LATE EDITION
The House of Langham escapes from the Man-Eater’s clutches.
Of course, did anyone really think she’d marry the Damp Squib?
Honesty in reporting is our creed,
The Midnight Cryer
“Good lord”—Devan examined Will from head to foot—“you look as if you just lost your best hunter.”
If he wasn’t in shock, Will would have snorted. He felt as if his best hunter had just kicked him in the teeth, then to add insult to injury, kicked him in the bollocks for good measure.
She’d jilted him.
He was still reeling like a top, desperate to land someplace. He hadn’t even seen it coming. He clenched his fists by his sides. He should have never left her side today. He should have made love to her again and again. That would have kept Ferr-Colby from forcing her into marriage.
“I’ve a lot on my mind,” he answered. Anger welled inside him faster than water collecting in the hull of a sinking ship. What was the use of hiding anything from Devan? He was a vicar, and if anyone needed consoling at this particular moment, it was Will. “Thea told me on the way over that she didn’t want to marry me. She’s marrying Ferr-Colby to secure her rights to Ladykyrk.”
Devan’s mouth gaped open. “When did you actually ask her to marry you?”
Will stared at his friend. That damnable horse kicked him again. “Last night.”
“I’m sorry, Will.” Devan shook his head. “Even I, who have never courted a woman or even sniffed at marriage outside of performing the services, know this must be tearing you up inside.”
Gutting him was a more appropriate description. Devan had no idea the devastation that had ripped through him. Everything had been perfect thirty minutes ago, and now his whole world had been torn apart.
“Don’t say you’re sorry.” If anyone should say they were sorry, it was heaven above. How could fate and God combined be so cruel to allow him to fall in love with her then snatch his happiness away? Having his heart ripped from his chest would hurt less than this.
His gaze constantly tracked her movements. Currently, Thea was talking with Lord and Lady Prydwell. Her mellifluous voice cut through the din of the other conversations and flew straight through him, piercing his slim thread of sanity. He still couldn’t quite understand exactly what had happened. How had something so clear and perfect last night turn into a nightmare?
His chest tightened in revolt. Grayson had arrived and stood by Thea’s side. Will took a deep breath to ensure that he wouldn’t march across the ballroom and plant a facer on one of his best friends.
“What will fix the problem?” Devan asked.
“Hmm,” Will absently replied.
Devan snapped his fingers in front of Will’s face. “Hello, I’m over here.”
Will pivoted on one foot and turned slightly so he could look at Devan, but out of his peripheral vision still see Grayson and Thea.
Devan genuinely smiled. “What will fix your problem with Lady Eanruig?”
“Only finding the second charter will convince her to marry me,” Will snapped. None of this was Devan’s fault, but at the moment, he didn’t give a damn whether he was civil.
Devan’s eyes grew wide. “Oh God, William. You’ve got to find it.”
He shook his head slightly. “I think it’s never going to be found. Apparently, the entire estate has been searched without any luck. Devan, I want her to have everything she wants in life. Ironically, I thought she wanted me, but she wants Ladykyrk more.” He looked his friend in the eye. “Is it wrong of me to say that this whole situation reminds me of Avalon?”
“It’s not the same.” Devan shook his head. “Thea wants you but can’t shirk her commitment to her estate. You understand that,” he said gently. “You’ve done the same thing with your family’s estates your entire life.” He clasped his hands behind his back and rocked onto his heels, a sure sign a lecture was about to ensue. “Do not compare Thea with Avalon.” His eyes grew wide. “Speak of the devil.”
Will turned, fully expecting to see Thea. Instead, it was a nightmare from his past.
The Marchioness of Warwyk, the former Avalon Cavensham, the woman who had laid him to waste all those years ago, stood directly in front of him. He hadn’t seen her since that fateful day ten years ago. Time had been somewhat kind to her. She was still fetching, but there was a coldness about her that diminished her beauty.
“Lady Warlock. Of all the nights for her to make an appearance, she chooses tonight,” Devan mumbled.
But Will heard every word. Indeed, why on all nights would she make an appearance like a witch swooping into the room on her broom to torment him after he’d lost Thea? Fate could only be described as cruel with an evil sense of humor. But he’d show fate and Avalon who could be even more heartless.
Devan bowed. “Lady Warwyk.”
“Mr. Farris,” she acknowledged without a smile.
“Lord William.” Her strong clear voice did little to mask the dread in her eyes.
