Chapter 15
“It didn’t work, Thomas,” Carolyn lamented as she paced the garden path. “I’m beginning to believe nothing will make a difference to my husband.”
“Of course it didn’t work. You did it wrong.”
“What do you mean? I did exactly what you told me.”
He was shaking his head through her entire statement. “No. You didn’t. Edmund paid me a visit ridiculously early the next morning. Apparently, he didn’t appreciate me propositioning his poor wife. From the way he told it, you were horrified by the whole idea.”
Heat rushed up her cheeks. She couldn’t argue with that assessment. “You would have been, too. It was horrible. He pointed out the fact that it may take time for me to conceive. It took my sister almost a year. There he was believing that I wanted to give myself to you for an entire year. I don’t know if he’ll ever be able to forgive me.”
To her surprise, Thomas began laughing. “There is nothing to forgive. That bear of a man came barreling into my bedchamber threatening bodily harm if I were to ever touch you. Don’t fret over our plan. He placed the blame wholly on my shoulders.”
Feeling a little relieved, Carolyn took a seat on the bench. The cold seeped through her skirts and right into her bones. It was a perfect example of what her life had become. Her husband was so full of passion and warmth, but he kept it from her, allowing the cold to come in.
Her mother-in-law’s warning came back to her, and she let out a sigh. The woman refused to elaborate, and Carolyn couldn’t be sure if she should worry about it or not. After all, the dowager could be mad. On the other hand, if she wasn’t, something should be done to protect Edmund.
“I just feel like I’m being torn in so many different directions. I don’t know which way to go that will turn my life the way I like.”
“And, where is that, exactly?”
“To Edmund. I want to heal matters between us more than I’ve wanted anything in my life.”
Thomas sat beside her and patted her hand. “I can help you in any way you need. My cousin is stubborn, but not stupid. One day he’ll wake up and realize how lucky he is to have you.”
“There you are.” Lady Dane came up the path, breathing a little heavier than Carolyn thought necessary. “Why the two of you choose to disappear into this horrid place, I’ll never understand.”
“That’s simple, Mother. We enjoy the company of the flowers.”
She scoffed. “Then, you can enjoy them all the way back to the castle to retrieve my shawl for me. And, have a care in selecting one. I believe the coral one would complement my dress nicely.”
With a critical eye, Thomas nodded. “I shall fetch the coral one with the blue trim. That is, if Her Grace doesn’t wish to turn back already.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” his mother said. “I’m sure the two of us can manage to find our way back. Go, now.”
Seeing indecision on Thomas’s face, Carolyn nodded in encouragement. She had no idea why he would hesitate to leave her with his mother, after all, Carolyn had proven her mettle to the woman.
“Would I be correct in my assumption that you didn’t find us by accident?” Carolyn turned to the woman once Thomas hurried off.
“You are correct. I desire a word with you. Earlier today, your husband came to speak to me about a subject our family hasn’t openly discussed in over ten years.”
Having no idea what the woman wanted with the subject, Carolyn shrugged. “Then, I suppose it is a good thing for the matter to be discussed.”
Lady Dane shook her head. “Not this. The details regarding the fire in his youth should remain in the past. No good shall come from him looking into it. As his wife, you can convince him that his attention would be better served elsewhere.”
“You honestly believe that? The duke has suffered with those scars for far too long now. I’d much prefer him to come to terms with what happened to him.”
“That is not what you shall get,” the woman practically spat the words. “He is asking for trouble. If he doesn’t leave it be, he will regret the consequences. And, so will you.”
With that, Lady Dane stomped off. Carolyn was left to stare after the hateful woman. What could Edmund be looking into that would upset his aunt?
Thinking about the dowager duchess’s words, a chill ran up Carolyn’s spine. Could the danger to Edmund be from his own aunt? The thought bothered her, but she wouldn’t allow it to frighten her. From now on, she would watch the woman. Carolyn refused to sit back and allow anything bad to happen to Edmund.
