Once Upon A Regency: Timeless Tales And Fables

by Samantha Grace

  Still too overwhelmed to experience relief, Eleanor clasped her shaking hands together. “How will we get her to leave?”

  Goodwin sighed. “Arrange a marriage, of course.”

  “Between who?”

  “Us, Lady Eleanor. There is no one else unless you plan to renounce your position as an earl's daughter and marry Jem.” Goodwin's anger burst through the surface. “Although he's a bit young, don't you think?”

  She found her feet. “This is ridiculous—”

  “No more so than anything you have done to date. I was prepared to take a shepherdess as my mistress. I can take a lady as my wife. It's the noble thing to do after one has destroyed a young woman's reputation. Is the idea of residing at Glassodder Head so repulsive? Or is it me, Lady Eleanor? A bit of excitement on the side, but a devilish complication to wake up to every day?”

  Stung, she recoiled. “I know your wishes. They did not include a wife. You have just told me that you would settle for a mistress. I would not enter a marriage to save myself from whatever fate Madeline dreams up. There must be another recourse.”

  “If you discover it in the next few minutes, let me know. I'm going to order a bath for you. You must be chilled to the bone and you should get yourself in presentable order in case your aunt does pay me a visit. Consider your options carefully, Lady Eleanor. There is me, a life on the lam, or whatever terrible fate you are sure Lady Madeline has dreamed up.”

  “Marriage to Lord Harold Oliver.” She spat his name. “I would rather she drowned me.”

  “That old man? She truly does hate you.”

  She flinched. “Goodwin?”

  “Something else to confess?”

  “She said you wanted to buy Lanthrop Downs. That the sale is going to happen shortly. Why did you not tell me?”

  Bitterness added ice to his smile. “Lady Eleanor would not see me, or do not you recall? It was never your choice anyway. The estate belongs to your father. I have the means to bring it into my possession.”

  She couldn't stop him. If anyone was going to have it, she was glad it was Goodwin, even if he hated her for her lies.

  Mrs. Murphy knocked on the door. “Tea and towels. Poor Miss Leah. We'll have you warm and dry again in no time.”

  Goodwin took the tray from her. “A bath is in order, Mrs. Murphy. See to it.”

  “Yes, Your Grace.”

  “What is that in your hair, Lady Eleanor?” Goodwin squinted. “And what happened to the rest of it?”

  Mrs. Murphy cast a startled look between them. “Not Lady Eleanor?”

  “One and the same, but that's hardly important now, Mrs. Murphy. The water. Remember?”

  “Of course.” Mrs. Murphy inclined her head.

  Eleanor lowered her gaze to the carpet, darkened by the water at her feet. “It is lye in addition to the vinegar. I am cold, Mrs. Murphy, but I will pass on the bath. I'm not sure I want to get in one any time soon.” Her back ached from falling into the tub and as stiff as her joints were from the struggle and the cold, she only wanted to crawl into a warm bed.

  Mrs. Murphy set the stack of towels aside. “I'll heat a few buckets and get a girl to help you wash your hair, my lady. Just your hair and you can spot clean anything else that needs tending. You can't leave your hair in such a mess.” She hurried from the room.

  Goodwin quirked an eyebrow. “What did Madeline do, Eleanor?”

  Eleanor pulled the throat of her sodden dress tightly around her neck. “She was determined to get the sheep smell off of me. And get rid of the dye in my hair. Or perhaps she meant to drown me after all. It would be easier to kill me than drag me back.”

  “Are you hurt?” His voice and expression softened.

  She lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “It is nothing to be concerned about.”

  “When you are under my roof, my protection, everything you do is something to be concerned about.” He grasped her shoulders. “Off with the dress.”

  “In the parlor? I think not, Your Grace.”

  “It is nothing I have not seen before.” He pushed her hands down, then reached around her for the buttons. “Your skin is like ice. We should have seen to that before anything.”

  “You required explanation.”

  “Foolish of me.” His lips were close to her forehead. He helped her out of the chair. “I am angry, Eleanor, do not doubt that, but I'm also afraid for you. What will become of you if you do not accept my offer?”

