Signs of Love and Deliverance

by Tracy Kay

  The slam of a door and the loud cry that followed brought Joselyn out of her trance. She quickly went to the door, opened it, and saw Brandon walking down the hall away from Madeline’s room. That dreadful man hurt Madeline anyway, she was sure of it. Madeline may not be her favorite person, but she didn’t deserve a beating.

  Her anger rekindled, she began pacing again. She had to leave this place. When she had asked Madeline for help, she had considered Madeline might seek the advice of her brothers, but certainly, she hadn’t expected that she would be confined in the Cathcart’s house and under Brandon’s control. She only wanted Madeline to solve her problem, not become a prisoner. She needed their help, but she couldn’t live with a madman. Her mind made up, she left her room and tiptoed down the stairs. Only a few more steps and she would have made it, but his voice stopped her.

  “And where do you think you are going?”

  “Lord Nicholas.” She turned to face him and lied. “I was going out for a walk.”

  “Didn’t Brandon forbid you to leave this house?” Nicholas was quite aware of what happened earlier that day and Joselyn’s part in it. He was aggravated that Joselyn was not taking the danger to herself, and now to his sisters, seriously. Brandon had informed him of the women’s misadventure and his confining them to their bedrooms. He was not amused that Joselyn was again disobeying his brother. He wasn’t going to allow it.

  Joselyn glared at him, tapping her foot in annoyance at being caught. “Yes, but I find no reason why I should obey him. I don’t belong to him.”

  “As long as you are under his protection and mine, you will obey us,” he stated firmly.

  “Then I release you both from your protection,” she exclaimed haughtily, raising her chin. She was not going to allow him to intimidate her. It was bad enough that she was afraid of Brandon, and she refused to allow this man to frighten her as well.

  “It is not that simple, Lady Joselyn.” Nicholas was not going to let her off that easily. She had involved his family with her precarious situation. Now, she had to live with the consequences. “You brought our family into this when you requested assistance from Madeline.”

  “I only asked for her advice. I didn’t think it would bring me here,” Joselyn complained, unable to meet his intense gaze.

  “No?” Nicholas raised his eyebrow. “Joselyn, look at me,” he commanded. After a long, tense moment, she reluctantly met his eyes. “I think you knew exactly what Madeline would do when you asked for her advice. You knew she would come to us for help and you took advantage of that,” he said, coming very close to the truth.

  “Yes, I knew she would find some way to help me, but I never dreamed it would bring me to this.” She waved her hand, indicating the house and all within it.

  “And what exactly do you mean by this?” Nicholas questioned, imitating her hand movement. He was becoming irritated with her attitude.

  “This house and your brother’s rules of obedience,” she sneered. “It is insane. How can he expect people to live under such conditions?”

  “Joselyn, the rules are to protect you. Keep you alive. You have a very dangerous enemy who tried to hurt you today,” Nicholas explained patiently. He couldn’t believe she was this naive and didn’t understand the seriousness of her situation.

  “But he didn’t succeed. I am perfectly fine and safe,” she pointed out, not wanting to hear the truth.

  “That is right, but only because friends of Brandon’s were there to rescue you,” Nicholas countered.

  “Fine,” she conceded, recognizing her argument was flawed. “I understand Lord Kenrik’s anger, but he didn’t have to beat Madeline and Deirdre to make his point,” she snarled and pressed her lips tightly together in disapproval.

  Nicholas scrutinized her, surprised at the vehemence in her voice and her misconceptions. “Brandon has never beaten Madeline or Deirdre, or any woman for that matter.”

  “Well then, if you wish to split hairs, spanked them,” she said in a huff. In her opinion, beating and spanking was the same thing.

  “Yes, he has done that, and so have I for that matter, when it was warranted. Today, it was not,” Nicholas clarified, puzzled by Joselyn’s behavior. It was not uncommon for children to be spanked when they disobeyed, and as his siblings’ older brother, it had fallen on his shoulders to discipline them when they were young, particularly when Brandon was absent. As they had grown older, he had disciplined them less frequently, and he had rarely used spanking as a punishment. He was known for taking away their privileges, sending them to their rooms, and doing various chores they didn’t like.

