Trondelaine Castle

by April Lynn Kihlstrom

  Tony smiled, but he had a definite reserve as he answered, “Hello, Roger. Yes, I find it very relaxing here.”

  Roger glanced at him carefully, then turned back to Wendy. “By the by, when are you planning to leave?”

  “Soon,” she said, carefully concentrating on the tea she was pouring, “I think.”

  She passed a cup to Tony, who said abruptly, “Well, Roger, tell us about your clinic. Any interesting patients?”

  Wendy and Roger exchanged glances. She shrugged and he began to describe some of his latest cases. It was the longest tea hour Wendy had ever spent. Tony kept to the same manner the entire time, and Roger began to grow impatient with him. More than once, Wendy diverted his attention before trouble could occur. She was not at all sorry when Tony finally rose and excused himself. As soon as he was gone, Roger exploded, “What the devil-”

  Wendy cut him off. “It’s been rather strange here the past few days, Roger.” She gave him a brief summary, including the morning’s events. Concluding, she said, “And poor Tony is rather upset by it all.”

  “What a bloody mess! I hadn’t realized Richard could be such a blithering idiot. As for Tony, if he’s fallen in love with you, why doesn’t he just say so?”

  Wendy looked at Roger incredulously, then started laughing. “Roger, the idea of Tony falling in love with me is absurd! Not only does he dislike me, he thoroughly disapproves of me.”

  For a moment, Roger didn’t answer. When he did, the reply was rather cryptic. “He’s a better man than Richard.” He stood abruptly. “Well, I must leave. I wish you luck with all this. And, Wendy, try to remember that you aren’t the only one who shuts like a clam when hurt.”

  Wendy opened and closed her mouth, trying to hide her irritation. “I’ll remember. Goodbye, Doctor.”

  When he was gone, Wendy rose and hobbled back to the castle and the safety of her room. Needing something to soothe her, she worked for a time on her needlework. And wished, in vain, for Kevin’s presence.

  As it happened, there was no time for her to talk with him before dinner. Wendy heard the loud, laughing voices as Kevin and Lord Richard returned, but they headed immediately to their rooms to change.

  A short time later, she stood in front of the mirror with a satisfied smile. Her hair and makeup suited her perfectly, though it was quite likely the men wouldn’t even notice.

  Head high and back straight, she moved down the hall toward the James Room. She would not be afraid of the Earl and she was determined he should know it. Outside the James Room, Wendy halted, momentarily uncertain. Then, resolutely, she stepped forward. The three men turned to look at her. “Good evening, Lord Richard,” Wendy said, with a smile. “Tony. Kevin, how was your day?”

  Perhaps it was the way Kevin answered, “Fine,” and put an arm around her waist. Perhaps it was the contemptuous smile on Tony’s face. Whatever, some impulse of mischief made her move to Lord Richard’s side and say, “May I please have a glass of sherry?”

  “Certainly, my dear.” Was there a note of triumph in the Earl’s voice?

  Ignoring Kevin’s scowl and the back Tony had turned on her, Wendy took the glass and walked back to Kevin. Indicating he should sit on the sofa beside her, she asked again, “So tell me about your day, luv.”

  Manfully, he matched her tone. “Oh, jolly well interesting. We rode quite a distance, you know. I even beat his lordship in a short race.”

  “I still dispute that!” a sharp voice said.

  Wendy looked up to see the Earl seated facing her, frowning. Kevin, growing bolder, remarked carelessly, “Oh, I shall give you a rematch tomorrow, if you wish. But the results will be the same.”

  “Excuse me!” muttered a voice and, as they turned, the three saw Tony head for the doorway.

  But before he could reach it, Charles had appeared to announce the evening meal. With good grace, Tony conceded defeat and led the way to the dining hall. Lord Richard, Kevin, and Wendy formed a small cluster that trailed behind. A grim humor pervaded the meal and only Wendy, it seemed, was quite at ease.

  She was determined to take Kevin aside after dinner and perhaps they could leave tonight. She was almost completely packed and surely he wouldn’t take much time with his things. With that purpose in mind, she tried to take his arm after dinner.

