His Impetuous Deputante (A Gentleman's Guide to Once Upon a Time - Book 1)

by Charles, Jane

  She closed her eyes. “Humiliated, angry, miserable, dizzy and nauseous.” She opened her eyes slightly and gave him a weak smile. “And how are you this fine day?”

  “Better than you, I am sure,” he grunted. Concern grew in him. Her arm would heal and she would probably have a scar. Somehow he didn’t think a scar would bother her. Her ankle would also heal in time. She just needed to stay off of it for a while. It was her head wound that bothered him. The dizziness and nausea were expected, but head wounds were also unpredictable. It would be too dangerous to take her back to the house without knowing the extent of her head injury.

  He picked up the soiled rags and bucket of red tinged water and walked out the back door where he emptied the contents. He refilled the bucket with fresh water, which he placed on a counter in the kitchen area. Finally he returned to her and made himself comfortable in the chair across from her. Phoebe waited.

  “You looked scared to death,” he finally observed.

  “You are very angry.”

  “I was. That has passed.” He leaned back and rested his hands on the arms of the chair and straightened his legs out in front of him, crossing them at the ankles. A million thoughts ran through his mind and he needed to find one to focus on for the moment. “Did you see who shot you?”

  “No. I only know it came from across the stream.”

  “Martin wasn’t allowing anyone to hunt.”

  “Perhaps it was a poacher.”

  “Probably,” Taylor agreed after a moment. Past experience made his gut clench but he dismissed the idea to paranoia. Just because he had come to care for her, didn’t automatically put her in danger. He was not being rational. He was only reacting to the situation. Of course it had been a poacher, which he would leave Martin to deal with.

  “You don’t have to stay here. I will be perfectly fine on my own,” Phoebe said.

  “What if the person who shot you is still in the woods?”

  “I am sure he has gone by now. Especially if he realized he shot someone.”

  “Or, he could be afraid that person could identify him and be looking for her to finish the job.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous.”

  “Where you are concerned, my dearest Phoebe, nothing is ridiculous.”

  She stared at him, her mouth pursed in irritation, before she sighed and sat forward. “If you will help me with my blouse and jacket, I can be ready to go in a few minutes.”

  Taylor raised one eyebrow. “You aren’t going anywhere.”

  “Well, I certainly can’t stay here with you.”

  “You have no choice. The last thing I would subject you to is riding at this moment. You are liable to start bleeding once again and that foot should be elevated as soon as the water warms. I am more concerned with your dizziness at the moment, however.” At least she saw the situation for what it was.

  Chapter 12

  “We can’t stay out here, together.” Phoebe’s pulse increased as her panic grew. She would be ruined. This was much worse than a simple walk in a garden. At night, or even during the day, being alone in this cabin with Lord Sandlin would cause the worst scandal on record, regardless of her injured state. There had to be a way out of this situation.

  “We have no choice,” he ground out again. At least he wasn’t any happier about the situation than she was.

  “You of all people should know what people will think.” Didn’t he realize what could happen to him? Noah would kill them both. What if Noah challenged him? No, her brother wouldn’t do that. Dueling was illegal. Surely Noah wouldn’t force them to marry. That would ruin his friendship with Lord Sandlin, and she couldn’t have that. Obviously she was the last person Sandlin wished to be tied to and she couldn’t bear being forced into matrimony with him. He would be miserable. It was bad enough her future was ruined. Silently she vowed not to let Noah ruin Lord Sandlin’s as well. After all it was the man who could walk away from these situations unharmed. Only the woman’s reputation suffered.

  “I know exactly what they will think if anyone finds out,” he acknowledged.

  If anyone finds out. He was right. So far, only a few knew, and they would keep quiet for her brother’s sake. Suddenly she lit on the idea. “You are right. There is always the possibility nobody will know. If we return before day break, you can drop me off a little ways from the house and I will walk the rest. You will return before me and sneak into the house. I will follow, and sneak into my room. There is a chance nobody will be the wiser.”

  He studied her with humor lit eyes, one half of his mouth quirked to the side. Phoebe expected him to laugh at the idea as impossible but instead, he agreed. “You’re right. Let’s enjoy the evening and see how your ankle fares.” He smiled warmly, which she immediately responded to by smiling back.

  Taylor stood. “I need to see to my horse. When I return, I’ll see about finding something to eat.”

  Phoebe sat up.

  “Don’t move. When I return, we’ll get that foot elevated.”

  “Thank you,” she called after him and snuggled back down in the chair. She should feel guilty, but she didn’t. She would have an entire night in his company alone. It was a gift she gladly accepted. Perhaps she would leave with fond memories to hold onto in the future when she was back home taking care of her mother and sister. Or, if Noah broke his promise and married her off to some gentleman, or perhaps when Sandlin married. Phoebe quickly dismissed the idea. She didn’t want to think of him married, though she knew it was bound to happen eventually. Every male needed to produce an heir. She just wasn’t as anxious about finding his bride as she once was. If only he didn’t see her as a reckless and foolish child, perhaps she would have a chance at something more. The very thought was ridiculous. A man like Lord Sandlin would never be interested in her for a wife. No, he would require one of those cool, elegant and fair women that flooded the ton. He wanted a woman who also used the good sense God gave her, unlike herself.

