Chapter Fifty

Samantha rushed outside the room and awakened a servant. “Hurry, fetch the doctor. The duke has awakened.” She climbed the steps and ran into her aunt’s room, “Aunt Min, he awoke. He spoke to me. I must change now. I know he will live. Come quick.”

“Yes, of course. We must still take precaution and not tax his limited strength. Change. Have your hair cleaned and combed. Now that the duke can see you, you want to present yourself at your best. Cecily will bring you toast and tea.” She propelled Samantha along the corridor and they went downstairs and entered Raven’s sick room. Samantha covered him with the covers.

“There will be many visitors today,” her aunt said. “If we are to spare him from unnecessary speech, we will have to be the hostesses. Now, hurry along. Go back upstairs and make yourself presentable.” She added, “Have a message sent to his family now. Good news, for a change, will be appreciated, Samantha.”

“I will not leave his side, Aunt Min.” She gazed at her love fast asleep.

In an annoyed tone, Lady Minerva said, “Has it occurred to you that perhaps his family might have things to say to him? They are just as apprehensive as you and with much more reason. We can limit his speaking, but they have their concerns, too. They seem like quite a nice lot, you know.”

“Yes, Aunt Min, but I’m so afraid for him.”

“I am afraid for you. We all are fearful. Keep your wits about you, Samantha. You are not yet his wife, nor are you betrothed. Both of you have suffered tragedies. Perhaps it’s time to gain measures of happiness. Don’t tempt the fates. Thank God for his recovery and never forget we are all in His hands.”

“But the stars have foretold…”

“It’s not the stars who have spared him so far. Don’t ever forget God who created them and the heavens,” said Lady Minerva.

“Yes, Aunt Min,” she answered like a dutiful niece. “I will be back in a moment.” She was exhausted beyond all thought. He lived!

Samantha remained vigilant by his bedside. Winston House soon became a beehive of activity. Raven’s movement awakened her. He awoke again with a need to speak. Samantha explained all that had happened. “Your family is here in London, and they are anxious to see you. They have been here for two days.”

Still, he held her hand, though weak, and in short gasps at first, he said, “I had this strange dream. I walked on an unfamiliar road toward a bright light that pulled at me. I didn’t want to go. I didn’t want to follow.” He inhaled a deep breath to further his conversation. “But then your voice called to me and begged me to come back. I stopped and I listened.” He paused to catch his breath, “Did you say you were with child?”

“Yes, Raven.” She whispered her reply.

He paused, and wet his lips. “Could I have more water?”

Samantha jumped from her chair and poured him a small glass from the bedside pitcher.

“I turned around and came back,” he said.

“Yes, you must get better so we can take proper care of our child. We need you, my love.”

He searched her eyes and asked incredulous, “You do love me?” A smile crossed his unshaven face.

“Oh, yes. I do love you.”

“I feel strange, Samantha as if my mind is separate from my body.”

She took his hand and held it. “You were in critical condition and unconscious. The surgeon gave you strong doses of laudanum for you to rest peacefully. That was two days ago.”

“How far along are you with our child?” As if to relieve the pain, he placed a hand on his upper chest. “I still have a headache, and my shoulder hurts.”

How wonderful it sounded to her. Our child. She wiped his brow again. “I missed my courses two months now. I guess it is about eight weeks.”

“Ah, the wages of sin have produced consequences, have they not?” His voice was still raspy and low as he sucked in the air.

“I will remind you of that when our child is born.” She smiled a happy grin for the first time. “You are a virile man, Raven. One night with you produced great consequences,” and she winked as she saw him ponder the thought.

“Virile, you say. You’re deliberate in your flattery. That’s good.” He tightened his grip on her hand and lapsed into a deep sleep.

Hours passed, and Raven slumbered in peace. He awakened in the morning and gazed at Samantha asleep in her chair by his side. His movements awakened her and she rose to give him more laudanum.

“No. No more. Not yet. There is much to say, and my pain is not to the point of agony. Help me sit up, so I can look at you and don’t have to raise my voice.”

Samantha went to him, extended her arms, and he was able to sit up, while she placed pillows behind him. Then she sat on the edge of the bed, and he reached for her hand. “I want to know we agree that you will marry me, and there will be no more of this nonsense about the duchess.”

“Yes, I will marry you. I do understand more about the great loss you suffered, but I also want to believe that you now have a great love for me as I have for you.” Samantha whispered to him with a soft smile, “I know it was the power of our love for each other that brought you back. Now, please rest. The doctor prescribed a light broth, and I will ask the servant to bring you a tray. I will feed you. Dr. Clemons will be back again today, and you can speak to him if you wish. Whatever you will need to get better will be provided, Raven.”

