Chapter Twelve

 

With her eyes closed, Anna replayed the kiss in her mind. She had done so the night before, after returning from Redstone Estate. She had done so in her dreams. And she had done the same as she performed her chores around the house. The idea of seeing Colin again excited her. But a problem stood in her way.

Thomas.

She had managed to sneak about these last days and avoid raising his suspicion. But her luck would soon run out, and Thomas would become wise to her dishonesty.

Yet, she wanted to see Colin again. No, she needed to be in his arms. To learn more about him. To spend every waking moment with him. No matter how short lived it turned out to be.

For any of that to happen, however, she would have to be able to leave the house, and convincing Thomas to allow her to go would be nearly impossible.

Opening her eyes to the reality of her situation, she placed the cleaning rag on the counter. Thomas had taken Henry into the village for the day, leaving Anna to clean. Why did men believe housework was a duty meant for women alone? Then again, when one of her brothers did deign to see to the housekeeping, the job was never done properly, leaving her forced to see to it all over again. How did they stand living in such disarray?

Reaching for a teacup, she counted the small chips along the base and rim. How no tea leaked through the long crack down the side amazed her. She set it next to three others and smiled. None shared the same pattern. Yet she and her brothers had shared in many good times drinking from them, and that was what was most important.

Still, if there was any money left of what her father gave her once they met, she would see about purchasing a new set of teacups, all with a matching pattern. Nothing too fancy, just something nice.

She wiped her brow with the back of her hand and walked outside to find Christian sitting beneath a tree.

“Is this how you work when Thomas is gone?” Anna teased as she sat beside him. Usually, Christian would return her good humor, or at least laugh, but he did neither. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s Thomas,” he grumbled. “That chestnut stallion we purchased last month? He’s taken it with him today.”

“He rode it into the village? But why would that upset you?”

He picked up a small stone and threw it. “Because he’s selling it to a man he hopes to impress, which means, at best, we’ll barely break even again.” He stood, brushing dirt from his trousers. “That’s why we struggle, Anna. He doesn’t seem to realize that those men will never accept him. They must be laughing themselves silly at how he practically gives them everything we own.”

Placing her palms in the dirt, Anna pushed up and stood. “What he does may be reckless, but I’ve come to see he means well. But none of that matters. I’m going to see that our lives are improved.” Although she believed the words, she did not know how she would keep them.

Christian grimaced. “Please tell me the duke hasn’t made an unsuitable offer for you.”

Anna placed her hands on her hips and gave him a glare. “Christian! You know better than to think I’d do such a thing!” she sighed. “Has Thomas been filling your head with his worries?”

Kicking at a clump of dirt, he nodded.

“And you believe him?”

“No, of course not. I know better than that. But I know you worry just as much as I do.”

She touched his arm. “Don’t fret. I’m not so desperate that I’m willing to do that. But I do have a problem. I wish to see Colin again, more so over this coming week. We both know Thomas will never allow me to do so, so I must devise the perfect story to ease his suspicions each time I’m away from the house. Going to the market can only allow so much leeway.”

Christian rubbed his chin. “Yes. A good excuse for you to be gone.”

They stood in silence, and Anna contemplated every possible pretext for her absence. She could say she found another position. No, Thomas would ask far too many questions. Plus, she was not very good at lying.

Perhaps she could simply leave and face his wrath upon her return. Yet, that, too, felt wrong.

“’Ello! Whatcha two up to?”

Anna turned and smiled as Betty Voss came walking up the drive. Living no more than two miles away, she often dropped by unexpected every few weeks.

“There’s your answer,” Christian said with a grin. “I should get back to work.”

He gave Betty a smile and a wave. Her cheeks turned a deep crimson, and she patted her dark hair, turning to stare after him with far too much appreciation.

Anna laughed all the same. “Did you not have to work today?”

“Oh, I did,” Betty replied. “Mr. Harrison let a few of us go early. Should be more work next week, so I ain’t worried none. So, what’ve you been up to?”

