Beware, Gentle Readers!
The Countess of Eanruig’s mysterious eyes are said to possess a magic that
paralyzes men with a single glance,
then turn them stupid.
You’ve been warned.
The Midnight Cryer
Thea led William past a small stream to the crest of a hill that overlooked a large valley of green pastures. Deer and sheep freely mingled below a darkening blue sky decorated with white clouds.
The bucolic scene was breathtaking by itself, but the majestic folly sitting regally before them demanded center stage. The stone pavilion had four separate entrances under elaborate porticos, each guarded by Boreas, Zepher, Notus, and Eurus, the gods of the four directional winds. A small dome centered in the middle of the building was topped with a weather vane in the form of a welcoming Aeolus, the King of the Winds, with an outstretched hand.
“What is this place?” The awe in William’s voice was unmistakable. “It looks like a miniature palace.”
“The House of Four Directions. It was my birthday present when I was eight years old. My grandfather built it for me as a playhouse.” It was one of Thea’s fondest childhood memories. Each time she came across the building, her sense of excitement became acute. Her grandfather had loved her when she was younger, and she’d never felt so cherished. Not that he didn’t continue to love her, but when he became ill, the memories of their time and what they meant to each other disappeared like evening into night.
William smiled coyly. “It appears that somebody was their grandfather’s favorite.”
Thea nodded and smiled. “The day of my birthday, he brought me up here and spent the entire afternoon playing games and pretending we were galloping horses and gallant knights. That day was perfect.”
“It’s amazing.” William walked around the structure, and Thea followed. “Is there a purpose to the building besides an elaborate playhouse?”
Thea gazed at the king who slowly rotated with the southwesterly winds. “My grandfather told me he built this folly so that whenever I needed comfort or if I was unable to find my way, all I had to do was follow my heart. It would lead me here, no matter what direction I found myself lost.”
William stepped close, and his nearness blocked the gust of winds that blew across the hilltop. “That’s lovely. You were lucky to have him in your life.”
“I was. Come, each side points due west, east, north, and south. It’s perfectly situated.” She led him up the steps into the folly. It hid the lone tear that escaped. She had little doubt it was due to the wind gust instead of her emotions. She’d cried all her tears years before her grandfather died. “When he became ill, I wondered if he ever remembered that day and if he’d remembered his words of wisdom.”
“What happened to your grandfather?” he asked.
“Later.” She clenched a fist at her uncouthness, then stole a peek at his face. The tenderness of his regard surprised her. Immediately, she felt unbalanced and in danger of falling.
“Thea?”
The rough resonance of her name on his lips set everything within her vibrating like a tuning fork. Her heartbeat pounded out in warning that she was in danger of losing a part of herself to him. She swallowed slightly but refused to turn away. His steady gaze pierced hers as if he could see inside where all her doubts and insecurities resided.
“To handle the responsibilities of this great estate is amazing for anyone,” he said gently and took her hand. “But to carry that burden while grieving is truly an accomplishment.” The sincerity in his eyes startled her, and she blinked. “You don’t have to share anything with me. I don’t want to cause you more distress. I just want to help.” Before she led the way, he entwined their fingers together. “Everyone needs a little help sometime,” he said.
Such a kind gesture robbed her of speech. Instead, she nodded gently.
Holding hands, they climbed the stairs. At the top, she released his hand, then opened the double doors on the south side of the folly. Brightly painted red walls and cheerful pink-and-blue antique Savonnerie rugs greeted them. A fireplace with pink-and-red mosaic tiles stood on the north wall, and a plush brocade sofa overlooked a small lake to the west. A pink marble French rococo table with gold overlay legs and matching chairs stood in the middle of the room.
“If my sister were here, she’d fall in love with this place,” William said with a hint of wonderment and a smile. “She adores follies and parks. She spent half of her childhood in the park next to our London home.”
“Tell me about her.” Thea walked to the pristine windowed doors that faced west. Will followed and stood by her side.
“Well, Emma is married to the Earl of Somerton and they just had their second child, a boy named Sebastian. They have an older daughter, Laura Lena.” When he smiled, the love for his family was readily apparent. From the windowsill, he picked up a miniature lapis globe where each country was represented by some type of pavé jewels.
