Vexing the Viscount (4 page)

“You must come quickly. His lordship wants you.”

Tia blinked in confusion. Middleton wanted her? “Where is he?”

“In his bedchamber,” the footman replied from behind the closed door. “You mustn't keep him waiting.”

She had no idea why she couldn't keep him waiting. Instead of arguing with the servant, Tia grabbed the dressing gown and wrapped it around her. She wished he'd given her a shift to wear under it or she'd had the sense to ask for one.

Tia followed the young man down the hall. There had to be a good reason Middleton would demand her presence at this hour. As she walked into the room, she noticed him lying on his bed with only his trousers on. The footman quietly closed the door as he left.

“Absolutely not,” she exclaimed and turned toward the door.

“Miss Featherstone, get yourself back here this instant.”

Tia stopped. Turning slowly, she faced him. She stepped into his bedroom with her hands on her hips. A tremor of fear slid down her back.

“Where do you think you're going?” he drawled.

“I am returning to my bedroom. If you think for one moment . . .” her voice trailed off as he crooked a finger.

“Come here.”

What was it about the sound of his voice that made her do things she had no desire to do? “I am leaving.” But even as she said that, she moved closer to the bed.

“I did not ask you here to warm my bed.” A slow smile drew his full lips upward. “At least, not right now.”

Tia seemed unable to look away from his mouth. “Th—then why am I here?”

He cocked his head toward his right arm. Seeing the handkerchief with bloodstains, she gasped.

“Why didn't you just tell me you were injured?” Years of her mother's training came back to her. “Where is your brandy?”

“You're going to drink before you stitch me?”

She rolled her eyes. “No. Now, where is it?”

He nodded toward the salon. “Corner table. Your bag is in there too.”

Tia strode to the salon, picked up her bag, and then the brandy decanter. She walked back into the room and set to work on him. As she neared him, the smell of cheap perfume, cheap liquor, and cheap cigars overwhelmed her, making her gag. “You are disgusting. Let me guess . . . you were cheating at cards and someone called you out.”

“No.”

“Whoring and cheated her out of her money, so she took a shot at you?”

He chuckled in his low, husky voice. “Hardly.”

“Then how?”

One black brow lifted. “No idea. I was leaving a gaming hell with a friend and someone took a shot. My friend had won a substantial amount so we assume the shot was meant for him.”

“Disgusting,” she muttered again. She searched her bag for her needle and thread. After pouring the brandy into a glass, she dropped the needle into the glass. Then she poured another one, added a few drops of laudanum, and then handed it to him. “Drink.”

He reached for the snifter and drank it down in one gulp. “I doubt one more glass will have much of a numbing effect.”

“We shall see.” Tia brushed his hand away from the bloody handkerchief and stared down at the wound. The long cut wasn't terribly deep, but she could see some fabric from his clothing in there. Without a thought, she poured a large amount of brandy over the gash.

A violent string of curses erupted from Middleton. “Bloody hell, woman. Are you trying to get revenge for earlier tonight?”

“No,” she said, as she wiped as the wound and then picked a few more strands of fabric out. “I am trying to make sure you don't die from blood poisoning. Now just be quiet and let me work.”

Middleton clenched his jaw as she started to stitch him back together.

Knowing it sometimes helped to keep a patient's mind off the task she performed, she said, “So why were you at a gaming hell tonight?”

“The usual reasons.”

“And the perfume?”

“Not the usual reason.”

She waited for him to continue but when he didn't, she asked. “Oh?”

“Some poor woman thought I might be interested, so she came and sat on my lap.” He stared up at her with his penetrating blue eyes. “But I wasn't interested in her.”

“I see,” she replied, moving her gaze back to the task at hand. “Unfortunately, this will leave a rather long scar.”

He looked over as she finished the last stitch. “You are a fine seamstress. Your stitches are straight and neat. I doubt the scar will be all that bad.”

Tia glanced over at the large, jagged scar on his lower ribs. “Compared to that one, anything would be better. Who did that to you?”

“A local surgeon. Probably the same man who I would have called tonight had you not been here.”

Tia shook her head. “I meant, what happened?”

Middleton leaned back against the pillows and scowled. “That was a long time ago. Just a slight duel over a woman.”

She knew when not to press a man for more and there was obviously a lot more to that story. She covered his wound with some strips of cotton to keep the dirt out. “As long as you don't get an infection, you should heal well.”

“Thank you.” He reached for her hand and pressed a quick kiss to her palm.

She yanked her hand back and jumped off the bed. He still hadn't shaved and the sensation of his bristly beard and soft lips against her hand sent shivers through her. She walked to the window and stared down at the dark, empty street.

“Why would you want to give up doing something you are so good at?” he asked quietly.

