Dragon Redeemed

by Hopkins, Linda K.

  “Xavier is my cousin, Madam, and I am certain he did no such thing!” Suzanna replied hotly.

  “Well, there’s nothing for it now. Evelyn and this young man will be married posthaste!”

  “I’m afraid that’s not possible, Madam,” Xavier said.

  “Really? Are you already married? Do you have some poor women tucked away while you run around seducing innocents?”

  “No –”

  “Then there is no hindrance. I’m sure once your parents know of your actions, they will agree that marriage is the only respectable course of action, unless they are as ill-mannered as their son.”

  “My parents have nothing to do with this,” Xavier ground out, “and you will refrain from insulting them. I apologize to Mistress Evelyn for taking advantage, but you are creating a mountain out of nothing.”

  “Suzanna, is it?” Mother said. “You will arrange for me to meet with your relatives. Now come, Evelyn, let us get home and talk to your uncle. There is no time to waste in getting everything arranged.”

  Mother stalked away and Evelyn cast Xavier a despairing look. “I’m truly sorry,” he said. “Your mother is right, and I did take advantage of you.” Evelyn smiled wanly, aware that the blame did not rest solely with Xavier. “We will sort this out, I promise. I will not allow your mother to bully us into something we don’t want.”

  “What about your parents?”

  He smiled grimly. “They will not agree to this plan, I can assure you. But go, before your mother returns. I will be in touch as soon as I can.” He glanced at Suzanna, then turned and walked away, in the opposite direction to the way Mother had taken.

  “What did he do?” Suzanna asked as Evelyn collected her art supplies.

  “He kissed me. I was taken by surprise, and I think he was, too. But it was no more than a peck.”

  “Do you love him?”

  “Love him?” Evelyn laughed shakily. “Of course not. I barely know him.”

  Suzanna took her arm as they headed back through the park. “Then we will just have to find a way to stop this nonsensical plan.”

  Mother had already disappeared by the time Evelyn and Suzanna headed across the park, but as they neared the house, her voice drifted through the open windows as she informed Uncle of her plan. The two women stepped into the hall to see Uncle looking at Mother in shock.

  “You cannot be serious!” he said.

  “Oh, but I’m very serious. I sent Evelyn to the city to find a husband, but what have you done to help matters along? According to the letters Evelyn has been writing her sister, absolutely nothing!”

  “You cannot marry her off to the first man that comes along!”

  “I believe he is the second man, and what do you have against him?”

  “Have against him? I barely know him!”

  Mother sighed. “As her guardian, it is your responsibility to ensure that the men who call on my daughter are respectable and eligible.”

  “Good lord, Agnes, you’re being ridiculous! It was you who insisted Evelyn come stay here. If you recall, I told you there was little I could do to promote her marriage prospects.”

  “You are her great-uncle. Her flesh and blood. It was the least you could do. So now we will settle for this … Master Xavier.”

  “No. There is something about the man I don’t trust.”

  “And what is that, Uncle? His hair? It is very unusual, I will grant you that, but not a reason to dislike him.”

  “I tell you, he is not to be trusted!”

  “Very well. We will find out what we can about him.” Mother’s gaze fell on Suzanna. “You will take me to his parents right away.”

  “I’m afraid I don’t know where to find them. They are just in the city visiting.” When she saw Mother’s surprise, Suzanna continued. “They call on my mother, as she is too unwell to call on them.”

  “You have no way of contacting them?” Mother said in disbelief.

  “No.”

  “What about your mother? Or another family member? Someone must know how to contact your relatives.”

  “My brother might know,” Suzanna said reluctantly.

  “Then send a message and tell him to come here straight away. Go on, get on with it,” she added when Suzanna did not move.

  Suzanna gave Evelyn an apologetic look, then hurried to the parlor to write the note. A few minutes later it was placed in the dirty palm of a young boy loitering in the street, with the promise of payment when he returned with a response.

  Uncle gave Evelyn a look that clearly communicated his feelings on the matter, then retreated to his study. As Evelyn and Suzanna retired to the parlor, Mother continued to disparage them both until she finally ran out of words and fell silent.

