“I can tell you nothing because I have been in London since the dinner we had with them all, the night you brought Sebastian’s cousin with you. It was Bernard, wasn’t it? How is he doing? I am surprised he is not with you as well.” Dutton raised his eyebrows, eyeing Eleanor.
“He has left for America. He only came to inform me of Sebastian’s death and tell me about his estate.”
Dutton pulled out a chair for her, as they came to his table, and Garth sat down next to her, looking a little disgruntled at the attention Eleanor was paying Dutton.
The waiter gave them the menu and took their order. As soon as he had departed, Dutton continued the conversation. “Why would he have to come here to tell you of Sebastian, and the condition of his estate?” Dutton wanted to know. “Certainly it could all be taken care of in America, and he could have written you of Sebastian’s death.”
“He came because Sebastian’s estate was left to me,” she said in a low voice. She could not tell him that there was no will, and she only would receive Sebastian’s estate, because everyone thought she was married to Sebastian, and now Bernard had the proof to keep the charade going.
“How utterly generous of the man, not that you needed it. Certainly he knew of your situation, and that you wanted for nothing.”
“Yes he knew. Bernard should have gotten his estate, but he would not hear of it, even though I offered to give it all to him. However, I am going to let Bernard take care of Sebastian’s holdings, since I certainly know nothing about ships, and have no time to learn. Grandfather’s estate will keep me busy enough and grandfather is determined to show me everything I need to know, which is almost overwhelming. That is why I am in London. A needed distraction, as Garth puts it.” She turned and smiled at Garth.
“I would love to come see Clifford House,” Dutton mentioned. “I was only there once. You know, when I came to tell you about Sebastian’s abduction. It looked like a place that should be on the tour maps,” he smiled.
“It is quite a monstrosity, if that is what you mean. I went with Bernard for the first time to the top floor, since I had never explored it before, but we ended up getting locked in the first room we looked at, and by the time we managed to get the door open again, it was too late to look at the rest of the rooms,” she laughed. “Perhaps you could come and help me finish my exploration,” she invited impulsively.
“I could help you,” Garth offered.
“Perhaps you would both like to do it together. Then I will feel especially safe. If we get stuck in a room, between the two of you, you can break down the door.”
“How did Bernard do it?” Garth asked.
“It was really rather funny. The door knob seemed jammed, and so while we waited for dinner, when we were sure someone would miss us, we sat and talked. He told me all about Sebastian and himself growing up. Then when we tried the knob again, it seemed to have loosened up, and we were able to leave. The wind had caused the door to slam shut, and that is how the knob probably got stuck for a time.”
“How could the wind close the door, if you were inside?” Dutton wanted to know.
“Well that was the strangest thing. Perhaps it was a ghost that slammed it because there certainly was no wind to speak of, but it closed as though a wind had blown it shut.”
“Perhaps it was Sebastian’s ghost,” Garth suggested. “Bernard mentioned Sebastian didn’t really like him very much. Sebastian might have been angry that you were up there with him, and was throwing a tantrum by slamming doors.”
“That is silly, Sebastian asked Bernard to come see me, before he died,” Eleanor insisted. “Besides it was Bernard that was angry at Sebastian, not the other way around.”
“According to Bernard,” Garth put in.
“How else would he know where to find me, if Sebastian hadn’t told him? Besides I was left everything, which meant Bernard had to come find me, and Sebastian was the only one there who knew where to send him. He sent the wedding ring and told Bernard to give it to me, or had you forgotten?”
“Once again, according to Bernard. You only have Bernard’s word for all this,” Garth insisted.
“But what about Sebastian’s estate? He came here to make sure I would receive it. Why else would he have come?”
“You only have Bernard’s side of the story,” Garth continued to reason.
“Why would he come all the way here to find me, then, if what he said isn’t true? And if everything was not left to me, there would be no reason for him to come.”
“He was the closest relative. He said so himself. And he came on Sebastian’s ship. Maybe it was all left to him, but perhaps Sebastian’s holdings alone were not enough for Bernard. Perhaps Bernard wanted Sebastian’s woman as well,” Garth almost taunted. “He hears about the beautiful heiress, from Sebastian, before he dies, and decides to investigate. When he gets here, he makes up the story that Sebastian left everything to you, so he will have a reason to remain here, helping you with Sebastian’s estate, and your’s as well.”
Eleanor took in her breath. He had said that through her, he would have Sebastian’s estate. She remembered the story about how he became the lover of Annie to spite Sebastian. Could his grudge against Sebastian be so strong, that even after death, he wanted everything that Sebastian valued? Had he come all that way to meet the woman that Sebastian finally found to marry, in order to get revenge, even after his cousin had died? She could not deny that she had started to fall for him the same way she had ended up falling for Sebastian. He had hinted that he never wanted to leave Clifford House, that he would spend his life trying to make her happy. Had he planned to try and win her over, the way Garth was implying?