  “I could stay on as your shepherdess. As Leah,” she whispered.

  He guided the soggy material down her body. “That would never do.”

  Her heart ached. With Madeline's appearance and the truth, things had changed drastically. She hugged herself after he removed her chemise. With gentle hands, he guided the stockings down her legs and helped her step out of them. When he'd finished undressing her, he walked around her. He touched her upper back and made a low growl.

  “I will have Mrs. Murphy get the witch hazel. Though I would rather take a switch to your aunt.”

  “Satisfied that I am not grievously injured?” She looked at him over her shoulder. “May I have a towel?”

  He draped it around her, then rubbed her arms. “You're wetter than the sheets on wash day. Soon as that mess is out of your hair, we will get you tucked into bed.”

  His gentleness cracked her delicate facade of bravery. She collapsed against his chest. “Can you forgive me for bringing this trouble? For lying?”

  He cupped her face. “I do not care if you are a runaway princess or the poorest churchmouse. Beneath too dark hair and the stink of sheep, you are the woman who's captured me.” Goodwin kissed her.

  His lips were warm, his hands, big and searching, left her skin scorched.

  “We should see about that water,” he murmured against her throat.

  The all too real scent of vinegar and lye hung about her. It was a wonder he'd wanted to kiss her at all. “Of course.”

  She needed to be clean, dry and clear-headed when Madeline came. And she would come. There was no sense in pretending her aunt would give up.

  A DUKE WORTH HIS SALT

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  After Eleanor was tended to and nestled into his bed asleep, Daniel felt confident enough to leave her for the foyer. The coachman who'd delivered her to his door had gone long ago. When he returned, he would bear a more unpleasant visitor.

  With his shirt set to rights and his ascot retied, he appeared more in control. Madeline would see nothing but a reclusive gentleman. Even if he wanted to tear off her head rather than give her a schilling to ensure Eleanor's safety.

  He'd tended the purple bruises on her back himself with Mrs. Murphy's help. Soft flannel soaked in witch hazel might reduce the severity of Eleanor's injuries. It did nothing to soothe his temper. How dare the wretched woman think she could manhandle someone as delicate as Eleanor?

  His irritation brewed as he paced. Why would a woman who had chosen to care for Eleanor in her mother's stead turn on her now? An answer he hoped to learn.

  “I saw a carriage turn up the drive, Your Grace. It will be Lady Eleanor's aunt.” Yanell approached the door. “How will you persuade her to go?”

  “Money. It buys nearly anything. I am sure even Lady Madeline has a price for her niece's release.” He balled his fists. “I will make this meeting go as quickly as I can. I do not want her here longer than necessary. Certainly not long enough that Eleanor might wake and discover this exchange.”

  “I hope it goes well for you. Lady Eleanor seemed traumatized when she arrived. To think one person would want to cause her so much trouble.”

  “If I have it my way, Lady Madeline won't cause Eleanor another moment of misery.”

  A knocked sounded on the other side of the door.

  “Best of luck, Your Grace.” Yanell opened the door. “Good evening. May I help you?”

  A shadowy figure moved near the doorway. “The hour is late, so I beg your pardon, but I have an emergency and I must
speak to the master of this estate. Time is essential.”

  “About what matter?” Yanell's tone conveyed his doubt.

  “I would not have come myself if I weren't so worried. I am Lady Madeline, Lord Aldshire's sister. My niece, Lady Eleanor, is missing. I must know if she has been seen here.”

  “Missing? Do come in.” Yanell opened the door wider. “The master is here.”

  Lady Madeline seemed composed. A small woman with dark auburn hair and an expensive cloak over her dress, she held herself regally.

  Yanell gestured to the woman. “Lady Madeline to see you, Your Grace.”

  When she spotted Daniel, she curtsied. “Your Grace.”

  “Lady Madeline.”

  “The pleasure is mine. Although pleasure is not the reason I have come. I regret the necessity of arriving so late and unannounced. My niece—”

  “Lady Eleanor.” He crossed his arms, then tapped his fingers over his bicep.

