Forsaking the Prize

by Boyd, Heather

  “To your former home?”

  He nodded again. That wasn’t really where he was going to go right now and he hoped she didn’t suggest Leopold join him.

  Thankfully, she only patted his arm. “Enjoy your walk. Don’t be too late to return or Leopold will worry unnecessarily.”

  Mercy stepped back into the abbey and, after a long, assessing stare from Wilcox, the main door closed. Again, the butler’s behavior gave Tobias a bad feeling. For a moment he was tempted not to go at all. However, he could not leave things as they were with Blythe and be easy. Tobias rocked on the spot, letting the sun warm his face, and then set out in the direction of his former home.

  The gardens closest to the abbey were deserted at this time of day and he enjoyed the solitude of his walk through the neatly clipped lawn. But, once he was out of sight of the abbey, and in a wilder part of the estate, he changed direction and increased his pace. He was going to follow after Blythe and convince her to return to the abbey. He’d even get down on his knees to apologize all over again if it was required.

  Nine

  So much to do and so little time. Blythe whirled into her son’s bedchamber at Walden Hall and grabbed up everything that had been dear to him. Why couldn’t she be left in peace with her memories?

  Her stepson, Aubrey, was coming to Walden Hall. His note appeared to have gone astray and said he would be here for the entire winter season. She was to prepare the house for his arrival and the arrival of a number of his friends. Unsavory friends more than likely.

  Blythe cursed under her breath at the inconvenience. She could bear her stepson sleeping in her husband’s bed and not bat an eye. It was his right to do so, she knew. But she didn’t want his wild friends breaking the few things that Adam had loved most in his short life and carousing until all hours. There was always some to-do between them, fuelled by over imbibing, and the inevitable rumpus disturbed her.

  She set her hands to the bedpost and held on. As stepmother, she’d not been warmly received from her husband’s first born son. Her husband’s efforts to extract a promise from Aubrey to care for her, on his death bed no less, had been grudgingly given. Aubrey, a handful of years younger than Blythe, had made it plain he resented the burden of supporting his father’s second wife.

  Thank goodness her housekeeper, Mrs. Finch, had the wits to forward the delayed note to Romsey Abbey immediately. Blythe did not like surprise visitors.

  She pulled the counterpane she’d stitched from the bed and folded it carefully.

  Mrs. Finch took it from her. “I’ll take that for you, my lady. Just place everything you want packed away on the end of the bed and I’ll store them neatly. There’s still plenty of time.”

  Blythe glanced about her with dismay. “I shouldn’t keep doing this, should I?”

  “You may do this as many times as you wish, my lady. We all miss him and none of us want to see his things misused.” The housekeeper’s words reassured her that at least one person in the household understood her love for her son had never eased with his last breath.

  Blythe nodded, grateful that her obsession did not concern her staff. She just couldn’t bear to pack everything away forever as if he’d never existed.

  “If I may ask a question, my lady. The last time his lordship was here, he was peeking into the storerooms and attic. What should I do with young master Adam’s things this time?”

  “There is always my bedchamber.” Blythe shook her head immediately as she remembered she would move to the rear of the house, to a lesser chamber—one above the kitchens to keep his guests noise from disturbing her rest at night.

  The housekeeper set down her bundle. “There’s not going to be much room and anything you add to the chamber will surely be noticed.”

  Blythe fretted. What other option was there? If she removed Adam’s possessions to Romsey, her sister would discover just how difficult her stepson was becoming. Mercy had troubles enough without alerting her to more.

  There truly was too much to hide, but she especially wanted the rocking horse hidden. She moved to it and gave it a little push. Adam had loved rocking on the wooden beast, calling faster mama, faster, over his whoops of joy. Her eyes filled with tears and she brushed them aside. She couldn’t fall into a blue mood now. Time was of the essence.

  She glanced out the window to judge the time of day. She still had hours till nightfall, but tomorrow Venables would be here and would undoubtedly make her life difficult.