  “Then why was Madeline spanked?” She spat out, hating that word and what it represented, a man’s control over a defenseless woman.

  “She wasn’t.” Nicholas was frustrated with her fixation, as if Brandon and he spanked their sisters on a daily basis. Good god, it had been years since either of them had to punish the girls in such a manner.

  “You are telling me the crying coming from Madeline’s room wasn’t from a spanking?” Joselyn peered at him skeptically. She was positive Brandon had beaten both Madeline and Deirdre. After all, physical violence was the only way most men knew how to control women, and it was obvious to her that the men in this family controlled their women with sadistic punishment. She wanted nothing to do with male discipline nor would she take part in the abusive dynamics of this household.

  “Madeline rarely cries from a spanking, Joselyn. She is usually contrite and sullen. The crying you heard was due to the lecture Brandon gave her.” Nicholas couldn’t believe he was being made to explain his brother’s actions to this woman. Brandon was always fair and Madeline’s actions today required some form of punishment in order to make it clear to her that her behavior was unacceptable, particularly with such danger surrounding them all. In all honesty, Nicholas felt that Brandon’s punishment today was a bit too lenient, but he trusted his brother’s judgment so wasn’t going to push the issue further.

  “I can’t believe a simple lecture would make her cry.” Joselyn knew Madeline would not break down over a lecture. She was tougher than that.

  “It wouldn’t, but Brandon’s disappointment in her would and so would the after effects of the attack.” Nicholas was doing his best to contain his growing exasperation, but it wasn’t easy.

  “This is ridiculous. He lectures her over her so-called disobedience and she cries over it. She did nothing wrong. We did nothing wrong.” Frustrated with this man and exasperated with Madeline for putting up with her abusive brothers, Joselyn headed towards the door, intent on leaving.

  “Where do you think you are going?” Nicholas asked for the second time and he was losing his patience. The ladies were in the wrong. Not only did they disobey Brandon, but they put themselves at risk. Surely, Joselyn understood that.

  “Out.” She tilted up her chin in defiance. She did not have to do what this man told her to do. She was not a member of this family.

  “I take it, then, you want a spanking,” Nicholas threatened, seriously considering it. He had had enough and was at the end of his patience.

  “No, which is why I am leaving before Lord Kenrik decides to give me one for some unknown reason,” she snapped at him, and again, headed for the door.

  “If you leave this house, you won’t need to worry about Brandon turning you over his knee.” He paused, watching her take another step towards the door. “Because I will do it first, right now.” He grabbed her wrist and dragged her up against him. “You don’t want me spanking you, Joselyn. I promise, you won’t like it one bit.” He watched her intently for a moment before adding with a wicked grin, “Or perhaps you would.”

  She gasped when his hand caressed her bottom, and she put her hands against his chest to push him away, but he only pulled her closer, his mouth lightly teasing her earlobe. When he slowly blew into her ear, tremors of pleasure ran through her body. He gazed into her dark brown eyes and ran his finger over her lower lip.

  Ni
cholas was going to kiss her and Joselyn wanted him to. Her heart beat wildly and her breath quickened. She wanted him. It wasn’t like the others. She could never use this man the way she did other men. She might be able to manipulate him a little, but Nicholas would never permit her to use him. And for some unknown reason, his powerful, dominating nature excited her. Anticipating his kiss, she took a ragged breath, and squeaked in surprise when Nicholas’ hand smacked her bottom with a harsh blow.

  “I believe Brandon confined you to your room until dinner. I suggest you go there,” Nicholas commanded sternly, letting her go.

  Shocked and not daring to disobey him, Joselyn ran up the stairs to her room with her hand on her stinging backside.

