Just One Kiss

by Dayna Quince

  “You were truly going to leave me?”

  Hazel returned the poker to the fireplace and faced him. She raised her chin and nodded. Her heart thudded painfully. She wanted nothing more than to collapse into his arms, but that wasn’t possible now. He couldn’t be her refuge before—he wasn’t going to be now.

  “I tried to tell you, but you wouldn’t hear it. I have no choice but to give her what she wants.”

  “Which is what?”

  “To be your countess.”

  “That’s absurd.” He scoffed.

  “It is, among other things.” Hazel laughed painfully. “The things she has done, the things she has said… I wouldn’t believe them myself except they happened right in front of me. She has tried to mold me into herself, and when that didn’t work she sought to lock me away altogether, I suppose.”

  Garrett shook his head and narrowed his eyes angrily. “But you were going to leave me? After everything?”

  “Yes.” Hazel nodded. “After everything. I will not withstand being violated any longer. She went behind my back and changed the fabric for the curtains in my own room and lord knows what else. But worst of all, it was the things she said, Garrett. Things that horrify me to say. She called me a brood mare. She called me worthless. I am nothing but a stand-in to service your physical needs in her eyes.” Hazel nearly gagged on the words.

  Garrett’s expression changed to one of dawning repulsion. “I can’t believe it.”

  Hazel swallowed a moan of sadness. Even now he refused to believe her. “That is precisely why I chose to leave. You don’t want to hear the truth. You don’t want to see it.”

  At that moment, the moment Hazel was sure her heart was irreparably broken, Mary ran into the room.

  “My Lady,” she clutched a hand to her chest, “I feared the worst when those bloody bastards locked me in the cellar. I screamed the house down, but no one came to my aide. Smith let me out. I’m sorry.” She wiped tears from her eyes.

  Hazel went to her and took her hand. “It’s all right, Mary. I knew they must have done something to you. Let us be on our way. We will be safe at home.” Hazel choked on a sob. She had her back to Garrett now and bit her knuckle to keep from herself from completely falling apart.

  “Hazel, please,” he begged.

  Her shoulders stiffened. She couldn’t take any more. She closed her eyes tightly, her nails curling into her palms as a rush of tears fought through her lashes.

  “You stay right there,” Mary said fiercely. “I won’t let you hurt Her Ladyship any longer. That damn aunt of yours has caused enough pain. It isn’t natural the way she panders after you. A man like you ought to know better, ought to know when he’s being manipulated and used. But instead, you’ve had your head up yer arse.”

  “Mary, please.” Hazel took her hand. “I just want to leave.”

  “No.” Garrett reached Hazel in two strides. He grabbed her shoulders and turned her to face him.

  “Get your hands off her!” Mary jumped between them and put up her fists.

  Garrett jumped back in surprise. “I mean her no harm, but I deserve some answers. I won’t let you walk away, Hazel. Give me a chance.”

  Hazel sobbed. “I did and you didn’t listen.”

  “I’m listening now. Please. I’m begging you.” He dropped to his knees in front of Mary. “It’s clear to me now that I have been blind. Enlighten me and let me prove myself.”

  “How blind can you be? Your bloody aunt locked her in her room! She’s as deranged as a mad goose.”

  “That’s enough, Mary.” Hazel put a hand on her shoulder. “Thank you for your fierce loyalty. You’re a dear friend. I want to hear what he has to say now.”

  Garrett stood. “Perhaps we could have some privacy?”

  Mary narrowed her eyes.

  “It’s fine.” Hazel soothed her. “Maybe your room will be better. Mary can be sure we are entirely private.”

  Mary nodded in agreement, and they went into his room through the adjoining door, now unlocked. Smith nodded as they entered and departed. Once alone, Hazel felt her courage falter. He had his back to her. He was staring intently out the window.

  “Have I failed you?” He sounded so desolate, she ached for him, but she wasn’t about to let him off easy.

  “Yes.” She saw him tense. “You failed to see what was going on beneath your very nose. You didn’t want to see it. You didn’t want to be bothered with it.”

