He took Kala to the study and sat her down before pouring them both a brandy. He held it out to her, giving her one more test. “Drink this, it will help.” She reached out and took it from his hand, her fingers brushed his and electricity arced between them. He watched as she threw back the brandy in one swallow. She impressed him when she didn’t even begin coughing. He threw back his and took the glass from her, setting them both aside.
“You can see can’t you?” He watched as she stiffened. “Kala,” he walked over and knelt in front of her, “you can see me can’t you?”
“Not well, but yes.” She had started to deny his suspicion, but decided it would just drive them further apart when he learned the truth.
“You could see what happened to Tracy, couldn’t you?”
“Again, not well, but yes.”
“What do you mean by ‘not well’?”
“Everything is blurry, but now I can distinguish objects and there is light. Before it was varying degrees of shadows. If I squint and concentrate, things come in a little sharper than if I just look around.”
“How long?”
“Things have been blurry since before we went to the park. Yesterday when I woke up things were becoming clearer. I don’t know if something happened when I hit my temple,” she lightly touched the swollen area. It was not as bad as yesterday, but was still tender to the touch.
“You knew you might be able to see, and yet you insisted on accompanying me?”
“Yes. If it makes you feel any better, I wish I hadn’t.”
“Kala, Dewhurst and Southerby have both left town.”
“Why are you bringing them up now? No. You don’t think the maid’s death has any connection to what has happened to me?”
“I do think it is odd that a maid in my house has come up murdered near the time of your attack in the park.”
“I could be responsible for her death.”
“No, Kala. Whoever killed her is responsible.”
“But I don’t understand. If Southerby and Dewhurst are both gone, why bring them up?”
“Because they could be lurking around town without anyone being the wiser. I have been told Southerby went to his country estate and Dewhurst has gone to Brighton. Also the button had the initial of both of their first names—‘J’. Jonathan and Justin.”
“For that matter, so does your middle name as well as Mack’s.”
“What are you saying?”
“I am saying that a lot of men in London have a name that begins with the letter ‘J’. What are you saying?”
“I’m going to find them and question them.”
“I’m going with you.”
“No, you’re not.”
“Yes. I. Am.”
“Why?”
“Someone wants me dead. I refuse to sit by and wait like some helpless female while everyone else makes sure I am safe. I will go with you.”
“I’m not going to argue with you.”
“Good. We will attempt to find Justin and then stop at Derek and Tessa’s for the Christmas holiday.”
“Fine. Can you pack light? If we take the phaeton, we won’t have to have a driver and the lighter the load the faster we can travel.”
“Of course. When do you want to leave?”
“Within the hour. I need to find out if this maid had any family and let them know what happened.”
He watched as she walked up the stairs and couldn’t suppress the smile as she began yelling the name Amy as loud as her voice would allow. His wife really was a hoyden, but he wouldn’t have her any other way.
Chapter 29
They left exactly an hour later after informing Judith of their plans. She worried over Kala.
“Judith, I will be fine. Gabe might not care for me too much as a wife, but he would never let any harm come to me if he can prevent it.” She did not see the big man who had just entered the room or his reaction to her words. He felt like the time his parents had taken him and his brothers to the ocean when they were little, and the water sucked the sand from beneath his feet. Would he ever be able to gain any ground with her?
“Are you ready?” he asked, steel entering his voice.
“Of course. I am sorry we will not be able to spend the holidays together.” Judith gave her a quick hug.
“Think nothing of it. We will have more holidays in the future.”
“Please be careful.”
“We will, I promise.”
His grandmother walked to him as well. He bent over to accommodate her smaller stature. “You must do something,” he heard her whisper in his ear.
“What?”
“You’re losing her.” He looked at his wife who had walked out of the room into the hallway.
“What can I do?”
“Tell her you love her.”
“Grandmother, she has to want to stay. Now that she is getting her vision back…” he just shrugged.
“If you don’t do something soon, you are going to lose her forever, despite your marriage being consummated.”
“Grandmother!”
“Convince her that you love her,” she said again.
“But I don’t know that I do.”
“Then you are a bigger fool than I thought.” He watched as she turned away from him and left the room. It amazed him that she could still make him feel like a recalcitrant child at times. He left the room and spied Kala waiting for him in the hall.
“Are you ready?”
“When you are.”
“Let’s go then.” He grabbed her by the upper arm and propelled her out the door and down the stairs. Their small bags had already been stowed away. He helped her into the phaeton and then went around climbing in as well. His weight slid Kala into his side. He found he enjoyed the warmth of her against him and missed it when she clutched at the side of the phaeton, holding herself erect and away from him. Gabe started to say something on several occasions as they left London, but decided against it each time. They finally crossed through the gate leading out of the city towards the North.
“How long do you think it will be until we reach Justin’s house?”
“I do not want my wife being so familiar with other men.”
“Well, my husband will just have to learn to get over it. Besides, Justin and I are friends and I truly do not think he is the villain in this affair.”
