The Sweetest Secret

by Marie Higgins

  The maid arched an eyebrow. “Lord Hawthorne isn’t wealthy and handsome?”

  “Well of course he is, but he doesn’t adore me, and I for certain don’t believe his flowery words are sincere. It’s very hard to trust that man.” She flipped a hand through the air. “Besides that, he is only acting this way because nobody here knows him. When he’s with his friends again, he’ll turn back into the accomplished rogue we remember.”

  Sally’s gaze narrowed. “Are you certain? He certainly acts sincere.”

  “That’s why he’s an accomplished rogue. He knows just what to say to make a woman swoon.”

  “Yes, you are probably right.” Sally’s gaze dropped to the tulip. “I suppose I’m still wishing for a man to take notice of me and fall in love with me.”

  “It will happen.” Tabitha patted her friend’s shoulder. “Be patient and things will happen for you.” She gestured her head toward the house. “But let’s put our worries aside for now and help my aunt and Mrs. Stiles prepare the luncheon tomorrow. I invited Mr. Jacobs and his daughter to join us, as well.”

  Sally’s eyes enlarged. “Mr. Jacobs? Why did you invite him when you know why your aunt is having this luncheon with Mr. Woodland?”

  “That’s exactly why I invited Mr. Jacobs.” Tabitha grinned. “Because I don’t want my aunt or Mrs. Stiles to think there’s a chance that me and the clergyman…” She grimaced. “No, I’m sorry, but it will not happen that way. Not if I have anything to do with it.”

  Laughing, Sally kept in step beside Tabitha on the way to the house. “Poor Mr. Jacobs. Does he know what he’s in for?”

  “Probably not, but let’s not tell him. I fear he’ll run away and never return.” Tabitha snickered. “But it will be entertaining, nonetheless. I, for one, cannot wait to see Nic’s reaction.”

  “Me, either.”

  Tabitha grinned all the way to the house. Perhaps she shouldn’t be toying with these two men’s affections the way she was, but she couldn’t help it. Indeed, tomorrow afternoon would be most entertaining.

  Chapter Sixteen

  “Where have you been?” Nic raised his voice to his cousin. Standing in the kitchen, Nic folded his arms across his chest and glared. “I haven’t seen you for over twenty-four hours. I was beginning to suspect something terrible had happened to you.”

  With one elbow leaning on the table as his hand held up his head, Frederick gripped his coffee cup with the other hand. “Forgive me, dear cousin, but I had thought I found a clue and I was hot on the suspect’s trail. Unfortunately, it turned out to be nothing.”

  “What did you find?” Nic asked in a calmer voice as he walked closer to the table.

  “The Griffin’s houseguest—whom I’d suspected—left and I followed. Their houseguest had been with them for a few months, and I had begun to wonder about this strange man. When I saw him packing his carriage bright and early yesterday morning, I decided to follow.” Frederick shook his head. “Apparently, the man was just returning home. He didn’t meet with anyone, and he traveled directly home—which, by the way was nearly a half-day’s journey up the coast. I stayed and watched his house for a few hours, but when I realized nothing was going to happen, I left to come home.” Frowning, he shook his head. “I’m beginning to believe I will never find the true thief.”

  “Why did you suspect him?”

  “Because he was limping as if he’d sprained his ankle. Right now a man with an injured leg is the only lead I have.” Frederick sipped his coffee cup.

  “David Griffin had a broken ankle. Don’t you recall that’s what the doctor had found?”

  With his eyes closed, Frederick nodded. “Yes, but I still don’t believe he did it. He has no reason to steal from the church.”

  Grumbling, Nic sat in the chair next to his cousin. “Perhaps we should look at this from a different angle.”

  Frederick gave Nic a dubious stare. “Pray tell, my dear cousin, what angle are we supposed to look at it?”

  “Do you know for certain that it was a man? Or, by chance, do you think it could have been a woman?”

  Frederick rolled his eyes. “A woman? Why would a woman want to steal from the church?”

  Nic held up his hand, palm facing his cousin. “Just listen to me.” He took a deep breath. “Today I had Miss McFadden come into the church to confess her sins to me.”

