She heard his retreating steps. “I need you,” Megan said softly, finally admitting it to herself. Now, how to make it so that Liam cannot escape at first chance?
Chapter 11
Megan walked down the stairs a few days later, a new outlook on life. Liam had avoided her since their talk the first night they arrived here. Other than presenting the servants, he said very little to her. Mrs. Hutchins, a woman in her late thirties, agreed to act as both housekeeper and chaperone. She was well-known in the area and had fallen on hard times when her husband unexpectedly passed away, leaving her with two teenaged sons to raise alone. They also employed her sons to perform whatever tasks that couldn’t be fulfilled by one of the other servants. The only person Megan had hired was the jockey, Henry.
Yesterday, a courier arrived with a packet and Liam hied off to the study and barricaded himself inside. He did not even stop to eat. Megan had a sneaking suspicion it was something to do with that wretched War Office. As she had predicted, invitations from the racing community that wanted to meet Lady Dalmore and Mr. McTavish also began to arrive. There were invitations for tea as well as several balls. She would need a new wardrobe since her clothes were still in Ireland waiting to be packed and sent over, if they ever made it.
“Mrs. Hutchins, I’m going into town. Do you think one of your boys could accompany me?”
“If they know what is good for them, they will,” the woman said with a kind smile. “You look right chipper this morning, m’lady.”
“Thank you. I have a new outlook on life, Mrs. Hutchins, and I find that has made all the difference in the world.”
“Aye, that it will.”
“If Mr. McTavish asks, please tell him where I went.”
“Of course. James!”
While Mrs. Hutchins called for her eldest son, Megan crossed to the door and opened it. She was greeted by the sight of a coach loaded down with trunks and baggage lumbering up the drive. “Who could this be?” The words had no sooner left her mouth than she recognized the coat of arms on the carriage door. The air left her body in a whoosh as she realized the plans she had made were even now being ripped from her control. “Mrs. Hutchins, I won’t be leaving after all, and if you will have a guest room readied. I do believe my parents will be joining us for a few days.”
“Right away, m’lady.”
Megan wondered if she should search for Liam and warn him. Her mischievous side overruled her logical side. I’ll step in if it looks like someone might lose their life, she promised herself. She waited patiently until the coach drew to a halt. Whoever was inside did not wait on the footman as the door banged loudly open. Her father jumped down from the coach’s interior. He crossed to her and quickly gathered Megan in his arms.
“Hello, princess.”
“Oh, Da’ I’ve missed you.” Megan squeezed him tightly.
“What’s this I hear about McTavish?”
Megan buried her face against her father’s shoulder. Before she knew what had happened, she was being handed off into a pair of feminine arms.
“Liam McTavish, show yourself!”
“I hope you still love that man, because there will be nothing fake about this engagement,” her mother murmured against her ear.
“Mama, I’ve needed someone to talk to so desperately,” Megan said, squeezing her mother tightly, as giant tears slipped down her cheek.
“Dammit, McTavish, where the bloody hell are you?”
“Shall we watch the drama unfold or go up to your room?” the Countess of Southerby inquired of her daughter. She pushed Megan back and looked at her. “The last time I saw you cry was after the accident.”
“Someone find me McTavish!” Edward Southerby railed.
“Lead me to your room. If we’re lucky enough we’ll see some of the show before we lock ourselves away. By the way, your clothes arrived from Ireland. That’s most of what is on the carriage.”
“I was just thinking about a replacement wardrobe. At least that’s one less thing I’ll have to deal with,” Megan said with relief. The two women twined their arms about one another and walked up the staircase. They had just reached the balcony when Liam entered the house.
“Who in bloody hell is…” his words dropped off and he grew incredibly pale. “Lord Southerby, welcome.” He bowed low.
“You no good son of a bitch,” Edward Southerby fisted his hand, reared back, and as Liam straightened, he gave him a solid right uppercut. Liam lost his balance and stumbled backwards out the door.