Why was Garth trying to put doubt in her mind? Perhaps he was jealous, like she had accused him of being, and just wanted to make her distrust Bernard. Bernard was the shy cousin, nothing like Sebastian. He may have made love to Annie, because Annie had several lovers anyway, and he was determined to be one of them, right along with his cousin, but certainly that had nothing to do with the way he had treated her, she insisted to herself. She remembered how he had suddenly kissed her before he left, and that simple kiss had thrilled her at the time.
“I will ask him, when he returns,” she said boldly. “I will ask to see the legal papers, giving me the estate. Then we will see.”
Eleanor stuck her chin out in that stubborn way she had, and while it amused Garth, it also troubled him. Something was not quite right, but he just couldn’t put his finger on it yet. He just didn’t want Eleanor to fall into yet another trap, because she was so good at doing it.
“Well this is all very interesting,” Dutton commented. “Since you don’t need the money, I don’t know why you are even worried about it,” he insisted. “You said you wanted to give it all to Bernard anyway. So just do it and that would put an end to it all,” he reasoned.
“Yes,” Garth agreed. “Who cares who it really went to? Just give it to Bernard, and then you won’t have him breathing down your neck and insisting he take care of you.”
“You just don’t like him, because he is so much like Sebastian, and you know how much I loved Sebastian,” she accused. “You want more from me than I am willing to give. But I told you from the beginning that I could never think of you romantically, Garth.”
“My, my, have I stumbled into a lover’s quarrel?” Dutton chuckled.
“How can we be having a lover’s quarrel, when we are not lovers?” Eleanor spat. “Garth is just wishing the impossible.”
“As do we all,” Dutton put in.
“I am getting so tired of all the men who claim they love me,” Eleanor sighed. “It is really starting to bore me, because the only person I have ever loved is Sebastian, but by the time I admitted it, it was too late, and he shall probably be the last person I could ever love. So pray, keep your confessions of love to yourselves. I have had quite enough of it!”
By this time the waiter had brought their meal and the three were silent as t
hey ate, each having their own private thoughts concerning the whole situation.
“I am sorry for what I said,” Garth finally said quietly. “It was uncalled for. You are right. It would be silly of Bernard to come all this way if things were not the way he claimed they were. After all, he didn’t even know you, until he arrived.”
“I think my headache is coming back,” Eleanor said. “Could we return to your townhouse?”
“Yes, of course. I am sorry to hear you are not feeling well,” Garth said, standing up. “Please excuse us, Dutton. It was nice meeting you.”
“Yes, I hope to see both of you soon at Clifford House, so we can explore the regions above.”
“I will let you know when,” Eleanor put in, and then took Garth’s arm.
There was just too much to think about, and she wanted some quiet time to mull everything over in her mind. Why had Garth even said anything? Now she did not know what to think. She should know better than to trust any man. Even Sebastian left her, in spite of his professions of love. Bernard had been right. He never would have chosen her over the sea, no matter what he told Bernard about truly wanting to marry her. But what difference did it make? Sebastian was dead.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Bernard, opened the door of Sebastian’s spacious home, and walked in. The house seemed quiet, and he wondered if Sebastian had finally died. He really hadn’t expected Sebastian to live out the month, and so did not feel guilty telling Eleanor he was dead. It had been touch and go, and Sebastian was sure he was on death’s door himself, but would not die contentedly until he heard about Eleanor.
Bernard smiled to himself. Sebastian never should have trusted him. The old wounds of past memories were hard dying and the moment that Bernard saw Eleanor, he knew he wanted her. Not just because she was Sebastian’s woman, but because she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and the way she had looked at him and threw herself into his arms, when she thought he was Sebastian, cut straight to his heart and he knew at that moment he must have her.
Sebastian would probably be dead by the time he returned anyway, he reasoned at the time. Even though Sebastian had sent him to make sure Eleanor knew how much he loved her, and to give her the ring, telling her as soon as he recovered he would return, he could not bring himself to give her any hope that Sebastian would recover.
Well at least he had fulfilled part of that promise, he rationalized. He had told Eleanor how much Sebastian loved her. He had told her that Sebastian had planned to return to her. He just didn’t mention he was still alive, he smiled to himself, trying not to feel too guilty.
But with the marriage Certificate safely signed by him, Sebastian would have no reason to return, because Bernard had put his own name in the place where Sebastian’s should have been. The clergy man had merely signed the certificate, leaving them to fill in all the pertinent information. Eleanor hadn’t even noticed it, when she signed it. The date he had put on the document was the same as the one in the bible, but that was not important, Bernard thought. It was the signatures that counted.
He just needed something to persuade Sebastian that there was no need for him to return to England, in order to claim Eleanor for himself. Eleanor had shown signs of falling in love with him so it wouldn’t take much to persuade her to marry him eventually. He honestly wanted Eleanor to marry him out of love, because he was certain he was in love with her.
A smile stretched across his face. What great satisfaction he would get when he showed the certificate to Sebastian, he thought, if his cousin was still alive. The very thought lifted his spirits even more. His footsteps echoed, as he walked across the entrance hall, and then he saw the butler, coming around the corner.
“Oh, it is you,” Mr. Handle, said, as he came to a sudden stop. “I thought I heard someone. How was your voyage?”
“Long and tiring. How is my dear cousin?” he asked, searching the man’s face.
