Chapter Twenty-Four

After showing the doctor out, Garrett returned to his desk and slumped down in relief. She would live. The blow to her head was her only apparent injury. The trunk was inspected and found to have slight gaps along some of the seams. Thank God, she had not been deprived of air. Her head injury was worrisome though; she was to be watched and wakened often. The doctor had said to keep the room darkened and quiet. He would return tomorrow, but meanwhile she was not to be moved. They would know more later, the doctor said.

Garrett opened a jar of ink and then wrote a note to be delivered to Raven’s Park. He outlined, as concisely as possible, the events of the past twelve hours. He wrote that Natalie had suffered an injury, but the doctor assured him she would recover fully. The rain had passed, and a servant could be dispatched right away. He pulled the bell pull and handed it to Mr. Hampden with strict instructions.

And then, in his exhaustion, he contemplated his own circumstances. He’d made off with a lady of noble birth—overnight—a lady who now lay injured in his very own bedchamber. He’d not, truly, been alone with her. He’d not thrown her over his mount and made a run for Scotland. It was all simply a mistake—a criminal mistake. Would he be absolved? Would the events be considered scandalous? Not that he gave a shilling for his own standing, but he minded for Natalie. Her reputation already hung in peril—would she be ruined by this? His mind teased him with the thought that they would be forced to marry.

But would Ravensdale countenance it? Would she? Garrett felt beyond tired. Chasing these thoughts around his already muddled mind was useless. He removed himself to the leather couch, near the fireplace, and collapsed. It took but a few moments before he fell asleep, boots and all.

Garrett had not slept long before being awakened by a loud pounding. Hearing a familiar voice in the foyer, he had no doubt who had arrived. God, he needed a bath. He’d forgotten all about the one Marcus had drawn for him earlier. But even a tepid bath would feel good at this point.

Despite not having imbibed any spirits recently, his head throbbed as though he’d spent the previous night soused. Rubbing his hands over his face, he rose reluctantly to face one of Natalie’s brothers.

“Darlington.” Garrett spoke quickly, not wishing his housekeeper to become any more flustered than she already was.

The viscount turned and, catching sight of Garrett, narrowed his eyes. Soaked through with mud clinging to his splattered boots, Natalie’s eldest brother must have travelled straight through. Garrett ignored his guest’s appearance though. He found the murderous intent in the gentleman’s eyes a more pressing concern.

Garrett braced himself, knowing what was coming the split second before his head snapped back from the well-deserved blow.

Darlington had obviously frequented Gentleman Jackson’s sometime in the recent past for the well-placed punch landed soundly. Upon impact, light exploded in Garrett’s head.

Stumbling slightly, he rubbed at his jaw and prepared to defend a second attack.

But the viscount seemed satisfied as he examined his knuckles casually. “Hawthorne,” he nodded.

Garrett took a moment to gather his wits before speaking. Pain spread through his jaw and into his left eye.

“Did you, by chance, happen upon the courier I sent a few hours ago?” Without waiting for an answer, Garrett led the viscount into his study.

“I did,” Darlington answered from behind. “I sent him along to notify my parents of Natalie’s…situation—and of her safety.” Eyeing the makeshift room, Darlington asked, “Shall we obtain the special license from London? Or do you think one can be had in Reading?”

Garrett shook his head wearily at the question. Before falling asleep, he’d decided on one thing. Only as a last option would he allow the two of them to be forced into a betrothal.

Furthermore, he would insist that all possible alternatives be discussed with both her father and the lady herself. He knew Natalie would hate having such decisions made without her consent.

Perhaps she could travel to the Continent for a year or two until the scandal blew over. She herself had once told him there were other solutions for such situations. The ton was a fickle group. What enraptured them one moment could be forgotten in the next. Besides, who could know of her presence here? Surely no more than a few servants and her family.

