UnexpectedChristmas (9 page)

Sebastian lay still, cradling his broken arm with his
uninjured one, watching as Becky ran to Caro and buried her face in Caro’s
skirts.

How long had Caro been there?

“I only wanted to give him an apple. I’m so sorry, so very
sorry,” Becky sobbed.

Caro knelt to soothe the child but her eyes were on
Sebastian.

“I have never seen a braver deed. How badly are you hurt,
Sebastian?”

He looked up at her and managed a shaky smile.

“Only my arm. I’m not sure I should jar it by walking just
yet. It truly hurts like hell.”

Caro turned to two of the stable hands. “Get a door and lift
him on it gently. We must get him to the house and a doctor. And see to
Thunder. That is the first thing he’ll want to know when he revives.”

Sebastian protested in a weak voice that he could manage on
his own but she hushed him.

“That arm should not be jarred unnecessarily until the
fracture is set. It’s a fair distance to the house. Now be quiet, Sebastian,
and let us get you to a sofa, at least.”

One stable hand stepped up and spoke to Sebastian.

“We didn’t want to have to use the pitchfork, sir, but now I
wish we’d done it sooner.”

Sebastian nodded but said nothing.

Staying beside him every step of the way, Caro directed them
to the sitting room. Wide-eyed servants watched the little procession as it
passed. Not bothering to single one of them out, she issued a general request
that the marquess be notified immediately. She was not surprised when
Sebastian’s father, white-faced and anxious, soon stood looking down at his
son.

“What happened, my dear?” He turned partway to her, even
though he didn’t move from Sebastian’s side.

Caro suppressed her start of surprise that his tone to her
was still so friendly and she answered readily.

“Sebastian saved the life of the little girl I brought with
me from my school. She’d gone to give Thunder an apple and was cowering in his
stall. Sebastian rescued her from his flailing hooves but couldn’t escape one
blow to his arm.”

The marquess raised anguished eyes. “You mean that brute of
a horse struck him? Full force? Dear god in heaven, he might lose that arm.”

Caro drew herself up. “I won’t let that happen. I swear I
won’t. The servants have gone for the doctor. We can do nothing now but wait.”

Sebastian’s voice called out, stronger than she’d expected.

“Caro, come here.”

As she hurried to his side he grabbed her hand. “Caro,
promise me. Promise you’ll not let them take my arm.”

She leaned over and kissed his forehead. “I promise,
Sebastian. I promise.”

As she raised her head she met his father’s eyes, defiance
and resolution plain in hers. The marquess stared at her, said nothing and
walked to the side of the room, where he sat down heavily in the biggest
armchair. He bowed his head in his hands as they all waited, Caro holding
Sebastian’s uninjured hand tightly in hers.

* * * * *

When the doctor arrived, he turned out to be a nattily
dressed man with a well-trimmed goatee and moustache. His eyes swept first
around the rich splendor of the room then he spotted the marquess and bowed to
him and finally glanced toward his patient.

“I am Dr. Kimberly, my lord,” he said to the earl. “I’m
sorry to meet you under such circumstances.”

Crossing to Sebastian, he looked him over, but when he put
out his hand to grab Sebastian’s arm Caro moved in front of him.

“His arm is broken, sir, as you can plainly see. I’m sure
you don’t mean to touch it unnecessarily.”

The doctor drew himself up haughtily. “I don’t know who you
are, young lady, but of course I mean to touch it. I must rotate it in
different directions to ascertain the position of the break.”

Watching Sebastian pale at the thought of having his arm
rotated, she wished she had the authority to order the unfeeling brute from the
room. Still she spoke in her best teacher’s manner, calm and authoritative. She
was used to quelling rebellious students, after all.

“Are you sure that is wise just yet, sir? Do you have
something for the pain? And could you explain to me, ignorant as I am, why a
broken bone should be rotated? It sounds so unnecessary to me. Isn’t setting it
the most important thing?”

