With gratitude, Aubree did as bid. The dowager joined her in a cup of tea and watched Aubree inspect the cobweb-bedecked ceiling and the threadbare linen. The pewter tea set and spoons did not shake her, but the mouse darting from beneath the sideboard left had caused Aubree to drop her cup. Lady Heathmont tapped her hand comfortingly.
“I am glad to see such things do not send you into the boughs. It would be most difficult to bring this house to order if we must continually pry you off the ceiling. You seem a good, sensible type. Your servants will be following shortly, I trust?”
Aubree nodded, still staring at the place where the mouse had disappeared. Tearing her fascinated gaze away, she turned to her table companion. “I have only my maid and her niece and nephew. That will scarcely be sufficient to set this house in order. Is there no one here beyond Heath’s groom and that creature in the kitchen?”
Lady Heathmont made a gesture of distaste. “There was Blanche, but Austin gave her her walking papers before you arrived. Which was only proper.” She did not linger over explanations. “The Dower House has a cook and maid, but they refuse to work for Austin. Stubborn creatures, I should sack them, but I’d never find others. Perhaps you should come stay with me and let this place fall to ruin. I would not condemn you at all for your choice.”
Who was Blanche and why had Heath turned her off? Why would the servants at the Dower House not work in the abbey? Did the countess truly want the abbey let to ruin?
Returning to the moment, Aubree wished Matilda and the twins would arrive soon. Still, even a full staff could scarcely undertake the task of cleaning the decades of cobwebs and dust. To renovate the moldering ceilings and floors would take the abilities of an army of carpenters. Abandoning the filthy window and empty drive, she gazed in dismay at the thick webs of dust hanging from the massive chandelier. Whatever had made her think she could save this room?
If only she had a staff to tackle one room at a time, but no amount of persuading had enticed anyone local to work in the abbey. Heath had sent one of his ship’s carpenters from Exeter to repair the mouse holes, but a single carpenter couldn’t solve the monumental work that needed doing.
Aubree took a cloth to the stained glass preserved behind wooden shutters. If only she could talk to Heath, she might not feel quite so helpless. But since that last night in London, he had maintained a careful distance that she could not breach no matter how hard she tried. She supposed she had bargained for no more than that, but although she hated to admit it, she missed him.
He had promised to let her keep her animals and had even stopped in Hampshire so she might bring her guinea pigs and tame raven and favorite mare with her, but the company of her pets was no longer enough. How would she possibly survive until fall with no one to talk to but Mattie and the twins?
Staring through the deep blue of the stained glass, Aubree had a vision of her husband’s eyes as he took her into his arms and kissed her. The memory of his muscled arms still had the ability to make her tingle, and she threw herself into the task of cleaning with renewed vigor. Never would he know what he had done to her with that kiss.
Cheeks rosy with the ride she had taken before dinner, hair tousled and tumbling about her shoulders in its usual disarray, Aubree wheeled her mount toward the roadway and home. The mist had let up, and now the sun peered from behind the clouds. She would have liked to explore farther, but the possibility of Heath returning before she did made her hasten homeward.
She slowed her mare at a shout and a galloping of hooves behind her. An auburn-haired young man on a gray gelding raced toward her, and her heart leapt to her throat in fear. Surely, it could not be. . . She forced herself to steady her mount until she could see his face clearly. She had no wish to insult Heath’s neighbors, but as the other rider drew nearer, she could not fail to recognize that hard, squared jaw and determined expression. They had been imprinted in her memory since he had swept her from her horse and thrown her into the coach that had carried her to disaster.
With wide-eyed panic, she whipped Dancing Star into a gallop and tore down the road toward home. Contrary to earlier, she prayed Heath had arrived home already. With no one there to protect her, she had no idea of how to escape the madman closing in behind her. The pounding hooves grew closer and his shouts more frantic as she guided her steed unerringly toward the low stone wall that separated the abbey from the roadway.
