DisobediencebyDesign (14 page)

If only he had not let her out of his sight.

* * * * *

Suspicion spiked through Arthur when a footman informed him
he was required outside and requested he get his hat, his voice polite yet
urgent. Suspicion turned to distress when he saw the footman retrieve Joseph’s
hat.

He grabbed the servant’s arm “Where is this man?” He
indicated the hat.

“He’s out front with a woman, my lord. She has been injured.”

Sophia
. Something’s happened to Sophia. She hadn’t
shown up for her dance with Viscount Welney.

“Get my carriage,” he said to the footman. “The wrap of Lady
Sophia Harwell,” he called to the coat-room clerk. He jotted a note to Henny on
the back of his ticket. “And please make sure the Lady Henrietta Langley gets
this message.”

Then he was out on the gravel.

Sophia looked barely alive.

“My God, what happened?” He held on to her as Joseph settled
his hat on his head.

“Not here, my lord,” Joseph said as the carriage pulled up.

The two men helped Sophia inside.

“Richmond residence,” Joseph directed quietly to the
coachman.

Arthur caught Joseph’s eye as he took his seat opposite but
his friend only shook his head. Joseph drew Sophia to him, wrapping an arm
around her shoulders. Sophia roused then suddenly grabbed Joseph’s arm. He
whispered to her in soothing tones and she clung more desperately, crying
softly all the way home.

Once parked in front of the house, Joseph lifted a crumpled
Sophia into his arms and carried her inside.

“Get Anna,” he said to the footman.

He motioned with his head to the staircase. “Which way to
Sophia’s room?”

“Follow me.” Arthur led the way then opened the bedroom door
and lit the bedside lamp.

Anna appeared directly. All color drained from her face the
moment she saw her mistress.

Arthur chilled at the horror revealed in the glow of the
light. Sophia’s lip was swollen and cut, blood streaked down her chin and neck.
Her left cheek was red, the eye above swollen. She hadn’t met with an accident,
someone had done this to her.

“Anna,” Joseph said, distracting the maid from her
astonishment, “I need you to get a sedative. Do you have such a thing in the
house?”

Anna glanced at Arthur.

“Do what he says, Anna. Ask Cawston. He should have some
laudanum in the butler’s pantry. If not, bring brandy. Quickly.”

Joseph removed the jacket covering Sophia. Arthur swallowed
his shock at what was revealed underneath. His sister had been savagely
attacked.

She livened, clutched at Joseph, sobbing uncontrollably.

“Shh, shh, darling, I’m here.” He enveloped her shaking form
in his arms and kissed her hair. “I’m here. You’re safe now.”

Darling?

“Arthur, help me.” Joseph began removing the tattered dress
from Sophia’s body carefully, gently, coaxing her with soothing words.

Arthur held on to his sister as she followed Joseph’s instructions
to step out of her torn crinoline. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she grabbed
her neck.

“My locket,” she whispered.

Henny’s gift. Arthur eased Sophia’s hand down to her side.
“I’ll ask Lady Wrexham to report if it is found,” he said calmly. The sight of
her face twisted in too many emotions wrenched his gut.

Joseph moved away to place the rent garments on a chair.
Sophia lurched and ran to him.

“
Don’t leave me!
” she shrieked.

“No no, darling. I’m not leaving.” Joseph stroked her
sagging, disheveled hair. He looked at Arthur. “Get a damp towel for the blood.”

He wet a towel from the basin, returning to find Joseph
removing Sophia’s undergarments as if he had done such a thing before.

Joseph ignored his questioning look as he took the towel and
proceeded to wipe the blood from Sophia’s face, down her neck to her bosom, all
the while cooing consolations.

Anna knocked then entered, registering brief surprise at the
sight of Joseph and her mistress.

“Laudanum, Mr. Phillips.” She held out a glass.

“Good. Thank you, Anna.” Joseph took the glass. “Sophia, you
need to drink this, love. It will help you forget.”

He helped her with the glass as she drank the mixture. When
she finished he held the glass out for Anna to take, separating his body from
Sophia’s ever so slightly.

“
Joseph! No!
” She grabbed at his waistcoat.

He wrapped his arms around her, patting her head against his
chest. “I’ll be here with you all night, darling.” He glanced at Anna. “Make
sure no one tells the Richmonds anything. Request silence from the staff who
witnessed this tonight.”