  Her gaze sharpened as she detected movement in the neat orchard beside the house. Tobias Randall pushed off from a tree and set his hands to his hips as he stared up at her.

  At her side, the housekeeper gasped. “Goodness, who could that be?”

  Blythe scowled. “That, unfortunately, is Mr. Tobias Randall, of Romsey Abbey. I’d better go see what he wants and send him on his way again.” What was he doing here now of all times? She didn’t have the time or the inclination to deal with him.

  The housekeeper leaned closer to the glass pane. “That’s not a man most women would give their marching orders, too. I don’t blame you for lingering at Romsey Abbey these weeks now. If I were a few years younger I’d make a fool of myself over him, that’s for sure.”

  Blythe glanced at the housekeeper. “Please don’t let him hear you say that. He’s conceited enough without receiving additional flattery.”

  “I bet he is.” The housekeeper sighed. “I bet he’s broken more than a few hearts in his time.” The housekeeper lifted her hands to her hair and smoothed the loose grey wisps against her head.

  Good grief, this was impossible. “I’ll return directly.” Blythe hurried down the stairs and stepped out through a side door closest to the orchard. Tobias was waiting, dressed exactly as she’d last seen him. Did he not possess a hat to cover his head or gloves for when he made calls?

  “You left in a hurry,” he said without preamble.

  “I have much to do here.”

  His brows drew together. “About kissing you. You do know I didn’t mean any disrespect, don’t you? I just wanted to distract you from your location and calm your nerves. You didn’t need to leave. If anything, I should be the one to do that. I apologize if I have given offence with my actions.”

  Blythe shook her head. “I haven’t given the matter another thought. As I said, I have much to do here and cannot spend the time conversing with you about an inconsequential matter.”

  A loud crash rang out from the house and she winced.

  Tobias stepped closer. “What’s going on, B?”

  She sighed. If she explained properly maybe he’d go away quicker. “Oh, you are a truly interruptive man. Very well. My stepson is coming to Walden Hall. He’s also invited some of his unsavory friends this time, but his note was delayed in the mail. They arrive tomorrow and I must have everything ready in time.”

  His face lifted toward the house as another thud reached them. “What exactly are your servants doing in there?”

  Oh, botheration. “Why can’t you just go away?” She didn’t want anyone to know that she hid her possessions. It was humiliating.

  A wicked grin spread across his face. “Because I find puzzles interesting and you do puzzle me.”

  Blythe threw her hands up in the air and stormed off. “Can you ever be serious? Good day, Mr. Randall.”

  “Wait, B. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have teased.” He ran ahead of her and blocked her retreat. “Could you use some help to prepare for your visitors? I have nothing else to do today.”

  She stopped to think. He was a strong man and seemed to be somewhat eager to make amends for the kiss. Perhaps he could be put to use by her housekeeper and groom to take the rocking horse to safety without mentioning the incident to Mercy. Perhaps one of the outbuildings could be used, if the rocking horse was hidden well. “All right, but your being here must be kept a secret. I do not want any gossip.”

  “I have no intention of causing you distress, B, but I do feel like I just won at
cards.” His slow grin and the warmth burning in his eyes caused her stomach to tremble. Perhaps asking for his help wasn’t such a good idea after all. She couldn’t worry about what he might do next and still get everything done in half a day.

  She assumed her haughtiest expression. “Don’t feel too happy. I have a task that requires heavy lifting.”

  “Well, whatever I can do to make up for this morning, I’ll do it gladly.”

  How funny that Tobias appeared contrite. Finally. He was the last person she’d expected to receive assistance from.

  Although she had her reservations, she led him into the house, introduced him to her fluttering and blushing housekeeper and showed him upstairs to Adam’s room. She waved her hand at the rocking horse. “This and a few of the larger things need to be moved to a place they cannot be discovered and accidentally broken.”

  Instead of approaching the rocking horse, Tobias turned in a slow circle and looked about him. When his circuit ended, they faced each other. “This was your son’s room.”