Clearing the wall with ease, she raced her powerful mare down the faint traces of a path between the overgrown woods and shrubs of the grounds. Tree limbs whipped at her face and towering rhododendrons bent to grab her, but she reached the stable yard without accident.
Only to find him there waiting for her. He had lost his hat and his auburn hair had fallen forward across his forehead, but there was no mistaking the determined cut of his jaw.
“Lady Aubree. . .”
He reached for her reins and Aubree struck him with her crop. “Not again, you won’t,” she hissed, trying to maneuver past him and closer to the side door, knowing no footman awaited. Perhaps if she could escape inside. . .
He jerked his gloved hand away. “I must apologize, please, if you will but give me a chance. . .” he pleaded, holding his mount still.
“Apologize!” Aubree shouted. “Apologize for having me carried off by a band of cutthroats and thieves and ruining my life in the process? Leave at once, sir, before I seek help.”
Gray eyes grew wide with alarm. “By gad, they did not harm you? He promised me you would be in good hands. Or is it Heathmont. . . ? Please, Lady Aubree, you must trust in me. I will do anything to make right the wrong I have done you.”
Aubree stared at him in incredulity and eased her horse toward the mounting block. He did not seem to be armed, but she had experienced his strength. She must be in a position to run for her life.
“You are far and away too late, sir,” she informed him coldly, keeping him talking while her boot sought the block. “I would suggest you leave at once before Lord Heathmont returns. He will not take kindly to your presence.”
Again, an expression of sincere distress crossed his features. “Surely he does not hold you prisoner here? If he is due home, I must speak with him. I cannot leave you like this, not knowing how you fare because of my rash stupidity. I will take you away, if you request it. Anything, just name your wish.”
Aubree found the mounting block and climbed down, clinging to her riding crop as she kept Dancing Star between herself and the young madman. He did not appear mad, but his words and prior actions labeled him so.
“What I wish is for you to leave, at once,” she replied, watching hopefully to see if he would obey.
An expression of regret appeared in his eyes, and he dismounted, coming forward with hand held out to her. “I cannot leave you here without knowing that you are safe and in good hands. Heathmont is fearsome, but if he has harmed you in any way, he will feel the wrath of those greater than he. Please, will you not talk to me?”
As she finally understood the basis of his ravings, Aubree felt the hysterical urge to giggle. The slide from panic to relief was too great for a more sensible reaction. Had he truly thought he rescued her from Heath when he thrust her so rudely into that coach?
At her laughter, he halted in confusion. Evidently, he had come to rescue a maiden in distress. “Sir, we have not been introduced, but you have caused me more trouble than I shall readily forget. If Heath has not carved your heart out, it must be for a reason, so I will not chastise you for your foolishness, but I suggest you depart before he has reason to change his mind.”
He stood before her in dismay and disbelief. But before he could reply, a familiar tall figure sauntered from the stables, and the young man’s face fell.
“It’s a little too late for that, my dear,” her husband declared.
Austin caught her by the waist, holding her quite familiarly as he confronted their unexpected visitor. “Is he bothering you? Shall I order him never to darken our doors again
?”
Something in his tone of voice told her he was not serious, but Aubree studied Heath’s face before answering. The pressure of his arm sent other signals, different from the tone of his voice, but these she could not translate. Finally deciding she found no fear or alarm in his questions, she smiled up at him. “It is not often a gallant knight rides to my rescue. Can I keep him?”
Heath laughed. “Like one of your pets? Would you stable him in the barn? Harley might fare better there than in the house.”
The young man attempted to protest. “I say, now, if I’ve made a cake of myself, say so to my face. I’m prepared to take my measure like a man.”
With straight face, Heath acknowledged, “Harley, you’ve made a cake of yourself. And a crumpet or two, I fashion. Have you more to add to that, my dear?” He lifted his eyebrow at Aubree.
Feeling sorry for the man, Aubree shook her curls. “I think I prefer an explanation and an introduction. He has just given me the fright of my life, and I think I’m due that much.”
