“For now, I fear we must. The United States of America is a very young country. Though I foresee greatness for them, they are not quite ready to experience war. As an established nation, we must do all we can to keep peace. It is our duty.”
“As British people?”
“As human beings, my love. We are bound to our principles. We must do all we can to fight for peace.”
“That’s such a strange way to put it. Fight for peace. They are the opposite of each other.”
He nodded. “I see your point. But what can be done?”
“I believe I will continue to trust that our son will live in peaceful times, that we will not experience war such as we’ve seen in the past.”
“You are a good-hearted woman, Lizzie. I am so blessed to have you as my wife.”
She smiled at him. She lifted her hand toward him and he took it, leaning over to kiss the top softly. When his eyes moved back up to her face, she felt her heart skip a beat.
Her back began to hurt as she got out of the carriage. She placed one hand on it and gave Shawn a wide-eyed look. “Oh my,” she said in a strained voice. “That was quite painful.”
He stared at her. “Shall I send for the doctor?”
“I think that would be best. Please tell him to hurry.”
Shawn looked over his shoulder to James, who was standing at the top of the steps, holding a large umbrella in case his master and mistress needed it. “Send for the doctor, James!” he barked. “And tell Matthew to come out here and help me get Lady Elizabeth to her chambers!”
“Yes, my lord!” James turned away and hurried through the front door, coming back out moments later with two young men. Matthew immediately came down the steps and took one of Elizabeth’s arms. He and Shawn walked with Elizabeth up the stairs, stopping and holding her up when another pain went through her.
“Oh! Oh!”
“We need to hurry!” Shawn looked at the young man James had brought out. “Take my horse if you need to, just go get the doctor and hurry!”
“Yes, my lord!” The boy jumped down the steps two at a time and dashed off toward the stables.
* * *
Thirteen long, painful hours later, the nurse threw open the door to his wife’s chambers and gave him a large smile. “You have a son, your grace!” she announced excitedly.
“That’s wonderful news!” he responded. “And Elizabeth? How is she?”
“She came through just fine, my lord! Your family is ready for you!”
Shawn moved past her into the room, heading straight for the bed, where Elizabeth was propped up against many pillows, looking exhausted and holding a tiny little bundle wrapped in a blue blanket against her chest. She looked up at him, her smile radiating from her face.
“He’s so beautiful, Shawn! Look how beautiful he is!”
“Do you have a name for our son, my love?” he asked, sitting on the side of the bed, marveling at the tiny life they had created.
“Yes. I would like to name him Theodore William.”
He grinned. “I like that name. It suits him.” He leaned down and placed a kiss on the child’s forehead. He gave his wife a kiss on the lips. “I love you, Lizzie. I’m the happiest man on Earth today.”
“I love you, too, Shawn. I will always love you.”
16
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“I’ve just got a feeling.” He and Shawn had stood outside the manor’s front doors as Jonathan was preparing to leave. “I think it would be wise for you to stay here. We have plenty of room. You know that.”
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CHAPTER SIXTEEN
VISITING COUSIN
Viscount Jonathan Caldwell inhaled deeply and blew it out slowly. He scratched his head and stumbled down the path toward his estate. He’d left his carriage behind on the road after one of the wheels went into a deep hole and broke. He’d had too much wine and champagne at the ball. His head was spinning and he was seeing two of everything. He blinked several times quickly to see if it would clear his vision, but it only served to blur the world around him even more.
He should have stayed at Shawn’s manor instead of trying to get home. He knew that now. However, the past could not be changed and he would have to deal with his bad decision. Shawn had warned him. In addition, the Duke hadn’t even known that the wheel on his carriage would break.
“I’ve just got a feeling.” He and Shawn had stood outside the manor’s front doors as Jonathan was preparing to leave. “I think it would be wise for you to stay here. We have plenty of room. You know that.”
“I do, cousin.” Jonathan nodded. “But I feel like I need to go home tonight.”
Shawn shook his head and slapped him on the shoulder. “Be careful, Jon. Elizabeth and I will be worried about you until we hear from you again.”
“I’ll send a messenger in the morning with news of my safe return home.”
“See that you do.”
They’d said their goodbyes and he had gone on his way.
He sighed again, wishing he was home already. Even if he was there, he would not be at peace though. His business dealings were falling through. He and Shawn had discussed it all night. The Duke had offered his assistance, as he always did, but Jonathan didn’t want to take his cousin’s money. Not without the certain knowledge that he would be able to pay it back.
His finances were dribbling away like the water that once flowed freely over the waterfall near his home, but was now becoming a dry wasteland. His manor would soon fall to ruin, he’d have to dismiss his remaining servants and the Prince Regent, not to mention his beloved cousin, would be extremely disappointed in him.
It wasn’t as bad as Jonathan felt, but it didn’t stop his depression from reaching into the deepest parts of his soul. He would weep if he wasn’t the man he was.
