All the same, the war had left him weary and in much need of solitude.
He longed for time to himself to make peace with all he had seen and done. Babylon Castle seemed as good a place as any to meet his needs. He glanced around the bailey focusing through the eerie fog. No one was likely to bother him here.
The castle lay in ruins from years of neglect. Its inner wall had been reduced in size by plundering villagers a hundred or so years before. The once grand gatehouse appeared more like a shell, its enormous gates rotted away long ago. Most of the outbuildings had been taken apart, their stones either carried away or scattered across the bailey.
He trailed his gaze across the grounds from the stable to the keep. They still held their shape but also suffered damage from the years of neglect. Most of the wood within the stable had rotted away years ago, though the stone walls held strong. The keep was mostly intact, other than the partially caved in roof making the fifth floor uninhabitable.
Camden had inherited the castle from his uncle upon his death. It had been passed down through his family for centuries though no one ever bothered to make use of it. According to his father no one had lived here since the fourteenth century. Babylon had long ago been stripped of its furnishings.
A chill tickled his spine as he glanced from the gatehouse to the bricked-over postern gate paying mind to all things in-between. Considering the once grand castle’s current condition it was no wonder people believed the spirits of his ancestors haunted the place.
Babylon had been abandoned after the deaths of his ancestors Sir Kenton Le Bec and Lady Nicola Aubrey-Thorne not even a hundred years after it had been built. So far as Camden knew he was the first to slumber here since. Family legend held that no one could stand the idea of disturbing their spirits and so they allowed the castle to fall into ill-repair.
He entered the old stable going to the stall were he’d left his horse. Mayhap he should consider having the old pile of stones restored and making it his permanent home. A quiet life in the country did hold some appeal. At the least he would be able to avoid the pressures of London.
The stallion nudged Camden’s arm with his strong head. “Hey there.” Camden reached up to stroke the beast’s muscled neck. “How about I move these stones so we can get you out and go find some supplies.” The horse stepped back nodding its head and neighing.
Camden would need to gather some wood to repair the rotted stall door along with hay, oats, straw, and commodities for himself. At least a few laborers to help make the repairs would be needed as well, and perhaps a house servant or two.
A sharp intake of air drew his attention across the stable. He glanced away from his task searching for its source. His heart skipped a beat. A woman stood in the doorway, pale skirts billowing in the breeze.
He did not believe in ghosts but the woman before him fit the description he’d been given of Lady Nicola Aubrey-Thorne. She was tall and lean with honey-colored hair and piercing green eyes. The sun’s rays cut through the fog casting her in an eerie glow.
There was no way. It couldn’t be. He blinked, then blinked again but she did not disappear.
Once he recovered from the shock, he noticed her modern clothing. The lady wore a flowing mint day gown with a high waistline and short sleeves. A bonnet framed her heart-shaped face, its ribbons tied beneath her chin. She most certainly wasn’t a spirit. Though, she had the beauty of an angel.
He opened his mouth to speak.
She marched toward him, wagging one gloved finger. “You have no right here, intruder. This is private property. I insist you gather your mount and depart at once.”
Her fearless approach held him captive. He studied her tall frame and blazing eyes, her words barely registered through his fascination. What had she called him? An…intruder?
She came to a halt before him placing her hands on her hips, then peered at him through the loveliest green eyes he’d ever beheld. “What have you to say for yourself?”
“Are you the owner of this castle?” He searched the depths of her gaze.
She steeled her back, anger flashing in her eyes.
“Answer me.” He rested one hand on the wall leaning against it.
Notching her chin, she said, “No, I am not the owner.” She pointed one finger at him holding it just inches from his chest. “But neither are you.”
He could have set her straight right then. Told her he owned Babylon Castle. Instead he smirked, the urge to bait the chit too strong to ignore. “In that case it seems you are an intruder.”
Her cheeks tinted a becoming shade of pink, yet she did not avert her gaze. “I have far more right to be here than you do.”
