by Bree Wolf
The moment they arrived at the manor as though out of spite, the snowfall began to ease up.
Due to the excitement, none of them had noticed how the continual snowfall had slowly seeped through their clothes, and so while Lord Huntly sought out his old friend, the two ladies returned upstairs to change into something drier.
Chapter Nine – A Most Unsuitable Bride
Glancing over his shoulder, Sebastian took a deep breath as his eyes followed Miss Davenport’s companion up the stairs. Something about her called to him. Indeed, she was beautiful, even in the comparatively simple riding habit she wore, and yet, it was something far beyond physical attraction that stirred his heart.
The second their eyes had met, he could have sworn he’d heard her thoughts.
Thoughts not unlike his own, their echo resonating within his heart and soul as he knew only too well how crippling they could be.
Guilt.
Remorse.
Pain.
Yes, he knew them only too well. As did Miss Ferris. Lotte.
“Sebastian, my friend,” his old classmate greeted him, rising from the heavy chair behind the humongous mahogany desk in his study. Long strides carried him across the floor, and he embraced Sebastian with a warmth he rarely showed to others. “It is indeed good to see you. How was the continent?”
Sebastian sighed as he stepped back.
His friend’s eyes narrowed. “Is something wrong?”
Gritting his teeth, Sebastian shook his head. “I’d rather talk of something else.” Instantly, Miss Ferris image flashed before her eyes. “I see you’ve found a willing companion to your sister’s escapades.”
Throwing up his hands, Richard rolled his eyes. “Willing? I’m not certain. Although I admit, she seems rather fond of Claudia. However, the reason for her presence here is far from ordinary.”
“Pray tell,” Sebastian urged his friend, realising how desperately he desired to know more of this elusive woman.
Richard snorted, a hint of displeasure in his dark eyes. “I found her injured and unconscious near the gate to Farnworth Manor.”
Sebastian’s eyes opened wide, and a hint of concern stole into his heart. “Had she been robbed?”
“I doubt it,” his friend continued, “for she seems to be a mere servant.” Again, he snorted. “At least as far as she remembers.”
“As far as she remembers?” This Miss Ferris did indeed prove to be a fascinating woman!
“She claims she has no knowledge of how she came to be there,” Richard explain, suspicion clear in his voice, “or how she sustained the injuries she had. However, at the same time, she could recall her name as well as the fact that she does not have any living family for us to contact. However, she does speak like a woman of noble birth or at least like a woman raised in the presence of one.” He shook his head. “Maybe she was a governess. However, at present, we do not know more than she is willing to reveal, which is very little. The whole situation was most unusual.”
“You don’t believe her,” Sebastian stated, but his friend merely shrugged. “Then why is she still here? Why did you make her your sister’s companion?”
Pouring himself a drink, Richard turned to look at him. “You know Claudia,” he said almost accusingly. “You know how…wild and irresponsible she’s always been. And now that my father is dead, it falls to me to keep her from ruining herself as well as her family.” Shaking his head, he began to pace the room. “I had hoped bringing her out here would eventually break her spirit, but with each day that passes, she just becomes more and more … unpredictable in her anger.”
“Well, she’s bored,” Sebastian said with a smile, remembering the countless times Claudia’s escapades had infuriated her brother to no ends. He could not remember it ever having been any different.
Richard scoffed. “You sound just like Miss Ferris.”
“I do?” Surprised at the touch of pleasure this small comparison brought to his heart, Sebastian smiled.
“She, too, observed that my sister does what she does out of boredom and not malice,” he explained, a hint of displeasure in his voice. “As though that mattered.” He shook his head. “I tell you, Sebastian, count yourself lucky that your own sister is so well-behaved. Believe me, not even you would care for the trouble a headstrong woman causes, especially one as careless as my sister.”
At the mention of Victoria, Sebastian slumped down in his seat. How was it that he could feel so enchanted one second and then utterly depressed the next?
“Is something wrong?” his friend enquired, taking a sip from his glass. “You seem uncommonly subdued. Has something happened?”
