“This is Miss Amelia Parker, a friend of mine. Father requested her attendance.”
“That is quite marvelous of you to call, Miss Parker. Father has few remaining friends, and fewer of whom he would make such a request. You must have earned his trust.”
Amelia ignored Christopher’s wince. “Your father is a good man,” she said honestly. “Evident by the gentleman his son is.”
Christopher cleared his throat. Had her words made him uncomfortable? She wanted to laugh at that. “Well, Lady Lambert more than likely would like to be on her way,” he said. “I have kept them far too long. I will see them to the door, and we, sister, will speak after.”
At the door, the butler brought their coats.
“Thank you for your help in this matter, my lady,” Christopher said. “You have no idea how much I appreciate what you and your niece have done.”
“We were happy to help,” Lady Lambert replied. “But we should be on our way so you may join your sister.”
As the carriage pulled away, Amelia’s thoughts returned to Christopher’s offer of marriage. She had no interest in marrying for convenience, nor did the money appeal to her enough to accept his proposal. However, she did like the idea that she would see him again. Perhaps if they were to court, he would make his offer again. The question was, would she accept?
She giggled. First things first. He would be calling in a week, and somehow it seemed like an eternity.
***
A cold wind blew through the hair of Mr. Josiah Parker as he stood outside his carriage and studied Chatterly Estate, gray clouds churning above it. His mother controlled the estate just as she did every facet of his life and had done so for as long as he could remember. Once he had had a father, but that was so long ago, the memories of the man had long since faded. Once his father was gone, his mother had raised Josiah according to her standards.
The woman was stern and unloving, yet for some reason, Josiah sought to please her. Whether it be in his business accounts or his wife, Mary, all was approved by his mother before he made any decision. It was the way it always had been and how it would always be.
His wife had asked about it once, finding it odd that a grown man allowed his mother to dictate his life, yet after threats of divorce, with him retaining the children, the woman never made mention of it again.
Pulling his overcoat in tighter around him, he approached the front door.
Barton, the old butler, greeted him, taking his coat as he said, “Mrs. Parker is waiting for you in the drawing room, sir.”
Josiah did not acknowledge the man in any way before making his way down the hallway. Like everyone in his service, the butler was beneath him. He was Josiah Parker, and he had inherited wealth that made even dukes drool with envy. The fact his mother retained a tight rein on that fortune mattered little, for one day she would die, and he would have it all.
His steps echoed on the finely tiled floor, the darkness inside the house much like that of the outside. When he entered the drawing room, he found his mother in her customary black dress as she sat in her favorite red chair, her walking stick in her hand.
“You are late, Josiah,” the woman snapped. “According to my clock, it is three minutes past the appointed time.”
“My apologies, Mother,” Josiah replied. “I was…It does not matter.”
The old woman laughed, but she cut it short to bring back her scowl. “Not a month ago, I made an arrangement with Lord Leeson for Amelia’s hand in marriage.” His mother was never one for idle pleasantries; she always went straight to the point.
Josiah nodded. “The man has an abundance of wealth and land holdings. It will be a profitable union.”
“I am well aware of that,” his mother snapped. “Why do you think I wished to have her marry the man? Well, she has upset me, Josiah. In fact, what she has done has worsened my health.”
Anger flared in Josiah. “Where is she?” he demanded. “Allow me to deal with her, and I promise you she will never do it again.”
“She is gone.”
Josiah’s mouth fell open. “Gone where?”
His mother sighed. “Perhaps it is my fault allowing her and her mother to remain in this house as servants rather than putting them out on the streets where they belong.”
Josiah nodded. Both of his sisters were evil women, and it appeared their children were not much better. “You were kind in your mercy when you gave Emmeline and her bastard child a place to live.”
His mother adjusted one of the large rings on her fingers. “The girl, I fear, has knowledge about you.”
“What does she know?” he asked warily. There could be any number of things his niece could know, and none of them would place him in very good light. In fact, if any of his secrets were revealed, he would never be able to crawl out of the hole in which he would be placed.
“What it is does not matter,” his mother replied before letting out a raspy cough. “It would be best if you did not know. Nonetheless, we can take no chances. Our name must remain in high regard at all costs. And she must marry whom I choose. I want her back, and you, my son, will find her.”
“And if she refuses to come? Am I to bring her back by force?”
“No,” his mother replied, pointing her walking stick at him. “That would be too easy on the girl. You must find her and disrupt whatever life she has built for herself, just as we planned for Eleanor.”
“How will I find her?”
“She is with Eleanor,” his mother replied without hesitation. “I sent Nick Brantley and Barney Hawkings after her, and they sent word that they followed her to Rumsbury. That can only mean that she has gone to Scarlett Hall.”
Josiah’s mind returned to the night his elder sister left Chatterly Estate all those years ago. He had been only a child then, and her leaving had crushed him. However, once he had given his allegiance to their mother, Josiah’s wounds had been healed by the many gifts he received. His mother had seen him want for nothing. Although she had never been affectionate at any time in his life, she had doted on him for several months after he had made that stand.
