You are no fun.”
“And that reminds me, Richard. Are you never going to settle down?
Richard threw him a questioning look. “Now, where’s that coming from?”
The door opened all of a sudden, distracting them, and Richard’s mother walked in. Adam was surprised. It had been months since he had seen her.
Adam stood up. “Lady Midhurst. Ah! I never knew you were here.”
“Hello, Lord Strickland,” said the woman, smiling. “It has been such a long time. How is your mother?”
“She is well, thank you.” He turned to face his friend. “How could you not tell me that she came to visit you?”
“I am sorry,” replied Richard. “I was carried away by our discussion and I forgot to mention it. Besides, she was asleep.”
“Notwithstanding! You are such a terrible friend.”
Lady Midhurst laughed. “Forgive him, dear. I was sleeping upstairs when I heard your voice, so I decided to come out. I must say that I could not help but overhear your last discussion as I walked in.”
Both men exchanged glances. Richard gulped down his drink.
“I have been talking to your friend about marriage issues and that is why, for a while now, he has stopped visiting us,” Richard’s mother said. “Please, talk to him. Maybe he would listen to you. You two are the best of friends and you, Adam, are married. If only my son could walk in your shoes.”
“I shall try my best, Lady Midhurst.” Adam smiled while the woman took her leave.
Richard sighed and sat down, as did Adam.
“You should settle down, Richard. For how long do you want to be called a single man?”
“I am still enjoying my singleness, Adam. Marriage comes with issues and yours has taught me a great lesson. Did you see everything you and your wife went through just days after your marriage? She was stubborn when you were only trying to protect her. I do not think I can be that patient with any woman.”
Adam smiled. “You make a good point, my friend. I also tried to check and see whether I made the right decision by getting married. We both had to learn and grow, to find compromises. But we both stubborn, wanting to do things our own way. Even though we had so many challenges, I never for once regretted marrying her because I love her. That love has sustained us, and it keeps sustaining us.”
He leaned forward and continued. “Challenges will always come, but what keeps us together is the love we share. This is what covers every other thing. The challenges and misunderstandings can be frustrating but through it all, you remember how much you love each other and just like that, you keep on.”
Richard sighed. “I have heard you, friend, but what you have with Magnolia is special. You both have been in love since you were children, like you said. I do not think I can have that with anyone.”
Adam frowned. “So are you saying you are not nursing any feeling for someone that you and I know?”
Richard shook his head. “I do not know what you are talking about.”
“You do not have a particular lady whom you secretly admire?”
“Well . . . I . . . ” Richard started to protest, but then stopped. “Except for Caroline, of course. But I don’t know how she feels about me.”
“You must understand yourself, first, before you worry about the other person. In most cases, you do not need to worry. You just trust your instincts and go ahead.”
Richard shook his head. “Is it not ironic that I was the one who had to encourage you before you made your intentions known to Magnolia? And now, the tables have turned.”
“Well, that is why we are friends,” Adam chuckled. “So we can always be there for each other.”
“You’re right,” Richard said as he drank more of his wine. “So, what do you think I should do about Caroline?”
“I think I will talk to my wife about it,” Adam replied. “You just relax.”
Epilogue
Magnolia Richmond Avery, the Countess of Strickland
Magnolia shifted uncontrollably in her bed as Adam stepped out from behind his dressing screen. Quickly he changed into his sleeping robe and then joined her in bed.
“Adam, there is something I want to talk to you about,” she began.
Her husband frowned. “Quite funny. I also have something to talk to you about.”
“Well, then, you can go first,” said Magnolia.
“No, mine can wait. You should go first,” Adam replied.
Magnolia smiled and strai
ghtened up. “It’s about Caroline.”
Adam raised his brows. “Funny that you mention her, for that is what I wanted to talk about with you as well.”
“Really?”
He nodded. “Go on.”
“I think she likes your friend and is afraid that….”
Adam laughed. Magnolia was confused. “What?”
A Mysterious Quest of a Seductive Lady: A Regency Historical Romance Novel Page 29