by Lynn Collum
Drew made his way to the library, then smiled when he saw the stack of ledgers Jacinda had left open. Obviously she was taking her new task seriously, which was a good thing. Still, he wished she’d waited until he’d returned so that he could have ridden with her.
He settled into the chair and his thoughts turned to his visit to Rowland Park. The baron was showing progress; even the doctor was pleased. His father had actually summoned the new bailiff to his chambers to go over some of the changes Drew had given Mr. Berwick, his new steward, before they’d departed for London. Surprisingly, Lord Rowland had made few alterations to the orders. It was a good sign the old gentleman was once again taking an interest in things around him. The baron’s valet had told Drew his father had requested to sit in a chair the day the bailiff visited. At this rate, Drew hoped to have his father walking by September.
A shout rang out in the hall. Its ominous timbre made a chill grip Drew. He yanked the library door open to the sight of the burly groom, Tobias, carrying Jacinda in his arms. Her face was a deathly white hue, her hat was gone and her riding habit was covered in dirt stains. Young Ben trailed behind the groom, his face so grimly set Drew almost didn’t recognize him. Weems hesitated at the front door, clearly uncertain as to whether to enter or leave matters in their hands. He held Jacinda’s hat in his hand.
Drew went straight to Tobias. “Give her to me, lad. Go at once for the doctor.”
Jacinda slid her arms round Drew’s neck , but she protested, “I don’t need a doctor. ’Twas only a slight tumble from my horse. I’m only a bit shaken.”
“How did this happen?” Drew looked to Weems for an explanation.
“It was an accident, Captain. We took the path along the back of the property. Someone was hunting in the next estate and a single shot flushed a covey of quail out of the bushes. The birds spooked her horse. There was nothing anyone could have done to prevent it, sir.”
“He’s right.” Jacinda said, “If you put me down, I shall show you I can walk.”
“Nonsense,” Drew’s grip tightened and he headed up the stairs. “Not until the doctor has seen you. Stritch,” he called over his shoulder. “Send Mrs. Morrow’s maid to her.”
For a few minutes Drew and Jacinda were in the upper hall alone as he strode towards her room. “Are you certain it was an accident? Someone fired a gun nearby where you were riding!”
She lifted her head from his shoulder. “It was on the other side of the creek, I believe. I have heard enough gunfire to know the shot came from a good distance away. No, it was more my rusty riding skills than any bad intent. Although I must admit, I’ve not seen that many quail in a covey in my life. I fear I have been in the city too long.”
In her apartments, Drew lay her upon the bed. She reached to rubbed at her ankle then seeing the look on his face said, “I know what you are thinking but it truly was just an accident.”
Before he could comment, Martha arrived and began to fuss around her mistress. He gave the maid instructions to dress his wife for bed even while the lady protested.
Some fifteen minutes later the village physician, Dr. Fleetwood, arrived and, after a short visit with her, pronounced Mrs. Morrow to have suffered only a few minor bumps and bruises. He suggested she stay in bed for the remainder of the day.
Drew urged her to do as the doctor ordered, asked Martha to stay with her mistress all afternoon, then escorted Fleetwood to the door with profound thanks. There he found Ben waiting in the hall for him. “May I speak you with a moment, sir?
Not wanting to be overheard, they retired to the library for their conversation.
“It was no accident, Captain.” Ben picked up Jacinda’s black high-crown beaver hat from the desk. He put his hand inside the dome and poked his finger through a small hole that was hidden under the green ostrich feather that trimmed the stylish hat.
Someone had already made another attempt on Jacinda’s life. The thought upset him so, he didn’t say a thing, only walked to the window and looked out at the sunlit gardens that had seemed so welcoming. He’d thought her safe with the steward, but it seemed there would be danger everywhere until they unmasked the villain who wished to harm her.
Ben moved to stand beside the gentleman. “I shouldn’t have gone down to the stables after breakfast like Jack urged me. I got distracted by the grooms who took me to the lower pasture to see the new foals and she went off with that steward. I should have been more vigilant.”
