He even graciously offered for Sir Giles to accompany him to Jackson’s saloon when next in Town, adding that the great pugilist would be pleased to receive any gentleman who could throw such an excellent right hook.
Alyssa sighed happily as she climbed into bed. Caroline was leaving for Bath; Charles was married; she and Gil had no need to conceal their love any longer. As she drifted into sleep, she smiled at the thought of setting their wedding date, blissfully unaware that the morrow held something quite different in store.
CHAPTER 16
When Piers arrived the following day, he was informed that his cousin was out but Letty was in the drawing-room. Ushered into her presence moments later, he stood transfixed by the image that met his eyes.
Letty sat on a mahogany chair, reading; she was dressed in a pale twilled silk dress and bathed in the sunlight streaming through the window. This vision of her, hair that shone like burnished gold, the delicate curve of her neck, and dark lashes sweeping down towards her cheek, made him catch his breath. He had met and dallied with pretty women in the past but none had affected him as Letty did. Now, she looked radiant, a tranquil Circe, and he shivered involuntarily at the thought of her serenity changing to fury. Piers knew the next few minutes held the key to his future happiness, or his future misery.
‘Oh! Hello, Piers. I did not expect you.’ She closed the leather-bound book and put it aside.
‘I hope you are pleased, all the same,’ he replied. ‘But I have interrupted your reading – what held your attention so raptly a moment ago? Is it nonsensical to admit being jealous of a book?’
She smiled. ‘Quite absurd. It is Guy Mannering by Sir Walter Scott, and’ – a faint blush stole under her skin – ‘you have no need to be jealous of a hero from a novel.’
‘Thank God! I could never measure up to young Lochinvar from Marmion, although I’d happily try to carry you off on my charger. As to my visit, I promised my cousin I would call today so here I am.’ He clasped her hand and raised it to press his lips against her skin.
‘Yes, but Alyssa thought you—’ she began, with a puzzled expression. Letty shrugged one slim shoulder. ‘Oh well, we can discuss that in a moment. I have some surprising news too. Can I help since Alyssa isn’t here?’
‘You’ve already done so in many ways, Letty, but I called today for quite another reason.’ Piers took an agitated turn about the room. Then, turning to face her, he said in a sombre tone, ‘In fact, I am glad to find you alone: I have a confession to make to my cousin and I want you to hear what I have to say first.’ He continued, murmuring, ‘It … it is important you know everything or you will never trust me, and I very much want you to trust me in future.’
‘This is very mysterious, Piers,’ she said, noting his expression and giving a little laugh. ‘What have you to confess which requires you to be so serious?’ His demeanour did not alter at her attempt to lighten the mood and she added quietly, ‘You haven’t come to say you are leaving for London again?’
‘No, nothing like that.’
‘I’m glad.’
‘Never mind London, you may wish me at Jericho when you have heard me out,’ he said, with an odd, humourless smile.
‘Oh? I find that hard to believe, but you had best continue.’
Piers nodded. Dear God, this was the most difficult task he had ever faced. He flinched inwardly at what lay before him yet he knew she deserved the truth. Without it, they had no future: Letty would never suffer a liar.
‘Do you remember when we were out riding and I declared my feelings?’ he began.
‘How can I forget?’ replied she, with a wry smile. ‘It was the same morning you proposed marriage to Alyssa.’
He groaned. ‘Do not remind me what an idiot I was. That day you questioned something I said about my role in recent events.’
Letty nodded. ‘I asked what you meant, but you said it was of no matter.’
‘I was wrong: it did matter – it does matter. My actions have been shameful and I have no defence to offer.’ He drew in a breath. ‘There were several incidents of arson on the estate when Alyssa was ill.’
‘Yes, I know. Draper caught the person responsible. How fortunate you dealt with the workers and with Draper in particular.’
‘If only I were more deserving of your faith,’ he said with a grim laugh. ‘It was not an out-of-work malcontent who was responsible: it was Draper.’
