Feeling better that he hadn’t brushed away her desire for privacy, she took his escort and forced herself to relax as he brought her outside. The day was still chilly after the rain, but it was pleasant. The cool air moved through her, tickling the back of her throat.
“Now, what is it? I daresay no one is in open hearing distance here.”
“Thank you for humoring me. I—I believe Edmund is in danger.”
He stopped abruptly and faced her, his expression unreadable. “Why would you believe that? The duke is a rather powerful person for someone to target.”
“But, she’s equally powerful.”
“She?” Uncle Joseph’s eyebrow rose significantly. “For all her faults, I assure you the dowager duchess wants no harm to come to her son.”
“Not her.” Carolyn wanted to roll her eyes. “Lady Dane. The woman has all but threatened me, and the duke as well. Then yesterday, he seemed to anger her further. I suspect she’ll become bolder.”
He nodded slowly as if taking it all in. “Who have you talked to about all this?”
Knowing where he was going with such a question, she straightened her back. “I intend to go to the magistrate. I will not stand by and allow something to happen to Edmund.”
With a long sigh, the man looked off in the distance. “I hope you’re wrong. I heard Edmund saying he intended to go to his hidden hunting cabin today. Shortly after that, my sister set out on her mare.”
Her eyes widened as terror shot through her. “You don’t think she followed him, do you?”
“There is only one way to find out, but I have no idea where the cabin is. At the time, I never thought him keeping this secret would be an issue.”
She started off in the direction of the stables. Fear hastened her steps. She knew how to locate the cabin, and she refused to waste any more time. A lump formed in her throat. What if they were already too late?
“Where are you going?” Uncle Joseph demanded as she pulled her mare from the stall.
“Saddle her quickly.” She told the groom before turning on Edmund’s uncle. “I’m going to the hunting cabin.”
Keeping her back straight and her gaze direct, she challenged him to deny her. Men always seemed to think women were useless, but she refused to back down. She had the element of surprise with her at the moment.
“Very well, but you are taking me with you. She’s my sister, so I might be able to reason with her.”
Relief flooded her as he called for another horse to be saddled. Together, they rode to the cabin. They would locate Edmund and help him should he need it. Thinking of all the suffering he’d gone through at a hunting cabin made her ill, effectively erasing her relief.
When they neared, she slowed her mare. “How far away should we stop? I don’t want them to know we’re coming.”
“How far away is the cabin?”
She pointed. “It’s just through that clearing there. In another few feet or so we’ll be able to spot it.”
“Then, this is perfect.” Uncle Joseph dismounted and assisted her down.
As she turned and reached for her mare’s reins, pain exploded on the back of her head. Then, nothing.
~ ~ ~
Carolyn tried to open her eyes, but the blinding pain shot through her head at the effort. Something squeezed her wrists, and she jerked away, her arm didn’t move. Forcing her eyes open, she sucked in her breath to see Uncle Joseph tying her arms to the bed in the hunting cabin.
Confused tears spilled down her cheeks. “What are you doing? Where is Edmund?”
He laughed. “Likely my nephew is in his study back at Moonlight Castle. You are such a gullible woman.”
“What do you intend to do with me?” She forced out through her terror and pain.
“I hadn’t intended for it to happen like this.” He moved across the room and began building a fire in the hearth. “An accident would have been so much better, but you had to force my hand. Exactly like my damned brother.”
Still feeling out of sorts from the throbbing in her head, she had trouble following his conversation. “Your brother?”
He shook his head. “It doesn’t matter now. I know you care about Edmund, and I’d like you to take solace in knowing your death is preventing his.”
Panic flooded her throat, and she had to close her eyes and bite down on her teeth to keep herself from breaking down. To hear him so callously talk about ending her life struck her. What kind of man was he to think this way? Needing to concentrate, to delay his plans, she thought about Edmund. Perhaps if she could keep Uncle Joseph talking, someone would be able to find her.
“How is that?” Her voice emerged weak.
“Many times recently I’ve contemplated killing you both, but I like this better. You see, once Edmund has been deprived of you, everything will go back to how it was before you arrived. He may have the title, responsibilities, and work associated with the dukedom, but I had all the good. The recognition, the deference, the wealth, and the duchess in my bed.”
“You still have all that.”
“No.” Hatred dripped from the one word. “Ever since you arrived, the duke is no longer content to simply keep the books. He wants to interact with the tenants and play the host at gatherings. I’ll not have it anymore. I am the face of Demoon.”
“But—”
“Enough talking.” He used tongs to pull a burning log from the fireplace.
“Now, I must set the fire. It’s kind of funny, actually. I remember this moment eleven years ago. I must not have hit you hard enough. I’m sorry about that. Edmund sure didn’t wake once I placed him next to the body of my brother.”
“Please don’t,” she pleaded.
“Don’t you see I have no choice?” His face softened as he gazed upon her, pity in his eyes. “Do not fear the fire, my dear. The smoke and heat will provide a much more comfortable death before the flames ever touch your flesh.”