The doctor turned so red Caro wondered if he would turn into
a patient himself.

“My dear young lady, I am an expert in broken bones. I must
try different motions to ascertain the extent of the damage.”

Sebastian spoke in a pleasant voice.

“My fiancée is most often right. From what I can tell I have
a serious break and rotation is impossible in any case.”

The marquess had crossed the room and stood with his hand on
his son’s shoulder.

“I assume you are practiced in bone-setting? Then do it
quickly and properly and I’ll double your fee.”

The doctor’s color gradually faded as the thought a rich
man’s patronage flitted across his easily read features.

“As you say, my lord. Perhaps I can do without the rotation
in this instance.”

He took off his coat and laid it aside with ceremony. As he
advanced on Sebastian Caro again stepped between them.

“I would request two things, sir. Some laudanum for Lord
Sebastian, and that you wash your hands thoroughly before you start.”

He stared at her as if she were insane.

“Of course I will give him some laudanum if his lordship
desires. But you are insulting, young lady. My hands are perfectly clean.”

Caro smiled pleasantly.

“I’m sure they are, sir. Just mark it down as a peccadillo
of an overanxious fiancée.”

Sebastian was openly grinning and the marquess moved in.

“My soon-to-be daughter-in-law is unusually concerned about
cleanliness. It would please me if you humored her.”

Dr. Kimberly accepted he was outnumbered, and although he
was still flushed he seemed in command of himself. He held out his hands as
Caro poured brandy over them. He moved to the patient.

“You do seem unusually alert, my lord. Will you swallow the
laudanum, please?”

Sebastian growled.

“I don’t need soporifics. Go ahead, doctor.”

Again Caro acted. Taking Sebastian’s hands in hers, she
leaned over and kissed his forehead.

“Please, Sebastian. I can’t stand to see you suffer. Take
the laudanum. Please. For my sake.”

With a grin, Sebastian conceded.

“For you, then, Caro. You know I’d do anything for you.”

He swallowed the large dose she’d taken from the doctor and
lay back. Caro fussed about him, adjusting the blanket so it lay over his legs,
smoothing his hair and ensuring the laudanum had a little time to act. By the
time the doctor moved in Sebastian was pleasantly numb.

Still, the process of having his bones twisted into place
was almost unendurable. He fastened on Caro’s hands in a grip that wrenched her
slight frame but she gave no sign of her discomfort. Sebastian himself made not
a sound.

The doctor at least seemed competent in setting bones, as he
pulled the pieces together and then applied a splint to hold them in place. He
asked a servant to bring in another bag from his carriage and pulled out more
splints and Caro nodded approvingly that he seemed to know this part of his
job. Just to be sure, she grabbed some gauze from the doctor’s kit and wrapped
it around Sebastian’s arm. At least he’d have a little protection from the
stiffness of the splints. She smiled sweetly at the doctor, who glared at her but
started to bind the splints to Sebastian’s arm. His far from gentle touch made
Caro grind her teeth to keep from commenting again as she watched Sebastian
fight valiantly not to give in to the pain. When he finally slipped into
blessed unconsciousness, Caro breathed a sigh of deep relief.

The marquess, who stayed in the background, watching and
praying, had no doubt of the love between his son and Caro. Nor of her courage
and wisdom. Even if he’d not already become reconciled to Caro as his
daughter-in-law, he would be now. This slip of a girl, the image of his beloved
Althea, obviously held Sebastian’s heart in her capable hands. Regardless of
gossip or backlash from his friends and Lady Cecilia’s father, these two
belonged together in a way he’d seldom witnessed from members of the
ton
.

The way he’d longed to have lived with Althea.

He closed his eyes briefly.

He’d not put a single impediment in their way.

Caro was more tired than she could ever remember but
Sebastian was finally asleep. He’d clung to her hand until the laudanum had
taken effect. His arm was encased with the heavy splints and she knew he’d
awaken during the night again and again. He’d refused to take the full amount
of the drug and still she had to check on Becky.

