Mischance

by Smith, Carla Susan

  “Help…me,” she begged, as more diamonds fell from her lashes and glistened on her flushed cheeks. “Help…” and, as if to emphasize her plea, she squeezed his hand with what little strength she possessed before her eyelid closed, and her hand grew slack in his palm.

  “I promise,” Rian whispered, laying her hand gently back on the sheet. He had no way of knowing if she heard his words, or if she understood the significance of the husky emotion with which they were delivered.

  At that moment a housemaid appeared in the open doorway and apologized profusely for leaving her charge alone. “’Twas only for a moment, sir,” she said, shifting from foot to foot, nervously awaiting the reprimand she was certain was coming.

  “It’s all right,” Rian said, his voice unexpectedly calm. He would gain nothing by being angry, and whoever she was, Mrs. Hatch trusted her enough to have her attend the girl. A longer look revealed her as the maid who had opened the front door to him earlier. “What’s your name, girl?”

  “Tilly, sir.” She dipped a hesitant knee to him.

  “I want your promise, Tilly, that you won’t leave her alone again. If you need to leave this room for any reason, then you stand in the doorway, and you call until either Mrs. Hatch or I come to you.” The words were kindly spoken, but there was no mistaking the firmness behind them. “Can you promise me that?”

  “Yes, sir, it won’t happen again. I give you my word.”

  Rian nodded and thanked her with a grave look. Outside the room, with the door firmly closed behind him, he leaned against the wall. His head was swimming and his heart was pounding in his chest. Damn! There was something about this girl that was affecting him in a way he had never imagined could happen again. Something he had long forgotten. The seed of an emotion buried deep inside him had taken root, and was pushing up a delicate shoot, waiting to see if there would be any encouragement to grow.

  It wasn’t possible. Was it?

  Rian shook his head. It was a ridiculous notion. He knew nothing about her, who she was, where she came from, or the reason behind her horrific injuries. Did he really want to add to the confusion of the situation? Better to put a stop to any wild imaginings on his part before they got out of hand and he made a fool of himself. Refusing to think further about this possible predicament, he headed for the staircase, where the sound of rising voices told him a visitor had arrived.

  Chapter 15

  Liam’s arrival, as already shared by Rian with Isabel, was not unexpected, and his timing could not have been better. The two men embraced warmly, and the younger Connor prudently chose not to comment on either the hour or the fact that his sibling appeared to have only recently arisen. Once settled in the study, and minor pleasantries exchanged, Rian wasted no further time with small talk. “So, brother mine, do you have another reason for being in the city, or are you simply here to see what mischief I am up to?”

  “Actually, Felicity sent me.”

  Rian raised a brow. “Really? For what purpose?”The younger man’s expression was one of mild amusement. “My fiancée wonders if your continued absence is a deliberate ploy on your part. A willful attempt to avoid her.” Amusement bloomed into a grin. “She has sent me to reassure you that you are quite forgiven for the unfortunate duck pond incident.”

  The frown Rian wore cleared as his memory returned. He chuckled, recalling the sound of alarmed quacking from displaced waterfowl as a skinny girl lost her balance and entered their habitat uninvited, and with a great deal of splashing.

  “I’d forgotten all about that,” he admitted with a sheepish look. The skinny girl wouldn’t have lost her footing if he hadn’t startled her by putting a very large frog in her hands.

  “Ah yes, well, Felicity remembers everything,” Liam told him.

  “I’ll bear that in mind.”

  “Truthfully, we were wondering if you intended to visit Oakhaven before the wedding,” Liam continued. “It would be nice to spend some time with you, and to be perfectly honest, I’m feeling a little overwhelmed. I need to be able to converse with someone who isn’t going to badger me about feminine frills, as if I could tell the difference between ivory and ecru colored lace!”

  “Ah, Liam, what have you got yourself into?” Rian teased, enjoying his brother’s discomfort.

  “Nothing really. I just fell in love with the girl next door.”

