Gemstones

by Janet Lane-Walters

  "You jest," Drew said. "The three of you have a vast experience with other men's wives, but you will leave mine to me." He pushed his chair back. "Do what you wish. Leave when you want. I'll see you when I come to town."

  Tristan rose. "No need to rush off. We're on our way. My coach left in tandem with Mr. Grey's early this morning. We hope to catch them by dinner time."

  Michael finished the coffee. Niall strode to the door. "Let Miss Margaret know my gear will be the envy of the army. Tell her to take special care of my mare. As soon as I return from war and am settled, I will come for Cinnamon." He made a face. "Why must women name their horses?"

  "'Tis an unusual name," Michael said. "She could have named the mare Buttercup or some equally silly name." He followed Niall to the front door where a footman waited with their coats.

  Drew followed his friends from the house. "Margaret will be quite pleased."

  "Only thing to do." Niall laughed. "A mare on the battlefield could spell disaster."

  "Let Miss Gordon know when she takes her bows, she'll take the ton by storm," Tristan said. "I will beg for the honor of leading her out for her first dance."

  For a moment, Drew thought his friend meant Nicola. Then he remembered Elizabeth now bore the title. "No doubt she will be honored. In two years, I'll depend on you to help me sort out the bounders."

  Michael took the reins of his horse from the groom. "Tell your wife and the Dowager I will think on their advice and will write to let them know how it goes."

  "You speak as though it will be years before I see you," Drew said. "I plan to be in town for part of the Season."

  "And your bride," Tristan said. "She must come to town and be presented at court."

  Drew had forgotten that necessary ritual. "I have to petition for a day." He mounted and led the way down the lane to the road. His thoughts turned to his bride and the things Aldora had said. "Have you…." He clamped his mouth shut. He'd nearly asked them if they'd heard about this Indian book the Dowager had mentioned. If he had, he would have to explain the fiasco of his wedding night.

  Just beyond the village, he parted from the trio. After they vanished in the distance, he turned back toward town. He considered dropping at the inn to make inquiries about the stranger who had come to Denmere yesterday, but he wouldn't. Tonight would be what last night should have been.

  * * * *

  As soon as the trio rounded a bend in the road, Tristan reined in. "What can we do about Denmere? His mood seemed strange."

  Niall nodded. "He had the same tension I've seen in men just before a battle."

  Michael sipped from a silver flask. "He's in love with his bride and the thought frightens him. I'm not sure things went well last night. I believe his control slipped."

  Tristan laughed. "Who would strive for control on his wedding night?"

  "Denmere," Michael insisted.

  Niall chuckled. "Shame I won't be here to see what develops."

  Thunder rolled in the distance. The three men whipped their horses and raced down the road.

  * * * *

  Nicola pressed her forehead against the windowpane and stared at the dark clouds gathering in the sky. 'Twill rain soon, she thought. Perhaps she could leave Denmere during the storm. Where could she go? Not to Mr. Grey. Though he was the only person she knew in England other than the people she'd met here, she was sure he wouldn't hide her from her husband.

  Sarad, she thought. He's my friend. I will set him to discover how one rents a cottage and where to find the best place to hide from Cousin Fergus.

  The door opened. Peggy bustled in. "I have your tea, my lady." She placed the tray on the table between the chairs. "Why didn't you ring? I've been up for hours waiting for your summons." The abigail walked toward the bed.

  Nicola poured a cup of tea. Would Peggy react the same way Prabha had? Nicola wished she had spread the covers.

  Peggy stared at the sheets and then turned to examine Nicola. The maid's round face turned the same shade of scarlet Nicola knew colored hers. She put the teacup down and grabbed her cloak from the chair. From the look on Peggy's face, Nicola knew the maid suspected what hadn't happened last night.

  As she bolted into the hall, she nearly collided with Greene. "Sorry," she said.

  "My fault, Miss...I mean, my lady."

  Nicola swallowed. Did the butler know? Before long, the entire household would buzz with the news that the Earl had left his bride's bed and abandoned her. In India, the servants had known everyone's secrets. Why should matters be different here?