“Yes, sir.” Anna curtsied and left.

“Lock the door,” Joseph instructed Arthur. “You’re staying
the night in this room.”

Joseph carried a weakened Sophia to the bed and tucked her
in. Then he slipped off his shoes and climbed into bed alongside her, pulling
her to him under the covers, kissing her hair, murmuring softly.

Arthur stared dumbfounded at the scene as he turned off the
lamp. He grabbed Joseph’s jacket and made himself comfortable on the day bed.

An incredible urge to piss woke Joseph. For a moment he
forgot where he was until memories from the night before flooded his brain. He
glanced at Sophia, safe in bed beside him, sound asleep.

As was Arthur, sprawled out on a day bed near the cheval
glass.

He could relieve himself behind the dressing screen. He
grabbed the pot from under the bed and was quick about it.

The room was cold and dark, the fire unlit, the curtains
closed. The housemaid had not come in, under Anna’s instruction he presumed. He
lit the fire and went to the window, pulling aside the drapes just enough to
see the cruel world waking up below.

Arthur sidled up next to him. “Tell me what happened,” he
said with quiet urgency.

“Royston had his trousers unbuttoned, his prick in his hand
and was about to violate your sister before I intervened.”

“Oh God,” Arthur muttered.

“From the look of it he beat her up as well.”

“Jesus. I have to tell my father. He needs to know about
this insult.”

“He’ll probably want to question her. She’s in shock,
Arthur. Be gentle with her.”

“Yes, of course.” Arthur shook his head. “How on earth could
this have happened? There must have been hundreds of people there last night.”

“Royston’s no fool. He took her to the neighbor’s garden.
There’s an adjoining gate.”

“How is it were you there?” Arthur’s voice was laced with
incredulity.

“I followed them. I cannot abide that man and I cannot abide
seeing Sophie with him.”

Arthur remained silent for a moment. “Tell me about you and
my sister.”

Emotion welled in Joseph’s chest. He knew the truth even
though he swore it would not happen. “I’m in love with her,” he said, staring
blankly at the rug. “I didn’t know until recently how deeply, how desperately
in love with her I am.”

Arthur placed a hand on his shoulder. “She seems to feel
something very strongly for you as well.”

“Arthur,” he murmured gravely, “I of all men know this
cannot, this
must
not be.”

“How far has it gone?” he asked delicately. “Have you been
intimate?”

Joseph met his gaze. “She’s still a virgin, if that’s what
you mean. I would never—”

“I know you would not. You’re the most honorable man I know.”

“But, Arthur, listen, had I arrived a minute later last
night, she would not still be. Royston will stop at nothing to make her his.”

“Including violence, it seems.” Arthur stared at his sister,
tears misting his eyes. “They can’t let him have her. They can’t. Not after
this.”

“You must protect her.
We
must protect her. I would
do anything to protect her from that man.”

“As would I.”

A tentative knock sounded at the door. Both men looked at
each other in panic.

“It’s probably just Anna.” Arthur went to the door. “Yes?”

“I beg your pardon, my lord,” said Anna meekly. “I brought a
little breakfast and came to light the fire.”

Arthur unlocked the door and quickly ushered the maid
inside. Anna set down the tray then glanced over at Sophia.

“If I may, my lord, how is she?”

“Lady Sophia is sleeping,” said Joseph. “She fell asleep
soon after you brought the medicine last night. I think she will stay abed for
most of the day.”

“Thank you, sir.” She glanced at the hearth. “Did Fanny
light the fire?” she asked in surprise.

“No, I did.” Joseph smiled at her.

“Thank you, sir.” She curtsied with a blush. She turned to
Arthur. “If I may, my lord, will my mistress need a doctor?”

Arthur puffed an exhale and scratched his head. “It’s a
rather delicate situation. I don’t want to involve any of the family doctors
just yet. But thank you, Anna, for thinking of that. We’ll let you know.”

She curtsied but hesitated.

“Is there anything else?” Arthur seemed a tad agitated.

She started to speak then stopped and cast her gaze to the
carpet. She glanced at Joseph who smiled encouragingly.

“I know it is not my business, my lord, but was the Duke of
Royston involved in the incident with my mistress?”

Arthur paled. “You are correct, Anna, it is not your
business.”

Joseph held up his hand. Something about her statement
intrigued him. “Why would you ask such a question?”

