by Heather Boyd
Perhaps if Leopold could be convinced to stay here at the abbey, and he managed to find Oliver, Rosemary, and Tobias, Edwin might have the benefit of cousins to play with one day. It wouldn’t be as good as having real siblings at his side though. She had always wanted him to have the kind of childhood she’d had.
As little Mercy Hunt, eldest girl in a family of four, life had been very sweet and uncomplicated. It was only when she had grown older and married that she’d discovered life did not always go according to plan.
Like discovering that your new lover was really an old one.
No matter how she tried to turn aside the idea, it had taken a firm hold in her mind. Leopold had deceived her, had shared her bed since arriving and had never said a word. Yet he had not attempted to impose on her either. That had been all Mercy’s doing. His obvious restraint, as Mercy had teased him, was the only impediment to their relationship progressing. Could he not want more from her than pleasure?
She wanted him very, very badly for so much more than that. So much more that she shocked herself with her sudden decision. She could marry him and give Edwin brothers and sisters to play with as soon as it could be done.
Edwin giggled.
Mercy lifted her head as he dropped into her lap.
Edwin bowled her over and planted wet kisses on her lips. “Mama, I woke up so early.”
“Did you now? And what did you do while I was sleeping?”
His gaze shot to Leopold. “We played I spy.” Edwin burrowed under the covers completely, playing under the sheets.
“Good morning, Your Grace.” Leopold’s smile was as warm as the deep chocolate of his eyes. “We didn’t want to disturb your rest too soon. I hope you don’t mind that I kept him occupied in the other room.”
Impulsively, she reached for his cravat and pulled him down until their faces were close. His eyes were red rimmed. “Good morning, Leopold. Did you get any sleep at all?”
His gaze darted to where Edwin hid beside her. “Some.”
Mercy shook her head. “I think you are a terrible liar, Leopold.”
“Of course, Your Grace.” He winked and tried to rise but Mercy kept hold.
She tugged until their lips connected and kissed him soundly.
He pulled back quickly. “Don’t.”
Edwin emerged from the bedding with a wide grin on his face. Leopold stared at him, but Edwin had not noticed the kiss. He was oblivious to anything but his games. Mercy ruffled Edwin’s hair as she climbed out of bed. Leopold backed away.
“He will have to grow used to such things, Leopold. My parents kissed each other in front of their children quite often. I could tell the mood of their marriage by the way they kissed. My parents never hid their affection and I shall do the same before Edwin.”
Leopold stepped back further. “We are not married, nor shall we ever be. All you will teach him is wickedness.”
Mercy pressed her lips together over a laugh. Poor Leopold really had no idea that she intended to keep him for the rest of his life. Emotions like these were never meant to be contained, and Mercy had no intention of trying anymore. She would avoid scandal if at all possible, but she would have Leopold at her side for the rest of her life or die trying. Mercy prowled after him. “Is that what you think of me, as a wicked woman of low morals? I think the pair of us knows the truth of that.”
He shook his head. “You don’t know the first thing about me. I should never have come home.” He glanced at Edwin. “I will leave the minute the danger has passed.”
“You will not.” Mercy gathered up her robe, slipped it on, and belted it around her waist before she spoke again. “You still have to find your family. We both know your best chance of success is remaining here. With us. We are family too, or had you forgotten.”
Leopold swallowed. “I have not forgotten.”
But he still did not say directly that he had a closer acquaintance to Edwin than he was supposed to have. Would he never admit his part in that night?
Vexed, Mercy moved away from him to the window and stared out. Why would he not want to claim her son even privately as his own? Edwin was a good boy, healthy and sturdy, and so unlike her husband’s disposition that she felt incredibly stupid not to have realized that her midnight lover could have been Leopold.
She turned slowly, catching Leopold watching her son. His expression was open and the raw look he directed at the playing child made her heart clench. Perhaps he did want to claim her son, but was hesitant to do so. Under the circumstances, he might expect her to be angry about the deception.
