It took every ounce of his will not to simply shoot the man. It would have been easy to just put an end to Percer’s life and to the disaster he brought but now was not the time. Tess’ name needed to be cleared and he wanted proof that Percer was behind the other murders. That would be impossible if the man was dead himself.
“I’ve been watching since you stepped out of the woods.” He walked over and set his gun on the desk.
Her eyes widened with surprise.
“Did you think I would simply stand here without a means to protect you?”
“I am surprised you did not come out and confront him.” Tess stepped further into the room and sank into a chair. She smoothed her gown and he noticed her hands shook.
“I wanted to, but I knew whatever plan you had in that head of yours had to play out.”
“Thank you.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” He stood, feet braced, arms crossed over his chest.
“I was afraid you would stop me.”
“How long have you known when you were to meet him?”
Her frightened eyes looked up into his. “I didn’t. I saw him from my room when I retired.”
“You acted on impulse?” His anger mounted. The thought that she planned this meeting angered him. To know she acted without thought made him livid.
Tess pulled back at his harsh voice. “I want it over with.”
“You could have been killed,” Vincent yelled.
“He could kill me at any time.” Her pitch rose to meet his.
“Not while you had the map.”
“What was to stop him from simply doing away with me and then searching the house himself?”
“He would have never have gotten in. My servants are always alert.”
“Even in the dead of night?” she stood and countered. “No, this needed to be done now. That man cannot have a need to come here. Especially with the girls living under this roof. It is far too dangerous.”
Vincent did not want to admit she had a point, and refused to acknowledge her reasoning. He let his arms drop and took a step forward. “Nothing could have happened to your students. He would have never made it that far before being stopped.”
“How are you so sure?” Tess cried, her face flushed in anger.
“I am positive,” Vincent offered in a calmer tone. “Besides, he wanted the map piece and Percer knew none of them would have it.”
Tess turned. “It no longer matters. He has what he came for and has no need to come here again.”
“Not until he learns you tricked him.”
Tess paused in the middle of the room. Her shoulders slumped in defeat. “At least I bought us some time. He still has one more piece to get. Only then will he realize he has been duped.”
“What if he has pieces that already match the one you gave him? He could know of your trick before the sun rises. Did you think of that?”
Tess turned to look at him. Her eyes wide and face pale with fright.
“No, you obviously didn’t.”
“I’ve got to go.” She turned and headed for the door.
Vincent hurried after her. “Go where?”
“Edinburgh. I plan to take a ship somewhere.”
“You are not going anywhere. This is the second time you have tried to run away from me. Do you not think I can keep you safe?”
“I am not running from you,” she insisted. “It is Percer, he is dangerous. He will stop at nothing to get what he wants. When he realizes what I have done, he will undoubtedly have me arrested. I cannot risk that.”
Vincent pulled her into his arms. “I will not let anything happen to you, Tess,” he whispered into her hair.
She tilted her head and she looked up at him. “How can you prevent it?” Tears glistened in her eyes and it tore at his heart. He brought his lips to hers. Tess melted into him and he tightened his hold and delved deeper. After a moment he broke away and looked down at her. He raised his hand and brushed a tear off of her cheek with his thumb. “Trust me.”
* * *
Tess flopped on her back in the bed. Why was she staying? Percer would learn of the deception and come back. What if he brought the magistrate? What if he was so angry he didn’t bother with the magistrate and found a way to kill her instead?
A knock at the door brought her upright in bed. Had Percer figured it out already? She clasped the blankets up to her chin. She heard the handle turn on her door and watched as it slowly opened. Tess held her breath, her pulse raced.
“Miss Crawford?” Mrs. Zobard stuck her head in the door and called.
The breath audibly exited Tess’ lungs. “Come in, Mrs. Zobard.”
She pushed the door open and entered carrying a tray. A smile creased her face. “Wesley and I thought you might have difficulty sleeping.”
Tess pushed the covers back and stood. “That I am.”
“Well, here is some warm chocolate. That should do the trick.” She placed the tray on the table next to the fireplace and poured a cup.
“Oh, that sounds perfect.” Tess walked across the thick rug to accept the cup she offered. Poor Mrs. Zobard was in her nightgown and robe. “I am sorry he disturbed your slumber on account of me.”
“It isn’t a bother.” She dismissed with a wave of her hand. “You will have to let me know how good it is. The McClarys down the road sent it over this afternoon. A young man who is courting their daughter, Katie, bought the store out when Katie proclaimed it was the best chocolate she had ever drank. It was far more than they needed and sent some over to the house for the girls to enjoy.”
Tess blew on the hot liquid and smiled over the rim of her cup. “That was very kind of them.”
“They are the sweetest of souls,” Mrs. Zobard agreed. “Now, I will leave you to your chocolate and may you have a good night’s rest.”
“Thank you,” Tess called as Mrs. Zobard exited the room and closed the door behind her.