He dropped his hand from the cool stone wall and took a step closer to the spirited beauty. Her scent wrapped around him, enticing his senses with lavender and jasmine. It had been a long time since he’d smelled a woman’s flowery scents. “How so?”
Camden expected her to back away at his intrusion of her personal space, but instead she held her ground, those stormy eyes never leaving his. “Not that I owe you an explanation, but I reside in the area and saw light coming from the windows last evening. I felt it my duty to check on the castle.”
“And your husband allowed you to march over here and confront an unknown intruder?” The words left his mouth before he had time to consider them. It was a pointless question. He did not care whether she was married or not. Courting was the furthest thing from his mind.
“My parents did not know my intentions.”
A smile spread across his face of its own volition though he could not imagine why. He certainly did not want the viper-tongued lady for himself. Still, he rather enjoyed verbally sparring with her. He angled his head so his lips hovered just in front of her ear. “I could be dangerous.”
She flinched but did not step away from him. “I am not afraid of you.”
“You should be.” He straightened, meeting her gaze once again. Not a hint of fear reflected back at him. The chit was either daft or made of steel.
“I will not allow you to intimidate me.”
He leaned back against the wall, his gaze locked on hers. “I am Captain Camden Le Bec, descendent of Sir Kenton Le Bec and rightful owner of Babylon Castle.”
The lady’s eyes flashed with anger, her hands fisted at her sides. “Why didn’t you say so the moment I arrived? Why play games when the truth would have been simpler?” Without giving him the opportunity to answer she pivoted and marched for the stables exit.
He closed the distance between them then took hold of her elbow. “You were too busy ordering me off my land to have listened.”
The words he spoke were not entirely true. He’d baited her on purpose for his own amusement but he never expected her to become so upset. Now his deception caused his chest to squeeze as he stared at her striking profile.
The lady did not flinch, nor did she spare him a glance. She stood frozen upon the green summer grass, her back straight and shoulders squared as though she’d been carved in stone-an ornament belonging to the castle. After a long moment he released her.
Without as much as a sigh she strolled toward the gatehouse.
He narrowed his eyes as she moved further away, her feminine form washed in the sunlight and fog, hips swaying with each step. She’d been brave to confront him. It was an admirable trait. He should apologize. Give her credit where she had earned it. Not just anyone would have taken an interest and sought to protect his property. At the least he owed her for that.
“I am sorry for not revealing my identity sooner,” he called after her.
She glanced over her shoulder, eyes squinted. “I do not believe you regret your actions, nor do I believe you are the rightful owner of Babylon.”
He stared at her in disbelief. How dare she call him a liar. The chit was positively vexing. “Your beliefs are of no consequence. I am Captain Camden Le Bec, and I do own Babylon Castle. As for my apology, forget I said a word, I withdraw it.”
&n
bsp; “I would have expected nothing less.” Without sparing another glance she made her way across the bailey, then through the gatehouse, before disappearing from his view.
After all of that, he knew nothing about the lady. Not even her name. The only information she’d given was that her estate sat nearby. There were several country homes close enough for the occupants to have seen his lantern. Anyone of them could be hers. He should chase after her and demand to at least have her name.
His pulse speed and he drew in a deep breath.
No, he had no need of a name when he did not care to see her again. Camden shook his head. Whoever the lady proved to be, one thing was certain, she was the most vexing woman he’d ever encountered. If he never crossed her path again he would not miss her. He’d be grateful.
Thoughts racing, he marched back to the stable and tossed himself into the work at hand. No matter how many stones he moved, or how long he labored, his thoughts continued to return to the woman.
He shouldn’t be paying her anymore mind, but no matter how he tried to distract himself, the confrontation with her continued to tumble through his thoughts.
Freeing his mount from behind the makeshift stone gate, he threw himself onto the horses back and squeezed his heels against the beast’s sides. He had better things to do than think of the viper-tongued chit. Bloody hell, she’d called him a liar and an intruder. What hell might she bring if she chooses to press the matter?
