by Karen Lynne
“William, will you order the carriages and inform my mother and your aunt that we will be leaving?” James ordered.
“Rutley, keep an eye on our friend.” James nodded toward the unconscious man still lying on the ground.
“I think it would be best if you waited in here.” James escorted the ladies to a room across the hall. It was small, furnished with a few chairs and couch around a fireplace. Susan and Abby sat next to each other on the couch.
James knelt down in front of Susan handing her his handkerchief. “Did he hurt you?” Concern shone in his features.
She looked at him, her eyes still shiny with moisture, and shook her head. “I am fine, just a little shook up.” She took his handkerchief.
“I will be back. Stay here until I return.” He left but paused outside the cracked door, listening.
“Susan, I’m so sorry. When I saw that odious Mr. Bathurst accosting you, my only thought was to get Lord Malmesbury. I used your secret word. I hope you didn’t mind?”
“It is fine Abby. I’m glad you did.”
Their voices faded as he shut the door. Reassured that she would be all right, he went back to the terrace. Rutley was leaning over the man when James returned. “Is he alive?”
“Yes, he must have hit his head when he fell,” Rutley mused. “You must have been in a rage to knock him out cold. Don’t blame you myself.”
“I didn’t hit him.” James smiled, running his hand through his hair.
Rutley met his eyes. “Then who?”
James chuckled, shaking his head. “Susan. You should have seen it. Before I could warn her, she had this fellow dispatched as you see now.”
Rutley whistled, slapping him on the back and exclaiming, “Don’t spread that story around my man, but I think you have quite the woman on your hands.” He shook his head as he inspected the unconscious figure. “Do you know him?”
James drew closer and inhaled. “I’m afraid I do. It is Mr. Caldwell. He has been trying to force Susan to marry him.”
William retuned with a couple of men carrying ropes. “I have the butler sending men to notify Bow Street. They promised to be discreet.”
“Can I leave you to handle this, Rutley?” James asked. “I need to get the ladies home and find my cousin, Bathurst.”
Rutley nodded and took charge as James left to check on the carriages.
Susan watched James take charge. He had been so gentle with her. But she would have it out with him tonight. She needed to know if what Caldwell said was true.
The countess was quiet on the way home. Susan didn’t know if James had told her of Mr. Caldwell’s attempt to abduct her, so she also kept quiet.
“Thank you, James, shall we see you tomorrow?” His mother started climbing the stairs.
“James, I need to talk to you before you leave. It will just be a moment.” Susan added.
The countess turned and started back down.
“Julia, please, I would like a private word with James. We’ll keep the door open.” Susan promised her.
“It will be fine, Mother,” James reassured her as he followed Susan.
The countess sighed, looking between them before continuing up the stairs. “I shall see you tomorrow?” his mother asked.
“Yes, I shall be back in the afternoon,” James replied before he slipped into the front parlor leaving the door ajar.
Susan gripped a chair back for support as she waited for them to be alone. Her heart was pounding in anticipation. She needed to know if Mr. Caldwell’s accusations were true.
As he turned toward her, she noticed the concern on his face. She needed to stay firm. “James, did you buy Fyne Court from my father?”
From the look on his face, she had surprised him. He opened his mouth to reply but waited as if measuring his words.
“Yes, I was going to tell you when the time was right,”
Suddenly all the fight left her. She felt tired as she lowered herself to the couch, her hand cradling her head. She jerked as he touched her, pulling away. “Don’t touch me,” putting distance between them.
She saw hurt on his face for the first time since she knew him. “We are both tired. We will talk tomorrow when we are both rested.” James watched her for a moment before leaving her, closing the door behind him.
She sank back onto the couch, her hands covering her face as she tried to hold back more tears. Every man in her life had used her. She had cried enough. It was time to put this behind her and take charge of her life. She would have Mary pack. It was time to go home.
Susan woke to the sounds of her maid bustling about, her head pounding behind her eyes. She had cried too much and now felt its after-math.
“Sorry, miss, I have tried to be quiet as not to disturb you,” Mary apologized.
“It is fine, Mary. I needed to get up anyway.” She rubbed her eyes, then taking in the room filled with her battered trunks. “Mary, I am not taking all those dresses. Only pack the few morning gowns I came with and lay out the traveling dress for me to wear. The rest can stay.”
Sensing her mood, Mary bobbed a curtsy and moved to obey.
Susan moved from the bed, wincing. She rubbed her arm. Every muscle was screaming. She would like a bath, but there was no time. She wanted to be on the road before James arrived. She was too tired and hurt to argue with him. It was better this way, a clean break.
A quarter hour later, she was dressed and sipping chocolate in the morning room. The door swung open as she bit into a triangle of toast. Her hand froze at the sight of the countess, her hair braided, a morning gown swirling around her bare legs.
“So, it is true. You are leaving without a word,” the countess demanded. “After all I have done for you.” It was not a question but rather a statement.
The countess was right and she was grateful for Julia. She had taken her under her wing as if she were a daughter.
The countess drew near. “Without any explanation, you would just disappear?”
