He worked at the knots and Gabby bit down on her lip. She had been wrong. It hurt much worse. The fibers of the rope clawed at her flesh as if they were reluctant to let her go. But finally, her hands dropped free. She pulled them to her front and dropped them in her lap. Lifting and dropping her shoulders, she worked a few of the kinks out. She dared not touch the skin around her wrists, the soft lace of her gown caused enough of a sting.
Gabby stared down at her gown, now ripped and streaked with blood from her swollen wrists. It had been such a lovely gown—so full of promise.
Aaron kneeled in front of her and sighed. He removed his greatcoat and draped it over her shoulders.
“But what will you wear? You will freeze.”
He dropped his forehead to hers. “Let me do the worrying for a time.” He slid his arms beneath her knees and one behind her back, lifting her into his arms and cradling her to him. “Come. Let us get you back to Ivydale.”
Gabby rested her head against his superfine coat, breathing in the scent of him. “I am certain I can walk.”
A shaky chuckle sounded. “Yes, I am sure you are able, but I find I like this remarkably better. It is the only way I can assure myself you are truly safe.” As if to emphasize his point, he tightened his hold on her, bringing her firmly into him. “It makes up only slightly for the fact I did not get a second dance with you.”
He set her down, only long enough to mount his horse, and then Collins helped lift her onto Aaron’s saddle. Again, he pulled her tightly to him. “Put your arms around me, under my coat so they will stay warm.”
“But they are bloody. They will ruin your waistcoat.”
“I have many waistcoats, Gabby, but only one you. You need to get warm. I can feel the cold on your skin through my coats.”
It was strange. She had never felt more wanted and even needed than she did right then. But how could that be? She had been the one in need of rescue.
Aaron touched his heels to his horse’s side and clucked, setting the horse into an easy stride. She was grateful he had not set him into a canter, just yet. Her wrists—in truth, her whole body—ached, but she tightened her hold on him even more.
Aaron’s heart still pounded inside his chest. He tightened his hold on Gabby, just to assure himself that she was safe and well. Well might be a stretch of the truth. She looked a sight, though a more lovely sight he had never seen.
When he thought about what could have happened…would have happened had he not arrived when he did, tears pricked at his eyes. He recalled the rifles lying next to the bales of hay, cleaned and ready for firing, a shiver straightened his spine.
He dug his heels into Bruce’s side and the horse picked up speed. It was a tricky business getting them home quickly, but without causing Gabby any more pain. Bruce seemed to understand and stepped lightly, delivering them to Ivydale with little wincing from Gabby.
Aaron swung down from the saddle and reached up, pulling Gabby back into his arms. He did not feel completely at ease unless she was in his arms. But he doubted she would agree to staying here indefinitely.
“You should put me down now,” she whispered against his neck.
His pulse ticked up, but this time it wasn’t from fear. He sighed. “I am not putting you down, Gabby. Not until we are safely in the house and outside your bedchamber door, where I will hand you off to Aline.”
“Don’t be daft, Aaron. I am perfectly capable of walking. You are going to give people a false impression of our association.”
He heard the measured tone of her words. She was suggesting he would make people think they were engaged, but she did not actually say the words. Aaron looked down, a crooked smile on his face. “I told you to let me do the worrying for now.”
"But Eleanor—”
He didn’t have to reach for the knob as Marcus was waiting for them and swung it open as soon as Aaron’s feet had planted on the landing. “I do not care about Eleanor.” His voice echoed as he stepped into the entryway.
A sharp intake of breath, followed by a hearty laugh followed, but Aaron only half-heartedly regretted his words. He did not care about Eleanor. The only woman he cared a wit about, was in his arms, pressed against his chest.
“Lud,” he muttered as he eyed Kirtley and his wife. Why was no one asleep or somewhere other than here? Did they not understand he wanted Gabby to himself?
