A Sinner No More

by Kelly Boyce

  Much as she wished it could be otherwise, there was no happy ending to their story.

  * * *

  “Lord Hawksmoor! Please, you must see me!”

  Hawk glared at the closed doors leading out to the hallway and the ruckus going on just beyond them. Was he not allowed even a moment of peace to pack what few belongings he wanted to take with him to Northill? A little silence to formulate a plan that held more detail and finesse than Huntsleigh’s rather vague suggestion he simply show up and profess his undying love? When the commotion did not appear to be abating, he strode to the doors and yanked them open.

  “What the deuce is going on out here? Do I not pay the two of you to keep such things—” He stopped and stared at the disheveled woman being held by the burly men who guarded his door. The woman looked familiar. “Mrs. Chambers?”

  Bentley loosened his hold on the squirming woman enough that her feet returned to the ground. “You know her, my lord?”

  Hawk motioned toward his men to release her. “Somewhat. To what do I owe this unexpected disruption?”

  Mrs. Chambers stepped forward, pulling at her wool coat to set it back to rights. “It is my brother, my lord. I fear he is about to do something foolish.”

  Given that Major Gibbons was her brother, Hawk did not doubt her claim in the least. Perhaps he was prejudiced against the major, but he did not put much faith into Gibbons’ overall capacity to make good decisions. “I hardly see how that is my concern.”

  Mrs. Chambers’ expression hardened and Hawk noted an uncanny resemblance between her and the major. Twins, perhaps? That would explain the unusual closeness and the way they never seemed to be without the other’s company.

  “It is your concern because it involves Miss Cosgrove. And unless I am mistaken, she is of particular interest to you?”

  Suddenly Mrs. Chambers had his full attention.

  “What do you mean? What has he done?”

  “When I awoke this morning, my brother was gone. He left me this note.” She shoved the sheet of cheap stationery at Hawk’s chest, forcing him to take it. He flipped open the folded note, his gaze skimming over the words. Hawk’s heart stilled then started up in a rush, pounding against his ribcage much as it had done when he’d run like a demon after Madalene’s carriage.

  My dearest sister,

  I am off to make good on a long ago wager. Do not worry for me. I promise I, unlike the reckless and long dead Lord H—, will carry out my part in our little game well within the bounds of the law. They will not be able to fault me and in the end, I will be the victor. I will have finally bested the beast and proven once and for all that I am the better man despite his lofty title. I will have proven my dominance, that my strategy at the game far superior to his.

  I will write again once I am settled and send for you then.

  All my love,

  Timothy

  “Your brother…his given name is Timothy?”

  “Yes.”

  A cold sweat broke out all over Hawk’s body and air constricted in his throat. Major Gibbons. Major Timothy Gibbons. Could it be? He wasn’t a lord, obviously, but did that mean anything? Had his brother used the moniker as a taunt? It would be just like Phillip to do so. Hawk stared at the penmanship and his heart stuttered in his chest. It matched the other letters he’d received. Still, his mind rejected the notion. How could it be? Lord T had been right under his nose the entire time?

  “Do you know who this Lord H he refers to is?”

  Mrs. Chambers stared at him, her dark eyes cold and unreadable. “I believe we both know who he refers to, do we not, my lord? Your brother lured Timothy into this sordid contest, preying upon my brother’s need to improve himself beyond his station. The late Lord Hawksmoor made a point of humiliating him whenever he failed to meet the challenges he’d set out for him in this sick game he concocted.”

  Hawk shook his head. None of this made sense. “My brother referred to him as Lord T. Why? He was no lord.”

  “As your brother was only too fond of reminding him. Each time Timothy failed at whatever challenge had been laid down he would be ridiculed. Little Lord T who wants to be, your brother would say. A reminder that Timothy would never be as good or as powerful or as wealthy. The harder Timothy tried to win, the more depraved the challenges became. If my brother thought to decline, yours would threaten to destroy his career. He even had Timothy assist him in covering up—” She stopped, but Hawk knew what she referred to. Lady Rothbury’s death. “My brother had no choice but to take part in those disgusting games.”

