by Monica Burns
"Ross, would you like to come with us?" Louisa asked quietly. At her question, the child turned to face her with puzzlement as she continued. "Lord Argaty said I may take you with us rather than you being sent away to school. Eventually you would go to school with Charles. Would you like that?"
He didn't speak. He simply nodded his agreement as resignation spread across his face. Wills and Charlie, clearly unaware of their friend's reservations, greeted the news with excitement and rushed to the child's side. Charlie pumped the boy's hand and patted him on the back, while Wills hugged the older boy.
Ross accepted his friends excited response with a small smile, but Louisa saw the pain dulling his blue eyes. With a small sound of self-disgust she chided herself for not realizing sooner that Ross's unhappiness had been magnified by something other than Louisa and the boys leaving. The child believed Ewan was sending him away because he was unwanted.
Quietly, Louisa told Wills and Charlie to get out of their night clothes and dress for their trip to Callendar Abbey. With the resilience of all children, her sons chattered excitedly as they obeyed Louisa's instructions. Ross watched his two friends leave the room, and she moved to stand in front of the boy.
"You think Lord Argaty doesn't want you here?"
"Yes, my lady." Ross's stoic reply made her start slightly. How did he know about her title? He winced at her surprise. "Wills told us what happened in father's study."
"Ah, I see." Louisa nodded as she struggled to find words of reassurance for the boy without telling him an outright lie. "Your father has decided to leave Argaty Keep, and he thought you would be happier at school. I convinced him to let me take you with me."
"Where is he going?"
"I don't know. I'm just happy he agreed that you could come with the boys and me." Louisa paused for a moment then cupped Ross's face in her hands. "Lord Argaty did what he thinks is best for you, Ross. It means he cares about what happens to you."
As a teardrop rolled down the boy's cheek, Louisa uttered a soft sound of compassion. Quickly pulling him into her arms, she remained silent as the child soaked her shoulder with tears.
Chapter 18
"My sister has been through a terrible ordeal, Constable. I have no intention of allowing you to make her relive this morning's horrifying events until tomorrow," Sebastian said in the authoritative voice he always used when protecting those he loved.
"I understand the concern for Lady Westbrook's emotional state, my lord, but experience has taught me that one's memory of an event is far more accurate immediately after an incident rather than later."
Although the man's voice was polite, the Scot's stubborn persistence was something with which Sebastian was quite familiar. The Rockwoods weren't simply known for their impulsive, sometimes reckless manner, but the tenacious obstinance of his siblings far surpassed any stubbornness the constable might possess.
"A few moments ago, you explained the order of this morning's events, and stated Lady Argaty was murdered by a mentally unstable man who was allegedly her son and the earl's brother. Is that correct?"
"Aye, my lord, but I—"
"And am I also correct that you indicated Lady Westbrook, my sister, was not involved in Lady Argaty's murder, and is, in fact, responsible for saving the earl's life?"
"Yes, my lord, but I—"
"Constable Duncan, you may call on my sister, tomorrow at Callendar Abbey. At that time, she will be able to give you a full accounting of her experience related to this morning's events."
The constable appeared ready to argue with him, and Sebastian narrowed his gaze at the man who was almost his same height, but thin as a sapling. As if realizing he was fighting a hopeless battle, the constable jerked his head in acquiescence and with a small bow, he made his way to the parlor doorway. The constable met Constance at the threshold and politely stepped aside to let her pass. Sebastian's sister offered the man an abrupt thanks before moving deeper into the room.
When Louisa had failed to greet Percy, Constance, and him upon their arrival, Sebastian had feared the worst based on what the an dara sealladh had shown his brother and sister. When he was much younger, he'd never put much stock in his siblings visions, but over the years, he'd come to trust information any Rockwood family member with the gift of sight provided.