~ ~ ~
Edmund rode through the fields, feeling his anxiousness biting at him. Too many mixed emotions played about in his head to allow him to rest easy. Slowing his stallion, he realized he needed time to think. Barreling in upon his quarry would not serve him if he became speechless when it came time to explain.
As he led the beast into a turn, he felt the saddle shifting. He pulled on the reins, but it was too late. The saddle—with him in it—fell off the horse.
Fear struck him as he hit the ground, the air whooshing from his lungs. Pain shot through him as he rolled through the brush and thudded up against a tree.
The world spun, and he couldn’t clear his mind for a minute. Once his vision righted itself, he pulled his aching body up, wincing at the stings from what must be minor bruises and abrasions. Taking care, he stretched and cataloged the damages. Nothing major. He would be fine, but he was furious.
He whistled for his stallion while he flipped over the saddle to take a look at the accursed thing. Likely, the groom had been negligent in securing it to the horse.
Once he pulled the leather cinch strap into his hand, he ran his finger along the straight edge to where it had torn under stress. He cursed. Someone could have partially cut it, hoping it came undone when he was moving fast enough for him to be injured, badly. Or, to kill him. He examined it further. It could have been cut by accident. Had the strap been unintentionally compromised, an uneducated groom could have thought it would still serve its purpose.
Letting out a deep breath, he tossed the offending saddle aside. After Carolyn’s accident, and now this, he would have to assign a few trusted people to keep a lookout. Considering this could be nothing, he wasn’t ready to alert anyone just yet.
Checking his watch fob, he cursed. He refused to allow this setback to hold up his purpose today. Earlier, he’d invited Lord Knightly and Carolyn’s sister to visit. Now, it was his turn to pay a visit to Lord Dailey. If the two men shared similar stories after having no opportunity to converse, it would make their innocence more believable. After all, the viscount appeared very sincere in his beliefs.
After receiving strange looks from the groom at Dailey—no doubt for his lack of saddle—Edmund entered the manor and asked to see the baron. Once the stoic looking man escorted him to the study, Edmund was rather pleased to see the baron surprised to see him. So, he hadn’t been anticipating this visit.
“Your Grace, this is unexpected. Come and sit. I trust my sister is well?” The baron seemed genuinely concerned as he bounced his son on his lap.
“The duchess is fully recovered and back to her daily routines,” Edmund assured as he took a seat, his eyes not leaving the child.
The boy cooed as his green eyes met Edmund’s. A stab of longing passed through him at the sight of the child that looked so similar to Carolyn. He would have this for himself if she hadn’t lost the child. A lump formed in his throat.
“That is a relief to hear. Give me one second to get little Jacob to his mother.” Dailey smiled down at the boy.
Edmund nodded and watched the baron take his son out of the room. The look on love on the man’s face as he gazed upon Jacob struck him. Never before had he wanted something more. A child with Carolyn would offer so much more to his life than he ever thought possible. Thinking over his uncle’s words earlier, Edmund wondered if he could have such a life. Before he could think on it any longer, the baron returned.
“Sorry about that. Now, tell me, what can I do for you?”
Clearing his throat, Edmund brought his thoughts back to his purpose here. “I came today to speak with you about an event that happened eleven years ago. I’m sure you recall the fire at my father’s hunting cabin.”
Dailey’s eyes widened as he sat back in his chair. “That’s a rather difficult topic. It took me many years to come to terms with that day.”
That peaked Edmund’s interest. “Meaning?”
“Like you, I carry scars.” The man began to pull his gloves off. “Their very existence nearly cost me my happiness, and my wife.”
As the baron held out his hands, palms up, Edmund couldn’t help but stare. The angry, red flesh appeared tight and textured, showing exactly where the burning beam had melted tissue from the baron’s body. Did his own face look like that? He wasn’t sure he wanted to know the answer to that.
“Considering how my burden is similar, I can see how that would happen. However, some would say we’ve earned them. A payment for all the ill we’ve done in our past.”