  Nicholas watched her with a grin on his face. He was going to break her of her manipulative ways. She may not like it, but she was going to learn that she couldn’t use people to suit her own needs without facing the consequences. Joselyn thought she had everyone fooled, particularly the Cathcarts, but the Cathcarts were artisans of manipulation, and she hadn’t fooled any of them, not even Madeline. Perhaps Joselyn would make a good addition to their family. Nicholas nodded his head, making up his mind to make Joselyn Parker his wife.

  Madeline sat up in surprise when Joselyn burst into her room in an outrage. “Joselyn?”

  “You will not believe what that . . . that brother of yours did to me.” Joselyn stomped over to Madeline and plopped herself onto the bed next to her, taking note of Madeline’s tear stained face. “So, I was right. The bastard did beat you,” she stated furiously. Joselyn truly hated the men in this wretched family.

  Madeline sighed and quickly wiped the tears from her face. She was tired, upset, and not in the mood to deal with Joselyn’s theatrics. “No, Brandon did not beat me, and he isn’t a bastard.”

  Ignoring Madeline’s denial, Joselyn complained. “Your brothers are tyrants. I don’t know how you live with them. Nicholas . . . well, Madeline, I hate to tell you this, but he . . . he accosted me and then he . . . he hit me.” Joselyn covered her face and sobbed for all she was worth.

  “You probably deserved it,” Madeline muttered under her breath. “Oh, Joselyn, stop it,” she snapped with annoyance, grabbing Joselyn’s hands and pulling them away from her face.

  “I can’t live here, Madeline. I can’t,” Joselyn whined. Her buttock still stung and she would probably have a bruise. She hated it here. She hated Nicholas and she hated Brandon.

  “Then leave. No one is keeping you here.” Madeline glared at her with irritation.

  “Oh, no? Then why did Lord Kenrik forbid me to leave?” She sniffed and picked at her dress.

  Madeline sighed at Joselyn’s obtuse question. “For your safety, Joselyn. If you haven’t forgotten, we were attacked today.” Getting up from the bed, Madeline walked to the center of the room and faced Joselyn. “Has it occurred to you that my family is risking their lives for you? Of course not. You are too consumed with yourself to see that what you do or don’t do may hurt someone else.” Madeline’s green eyes sparked and her body vibrated with anger and frustration. It was time that she let Joselyn know that her little game was over. “I am tired of your criticism of my brothers and I am tired of your complaints.

  “But . . .” Startled, Joselyn tried to interrupt but to no avail.

  Madeline ignored Joselyn’s interruption. “The only reason you are in this house is because I felt sorry for you and I wanted you here. Now, I don’t think I do.” If she didn’t say this now, Madeline didn’t think she would have the heart to later; so, she allowed her anger to fuel her words. “You think you have me fooled with your supposed friendship. I am sorry to disillusion you, Joselyn, but I have always known that you used me for your social standing. You used Gretchen and Corinna as well. Without us, you would be nothing but another debutante waiting for a man to save you from your miserable existence. You do not have the wealth to sustain yourself indefinitely nor the support of selfless, loving, older brothers.”

  Madeline was not ashamed of who she was, and she never tried to hide her faults or her successes, but it was time that Joselyn faced the truth and understood that Madeline had the power to destroy her. “There is one thing you seem to always forget about me, Joselyn. If you remember, I am the daughter of a duke, and I happen to be more respected and sought after than my own mother, the duchess. People respect me and come to me for advice and assistance, as you have come for my advice and assistance. I happen to have a lot of connections with powerful people, and if I wish to ruin you, I can, by simply snubbing you. If I wish for a devastating effect, I tell one person that you are out of my good graces, and then I let the gossip mills do the rest. What they would speculate would be far worse than anything I dreamed up. You see, Joselyn, I have only allowed you to use me because it suited me to do so and because I pitied you.”

  Madeline gestured to Joselyn sitting on the bed, appearing confused, and stunned. “You sit there in judgment of me and my family. You accuse my brothers of being tyrants. My brothers are the kindest, most caring, supportive, and loving men I know, and they do their best to protect this family. You believe that my brothers control everything I do. You couldn’t be farther from the truth. Joselyn, I have always done what I pleased, and when I pleased to do it; only, I know how to do it within the confines of my brothers’ authority, which does not mean that I don’t circumvent that authority from time to time. However, I have enough trust and faith in my brothers to recognize when they are right, and if I am foolish enough to disobey them, then I deserve whatever punishment they administer.”