He shook the memories from his head. He had no regrets in his allegiance to his mother, for he knew the evilness of his sister would have only put him on the same path to Hell that she had chosen.
His mother leaned forward and narrowed her eyes at him. “See that this problem is dealt with. Do whatever it takes.”
“I will, Mother,” he said, and he would. He never disobeyed his mother. Ever.
His mother gave an evil cackle. “I knew all along Emmaline would send her daughter away. If the girl is anything like her mother, she is already in a man’s bed. Find out in whose and destroy her. Make her hurt worse than she ever endured here.”
Josiah placed the pages in his inside coat pocket. “To what purpose?”
“To see you destroy Amelia and Eleanor will bring me great joy,” his mother replied. “Read those pages later. I want you to know what I know about Eleanor, and then use it against her. I want such great heartache brought down upon them both to the point that Eleanor brings the girl back herself.”
“I will leave at once,” Josiah said, nearly feeling a need to give his mother some sort of salute. “And what of Emmaline? Is she in her room?”
“She is seeing to her tasks as she always has. That woman knows that if she means to escape it will only bring her more trouble later.” She sighed. “You are the only child who does as I wish. You will not fail me as your sisters did, will you?”
“No, Mother,” Josiah said, standing taller. “They will pay for upsetting you.”
His mother smiled. “Then go, and do not return until they have paid for their sins.”
With a nod, Josiah turned and hurried out of the room. His sisters and niece were the cause of his mother’s illness, and that only fanned his anger. With quick steps, he reached the carriage.
“Let us return home quickly,” he called up to his driver. “And prepare yourse
lf, for we are going on a quest.”
Edmund gave him a quizzical look. “A quest, sir?” he asked.
“Indeed,” Josiah replied. “To bring an end to a sinister plot that should have been ended years ago.”
Chapter Sixteen
Christopher paced the drawing room as his sister went to see their father. He had not expected her until tomorrow, and now with her early arrival, she brought about more questions about Amelia.
Yet, his sister was not the cause of his current state of distress. That originated with his proposal to Amelia. What brought on such desperateness that he felt the need to propose marriage to her? He knew the woman would refuse, and yet he had asked anyway.
As he thought of his father, Christopher knew why. The man liked Amelia, far more than Christopher had expected, and he could not blame him. She was beautiful, intelligent, and had an ability to make everyone around her smile. Yet, he had nearly ruined any chance to develop a relationship. Again.
“At least she agreed to allow me to call,” he whispered, pausing his pacing in front of the fireplace. He barely noticed the glowing embers.
Why did he wish to court her? Did he care for her? In some ways he believed he did, but not like the other women from his past. Although Amelia would not intentionally hurt him, she was a woman, which meant that eventually she would. Despite this fact, something about her brought him a sense of peace whenever he was in her company.
The door opened, and Lilias entered.
“He spoke for only a short time before falling back to sleep,” she said as she closed the door. “Father has always been stubborn; I have a feeling he will be with us for longer than we expect.”
Christopher chuckled. “He just might at that.”
The skirts on his sister’s dress made a light rasping sound as she walked over to take a seat on the couch. She raised an eyebrow at him expectantly.
“Was there something you needed?” he asked.
“After a long journey, a glass of wine would be brilliant,” she replied with a mischievous grin. “Yet, I suppose I could get it myself.” She made a feeble attempt to stand, and Christopher waved her off.
“Oh, do forgive me, Sister,” he said. “My mind has been consumed as of late. I am afraid I am not thinking clearly.”
“Consumed with Miss Parker?” she asked, that smile never waning.
“No,” Christopher replied. “With father, the estate…and other matters.”
She accepted the glass he offered her. “What other matters would that be?” she asked in a mock innocent tone.
He undid the button of his coat as he sat in the chair opposite his sister. “Nothing about which to speak,” he replied. The last thing he wanted at the moment was to discuss his failed engagements.
Lilias did not seem deterred. “And Sarah?” she said as she glanced around. “I do not mean to pry, but I have yet to see her.”
Christopher lowered his head in shame. “She married another,” he said with a sigh. “I returned with no bride.”
A small smile played on his sister’s lips. “Father believes Amelia is your bride.”
“Did he tell you as much?” Christopher asked, panic filling him.
“No. Several clues led me to that conclusion. Your missing bride, the ring on her finger, her calling on father when I know very well she had never met him before he fell ill. It did not take long for me to deduce the truth.” She offered him a smile. “I am sorry about Sarah.”
“It does not matter,” he replied. “It is over now. Let us just say I learned another lesson.”
“What will you do now?”
Christopher sighed. “Amelia agreed to me calling on her,” he said. “Although I did ask for her hand in marriage.”
Lilias groaned. “Why would you do such a thing? Do you not understand that—.”
“That she would refuse me?” Christopher demanded, his anger flaring. “Yes, I knew she would.” He placed his glass on the table and shook his head. “Do you not see that I am desperate? Father wishes me to have a bride and heir. I lied to him to keep him happy, but I assure you I am not proud of what I have done.”
