Kissing her gently again, he felt his passion rise, and hers responded in kind. Leaning into her, he went toward his bed, then slowly began making love to his wife, and they both were comforted.
But in the hours before dawn, he awoke to anguished sobs when the impact of taking a person’s life made itself known to Cat, and he took her on his lap and rocked her like a little child until she succumbed to exhaustion and slipped into a troubled sleep.
Chapter IX
Since all of his sisters had slept through the crisis and aftermath, the duke, duchess, and the dowager felt no need to apprise them of what had happened. All three adults had slept later than usual and met in the library after breaking their fast. As usual, two of his sisters—one at a time—managed to interrupt them as he had given the details of the night’s adventure to his mother. Both times, his siblings were told they were discussing dull estate business and would be with them soon.
Cat had been upset when he told her his mother knew of the details of the house party. She had been mortified anyone would know of what she did. “Crispin, I don’t know that I can face your mother. What must she think of me?”
“My mother wasn’t upset with you. She rightly rang a peal over my head, and at that time, she probably had more love for you than for me, her only son,” he said dryly. “I felt like a little boy again being chastised for more than just a childish prank. I could hardly face her I was so ashamed of what happened.”
When they first entered the library, Cat had burst into tears, and her mother-in-law had taken her into her arms and just held her until she quieted. “Catherine, my dear, I am not angry with you. I am angry you and my son found yourselves in such a horrible situation, but I rejoice that you are now my daughter.”
“Ma mère, I don’t deserve you,” Catherine said in a small voice and looking at the floor.
“Of course, you do. I am strict, but I am also fair. Crispin will tell you otherwise, but don’t listen to him.”
“Mother,” Crispin interjected in a scandalized voice. “I am her husband. She has to listen to me.”
His mother humphed and said, “Pretend to listen to him, then you and I will do as we please.”
Both Catherine and Crispin’s jaws dropped to hear the dowager tease them both. She did have a sense of humor; however, it wasn’t seen very often. Losing her beloved husband, worry about her son, and the need to present her daughters, one by one, to the queen and the haut ton were taking their toll. And the break-in and killing of Baskin the night before had aged all three of them. The dowager felt smiling a little and laughing as well would go a long way toward mitigating the feeling of horror left from the events of that evening.
Crispin allowed his wife to dry her eyes and settle her spirit and accept that her mother-in-law still loved her. She gave him a weak smile; he smiled back, then began telling of the break-in and, finally, of Catherine’s shooting Baskin through the heart.
“My dear Catherine, I’m not sure even your husband could have done that. Where did you learn to shoot so well? Did your father teach you?”
“No, ma mère, Crispin taught me right after the shooting on the estate.”
“What shooting?” The dowager’s eyes went wide, and she looked at her son with reproach. He had opted not to tell her about the incident and the hiring of armed guards to patrol the property so as not to worry her. His mother blanched as he told her of that day, and she realized how close she had come to losing her son and possibly her daughter-in-law too, not just once but twice. She hadn’t noticed the additional guards or she would have questioned Crispin until he told her what happened. She had never swooned before but was wondering if she would—for the very first time—in a matter of seconds.
Catherine jumped up and sat by the dowager’s side and patted her hand. “Should we get your vinaigrette?”
“No, child. I’ll be well in a moment. Too many occurrences in too short a time, and I am feeling my age this morning. Please give me a moment.”
Crispin pulled the bell, and when the servant came, he ordered tea, chocolate, and some cake. They would take a break when the refreshments arrived and give his mother an opportunity to regain her composure. As much a stickler as she was for decorum and propriety, he felt she would wish it.
A short while later, his mother turned to him and said, “Thank you. I am fine now. Would you please tell me how everything connects with the house party?”
So, between him and his wife, they filled in the gaps from the house party to the killings of Damien and his friend and to the events of the prior night. For a moment, the dowager shivered in dread as the duke and duchess fussed over her. “Please don’t hover. I am well…and thoroughly delighted the bastard is dead.” Both Crispin and Cat blinked when she swore. She might feel that way, but no one else would ever be aware of it. Today, though, everyone’s guard was down and there would be no holding back, including the dowager duchess.