  Frederick gasped and shook his head “Oh, please tell me you didn’t give her any guidance.”

  “Of course not. I had no idea what to say to the poor girl.” Nic scratched underneath his ear where his beard had been bothering him since he grew facial hair. “But what she told me made me start looking at this theft situation in a whole new light.”

  Nic continued to tell Frederick about what happened to Miss McFadden. As he explained, his chest tightened as he thought of the poor girl’s circumstance. In the back of Nic’s mind, he hoped he’d never had to put a woman through this. Then again, if he had, the woman should have had the decency to come tell him. He would have done the proper thing, even if he didn’t love the woman. Which made him realize he’d better not be doing that with a woman unless he wanted to marry her.

  Frederick squeezed his eyes closed and shook his head but didn’t say anything. Nic waited a few seconds in silence before adding, “I tell you, Frederick, I really believed she could have killed David Griffin—although I had no idea to how she could have buried him in the sand. Nevertheless, the idea struck me as odd that perhaps we haven’t been looking in the right direction.”

  Opening his eyes, Frederick stared at Nic. “So have you seen any woman limping around lately?”

  Nic held his breath as his mind skimmed over everyone who had been at church last Sunday. He frowned. “Actually, no, but that still doesn’t mean it wasn’t a woman. All that means is that if the thief is indeed a woman, she doesn’t attend your church.”

  Frederick groaned and stood, taking his cup to the sink. “No, I honestly believe the thief is a man. I know it was dark, but the figure that I saw leaving the church was that of a man. He was tall and large, but not really fat, and neither was he muscular. Perhaps a mixture of both.”

  “So tell me,” Nic propped his leg over his knee, “if you did see a man and he sprained his ankle…and he knew you saw him…why would he show himself at all? He would know you’d be looking for a man with a limp. What if the thief is still in hiding for fear you’ll see him limp when he walks?”

  Slowly Frederick turned and faced Nic. His eyes grew wider. “You know, that does make sense.”

  Nic shrugged. “Thank you. Every once in a while I will say something noteworthy.”

  Chuckling, Frederick shook his head. “So true, cousin.”

  Nic left the chair and strode to his cousin, and then rested his hand on Frederick’s shoulder. “Don’t get discouraged about not finding the thief. This is a pretty big area, and some of the neighboring towns are closer than you think. Anybody could have done it.”

  “But why steal from a church?” Frederick sighed. “That just doesn’t make any sense.”

  “Apparently, this person doesn’t fear God like the rest of us. And, after all, if he’s thieving, he’s not a good Christian person, anyway.”

  “Every criminal has a reason.”

  “Then I suggest,” Nic said, “we look at everyone. Men and women.”

  “Fine.” Frederick rubbed his eyes. “But I’m exhausted and need some sleep. I fear your guest yesterday morning kept me from receiving a sound sleep.”

  Nic’s attention perked and he froze. “My…guest?”

  “Yes.” Frederick threw Nic a curious stare as he made his way to the stairs. “A woman, if I’m not mistaken. I didn’t have the energy to wander downstairs, but I suspect it was Miss Paget. After all, what other maiden would be coming to the clergyman’s house alone?”

  Clearing his throat, Nic nodded. “Yes, Tabitha did visit me yesterday morning. We had much to talk about.” He flipped his hand. “The visit was v
ery important, and we were finally able to talk about our feelings for each other.”

  Frederick grasped the railing on the stairs, but didn’t climb them. His eyes stayed on Nic. Unease ran through him, and he wished his cousin wouldn’t give him that degrading glare.

  “Your feelings? Pray tell, Lord Hawthorne, what type of feelings does a marquis have for a servant girl—besides the improper kind?”

  Growling, Nic folded fisted his hands by his side. “I’m a normal man and she’s a normal woman. That’s how I see her now. No longer is she a maid.” He shrugged. “Besides that, something happened in her life and she no longer has to work as a servant.”

  “That doesn’t matter, Nic,” Frederick came toward him, “because you are still a marquis, and her station will always be beneath yours.”