Tess settled into the overstuffed chair next to the fireplace. She curled her feet beneath her and took a sip of the liquid. It was delicious. Though not any more delicious than other chocolate she had tasted. However, it was sure to do the trick for she sorely needed a good night’s sleep. She could not recall the last time she went to bed at a decent hour and slept through the night. At least a week.
* * *
Vincent rubbed his eyes and turned down the lamp by his bed. He couldn’t recall the last time he had actually retired when the rest of the world also slept. It shouldn’t be unexpected. He stayed awake most of today.
Vincent had been ready to retire earlier. He had sipped wine in the cellar in the company of Darling. Nobody calmed him the way she did and he had been prepared to fall into bed asleep once he quit the cellar. However, his agitation returned the moment he spied Tess backing out of the woods.
He rolled over and punched the pillow. What to do about Percer and when would he make his next move? Even if he didn’t learn immediately of their trick, Vincent knew in his gut Percer would not be finished until he had dealt with Tess. That is what worried Vincent more than anything else. He needed to find a way to protect her and her idea of leaving by ship from Edinburgh was out of the question.
“Come,” Vincent called to the knock on his door.
“Lord Atwood, Mrs. Zobard sent up chocolate to Miss Crawford and thought you might enjoy a cup as well,” Wesley announced as he entered to room.
Vincent had to chuckle. He couldn’t remember the last time he enjoyed a warm cup.
“She thought it was high time you tried something other than brandy,” Wesley sniffed.
“You sound as if you disapprove, Wesley.” Vincent didn’t try to hide the humor in his voice.
“I simply wish it had been I who thought of the solution, sir,” Wesley admitted.
After he was gone, Vincent drained the cup and crawled back into bed. Yes, it was very good chocolate.
* * *
Eliza ducked into a doorway when she noticed Mrs. Zobard
and Wesley talking outside of Miss Crawford’s door. Mrs. Wiggons opened her own door and stepped into the hallway.
“I think you should let her sleep tomorrow,” Wesley suggested.
“Why, is something amiss?” Mrs. Wiggons asked, pulling the belt on her robe tight.
“I don’t believe she has gotten more than a few hours at a time since she arrived here,” Wesley said.
“True.” Mrs. Wiggons nodded her head.
“Then tonight, she was out again,” Mrs. Zobard offered.
Mrs. Wiggons gasped and turned. “Did she meet Percer?”
Wesley glanced around then leaned in toward Mrs. Wiggons. “Lord Atwood says she passed on the piece of the map.”
“Oh, dear. I do hope he will let us alone.” Mrs. Wiggons wrung her hands together. “If only we can make the other problem go away. I don’t know what we can do about that.”
“I am sure Lord Atwood will think of something.”
Mrs. Wiggons returned to her room and shut the door. Mrs. Zobard and Wesley continued down the hall. Their voices disappeared as they descended the stairs. Eliza strained to hear what else they were staying. What other problem were they talking about? It could only be Lady Atwood and she would be taken care of tomorrow tonight.
‘”Oh! if thou art indeed able to effect that,
grant it to my earnest supplication; if one throb of
human feeling vibrates in thy bosom, let my tears
prevail with thee;”’
Wake Not the Dead
Johann Ludwig Tieck
Chapter 23
Tess opened her eyes and stretched her arms above her head. For the first time in weeks she felt well-rested. She glanced about the room and noticed it was brighter than most mornings. Not that any sunlight penetrated this side of the house, but still, there was more light which led her to believe they would have a cloudless sky this morning. Perhaps a walk around the grounds, as a large group, was in order. It wouldn’t be long before winter set in and it was too cold for such activity.
She dressed in a pale blue day gown and pulled her hair up on top of her head. Today she added a matching ribbon and allowed a few of her curls to fall loose, all the while humming a pleasant tune of a song she did not know the name of. Her stomach grumbled and she made her way down to the large dining room. Instead of plates and platters of food, the room was empty. Surely she wasn’t so early to have beaten everyone to breakfast.
Tess turned and made her way to the library and glanced at the old clock as she passed. Three steps later she stopped and looked back. It couldn’t be ten-thirty, in the morning. She hastened to the front parlor. She cracked the door open and listened. Claudia was starting her French lessons. It is ten-thirty. How could I have slept so long?
Her students! Tess rushed to the library to find the younger girls seated in various chairs, on the floor and the couch. Each had a book open and were reading silently. Wesley sat in the chair behind Atwood’s desk. He smiled and stood when she entered.
“Miss Crawford, I take it you slept well, finally.”
Heat infused her cheeks. “Yes, thank you. However, I find it rather embarrassing that I slept the morning away.”
“I would not worry,” he smiled warmly. “Why don’t you go into the informal dining room? I am sure Cook held something back for your breakfast.”
Tess was about to insist she could wait until lunch but her stomach growled, rather loudly, in contradiction to her thoughts. A few of the girls giggled. “But my class,” she gestured to the young students.
“Are perfectly fine. As you can see, they are reading and quiet.”
“Pardon me, Wesley,” a young maid announced when she entered the room. “His Lordship has requested you attend him.”
“Thank you for staying with the girls, Wesley.” I will have to wait to eat now. Her stomach growled in protest once again.