That she would show such weakness in front of him didn’t faze him in the least. Every hair on his arms stood at attention. What little was left of his civilized mind told him to take heed. It wouldn’t serve either of their interests if he caused a scandal now.
Even if she deserved it.
He took a deep breath. It was such a childish reaction, one he desperately tried to tame. He took another breath, but the beast inside him thrashed and twisted, anxious to lash out at her. Refusing to calm, it demanded retribution. All the agony of his humiliation from years ago came back to haunt him, while reminding him of the pain of losing Thea.
He narrowed his eyes and examined her more carefully. There was a brittleness about her; he could see it in the lines around her eyes. A sharp wind through the ballroom would likely break her in two pieces.
Really, how appropriate that she chose tonight to taunt him? He’d doubted he had the capacity to bear any more pain—not after Thea cut all ties to him.
But he was wrong.
Will didn’t hide the fact that he watched Thea’s every move. Even when she had her back turned to him, she could feel his stare as if he’d actually touched her. Suddenly, it stopped, and for the life of her, she missed it. Discreetly, she turned from Lord Grayson and stole a peek Will’s way.
The most beautiful woman Thea had ever seen stood before Will. She was dressed in a satin lilac gown with Belgian lace as an overlay. Tall and thin with hair as dark as the night, she stood perfectly still, not batting an eye, like an automaton. The sight reminded Thea of a rare lavender rose she once saw at her grandfather’s conservatory.
Lord Grayson immediately stiffened beside Thea when he saw the woman with Will. “Oh God, it’s Lady Warlock.”
“Who?” Thea asked.
He shook his head quickly. “Forgive my crass comment. That is Lady Warwyk.”
“The woman who broke Will’s—”
“Heart,” he growled. “Yes. The one and only, Avalon, the Marchioness of Warwyk.”
Thea looked at Will’s back. The stiffness in his posture and his clenched fists meant one thing. He was livid and most probably hurting. She’d seen in his eyes the wounds he suffered when he’d shared how the woman had jilted him.
And she’d just done the same to him. All her earlier suffering and shame flooded her once again with numbing pain. With every ounce of strength she possessed, she forced herself to go to him. Without taking her leave of Lord Grayson, Thea went to stand by his side. She had to save him before he lost himself in anger.
She’d not allow the man she loved to be decimated in front of her.
“Lord William, would you introduce me to the Marchioness of Warwyk?” Thea’s honeyed voice instantly soothed the beast inside him. Reluctantly, the lashing monster retreated into its chains but still continued to rattle them in warning.
Before he could bite out the word no, Grayson did the honors for him.
“Lady Eanruig, it would not be appropriate under these circumstances,” Grayson announced in a steel, cold voice designed to cut Avalon in two with a single swipe.
This whole evening had turned into a bloody mockery. The two women whom he’d wanted to marry stood before him, and neither of them wanted him—then or now. While he didn’t want anything to do with Avalon, he wanted Thea desperately. With his calm reserve in shambles, he wanted to sweep her up in his arms and take her to the carriage. He’d kiss her, then make love to her. Afterward, they would go home, and he’d take her to his bed and make love to her again and again until she realized that she belonged to him and he belonged to her—even if it took a week, a month, a year, or a decade.
As Thea was wont to do, she did as she pleased. She ignored Devan, Grayson, and himself to do her own bidding. While still holding on his arm with her left hand, she extended her right. “How lovely to meet you, Lady Warwyk. I’m Lady Eanruig.”
Avalon’s cheeks flamed red, but she didn’t shy away from any of them. “It’s a pleasure, Lady Eanruig.” Her eyes widened when it dawned on her who Thea was. “You’re the Countess of Eanruig, William’s fiancée. I read about you in The Midnight Cryer.”
“Lud, not everything you read is true, my dear lady,” Thea answered gaily as she squeezed Will’s arm. “It’s true that I’m husband hunting in London. Alas, I’m afraid that I’m not as fortunate as some lucky women who’ve snagged a loving husband.” She pursed her delectable red lips into a pout. “Lord William’s heart isn’t mine to keep.” She playfully batted his arm. “Perhaps I’ll have to try harder.”
Darling Thea. She was giving him an out to save him from losing face over another jilting.
The men around him chuckled uncomfortably and shuffled their feet. Will was intrigued and frankly, terrified at the same time as to what Thea would say next.
Thea looked at Avalon with a coy smile. “If I’d ever been lucky enough, I’d have never let him go.” She batted her eyes twice. “Wouldn’t you agree, Lady Warwyk?”