“Are you close?” Yearning leaked into her voice, and she didn’t try to hide it.
William nodded. “Extremely so. My brother and I were inseparable when we were younger. Our cousin Claire, the Marchioness of Pembrooke, came to live with us when she was ten after her parents died.
“Claire sounds just like me.”
Will nodded, and his eyes were warm with sympathy. “She’s more like a sister than a cousin.” He carefully placed the globe back on the windowsill.
“You’re very fortunate.” She desperately wanted what he had with his family. The folly was undeniably beautiful and worthy of a princess, but she’d give up everything to share life’s simple moments with someone.
“My grandfather gave me something else besides the folly.” She swallowed and forced herself to continue. “I’m an excellent rider. My grandfather always said my father’s death was senseless, and he wouldn’t let the same happen to me. That’s why he made certain I could ride.” The words drifted between them, but Thea couldn’t stop. “See that swing hanging from that massive oak tree?”
He nodded as he studied the impressive tree outside.
“My grandfather built it for me. He picked that tree because he said it was like his love for me—strong and ageless. I think he knew I was lonely and wanted playmates, but there weren’t any other children around. He told me I could share anything with that tree, and it’d keep my secrets.”
Will’s affectionate grin warmed a place inside her that she didn’t even realize needed such attention. “That’s lovely.”
“My grandfather became ill about seven years ago.” She lowered her voice. “He started napping more, and he would have trouble with his correspondence. I started to act as his secretary.”
William turned from the view outside to face her. His gaze cut through her layers of reserve.
She had to tell him everything if she wanted his help. It was a risk she had to take. He needed to know the truth. “When he started to wake up in the middle of the night and roam the hallways then the grounds, it became a tremendous amount of work to convince him to come inside and retire. Mr. and Mrs. Miles suggested sending the Ladykyrk staff to Dunbar on Ferr, and I agreed. We couldn’t risk any of the other staff learning about his illness. I was always afraid my grandfather would walk out one day and we’d never find him. With just the three of us around, we could keep him contained, and no one was the wiser.” She shook her head to keep her anger at his illness under control. “I didn’t want him to be the subject of horrible rumors.”
“When the staff left, what did they tell the other servants at the ducal estate?” Will asked.
“The butler for the ducal estate is Mr. Miles’ brother. He helped us keep the rumors from spreading. I’m so thankful that Mr. and Mrs. Miles convinced me to send them away. Soon thereafter, my grandfather started talking at all hours of the night, having conversations with his dead relations. He was particularly fond of conversing with his sister. She died at the age of ten. That’s why I never had a lady’s maid. I couldn’t risk rumors being spread about his health.”
His long black lashes flew open. He took a step closer, then gently pulled her into his arms. “I’m sorry. Truly, so, so sorry.”
His warmth and strength surrounded her like a lazy, soft dream that she never wanted to wake from.
He tucked her close and gently rested his head atop hers. “He was senile?”
“Probably. Up until seven years ago, he was as sane as you or me. Then gradually … my grandfather…”
For a brief instant, Will tightened his arms around her. But neither said a word.
Thea rushed to fill the awkwardness that had settled between them. “It would have been unspeakably cruel to put him into an asylum. I was concerned the new duke would have my grandfather committed.” She stepped away from the comfort of his arms, then clenched her fist against the middle of her chest in an effort to thwart the pain. “Each new day stole some part of my grandfather’s memories. His entire life just vanished. He didn’t remember my grandmother or my mother.” She drew a deep breath to stifle the numbing pain. “He didn’t remember me.”
“Oh God, Theodora,” he softly exclaimed. He clasped her other hand as she still clenched her fist against her heart, desperate to control the onslaught of emotion.
“The night he gave me the House of Four Directions, he tucked me into bed. I was exhausted from all the excitement, but I remember what he whispered in my ear. He told me that I was his forever.”
She’d kept those solemn words locked in a special place in her heart. Never did she think she’d share them with anyone.
“Since he’d taken ill, I told him every night that he was forever mine. At the end, he’d just look at me with a faraway gaze, and I knew he didn’t remember, and that memory had been heartlessly stolen from him, and also from me, in a way.” She squeezed his hand, and he squeezed in return. “He’d become so distraught with himself for his inability to remember. I’d calm him by repeating the words ‘I’ll remember for you’ over and over. Will…”
“Thea, I want it all.” His voice was so low, she wasn’t certain she’d heard him correctly. “I want everything you can give me.”