Leaning her head against the window, she glanced back at him. She couldn't tell him the truth. He would, like her mother, tell her to forget what happened and learn from it. “It's all I've ever known. From the time I was two, I was following my mother to tenants' houses and watching what she did. How many people do you know who by age ten could stitch a person's wounds or set a bone?”

He closed his eyes for a long moment. “Not many at all.”

“I wanted to see another part of life,” she whispered the lie. “See London and all the fancy people here. Do something other than heal people all day long.”

“Why else?”

“I need to find your brother.”

His scowl returned. “Why?”

“Because he needs me.”

 

Braden stared at his wise woman as she gazed at the street below her. Her reasons for going to London to get away from a life where she'd done nothing but help other people made some sense, but he felt she was hiding something from him. Perhaps she truly needed a little holiday to refresh herself. But why would she think Jonathon needed her? She couldn't possibly know of all his problems.

Could she?

“Why?” he finally asked.

“Why what?”

He sighed and felt his head start to spin a little. Damn her. She must have sneaked some laudanum into his brandy. She should have asked him first. “Why does Jonathon need
you
?”

“I promised him I would not speak of it to anyone.”

He scowled. Perhaps Jonathon had admitted his past transgressions to her. Braden doubted that his brother would have confessed his sins to someone he barely knew, but it was possible. Had their relationship progressed farther than Braden had thought? And why did that bother him? It certainly should not. They were both adults and could live their lives any way they wanted . . . as long as Jonathon had stopped the opium.

“Miss Featherstone, this is my brother we are discussing. I am worried that something might have happened to him. Now, what do you think you know?”

She shook her head. “He told this in confidence and I will not break that confidence.” Tia moved to the table to gather her things as if to leave the room.

Ignoring the biting pain in his arm, he reached over and grabbed her arm. Tugging her back to the bed, he forced her to sit down. He sat up and leaned closer until their noses were almost touching. He stared into her amber eyes. “Tell me.”

“I don't have to tell you anything. And even if I do, chances are you will never remember it come morning.”

The spinning in his mind was driving him mad. Or was it her nearness? Either way, he needed some control. He forced himself to lie back against the pillows. “Why?”

“Because in about a minute, you will be fast asleep.”

Braden fought for control but that damned drug was making him sleepy. “You did this on purpose, didn't you?”

Her light laugh filled the room. “No, but now I am quite happy I did.”

He closed his eyes, but when he tried to reopen them he found his lids too heavy to lift. The bed squeaked as she rose. There was nothing he could do to stop her.

“Good night, my lord.”

And then darkness overcame him.

T
ia awoke early the next morning and rang for assistance. Her encounter with the viscount last night had emboldened her. Mrs. Abbott arrived a few minutes later with a sour look upon her face.

“Back in your bed, I see.” The woman folded her arms over her measly bosom.

“Mrs. Abbott, I would like a suitable dress to wear immediately.” She tilted her head and gave the housekeeper smug grin. That old biddy could believe whatever she wanted. Tia Featherstone could take care of herself.

“Lord Middleton has not ordered me to give you any clothing.”

“Why?”

Mrs. Abbott stared at her. “He didn't want you to run off.”

Tia laughed. “Where would I go? I have no money and have no friends in town.”

Mrs. Abbott shrugged.

“Besides, Lord Middleton is in no condition to give orders.”

Mrs. Abbott's face drew pallid. “I heard he was hurt but nothing more. I assumed he was perfectly well since the surgeon was not called for.”

“I cared for his lordship, as is my duty as wise woman. Now, I would like to dress so I might get some air.”

The housekeeper nodded sharply. “Very well. I suppose you deserve a little air since you saved his lordship's life. I shall have something brought up to you immediately, Miss Featherstone.” She turned to leave and then stopped. “He is all right, then?”

“Yes, Mrs. Abbott. Lord Middleton should be fine, but he needs rest right now.”

“Thank you, miss. He is a fine master.”

Tia wondered about that as the housekeeper left the room. The former lordship had been a hard man. She'd only met him a few times and then he'd been curt with her. Perhaps Middleton, even with his rakish demeanor, treated the staff better than the previous viscount. She was glad that the tenants had a more compassionate landholder.

Her only priority was finding Jonathon before it was too late. Every day he was gone increased her concern for his well-being. The things he'd told her frightened and worried her. She needed to get him back under the physician's care until he had completely recovered from his issue.

Mrs. Abbott entered the room without even a knock and then handed her a dress. “This will have to do. Mr. Nelson informed me that the dressmaker was set to arrive at noon. Make certain you are back to the house before then.”

“I will do just that,” Tia said softly. Unless she found Jonathon.

She dressed quickly and then ate breakfast. She needed to leave the house before Middleton awoke and wondered where she was this morning. Hopefully, the laudanum would make him sleep longer and deeper so she could escape. She pushed away the tray and stood, only to discover yet another issue. While Mrs. Abbott had brought her clothing to wear, Tia's boots were still at the inn.