  An hour passed before the boy returned, Robin on his heels. He was led upstairs by Nan, who gestured for him to enter the parlor. His eyes sought Suzanna’s for a moment before he turned to Evelyn.

  “Good day, Mistress. I understand you need to find my aunt and uncle.”

  “Who are you?”

  Robin spun around at the sound of Mother’s voice. “Robin Jackson, at your service.”

  “Good. You will take me to your aunt and uncle now.”

  Robin frowned. “I’m sorry, Madam, but we haven’t been introduced.”

  “Madam Talbot, Evelyn’s mother. I am here to arrange her marriage to your cousin, Xavier.”

  Robin’s eyes widened in shock, but Mother was already striding out the door.

  “Don’t keep me waiting,” she called out, as Robin gave Evelyn one last confused look then hurried after her.

  Chapter 17

  Xavier stalked down the road, his mind spinning after the events of the past hour. That a human – and a middle-aged woman, to boot – had managed to discompose him to such an extent was galling. The fact that she was trying to manipulate him into marriage was beyond belief. There was no way she could force him into a marriage, of course, despite her best efforts. And he was certain Evelyn was not interested in being coerced into a marriage with him, either. He longed to escape to the hills beyond the city for a few hours, but he had no doubt that Madam Talbot was already making her way to Drake House. He needed to apprise Lleland and Aaron of what had happened, before that intolerable woman presented herself.

  He smiled sardonically. It was incredible that she should chance upon him and Evelyn at just that moment. Evelyn had been well hidden beneath the trees, and he had known where she was only by her scent. He had not intended to kiss Evelyn. He had seen her enter the leafy bower and been curious to know what she was doing; he had watched in wonder as her drawing unfolded on the sheet before her. All her attention and energy poured through her hands and flowed onto the page as the pencil flew across the parchment, as though it had a life of its own. As he watched, Xavier had felt an affinity with her that took him by surprise – that she could be so immersed in what she was doing that she wasn’t even aware of her surroundings was a feeling with which he was familiar. He had been fascinated, eager to learn more about her; he had touched those talented hands, wondering if he would feel her ability coursing through them. But when she met his gaze, her eyes bright and curious, he had felt a strange yearning to touch her more. She had not pushed him away, as some maidens might, nor grabbed him eagerly as others were known to do, but had stared at him – waiting to see how he would act, trusting he would not go too far. Seeing her lips part at his touch scattered his reason, and he had kissed her. Gently. Tenderly. She had stirred something within him he had never felt before. He had been foolish – no, worse than that, he had been a complete dolt, allowing himself to forget that Evelyn was human while he was a dragon. For just a moment, they had been equals, but the feeling had passed as soon as the mother arrived.

  He walked toward the river and watched as the ferrymen plied their crafts through the murky water. There was time enough to gather his thoughts before returning to Drake House, and he meandered along the bank. He pitied Evelyn, having
such a tyrannical parent.

  His footsteps wound finally through the back alleys to Drake House, and he drew in a fortifying breath as he stepped within.

  “Xavier? Is that you?” Lydia called out. “We’re in the parlor.”

  He crossed the hall and entered the room to see Lydia and Keira laughing as they untangled a ball of yarn.

  “There you are,” Keira said. “Aaron was looking for you. He has some business he wishes to discuss. You’ll find him in our chambers.”

  “Is Father here?” Xavier asked Lydia.

  “He and Zach had some matters to attend to.”

  “Then I must speak to Aaron. And you probably need to hear what I have to say as well.”

  He turned to the door, then halted as Aaron stepped into the room. “What is it, Xavier?”

  “Who else is here?” he asked.

  “Just the servants.”

  “You had better take a seat.”

  Xavier had just finished recounting the events when a knock sounded on the door. He heard Robin’s voice as the door was opened by a maid.

  “Let’s go deal with this woman, then,” Aaron said. He cast Keira a quick glance and Xavier could not help noticing, with a pang of annoyance, the humor that passed between them. He and Lydia followed Aaron into the hall just as Robin and Madam Talbot entered.

  “I see you’ve already skulked back here,” Madam Talbot said when she saw Xavier.

