Читать книгу Blackthorne - Ruth Langan, Ruth Ryan Langan - Страница 9

Chapter Two

“Beggin’ yer pardon, m’lord.” Mistress Thomton swallowed twice while Lord Stamford looked up from the ledgers on his desk.

“What is it?”

“It’s about the lad.”

“What about him?”

The housekeeper shrugged. She’d been rehearsing this for days. But now that she was facing that dark, penetrating stare, words failed her.

“Well?” He was clearly exasperated. “Is he ill?”

“Nay, m’lord. But he...he has no one to look out for him,” she blurted.

“Then order a servant to see to it.”

“I have.” She saw him pick up his quill, and began talking faster. “I’ve told that saucy, dizzy-eyed baggage Edlyn to watch out for him. But she does no more than is necessary. And with her household duties as well, ‘tis easy to forget about one small boy. Especially one as quiet as that. And if I may say, m’lord, it isn’t good for a young lad to spend all his time in his room. He seems to have grown pale and...sickly.”

“Nonsense. I looked in on him last night. I found nothing wrong.” He returned his attention to the ledgers.

“There’s something else, m’lord.”

He waited, without looking up.

“The lad appears bright enough. But he needs to be educated.”

“You’re right, of course. Perhaps a monastery...?”

“Nay, m’lord. Why, he can’t be much more than four or five years.” She waited, hoping to be given an exact age. When Lord Stamford didn’t bother to respond, she added, “That’s much too young to be sent away.”

His tone was growing impatient. “Then what do you suggest, Mistress Thornton?”

“A nursemaid, m’lord. One who can be both nurse and teacher. It seems the most likely solution.”

“A nursemaid.” He seemed to weigh the thought for a moment, then nodded. “A governess. See to it.”

“But how, m’lord?”

He turned the page in the ledger and adjusted a candle for light. “However that sort of thing is done. Tell the servants to ask around. Perhaps someone in a nearby village or shire...”

“Most of them know little more than Edlyn, m’lord.” She thought a moment. “I have a cousin in London. Perhaps she could ask...”

“Excellent suggestion. See to it, Mistress Thornton.”

The housekeeper watched as he returned his attention to the accounts in the ledger.

A short time later, as the plump housekeeper made her way below stairs, she fretted that her duties seemed to increase with each passing day. Ever since Lord Stamford had returned, life had become extremely complicated.

London

Olivia descended the stairs of her aunt and uncle’s sumptuous house and followed the directions that had been given her by Letty, an elderly upstairs maid.

‘I knew at once who ye were, miss.” Letty’s smile was the first genuine smile she’d seen in days.

“And how would you know me?”

“Why, ye’r the image of yer mum when she was yer age.”

“You knew my mother?”

“Oh, yes, miss. She was so fine and sweet. All the servants missed her when she went away to marry her professor.”

“You mean my mother lived in this fine, big house?”

“Indeed. You didn’t know?”

Olivia was stunned. “She told me very little about her childhood. I sensed there were things that caused her pain.”

“She and her sister...” The servant thought better about what she’d been about to say and finished lamely, “...were very different.” She glanced aground uneasily. “You must go now, miss. You would not care to keep Lady Agatha waiting.”

“Thank you, Letty. I hope we can talk again later.”

“Aye, miss. I’d like that. Ye remind me of yer mum, ye do.”

“Thank you, Letty,” she called over her shoulder. “That’s the nicest thing you could have said.”

This was Olivia’s first chance to actually view the house, since her aunt had insisted upon confining her to the guest room with orders to remain there and even to take all her meals there. Olivia was more than willing, since their arrival had been a most unpleasant affair. Agatha had railed against the cold, driving rain, the lateness of the hour and even the fact that her sister and brother-in-law had inconvenienced her by dying at such a time as this. It had taken all of Olivia’s strength of will to hold her tongue through her aunt’s angry tirade.