  Madeline took a deep breath before continuing. “If you wish to leave this house, it is your choice, but if you wish to stay in this house and have the help and protection of this family, you will do exactly as Brandon and Nicholas dictate with no more complaints. Have I made myself clear?” Madeline ended her tirade, breathing hard and glaring at Joselyn, not caring what choice Joselyn made at this point.

  Joselyn stared at Madeline in silence for a long moment, remembering Aunt Beatrice’s words from only a few days ago. She had underestimated Madeline. She had thought she was the one in control, but she wasn’t. Madeline was the one in control. Madeline was the one who had everyone fooled into believing she was a modest, sweet, naive, gracious, young woman, when, in fact, she was a cold-hearted bitch like her mother. Madeline could destroy her and she would be no one in less than a month. “That was quite a mouthful, Madeline,” Joselyn sneered in response.

  At Joselyn’s snide words, Madeline raised one golden eyebrow, waiting for Joselyn’s decision. She didn’t have to wait long.

  “I suppose I don’t have a choice. I either stay here and follow your brothers’ dictates or leave in disgrace.” Joselyn stood and moved towards Madeline still standing in the middle of the room. “I am sorry, Madeline. I never meant to use you.”

  Madeline raised her hand to stop her from speaking the lie. “If we are to get past this, Joselyn, you must begin with the truth.”

  Joselyn stared at Madeline for a moment before answering. “Fine, I did use you, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care for you. I have always been jealous of you, Gretchen, and Corinna, of your wealth, your titles, your friendships, and your families. I have always had to struggle and save my pennies. I have had only myself to rely on, and if that makes me selfish, then I am guilty.

  Madeline rolled her eyes in annoyance. “You are too melodramatic, Joselyn. I know you do not have the wealth I do, but that does not excuse your behavior.”

  “I really am frightened of Farrington, Madeline,” Joselyn confessed. “And I do not want to leave your home. I will do my best to follow your brothers’ rules. Now can we be friends again?” Joselyn wanted all this to be done. She simply could not lose Madeline as a friend. She had no idea what she would do if she did, particularly now with her life so upside down and someone threatening her.

  Madeline sighed in derision. Joselyn would never be sincere. “We were always friends, Joselyn.”


  “Wonderful.” Joselyn was relieved and hugged Madeline quickly, leaving the room before Madeline changed her mind.

  “I thought you were ordered to stay in your room until dinner,” Jeremy claimed as he entered the library, surprising Joselyn. Jeremy had overheard Brandon ordering her to her room, and later, he had secretly witnessed her discussion with Nicholas. He found his sister’s current circumstances with the Cathcart brothers very amusing and he thought it was high time she was put in her place.

  She had been sitting in an over-stuffed chair, staring at the unread book in her lap, and plucking at the fabric of her gown. She was still reeling from Madeline’s verbal attack and she wanted to be alone. How dare that woman give her an ultimatum? “What do you want, Jeremy?” She asked in exasperation, not wanting to deal with her brother.

  “I came for a book,” he replied nonchalantly, trying to hide his humor.

  “Then get it and leave,” she snapped, annoyed at the interruption and the smug expression on his face.

  “Want to tell me why you are in such a foul mood?” He queried, already knowing the answer, but giving her the chance to confide in him and perhaps improve her disposition.

  “No,” she grouched emphatically, gazing down at her skirt which she was destroying.

  “Tell me anyway.” Jeremy threw himself onto the couch facing her, crossed his ankles, placed his hands behind his head, and peered at Joselyn closely.

  Annoyed, Joselyn narrowed her eyes at her brother who was acting out of character. He was usually such a quiet and shy young man, and he rarely ever spoke to her or anyone else as far as she knew. She guessed it would not hurt to tell him, so she answered him. “I had an argument with Madeline.”