  “Madam,” he greeted. “Allow me to introduce my mother, Mistress Seaton, and my –”

  “Uncle,” Aaron cut in smoothly. “I’m afraid my brother is out of the house at the moment. It would seem there’s been some misunderstanding.”

  “Misunderstanding?” she said. “Well! That all depends on what that miscreant has been saying. There is no misunderstanding on my part.”

  “Then you have no intention of trying to force my nephew into marriage.”

  “I most certainly expect him to do the honorable thing and marry my daughter.”

  “Then there is a misunderstanding, Madam. You see, Xavier will not be marrying anyone.”

  Agnes stalked towards Aaron, not seeming threatened in the slightest by his formidable stature. “Do you know what that scoundrel did? He lured my daughter into a hidden alcove and seduced her! Who knows what might have happened if I hadn’t arrived when I did!”

  “I did nothing of the sort,” Xavier replied hotly.

  “You have risked my daughter’s reputation!”

  “The only risk to your daughter’s reputation is you!”

  “Do you hear how he speaks to me?” Agnes demanded, turning to Aaron. “Do you tolerate this behavior?”

  “Xavier is well past the age of parental interference, Madam. And nothing either you or he has said gives me any cause for concern over his behavior, except that he could have shown a bit more wisdom.” He shot Xavier a look, and Xavier felt as though he were, indeed, a child once more.

  “Mistress,” Agnes said, taking a step towards Lydia, “do you have daughters? Surely you must know how distressing this is as a mother?”

  Lydia smiled. “I understand your concern, Madam, but let’s not make too much of the situation. There is nothing here that cannot be redeemed.”

  “Redeemed? How can one’s reputation be redeemed? My poor daughter will be besmirched and ridiculed.”

  “The only one who saw what happened was you,” Xavier retorted.

  “She will never be able to show her face in public again,” she continued, wringing her hands. Aaron watched her for a moment, then turned a thoughtful eye to Xavier.

  “Madam,” Aaron said, “will you please excuse us? I would like to have a word with my, er, nephew.”

  Agnes smiled. “Of course, Master.”

  Aaron gestured with his head, and Xavier followed him from the hall, Lydia and Robin on their heels. Robin smiled wryly as he met Xavier’s glance.

  “You cannot expect me to remain in that woman’s company another minute,” he said. “She was in no hurry to get here, but instead talked incessantly about your faults. I pity you if that woman becomes your mother-in-law.”

  Xavier shuddered. “That is definitely not going to happen.” He turned to Aaron questioningly as they entered the parlor, where Keira still sat.

  “Before we outright refuse this woman, let us consider a moment,” Aaron said.

  Xavier frowned. “There is nothing to consider.”

  “I agree that Madam Talbot is thoroughly obnoxious, but it may be that she presents us with an opportunity we might not have had.”

  “What are you saying, Grandfather?” Xavier said cautiously.

  “If we go through with this ridiculous scheme, it will bring you closer to Callaway.”

  Lydia pulled in a startled breath, while Robin chuckled beneath his breath.

  “Callaway is already suspicious of me,” Xavier said. “He is not going to allow me into his inner circle just because I marry his niece. Besides, there are less extreme methods of gaining the information we seek.”

  “True. And Robin is already learning all he can. But having continual access to him would definitely be an advantage.”

  “I doubt Callaway will allow me to live in his house,” Xavier said wryly.

  “We’ll make that one of the conditions of the marriage,” Aaron said.

  “But I care nothing for this woman!”

  “Aaron, think of this girl,” Keira said. “It would not be fair to either Evelyn or Xavier to enter a union they have no desire for.”

  “I’m not suggesting you mate with her. Just a human marriage.”

  “And be saddled with a woman for whom I care nothing until she dies? And what about when she realizes that I neither age nor get ill? Will she keep that information to herself?”

  “We won’t let it come to that. You have little love for the city, Xavier, so we will fabricate your death and ensure she is well taken care of.”

  “You would force a woman to marry someone she does not wish to marry, then leave her a grieving widow?” Lydia said. “That is cruel beyond belief.”

