by Lower, Becky
“But what if he doesn’t wake up? Oh, this is all my fault.”
“Whatever do you mean?”
“I don’t know, exactly. But I somehow think this is tied into the wedding announcement of last night. The timing of the events is too coincidental.”
Charlotte put her hand to her heart. “How could a rambunctious horse be tied into your wedding plans? You mean, I could have caused this, with my impetuous announcement?”
“I’m not certain. But I would put nothing past Simon. If Halwyn doesn’t recover from this, I’ll never forgive myself.”
“Nor will I,” Charlotte replied. “All we can do right now, though, is to hope for the best, and pray. Come along, Grace, the house is in sight.”
Halwyn was carried into the house, followed by the doctor. Grace glanced back at the path, searching for Parr. If something was wrong with the horse, Parr would find out. Grace’s body trembled uncontrollably and the unpleasant, metallic taste of fear invaded her mouth. Simon was involved in this, somehow. Her gut told her so. She should never have involved the Fitzpatricks, and especially dear Halwyn, in her life and in her troubles. The fine Fitzpatrick family didn’t deserve this.
But then, neither did she.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Grace was of no help in the sickroom, at least until Halwyn woke up, so she took up a spot on the wide porch, anxiously awaiting Parr’s return. She paced back and forth, pausing for a moment at the loveseat near the edge of the porch. Only last night she and Halwyn had kissed for the very first time on this same porch, to seal their engagement. Only last night, but a lifetime ago. This entire nightmare was the result of the engagement and the announcement of their wedding plans, she was certain! Her pacing became even faster. Simon’s wrath was apparent in this latest fiasco, even if the evidence was lacking. He’d stop at nothing to gain control of her trust. Hopefully, Parr would find something to link the horse’s behavior to Simon, and he’d be locked away from society, as he should be.
The rest of her life would not be enough time to pay Halwyn back for his generosity and unselfish response to her rash request for assistance. She pulled his broken glasses out of her pocket. She would take care of getting a new pair for him, first thing. It was the least she could do. She ran her fingers over the glass frames and her tears began anew. They were shattered, much like their owner.
Finally, she caught sight of Parr, leading the horse Halwyn had ridden into the stables. Grace ran from the porch to the stables and caught up with him as he tossed the reins of his own horse to a stable boy. Still leading Halwyn’s mount, he walked the horse into a stall and began to check him over again. The horse still was acting strangely, blowing hard and his eyes were wild. Anger was radiating off Parr as his hands slid over the horse. Grace caught the movement of Parr’s jaw muscle as it tightened while he examined the stallion.
“Is something amiss with the horse, Parr?”
His gaze left the horse for a second as he glanced at Grace. “Yes, the horse has been figged. Now I just need to figure out who the culprit is.”
Grace put her hand on her stomach. Her gut reaction was correct, even if she didn’t know what “figged” meant. The horse had been tampered with.
“What do you mean, ‘figged’?”
“Figged means someone put some ginger up this horse’s arse.” Parr’s voice was low and even, but Grace could pick up his barely controlled rage. “Makes the horse wild until the ginger either is removed or dissolves.”
“Will there be any long-term damage to the horse, Parr?”
Parr gestured to the horse. “Take a good long look at him. He’s battered and bruised in his front quarters. Could have easily broken a leg, or worse, from his headlong flight through the woods and we would’ve had to put him down. And this horse is prime breeding stock for our stables. I’ve managed to dislodge the ginger, so he’ll settle soon enough. But if I find out Simon tampered with him, all hell will break loose. I’d put nothin’ by that bastard.” He tore his gaze from the horse to glance at Grace. “Beggin’ your pardon, Grace, but your stepfather is not a very nice man.”
Grace’s tears returned as she noticed the cuts and scrapes on the poor, innocent horse. Parr would get no rest until the horse was taken care of and Simon was brought to justice, Grace was certain. “No need to apologize, Parr. I’m of the same opinion about Simon as you are.”
“How is Halwyn?” Parr finally gave Grace his full attention.