Anna laughed again as she snaked an arm through Betty’s. “You’ll not believe what I’ve been doing. Come inside. I believe a nice cup of tea is in order. And I need your help.”

“Well, I never turn down a nice cup o’ tea and a bit o’ gossip. I take it it’s good.”

“Oh, it’s wonderful,” Anna replied.

Soon they were sitting at the kitchen table with two mismatched teacups in front of them. As Anna shared her story, Betty remained silent, only nodding from time to time, but it was clear she was keeping her excitement at bay with difficulty.

“So now, I only need to find a way to see Colin without angering Thomas.” She poured them each another cup of tea. “What do you think?”

Unsurprisingly, Betty’s first question burst forth. “When the duke pinned ye to the ground, did he kiss ye? Ye can tell me. Was it nice?”

Anna laughed. “After all I told you, that’s the question you ask? What type of woman do you take me for?”

“One who’ll get a kiss from a duke,” Betty replied, making them both laugh.

“Well, he didn’t kiss me that day, but he did yesterday.”

“I knew it!” Betty squealed. “Bein’ kissed by a duke. I can only imagine what that was like!”

Anna sighed. “It was wonderful, truly magical. Do you think poorly of me for wanting him to do it again?”

Betty gave an adamant shake of her head. “I’d be disappointed if ye didn’t.”

Anna glanced toward the door in hopes that Thomas would not be returning anytime soon. She directed the conversation back to the matter at hand. “I need your help to think of an excuse to leave the cottage. Do you have any ideas?”

Frowning, Betty smoothed her burlap dress. Then she sat up straight. “I’ve an idea! We’ll send Thomas a ransom letter demandin’ a thousand pounds for yer return!”

“A ransom? We don’t have a thousand pounds. I doubt Thomas has more than two.”

“That’s the point. Since he don’t ‘ave it, ‘e can’t pay. Then, when ye come back, ye’ll tell ‘im ye managed to ‘scape.”

Anna shook her head. “I could never do that to Thomas. Nor to poor Henry. The thought of them believing I’ve been kidnapped is far more than I’m willing to do.”

“That’s ‘bout the best I can do.” Betty stood. “I’m sorry I couldn’t come up with somethin’ better. I’ve gotta run. Mum’s needin’ me help. Me Auntie Muriel’s stayin’ with us, and she ain’t easy to please with all her wantin’ this an’ that.”

Anna bolted from her chair. “That’s it! I’ll tell Thomas that I’m going to your house to help with your aunt.”

No sooner than the words left her mouth than Henry came hurrying into the kitchen. “Anna! Thomas bought me a sweet!” He grabbed her around the waist and gave her a quick squeeze.

Anna ruffled his hair. “How wonderful!” she said.

Thomas entered the kitchen, and when he caught sight of Betty, a scowl crossed his lips. Why did he believe himself better than her, or anyone else equally as poor?

“What are you two doing?”

“Betty came to tell me about her sick aunt,” Anna said, her heart thudding in her chest when Thomas narrowed his eyes at her. “I’ve agreed to call over to her house every day so I can help while she’s at work.”

“Since when do we offer charity?” Thomas demanded. “I’m sorry, Betty, but Anna’s needed here.”

“Charity?” Betty asked. “This ain’t charity. Me aunt’s rich. And generous, too.” She shrugged. “But if Anna’s not able, I guess I’ll jus’ haveta ask someone else. Someone who can use the money.”

Thomas reversed his frown in an instant. “Your aunt, you say? I must have misheard. Of course, Anna would be happy to help. For how long?”

Betty glanced at Anna.

“At least a week,” Anna replied. “Perhaps longer, but I have a feeling she’ll mend quickly.”

“Well, I see no issue with you going,” he said. “Henry, go and prepare for your lessons. I must speak to Christian.”