  Silently, she sped down the west wing stairs. She paused at the door of the Earl's study and looked inside for Sarad. Her friend wasn't there. One of the footmen walked past. He smiled. Nicola read knowledge instead of friendliness in his eyes. She gathered her cloak and hurried toward the door leading to the rear courtyard.

  "You will remain in this room the house."

  Her shoulders stiffened in defiance. He hadn't cared to listen to her explanations so why should she obey his dictates? Tears rose and she bit her lip. She wouldn't cry. There had been enough tears.

  For a moment, she stood at the head of the stairs to the basement kitchen. Laughter drifted up to her. "Would you believe he went riding with his friends this morning?" The voice was deep and male. "Odd thing for a bridegroom to do."

  If the gossip had spread to the kitchen. 'Twas worse than she feared. She opened the door into the courtyard and stepped outside. A damp chill clung to the air. She strode across the grass past the herb beds and the areas soon to be planted with vegetables for the table.

  A man stood near the orangery speaking to one of the grooms. At first, she thought one of the tenants had come seeking her husband. As she neared the pair, she halted and turned to flee back to the house.

  "She's the one." Fergus Crawford's shout made her break into a run. The bottom of her cloak tangled around her legs and she tumbled to the ground. Seconds later, she was pulled roughly to her feet.

  "Be ye sure she's a thief? She be the Earl's new lady."

  "'Pears she fooled him," Fergus said. "Took some gems of mine. I've been looking for her for weeks."

  The groom Drew had recently hired in London nodded. "I heard tales 'bout the way she sold some jewels to buy things hereabouts. What ye be doing with her?"

  Nicola struggled to free herself from the groom's grasp. Fergus grabbed her other arm. Nicola screamed and then wondered who would hear her. Had Drew confined her to the house because he knew Cousin Fergus was staying at the village inn? She wished she could believe he knew, but his anger had been laced with bitterness. She kicked and caught the groom on his shin.

  The man released his hold, but Crawford twisted her other arm behind her back. He flipped a coin to the groom. "For yer help." He pushed Nicola ahead of him. "Lassie, ye and me are going ta have a long talk."

  "What do you want?"

  "My gems. Yer sisters. Ye. If I can't have them all, I'm taking ye back ta India."

  "My husband will stop you."

  "But he ain't here. Seen him from the inn window riding out of town with some men."

  "He'll return soon." The pressure on her arm brought tears to her eyes.

  His laughter made her shudder. "Why? I hear he be denied his rights. Servants gossip, ye ken."

  He propelled her around the corner of the orangery. When he released her, she fell to the ground. He grabbed the end of her braid and hauled her to her feet. Then he pushed her across the yard to where his black horse waited.

  "Nica," Margaret said.

  Her youngest sister appeared in the stable doorway. "Get Jem," Nicola shouted. "'Tis Cousin Fergus."

  For a few minutes, Margaret remained still. Then she vanished.

  Crawford pushed her against his horse. "Get on now."

  Instead, Nicola turned and swung her fist against his nose. He howled and released her braid. She ran. Her dash for freedom took her toward the woods.

  "You'll pay for this," he shouted. "Da
mn chit. I will have ye. Ye will rue yer acts this day."

  She heard Margaret's screams. Nicola looked back. Crawford had mounted his horse and headed toward her. Jem and a groom tried to grab the reins of the rawboned animal.

  Her heart pounded. She found the path she and Elizabeth had followed to Margaret's secret place. If she could reach the hut, she could hide until dark. Her sisters' safety depended on her disappearance.

  Brambles tore at her cloak. She gripped the wool garment closer. Her lungs burned. Why had Papa taken his cousin as a partner?

  She paused to catch a breath. Crashing noises sounded behind her. A horse whinnied. She began to run again. Maybe she should give the gems to him. Would he take them and leave her sisters alone?

  Her breaths became short gasps. A sharp pain stabbed her side. Her legs ached. A man's voice shouted her name and propelled her forward. She lunged toward the clearing. Her cloak snagged on a bush. For an instant, she feared she'd been caught. Please, she thought. She pulled free.

  In the gray light, she could barely see the hut. She ran across the clearing. Her feet tangled in a grassy hummock and she sprawled on the ground. Again, a man shouted her name. Cousin Fergus. She struggled to her feet and hobbled across the grass.