She found the girl cuddled in Marianne’s arms. She stepped
toward them, knowing this must be dealt with.

At the sight of Caro, Becky shrank back.

“You must hate me. Everyone hates me. You most of all. Lord
Sebastian is suffering dreadful pain because I disobeyed him. Thunder is ruined
with the pitchfork marks on him. You must wish you’d never seen me.”

Caro’s generous heart clenched. This child must not be left
feeling guilt that might possibly mar her life. And yet her disobedience needed
to be dealt with.

“Well, part of what you say is true, Becky. You do have some
unsuitable conduct to atone for. I don’t think Thunder is permanently scarred.
The marks will fade and be covered by his beautiful coat. You should definitely
apologize to Lord Sebastian. I think you will find the forgiveness there you
need. And you might consider how you could make it up to him.”

Caro said nothing more but Becky’s tears stopped as she
listened to her beloved teacher. Caro waited, giving the child time to absorb
the new ideas.

Her brow furrowed as she considered what to do.

“I know how to muck out a stall. My parents always made me
take care of my horse. Do you think Lord Sebastian would let me help in that
way, if I promised to faithfully follow the stablemaster’s orders? I’ll stay
away from Thunder. I’ll do whatever I’m told to do.”

Caro swallowed her sigh of relief. Turning the child’s
thoughts to constructive action was a good first step. Still, she doubted if
Becky would ever forget this day.

She nodded gravely. “You can apologize to Lord Sebastian in
a day or so. He’s asleep right now. I’ll take you to talk to the stablemaster a
little later. I find I need to rest.”

She turned away, weary in body and spirit. She heard
Marianne speaking to Becky and blessed her friend’s compassion when it was her
beloved brother who been injured.

She slowly walked to her room. She heard them assisting
Sebastian to his bed and closed her eyes at the sounds of his painful progress.
At least the laudanum still had him somewhat in its grip and he would get some
sleep.

She was not sure she could sleep herself but she meant to
try. More exhausted than she’d realized, her last thought was of how she must
leave as soon as someone could take both her and Becky back to the school. And,
of course, when she was assured Sebastian was healing.

She’d not stay and ruin her beloved’s life.

He had no idea of what it was like to be treated like a
leper. No friends and no one to even talk to. She’d been lonely for so long.
Without anyone at all to share her sorrow. She’d not let Sebastian endure that
kind of life.

* * * * *

When Sebastian woke, he was disappointed Caro wasn’t with
him. Instead an official-looking nurse sat in the room. Immediately scorning
his selfish thoughts, he lay back and waited for Caro. It was only two days to
Christmas. The staff had seen to decorating the house, and pines and holly
decorated the hall and the first floor rooms. Red and green ribbons were twined
around the railings of the great stairway. He’d noticed them before this
damnable business with his horse.

Pray all the saints the spirit of Christmas would imbue this
house and his Caro’s heart.

Blast these damn heavy splints. He’d meant to do so much
these two days. He’d wanted to take a private walk with Caro and look for
another sprig of mistletoe to hold over her head while he kissed her
breathless. He’d wanted to seduce her by any possible means until he got her
wholehearted consent to their marriage.

He’d hoped to be married on Christmas day.

He’d secured the license before going to the school to bring
her to his home.

At least he no longer had to fight his father. While he’d
been fully prepared to do so rather than give up Caro, it was relief to find
him so approving. His sire’s eyes were filled with wonder every time he looked
at Caro, and after her skillful management of that stupid sawbones, now with an
added respect.

He leaned back against his pillows. By god, she’d been a
marvel, seeing that everything went as much to his advantage as possible. He
didn’t know much about medicine but he knew he’d had a very bad break in his
arm and she’d eased his way with astonishing expertise. Sebastian grinned. The
doctor’s face had been a mixture of dislike and avarice that had even amused
the marquess.