As soon as Thomas was gone, Anna hugged her friend. “I don’t know how to thank you!”

“It’s no bother,” Betty replied. “But be sure to tell me all ‘bout it once he’s gone.”

Promising she would, Anna walked her friend out. When Betty was gone, Anna sighed and leaned her back against the door. Tonight— and for every day thereafter— she would meet Colin.

Upon hearing Thomas’s grumble outside, she returned to her cleaning, but her thoughts remained on the night ahead.

And oh, how she could not wait!

 

***

 

Colin had never been more excited. Tonight at the stroke of midnight, he would meet Anna. He had no idea what she had planned, but he looked forward to it, nonetheless.

Another thought entered his mind, one that made him lean back into the plush chair in the drawing room of Redstone Estate. One he had done all he could to ignore. If he put off the inevitable announcement of his intentions to marry Lady Katherine any longer, his mother would be far worse than displeased. Why could he not find a gentlewoman who was more like Anna? Or preferably Anna herself.

Turning the ring on his finger, Colin considered— not for the first time— the importance of bloodlines and how they determined one’s path in life. They decided where they lived, to which parties they would receive invites, and worst of all, who one could marry.

Colin considered his own path. He had been given every available luxury in life. He owned more estates than he would ever need and could purchase whatever he wanted without a thought or worry for the cost.

Yet Anna could not afford a new dress.

Although Colin had never gone without, it often bothered him that so many did. Not the drunkards stumbling out of pubs after throwing their wages into mugs of ale. Nor a man who gambled away his fortune. Rather, he lamented for those like Anna, born into poverty and destined to die in it despite the long hours of hard work to earn just enough on which to live. Those were the people who he thought were wronged.

Their bloodlines told a different story from his, a tale of hope for better days. He had often heard servants speak to one another in hushed tones, wishing for what they called a “turn of fortune”. Much like Anna hoped for. Those in his employ earned a reasonable wage. Most lived in the servants’ quarters and ate from the servants’ table. But what of those who worked twice as hard as his servants only to earn far less?

If he had his way, he would take care of Anna for the rest of his life. Whatever she needed, he would give to her. She had already gifted him far more than anyone ever had given him in his life— the freedom to be Colin Remington and not the Duke of Greystoke. For that, she deserved to be cherished, and he was willing to do just that.

Yet bloodlines impeded his way. She could never become his wife, nor was she the type of woman to accept the position of mistress. Making such a request of her would only disgrace her, and he was unwilling to do that— no matter how much he wanted her in his life.

“Where’s my cousin?” he heard a harsh voice bark.

Rising from his chair, Colin made his way to the foyer where Markus stood with the butler. His cousin was six years Colin’s elder and carried himself like a grumpy man of sixty. He had dark eyes and matching hair that showed patches of silver. His tall, thin frame was much like Colin’s.

“There he is,” Markus said. “My cousin, the duke. It’s been far too long.” The stench of liquor rolled off Markus as if he had drenched himself in it.

“You look well,” Colin said as they shook hands. “How is Tabitha?” Markus’s wife was a small woman with red hair and ivory skin who had a constant look of terror on her face.

Markus shook his head. “Ungrateful, as always.” He turned to the butler. “Davis, I’m hungry. Have food brought to the parlor.”

“Yes, my lord,” came the reply before Davis hurried away.

Before Colin could say more, Markus marched ahead. “Where are my sisters? Why are they not here to greet me? Have they become that accustomed to my absence? I’m here so rarely, one would think they would have the decency to be waiting for me at the door. I do pay for all they have, after all.”

“Caroline is reading in the library,” Colin replied, hurrying after his cousin. “Evelyn is in the parlor, or she was earlier.”

It did not escape Colin that his cousin wobbled with each step. A bronze statue teetered to and fro, threatening to topple to the floor when Markus collided with it.

Evelyn was indeed still in the parlor, appearing as she had upon Colin’s arrival the week before.