Meeting Richard’s gaze, Sebastian rose from the chair, a touch of anger boiling in his veins. “Victoria was married. Did you not know?”
His friend nodded. “I did, yes. However, I fail to see how that is cause for melancholy. If I were you, I’d celebrate. After all, your father’s health is not the best either, and should he die, it would have fallen to you to find her a suitable husband. From experience, I can tell you it is not a task to be envied.”
Gritting his teeth, Sebastian cursed his friend’s detachedness. Although he knew … or at least suspected … that his friend was not as unfeeling as he often appeared, Sebastian sometimes couldn’t help but wonder how they had ever become friends. “You know my father,” he said, willing his tone to remain free of the anger that burnt in his heart. After all, none of this was Richard’s fault. “He married her off to an upstanding gentleman of title and fortune,” he bit out, sarcasm dripping from his tongue. “However, he failed to take into consideration said gentleman’s character as well as the way it would influence my sister’s life.”
“Come now,” Richard said, trying to appease his friend. “He did what he thought best for her. After all, it is common practise to choose a spouse based on such factors. I am certain your sister will come to see that eventually and thank him for it.”
“She’s miserable!” Sebastian snapped. Taking a deep breath, he forced his hands to still as the blood boiled in his veins. “I know that you see things differently, and that you and your sister do not share the same bond that I have with Victoria, but you should have known that I would have opposed the match. You received a wedding invitation, did you not?” His face still, Richard nodded. “Then why didn’t you write to me? Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you give me a chance to come home and …?”
“And what?” his friend asked, shaking his head. “It is your father’s right to choose her husband, not yours. Even had I known that he chose not to inform you of your sister’s nuptials, I would not have written to you and risked a scandal. Where your sister is concerned, you’re too much like mine. You act reckless and without thought and consideration. Who knew what you would have done?” Again, he shook his head, this time vehemently. “No, I would not have told you, and I apologise if you consider that a betrayal, but I am your friend, and I do what I must to ensure your well-being.”
Meeting Richard’s unwavering gaze, Sebastian exhaled, and his anger slowly quieted. “I know,” he admitted, “and yet, I wish you had told me.” He took a deep breath, remembering his sister’s solemn face as he had called on her upon returning from the continent. “I’ve seen her, and she’s just not herself anymore. It’s as though she’s in mourning, grief-stricken and inconsolable, and yet, she forces a smile on her face and pretends that her life wasn’t just ruined by my father’s greed. I fear for her.” Closing his eyes, he shook his head. “I truly fear for her, not just for her happiness, but for her life.”
“What are you saying?” Richard asked, a deep frown on his face.
Sebastian shrugged, then met his friend’s eyes. “I honestly don’t know. All I can say is that she is no longer the woman I knew to be my sister. Something has changed. I can no longer say what she might do.”
“You’re not truly afraid she might harm herself, are you?”
Again, Sebastian shrugged. “I don’t
know. I hope I don’t need to be.” Then his eyes hardened, and the muscles in his jaw clenched. “I swear if something happens to her, I will end him.”
“Her husband?” Richard asked, deep concern in his voice.
Sebastian nodded. “And my father. I’ll end them both.”
Shaking his head, Richard poured another glass and handed it to his friend. “You must not talk like that. Yes, your father was wrong not to inform you, but you cannot allow your anger to get the better of you. Give it time, and you’ll see that your sister will be fine. I believe it is common for women to need some time to adjust to marriage. However, before long she’ll be a mother, and according to my own, children are a woman’s pride and joy.”
Sebastian scoffed, then downed the drink in one gulp. “The thought of her bearing that man’s children is sickening.”
“Have you lost your mind?” his friend demanded, anger now clear in his voice. “You act like a child, whining and pouting, not like a man of your age.” Stepping closer, he looked into Sebastian’s eyes. “This is the way the world works. I suggest you’ll reconcile yourself to it or you’ll go up in flames.”