  “You make him sound like the victim. But my brother has been dead for five long years. Yet I have continued to receive letters from Lord T on a regular basis indicating his plans to carry through with the challenge. This letter,” Hawk said, waving the disgusting note in her face. “Does it not indicate his willingness to continue on even when the threat of my brother’s reprisals no longer exist?”

  Mrs. Chambers’ silence spoke volumes.

  Hawk glared at her with almost as much repugnance as he held for her brother. “Not so innocent after all then.”

  Her mouth tightened. “He is a prideful man. Your brother’s constant taunts drove him over the edge with the need to prove himself the better man. I tried my best to stop his behavior, but there was little I could do. I thought when your brother died, it had come to an end, but Timothy continued to talk about one last challenge that needed to be completed. His ultimate victory.”

  “Did he say how he planned on completing it?”

  She shook her head. “I thought as the years passed he had let it alone. But when I noted his swift interest in Miss Cosgrove and realized her connection to Raven Manor, I feared the worst. When Timothy noted your interest in her, I believe it only spurred him on, as if by taking her from you, it was a double victory. Still, I prayed he would come to his senses. Then I received his letter,” she motioned toward the note Hawk still held in his hand. “I realized he had not and that my fears were well-founded.”

  Hawk’s anger sparked past his fear and he stalked back into his office to grab his bag. “Why did you not seek help to stop your brother years ago? Why not come to me then?”

  All this could have been put to an end. Madalene would have been safe. He could have had a life that involved something other than living in perpetual fear for her life.

  “He is my brother! I tried to dissuade Miss Cosgrove from associating with him but she did not listen to my counsel.” The anguish in her voice was real, but Hawk remained unmoved as he brushed past her and headed for the stairwell. He had no more time to pack anything. He must leave immediately if he was to reach Northill Hall before Gibbons could do any damage.

  He cast Mrs. Chambers one last glance then nodded at Bentley and Rickard. “Get her out of my sight,” he snarled, then took the stairs two at a time. “And contact Lord Huntsleigh to let him know I have left for Northill without him and to join me with all due haste.”

  If he were to go up against a madman, he would need all the reinforcements he could get.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  “Miss Cosgrove?”

  Madalene glanced up from her sewing as Northill’s butler entered the salon where she sat, working on letting out several of Lady Rebecca’s gowns to adjust for her growing belly.

  “Yes, Mr. Andrews?”

  “There is a gentleman here to see you, miss. A Major Gibbons?” The butler leaned toward her and offered her the card that rested in the center of the silver salver. She picked it up and read the name he had already said.

  “Major Gibbons? Whatever is he doing here?”

  “He did not indicate, miss. But he seemed rather insistent that he sees you. I told him I was uncertain if you were in but that I would check upon such and report back.” The older man lifted one eyebrow as she set the card back on the tray. “Are you in, Miss Cosgrove?”

  For a moment, she did not know what to say. She had hoped to avoid anyone from London who had witnessed
her supreme downfall, but politeness dictated she at least see him. He had traveled all this way, after all, and surely he had not done so to berate her for what had occurred. Given the animosity between Major Gibbons and Hawk, likely he placed the blame squarely on Hawk’s shoulders.

  “Yes, of course. Thank you, Mr. Andrews. I will go to him immediately.”

  “Very well, miss. He is in the receiving room. Shall I have Lady Rebecca join you?” His tone made the reason for his suggestion clear. Propriety required they be chaperoned. But Lady Rebecca had tired earlier and Madalene had suggested she lie down for a bit.

  “No. Her ladyship is resting and I do not wish to disturb her. I will be fine.”