The baron laughed. “Anyone who would say such a thing is a bloody fool. At that age, the childish things we did were insignificant and short-lived. There was no reason for us to suffer for so long.”
Edmund nodded. “Can you tell me what you remember that day?”
The man crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. “Why are you suddenly interested? Those aren’t exactly pleasant memories for me.”
“I need to understand . . . everything. For my part, I don’t even recall sitting vigil for my father. My mother and uncle fought over who should take the duty. The next thing I remember, was waking with my face on fire.”
“I don’t know anything about how you got there. You were already unconscious when we arrived.”
“Regardless, if you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to hear your story.”
“Very well. Ian, Marcus, and I had only been home for a few days before that. Marcus had dared us to touch the body of the duke, so we rode to the cabin.”
“Only to touch the man?” Edmund lifted his eyebrow, watching Dailey’s reaction closely.
“Yes. We were stupid children and hadn’t been around a dead body before. We suspected it would make us men to prove we weren’t afraid.”
Edmund nodded as the story was confirmed from what the viscount had said. “Go on.”
“As we rode for the cabin, we saw the smoke billowing up and darkening the sky like an omen of what was to come.”
“So, the cabin was already on fire before you arrived?”
The baron nodded. “We had to dismount quite a ways away since the horses were spooked. I kept back to care for them while Ian and Marcus went to make sure no one had been sitting vigil. That’s when they found you.”
Edmund only listened with half an ear as the man finished the story. The baron’s accounting was much too close to the viscount’s, yet different enough based on perspective for them to have been lying. Besides, it didn’t make sense for them to start the fire, then stick around while the flames consumed the place before deciding to check inside. Satisfied, he bade the baron a good day.
By the time he arrived back at the castle, he felt emotionally drained. As he sat in his study, he pushed the past from his mind and was left with thoughts of Carolyn. Ever since that night in her bedchamber, she’d been avoiding him, and considering he hadn’t known what to do about her, it had suited him. But, not any longer.
Falling from his stallion had put a few things in perspective. If he were to die, he liked the idea of Carolyn keeping a part of him. To ease her suffering in the event she should be left alone. And, after his talks with Uncle Joseph, the viscount, and the baron, Edmund decided he could trust Carolyn enough to give her a child. If his father’s evil had been a product of circumstances, surely he and Carolyn could do better for their children.
The more he thought about it, the more the idea excited him. He closed his eyes, just picturing Carolyn holding their child. Loving the child for both of them while easing him into fatherhood. His chest expanded to welcome the strange emotions coursing through him.
He opened his eyes and saw the sofa. That particular piece of furniture taunted him. Standing, he rang for the butler, and instructed the man to send Her Grace to him. Too much time had passed since they’d been together as a husband and wife should. Today, he would take her on the sofa and end his torment from the piece.
“You wanted to see me, Your Grace?” Carolyn asked as she stood in the doorway.
Unable to take the distance in her eyes, he crossed the room, shut the door, and took her in his arms.
“Edmund! What has gotten into you?” she murmured as she melted into his embrace.
“Why must something have gotten into me to want my wife?”
Her eyes softened as she ran her hand along his ruined cheek and under his mask, before tossed the thing aside. “I’ve missed you.”
Unwilling to wait any longer, he crushed his lips to hers. She met his desire without hesitation. The way she responded to him served to ignite him further. No matter what was happening around them, he felt safe in the knowledge of her love for him. The last concerns over having a child with her melted away. He backed her toward the sofa.
“Dear God!”
At the sound of his aunt’s voice, he spun around, allowing his hair to cover his scars as he pushed Carolyn behind him to save her from his aunt’s scrutiny. The woman stood in the doorway as if she had a right to enter his study unannounced. This would stop today.
“What are you doing in here?” he demanded, fury making his words emerge like a snarl.
She narrowed her eyes. “I came to speak you, and this is how I find you. Have a care, it’s only midday.”