  Blythe swallowed. “Yes.”

  His gaze switched to the tall screen in the corner. Murals covered every inch: wild woods, calm seas, and towering castles. She’d had a great deal of fun decorating the piece for her son while he slept.

  Tobias cleared his throat suddenly. “I think I mentioned that your husband had been a lucky man, but I think Adam lucky, too. This must have taken quite a while.”

  Blythe touched the edge of the screen and then traced the path through the painted woods with her fingertips. “I had the time.”

  “You did this?” Tobias rubbed her arms, causing goose flesh to rise on her skin. “I had no idea you were so talented with your hands.”

  Heat swept over Blythe’s cheeks as she blushed at the compliment. “My stepson will wish this room prepared for one of his friends. I’ve learned the hard way that they have little respect for anything when deep in their cups, or for me.” She added the last part quietly before she thought better of her confession.

  His brow rose. “You stay here and are imposed upon?”

  She shrugged. “It gets a little worse each time. So far I have been fortunate to possess a stout door and lock.”

  Tobias nudged her chin so she had to look at him. “You haven’t mentioned any of this to your sister, have you?”

  “Aubrey has every right to come here. What could Mercy do?”

  “I can think of a few things,” Tobias muttered coldly. “Come on, I know the perfect place. However, it is far from here. Do you possess a wagon?”

  Blythe nodded.

  “Good.” He moved past her, juggled the heavy rocking chair under his arm as if it weighed nothing.

  “Be careful,” she warned.

  “Never fear. I’ve never dropped precious cargo before. I don’t intend to start now.”

  ~ * ~

  Tobias wiped the sweat from his brow and then tested the ropes one last time. Everything Blythe wished protected was lashed to the wagon and ready for transportation. He just couldn’t quite decide why he was freely offering her possessions sanctuary. Perhaps it was the things she would not say against her stepson that had caused him to act as he did. A beautiful woman, a widow, should not be so anxious about her family coming to visit.

  He came about, wondering where she was. He hadn’t laid eyes on Blythe for some time. He hoped she wasn’t hiding from him now that everything was settled for the temporary move.

  The housekeeper bustled out with one last wrapped package and slipped it into a narrow gap between the legs of a child’s chair. “That’s everything.”

  Tobias nodded. “Good. We’ll return with the wagon shortly.”

  “Oh, no, no, no. I’m not going to be left here wondering where you’re taking her ladyships belongings. I’m coming with you to see them properly installed. Besides.” Her lips curved into a warm smile. “My mistress requires a chaperone if she’s to go anywhere with a man like you.”

  Tobias’ mouth dropped open. “I’m not. . . She’s perfectly safe.”

  “Balderdash. A good looking man like you, she’d be putty in your hands. No, I’m going with her. And that, sir, is final.”

  Tobias raked his fingers through his hair. While protecting Blythe’s reputation was certainly a good idea, being saddled with the inquisitive housekeeper was not. She’d been peppering him with questions all afternoon and he’d begun to feel a little hunted.

  “Where might I find Lady Venables?”

  The happy smile on the housekeepers face faded. “I’m sure she’ll return shortly.”

  Tobias glanced about again. The gardens were deserted. “Where did she go?”

  “I don’t like to disturb her.” The housekeeper and groom exchanged a long look. “You may as well know, she’s gone to see her boy again.”

  Tobias should have anticipated that. And luckily he did know exactly where Adam was laid to rest—on the far side of the house and hidden from sight. Since Blythe insisted on seeing where her possessions were to be stored he strode off, skirting the house and heading into the woods. The burial plot wasn’t far and he caught sight of the headstones long before he saw Blythe. She crouched at the foot of a grave. He could just hear her talking.

  Tobias scuffed his boot on the ground to let her know he was nearby, but waited at the boundary of the plots. This was how he’d seen her the first time, dressed in black, and weeping over the two bodies buried here. Her husband and her son. He folded his arms across his chest while he waited.