“Liam…” Megan sniffed and tried to rush back down the stairs, but her mother stopped her.
“Let your father do what needs to be done. Trust me, he’ll let Liam live to see another day. Take me to your room, as I’m sure ours isn’t ready yet.” When they were safely ensconced behind closed doors, Maureen Southerby looked at her daughter and said, “Now tell me everything.”
Megan poured out her heart to her mother. She told her everything, from how hurt and angry she was at John for taking Paddy away from her, to the shock and fury she had felt upon seeing Liam for the first time in five years, and finding he had faked his death. She went on to tell her about the highwaymen, and the fight she had with Justin. And finally she told her about her conversation with Liam and the one she had eavesdropped on between him and Hamrick, and swore her mother to secrecy.
“I do wish Mama were here,” Maureen sighed.
“Why?” Megan asked, straightening in her chair.
“She might have some idea what might help Liam.”
“He’d rather die than have anyone know. I’m certain it was a moment of weakness that led him to tell Hamrick. I don’t know what he’d do if he knew that I listened in on his conversation or that I shared it with you. I might never see him again.”
“And you really don’t want that, do you?”
“No, Mama, I don’t think I do.”
“Then let’s think on how to help your young man. Perhaps there’s something that could be put into his food or drink…” Maureen mused.
“Mama, don’t you understand? I don’t care. Regardless of what he’s done, I want to be with him. Yes, I was angry with him, part of me still is, and probably will always be. I feel like we were robbed of those years together, but I think I’ve changed in a way I wouldn’t have if we had married that young. My circumstances have made me wiser. I have come to understand that it isn’t all about the physical aspect of the relationship. I want to be able to talk to him when I am having a horrible day. I want his friendship. I want to grow old in his arms.”
“You have grown up.” Maureen pulled Megan into her arms and hugged her tightly.
“Yes, which is why I really must go down and rescue Liam from Da’.” She untangled herself from her mother’s embrace and removed any trace of tears from her cheeks before leaving the room. Her mother followed her, for if she couldn’t talk sense into Da’, certainly her Mama could. As she reached the bottom of the staircase, Liam and Da’ were exiting the study. Liam had a pistol in his hand and passed its twin to her father. “Da’, no! You can’t do this! Whatever you are accusing Liam of, it’s all my fault. You can’t hurt him.”
“I’m not going to hurt him, princess,” Edward said and chucked Megan under her chin.
“You’re not?”
“No,” he said, a grim smile on his face.
“Then what’re you doing with the guns?”
“We’re going to London and felt we should be prepared for highwaymen after our last encounter,” Liam answered.
“Yes. I’m sorry you had to kill a man, princess, but I couldn’t be more proud of you. Most women in that situation would have flown into hysterics and made the situation more dangerous, but not you. You stepped in and aided Liam. You’ll truly be a helpmate to him through the years ahead. Just like your mother has been to me.”
“Helpmate?”
“Yes,” her father dropped a kiss on her brow. “Love, we’ll be back as soon as possible,” he ambled over t
o her mother, drew her into his arms, and gave her a scorching kiss that left both Megan and Liam blushing and looking away in discomfort.
“Wait,” Megan said as her father and Liam reached the door. “Why’re you going to London?”
“To apply for a special license, of course,” Edward answered, a smile on his face.
“Special license?”
“Yes, for you and Liam to be married.”
“Married?” she echoed stupidly.
“Think of me often while I’m away, love,” Liam forced the words out and crossed to her. He placed a quick, chaste kiss on her lips. Then walked out the door, shutting it just a little too forcefully.
Megan lowered herself to the bottom step and stared at the closed door.
Her mother joined her and wrapped a supportive arm about her shoulders. “Cheer up, Meggy, isn’t this what you wanted?”
“Well, yes, but not like this.”
“Everything’ll work out.”