Drew put a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “We both got distracted with other things, but we must make certain it doesn’t happen again.” He sighed and crossed his arms. “What we need is a plan.”
“Plan, sir? What kind of plan?”
“I don’t know, but hopefully something will come to me. Until then we must make certain that one of us is with her whenever she steps outside this house.”
The lad folded his arms in front of him just like Drew had. “You can count on me, Captain. I know if not for Jack, er, I mean, Jacinda, I’d be in some parish orphanage or worse, living in the rookeries of London, poor, hungry, and illiterate.”
The boy barely came to Drew’s shoulder, but in a fight Drew would give him good odds of winning. What he lacked in stature, he more than made up for in courage. Still he was just a lad, and Drew didn’t want to put too much responsibility on him. There was also the problem of Jacinda being too cursedly independent for her own good. She’d spent too many years on her own to bend willingly to his wishes. “We must be careful that she doesn’t suspect we are watching over her. I think I can be certain she would demand we not treat her like a porcelain doll.”
“Bloody hell, sir, she’d wear my guts for garters if she thought I doubted she could take care of herself.” He suddenly covered his mouth. “You won’t tell her I said ‘bloody hell,’ will you? She hates when I swear.”
Drew shook his head, suppressing a smile. “I won’t tell her this conversation even took place.” He clapped the boy on the shoulder and asked if he wanted a riding lesson since Jacinda would be in her room under the watchful gaze of her maid all afternoon.
“Would I?” Ben dashed for the door, then stopped with his hand on the knob. Guiltily he looked back at the captain. “I don’t think I should be having fun what with everything that’s happened.”
“We must keep up normal pretenses, my boy. Jacinda is safe for now. As to the riding, you must learn now that you live in the country. She’s likely to be on horseback a great deal what with estate matters and how will you keep her in sight if you cannot ride? Beside, would she not want you to enjoy yourself?”
Ben’s dark eyes were troubled. “That she would, sir.” But there was less eagerness as he departed.
Drew rose late the following morning. He’d found himself unable to sleep due to his worries about the wisdom of returning Jacinda to Chettwood. An attempt on her life so soon made him uncomfortable. Someone was determined. He weighed the options of taking her back to London, but in truth, she would be no safer there now that everyone knew her to be alive. Whoever wished her harm could send his henchmen there as easily as here. Near dawn he finally settled on the matter: they must make their stand here at Chettwood, where he could keep a better watch over her.
After James helped him dress, he went straight to Jacinda’s room, hoping to find her taking it easy after her mishap. Unfortunately he was too late. Her maid informed him that her mistress had risen early.
“Her intention was to walk in the garden this morning, sir. ’Tis such a beautiful day.” Martha gestured at the blue skies visible through the windows.
He swore under his breath. Why must she wander about in the open? A part of him didn’t believe that even her enemy would be so foolish as to attack her in her own gardens, but yesterday’s attempt was a sign that whoever wanted the Blanchett fortune was getting impatient.
His rapid footfalls echoed through the halls as he hurried down the stairs to the great room. She’d mentioned her mother’s rose garden the first n
ight and her desire to see how it fared, so he made his way to an alcove in the back hall that looked out over that garden. The small, sheltered area with large hew hedges surrounding three sides created an intimate atmosphere despite being outdoors. Relief filled him as he spied her with Ben, who held a basket while she cut roses. They were chatting and laughing, clearly unfazed by yesterday’s events.
He savored her beauty in the fine morning mist. She looked like some delicate wood nymph come to life in a simple yellow muslin gown that ruffed in the breeze. The garment molded to a figure that had grown more alluring with the added pounds of a better diet, yet he thought his hands could still encompass her small waist. She’d cast aside her large gypsy bonnet onto a nearby stone bench and the sun glinted on her golden brown curls, creating a halo effect. His first instinct was to go to her. But he stayed the impulse. He didn’t want to raise her suspicions by being overprotective. She was safe enough where she was in the little walled space.