“Because the duke insulted me one night during his last
visit at Harwell Hall.”

“Good God,” muttered Arthur.

“Can you be sure it was Royston?”

Anna’s eyes widened in shock.

“I mean no insult, Anna,” Joseph said. “But a serious
accusation will need evidence.”

“Yes, sir.” She drew in a breath. “He took me to his room. He
threatened me. I know his voice.” She wiped away a tear. “There was light from
a lamp. I saw him clearly, sir.”

Joseph wrapped his arm around her shoulders and led her to a
chair by the fire. The man was an absolute animal to have attacked such a
sweet, gentle girl.

Arthur held out his handkerchief.

“Thank you, my lord.” She sniffled.

“He’s a monster.” Arthur paced then plopped in the opposite
chair. “Anna, if I asked you to tell your story to the marquess, do you think
you could?”

“I think so, sir.” She looked at them. “If you or Mr.
Phillips was there with me.”

“If it ever comes to that, we will be right by your side,”
Joseph assured her.

“Thank you, sir.” She got up and handed the handkerchief
back to Arthur. “Please ring the bell, if you need me. I am at my lady’s
service at all times.” She curtsied and turned to go.

“Anna,” Joseph called. “Thank you for the breakfast.”

She flashed a smile at him and left with a bit of color on
her cheeks.

* * * * *

Later that morning Arthur called Anna back to stand guard
over Sophia while he and Joseph went home to change. Before he left, though, as
was proper protocol, Arthur made an appointment to see Father and requested
Mother be there. When they returned to the Mayfair mansion, Joseph and Arthur’s
valet, Owens, relieved Anna of her duties.

Arthur greeted Mother and Father coolly once Billings showed
him into the study. Mother sat in a straight-backed side chair against the
wall, fretting with her skirts. The marquess sat at his desk, drumming his
fingers against the mahogany.

“Well, Arthur? What is it?”

“A family matter, Father.”

His mother squeaked a gasp. “It’s Henrietta, isn’t it?” She
leaned forward in her chair.

Why were his parents so worried about Henny? “No, Mother.
Everything is fine between Henny and me, if that’s what you are asking.”

“Oh dear,” she apologized, “please excuse me.”

“It’s Sophia.”

“What’s wrong with Sophia, son?” Father asked indifferently.

“Last night at the Wrexham ball, Sophia was attacked—”

Mother gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. Father stared
at him in shock.

“She was beaten and almost raped. Joseph Phillips discovered
her and scared the man off.”

Father stood. “Did he see him? Could he identify him?”

“Yes, Father.” Arthur looked him in the eye, wanting to
observe his reaction when he revealed the truth. “It was the Duke of Royston.”

Mother screeched. Father met his eyes with a fixed stare. “Are
you absolutely sure, Arthur?” he asked steadily.

“Yes, Father.”

Father cleared his throat. “How do we know Phillips did not
do this?”

Christ!
He should have seen that coming. Arthur drew
in a deep breath to tamp down the urge to lash out. “Because Sophia can attest
to the fact that it was Royston,” he said firmly.

“Oh! My darling child! I must see her.” Mother stood to go.

“Not yet, Mother.” Arthur motioned for her to sit. “She’s in
good hands at the moment.”

“How do you mean?” Father’s tone was laden with suspicion.

“Joseph is guarding her while my valet Owens attends to her
cuts and bruises. He served in a field hospital in the Crimea.”

Mother whipped out her fan and began using it vigorously.
Father uttered an oath.

“I thought it a good idea not to involve a family doctor who
might be indiscreet.”

“Thank you, Arthur.” Father sighed as he sat back down. “We’ll
need to see Sophia, have a talk with her.”

“Yes, Father. As soon as we are finished here.”

Father gaped incredulously. “What more could there possibly
be?”

Arthur stared back. “Royston.”

“I’ll have a talk with him. I’m sure it is all a
misunderstanding.”

Unbelievable
. “The bruises on Sophia’s face and
wrists are not a misunderstanding!”

Mother whimpered.

“Nothing has been promised to him,” Father equivocated. “We’ll
keep him away from her until this cools down.”

Christ!
Was Father daft? That he would not simply
write the man out of their lives was beyond comprehension. Arthur shook his
head. “He should never see her again. And that’s final.”

Father’s eyes narrowed. “That is my decision to make,
Arthur. In the meantime I’ll deny him access to any Richmond property,
including our carriages and crest.”