  But before she could, the Earl was beside her, saying, “Shall we adjourn to the music room? I believe you owe me a game of chess, Kevin.”

  “Right-o!”

  Tony muttered some excuse and disappeared. In the music room, Wendy tried again. “Kevin, could I please speak with you? Alone?”

  Kevin looked at her oddly. “Sure we can talk, luv.”

  He didn’t move and Wendy repeated, “I said, alone!”

  Kevin smiled easily. “Now, luv, anything you have to say, you can say in front of his lordship.”

  “No, I can’t!”

  Kevin shrugged and turned to the Earl. “The chess game?”

  Lord Richard nodded and the two men sat down at the chess table as Wendy watched in disbelief. Carefully, she tried to calm herself, saying silently that Kevin just didn’t realize how serious she was. When she had herself in hand again, Wendy sat down beside the two men to watch the game.

  Listening to their comments and watching their faces, she grew aware of how much alike Kevin and Lord Richard were just then. And the realization chilled her. Both men seemed to delight in mocking her, from time to time, as the game progessed and, finally, she fled the room. And in her bedroom, Wendy cried.

  Wendy was awake very early the next morning. In fact, it could not honestly be said that she had slept. She had waited a long time the night before for the chess game to end and for Kevin to come to talk with her. But he never did and, finally, she heard the laughter of the two men as they climbed the stairs together.

  Wendy had then spent a number of hours going over, in her mind, her relationship with Kevin. It was not pleasant to realize she had been looking at him blindly for the most part. And ignoring her own doubts and needs.

  Kevin had offered a carefree sort of life and a relationship in which she would not need to take responsibility. For he had made it clear, more than once, that he felt he should make all decisions that would affect his household, if he ever married. It had seemed a safe, sheltering proposition. And who cared if Kevin were a little callous?

  But it did matter. Very much. And suddenly Wendy realized she didn’t want to be sheltered. Sure, it was easier; but it meant giving up so much. Too much. You were only half alive if you never took responsibility for your actions. If you didn’t think and act on your own sometimes.

  And what Kevin wanted, in a way, was a wind-up doll who would look attractive, keep house and cook for him, and never interfere in “important” matters. Oh, she could have a job, if it would keep her happy, so long as it didn’t inconvenience him.

  Maybe that’s what hurt most: the fact that he wouldn’t care greatly what she did so long as he needn’t take notice of it. How could you be really close to someone like that? And if you couldn’t, then what was the point of marriage?

  By dawn, Wendy knew she would never marry Kevin. As soon as she saw him, she would ask him to drive her back to London and on the way she would tell him. He’d be angry about their vacation, but that couldn’t be helped. He couldn’t be any more upset about the fool she’d been than she was.

  After breakfast, Wendy asked Gwen if she had seen Kevin. “He’s in the music room, Miss Pratt,” was the prompt reply.

  As she entered the room, Kevin stood up. “There you are, luv. I was about to go looking for you. I’ve got something I want to say.” He hesitated, as though suddenly nervous. “Sit down, ducks, you look ragged.”

  Afraid of what she knew he was about to say, Wendy began to chatter. “Kevin, 1 need to talk to you also. I want to leave here. I-”

  He cut her off. “Of course we can leave. Just as soon as we’ve made the accouncement. I shall love watching his lordship’s face.”r />
  “What announcement?” Wendy asked ominously.

  “Why, our engagement, luv.”

  “There isn’t going to be any announcement!” she retorted. “I’m not going to marry you.” She hesitated as she saw his face darken, then plunged on. “Kevin, I’m sorry. I’m flattered that you want to marry me, and I like you very much. But in the past few days, I’ve come to realize that I don’t love you and never could. So you see, it wouldn’t be fair for me to marry you.”

  “All I see is that you’ve got your eye on his lordship’s money!”

  “Kevin!”

  “No? What else could make you act like this so suddenly? A few weeks ago you would have been delighted to be engaged to me!” He shook his head. “So this is it, eh? I have my walking papers and I’m to leave? Just like that?”

  “Kevin, I am so far from being interested in the Earl that I want to leave Trondelaine. Today. Now. With you.,,

  Kevin visibly relaxed. “Okay, luv. I understand. You’re upset. These last few weeks have been rather a strain for you. We’ll go on to Scarborough as we planned. And soon you’ll feel right-o again.”

