The Deepest Well

by Juliette Cross

  Katherine considered her options, watching the room grow lighter with the rising sun. “Then I need your help. I can’t go down to breakfast and risk an encounter with Penelope and her venomous tongue. Surely, her mother will tell her what she saw.”

  “No doubt of it. And Penelope is worse than her mother. She’ll view this as a personal insult, seeing as she had plans to catch George for herself.”

  “That obvious, wasn’t she?”

  “Ridiculously so.”

  “All right.” Katherine stood from the bed, hands on her hips, determined. “I’ll summon Maggie. I need a bath this morning and to dress quickly. I’ll have her bring me a tray up for breakfast. I’m absolutely famished.” She headed for her suite.

  “I’ll bet you are.”

  “Jane!” Katherine spun and raised a brow at her. “No need to be crass.”

  Her friend popped out of bed and ran to her side, taking her hands in her own. “I am just so happy to see you so happy, I can hardly contain myself.” They smiled at one another, then laughed. “Go get dressed. I’ll have a tray sent up and make excuses that you are under the weather this morning. I’ll also spy on the Greenes.”

  “Good. I plan to be home and back before their spiteful gossip can make the rounds.” Katherine stepped toward her door and paused in the entrance. “Jane, I forgot to ask about Mr. Langley.”

  Jane’s expression melted into one of pure joy. “There will be plenty of time for me to tell you about Henry when you return.”

  “Henry?”

  “Out! You have a marriage to break and a reputation to ruin. Off with you.” Jane shooed her out of the room with a smile. Only Jane knew her well enough to be able to say such things. In reality, her admitting it aloud was like breaking chains. Katherine could breathe easier, knowing her torment under the roof with Clyde Blakely would soon be over.

  Chapter Eighteen

  It was nearly ten o’clock by the time Jane swished into Katherine’s room and closed the door. “I’m sorry.”

  “Where have you been?”

  “Well, to say it was an interesting morning would be an understatement.”

  “What? What happened?”

  “First, Mrs. Langley didn’t come down, due to a slight stomachache, which put some credence to you not coming down as I said you had the same thing. Lord Thornton was obviously out of sorts when you didn’t come down to breakfast with me. Mr. Delacroix was nowhere to be found. And the Greene party huffed into the room, freezing the room to glacial temperatures with their icy stares and cold distance, before Lady Mable declared they must return home today due to a family illness. Lie, of course. Henry made a remark about the strangeness of everyone falling ill after such an entertaining evening, to which no one laughed. Except me. Lady Helene simply watched everyone and everything without saying a word. I declare, it was the most uncomfortable, awkward meal I’ve ever had. Then, all of a sudden, Duncan swept in with a letter on a salver. Lord Thornton read it, leaped from the table, excused himself with no explanation at all and left toward the stables.”

  “Good Lord. What can it mean? Did he say who the message was from?”

  “He said little to nothing the entire morning.”

  “When are the Greenes and Marjorie leaving?”

  “They didn’t say.”

  Just then, the sound of a carriage rattled on the drive. Jane’s bedroom was on the corner, so she was able to view the front of the house. They both rushed to the window and peered down just in time to catch Penelope’s raven curls bouncing as she entered the cab. A coachman strapped the last bag to the top.

  “There’s our answer.”

  “Who is that seeing them off?” asked Jane. “I can’t see.”

  Katherine leaned closer, pressing her cheek to the glass. “It’s Duncan.” She headed for the door, grabbing her reticule. “I need to find George. We must leave at once.”

  “But I believe he’s gone. Katherine, wait!”

  Jane rushed toward her and wrapped her in an unexpected embrace.

  “What is this?” she asked with a laugh.

  “I don’t know. I’m being silly and childish, I know, but I have a strange feeling that I’ll never see you again.”

  Katherine’s stomach twisted. It struck her as well that once she’d taken care of her errand at home, she probably wouldn’t see Jane for quite a long time. She hugged her tighter, then pressed a kiss to her cheek, a rare affection.