  Noah was more than likely to ship her back to the country anyway. That was well and good. Obviously she wasn’t cut out for society and it’s rules. But now, she had an even more important reason. She couldn’t risk discovering Lord Sandlin in somebody else’s arms again. The image still caused her heart to ache. No, she wouldn’t remember it. Instead, she would try to make this night as enjoyable as she could. In all likelihood, it was the last night of her disastrous Season.

  * * *

  Outside, Taylor brought the horse fresh water and found some oats Martin kept stored at the back of the small stable. He had heard of Martin and Janine’s little hide away, but this was the first time he had seen it. Once his horse was comfortable, he began walking back to the cabin when he saw Marius coming his way. Taylor was half tempted to wipe the grin off his friend’s face. Walking to meet him, Taylor attempted to keep him from the cabin. Marius dismounted while he waited for Taylor to join him.

  “Can I assume you found the reckless one?” Marius laughed.

  “Yes.” Taylor glared back.

  “Do you think it is wise to keep her in the cabin?” Marius asked, trying to control his humor.

  It took all his energy not to punch Marius at that moment. Heaven knew he wanted to strike something. Taking a deep breath, he explained the situation. Marius sobered tremendously, given the serious nature of what had transpired. “Only Lady Phoebe would find a bullet where there should be no hunting.”

  “My thoughts exactly. Who was shooting I wonder?”

  “Probably poachers, like you already said.”

  “And I am just paranoid?” Taylor couldn’t help but ask.

  Marius grimaced. “It’s not like you don’t have reason. I am sure she was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. This is Phoebe we are talking about and you aren’t married to her, yet.”

  “Why do you think my paranoia has increased?” Taylor finally allowed himself half a smile.

  As they became quiet, Marius studied him. “You know he can’t look past this one
.”

  “I know.”

  “What are Phoebe’s thoughts?”

  “I am leaving her with her delusion that we can still sneak back into the house, once the swelling has gone down, her arm finally stops bleeding and I am convinced she has not suffered a concussion.”

  “That is even optimistic for her.”

  “On the contrary. She is so terrified of being forced to marry me, she would believe any possibility. Obviously she has forgotten her brother in this. Or, she thinks she can work around him.”

  “Perhaps I can send him back and you can return to the house?” Marius offered.

  Taylor thought about it for a minute, but realized it wouldn’t work. Even if they fooled the others, he would still have to face Noah. Another hour or the entire night would make no difference at this point where his fate was concerned. He might as well stay the entire night. “Do you think it would make a difference?”

  “Doubtful. But perhaps Phoebe is right. Maybe Noah won’t press the matter if you do manage to sneak back unseen.”

  “How will you explain my absence?”

  “I’ll explain the situation to Noah. As long as everyone believes Phoebe remains in her room, it just might work.”

  “That just might be true. Noah wouldn’t risk damaging Phoebe’s reputation by alerting everyone to her latest adventure.”

  “It is doubtful he will call you out for the same reason.”

  Nodding his head, Taylor decided to go along. It was quite possible he would be believed. Then the only thing he would have lost this night would be one friendship.

  Getting back on his horse, Marius turned to Taylor. “I am sure once I explain to everyone that you are exhausted from the Season and all you require at the moment is solitude, they will understand.”

  Taylor tried to laugh, but couldn’t. The group back at the house would enjoy his situation. He had already been the butt of jokes, called Phoebe’s knight, among other things. They would eat this up. Well, he could suffer through the jokes, if the plan worked.

  “What if the plan doesn’t work?” Marius finally asked with seriousness.

  “I am already resigned to my fate, whether it be pistol or ring.”

  After seeing to her comfort and making her another cup of tea, Taylor took the fishing poles he had found and headed down to the stream. On any other occasion, or with any other companion, this would be an evening to look forward to. Unfortunately, it was innocent Phoebe sitting in the cabin and Taylor knew he had a very long and uncomfortable night ahead of him. He wouldn’t dwell on what the morning would probably bring.

  * * *

  “This is the most delicious fish I have ever eaten,” Phoebe proclaimed and laid her fork on the now empty plate.

  “I am sure your compliment had nothing to do with the fact you are famished.” Taylor stood to take her plate. It was a filling meal but certainly not as good as Phoebe claimed. Still, a little pride pulled at his heart knowing she liked the meal he had prepared for her.

  She looked up at him from the couch, emerald eyes smiling at him. He had moved her here before they began to eat, since the water in the bucket warmed and he wanted her foot on a pillow. He set the plate on the table and tucked the blankets around her feet before he took the dishes outside to rinse in the stream. When he returned to the cabin he found Lady Phoebe sitting with one hand fidgeting behind her back.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Trying to get comfortable.”

  “Would you like me to play ladies maid and fluff your pillows, Madame?” Taylor asked as he walked to her.

  “No. I would like you to play ladies maid and unfasten this corset,” Phoebe replied.