She faltered in the moment of silence between them, then rallied with the strength she’d gained over the years taking care of her grandfather. “Will, you see … he always impressed upon me that this was my home, my family.” She searched his eyes, desperate he’d understand. “I can’t lose this, Will. I can’t bear to think there’s a chance I’ll lose it. I need this folly. I need this land. I need Ladykyrk.”
“Of course, you need it. It’s your home.” A gentle smile tugged at his lips.
“It’s more than that.” She managed a slight grin in return. Her grip tightened until her knuckles turned white, and she was fearful she was hurting him.
He squeezed her hand again in reassurance.
She had to find a way to explain that failing her grandfather at the end of his life made her more determined to prevail and succeed after his death. Wishing to be relieved of the responsibility, the sheer weight of his care, she’d failed in her love to him. Whatever it took, she’d preserve his love for her the best way she could—by protecting Ladykyrk.
“If it’s mine, then my memories and my efforts are his. He’ll know I truly loved him.” She dropped his hand and stepped away. “I can’t blame you if you don’t understand. But I can’t lose Ladykyrk.”
“Even if he wasn’t aware of your care and regard, I’m sure deep down, he trusted you. He knew you loved him. You won’t lose Ladykyrk, I promise.” The cast-iron strength in his voice offered a comfort she wasn’t certain she deserved.
“You don’t know that. The solicitor told me to be prepared,” she challenged.
He leaned close until they looked each other in the eyes. “My father is very powerful in the House of Lords and carries a tremendous amount of influence. I’ll ask for his assistance, and he’ll be delighted to help you.” There was not boastfulness in the words, just certainty. “Believe it or not, Stella is not without her own allies in London. You’d be surprised by her influence at some of the highest levels.”
“Thank you. I’ll take all the help I can gather to solidify my claim.” She took a deep breath and prayed for courage and a little luck to come her way. “May I ask you a question?”
He nodded.
Never before had she revealed so much of herself or her grandfather’s tragic plight.
Or made herself so vulnerable.
“All right, then.” She stood straight and stared into his eyes. “Will you … be my friend?”
The songbirds’ warbles, the rustle of the breeze through the leaves, and every other sound slipped to silence, and all sights faded the moment Thea asked him to be her friend. He couldn’t move as the air grew heavy and locked him in place. All his concentration centered on her. Finally, the spell she wove around him lessened, and Will tilted his head and stared at the folly’s ceiling.
Cupids and cherubs frolicked in glee as if laughing at him. For the life of him, as Thea hesitated in asking her question, he’d thought she would propose to him. In those mere moments, his emotions had run the gamut from trepidation, relief, happiness, and finally, to disappointment.
Why he experienced disappointment was a complete and utter conundrum that he couldn’t navigate. They’d both agreed they didn’t want to marry the other. But something deep within him had sparked to life, like a flint against a piece of steel, igniting a hope she might want him. When Theodora had shared the tragic circumstances of her family’s demise, he’d become lost—in her and the extraordinary challenges she’d faced on her own in Northumberland. It was as if they were physically joined in some manner, and he’d never felt that tied to another woman.
The only explanation could be that he’d never met anyone like her before.
Theodora possessed a refreshing honesty and fierceness at times that belied her underlying vulnerability—much like his own. But the more time he spent with her, the more intrigued he found himself. When she’d approached Aunt Stella with her reason to marry, she’d been brutally honest, and he respected her for that.
Well, he was a Cavensham, and a Cavensham never shirked from duty or tough questions or even simple requests such as friendship. “Thea, I’d be honored to be your friend.” He slowly smiled. “But I was under the assumption we already were.”
She huffed a breath of air to blow that elusive curl from her face. “Thank you. You would not believe how much courage it took me to ask you that. I wasn’t certain you’d want my friendship after I’d practically demanded you leave my home when I received the letter from the House of Lords.”
“Don’t worry. I didn’t take offense, as you had important matters that needed your attention. Besides, I’ve been summarily dismissed many times before. That’s not what you did to me.”
“If there’s anything you need from me, all you have to do is ask.” He leaned against the doorjamb and regarded her. “Are you ready to go to London tomorrow?”