Harley adjusted his cravat nervously. “I only wished to apologize, but she ran. I had no idea you hadn’t explained. . .”
Austin contemplated him gravely. “My wife does not frighten easily. If you have harmed her in any way—”
Aubree interrupted. “On the contrary. I hit him with my riding crop. We ought to have his hand looked at. Now, if someone will please explain, I would appreciate it more than watching you behave like two bulls in the same pasture.”
Both men stared at her, but Heath’s lips twitched, dissipating any remaining tension.
“Your metaphors leave a good deal to be desired, halfling,” Heath informed her with amusement. Before she could ask why, he continued, “I’d like to introduce you to Harley Sotheby. Harley, I assume you know my wife, Lady Aubree.”
The young gentleman bowed over her hand. “I am most happy to meet you, my lady, and I must apologize profusely for the grave harm I have done you.”
Aubree eyed the wide stripe in his leather gauntlet where the riding crop had struck him. “Perhaps you had better remove your glove, Mr. Sotheby, and let me have a look at that hand. I would not be held responsible for inflicting both wound and infection.”
Harley looked up uncertainly to Heath’s face and, finding only amusement there, floundered. “The hand is fine, milady. The damage is not serious, I assure you.”
“Fine. Then you must come inside and take potluck with us. Perhaps then I will receive more explanation from the two of you than has been forthcoming.” Aubree picked up her skirts and prepared to lead the way back to the house, but Heath caught her arm.
She turned quizzically to discover Mr. Sotheby gone red with embarrassment and Heath regarding her with a mixture of amusement and frustration.
“I am sorry, Lady Aubree, but I must return home. I only came this far to assure myself of your. . .” He caught Heath’s sardonic look and hastily amended. “To offer my apologies. But I would hear no end to it if I did not invite you to our home. My sisters are much of your age, I believe, and they are most eager to meet you. If I could persuade you to visit, I would gladly come fetch you myself.”
At the knowledge there were others nearby with whom she could make friends, Aubree brightened, but as the gentleman’s speech grew nervous, suspicion took root. When he finished, she regarded him coolly. “I would be most happy to make the acquaintance of your sisters, Mr. Sotheby. If my husband would be so kind as to take me there one day, I should like to call upon them.”
Harley glanced nervously to Heath’s impassive expression. “Well, you see, my father is old and set in his ways. It would be better if I came for you. Perhaps his lordship could explain. . .”
“There is no need of explanations, sir,” Aubree replied crisply. “I will not go where my husband is not welcome. Please send my regrets to your sisters.”
She spun around and began to stalk off, but Heath’s call halted her irate retreat.
“Don’t be foolish, Aubree. Maria and Anna are intelligent, extremely likable young ladies. You will enjoy their company.”
She lifted her chin. “Then I am most sorry I shall not have the opportunity to meet them. Good day to you, sir.” She nodded a regal dismissal to the auburn-haired young man and strode away without another look back.
Affection and irritation shadowed Austin’s eyes as he followed her graceful sway across the rough terrain. He turned back to meet Harley’s gaze with a shrug. “If you have not noticed, she is an extremely opinionated young woman.”
“She is right, you know,” Harley offered. “Still, I had hoped. . . It will be damned difficult, Heathmont,” he finished almost angrily.
“So is Aubree.” Heath grinned and offered the young man his hand. “It’s not your worry, Sotheby. I appreciate your concern.”
Harley glanced at the offered hand and with sudden decision shook it firmly. “I owe you an apology, sir. It is very difficult to overcome habit, but I intend to mend my ways.”
Heath shrugged. “I daresay you can live down your reputation without too much work. I am sorry you cannot dine with us. Good evening.”
Harley watched the proud earl’s straight back as he marched away, the limp more pronounced than he remembered. He had given Heathmont every opportunity to savagely retaliate against his insults, but the earl had nobly overlooked his faults. He could not believe the man a coward, not after he had fought so viciously when he had thought the lady endangered, but he could believe him to be a gentleman to the core, despite rumors to the contrary.