Her eyes flew to his. ‘Gracious! He always seemed a sullen, rebellious man, but I would not have believed he would go to those lengths – and working alone too.’
‘But he didn’t. He carried out those acts under my instructions and received payment for doing so.’
There was long pause and an uneasy silence as Piers, whose features were now pale and shot through with anguish, waited for her response.
‘You!’ she finally exclaimed, eyes wide with shock. Rising to her feet, she cried, ‘No! No! That cannot be possible! What reasons could you have?’
‘None that sounds anything other than despicable now,’ he admitted. The disappointment he saw in her face seared his soul and he momentarily closed his eyes, struggling to contain his torment. ‘When I discovered my uncle had left Hawkscote to Alyssa, I was furious and determined to see if matters could be redressed in my favour. I had no clear notion of how this was to be achieved; indeed’ – he raked his fingers roughly through his hair – ‘I can only marvel at my arrogance now. When I found the workers were unsettled, some clamouring for higher wages, I saw I might use it to my advantage. I listened with an apparently sympathetic ear to Draper’s complaints and began to encourage his discontent, putting the idea in his head that my cousin was a nip-cheese.’
‘No!’
‘Yes, I tell you!’ he interpolated. ‘And it did not stop there: I led Draper to believe that if I was in charge I would give the labourers what they asked for.’
Letty stared at him, shaking her head in dismay. ‘How could you?’
‘A shocking confession, is it not?’ he observed, the muscles around his mouth flickering as he fought to control his sorrow and his embarrassment. ‘Please let me finish; you must know the whole of it. So, the seeds of my plan were sown. Draper was – still is – an ugly customer, and while I own did not like the man, I was prepared to use him: once he believed me an ally, I could control the fellow for my own purposes. I arranged for him to start several small fires.’
She drew in a sharp breath.
‘Oh, nothing serious – I did not want to harm anyone or cause real hardship to Hawkscote. I knew it was wrong, but justified it by thinking it need be only enough to be noted and, when the “culprit” was caught, I could claim to have resolved a difficult problem for my cousin.’
‘You manufactured the situation to win favour with Alyssa?’
He flushed darkly, and nodded. ‘In my conceit, I reasoned the incidents would prove that she was unable to manage alone and she would agree to a marriage of convenience. I would then have a share of the inheritance I had long coveted.’ Striking his fist into his palm, he continued savagely, ‘I was mad even to think of it! Alyssa laughed in my face when I proposed and deservedly so. I have done stupid things before but nothing to compare to this. Now, I have not only hurt my cousin, whom I hold in great affection, but you, Letty, whom I love.’ He exhaled on a shuddering sigh. ‘There, you have it all! At least I found the courage to confess, but I fear you will not forgive me. All my dreams are in your hands. I pray you will not reject me, but, if you do, I must accept that I have lost you through my own selfishness,’ concluded Piers, looking at her with fierce intensity, his eyes moist with tears.
Letty sank slowly on to the chair. The only sound in the room was the ticking of the clock until she said faintly, ‘W-what you have said is extremely shocking and if I had heard this story from anyone else, I would refuse to believe it. Not only have you grievously wronged Alyssa, and indirectly me, you have betrayed your own conscience.’
‘There is no cens
ure I have not already repeated to myself a thousand times,’ he admitted. ‘If your opinion of me is ruined forever, tell me so at once and I’ll not trouble you again.’ He slumped on to the seat opposite, dropping his head into his hands.
‘Oh Piers, what am I to say?’ she answered eventually, a catch in her voice. ‘I am very angry.’
‘You have every right to be; so has Alyssa.’
‘But, at the same time, I give you credit for admitting your misdeeds.’
‘That is something at least,’ he replied dully. ‘You both deserved the truth. Shall I return later to see my cousin? You must feel nothing but contempt for me now,’ he murmured.
Letty watched as he sat with head bowed in contrition and shame, shoulders sagging with defeat. There was no artifice in his manner and, for the first time since she had met him, he looked devoid of his natural joie de vivre. His confession made several things clear: there had been times when he appeared distracted or lost in thought which had puzzled her. Now she understood why, just as she understood why he had offered Alyssa marriage. Piers had been a mendacious fool, but admitting to his misdeeds had assuaged much of the anger she might have harboured towards him.