  “Look at her mother, Lydia. She may not carry out her threats to malign her daughter’s reputation, but I’m sure she will make that poor girl’s life a misery. I suspect we would be doing her a favor. Not only that, but the marriage will have the added advantage of bringing Xavier into human circles. Unlike other dragons, his exposure to people has been very limited.” He turned back to Xavier. “You know I cannot force you to do anything you do not wish to do, but give some consideration to what I am saying before you dismiss it out of hand.”

  Xavier dropped to a stool and buried his head in his hands. “Very well, I will consider your proposal.”

  “Good. I will tell Madam Talbot that we will give her an answer in two days. Is that enough time?”

  “Yes,” Xavier said. “But before I make a decision, I need to speak to Evelyn. If she is dead set against this, then I cannot agree.”

  “Of course.” Aaron left the room, and Xavier heard him speaking with Agnes. He turned to Robin. “Can you ask Suzanna to arrange a meeting? Somewhere where we can speak alone.”

  “The mother will probably follow her whenever she leaves the house, you know.”

  Xavier shuddered. “Then I will need to find a place where we can meet in private.” He frowned as he considered what he knew of the city, then slowly began to smile. “I think I know the perfect location.”

  “Will you really go through with it?” Robin asked.

  Xavier rose and began to pace the room. Lydia and Keira watched him carefully. “Aaron makes a good point – it will allow me access to Callaway I wouldn’t otherwise have. And as much as I hate to admit it, it was my own deficiencies in human understanding that led me to this position.” He glanced at Lydia as he strode towards the door. “I need to get away from here. Don’t expect me home tonight.”

  “Wait!” Robin said as he scrambled after him. “Where are you going? Do you need some company?”
/>
  “First I’m going to hunt down a nice large stag, and rip it apart with my bare teeth before drinking the blood while it’s still warm, then I’m going to find a dark cave where I can sleep off my meal.” He grinned at Robin’s scowl. “Still want to come with me?”

  “Enjoy your hunting, coz,” he said sarcastically.

  “Oh, I intend to,” Xavier said.

  Chapter 18

  Evelyn heard the front door slam shut as her mother entered the house and came up the stairs. She opened the door to Evelyn’s chambers a short while later.

  “I am quite ashamed of you at this moment, Evelyn,” Mother said as soon as she had closed the door behind her. “Cavorting with that man beneath the trees.”

  “I was not cavorting, Mother,” Evelyn said wearily. “It was an innocent kiss.”

  Mother smirked. “There is no such thing as an innocent kiss, Evelyn.” She sat down on the edge of the bed. When Evelyn remained silent, she continued, “I went to see your lover’s parents. The father wasn’t at home, but his uncle was. He seemed rather arrogant at first, but he turned out to be quite a reasonable man.”

  “He told you that your suggestion was ludicrous, I’m sure.”

  “He wasn’t convinced at first, but I believe he will come around.”

  “It’s not Xavier’s uncle that needs to come around,” Evelyn said bitterly.

  “I think he’ll manage to make that boy do as he’s told,” Mother said with a gleeful smile. “They said they would deliver an answer in two days.” She rose. “I’ll be using the chamber next to yours. Suzanna can share with you. Now, I believe supper will be served soon, so make yourself ready.”

  Evelyn watched Mother leave the room, then fell back on the bed. Despite the kiss Xavier had lain on her lips, she knew he had no interest in marrying her. The look of dismay that had crossed his features when Mother discovered them beneath the trees spoke volumes. What she couldn’t understand was why he had given Mother the impression that he would even consider the idea of marriage, instead of outright refusing her – unless Mother was right, and he was a man who would do as his parents directed. But she could not reconcile that notion with what she had seen of him. The memory of his hands wrapped around her attacker’s neck rose to her mind. The same hands that had touched her so tenderly. She brought her fingers to her lips, remembering how gentle his mouth had felt on hers. Perhaps marriage to Xavier wouldn’t be so terrible. She shook her head at the thought. She would play no part in forcing an unwilling man to take her to wife. Such an action would shame her beyond the humiliation she had already been forced to endure.