Alex read aloud. “Lila ran to her Lieutenant after a year of missing him. Fredricks picked Lila up and placed a kiss on her lips. As he held her close, she ran her hands through his butter silk blond hair.” To hide the blush in her cheeks, Debra turned and focused on the flowers in a nearby garden.
He continued to read altering his voice to sound passionate. “Lieutenant Fredricks carried Lila into her home and performed a Handfasting. As this knot is tied, so our lives are now bound. Woven into this cord, imbued into its very fibers, are all the hopes of our friends and family, for our new lives together. With the fashioning of this knot we tie all the desires, dreams, love, and happiness wished here in this place to our lives for as long as love shall last.”
She put a hand over her mouth and looked away as he read. When he stopped, she kept her eyes on the finely manicured lawn instead of looking back at him.
“Debra, are you not embarrassed to be caught reading this drivel?”
Her anger flared and her face hardened. “Will you please give my magazine back to me?”
“Do you believe in Handfasting Ceremonies, Love? What am I asking, you mentioned a handfasting when we met, of course you do.”
Debra grabbed her magazine from his grip. “Do not laugh. It is just a story. Also, it is widely known they do Handfasting in Gretna Green.”
“According to these stories you read?”
“Why are you out here? You should be attending the activities of the house party.”
“I escaped to speak with you regarding Margaret. She is not to be trusted and I hope you do not confide in her.”
“She was nice to me, and I appreciated her words of encouragement.”
A pained look crossed his face. “She spent the last two years making me believe I had a chance to make her my wife. At the moment I asked, she told me of her plans to marry the Duke of Midhurst. I do not trust her, nor should you.”
“I pray you find the ability to forgive her. She is very repentant of her behavior toward you.”
As she said the words, she regretted it. He looked tortured. Alex handed her magazine back and changed the conversation back to her terrible choices in literature. “We should get you something worth reading.”
Thankful for the relief to the tense conversation, she smiled before responding. “I have read the things you would consider worthwhile, and since they are not published in this magazine, I find them to be dull and not worth my time.”
Alex laughed. “You will have to let me know what happens with Lila Betts and Lieutenant Fredricks.” He stood and held out a hand to assist her to stand.
“Where are you going?” she asked.
“I thought it would be nice to escort you on a walk.”
Debra took his hand. “I would enjoy a walk with you, but are you not concerned? Destruction and shocking behavior tend to follow me.”
Alex laughed and allowed her to take his arm. They circled along a path walking in silence until Alex asked, “Do Lila Betts and Lieutenant Fredricks live happily ever after? Or do they end in tragedy like many of Shakespeare’s characters?”
Debra punched Alex on the shoulder. “Stop teasing me.”
His fake howl of pain made her giggle. “Spare me your whining, my lord. I know my strength is nowhere near yours.”
“Moments such as this make me think losing my freedom in bachelorhood will not be as a noose around my neck.”
Not certain how to respond, Debra stood dumbfounded. He did not make such a heartless comment!
“On a more serious note, may I ask you a question?”
Debra choked on her response. “Yes, you may.”
“Mr. Baker left to visit his family this morning. Why did Mrs. Baker stay here? Also, why do Mr. and Mrs. Baker spend most of the year with your family instead of his?”
This was an uncomfortable topic. Trenton seemed to be touching on everything distressing in one conversation. “Rilla does not do well with his family. He is the middle son, so he will not inherit the family dwelling. He also does not get along with his older brothers.”
“I see.”
“Why do you ask, my lord?” The question was one she had not expected, and she was still uncertain of his meaning behind the noose.
“Do you wish to stay at Woodland Manor once we are wed?”
She could see the worry in his face. His family home was in Devon. They resided in a large home called Waverly Keep. She’d expected he’d force her to leave Woodland Manor and never thought he’d give her the choice. Confused by his question, she asked “Do you not want to stay at Waverly Keep? I thought you and your parents were on positive terms.”
“Please do not misunderstand me. I have no desire to live at Woodland Manor. I do enjoy your family and I think we should visit often, but I would prefer to have our permanent residence in Devon or at Trenton Hall.”
“Then I do not wish to stay at Woodland Manor.” She thought her response would be the proper thing to say, but his face fell. In truth, she did not care about staying with her family. They were close enough to Devon where they could often meet together. “Did I say something wrong?”
“I do not want to force you away from your family and all the comforts you currently enjoy.”
“I believe you misunderstood me, my lord. Once we are married, I believe my place is to be with you. I do not worry about leaving Woodland Manor, because I will be with my husband.”
“And if there comes a time where you do not enjoy spending time with my mother or younger sister, will you desire to come back to Woodland Manor permanently?”