The fact both Constance and Percy had seen the death of Lady Argaty was bad enough, but it was their description of Louisa's nightgown smeared with blood that had spurred him into leaving the Abbey before he'd even sat down to breakfast. His brother and sister had followed him a few minutes later as they'd waited for another carriage to be made ready.
He'd arrived at Argaty Keep to find Constable Duncan presiding over the investigation of the dowager countess's murder, and learned the earl had been injured by the murderer. Although the constable had reassured him that Louisa was unharmed, Sebastian surmised the youngest Rockwood would most likely be deeply troubled.
For almost three years, Louisa's life had been difficult, and he was deeply concerned as to how being embroiled in a murder might be her undoing. The old Louisa had only just returned to him a short time ago. He didn't want to lose her again.
His concerns had not been alleviated when the constable had quietly shared how the manner of Lady Argaty's death was remarkably similar to murders of two village women over the past two years. Now the worried expression on Constance's face made his heart sink.
"How is she?" he bit out.
"The horror of this morning's events has left her quite shaken, but her demeanor was remarkably serene when I found her in the nursery. I think it was mostly for the benefit of the boys," Constance said quietly. "She sobbed like a baby when we were collecting the last of her things in her room. She said she needed a few minutes to compose herself so as not to worry the children, but would be down shortly."
At his sister's words, Sebastian muttered an oath beneath his breath. He should have known better than to give way to her plan when she first came to Argaty Keep. He should have insisted she return home with him immediately. As usual, where Louisa was concerned hindsight was generally one of regret. Helen teased him constantly about how easily Tilly and Louisa could have him dancing to their tune and not his. He released a grunt of disgust at his failure to prevent his sister from twisting him around her little finger once again.
"Is she still frightened?" Sebastian studied Constance's face as her sister ignored him for a minute as if lost in thought.
"Actually, I don't think the morning's events are as disturbing to her as the fact that she's leaving Argaty Keep," Constance mused softly.
"She wants to stay?" Sebastian frowned in amazement. Why would his sister want to remain here at the keep? Constance's gaze swung from Sebastian to Percy.
"I believe she's more heartbroken than anything else."
"Heartbroken?" Sebastian stared at his sister in confused disbelief. "I don't understand."
"Damnation. It's as bad as that?" Percy eyed their sister with a pensive frown furrowing his brow. Constance nodded with a sigh.
"More so than we suspected."
His sister's response made Sebastian clasp his hands behind his back as he eyed the two of them in silent frustration. It was maddening as hell when he was forced to wait until someone apprised him of what others intuitively already knew. At times like these, he'd often wished he'd had the an dara sealladh himself.
Sebastian grimaced. No, he was glad he hadn't inherited the family gift of sight. He'd seen the price his family often paid for seeing something that only made sense after the worst had happened. It was in those moments of pain that he was the one to take charge and make things as easy as possible for his loved ones. Still it was difficult to solve a problem when he didn't know what the problem was.
"Will the two of you tell me what in blue blazes you're talking about?" At his growl of frustration, Constance quickly touched his arm.
"I'm sorry, Sebastian. I know how frustrating it can be when we don't explain what the a
n dara sealladh has shown us. She's in love."
"Louisa is in love?" Dumbfounded, Sebastian tried to take in what Constance had just said.
"Then why is she leaving?" Percy exclaimed as he diverted their sister's attention.
"Apparently Wills unwittingly revealed who he was, and it wasn't too far a leap to realize Louisa was the Viscountess Westbrook. She said the man was furious that she'd deceived him."
"Who is she in love with, and who is angry with her?" Sebastian snapped.
"Argaty, you goose. She's in love with the Earl of Argaty." Constance released a whoosh of air as she eyed her oldest brother with exasperated affection. "When he discovered her deception, the man immediately dismissed her and ordered her to leave the keep no later than today."
"If the man's in love with her, why would he do that?" Percy mused as he bent his head to study the carpet.
"How do you know he's in love with her?" Sebastian demanded as he clenched his jaw. He'd have the earl's head if the cad had broken Louisa's heart. She'd suffered enough for ten lifetimes.