“He’ll hate me and blame me. He’ll believe that Justin or I, or the both of us together planned this.”
“Then you’ll just have to coax him to believe otherwise.”
* * *
Liam cut a sideways glance at his soon to be father-in-law. He refused to rub his tender jaw, but desperately wanted to. For a man of his age, the Earl of Southerby still packed quite a punch. The men rode in silence for quite sometime. Liam found himself afraid to say something that would anger Edward Southerby. Not because he feared him, but because he feared saying something derogatory about Megan and Justin, for he had no doubt they had plotted together to make this situation come about.
Finally it was Edward that broke the silence. “I know what you’re thinking.”
“I highly doubt that, sir.”
“You probably believe that Megan or Justin or the two of them together somehow concocted all of this.”
“The thought had crossed my mind.”
“You couldn’t be more wrong.”
Liam snorted in derision and urged Draco to go faster. They traveled on a bit before Liam pulled his horse back more in pace with Edward’s.
“Are you done looking the fool?”
“I’m a fool?”
“If you continue on in the vein you currently are, then yes. Neither Megan nor Justin knew we would be stopping at Justin’s estate. In fact, they both thought we were already in London. Before leaving Scotland, we received several trunks accompanied by a letter addressed to Meggy.”
Curiosity had Liam slowing Draco even more and eyeing his future father-in-law with a cocked brow. “Well?” he prompted the older man when he remained silent.
“Call it intuition or a parent’s concern, her mother and I opened the letter and read it. I’m afraid it isn’t good news and I haven’t told her. More so, I don’t know how to tell her.”
“What is it?” Liam asked as dread formed deep in his belly.
“Her husband’s son has fought against his father’s decree and has taken back the horse farm. Since Lady Belle was our gift to her for her birthday several years ago, he cannot touch her.”
“He’s demanding Legend be returned isn’t he?”
“Yes. The courts ruled in his favor.”
“But Megan has spent years training him and working with him. Since he was a foal.”
“Yes.”
“Her dreams are tied up with him.”
“You keep telling me these things as if I’m unaware. I can’t believe John did this to her.”
“She’s going to be heartbroken and angry.”
“Yes.”
“The son’s a bloody bastard,” Liam bit out.
“I agree.”
“First they rip the boy away from her and now the horses. What a pair. She’s going to be devastated.”
“You’ll have to help her find a way to go on. Invest in another race horse. Turn to breeding them. You’re a clever man, you’ll think of something.”
“I’ll think of something? I could use your help here, Edward.”
“Ah, but you’ll be her husband and I’ll be busy with Parliament. Oh, and one more thing,” the older man said, reaching inside his coat. He retrieved an envelope and passed it to Liam. “This arrived for you at Justin’s. He was going to send it on to you, but then when we showed up, and offered to deliver it.”
“And did your curiosity get the best of you forcing you to read my correspondence as well?”
“Only when you officially become part of the family will we resort to that,” the older man laughed.
Liam shot the man a glare and ripped open the envelope. A single sheet of paper was inside. Scribbled across it in almost illegible handwriting was:
Must speak to you immediately. In person.
Mack
“What the bloody hell does he want?” Liam muttered.
“Is there a problem?”
“No.” Liam stuffed the paper and envelope inside the inner breast pocket of his superfine. “Before we go see the Archbishop, I must stop by the War Office. It seems I’ve been summoned.”
“Another mission?”
“I haven’t a clue.”
“This time you won’t leave until you’ve spoken your vows to Meggy.”
“Yes, sir.” The remainder of the trip to London was completed in silence.
It was late afternoon when the men reached the War Office. “Would you care to go up with me, or wait down here?”
“I think I’d like to meet this man who orchestrated the ruination of my daughter’s life,” Edward Southerby said. “Besides, I need to stretch my legs.”
“Of course,” Liam said. They left their horses to be watched by a young boy and entered the building. “I’ve been summoned by Director McKenzie,” Liam told Mack’s secretary.
