Cry of the Baroness: Secrets of Scarlett Hall Book 9

by Jennifer Monroe

  The dowager baroness looked up when Harmony entered, but the light from the window shadowed the woman’s features. “Please, come in,” she said. “And close the door behind you.”

  Harmony did as her mother-in-law bade, but when she approached the desk and she could see better, she was surprised by the woman’s pallid skin.

  “Did you sleep well?” Eleanor’s voice belied the weakness of her appearance, and Harmony felt a sense of relief. Perhaps the woman was not as ill as she seemed after all.

  “I did,” Harmony replied. She sat in one of the two chairs opposite Eleanor. “Nathaniel was awake until well after midnight, however.” She tugged at her lower lip. “I worry for him. I understand he wants to keep this house, and I do not fault him for fighting for it. However, it seems it has already consumed him, and the fight has just begun. What will be left of him once this is all over?”

  Eleanor sighed as she closed the book in front of her. “Nathaniel is relentless when it comes to his determination in whatever he pursues. Whether it be you as his bride or keeping this house.”

  Harmony could not help but smile at her words. She was indeed a lucky woman, and doubly so now that she had gained such a noble woman to have as a predecessor.

  “I will not lie,” Eleanor said as she crossed her arms on top of the desk, “the next few months will be a test for both of you, but I am confident that you, my dear Harmony, will see success.”

  How strange she did not include Nathaniel in that statement, Harmony thought. “I do not question your decisions,” she said aloud, “but I am curious. Why did you allow Isaac to remain at Scarlett Hall? Would you not have preferred to keep him as far away as possible until the final decision is made? It seems to me that having him here only increases Nathaniel’s worry. And his angst.”

  For a moment, Harmony wondered if she had offended the woman somehow. It had not been her intention to disrespect her mother-in-law, but she had to speak her mind.

  Rather than respond to her question, Eleanor asked, “Did you finish reading the first journal, the one containing the writings of Lady Martha Lambert?”

  Harmony nodded. “I did. I must admit that it was not what I expected. To poison them as she did…”

  She allowed the statement to drop. She had expected to read a collection of writings about the boring daily lives of a noblewoman, maybe a few petty crimes, or perhaps fights between gentlemen. It had surprised her to her core when she learned what the first Lady Lambert had been willing to do in retaliation for how her husband and his lover had hurt her.

  “Martha could have easily turned the other cheek and pretended that what was happening did not exist,” Eleanor said. “Instead, she drew closer those who hurt her. My invitation to Isaac was not out of kindness but rather a way to keep him close. I wish to learn his weaknesses and thus use them against him. Perhaps he has a lust for the drink. Or maybe he hides a secret that will uncover a truth that will bring him to his knees. Whatever it is, I will use it to destroy him.”

  She spoke with such certainty, with such passion, that Harmony realized that there was nothing this woman would not do for her family. She had given her mother-in-law a promise to do whatever she could for her loved ones, and now she understood what that promise truly meant. Of course, she would not poison Isaac, for she could not imagine taking the life of another person, but beginning this day, she would do her part to also learn what weaknesses the man possessed. And in doing so, she just might save her husband’s dreams.

  “I can see the wisdom in your choice,” Harmony said. “I will show him kindness and earn his trust. I may just learn something useful about him. Perhaps what he truly needs is a bit of compassion in his life.”

  Eleanor smiled and rose from her chair. “I will not attempt to stop you, but know this. The man is very much like his father, and that makes him very dangerous.”

  Harmony pulled at her lip once more, a terrible habit that would have had her mother scolding her if she had been there. Nathaniel was not a dangerous man but rather a man of good heart. How different could his brother be? Perhaps Isaac only needed the opportunity to prove himself.

  “Thank you,” she said. “And the promise I made to you before? About protecting my husband? I shall keep it always.” She walked around the desk and embraced the other woman, who was nothing but bones covered with skin.

  Then Eleanor began to cough and her face scrunched in pain.