Susan’s head snapped up as she dropped her toast. She didn’t know— James hadn’t told her. “What has James told you about last night?”
The countess shook her head. “Only something about Bathurst causing a stir.”
Susan’s lip trembled. She bit down, trying to remain composed as she remembered her father’s betrayal and that horrible Mr. Caldwell’s accusations. Which appeared to be true.
The countess’s mood softened. “Something has happened.” Turning, she headed back out the door. “I am coming with you. The roads are too dangerous to travel alone.” She held up her hand to stop any protest. “My carriage will not leave without me, Susan. I will be quick.”
Susan leaned back in her seat. It was going to be a long drive home.
Chapter Nineteen
James left his club early so he could get to the bottom of why Bathurst was involved in Susan’s attack. The thought made his blood chill. He should have been there. It was his fault she had been in danger.
He had returned to Bow Street after he left Susan the night before, determined to have a talk with Mr. Caldwell. He resisted at first, but like so many cowards, he talked when threatened with transportation.
Caldwell bragged how he told Susan the deceit of her father. No wonder she was so upset at him. He should have told her the truth promptly. Did she lump him into the same category as her father and Caldwell? A sick feeling settled in his gut.
He finished all the business he could before returning to the club where he decided to eat before going to the town home. He knew he was just delaying, but he needed to plan before facing Susan, not to mention his mother.
E gad, he would rather face the French than stand before Susan again. He was starting to feel the coward. Rutley appeared as he finished his brandy.
“You look done in Malmesbury,” the captain commented, “Did you get any sleep?”
“I was up late at Bow Street.” James resisted loosening his cravat. “I am trying to get up the courage to visit my to
wn home.”
He usually kept his private matters to himself, but Rutley had been his friend at school and they had watched over each other. He knew Rutley would hold his confidence.
“I have messed it up, Rutley.” He stared into his empty glass. “It appears Caldwell, the scoundrel, was not content to abduct Susan, he had to slander her father and me as well.” James pushed the glass away as he rose. “And we both deserved it. Come Rutley will you join me?” James asked as the captain followed beside him.
“Certainly Malmesbury. I always support you. But surly it can not be that bad.”
When James arrived at the town home, the knocker was missing from the door. “Where’s the knocker?” he asked the butler as he handed him his hat.
“Lady Malmesbury had it removed, sir. She and Miss Hamilton left for the country this morning.” The butler retrieved a letter on the side table. “Her ladyship asked that I give you this, my lord.”
“Thank you. We’ll be in my study.” James flipped over the message as he retired with the captain trailing behind. It wasn’t even sealed. His mother must have been rushed. The situation must be worse than he thought. James sat in his leather chair behind the desk. “Rutley, I need to read this. Do you mind? It might answer some questions.”
The captain waved for him to continue. “Certainly. I’m beginning to feel you are right. You are in trouble.”
James took in a breath and opened the letter.
James,
I know something happened between you and Susan last night. She was running home this morning without even a word.
Thank heavens the housekeeper told me. It isn’t safe for a young girl to travel alone, so I have accompanied her. We will be stopping at the posting inn and should be back to Bowood House by tomorrow evening.
I don’t know what you have done, but please do not follow us. I shall know what ails her before we arrive home.
I shall keep in touch.
Lady Malmesbury
James threw the letter on his desk. “She signed it Lady Malmesbury. Mother has found me guilty even before she knows what happened last night.”
“I seem to remember you saying something about deserving it,” the captain reminded him.
James gave up and took off his waistcoat. Throwing it over his chair, he loosened his cravat and slumped into a seat beside the captain massaging his temples.
“Well, I suppose you want to know why I am on the outs with Susan?” James asked his friend.
“I figured you would tell me when you are ready,” the captain replied.
James gave him a crooked smile. “You are a smart man, Rutley, and a good friend.” He relaxed into his chair. “When I asked Susan to marry me, I went to see her Father to get his permission. She told me that her father promised her to Mr. Caldwell.”
The captain raised his brows. “I can’t imagine a father giving his daughter to the likes of Mr. Caldwell. I don’t know him, but from what I have seen, I wouldn’t let my sisters marry the man.”
“I thought so too, confident the gentleman would prefer an earl over the son of a tradesman.” James was growing irritated again. “I expected him to acquiescence, but he did not. It felt strange at the time, so I offered a bride’s price to buy Fyne Court from him. A gift for Susan, a place she treasured. When I told him to name a price, he changed his tune, asking an astronomical amount.”
James began to pace the room. “I didn’t want to barter over Susan, so I accepted on condition she didn’t know. It was to be a gift from her father on our betrothal announcement. I was trying to redeem the man.”
James turned to face his friend. “Do you know she wanted to refuse my proposal? I had to talk the dickens to get her to agree.”
“Ouch. That must have bruised your ego. I like her. If you cannot repair the damage, I might marry her myself,” the captain teased.
James shot daggers at him till the captain raised his hands in surrender.
“Caldwell told her he paid her father’s debts for Susan’s hand in marriage. Thanks to his mouth, Susan thinks I bought her at a higher price. I have been lumped in with them.” James sunk back into the chair. “I should have told her. I am afraid I have lost her, Rutley.”
