Cry of the Baroness: Secrets of Scarlett Hall Book 9

by Jennifer Monroe

  Her thoughts were interrupted, however, by a roar and Isaac being pulled away from her.

  Chapter Eleven

  What truly determines a man’s worth? Some say it is the wealth he controls, while others believe it to be the title he carries. Once, Nathaniel had thought it was neither, for, to him, a man’s worth should be judged by what was in his heart.

  Now, he was not so sure.

  The fact he had used his power to keep Harmony’s father from stopping their marriage still plagued him. Although he had no other choice, and his reasoning was valid, the guilt still consumed him. How could a man of his position justify threatening to undermine another’s livelihood in order to get what he wanted?

  Granted, such actions were common for many of the ton, but Nathaniel had always prided himself in believing he had more integrity than most of his peers. That all changed the day he coerced Mr. Radcliffe into not stopping him and Harmony from marrying.

  Then there was the issue of his father. To think he, Nathaniel, was the product of the union of his mother and a butler was more than a bit unsettling. It meant that Nathaniel was a bastard, born from an affair. If any learned of that secret, his name would be ruined.

  Yet, although those two issues worried him, it was Isaac’s sudden appearance and his claim to the barony that rose above the rest. The meeting with the solicitors in London had been sickening, for although they would explore the matter further, their forecast of what was to come was grim. Isaac and not Nathaniel would eventually hold the title of baron. This in itself was upsetting enough, but to know that once the aristocracy heard of this travesty, his life as he knew it would end. Not only for him but for his mother as well as his sisters and their families. To have those he loved looked upon with disdain clenched his heart tighter.

  Plus, it would confirm to Nathaniel who he was not.

  He was not of the Lambert lineage but rather that of servants. Charles Lambert at best was a guardian and certainly not his father. That truth Nathaniel would not — could not — accept. Not because he looked down on those who were of the lower class, for they had as much, if not more, integrity and honor. No, it would instead take away everything he knew about himself. What he once believed to be true was now tainted, and he was holding onto a very fine cord in an attempt to keep from crashing at the bottom of a great cliff.

  Although he had led David, his driver, believe that he would be riding the entire journey, instead he had ridden into Rumsbury and hired a carriage. David did not need to know his business, after all. Upon his return, he had collected his horse from the man who had let him the carriage and was now on his way home.

  He rode up the drive and came to a stop in front of the entrance to Scarlett Hall. How many times had he returned after the end of term from school, his young mind filled with stories to tell his family? To be greeted by his sisters as they smothered him with hugs and kisses that he would laughingly wipe away? Now it was threatened to be taken from him.

  “Scarlett Hall belongs to me,” he said aloud. “And to my sisters. It is our home and no one will take it from us!”

  He smiled as Harmony came to mind. With all the uncertainty surrounding him, there was one thing he was sure of — his love for his wife. And the love she had for him.

  Excited to see his wife and to hold her in his arms, he leaped from the horse and walked it to the stables. A stable boy hurried to him and bowed as he took the reins.

  Nathaniel headed back toward the house, glancing up at the bright sky. The afternoon was perfect, and although he was exhausted from his long journey, he would spend the remainder of the day with Harmony. Perhaps they would stroll through the garden or share in a dinner alfresco. He had heard it was becoming a popular way to enjoy a meal. However, as long as he was in her company, he could be anywhere and still enjoy himself.

  As he made his way up the steps to the portico, the door opened and he was greeted by Forbes.

  “My lord,” the butler said with a bow, “I hope your journey went well.”

  Gone was the elation Nathaniel had possessed only moments before. “I spoke with the solicitors,” he replied. “Although they do not believe I will prevail, I will show them they are wrong.”

  “Very good, my lord.”

  “And you? What did you learn?”

  The butler sighed. “It seems the rumors about…your father are true. I heard many tales, and all confirm what we already know. Lord Lambert was indeed married before he spoke his vows to your mother. Why he did not remain with that woman, or why he had not brought her to Scarlett Hall, no one knows, but many had been under the impression he had brought her here when she left the village in Scotland to live in Northumberland.”