  Seconds later, she plunged into the open door of the stone hut. Darkness enfolded her. She crept to a shadowed corner and pulled her cloak around her. Trying to control her sobs, she gulped deep breaths of air.

  "Nicola, I will have you."

  She pressed her hand against her mouth. Why had she run into the woods instead of toward the house? Trapped, she thought. He will come and I will be caught.

  Other men's voices filled the air. A sense of relief blurred the edges of her fear. Cousin Fergus dare not stop to search the hut. Her head whirled and she feared the relief over being safe from her pursuer would make her swoon.

  Safe, she was safe, but only for the moment. Cousin Fergus wouldn't give up. She buried her face in the cloak. Her husband didn't want her. He'd proven that last night. Since he'd rejected her, she was fair prey for her father's cousin.

  The sound of the men's voices came closer. "She be gone," Jem said.

  "Did he take her?" a second man asked.

  "Be hard to tell."

  "What we do now?"

  "Report to the Dowager and wait for his lordship to return."

  Nicola started to rise. Her legs refused to hold her. She closed her eyes. If she returned to the house, she was sure Drew wouldn't believe her tale of her father's cousin. Would her husband even listen? He hadn't cared to hear her this morning. She would wait here until tonight. Then she would take her portmanteau and the horse and ride until she found a place where she could hide from everyone.

  Chapter 14

  A commotion in the hall outside the Dowager's parlor sent Bertha scurrying to the door. Aldora followed her abigail. When she saw Jem and Margaret, the Dowager's eyes widened in surprise. What had the child done now? Since Drew had ridden out with his friends, why had Jem not taken her to Nicola?

  "What is the meaning of this noise?" Aldora asked. "Margaret, what have you done?" She sighed. Surely Drew would not forgive another transgression.

  "He...he has come and taken Nicola away." Margaret's sobs turned into wails.

  Aldora looked from the child to Jem. "What is she talking about?" Though Drew had been angry, he wouldn't do such a thing. In fact, he'd threatened to abandon his bride.

  "My lady, I not be knowing the man. He be short and swarthy and rides a black horse. Bribed one of the grooms to help him." Jem held his hat in his hand.

  Aldora grasped Margaret's shoulders. "Who is he? Do not be afraid to tell me."

  Margaret raised her head. "Him...Cousin Fergus. I knew he would come for us. He'll hurt Nicola. We must help her."

  The Dowager pulled Margaret into her arms. "No one will take you from this house. Drew won't allow anyone to harm Nicola. Where is Elizabeth?"

  "She is going to find the Earl. 'Cept we don't know where he has gone." Margaret pulled away. "I want to go with her."

  Aldora motioned to Bertha. "Fetch me a cloak. I'll speak to Elizabeth. Drew should be somewhere between the village and here. He rode out to see his friends on their way back to London."

  Moments later, Bertha returned with a cloak. Aldora hurried to the stairs. As she descended, she held Jem's arm. "Pray tell me what happened." Aghast, she listened to Jem's tale of the morning's events. If only Drew had gone to see Nicola and made things right, she might not have left the house. "Have you searched the woods?"

  "My lady, we followed him. Though we be afoot, he could not gallop. We saw him ride 'crost the witch's clearing and vanish on the other side."

  "Alone?" Aldora asked.

  "He be far away. The light be poor. We couldn't see clearly."

  Aldora sighed. Why hadn't Drew warned her about the danger to the girls? She would have insisted they be escorted when they left the house.

  Jem's boots clicked on the marble floor of the Great Hall. As Greene opened the door, he frowned. "My lady, the day is not one for a walk."

  "There is a problem I must deal with," Aldora said. "Assemble the footmen. I may have need of them."

  Elizabeth sat on her bay beside the fountain. She argued with Sarad. Aldora shook her head. When she realized Elizabeth wore a morning dress and not a habit, the Dowager felt afraid.

  "My dear, who is this man who took Nicola and why does he want her?"

  "Papa's cousin and his partner. He wanted to marry Nica but Mr. Grey sent his man for us before that could happen."

  "Do you think 'tis safe for you to go off alone? Is it only Nicola he wants?"