  “That’s not true,” he said defensively.

  “Isn’t it? This time should have been about us, about furthering our relationship. But from the moment we’ve arrived, I’ve been at the mercy of a woman who thinks me nothing more than a breeding mare. An unworthy one at that.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me any of this before?” He finally turned to face her.

  “I tried. You were either too busy or too guilty to see her for what she was. You speak of her as though she truly is your mother, the woman who birthed you. I understand she has been here for you since the moment of your parent’s demise, but she does not see herself as such. She sees herself as your countess, not I.”

  “That’s preposterous.” He shot back at her.

  “It is indeed, and so much more. Incestuous comes to mind.” Hazel bit out.

  He stared at her in shock.

  Hazel continued. “How can you be so blind? I sneak about the house like a mouse searching for places to escape her. The only sacred space has been your bed chamber, or is that corrupt, too? My own room, the countess’s suite, is being redecorated according to her tastes because it isn’t mine, you know. I should be in the stables with the other mares. God willing she will have me birthing a foal in the spring!” Hazel shook with the force of her anger. She turned her back to him, covering her mouth to quiet a sob.

  Garrett stood absolutely still. He hated to see her so upset, but his mind could not comprehend all she was saying. Bits and pieces of her words flung themselves like debris caught in a violent storm in his mind. What had he done? What had he not been willing to see? The vivacious, lovely woman he had married now wanted to leave him, all because of the treatment she endured at the hands of his aunt? The woman who raised him? Something was desperately wrong. He didn’t know what to believe anymore.

  He focused on Hazel, his mind leafing through the memories they had made in such little time like the pages of a book. He couldn’t let her leave, not when she made him feel such wonderful things, not when… he loved her so deeply. The sunshine would cease to exist if Hazel walked out of his life.

  He walked forward, gently curving his hands around her shoulders. She shrunk from him. He didn’t let go, but his heart felt her rejection like the pierce of a knife. “I will make this right. I swear it. I’m going to go speak to her now and decide what will be done.”

  “But you believe me, don’t you?” Hazel stopped him as he turned toward the door.

  He hesitated. “I believe that you are both at odds with each other and unkind things have been done and said. I will make her accountable.”

  Hazel shook her head in disbelief. “This is a nightmare. This isn’t a simple disagreement. I will never see or speak to that woman again. I will not live with her. I will not stay here as long as she resides here, no matter the cost.”

  “Please, Hazel,” Garrett begged. “I need to hear what she has to say. Stay here and I will be back shortly.” He hurried from the room, telling Mary to bring tea as he passed.

  Mary entered the room. Hazel was standing there, her face streaked with tears.

  “Ma’am?” Mary stepped before her. “Would you like some tea?”

  “There is no tea strong enough. He thinks he can mediate the situation, keep everything peaceful and quiet as he prefers.”

  Mary nodded. “How about something stronger than tea.” She went to the decanter and poured a liberal draught. Returning to Hazel, she picked up her hand and wrapped her cold fingers around it.

  Hazel took the tumbler and sip
ped the dark liquid. It burned her throat going down, but she liked it. This wasn’t her first time tasting whisky. She fought the urge to cough. She handed the glass back to Mary and smiled her thanks. Mary was her only ally, it seemed.

  “What do you wish to do?” Mary asked.

  “We will continue to pack and be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. I don’t know what crazy tales she will tell, but I don’t particularly wish to be here to hear it.”

  Mary nodded and they both returned to her room. Mr. Holston hadn’t returned. Hazel was sure everyone in the house knew of the commotion by now.

  Chapter 15

  Garrett found his aunt calmly tending to her needlework in the drawing room. She was humming softly, bent over her work with a peaceful air.

  “Aunt?” he said as he entered.

  “Bain?” she said cheerily and patted the seat beside her. “What a pleasant surprise. Don’t you have work to tend to? Your duties never cease, do they?”

  Garrett frowned. “We need to discuss something. Hazel is very upset—”

  His aunt rolled her eyes and tossed her needlework aside. “Of course, she is. I dare say she’s never heard an uncomplimentary word in her life. Heavens, how am I to teach her about any of her household duties if she tears up at the mere idea of work? We all must have a purpose in life.”