“But you do not know that for sure.”
“Did you not hear me just now? Justin is my friend. In fact, he courted me.” She looked straight ahead, enjoying the passing scenery even though it remained a blur. She felt ecstatic at seeing colors once more. Mikala found herself so caught up in the passing colors she did not sense the change in her husband.
“I do not want to hear about your former suitors,” he replied harshly.
“He was, until I told him we could only be friends.”
“Good.”
“I don’t believe in trapping someone into a loveless relationship like some people,” she said solemnly. Silence reined for a long while after that statement. “How much longer do you think until we arrive?”
“Probably another few hours. I need to stop and rest the horse.”
“Will we be stopping at an inn?”
“I will see what I can do,” was the only consideration that he gave. He had been considering her statement as well as his grandmother’s for the last hour. He continually asked himself if it would have been better to allow the gossipy marquess talk and then combated the fallout as best they could. Now he would never know, and they were both trapped in this marriage. And then to find out that Justin had been courting Kala. He felt jealousy eating him alive. Knowing that Mikala had given her virginity to him and not to another man is the only thing that saved Southerby’s sorry life.
They came to a crossroads, and Gabe turned in the direction where he knew a nice inn could be found. Ten minutes later they pulled into the yard of a coaching inn.
A young man came up to his side of the phaet
on. “Good afternoon, sir.”
“Please see that the horse is watered and rested. My wife and I will be eating a quick meal ourselves before setting out again.”
“Yes, sir,” the young man bent. “I would suggest the meat pies. Mrs. Franks makes the best meat pies in all of England.”
“Thank you, young man.” He tossed him a coin after exiting the phaeton. Then he walked around to aid Kala.
“I really must use the necessary,” Kala whispered.
“Of course.” Gabe caught the eye of a serving wench and motioned her to them once they had entered the common room. He explained the situation and the girl willingly agreed to help Kala. “I will reserve us a private room.”
“Please don’t do that,” Kala protested. “The common room is fine.”
“Suit yourself.” He watched the woman lead Kala away. Within a few minutes they were back. He saw a coin pass from Kala to the girl and her quietly spoken thanks. He led her to a chair across from him and helped her to sit. “I ordered ale and meat pies.”
“Sounds delicious. I didn’t realize how hungry I was. After this afternoon, I didn’t think I would be able to eat again.”
“It was a gruesome sight.”
“Yes,” she replied softly and closed her eyes trying to erase the image from her mind. The same girl interrupted their silence by bringing out the meal. After she placed everything on the table, Kala watched her blurry hand rest on Gabe’s shoulder.
“Anything else, love?”
Yes. Remove your hand from my husband, Kala yelled in her mind. On the outside she merely smiled politely, and let Gabe reply. Once the woman had moved off, she tried again. “Gabe, I really cannot see well. If I squint extremely hard and try to focus my eyes, I can for a few seconds.”
“I see.”
“No, you don’t. You are wondering if I had my sight back before falling into the Serpentine, aren’t you? Perhaps even before that. I don’t live in a world of shadows anymore Gabe, and I am not sorry for that. I can see colors, but not sharply. Yes, I pray every minute that it will change. That I will have my full sight back, and if that does not please you, I am sorry. I am not a woman used to being dependent on others. I want to see again. And most importantly, I did not have my sight when we married.”
“Eat your meal so we can get back on the road.” He grabbed his tankard and meat pie and left her sitting alone at the table while he walked outside. He took a breath of fresh air. She could see. No longer would she rely on him. Grandmother was right, he was losing her. He quickly ate his lunch and drank his ale, then found the young man and his horse.
“He is watered and ready to go, sir.”
“Good man. Let me get my wife, and we will be on our way.” He walked into the inn to see a man accosting Kala.
“I said leave me alone,” she pushed at the man, but could not free herself.
“Come on, lovey. Your man won’t mind. He left you in here alone didn’t he? We don’t see much like you around here.”
“Unhand my wife,” Gabe’s cold, hard voice echoed loudly in the inn.
“You shouldn’t have left her alone. She was gettin’ lonely and I was just keepin’ her company. Wasn’t I, lovey?” The man planted a wet, sloppy kiss on Kala’s mouth and Gabe saw red. He pulled the man off of Kala by the scruff of his collar.
“I said, unhand my wife,” and he reared back with a fist and let it fly at the man’s face. The man only had time to yelp before Gabe sent him sprawling against the wall and he landed in a heap on the floor. “Let’s go.” He threw some money on the table and grabbed Kala’s hand jerking her behind him.
Within minutes they had started on their trip once more. For the first time in her life, Kala found herself afraid to speak to Gabe. She squinted in his direction and could only make out how stiffly he held himself. She rested a hand on his arm and could feel his muscles contract.
“Thank you.”
“Not now.”