  Both men looked at each other and laughed aloud. It was a warm sound full of life and joy.

  “Are you happy, Liam, truly?” Rian wondered, his tone becoming reflective.

  “I never knew what was missing from my life until Felicity became a part of it, and now,” he paused searching for the right words, “now I can’t imagine living a single day without her.”

  “Then you are indeed a lucky man.”

  Always the sensitive one, Liam became empathetic. “It will happen for you again, Rian. The right woman is waiting for you. Don’t ever give up looking.”

  The thought that the right woman could very well be lying upstairs in his bed suddenly galloped across Rian’s mind. He found the idea unexpectedly exhilarating, and mildly disturbing. He got up from his seat and poured them each a drink. Handing Liam his glass, Rian looked at his brother as if seeing him for the first time.

  This was not the boy he remembered leaving behind, but a grown man, secure and confident as to his purpose in life. Not as tall as his brother, Liam could still boast a height of over six feet, and as fair as Rian was dark; he favored their mother’s side of the family. At first glance a stranger might not think them related at all if his observation were based only on their physical attributes, but a keen eye could find the similarities. The same wide forehead; heavy-lidded, wide-set eyes, and the strong jaw that pointed to a Celtic bloodline.

  Sensing a shift in Rian’s mood, Liam spoke quietly. “Has something happened, Rian? Your thoughts seem occupied elsewhere.”

  Taking a healthy swallow from his own glass, Rian let the amber liquid flood his mouth with fiery warmth as he stared at his brother. How was it Liam could be so attuned to him even after so long a separation? He didn’t know and he would not ponder the fact. He was just grateful that the bond between them had survived the intervening years.

  “I had fully intended to travel by week’s end, but it now appears that I may have to delay my journey.” He paused and took another generous swallow from his glass.

  Liam was filled with curiosity, and correctly guessed his brother’s delay was because of a woman. “I am certain you have seen all the sights the city has to offer by now, so share with me the name of the seductress who keeps you here? Lady Isabel Howard perhaps?” Rian pretended to look shocked as Liam continued. “We may live in the country but that doesn’t mean we are provincial. Gossip reaches us even at Oakhaven, and, according to my fiancée’s mama, you and Lady Howard have been fodder for many wagging tongues.”

  What Rian thought about the folly of gossip, and those who indulged in it, was summed up in a disgusted grunt.

  “She’s a very beautiful woman,” Liam continued. “It is easy to see how a man could find himself…distracted.”

  Rian arched a brow. His brother was being generous, but nevertheless. “And just how familiar are you with Isabel’s talent for distraction?” he asked.

  “There have been occasions when we have been on the same guest list. Did you suppose I kept myself in hiding while you were sailing the seven seas in search of your fortune?”

  “Of course not,” Rian said, surprised at the indignation in his brother’s tone, “but I had no idea Isabel had made such an impression on you. Tell me”—he dropped his voice to a sly whisper—“does Felicity know of your association with Lady Howard, and would she approve, given her ladyship’s reputation?”

  For a moment Liam was confused, his expression puzzled, until he realized what was being implied. He quickly turned a deep crimson. “Good God
, man! We were introduced, had a few conversations, but I swear that is all. I would never—and Felicity would never forgive me if I had!”

  Liam’s horrified expression was too much, and Rian began laughing. Realizing he was being teased, Liam joined him. The opportunity had been too good to pass up, and Rian was pleased to see Liam did not take offense, but shared in his mirth. He had not realized until now how much he had missed his brother’s company, and as their laughter faded it was replaced by an easy, companionable silence.

  “So, is it Lady Howard who keeps your attention?” Liam asked, swirling the remnants of his drink in his glass. “Has your affection for her taken a more serious turn?”

  “My affection for Isabel has not changed. She is a delightful companion whose company I enjoy a great deal, and that is all. But you are not wrong in thinking a woman is keeping me here, just not Isabel.”