He growled as Gabby wiggled away from him, forcing him to lower her to the ground. He removed his greatcoat from her shoulders and handed it to Collins. Leaning in, he whispered, “Did I not say I would carry you until I deposited you at your bedroom door?”
Her ears pinked, but she did not reply.
Lord and Lady Kirtley hurried the rest of the way down the stairs, and Lady Kirtley enveloped Gabby in a hug. “Oh, Gabby. I was so worried about you.” The lady reached for Gabby’s hands, but Gabby pulled back, leaning into Aaron.
Lady Kirtley looked hurt.
Gabby lifted her wrists. Lady Kirtley gasped, again. “Oh, dearest. Come, let us get you warmed up and bandage those cuts. I have already called for a tub and hot water.” She put her hand on Gabby’s back and moved her toward the stairs. Casting a glance at Kirtley and Aaron, she lowered her voice. “I expect you will see to the men who did this to her.”
Aaron growled. This was precisely why he did not want others about. Lady Kirtley was doing what Aaron had wanted to do. She was taking over the care of Gabby.
A pain burned in Aaron’s chest. While he knew Gabby was safe now, fear that something may happen to her still, caused his heart to hammer. “Wait,” he called. Must she be out of his sight—away from his protection?
Gabby turned at the same time as Lady Kirtley.
He stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on her face. “There are things we need to discuss. I’m afraid it cannot wait.” It could wait, and he felt a sliver of guilt when he looked into her tired eyes. He should let her go to bed, but he could not. Not yet. He had waited for the right time to ask her before, and he had nearly lost his chance—nearly lost her. He glanced at Kirtley. “Are the men in my study?”
Gabby stiffened. She was genuinely afraid of Mr. Perkins and Mr. Millard. And she had good reason to be.
Aaron fisted his hands at his side. If they were all still in the army…but they were not. He would contact the constable and see them sent to Newgate, at the very least.
Kirtley nodded. “Marcus is standing guard, should they try to escape.”
Aaron looked to Lady Kirtley. “I will return her shortly.” Although, he did not know if he could actually turn her over to Lady Kirtley when he was done with her. If they were engaged, as he planned to take care of immediately, would he be allowed to watch her sleep? If only he had a special license hanging about his study…
He shook his head. He sounded on the verge of Bedlam, but he could hardly help it. Whenever his eyes shut for any extended amount of time, the picture of her bound with the burlap sack on her head flashed through his mind, and his heart set to racing all over again.
He moved his hand from her face to the small of her back. “Come. I will not keep you from Eleanor’s fussing for long.” He led her up the stairs and down the corridor. She walked stiffly, her muscles taut. She was likely feeling the aftereffects of her ordeal.
He stopped at the library door. “Let us talk in here.”
The air whooshed from her lungs, and she sagged against the wall.
Aaron's heart stopped. “Gabby, what is wrong?” His body went cold. Was she suffering from something he could not see? He reached for her, sliding his hand around her waist to support her. “Let me help you to a couch inside.”
She melted against him, but then pushed him away. “No, I am well. I can walk unassisted.”
“But in the corridor, you looked as if you might faint.” He held his hand at the ready in front of him in case she fell again.
Gabby shook her head. “I thought you were to take me to your study, to speak with those men. I am si
mply relieved that you brought me here, instead.”
She thought he would make her see those two blackguards? Did she not know him better? “How could you think I would allow you to see them again?”
“I’m sorry. I…” She paused. “What did you wish to discuss with me?”
He paused. He had meant to ask for her hand first, but her fear reminded him he needed to deal with those men now and get them out of his house—off of his property.
He lightly gripped her by the upper arms. “I cannot do this, Gabby. I am being a selfish cad.” He sagged. She looked as if she may fall asleep while standing here listening to him. “You look so cold and tired. What I wish to say can wait until you are rested and warm.” As much as he wanted to ask her to wait in here for him, he could not do it. “Please, come find me here when you awaken. I wish to speak to you as soon as possible.”
“Do you wish me to wait?”
