Tenacious Trents 01 - A Misguided Lord

by Jane Charles

  Clay gave a brief nod. Had he stayed at Acker’s and not gone to the mill, he may not have made it to Elle in time.

  No, he couldn’t think like that. He had gotten to Elle in time and she would heal. She had to.

  If only she would wake up.

  Chapter 25

  A scream rent through the air, jolting Clay from his light sleep in the chair beside Elle’s bed. He must have drifted off. Bolting upright, and rushed to her side. Elle sat up in bed, looking about the dim room, lit by only a candle and fireplace, a dazed look on her face. Her eyes were wide with fear, tears streamed down her face.

  “Elle, I am here.”

  She looked toward him, confusion etched on her brow. Her bottom lip began to quiver, tears pooled.

  Clay settled on the bed and gently pulled her into his arms, stroking her back. The sobs came and she clung to him, shaking his body with her own as the onslaught of emotions from the day poured out of her. All he could do was rub her back and rock her as he whispered soothing words in her ear.

  She was finally awake and that was all that mattered at the moment. Dr. Morway had not known how long it would take, or if she would wake, after he examined her injuries and stitched the gash in her head. He left her with a grim look that made Clay’s heart ache.

  The door to Elle’s room cracked open and Clay looked up. Acker stuck his head inside and the men’s eyes met. With a quick nod, Acker pulled back and closed the door.

  Her sobs slowed and stopped after a few more moments and she pulled back, looked up at him and sniffed. Clay pulled the handkerchief from this pocket and wiped her nose. Her eyes were red, but even in the dim light he could see some of her color had returned. It was the most beautiful sight he had laid eyes on.

  *

  Elle wasn’t sure what to do. She was alone in a bedchamber with Clay, and he was holding her while she sobbed. A shudder ran through her. The nightmare had been so real. It was real. It was memories of earlier. Was that today? Where had Clay come from and what happened to Wilkes? Did she want to know about Wilkes?

  Yes! She wanted to make sure he would never come near her again.

  But what did happen? The last thing she recalled was Wilkes grabbing her by the waist and then nothing. Had he…? More tears formed and her stomach wanted to revolt. Did she dare ask Clay? Had he found her like that? Found them while Wilkes was…?

  Stop thinking about it.

  She couldn’t. She had to know. The day would haunt her for the rest of her life but it would be worse not ever knowing the truth.

  Elle glanced up into Clay’s concerned face. His arms were so warm, strong and comforting. She never wanted to leave their cocoon. If only there could be more, but she knew how he viewed her and after today, may think even less of her.

  Still, he was kindness and strength and she needed him more than anyone else at the moment. Elle straightened. Had the children gotten to Drake? “Where are my brothers and sister?”

  A small smile pulled at his lips. “Sleeping down the hall.”

  Elle glanced around the room. She did not recognize it. “Where are we?”

  “In a room at Acker’s estate.”

  Relief flowed through her. Everyone was fine. They were together. Clay was with her and Wilkes was nowhere to be seen.

  But, she couldn’t stay like this, holding Clay as if they had a right to share a bedchamber or bed. What would everyone think of her? Elle pulled away and a chill ran over her skin at the loss of his heat. She brought the blanket up to her chin. “Where did you come from?” Her voice was harsh and throat dry and she glanced around for something to drink.

  “Just a moment.” Clay stood and walked to a table where he poured her a glass of wine, or maybe it was water. She couldn’t tell.

  He returned and pressed the goblet into her hand. “Drink slowly,” he whispered and got up. This time he moved to the fireplace and added more wood, making the room brighter and sure to bring more heat. Why was she so cold? This was summer.

  She took a sip and welcomed the slow burn of brandy down her throat. She took another and licked her lips as Clay sat back down beside her.

  He brushed the hair from her face and placed his lips to her brow. “I was so afraid I had lost you.”