If their journey was unpleasant, their arrival in London had been even worse. An elegant young woman in a pink gown that must surely have been made for a princess, had greeted her parents, not with a hug, but with a complaint that she was missing much-needed sleep. And when Olivia had been introduced to her cousin Catherine, the young woman’s manner had become even more abusive. Her features had become as twisted and bitter as those of her mother. Except for a curt nod, she had spoken not a word before going up to her room and leaving Olivia to fend for herself.

But it was a new day. Birds could be heard chirping outside the windows. Sunshine had chased away the clouds. Olivia decided to blame the short tempers on the unexpected turn of events. After all, if she was distraught over the loss of her parents, Agatha must be equally distraught over the death of her only sister. Surely after a few days of rest both Agatha and her daughter would have softened their attitude.

Olivia paused outside the dining room, breathing in the wonderful fragrance of freshly baked bread. From the sideboard steam could be seen rising from a silver tray heaped high with thinly sliced beef. A maid paused beside the table, ladling something from a silver urn.

With a wide smile upon her lips, Olivia brushed down the skirts of her simple gray gown. But as she took a step forward, she caught sight of a tall, sun-bronzed man striding across the room to embrace Agatha.

“Wyatt!” Agatha jumped to her feet, all warm smiles and eager embraces. “Oh, when did you arrive? Let me look at you.”

Olivia pulled back out of sight and leaned against the wall. It seemed wrong somehow to intrude upon this homecoming of her aunt and uncle’s only son. Though her stomach grumbled over the lack of food, she decided to hold off her arrival until the family had a moment alone.

“My ship arrived in port nearly a fortnight ago,” came the deep rumble of her cousin’s voice.

“A fortnight? Then why have you waited until now to come calling?” This was Robert’s voice, raised in challenge.

“I had business to attend to, Father.”

“Of course you did.” Agatha’s tone left no doubt that she would always side with her son. “If a man is to remain successful, he must put business affairs ahead of all others.”

“So you have always said, Mother. And I have become more successful than ever. Now tell me. What has happened while I was away?”

“Mother and Father had to journey to Oxford to bury Mother’s sister.” Olivia recognized Catherine’s whining tones. “And you’ll never guess who they brought home with them.”

Before Wyatt could respond she continued, “Our spinster cousin from the country.”

Olivia’s face flamed. Greatly distressed, she pressed her palms to her burning cheeks as the voice continued, “I warn you, Mother, I won’t have that plain, horrid creature wearing my clothes.”

“It’s only for a few days, Catherine, until I can have the dressmaker replace those pitiful rags she brought with her.”

“She can go naked for all I care. I’m not sharing my things with her. And why have you put her in the guest suite?”

“Where would you suggest I put her? In the servants’ quarters?”

“That would be too good for her. Have you forgotten, Mother? Ian and his family will be coming to pay a visit soon. I won’t have the Earl of Gathwick being introduced to her. I would simply die if my intended and his mother knew we were related to...to...that bumpkin.”

“Don’t worry your pretty head about it, my princess. Nothing will ruin your chances with the earl and his family.” Agatha’s tone was soothing. “Your father and I don’t want her here any more than you do. I’ll find someone to take her off our hands, even if she has to muck stalls to earn her keep.”

Stunned and horrified at what she’d overheard, Olivia began to back away, determined to hide herself in the guest suite until she could pack her bags and flee this hateful place.

Bringing a hand to her trembling lips she turned away. But even as she raced along the hallway, the cruel laughter followed, mocking her.

Minutes later, in her room, she heard a voice from the doorway. “So, here’s our little mouse.”

Olivia looked up from the valise into which she was hastily stuffing her belongings. A tall man with sandy hair and pale blue eyes leaned against the open door, his arms folded over his chest.

“I figured, after overhearing all that business below stairs, that you’d be packing.”

“How did you know...?” Feeling her cheeks flame, she ducked her head and resumed her activity.

“I saw the hem of a skirt fluttering in the doorway. Who, I asked myself, but our little country cousin, would have tried to slip away without revealing herself?”