  “Are you all right?” Harmony asked. When Eleanor struggled to breathe, she added, “I will go find Nathaniel.”

  As she turned to leave, Eleanor grasped her by the arm. “No,” she whispered. “Do not…tell him. Please. You must…keep this to…yourself. For his sake”

  Watching the older woman gasping for breath broke Harmony’s heart. Something was wrong, terribly wrong. “That cough has nothing to do with dampness or drafts, does it?” she admonished.

  Eleanor closed her eyes and soon her breathing evened. “I must tell you something you cannot share with Nathaniel,” the woman whispered. “No one can know.”

  Fear gripped Harmony. How could she possibly keep any secrets from her husband? Yet, she wanted nothing more than to have her mother-in-law trust her. Plus, Nathaniel had enough on his mind. “You have my word. I will not tell.”

  The dowager grasped her by the hand. “I am ill, very ill, and I do not have much longer to live. Despite this fact, I will remain here and do what I can to help you and Nathaniel save your home.”

  Tears filled Harmony’s eyes. How could she possibly keep this news from Nathaniel? Did he not have the right to know his mother was dying? And had Eleanor not said she would be leaving with Forbes? Did she not deserve happiness, especially with the little time she had left?

  “If you would still like to go to your new home,” Harmony said, “I promise I can do whatever is needed. You can trust me to do what is best for Scarlett Hall.”

  Eleanor gave her a faint smile. “It is not that I do not trust you,” she whispered, “for I see you as one of my daughters. But I fear what is coming to Scarlett Hall, and it is unfair of me to place these troubles at your feet so soon after joining our family.”

  Harmony was uncertain what her mother-in-law meant by these words, but she was sure of one thing. Dark days were ahead for them all. Somehow she knew that her love for her husband would be tested.

  “Come, I will help you to your room so you may lie down and rest,” she said as she took Eleanor by the arm. “But I promise you that nothing will bring down my family, our family. Nothing.”

  Chapter Five

  Harmony remained at Eleanor’s side for some time as she slept, watching to be certain her breathing became even. Once she was satisfied her mother-in-law was resting peacefully, she made her way downstairs in search of Nathaniel. He had not gone to the study after she and Eleanor went upstairs, nor was he in the sitting room.

  Where could he be?

  Uncertain as to what to do, she decided to go to the library, where she would read another journal. Perhaps there she would find the much-needed wisdom, although she hoped that wisdom did not include using poison to exact revenge!

  As she entered the room, her eyes went immediately to the enclosed shelf that held the set of journals. She was so focused on her destination that it was not until movement in the corner of her eye caused her to come to a stop and turn. Isaac sat in one of the chairs alongside the far wall, and she pressed a hand to her breast to keep her heart from bursting from her chest.

  “Isaac,” she gasped, “I did not see you there.”

  He closed the book he had been reading and gazed at her with cold eyes. “Forgive me for startling you.” He rose and placed the book on a side table. “Are you like me, someone who finds refuge in a good book?”

  Harmony nodded. “Yes, I do enjoy a good story.” She would certainly not reveal what she had planned to read.

  He chuckled, but it lacked mirth. “I have been thus since I was a child. I enjoy escaping into a gre
at adventure or reading about wars of long ago.” He shook his head. “My apologies. You came here for peace, not to hear me spout boring tales about my life.”

  “I actually came in search of my husband,” she replied. “Have you seen him by chance?”

  “I believe he left for the village nearly two hours ago,” the man said. “He refused to explain why when I asked, but I suppose he owes me no explanations.”

  Harmony clasped her hands in front of her to keep from tugging at her lip. How should she proceed? If she hoped to win him over with kindness, there was no better time to begin than now.

  “Nathaniel tends to be like that,” she said, offering him a smile. “Even I did not know he had gone.” Isaac’s face seemed to soften. Good, her attempts to converse with him may very well pay off. “Well, I will leave you alone to enjoy your reading.”