She had been. Yesterday.
Today, she wanted to build a bridge and create a new life. With Leopold smack dab in the middle of it. Filling her belly again and making this place come alive with the sound of many voices. With more Randall’s.
She crossed the room and slipped her hand into his.
His fingers tightened about hers. Strong, steady, sure. “Are you ready to depart, Your Grace?”
“Yes, Leopold.” She leaned against his shoulder. “We are ready to go when ever you wish it.”
His thumb caressed her knuckles. “May I carry Edwin? I’d like to move swiftly through the halls in case danger lurks.”
She squeezed his hand as a lump formed in her throat. “You never need ask that again.”
He released her hand and stepped up beside the bed. “Come along, Your Grace. You have a busy day ahead of you.”
Edwin rolled toward the end of the bed. “Will you take me riding today like you promised?”
Leopold lifted Edwin to his knees. “Not today, but I think I could convince Cook to whip up some pastries. Would you like to help him dust them?”
Edwin nodded briskly. “I should like that very much.”
He allowed Leopold to pick him up and carry him back to his room. A servant was waiting outside.
“All is quiet, Mr. Randall.”
Leopold nodded and then shifted Edwin in his arms. “Your Grace, may I present my valet to you. This is Colby. He will be keeping you company for a short time while, if your mother is agreeable. If you grow bored later, ask Colby to sing. He has a very fine voice.”
The valet scowled at his employer, but then smiled quickly for her son. Edwin threw himself at the valet and they disappeared inside her son’s chamber.
Leopold caught her elbow. “We need to talk.”
Hope soared in her breast. Had he been waiting until they could be alone before he would confess to their past encounter?
He harried her along to her bedchamber, but once inside he released her arm and rang the bell three times. The butler’s call. Mercy sat on a chair with a thump. She didn’t need the butler to hear this confession. She only wanted truth spoken between them and then she would let the matter rest. “Well?”
“I’d rather say this only once. We will wait for Wilcox to arrive.”
Mercy frowned at him, but Leopold merely paced the chamber.
When the door finally opened, Leopold stalked toward Wilcox. “He was here last night, in the grounds, outside the windows of the abbey.”
Wilcox looked about them wildly. “Are you sure?”
“As sure as I can be without leaving the duchess’ side.” Leopold raked his fingers through his hair. “He was there one minute and gone the next. He could be hiding any bloody where. I’d hoped to catch a glimpse of his direction when he left but he was too quick.”
Wilcox wrung his hands. “What can we do?”
“We need to change places. Tonight, I want you at the duchess’ side. My valet will also be with you to help guard the boy.”
Mercy stood. She didn’t like the sound of this. “Where will you be?”
“I’m going hunting.”
Leopold dropped his hand to his coat pocket where Mercy knew a small weapon resided. She shook her head. “No. I won’t allow it. You put yourself in danger unnecessarily.”
“I will not sit quietly while he roams the grounds at will. I will not allow h
im to come any closer to you or Edwin. I will stop him tonight and that will be the end of it.”
Mercy covered her face with her hands. What he suggested was terrifyingly dangerous. He could be hurt himself. Left to die out on the grounds and she would never know until it was too late. Warm hands guided her into a chair and settled on her head.
“It is the only way to keep you both safe. Remain here with Wilcox and let me deal with the problem. I have my uses.”
Mercy lifted her head and stared at him through blurry eyes. “I need you.”
His fingertips caressed her jaw. “I’m sorry.”
She leaned into his touch and kissed his palm. “I will not sleep a wink while you are gone and will expect to see you first thing in the morning to prove you are safe.”
“As you wish, Your Grace.”
A door clicked closed.
Leopold sighed. “Now Wilcox knows for certain that we are involved.”
“I do not care, and you know it.”