  Wendy sighed. “Kevin, I am feeling `right-o,’ as you put it. And I’m not going to change my mind about us, if that’s what you’re thinking. Nor do I want to go to Scarborough. I want to go back to London.”

  “No! I don’t know what you’re plotting, ducks, about his nibs, but I shan’t help you. If you won’t go to Scarborough with me, then you can jolly well find your own way back to London!”

  Before she could say anything more, Kevin was out the door and she was alone. Wendy sank down onto a chair. What on earth could she do now?

  For a while, Wendy simply sat there. The only choice left seemed to be to ask Tony to drive her to London. And yet she felt a curious reluctance to do so. She was still sitting there when Lord Richard entered the room. “Hello, my dear!” he said cheerfully, strolling over to the fireplace.

  She mumbled a suitable greeting and waited. After a moment, the Earl turned to face her, still leaning against the mantelpiece. “So. I understand our young friend, Mr. Lisle, is leaving.” He waited for her nod before continuing. “He seemed in a rather foul mood. I gather you’ve given him his notice? Was he very vulgar about it?”

  “I do not choose to discuss my private affairs with you,” Wendy said coolly.

  But her lower lip betrayed her by trembling. Noticing this, the Earl crossed to her chair and, bending over to put a hand on her arm, he said, “I’m sorry, my dear. That was beastly of me.”

  Blinking back tears, Wendy stared up at Lord Richard in astonishment. He looked around for a nearby chair. There were none. Muttering something, he gently pulled on Wendy’s arm as he said, “Come, sit over here so that I can speak with you properly.”

  When they were seated on the sofa, he continued, “My dear, I know it can’t have been easy for you to break with Kevin. And I don’t mean to pry. But I have made a bloody mess of the past few weeks, haven’t I? I’m not usually so clumsy with women.”

  As Wendy realized what was happening, the shock startled her out of her silence. “Lord Richard, please, I-”

  Gently, he hushed her. “No, let me finish. At first, I really did dislike you, you know. And I was certain you’d come to swindle me. But then I realized I didn’t care. Not even about the bracelet.”

  “I didn’t take it!” To her surprise, he nodded. She went on, “Lord Richard, I think I know what you’re trying to say and-”

  “Do you?” he interrupted. “Good! That will save us some time. Well, what shall it be? Will you marry me?”

  He spoke confidently as Wendy stared at him. Marriage was not quite the proposition she had been expecting. Abruptly she realized he was staring back, waiting. “No. No, I won’t!” As anger replaced confidence on his face, she spoke more softly. “Surely you must see it wouldn’t work?” He dismissed that with a wave of his hand and, frustrated, she said, “But why do you want to marry me? Particularly since you believe me to be after your title and money?”

  “Because I love you,” the Earl said simply. Astonished, Wendy could only stare and he added, “Frankly, I don’t give a damn why you marry me, so long as you do. You’ll have money, of course. As much as you wish. And I’ll have my solicitor draw up any marriage settlement you like, within certain limits, of course. Very generous limits,” he added, misinterpreting her grim expression. “And I shan’t demand any phony emotions from you. You needn’t pretend to love me, simply be my wife. It would be very pleasant, I promise you.”

  He halted, waiting for Wendy’s reply. When it came, she spoke awkwardly. “Lord Richard, I’m very flattered. And surprised. I-I wasn’t expecting this. I didn’t know how you felt.” She hesitated, wanting to lash out at him for believing her to be so mercenary. But he had said he loved her, and you have to be gentle with people who love you. “Lord Richard-”

  “For heaven’s sake, woman, call me Richard!”

  “Richard, I’m sorry. But I just can’t marry you. We’d both be unhappy. And I don’t love you.”

  “Think it over, at least,” he pleaded. “The settlement would be very generous.”

  “To hell with the settlement!” she exploded. “I don’t want your money. Can’t you understand that? Or your title. I don’t love you and I wouldn’t marry any man if I didn’t. I just want to leave here and go back to London!”