Yes, I want you to never leave my sight. “No. You need to get warm and get some rest.” He ran his thumb over her cheekbone. “I will wait for you this time.”
She turned toward the door but paused. “Aaron?”
“Yes?” Was she going to stay after all?
“Please, do not punish them.”
He lurched forward. The mention of the men waiting in his office left him needing her close. “What? I most certainly will punish them. They were intent on killing you, Gabby.”
She turned around. “They were not in their right minds. Mr. Perkins called me Mireille.” She bit her bottom lip. Ah, that look. He did not think he could deny her anything when she gave him that look. She would quickly come to realize the power she held over him.
“That is no excuse. What about the next time he is not in his right mind?”
She twisted her hands together. “I will be…leaving soon.” She paused as if giving him the opportunity to refute her. But he did not. He did not like what she was saying and was not about to change the subject.
“I cannot look on them without remembering what they have done. They cannot stay here.”
She frowned. “Could you move them to a different estate? They only have negative experiences with Mireille. What if we could give them another experience? A good one? Perhaps it would change the way they think.”
This woman was…astounding. Aaron could not feel even an ounce of forgiveness toward the men. If it were up to him, they would be at Newgate before the rising of the sun. But he would do as she wanted. “Is this what you truly want?”
She nodded. “Yes, it is.”
“Then I will see to it.” He could not do otherwise.
“Thank you.” She turned and slipped from the room.
He felt her absence immediately, and his hands became wet and shaky. Would he ever feel she was safe when they were not together? His anger increased at this new aspect of his life. Although, as he thought on it, it also brought on a sense of wonder. He had always had men to worry about. But never had he worried about a woman, not like this, anyway.
He growled and pounded his fist into his hand. Now would be a good time to see his men. He could hardly stomach calling them that any longer.
Chapter 21
“I will see to the prisoners now, Marcus.” Aaron paused outside his study door, clutching his fists at his sides. If Gabby could forgive them, then he should too. But it was easier said than done.
He breathed deeply and pushed into the room.
His nostrils flared when the men turned in their seats to watch his approach. Both men held their hat in their hands, rotating them round and round. “Major—”
“It is Lord Brinton now.” His voice was terse and clipped.
“Begging your pardon, my lord.” Mr. Millard’s eyes dropped to his hands.
Aaron moved behind his desk. Dropping his hands on the table, he leaned forward and sucked in a deep breath. Gabby forgives them. He repeated it over and over in his mind, hoping it would help him do the same. “What the devil did you think you were doing?” Perhaps he would need to say it a few more times for it to fully take hold.
“I see my mistake now, my lord. But...she sounded so much like—and she kept coming around, trying to get my wife to betray me—to betray us.” Perkins shook his head and looked down at his hat. His brow furrowed and his lips moved but no sound came out.
Both men looked contrite, but Aaron had difficulty accepting it. What if he had not found her in time? What if Mrs. Perkins had not come to see him? There were so many terrible outcomes from this situation. How could he just let these men go?
“I understand I am bound for Newgate, in the best case, but I beg for my wife. Please allow her to stay, at least until the babe is born.” Tears hovered in the bottoms of Perkins’s lids.
Aaron felt himself softening slightly. It had not been so long ago that he saw Mireille when he looked on Gabby? Lud, that felt like eons ago. Aaron had changed. But would these men really learn anything if they were not punished?
From Henry’s letters, Aaron knew Rebekah cared for Mrs. Perkins; perhaps it was possible Aaron could send the couple and Millard to Charlcombe. Although, after hearing what Mr. Perkins had done, would Rebekah agree to it? Neither of the men had ever been threatening to her, so it was a possibility. They could help ready the house and once the weather warmed, begin work on their farms there. But was relocation punishment enough?
Aaron sat down and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms across his chest. “I have spoken with Miss Babineaux and have agreed to abide by her wishes in this matter.”
Both men ducked their heads, their hands spinning the hats faster.