  Madalene set aside the gown she had been working on and took off the apron she wore, brushing a hand down the front of her dress to knock away any loose threads. She had chosen a deep violet dress today with blue flowers she had embroidered along the hem. Satisfied she was presentable, she made her way to the receiving room. The major stood looking out the window, his hands locked behind his back. It had snowed the night before and now the grounds lay covered in a soft, fluffy expanse of winter white.

  “Major Gibbons,” she said, entering the room but leaving the door wide open. She had suffered enough scandal to do her a lifetime without adding more impropriety into the mix. “This is a surprise.”

  Major Gibbons turned at the sound of her voice, a smile upon his face that stated he was most happy to see her. She breathed a sigh of relief. He was not angry with her.

  “My dear, you are a vision. How lovely to rest eyes upon you once again.”

  She smiled, a bit uncertainly. While Major Gibbons had always been kind with his words, this seemed a little more. “That is most kind of you to say, Major. Might I inquire what brings you to Northill Hall?”

  He took in a deep breath, his smile growing. “You do.”

  “Me?”

  “You sound startled.” He took a few steps toward her.

  “I suppose I am. It is a long way to travel for a visit.” Her heart picked up speed and an unexpected prickling tickled the hair at the base of her neck. Something was off. They were acquaintances, yes, and he had professed his interest in her, but to come all this way…

  “No distance is too far if it means at the end of the journey I will find you.”

  More flattery. Oh, dear. Perhaps she should have taken Mr. Andrews up on his suggestion to fetch Lady Rebecca, for Madalene was quite out of her depth here. Major Gibbons was angling toward something, something she was not prepared for, and she was at a loss as to how to deflect it with any sense of finesse.

  She steered the conversation in a different direction, hoping he would pick up on her reticence and let the matter drop before he embarrassed both of them. “Are you staying nearby, Major?”

  “Indeed, not too far. I have commandeered a cabin that, while somewhat rustic, is quite cozy and will suit my purposes.”

  Odd. “There is a perfectly comfortable inn located in the village just a short carriage ride away, Major, that you may find more comfortable.”

  He shrugged at her suggestion. “I find I prefer my privacy.”

  “I see.” Silence fell between them. Madalene searched madly for something appropriate to say that was neither a pointed question as to why he was here—she did not want him to answer that as she had an inkling and did not want to encourage him—nor a comment on the weather as that conversation would be completed with one answer—cold—and lead her right back to where she was now.

  “Would you care to take a walk with me, Miss Cosgrove? I know it is a bit unorthodox, perhaps, but we will be in the wide open and surely no can find fault with such. I would never think to compromise you in such a way, unlike some gentlemen who think they can take it upon themselves to ruin a lady’s reputation without recourse or recompense.”

  Madalene gritted her teeth. Why his negative comments about Hawk raised her ire she refused to consider, but it did. And while Hawk’s actions were wrong, he did offer recompense.

  “On the contrary, Major Gibbons. Lord Hawksmoor did in fact propose marriage. Before and after the kiss.”

  Her words set the major aback and for a moment, he was rendered speechless. “H-he did?”

  “Yes. Several times.”

  “And you accepted?”

  She hesitated. If she said yes, it would certainly be enough to stop Major Gibbons’ intent. But the lie would be found out soon enough. “No, I did not.”

  Major Gibbons let out a loud breath and his shoulders visibly relaxed. “Oh, that is good news, indeed! To tie yourself to such a debased scoundrel to save your reputation would have been a tragedy, my dear.”

  She bit down as her anger spiraled higher. “I would hardly consider Lord Hawksmoor debased.” A scoundrel, perhaps, but not in an awful way. In truth, the more thought she gave the matter, the more she understood what he had done. Not that she appreciated his actions, but he had meant well and he’d had her best interests at heart. Even if his heart was not engaged in the manner she wished.

  Truth be told, had it been, she would have given a resounding yes to his proposal without a moment’s regret.

  “Of course you would not think so,” Major Gibbons said, taking a step toward her. “You have a very kind heart, Miss Cosgrove. I find it most endearing. But enough about Lord Hawksmoor. How about that walk? Will you join me while there is still some light left in the day?”