“He’s got a broken leg, and he has yet to waken.”
Parr growled. “So we may be dealing with more than a battered horse, then. Leave me, Grace. I need to take care of my horse and then question the stable boys to find out if they witnessed anything. The sooner we can lay the finger of blame, the better.”
Grace wiped the tears from her face just as Parr moved to her side and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Someone witnessed what happened, and we’ll pin Simon. Never fear.”
“This is all my fault.”
“No, ’tis not. And you have all of the Fitzpatricks behind you now. You are no longer alone.”
Grace straightened her spine and wiped away the last of her tears. “Right you are, Parr. Thank you.”
• • •
After a quick check with the doctor, who told her there was no change in Halwyn’s status and he wouldn’t be moved to a hospital until he regained consciousness, Grace moved on to her mother’s room. Not much had been discussed since the previous evening, when Sophie fainted, and Grace needed the assurance that at least one of the most important people in her life was intact.
Sophie’s maid was frantically packing her belongings back into the trunk, and the condition of the room was one of chaos. Grace turned to her mother. “What’s the meaning of this, Mother?”
“Simon wants to leave within the hour. He says the festive mood has disappeared among the group, and he wants to get back home. You need to run along to your room and get packing as well.”
Grace bristled. “The ‘festive’ mood of the weekend was broken by an accident. One in which Simon undoubtedly played a part. How can you even think about leaving, with Halwyn still lying unconscious downstairs? I’m not going anywhere.”
Simon strode into the room in time to hear Grace’s announcement. His icy stare pinned her in place as he stood in the doorway.
“You heard your mother, Grace. This is not the time to question my authority. We are leaving and taking you with us.”
“Why are you in such a hurry to leave, Simon? I’m certain that once Parr takes care of his horse, he will alert the authorities of what happened and they’ll want to question all the guests. Could that be why you’re so anxious to leave? You want to slink out of here before the sheriff arrives?”
He moved into the room, but left the door ajar. “My reason for leaving is because there will be no more activities for the weekend with a death watch going on, and I prefer not to be part of it. There are far better ways I could be spending my time. I have nothing but disgust for Halwyn and the rest of the Fitzpatricks.”
“It’s the man I’m to marry for whom the ‘death watch’ is being held. Parr found the horse and discovered he had been tampered with. Something about ginger being used on him. So, if Halwyn does die, whoever abused the horse will be held accountable for murder. Could that possibly have something to do with your haste to remove yourself from the premises?” Grace stood tall and faced Simon, fully prepared for his wrath.
Instead, he turned away. He was sweating profusely and Grace could smell the fear emanating from his body. For the first time in over a year, he had no scathing words for her. Grace stared at him in disbelief.
“You really did do this, didn’t you?” Her words were whispered, but Simon reacted as if struck by a whip. He slowly turned back around to her.
“I told you I’d never let you marry before your twenty-first birthday, and yet you think you’ve figured out a way to circumvent my decree. You believe by enlisting the help of the almi
ghty Fitzpatricks, you can steal what is rightfully mine. I’m telling you now you will not be successful in this endeavor, despite how clever you think you are.”
“How could you put an innocent man’s life in jeopardy? Why would you not try to kill me instead?”
Simon opened his mouth to lash out at her again, then closed it. When he did respond, his words were careful and measured. “I never said I was responsible for the state Halwyn is in right now. So cease with putting words into my mouth. And I would never kill you, Grace. Your mother would truly hate me then.”
Grace’s icy stare moved from Simon to her mother, who choked out a sob. She nodded, agreeing with Simon.
“So instead of offing me, you decided to get rid of Halwyn?”
“I asked you to cease with putting words into my mouth. Think whatever you care to. I really don’t mind, as long as I get what I want in the end. I don’t know what tactic you used to get the almighty Halwyn to agree to marry you on such short notice in the first place. I’ve been puzzled by this maneuver, and I am furious about the Fitzpatrick involvement in our lives, but my attitude toward those people cannot possibly connect me to a wild stallion.”