“Drat it.” Now she would have to beg for Mrs. Abbott's help again. She doubted the cantankerous housekeeper would allow her too many favors. She rang the bell and waited fretfully. Footsteps sounded closer to her door.
Please let it be Mrs. Abbott and not Middleton
.

“Come in,” Tia responded after a light knock. After last night, it was unlikely that Middleton would rap on the door.

“What do you need now?” Mrs. Abbott said as she crossed her arms over her chest. “I have a house to run.”

“I need shoes,” Tia replied, staring at her feet.

“Your boots are in the linen press.”

“They are?” She walked to the linen press and found her short boots on the bottom. “How did they get here?” She hadn't thought to question how her bag of herbs ended up in Middleton's room last night.

“A footman returned last night to the inn and gathered the rest of your things.”

Tia frowned. “Then where are the rest of my dresses?” she asked, but knew the answer—burned.

Mrs. Abbott nodded as if she understood what Tia was thinking. “I saw no reason to waste a perfectly acceptable pair of boots. No matter what his lordship said.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Abbott.”

Mrs. Abbott frowned and then nodded sharply. “Is that all?”

“Is his lordship awake yet?”

“No, why?”

“I wished to walk to the park for some air. If the viscount were awake, I would need to check on his condition before I departed. That is all,” Tia said in an innocent tone. The housekeeper didn't need to know Tia would prefer to check his wound while he slept, so as to avoid another confrontation with him.

“You are free to walk. Do you need a maid with you?”

“I am fine. You need the maids helping you out around the house, not following behind me.”

“You are quite right, miss,” Mrs. Abbott replied.

“Once I check in on him, I am off to Hyde Park then.” Tia found an old bonnet in the linen press and then tied it under her chin.

Tia walked the short distance between the rooms and knocked softly. Hearing no reply, she opened the door and peeked into the room. It appeared he still slept. Quietly, she crept inside toward the bedroom. She peered into the bedroom and smiled as she noticed his eyes were still shut and his breathing even. Not wanting to wake him, she tiptoed to the bed and looked at the bandage. No blood was seeping through and there was no sign of redness around it. He would be fine until she returned.

She left the room and rushed down the stairs, bid Mrs. Abbott a good morning, and walked out of the house determined to find Jonathon at the park. She wandered the streets of Mayfair until the park opened before her. As Tia walked the path toward the Serpentine, the noisy world of London melted away. She strolled by the water and sat down to watch the passersby.

After an hour of watching people and seeing no sign of Jonathon, she decided to walk around the park. That proved even more mundane than gawking at the finely dressed people. While she'd nodded to a few women, not a single one had taken the time to acknowledge her. With a sigh, she sat down on a bench, feeling completely defeated.

“I shall be all right. Just let me rest a moment.”

Tia glanced over at a petite woman as she sat to fan herself. After receiving cuts from the other ladies she'd passed, Tia saw no reason to greet the finely dressed woman. Although, the more she spied her, the more she realized the woman did not look well. Her face was pale and drawn as if fighting something. “Are you all right?” she finally asked.

“It's dreadfully warm, that is all,” the woman murmured.

“Is this woman bothering you?” a footman asked, drawing nearer.

“No, Arthur. She is only being kind.” The woman pressed her hands to her stomach.

“Miss—”

“That would be Lady Eldridge to you, miss,” the footman said.

“Arthur, be a dear and go sit over there,” Lady Eldridge said, pointing to a bench out of earshot. Once the footman had stomped over to the other bench like a petulant child, she said, “He is a very nice man, but takes his responsibility to watch over me far too seriously. We are only in Hyde Park. I scarcely think anything will happen to me while I talk with you.”

Tia laughed softly. “I rather doubt it too. Now, what is really the matter? I have some expertise in this area. I already have an idea of what is troubling you.”

“You could not possibly know. And we have not been properly introduced. I am Lady Emily Eldridge.”

“I am Miss Hestia Featherstone, but most people call me Tia.”

Lady Eldridge frowned. “Are you a servant with a family nearby?”

“No,” Tia said with a laugh and then went quiet. Mrs. Abbott had said she was nothing more than a servant and deserved to sleep downstairs with the others. But out at the estate, no one had treated her as such. They all respected and admired her for helping them with their ails.

“Indeed?” Lady Eldridge pursed her bow lips and scanned Tia's attire. “You certainly dress like a servant.”

“I am a wise woman, my lady.” She glanced at her dress. “And my gown is a very long story.”

Lady Eldridge gave a little shrug. “A gown doesn't make a woman,” she muttered. “Now, what is a wise woman?”

“I am a healer and midwife for Lord Middleton at his estate in the Midlands.”

“Lord Middleton?” Her eyes shuttered for a long moment. “How is he? Is he in town? I hadn't heard he had returned.”