Carolyn watched in horror as the man took the log around, making sure the curtains and various pieces caught on fire. Fear clogged her throat. Dear God, she truly wouldn’t make it out of this alive. She closed her eyes for a second, then resolve filled her as she worked against her bonds.
She would not die today.
Chapter 16
Edmund stretched out his back, feeling his cuts and bruises more acutely today. As he surveyed his work, pride shot through him. This secret garden would provide safety once again. This time, it would belong to Carolyn.
Thinking over the reaction he’d surely receive brought a smile to his face. Likely the gift would touch her as much as it had his grandmother. And, knowing it would be well tended to would surely help his grandmother’s soul rest in peace.
With a smile on his face, he collected the gardening tools and headed toward his stallion. Then, he froze. Wisps of black smoke curled up into the sky from somewhere on his property. The only structure that would be remotely close to that area was his hunting cabin.
An image of his father paraded through his mind. Had the devil released him long enough to allow the flames of hell to consume the structure? But, why?
Spurring into action, he jumped on his stallion and made his way toward the danger. Fear of not knowing what would welcome him gave him an extra push to encourage the beast to move faster. Had a few youths set the blaze by accident? Seeing the baron, viscount, and earl as children in his mind’s eye, his stomach rolled. Someone could be trapped inside exactly like he had been, all those years ago.
When he neared the structure, it was clear the place had been set on fire not long before. Luckily, it had rained last night so the still damp wood held no hint of the flames on the outside the structure. Glancing around, his heart stopped. Carolyn’s mare was bucking against her reins in the horse shelter.
Edmund jumped from his stallion and ran to the door. It was locked. Drawing upon his potent bulk, he kicked at the solid wood. The hinges ripped from the structure, giving him a limited view of the smoke-filled room.
Memories washed over him as the familiar acrid smell filled his nostrils. He coughed and ducked down. Securing his mask over his nose and mouth, he crawled inside, taking advantage of the small bit of air near the floor. Tears formed in his eyes at the combination of smoke and heat, but he blinked rapidly to clear his vision.
Fear held no place in his mind as he moved about the room, intent on finding Carolyn. Seeing her crumpled form next to the bed, he hastened to drag her toward the door. His heart accelerated as sweat poured down his face.
Working quickly, he pulled her out of the building and gulped in the fresh air. Panic gripped his chest when she didn’t move. Running his hands over her, he felt his heart split inside his chest. This couldn’t be happening again. He couldn’t lose her.
Recalling how Thomas had revived her, he pushed on her chest rapidly and blew into her mouth, praying it would bring the life back into her. Nothing happened. Tears spilled down his cheeks as he continued to give her as much fresh air as he could. She needed to breathe. Now. For him. He couldn’t live without her. He loved her too much.
Carolyn coughed, and he nearly collapsed in relief. When she opened her eyes and looked at him, he pulled her into his arms, burying his face in her hair, still strongly coated in smoke. His chest ached as all the love he held for her threatened to consume him.
“Edmund?” She croaked. “How did you find me?”
He only released her long enough to look into her beloved face. “I saw the smoke from the garden, so I rode toward it. When I arrived, I saw your mare.”
Her eyes moved to where he pointed, and she stiffened. “He tied my mare up so you would know it was me when you found my charred remains.”
The emotionless tone of her voice sent chills up his spine. “He?”
She nodded slowly, watching him cautiously as if she expected him to explode in any second. And, she was right. Knowing someone had tried to murder Carolyn had him seeing red. Heat engulfed him, having nothing to do with the burning structure twenty feet away.
The popping of the glass windows helped him focus. Lifting Carolyn into his arms, he carried her further away from the cabin. Each step he took brought the cooling breeze washing across his face and the air became more breathable, clearing his head. He set her in the grass and looked into her eyes.
“Who did this?” He forced out through clenched teeth.
“Your uncle.”
Shock had his head reeling. No. It couldn’t be. The man had acted like a father to him for so many years. He couldn’t believe it. He didn’t want to believe it.
“Why would Uncle Joseph do such a thing?” he asked, not expecting an answer.
She touched her hand to his cheek. “He enjoys playing the part of the duke without the responsibilities. Because of me, he was losing that.”
He shook his head. This couldn’t be right. “I don’t like this.”
“I know, but it gets worse.”
Standing up, he paced between the trees as agitation welled up within him. He had no reason to doubt her, but he didn’t like what she was saying.
“Just say it. I want to know everything.”
She tried to stand, then she fell back and guilt swamped him. Hurrying to her side, he fell to his knees and slid his arm behind her back, pulling her up against him. He let his anger and confusion drift to the back of his mind. Right now wasn’t the time to question her.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered as he brushed her hair away from her face. “I’m just so confused right now.”
“I know.” She leaned into him. “I’m sorry, Edmund, but I believe your uncle killed your father. Then, he knocked you out and put you in the cabin before setting the fire.”
He closed his eyes as his world spun. His head hurt. He didn’t want to think about this any longer.