It was dark out, but the moon was full and bright in the night sky above him. He stopped walking, staring out over a long field of green toward a gathering of trees. There was a small cottage sitting just behind those trees. He could see the roof. It wasn’t his home, but it was somewhere he could rest until he got home. He left the road behind and moved out over the grassy field.
He was lucky that it wasn’t raining. It was always raining in England. It was somewhat depressing at times. However, when it wasn’t raining, he, along with many of his peers, were grateful and gave thanks to God for the sunshine and dry weather.
Halfway to the cottage, Jonathan stopped. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying not to pass out. Maybe he could just lay down right there, spread his arms out and stare up at the sky until God decided to take him from this earth and all of the burdens he carried. Or perhaps he would just pass out and wake up with some type of animal licking his face. There was no telling what could happen.
He sighed and trudged forward.
The door to the cottage was slightly ajar. He poked his head in, but could see nothing in the darkness. Light shining through one window let him know that the cottage was still furnished. He went in.
“Hello?” he called. “Is anyone here?”
He got no response. He stretched his arms above his head and yawned.
“If anyone is here, I’m letting you know that I will be laying on your davenport until morning,” he mumbled. No one was going to hear him. The cottage was deserted.
He looked around the front room, trying to focus enough to see if there was a lantern anywhere nearby. He smiled when he spotted one in the corner of the room.
“Bravo,” he mumbled. “I will pray that there is oil and a tinderbox nearby.”
He’d have to feel his way around the room until he could light the lantern. His foot ran into something on the floor. He leaned over and felt the top of a cushioned piece of furniture, probably an ottoman of some kind or a small table. He went around it, heading toward the mantle and the lantern. Perhaps he could start a fire.
The thought made him grin. There was
no way he would be able to get everything together to start a fire. He could barely think straight as it was.
He reached the mantle and took up the lantern in one hand, feeling along the counter on each side of it to find the tinderbox. Liquid swished from side to side in the lantern. All he had to do was find the means to light it and he would be set. Only a fool would keep a lantern out without a tinderbox nearby. When he felt the familiar round box in his hand, his smile widened in satisfaction and relief.
After a few moments, he had the lantern lit. He’d become accustomed to lighting lanterns, even in the pitch darkness. He was often up wandering around his manor in the middle of the night, worrying about the state of affairs in Paddington. He had no wife and no family. He wasn’t sure that he ever would. He wasn’t as interested as he should be according to his two cousins, who were the eldest of their families and held in high regard by the Prince Regent and the ton. However, Shawn and Alexander had their estates in good order. It seemed to Jonathan that he was always struggling financially, despite the wealth his father had left him. As the only child who had lived past the second year, the continuation of the Caldwell family name and honor was left to him. The fact that he was not married and had no interest in any of the ladies was yet another burden on his shoulders.
He looked around the room, glad that the lantern shone so brightly. It felt like it was almost full of oil. He didn’t think he would be awake for long, but it was nice to know that it was there if needed.
He wandered around the small cottage. It was fully furnished and looked like people may have been there recently to clean. There were no cobwebs, animal droppings or ruined furniture. The curtains were in good condition, as were the two couches, three chairs, two tables and rugs. It was a two-bedroom house. The bedrooms were also furnished. He looked longingly at the beds.
Deciding he was too tired to continue, he chose the smaller of the bedrooms and went immediately to the bed. He pulled back the top quilt, as it was cool that evening, and slid into it, pulling off his boots beforehand.
Within moments, he was asleep, having forgotten to extinguish the lantern.
* * *
Lady Anna squinted as she walked slowly down the path. She held up the lantern in front of her, though her eyes were focused on the cottage in the distance. If she hadn’t been sitting on the porch enjoying the sunset, she might never have seen the light of the lantern in the summer house. Someone was out there and she was very curious about who it was. No one was visiting. If someone was, they would surely have come to her and said so.
Her left hand was balled up, clutching the fabric of her gown tightly in her fingers. She wasn’t afraid. There were no vagabonds or vagrants anywhere near her large estate. Her only and nearest neighbor, Viscount Jonathan Caldwell, was a gentleman bachelor who rarely left his estate for anything more than a party or a ball. He never held any events at his own home and she suspected it was because he enjoyed being alone. His mansion was not as nice as hers. In fact, it wasn’t even close. Nevertheless, in her heart she knew that Viscount Jonathan was good and decent. They had known each other since childhood, but had rarely spoken in recent years.
She reached the house and went directly in, heading back toward the room with the lit lantern. She knew the cottage well, having spent several of her teenage summer years residing in the house alone as her father endeavored to teach her to survive on her own, with only a maid and her two hands to get her through. He’d adopted her brother Stephen after Stephen’s parents were killed, and the two young children didn’t get along very well together.
Anna had offered to stay in the summer house to let Stephen get used to their home. He was two years older than her and had a fiery temper. Anna had always thought her father made a mistake adopting the boy, but she was not allowed to say anything. Therefore, she didn’t.