With little to occupy him here, he settled on the bench seat at the window. He’d spent much of his free time at Chettwood searching for the will Mr. Wilkins mentioned, but had found nothing. Yet, if the solicitor’s theory were true there had to be a new will. Where could it be? And who would it benefit? Giles Devere? Prudence Tyne? Mrs. Devere?
Drew had made a habit of watching the young gentleman. But Jacinda’s cousin seemed more interested in meeting his friends in Wells than in what she was doing. He barely engaged her in conversation when they were together. Even Mrs. Devere and her daughter showed only polite interest in Jacinda’s affairs. The answer to the mystery of Blanchett’s death only seemed to slip further from his grasp with each passing day.
His reverie was interrupted by the soft murmur of voices coming from down the hall. At first he paid no heed to the conversation, continuing to watch Jacinda as she playfully gathered roses with young Ben. But as the footsteps drew nearer, the speakers’ words became distinct.
“I tell you, I think she’s an imposter, my dear.”
Drew recognized Mrs. Devere’s rather nasal voice.
“Don’t be ridiculous, Mother. You have been reading too many of those silly novels. No one goes about trying to impersonate someone else.” Prudence Tyne sounded impatient, as if she’d heard her mother’s lament before.
“Do you think she looks anything like the colorless child we remember? You were scarcely more than a child yourself when she left, but I do assure you, the Jacinda Blanchett I remember was as plain as a fence post, not to mention frail and sickly. Why, this woman is ...”
“Beautiful.” The word was almost a taunt.
Mrs. Devere made a discordant sound in her throat. “If you like that sort of pushing type. Why she was positively rude to you that first day. I can tell you that her mother would turn in her grave if she thought her daughter’s conduct so—”
“Perhaps I deserved it, Mama. It wasn’t my place to be telling her who she can and cannot bring to her home. Honestly, Ben is a charming scamp once one gets to know him.”
Drew found himself liking Mrs. Tyne, despite her tendency to flirt. He’d picked up enough from Miss Markham and the servants to know that Prudence’s marriage hadn’t been a happy one. Despite her mother’s standoffishness, Prudence had been, if not friendly, at least polite to Jacinda.
There was a moment of silence, as if the conversation had taken a turn Mrs. Devere didn’t like. She brought it back round to Jacinda. “The point is, she looks as if she’s never been sick a day in her life. Although, I often thought that Millicent did the child more harm than good with her infernal cosseting.”
“But, Mama, she is Jacinda, I see it in her eyes and she still has that tiny mole that Giles used to tease her about. How can you doubt her?”
The older woman harrumphed. “Well, maybe she is, but I’m not fool enough to think she and Captain Morrow are married.”
“Really?” There was a hint of hope in Mrs. Tyne’s voice. “Why?”
“Use your head, Prudence. He comes here looking for news of her when he first arrives in the neighborhood then returns within a week married to a woman he hardly knows. ’Tis unbelievable, betrothal papers or no. There was no need for such a rush. And Martha told my maid she was certain they don’t, well ... spend the nights together. It’s a ruse, I tell you.”
Drew detested the smug certainty in the woman’s voice. Even more, he hated that she was right and that she’d seen through their ploy.
“You cannot know that means anything. They are strangers. Perhaps they are taking matters slowly.”
“I have a woman’s intuition, dear. They remain so formal and prickly. There’s not the least bit of intimacy between them. They are not married, I’d wager my life on it.”
“They are newlyweds still learning how to deal with one another. Besides, I well know from my own experience there are many reason for odd behaviors in wedded couples.” She was quiet for a moment, then asked, “What would they gain by such a pretense?”
The strolling pair was drawing near to where Drew sat, unseen, in the alcove. He debated revealing himself to them, then thought there was no need. It was to his advantage that he could hear the unsolicited comments. He could only hope they didn’t see him as they passed, for it would be difficult to explain why he hadn’t shown himself.
Mrs. Devere sighed, “If you weren’t forever looking at the captain like a silly green girl, it would be obvious. The marriage is for protection. As her husband, the captain would inherit if someone were to ... well, do away with Jacinda. If everyone thinks they are married, then there is little reason to harm her.”