  She hadn’t meant to speak so baldly, but it was too late now. The Earl’s eyes flashed with anger. “Well, you won’t be going back just yet. Or have you forgotten about the bracelet? No, I didn’t mean that. Look, my dear, just think it over. I don’t know what it is you want, but when you’re ready, just tell me and I’m sure we can come to an agreement.”

  Wendy was silent, recognizing the futility of further argument. Seeing her hesitation, Richard said gently, “I’ll leave you alone, now. Just think about what I’ve said, my dear.”

  And he left. As soon as he was gone, Wendy was on her feet. She had never resented as much as she did now, the slow pace that the cane forced on her. She must find Tony. His antipathy toward her no longer mattered. Indeed, she thought grimly, it was an advantage. He would be delighted to remove her corrupting presence from his friend!

  But where would he be? Realizing she had no idea where to start looking, Wendy returned to her room and, for the first time, used the servant call button.

  Gwen soon appeared. From her expression, it was clear the servants knew of and had been discussing Kevin’s departure. From her increased deference, it was also clear that the Earl’s proposal was not as great a surprise in the kitchen as it had been to Wendy. She sighed.

  “Yes, Miss?” Gwen asked.

  “Do you know where Mr. Wellscourt is to be found?”

  If Gwen was surprised at the question, she covered it well. “In the orchard, I believe.”

  “Thank you, Gwen.”

  “Was there anything else, Miss?”

  “No.” Wendy smiled. “I’m sorry to bother you about it. I just seem to be a bit muddleheaded this morning.”

  Gwen flashed an answering, conspiratorial grin, “I understand, Miss!”

  As the maid left, Wendy thought grimly, Do you? I suspect you’ll all have a lot to gossip about this afternoon! With another sigh, she left in search of Tony. She fervently hoped he was where Gwen had said.

  She found him by the stream, staring at the water. He was so intent on his thoughts that he did not hear Wendy approaching. “Tony?” she said gently.

  Startled, he turned swiftly. Then he spoke sardonically. “Well, well. I understand your boyfriend left. Decided he wasn’t as good as an earl and it was time to send him packing?”

  “Oh, Tony, cut it out!” Wendy snapped unhappily. “I’ve come to ask you to drive me to London.”

  He looked startled and then wary. “Why?”

  “Does it matter?” she asked wearily. “I thought you’d be happy to see me go.”

  Tony’s voice became
curt. “Yes, frankly I am. How soon can you be ready to leave?”

  “I’m ready now. My suitcases are packed and just need to be carried out to the car,” she answered quietly.

  “All right. I’ll take you back to London. Now. Let’s retrieve your valises. And mine.”

  Then he was striding back to the castle. When they reached Wendy’s room, he said thoughtfully, “I’ll take your things round the back way. Join me in ten minutes at the drive. And do be careful. Shouldn’t want a scene with Richard.”

  “Not to worry,” she said grimly. “I’ve no wish to see him either!”

  As promised, Tony was waiting with his car when she appeared. As he held the door for her, Wendy was surprised to note that it was a Jaguar.

  Seeing her expression, he gave an almost boyish laugh and said, “Yes, it surprises most people. They seem to assume an accountant would be too staid to drive such a car.” Tony paused as he started the engine, then continued, with a laugh, “They don’t know us very well, do they?”

  His good humor was infectious, particularly with the sense of freedom and escape that Wendy felt. With an answering grin she said, “Well, tell me, then, what are accountants like?”

  “Oh, at work, very serious. At home, secret dreamers, bon vivants, highly sociable.” He laughed again. “At any rate, I am. I don’t know how the rest of my profession would react to that. But I think it’s true for many of us.”

  Wendy smiled, relaxing further. Tony drove well and seemed to enjoy it. Leaning back in her seat, she teased, “So you don’t spend weekends poring over stock reports and financial statements?”

  “Lord, no! I go riding, to the theater, dine out, all manner of things. Or, if it’s been a difficult week, I leave London and go hiking somewhere. Or sail on the Thames.”

  “Stop! Stop!” Wendy said in mock dismay. “You’re shattering all my illusions.”

  They laughed companionably. After a while, Tony said, in a rather different tone, “You’ve only seen the serious side of me, haven’t you? I’m sorry about that, but I have been concerned.”