The door to the bedroom where the light shone was ajar. She pushed it open and stared at the sleeping man on the bed. She pressed her lips together, trying not to giggle. She couldn’t imagine what had caused Viscount Jonathan to come into the cottage to sleep.
As she got closer, she caught the distinct scent of alcohol and knew he must have been drunk. She leaned over and touched his arm. “Viscount. Viscount. Are you all right?” she said softly, pushing him slightly.
He didn’t stir. She tried harder.
“My lord Jonathan. Do you need me to fetch the physician? Will you be all right?”
Anna had never seen Jonathan in such a state. She was amused and worried at the same time. He must be very burdened to be here in this manner. He huffed in his sleep and turned over to face away from her.
She giggled.
She set the lantern on the table next to the bed and pulled open a drawer. From it, she took a piece of parchment paper, a pen and some ink. After she wrote a note for the Viscount, she put out the lantern and went back to the main house, where she would send a note to the Duke and Duchess of Worthington. She had to assume that he was coming from the ball they had put on the evening before and would be curious whether he arrived home or not.
17
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Someone was plotting against Lady Anna.
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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
BISCUITS WITH BERRIES
Jonathan slowly came back to reality. His head was pounding. He sat up groaning. He’d danced and drank entirely too much the night before. He’d told himself many times that being depressed about the state of business wasn’t a good excuse for drinking too much. It never turned out well.
He sat up and rubbed his eyes. He stretched, his long arms reaching toward the top curtain of the four-poster bed he had slept in, and then he looked around.
Where was he? He frowned. Had he gone home with a friend the night before? He heard no noise from the outside rooms. No one else was in the house. It was dead silent.
He threw back the covers and looked down at himself. He was still dressed in his outfit from the ball, with only his boots removed.
He struggled to remember what had happened the night before. It was a blank.
He slid his legs so that they were over the edge of the bed and reached down to pick up his boots. The fresh air outside would give him some relief, he was sure, and he would be able to see where he was.
As he bent to retrieve the boot, he spotted the note on the side table.
Dearest Viscount,
I see that you have exhausted yourself at the ball this evening. Since it is impossible for me to wake you, I will allow you to sleep here for the night. Please come to the main house when you wake up, to freshen yourself and have some breakfast with me.
Your dear friend,
Lady Anna Dunning
He smiled. What a kind woman his neighbor was. He still did not recognize the room he was in, but apparently it was a house on her property. He’d spent some time with Lady Anna at a few of the dances he’d attended and vaguely remembered her from his childhood. He’d been wondering if she would be at Shawn’s party last night, but she had not made an appearance. She was several years younger than he, but he had enjoyed her company the few times they had found themselves paired up during the season. She had a quick wit, was compassionate and kind to her servants and friends and was intelligent enough to hold a meaningful conversation. Much more than the brainless twits that permeated the ton.
He pulled on his boots and hurried through the small house, folding the note and sliding it into his jacket pocket.
He went down the path quickly. His mouth was parched. He needed some tea and at least four biscuits. His stomach rumbled to remind him that he hadn’t eaten since lunchtime yesterday. He didn’t count the cookies and crackers with artichoke spread he had consumed at the ball the night before.
As he drew closer, he narrowed his eyes and scanned the property. It looked oddly in disarray. The grounds were unkempt. Several areas further from the house were not groomed.
The area directly around the house looked well-kept. He wondered what the inside was like. The house was larger than his.
His confusion mounted when he knocked on the door and the butler answered. His uniform was at least five years out of date. It looked a bit tattered. He ushered Jonathan into the house. “It is good to see you, my lord,” James said. He was young for a butler. He couldn’t be more than ten years older than Jonathan. “Lady Anna has left instructions for your arrival this morning.”
“She has?” Jonathan couldn’t help feeling overwhelmed with gratitude. Lady Anna was a good woman.
“Yes, my lord. She says that you are to be taken immediately to the bath house. Clothes have been provided by the Lady’s brother, Stephen.”
“I am grateful.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“I would like tea and biscuits. I’m parched and hungry.”
“Yes, my lord. After you have finished with the bath, I will take you to the study. The Duke and Duchess of Fairbanks have already arrived.”
Jonathan flushed with embarrassment. Lady Anna must have sent a note to them. He didn’t know whether he was appreciative or not. Shawn was a good friend and advisor. He must have humiliated himself the night before more than he remembered.
He sullenly followed James down the long hallway to the last room. The bathroom was huge and clean. There was already a bath prepared and a raging fire in the fireplace. The room was warm. There were two large towels folded neatly next to the large round tub.
“This is very nice, James. Please tell Lady Anna I am happy that she has offered her facilities to me. And thank you very much for this preparation as well.”
“You are welcome, my lord.” James sounded like he was surprised. He raised his eyebrows at Jonathan, who smiled. He turned on his heel and retreated from the room, giving Jonathan a nod.
Regency Romance: More For A Duke (The Fairbanks Series - The Familial Adventures) (CLEAN Historical Romance) Page 7