He would have to be prepaid, and it was well understood among those in the military that one gained an advantage by knowing their adversary. The chit certainly hadn’t been friendly. He called her image into mind, blond hair, flashing green eyes on a tall feminine figure.
Yes, he would know his adversary.
There may even be some pleasure in the task.
Chapter Three
Rebecca quickened her pace until she was jogging toward her estate. Mother would give her an earful about proper lady like behavior if she caught sight of her, but Rebecca needed to burn off her anger somehow.
Not in all of her years had she met a man as devilishly handsome and utterly vexing as Captain Le Bec. He set her blood boiling, riling her with his words and demeanor, all while holding her captive with his roguish good looks.
Even now, excitement rushed through her bringing every nerve to life. He had no right to make her feel so alive. She’d never experienced such fire as this. All of her senses were heightened as she’d faced off with him, and when he’d whispered in her ear, a part of her wished he’d pull her into his arms.
He was dangerous, a military man. He fought in wars. How could she desire him? Her cheeks warmed at the thought and she hastened her steps. Partly in an effort to get away from Captain Le Bec, but also because she needed to hurry home.
She’d avoided the morning’s activities by rising before anyone else at the estate. By now they were all awake and her absence was surely noted. As much as it pained her she would have to engage in the day’s activities.
The thought of spending all afternoon in her mother’s matchmaking company made her stomach sour. She loved her mother a great deal and would even go as far as saying she respected her mother’s desire to see herself and Phoebe well married, but it did not change the fact that Rebecca had no desire to be matched.
Perhaps she’d join her father’s hunting party. A novel idea, for once the hounds were released, she could ride in any direction she chose.
With renewed vigor, Rebecca made her way to her bedchamber. Ringing for her maid she retrieved her black velvet riding habit. The hunting party would be departing soon and she meant to be among them. She peered out her window at the men gathered below. No time to tarry.
The shuffle of feet made her turn toward the door.
“There you are. Tell me, did you discover the source of your light?” Phoebe trailed into the room waving her silk fan in front of her face. She sat at the mahogany vanity, pinning Rebecca with an intent stare.
Rebecca’s heart skipped a beat. If anyone discovered Camden’s presence, it would be all anyone spoke of. The last thing she wanted was constant reminders he was indeed real, and right across the creek at that. “You didn’t tell anyone, did you?”
“Don’t be a ninny. Your secrets are safe with me.” She tilted her head. “Now do tell what you discovered.”
Rebecca brushed lint off the bodice of her habit. It would serve her no purpose to lie to her twin. Phoebe would see right through any tale she wove. She’d never been able to hide anything from her.
“I did discover what caused the flickers of light, but there is nothing to it. Not really.”
“Now you are withholding facts. I suppose I could go tell mother after all.”
“No.” Rebecca squeezed her habit against her belly. “You must keep quiet.”
“It was only a jest. I told you I will not speak a word of your adventures. Only tell me what happened before I perish from curiosity.” Phoebe lifted her arm to place the back of her hand across her forehead in a dramatic flourish.
“Very well.” She sighed, glancing down at her habit for a moment. “Babylon’s owner is in residence.”
Phoebe’s eyes grew round. “No one has bothered with that pile of stones in centuries. It cannot be fit for inhabitance. Who is he?”
“A despicable reprobate with terrible manners named Captain Camden Le Bec.” Rebecca turned her back to her sister. “There, I’ve told you all I know. Now be a dear and help me change.” She cast a glance over her shoulder. “I do not know what is keeping my maid but I must hurry.”
Phoebe rose and proceeded to unfasten the tiny row of buttons running down the back of Rebecca’s gown. “I see he made quite an impression upon you. Whatever did he do to earn your description of his character?”