  “I’m not going away forever, Jane.” She pulled back to look at her sweet friend. “But I shall miss you so terribly, I think my heart will break.”

  Jane laughed as a tear rolled down her cheek. “No, you won’t,” she sniffed. “You’ll have the charming and alluring Lord Thornton to keep your thoughts preoccupied.”

  “Now you’re making me cry. Stop it immediately.”

  They both laughed. Katherine wiped Jane’s cheek, her powder smearing on her white glove. “Well, then. You best tend to Mr. Langley and hurry yourself to the altar so he can preoccupy your thoughts. Then you won’t miss me at all.”

  “Of course, I will.” She sniffed again. “You’re the best friend a girl could ever have. You’re the sister I never had.”

  “Oh, Jane.” Katherine hugged her again, cherishing the sisterly affection she’d never had as a girl.

  Jane hugged her once more, then released her. “Now you may go. Find George and send me word when you return.”

  Katherine tightened her gloves at the wrists. “Won’t you be here when we return?”

  “Possibly not. I visited Mrs. Langley this morning on my way up to you. She invited my mother and I for a visit to their country estate not a half day’s journey from here. And since the party seems to be breaking up early, I’ve already written Mother. She is sure to come as I mentioned how well I’d been getting along with Mrs. Langley and her son. She always adored Henry when we were younger. Mrs. Langley invited you as well, but I informed her you had previous plans.”

  Katherine squeezed Jane’s hand one last time. “I’m so happy for you. He’s a fine gentleman, worthy of my dearest friend.”

  “Nothing has been arranged as of yet.”

  “But it will be. Mark my words.” She opened the door. “I’ll write as soon as I can.”

  “Good luck!”

  Once she reached the main parlor, she found no one there. She made her way to what she knew was George’s study. Again, no one. As she made her way back toward the front portico, Duncan appeared.

  “Duncan, I’m happy to find you. Can you tell me where Lord Thornton is at the moment?”

  “I’m afraid I cannot.”

  “What about Mr. Delacroix?”

  “He is unavailable as well.”

  This couldn’t be good news. Katherine considered her options.

  “However,” Duncan said, presenting her with a sealed letter, “Lord Thornton asked me to deliver this to you as soon as you were feeling well enough to come down.”

  “Thank you, Duncan.”

  She took the letter and ducked into the smaller parlor, where the gentlemen gathered after meals. Empty like the others.

  She broke the wax seal, stamped with the Thornton crest, and pored over the few words on the paper.

  Dearest Katherine,

  I was disheartened to wake up alone, and even more so when you did not come down for breakfast. I can only surmise that you needed more rest than usual. For that, I could not disturb you.

  Something has come up that needs my immediate attention. Don’t be alarmed. It is nothing to interfere with us. I should return by sundown. Then we may further discuss our plan—and our future together.

  I am anxious to see you. And to hold you again.

  Forever yours,

  George

  Katherine reread the letter. Then reread it a third time befo
re finally folding it and tucking it into her reticule. Pacing near the window, she stared out the pane, where bright sunshine bathed the garden. Not a cloud to be seen. A soft patch of burnet and bluebells grew along a path toward a stone bench—yellow and purple in perfect harmony. Katherine smiled at the sweetness of it and George’s keenness for wildflowers. She wanted this life with him more than breath itself. A soft click sounded behind her.

  “Someone is awfully pensive this morning.” Lady Helene closed the door and walked farther into the room.

  “I am,” said Katherine, suddenly nervous, sensing that Lady Helene knew where her thoughts strayed.

  “I am not the sort to pry, dear girl, but I believe, if what I’m hearing is true, that you have a difficult decision to make about your future.”

  Katherine lifted her chin, folding her hands gracefully in front of her as if awaiting teatime, not deciding the course of her life. “I have made my decision.” There, she had said it.

  “If I am correct, that future does not include Lord Blakely.”

  “You are correct.”

