The Temptation of Lady Serena (28 page)

Serena allowed herself to be drawn away.

“He’ll be fine,” Marcus said. “The bullet grazed his temple, but didn’t go any deeper.”

She couldn’t draw a breath and shook uncontrollably.

Marcus placed a hand on her shoulder. “Serena, listen to me. He’ll be fine.”

“Then why did he pass out?”

“The ball hit his temple. He’ll come around in a bit. Serena, I wouldn’t lie to you.”

Impatiently, she pushed her tears away. “Why is he bleeding so much?”

“Head wounds bleed. We should find something to bind it with.”

Serena tore off the flounce of her petticoat, and used it for a pad, saving a piece to wind around his head. “There.”

Robert’s lids fluttered as he came around.

“Robert Beaumont, you stupid, wonderful man!
Thank God you’re alive.
Don’t ever again tell me I must keep myself from harm, while you . . . you . . . endanger yourself. Don’t ever do that again! I couldn’t bear to lose you.”

“Come here, my love.” He pulled her head down and kissed her. “Now you know how I feel.”

Serena returned his kisses. “I’m sending you with outriders everywhere you go.”

His laugh rumbled against her. “Yes, my lady.”

Marcus grimaced. “You’re going to have a devil of a headache.”

“I already do. My head feels like it’s been trampled by horses. What’s happened to Malfrey?”

“I have him,” Edward replied.

Robert tried to rise and fell back with a moan. “I do seem to be having more of a problem than I thought.”

Marcus shook his head. “Give it a few minutes. We’ve trussed Malfrey up.”

Edward’s eyes were hard pebbles. “Well, Aubrey, I thought you didn’t know anything about this. I meant what I said. You will be prosecuted.”

Aubrey gave Edward a haughty look. “You wouldn’t risk a scandal.”

Edward scowled. “If you don’t agree to transportation, they can hang you for all I care.”

“What about the title?” Aubrey countered. “I’m the last Malfrey.”

Edward’s hands clenched. “I would rather have the title escheat to the Crown then have you hold it.”

“Where are Freddy and the children?” Serena asked.

Phoebe responded, “The children are still outside, and Freddy has gone to the Hall for help. We really have nothing more to do until someone arrives.”

Serena glanced at Edward. “I’m so sorry this has happened.”

“No, there was always something unsavory about Aubrey. Word had gotten back to me about some of the characters he’d associated with lately. When I heard about the children, my first thought was that he was in some way involved.”

Robert insisted on going outside to wait. Not an hour had passed when they heard carriages.

St. Eth rode with Freddy into the clearing and raised a brow. “I hear you have been having an interesting time of it.”

Serena nodded. “Interesting indeed, but we’ve all come off well. Although Robert was injured.”

“Not enough to force him to forego his wedding, I trust.”

It was the first time since Robert had been hit that she felt like smiling. “No, not enough for that. He’ll need a day or so of rest. Marcus said it’s not serious, but Robert has a dreadful headache.”

“Who was the second villain?” Henry asked.

“Edward’s cousin.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

Freddy dismounted. “Edward?”

“Here, my love.” He caught her up into his arms.

She kissed him fiercely. “Are you all right?”

“Yes. It looks as if the title will end with me. I shall recommend transportation for Aubrey.”

Freddy regarded Edward intently. “I wasn’t going to tell you yet, but the line may not end with you.”

He lowered her to the ground. “What do you mean?”

“It’s early days yet, but I think I may be breeding.”

Edward shook his head as if trying to clear it. “Freddy, how could you know so soon?”

She flushed. “I’ve only felt the way I do now once before, when I was pregnant with Rupert.”

“Freddy, if you’re right... Oh, my love!” Edward kissed her again. “We must marry immediately.”

“Lord Malfrey, I don’t think there will be a problem.” Henry grinned. “Mr. Mariville was arriving when I left. He said to inform you he had your special license.”

Edward twirled Freddy around in his arms. “To-morrow?”

“If not to-day.”

“I’ve notified the magistrate that the kidnappers have been caught,” Henry said, “and the children rescued.”

Edward went to Robert, who still lay on the ground, his head in Serena’s lap. “Tell Sir Baldwin, they can hang Aubrey if he won’t agree to transportation. I’d rather risk the scandal of a trial than leave him free in England.”

“You can tell Sir Baldwin yourself,” Robert said. “He’s right behind you.”

“My lord, what’s happened?” The magistrate rapidly walked to Robert and Serena.

“I was injured. Nothing really, but I’ve a devil of a headache.”

“My lady, you have blood all over you. Have you been injured, as well?”

Serena glanced down at Robert. “No, it is all Lord Beaumont’s blood. He was hit in the head.”

Switching his attention back to Robert, Sir Baldwin asked, “Are you well enough to tell me about all of this?”