  Liam leaned forward, intrigued by this unexpected admission. His brother’s name had not been linked with any other female, and he wondered when Rian would have found time to seek the company of another. “So what is the name of this mysterious beauty?” he asked.

  “I’ve absolutely no idea.”

  Liam was flummoxed. “Forgive me, did I misunderstand? You say you are involved with another woman besides Isabel, but you don’t know her name?”

  “Involved is too strong a word,” Rian stated. “In truth we have no connection, at least not in the way you’re thinking.”

  “Perhaps you should start at the beginning,” Liam suggested, looking more confused than ever.

  At that moment Mrs. Hatch appeared to say dinner was waiting for them. Rian stopped her as they headed through the doorway.

  “Any change?” he asked, and she shook her head. “You’ll let me know immediately if there is.”

  “Of course I will, Master Rian.”

  “Any change in what?” Liam queried, as he bent to kiss the housekeeper’s cheek. She returned his regard with a smile filled with maternal affection. It was a comfortable fondness that existed between them and one that was only offered, or accepted, in private. Rian did not mind or feel put out. Liam had always been her favorite, even when they were boys.

  Clapping his brother on the back, Rian led him out of the room. “You’re right, Liam. I think I should start at the beginning.”

  * * * *

  The younger Connor listened as his brother shared his tale in a low and thoughtful voice. When it was done he became reflective, pondering all he had heard. “So you have absolutely no idea who this young woman is?” It was a purely rhetorical question.

  Rian shook his head, dark hair flopping untidily across his brow. “I am confident once she regains her senses we will know both her name and what happened to her. For now she really is in no condition to be moved, and I do not feel comfortable leaving her here alone.”

  “No, of course not,” Liam agreed, “but Rian, do you suppose she might have a family? A husband? Someone who is even now searching for her?”

  He watched as his brother frowned, considering the possibility.

  “She wears no wedding band. Of course there is the possibility that if a husband exists, he might be the one responsible for her condition,” Rian added in a grim tone.

  Both men looked at each but said nothing. Rian’s brief description of the girl’s injuries had been horrifying, and Liam could not imagine someone intentionally inflicting such a punishment. “You say she was restrained?” He grimaced as Rian nodded.

  “So it would seem. Mrs. Hatch had to use scissors to remove the one strip that was still bound to her wrist, it was so tight. The bruises suggest she struggled to free herself.”

  Neither man wanted to speculate on what must have been going through their housekeeper’s mind as she removed the remnants of the girl’s bonds.

  “And you did have her examined by a physician?” Liam asked.

  Rian shared the doctor’s tentative prognosis, but he did not disclose Dr. MacGregor’s concerns about any possible mental instability as a result of the assault. “For the time being I thought it best that no one outside of this house know she is here,” he continued. “Until we have any details, I think it would be prudent to remain cautious.”

  “What can I do to help?”

  Rian smiled in gratitude at the offer. “I need someone who can find information, discreetly of course; only my absence prevents me from knowing the best place to obtain the services of such a person.” He hesitated a moment before continuing. “And while I’m not suggesting you have ever needed to make use of such an individual, is it possible you might know someone who could offer such assistance?”

  “What kind of information are you looking for?”

  “The girl’s identity, of course, but if anyone is searching for her, I want to know what their intentions are.”

  Propping his elbow on the table, Liam stroked his chin as he thought on his brother’s request. “I do know someone I could ask. He is competent and discreet, but I might not be able to speak with him until later tomorrow.”

  “Well, I don’t think our guest is going anywhere, anytime soon,” Rian told him. “Tomorrow will suit just fine.”

  “I will need her particulars for a general description. Height, hair and eye coloring, that sort of thing. I want to be sure that if our inquiries bring results, they are for the correct person.”

  Rian nodded in agreement. “Mrs. Hatch can provide the information you need.”