“Yes, my lady, he is in town, but not for long.” Tia wondered how this woman was acquainted with Middleton.

“And his brother?” she whispered in an uneven tone.

Tia realized Middleton might be an acquaintance, but it was Jonathon this woman was most interested in. “I have not seen him for a few weeks, since he left the estate.”

Lady Eldridge's shoulders sagged as a crestfallen look swept across her face. “I see.”

“My lady, you look dreadfully pale. Perhaps you should return to your home now.”

“I would prefer speaking with you.” Lady Eldridge picked up her silk fan and resumed fanning herself. She stopped for a moment and held her stomach.

“My lady, please let me help you home. I can make up some peppermint tea that will help with the nausea.”

The woman's hazel eyes widened. “To what are you referring? I am having no such ills.”

Tia's lips twitched. So, the lady didn't want anyone to know she was with child yet. She rose from her seat, knowing that Lady Eldridge was about to stop her. “If you say so, then I should return to Lord Middleton's home now. Good day.”

Lady Eldridge moaned softly. “Can you really help me?”

“Yes, I can but only if you are truthful with me about all your symptoms.” Tia held out her hand to assist the young woman. “Shall we return to your home?”

“Oh, please.” Lady Eldridge tightly clasped her hand around Tia's.

The footman immediately rose and strode toward them. “My lady, might I be of assistance?”

“Bring the carriage around to us.”

“B—but I mustn't leave you alone,” he stammered. “Lord Eldridge will have my head if something befalls you.”

“Miss Featherstone will be my companion while you summon the carriage. She will also accompany me back to the house.”

The footman scowled at Tia and then nodded. “Of course, ma'am.”

“Ma'am?” Tia swore softly. “I am most likely older than you and he would never deem it necessary to call me
ma'am
.”

Lady Eldridge laughed. “In Society, it's all about who you are and with whom you associate. Now that I have decided you and I shall be fast friends, he will have no choice but to treat you with the respect you deserve.”

Tia almost laughed.
Respect?
Did she deserve respect from anyone after leaving her position as the wise woman for Middleton's estate and then running off to London to save his brother? Most people would assume she was a strumpet for chasing after Jonathon. No one knew the truth of the matter of why she felt the need to follow him. It was purely for his safety. Not that she'd managed to find one sign of him yet.

“Tia?”

“I'm sorry, my lady—”

“Emily.”

Tia blinked. “Pardon me?”

“You will call me Emily,” she said as they ambled across the park.

Tia had no idea what to say. From what she'd heard, Lady Eldridge's request was most uncommon. Ladies in Society wanted to look down on the lower classes and the use of their titles was the easiest way to do so. “I couldn't possibly call you by your Christian name.”

“Of course you can. I decide who calls me Lady Eldridge and who calls me Emily.” Emily glanced to the ground. “I could use a friend in London. Like you, I'm from the country. I don't have that many true friends and none in town. But I believe you and I shall be wonderful companions.”

“I shan't be here long enough for that to happen, my lady.” Tia bit down on her lower lip. She actually liked Emily and had felt an instant connection that warmed her heart. Back in the Midlands, her only real friends were her twin sister Mia and their mutual friend Selina.

“And why not? I know it's not the Season, but there are still many people in London who prefer to stay in town.”

“Lord Middleton has decided that we should return to the estate posthaste.”

Emily laughed as they reached the street. “Middleton? He is one of the worst of the group.”

“Perhaps, but now that he is the viscount I believe he feels a need to be more responsible and that includes taking care of his estate.” Tia had no idea if that were true or not. She also had no idea why she was defending him to someone who most likely knew him better than she did.

“He's a rake, through and through,” Emily added with a hint of scorn.

Tia only shrugged as she clamored into the carriage. She sat back against the velvet squabs with a long sigh. Beautiful red satin lined the enclosed carriage. She had never been privileged to sit in such luxury. The post carriage was far from plush.

“What is wrong?” Emily asked as the carriage rolled down Brooke Street.

“Nothing,” she replied softly.

Emily cocked a blond brow at her. “Indeed? As much as you can tell I am feeling unwell, I can tell you are bothered by something. Now, what is wrong?”

Tia stared down at her ugly brown dress. “I do not belong in such a beautiful carriage. Perhaps I should return to Middleton's home now.” The last thing she wanted to do was face the irate man who only wanted her to return to the Midlands, but starting a friendship with a lady like Emily seemed improper. They were from very different stations in life. And once Tia left London, she doubted she would get the opportunity to visit for a very long time.

“No, you said you would help me feel better.” Her face scrunched. “And you will do that.”

“I shall help you and then return.”

“Perhaps,” Emily mumbled.

The carriage ride was over so quickly, Tia realized she could have walked to the Eldridge home quicker. Arthur assisted Emily down and then looked at Tia.