Her gaze softened as her eyes met his. Those mystical irises wove a spell around him. He was speechless and didn’t have a clue as to what to say.
Neither did Avalon. She stood in front of them with a look of abject shock on her face.
“You aren’t still chasing after Lord William, my lady?” Devan inquired of Avalon in a soft lilt. “Or are you looking for different prey this time?”
Thea reached for her fan that dangled at her wrist, then lightly tapped Devan on his arm in a lighthearted rebuke. “Silly man. I’m the one looking for prey.”
Duly chastised, Devan smiled and bowed his head. “Excuse my error, Lady Eanruig.”
Avalon straightened her shoulders at Devan’s cutting remark, then directed her attention to Thea. “I’m certain you’ve heard all about me then. I’m not chasing anyone. I’m a widow.” Finally, she turned to Will. “I wanted to express my sincere apology for how I treated you. It was wrong and cowardly. If I had the opportunity, I’d do it all so differently.”
Thea’s playful flirting evaporated. “Meaning you wish you would have married him?”
“No, but I wish I had never treated you that way, William. Please say you’ll forgive me. I’d like to introduce my sister into society next year, and I hope if I expressed my heartfelt apologies, you’ll accept it. I don’t want my sister’s reputation in tatters before she even arrives in town because of my previous bad behavior.”
The movement of the footmen, the chatter of the guests, and the music wilted around them. Everything seemed suspended in time. Only the feel of Thea’s arm clasped around his kept him grounded. He still stared at Avalon but put his hand over Thea’s and squeezed gently—thanking her, needing her.
Her actions freed him from any remaining anger he held for Avalon. She stood before him, sincere in her apology, making him realize that she’d been a girl just like he’d been a young man, both too immature to know the ramifications of what they were doing.
Avalon stood welded to the floor, ready for his rebuke or cut direct. After what must have been agonizing moments for her as she stood before him, she turned to walk away.
“Forgive her.” Thea squeezed his arm again and whispered, “If not for her peace of mind, do it for you.”
He continued to grip Thea’s hand tightly, taking her strength for his own. “Lady Warwyk?”
Avalon turned toward him, and her lips trembled, the first sign she was crumbling before them.
“You and your sister have nothing to fear from me. Let’s forget the past,” Will offered.
“Thank you,” she murmured. Without another word, she left the ballroom.
Whispers grew in volume as she left. Guests’ heads bobbled from Avalon’s retreating figure to Will. He growled low in his throat. “Vultures looking for the fresh kill.”
“Then smile and laugh with your friends. Show the vultures they need to find something else to satisfy their appetite for carrion,” Thea said softly.
Devan nodded, then told some silly joke. They all laughed. Relief thrummed through his veins. Thea had done more than save his reputation from a second jilting. She made him believe in second chances.
His need became overwhelming to hold her. He wanted to thank her and see if she’d walk with him in the gardens outside. Perhaps he could convince her to change her mind. He turned, only to discover she was gone. He swallowed in a panic and swept his gaze through the ballroom and back. There wasn’t a trace of her.
Pain took hold like a rabid beast and ripped through him. What he’d experienced with Avalon had never felt like this.
Thea had stolen something valuable from him—his heart.
And there was one thing as certain as the moon rising in a midnight sky, he’d never get it back.
A cool breeze swept past him, and his cousin Claire’s words came back to haunt him.
Be careful what you wish for.
He wanted to tilt his face to the ceiling and howl in pain. He should have known better than to wish that Thea would be his forever.
Thea quickly stole away from the Prydwells’ soirée. After seeing Will and Avalon reach an understanding, or at least, the beginnings of an understanding, she had to leave. Standing close to Will and touching him had resurrected the vexing doubt of whether she’d made the right decision to set him free. Of course, when she told him she wouldn’t marry him, she fully expected he would someday pursue another. But it was a shock that she’d come face-to-face tonight with the woman he’d asked to marry years ago.
The Langham coach had brought her home, and she listlessly wandered to her room where a note from Ladykyrk awaited her. Mr. Miles had sent word that no other documents had been found on the property.
Blowing a piece of loose hair from her forehead, Thea collapsed in one of the matching wing-backed chairs that framed the fireplace. The time had come to return to Ladykyrk, and she wanted to leave now. There was no other reason to stay in London except to marry Ferr-Colby. Immediately, she penned a note telling him of her plans. She added that she wanted to marry in Northumberland.