“I believe he is doing better. We are all hoping for his rapid recovery. The doctor says he has a good chance of recovering completely, but it is going to take some time for him to get back to himself again.”
“Really. He seemed on death’s door, when I left.” Bernard had a hard time keeping the disappointment out of his voice.
“He took a turn for the better, after you left. All he has talked about is the women. The woman in England he sent you to see. I think that is what has kept him going.”
Yes, Bernard thought logically to himself, he could see how the thoughts of Eleanor would bring any dead man to life again, but too bad for Sebastian, it was too late now. He would have to forget about Eleanor.
“Is he able to see me?” Bernard asked, almost too eager to speak with his cousin.
“Yes, I believe he is,” Mr. Handle replied. “Go on up to his room, if you wish.”
“I will do that,” Bernard said and took the steps two at a time.
Bernard took a deep breath before pushing Sebastian’s door open, squaring his shoulders and marching in. Sebastian was sitting up in bed reading. He dropped the book when he saw his cousin enter the room.
“You have returned!” he called in an anxious voice.
“Yes, I have cousin. Handle tells me you are doing much better. I had expected to return to find a corpse. You were on the brink of death when I left.”
“Yes, I thought I was dying myself, but I could not die until I received word of Eleanor, and in my determination to hang on until you returned with word, I managed to recover a bit.”
“I am so happy to hear that,” Bernard smiled.
“Well don’t keep me in suspense. Did you find her?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact I did. She thought I was you, when she first saw me,” he admitted.
“Did you tell her? Did you give her the ring? How is she? And the Baby, has she had the child?”
“Calm down. I did everything you told me to. I explained to her how much you loved her. I told her that you had planned to return to marry her, but that you were set adrift, and was on death’s door, when they returned you to America. I gave her the ring. She did not have the child. She lost it, I’m afraid. When she heard you had been set adrift and believed you dead, she ended up having a miscarriage. It was very hard for her. She thought you had left her, but then a friend told her of your abduction, and that you had died at sea. It wouldn’t have made a difference, though. She was so angry at you for taking off, saying you could not run her estate since your business was based in America. She said she realized how impossible it was for you to have to choose her over your ships and America, that she didn’t blame you for leaving. She said it was better that way, after all. She married me instead.”
“What?” The exclamation came bursting out of Sebastian’s mouth, as he sat up straighter in bed. “You are jesting! That is impossible!”
“Nothing is impossible, cousin. I look very much like you. The only difference is I am not attached to any business that would take me away from her arms, like you are. I would not have to decide between a beautiful woman, a very wealthy beautiful woman, I might add, and America, or a bunch of ships. I would be willing to dedicate my life to her, stay with her and help her run her estate, and therefore she chose me, over you, dear cousin. A bitter pill to swallow, I know, but the truth all the same.”
“I don’t believe you! You are saying this to…to get back at me over that silly business when we were young. I apologized to you for that a long time ago. I thought you sleeping with Annie was the pay back.”
“Nothing would ever pay that back, cousin. You took away my love, even though you did not love her yourself. I don’t believe you have ever loved any woman, probably not even Eleanor. She deserves someone who will love her, and her alone. Not some man who has tasted every woman he ever met, and then chose to marry someone sight unseen.
“It matters not that you liked her when you did get a glimpse of her, but you couldn’t even choose between her and your precious ships. It wasn’t like you would be d
estitute if you married her. If you truly loved her, you would have forgotten about your shipping business, and America, or at least put it in someone else’s hands while you stood by her.
“You can’t imagine how much you hurt the woman. You don’t deserve her, no matter how much you think you love her now. The difference here is, I do love her, so it is not out of vindictiveness that I married her.”
“I will not believe you, unless I hear it from her lips,” Sebastian insisted, his brows drawing together in anger.
“Well, I happen to have proof,” Bernard drawled, as he reached into his breast pocket. “I have the marriage certificate.” He handed the paper to Sebastian with a satisfied smile on his face. “It is a real shame you did not see her true value when you had the chance,” Bernard taunted. “Even if you did change your mind later, the damage was already done.”
Sebastian, looked down at the paper in his hand. His heart started sinking, and his hands were shaking, making the paper rattle in his grasp. His eyes were barely able to focus on the writing on the paper, because his emotions were going wild, and then he stilled his shaking hands as he read the date on the certificate.
That was impossible. The date on the document was dated during the time he had been at Belington Manor himself. There was no way this document was accurate. Perhaps Eleanor’s signature was on it, next to Bernard’s signature, but the date was completely wrong, and how could his cousin marry Eleanor when he had only been there for a such a short time? Surely not enough time to even get a special license to marry. Besides, even if she had decided on Bernard, she barely had time to get to know him, and after the experience she had had with Percy, and even himself, he was sure Eleanor would not just marry his cousin the moment she met him.
He had spent enough time with Eleanor to know that after having made such a quick decision with Percy, she would never make that mistake again. The most she would do is promise Bernard marriage, which is something she wouldn’t even do with him after months of knowing him and even three days of making love. Sebastian, gave Bernard a scowl.
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