  She wanted to ask why. They had been lovers, but their relationship had not gone beyond that night. Did he truly care for her that much? No, she couldn’t hope. It would crush her in the end. Besides, she couldn’t think straight right now. Her emotions were too raw and she needed to know what happened. “I don’t understand how you are here.”

  His smile was gentle. “I was at the mill when Tobias about pounded the door from its hinges.”

  “I thought you had returned to London.”

  “I wasn’t about to leave the area until you talked to me.”

  Warmth swept through her, but she tampered her hope. What if he just wanted her to continue to be his mistress? She could never do that now.

  “As soon as Tobias told me what happened, I came after you.”

  “Thank you.”

  Clay placed a hand under her chin and forced her face up to look at him. “You are mine. I was not about to let you go. Especially with someone like Wilkes.”

  She stared into his eyes. She was his?

  “What happened to Wilkes?”

  Clay’s face hardened. “He is dead.”

  The coldness of his voice almost frightened her and Elle took another drink. The only time she had heard that tone before was the day they visited the mill.

  Did Wilkes die before or after? What had Clay found?

  “Did he … I can’t remember … he wanted to …” Tears welled in her eyes, afraid to know the answer but needing to know the truth.

  “Hush.” Clay put a finger to her lips. “I was in time.”

  His eyes bore into hers and Elle about collapsed from relief.

  “I shot him before he could do anything further.”

  “I was so afraid that he had … that…”

  “Don’t think about it. It didn’t happen.”

  She looked deeply into his eyes to gauge the truth, praying he wasn’t just protecting her.

  “Trust me.”

  Elle did.

  “You put up one hell of a fight though.” Was that pride she heard in his voice?

  “I feel like one must if they had been thrown from a horse,” she groaned. Everything in her body hurt. Now that her panic was put aside from the fear of worrying about what Wilkes may have done, she felt every single muscle and bruise. Her head pounded something fierce as well.

  “You need to rest.” He took the goblet from her hand and gently pushed her back against the pillows before tucking the blankets around her body. Was he going to leave her now? Elle wasn’t so sure she wanted to be alone. The days’ events were still too vivid in her mind, as was the nightmare reliving what happened. Was it fair to ask him to stay? She reached out and grabbed his hand.

  Clay stopped and looked at her.

  Elle bit her bottom lip before she spoke. “Please don’t leave.”

  A slow smile formed. “I have no intention of doing so. Ever.”

  What did he mean by ever? Her eyes grew heavy and she tried to force them open. She had to know, but she couldn’t stay awake. Tomorrow, she would ask him tomorrow. Surely his ever didn’t mean forever.

  *

  Clay settled back in the chair and watched Elle slumber while he drained the glass of brandy. She was going to be alright. His hands shook with relief and he put the goblet on the table. As tired as he was, he could not take his eyes from her. This was love. The all-consuming desire to protect someone with your life, to want to feel them in your arms, their lips on yours, to never be parted again was love.

  She was not the type of woman he was supposed to marry. If he had followed in his father’s footsteps and done as he was taught, he wouldn’t have given her another thought. He couldn’t think about it. It didn’t happen. He was a better man and recognized her
worth and his desire. Nothing was going to stop him from making her his wife.

  Elle groaned and shifted in her sleep. It would take days of recovering before she didn’t hurt. Her wrist lay on top of the blankets, splinted and bound from the break. There were scratches and bruises on her face, arms and legs. Each time his eyes lit on the dark marks left by fingers on her skin, rage filled his being. He almost wished Wilkes was alive so he could beat him within an inch of his life and then start all over again.

  “No,” Elle whispered in her sleep and flung out an arm.

  The nightmare was returning. How often would she have them? He couldn’t let her face them alone. Clay bent and yanked off his boots. He wouldn’t leave Elle alone again to face her demons. Walking to the other side of the bed, he slid in beside her and pulled her close. When her face rested against his chest her breathing calmed and her body relaxed. Clay closed his eyes and followed her into slumber, content to be exactly where he was supposed to be.