  Despite the fact that Nathaniel had anticipated the response, it bothered him all the same. “Well, it does not matter,” he said, pushing his discontentment aside. “I will make the lineage, and my father, proud by fighting for what is rightfully mine.”

  Forbes merely nodded, but a whit of guilt tugged at Nathaniel’s heart. Perhaps he should not say such things in this man’s presence.

  No! This is my right!

  “Is Harmony in the library?” he asked. “I wish to see my wife.” He went to walk past Forbes, but the man stopped him.

  “No, my lord, she is not there.”

  Nathaniel turned. “Then where is she?”

  Forbes cleared his throat. “She has gone for a stroll with your brother.”

  Anger flared inside Nathaniel. “A stroll?” he demanded. “She knew I was due back at this time, or near to it. Why would she be out with him? Where are they? Are they in the gardens?”

  “No,” the butler replied. “I believe they walked past the gardens and out into the fields beyond.”

  How dare she leave with his enemy! Had she no shame? Then Nathaniel narrowed his eyes at Forbes. “You allowed her to leave?” he said. “Knowing how this would infuriate me? Why did you not stop her?”

  “I have no right to command your wife,” Forbes said, his eyes wide.

  Nathaniel snorted. “Yet you may take a lady to your bed?” he spat.

  Waving the man away, he hurried through the house and out into the garden in search of his wife. And when he found her, he would get her as far away from that man who believed he was his brother!

  ***

  Nathaniel had searched the entire area beyond the gardens to no avail, and it was not until he heard laughter coming from a copse of trees that he found his quarry. As he made his way through the trees, watching each step to be sure he was not heard, his breathing became more difficult. When he reached the tiny glen he had frequented as a child, he could not bring air into his lungs.

  There sat Harmony beside Isaac, who was on his knees, a smile on his face and desire Nathaniel recognized even from this distance. What irked him more was how close the other man was to his wife.

  Then, to his horror, Isaac leaned forward and placed a hand on Harmony’s shoulder.

  Rage coursed through Nathaniel, but when Isaac kissed Harmony’s cheek, any rational thought left his mind, and he bolted from the trees, a primal roar erupting from his lips as he grasped the back of Isaac’s shirt and pulled with all his might, not caring if he was hurting the man. Let him die from strangulation for all he cared!

  “Nathaniel, no!”

  He ignored Harmony’s pleas as he glared at the man who had threatened his very existence. Isaac lay back on the ground, propped up on his elbows, his eyes telling Nathaniel all he needed to know.

  Without thinking, Nathaniel doubled up his fist and slammed it into Isaac’s jaw, sending the man to his back.

  “Nathaniel, what are you doing? Stop it now, I say. Stop!”

  “Brother!” Isaac cried. “Why do you attack me?”

  Paying neither of them any heed, Nathaniel struck Isaac again, sending pain through his hand and up his arm. “What are you doing with my wife?” he demanded as he grasped the man by the lapels of his coat. He glanced at Harmony and was surpri
sed to see her eyes red and tears flowing down her cheeks.

  “What have you done?” she whispered.

  He looked back at Isaac, who had backed away, blood oozing from his nose and a cut on his lip.

  To his utter shock, Harmony hurried over to Isaac and helped him stand. “Isaac, are you all right?” She reached into a basket Nathaniel had not noticed was there and pulled out a cloth to press against Isaac’s nose.

  “I told you his anger is great,” Isaac said. “You see? He cares nothing for me.”

  “Care for you?” Nathaniel demanded. “You are not my family, nor my brother. You are simply a guest in my home. But you will be leaving. Now.”

  Isaac attempted to push himself up. “Fine, then. I have done all I could to earn your respect, and I have come to realize that it will never happen. I shall return to the house, collect my things, and leave this very day.”