  Elizabeth shrugged. "I don't know. Cousin Fergus is a greedy man. I'm sure he wants Nica because she knows how to value gemstones."

  "Let Jem ride for the Earl."

  "I can't remain here and do nothing while my sister is in danger."

  Aldora shook her head. "Don't put yourself in danger. Wait for Drew."

  Thunder rumbled. In the distance, lightning flashed. Aldora shivered and pulled her cloak closer. How could she let Elizabeth ride off before Drew returned?

  "What if Cousin Fergus has caught and carried Nica to some place we can't find."

  Aldora stared through the dim light toward the lane. A figure on horseback emerged from the tunnel of trees. "Look, he is coming."

  "My lord," Elizabeth shouted. She snatched the reins from Sarad's grasp and galloped away.

  *****

  Drew's thoughts centered on his decision to make his bride his wife in truth. Tonight, of perhaps this afternoon. He smiled and though the smile didn't signal happiness, he knew he would soon be free of the all-consuming lust he felt for his bride.

  Shouts startled him. He looked up and saw Elizabeth galloping toward him. What had happened? Was Nicola all right? Was Aldora ill? Had their discussion caused her to collapse?"

  "My lord, 'tis a disaster. He has come. Nica's gone."

  Who had come? Anger flooded Drew's thoughts and caused him to jerk the reins. So his bride had disobeyed and fled the house rather than face him. His horse stopped so abruptly, he nearly lost his balance. Elizabeth reined in. Her wide-eyed look, the tension around her mouth spoke of fear. Doubts slithered around the shards of anger. What did she fear? His anger or the man who'd taken her sister?

  "Who came?" he demanded.

  "Cousin Fergus. He forced Nica to leave."

  Fergus Crawford. Why Nicola? From the things Mr. Grey had said, Drew believed Crawford wanted Elizabeth and Margaret to control their fortunes. An abduction of Nicola made no sense unless Crawford was privy to the events of the past night and planned to cause further trouble.

  He kicked his horse and galloped toward the house. A mass of people milled around the fountain. Their voices formed a babble of noise. He dismounted and led his horse to the cluster.

  "'Tis my fault." Margaret clung to Aldora's hand. "I should have helped Nica but she told me to go."

&nb
sp; Sarad broke away from his mother. "I'll go after them."

  Jem grabbed the young man's shoulder. "We wait for the Earl. No need being off in a dozen directions."

  "Oh la, what will we do," the Dowager moaned. "I should have gone to her this morning."

  "Ai, ai, the evil one has taken my child," Prabha cried.

  "Silence," Drew shouted.

  Abruptly, the babble stopped. Drew handed his reins to the groom. "I want to know what has happened and when the abduction occurred."

  Once again, the chorus rose in a cacophonic din. Drew slashed his crop against the marble fountain wall. "Aldora, begin."

  The Dowager shook her head. "I don't know what happened, only what Margaret and Jem have told me. Nicola is gone, taken by a stranger."

  Drew turned to Margaret. "What happened?"

  "Cousin Fergus. He tried to grab Nica. She fought him. I wanted to help but she told me to get Jem." Margaret hopped from one foot to the other. "Jem and the groom came. Nica ran into the woods." She gulped a breath. "Cousin Fergus mounted his horse and chased her. Jem and the groom ran after them."

  Drew's hands tightened on the crop. He felt a surge of guilt. Why had he ridden off before speaking to her? "Jem?"

  Jem squared his shoulders. "We be afoot, my lord. No time to saddle mounts. We chased him to the witch's circle but he disappeared afore we got there."

  "Did he have my wife?"

  Jem shrugged. "I not be certain, but where else could she be? If she hid in the witch's hut, surely she heard me and the groom and know we could keep her safe."

  What Jem said made sense. Drew quickly formed a plan of action. "Jem, take one of the grooms and ride to the village. Check the inn for Crawford. The other groom and I will search the clearing for signs of the way they've gone."

  "Be just one groom, my lord. 'The other be selling house secrets to the man what come. Him helped take your wife. I sacked him. Be that all right?"

  Drew nodded. "Greene, I leave you and the footmen to protect the house. Sarad, take your mother, the girls and the Dowager inside. I will find Nicola."