by Holt, Cheryl
He was better now. Not great. Not perfect. But better.
Robert plopped onto a chair and motioned Hayden over. He poured the remainder of the whiskey into two glasses so it could be put to good use. They clinked them together in a toast.
“Survived again.” Hayden grinned his cocky grin.
“You have to stop walking so near to death’s door. My poor heart can’t abide many more of your close calls.”
“It was nothing,” Hayden blithely claimed.
“What will we do with Desdemona?”
“I’ll deliver her to her husband as I’m heading to Wallace Downs.”
“Will you also deliver the warning—in no uncertain terms—about his forcing her to behave?”
“Yes, or he won’t receive a financial settlement from me. A threat about money will garner his attention.”
“You’re insane to pay him a farthing.”
“I’m not cruel.”
“No, but he doesn’t deserve your generosity.”
Hayden shrugged. “I’m expecting he won’t be able to control her, and she’ll try to kill me again. Then I won’t have to cough up a penny.” He tapped a finger on his temple. “I’m being cunning like a fox.”
“That’s not funny. If she’d aimed a little straighter, I’d be digging your grave.”
“Well, she didn’t, so don’t worry about it.”
“We can’t risk her sneaking back here.”
“I’ll be more careful in the future.”
“Is that supposed to make me assume you’ll be safer?”
“No, but if I ever see her again, I’ll shoot her on sight, and I won’t wait to discover if she has a pistol.”
Robert scoffed. “You wouldn’t shoot her. Don’t pretend that’s a plan.”
Hayden grinned again. “I might.”
“What did you and Wallace discuss?”
“Not much. I told him I want my daughters.”
“What was his reply?”
“He refused.”
“Of course he did. I wouldn’t give a pair of young girls to you either.”
“He will though. Eventually. You know I always get my way in the end, and besides, they want to live with me rather than him.”
“Why would you think so?”
“They’ve always wanted to be with me. They’ve always hoped I’d fetch them.”
“So you say.”
“Yes, so I say.”
Robert never mocked Hayden’s perceptions. He had an uncanny knack for predicting what would occur. If he imagined they would ultimately live with him, they probably would.
“Will you travel to Wallace Downs?” Robert asked.
“Yes, in the morning.”
Robert figured he’d be invited to ride along, but he wasn’t, and he tamped down his aggravation. “You’re taking Desdemona with you?”
“Yes. I’ll dump her in Jasper’s lap.”
“Please scare the life out of him for me.”
“I can do that. I’m much more terrifying than you are.”
“And will you tell him she should be in an asylum?”
“I’m sure he knows.” Hayden filled his glass again, wincing as he moved his arm.
“Is your wound hurting?”
“Not enough to fuss over.”
“Would you like some laudanum? I can check with Miss Barnes. I bet there’s a bottle in the kitchen.”
“I don’t need it.”
“Fine, go ahead and suffer.”
“It puts me to sleep, and I can’t wake up. I hate to be incapacitated.”
“Don’t we all?” Robert grimly inquired. “Maybe you could use a good night’s sleep. If you intend to ride all day tomorrow, plus deal with Desdemona and Jasper too, you should have some extra rest.”
“One night of slumber won’t fix anything.”
“Matters will be stressful at Wallace Downs. You’re never in the best of shape when events are stressful.”
“I’ll stagger through.”
Robert never liked Hayden to be distressed, because he lost his temper and made dreadful decisions. Nor did he like the notion of Hayden being with Alex Wallace or reuniting with his sisters and Robert not there to deflect some of the drama and upheaval. He didn’t doubt there would be plenty of both.
“I might join you at Wallace Downs,” he said, “once you’re situated.”
“You’re welcome to come, although it will likely be incredibly boring.”
“I’d like to see these daughters of yours.”
“You won’t believe how beautiful they are.”
“Will it be all right for me to leave Miss Barnes here alone?”
“Yes.”
“Are you certain? What if Desdemona slinks back?”
“She’s out to kill me. Not Helen. Helen is perfectly safe.”
“Her father will be skulking around—and her sister.”
“Don’t worry about them. They’re harmless.”
Robert spit out a caustic laugh. “Simon Barnes is a shameless roué, and that Becky…well… she’s no better than she has to be.”
“You should keep Will away from her then.”
“I’ve had a talk with him.”
“It would be awful for him to be ensnared in her trap. When he’s older, you’ll be able to find a high match for him. It shouldn’t be with her.”
“He understands that, and he’s too smart to be caught by her.”
“Is he?” Hayden snickered. “He’s sixteen, and when I was sixteen, I don’t remember fretting over being caught by a pretty girl. My concerns were a tad more carnal than that.”
Robert could hardly argue the point. He’d been just nineteen himself when he’d begun sniffing after Mildred Farnsworth.
“I’ll chat with him again.”
Robert filled their glasses, and they sipped their liquor, enjoying the companionable silence.
After a bit, he asked, “What’s your plan for Miss Barnes and her family? Have you thought about it?”
“I’m debating,” Hayden admitted. “Sometimes, I wish she could stay forever, but I usually come to my senses very fast.”
“If you want my opinion—”
“I don’t.”