“She has asked for you to return to your farms until such time as the weather lifts and you can relocate to a different property. I will send out inquiries immediately to find where that will be, precisely. Until that time, you are not to come near the house. Is that understood?” He would not mention Charlcombe until he had confirmed it with Rebekah.
Mr. Perkins’s mouth dropped open. “You aren’t sending us to Newgate?”
Aaron shook his head. “You will find Miss Babineaux is nothing like Mireille. She is kind, even to those so undeserving of it. You do not deserve her grace, but she is offering it all the same.” He narrowed his eyes at them. “I would not be so forgiving. I suggest you consider this act in the future, for if I hear of any other incidents—”
“There will be no other incidents, my lord. You have my word.” Mr. Millard stood, obviously wishing to leave before Aaron changed his mind.
Aaron stood. “Very well. Mr. Perkins, please go attend to your wife. I fear the anxiety of last night’s activities were not beneficial to her in her condition.”
Perkin’s looked even more remorseful. He glanced up. “May I offer Miss Babineaux my thanks?”
Aaron’s eyes widened and he opened his mouth, but Perkins cut him off with a shake of his head.
“No, no. You are right, my lord. Perhaps a letter would be best.”
Millard grabbed Perkins by the coat and pulled him toward the door, bowing several times. “Many thanks, my lord. And good day.” They got to the door and fled quickly from the room.
Aaron raised his brows. He never knew Perkins peg leg could move so quickly. But they had the right of it.
He rubbed at his burning eyes. The anxiety and stress of the night finally faded, leaving him exhausted. Perhaps it would be best if he rested before he spoke to Gabby.
Gabby ran her hands down the front of her morning gown and stared at the wooden door. What would she find on the other side? Aaron had told her to find him in the library when she woke, but that had been hours ago. Surely, he was not still waiting for her. He had certainly been as tired as she had been.
She opened the door and peered in, disappointed when he did not appear to be inside. Should she wait for him? She had told him she would wait last night after the ball, but that had not gone according to plan. Why could she not wait for him now?
She slipped inside, shutting the door behind
her. She would sit on the couch and wait until he came.
She scanned the shelves as she passed. A book would certainly make the time go faster, but she was not in the mood to read. She was too jumpy to sit still and focus on words. Wrapping her arms around her middle, she walked toward a chair by the fire. Today she was in the mood to sit and do nothing. Even if it meant thinking back on the awful events of last night.
In the light of day, she could think on them with only a tendril of fear. The more she thought on what she’d endured, the easier it would become, would it not?
As she moved to the sofa, she stopped, her head dropping to the side and a smile filling her face.
Aaron lay on the couch, his head resting on an embroidered cushion. His breath was slow and low. His hair stuck up in all directions, lifting off his forehead. The light from the fire reflected the hints of gold in his hair.
His superfine tailcoat was unbuttoned, exposing a light blue waistcoat. It was the same clothes he had worn to the ball last night. She noted, with appreciation, the slight stubble darkening his cheeks and chin. It did not appear he had returned to his chambers yet. Was it because he had been anxious to see her? The thought made her slightly lightheaded.
She moved quietly and kneeled on the floor beside the sofa. Lifting her hand toward his face, she ran her fingertips over the stubble on his cheek and up into the hair over his ear. It was softer than she had even imagined.
Gooseflesh prickled her skin as she realized what she was doing.
He breathed in deeply and she pulled her hand away, biting her lip. Had she awakened him?
“Please, do not stop or I shall believe I am only dreaming.”
She sat back on her heels. “I’m sorry. I did not intend to wake you.”
His eyes remained closed. “I was not asleep. It was all a part of my plan.” He cracked a single eye open.
She looked at him blandly. “Oh? Am I so predictable that you knew if you pretended to be asleep, I would caress your cheek?” Saying it out loud sounded so intimate and improper. Her cheeks warmed.
Thawing the Viscount's Heart: A Christmas Regency Romance (Belles of Christmas: Frost Fair Book 3) Page 18