  “I…I suppose that would be all right.” He had, after all, come all this way. The least she could do was allow him a few moments of her time and hope that within that span she could discourage him from the course he had set. He must know that she was aware of the intent of his surprise visit. “Please, allow me a few moments to fetch my coat and I will return shortly.”

  She hurried from the room, her mind reeling and spinning. How was she to get them both out of this in a way that would leave their dignity intact? She did not care to hurt Major Gibbons, but nor did she wish him to court her. He had been kind to her, certainly, but she did not care for him. Not in that way. Her heart had already been given to another man. A man who was more interested in being dutiful and responsible than in loving her the way a woman wished to be.

  Madalene hurried downstairs, retrieved her cloak from the closet and pulled it about her shoulders, fastening the front buttons. As she kicked off her slippers to replace them with her warm boots, Mrs. Cleary bustled down the hallway, the household ledger tucked under her arm.

  “Oh, Miss Cosgrove. Are you going out?”

  “Yes, Mrs. Cleary, but only for a short bit. Major Gibbons has surprised us with a visit and has asked me to take a walk with him. We will not go far.”

  “Oh.” Mrs. Cleary straightened and her lips tightened. “Would you be needing a chaperone, my dear?”

  After Hawk’s commandeering of their carriage in one last attempt to convince her to marry him, Mrs. Cleary was well versed in the scandal that had caused her downfall. Likely she thought Madalene could not be trusted to be alone in the company of men.

  The thought irked her, despite the older woman meaning well, and she shoved her foot into her boot with a little more force than was necessary. “No, Mrs. Cleary, that is quite all right. We shall stay within sight of the house, I assure you.”

  “Very well then, miss,” Mrs. Cleary conceded, but Madalene did not miss the raised eyebrow as the words left her mouth.

  For heaven sakes. Is that what people thought of her? That she could not be trusted in the company of men simply because one of them had thought to kiss her? It wasn’t as if she had wished it! Well…at least not under those circumstances. Perhaps in private, like when they were at the Lindwells’ tea. That kiss was quite lovely. More than lovely, really. It had been utter perfection.

  She sighed and Mrs. Cleary’s eyebrows arched a little higher. Oh, bother!

  Madalene turned and left Mrs. Cleary in the hallway, marching back to the entrance hall where Major Gibbons awaited her, havi
ng donned his own coat, hat and gloves to ward off the chill.

  As the footman opened the door, Major Gibbons offered her his arm. With reluctance she took it. She would have preferred to keep a bit of distance between them.

  The cold winter air bit into her skin despite the bright sun that shone in the afternoon sky. They walked in silence, making their way along the path that led to the steward’s house she shared with her father. Was he there now? She hoped so. Something didn’t feel right, though what exactly, she could not pinpoint. Was it her trepidation over the proposal she suspected was forthcoming? No. No, it was Major Gibbons, himself. His cheerfulness and flattery was too much. False, almost. Was that simply a case of nerves, given the intent of his visit? Not knowing gnawed at her. She did not care to let matters fester. She much preferred to jump on an issue right away and address it.

  “Major Gibbons—”

  “Miss Cosgrove—”

  They looked at each other and both released a nervous chuckle. “My apologies,” she said. “Please, what were you going to say?”

  “Merely that I am most pleased to have found you well. I feared after your sudden departure from London, and Lord Hawksmoor’s despicable actions, that I might find you more distraught. Ruination by someone of such ill repute must be a lady’s worst fear. To see it perpetrated upon someone as innocent as you, well, I thought to find you in a state of much distress.”

  Was it her imagination, or was he disappointed that she was not? “I am not one given to wallowing in the past, Major. Besides, it was only a kiss, nothing more. I refuse to spend my days moping over what I cannot control or change. And I did not leave London specifically due to what had transpired at the Dunhills’. I left London as my purpose for being there—to hire a new housekeeper for Northill—had been completed.”