“No, I dread it.” Thea smiled and leaned close. “However, do you know what’s lovely about all this turmoil in my life?”
“No,” he answered.
“I have my first real friend accompanying me. We can chat and gossip on the way. You’ll help steer me through the muddle of London society.” She cleared her throat, then focused her gaze on him. “You’re helping me, and I’d like to help you. I hope whatever you need or want, you’ll ask for my help. I’ll do everything in my power to see it happen.”
The swirl of emotion in her eyes reminded him of a kaleidoscope, and it captivated him. Determination, loyalty, generosity, plus a myriad of others combined into a pattern that showed her true strength of character. Thea would fight with her last breath to save her home, and she’d love a husband with the same potent power. Whoever won her hand would never doubt her heart was true.
“Shall we save what you can do for me until later?” He extended his arm in offer for her to take it. She didn’t see the gesture as her gaze roamed over his figure. When her eyes found his, he winked. It marked the first time she’d ever really looked at him. “I’d rather concentrate on you. Come, let’s sit down.”
Her cheeks turned a marvelous shade of dark pink as she hooked her arm around his and led him to the sofa that overlooked the lake.
“As your friend, I’ll help you prepare for your entrance to the ton. We’ll organize dance lessons, an etiquette refresher, and whatever else you’ll need. I’ll arrange to help you ease into society as you make your claim in front of the committee. My parents will be your hosts and will introduce you into the highest echelons of the ton. You want to make an excellent impression every time you’re out in society.”
“Your aunt is already helping with the etiquette, but”—she blew out a frustrated breath—“I don’t know about the rest.”
Will rested his ankle on his other knee. “Everyone will want to meet the elusive Countess of Eanruig. I’ll have you ready.”
She wrinkled her nose and stared out the window. “Would you introduce me to some of your friends?”
“Absolutely.” He nodded.
“I might have to marry quickly.” She caught his gaze. “I trust your opinion. If they’re your friends, maybe…”
“There is no cause to worry yet.” He leaned close as if divulging a secret. “I’d like to introduce you to some of my closest friends. I think you’d like them. Plus, I’ll teach you the latest dances, how to greet other peers, and most importantly, how to stay out of trouble. After all my years as the second son of the Duke of Langham, I’m an expert at it.”
Her brief look of relief melted into an expression reminiscent of deer caught by a hunter.
“Come now, it won’t be that horrible. You’ll get to dance with me. That in and of itself will be worth the effort,” he teased. “Besides, it will make your task of taking your place in society—”
“I’ve never danced.” Her voice wobbled, a crack in her veneer of confidence.
“You mean at a ball? Never fear,” he said. “Country assemblies are practically the same, only a little smaller.”
“I’ve never been to a country assembly. My grandfather didn’t go out much in society after he became ill.”
Her skin glistened with beads of sweat that had popped up across her brow.
“You’ve never danced?” It was incredible that a young woman, the granddaughter of a duke and a countess in her own right, had never danced.
Thea stood and shook her head. “Well, my grandfather twirled me around in a circle a time or two. But you really can’t call that dancing.” She walked to the door and pretended to be interested in the lake again.
He immediately tamped down his shock. She was embarrassed, and every instinct within him wanted to comfort and protect her.
He rose, then walked to her side. “You have an innate grace and athleticism that will lend itself to mastering the steps in no time. Trust me.”
She clutched her arms around her waist. Immediately, she looked like a little girl unsure of her place in the great big world.
“As your friend, I’ll help you be ready for the ton.” He leaned closer, daring himself to offer comfort without touching her. “It’s all right. I won’t let you fail.”
She didn’t acknowledge his promise. Instead, she turned toward the opposite exit. “We should head back. We have an early start for London tomorrow.”
For a moment, he physically ached to hold her and soothe the worry from her brow, but then he thought better of it. Thea and her mysterious eyes could make a man surrender everything.
She’d have no difficulty finding a husband if she wanted one, and it set him on edge. He’d never experienced jealousy in his life. That couldn’t be what he was feeling.
The thought made him wonder if he were going mad.
The quicker they arrived at Langham Hall, his father and mother’s residence in the city, the sooner Thea could secure her title, and the sooner he’d gain his sanity back.