“I’ll let Lady Serena and Lord Malfrey tell you.” Robert closed his eyes. “My head feels as if horses are running through it.”

Serena told Sir Baldwin about the men who were kidnapping the children.

“Lord Malfrey, will you sign as a witness?”

“Of course.”

“Very well, I’ll take them to the inn. If you remember, we use the cellar there as a jail and afterward, I’ll draw up the transportation papers.”

Edward agreed. “If you need anything else from me, send someone round. I’ll have the statement to you within a few days.”

With that settled, Serena turned to Henry. “Uncle Henry. Do we have enough conveyances to transport the children to town?”

“The wagon ought to be large enough.”

“The ones from here shall go to the rectory until their parents can fetch them,” Serena said. “The others shall go to the Hall. Uncle Henry, did you send the message to the rectory that the school meeting would have to be postponed?”

“I sent for the rector as soon as I arrived and informed him of the circumstances. I am sure he sent a message to his wife.”

When they arrived at the Hall, Serena helped Robert to her room and attended to his wound and changed his bandage.

Sitting back, Serena looked at her handiwork. “There, that looks better. At least now, you aren’t wearing a bandage decorated with whitework.” She kissed him on the cheek. “I must speak with Catherine.”

She found her aunt in the morning room. “Aunt Catherine, what do you want done with the children from your estate?”

Catherine thought for a moment. “Let’s get them cleaned up and fed before they go anywhere. We will send them to my home, then if one of your grooms can take a message, their parents can meet them at Wood Hill.”

An hour later, Catherine left with the children. No sooner had the wagon driven out of sight, when a cortege of coaches heralded the arrival of Lady St. Eth and the Dowager Lady Beaumont.

F
ive large carriages arrived, one after the other, to the front entrance of the Hall, and a footman was dispatched to find Lord and Lady Evesham and Lord St. Eth.

Serena and Robert descended the Hall’s outer steps, as Lady St. Eth and Lady Beaumont were handed down from the coach. Serena flew into her aunt’s arms.

“Serena, what is this? Am I to take you away?” Ester teased.

“No, never. I’m just so happy you’re here!”

“Well, girl?” the older lady asked.

Serena turned to Lady Beaumont and, smiling broadly, embraced her. “Ma’am, thank you. I’ve never received better advice. There is so much to tell you.”

The dowager chuckled. “You’d better call me ‘Grandmama’ now. Robert, what’s happened to you?”

Robert grimaced. “I had a slight accident. We’ll tell you about it later.”

Serena’s smile faltered a little when she glanced at Robert. How close she’d come to losing him didn’t bear thinking of. She turned her attention back to her aunt and Lady Beaumont. “Oh, but what am I doing keeping you out here? I’ll show you to your chambers and after you’ve rested, we’ll have tea. Or, would you rather have tea served in your rooms?”

Lady Beaumont smiled. “I’ll drink tea with you, my girl, if you’ll give me a half an hour. Robert, come to me in a few minutes.”

“Tea will be set out on the terrace, outside the morning room,” Serena said.

“A good choice with this wonderful weather,” Lady St. Eth remarked. “Serena, don’t worry about me, Henry is here.”

He bowed to Lady Beaumont and greeted his wife. “I’ll show you to our chamber.”

Serena twined her arm with Lady Beaumont’s and led her into the house.

 

Once Henry and Ester were in their bedchamber, he took his wife in his arms and kissed her.

“Henry, you are much more relaxed than when I last saw you.” Ester searched his face. “Did you accomplish what you’d hoped, my love?”

“Even more. I’m extremely pleased with the way it has all turned out. Serena is so accepted here that the servants are almost militant in their protection of her. I sent Griffin about and this is what he was told . . .”

As he related the story to her, Ester’s eyes widened in shock. “In the viscountess’s chambers!”

Henry gave a bark of laughter. “Yes, and Griffin was assured that it was all very proper.”

“I don’t believe it.”

Henry chuckled. “Nor do I. But they insist Beaumont sleeps in his bed every night and Serena has not seen the inside of his room.”

“So there is nothing to do?”

“No, nothing, Serena is mistress of the Hall and everyone supports her. You would have been very proud to see her with the tenants.”

Ester smiled softly. “Oh, Henry, I’m so pleased she has found her place. You remember how unhappy she was when she left Scotland? And Beaumont loves her?”

Henry took her hands. “Unreservedly. He turned into a much better man than I thought possible. Very different from his father or grandfather.”

Ester frowned. “Why was Robert wearing a bandage?”

Henry’s eyes sparkled. “It’s their story. I’ll let them tell it. I was only minorly involved.”

“Let’s join them. I want to hear all about what happened to-day.”

 

“Well, Robert?” his grandmother said, once she’d settled onto the chaise in the large chamber with south-facing windows. “I suppose you’ll tell me what happened to you. First, I want to hear how you and Lady Serena are doing.”