  After a time, she rose to her feet and moved to join him, wiping tears from her eyes. “You must think me foolish.”

  “No, I really don’t.” He shuffled uncomfortably. “Most people still living don’t receive the love you so clearly show even after all this time.”

  Her gaze flew to his. “Sometimes, I forget they are gone,” she whispered.

  He didn’t quite know how to respond to her so he placed his hand upon her shoulder and squeezed. “The wagon is ready.”

  She nodded, her eyes drifting to the crypt behind her.

  Tobias gently slid his arm behind her back and urged her to come with him. After a few steps, she drew in a shuddering breath and drew herself upright again. Tobias dropped his arm and walked along at her side, puzzled by the compassion she stirred in him. If she wanted to mourn for her past that was her prerogative, but he didn’t think it healthy.

  He glanced down at her.

  She did puzzle him.

  She annoyed him.

  Yet her behavior stirred something in him that he was completely unused to experiencing around women. Protectiveness.

  Blythe tugged on his sleeve. “Is that my housekeeper sitting on the back of the wagon bed?”

  “Ah, yes.” Tobias drew in a deep breath. “She insisted on coming with the furnishings.”

  “Whatever for? Adam’s things are only going to be stored.”

  “That is exactly what I told her, but she wants to do the job herself, and she thinks you need a chaperone.” He muttered the last part quickly as they reached the carriage. Blythe heard and her gaze flew to his. What could he say to reassure her that one wasn’t necessary except for keeping up appearances? Likely nothing.

  He shrugged, caught her about the waist, and lifted her to the bench seat next to the groom. The feel of her tiny waist between his hands shook him to his bones. Perhaps they did need a chaperone after all.

  “Drive on,” he called, and when the wagon rumbled off he began walking toward his old home. Carriages, even wagons, forced a cold sweat to break out over his skin. Walking was much better for his disposition. He was already dreading the drive to the soiree tomorrow night as he would be expected to sit inside a closed carriage. He hoped he could tolerate the cramped quarters without revealing his distress.

  After perhaps a mile, Blythe turned on the seat, her eyes wide as she peered at him through the rising dust. He raised his hand and continued to enjoy the pleasant amble along the lane. The house was not far now,
just over the next rise after the creek crossing. Despite the situation, he was eager to get there. At least he was on home soil at Harrowdale. He belonged there better than anywhere he’d ever been.

  The wagon rumbled to a stop and Blythe jumped down. She shook out her skirts and by the time he reached the wagon, she’d ordered the groom to continue on without her.

  “What the devil do you think you’re doing?”

  She fiddled with the ribbons on her bonnet and removed it. “The wagon was not comfortable and I would rather walk than endure it.”

  He glanced at the wagon and was rewarded with the housekeeper waving to him. So much for the chaperone. “Must you be so difficult about everything? The hard bench of the wagon will seem like nothing once you have a muddy hem slapping round your ankles. There’s a stream to cross shortly before we reach the house.”

  Her brow scrunched as if she hadn’t known about the crossing when she’d jumped down. “I’ll be fine,” she muttered.

  If she wanted sore feet then so be it, but at the crossing he’d toss her back up on the wagon again. “A fastidious lady like you? Water and likely mud up to your ankles? Don’t be ridiculous. You’ll hate every moment.”

  “Hmm, well, you may be right about that.” Her hands fluttered and then clenched at her waist. “Are you sure your brother will not object to our arrangement?”

  “I don’t plan to tell him. Besides, we spoke this morning about Harrowdale.” Tobias tucked his hands behind his back. “It will be my home soon.”

  Ten

  Blythe stumbled as her foot landed in a pothole in the lane. However, before she could fall, Tobias caught her against his side and kept her steady. “Thank you,” she said quickly. But she couldn’t bury her astonishment enough to not want answers from Tobias about his future plans. “When did you decide to leave Romsey?”

  Tobias stared ahead, his expression serious. “I spoke to my brother about the matter this morning, but I’ve been considering my future accommodations for some time.”