It seemed a pity he should be so tarnished by rumor as to put him, and his lovely young wife, quite beyond the pale.
By the time Heath reached the upper hallway, he could hear Aubree chattering with his mother’s maid and assumed she would be preparing for dinner. He could not intrude upon her now. Explanations would have to wait for a more opportune time.
As he entered the neglected environs of his own room, Heath heard the splash of bathwater coming from his wife’s chambers. He threw off his soiled coat and wished for even a pitcher of warm water in which to wash. John would be rubbing down the lathered horses. He tended to put his animals before his master at the best of times. The earl’s need to bathe regularly seldom occurred to the groom.
Heath sat down and removed his own boots, then threw off his sweat-soaked shirt. He had worked as hard as his men at repairing the dry-docked ship, but it would be some weeks before it would be seaworthy again. He had six months in which to repair and stock the ship and hope it returned with a cargo sufficient to repay Aubree and line his own pockets. It would have to be a short trip and a risky one if he were to gain his goal.
A scratch at the connecting door startled him from his reverie. Unthinkingly, he barked a command to enter. Not until Aubree’s golden head peered around the door did he realize he was half-dressed.
Pink tinged his wife’s cheeks as she breached the privacy of his chambers to find him stripped to the waist. “The bathwater is still warm, my lord. I thought you might find it more pleasant than cold water in a basin. And Delphine says you have a mirror in here we might use while you bathe.” Despite her pink cheeks, she spoke boldly, and her gaze did not falter as he sauntered closer and leaned against the door.
She smelled of fresh lilacs and rainwater, and drops of moisture still clung to the hollow of her throat where her robe did not close. Heath gazed in delight at this sight before replying with a nod.
“That seems fair exchange, my dear, one mirror for one bath.” He continued to gaze upon her until her creamy cheeks blushed a deeper pink.
Aubree gestured for her French maid to bring her combs. The maid cast Heath a wary glance as she passed by, but imitating Aubree, she managed to ignore him.
Lips curled in amusement, Heath exchanged his new chamber for his old one and closed the door between. He possessed no screen to protect a maiden’s modesty, though at this point he was none so certain Aubree needed protecting. She had the curiosity of a kitte
n and the active mind of a budding connoisseur. It would be a privilege to teach her the differences between a man’s body and a woman’s, but it was a privilege he had not yet earned.
Realizing the near impossibility of ever earning the privilege of possessing a wife like Aubree, Heath lowered himself into the bath water. He wanted many things, and he had full confidence that one day, he would have them all. But Aubree. . . Aubree was the golden sun of his day. What man could hope to attain the sun?
Chapter 14
As she mounted her frisky mare, Aubree smiled at Heath’s groom John. The taciturn Welshman offered a tentative tug of his forelock in return. Small, wiry, and uninclined toward conversation, the groom had served Austin for a score of years or more. The presence of a woman in the bachelor household had made him fidgety.
“I am sorry Austin thought it necessary to leave you behind to tend to me, John, but my servants should be arriving soon, and then you can return to your usual duties. Since he has been so generous as to leave you here, however, I hope you will show me the way to the village. I have some shopping I would like to do.”
A loud caw and the flap of black wings caused the groom to glance warily over his shoulder, but Myna settled on Aubree’s shoulder.
“Yes, mum,” the groom muttered. Throwing the raven a suspicious glance, he spurred his mount into a trot.
Just outside of town, a familiar gray gelding raced toward them and reined to a stop as its rider espied Aubree and her groom.
“My lady, I am in luck! I thought to ask if you would go riding with me, but you must rise earlier than my sisters.” Harley held his horse steady as Aubree rode to join him.
“I have come to do some shopping, sir. Pleasure will have to wait for another day, unless you wish to accompany me?” she inquired. It would be easier to encounter the curious stares of strangers with someone she knew, however vaguely, at her side.
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