Pushed beyond his limit with the woman for her actions in the past and present, he stalked toward the door and pulled it from her grasp. “I am fully aware of the time. Now, if you don’t learn how to be decent enough knock, you can find yourself somewhere else to remain.”
Without waiting for her to respond, he slammed the door and threw the bolt into place. He stood there, staring at the solid oak as he tried to force his anger to subside. The woman’s muffled voice could be heard through the solid structure, but he ignored her. She had managed to ruin an important moment between him and Carolyn.
“Do you think we could try talking first this time?” Carolyn asked in a small voice.
He let out a sigh, then turned to face her. She had taken a seat on the sofa. On the damned sofa. His fingers twitched. How was he supposed to concentrate when she so calmly perched upon the piece?
“We can try,” he rasped, attempting to force thoughts of what he wanted to do to her from his mind.
“You’ve hardly spoken to me since that night in my bedchamber, and now you call me in here like this? I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was confused.”
“I’ve decided to give you a baby,” he blurted before she could say another word.
Her mouth dropped open. “Just like that?”
He nodded.
“When?”
His eyes drifted down her body, and he allowed the fantasy he had of her on the sofa to overcome him. “Right now.”
She sucked in her breath before clearing her throat. “I mean, when did you decide this? And, why? It’s such a big decision, and I don’t want you to regret it in the future.”
Shaking his head, he pulled off his riding jacket and tossed it over his desk. “That’s a long conversation for another day.”
“But . . .” She licked her lips as he tossed his waistcoat away and pulled his shirt from his breeches. “Edmund?”
He chuckled at the breathy quality of her voice. “Do you want to talk right now or do you want me?”
Without hesitation, she threw open her arms to him. Smiling, he sauntered toward the sofa, allowing anticipation of what was to come to fill him. Her heavy-lidded eyes watched him, and he knew she wanted this as much as he did.
His heart squeezed inside his chest as he gathered his wife in his arms then proceeded to make love to her on the sofa.
~ ~ ~
Carolyn paced the drawing room as indecision raked at her. Yesterday she’d seen the scrapes and bruises over Edmund’s body. He’d claimed his fall from the stallion to have been an accident, but she suspected she knew the truth. Lady Dane must be at it again. This time Edmund could have died.
By the time Uncle Joseph arrived, Carolyn had nearly lost her mind. The need to protect her husband sat strongly with her, and he had dismissed her concerns. She couldn’t understand why men thought they were invincible.
“What is it, my dear? You seemed agitated.”
“We need to speak, but not here.” She glanced at the door, expecting someone to interrupt them at any moment.
He offered his arm. “A walk outside, then?”
She nodded. “Anywhere but the garden. I’m too easily found there.”
Feeling better that he hadn’t brushed away her desire for privacy, she took his escort and forced herself to relax as he brought her outside. The day was still chilly after the rain, but it was pleasant. The cool air moved through her, tickling the back of her throat.
“Now, what is it? I daresay no one is in open hearing distance here.”
“Thank you for humoring me. I—I believe Edmund is in danger.”
He stopped abruptly and faced her, his expression unreadable. “Why would you believe that? The duke is a rather powerful person for someone to target.”
“But, she’s equally powerful.”
“She?” Uncle Joseph’s eyebrow rose significantly. “For all her faults, I assure you the dowager duchess wants no harm to come to her son.”
“Not her.” Carolyn wanted to roll her eyes. “Lady Dane. The woman has all but threatened me, and the duke as well. Then yesterday, he seemed to anger her further. I suspect she’ll become bolder.”
He nodded slowly as if taking it all in. “Who have you talked to about all this?”
Knowing where he was going with such a question, she straightened her back. “I intend to go to the magistrate. I will not stand by and allow something to happen to Edmund.”
With a long sigh, the man looked off in the distance. “I hope you’re wrong. I heard Edmund saying he intended to go to his hidden hunting cabin today. Shortly after that, my sister set out on her mare.”
Her eyes widened as terror shot through her. “You don’t think she followed him, do you?”