  Lady Helene took a seat on the chaise. “I see.” Her pensive expression crinkled her brow into fine lines. Sunlight shone bright on her powder-soft skin and wrinkles, revealing a woman at a fragile age, no matter her lofty status in society. She smoothed the folds of her skirt—white with pink posies—taking her time before she spoke. Katherine waited, her back straight in a stiff line. “Then I have some advice for you, dear.”

  When she spoke, her voice wavered with both anxiety and defiance. “I’m listening.”

  Lady Helene laughed. “No need to chuck your chin up at me, girl. Believe it or not, I’m on your side.” She fixed Katherine with a tender smile. “Your choice is the right one. Life is too short to live in misery. If you have the chance to be happy, damn what the world says is right. Take your chance and never look back. But I’ll tell you this. That Greene woman will have the news spread like wildfire around all of London before the week is through. If you plan to end this properly with your husband, and I believe that it is his right to hear it from you, then you must do so immediately. Before he is told by some blackguard in White’s.”

  Katherine shifted from one foot to the other, a nervous habit when anxiety was building. She glanced out the window again, a soft breeze blowing the wildflowers. With a heavy sigh, she strolled across the room, leaned over and planted a kiss on Lady Helene’s cheek. It was the first time Katherine had ever seen genuine surprise on the sweet woman’s face.

  “You’re right, Lady Helene. Thank you for your good counsel.” She laughed and hurried out the door, calling out, “Duncan!”

  He had not gone far. “Yes, my lady?”

  “Do you have a writing desk I may borrow?”

  “Yes, this way, please.”

  He led her across the hall to a small room with only two chairs, a table, no fireplace and a writing desk. “Mrs. Baxter uses this room for her correspondence and housekeeping records. You are welcome to use what you require.”

  “Thank you.” He turned to go. “Please don’t go far.”

  He bowed and stood outside the door. Katherine sat and scribed a quick response.

  My dear George,

  I am rather beside myself that you are not here. But I must go home today to handle the business we discussed. It is imperative that I not delay, due to unforeseen circumstances. I will explain all upon my return, when I will be overjoyed to discuss our future—together.

  Yours, now and always,

  Katherine

  She folded the letter and sealed it. Handing the note to Duncan, she said, “Please give this to Lord Thornton when he returns.”

  The austere butler frowned. “Forgive me for prying, but do you plan to quit Thornton?”

  “Only for today. I shall return tonight as soon as I’ve taken care of some…business in town.”

  “Lady Katherine, it is not for me to interfere, but Lord Thornton will be unhappy if you leave without speaking with him first.”

  She found it curious that Duncan was more insistent than most butlers would be. The intrusion would be considered impertinent, even for a well-respected butler. But she understood he was only looking after his master’s wishes.

  “I can promise that I will return this night, perhaps even this afternoon if I am fortunate in completing my task swiftly.”

  “I see,” he said, more gravely than even before. “Then I must request that you take our coach and coachman, Barclay, with you.”

  “Oh, that isn’t necessary.”

  “But I insist.” Duncan wasn’t going to budge.

  “All right. I need to leave immediately.”

  “Shall I fetch your maid?”

  “No. Maggie should stay and wait for me here.” She wouldn’t bring Maggie back to that house ever again, not after the threat Clyde used against her.

  Clyde might not be at home. If he happened to be there, she would tell him with a happy heart that she was leaving him, pack the few heirlooms that she longed to keep—the brush set of her mother’s and the jewelry box from her father—then be on her way back here. If he was not home, she would simply tell him in a letter and return to Thornton. With the callousness with which he’d treated her these past two years of marriage, she decided he didn’t deserve much more than that anyway. No matter what Lady Helene advised. But she still needed to put an end to it and retrieve the things from her parents that belonged to her.

  Within ten minutes, Barclay pulled the carriage up to the circle at the front. Katherine gawked for a moment at the huge, burly man, having never seen a coachman quite that size. It was obvious Barclay was to serve as her guardian in George’s stead. Once in the cab, she glanced out the window at Duncan on the step, who gave her a nod, expression somber as always. Perhaps more so than usual. She nodded back with a tight smile, then headed back to London to say good-bye to her old life.