“I don’t believe your claim of innocence, Simon. Because Halwyn’s a wonderful and generous man, you decided to do him bodily harm. Don’t you think a simple conversation with him would have been the better, saner, approach? Now, if he dies, you’ll be going to jail for a long time.”
Simon turned away with a flip of his hand. “Only if someone can prove I was the one who tampered with the horse.”
“You just confessed as much to me, Simon.”
Simon grabbed Sophie in a chokehold. “Enough! If you value your mother’s life, you’ll let this conversation end.”
Grace screamed. The door flew open, and George Fitzpatrick rushed into the room, followed by Parr and Alistair.
“Unhand your wife, Simon.”
“This is none of your affair, George. It’s simply a family discussion, and I’d be much obliged if you’d leave us.”
George took hold of Grace’s arm, and pulled her behind him. “Grace is part of my family now, Simon, as much as she’s a part of yours. For God’s sake, man, unhand your wife.”
Simon’s hold on Sophie tightened, and she began to choke.
“My stepdaughter’s being obstinate, and this is the only way to get her to listen to reason. We’re leaving, Grace, and your mother’s health would be greatly improved if you come with us.”
George pleaded with Simon. “Let Sophie go, for Christ’s sake. You’re not an unreasonable man. Don’t you see, if you choke her to death, you’ll be left with no claim at all to the Wagner money?”
Grace peeked around George’s shoulder. Her mother was still fighting, but losing the battle, as her wind got cut off. She passed out, finally, and slumped to the floor. Simon clearly wasn’t expecting her to faint, and let her fall. George and Alistair rushed to grab Simon. Grace and Parr went to Sophie’s aid. She was still breathing, and they moved her to the bed before Parr rushed to Halwyn’s room to get the doctor.
Simon yelled his indignation as he was forcibly removed from the room, and from the house.
• • •
Grace held her mother’s hand as her eyes fluttered open at last. Sophie coughed a bit as her confused gaze met her daughter’s.
“Wha? What happened?” Her voice was weak and raspy.
“Simon choked you to the point where you passed out. Parr is fetching the doctor to make certain your despicable husband has not done any real harm to you, other than to strain your voice. I was so frightened, Mother, when you went limp. I thought for certain he had killed you this time.”
“Where is Simon?” Sophie’s gaze whirled around the room in a frantic motion.
“He’s been asked to leave.”
Sophie lay back on the pillows, tears streaming down her face. “Oh, dear God, whatever will society think of us now?”
“Hang society. They will think you tried the best you could, but you made a very bad choice. Do you think society would sit idly by while your poor excuse for a husband torments you to death? You’re the only reason they have accepted him at all. He’s never quite fit in.”
“But, oh, the shame. Imagine me, Thomas Wagner’s wife, married to a low-class ruffian, who has finally shown his true colors in public. I was hoping to keep our troubles behind closed doors. I’ll not be accepted anywhere.”
“I don’t think people will shun you, Mother. Everyone in our circle is well aware of the type of brute Simon is. But let’s just take this one step at a time. Ah, here’s the doctor … ”
Dr. Alexander smiled at Sophie. “I’m certainly being kept busy today. Let’s take a look at you and make certain nothing major has happened.”
Grace stayed beside her mother while the doctor examined her and proclaimed her sound, but advised bed rest for the remainder of the day, and hot drinks to soothe her throat. He then turned to Grace.
“Halwyn has just woken up, if you want to go see him. I’ll be back in a few minutes to examine him again.”
Grace glanced at her mother. “Will you be all right if I leave you for a few minutes, Mother?”
“Yes, go on. And I’m so sorry.” She grabbed her daughter’s hand. “For everything.”
“You did your best, Mother. No regrets.”
She ran from her mother’s bedside to the room where Halwyn had been placed. Charlotte was sitting beside him, holding his hand, as he struggled to rise. She pushed him gently back to the bed.
“Just lie still, Halwyn, until the doctor can return to check you over.” She lifted her eyes to Grace, who nodded.