"Constance saw it," Percy said then winced as their sister released a noise of disgust and glared at her brother.
"You are like a bull in a china shop, Percy Rockwood," Constance snapped as she turned her head toward Sebastian. "I only saw Argaty staring at our sister as if he were a lovesick Romeo pining away for Juliet."
"Then why send her away?" Sebastian shook his head as he met his sister's gaze.
"I don't know, but if Lord Argaty is anything like my husband or my eldest brother, then I have my suspicions." Constance scolded with affection. "But there's something else—"
A clattering of boots on stone echoed into the parlor prevented Constance from finishing her sentence. Sebastian turned his head to see his two nephews charge into the parlor, followed by Ross Colquhoun who moved at a much slower pace. Wills launched himself toward Sebastian and with ease, he swung the boy up into his arms. His nephew hugged him then stretched away from him slightly to look up at Sebastian.
"Mama says we're going to the Abbey and Ross is coming with us."
"Is he now," Sebastian said with a smile as he chucked his nephew lightly under his chin then set the boy down.
As he lifted his head, he met Constance's eyes and frowned as she tipped her head slightly in Ross Colquhoun's direction. His sister's expression told him there was more to his nephew's matter-of-fact declaration than had been said. Sebastian's gaze fell on the future Earl of Argaty who stood just inside the doorway with a stoic expression on his face as Charlie pulled the boy forward.
"Ross, you met my Uncle Sebastian when he brought us to the keep, and this is my Uncle Percy and my Aunt Constance, Countess of Lyndham."
"Good morning, my lords, my lady," the boy said as he bowed slightly.
His nephew had barely finished his introductions when Sebastian saw a movement out of the corner of his eye. The moment he saw Louisa, he clenched his jaw at her wan appearance. Her eyes were red and swollen, but her expression was serene and composed. She walked forward and hugged Sebastian then kissed his cheek.
"Thank you for coming for us, Sebastian."
"Did I not once swear by the sword and blood of Angus Stewart that I would always be here when you needed me?" he said softly.
Sebastian smiled down at her, hoping to hear a soft laugh at the vow the two of them had used since she was a little girl. It had always been a way for Louisa to extract his promise to do something. On more than one occasion, he'd sworn the oath to end her relentless nagging, simply for a moment's peace. In most instances, regret would follow later when his promise forced him to follow through on whatever she'd wanted him to do.
The gentle reminder of his brotherly and paternal love for her was met with only a small smile. Sorrow tightened his chest. The Louisa of old who'd charged into this same room only a few weeks ago with a bright smile and mischievous sparkle in her hazel eyes had disappeared once more. A bolt of anger crashed through him. The next time he saw the Earl of Argaty he would whittle the man down to size, preferably in public.
"Come. Everyone is waiting for you and the boys at the Abbey. It's Christmas Eve tomorrow, and you know how much Aunt Matilda loves the holiday," he said with a cheerfulness he didn't feel at the moment. "She's already planned several activities for the children, and heaven knows what mayhem I'll need to bring order to."
This time his words tugged a soft laugh from her. Louisa shook her head as she wrinkled her nose at him and smiled.
"You love every minute of it, and you know it," she teased.
For a brief moment, Sebastian saw the sister he remembered before the fire at Westbrook, but she vanished in the next breath. Her features became pensive, as she looked around him at where his nephews and the earl's son were chattering like magpies with Constance and Percy. Apparently satisfied everyone else was oblivious to their conversation, she looked up at him with a small frown then began to nibble at her bottom lip. It was a familiar expression that said she was about to tell him something he wouldn't like.
"I need to tell you about Ross," she said quietly. "Ew—Lord Argaty has given me permission to take him with me."
"Spending the holidays with us, away from all this tragedy will take the boy's mind off of the loss of his grandmother."