Leopold sighed again, dug into his pocket, and held out his small pistol. “Keep this with you at all times. Fire only should it become absolutely necessary.” He moved toward the door. “Go about your day as usual, but stay within the abbey. We will all be watching over you and Edwin.”
When he hurried away, Mercy let her tears fall down her cheeks. Now she would worry about him the whole of the day, if he intended to keep a distance. She scrubbed at her cheeks and drew in a deep breath. She had to get through today, get through tonight, and then she would tie Leopold Randall to a chair if necessary and demand he fall in love with her before it was too late.
There simply was no other acceptable way to go on.
Chapter Twenty-One
Leopold finished stacking the table with firearms and looked at them grimly. To think his life had turned so far around that he might be required to defend the Duke of Romsey with his own life. The old bastard had known his character well when he’d sent him to Mercy’s bed. He’d never harm his own child and never turn his back if he were in danger. He was soft where family was concerned and the old bastard had counted on it.
He cursed under his breath and wiped at his stinging eyes. Weariness tugged at his senses but he couldn’t sleep. He had to finish this task, check on Wilcox minding Mercy, and then he could catch a few hours rest before night fell.
Methodically, he cleaned each weapon and readied them for firing, thinking about where he could place them around the abbey; several to the drawing room and library, one behind the potted plant on the staircase, another within the suit of armor at the top. All logical choices, all places a servant might stumble on and start asking questions. He’d have to get more creative than this.
He needed more men. He needed people he trusted at his side to guard Mercy and the boy. He wracked his brain for someone in the district with unquestioned loyalty to him and to Mercy. Eamon Murphy sprang to mind immediately. The man might be the biggest gossip known to mankind, but he was loyal and that made him perfect for Leopold’s needs. He jotted a quick note to him, summoning him to the abbey as quick as he could come, and stepped out into the hall to see it delivered. He did not want to draw the other servants’ attention to the arsenal of weapons he was preparing in case they tipped off the madman.
When the messenger had departed, Leopold locked the study door, and then crept down the hall to check on Mercy and Edwin. Wilcox nodded all was well inside and moved away. Their voices carried through the closed door of the playroom and he eased it open. Mercy and Edwin were romping on the floor again, absorbed in the toys around them. His heart tripped over at the happy pair they made. He wished he could join them and play with Edwin’s toy armies again. Leopold found Edwin’s delight fascinating to watch and very hard to stay away from.
He leaned closer to the gap to listen to them talk.
Edwin knocked his armies flying. “Where is Mr. Randall, Mama?”
A sad smile crossed Mercy’s face. “He had some business to take care of for the estate. I’m sure he will come and visit with you later.”
Edwin moved his toys around. “I like him,” he said suddenly.
Leopold closed his eyes.
“I am very sure he likes you too, Edwin,” Mercy said.
His heart couldn’t take much more of this.
“Can we go see him soon?” Edwin asked. “I want to show him my general.”
Leopold opened his eyes to see Mercy ruffle her son’s hair. “I’m sure he would enjoy that.”
More than she realized. His son made him so proud, not that he could safely acknowledge those feelings. He had to bury them deep before he blurted out the truth. He closed the door quietly and hurried away. He was here to do a job, not get too personally involved with Edwin. He had to maintain a distance to keep his sanity.
He had just finished hiding the last of the weapons about the abbey when Eamon arrived. The poor fellow looked so discomforted by being surrounded by the opulence of the entrance hall that Leopold ushered him quickly into the study, a simply decorated masculine room, and closed the door behind them.
Eamon’s shoulders eased. “You wanted to see me, Mr. Randall.”
“I did Eamon.” It was a huge risk bringing Eamon into his confidence like this since he tended toward gossip, but there simply was no help for it. “Have you noticed any strangers in the district?”
Eamon shook his head. “Just you and that valet of yours.”
“No peddlers that anyone mentioned gave them a bad feeling. No travelers lingering where they ought not to be? There is always someone on the road. It’s important.”