He grinned. “I took your advice and gave Serena her head. She’s worked wonders.”

“She’s only been here three weeks.”

Robert sat next to his grandmother and covered her long thin hands in his. “Grandmama, I can’t explain to you how Serena took to the Hall and the Hall to her. It was amazing to watch her with the staff and our tenants. Of course it was touch and go that first week before she decided she would marry me. We had to pretend to everyone that there would be a wedding, and Serena wasn’t at all happy about that.”

“No, she wouldn’t be. Serena is not a dissembler. You’re happy?”

Robert met her gaze. “Yes.”

“Well, my boy, you certainly took the hard road to get here, but I’m pleased you made it. Now, give me a bit of time, then you may come back to take me to my tea and tell me about your head and this wedding you have planned. Which, from what I’ve been hearing, is going to be the most well-attended event in quite a while.”

Robert groaned. “God help us.”

 

Freddy and Edward were kissing, when her mother and Robert walked into the morning room.

Lady Beaumont narrowed her eyes. “What on earth is going on? Edward Timmons, is that you?”

“It’s Lord Malfrey now, my lady.” He bowed.

“When did that happen?”

“I became heir to the title shortly after Freddy left to marry.”

Lady Beaumont sat on a sofa and shook her head sadly.

Freddy sat next to her mother. Something was wrong, but what? “Mama, you know we’ve never discussed my marriage.”

“No, dear, you never wanted to.”

“Mama, Rupert is Edward’s son.”

Lady Beaumont’s lips firmed. “We knew it. That was the reason you were married off so quickly.”

Freddy’s eyes flew open. This couldn’t be happening. “No, oh no! You
knew?
And you made me marry anyway?”

“Your father wouldn’t hear of your wedding young Timmons. Lord Stanstead knew his son was unlikely to get an heir . . .”

Freddy interrupted her mother. “Mama, how could Father condemn me to a marriage where I could never be happy?”

Lady Beaumont embraced her. “Your father wanted an advantageous match for you. Stanstead was one of his oldest friends. They both knew the son liked men, and Stanstead desperately wanted an heir. The two of them hatched the scheme.”

She glanced at Edward. “I begged your father to contact Malfrey here. But their minds were made up. He thought he was doing what was best for you. Old Lord Stanstead’s only regret was that you didn’t have more children.”

She couldn’t believe what her mother had said. “Under the circumstances, how did they think I was going to? My husband never touched me.”

“You must remember, my love, they came from an older school. Stanstead thought that you’d have discreet liaisons and become pregnant again.”

Freddy suddenly sat back. “And he would have accepted the children?”

Lady Beaumont’s lips formed a thin line. “Looked forward to them.”

Freddy gasped. “I have never in my life had hysterics, but I may very well have them now!”

Her mother settled back against the pillows. “I may as well tell you the rest. Your father knew you were unhappy and was concerned you’d run off to Timmons. He told old Lord Malfrey, and to avoid a scandal, Malfrey arranged a marriage for Edward. There you have it all.”

Edward stood frozen. “We were all pawns in their game. Nothing more.”

Lady Beaumont pinched the bridge of her nose. “You may regard it as that, of course. You may also try to see it from their points of view. Stanstead had no heirs other than his son. The title would have ended. Freddy, your father thought you’d be much happier not having to make and scrape. You hadn’t been raised to it. Edward . . .”

“I know, my lady, my grandfather worshiped respectability. He would have done anything to stop a scandal.”

Lady Beaumont glanced from her daughter to Edward and back again. “Rupert looks more like you, Freddy, but his eyes and something about the face . . .” She studied Edward more closely. “His shoulders and I think something of his manner resembles Malfrey. Will you tell Rupert?”

“Only if he asks,” Freddy said. “I don’t think it would do any good otherwise.”

“No, probably not,” her mother responded.

“Mama, Edward and I will be married to-morrow.”

Lady Beaumont’s eyes misted, and she smiled. “Freddy, I—I couldn’t be happier. I only wish I could have kept you from suffering for so long.”

Freddy blinked back her tears. “Shall we just say
all’s well that ends well?
”

“Yes, we shall say just that.” Her mother squeezed Freddy’s hands.

“Malfrey, what do you have to say for yourself?” Lady Beaumont said bracingly.

“Just that I love her, ma’am, and I’ll make her as happy as I am able.”

“Well, it seems as if Serena will have another party to plan,” Lady Beaumont said as Serena walked back into the room.

Hearing the older woman, Serena glanced at her, startled. One party was all that she could manage. “Another party?”

“A tea for Freddy and Malfrey,” Lady Beaumont said. “It’s too late to plan a breakfast.”

Serena grinned. Perhaps Robert’s autocratic nature was not all from his paternal side. “Yes, ma’am.”