“He treated me like a trespasser while he withheld his identity.” She slipped out of her gown and into the riding habit her sister held in front of her. “For the first time in my life I wish I would have stayed away from Babylon Castle.”
Phoebe looked up through thick lashes, a small grin tugging at her lips. “Is he handsome?”
Rebecca gave a half-hearted shrug. “I suppose he is. Until he opens his mouth at any rate.” She smoothed her hands down her skirt before placing her bonnet on her head.
Phoebe laughed, a wide grin spread across her face, and amusement sparkled in her eyes. “I think I would like to meet this Captain Le Bec for myself.”
“Believe me, sister dear, you do not.” She strolled to the doorway. “If you’ll excuse me, I intend to join Father’s hunting party.”
“More likely you intend to disappear while the others hunt.” Phoebe shot Rebecca a bemused glance. “You don’t fool me. Not for one second.”
A shaky smile tugged at Rebecca’s lips in spite of her annoyance. “I beg to disagree, for what is hunting other than disappearing into the landscape, which I absolutely intend to do.”
Phoebe laughed. “How very clever of you. In that case, enjoy the hunt.”
Rebecca winked at her sister. “I mean too.”
Chapter Four
Wisps of fog still clung to the ground as Rebecca steered her mount toward the hunting party. She offered a smile to her father as she drew closer before pulling rein beside him.
“I’m glad you decided to join us.” Father’s horse sidestepped and he held the reins tighter. “Once Captain Le Bec arrives we can start.”
Rebecca’s stomach fluttered in an unsettling way, her smile faltering. Surely she’d heard wrong. When would her father have made Camden’s acquaintance? Uneasy, she looked back toward the house. Perhaps she should reconsider her plans for the day.
“Ah, here’s the captain now.” Father lifted his hand from his thigh, pointing into the distance.
Too late. Camden raced toward them on his stallion. Queasiness set in and she averted her gaze. How would she get out of this now?
“Captain Le Bec, I’m pleased you could join our hunt. Allow me to introduce my daughter,
Lady Rebecca.”
She pasted on a smile and met Camden’s gaze.
“A pleasure, my lord.” Camden tipped his head to her before looking back to her father. “On both counts.”
A whoosh of bated breath escaped her. Thank heavens he’d kept their previous meeting secret. If father were to find out she so brazenly approached Camden he’d assign a proper and permanent chaperone to her. And mother. A shudder ran down her spine. Mother would try to match them.
She guided her horse to follow the party, biding her time. In a moment father would order the hounds released, and then she could make her escape. Camden would follow the hounds along with the rest of the hunters, and she would find a quiet place to spend the afternoon. She snuck a peek at him. Her heart skipped a beat when she caught him studying her. The devil winked at her before returning his attention to the dogs. Heat seared her cheeks, her stomach fluttering, just as it had before.
“Release the hounds.” Her father’s baritone filled the air.
She spurred her mount forward following the pack toward the river. She’d have to wait until everyone was well distracted to separate from them. It would not do to be noticed.
The hounds cut east across the property, the hunting party right behind them. She slowed her mount to put more distance between herself and the party. Once she was certain no one would catch her, she directed her horse toward Babylon. The castle was her favorite place to pass time, and since Camden had joined the hunt she had no reason to fear being caught there.
The castle came into view, its walls jutting up from the lush green grass. Rebecca crossed the shallow creek, water splashing up in her wake. A sense of freedom surged in her veins. As she galloped up the slope toward the postern wall she patted the book she’d hidden in her saddlebag. She could think of no better way to spend a summer afternoon.
A cool breeze tossed the curls about the back of her neck as she retrieved her book then slid off her sidesaddle. Her book fell from her hand, landing in the grass at her feet. Rebecca snatched the volume up before securing her horse. Once done, she moved to the bricked-over postern gate. What she would give to learn why it had been sealed off.
Regency Wolfe: A de Wolfe Pack Connected World collection of Victorian and Regency Tales Page 18