“Oh at the very least,” Arthur growled sardonically between
his teeth.

Mother inhaled a sob. “Oh my darling, dear child! And this
was to be her first Season. We must not let on that anything is wrong. She must
be presented at Court. She must appear at balls. She must…” She trailed off
with a choking wail.

“Yes, Mother,” Arthur bit back. “We must not reveal to
polite society that one of their own savagely preys on young women and is a
danger as long as he is able to walk freely among us.”

Father slammed his fist on the desk. “Arthur! Enough! I want
to see Sophia. Now.”

“Yes, Father.” None of this was the reaction he had hoped
for. There was something very strange indeed going on with his parents.

* * * * *

Sophia rubbed her forehead in a vain attempt to dispel the
dizzying fog. The light-headed daze persisted as if she were in a dream, but a
dream that was far too real and seemingly endless. She had barely left the bed
all day yet was somehow exhausted. She stared at the window, at the afternoon
light fading into sunset behind the patterned sheers obscuring the view. Or
were the curtains meant to hide the scene inside her bedroom?

Anna had attended her that morning, immediately rushing to
Sophia’s side when her eyes fluttered open. Anna held Sophia’s hand as she
inquired after her health and Sophia had to convince her maid she was sensible
despite the effects of the laudanum. Then Anna pressed something cold into Sophia’s
palm.

Her locket.

“I found the chain of the necklace wrapped in the hoop of
your crinoline.”

Sophia traced the design of spiraling tendrils and delicate
flowers engraved on the cover. She opened the compartment and instantly smiled
at the tiny portraits of her and Henny.

“Thank you, Anna,” she said, wiping a tear, marveling that
such a fragile object had survived a harrowing ordeal. How a thing of beauty
could be a reminder of an act so ugly.

“I’ll return it to your jewelry box, my lady.”

Anna left when Joseph and Owens arrived. Arthur’s valet had
been very efficient, asking Sophia pointed questions, seeking only the truth
without judgment, saying the bruises were not serious and should disappear in a
few days or maybe a week, the cuts perhaps longer. Occasionally she had glanced
up at Joseph as he stood next to the bed, watching her and Owens, objecting
when she yelped in pain, making sure she was comfortable, offering her a loving
gaze. She was indebted to him for her life.

Then they had left and Papa, Mama and Arthur had come in.
Papa was relentless with his questions, implying she was to blame.

“Sophia, a girl of good breeding simply does not go into a
garden alone at night with a man.”

“Even with a man of good breeding, Papa?” she had asked
innocently.

He had colored at that but never said anything about the
duke no longer being considered a suitor. He couldn’t possibly mean for her to
still see him. She was determined never, ever to be in the same room with him again.

She wanted to scream that she had let Geoffrey take her into
dark gardens and he had
never
done anything as horrible as what the duke
had done. So why wasn’t Geoffrey considered suitable for marriage?

And why wasn’t Joseph, who had saved her?

Mama stayed after the men had left, her eyes bloodshot from
tears.

“Sophie, sweet,” she said, fussing with the coverlet, “we
must put this incident behind us. You must proceed as if nothing untoward has
happened. Do you think you can do that?”

Unbelievable
. “I can try, Mama.”

Mama, fretful by nature, seemed more nervous than usual. “There’s
the presentation at court we must prepare for. Since you cannot leave the house
with those…those…marks on your face we’ll bring the seamstress and the
etiquette tutor here. We’ll say you tripped and fell.”

How strange that Mama had figured out how to handle the
situation so cleverly and so quickly. “Yes, Mama.”

“And we’ll make sure all your ball gowns are absolutely de
rigeur, à la mode and all that.” Mama patted her hand. “I should have sent you
to Paris this week.” Tears welled in her eyes.

“Mama, it’s not your fault,” she soothed. It wasn’t
anybody’s fault but the duke’s. Although Papa thought it was partly
her
fault.

“Yes yes. I mean no. What’s done is done.” Her hands flew up
to cover her mouth. “Oh my Sophie. I’ll make sure you meet many handsome young
men.” She fanned her face with her fingers. “Then there will be Henny and
Arthur’s wedding. You’ll be as beautiful as the bride.”

Sophia teared up at her mother’s emotions. She squeezed her
hands. “Thank you, Mama.”

There was a light knock on the door. “My lady?”