By the time his father and Marianne had both visited he
began to worry. Where was his love?

He finally asked the maid who brought him a dinner tray and
was told Miss Caroline was sitting in the garden. No one had felt like
disturbing her. Did my lord want to send her a message?

Sebastian definitely wanted to see her but he’d send no
message. Dismissing the maid, he pushed his dinner aside and rose to his feet.
Ordering the nurse to help him, he ignored her protests that he should not be
getting out of bed. Still shaky from the laudanum, he didn’t want to waste his
strength with getting fully dressed. His valet was probably eating dinner with
the servants so at his request the nurse slung his dressing gown over his
shoulders. He was bare-chested since they’d cut off his shirt but the dressing
gown would have to do.

He grimaced at the thought of putting on his boots with one
hand and settled for a pair of slippers lying by the bed. Refusing any more
help, he proceeded to go as fast as he could shuffle to Caro. Not that he was
very fast, in fact he was much more unsteady than he liked.

Still, he would get to Caro.

He almost fell once after he’d reached the terrace and
headed toward his love. Cursing under his breath, he thought furiously and
silently as he fought for balance and finally grabbed the back of a lawn chair.
Pray all the gods that be he not stumble and make things worse. He must have
been making more noise than he thought, as he saw her gorgeous eyes lift and
spot him.

In a flash she was by his side, leading him to the bench
where she’d been sitting. Her face was flushed with anger as she railed at him
and pushed him down on the bench.

“You idiotic man. Are you trying to compound your injuries?
What possessed you to be so foolish?”

Sebastian relaxed as he saw the true concern on the face of
his love. He managed a small grin and moved closer to her.

“You, my love. I had to talk to you. Why have you not been
to see me, Caro? Do you no longer care about my dreadful suffering?”

She stared at him, her eyes raking over him as if to find
any spot she might have missed while she assessed his condition. She tapped his
arm lightly and then stepped back.

“My lord, do not attempt to seduce me with false words. The
worst of your suffering is over. I have done what I can for you. You are not
obligated to me in any way. I would leave today if I could but I’ll not make
your servants’ lot worse by asking them to take me back so near to Christmas. I
will stay as planned but I will keep to my room.”

Sebastian stared at her. “Caro, damned if I understand a
word you’re saying. You have my father willing to get the moon for you. You
have
me
delighted to see if I could add the stars and a comet or two.
What more can you want? What is the problem in accepting my love? You must know
it is sincere.”

He moved to put his arm around her but she flinched away.

“You will be a marquess someday. You cannot marry a girl who
doesn’t even know where her father is buried. Your wonderful proposal made me
stop and think. I’m deeply ashamed I didn’t tell you all this sooner but I’ve
long refused to think about my parents at all. It simply hurt too much. But you
know a suicide’s fate. Presumably my father was thrown into some anonymous
grave in potter’s field. Perhaps he was even buried at a crossroads with a
stake in his heart. Society abhors one of their own who commits suicide. I will
not let you face such scorn. It would tarnish the position you will assume some
day. Perhaps it would even affect the marquess, who has been nothing but kind
to me.”

The pain in her beautiful eyes tore at his heart. He moved
again to embrace her, longing to convince her by his touch and his kiss that
nothing would change his love for her.

She turned away.

“I’ll not let you suffer the contempt of your peers. You
don’t know what such scorn can do to you. I’ll not allow that to happen to
you.”

She moved away, more quickly than he could yet move, and
almost ran back to the house.

He sat on the bench until he felt stronger and then made his
way slowly back to his bedroom. Damn, it was cold out there. He’d rest a little
and warm up, much as he hated lack of activity, and then ask his father to come
see him.

Would his father help him secure Caro? True, he’d been
struck by her beauty and her resemblance to her mother. But did that mean he’d
actually help? He could have recovered from the momentary shock of seeing the
daughter so like Althea. Perhaps even now he was thinking of how to keep his
only son from what he might term a disastrous marriage.