“There is only one way to find out, but I have no idea where the cabin is. At the time, I never thought him keeping this secret would be an issue.”
She started off in the direction of the stables. Fear hastened her steps. She knew how to locate the cabin, and she refused to waste any more time. A lump formed in her throat. What if they were already too late?
“Where are you going?” Uncle Joseph demanded as she pulled her mare from the stall.
“Saddle her quickly.” She told the groom before turning on Edmund’s uncle. “I’m going to the hunting cabin.”
Keeping her back straight and her gaze direct, she challenged him to deny her. Men always seemed to think women were useless, but she refused to back down. She had the element of surprise with her at the moment.
“Very well, but you are taking me with you. She’s my sister, so I might be able to reason with her.”
Relief flooded her as he called for another horse to be saddled. Together, they rode to the cabin. They would locate Edmund and help him should he need it. Thinking of all the suffering he’d gone through at a hunting cabin made her ill, effectively erasing her relief.
When they neared, she slowed her mare. “How far away should we stop? I don’t want them to know we’re coming.”
“How far away is the cabin?”
She pointed. “It’s just through that clearing there. In another few feet or so we’ll be able to spot it.”
“Then, this is perfect.” Uncle Joseph dismounted and assisted her down.
As she turned and reached for her mare’s reins, pain exploded on the back of her head. Then, nothing.
~ ~ ~
Carolyn tried to open her eyes, but the blinding pain shot through her head at the effort. Something squeezed her wrists, and she jerked away, her arm didn’t move. Forcing her eyes open, she sucked in her breath to see Uncle Joseph tying her arms to the bed in the hunting cabin.
Confused tears spilled down her cheeks. “What are you doing? Where is Edmund?”
He laughed. “Likely my nephew is in his study back at Moonlight Castle. You are such a gullible woman.”
“What do you intend to do with me?” She forced out through her terror and pain.
“I hadn’t intended for it to happen like this.” He moved across the room and began building a fire in the hearth. “An accident would have been so much better, but you had to force my hand. Exactly like my damned brother.”
Still feeling out of sorts from the throbbing in her head, she had trouble following his conversation. “Your brother?”
He shook his head. “It doesn’t matter now. I know you care about Edmund, and I’d like you to take solace in knowing your death is preventing his.”
Panic flooded her throat, and she had to close her eyes and bite down on her teeth to keep herself from breaking down. To hear him so callously talk about ending her life struck her. What kind of man was he to think this way? Needing to concentrate, to delay his plans, she thought about Edmund. Perhaps if she could keep Uncle Joseph talking, someone would be able to find her.
“How is that?” Her voice emerged weak.
“Many times recently I’ve contemplated killing you both, but I like this better. You see, once Edmund has been deprived of you, everything will go back to how it was before you arrived. He may have the title, responsibilities, and work associated with the dukedom, but I had all the good. The recognition, the deference, the wealth, and the duchess in my bed.”
“You still have all that.”
“No.” Hatred dripped from the one word. “Ever since you arrived, the duke is no longer content to simply keep the books. He wants to interact with the tenants and play the host at gatherings. I’ll not have it anymore. I am the face of Demoon.”
“But—”
“Enough talking.” He used tongs to pull a burning log from the fireplace.
“Now, I must set the fire. It’s kind of funny, actually. I remember this moment eleven years ago. I must not have hit you hard enough. I’m sorry about that. Edmund sure didn’t wake once I placed him next to the body of my brother.”
“Please don’t,” she pleaded.
“Don’t you see I have no choice?” His face softened as he gazed upon her, pity in his eyes. “Do not fear the fire, my dear. The smoke and heat will provide a much more comfortable death before the flames ever touch your flesh.”
Carolyn watched in horror as the man took the log around, making sure the curtains and various pieces caught on fire. Fear clogged her throat. Dear God, she truly wouldn’t make it out of this alive. She closed her eyes for a second, then resolve filled her as she worked against her bonds.
She would not die today.