“The power of love, you say? Perhaps you are right. When I heard your voice, I knew I had to come back, no matter what. I heard you sing to me. You did talk a lot, Samantha. I heard all you said, but it was like my body was in a cocoon desperate to seek a way out. So I willed it.” He coughed a bit. The expression on his face winced from the wound. “Perhaps I cheated the fates this time. All I know is that my eyes are glad to see you and I want much to live for you and our child.” He groaned. “My shoulder hurts, but the head doesn’t ache as much, and I will need to talk to your brother. I must explain all of this to him lest he thinks me a dishonorable man.” His blue-gray eyes lost their intensity, but his gaze was one of love meant only for her.

“Hush, please rest. You faced death, but I’m here, and will not leave your side. Soon you will be able to talk to your family. They are most concerned and anxious to see you. Doctor Clemons has requested you rest further.” Samantha leaned toward her patient and kissed his forehead with tenderness.

Raven dozed again, but this time, his breath was easy.

“Thank you, God,” she whispered, “for answered prayers. Thank you, too, Mama.”

Raven’s recovery progressed well, and he decided his imposition on the Winston hospitality was long enough. Randall, his personal majordomo, had been summoned to attend to details he wanted to employ.

Randall received the summons, his elation obvious. He noted his new instructions and left as Doctor Clemons entered the room.

“I wish to go to my London residence,” said the duke with an assured voice. “I have given instructions to Randall.”

“I suppose if I told you not to, you would go anyway, Your Grace,” said Doctor Clemons. “I will allow it if I can accompany you there, so if there are any complications from the rutted carriage roads, at least I will be available.”

“So be it. You are correct, sir. However, I would like to speak to Winston alone. Can you seek him?” Raven, more like himself, but weak, was still in complete control of his destiny. He would rest better once he knew he had secured protection for Samantha and their child. So he was to have a child…again. His delight was lessened by the remembrance of the breech birth of Liana. He’d make sure that Samantha would not suffer the same fate. He wasn’t sure how, but his peace of mind would be tested until Samantha delivered the babe safely. Then he smiled to himself. All in all, it wasn’t too bad. He’d been shot. He was to be a father. He would marry the woman he now wanted above all. Together they would further his dynasty, but most of all, they’d have an opportunity to know each other most intimately. Now that, too, gave him elation. All he had to do was to conquer the wound and live…live…live. He was more than ready. It was such a randy feeling. He always dreamed of holding his son or daughter in his arms. Heaven’s gift to him touched his heart.

Later, he sat in his bedroom chair and peered out the window at the heavy rain that pelted the pane obscuring any view.

Samantha sauntered in and looked like a vision in his dreams in her lavender muslin dress that hugged and caressed her body. Raven had thoughts that a healthy man would have. He smiled. Perhaps he’d get well after all.

“Raven, you can’t know how happy I am to see you up.” She smiled at the fresh shaven Raven. “You look quite fit today.” She kissed him on the forehead and bent over him..

“You’re a vixen,” he said. “Sit in your usual chair, otherwise I’ll be tempted to do things that will affect my return to health.”

“Your Grace, is this how you speak to your nurse?” She sat in her chair. He wondered if her obedience was a good or bad sign.

“I would speak to your brother about many matters, and I’d like you to leave the room, Samantha. First, I’ve made arrangements for our marriage. With ample time to think about everything, my dearest wish is that we marry tomorrow or the day after. My family is here so the occasion will be joyous for us. My barrister will apply for a special dispensation so there will be no need to post banns.”

She was about to say something, but he interrupted, “Now be quiet. Before you protest, listen to me.”

She nodded.

“I honor, cherish, and love you with all my heart. I’ve been given a second chance, but I need you to know I want you, my true love, Samantha; but we cannot allow our child to be born out of wedlock.” His steel colored eyes locked with hers. “I am not so foolish to think that with such a wound, the situation could not reverse itself, or that other attempts may occur. My duty to us is more important than any obligation I had to the dead. You and my child need my protection, and you cannot deny me to do so. Is that understood?”

“Yes, Raven.” Her words were soft and obedient.

“What, no protest? I’m not used to your compliance in matters other than bed sport with each other. I do hope you’ll revert to your usual complex self. Are you sure you and the doctor have told me everything? Am I yet to die?”

“No, heaven forbid, but you cannot exert yourself. Yes, I will marry you if that is your wish.” This time, he noticed her smile was coquettish.

Raven told her that he would like to return to his London townhouse because there were necessary arrangements to be made, and he could no longer take such advantage of the Winston hospitality. “I’m embarrassed to say I have a deep need to talk to my family and explain the circumstances for this immediate marriage, and this would be best done in my house to my family in my way. I must do this. You do understand?”

She looked down, her eyes respectful, yet concerned.

He sensed her embarrassment. “We haven’t done anything shameful, my lady. I’m delighted at the news of our child. I confess my family may not believe I was so reckless, but they will be happy for us. He smiled, “Come here, Samantha, let me gaze upon the soon-to-be mother of my child.”