  Emotion choked Nic’s throat, and he wanted to tell his cousin to mind his own business. Yet, Nic knew his own family would see the situation just as Frederick. They’d think Tabitha was just trying to worm her way into Nic’s life for the chance of a title.

  “And I’m telling you, it doesn’t matter,” Nic snapped.

  “It had better. Your family expects you to find a suitable wife. A marchioness must be dignified and elegant. She must have the proper training, too, or she’ll become a great disappointment.” He shook his head. “My cousin, I tell you this because I care about your future. Please thoughtfully consider what I have said, and remember…you’re not the only one who will be affected by this marriage. Your family will, also.”

  Gritting his teeth, Nic watched his cousin proceed upstairs to his bedroom. Although Nic wanted to argue, he knew he’d be wasting his breath. Frederick wasn’t ready to hear what was in Nic’s heart, and his family for darn sure wouldn’t be prepared, either.

  Nothing matters but my heart. Nic marched into the front room and to the front window. He’d seen too many men not follow their hearts, and look where it led them. They were miserable. Yet, his three good friends, Trevor, Tristan, and Trey Worthington, all followed their hearts and married the most amazing women. This was what Nic wanted, and he wouldn’t settle for anything less!

  * * * *

  The morning was too lovely not to take a walk by the beach. Of course, Tabitha couldn’t sit still at home, either. Today was when Mr. Jacobs and Nic would be in the same room while she tried to act as if she wanted the blacksmith’s attention and not the clergyman’s.

  Would she be able to pull it off? Or would her heart betray her and show the others in the room that she really had deep feelings for Nic?

  So nervous, she couldn’t concentrate on anything, and trying to help Sally and Mrs. Stiles in the kitchen had become a disaster because Tabitha kept spilling things. Finally, Mrs. Stiles suggested that Tabitha take a walk by the beach. How could she turn down such a tempting idea?

  The sky was so clear and so very blue this morning. A small wind teased the curls hanging from beneath her bonnet and the ties at her throat, but that was all. The sun seemed brighter today, and it definitely brought with it more heat. She should have brought a parasol to keep the sun’s rays from her face, but the warmth against her skin felt too nice to block.

  She didn’t need a jacket this time, and her bright yellow day dress with short sleeves fit her chipper mood immensely. Outward, she knew she appeared happy, but inside, doubt and heartache intertwined, making her stomach twist in nausea.

  Several people had the same idea—to stroll along the beach. There were many couples, a handful of families, and even more who walked by themselves. She nodded a greeting to those she’d met, but nobody had stopped to chat with her. Normally, this would have bothered her, but not this morning. She needed time to sort out her thoughts.

  If only she could.

  As she walked closer by the water, she noticed several children splashing in a section of ocean. In the distance, she saw three young women wading in the water, splashing each other and laughing. Smiling, Tabitha recalled when she had done this as a child and young woman. Would it hurt to wade through the water right now, especially if others were doing it?

  Cautiously, she stepped into the cold water. She sucked in a quick breath from the chilling temperature, but within seconds, her body became used to it. Gradually, she wandered a little deeper until the water reached her shins.

  As much as she enjoyed this, she must make sense of her thoughts. Unfortunately, they had been jumbled since she first saw Nic as the clergyman. If she really looked back on it, she’d been confused from the first time they’d met, especially after their first kiss.

  They’d been at Diana’s grandmother’s cottage, and Nic and Lord Tristan had showed up unexpectedly. Neither she nor Diana realized that the men were suspicious of Tabitha and wondered if she had been the one murdering the lords of the realm in the middle of the night.

  Tristan had asked to speak with Diana in private, so that left Nic alone with Tabitha. The rogue was charming with his words until soon he’d convinced her that she had wanted his kiss. To this day, she didn’t know how he was able to accomplish that, but the kiss had been more thrilling that she’d expected. His passion literally left her mindless. The thing she remembered most about that kiss was how good it felt, and how she’d wanted it to go on and on.

  Later, she’d discovered Nic had only kissed her to distract her from what Tristan and Diana were doing. The whole night had been nothing but a farce; accusations flew, and feelings were hurt badly.