Darlington shattered that assumption with his next words. “The entire house party knows she went missing last night. Many assisted in an all-night search. On the heels of her broken engagement, she is ruined.” As angry as the man had appeared moments earlier, he merely looked resigned now. “You are the last person I would have chosen to marry my sister, Hawthorne, but if there isn’t a marriage, and a quick one at that, she’ll never be able to show her face in society again.” And then, walking over to the window, he let out a heavy sigh. “Where is she now? The doctor seemed convinced of his diagnosis?”

Garrett felt a grudging sympathy for the man. He’d obviously had no sleep himself and had been forced to travel after a frantic search throughout the night. “Sit down, Darlington. She is sleeping. The doctor believes she was concussed. We are to awaken her every hour or so.”

Torn between defiance and fatigue, Darlington hesitated before fatigue won out and he dropped into the chair. “What the hell happened? The note said she had been trapped inside a trunk?” His eyes narrowed threateningly again. “She was borne away on your carriage. You must know how this story will play out.”

“Until we speak with Natalie, I am as in the dark as you, but”—he met the viscount’s gaze squarely—“I have suspicions, not based on anything solid, rather a gut feeling. Farley and Trident were hanging about the stable block when I bid your brother farewell. And Farley, in particular, appeared a tad smug for someone being turned off the property.”

Garrett paced to the fireplace and stared down at the diminishing flames. “I don’t know how he would have done it, or why, but I’d wager the estate he played some part in it. When we came across him the previous evening, he was not well disposed toward your sister.” Pounding his fist on the mantel, he added, “Nor myself. But this prank of his could have killed her!”

“Natalie has been unable to tell you herself?” Darlington’s brows lowered in concern. “She is not coherent when she wakes?”

Wretchedly, Garrett shook his head. “She is not.”

The viscount watched Garrett searchingly. “You have an affection for her. I thought so when you fished her out of the lake. You will give me your word that you did not take her intentionally? You have not done this to trap her into marriage?”

Garrett laughed at the irony. “You would accept my word? Honor from the son of a madman?” He found the demand intolerable. But it was what he expected. He steeled his gaze upon Natalie’s oldest brother. “I will do all in my ability to avoid matrimony with your sister, Darlington. You have my word on that.” And, in a barely audible voice, he added, “I wouldn’t wish that upon my worst enemy.”

“So you do care for her.”

Garrett paced to the desk. He felt like a caged animal. “Of course I care for her.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. The memory of Natalie, limp and broken, trapped inside the trunk would haunt him forever. He hadn’t protected her when she’d needed him most.

“Your sister is not to be moved. The doctor has forbidden it until he is satisfied she is recovering properly. I will have a room prepared for you. Forgive the rudimentary accommodations, but you see, my beloved father burned the manor to smithereens a few weeks ago.” With that, he tugged at the bell pull to summon Mrs. Hampden. Hopefully, there were enough clean linens to have another room readied. He’d not expected to entertain guests so soon, and one oughtn’t to put a viscount on an uncovered mattress.

Unable to remain in Darlington’s company any longer, Garrett excused himself to seek out the housekeeper himself. Upon locating her, he requested a meal be served to the viscount while he waited for his room.

He wasn’t sure how long he’d slept, but it could have been hours. He rushed upstairs, once again, to check on Natalie.

Mrs. Hampden had sent for a young maid from the village to look after Natalie while she dealt with other household duties. Sitting beside Natalie’s bed now, the girl looked to be perhaps sixteen, dressed in an apron and mop cap. Garrett dismissed her, and she curtsied and hurried away. After entering the darkened room, he closed the door behind him. A small fire burned in the grate, casting the room in shadows. The drapes were pulled closed. The doctor had suggested that harsh lights might cause Natalie undue pain.

Shock swept through Garrett. Listless and pale, Natalie’s delicate face lacked her normal rosy hue. He set a hand upon her forehead. She was cool to touch. His heart nearly breaking, he smoothed a few tendrils of hair away from her face. Her eyelashes fluttered before opening slowly.

“Ah,” he said softly, “you are returned from dreamland.”