“I see,” he responded, weakly.
“Take me to Knightly. I have an idea to get the truth from your uncle, and it would be better to have him believe me dead. And, I need you to bring the duchess to see me as soon as possible.”
~ ~ ~
Carolyn gulped down more water, feeling as though her stomach would burst with all the liquid. However, her throat burned and the cool water caressing her was the only thing that provided relief.
Fear from her ordeal still pounded through her. She could hardly believe Edmund, along with her brother and his friends had experienced something similar at such a young age. The thought of her terror being personified by youth buzzed inside her.
Seeing the dowager duchess’s confused face in the doorway, Carolyn pushed her disturbing thoughts aside. “Your Grace, please come in and sit with me.”
“The duke told me my presence was requested by the viscountess for a matter of great importance.”
“My sister greatly appreciates the haste at which you have come.”
Although hesitant, the woman stepped inside the room and took a seat, wrinkling her nose. “The smell in here is quite strong. I would speak to the viscount about having the hearth cleaned.”
Not ready to explain the smell came from Carolyn, herself, she shrugged. After arriving at Knightly, she managed to wipe away the majority of the soot from her body and had changed into one of Claire’s gowns. Although it didn’t fit properly, it served its purpose. However, at the time, she hadn’t even considered the scent of the fire on her skin or in her hair.
“It was I who requested your presence, not Lady Knightly.”
The woman lifted her chin as irritation filled her gaze. “I can see that. Do you intend to tell me why?”
“I need you to elaborate on what you told me earlier. About there being a threat to Edmund.”
The dowager quickly stood and paced the rug. “No. I already told you too much. Why you would think a change of scenery would alter my decision, I can’t imagine.”
“Tell me, do you care for your son?” Carolyn prayed for a positive response as she stared at the woman who had frozen at the question.
“You already know that I do.”
“Then, help me understand. If someone made a threat against him, I would think you would have a desire to stop them. Let me help you.”
The color left her face. “You can’t. That will only put you in danger, too. I spent a decade protecting my son from him, and I can continue to do it on my own. You just need to listen to me.”
Carolyn repressed a smile. The woman had admitted it was a man who was the danger. Soon, she would confess the rest. Carolyn simply needed to move this along faster.
“I know who you are talking about. It’s Joseph. What I don’t understand is how this arrangement came about.”
The dowager duchess crossed the room and stared out the windows. “Joseph had always wanted everything that Lawrence had. Including me. The man even fancied himself to be in love with me.” She shuddered. “You don’t understand the terrible things he’s done.”
“I understand more than you think. The smell you complained about earlier. It’s me.”
“What?” The dowager spun around to look at her, horror widening her eyes.
“He tied me to the bed in the hunting cabin and set it on fire.”
“Oh, God!” The woman clutched her chest and sank down into the nearest chair. “This is much worse than I thought.”
Feeling urgent, Carolyn crossed the room and sat beside the woman, patting her hand. “We can stop him, but I need you to tell me everything.”
With a nod, the dowager seemed to find some of her composure. “One night when Lawrence had been in one of his rages, Joseph must have heard us. He came barreling into the b
edchamber, catching Lawrence off guard. I’ll never forget the hate on his face as he strangled his own brother with his bare hands. Then, when the duke’s lifeless body fell to the floor, Joseph turned to me and smiled, telling me I was now free.”
Carolyn gasped. The man wasn’t sane.
“He left his brother’s body there on the floor, took me by the hand, and led me into the next room to put his claim on me. He has considered me his from every moment since.”
“How can that be? I don’t recall hearing the duke had been murdered.”
“The fire in the hunting cabin was Joseph’s idea to wipe away the evidence. Since the magistrate wasn’t in a rush to see a hated man who supposedly died alone in his chambers, he sent word he would arrive when the time suited him. Joseph’s plan seemed to be ideal. That is, until he wanted Edmund to sit vigil.”
Staring wide-eyed, Carolyn could hardly believe the woman hadn’t murdered him herself in order to protect Edmund from such a thing. “Why did you let him?”
“I didn’t. We argued for quite a while. In the end, he relented when I promised him whatever he wanted to leave Edmund alone. As the years wore on, he required much of me.”
“I can’t hear this anymore.” Edmund stepped into the room. “I recall how happy you were following my father’s death. The way you tell it, Uncle Joseph ruined your life.”
Tears streamed down the dowager’s face as she looked at her son with pleading eyes. “Oh, Edmund. You aren’t supposed to be here.”
“Perhaps not, but I am here. How am I to believe a word of this when I remember your actions as well as your hateful words?”
“I didn’t have a choice. I had decided to take you and run away the day of the fire. I was packing when you came in, your flesh still burning, and right then I knew we couldn’t leave. You were not supposed to have been harmed. I heeded the warning. After all, he would find us and finish the job. I have spent the past ten years convincing him that he means more to me than you do. That you aren’t a threat to him.”
Enchanting the Duke of Demoon (Touched by Fire Book 4) Page 20