Thea leaned back and released a soulful sigh. It was dreadful business when her heart screamed there was only one man it desired. She forced herself to stand, then called for a maid to help her pack. She’d leave in the morning. When she turned to her wardrobe to start the packing, the Duke of Langham’s nightly tray of sweets stood waiting for her on the small flat-top secretary desk in her room.
She lifted the domed covering, then sampled a little of the creamy lemon syllabub that he’d sent this evening. Such personal touches from the Cavensham family had made her feel welcome. Her eyes burned, and her throat tightened. She would miss every single one of them, particularly Claire and the duke and duchess.
But she’d miss Will the most. Even when he moved to Stella’s estate, she’d miss him. It’d be painful since she’d probably see him regularly. Deep inside, she knew it would take a monumental effort on her part to act as if they were just friends.
An efficient knock on the door brought her out of her reveries. When she opened the door, Stella and the duchess rushed in, still in their evening gowns from the soirée.
“Thea?” Stella exclaimed. “What’s this that you’re leaving us? Pitts told us as soon as we arrived home.”
The duchess took Thea’s hands in hers. Though the duchess’s hands were small like Thea’s, they were strong but gentle at the same time. “Did Lady Warwyk upset you? Was it William?”
“No, it’s nothing like that.” Thea’s voice hitched. “I must return to Ladykyrk.” She handed the note to the duchess who, after reading it, gave it to Stella.
“Sweetheart, I thought we were going to plan a wedding.” The duchess pulled her into her arms, and Thea rested her head on the duchess’s shoulder.
It was wonderful to have someone who cared for her and offered comfort. The warmth of the duchess surrounded her, and Thea closed her eyes, soaking up every sensation. This was what it felt like to be held in a mother’s arms—no judgment, just unabashed love. Thea wanted to bottle it up and keep it for all the lonely times ahead of her.
“Theodora, let’s sit.” Stella gently lowered herself into one of the floral wing-backed chairs.
The duchess released Thea from her embrace, but still held her hand as she brought Thea to the other chair. Instead of taking the chair, Thea pulled up a footstool and sat between the two women, facing them.
Thea’s chin quivered, but she bolstered her resolve by wrapping her arms around her waist. “My attention is needed in Ladykyrk.”
She almost fell to her knees at the kind regard on the faces of both the duchess and Stella. Deep inside, she knew she was saying goodbye to the duchess. Once she returned to Ladykyrk, her friendship with Stella would change as the grand dame’s loyalties would lie with Will, as they should. Still, she was thankful for everything they’d taught her, but most importantly, she relished the friendships they’d given her.
She addressed Stella first. “I appreciate all you’ve done for me, Lady Payne.”
Stella’s eyebrows contracted at the formal address.
Thea smiled, but inside she felt like crying. “You should know that I’ve decided that Will and I won’t suit. I told him this evening.”
“Why?” Stella softly asked.
“Aunt Stella,” the duchess gently chided, then turned her attention to Thea. “My heart’s heavy with your news. If you can’t share with us, we’ll understand. But I want you to know that you’re welcome here anytime. Both the duke and I have grown so fond of you.” The duchess’s eyes glistened.
Thea nodded, and her own eyes grew blurry with unshed tears. She pinched her fingers over her eyes to squelch any tears from dropping. After a moment of quiet, she could talk again. “You see, I agreed to marry Ferr-Colby.”
Stella started to sputter a protest, but Thea raised her hand. “Please, Stella, this is hard for me. If you’ll allow me to finish, I’ll answer any questions you have. I promise.”
“I apologize.” Stella’s voice cracked with emotion. “Go ahead, Thea.”
Hearing her name on Stella’s lips resurrected all her memories of her grandfather, both good and bad. Now was not the time to dwell on them. She had to make the two women in front of her understand her decision.
“I wanted to marry Will. I’ve fallen hopelessly and irretrievably in love with him,” she said softly, as she studied her hands. “I have no doubt he’d be a wonderful husband to me and the perfect father to our children. Yet, I can’t jeopardize my home, nor can I trust to leave the responsibilities to someone else. I made a promise to myself and my grandfather that I’d protect and cherish Ladykyrk. The only way I can keep from losing it is to marry Ferr-Colby. He’ll destroy everything otherwise.” Her chest tightened as her sorrow grew. “Now, will you both promise something?”
The duchess and Stella barely nodded.