 

As Serena was pouring tea, Charles, Robert’s secretary, who had been resting, entered the room. She handed him a cup. “Charles, you should really not be up.”

He took the tea. “Thank you, my lady. There is something I must do first.”

“Mariville, you look like H . . . the devil,” Robert said.

“I’ll be fine with a good night’s sleep. I wanted to give this to Lord Malfrey.” Charles took the special license from his coat.

“How did you get back with it so quickly?” Edward asked.

“We didn’t stop. I drove straight through, arriving in London about mid-day, procured the license, and began our trip back.”

“That was beyond the call of duty. Thank you, Mr. Mariville.” Edward executed a short bow.

“Anything to further the cause of true love,” Charles said, grinning. “I knew once I was here I could sleep.”

“True love? Charles,” Robert drawled, “has anyone ever told you, you are impertinent?”

Charles’s smile widened. “Yes, my lord, you have.”

“You may help the ladies with the wedding breakfast and the tea.”

“Tea, my lord?”

“Our lives are changing, Charles. We no longer have a bachelor establishment. Her ladyship will give you the details, and she will decide how you may assist. Now go rest before I’m accused of working you to death.”

Robert walked over to Serena. “Where is Aunt Catherine?”

“She’s gone to take the children from her area home.” Serena took his hand. “She’ll be back to-morrow for Freddy’s wedding. Where is Edward?”

“Charles gave him the special license and he’s ridden to the rectory, he and Freddy both.”

Serena nodded; she wouldn’t be surprised if they held the marriage to-morrow. “We will need to compile an invitation list for the wedding tea. I’ve met a great many people locally, but not everyone.”

Phoebe said, “Lora can help us. She will know everyone in the immediate area and beyond.”

“Of course. I’m so glad you thought of it,” Serena said. “You’ve wanted to see her anyway. Let’s ride over.”

“No,” Ester said firmly.

Serena stared at her in surprise and saw an identical look on Phoebe’s face.

Robert chuckled and was quelled by Aunt Ester’s quick, narrow-eyed glance. “I cannot keep up with all the comings and goings as it is. I’ll not allow you two to disappear as well. We have lists to make. Send a servant to the rectory asking them to join us for dinner.”

“But, Aunt Ester,” Serena protested, “the tea is to-morrow. We need to send the cards round this evening.”

“When you send the messenger, ask Lora to write down the names and send it back with him. There cannot be that many families. This is Yorkshire, not London.”

“Yes, ma’am,” she said. “I’ll send a footman right away.”

Robert placed his hand on her shoulder. “I’ll do it. You stay and make your plans.”

Serena placed her hand over his and smiled up at him. “Thank you, my love.”

 

The next morning, a small group gathered in the church of Haythrope Hall for the wedding of Frederica, Countess of Stanstead, and Edward, Baron Malfrey. The only surprise was the early arrival of Rupert, the Earl of Stanstead, late the previous evening.

Freddy walked into the breakfast room to find Rupert in the company of the other younger people.

Rupert turned to her. “Mama, I hear I’m just in time to give you away. Do I have a choice? I’m quite fond of you, you know, and I’m not sure I wish to let you go.”

Rupert grinned merrily as Freddy flew into his arms.

Tears pricked her eyes. “Rupert, I’m so happy you’re here. When did you arrive?”

“Last night.” Rupert gave a short laugh and handed her his handkerchief. “There’s no reason to cry, you know. You don’t have to marry the rogue. I’ll protect you. Give you my word.”

She chuckled wetly. “You’re a silly boy. I want to marry Edward. He should be here soon.”

Robert coughed. “Malfrey was here earlier and went away.”

Freddy’s mouth opened, as she took in their mischievous looks. “Whatever for?”

Serena’s eyes twinkled with laughter. “I have it on good authority that it’s bad luck to see your betrothed the morning before the wedding.”

What was this nonsense? Freddy frowned.

“Rupert,” Serena said, “please help your mother sit, while I fetch her a plate and some tea.”

Freddy toyed absently with the food on her plate before focusing her narrowed eyes on Beaumont. “I can’t believe you sent Edward away. You know, Robert, what’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.”

“It wasn’t Robert,” Serena said. “Your betrothed stopped by to see that all was in order. Robert invited Edward to breakfast, and he refused.”

Freddy closed her eyes and slowly shook her head. “I had no idea he was superstitious.”

“He probably didn’t want to tempt fate,” Robert said sagely. “I know how Malfrey feels.”

Rupert, all good humor, said, “Mama, what’s it to be, shall I take you away or give you away?”

Freddy looked up at her tall, handsome son and smiled. Rupert had all the Beaumont height and bright curls. But his shoulders were slightly broader, his face had more angular planes and his eyes were Edward’s calm gray. “You may give me away.”