Lady Warlock vs. Lady Man-Eater
A true cat fight broke out at the Prydwells’ soirée, where biting and nail scratching were rampant.
This morning, Lady Man-Eater escaped to Northumberland to lick her wounds.
Good riddance.
The Midnight Cryer
Thea had left her slippers in Will’s room.
Who knew that delicate footwear could be such an efficient torture device.
Every time Will saw them on his night table, it gutted him. It would have hurt less to be drawn and quartered than to gaze upon her shoes. But he couldn’t help himself. It was the only thing that tied her to him. Because when he glanced at those petite shoes, it reminded him of that bloody letter she wrote. If he’d read it once, he’d read it a thousand times. By now, he could recite it from memory.
Dearest William,
I hope you don’t think I’m a coward, but I decided it would be best if I not say goodbye in person. I’m not certain I could have told you all the things I needed to say without embarrassing either of us with my emotions.
I will always be grateful for everything you did for me while I was in London. Your strength, kindness, and friendship are precious gifts I’ll cherish forever. Your generosity in sharing your family is something I’ll treasure always. But what you said when you stood in front of the committee with me is engraved on my heart forever.
Thank you for teaching me about love. I feel honored to have fallen in love with you. Please, it’s not my intent to make you uncomfortable, but you know me well. I do say outlandish things from time to time, as it’s who I am. For if I hadn’t fallen in love with you, I don’t know if I would ever have experienced how sweet and tender love can be. With your warmth, caring, and attention, you fed my heart and soul and allowed me to grow as a person. I now have courage to move forward and hopefully find peace with my decision.
Please know that you’ll always have my heart, and I hope you’ll always consider me a friend. If you ever need me, I would drop everything and come to you—day or night, winter or summer. I only ask that you not be surprised if I not seek your company when you return to Payne Manor. I’m still trying to mend the pieces of my broken heart.
It’s my most fervent wish that you find a special someone who will hold your heart forever and tenderly give it great care. It’s my deepest disappointment that it couldn’t be me, but I have faith you’ll find her. Whoever she is, I have no doubt she’s spectacular.
I have no right to ask, but please forgive me. You’ll always be my best friend.
Theodora
She’d been gone for exactly two days, twenty-two hours, six minutes—he pulled out his timepiece and flipped the enameled covering to reveal the clock’s face—thirty-four, thirty-five, thirty-six—
Bloody seconds. He snapped the cover so hard, it cracked in protest. He didn’t give a tinker’s row if he broke the damnable piece. Perhaps then he’d have something else to concentrate on besides the fact that she’d left London and him behind.
Last night, when he woke in a sweat, his first thought was that Thea had abandoned him just like Avalon. Once they both had found a way to secure their titles, they’d left him like dust under a carriage wheel. But once his heartbeat had slowed, he’d understood that wasn’t the case. Thea had told him honestly why she was setting him free. Still, it didn’t placate the ache in the middle of his chest every time he thought of her. He rubbed a hand over his face and stared at the plate of food in front of him. He couldn’t recall eating for the last two days. He wasn’t even certain he was hungry.
McCalpin leaned over and placed his hand on Will’s shoulder. “That’s the fourth time you’ve looked at the time since you’ve arrived for our breakfast.”
“Is there a law against checking my timepiece?” Will snapped.
Devil take him. He’d been short of temper for the last two days. He’d hardly slept at all, and when he did, all his dreams turned into nightmares—Thea leaving him on the side of the road, or she’d just disappear from sight. When he woke from his bad dreams, he’d be covered in sweat. To find relief, he’d get up to wash his face, only to stare at her slippers, the constant reminder that she was gone.
“I’m not myself.”
“You’re hurting. We all understand. Go to her.” McCalpin leaned back in his chair. “Talk to her. See if you can come up with a solution that will solve both your heartaches.”
“And say what?” He played with a piece of toast on his plate. “Come back to London. I can’t sleep. I can’t eat.” He threw his serviette to the table. “I’ll sound like a child.”