“He’ll be right down. He’s finishing up with Mother, who will be fine.” Her eyes moved from Charlotte to Halwyn, who was far too pale for her liking. She moved to his side.
“How are you feeling, Halwyn?”
“Like I’ve been thrown from a horse or something.” He tried to smile his trademark lopsided grin, but grimaced instead.
Charlotte laughed lightly. “Well, that’s exactly what did happen. You have a broken leg, which the doctor has splinted, but we need to get you to the hospital so the leg can be properly cast. How’s your head?”
“Fuzzy.”
“Do you remember anything of the weekend?”
Halwyn’s brow wrinkled as he attempted to clear away the fog. Grace held her breath.
“No, I don’t.”
“Do you remember the origin of your name?”
“Halwyn; a Welsh Arthurian legend name meaning ‘salt,’ also a family name. How could I forget that, since you pounded it into my head from the day I was born?”
Charlotte clapped her hands together. “Well, see, you do remember. Now, do you remember who this lovely young lady is beside me?”
Grace bit on her bottom lip as she waited for Halwyn’s answer. He studied her for a long moment.
“She’s Grace Wagner, Mother. Of course, I remember her. She’s the best friend of Heather and Jasmine. Hello, Grace.”
Charlotte cast a wary glance at Grace before she continued. “She’s more than the twins’ best friend, Halwyn. She’s your betrothed, and you’re to be married in two months’ time. We’ve just started making the plans for it.”
His unfocused gaze flickered from his mother to Grace and back again. “I’m sorry. I don’t remember.”
Dr. Alexander came rushing back into the room, allowing Grace the opportunity to step away from Halwyn’s bedside. She tasted the salty tears streaming down her face, and didn’t want him to bear witness to her frailty.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Grace was sitting alone on the porch as Charlotte emerged from the house several hours later. When Grace caught sight of Charlotte coming toward her, she fought to stifle her sobs, but a small mewling cry escaped before she could gain control of herself.
“There you are, dear. I’ve been searching all over for you.” Gratefully, Charlotte didn’t make mention of her tears
. She took the chair alongside Grace and took her hand.
“The doctor says Halwyn will be fit as a fiddle in a few days. His leg will be set properly at the hospital tomorrow, and his brain fog will recede within forty-eight hours or so. His memory will begin to return soon after that. All will be fine, my girl.”
“I don’t see how you can draw such a conclusion from the doctor’s remarks, Mrs. Fitzpatrick.” Grace hiccupped as she spoke.
“Because in a few days, Halwyn will remember you two are engaged and will be married within a matter of weeks. All will return to normal.” Charlotte glanced at the hand Grace had in her lap. She was holding Halwyn’s twisted, broken glasses.
“No, I can’t allow this engagement to continue. It’s become much too dangerous. Simon has finally worn me down. He can have all the trust money, I no longer care. An inheritance is not worth risking someone’s life. Even if Simon thinks he’s gotten away with what happened today, I know in my heart he’s behind this travesty. So, I won’t be getting married to your son, in the Hamptons or anywhere el-else.” Grace turned her face away from Charlotte, as her voice broke.
Charlotte brushed a stray lock of hair away from Grace’s tormented eyes before she continued. “Halwyn is my eldest child, and has always been weighed down by the responsibility of setting a good example for the rest of my children. Where Valerian spends his days riding horses, and Rosemary locks herself in her room and writes dime novels, Halwyn has been the dutiful, responsible, one. He hasn’t had too much fun in his life. But you make him lighthearted. I’ve never seen him enjoy himself as much as those times when he was dancing with you.”
“And I’ve enjoyed spending time with him. But … ”
“Grace Wagner, you are not going to cancel your engagement simply because you’ve decided your father’s final requests are of no merit. You may be willing to turn over your father’s money to a greedy man, but I won’t have you besmirch my son’s reputation by rejecting him. Your actions would be a blot on his reputation. I won’t allow you to do such a thing!”