“You seem quite smug. Is that why you’re here? To accuse me of eavesdropping?” She folded her blue gown, the one she’d intended to wear tonight to sup with her aunt and uncle and cousins.

“On the contrary. I am appalled at my sister’s behavior. And I came here to make amends.” He walked up to her and extended his hand. “Hello, cousin. I am Wyatt Lindsey. Could we begin afresh?”

For the space of several seconds Olivia stared at his hand, then into his face. Despite the elegant cut of his clothes, there was a certain boyishness to his smile. She sensed that he was very aware of his charms, and accustomed to using them. “I... suppose we could.” She offered her hand. “I am Olivia St. John.”

He continued holding her hand a moment longer than necessary, until, flustered, she forcibly removed it.

He chuckled at the color that flooded her cheeks, though he couldn’t tell if she was flattered by his attentions or angry.

He was more than a little surprised by what he’d found. Pleasantly so. When Catherine had called their cousin a spinster, he had imagined a much older, plainer woman. Why this lovely creature was unmarried was a mystery. But as long as he intended to spend a few days here before returning to his country home, he planned to sample his pretty little cousin’s wares.

He nodded toward the valise. “Where are you planning on going?”

“I have no thought, other than that I must leave this place, where I am so unwelcome.”

“Perhaps I could...help you.” He touched a hand to a tendril of dark hair that had fallen loose from the neat knot at her nape.

At once she pulled back from his touch. “In what way can you help?”

He smiled. She was not going to make this easy. No matter. He enjoyed a challenge. He reached into his waistcoat and removed a rolled parchment. Unrolling it, he walked to the writing table and handed her a quill.

“First, you will sign your name to this document.”

Mystified, she moved closer. “What is it?”

“Nothing of any importance. It merely names me executor of your estate.”

“My estate?” She gave a harsh laugh. “Your parents informed me I was penniless.”

“And you are. It’s merely a formality. But as a solicitor, I prefer everything to be tidy. Sign here.”

She eyed the document, then shook her head. “The words have my head spinning. I would rather take my time and read it. Perhaps if you’d care to leave it...”

His smile, which only moments earlier had been warm and friendly, suddenly looked dangerous. He took a step closer and watched as she backed away. He took another step, and she did the same, until her back was pressed against the wall.

“You don’t want to anger me, cousin. I make it my business to know all of the wealthy and titled here in London.” He pressed his palms to the wall on either side of her face and leaned close until his lips were mere inches from hers. “I might be... persuaded to help you secure a position. That is, if you are willing to be...very nice to me.”

Outraged, Olivia tried to shove him away, but his strength surprised her. “I may be a country lass, unaccustomed to the ways of your London friends, but I understand what you’re suggesting and I want no part of it.”

At the last moment she managed to turn her face, so that his lips brushed her cheek.

“Stop this.” Again she pushed against his chest, but she was no match for his strength. “Let me go, Wyatt, or I shall scream.”

His eyes narrowed. “Go ahead and scream, little mouse. My parents are out in the garden. And the servants would never dare interfere.”

As she started to protest, his mouth covered hers, stifling her words. His hot breath filled her lungs.

A sense of panic welled inside her. This couldn’t be happening. Not here in the home where her mother grew up. Not in a place where servants bustled about in the hallways just beyond the door.

She struggled, harder now, as the panic grew. She kicked and bit and scratched, managing to draw blood along his cheek. But each time she fought him, he became more aroused.

This was what he’d wanted. The chase. The duel. The chance to subdue his opponent. And then the humiliation. That final act of domination was, to him, the ultimate reward.

He moved so quickly she had no time to react. Within minutes he had thrown her to the floor. With one hand he pinned her arms up over her head while the other hand fumbled beneath her skirts.

The boyish smile had been replaced by a look of evil. “Now, cousin, I will show you how I intend to bid you welcome. And when I’m through, you will sign anything, if you know what’s good for you.” His eyes narrowed to slits as he straddled her and shot her a look of triumph.