And, in spite of everything, she still loved him. He was a decent, caring man at his core, she was sure of it, and hadn’t she asked him to show what lay behind that cynical veneer? With his actions this morning, he had certainly done so. She studied his handsome profile, now deeply etched with remorse.
She could leave him in an agony of suspense, but that was not her way. While she might still wish to see evidence that his love would last, she could not tease him cruelly. However, neither would it do to fall into his arms and declare her love – yet. Unseen by Piers, a little smile played about her lips as she said, ‘No, I don’t – indeed, I would be sad if you did not trouble me with your presence again.’
He lifted his head, hope flaring in his eyes. ‘Do you mean it?’
‘You should know by now I never say anything I don’t mean. I abhor what you have done, Piers – don’t imagine otherwise – but I believe you have finally grown up,’ she observed, rising to her feet. ‘Perhaps it has taken this to make it happen. Only a brave man could admit his guilt; the selfish boy you were a short time ago would never have bothered and for that reason, I will not reject you.’
‘Letty!’ he cried, in a husky tremulous voice. ‘I won’t let you down again, I swear it!’ He leapt from his seat, his gaze zealously skimming her face. ‘God, I want to kiss you, but I won’t abuse your trust.’
‘Oh, I think one kiss to herald a new beginning for you – and for us – might be permitted,’ she whispered.
He grinned slowly. ‘Darling Letty! You are a constant source of delight!’
She touched his cheek affectionately in response and Piers found it a poignant gesture after what had gone before. He needed no further encouragement and his mouth swooped down to take hers. Even as he exulted in her sweetness, he cherished her lack of sophistication and the open way she gave herself to his embrace. When it ended, he moved to kiss her again, but Letty placed her fingertips against his lips.
‘Enough,’ she whispered firmly, but not unkindly, as her eyes smiled at him, ‘for now.’
‘Don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy that, my love,’ he murmured, his breath warm against her cheek. His hand slid along her arm to capture her wrist. Slowly, and with consummate skill, he sensually kissed the tip of her thumb and then each finger in turn, watching her face as he did so. ‘You see what you do to me with one kiss, but I feel your pulse racing as fast as my own.’
She knew it; her heart was hammering against her chest and every nerve ending tingled with pleasure. Exhilarated, she shuddered, laughed softly and admitted, ‘You devil, Piers! I enjoyed it very much but I’m not willing to play the coquette – I value our relationship more highly than that. I don’t want an ephemeral love, one that burns brightly for the summer and fades with the first chill winds of autumn; I need more.’
‘I want the same. Patience was never one of my virtues, but for you I’ll try, and somehow bear the wait if I can steal the occasional kiss,’ he declared, grinning. ‘And, one day soon when I’ve proved my love is enduring, perhaps I’ll convince you to marry me.’
Letty smiled. ‘That reminds me of my news: Charles arrived unexpectedly last night and brought his new bride. We were introduced, but not before Sir Giles had drawn Charles’s cork!’
‘Charles – married! Who has succumbed to his charms?’
‘Evanthe Crawford-Clarke, a lady he met in London.’
‘I know her a little,’ he replied, nodding. ‘An engaging little piece at first sight, but with a deceptively tenacious nature; Charles will not do what he wants with her. Fortunate, too, for Charles that she is quite the heiress.’ He winked roguishly and laughed. ‘Well, thank God he has renounced his claim on Alyssa, and at least now she won’t be subjected to his sanctimonious fustian. But why did Gil draw the blushing bridegroom’s cork?’
Letty giggled, and explained, adding, ‘By the time Charles opened his eyes, Gil had already left and it was only then his wife came in. It was the most astonishing hubbub.’
‘Lord, how typical of Charles! I envy Gil giving him what he deserved, for I have long wished to do the same and I’ll offer my congratulations when I see him. But where have you learned boxing cant, miss?’ he asked, with a chuckle.
