Kissing the Lass (Scot to the Heart #2)

by Charles, Jane

  “How does Jamie fare?”

  “Jamie is being kept as a guest at Wyndhil Park.”

  Gideon frowned. “Wyndhill Park was near Goodwood not Newmarket.” Further, the Goodwin Cup isn’t held until July. ”I thought Jamie was arrested at Newmarket.” Gideon stared at his sister in disbelief. “They did not force him to Newgate?”

  “As I wrote, nobody truly believes Lord Bowerton,” she explained. “The magistrate was present and even though he doubted Bowerton’s accusation, he couldn’t ignore such an inflammatory and serious claim. As a compromise, Garretson appealed to the magistrate to allow him to keep Jamie as a guest, under house arrest, of course, at Wyndhill Park”

  Gideon blew out a breath. Thank goodness Lucian Sinclair, the Earl of Garretson was present because otherwise, Jamie might be rotting in some dark and dank cell. “Is Tristan and his wife at Wyndhill Park now?”

  Sophia shook her head. “Lady Jillian had no desire to reside in the home of the brother of Tristan’s first wife and instead, they have taken up residence in Harrison’s home in Portsmouth.”

  Gideon could only stare at her. “Why there when they could be relaxing at an estate, waiting for all of this to come to an end?”

  “Lady Jillian is well aware that Tristan will always love Elaina and that he mourns her loss to this day. She wished to have no reminders of the ghost when Tristan is now married to her.”

  “Perhaps she should have considered the consequences before she trapped him into a marriage he did not want,” Gideon ground out.

  “Tristan is doing what he can to make the best of the situation,” Sophia reminded him. “Besides, it will be good for the children to have a mother figure in the home.”

  “I suppose.” He tossed back the remains of the brandy. At least his brother still lived and they waited on him. As Jamie was probably suffering no ills from his confinement, Gideon could finally breathe easier. “I believe I will go through Jamie’s office. The bill of sale must be in there somewhere, or at least some form of documentation that proves his innocence.”

  “We have, all of us, but nobody has been able to find anything.”

  Gideon nodded. Though he could take his sister’s word on the matter, he would not be satisfied until he looked for himself. “Perhaps I will have better luck.”

  Chapter 28

  “Ye’ve no’ heard from Lord Gideon?” Donovan asked Arabella.

  “Nay.” Though, he left here only five days ago so she’d not expected a letter so soon. Even if he had sat to write the moment he arrived, the missive would not have been received as of yet. At least, that was what she told herself over and over. She’d not worry unless at least a fortnight had passed without hearing from him. Though, she hoped it didn’t take so long

  But, with each day that passed, while she was forced to remain in the house either confined to a chair or her bed until her foot healed, she couldn’t help but entertain the niggling of doubt that Gideon would return.

  He’d been coerced from the very beginning. First into remaining at Anagburn and then the handfasting. Truthfully, she was surprised he hadn’t run off prior to receiving the letters.

  Then, despite being married, or handfasted, and they were to hold themselves out as husband and wife, he had not consummated the marriage. Oh, she may still be a virgin, but she had a fairly good idea of what was required, and Gideon hadn’t ever indicated that he had any desire to do more than caress.

  Her husband was kind and honorable and that was the only reason he’d gone along with all of Uncle Aiden’s dictates. But now he was free and she’d not been ruined, Gideon had no reason to return, despite the conversations they’d had or the promise made before he entered the coach to return home.

  It didn’t help that she’d read all of his books since he’d been gone and fallen further in love.

  Oh, she wished her brother would go away so she could give into the tears that threatened.

  “If he doesna write soon or return I will go after him.”

  “Please, doona, Donovan,” she begged. “If Lord Gideon doesna wish to have me as his wife, we should leave it at that.”

  “I’ll not let any man, gentleman or not, ruin my sister and disappear.”