To Drew’s relief the two ladies walked past the alcove without a backward glance. They continued their leisurely pace toward the main drawing room. As they disappeared from sight, he heard Prudence say. “But that assumes money was the motive for the attack.”
“ ’Tis my belief that Mr. Wilkins had it all wrong about her fortune being the reason. Why, Jacob Blanchett was the worst kind of profligate both before and after his marriage. More likely it was some woman he wronged who hired those men to do him in. I truly believe the old saying ‘Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned’ is true. I doubt Jacinda is still in danger after so many years. Still, I should not have allowed my daughter to return with the murderer still at large.”
“It’s rather unfortunate she has no mother or father to advise her, is it not?”
“In truth, the child is all alone if not for us.” The sound of a door opening and closing told Drew that the ladies had entered the room they were bound for.
He rose and looked out at Jacinda. Softly he said, “You have it wrong, madam, Jacinda is not alone.”
Drew headed straight to the rose garden where the duo greeted him. He offered to hold the basket, suggesting the lad go to the stables and have a groom saddle a horse. Drew promised he would be down for a lesson after he finished helping Jacinda with the roses.
Ben didn’t need a second invitation. He thrust the basket at Drew, called a cheery good-bye to Jacinda, and disappeared down the path. Silence fell over the couple.
Uncertain where to begin, Drew at last turned to the mundane. “This is a pleasant garden.” His gaze swept the area. To his surprise, he caught sight of Mrs. Devere and Prudence who had them under observation from the Gold Drawing Room. There was no better time than now to dispel any doubts about a marriage. He put the basket down on the nearby bench and stepped up to Jacinda. “How are you feeling this morning, my dear?”
“Quite well, thank you. I did assure you yesterday’s incident was nothing.” She smiled at him.
The watching ladies would grow bored and leave unless he took action. So without another word, he slid an arm round Jacinda’s waist. The smile vanished and her eyes widened. “W-what are you doing, sir?” Her gaze remained riveted on his face but her voice was breathy, expectant.
He playfully took her chin and kissed her lightly on the mouth. She blinked up at him, uncertainty in her hazel eyes but no f
ear.
“Enjoying a husband’s privilege.”
A frown touched her brow. “Do not think you can take advantage—”
“My dear wife, do not ruin the show for your relatives. They have serious doubts as to our marriage.” She attempted to turn her head and look at the manor. He tightened his hold on her chin. Then his mouth closed over hers. At first she was stiff and unyielding to his touch. He lifted his head and smiled. “My dear, I won’t hurt you, I promise. Kissing can be quite pleasant if you only give it a try.” There was some emotion in her eyes he couldn’t define, then a glint of anger flashed. Her hand slid up behind his neck and she drew his mouth to her. This time her lips parted beneath his. The stiffness fell away from them. He pulled her yielding body to him. Unexpectedly a fire ignited deep inside Drew. The kiss deepened from show to real. He didn’t care that there was someone observing them, he only cared about the woman in his arms. She was beautiful, desirable, and he wanted her.
“Captain Drew!” Ben shouted.
Drew suddenly wanted to throttle the lad behind the hedge.
“I’m saddled and ready.”
Drew released Jacinda and she looked up at him. To his utter dismay, unshed tears were pooled in her eyes. “The show is over, sir.” Without another word she grabbed her bonnet and the basket and hurried toward the house.
Drew stared after her. What had just happened? Ben’s head appeared round the end of the hedges. “Captain, are you not ready?” The lad scanned the garden. “Is Jacinda safely inside?”
Drew looked from the manor to the lad eagerly waiting, but he couldn’t leave her so upset. “I shall be with you shortly. I must have a word with Jacinda.” He needed a moment to evaluate what had just happened. He’d come out to convince Mrs. Devere and Mrs. Tyne of a marriage that didn’t truly exist, but somewhere during his kiss with Jacinda, he’d realized he didn’t want this to be a mere play. He wanted her to be his wife. He had fallen in love with Jacinda Blanchett.