She said primly, ‘I really can’t remember.’
‘Oh?’ said Piers amused. ‘Perhaps we should return to that subject when I’ve confessed to Alyssa—’
She started suddenly and grasped his arm, crying, ‘Oh no! Alyssa! Now it is my turn to be foolish!’
He frowned. ‘What’s wrong?’
‘Piers, I should have told you earlier: Alyssa received a note this morning from Draper!’
‘What!’ he cried. ‘What did it say?’
‘It asked Alyssa to meet him in the barn at the edge of Winterborn wood,’ said Letty, racking her brain to recall the scant content. ‘It was badly written, of course, and hardly legible but it said the matter was urgent.’
‘Has she gone alone?’ he demanded.
‘Y-yes! The note said you would be there also so Alyssa felt there was no need for concern on that point. The fact that you were involved did make her believe something was amiss, and she should go. That was why I was surprised to see you here at first.… Oh God, I should have mentioned this sooner!’ she said earnestly, her lips trembling.
‘It is not your fault,’ he assured her. ‘I received no word from Draper.’
‘Then you think she is in danger?’
‘I fear she could be. Draper has lured Alyssa there, I don’t know what for but I’ll wager it’s nothing to the good! God, if he harms her….’ His voice trailed away, and he looked at Letty, urging, ‘How long she has been gone?’
‘About forty minutes. She intended to go across country.’
‘Winterborn barn takes an hour at a steady pace and it is a hot day, so she will travel more slowly.’ He grasped her hands. ‘I need to hurry! Letty, as I left for London, I caught Draper starting a fire. I told him there was to be no more – indeed, I had already made that clear – but he threatened to tell Alyssa of my involvement. I gave him a bloody nose for his trouble and said I wanted him gone by the time I returned, but it seems he has decided to take revenge on Alyssa instead. Damnation, I should have foreseen something like this! Can you get word to the workers and ask them to make their way to Winterborn? They may be needed.’
‘Yes, yes of course! Oh, I pray nothing has happened to her!’ said Letty, in great agitation, ‘But-but what of Gil? He needs to know.’
‘Don’t worry – he will.’ He kissed her hand and made to leave.
‘What are you going to do?’ she cried.
‘Fetch Gil so we can then make for the barn together, and stop whatever that cur has planned!’
Gil sat in his study, a frown creasing his forehead as he stared out at t
he lawns and gardens beyond. He had spent a sleepless night, not because of his injuries, which amounted to nothing more than cuts and bruises, but because of his conscience. While he could not regret sparring with Brook, he had caused Alyssa disquiet and for that he was bitterly sorry. What must she think of him in the cold light of day?
He had risen with the dawn, washed, shaved and dressed, and shut himself in his study, only to find no respite among his papers. His mind strayed constantly to Hawkscote and he tortured himself with wondering what had happened after he had left, and what Alyssa was doing now. Even a visit from the squire failed to divert him; Henry had driven over to idle away an hour now his wife and daughter had departed for Bath.
‘Are you feeling quite the thing, Gil?’ he queried, peering with interest at his companion’s face. ‘I’ll not be so indelicate to enquire how you came by those bruises – dare say you wouldn’t tell me if I did – but I’ll bet the other fellow had the worst of the match. You seem distracted – anything I can do, m’boy?’
‘No, Henry. It is something I hope to resolve today but I am not in the mood for conversation. Forgive my taciturnity.’
‘Nonsense! A man should be silent on occasion if he wishes, as I’ve tried to explain to Eugenie many times.’ He smiled and said with satisfaction, ‘The house was as quiet as a tomb last night; I enjoyed a delicious dinner, with three glasses of wine, read The Times and took myself off to bed without once being gabbled at. Didn’t address a word to anyone but the servants. Sheer heaven to a man usually surrounded by chattering females, I can tell you, although I dare say after a few weeks of Eugenie and Caroline’s absence, the quiet will wear thin.’
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