  Chapter Nineteen

  They made the trip in no time at all. It was a little past noon when they circled up the drive on Hanover Square. Barclay insisted upon coming inside rather than waiting with the carriage. Highly unorthodox, but she had her suspicions that Duncan had given him strict orders.

  Edmund promptly opened the door as they approached the threshold.

  “Hello, Edmund.”

  “Good afternoon, Lady Katherine. We weren’t expecting you until tomorrow evening.”

  “Yes. I’m afraid something has come up.” She hadn’t planned exactly how she was going to handle this with the servants, but she wanted to tell them good-bye as well. Many of them had cared for her since childhood. “Is Lord Blakely at home?”

  “He rose early this morning, Lady Katherine, and I have not seen him since.”

  “Very well. Would you please assemble the servants in the kitchen in half an hour? I must fetch a few things, then I will be down straight away.”

  “All of the servants?”

  Katherine paused. “Actually, no.” Some of the servants were much more devoted to her husband, and those she didn’t care to speak to at all. Especially the scullery maid, Agnes. She stepped forward and placed her hand lightly on Edmund’s sleeve. “Only Father’s servants, Edmund.”

  “Yes, my lady.”

  Edmund eyed the brawny coachman standing only a few feet from his mistress.

  “Do not worry about him. Barclay is assisting me.” That was all that needed to be said for Edmund to obediently disappear toward the kitchen.

  When Barclay started to follow her toward the stairs, she spun. “Barclay, you must stay here. I need a few things from my bedchamber. You may not follow me there.”

  The large man was slow to understand. Katherine held up her hand. “I’ll be down in just a few minutes.”

  He took his place by the door and watched her go. By the time she reached her bedroom, she was out of b
reath, anxious to claim what she’d come for and to leave for good. When she stepped into her bedroom, she knew Clyde had been there. The energy of the room felt different. A disturbance lingered. Her things were all slightly askew. Then she realized the curtain on her bed was drawn back.

  Stepping cautiously up to her bed as if she waited for some sinister creature to leap from within the canopy, she frowned at what she found. Upon her coverlet was a pristine, white dress with small cap sleeves, a low, scalloped neckline and layered, transparent skirts spread wide. There was something eerie about the dress, specifically the fact that it lay upon her own bed, waiting for her like something out of a fairy tale where the wicked witch lingered in the dark woods.

  “It will look beautiful on you.”

  She jumped and spun around to find Clyde standing behind her. While he appeared calm, holding a book at his side, menace glazed his eyes. Despite her heart beating right out of her chest, she inhaled a deep breath. Now was the time.

  “Clyde, I have come home early to tell you something.”

  He approached the bed and drifted his fingers over the shimmery silk of the dress. “I am sure it will fit you.”

  What on earth was he going on about?

  “I need you to listen to me. I don’t want the dress. I must tell you—”

  He sharpened his gaze on her. “What is it that you have to tell me, dearest? That you are in love with another man? That you are leaving me?”

  He laughed. A thread of ice crawled up her spine. He lifted the book in his palm and opened it. A dried yellow wildflower, a cinquefoil, slipped out and floated to the floor. He took the letter that was concealed there as well and opened it after callously tossing aside Paradise Lost.

  “You are worthy of riches and beauty, but even more than this, you are worthy of compassion and kindness.” George’s words on Clyde’s lips sounded like blasphemy. Bile rose in Katherine’s throat. Fear, cold and hard, gripped her around the chest and squeezed as he read more.

  “Let this small token convey the happiness I wish for you.” He bent to the ground and lifted the flower, staring at it for a few seconds before he crushed it in his hand. The smile he wore slipped away as he pierced her with a dark glare. “Never, Katherine. Never.” He stepped closer. She edged along her bed toward the door. “You are mine and will always be mine. But you will pay for your infidelity first.”