Eamon screwed his face up as he thought. “Now, there was someone who mentioned seeing a figure hugging the trees.” He held his finger up. “Someone over by your old families place. In the woods behind, if I remember correctly.”
Leopold had not ventured in that direction since his return. The thought of standing in his mother’s parlor again had been too much to bear. He would rather remember his childhood home as it was, well tended and full of life, than empty.
He sat on the edge of the desk. “Can you describe the fellow?”
Eamon scowled. “The widow Turner is a fanciful creature.”
“Regardless, what did she say about him.” Leopold crossed his arms over his chest and waited.
“That he was trouble, whatever that means. She calls half the lads around here trouble, me included.”
Despite the seriousness of the conversation, Leopold grinned. “You are trouble, Eamon. She is correct about that.”
Eamon laughed. “Too right, too right. She said he frightened her near to death. Terrible visage.”
“So, not a handsome man? A brute?”
“She didn’t say he was big or nothing.” Eamon scratched his jaw. “An ape. That was her exact words.”
Leopold frowned. This lead could amount to nothing and it didn’t fit with the man he had seen in the grounds last night. Although at something of a distance, he’d not describe the intruder as ape-like. “Anything else?”
“Nope.” Eamon looked about him curiously. His gaze skimmed over the table where three weapons lay concealed beneath a cloth, he took in the rest of the chamber, and then settled his gaze again on the concealed weapons. “What’s under there?”
As a younger man, Eamon had been a fairly good shot. With those weapons, the duke’s finest, he had a decent chance of hitting any target he chose to aim for. Leopold moved toward the table and set his fingertips on the cloth. “Do you remember playing spies as a boy? You always wanted to defend the king, if I remember correctly.”
Eamon laughed. “Toby always got his way and I had no choice but to be a villain.”
“Well, Tobias isn’t here and I control the game now.” Leopold uncovered the guns. “How would feel about defending a duke instead of a King?”
Eamon gaped.
Leopold handed over a weapon. “The boy’s life is in danger and he has only us to protect him. Are you willing?”
Eamon took the weapon from him and tested the weight. “Thought you’d never ask.”
It was now Leopold’s turn to gape. “What exactly do you know?”
“That the duchess is terrified. The whole village knows of her situation and, despite the danger, are ever so glad you’re back. Can’t understand why she’s still here but we’ll catch the bastard. You just wait and see.” Eamon winked. “I moved some friends onto the grounds when I got your note. I took that as your permission. They’ll advance on the abbey as night falls and take up positions around the place wherever I tell them. We’ll keep you safe and snug here.”
Leopold frowned. “I’ll be outside with you in the grounds.”
Eamon shook his head. “Oh, I don’t think that’s such a good idea. After all, you’re next in line for the title. You’ll need our protection, too.”
~ * ~
Patience had never been Mercy’s strong suit. She paced the chamber while her son napped and couldn’t control her anxiety, counting her steps as she crossed the room. Twenty three wide, sixteen across. She frowned and turned around. Counting again, she retraced her steps.
Where was Leopold, and what perils was he facing?
Worry gnawed her insides. Her troubles had placed him in danger. The whole duchy’s future was in jeopardy if Leopold and Edwin fell victim to this unknown madman. She shivered and rubbed her arms. The estate would fall to the crown and she would be cast out unless the king allowed an unprecedented change to the succession. She doubted that would happen.
She stopped at a sudden thought. If Leopold’s siblings were found, there was still a chance for the estate to remain with the Randall’s. She may only have married into the family, but she was uncommonly fond of the ones she knew. Strange Randall’s would be better than seeing the great family fall.
“What are you plotting now, Your Grace?”
She looked up at the interruption. “Blythe, thank goodness you came back! I was beginning to worry about you.”
“I told Mr. Randall last night I was perfectly safe.” A frown grew across Blythe’s brow. “But I do appreciate his concern for you and the duke. As such, I packed a few things and will stay here until the danger has passed.”