  As much as it pained her to admit, her brother needed the truth so that he didn’t make the situation worse. Her family had already caused enough trouble for Gideon. He should be allowed to live in peace and decide if he wished to be married on his own and without threats.

  “Please close the door.”

  He stood. “What is it?”

  “There’s somethin’ I wish to tell ye but I beg ye no’ to tell anyone else.”

  Donovan frowned but crossed the small parlor, more recently her bedchamber, and closed the door.

  “Gideon has not ruined me.”

  “Ye are married and spent two nights in the cottage. That is ruinous if ye werna married.”

  “It would be if he’d done anything besides kiss me.”

  Donovan stared at her as the words sank in, then his eyes widened. “He didna make ye his wife?”

  “Nay.”

  Donovan sank down into the chair across from her. “I assumed the way the two of ye had affection of the other that….well….and Lord Gideon being a man…and seemed very interested in…”

  “Please, stop.”

  “I doona understand.”

  Arabella took a breath and then explained the conversation she and Gideon had about their feelings, and caring, but waiting to know each other better. By the time she was finished, Donovan had a sad smile.

  “I doona ken if he was bein’ honorable and a gentleman, or if he was bidin’ his time before a year and a day was over and not wishin’ to leave ye ruined,” her brother finally said. At least he wasn’t angry and threatening any longer.

  “I’m still not certain what to believe, but if Gideon doesna write or come after me, I will be his wife only for as long as the handfastin’ requires and not a day longer.”

  “Are ye sure that is what ye want?” His eyes bore into hers.

  “Would ye wish to be with someone who really dinna wish to be with ye?”

  Of anyone in the family, Donovan was best to answer that question. At one time he’d been in love with Mary Grant, but she’d left for London and married another. It had nearly broken Donovan, not that he let anyone see, but if one was to look close enough, they’d see the pain in his eyes.

  Her brother had changed after news of Mary’s marriage had reached them. He became more foolish and angry and it was Arabella’s dearest wish that he could find someone else to love as much as he loved Mary and that whoever he found loved him back even more. Except, Arabella’s biggest fear was that her brother had closed off his heart.

  “Would ye want someone to force Mary to be with ye when she dinna wish to, especially kening she wanted someone else?”

  “He wants another?” Donovan asked.

  “I doona ken. He never said, but ye dinna answer my questions.”

  “Nay. I would only want someone who wanted me as much.”

  As painful as rejection was, forcing someone to remain was worse. “So ye understand that I doona wish for anyone to try and force Gideon into any more than he’s already endured from this family?” Donovan had to understand and if he stood by her, he’d be able to keep the others from doing anything rash or foolish.

  “I do and I willna ask more than he’s already given and willna let anyone else.”

  “Thank you, Donovan.”

  “But, he may return, Arabella. Ye need to prepare yerself for that.”

  “I think I’d rather come to terms with never seein’ him again, then I willna be disappointed.”

  Oh, if only she were secure in what she shared with Gideon, but in truth, they had known each other for just a short time, and while there was liking and enjoyment, and she’d begun to fall in love, being separated also brought clarity. Despite everything, they were strangers caught up in a whirlwind of unexpec
ted circumstances. And, as much as she wished he’d come back for her, Arabella didn’t risk hoping. Instead, she was determined to move forward with pleasant memories of a gentleman writer who had spent a short time at Anagburn.

  For the better part of the day and into the next, Gideon went through every single document Jamie kept in his office, looking for any reference to the Arabian, but naught could be found other than the specifics to that horse such as weight and run times. There was absolutely nothing to prove his ownership. Gideon then went through his brother’s set of rooms, but he found nothing to support his brother’s claim.

  On the third day, he left for Portsmouth to check in with Tristan for any news before he traveled to Wyndhill Park. He knew that he should write to Arabella, but as he had no new word of his brother.

  It took a full day for Gideon to arrive in Portsmouth and to Harrison’s home. He hoped that Harrison was there as well as Tristan and his wife. The door was answered by a footman.