  “No, Isaac,” Harmony said. “Please, go back and rest. We can talk about this later when we are all calmer.”

  Nathaniel stared at his wife. Was she truly defending this man? And what made her believe they had anything to discuss?

  She shot him a glare, but as she was turned away, Isaac gave Nathaniel a grin that made his blood boil. Then the man had the gall to wink at him!

  “I swear I will kill you!” Nathaniel bellowed as he leaped toward Isaac once more.

  However, before he could reach the other man, Harmony put herself in front of him, and Isaac crawled away, disappearing into the trees.

  “What have you done?” Harmony repeated. “You would attack your own brother?”

  “He was being all too familiar with you!” Nathaniel said. “I saw him kiss and embrace you, and I feared what you would allow him to do while I was not here.”

  His wife’s jaw dropped in shock and she took a step back. “You would believe that I would allow another man…” Her words trailed off for a moment. “You are my husband, the only man I love.”

  “Then why were you here with him? Alone?” Nathaniel demanded. He glanced at all that was spread across the grass. “A picnic? Wine? Embraces? Tell me I should not believe my own eyes.” A great sickness filled him, and his head ached. How could she betray him?

  Then, like many times before, Harmony’s voice and gentle touch brought him peace. “While you were gone, I gave Isaac lessons in comportment to ready him for his new life, which he will have regardless if he takes over the barony or not. This was his way of thanking me and nothing more.”

  “Regardless, it does not sit well with me,” Nathaniel said. “And that embrace? Why would you allow him to do such a thing?”

  “Because he had just shared some wonderful news with me,” she replied. “He said he came to Scarlett Hall to find a family, and that was exactly what he found. Because of that, he is willing to forgo the claim to the barony.”

  It took a moment for Nathaniel to realize his jaw was hanging open. Could what she said be true? He had no doubt as to his wife’s honesty, but what of that of Isaac? Had the man been sincere?

  “I…I am sorry,” he said. “I did not know that.” He sighed. “I presumed the worst, and I am sorry.”

  She placed a hand on his cheek. “I want my husband returned to me,” she whispered. “The man who always smiled. The gentleman who was always led by his heart. Where has he gone?”

  As he searched his wife’s face, Nathaniel wished he could tell her, but he could not. Instead, he simply turned away and began to collect the remnants of the picnic.

  Where had her husband gone?

  Chapter Twelve

  Harmony walked beside her husband along the garden path toward the house. Somehow, the relationship between her and Nathaniel was slowly unraveling, and she was uncertain if she was to blame. Her intentions for accompanying Isaac on the picnic had been pure, yet they had done nothing but reignite Nathaniel’s ire.

  Although the tears that had wet her cheeks were now dried, she continued to weep inside. She wept for Eleanor, who was deathly ill and did not want to burden her son with the news. She anguished over Nathaniel’s behavior, for the thoughtful contemplation he had once relied upon had disappeared, replaced by an impulsive disregard for consequences. And she mourned the inevitable loss of the barony her husband so desperately wanted to keep.

  She stopped and turned to Nathaniel. “I love you,” she whispered. “More than ever, if that is possible. If there is any doubt about my decision to join Isaac today, I will somehow prove to you that it was innocent.”

  He sighed. “I do not doubt your decision,” he said. “And I am sorry for even suggesting you would betray me. I beg for your forgiveness.”

  She laughed and threw her arms around him. “Of course, you are forgiven.”

  Nathaniel pulled her in tight against him, and as always, his words and touch healed her many pains.

  “What will we do now?” Harmony asked. When his face contorted once again with worry, she wished she had not.

  “I am unsure,” he replied. “What do you believe I should do?”

  Never had she seen him so out of humor. “You are my husband,” she replied. “No matter what you decide, I will stand beside you. In saying that, I feel Isaac should remain at Scarlett Hall. I was making progress with him, and I believe he merely wants to feel accepted.”