“Will, we’re worried for you,” Claire said. Her alto voice normally soothed, but nothing would give him comfort. “Tell her how you really feel.”
“I have,” Will admitted. “I begged her to choose me.” There was something wrong with him. Either that or everything was wrong in the world. The only thing he knew was that he felt like an untethered balloon drifting aimlessly in the sky without a driver. Only if he crashed to the ground, then burned to oblivion would he find relief from the pain.
McCalpin heaved a sigh. “What can we do to help?”
“Will,” Emma said softly. “Mother said that Thea expects Ferr-Colby to arrive within a fortnight. She wants Lady Edith to stay as a chaperone before they marry. Aunt Stella is beside herself.”
He slammed his fist on the table, and the silverware flew off the plates as if to escape his wrath. “He’s not good enough for her.”
Leaning close, McCalpin put his arm around Will’s shoulder. “Listen to me, Brother, and listen well. She jilted you, and it hurts. We can see the effect on you, and it’s completely deplorable. But she didn’t do it because there’s something missing in you. It’s because of her circumstances.”
“What difference does it make?” Why hadn’t he paid heed to his vow when he was jilted the first time? He blindly allowed himself to fall in love again with no thought to the consequences.
The sad truth was, he knew better.
“You’re a fighter and always have been,” McCalpin said. “You need to act before you drive yourself mad, or worse, before you run out of time.”
He just stared at his brother, unable to physically move or say a word.
Emma placed her hand on his arm. “Will, do you hear what he’s saying?”
He turned and stared at her hand, then shook his head in denial. What the hell was happening to him? He couldn’t let Thea go, nor could he let her marry Ferr-Colby. Anger, or more likely fear, kept him from taking action. Even leaving McCalpin’s house seemed too much of a challenge. He was pinned in place, unable to move, like a beetle smashed under a boot.
Claire placed her cup on the matching saucer, then fixed her gaze on Will. “Alex and I talked last night. What if I give you my Lockhart estate? It has enough acreage for Thea’s tenants, and I’ll buy more land for you if need be.”
“That’s very generous, Claire, but it won’t work.”
“I’ll lease it to you,” she offered.
“No. Thea’s emotionally tied to Ladykyrk.” Just as he was to her, but she would never leave the people of Ladykyrk. “The tenants have new leases, and she’s concerned Ferr-Colby would pursue all legal remedies just to hurt them.”
“I see.” Claire let out a soulful sigh. “Will, I hate to say this, but McCalpin’s right. You’re going to lose Thea forever if you don’t come up with something quickly.”
He shook his head in a desperate attempt to clear this miasma that held him in chains, unable to think. He stood and left the room without taking his leave. In a daze, the only thing he remembered was clenching his fists by his side.
He couldn’t lose her, but the truth haunted him.
He’d already lost her, and there wasn’t a damned thing he could do.
Will stood on his bedroom balcony, yearning for some great burst of energy to break him out of the paralysis that kept him locked in place. It had been five days since the weekly breakfast with his siblings and Claire. Since then, he had shunned his family and friends, while managing to hide inside Langham Hall. His company was his own misery. Thankfully, his anger had dissipated. Yet he didn’t even have the fortitude to see Grayson and Devan when they called at Langham Hall. Every harried breath and painful sigh came from a place so deep inside him, he didn’t recognize himself.
Simply put, he pined for Thea. He missed her smile and teasing. He missed her fretfulness when worried.
He missed holding her.
No other woman had ever caused him so much pain.
He studied the pretty and delicate slipper he held in his hand. When he tightened his grip, it didn’t bend or give at all, much like the woman the shoes were made for.
The door to his bedroom opened, but Will ignored the intruder.
Will had practically become a recluse since Thea left. Always before, his thoughts were consumed by work, family, and friends. Now, he was consumed with a fairy countess who was hundreds of miles away.
A hand grasped his shoulders and squeezed. Will closed his eyes, savoring the human touch. His father always knew when Will needed him.