“Where am I? I thought you were leaving,” she said in a hoarse voice.

Garrett spotted a glass of water sitting on the bureau and brought it to her. “We are at Maple Hall—the dower house, that is.” And then, propping her up, he put the glass to her lips. “Drink slowly,” he cautioned. “Tell me if you feel ill again. That’s a good girl.” She lay back against the pillow while he returned the glass to the table.

She closed her eyes and didn’t speak for a moment. Was she sleeping again?

“Maple Hall?” She absorbed the information. “But why?”

Garrett put one foot on the bed frame and leaned over to peer down at her. “I hoped you could tell me.”

She opened her eyes again and attempted to look about as though the answer were somewhere in the room. But that was too much for her. She flinched and let her head fall back into the pillow, closing her eyes yet again.

“You took a violent blow to the head, love. The doctor said we could give you some laudanum for the pain, but you’ve been unconscious since we found you. Are you in pain now?”

“My brain feels scrambled,” she said. “It hurts when I think. Good gracious, now I’ll be the perfect English maiden.”

Garrett laughed despite himself. What a relief to see a spark of her spirit break through. He bent forward and placed his lips on her forehead.

“You’ve been perfect since the day I first laid eyes upon you.” The words were meant to be lighthearted, but there was truth in them. In all his dealings with her, she’d proven to be his ideal. He only wished he could be the same for her.

She gasped suddenly and covered her mouth. “Garrett,” she whispered, looking very distraught.

“What is it?” Had she remembered something? Was she in pain? He should get the laudanum.

“Did I…” She cringed. “Did I vomit when you were here earlier?”

He grinned down at her. “Well, a gentleman perhaps ought not to remember such a thing.”

“Oh, I did, didn’t I? And now I must look a fright. And how the devil did I get here?” Her brows furrowed as she again seemed to be searching her memory. She was still muddled.

“You did, but you look beautiful, and we do not know what happened but can sort that all out when you are feeling better.” He brought her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss there. “But for now, you will rest.” If she could not sleep again, he would have the medication brought up.

She seemed to relax but clutched his hand still. “You would tell me if something terrible had happened, wouldn’t you? You aren’t keeping anything from me?” Her lips were pinched. She was in pain.

“I would tell you.” Would he? “Lie still. You don’t want to be ill again. Your head is giving you all kinds of fits, isn’t it?” At her slight nod, he retrieved the wet cloth he’d used earlier and placed it upon her forehead. He felt helpless to see her in pain. Unable to bear it, he patted her and left to locate the medicine.

****

“Do Mama and Papa know I am here?” Natalie whispered. She’d been tempted to feign sleep when she realized who sat beside her bed, but Darly was not going to go away. Surely he would lecture her. She’d almost rather have woken to found her father beside her bed.

At her question, her brother glanced away from the window he’d been staring out and pinned her with his stare. He leaned forward quietly. He didn’t say a word, but his expression spoke volumes.

Natalie wished she could sit up. Speaking with Darlington intimidated her under the very best of circumstances. Doing so from a supine position promised to be unbearable.

And then to add to her disadvantage, he rose and stood to his full height. “Do you think I would keep something like this from them?”

“Oh, Darly!” She knew what was coming. This situation could very well turn up worse than her broken engagement.

“Mrs. Tinsdale worried when you failed to return to your chamber. I’ve never seen our mother so distraught.” He went on to explain how they’d searched the large house from the attics to the cellars. Experiencing no luck there, they’d then turned apart the stable block and every vehicle on the estate. Adding to her guilt, he then told her that the woods had been walked numerous times. House party guests and villagers had desperately scoured the property after hearing of her disappearance. Natalie wished she could duck her head beneath the covers and never come out again. How utterly mortifying! In her entire life, she would never live this down.

“We were on the verge of dragging the canals. Mother was beside herself.”