  When coolness touched her knees, she stopped. Blinking out of the haze her thoughts had put her under, she realized she’d ventured out into the water a little deeper. Heavens! Why hadn’t she realized?

  She glanced behind her, scoping out the others who she’d greeted along the way. Only a few couples had noticed her, and they just smiled and waved. The others that she’d noticed earlier who were playing in the water were looking at her as well. Goodness! What could they possibly be thinking of her?

  She tried to smile under the embarrassing situation, as she waited for them to leave. Wading through the water became bothersome now that most of her dress was wet. Although the sun was warm, the water was still cold on this spring day.

  The roar of water rushing toward her had her jerking toward the loud sound. A wave came her way, and her heart dropped. She didn’t know how to swim!

  Turning, she tried to hurry toward the shore, but the weight of her dress kept her from moving fast. Closer and closer the wave came. Knowing it would soon hit, she clenched her fists and held her breath.

  When the water rushed over her, it pulled her down. Before she knew it, her feet were swept up and she couldn’t feel anything under her. Continuing to hold her breath, she flayed her arms and legs, trying to find something solid to hold her.

  Her chest burned as panic filled her, but she couldn’t take a breath until her head was above water. When her life flashed before her, she feared the worst. She might not survive.

  Oh, Lord! Help me!

  * * * *

  Nic couldn’t run down the slope fast enough.

  A moment ago he’d spotted Tabitha wading knee-deep in the water. At first, he’d chuckled, wondered why she’d do such an outlandish thing, but within seconds the wave had swallowed her.

  As he tore down the side of the hill toward the water, he ripped off his clergyman coat, and yanked off his cravat. These would only pull him down when he dove in the water to find her.

  He didn’t bother to take off his boots. That would only slow him down. She had already been in the water for a good ten seconds. He prayed she had taken a deep breath before going under.

  His long legs ate up the distance between the sand and the water until he was to the point that he could dive in and swim. He’d been watching the wave to see where it might have taken her. Pushing his arms to the limit, he swam in the water, searching for her.

  From the corner of his eyes, he noticed something bright yellow just underneath the water. Moving in that direction, he forced his arms to go faster. T
he moment he was within reach, he grabbed at the dress and yanked her to him.

  Immediately, his hand held her head above water. They were in a deep spot, but he could still stand, thankfully.

  Her eyes were closed, and her body felt limp. His heart sank. “Breathe, Tabitha,” he commanded and shook her.

  Tabitha’s head rolled forward, resting against his chest. His arms tightened around her waist. Her chest expanded and released. He sighed heavily. “Tabitha, take a breath. You’re all right. I have you.” He turned and headed back to shore.

  Coughing, she slowly opened her eyes. Color gradually seeped into her face. Tears stung his eyes as joyful reprieve overwhelmed him. “Oh, Tabitha. I almost lost you.” Groaning, he buried his face in her neck and held her closer. She still seemed weak and unmoving, which worried him.

  When they reached the shore, he dropped to his knees and laid her on the sand. Her eyes closed and once again, panic whipped through him like a tornado. “Tabitha? Please say something.”

  Her eyes flickered open and she nodded. “I’m…fine.”

  Relief poured through him, and he gathered her in his arms, pulling her close to his chest. Nuzzling his face against her ear, he felt the urgent need to kiss her—to show her how grateful he was that she was responsive. If she had drowned, he didn’t know what he would have done.

  “Mr. Woodland?” The high-pitched sound of a woman’s voice rented the air. “Is Miss Paget all right?”

  Realizing where he was at—and what he’d almost done—brought him out of his shocked state. He lifted his head. Immediately, he noticed the small crowd that had gathered. Mrs. Smythe and Miss Talbot were the ring-leaders out in front. From what he could see, most everyone wore an expression of worry, but now the two busy-bodies. They appeared appalled.

  Groaning, inwardly, he knew he had to say something to dig himself out of this quickly before these people got the wrong idea…which of course was the right idea, he just couldn’t let them know it.

  Chapter Seventeen