She arose, went to him, and sat at the foot of his chair, reached to hold his hand.

“You radiate happiness with the glow on your cheeks. You’ve given me the most precious gift ever. One of the first things I will do is have the family christening gown prepared for our child. It will hold such meaning. Bear with your besotted lover.”

A tear escaped her eye. He rubbed it away. “No, this is a time for elation. Return to your chair, my lady. I expect your brother at any moment. However, obviously, I’ll continue to worry about a safe birth for both of you. You must take every precaution. No foolish antics. No imprudent notions.” He paused to inhale air into his lungs. “Take comfort in the irreversible fact that you are my twin soul, and I do not want to live without you.”

Tears formed again in her eyes as Winston walked into the room.

“You wished to speak to me, Your Grace. It is good to see you look well again. You gave us quite a scare.”

“Yes.” He looked at Samantha. “I would speak to your brother alone. Close the door behind you, my lady.”

She rose and brushed by her brother, smiled, and left.

Raven fidgeted in the chair. “Winston, sit for a moment, I do wish to speak about the circumstances regarding my pending marriage.”

Winston sat and looked Raven in the eye. “It is not necessary. I’m aware of the details since Samantha did explain all to me. My sister is a complex woman.”

Raven smiled. “She is more complex than most, and also most persuasive. Suffice it to say I was under the impression your sister was a widow. It’s my belief we were fated to be together. Circumstances as they are now, we drew our lines in the sands of time.” He looked away. “Nonetheless, I look forward to this marriage.”

“Raven, so do I. The two of you belong together. There is no need for you to be uncomfortable with me. I will not challenge you to a duel.”

“In this condition, you’d have the advantage, since I can’t raise my right arm with ease.”

He outstretched his good hand. “I do not know how to thank you, Winston. You and your family have done much for me.”

Raven turned his head toward Winston “This is such a delicate matter, Winston. I don’t know where to start. Right now, I’d rather face a firing squad.” Damnation.

“Except that in consideration of the situation, I would like to be married tomorrow or the next day if this is acceptable to you. I am an honorable man. Samantha and I…I cannot explain any rationale. We…I…conceived a child without knowledge of certain facts. There is no doubt it is mine. My concern and anxiety are to establish the legitimacy of this relationship with everyone, for Samantha and our child. I do want to inform my family. There may be more attempts on my life, neither am I foolish enough to believe this is the last, although I would hope so.”

Raven exhaled in relief of the sensitivity of the events. “However, my marriage to your sister is paramount. I am weary, but must not tire until all the arrangements are concluded. No child of mine will be born a bastard.” He held his gaze to Winston. “Since I am a man of caution, I profess the child to be mine and will sign a document attesting to the fact, duly witnessed.”

“Raven, I understand and appreciate your concern and would expect nothing less of you.”

He cleared his throat. “The surgeon informs me you’ve paid for his services. I would like to reimburse you, Winston.”

“That is not necessary, brother-in-law.”

Raven liked the way the intimate salutation rolled off Winston’s tongue. “The doctor has agreed I may leave here and return to my townhouse…perhaps tomorrow.”

“Is that wise?” Winston asked.

“I insist,” he said with all the strength he could muster in one breath.

“Well then, you must take precautions. I’ve had guards posted at each entrance, and you should arrange to do likewise at your residence. As you stated, we do not yet know if there will be other attempts on your life or ours. If you wish, I can arrange this for you. By the way, a messenger delivered this note earlier this morning.” He reached into his vest pocket and handed it to Raven.

“Read it for me. There are no secrets I would keep from you.”

“I relish those words of trust from you.” Winston took the note and removed the royal seal. His eyes skimmed the contents, then a bright smile crossed his face. “Your Grace, this is from the Prince Regent. He’s changed your appointment and confirms he will see you. He must have addressed this before your injury and it has found its way to you now.”

“When and what time?” His mind filled with implications and worry for the cartel.

“Two days hence, at three in the afternoon. Shall I reply and tell the Regent you cannot attend?”

“No, let me think on this.”

Winston read further. “Raven, this is monumental news. “The Prince Regent advises that Sir Henry Preston has been arrested and incarcerated. His fate is in the hands of the Regent. There is a detailed report to be sent to you by his Deputy Minister of Defence. It seems the thug who shot you confessed all. He was paid two hundred pounds by Sir Preston to kill you.”

“So it was Preston, the head of the gas light company, my old nemesis.”

“Winston, call in your sister and aunt. All of this must be put to an end.” His hand went to his now throbbing temple. During the past few hours, he’d experienced a return to life, joy about his fatherhood, trepidation about Samantha’s pregnancy, concern for his recovery, and now—justice.

Winston arranged for Samantha and Lady Minerva to enter the room. It did not take long as they were in the corridor waiting for further news.