  Garrett’s puzzlement grew. He searched for the right words to say. “I don’t believe Hazel needs help to ascertain her purpose here, Aunt. Are not all girls of her station taught how to manage a house?”

  “One would hope,” his aunt murmured. She shrugged and gave him a sweet smile. “Why don’t you return to your study and carry on with your day. I will take Lady Hazel a nice cup of tea and make amends.”

  “I don’t think that is wise. She is very upset at the moment and doesn’t wish to see you. It is clear that despite my wishes, the two of you don’t rub along well.” Garrett sat in a chair across from her. “Perhaps it is time you return to your own household. Hazel and I will have some time to establish our new life together, and we can see each other for the holidays.”

  His aunt’s smile faded as she stared at him. Her eyes became glossy with tears. She brought a shaky hand to her mouth. “You… wish to send me away?”

  Garrett sighed in defeat. “I don’t wish to, but perhaps it is time? You’ve given enough of your time to me, Aunt. You still have a home in Derbyshire that is surely wilting without your care.”

  “You don’t need me any longer?” she whimpered

  To be honest, he hadn’t needed her for quite some time—years, to be exact. “It is because of the wonderful way you’ve raised me that I can say that no, I no longer need the guiding hand of a mother.”

  “But, Bain. Have I not given you enough?” She brought shaking hands to her cheeks.

  “You’ve given me more than I can ever repay. However, I shall be happy to see you cared for and tended the rest of your days—a cottage to call your own, a simple life of leisure without a care in the world, a generous allowance. It’s time to do as you please.”

  “As I please.” She shook her head violently and glared at him. “It pleases me to tend to my brother’s legacy.”

  “It is my legacy now,” Garrett countered. “It is time for you to return home, or wherever it is you wish to retire, Aunt.”

  “No.” She bolted to her feet, her fists closed tightly at her sides. Garrett stood slowly.

  “This is her doing. She seeks to steal all that is mine. She has manipulated you, blinded you with her wickedness. She will tear the Bainbridge name apart, birth you the brats of your footmen. She is unclean, she is clutching the apple of temptation and eagerly takes a bite at the serpents urging.”

  “Aunt…” Garrett was flabbergasted, but his aunt continued with her tirade.

  “She is nothing better than a common whore. She will use her wiles on any man and has bedded the lot—”

  “Stop!” Garrett bellowed.

  Mrs. Danford fell back onto the sofa. Her hand covered her mouth.

  “You will not utter another word against her.” His voice was dark and lethal. “What in God’s name has come over you? You speak madness—outright lies about my wife?”

  She stared at him with eyes as wide as tea cups. “Noooo…” she cried softly.

  “None of what you say is true. These are your delusions.” Garrett paced before the sofa. “You speak of Hazel as though she is poison, but it is you, Aunt. You’re the poison. You’ve brought shame to this house. You’ve defiled it with your lies. What have you to say?”

  Mrs. Danford lurched from the sofa, dropping to her knees at his feet. She wrapped her arms around his legs.

  “Please, Bain. I am all that you need. See the damage she has done to us?” Garrett tore his legs out of her hold and backed away. He didn’t recognize the woman on the floor. She sobbed uncontrollably now. Where had his aunt gone? Was this some sickness that had slowly claimed her mind without him knowing? She needed help. He strode to the door. Quinn appeared from the shadows just before Garrett pulled the bell pull.

  “I’ve been ensuring your privacy, sir.”

  “Summon the doctor, Quinn. My aunt is not well. Find Emily and have her take her to her room. She is to remain there until the doctor arrives. Post a footman if you must.”

  “Right away, sir.”

  Garrett cautiously returned to his aunt. He placed a hand on her back. “Aunt? I’ve summoned Emily to help you to your room. Everything’s going to be fine.”

  Her whole body shook with her sobs and she did not answer him.