He was suddenly doused with a bucket of cold water. It poured over his head, causing him to gasp in shock. As the water spilled down his tunic and immaculately tailored waistcoat, he rolled to one side, releasing his grip on Olivia. She sat up, shoving damp hair from her eyes.

Old Letty stood over them, holding an empty bucket.

“Forgive me, m’lord,” she said apologetically. “I was coming in to help the young miss with her bath, and I seem to have stumbled over the rug.”

“Why, you old hag! No one takes a cold bath.” His voice thundered with rage.

“The young miss specifically requested cold water, is that not so, miss?”

“Y-yes. Indeed it is,” Olivia managed to say as she struggled to her feet.

Wyatt’s eyes were dark with fury. “You old witch. I ought to...”

“I summoned your father and mother.” Letty’s eyes bored into his. “His lordship should be upstairs any moment.”

“What is it, Letty?” came Robert’s voice from the hallway.

At once Wyatt scrambled to his feet and rearranged his soaked clothing just as his father stepped through the doorway.

“A bit clumsy I was,” the old servant explained. “And the young lord was kind enough to help me clean up my mess.”

“So I see.” Robert arched a brow at the puddles of water on the floor. Then he flicked a glance over Olivia, pale and trembling, and his son, one cheek scratched and bleeding, working frantically to straighten his soaked clothes. “Come along, Wyatt. Leave that for the servants.”

Wyatt’s eyes were chips of blue ice, his voice a whisper for Olivia’s ears alone. “One day soon we’ll meet again. Without the old hag to protect you. And then you’ll pay. Oh, little cousin, how you’ll pay.”

When the two had gone, Olivia turned to Letty. “How can I ever thank you? I thought...” Without warning she began to weep.

“There now, young miss.” The old woman drew her into her arms and held her until the tears had run their course. “Everyone here knows about Master Wyatt. He has despoiled many of our young servants. All of them fear him.”

“Why doesn’t someone tell his parents?”

“No need. They’ve seen for themselves. But they choose to look away, and blame others for their son’s flaws. ’Tis always the servant’s fault, and the poor young woman is dismissed and branded a slut.”

“Is that what they will say about me?”

The servant shrugged, unwilling to inflict more pain on this distraught young woman than she already bore.

But though the words were unspoken, Olivia knew. “Why don’t you fear him, Letty?”

The old servant sighed. “What can he do to the likes of me?”

“He can have you dismissed.”

“Aye. And then I’ll be forced to go to live with my brother, who is already overburdened with a sick wife. But I think Lady Lindsey has a need of me, or I’d have been gone long ago.”

Olivia shuddered. “I can’t stay here, Letty. I have to go.”

“Aye. Ye’r not safe as long as Master Wyatt is here.” The old woman thought a moment. “There may be a place, though from what I’ve heard, ye may be going from a fire to an inferno.”

“Please, Letty. Tell me. I’ll go anywhere, do anything.”

The servant paused a moment longer, then seemed to come to a decision. “I’ll speak to Lord Lindsey. If the past is any indication, he’ll be eager to be rid of you. This will relieve him of his obligation to you, and free you, as well.”

With a swish of skirts she was gone, leaving Olivia to huddle behind closed doors, jumping each time she heard a footstep along the hallway.

She knew, without a doubt, that she had seen, in Wyatt’s cold, unemotional features, the face of pure evil. A cruel heartless creature who would take what he wanted. With no apology. No remorse.

The trembling started in her limbs, until her entire body shuddered. Still she forced herself to remain standing as she waited and watched and listened.

A short time later there was a rap on the door. “Who...who is there?” Olivia kept the width of the room between herself and the door as it was thrust inward to admit the servant.

The old woman’s heart went out to the girl who stood pale and shivering across the room.

“Lord Lindsey agrees that it would be best if you were to go quickly. Even now the coach is being prepared.” Letty gave the young woman a sympathetic look. “Ye’ll need a cloak, young miss. ’Tis a long, cold ride to Cornwall.”