“I need you both to look after my Will,” she murmured. Deep sobs racked her insides, but she sat rigidly, denying their escape. Once she felt able to continue, she took a breath. “I’ve hurt him deeply tonight, and there are no adequate words to express my sorrow. I wish there were some way I could take his pain as my own.” Despising the pain she had inflicted upon them all, she forced herself to continue. “Please, I beg of you both, take great care of his heart.” A small cry escaped, but Thea clenched her eyes shut. “He deserves so much in life and most importantly, he deserves someone he can entrust his heart to along with all of his love. They’re grand gifts.” She shook her head in denial. “I was a fool to think I deserved him.”
Sadness had softened the duchess’s countenance, and Stella wiped her eyes.
“But there’s someone out there worthy of him. Whoever she is, she must be a woman of great character with a giving heart like Will. Someone who is free to love him in return.” She fought her tears by swallowing hard. “She must be someone who loves him … as much as I do.”
Her heart shattered into pieces that would never be repaired, and though her words cut like a knife, Thea continued. “Now you know.”
“Can’t you stay in London and we’ll fight Ferr-Colby and the committee?” Stella asked.
“If I stay here at Langham Hall, all I will think about is Will, and I’m not certain I’ll be able to do the right thing.” One renegade tear fell. Thea bit her lip, willing them to stop. “Besides, Ferr-Colby had his men search Ladykyrk. There’s no charter. Mr. Miles verified it. My business here is finished. I’ve lost the title. But the Cavensham family has been a gift beyond my wildest dreams. Claire has become the friend I’ve always dreamed that I find. She and Pembrooke have generously offered a carriage for my return to Ladykyrk.” She looked at Stella and smiled gently. “Once I return to Ladykyrk, I plan to hire a proper lady’s maid.”
“Good for you, Thea,” Stella said favorably, with a nod of her head. “Does Ferr-Colby love you?”
Thea shook her head. She exhaled slowly, desperate to maintain a calm façade but failing. Everything inside hurt.
“But why would you forsake Will for Ferr-Colby if he doesn’t love you and you don’t love him?” Stella asked. “Do you really want to forsake your own happiness for Ladykyrk?”
The fire cracked as if demanding her answer, and the duchess leaned close.
Thea glanced at the connecting door to Will’s dressing room. Had it really been only yesterday when they’d made love, and he’d teased and flirted with her to her heart’s joy? So much had changed in such a short period of time.
Another tear escaped, and she quickly brushed it away. “You see”—she dropped her voice in an attempt to keep her emotions contained—“when the committee makes its recommendation, it’s the only choice I have to protect Ladykyrk.”
“Oh, Thea.” Tears fell down the duchess’s face. She gently wiped them with her handkerchief. “You don’t think we can find another solution so that you and Will…”
“No,” she answered with what she hoped was a smile, though her heart was torn to shreds. “And I want him to find happiness and someone to love. He’s a marvelous, giving, and honorable man. He deserves every wonderful thing that life offers. I’m lucky he shared so much of himself with me.”
The grand dame shook her head in denial, and the duchess closed her eyes and sighed tremulously.
“Spending time here in your home and seeing the family you’ve created has shown me that a perfect marriage should be two people who are committed completely to each other.” Thea put her hand over the duchess’s and squeezed. “It’s a marvelous thing. Thank you for sharing so much of your family with me. You’ve taught me about love. And so has your son. I’m grateful to have had a chance to fall in love with him. Please, never doubt that I love Will more than any other in this world.” She shook her head once. “But I can’t marry him. It’s not to be.”
“I think I understand,” the duchess murmured. “Sometimes we don’t get what we want because we have a higher responsibility to others.”
Stella straightened her spine and tilted her chin in defiance.
“Don’t disinherit Will. He didn’t do anything wrong.” She went to Stella and hugged her. “Please say you understand.” She kissed the grand dame on her cheek, then whispered loud enough for the duchess to hear. “Your great-nephew loves you beyond all reason, you lucky girl.”
They laughed through their tears.
“Of course, I’d never disinherit him.” Stella sniffed and wiped her nose. “What do you need from us to help make the way home easier?”
“I’d like to leave at first light tomorrow.” Thea forced herself to hold the duchess’s gaze. “I plan to write a note to Will, as I don’t think I could bear to say goodbye in person. Would you see that he gets it?”
The duchess nodded gently.
Thea stood and grasped both the duchess and Stella’s hands. “I haven’t had a lot of family in my life, but I consider you both like my fairy godmothers. Thank you for…” Her tears won the war and started falling.
The duchess took her in her arms and rocked her. Thea allowed herself to be consoled, as she wanted to remember every moment of this pain. She’d recall this time with the duchess and Stella and hopefully find comfort when her tears came again.
And again.