  “Yes. I understand you've met.”

  “Indeed.”

  “She's missing. Distraught by the news that her father wishes her to return home and marry. I am sure you are aware of how flighty young women can be. Especially when it comes to arranged marriages. She was quite torn about the matter. Muttering all sorts of nonsense.”

  Madeline never took her gaze away from him. Her lies were nearly convincing.

  Daniel studied her. “Lord Oliver is the man she's supposed to marry, correct?”

  Madeline's brows rose. “How did you know?”

  He stood in her presence just long enough to know he didn't care for Eleanor's aunt. “Lady Eleanor is here, as you guessed. With a distressing tale of what occurred after your arrival at Lanthrop House.”

  “It may have been distressing to her, but Lady Eleanor has a flair for the dramatic. The marriage is arranged. In time she may come to love her husband. I will take her off your hands now and hope my apology is enough to make up for your inconvenience.”

  “It is not. In fact, I was not inconvenienced by anything until Lady Eleanor was unable to respond to my note this evening. It must be strange to imagine, but I was beside myself when I heard nothing from her. I assumed she wanted nothing more to do with me. Then, she showed up here claiming her aunt attempted to drown her.” He closed the distance between them. “You present yourself as a woman who cares for her niece, but I have trouble believing you after becoming acquainted with Eleanor. She wishes to remain at Glassodder Head.”

  Madeline opened her mouth, then closed it with a snap. Her face colored with anger. “She is engaged to Lord Oliver. I must insist she come with me to London.”

  Daniel drew a note from his breast pocket. “What is your price?”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “The sum which will release Eleanor from her obligation to Lord Oliver. The sum that will allow her to remain in my home? The offer comes with a ring. Your niece and I will be married after I obtain the license. Here. A quiet ceremony. Afterward, you will not bother us again. I am sure you understood the implications of the note I sent. Your niece is ruined and I'm the rake who did it. It is only right that I correct the oversight created when I assumed she was nothing more than a shepherdess.”

  The woman's lips pinched, then she blew out a breath. “My request remains the same. Money is not a factor here, Your Grace. I will not leave without my niece.”

  “May I ask why you wish her to suffer in misery? At least here she could hold on to some small happiness.”

  “How will it look to Eleanor's sisters' suitors when it's discovered that she married without proper etiquette? Society expects Lord Aldshire's daughters to perform as they were raised. Not in some small, hastily planned ceremony.” She lifted her hands and gestured at the entryway. “With this grand estate and my brother's as well, you will attract a nice young lady. However, my niece is not the girl for you.”

  “She is not going anywhere. Not until she wants to leave. I care for her. If she agrees, Eleanor will become my wife. If not, I will still provide shelter for her. If I accomplish nothing else with my worthless life, I can die knowing I did all I could to protect a young woman from her scheming aunt.”

  Madeline's face paled. “You cannot understand why this matters. Why Eleanor must wed Lord Oliver.”

  “I expect it is a matter of money or a gambling issue, but please explain.” He leveled his gaze at her. “I want the best for Eleanor. I cannot see how marrying an old man will give her any sense of happiness in the future.”

  “Happiness does not matter. You are young and may think so, but security, reputation, and position are the important things. I know if she is tied to Lord Oliver, she will be taken care of. Shown the correct way to behave in our world. You admitted yourself if she does not wish to wed you, then she still faces scandal. I want what is good for her. Following her heart will lead her to heartache.”

  “What are your plans for her sisters?”

  “Lady Emma is engaged to Lord Hangingham. I will find a suitable match for Lady Effie. They are easier to mold, to train. Eleanor has long refused to listen to reason. That is why she must be restrained.”

  “For the right amount of money, she will no longer be your trouble. After a year or two any scandal will dissipate in the wind. Others will rise and Lady Eleanor will be forgotten. Focus on Lady Emma's wedding and a husband for Lady Effie. Leave Eleanor to me.”

  Madeline looked away. “I cannot.”

  He tapped his foot against the carpet. “What more do you desire than money? Anything. Name your price.”