  As she turned to leave, he called out after her. “Wait. Would you care to join me? I find myself in a new home with people I do not know, and it does create a lonely environment.” He lowered his head. Was that sadness on his features? “But if you are otherwise occupied, I understand.”

  “I do not see why I cannot remain,” she said, taking the chair beside him. She smoothed her skirts, and when she looked up at him, she was surprised to see him studying her.

  “I do not mean to stare, but you remind me of a friend I knew back in the village from wince I came. Sadly, she died many years ago, but you have her smile.”

  “I am sorry for your loss,” she said. The room fell quiet. Perhaps he was waiting for her to play the hostess. She was the baroness, at least for time being. “Are you enjoying your time here thus far?” She nearly got up and walked out. What a silly question to ask!

  Despite her inconsiderate question, he smiled and nodded. “I am. It is a lovely home. Perhaps it is much too big for one man to live in alone.” He let out a heavy sigh. “Eleanor has welcomed me, and for that I am thankful, but I know I am an outsider. Do you believe Nathaniel will one day embrace me as his brother?”

  His eyes were wide and possessed such innocence that Harmony could not help but feel sorry for him. Yet, what could she possibly say to ease his mind and still maintain her allegiance to Nathaniel?

  “I believe he will,” she replied. “You must understand that we returned to Scarlett Hall newly wedded. Nathaniel was under the impression that he was the rightful heir to the barony. It is not that he does not like you but rather that he was taken by surprise.”

  Isaac sighed again. “I do understand, and I had requested that my solicitors arrange to meet him first, but they refused.” He paused. “May I tell you a little about myself? Perhaps it will help you comprehend why I am here.”

  “Yes, please do,” she replied, glad that he felt at ease with her. She had been right after all; he simply needed someone to be kind to him. She smiled. “I would like to know more about you.”

  “And I wish the same from you,” he said. He gave her a shy smile. “I will not bore you with tales of my childhood, but the day I learned I had a family — a true family with sisters and a brother — it was the happiest day of my life.” He looked away as if deep in thought. “I, being the fool I am, imagined some sort of celebration where my family would welcome me home. Instead, I find a brother who does not even look my way and sisters who are not here.” Again, he gave her a small smile. “Just having these few moments with you has brought me the happiness I have sought for so long, and for that I thank you.”

  Harmony could not help but return his smile with one of her own. Eleanor and Nathaniel both had judged this man far too quickly, but once they learned the truth about him, they would find he was very different from what they thought him to be.

  “Like you, I feel a bit lost in this grand house, so you should not feel alone. I believe that, given time, Nathaniel will come to accept you as his brother.”

  She was uncertain if she believed this, but she wanted to put the man at ease. And perhaps it would come to pass.

  “My brother is fortunate to be married to a woman who is both beautiful and wise,” Isaac said. “I am honored to call you family.” He stood. “Our talk has made me make an important realization.”

  “Oh? And what is that?”

  “I expected my family to welcome me into their lives, but perhaps that was selfish on my part. Maybe staying in Rumsbury would be best after all.” He turned. Would he leave?

  That was something she could not allow him to do, so Harmony leaped from her chair. “No, it is not wrong for you to believe that. I hope you do not think that is what I meant!”

  Isaac chuckled. “I know you did not,” he replied. “But you have made me realize that I should be the one celebrating my family rather than waiting for them to celebrate me. Tonight, I shall dedicate the evening to my brother and his new bride to welcome them back home.”

  Harmony smiled. “What a kind gesture,” she said. “I look forward to it and am honored you would consider such a thing.”

  For the first time, the man grinned. “No, the honor is truly mine.”

  ***

  “It is odd,” Harmony said as Lydia brushed her hair. “The man appears cold and reserved, but when we spoke earlier in the library, he was much different.”

  Lydia paused and frowned at Harmony through the reflection of the mirror. “Different? How was he different?”

  “It was the way he smiled when he spoke of wanting a family,” she replied. “I do not know for certain, but he seems more interested in being welcomed into the family than the fact he will take over the barony.”