Groaning, he lay back on his pillows.

Time to find out if he had to fight his father as well as
Caro.

No matter, this was one battle he did not intend to lose.

Caro would be his.

He’d rest a little and then set out to find his father if
he’d not yet appeared.

* * * * *

Sebastian was physically weakened more than he liked. He napped
and then sent for something sweet. To hell with toast unless it had some jam
with it. He knew he needed to be as strong as he could be to go find his father
and he’d realized long ago sugary treats always made him feel better.

He called Bates and asked for help in donning a fresh shirt
and trousers, as well as his best dressing robe. He settled for dancing
slippers instead of his boots. He didn’t want to waste strength by struggling
into boots, even with Bates’ help. He let Bates slit his shirt to get it over
his arm but refused to sacrifice his robe. Leaving it slung over his shoulder
and injured arm, he made his way to the library.

His father sprang to his feet when he spotted him in the
doorway and helped him to a comfortable chair, one of a pair drawn up in front
of the fireplace.

“Sebastian. Should be up like this yet? How is your arm?”

The true concern in his father’s eyes warmed Sebastian.

“I had to see you, sir. I need your help, if you would give
it to me.”

The marquess eyed him shrewdly as he settled in the other
chair.

“Why do I suspect this has to do with the beautiful girl you
brought home with you? What’s the problem, Sebastian? I thought the way she
managed that stupid doctor was masterly. She will make a wonderful countess.”

Sebastian sighed and passed his hand over his eyes.

“Caro is denying she loves me. Or rather, she loves me too
much to marry me. In any case, she refuses to wed me. I will marry no other,
sir, and I hope you will help me secure her.”

His father stared at him. “If I’ve ever seen anybody in love
it’s you two. You know I had other plans for you but I’ll not ruin your life
the way fate did mine. I understand why you love her, you know.”

Sebastian gusted out a heartfelt sigh of relief.

“Thank you, sir. I’ll not marry if I can’t have her and I’m
wondering if you might know how to help. She’s obsessed with her father being a
blot on our illustrious name. She doesn’t know where he’s buried and assumes
he’s in some unholy, unnamed grave. For some reason she thinks that adds to his
disgrace. She won’t allow me to face the shame she thinks marrying her will
bring. Is there any way we can investigate and hope to find something that
would put her mind at rest? I don’t begin to know how to go about such a thing.
Or can you help me assure Caro her blasted father doesn’t matter, as long as I
have her as my wife?”

The marquess was silent for so long Sebastian began to
worry.

Was he asking too much of his sire? Probably he was. This
proud aristocrat had already welcomed his rival’s daughter into his household.
But for the disgraced earl, his Althea might well have married his father.

When he came to the ridiculous thought Caro might be his
sister he turned off his whirling brain and waited.

And sent up a small prayer.

The marquess steepled his hands together and sighed.

“I never meant to divulge this to a soul but I see I must.
The earl is buried in a corner of the same graveyard as Althea, Sebastian. You
can take your Caro to her father’s grave, if that helps.”

Sebastian was so stunned he merely stared for a long minute.

“I don’t understand, sir. How can that be? Suicides are not
allowed in consecrated graveyards.”

“This one is. I thought it was the only thing I could do for
Althea. A group of his friends and I saw to it. It wasn’t easy to do and I
regret I never had a chance to tell Althea. She’d died a few weeks before. I
like to think she knows what I did and is content.”

He sighed. “Sometimes being a marquess is a good thing. As
you will someday learn. You have much power to use in a positive way, if you
choose.”

Sebastian looked at his father with new respect. The man had
known the same kind of love he himself now knew. And he’d succeeded in the
Herculean task of taking a body and burying it where he willed. But who knew
with what bribery and cost to his pride. All for a woman who he knew would
never be able to express her appreciation.

Sebastian hoped the knowledge had given more him than
satisfaction through the years. Perhaps a kind of peace for his lost love.