“I know you’re right,” Sebastian said, shaking his head, “and yet, I cannot help how I feel. You cannot understand because you and I have always been so very different. All I can say is that I envy you. Although your father always proved a decent man, now you’re free to ensure your sister’s happiness yourself. You do not have to stand by and watch how others make decisions for her, unable to interfere. To tell you the truth, I had hoped that my father would join yours before long and leave my sister’s future in my hands.”
“Do you truly believe that she would have been happier with a gentleman you would have chosen for her?”
A sad smile came to Sebastian’s face. “No, but I wouldn’t have. I would have let her choose for herself.”
Richard scoffed. “A love match is generally the worst way to begin a marriage. Emotions quickly change or fade, and then you’re tied to someone who is not your match in any other regard. No, Sebastian, your father did right.”
“Believe so if you will,” Sebastian said, knowing that he wouldn’t sway his friend’s mind any more than Richard could sway his. “It doesn’t matter now. However, my father will pay for what he did.”
“What do you mean?”
“All the man cares about is the good family name and the fortune and titles attached to it,” Sebastian said, disgust clear in his voice. “Well, if that is so, then I swear I shall do my utmost to ruin that which he holds dearer than his own daughter’s happiness: his reputation.”
Richard’s eyes narrowed, and a hint of suspicion came to his eyes. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying that I will make my father’s life a living hell for all he cares about is the advancement of the family name,” Sebastian snapped, a sneer on his face as he imagined his father’s shocked face. “I will bring shame to his family. I will−”
“Your family!” Richard interrupted, clasping him by the shoulders and meeting his eyes. “It is also your family. Don’t forget that. Everything you do to him, you also do to yourself, your mother and ultimately your sister as well. Do you truly want to add to her misery? Is that what a brother does?”
Shaking off his friend’s hands, Sebastian stalked around the room, rubbing his hands over his face. “Then what am I supposed to do?” he demanded, feeling helplessness engulf him like a heavy blanket, slowly suffocating him. “Tell me! Please! For I have no idea. I cannot just sit idly by and let him get away with what he did. I−"
“Yes, you can,” Richard insisted. “You’re a gentleman, an earl’s son, and despite your lack of foresight, you are a good man as well. Live your life, Sebastian, and let your sister live her own. She is not your responsibility any longer. Find yourself a wife and start your own family. You don’t have to follow in your father’s footsteps, but neither should you condemn him for making the choices that he sees fit.”
Feeling utterly defeated, Sebastian stared at his friend. Somewhere in the back of his mind, a voice whispered that Richard was right, and yet, Sebastian’s heart ached with the need for vengeance. Torn between desire and duty, he closed his eyes, hoping that he would find a way to go on.
In that moment, Miss Davenport’s voice echoed through the closed door, followed by soft laughter.
Miss Ferris.
Instantly, Sebastian’s eyes darted to the door, and his heart warmed, melting the ice that had held it captive. A smile came to his face as an idea slowly took root.
“What?” Richard asked, eyeing him with concern. “What are you thinking?”
“I’m thinking you’re right,” Sebastian proclaimed with delight, listening intently as Miss Ferris’ faint voice echoed through the door. “I should find myself a wife.”
Seeing the expression on Sebastian’s face, Richard’s eyes narrowed before they shifted to the door as well. “Are you out of your mind? You cannot −! That is most unsuitable. She is just−We have no way of knowing who she truly is!”
“Exactly!” Sebastian rejoiced. “She would be a most unsuitable bride.” And yet, she was the most bewitching woman he’d ever met.
Chapter Ten – Qualities to Recommend
“He is very dashing, is he not?” Miss Davenport exclaimed the following day as they sat in the parlour. With a visitor in the house, the indoors had acquired a certain allure that it had lacked before. “I’ve always thought so.” Leaning in conspiratorially, she whispered, “When we were young, Victoria and I would jest that one day I would marry her brother and she would marry mine. However, Victoria never seemed so very taken with the idea. Considering my brother’s unpleasant character, I cannot fault her for desiring a different husband.”