“Anne, could you please stay with the students while Miss Crawford has her breakfast?”
“It would be my pleasure.” The young maid bobbed a curtsey.
Wesley escorted Tess from the room. “You go on and I will see what my master needs.” Wesley turned and marched up the stairs.
While Tess had a duty to her students, she knew she would be worthless since her loud stomach would constantly interrupt her lessons.
The smaller dining room had its’ curtains pulled against the bright sun and was lit by several candles in the sconces along the wall. Mrs. Zobard burst through the door.
“There you are. We heard you were awake. Cook will have something for you in just a moment.”
“Thank you.” Tess settled into the chair where plates and utensils had been placed. What else was there to do?
In but a few moments a bowl of fruit and loaf of bread were placed on the table. Preserves and butter were added. Tess picked up her knife to slice off a piece of bread and reached for the raspberry preserves when the door to the kitchen opened again. A maid bustled in with more platters loaded with kippers, eggs, and potatoes. Surely they did not make all of this for her. After the platters were put in the middle of the table, another place was set at the end, beside her, and Tess wondered who would be joining her.
She finished spreading the preserves on her bread when Atwood entered the room.
“Ah, so I am not the only slugabug.” He grinned and took his seat.
“You are usually asleep at this time,” Tess retorted.
“Yes, I am, but I have decided to try and live as the rest of the world.” He reached forward and lifted the platter of kippers and placed some on his plate. “However, I didn’t expect to sleep this late into the day.”
“Nor did I,” Tess admitted. “I can’t remember the last time I slept past seven.”
“You have been keeping late hours. It was bound to happen that you would eventually exhaust yourself.” He spooned eggs onto his plate.
“I suppose,” Tess reluctantly agreed. That is the only reason she could muster.
“Eat.” Vincent gestured to the food on the table.
Tess did as he suggested, though it was uncomfortable. She was used to eating with a room full of girls and the other teachers, not alone with a man.
“The blue looks lovely on you.”
Tess whipped her head to look at him. He was not eating, but sitting back in his chair, cradling a cup of coffee.
“And I like how you have left some of your hair loose. It is a lovely color and should not be bound and tied behind your back.”
Warmth flooded her face and she glanced down at her plate. “Thank you.” She reached for her knife but instead knocked it off of the corner of the plate and onto the table.
Vincent chuckled, but she did not turn to acknowledge him.
“Why don’t you give your students a break? Take the day off?”
She looked up and stared at him as if he were mad. “That is not possible.”
“Why?” He shrugged his shoulders. “You have already missed the morning lessons. Why not miss the entire day?”
“It simply is not done. Their parents pay a high tuition and I simply cannot abandon my duties,” Tess insisted.
“Very well,” he acknowledged with a nod of his head. “What class is next?”
“History.”
“And what are you teaching?”
“The girls are to present their papers on the countries they researched.”
His head nodded again, as if he were actually interested, before he turned his attention to the food before him, thank goodness.
“Why should it matter?” she finally asked.
“Because, Tess, I do not intend to let you out of my sight.”
Her fork clattered against the plate. “I assure you, that is not necessary.”
He leaned forward, his face having lost all humor. “It is very necessary. You are in danger. By now I am sure Percer has learned you tried to trick him. As you have not hesitated to meet in him the past, alone, I’ve decided you need a guard. Thus, I wi
ll be at your side every waking moment.”
* * *
Vincent tried to concentrate on his meal, but found it difficult with Tess seated to his right and no other distractions in the room, such as three dozen students. She said nothing further after he announced he would guard her and he wondered what was going on in that pretty head of hers.
In truth, he was not all that hungry and would be perfectly content to sit and simply watch her, but each time she caught him looking at her a lovely blush spread across her cheeks and her eyes would dart away. In time she would become more comfortable being alone with him. Hadn’t they already spent several hours together, just the two of them? Why was she uncomfortable now?
Perhaps it was the compliment. He could not help himself. She looked beautiful this morning. There was color in her cheeks from what he supposed was the result of a good night’s sleep. And her hair for once was in a soft, feminine arrangement, instead of those curls being pulled back in a tight, efficient knot at the back of her head. He couldn’t decide if he preferred her in this lighter shade of blue, or the darker one she had worn a day or so ago. Both complimented her grey eyes. Hopefully he would see her in both colors more often so he could finally come to a decision on the matter.
Vincent took another sip of his coffee and wondered when he had formed such a strong attachment to the young woman seated next to him. It did boggle one’s mind. They’d known each other barely a week, yet he could not imagine her out of his life, ever. Though she refused his marriage proposal, he was determined to make her his wife. He needed to marry her, though he could not begin to explain why. At least they still had months together. With the school needing to be torn down and then rebuilt, she would be forced to live with him for the duration. If all went well, such as a bitter winter, then the building would take all the much longer to complete. Certainly by spring, if not before, she would capitulate to his desires.
To Walk in the Sun (Wiggons' School for Elegant Young Ladies - Book 1) Page 21