“You love her, don’t you?”
James raised his head. “Yes, Rutley, I do.”
“What will you do?”
“I am going to stay right here until my mother sends word,” James replied.
If anyone could repair this, it was Lady Malmesbury. He had faith in her and knew his mother loved Susan as much as he did.
Susan had given Lady Malmesbury an account of her harrowing evening by the time they reached Bowood House, so she didn’t protest when Susan left for Fyne Court the next day.
She had taken over managing the estate’s books for her father when money had gotten tight and he had to let his old steward go. He was never interested in managing things and left the task to her. She was thankful for the knowledge now as she prepared to occupy her home.
It had been a week, and James had not followed her. She kept telling herself she was relieved as her heart was breaking. Work kept her mind off the memories as Mr. and Mrs. Baxter helped her unpack and manage the servants with the cleaning. Mr. Baxter was meeting with Lady Malmesbury’s steward. Together they hired laborers to reclaim long fallow fields. It seemed she couldn’t avoid accepting help from James.
“Mrs. Baxter, thank you for watching over Mother’s things. I know it is a lot of work, but I do appreciate your help supervising the new maids.”
“Never you mind, miss Susan. We were so pleased to hear your father gifted you with the place.” Mrs. Baxter beamed. “Now mind you, I do not take to gossip, but we were so delighted that it was true you were the new owner of Fyne Court, and Lord Malmesbury is such a handsome man.”
Susan flinched at Mrs. Baxter’s words. She didn’t know about her troubles and Susan couldn’t bring herself to disclose them. Let everyone think her father a loving generous man. Her mind wandered to thoughts of James. Why had he bought Fyne Court? He had put the ownership in her name. Why?
“Miss Susan…”
Susan turned toward Mrs. Baxter, blinking her eyes. “Pardon me, did you ask me something? It seems I was woolgathering.”
“What do you plan to do with Fyne Court when you become the Countess of Malmesbury?”
She had caught Susan by surprise. Become the Countess of Malmesbury. “I have not given it much thought. But you will be well here, Mrs. Baxter,” Susan reassured her.
She felt tired as she pushed a stray hair from her eyes. “Mrs. Baxter, I would like some tea on the terrace.”
“I will get the new maid to bring some right to you, miss. Susan. You go rest now and let us take care of things.” Mrs. Baxter waddled down the hall.
Susan settled on a chair, taking in the familiar view.
Chapter Twenty
James arrived back at Bowood House the week after his mother returned. He struggled to keep himself from rushing over to Fyne Court. His steward had good news about Susan’s progress since she had returned. He felt the estate could turn a profit if managed carefully. He was thankful she had accepted his steward’s help. It had to be a good sign she might forgive him.
James paced back and forth, trying to rid himself of the frustration of waiting.
“James, you will wear out the carpet with that incessant pacing,” the countess complained as she put down her stitching.
It was a sunny morning and the light warmed the room. “I promise you, a few more days and things will be settled.”
“I do not see how you can be so sure, Mother. I have bungled everything.” James continued his pacing.
“Because she is a woman in love, my dear,” his mother replied. “She just needs time to think and settle things in her mind, without you rushing over and setting up her defenses.”
His mother’s words sparked hope in his bosom. He stopped. “What do you mean? Haven’t I been a gentleman, only con
cerned with her welfare?” He bristled, thinking of the outrageous price he paid to secure Susan’s home.
“Yes, dear, you have, and Susan will realize her father’s behavior compared to yours, and you shall come out the better person.” His mother watched him. “She accepted your stewards help, did she not?”
James relaxed. “Yes, she did.” If his steward hadn’t kept him informed of Susan’s progress, he would have gone crazy waiting this past fortnight.
“Thank you, Mother. You have given me a lot to contemplate.” He turned to leave. “I have some estate business to attend to.”
He heard the countess chuckle as he left the room. Two more days… he needed to think.
As he rode through the tenant farms, he found himself facing the small stone cottage that had charmed Susan. He turned toward the folly.
As it came into view, he remembered their conversation. Dismounting, he pulled back the vines and entered. Sunbeams filtered through the vegetation. He smiled as he remembered his impulsive proposal. He chuckled. She’d resisted him. It was ironic, he made such a folly of things and now here he was. He’d come full circle, back to where it began.
Then it came to him…a thought. He knew what he must do. He hoped his mother was right, that Susan loved him.
It was a warm day, Susan had just finished plotting out the kitchen garden with the new gardener. The seeds were ready to sow in the warm soil. She wrapped her shawl tighter as she looked over the scene around her. She had her independence at last, but at what cost. It would be a fortnight tomorrow. She’d be attending church service for the first time since she had returned.
She hadn’t considered herself a milksop, but she didn’t relish facing her neighbors. It was all her own fault. James’ hurt face haunted her as she entered the back door. The smell of Mrs. Baxter’s cooking wafted through the corridor. A warm feeling settled on her. It was good to be home after the hectic London Season.