She removed her hand and tried to sit as primly as the rutted road would allow. She did not let any part of her body touch him. Did he realize she hadn’t done anything to lead the man on? She hoped he realized she wouldn’t purposefully encourage a man’s attention just to antagonize him. She let out a sigh and hoped the time would pass quickly.
Gabe missed the softness of her hand on his arm, but he didn’t trust himself at the moment. Did Kala not realize that her looks alone tempted men beyond their control? She didn’t have to do a thing but sit there and look helpless, or talk. The way her voice sounded could push any man to lose control. Then when she acted like a spitfire, she attracted an entirely different kind of man. For some reason, he fell into both categories right now.
He remembered the rage that had coursed through him when he saw that man kiss her. She’s mine, dammit, and no one else will ever touch her! He was amazed at how possessive he felt towards her. He didn’t know how to define what he felt for her, but he knew he couldn’t let her go. Not now, not ever.
“Are you ever going to talk to me again?” He heard her demand.
“I haven’t decided.”
“It wasn’t my fault. I was just sitting there, eating.”
“You don’t realize how men turn their heads when you walk into a room, do you?”
“What do you mean?”
“Nothing.”
“Oh, no. You are not going to get off that easy. What did you mean by that little comment?”
“You can turn a man’s head just by smiling at him or walking into a room. You don’t have to make conversation with him.”
“I do not.”
“You do, and I want you to quit.”
“How do you expect me to do that? Should I find some soot and rub it all over my face? Perhaps I should walk around with my hair in a tangle. Would that make you happy?”
“I don’t know what would make me happy,” he lied catching a whiff of her scent on the air. She smelled like jasmine, sweet and clean. He would be more than happy to pull the phaeton over and find a secluded spot to have his merry way with her. That is what would make him happy. Desire coursed through his body as he imagined how it would be--hot, wild, and passionate. He cleared his throat before announcing, “We’re here.”
He tried to think of things that would weaken his desire before he found himself forced to leave the phaeton. The drive to Southerby’s country estate was long and winding. Two large deerhounds trotted alongside them, barking to announce their arrival. “They are ruining any possibility of sneaking up on Southerby.”
“Why would we want to sneak up on him? Justin will answer our questions. Besides, he wouldn’t hurt me. I have told you before, and I will tell you again.”
“I would rather have the element of surprise on my side.”
“Of course you would,” she replied sarcastically.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing.” She heard rocks crunching beneath the wheels of the carriage as they entered the main part of the drive. It lurched to a stop and she felt it dip as Gabe got out. He came around and his hands closed about her waist as he lifted her out.
They knocked on the door, and only a few seconds passed before an elderly man with wild red hair fading to white opened it.
“Is Lord Southerby in? The Duke and Duchess of Hawkescliffe are here to see him.”
“I apologize, Your Graces, but you just missed him.”
“Can we wait his return?”
“I don’t know exactly when to expect him back. Lord Southerby and Lady Clarissa left earlier this morning. If you ask me, I think the two may be headed to Gretna Green. She’s such a lovely lass.”
“Lady Clarissa who?” Kala asked curiously.
“Blackerby, Your Grace.”
“Oh, my,” Kala whispered.
“Perhaps you can answer a few questions for me then.” Gabe focused on the butler so that he wouldn’t have to watch the expressions that crossed his wife’s face, fearing the worst.
“
I’ll try.”
“How long have the two been here?”
“Almost a fortnight, Your Grace. But everything was perfectly chaperoned. Lord Southerby’s godmother served as chaperone.”
“I see. Did Southerby ever leave for London?”
“Once, sir. Government matters.”
“When?”
“Almost a week ago.”
“How long did he remain gone?”
“Two days.”
“Thank you for your help,” Kala stepped in
“Certainly, Your Grace,” the man bowed deeply. “Your Grace, if it helps any, you are not the first to ask about Viscount Southerby’s whereabouts.”
“Oh?”
“A woman and man came by this morning, and then another man about an hour ago.”
“I see. Do you remember who they were?”
“The first two were in some way related to Lady Clarissa, but I forget how. The other man that came by was Lord Dewberry.”
“Dewberry?” Kala asked confused. “Could you mean Dewhurst?”
The man’s rheumy eyes lit up, “Yes, that’s it.”
“Did he say what he wanted?”
“Said he needed to talk to Lord Southerby about some government matters.”
“Thank you, you have been very helpful.”
“It has been my pleasure, Your Graces. The weather is beginning to turn. I’m sure Lord Southerby would wish you to stay here.” The sound of distant thunder punctuated his words.
“I believe we can make it to the inn before the weather hits, thank you.” The old man nodded his head, hobbled inside and shut the door.
“You believe they may be working together, don’t you?” Silence. They had climbed back into the phaeton and turned down the drive, the deerhounds serving as escorts to the gate. “Justin couldn’t stand being around Dewhurst anymore than I could.” Silence. “What do we do now?”
“Go to your brother’s. Dewhurst could be anywhere at this point.”
“You are done suspecting Justin, aren’t you?”
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