  Lydia resumed her brushing, and Harmony waited for the woman to respond. For a while, she gazed at her reflection. She had chosen an emerald-green gown to wear to dinner and she hoped Nathaniel would appreciate the effort she was making. He had yet to return from whatever errands he had run, and she hoped he would return soon. Not speaking to him the entire day did not feel right.

  “I admit,” Lydia said finally, “although I understand Lord Lambert’s reservations about this man and the loss he faces, I believe what you’re doing is wise.”

  “Do you really?” Harmony asked, relief washing over her.

  The lady’s maid nodded. “You’re treating Mr. Thorne with kindness, and by doing so, he’s already opened up to you. You’ve learned that he wants to be a part of a family, and you can help him achieve it. If he feels welcomed and loved, maybe he’ll be willing to not pursue the title.” She shrugged. She did not seem convinced.

  Harmony sighed. “That is my hope,” she said. “I know it is silly, but he may do just that if what he has told me is true. Of course, I am sure Nathaniel will offer him a sizable sum in recompense. It is only right. What man is willing to give up a title due him? Very few, I imagine, but if one desires something as much as Isaac desires to have a family, he may be willing to do so.” Although it seemed unlikely, she saw no harm in the hope of it. At the very least, perhaps Nathaniel and Isaac would be able to build the foundation for a lasting friendship.

  “What payment do you speak of?”

  Harmony glanced toward the door and was pleased to see her husband. She stood and turned, ready to throw her arms around the man she loved, but his expression gave her pause. He was disheveled and clearly exhausted, and his cheeks and nose appeared as if he had been out in a snowstorm. Yet, the weather was still quite warm.

  “I was telling Lydia that perhaps Isaac would be willing to accept a payment to give up his claim to the title and that you would be more than happy to offer whatever sum he might request.”

  Nathaniel glanced at Lydia. “My business is not for you to discuss with others,” he admonished. “As for my title and my home, I will not pay a single farthing to a man who seeks to take from me what is mine.”

  Harmony gave a nod to Lydia, who hurried from the room. Once the door closed behind the maid, she turned to her husband once more. “You are clearly tired,” she said. “You grow angrier every day, but I am only attempting to help. And Lydia wo
uld never repeat what I have told her. You should know this.”

  He gathered her into his arms, and she snuggled against his chest. “I am sorry,” he said. “You are right concerning Lydia.” He kissed the top of her head and then her cheeks. “I am indeed tired, and my temper is quicker than it should be. However, this is only temporary. The old me will return soon, I promise.”

  “That is who I want,” she replied with a smile.

  His eyes searched hers. “Until then, I ask that you be patient with me. Can you do that?”

  “You are my husband,” she replied. “I will do whatever you need me to do.”

  He smiled down at her. “Thank you.” Then he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. This kiss lacked the fervency of those they shared in Cornwall, but with all that was occurring, she understood why.

  When the kiss ended, he gazed down at her, and for a moment she recognized the love in his eyes.

  “I will tell you about my day later and explain why I left without notice. But for now, we should eat something.”

  “Oh, yes,” she replied. “Isaac is honoring our marriage tonight over dinner. I spoke to him earlier, and I believe he wants only to feel welcomed.”

  Nathaniel snorted. “My brother or not, I do not trust him, and neither should you.” She continued to smile up at him and he sighed. “Do you truly believe this will help us?” he asked.

  “I do. If I can make him feel as if he is a part of the family, it will help in the months to come. And who knows? Perhaps kindness is all the man needs.”

  Her husband chuckled and ran the back of his hand over her cheek. “Then I will listen to my wife. Her wisdom this night has been heard and will be thoroughly considered.”

  Happiness filled Harmony’s heart. “You will see that I am right about Isaac,” she replied. “He is simply lonely and frightened, and I honestly believe there is nothing to fear from him if we earn his affections.”

  Chapter Six