As they had yet to hear from Johnson in regard to the footman or whether or not there would be an inquest, Crispin mentioned the possibility to Cat.
She responded in a horrified voice, “You mean I might have to testify? Oh, Crispin, I don’t think I can do that.”
So, the duke teased his wife. “You mean the deadeye duchess would be afraid to tell of her prowess with a pistol?” The dowager snickered. His wife just looked shocked, then gave a small giggle, and said, “I…suppose not…I just need for it to be over with.” They all agreed with the sentiment.
Later in the day, Johnson arrived at the Keep and said he needed a signed statement of all that had happened in regard to Lord Baskin. They were relieved to find, with the statement, no inquest would be necessary. Anyone needing further information would be deferred to him, and he would handle everything. The duke and his family had already been through enough, and Johnson was not going to be responsible for causing them more trouble. The duke, duchess, and dowager were immensely grateful.
***
Gradually, the household returned to its normal routine with the duke’s sisters none the wiser of the deadly events. Excitement was building instead for Lord Windmere and Lady Jane’s wedding. The ceremony would be held at St. George’s in London, and the wedding breakfast would be at the Duke of Castlemeade’s townhouse. It would be the event of the season.
Matt had endured enough teasing from Jules that he spoke with Janie, Janie’s mother, and his mother, and they all agreed they could hold the wedding a little sooner. The entire wait would only have been two and one-half months instead of three. Which for Matt and Janie was still too long, but both families were happy the future heir to the dukedom of Castlemeade and his bride would have a proper wedding. The couple just hoped that half of London would not be there as well.
***
Three weeks before the wedding, Janie’s brother and sister-in-law returned from their trip to Scotland. They had intended a much shorter stay but problems at Robbie’s estate had delayed their departure by five weeks.
Matt had been visiting with Janie and her family when Lord and Lady Thornton arrived at Covington Court. Robbie had been Matt’s best friend for years, and they had wandered and hunted on the estate as children. The last few years, however, they had drifted apart as Matt spent more time with Jules, Crisp, and Fox. With good cause, Matt wondered what kind of a reception he would get from Robbie when Janie’s brother learned of the engagement.
“Matt, are you well? We haven’t seen each other for ages.” Robbie wore a huge smile on his face as he spotted his friend, then shook his hand and—defying propriety—gave him a hug. “You haven’t met my wife. This is Lady Thornton, my wife Vivienne. Sweetheart, this is Matthew Fremont, my friend I spent most of my time with when we were younger.”
Greetings were exchanged, and Lord Covington apprised his son of Matt’s title.
“Congratulations, Matt. Pardon me, Lord Windmere.” Everyone laughed, and Janie’s mother just covered her face and giggled as Charlie teased her about making the sa
me mistake. So, his mother proceeded to tickle him, in retribution for teasing her, until he cried ‘uncle’.”
Everyone was delighted to have Robbie and Vivienne home and everything was fine until they told them Janie and Matt were engaged and would wed in a month.
The smile vanished from Robbie’s face, and his wife asked him what was wrong, but he just shook his head. “Father, may I see you and Matt in your study for a few minutes?”
His father raised an eyebrow anticipating trouble and asked, “Is there a problem, Robert?”
“Father, may we speak in private, please?”
His father nodded, and all three left the drawing room and met in Lord Covington’s study down the hallway. Once they were in the door, Robbie shut it and locked it, then turned on Matt.
“What the devil do you mean, you are marrying my sister?”
“Robert, mind your manners,” his father said sternly.
“I’ll mind them when Matt tells me why he’s marrying Janie.” Turning back to Matt, he continued. “Matt, you’re ten years older than her for one thing. And the last I heard you were keeping company with Brookton, Weirlane, and Foxdown. They are definitely not the best associates in London, and most of their time is spent with widows and lightskirts in activities you would not approve of, Father.”