  Gideon blinked. Since when did Harrison have any type of servant? Other than the ones at home, none of his brothers made use of any when away. Though, he supposed Harrison probably hired someone to clean his set of rooms on occasion.

  “May I help you?”

  “I’m looking for Lord Harrison Trent.”

  “He is not in.” The footman began to close the door but Gideon stopped it with the force of his hand.

  “Do you know when he might be in or where he has gone?”

  “May I ask who is calling?”

  This was ridiculous. “His brother Gideon.” He had half a mind to force himself inside in hopes that a note or something had been left offering direction of where Gideon should go.

  “Oh, do come in.” The footman stood back and opened the door further. “I’ll have tea served.”

  He didn’t want any bloody tea. He wanted to know if his brother was on land or at sea, and if Tristan were still here.

  “Your brother, Lord Hopkins is not at home, but his wife is in the parlor.” The man turned and Gideon followed.

  “Lord Gideon Trent has come to call.”

  Come to call? This wasn’t a bloody social call, but Gideon held back his words.

  The beautiful blonde woman was sitting in a chair stitching. When she glanced up, she graced Gideon with a smile. A maid entered a moment later, bearing a tray that she settled on the small table.

  “You are just in time for tea, Lord Gideon,” the woman announced. “I am Lady Jillian, or Lady Hopkins, your brother, Tristan’s wife.”

  Gideon blinked. She was quite beautiful, yet a part of Gideon held a bit of resentment for her part in Tristan’s fate. However, he had no time for any further emotion.

  “My husband is currently at Wyndhill Park,” she explained. “There are two letters on the desk for anyone from your family to read.” Gideon strode over and picked them up.

  “What do you take in your tea?”

  He was rather parched. “Nothing. Thank you.” Then he settled in the chair opposite his sister-in-law and red the first letter. It was addressed to Harrison and Maxwell, if they happened to return to England anytime soon, explaining what had happened to Jamie. Gideon set it aside as he was already aware of the circumstances.

  “When is Tristan expected to return?”

  For a moment, Lady Jillian’s eyes hardened. “I do not know, but I do not expect him until your brother has been cleared of the charges.”

  Gideon blinked at her. Tristan had abandoned his wife after only a short time of marriage?

  Then again, hadn’t he done the same by leaving Arabella at Anagburn to return home? However, the circumstances were quite different. His wife was unable to travel, yet Lady Jillian looked quite healthy.

  “I’m sure all will end as it should,” she demurred then sipped her tea.

  What the hell did that mean? Instead of asking, Gideon picked up the next letter.

  To Whichever brother finds this first,

  I have decided to remain at Wyndhill Park to be with Jamie. Though he may be living in comfort, he cannot truly relax until his innocence has been proven. I will not leave him even though my wife prefers not to remain with me. I’ve arranged for her comfort, though it is nothing compared to that which she has been accustomed to being the Duke of Eldridge’s daughter, but she will make due until we can put this predicament behind us.

  Tristan

  Gideon stood. “I wish I could remain so that we might come to know one another better.”

  She smiled up at him. “I completely understand Lord Gideon, but you have a brother you must free.”

  “Yes, well, we’ll return once I’ve given my testimony, or sworn an affidavit, whichever the magistrate requires.” Gideon strode out the door and stopped. “How long ago did Tristan leave?”

  “June eleventh.”

  “That was four days ago.” He frowned. “This is June fifteenth, correct? I feel that I’ve lost all count of days since I received word in Scotland of Jamie’s arrest.”

  “Yes, today is the fifteenth.” She smiled.

  Gideon should have written to Arabella before now, and he would see to doing so as soon as he was assured of Jamie’s health. It was all well and good for others to assure him, but Gideon needed to see his brother for himself.

  By the time Gideon arrived at Wyndhill Park, the sun was dipping on the horizon as the hour neared supper. Not that Gideon was going to be delayed. If it were midnight, he’d announce himself and demand that this madness be over.