“Oh, Evelyn,” Markus growled. “How dare you embarrass me. Stand up at once and greet me and your cousin!”

Colin took a step forward. “There’s no need. She and I have shared in some wonderful conversations since I arrived. I’m sure I’ve bored her enough already with my various tales.”

Markus scowled. “That may be so, but I’m sick of these childish games she plays.” He reached down and snatched something from her hand.

“Give that back to me!” Evelyn said, leaping from her chair. “Markus, return it to me at once!”

“What is this? A ring? You’re no better than Caroline, sitting at home dreaming all day.”

During his short stay, Colin was well aware that something was not quite right with Evelyn. One thing of which he was sure was that this was no act. The anger in her eyes coupled with the sorrow in her features could not have been matched by the best actors on a London stage.

“I’ve warned you about seeking others’ attention,” Markus said. “Why must you insist on embarrassing me?”

Evelyn lowered herself back into the chair and said nothing.

Markus tossed the ring into her lap. “Take it. Now get out of here so the men can have a drink without being forced to endure your constant state of melancholy.”

With a sob, Evelyn grasped the ring in her hand and hurried from the room.

“Have you any idea how humiliating it is to have a sister like her? When my friends inquire about her, I’ve no idea what to tell them. I certainly cannot reveal that she’s going mad! What would they think of me then?”

Colin sat in one of the chairs. “I doubt she’s mad, Markus. She and I have had several conversations over the past week, and she appeared and spoke as we are now.”

Markus heaved a heavy sigh and fell into one of the chairs. “Which proves my point that it’s all a ruse. She has been this way since Father died.”

The butler entered with a tray filled with fruit and cheese and set it on the table.

“Pour us some brandies and leave us, Davis.” He gestured toward the food, but Colin waved a hand to decline.

Once the butler was gone, Markus raised his glass in a toast. “To our freedom away from women. How marvelous it is.” He downed the entire measure in one gulp and rose to pour himself another. “I’ve one sister who acts like a child, and the other has her nose stuck in books all day. Do you see why I only return twice a year?”

Colin suspected his cousin had other reasons but said nothing. Rumor had it that Markus had as many mistresses as he had coats. It was a shame he had chosen to drown his sorrows in liquor after the death of his father. At least he had not lost his sharp mind for business.

“So, I hear you’re to announce your engagement to Lady Katherine Haskett soon.”

“I am,” Colin replied. “But the announcement will be delayed a bit longer. The fact is that another has caught my interest. I may consider remaining a bit longer than I had planned. If your sisters will have me.” An image of Anna came to mind. He was in no hurry to return home as it was, but having her nearby only made it that much more difficult. “I also must go to London next week.”

Markus chuckled. “A bit of fun before you’re forced to tie yourself down, eh? I don’t blame you. Don’t think of marriage as the end of your life but rather the beginning. We’re men, even more, we’re Remingtons. It’s our right to indulge ourselves with any willing female. Especially you being a duke and all.”

Although he would never admit as much to his cousin, Anna was the first woman he had ever kissed. To him, such intimacies should be saved for marriage. Now that he had shared that special moment with Anna, the idea of kissing any other woman repulsed him.

His cousin knitted his brows in thought. “Does the idea of marrying Lady Katherine not appeal to you?”

“If I’m honest, it does not. She’s a lovely young lady, but she has no mind of her own. She refuses to share her own opinions but, instead, has been taught to agree with everything I say. Is it too much to ask for a woman with whom I can converse?”

Markus chuckled. “I’ve seen Lady Katherine on occasion, and a woman such as she is not meant for conversation. Have you not noticed her beauty? The swell of her bosom? She’s meant to please you in the ways of the flesh as a proper wife should. Trust me, you don’t want a woman with her own opinions. They only cause trouble.”

Any arguments would be futile, so Colin simply replied, “Lady Katherine is appealing to the eye, any man can see that. But I’ve no desire to marry her.”