  “Peace of mind, which you cannot give me.” Madeline hung her head. “I have a terrible secret.”

  “Could it be that you attempted to kill your own niece?” His dislike burned hot. He couldn't save himself from his father's wrath when he was a child, but he could prevent Madeline from hurting Eleanor again. “What a shameful admission. I would not relinquish my worst enemy to you after hearing Eleanor's tale. Will you tell your brother what you did to his daughter?”

  “It is worse than that. Eleanor needed to be taught that she cannot defy her—” Madeline ducked her head. “I am her mother. When I was her age, I had a tryst with a married man. Eleanor is the result. My parents were deceased, but I was my brother's charge. Lord Aldshire was furious. I am the reason he is confused when he sees Eleanor, although he loved her before this head injury addled his mind. His wife took pity and agreed to raise the child as her own. My brother and sister-in-law fell in love with Eleanor. They encouraged her independent streak. No matter how I tried to mold her to be a young lady like Emma, she defied me. She always defied me. As though we shared no connection, mother to daughter.”

  Daniel's heart skipped a beat. Madeline's sadness carried through in her voice. He couldn't imagine that she'd made up this story to garner sympathy.

  Madeline lifted her gaze. “I need her cooperation. I need to know she is safely married to a respected man. That she accomplished what I could not do. That her reputation will not be tarnished by poor choices. Do you see why I followed her here? Why I tried to convince her to marry the right man.”

  He saw it then—the resemblance between Madeline and Eleanor. Although Eleanor's hair was much redder by nature, they shared the same eye shape, nose and chin. The same slender build. Yet she must not have known the truth.

  “You can't be. Papa would never lie to me. Emma and Effie are my sisters.”

  He spun.

  Eleanor clung to the stair rail. Her short hair, with hints of red showing through because of the lye and vinegar, hung just above her shoulders in a stringy mess. She wore one of his dress gowns. It nearly swallowed her, making her appear smaller and more vulnerable than before. Her face was bloodless, her eyes huge. She appeared both furious and shocked. “I do not believe you.”

  “Well, you do not need to believe me. All you need to do is return to London. Lord Oliver will overlook this scandal. Everything will be as it should.” Madeline opened her arms. “Come with me, Eleanor
. Your father will recover given time. You should be there when he does.”

  “My father. Uncle.” Eleanor rubbed her forehead. “No, I will not return to London. Not until Emma's wedding...if she wants me there. Does she know the truth?”

  Madeline shook her head. “Of course not. It is important that no one find out.”

  “But-but...why would you try to hurt me if...” Eleanor's voice cracked.

  “You must learn to obey. If you do not, you will end up like me. No man would have me and I could not even claim my daughter as my own.” Tears streaked down Madeline's face. “Do you understand how I have tried to help you?”

  The crushed look on Eleanor's face nearly shattered Daniel's heart. “If this is help, I would hate to see how you attempt to destroy your enemies. My final offer, Lady Madeline. Take the money and leave us in peace. You have broken Eleanor's heart. She may contact you in the future, but for now, I believe she needs time.”

  “I will not go without her.” Madeline lifted her chin.

  “Please. I need to think.” A sob cut through Eleanor's words.

  “Yanell will see you out.” Daniel gestured to the steward waiting by the parlor.

  He approached, then accepted the note from his master.

  “Eleanor.” Madeline reached out to her daughter.

  Eleanor shook her head. “Go.” She sank onto the stairs, hands in her face.

  Yanell ushered Madeline toward the door.

  “Is this what you want? A life with this man on a farm supported by sheep?” Madeline's voice cracked. “Will that make you happy?”

  For a moment, he was affronted that Madeline would throw such things in his face, but Eleanor shook her head.

  “There is no need for rudeness. I am happy with the duke. Although he may toss us both out over this madness.” Eleanor's voice trembled. “I would accept a proposal from him, one that did not include a bribe to keep me safe from a woman who was supposed to love me. I pity you, Madeline, this thing you have become to keep the truth hidden and a facade of propriety.”