by Jane Charles
He focused his next words on Grace, speaking directly to her. “I apologize if I am speaking out of turn, but I wish everyone to know the truth about that night.”
She nodded.
“Did I show poor judgment in remaining in your room? Yes, I did. But my only concern was for your safety, I never meant for my decisions to bring harm to you in anyway.”
Her smile was gentle and she nodded.
Matthew once again focused on his parishioners. “Because I have failed in bringing this community together, because my actions have made several members of the congregation pass judgment on me and because I do not possess the desire to be a vicar, I will be writing my superior when services have concluded and resign my post.”
There were audible gasps from most in the room.
“Shall we pray.”
Grace couldn’t focus. She knew she should be paying attention to Vicar Trent’s prayer and pray herself, but she could not stop thinking about his words. He could not quit being a vicar. It wasn’t fair. What was he going to do? Where would he live? If he gave up the post, he would no longer be allowed to live in the vicarage. Where would he go? How would he support himself? Would he return to London? She might never see him again. She had to make him change his mind. Even though she vowed not to see him outside of church, she didn’t want him gone. The thought of never seeing him again was almost too much to bear.
This was so unfair and Grace wanted to march over to the Montgomery household and give Audrey’s mother a piece of her mind.
The prayer must have ended, not that Grace noticed until everyone around her began to stand. Vicar Trent was already gone. Was he waiting outside to greet the parishioners like he did each Sunday morning or had he already returned to the vicarage to write to his superiors? She had to stop him before he did something he would regret. Vicar Trent could not have thought this through. He was simply upset and perhaps tomorrow he would rethink the matter. He was a perfect vicar and this community needed him.
The few people that had attended the service were filing out through the doors and Grace grabbed her reticule and rushed down the aisle. Audrey stepped into her path.
“I am sorry. I must go.” She really didn’t want to be so rude to her friend, but she had to speak with Vicar Trent.
Audrey looked crestfallen. “Are you angry at me because of my mother?”
Grace stopped and took a deep breath and turned to her friend. “No, of course not.”
“I am truly sorry. I tried to make her stop, but mother would have none of it.”
“Nobody can control your mother, Audrey.” Grace grasped her friend’s hand. “Nobody blames you for what happened.”
“How is your father?”
Grace felt herself smiling. “He is going to recover. He is awake more and eating.”
“Oh, that is so good to hear.”
Grace glanced to the door. She didn’t wish to be rude, but she and Audrey could talk anytime. She needed to stop Vicar Trent. The few parishioners were lining up and she breathed a sigh of relief. He hadn’t left, thank goodness. There was still time to change his mind. She waited until everyone else had left their seats and took the last place in line. Audrey stood beside her.
“What would your mother say if she saw you talking to me?”
“I am sure I would get a lecture. She tried to keep me from attending services but I pointed out that as a good Christian, I should be here regardless of the circumstances.”
Grace fought not to giggle. Audrey had invented more reasons than she could count to avoid attending services. She hated having to sit for so long. “She believed you?”
“Mother sees and believes what she wants.”
“Clearly,” Grace offered in a dry tone.
When they reached the door, Grace stood back so Audrey could go before her. Vicar Trent greeted those ahead of them, nodded his head, said thank you a few times, but she couldn’t quite hear all of the conversation. Hopefully those who had been listening to him today would spread the facts instead of innuendo and he might be able to retain his position and good reputation in the community. Hers would be forever ruined, but Grace couldn’t find it in herself to care. All that mattered was that Vicar Trent escaped this madness unscathed. He had done nothing wrong but come to her aid and for that he was being punished and she would not stand for it.
“I wish to apologize for the damage my mother has caused,” Audrey said to Vicar Trent.
He simply chuckled. “I know well enough how hard it is to live with a difficult parent. Do not worry, Miss Montgomery. All will be well in the end.”
How could he believe all would be well when he was leaving? He was abandoning her.
Audrey moved on and Grace stopped before him. Their eyes met and held. Breath lodged in her chest. Why did this man have the power to make her speechless? One look into his clear blue eyes and all thoughts left her mind. She wanted to cling to him. Kiss him. Hold on and never let go.
“I would like a word with you Grace, if you can spare me a moment.”
“Of course, but I don’t wish to cause you any further trouble.”
He lifted her hand and put it through his arm. “You are not the one who has caused the trouble, as you well know.”
“Yes, but others… “
“Hush, forget about the others.”
A few parishioners still stood in front of the church watching them. She shouldn’t have stayed to speak with him. This would only fuel the gossip. Lord Crew moved among them, directing people to their carriages, as if he wished to leave her and Vicar Trent alone. Surely he knew the damage such a situation could cause and he was her guardian. What was he about?
When it appeared that almost everyone was on their way home, Vicar Trent led her to a bench beneath a tree, which still held a number of its golden and red leaves despite the winds from the other night.
“I wish to speak with you as well.” She settled onto the bench and he took a seat beside her.