  “I do not know,” Nathaniel said. “You did not see the way he smiled at me earlier. And that wink! Why would he wink at me? I am telling you, something is amiss. That look in his eye…” He shook his head. “I fear he has improper notions toward you.”

  She considered his words. The only sign of misconduct Isaac had done was pick her up and carry her about earlier in the day, for which he profusely apologized. He had been ignorant that his conduct was improper, and what better way to learn than to take a misstep from time to time?

  But romantic notions? No, she did not believe that to be true. In fact, he had mentioned that his reason for staring and for showing her kindness had been because she reminded him of the woman he had once loved. If she, God forbid, ever lost Nathaniel, she was certain everything in this world would somehow remind her of him.

  “I believe he is lonely,” she said. “For whatever reason, he finds me a person in whom he can confide. I can assure you that he has not said anything improper, and if he did, I would tell you immediately.” There, she had not lied, not outright. Isaac did indeed find her a woman in whom he could confide and he had not said anything improper. Granted, he had done something inappropriate, but his words had been nothing but courteous and kind.

  Nathaniel laughed and shook his head. “My heart tells me to guard you, but my mind tells me my wife is wise and to listen to her sound reasoning.” He tapped her on the nose with a finger. “Therefore, that is what I will do. I will speak to Isaac, and although I do not want to, I will invite him to stay.”

  No sooner than Nathaniel said the words than Isaac walked toward them. Harmony hoped that no matter what happened in the next moments, both men would keep their tempers at bay.

  “Harmony,” Isaac said, ignoring Nathaniel completely, “my belongings are few and already packed. I came only to thank you for the kindness you have shown me and to wish you well in life.”

  Harmony turned to her husband and nodded, and Nathaniel said, “I would like you to remain. Let us put this afternoon behind us.”

  “I do not think that wise,” Isaac replied. “I have seen your temper at work this day.” He reached up and touched his nose, which was red and bulbous, to emphasize his point. “No, I believe it would be best if I found lodgings in Rumsbury and wait until the solicitors contact me.”

  Harmony shook her head. Her efforts could not have been for naught! “Would you reconsider your decision if I explain that Nathaniel wishes you to be here as much as I do?”

  “You are kind to say so, but my brother merely wants the title and nothing more. I cannot say I blame him, of course, but I cannot remain knowing he wants nothing to do with me.” He turned to Nathaniel. “
Even if both of our existences are the fault of our father and not of ourselves.”

  Nathaniel sighed. “You are right,” he replied, much to Harmony’s delight. “I have not wanted to know you as more than the man wishing to take away my title, but today, we fought, just as brothers do. Now, as my brother, would you share in a drink with me? And perhaps we can make plans to go on an outing together soon.”

  Isaac gave Nathaniel a surprised look and then smiled. “Are you jesting with me? You would share a drink with me? As a brother?”

  “I will, but I must know if you will remain at Scarlett Hall if I do.”

  “And I must ask one question of you first. If I speak to your wife again, will you refrain from attacking me? She is my friend, and I do enjoy conversing with her.” Nathaniel’s face darkened, and Isaac sighed. “Very well, I can meet people in the village and make new friends there. Though, I would have to explain where I am living….”

  “No,” Nathaniel interrupted. “I will not be angry if you speak to my wife. Now come, Brother, let us drink together.”

  As the two men walked away together, the oddest of thoughts came to Harmony. Although they had different mothers, these brothers should have had similar traits to share from their father. However, where Isaac took after the previous baron in many ways, Nathaniel had no resemblance to that man.

  She shook her head and pushed away the thought. Too much had occurred today to worry about such things. For now, Nathaniel was on the road to developing a friendship with a brother he never knew existed.

  Harmony smiled. What she wanted was to speak to her friend, and therefore, she went in search of Lydia.

  ***

  “And so, what had floundered has now been restored once again.” Harmony sighed. “I do hope they will be able to build at least a tolerance for one another until all the messiness of the claim to the barony is resolved. Maybe they can even become friends.”