“I’m lost,” Will murmured.
“I know, son.” His father stood beside him overlooking the view of Langham Park. “Come inside. I brought some whisky and food.”
He followed his father to the sitting area and plopped into the chair where a wave of memories washed over him. Thea lying across his lap. Thea under him as they made love. Thea in the throes of passion. The sensual memories licked at his senses, but what truly overpowered him was how much he missed her presence. He still held her slipper, afraid to put it down for fear he’d lose all connection with her.
His father made a plate of ham, cheese, and bread, then handed it to Will. “Eat this first.”
He set two glasses with a fingerful of whisky on the table between them.
The food tasted like dust, but Will forced himself to eat it. When he finished, he took a sip of Claire’s family brew, then leaned back into his chair. He let out a breath with a woeful sound.
“What’s holding you back from going to Thea?” His father’s deep voice reminded Will of highly polished mahogany—dark, smooth, but with an inherent strength that was unbreakable.
Will took another sip, then set the glass down. “I can’t find a reason for her not to marry Ferr-Colby.” He slowly shook his head.
“What do you mean?”
Will ran a hand down his face and hoped it’d wipe away his confusion. If anyone could help him see clearly, it was Father. “Thea is Ladykyrk. Her heart and soul are in that place. I don’t know how I can beg her to marry me when I can’t see a way to give her what she wants.” He stared into his father’s blue eyes so like his. “What she needs.”
His father nodded, encouraging him to continue.
“I’m so proud of Thea’s accomplishments. Singlehandedly, she managed her grandfather’s estates and took care of him while he was ill. She never resented him. If anything, she thought she’d failed him when he passed.” Will studied his father. “She went through hell taking care of him. He didn’t even know who she was at the end.” He pursed his lips. “While other young women were making their introductions to society, Thea was caring for her grandfather, much like a newborn. He couldn’t do anything for himself. She was feeding and cleaning him daily.”
“Oh, Christ.” His father shook his head. “I can’t imagine that type of responsibility would be easy for anyone, especially a young girl.”
“There’s more, Father. After he passed, she didn’t mourn for herself. Her every thought and action were to protect his memory and his estates. She’s fighting for her birthright the only way she knows how.” He smiled for the first time in days. “Look at her now. She’s changed in the time I’ve known her. She’s changed into this incredible woman who has the loyalty of a lion and the fierce convictions of a lioness. She’s committed to her tenants and not afraid to do what’s right.”
His father smiled in return. “She sounds like your mother.”
Will nodded. “I think we helped one another. I think I gave her confidence, and she encouraged me to become a better person. She taught me how to love.”
He rested his elbows on his knees, then studied the glass that dangled between the fingers of one hand. The amber liquid caught the light, and it reminded him of Thea’s golden-red hair. He wanted to see it again and run his fingers through it to determine if it was as soft as he remembered.
God, he was making himself sick with such memories.
“Now, I ask myself how Thea might handle a situation where I must make a decision. I find I want to ask her opinion on things such as estate business and legal matters. I want to spend time with her, enjoying simple things like walking through Langham Park. If she’s reading, then I want to sit beside her and read.” He examined her shoe that he held in the other hand. “I want her in all other parts of my life. I want to share my family and friends with her. She had so little company growing up. She deserves love.”
His father nodded knowingly. “How did it come about that you have a pair of her shoes?”
Heat crawled up Will’s neck like a band of marauding pirates. “I found them in my room.…”
“Is there a chance she could be carrying your child?” his father asked softly without judgment.
“Probably not. I want her so badly, yet I don’t know how or even if I should convince her to marry me.” He frowned as he regarded the shoe. “I want her to be happy.” His chest twisted into a painful knot, as if wringing out every emotion he’d felt over the last several days. Tears welled in his eyes, and he blinked rapidly to clear them. “More than anything, I want her happy, but I’m scared I’ll make us both miserable if I convince her to marry me. She’ll lose Ladykyrk.”