  Garrett sat down to wait for Emily. He did not want to leave his aunt alone. When his patience wore thin, Garrett summoned Quinn again. His aunt was no longer sobbing but mumbling under her breath and still cowering on the floor.

  “Where is her damn maid?”

  “I’m sorry, sir.” Quinn panted. “Emily has quit the house. Mrs. Beasley found this note.”

  Garrett glanced at it. “She quit. Why would she quit?” Garrett looked up in time to catch Quinn’s quick glance towards his aunt’s crumpled form. Was he the only fool in the house? He sighed. “Have Mrs. Beasley take my aunt to her room. I need to see to my wife.”

  “Sir, I was rushing to tell you when you rang, Lady Bainbridge has left with her maid.”

  Garrett slowly turned to face Quinn. He could hear his aunt laughing quietly behind him from the floor.

  “I told you, Bain. She will never love you as I do. She is only loyal to her own desires.” Garrett’s murderous expression was not meant for Quinn, but Quinn was the unfortunate recipient.

  Quinn stepped back. “I’m sorry, sir.”

  “My great coat, Quinn. Now.”

  Garrett turned his furious scowl to the hall mirror and looked in disgust at himself. The coat settled over his shoulders and Garrett bolted toward the back of the house, heading for the stables. Every step he took felt slow and heavy, but soon his horse was saddled and he was riding down the drive. The sun was setting, but the darkness quickly closed in as a late summer storm barreled over the hills to the west. Garrett urged his horse into a gallop, racing the impending storm and the distance between himself and Hazel. She didn’t have a large head start, but every mile between them was a scar on his heart.

  Chapter 16

  Hazel watched the window until she could no longer see the trees in the darkness. She could hear the rumble of thunder in the distance and it matched her mood perfectly. Her emotions were a turbulent storm inside her. She battled the urge to stop the coach and turn around at every bump in the road. She twisted her tear-soaked handkerchief in her hands and willed herself to be strong. She was doing the right thing, wasn’t she? She’d waited for him, but every minute he spent with his aunt felt like a betrayal. He didn’t believe her, not over the word of the woman who raised him. What did she expect? It all sounded so absurd, even to her own ears. If she hadn’t witnessed it all with her own eyes and ears…

  Her heart ached, her st
omach roiled. She felt like she would never feel herself again. The further they traveled, the more she doubted her resolve to leave. Was she giving up too easily?

  The thunder grew louder and rain began to pelt the roof of the coach. Hazel turned away from the window. She wrapped her arms tightly around herself, wishing for stronger arms to hold her. He had cut her deeply. Why did she still want him?

  She was startled when Mary placed a lap blanket over her.

  “You’re shivering, ma’am.”

  Hazel looked up in bewilderment. She held up a hand and was astonished to see she was indeed shaking. She tucked her hand back under her arm.

  “How will I know if I’m doing the right thing, Mary? I couldn’t stay, but this hurts just as much.”

  Mary looked back at her, her features barely discernable in the twilight of the coach. Hazel could see the whites of her wide, sympathetic eyes.

  “Do you love him?” Mary asked.

  Hazel stared at Mary in stunned silence as she swayed with the movement of the coach. She was too weak to hold herself still, too astounded by the barrage of her emotions, the all-consuming swell of her heart as it answered Mary’s question for her. Did she love him? Yes! Her body cried. It was so profound that Hazel was held captive by it. Mary reached across the coach with one hand and gently shook her.

  “Ma’am?”

  Hazel blinked and found her voice. “Yes,” she said softly. “I love him.”

  Mary sat back and smiled. “He will come for you.”

  Hazel hoped with all her heart that he would. “I—” The carriage slid to a hard stop.

  Hazel grabbed the strap in time to keep her seat.

  “What the devil?” Mary rapped on the roof.

  “A rider approaches.” The coachman’s muffled voice answered.

  Hazel and Mary shared a frantic glance. Inside, Hazel’s hope and joy burst to life inside her. The clops of hooves could be heard and then the coachman was speaking. Hazels hope died. The voice that answered was not discernable, but it was not Garrett, either. She was sure of it. The coachman got down and rapped on the door before opening it.