  *

  Hushed voices pulled at her consciousness. Elle didn’t want to wake. She was so tired and hurt everywhere. They just all needed to go away.

  “I want to see Elle.”

  “Hush, Jamie. You saw her but we need to let her sleep,” Leigh’s voice chastised.

  Elle forced her eyes open to find her siblings standing next to her bed. Then they flew open and glanced to the opposite side of the bed. She had woken again last night in the arms of Clay. He had been sound asleep and the comfort of being with him had allowed her to slumber more. Thank goodness he was gone now because she wasn’t sure how she could explain his presence in her bed.

  “How are you feeling?” Leigh asked.

  Elle forced a weak smile. “Better, but sore.”

  “Lord Bentley says you will recover but it could take some time.”

  “I will be up and around before you know it. Maybe even today.”

  “Don’t even consider it,” Bentley’s voice came from the doorway.

  “He is right. You need to rest.” Leigh tugged on Jamie’s hand and the boys followed her from the room.

  Bentley closed the door after them and came forward. “I am glad you are awake.”

  Why? Did he wish to talk? Elle wasn’t sure she was up for a conversation at the moment.

  “You gave me a scare and I never intend on living through that again.”

  He wasn’t the only one, but why did it matter so much to him?

  Bentley bent and pressed his lips to her forehead. “The maid will bring you something to eat, and help you with anything else you need.” He straightened. “You are to rest and later, we will talk.”

  Elle watched as he turned and left the room. She closed her eyes. Yes, there was much they needed to discuss. They hadn’t really spoken since that night. Did he wish to take up where they left off? Could she? Did she want to?

  She groaned and rolled over. She wanted to be with Clay, more than anything. But could she be his mistress?

  Chapter 26

  Elle stood at the window and stared down into the vast gardens surrounding Acker Hall. Drake and his mother were sipping tea in the shade and Clay was playing some type of game with the boys. He carried Jamie as they chased after the other three boys or came after him. Leigh lay on the ground underneath a tree reading a book. She should have known her sister would make use of Drake’s library. If Leigh had it her way, her days would be spent reading, not that she ever complained of her chores. But, Elle knew her sister well and Leigh loved being absorbed in a book over spending time with people.

  Bentley hadn’t talked to her yet and it was beginning to set her nerves on edge. He visited often to check on her, and he dozed in her chair at night while she slept, eventually crawling into bed beside her, but he hadn’t broached any subject since that day. What did he want to discuss with her? If she didn’t find out soon, it was going to drive her mad. It was time to find out. Besides, she couldn’t stand to be in the room any longer. Other than her wrist, most of her body had healed and she had little discomfort, and she refused to stay up here another minute while everyone else enjoyed such pleasant weather. Striding across the room, she pulled the bell and waited for the maid to come help her dress.

  “I am not sure this is wise, Miss Westin. Lord Bentley said you were to remain abed.” The maid pulled at her apron.

  “Let Lord Bentley take it up with me. As he is not my father, brother or husband, he has no say in what I do.”

  The young woman bit her bottom lip.

  “I promise you will not be in trouble. Besides, Lord Acker knows how stubborn I am.”

  “But, Miss Westin,” she pleaded.

  “If you don’t help me dress, I will simply go down in my chemise. What do you think they will say to that?”

  The maid’s eyes widened. “Oh, miss, you can’t do that.”

  “Exactly. But I will if you don’t help me dress.”

  Had her wrist not been splinted from the break Elle would have been able to dress by herself. But as it was, she had to rely on help. Besides, she knew Drake well enough to know that the young maid would not be in trouble.

  “Very well, Miss.” The young woman went to the armoire and opened the doors. Inside were most of Elle’s gowns, the very ones she had packed when leaving with Wilkes. It was kind of Lady Akers to see that they were put away, but she really couldn’t intrude on their hospitality any longer. She and the children did have their own home and she needed to return to it soon.