“She’s in love with you.”
“She is not.”
“You have to be careful with her. She’s not a doxy, and I like her. You shouldn’t hurt her.”
“Because of how she and I met, it feels like I’m connected to her, but our bond has to be severed. We can’t go on as we have been.”
Robert peeked at the door to be sure it was tightly shut before they continued. He hadn’t forgotten when they’d been on Tenerife and Miss Barnes had strolled up as they were disparaging her.
“She’s been working here,” Hayden said, “so she’s in charge of the house, and we’re friends, but she presumes too much.”
“You let her presume. It’s your fault.”
“I can’t deny it, but hasn’t she stepped far out of bounds? Take for instance her writing to Alex Wallace.”
“I told her it was a mad scheme.”
“I was wondering if she’d consulted you. What is your view of her inviting him? Should she have proceeded without asking me? Should she have sprung it on me like that? I recognize she was trying to help, so I shouldn’t be angry, but I’m quite vexed.”
“She shouldn’t have, but it seems to have been very effective. You and Wallace resolved a few issues.”
“No, we didn’t. We simply agreed I’ll return to Wallace Downs, but I would have returned anyway. Now that I’ve learned my sisters are there, I won’t delay. If Desdemona hadn’t shot me, I’d be most of the way there already.”
“After all of this is finished, how will you ever separate yourself from Miss Barnes?”
“I have no idea. I can’t picture her leaving.”
“It’s not as if you can pay her a severance and send
her on to her next post.”
“No,” Hayden said, “and she’s not a woman who should be out on her own and fending for herself. We figured that out in the Canaries. Trouble follows her like a magnet to metal.”
“Her father is a huge burden. If she allows him to tag along, he’ll keep imperiling her.”
“But I doubt she’d ever abandon him. She’s so accursedly loyal.”
Robert studied Hayden, his stern gaze digging deep. Did the cocky prick realize how much he fancied her? Would he ever realize it?
“After you’re settled,” Robert said, “you intend to hunt for a bride.”
“Yes.”
“Have you reconsidered about proposing to Miss Barnes?”
Hayden hesitated for an eternity, then he murmured, “No, I haven’t reconsidered.”
“You’re still determined to have a princess?”
“Why shouldn’t I hope for that?”
“Even when you’ll have two daughters to raise—which I predict will be extremely difficult—you’re eager to have a snooty aristocrat?”
“They’re not all bad. You’ll meet my sisters. You’ll see.”
Robert sighed. “You’ll have to rid yourself of Miss Barnes before you start searching.”
“I know that.”
“In the meantime, you should have mercy on her and find her a position somewhere else. She’s become too attached to you.”
“No, she hasn’t,” Hayden claimed. “She’s aware of my feelings.”
“Is she?” Robert dubiously retorted.
“Yes. We have an understanding.”
“What is it? She acts like your wife—tending you, feeding you, cheering you, counseling you—but when push comes to shove, you’ll inform her she has no role? You’ll demand she depart?”
“Yes, but I’ll be kind about it.”
Robert might have chastised and scolded, but why would he? Hayden could be moved on some topics, but on others—such as those ingrained in him as a rich, spoiled nobleman’s son—he couldn’t be dissuaded.
Poor Miss Barnes…
How would she weather the pending tribulations? She wouldn’t be employed at Middlebury much longer. Where would she go? How would she support her father and sister? For of a certainly, that pair of sluggards would never support themselves. It would all and always fall on Miss Barnes’s slender shoulders.
He downed his whiskey and stood. “I’m sick of listening to you.”
“You don’t have to tarry.”
“No, I don’t. Get yourself to bed.”
“I plan on it.”
“Should I send Tom up? He could sleep on the floor so you can call to him if you need some assistance.”
“I don’t need him,” Hayden said. “I don’t need anyone.”
“That’s what you think.”
Robert stomped out and didn’t glance back.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Helen walked down the hall toward the front of the house.
Tom had just rushed into the kitchen to advise her that Mr. Stanton had arrived. Mr. Wallace wasn’t with him and he was two hours early. He’d trotted up alone and was eager to head for Wallace Downs.
She’d sent Tom hurrying to entertain him while she followed at a slower pace.
Since dawn, she’d been loafing in the kitchen, expecting Hayden to waltz in. Cook had been up too, and she had breakfast prepared so they could feed him whenever he strutted down and announced he was starving.
Helen would greet Mr. Stanton, then she’d go upstairs and wake Hayden—if he wasn’t already. The prior evening, she’d tried to ask Mr. Stone if Hayden would feel hale enough to ride to Wallace Downs, and Mr. Stone had scoffed and said, Don’t forget his nickname is Nine Lives. Of course he’ll be able to ride to Wallace Downs.
So…she’d told herself not to worry, yet she couldn’t help but be in a bit of a state.
The previous day had been distressing. Hayden had been shot by Desdemona and Mr. Wallace had visited. Both events were incredibly vexing.
Hayden had been so furious over her efforts on his behalf that he’d refused to let her nurse him. He’d barked and complained to the point where—when he’d demanded Mr. Stone attend him—she been happy to step aside.