He did not say aloud that Anna was quite different. He could listen to her thoughts all day. Whether they rode horses or attended balls together, it did not matter. He needed her.

Markus frowned. “This other woman... There’s something about her that says she may not be appropriate for you. I can see it in your face. Is she ruined? Is her father bankrupt?”

Colin took a drink of his brandy to give him a moment to think of a response. “I barely know her, so the thought of marriage is too far off to consider. Plus, even if I did decide she’s the one with whom I would enjoy spending the rest of my life, I could not marry her. She is not of titled blood nor the gentry.”

“Then you would be as mad as my sister if you wasted your time with her. I take it you find her attractive.”

“Quite,” Colin replied. “But she’s also intelligent.”

Markus gave a derisive snort.

“I know you believe it senseless, but I find conversation with her to be intriguing. It’s her deuced bloodline that keeps us from being anything but friends.”

“Friendship alone with poor stock is risky,” Markus said. “Nevertheless, there is a solution to your problem. Marry Lady Katherine, but put up this other woman in paid accommodations. When the need arises, go visit her. That’s how I keep my sanity.”

So, he finally admits aloud his indiscretions, Colin thought. “And what about your wife? Do you not fear she’ll learn about this other woman? Will it not cause her a great deal of pain?”

Crossing one leg over the other, Markus rested his glass on his knee. “Women are here to serve certain purposes— to warm our beds and to bear us children. Her feelings on the matter do not trump my God-given rights as a Remington.” He finished off the last of his brandy. “Tabitha’s well aware of the situation and makes no argument. You’ll find a good wife who’ll learn to remain quiet about such matters, just you wait and see. Especially since you can make her a duchess. Any woman in her right mind would be willing to give up everything to live such a lavish life.”

Irritation nipped at Colin. His cousin was all too much like so many other men when it came to his opinions on women. Colin did not know Mistress Tabitha well, but he could not help but pity her.

I pray I have more integrity once I’m married, he thought. Yet, he could not help but agree to the fact that most ladies aimed for a marriage that offered a title rather than love. That, too, was a pity.

When Markus eyed him with clear suspicion, however, Colin added, “I’ll consider your advice, Cousin.”

“Good. Now, have you been approached about certain investments in Oxford?”

It was a relief to have the conversation turn to business, and Colin and Markus shared in what news they had heard.

When Markus offered to pour Colin a fourth glass of brandy, he waved him away. Colin had consumed far too much already— the idea of a measure to Markus was far different from his— and he preferred to keep a clear head.

“My ways are often the topic of gossip,” Markus said when the discussion of members of the ton arose. Colin went to interject, but Markus waved him away. “Don’t worry. I hear many of the rumors bouncing about and have no reason to dispute most of them. You must understand. I’m a practical man. We’re Remingtons, Cousin. You’re a duke, and although I may not be titled, our name carries a great deal of weight. Those who have tried to challenge that fact often find themselves up to their necks in trouble. Let the ring on your finger remind you of that.”

Markus leaned forward and refilled Colin’s glass, although Colin had refused.

“Do whatever you wish,” his cousin said. “Continue seeing this mysterious woman. I only make one request.”

“What is that?”

“That you put the name of Remington before your own desires. We have all faced many scandals, but you’re a duke and therefore represent the entire family. If you fall in any area, we all fall with you— my sisters, all the cousins spread across the country, and I— all of us shall be hurt. I don’t mean to dishearten you, but it’s who you are.”

The reality of what his cousin said did not sit well with Colin. After all the absurdity of which Markus had spoken over the last two hours, this single point was true. Whatever choice he made, he had to consider what it would do to his family’s reputation.

His gaze dropped once more to his ring, a symbol of who he was and whom he represented. The journey to Redstone Estate was meant to learn who he— Collin Remington— truly was. Now he feared the very man who had left Hemingford Home at the beginning of this journey was who Colin truly was.