“What do you wish to tell me?” Humor lit his eyes and he smiled at her. He was at ease in a way that she had never seen him before. He was more handsome now that his face was relaxed, as if all tension had been washed away. How could he be so calm? Wasn’t he worried about his future? He almost looked happy and she had never seen Vicar Trent happy before.
“I would like you to rethink your decision?”
“Which decision?”
“About resigning! What other decision could there be?”
He chuckled before he placed an arm at her waist and pulled her close. “Oh Grace, I have made many decisions since I saw you last.”
She struggled to pull away. “What are you doing? This is unseemly, Vicar Trent.”
“Matthew,” he corrected. “I am no longer a vicar, or I won’t be for very long.”
She turned to face him, breaking contact. “That is just it. You must remain a vicar.”
“Is it that important to you?”
“Of course it is important to me.” What did that even matter? “Have you even thought about the repercussions of your resignation?”
He laughed this time. “Yes, I have and it is the best decision. Trust me in this.”
Grace went pale and her shoulders dropped. She simply stared at him. Was that disappointment he read in her eyes? Was it so important to her that he remain a vicar? As much as he didn’t wish to, if it meant that much to Grace, he would do just that. Matthew had resented his father for making these decisions in his life and he had no idea how much of a burden, or how unhappy he was until he essentially quit today. It was if a weight had been lifted from him and he was free. He could do and be who he wished. Yet, he would remain a vicar for Grace. The difference was it would be of his own choosing if it made her happy.
“What will you do now?”
The euphoria he experience only moments ago evaporated, replaced by a knot of tension in his stomach. What if she said no? Matthew took a deep breath. “I think I would like to be a gentleman f
armer.”
Her brows knit together. “But you don’t even like chickens.”
“I love them on my plate at supper, and I do enjoy eggs in the morning.”
“So you are leaving?”
His eyes bore into hers. He hadn’t realized how important it was for her to say yes until this very moment. What would he do if she rejected him? “No Grace. I am not going anywhere?”
“Where will you live? They will take the vicarage from you.”
“I plan on living with you and your father.” There he said it.
Her eyes grew wide. “You can’t do that. What would people think? We’ve already scandalized them.”
“I would hope they didn’t think it odd that a husband live with his wife.”
She opened her mouth and looked as if she were about to say something, but didn’t. It was as if the words would not form. Matthew didn’t want to give her any more time to think and took her hands in his.
“Grace, I would be honored if you would consent to be my wife.”
She still stared at him. She shook her head, looked away, and then turned back to him again. “Have you lost your mind?”
It wasn’t exactly the answer he hoped for, nor the reaction.
He smiled at her and squeezed her hands. “No, I have not.”
She yanked them away and stood. “My answer is no, though I do thank you for the offer.”
She stomped away from him and Matthew rushed to go after her. “Grace, wait.”
She wheeled around. “I will not have you rescuing me any longer. It is kind of you to want to save my reputation, but I will not marry because those in this village think I am ruined. I refuse to allow you to sacrifice your life, your future, for me.”
“It is far from a sacrifice.”
“You are only making the offer because you feel responsible, because you are a gentleman and it is expected that when a gentleman is found in a young woman’s bedchamber that he must marry her.”
“No. That isn’t why.”
She faced him, hands fisted on her hips, practically glaring at him. “If Mrs. Montgomery hadn’t spread her vicious rumors would you be offering to marry me now?”
Matthew knew he had to be very careful in how he answered. “No, not now.”
Grace threw up her hands and huffed. “That is exactly why my answer is no. There is no more emotional attachment to it than the offers I received from Draker, Thorn or Richards.”
“They didn’t offer,” Matthew said quietly. “I am the one asking.”
“I do appreciate being asked for a change. But I cannot marry you. It would not be right, or fair to you.”
Matthew reached for her but she stepped out of his reach.
“Did you not hear me say ‘not now’ a few minutes ago?”
“Yes, but what does that have to do with anything?”
He took a step toward her but was careful not to reach out for fear she would run away from him. “I had already begun thinking about marrying you.”
She stilled and looked at him.
“I was reluctant to declare myself because I have only known you a few weeks. A marriage is for a lifetime. What if we didn’t suit?”
“You still don’t know that we will. It is no reason to marry.”
“There is every reason to marry. I can’t live without you.”
She tilted her head and studied him.
“I know now that I want you as my wife. I think I knew it the first moment you walked in to church, tardy by the way.” He smiled on at her. “I was drawn to you instantly. It was because I was trying to be reasonable and not allow emotion or desire to cloud my judgment that I didn’t express myself sooner.”
“How do you know enough time has passed that this is the right decision?”
“I don’t. But does anyone ever?”
“Much has happened since you arrived. I understand your need to set things right. That is no reason to marry.”
“Are you not listening to me?” He knew he shouldn’t raise he voice but he had to get through to her. “I don’t care what anyone thinks any longer. I only know that I desire you. I get little done because I am thinking about you. I want to have the luxury of holding and kissing you whenever I wish. I don’t want to live without you.”