His father sighed, then demanded his son sit, which Robbie reluctantly did. Crossing his arms, his was a belligerent stance as he faced his friend. “I’m waiting, Matt.”
Matt also heaved a sigh and started at the beginning. “I’ve always liked your sister, Robbie. She was a pest, but a sweet pest. Did you know she followed us many a time when we were unaware she did?”
“What? She followed us? Where?” Matt knew when Robbie thought of the hidden falls as his friends eyes got as big as saucers, and his mouth dropped open. This phenomena caused his father to start wondering about his son’s reaction to Janie following them. Did the two of them go someplace they ought not?”
Starting with his parents, Matt said, “My mother and father have been encouraging me to find a wife and start my nursery as I am nearing thirty. So, when I received an invitation to Lady Stockton’s house party, I accepted. And I’m glad I did. Janie was also invited and came with your cousin, Mrs. Willingham.”
Robbie just glared at him and said nothing.
Clearing his throat and loosening his cravat, Matt continued on with his recitation of the incidents that occurred due to Lady Penelope’s machinations.
“You’re telling me that if you had not been there, my sister wouldn’t have been victimized?”
“I’m just saying we discovered she did all this to separate Janie from me.”
“And why were you with my sister in the first place?”
Matt sighed again and rubbed his forehead where a headache was making its presence known. “We both were glad to see each other. I hadn’t seen her in over two years and was delighted to see she was grown up and had turned into a beautiful lady. A number of the men at the house party noticed her as well.”
“Yes, but we’re talking about you. Why were you with her?”
“Because we both were attracted to each other. The more time we spent together, the more we realized how alike we were.” He smiled and laughed ruefully. “If she had been closer to my age, the attraction might have begun a long time ago. Janie did admit she has had a secret tendre for me since she fell out of that apple tree and I took her home. She had seen me as her knight in shining armor.” He looked at his hands in his lap in embarrassment.
Robbie snorted. “More like a black knight in a snakeskin,” he said with a sneer.
“Robert, you will mind your manners. Matt offered for Janie, and she accepted him. I had a long chat with her and one with Matt. Believe it or not, it is a love match. The feelings are mutual. And I sincerely believe Matt loves her.” Covington paused and placed his hands on his desk. “He promised to be only with her and no other and even put a penalty clause in the settlement papers to that effect.”
Matt just nodded when Robbie looked like he didn’t believe it.
“And you say Janie accepted your offer of marriage?”
“Yes, and with all the incidents at the house party, especially the last when she fell, I realized my life would be meaningless without her. And I would have given my life to save her.”
At that statement, Robbie sat quietly in obvious contemplation. Then he asked, “How did you save her?”
Matt laughed ruefully and rubbed his forehead again. “Remember the grain sacks in the loft?”
“Of course, I do. We worked our tails off that day. How did that save her? Didn’t you say she did fall?”
“Yes, she did, and it happened so fast I didn’t have time to have anyone help me. She fell about fifteen feet into my arms, but I knew I would fall too. Her weight would be just enough so I couldn’t remain standing. As she hit my arms, I spun on my heels and when I fell backwards, she landed on top of me.
“My God, Matt. You could have broken any number of bones.”
“Yes, but it would have been worth it. I’d rather have broken bones than my lovely Janie have a broken neck.”
Robbie blanched, and so did his father, who commented, “Matt, neither you nor Janie gave me those details.”
“No, sir,” Matt quietly said. “It terrifies me even today when I think about it. I could have lost her.” He hated to even to contemplate what life without her would be like, and he felt the back of his eyes sting with unshed tears.
The bleak look on Matt’s face finally convinced Robbie his friend was sincere in his love for his sister, and he capitulated. “I guess you do love Janie, but I’m not entirely convinced you will make the best husband for her.”
“Robbie,” Matt said softly, “my entire life will be devoted to making her happy. She has already made me the happiest man in the world. I can do no less for her.”