  Taylor stopped in mid step, muffling a curse. Before he could proceed, Phoebe began moving again. “Better yet, if you could please unfasten the skirt, as well as the corset, then I can be rid of this clothing.”

  “I am not sure that is wise, Phoebe,” Taylor warned in a low tone.

  She gave him an irritated look over her shoulder. “It is not as if anyone is going to know. Have you ever tried to relax in a tight skirt and corset?”

  He opened his mouth to speak, but didn’t get the chance.

  “Of course not. Until you try it sometime, I would ask that you not insist I stay in the thing because of propriety.”

  “Your brother wouldn’t like this. You are missing too much clothing as it is.” Taylor walked away from her, trying to gain control of his body.

  “I promise not to tell him if you don’t,” she begged. “Please Taylor. Have mercy on me. I am in enough pain without having to fight to breathe as well.”

  Rummaging in the kitchen, he looked for a bottle of liquor. Anything to dull the senses. Finally he found a bottle of brandy. Grabbing it and two glasses, he returned to the fire. “This should take away any discomfort.” He offered her a glass.

  “But you won’t help me remove this horrible thing?”

  “No.”

  Setting her glass down, she glared at him. “Fine. I don’t need your help. I have done this myself before, except I usually have two hands.”

  Taylor refused to touch her. He wanted to touch her. He would be more than happy to remove every article of her clothing and actually toyed with the idea of doing just that. After all, he knew what awaited him in the morning, even if she chose to deny the fact. Noah wouldn’t let this matter slide as a mild indiscretion.

  He pasted a pleasant expression on his face, crossed his legs and cradled his glass in his hands on his lap, hoping to hide the desire building as he watched her struggle to unhook the clasps at her back. Arching her back so her hand could reach the tapes, she forced her full breasts against the fabric of her camisole. Obviously she didn’t realize the display or she didn’t know that her blanket had slipped. Abruptly he put his glass down and approached her. She was showing much more than he needed to see at the moment. “Cover yourself,” he bit out and quickly undid the fastenings as she hastily pulled the blanket to her chin.

  “Thank you,” she offered quietly as he sat back down. Beneath the blanket she fussed a little more, and then finally the offensive object she referred to fell to the floor from beneath the blanket. Taylor quickly picked up his glass and refilled it, as he watched her struggle some more and drop the skirt much in the same manner. Finally she settled back, with the blanket to her chin, picked up her glass and began to sip. He waited for a reaction, but it didn’t come.

  “You have had brandy before I see.”

  “Yes, I became familiar with it the day we buried my father.”

  Taylor quickly regretted his question, seeing the sadness in her eyes. Needing to erase visions of burials from both their minds he changed the subject. “You seemed indignant earlier when I suggested you fell from your horse.”

  Phoebe gave him a half smile. “I am an excellent rider. Surely you know our family breeds horses.”

  “That doesn’t mean you know how to ride,” Taylor reasoned, wanting to tease her and lighten both their moods.

  “When I recover, I’ll show you just how well I do ride,” Phoebe declared, taking on a haughty air. Taylor covered his reaction by drinking. If she had any clue as to the riding he had just envisioned, she would be scandalized.

  He lifted his glass to her in toast. “I will take you up on that offer. Provided it is daylight and we are surrounded by people.” He tried to return his own mood to a light one.

  Phoebe lowered her eyes, staring into her drink. “I am really sorry I have become such a problem.”

  “We have been over this.”

  “No. You are just being polite. I have ruined your Season. If you didn’t have to keep rescuing me, you could be looking for someone yourself.” She took a drink before continuing. “Then last night, I ruined your... ah, interlude, I suppose you might call it. Now I am keeping you away from her again.”

  “Phoebe, first of all, I would not be able to find a wife amongst the ton. Second, I have had more fun rescuing you, tho
ugh it has been irritating at times, than I have had in years.” He smiled warmly at her and deliberately left the widow out of the discussion.

  She looked up at him hesitantly. “You aren’t just saying that?”

  “No.” Standing, he poured more into her glass. Perhaps he could make her fall asleep. Then she wouldn’t be looking at him so trusting with those big green eyes.

  “Why couldn’t you find a wife? It seems to me there are hundreds of beautiful girls just waiting to be asked?”

  “There are hundreds, I agree. None of their fathers would ever allow me to take one off of their hands.” He relaxed back in the chair, beginning to mellow as the liquor warmed his blood, and more open than he should.

  “Surely you are mistaken.”

  “Obviously your brother has kept my past from you. There is a very good reason.”

  “What is the reason?” Her voice was full of concern.

  For a minute he considered not telling her. Why not? After tomorrow, there was a very good chance she would find herself betrothed to him and she had a right to know the truth, so she could escape while she still could. “I have been married before.”

  She straightened, mouth open in surprise.

  “Twice.”

  “Oh.” She took a quick drink. “So you are a widower?”

  She must remember him telling her of his marital state at Vauxhall. “Twice over.” He drained his glass.

  “I am sorry.”

  “That is not the half of it.” He decided she might as well know the entire sordid tale.

  Phoebe waited, blessedly silent for a change. She was probably praying that there were no consequences from their actions tonight.