“Yes, Mr. McTavish. And whom might I say is with you?”
“The Earl of Southerby.”
“My lord,” the secretary respectfully bowed in Edward’s direction. “If you will both have a seat, I will announce you to Director McKenzie.” A few moments later the secretary returned. “You may go in, my lord, Mr. McTavish.”
“Thank you,” Liam said upon passing the mousey little man. “Mack, I’d like to introduce you to Edward Southerby, the Earl of Southerby, my future father-in-law.”
“Your what?” Mack asked.
“You heard correctly. It seems as if everyone in this country was scheming to throw Megan and me together, yet none of you thought to simply write her father.” Mack had the temerity to look somewhat ashamed. “Don’t act as if you and Wulfe did not purposefully send me to that training facility knowing good and well who operated it and that Megan would be there,” Liam’s voice boomed.
“We did it for your own good. You were avoiding life.”
“You had no right,” Liam took a step forward before he felt a halting arm across his chest.
“Boys,” Edward Southerby soothed. “Now, Director McKenzie, why is it you sent for Liam?”
“Please have a seat,” he invited before crossing the room to shut the office door.
“Is it another mission?”
“If only it were that simple.”
“What is it?”
“It seems word has gotten to the Prince of your heroic sufferings on behalf of the Crown.”
“Bloody hell,” Liam muttered under his breath.
“You have an audience with him tomorrow. You are to wear court attire.”
He named a time, and Liam couldn’t help but smirk. “He’ll be up and about by then?”
“Careful,” Mack warned, “when he sets appointments he keeps them.”
“Where am I going to find court clothes at this late date?”
“I know just the place,” Edward spoke up. “Come along, lad, we have things to do.” He stood, then hesitated, “If that’s all?”
“Yes,” Mack nodded.
“It’s too late to see the archbishop, but we’ll go to the tailor. We can see the archbishop after your meet
ing with the Prince.”
* * *
Liam spent the night tossing and turning. He and Edward had arrived at the Southerby townhouse. Edward immediately made his way to the study, and Liam retired to a guest room. Liam fought sleep, fearing the nightmares would attack him. Then images of being tucked into bed with Megan would filter into his mind, and inevitably she would laugh at his inability to perform as a man should. Finally, frustration forced him out of the bed. He paced, he exercised, anything to keep his mind from wandering too far.
Finally the sky began to lighten and he heard the house come to life as the staff began their daily routines. He crossed the room and tugged on the bellpull. He did not wait long before a knock sounded on his door.
“Enter.”
“Did you need something, sir?” a footman politely inquired.
“Hot water to shave and a hip bath, please. Oh, and a razor. It seems I came to London ill-prepared.”
“Right away sir.”
True to his word, the footman was back with several others. All of his requested items were promptly delivered. “Should you need anything else, don’t hesitate to ring,” the original footman said before disappearing.
After he shaved and washed, he quickly dressed in the court clothes he had purchased the day before. He stood in front of the cheval mirror staring at himself. “At least the scars keep you from looking like a pompous ass,” he told his reflection. A knock intruded upon his thoughts. “Come in.” He looked at the door to see Edward in somewhat similar attire.
“At least I’m not the only one that looks like a bloody fool.”
“Yes. This is a tradition I would definitely like to see go by the wayside,” Edward smirked. “You clean up well, lad.”
“Thank you.”
“Are you ready?”
“Yes.”
* * *
The men waited in a chamber at Carlton House to be seen by Prinny. As they waited, Wulfe, McKenzie, and the younger Southerby all arrived, dressed looking as ridiculous as he and Edward did.
“What the bloody hell are you all doing here?” Liam asked the others.
“Summoned,” they answered together.
“You and I are going to have a long, heartfelt conversation later,” Liam said to Wulfe. Two more men arrived whom Liam had never met, but most of the other men did seem to know. Edward knew them as well.
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