All three men sat in silence for a few moments, then a soft knocking was heard at the door.
Lord Covington responded, “Come.”
When he heard the rattle of the doorknob, Robbie jumped up remembering he had locked the door. Upon opening it, he saw Janie with a worried look on her face. Looking around him, she inquired, “Matt? Are you all right?”
If Robbie had any doubts left, the light of love on Matt’s face when he saw Janie dispelled them. Then he looked at his sister and saw the same expression of love he received from his wife quite frequently. Only there were tears of worry on Janie’s face as well, so Matt went to her. “Everything is all right, Sweetheart.” He smiled at her and wiped her tears away as she tried to smile also.
“I was s-so worried that…that Robbie wouldn’t believe you.”
By then, Robbie was feeling like a cad, and he came over and gave Janie a hug and an apology. “I’m just looking out for your interests, little sister.”
“But Robbie, I’m not so little any longer.”
He just nodded and kissed her forehead. “I wish you both happy, as happy as Vivienne and I.”
“Uh, Robbie…” Matt hesitated.
Robbie tilted his head and looked at him curiously.
Matt didn’t hesitate this time. “I haven’t chosen a best man as yet. If you think it appropriate, I would like you to stand up with me.”
Robbie thought a moment, then nodded and stuck his hand out to Matt. “I’d be happy to.”
Matt grinned and shook his hand while Janie smiled and sniffled. And Robbie felt a little worse for scaring his sister.
Peace finally reigned, and all four headed back to the drawing room, the rest of the family, and to refreshments of tea and cake as Matt, Janie, and Lady Covington apprised all of the wedding arrangements and that Robbie would be Matt’s best man.
Later, Robbie pulled Matt aside and asked, “Did Janie ever follow us to the hidden falls?”
Matt laughed and replied, “Of course she did, but she assured me she saw us only in the water.”
“And you believed her? Yo
u don’t know how curious she was as a child. When we went to the museum to see the Elgin marbles, she asked the most embarrassing questions and…” His voice trailed off. “She saw us. She had to have seen us. How mortifying!” he said with disgust.
“You really think she did?”
“I know Janie, and I’m positive she saw us.”
Matt starting laughing and couldn’t quit. In a few moments, Robbie joined him.
“Do you think she really…?”
“Yes, I think she really did. When I asked her about that she said she saw us in the water, but she never said anything about seeing us out of the water. I’ve been meaning to ask her outright but kept forgetting to.” Matt paused, then starting laughing again. “Both of us in all our glory.” And he laughed harder at the blush creeping up Robbie’s face.
“Thank God she’s only my sister.”
Matt promised himself he would not forget to ask her about the hidden falls on their wedding night. He felt he could stand the truth then as he would be naked anyway.
***
Two weeks later the Duke and Duchess of Weirlane and all their family came to London and moved into the dowager’s townhouse. All three of Crispin’s sisters looked forward to the wedding and meeting the families of the other lords. The friendship of the four lords had not included their families so many of the members of each had never become acquainted. Now, with two of the lords married, that would change. Four of the families—the Fremonts, the Copleys, the Lagrants, and the Thorntons would be attending the nuptials of Matt and Janie. Various cousins, aunts, and uncles of the Fremonts and Thorntons were delighted to be invited also. However, the Russells, Lord Foxdown’s family, were out of the country visiting relatives and unable to attend.
As for Jules, Fox, and Crispin—as well as half the members of White’s—all waited with bated breath to actually see the second lord married in as few months. Many just shook their heads at such fine young gentlemen being caught in parson’s mousetrap at this time. Others still speculated on the reason why they were caught so soon after declaring they would remain single as long as possible. The four lords just laughed, and Fox declared, “They’ll never discover the reason why no matter how long and hard they look.” Probably, a truer word was never spoken. And the bets the marriages wouldn’t last a year were flying fast and furious. All four lords were so disgusted at some of the wagers, they just quit looking at White’s book which held no appeal for them anymore.
Lord Weirlane Page 6