As Darlington continued speaking, Natalie’s eyes filled with tears. Oh, what a bother she was! She’d caused her mother such grief! And her father, well, he would banish her to Scotland for certain this time!

“They have been informed of your safety—and your injuries.” Darlington went on. And then he began pacing. “How on earth did you come to be in that trunk? And in your nightclothes? Were you attacked? Was it Farley? Or Trident? Don’t you remember anything? Or did you think such a wicked prank might be entertaining?”

But she did not know. She did not!

Seeing that he’d made her cry, he frowned. “I cannot fathom what you might have been doing out of doors in your night clothes. Have you nothing to say for yourself? Nothing at all?”

She would not have put herself inside of the trunk! Of course, she would not! And yet…

Darlington’s words teased her memory. She’d left her chamber to find something urgent…to look at something…And the trunk. In her mind’s eye, she could picture herself climbing into it, looking for something. But what? Why? “I was not attacked, Darly. I’m almost certain of it. I believe I chose to go outside on my own.” As she spoke, a fog seemed to settle on her. She attempted to see through it in order to discover the answers he wanted but…words stopped making sense as she listened to her own voice. There were little dark-haired boys running about…her dream. What had she dreamt and what was real? But Darlington wanted answers. He did not wish to hear about her dreams. “I’m sorry! I don’t know, Darly. I can’t think.” She cried out in frustration and then lifted her hand to her head when pain stabbed behind her eyes. “I feel as though I remember…and then…” More tears escaped. Nobody liked disappointing Darlington.

Her most reticent brother, then, looking uncomfortable, reached out and soothed her head. Although his hand felt cool on her skin, it did not impart the same comfort as Garrett’s had. Had she followed Garrett in some lame attempt to win his love? That would be mortifying! She would not have! Of course, she wouldn’t have done something so foolish…so needy!

She admitted to herself that she loved Garrett, and he was drawn to her, but he’d been crystal clear in the meadow. Under no circumstances did he wish to marry her. He’d left her no room for doubt. Was it just yesterday he’d offered her that dreadful proposal? Oh, yes, and the petite mort. Natalie pushed her brother’s hand away when the latter thought came into her mind.

Darlington shoved his hands into his pockets, obviously still unhappy with her answers. “Best not tire yourself, Nat. The doctor said it is important you are not fatigued.” He spoke grudgingly.

“I’m not.” Natalie licked her lips. “I’m thirsty.”

Her brother took this as an excuse to leave. “I’ll send for the maid.” He patted her hand once and then strode out the door. Natalie knew the maid would be here within moments. Few people failed to jump into action when Darlington issued orders.

Glancing around the room, she was reminded that she lay in Garrett’s bed. She, Lady Natalie Spencer, daughter of the Earl of Ravensdale, lay in Garrett Castleton’s bedchamber in the Dower House at Maple Hall. Garrett’s bedchamber! Oh, lord!

Again, confusion clouded her thoughts. The furnishings were shabby, but the chamber otherwise appeared neat and tidy. Embers in the hearth provided the only light within the room as the curtains were drawn. She tried to sit up, but doing so caused a new wave of nausea to sweep through her. Best to stay lying down. How could she feel so ghastly and yet so agitated at the same time? There is something…She would not have gone outside alone in her night clothes if it hadn’t been important. For heaven’s sake, she’d even donned one of her day dresses when she’d taken Baby Bear outside in the middle of the night to do his business. What had been so very urgent?

As she suspected, the maid rushed into the room breathlessly. “His Lordship said you needed assistance, my lady.” She looked harried and sleep-tousled. Good lord, leave it to Darlington to awaken the poor girl to fetch her a sip of water!

“My mouth feels like it’s full of sand.” Natalie attempted to make her need sound more urgent than it really was. She didn’t want the maid to feel as though she’d been awoken for no reason. “And perhaps some willow bark?” All she’d managed to do by worrying was provoke her headache. But something else bothered her dreadfully. She touched her hair self-consciously before asking, “Tomorrow, do you think you could do something about this mess?”