Samantha settled herself on the edge of his bed. Minerva sat in a tufted chair as Winston stood. “Raven has information he wants to impart. We have a letter from the Regent. He wants you to hear all. “Shall I read what he has written and then you can add your thoughts?”

“Yes, Winston. Please do. It is time long overdue.”

Winston repeated the words in the Regent’s letter.

Raven looked at the Winston family. “It would appear that old enemies die hard. I long suspected him, but could never prove his guilt. So let me say that Preston and I have been sworn enemies for many years. Ten years to be exact. Some facts may not be known to you.” Raven explained Preston had been a medical physician. The duchess’s baby was earlier than expected and they summoned Preston to come with haste. He explained the details once again.

“He was in a drunken stupor and the midwife’s skills were not sufficient to save my family.”

Samantha gasped. Raven looked into their eyes and proceeded to tell the tale of vengeance, and how in a short time, the doctor’s reputation was beyond repair.

“So he regarded you as his enemy because you ruined him once and did not want to give you the opportunity to do it again with your cartel? Is that so, Your Grace?” Lady Minerva asked.

“Yes, while I disliked Preston, I am not one who would set out to ruin a man. I wanted him out of the profession so some other person would not suffer at his hand. That is why Ravensmere has its physician in attendance at all times. We are too far from London to have to wait three hours for a doctor in an emergency.”

Raven shook his head. “Some things never cease to amaze. Two hundred pounds is not a huge sum of money. Do such factors determine a man’s worth? If my attempted assassination helped the situation, so be it.” He paused, then continued, “At this moment I feel my life is worth so much more, perhaps not in money, but in the richness of the love Samantha and I have sworn to each other.” He grinned at them, “And I am going to be a father!”

He held Samantha’s gaze and winked. “As soon as the nuptial is official, Winston, we will need to meet so you can update me as to the cartel’s activities.

“Now, ladies, if you please, I have further words with Winston. Will you allow us men this privacy? I would be most appreciative and I feel my strength waning. There is much yet to do.”

Samantha leaned over to kiss him. “I’ll be nearby. I am happy you are now safe. Come, Aunt Min, let’s leave the men to their business.” They arose and left the room.

Raven spoke in a weary voice. “This entire experience is one that I would not wish on anyone. It is so complicated. Tell me, what else do we have to address?”

Winston cleared his throat. “As for the conglomerate, I took the liberty and prepared a document updating information on events regarding the cartel for your review when you were better. You may read at your leisure. If you wish, Prince Nicholas and I can attend on you for any direction.”

Raven nodded and asked Winston to reply to the Prince Regent’s note and to tell him he would be in residence at his townhouse. “Also, advise him of my pending marriage to your sister. Extend an invitation to him and his lady as soon as we know the wedding day. Mention that I may have to designate someone else in my place for the appointment, but will let him know the details. Thank him, etc.” He surveyed the sick room he lived in for the past several days and sensed the return of his strength, even though he was now fatigued. All in good time. All in good time. At least he had time. “I need time to think, brother-in-law. I don’t know if I can endure the long trip to the palace along these cobbled streets. Our Regent respects stamina and strength. I don’t have a strong dose of either at the moment.”

“Your majordomo brought clothes for you. Full dress clothes will require movement of your wounded arm. You still want to be careful, but perhaps your dressing gown? I will assist you.”

“Such attire seems improper to me,” Raven said, “but perhaps with my boots and a cravat?”

“Where is Randall?” Winston asked in a casual tone.

“Out and about in preparation for the marriage and some other tasks I assigned him. Time is of the essence,” he pronounced without hesitation.

Winston and his personal valet proceeded to dress Raven. It took a long time and tasked his limited strength, but the result pleased. He looked peaked but still handsome. Winston instructed his valet to shave the duke and arrange his hair so that his appearance was proper.

“I don’t know if you can make it down the corridor without assistance, Raven. I will get help for us. Prepare yourself for me on one side and my valet on the other, but you must allow me a moment or two to warn my staff. I would have you seated in comfort when we arrive in the drawing room.”

“Yes, I want to surprise everyone, and that includes your sister. I don’t want to appear as an invalid future bridegroom.”

The walk made him a little woozy, but soon he was clear headed. Just to be out of the bed walking, stretching his legs, was a boon to his body. He was much aware his strength was not of long duration. What to do about the appointment with the Prince Regent? It was too important not to keep it, but how? He wasn’t that strong yet. Nor did he feel he could postpone its importance.

As servants opened the door to the drawing room, there was a deep silence, along with tears from the ladies, as they all rushed to greet him.

He sat in a high back velvet wing chair.

Needless to say, his arrival caused joy.

Yes, I am better. I will get well because now I have everything to live for, a special love who carries my child. Ah, the wonderful power of love, and all this because of one night, one passionate night, one glorious night with Samantha.