His sister rose and came to place a hand on his shoulder. “You were doing what you thought best,” she said. “I do not fault you for that, nor should you judge yourself. As to Miss Parker and your proposal of marriage, I did not mean to upset you.”
He placed a hand on hers. “I know this. I am exhausted and therefore angry all the time. Forgive me.”
Lilias clicked her tongue. “Forgiveness must be earned,” she said, although her wink took away any sting her words might have caused. “You must take your time with Miss Parker. If she has agreed to you calling on her, then do so. Avoid pressuring her into marriage. Perhaps you will build a strong relationship with her, one based on love rather than convenience, or dare I say hastiness.”
Christopher considered his sister’s words. “I am happy for those who find love,” he said. “My experience has taught me that most women care nothing for such an affection.”
“I think more do than you realize,” Lilias said as she retook her seat. “She may prove to have no interest in love, but that is a chance you must take. Just be patient and do not frighten her away with talk of marriage before you have developed a strong bond with her.”
With a nod, Christopher said, “You are right. Amelia is well worth any chance I take. I will see her again, and this time I will be more patient.”
“I am happy for you,” Lilias said. “She seems a decent woman. Now, tell me, how did the two of you meet?”
***
Amelia paced her bedroom floor. She had been pleased to return to Stormridge Manor and see Lord Beaumont again, but to have Christopher ask for her hand? That had left her in such a state of confusion, she was uncertain what to make of it. She understood the man’s desperation, and she appreciated his motivation for such a request, but how could he possibly believe that she would accept such a proposal? He had to be mad.
It was the terms of his proposal and the fact he had made the same offer to his former fiancée that bothered her. Or rather it was that the man had chosen to buy her hand in marriage. It was no wonder his previous fiancée had turned to another man. What woman would enjoy being considered an object that could be owned? She chuckled. From her understanding, many women would have jumped at such an opportunity, but they also had different ambitions than she.
He still wished to call on her, and that was where her confusion lay. If he was not interested in her in some romantic sense, then why would he call? Yet, his offer had proven he had no wish to marry for love, but rather for appeasing his father.
“All men view women as property,” she murmured. “Christopher is no different. Would he pay me for each child I bore him?”
Her own words caused her to pause. Bare his children? The mere thought of that made her cheeks heat, for that meant agreeing to moments of intimacy. No, she would bear him no children, or even entertain any thoughts of marriage to him.
With a sigh, she turned to go back to bed. As she made her way across the room, however, her toe caught on a loose floorboard, sending her sprawling to the floor and the board to dislodge. She rubbed the injured appendage with a groan. She should be more careful; these older houses did tend to need repairs.
She brought the candle to the floor and knelt beside the board, meaning to replace it properly, but a glint of glass caught her eye. Curious, she pulled the board back completely.
“What is this?” she asked the room. She reached in and pulled out a nearly empty bottle. She sniffed. Brandy. How curious. Setting it aside, she reached back into the hole and produced at least a dozen papers. Who did these belong to and why were they hidden?
She pushed aside a flash of guilt for her nosiness and carried the papers to the bed. Some were letters, quite intimate, and others contained simple writings. Settling into the pillows, she began to read, and was amazed at the tales of love that were encased in those letters.
It was the fifth parchment that had her reading wide-eyed.
I have therefore decided to run away with Daniel. Although Mother sees him as nothing more than a stable boy, he is so much more. In fact, he is the man I love.
A stable boy? Had the man on the road — Hugh was his name if she remembered correctly — not warned her to watch out for stable boys? Forbes had denied the Juliet of whom the man spoke was her cousin, but now she realized the butler had lied. But why? Perhaps the matter had been settled and Forbes did not wish to bring up painful memories. Granted, it was also no business of hers. This did not stop her from reading more, however.
Although he has his shortcomings, as all men do, many of which can never be repaired, I do care for him as much as I know he cares for me.
With a sigh, Amelia set the papers aside and thought of Christopher. Yes, much like this Daniel, Christopher certainly had his faults. His temper ignited at the smallest provocation, for one, and he had the patience of a two-year-old child for another. Not to mention his belief that a woman could be bought!
Yet, he also possessed good, as well. Look at the many times he had saved her from harm. When he allowed it, his heart was kind. And he was quite handsome, a good trait for any man.
This, of course, made her giggle and heated her cheeks further. Perhaps she needed to stop focusing on his bad traits and pay closer attention to those that were good. He would be calling on her soon, after all.
Feeling better, she returned to the pages to see if Juliet had more to say about Daniel. However, the next paper was written by a different hand, and as she read, her throat went dry.
I have brought about these problems through my own actions of sneaking away into the night, a feat of which Juliet is often accused. However, I bare my soul here on this page so that it may be buried away forever. The secret in my heart, much like that of my mother, shall never be revealed. I did not wish, nor did I foresee, how this would all end, but alas I cannot change what happened. I shall continue writing my books and forget the past and make this the last I will make mention of it. In times far off, whoever reads this writing will know this.
Vows of Honor: Secrets of Scarlett Hall Book 6 Page 12