It was his father’s turn to rest his elbows on his legs. He leaned forward. “Son, do you realize how incredibly fortunate you are to have found her?”
Abruptly, Will nodded in annoyance at himself. “I love her so much that she haunts my dreams and every waking moment of my days.”
His father leaned back in his chair and blew a breath out of the side of his mouth, a tell that he was completely lost for words. His brown eyebrows tapered into a scowl. After a few moments, he broke the silence between them. “The type of love you have for Thea is worth more than any fortune you could ever hope to acquire in this lifetime or next. You’re too intelligent not to realize that.”
“I know.”
“Now, when has a Cavensham ever been afraid of a challenge? If the first charter was found at Ladykyrk, it stands to reason the second one is there also. Do you think you might help her find it?” his father gently coaxed.
He sat still, waiting for the old emptiness and fear of inadequacy to burn through him.
“Tell me, son. Why are you scared to fight for Thea?”
Will shook his head. There wasn’t any use in hiding his fears. His father was the most astute man he knew. Undoubtedly, he’d figure out Will’s reluctance.
“I’ve always known love. You and Mother loved our family unconditionally. Growing up around such security made my childhood wonderful.”
His father nodded with a smile.
“But the greatest gift you gave all of us was the sterling example of how true love could make each of you stronger, which in turn made your love for each other stronger.” He struggled to draw a breath, as the pain was suffocating. “She’s my perfect love, just like you found with Mother.”
His father’s eyes grew misty. “Your mother is my everything.”
Will nodded, then forced himself to hold his father’s gaze. “What if we can’t find it? What if I convince Thea to marry me, and she’s heartbroken by the loss of Ladykyrk? I know heartache. I could never do that to Thea. If Thea resented marrying me, I don’t think I’d forgive myself. Perhaps the Cryer is correct. I’m a failure at love.”
His father scooted to the front of his seat. “Let me tell you about my courtship of your mother. She wanted nothing to do with me, but we had to marry.” He looked to the ceiling and shook his head. “I can’t tell you the number of times I thought it was a lost cause. But I continued to work hard to earn her love and respect. She did too. That’s what marriage is—it’s work. Hard work. Every single day. Remember when I once said that love is like a shooting star? Something spectacular?”
“Yes.” He recognized that tone. His father always used it when he was about to impart a wise piece of advice.
“I was wrong. I wouldn’t change how I fell in love. A shooting star is easy to see. It’s brilliant and rare, but I’d much prefer having my own star right above me in a crowded sky of other stars. I may have had to work hard to find the right one for me, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. If it’s cloudy or raining, I still know my star is there guiding me in life. It’s constant, and it shines brightly just for me.” His father’s warm gaze was reassuring. “Your mother is that star.”
“Ferr-Colby will arrive at Thea’s home soon.” Will ran one hand through his hair. “I don’t have time to go star chasing.”
His father humphed. “Tell me what you are going to do to save this gift you’ve received?”
Will blinked several times as he struggled for an answer.
The wall around Will’s heart started to crack. He straightened his shoulders. He did want to spend all his moments with Thea. There was no one in the world more important to him than her. He wanted to make her happy and devote every day of his life to her. He wanted children with her. He wanted to eat orange cream with her on the banks of Ladykyrk’s pond. He wanted to make love to her under the stars as they planned their life together.
In his heart resided the simple truth. He would love Thea forever.
“I love her,” he whispered. “I’ll cherish her forever. I’m going to race up to Northumberland and tear apart every inch of Ladykyrk Hall, then I’m going to dig through every outbuilding on the estate. I’m not quitting until I find that charter for her.”
“Your mother loves Thea and so do I. We were concerned you weren’t going to fight for her.” His father enveloped him in a hug. “Whatever you need, you’ll have the entire family support.”
Will grinned in a real smile that came from within for the first time since Thea had left his side. He picked up her slippers and waved them in the air. “I’ll start by returning these to her as quickly as I can.”