  The past twenty-four hours had been eventful, strange and significant somehow. Rian wasn’t able to put his finger on it, but he had the inexplicable feeling that this was a turning point in his life. It did not matter what happened tomorrow or on any of the other tomorrows that would follow; something told him that he was supposed to find this girl. He grinned, seeing his brother yawn sleepily, and, as if on cue, Mrs. Hatch appeared. “Begging your pardon, Master Liam, but I have taken the liberty of making up your room.”

  “Ah, Mrs. Hatch, you must be a mind reader. What would I do without you? I swear that if you were not so devoted to the memory of your late husband, I would just have to go ahead and marry you myself.”

  “And break poor Miss Felicity’s heart? Get away with you now!” She flapped her apron at him before bidding them both a good night. After she had left, Rian posed a variation on the question his brother had asked of him earlier.

  “So, when are you planning to return to Oakhaven, Liam?”

  “I hadn’t thought it would take more than a day or so to persuade you to leave with me, but in light of the circumstances, it only makes sense to extend my visit for a few days.” A look that was part relief and part guilt crossed his face. “Felicity tells me the wedding preparations will be the death of her, but I suspect she and her mother have never been happier. I think a lot more will be accomplished without having me so close by.”

  “Are you proving yourself a distraction?”

  “I didn’t think so,” Liam said in his own defense, “but I must be, for I have been accused of that very thing recently. More than once.”

  Now it was Rian’s turn to smile sympathetically.

  Chapter 16

  Catherine felt as if she were on fire. She tried to swallow, but all that did was aggravate the rawness in her throat. She wanted to lick her lips, but her swollen mouth refused to open. Every muscle in her body felt bruised, and she winced at the pain searing through her, pain that alternated between agony so sharp it stole her breath, and a dull, throbbing ache that made her think she might never rise again. Even her hair felt as if it had been flayed.

  What had happened to her?

  From somewhere inside her head a voice explained that her body hurt because it was fighting to restore her health. She had a fever, which meant she was very sick. The knowledge was reassuring in an odd, disjointed way. Catherine knew about fevers. A fever came with illness, and
with illness there was often pain. What she couldn’t comprehend was why there was so much pain. Hesitantly she tried opening her eyes, but one refused to cooperate, remaining firmly shut as if some demonic seamstress had sewn her eyelids together. Panic threaded through her, even though the stinging throb that accompanied her effort clearly said her eye was injured in some way. Forcing her lips apart, she sucked down a greedy mouthful of air, then heard a sharp whistle as she exhaled. How could she be afraid when she sounded as if she was summoning a dog? Realizing that she might actually be doing more harm than good, Catherine sensibly gave up trying to force her eye open. As a reward her anxiety level decreased. Cautiously she opened her other eye, and focused on her surroundings.

  The lone burning candle offered poor illumination, and as she tried to lift her head to better see, her entire body screamed in agony. She gasped as a wave of dizziness swept through her. Catherine ground her teeth together in an effort to dispel the discomfort, but a sizzling spasm running from temple to jaw declared her face had suffered the same punishment. Now instead of calling for a dog, she began to pant like one, fighting against the agony with short, openmouthed breaths.

  With a supreme effort she managed to push herself up on one side before falling onto her back, shrieking as jagged bolts of fire ripped through her. Tears streamed down her face as she rolled onto her side, coming face to face with a young girl who stared back at her with a panic filled expression.

  “Oh Lord!” Tilly exclaimed, putting her small hand on Catherine’s brow and feeling the burn against her palm.

  Flinching, Catherine pulled back, muttering weakly, “Who…are…you?”

  “Please, Miss, don’t get up! Lie back down and I’ll get you some nice cool water.”

  Tilly wasn’t sure exactly what Catherine was trying to say through her swollen lips, but there was no mistaking her intent. Placing her hands on Catherine’s shoulders, the young housemaid attempted to push her charge back down onto the bed. Unfortunately, Tilly’s charge was stronger than she, and it took only a moment before the slight housemaid was rudely knocked to the floor.