“I endeavor to make your family my family. Is that not what I am supposed to do as your wife?” She was so confused over his questions. He should understand her role was to make him happy. Although, a part of her was still unsure she could be successful. The lessons her mother and the Duchess of Waverly were occupying her time with were focused on her duty as a supportive yet submissive wife. She did not want to disappoint him. Margaret’s words the previous night were the first to give her hope. If Margaret could see her beauty, perhaps Lord Trenton would come to see it as well, and at some point he might fall in love with her,
“Debra, how can I make you understand?” He looked frustrated as he ran a hand through his hair. She did not like it when he did so as he caused his hair to rumple. And although he was still dashing, she liked the clean, put together hairstyle his valet sent him out with each morning. “I want you to be happy—”
“You want me to be happy in Devon?”
“Yes— no— but yes.”
“My lord, as long as I have parchment, ink, and pen I will be content.”
Again, her words caused a disappointed frustration in him. She was muddling this conversation. “I have a feeling our mothers have made you think you cannot share your thoughts and you must be docile. I do not agree with this. If you are more comfortable staying with your family until we know each other more fully, I will support you in this decision. I want to be a generous husband.”
Debra looked at his eyes. He was in earnest. She nodded her understanding. “My lord, I do not care to stay at Woodland Manor. That is to say, I love my family, but I am not expecting to stay here.”
“You do not feel forced to leave?”
“No, my lord. I do not see our union as a way to force me from my family. I will be as happy in Devon as I have been here on the Isle of Wight.”
Lord Trenton turned and took her hands in his. “We will be married in less than a week. Do you not think it is time to put our titles aside? I would prefer you call me Alex, or just Trenton.”
“I agree, my… Alex. Please use my Christian name as well.”
He held his arm out for her again, and they continued their walk through the garden. She took note of the pain in her leg and thought about resting it when arriving back at the house.
“Will you join me for a ride?” Alex asked guiding her back toward the manor.
“I would very much like to do so, Alex
.” Resting her leg would have to wait.
“Should we meet in the stable yard in a quarter of an hour?”
“Yes, I think that would be lovely.”
Before she left him, Alex lifted her chin so she could look him in the eyes. She wondered if this would be the moment he collected on the kiss he’d won, but to her disappointment, it wasn’t.
“I know our mothers have adamantly taught you everything you need to know regarding your role as my wife, but please do not lose your wicked ways. It would be a pity, Love.”
Debra gave him her most charming smile. “I will do my best to not disappoint.”
He led her into the house. She needed to run up to her bedchamber to change into her riding habit before meeting him in the stables.
“Lady Debra,” Jensen said as they entered the house. He held out a silver tray with a letter.
“Thank you, Jensen.” Debra took the letter off the tray and took notice of the seal. It was a plain red blot of wax. “Interesting,” she said more to herself than to either of the men standing in the hall with her.
Breaking the seal and reading the letter the blood drained from her face leaving her cold. “Jensen… who delivered this?”
“I do not know. The letter was sitting on the tray, so I brought it to you.”
“What does it say?” Alex asked holding his hand out in expectation.
Debra did not want to tell him. She’d been impulsive far too often where he was concerned, but she did not deserve to be called a trollop. Trying to blink the tears back, Debra turned from him as she didn’t want him to see her cry, yet again. “Jensen, where is my father?”
“In the parlor for the morning visit, my lady.”
Without noticing if Alex followed her, Debra rushed to the parlor. Her father would know what to do. The letter asked for a payment of five thousand pounds in return for silence on the matter. By the time she reached the parlor tears openly flowed down her face. Perhaps I should have listened to my governess and learned to be a proper young lady. I only have myself to blame. I have been careless with my reputation.
Chapter 16
Noticing the distress on Debra’s face, Alex followed her to the parlor. He could not see what the letter said, but the contents had caused severe angst. When she burst into the parlor with tears running down her cheeks, he did not realize he’d be blamed for the state she was in.
“Have a care, Trenton! She is my sister.” Alex turned to Samuel to see his long-time mate was angry with him.
He also noticed the concerned looks on all present, including Lady Margaret and her parents. How do I constantly find myself in such situations? “I know as much as you do,” Alex said holding his hands up to stop the torrent of angry outbursts in his direction. I should have stayed to my bedchamber this morning. No good can come of this.
Debra held the letter out to her father as she threw herself dramatically into her mother’s arms. Alex knew she was capable of acting in such a way, but he did not realize this would be her response to bad news.
“Where the devil did this come from?” Lord Norwood held the letter toward Alex as he asked the question.
“Jensen brought it to Debra only a moment ago. She did not divulge the contents to me.”
“Father, what does the letter say?” Samuel asked. From Debra’s continued sobs, the room was in fits of chatter.
“It is a letter of blackmail. A demand of five thousand pounds or the perpetrator will announce to society the reason for the engagement.”
“Five thousand pounds!” Samuel said in disgust. What proof does this person have of their claims?”
“Proof?” Alex laughed as he took a seat, “no one needs proof when it comes to gossip. The mere whiff of a scandal and her name will be blackened.” He dared not look in the direction of Margaret and her parents.
“Your title will not be able to save her from the censure she will receive from society.” His mother’s voice pulled his attention to her. “Neither one of you will be able to show your faces in London. Vultures have long memories.”
“Mother, you have always said a new scandal replaces an old one. You cannot tell me this is worse than a forced confinement.”