  “Which gown, miss?” The maid asked.

  Elle glanced at them before deciding on the lavender. It was flattering to her figure, and the light material would be comfortable in the heat.

  Once dressed she settled at the dressing table, she looked in the mirror. Goodness, she looked like Medusa with her hair sticking out at odd angles and in tangles.

  “We washed all the blood away but we were afraid to brush your hair on account of the stitches.”

  How could she forget the gash in her head? It no longer pained her, unless she lay oddly on the pillow. And the thought of brushing her hair filled her with trepidation, but she couldn’t go around looking like this. “Let’s take it gently and slowly, though I doubt I will want it curled or arranged around my head.”

  She faced the maid’s grim face in the mirror. “Very good, Miss Westin.” And she picked up the comb and began working at the tangles.

  After an hour of winces, a few tears and apologies, Elle’s hair was free of knots and flowed down her back. She would love to have it washed but wasn’t sure it was possible with the stitches. Still, she couldn’t go on indefinitely this way. Maybe tonight or tomorrow. As it was, this would have to do.

  “One moment.” The maid ducked out of the room and Elle searched for her walking boots. They set beside the slippers she wore they day she left with Wilkes. Those shoes would need to be tossed. They were torn, dirty and stained, and she wanted no reminders of that day.

  “Here you go, Miss Westin.” The maid returned with a lavender ribbon. She allowed the young woman to tie it in her hair and stood back. Most of her bruises were fading and in time they would be gone. What mattered now was leaving this room.

  *

  Children were exhausting! But, Clay wouldn’t have it any other way. He couldn’t remember the last time he had known such freedom, to simply let go, laugh and enjoy. Wasting the day doing nothing but playing as pirates or knights was wonderful! He swung Jamie up on his shoulder and took off toward the castle, which was actually a copse of trees. They were yelling and chasing after him as Jamie squealed. Clay’s face hurt from smiling but his cheeks wouldn’t relax from his grin.

  A moment later there was silence and he stopped. Then the boys screamed again. This time they yelled “Elle,” and took off in her direction. Clay set Jamie on the ground and he ran after his brothers. Clay simply stood and watched her, standing in the garden, breeze ruffling her dark hair and the gown of her lavender dress. Should she be up? Was she strong enough to be walking ab
out? Was she strong enough for their discussion?

  His stomach knotted. At the time he told her he wanted to talk, he intended to beg her forgiveness but she was too tired. And, each time he went to her room he found another excuse. He feared her rejection. What if she didn’t want to marry him? What if she never wanted to be part of his life and wished him to leave? Clay couldn’t bear the thought and decided it was best if he simply didn’t broach the subject. She couldn’t reject him that way.

  Yet, there she stood in the sunlight, pale and beautiful. His heart ached and arms itched to pull her close. It was time. And if she said no, he would convince her otherwise.

  He slowly approached and watched as she hugged each child and listened to Jamie babble on about knights and castles. She had a world of patience for the children and would make a wonderful mother. Hopefully it would be a mother to his children.

  She glanced up and their eyes met. “Good afternoon.”

  “Good afternoon,” she returned.

  “Would you care for a stroll?”

  Elle bit her bottom lip then pulled herself away from the children. “Yes, I would like that very much.”

  He secured her hand on his arm and he led her down the path toward the summer house. She didn’t say anything, but allowed him to lead her through the shade of the trees and Clay thought of the many words he would use, but none satisfied him. He was not one to make speeches and he was at a complete loss as to how to convince her.

  They stopped at the bottom of the steps leading into the summer house. Elle glanced up at him, concern wrinkled her brow. What was she thinking?

  “I believe I have my answer,” her words were quiet.

  “To what?”

  She looked away toward the lake. “Whether you wished to continue our liaison.”

  He could kick himself. Of course she would think that since he brought her here. Clay placed a finger under her chin and forced her to look at him. “I don’t want you to continue to be my mistress.”