She’d had plenty of tasks to keep her busy. Mostly, she’d dawdled out in the stables with Desdemona who’d seemed quite deranged. She’d been filthy, her clothes torn, her eyes swelling shut from Hayden punching her. She’d cursed Helen, had accused her of being a traitor, of aiding the enemy.
Once Helen had finished with Des and with her chores, she’d discovered a note from Mr. Stanton, requesting he return to Middlebury for a chat. It had been too late to reply, so he probably thought Helen was a shrew. She’d apologize profusely and was certain he’d understand. During the encounter between Hayden and Mr. Wallace, he’d been the only pleasant male in the room.
Though it was embarrassing to admit it, she’d spent the night fretting, having foolishly assumed Hayden would drag himself in to talk to her. She’d figured he’d calm down and realize he was sorry for his rude treatment, but he hadn’t appeared, and she was afraid his injury might be more severe than he’d divulged.
If he’d sneaked in, they’d likely have misbehaved again, which would have further cemented her claim on him. It would have further guaranteed a wedding was swiftly approaching. She was convinced, after her father spoke to him, he would be delighted to marry her. He simply didn’t recognize the depth of his affection.
She grinned, thinking of his daughters and how he’d be reunited with his sisters. It would be such a joyous occasion, and she wished she could experience it with him. Why shouldn’t she tag along? She was dying to. If Mr. Wallace allowed the twins to travel to Middlebury with Hayden, Helen would have charge of them. Why shouldn’t she become friendly?
And when she and Hayden were wed, Helen would be their stepmother. The term carried such negative connotations, and she was determined to vanquish all of them. They should be introduced immediately so they could form a bond.
She would never raise the idea though, but in case Hayden invited her to join him, she’d packed a satchel so she could leave on a moment’s notice.
She was so excited she could barely breathe, so initially, she ignored the giggles wafting from a shuttered parlor as she passed by. The door was closed, and no one should have been inside. When the giggles sounded again, she halted and listened, being sure it was Becky, but who was with her?
She flung the door open, and there was her sister, locked in an ardent embrace with Will Stone. From how passionately immersed they were, it didn’t look as if it was their first tryst either.
“Becky!” Helen scolded. “Will! Stop it!”
The naughty pair jumped apart as if she’d thrown scalding water on them. Will was abashed, but Becky was defiant. She glared at Helen with a great deal of disdain.
“How dare you barge in on us!” her sister said.
“I didn’t plan to. I was merely strolling by. Imagine my surprise when I heard evidence of amour drifting out from what should be an empty chamber.”
“We’re just kissing. Don’t worry about it.”
Helen scowled at Will. “I’m positive, Will Stone, that your father warned you to stay way from Becky.”
“Well…ah…yes, Miss Barnes, he has,” Will stammered.
“What about you, Becky? Have you no pride? I could swear this boy insulted you to the marrow of your bones on Tenerife. I expressly recall his telling you that you were too far beneath him for any sort of permanent connection.”
“That was then,” Becky claimed, “and this is now.”
“What is your opinion, Will?” Helen asked. “Since you arrived at Middlebury, have your intentions changed toward Becky?”
“Ah…ah…”
The poor boy was only sixteen, and with such a pretty, loose girl to entice him, he couldn’t know his own mind. Plus, Becky was
a tart who took after their father. The smitten oaf didn’t stand a chance against her.
Helen pointed to the hall. “Get out of here, young man.”
He dithered, then murmured to Becky, “We’ll talk later.”
Helen tsked with offense. “You most certainly will not. Go! I suggest you locate your father and inform him of your antics with her—for if you don’t, I will.”
“Yes, Miss Barnes.”
He nodded stoically and slinked out. Helen stood, feeling impotent and powerless.
Once it was quiet again, Becky complained, “You always ruin my fun.”
“Your fun? This was quite a bit beyond fun.”
“I like him.”
“So?”
“If we keep on, he might wed me someday. On Tenerife, he insisted he wouldn’t, but we’re not on Tenerife anymore. Who can predict what might happen?”
“I can predict it. If you constantly tempt him, his father will ship him off to the army. Or he’ll be wed to someone else much before he’s ready to be a husband.”
“Why couldn’t it be me?” Becky snidely retorted. “You think Hayden might wed you, and that’s much more of a mismatch than Will and I could ever be.”
“Who told you Hayden might wed me?”
“Father. Who do you suppose? You begged him to approach Hayden. If you can marry an earl, why can’t I marry a pirate’s son? Tell me that—if you can!”
Helen blushed to the roots of her hair. “I’m not hoping Hayden will marry me.”
“Liar.”
“Don’t spread any false rumors.” If Hayden heard gossip prior to Simon conferring with him, Helen couldn’t guess how he’d react. He might be angry and refuse out of spite. “Now then, I’m busy this morning, and I can’t be your nanny. Straighten yourself and behave.”
She started out, but Becky grabbed her arm. “Don’t tattle to Father or Mr. Stone.”
“I shall apprise both of them, so you should chat with Simon before Mr. Stone does.” Helen shook her head. “Regardless of your plotting, Mr. Stone will never allow this, and you’ll simply get Will into trouble.”