“No, I would not say worse. But it is just as bad.”
“Confinement?” Margaret said loud enough for everyone to hear.
“It is not true,” Alex said in disgust at the accusation in her face. Even speaking to the woman had him on edge. Alex hated being in a situation without a solution. Instead of spending time discussing the ruin he and Debra were partaking of, he wanted to find a solution to the blackmail. “So, what do we do to find this person?”
“We pay the five thousand pounds,” Waverly said as he took the letter from Lord Norwood. “I think it is best we try to find out who the culprit is and take care of the situation in full.”
Nodding in agreement, Alex looked around the room to see he wasn’t the only one satisfied with his father’s statement. Debra continued to cry into her mother’s shoulder, this was a devastating blow. And it had to happen as she finally made peace with learning how to be proper. “When does it need to be paid?”
“Tonight. The letter has instructions on where to leave the money. And it says Trenton should be the one to deliver it.” Lord Norwood looked over to him to indicate he could read the letter if he wanted. Alex put his hand up and shook his head. He did not need to see the words.
“We will all go to keep you safe,” Samuel said. He looked apologetic for his earlier assumption.
Debra looked up. “It says he and I have to deliver the money together.”
With this information, Alex stood up and took the letter from his father. He scanned the few lines. At the very bottom he read out loud, “You and Lord Trenton are to deliver the money without assistance. I would like to know who this gutter trash—”
“Alexander!” his mother rebuked before he could finish his sentence.
“I apologize, mother.” He did not hide his smile as he saw the disapproving glare she gave him. “I do not think it is wise to send Debra, or any female to take care of this situation. I will go alone.”
“No, you will not,” Waverly said taking the letter from him. “We will find a way to fool this extortionist.”
“Why fool him? We should pay the money and hope he stays silent,” Samuel responded glaring at the paper in Waverly’s hand.
“A person such as this is not going to stop extorting money from us. Once we pay, we will have to continue to pay.” Waverly crumpled the paper as he spoke.
“Lady Debra and I will be married before long. There will not be anything to gossip about.” Or so I hope! Debra was a surprise. Everything she did caused a stir. Will she be able to conform to life at Waverly Keep?
The question lingered in his mind throughout the rest of the day as he waited for the time when he would deliver the money. The instructions were to take it to the local cemetery and leave it on the grave of Millicent Bethany Bowels. Millicent’s final resting place was situated at the front of the cemetery near the kissing gate. This way the perpetrator could grab the money and escape without notice and trouble.
“Where will you hide?” Alex asked his father and Lord Norwood as they saddled the horses.
“Samuel, Nathaniel, and I will be behind the church house,” Lord Norwood said nodding in the direction of his son.
Waverly mounted his horse. “Leigh and I will be in the woods to the right of the cemetery.”
“I wish Baker hadn’t left for Kent this morning,” Samuel said in frustration.
“We will make do without him,” Norwood said with a brush of his hand.
Nervous, but wanting to finish this mess, Alex nodded and watched as they rode away, thankful they hadn’t included the other men of the house party. The plan was to have Alex deliver the money, but they had to get into place before the meetup so they could watch from a distance and catch the perpetrator.
Alex waited a half hour before he left for th
e cemetery, money in his saddle bags, and ready for a fight. He wasn’t going to allow someone to continue to extort money from his and Debra’s family. As he rode, he thought about the unfortunate presence of the Duke and Duchess of Apsley and Margaret when the letter arrived. If only he’d been able to see the letter, he could have stopped Debra from revealing the distressing news in front of guests who had no business knowing the details.
It took him ten minutes to reach the kissing gate. He dismounted and slowly walked to the grave. Norwood’s instructions led him to the left and past three headstones; the fourth belonged to Millicent Bethany Bowels.
Placing the bag of money on the grave, Alex looked around hoping to see the person, but no one walked forward. If the extortionist were there, he was in the shadows. Alex backed away from the grave in a slow but steady pace. The cemetery was a bit eerie knowing someone else was creeping around waiting in the dank dark.
Deciding he should leave the extortionist to his father and Lord Norwood, Alex turned back to the kissing gate and Blaise. He’d taken two steps before a man stepped in front of him. “Who are you?”
“Where is the chit?” The voice was deep and obviously masked. The man’s hat was pulled low over his face. With the dark of night, Alex couldn’t tell who he was, or what he looked like.
“Are you such a coward, you cannot show your face?”
“I am not a coward!”
“Then tell me who you are and what you want.” This would be the perfect moment for his father and the Richardsons to come out of hiding to confront the man. “Only a coward demands money not to ruin a woman.”
He wondered why they were leaving him to confront the man on his own. The entire plan was based on finding out who this person was. Alex looked around and finally noticed his father and Lord Norwood with his sons. Each one was standing with their hands in the air. Men stood with weapons in front of them.
“You call me a coward? You are the one who did not follow the instructions you were given.”
“Take the money and go.” He almost added the word sir, then decided against it. This man did not deserve any respect.
Wit & Intrigue (An Assignation to Remember Book 1) Page 10