"No, you don't understand." Louisa shook her head and winced as she met his gaze then looked away. "Ross will be living with me for the foreseeable future."
"Foreseeable future?" Sebastian frowned slightly. He could understand Louisa bringing the boy with them until the new year, but somehow he didn't think that's what she meant.
"He'll be living with us as if he were my own son until he and Charlie go off to school together. Even then he will continue to be a part of my family—the Rockwood family."
"Until—what the devil are you thinking, Louisa?" he bit out softly between clenched teeth. "You cannot just kidnap the child. He's the earl's son."
"It's far too involved to delve into now, I just wanted you to know before we returned to the abbey."
"You mean give me time to stew over the matter until you begin to appease me and override my objections," he growled with irritation.
It was a strategy Louisa used often, knowing it would work with him and anyone else she wanted to persuade to a particular plan. Aware she'd aroused his anger, she squeezed his arm with a strength that made him wince slightly at the minor pain it caused. Her hazel eyes met his, and there was a look of desperation in her gaze that alarmed him.
"You have always given way to me in this or that scheme I've concocted over the years, Sebastian, but this is different. Ross needs me, and I need him." For a moment it appeared she might cry before the Rockwood obstinance and determination settled on her face. "If ever there were a time I needed you to believe in me, it's now. I promise never to ask anything of you again, if you'll simply accept my decision in this matter without objection."
"He's the future Earl of Argaty, Louisa. You can't simply—" Sebastian drew in a sharp breath as her fingers dug even more painfully into his muscles.
"The Lord Argaty has agreed to the arrangement, and I'll have your word that you'll not try to interfere or change my mind about any of this. I can barely—swear it." The ferocity and pain in his sister's voice alarmed him. What the hell had happened in this place since the last time he'd been here?
"Swear it, Sebastian. Now."
"I swear by the sword and blood of Angus Stewart that I'll offer up no objection to the arrangement."
The moment he vowed to follow her wishes, she uttered a small noise of emotion he couldn't decipher. A second later she pressed herself into his chest with a sob that would have been inaudible if it had not reverberated its way into him. It was at that moment he experienced for a second time in his life the rage that had taken hold of him more than ten years ago when Helen had been kidnapped by the Marquess of Templeton.
His muscles became painfully taut as he struggled not to charge up the stairs to finish t
he job the earl's brother had begun. The only thing that held him back was the knowledge that Louisa would never forgive him if he were to harm the man.
"Damn the bastard to hell," he muttered beneath his breath as he wrapped his arms around the youngest Rockwood and held her close.
§ § §
Ewan struggled out of bed as he heard the excited chatter of Louisa's boys below his window. Ross's voice was far more subdued. Fire assaulted his arm and chest as he drunkenly walked to the window. Ignoring his body's shouts of protest as it intensified the fire in his upper body, Ewan pressed himself into the window frame to keep from falling to the floor.
It took a moment for his eye to adjust to the sunlight that almost blinded him as he searched the small group of people gathering in front of two carriages. The moment his gaze found her, Ewan's gut twisted violently with a pain that surpassed the physical wounds his half-brother had inflicted on his body tenfold. God help him.
The rest of his life would be an agonizingly slow death. Life had been difficult enough before, but how was he going to live in a world without her? It would be an empty existence without the echo of her laughter drifting through the air, the way her smile could light up a room, the mischievous lilt of her voice when she was teasing him. But it was the nights that would throw him into the depths of hell.
It would be agony never again to feel her soft curves beneath his hard, battle-scarred body. Perhaps worst of all would be waking up without the sweet smell of her curled into his side. Even when they'd taken his arm in the hospital field tent, he'd never really wanted to die. But this—this torment was ripping him apart.
Louisa stepped forward to climb into the carriage, and he saw her hesitate as if she was about to turn and run back into the house. The tall figure of her brother, the Earl of Melton bent his head to say something to her, and she shook her head before entering the carriage. As she disappeared from view, he released a soft sound of anguish.