  “Lord Gideon Trent to see Lord Garretson,” he announced to the footman who answered the door.

  “Please come in. Lord Garretson has been awaiting your arrival.”

  Gideon stepped inside and looked about the grand foyer. Garretson had come into the title when he was only four and ten but hadn’t assumed the reins of the earlship until he reached his majority. Gideon didn’t know Garretson as well as he knew his younger brother, Xavier, with whom he had attended school, but at least Garretson was familiar with the family since his younger sister had married Tristan. They mourned her loss nearly as deeply as Tristan had.

  In all, there were five Gates brothers, with Garretson being the oldest. Elaina had been the only daughter, and born a year after Lucian.

  “Lord Garretson is just sitting down to supper and would like you to join him.”

  Gideon’s stomach grumbled at the idea of a meal. He hadn’t eaten since early morning because he’d been too busy chasing his family across Cornwall. “I’d rather see about my brother, if you don’t mind.”

  “Lord Jamie is also at supper, if you would just follow me.”

  Of course, hadn’t Sophia said that his brother was being kept more as a guest than a prisoner?

  When Gideon stepped into the dining room, Lord Garretson rose from his seat. “Good evening, Lord Gideon. I’m so glad you’ve finally arrived.”

  “Have you come to rescue me, dear brother?” Jamie asked just before he took a sip of ruby red wine.

  Clearly Jamie was not suffering from his imprisonment.

  “It is good to see you, Gideon,” Tristan said from the opposite side of the table.

  All of the Gates brothers greeted him as well, as if this were a normal, enjoyable evening of family and friends. Though in truth, because Elaina had married Tristan, that did make them family, just as the MacGregors were now his family as well.

  A footman placed a dinner setting before the empty seat beside Jamie.

  “Do join us,” Garretson insisted.

  Gideon’s stomach grumbled again at the sight of the roasted chicken and potatoes upon the plates and he made his way around the table.

  “What do you need from me?” Gideon asked after taking a seat.

  “It is not I, but the magistrate. His requirement is either your testimony or a bill of sale. It’s not as if anyone actually believes Bowerton, but the accusation couldn’t be ignored either.”

  Gideon nodded. “So, there will be a trial?”

  “
I’m afraid so. Bowerton was adamant that no agreement took place and insists that any testimony from you could not be trusted as it’s your brother who is accused. He was not happy with the decision to wait until you were able to testify.”

  Gideon frowned. “There was no misunderstanding. Bowerton offered to sell the horse, Jamie agreed to purchase it for the price demanded and the two shook hands.”

  “Was the bill of sale signed at that time?” Garretson asked Gideon.

  “No. There wasn’t one to be had. It was to take place at the Jockey Club. At least that was my understanding.”

  “Which it did,” Jamie insisted. “I have no explanation for why the purchase was not recorded in the books,” Jamie insisted.

  “Was anyone present when the bill of sale was prepared?” Gideon asked his brother.

  “Mr. Culling, who happens to be Bowerton’s closest friend, but he claims it did not take place,” Jamie answered.

  “And therein lies the dilemma,” Garretson explains. “The word of four gentleman, who claim two different circumstances, and no evidence to support either.”

  Gideon had begun to relax once he sat, but no longer. His brother could still be found guilty and would hang.

  “Where is Bowerton now?”

  “He and Culling have gone off to Brussles with half of England,” Garretson frowned. “Ever since Wellington began rebuilding the army, Society has flocked there from London. Ladies holding balls and gentry carrying on as if it were the height of the Season in London.”

  Gideon had known of some families who had forgone London for Brussels, but he hadn’t realized there were so many.

  “I’m certain they will return once everything is settled, or they realize that being near war is not a festive environment,” Garretson assured them.

  “That could be weeks,” Gideon insisted.

  Garretson shrugged. “We’ll make do, I suppose.”

  So now he was to cool his heals at Wyndhill Park until Bowerton decided to return.