She was staring up at him.
He took a deep breath. “Grace, I think I am in love with you.”
Her eyes began to glisten with tears. He prayed they were from happiness and not because she was about to hurt him by setting him aside.
A shot rang out.
Grace stiffened and her eyes grew wide before she collapsed against Matthew.
Grace’s arm burned as if someone had set it on fire. What had happened and why was Matthew holding her? She tried to push away from him, but pain shot through her arm. He lowered her to the ground and covered her body with his. She would object but her arm hurt too badly and she was rather confused.
Another shot rang out and Matthew brought his head down, covering hers.
Then there was silence with the exception of his breathing in her ear. It was difficult to breath with him lying on top of her, but Grace wasn’t sure she should object. Had someone just shot at them? Was that why her arm hurt? Slowly everything around her became clear.
She had been shot right after Matthew declared his feelings for her. Could she not have one moment of happiness without someone trying to ruin it?
“Matt?” His brother was calling. Grace turned her head in that direction and Matthew lifted away from her.
“Are you hurt? Is Miss Cooper?”
Mr. Trent stopped and looked down at them.
“I am fine. Grace has been shot.” Matthew sat on the ground beside her and bent to examine her arm.
“I am otherwise fine.” She tried to sit, but pain shot through her again. Matthew grasped the hand of her uninjured arm and snaked a hand around her shoulder to help her sit. “Who did this?”
“Draker,” Mr. Trent answered. “Elizabeth shot him before he could get away.”
“So that was the other shot we heard.”
We spotted him right as he took aim. We couldn’t stop him in time, but Elizabeth didn’t hesitate in going after him.”
“Is he dead?” Grace found herself asking.
Mr. Trent grinned. “No.”
“Bring him to the house. I need to get Grace home. Ask Elizabeth to go for the doctor.” Matthew ordered everyone about as he stood and lifted Grace into his arms once again.
“Matt, you don’t have a carriage?”
“I’ll take yours and send someone back for you and Draker.” He paused and looked over his shoulder. “Do you think Elizabeth will mind taking my horse into town?”
“No,” she called out.
Grace looked in her direction. Elizabeth stood over a prostrate Draker, who was moaning and holding his leg. Her pistol was still in her hand aimed at the man.
Matthew just nodded and continued marching toward the carriage. The driver rushed to open the door and Matthew slid into the seat, cradling Grace on his lap. As the conveyance set into motion, Matthew leaned down and kissed her forehead.
“Did you really mean what you said?” Once she looked in his eyes again, she had her answer. They shone with love. No one, besides her parents, had ever looked at her with love in their eyes. “That you may be falling in love with me?”
A smile tugged at his lips. “I was wrong.”
The pain in her arm might as well have shot through her heart.
“I know I have fallen in love with you.”
The pressure in her chest released.
“I can only hope that one day you can return those feelings.”
Her heart swelled and happiness burst inside. Until he voiced his feelings she hadn’t know how she felt about him. Or, maybe she did, but kept the emotions buried.
“But I do.”
“Do what?” he prompted, hope in his voice.
“Love you.”
Matthew
had never been so terrified in his life as when he heard the shot and Grace collapsed against him. Now all that fear was replaced with happiness. He was bordering on giddy, something he had never experienced before. If she weren’t injured he would pull her close and kiss her in a way that left no doubt to his feelings for her or his desire. However, she was injured and he could only pray that it was minor. If it were serious wouldn’t she be unconscious?
The carriage rolled to a stop and the door swung open. Matthew lifted Grace in his arms and moved toward the house. The door was opened by John. “Take the coach back to the church, or hitch a wagon, if there is one, to bring Jordan and Draker back.
“Draker?” John asked. “What about Elizabeth?”
“Draker shot Grace. Elizabeth took my horse to go for the doctor.”
Matthew continued up the stairs, not looking back to see if John did as he ordered, assuming his brother had. He carried Grace into her chamber and once she was settled on the bed, he ripped the sleeve from her dress to better view her arm. Matthew examined the wound, careful not to move the arm too much. The bullet grazed through the flesh of her upper arm. “I think you may need a few stitches.”
Grace strained, trying to see the damage. “I am sure a bandage is all that is necessary.” She relaxed back on the bed. “I am just grateful Draker is a poor shot.”
“As am I,” Matthew chuckled. “I hope to be married quickly.”
“The banns need to be cried, and you need to ask my father.”
“I will ask your father, of course.” He smiled. “But, we are going to Scotland the moment you are well enough to travel.”
“We will not.” Grace tried to push herself up off the bed.
Matthew grasped her shoulders and gently pushed her back down. “Yes, we are.”
“But my father won’t be there. I want to be married in my home, so he can be present.”
“I don’t know how that is possible. It could take days to obtain a special license.”
“It will take days to get to Scotland and I won’t be separated from my father. Not right now. If he were better I would. But what if something happens? What if he suffers a setback?”