A smile on her face, Charlotte nodded. “Yes, I suppose your brother is a fairly acquired taste. However, Lord Huntly seems to see favourable qualities in him.” Delighted that Miss Davenport’s mood had finally improved, Charlotte didn’t mind the topic of their conversation. However, she did fear that the gentleman in question would happen to come upon them at any moment for he never seemed to be far away. More than once she had caught him lurking nearby as though wishing to join them. But if so, why didn’t he?
“I have to admit it is a mystery to me,” Miss Davenport exclaimed. “They are quite unlike one another, and I’ve often envied Victoria her brother. They’ve always been rather close. I was surprised not to see him at her wedding. I would have thought nothing short of death could have kept him from her side. It was most unusual.”
“What qualities recommend Lord Huntly to you?” Charlotte asked, curious to learn more about the gentleman with the piercing blue eyes. Sometimes she feared he would take one look at her and see the secrets hidden in her heart. It was unsettling!
“Oh, he’s very gallant,” Miss Davenport mused, a deep smile on her face. “He’s a wonderful dancer and knows how to treat a lady. Unlike my brother,” she added with a grumble. “He’s been to the continent recently.” Miss Davenport sighed longingly. “Oh, what he must have seen! I wish I could go as well. It is quite unfair that young ladies are not awarded the same liberties as gentlemen. After all, do we not all hunger to know the world and see its wonders?”
“I suppose so,” Charlotte mumbled, finally understanding that Miss Davenport’s fancy with Lord Huntly stemmed from her unsated hunger for adventure rather than a deep love for the gentleman himself.
“Excuse me, my ladies.”
Looking up, Charlotte found the very gentleman they had just been discussing standing in the door, a good-natured smile on his face as he glanced from Miss Davenport’s delighted face to Charlotte, his eyes lingering on hers for a moment too long.
Instantly, Charlotte’s breath caught in her throat.
“Sebastian,” Miss Davenport exclaimed. “Would you not join us? You haven’t yet told us anything about your adventures on the continent.”
“I came for that very reason,” he said, th
en took a seat across from them. “What would you like to hear?”
While Miss Davenport queried Lord Huntly on every detail of his travels; Charlotte concentrated on the embroidered cushion in her hand. Slowly, she moved the needle through the delicate fabric, her eyes cast down. And yet, she could almost feel Lord Huntly’s gaze as it travelled over her face, lingering here and there as though seeking to familiarise himself with her image.
Did he recognise her? Although she remembered hearing his name mentioned, Charlotte was certain they’d never crossed paths. However, that did not mean that he had never seen her, had been told who she was, even without her knowledge.
The thought sent a jolt of panic through her being, and her hand began to tremble, dropping the needle. Leaning forward, she retrieved it, and her eyes met his for a bare instant.
What she saw there terrified her, not only because she feared her identity might be revealed but also because she remembered such a look from an old life.
Back then, she had cherished the admiration and hidden passion shining in a gentleman’s eyes when he had kissed her hand or escorted her onto the dance floor. Now, however, she knew only too well what it could lead to, and that thought terrified her like no other.
“Oh, I’ve only ever been to London or Bath,” Miss Davenport exclaimed with a sigh. “Nothing exciting.”
Listening, her gaze still focused on the cushion in her hands, Charlotte heard Lord Huntly shift in his seat and knew even before she heard his voice that she could not escape his attention forever.
“And you, Miss Ferris?” he asked, a hint of honest curiosity in his voice. “Have you ever travelled anywhere exciting?”
Lifting her eyes, Charlotte swallowed when they met his gaze, looking back at her with such intensity that a shiver ran down her back.
Yes, he was indeed dashing with his cinnamon brown hair strangely off-setting his piercing blue eyes. It was an unusual match, and yet, it was the way he held himself that spoke of an honest and kind man. There was nothing hidden in his eyes or his bearing, no hint of deceit or falsehood lurking in the slight curl of his lips, and her heart responded with a warm sense of comfort.