23

Brandon watched Laura cross the room to join him. Mesmerized by the sway of her skirts and the graceful glide of her walk, Brandon knew he could no longer wait to claim her as his own. It irritated him that Tyler Atherton would dare to ask Laura out for the evening, but perhaps it was Brandon’s own fault. After all, he had not put a ring on her finger, nor made any pledge to do so.

“I’ve been looking for you,” Laura said. “I wanted you to know something.”

“I have something I want to tell you, as well.” He took hold of her arm and maneuvered through the crowd to a much less occupied parlor. Swinging her around to face him, he smiled. “So what did you want to say?”

Laura glanced at the other people in the room. They seemed occupied with a game of charades and were not likely to listen to their conversation. Nevertheless, she lowered her voice. “I told Carissa about Malcolm.”

Brandon leaned closer to Laura. “Do you think that was wise?”

“I do. She’s so miserable. I felt I had to give her some glimmer of hope that this might all end soon. She feels so trapped and discouraged.”

“And how did she receive the news?”

She turned her heart-shaped face to his. “She was rather surprised that Malcolm’s deeds included murder, but otherwise, she didn’t seem too astounded.”

“And will she be able to keep from saying anything to Malcolm?”

“I believe so. Carissa and I have shared secrets through the years, and while I’ve known Carissa to be flighty at times, I’ve never known her to break her word.”

“Yes, but secrets have a way of slipping out.”

Laura’s expression grew guarded. “You mean like when you told me that you’d been involved with Malcolm’s investigation since before you retired from the army?” She asked the question so matter-of-factly that Brandon almost wasn’t sure he’d heard correctly.

“What do you mean?”

“When I was so upset that day during our buggy ride—when you told me you no longer wanted me involved with getting information from Malcolm—you also mentioned that you knew what you were getting into when you delayed resigning from the army.”

Brandon remembered his words and winced. He had actually hoped that she might have forgotten that part of his declaration. Since she’d said nothing about his words of love, he’d honestly thought she had. “I said other things, too, as I recall.”

Laura nodded. “Yes, you did, although I was far too upset at the time to appreciate them.”

“And now?”

“Before I answer that, I need to know something. Obviously you were involved in trying to get evidence against Malcolm before we became acquainted. You deceived me.”

He sighed. “It was never my intention.”

“Nevertheless, that is what happened.”

He heard the sadness in her voice. “I am sorry,” he said. “I didn’t want to deceive anyone. I was following orders.”

Laura looked confused and Brandon wanted to kiss her and make her forget all that had happened. For months he’d worried that this exact thing would occur, and now he was angry with himself for not just bringing the subject to her attention himself.

“I want to know,” she said seriously, “did you court me as a means to get closer to him? Was I nothing more than a pawn in this bizarre game of chess?”

Brandon shook his head and took hold of her. “No. I have worried all along that you would think that, should the truth come out. I can even have you talk to my former commander, because I told him the same thing.”

She pulled away from him. “So you knew it didn’t look good. You knew that I or someone else would have a reason to question your actions.”

He led her to the far side of the room and drew her down to sit with him by the window. “Laura, please listen to me. I swear to you that Malcolm Lowe has nothing to do with our courtship. I meant what I said that night.” He paused and touched her cheek with his hand. “I love you. I’m completely smitten, and you can rest assured that when I’m with you, Malcolm Lowe is the furthest thing from my mind. Please forgive me. None of this was ever meant to hurt you.”

Laura shivered slightly under his touch, but Brandon couldn’t be entirely sure if it was from pleasure at his declaration or the burden of her sorrow. She bit at her lower lip, and Brandon thought she’d never looked quite so vulnerable. Did she not believe him? Did she honestly think he’d paid her court for no purpose but to catch a criminal?

He tilted her chin up and gazed into her eyes. “Laura, listen to me. I have never loved any woman as I love you . . . and I never will again love another.”

“I want to believe you,” she said in a whisper.

There was a single tear in her eye, and Brandon felt a rush of guilt that he had put it there. “Then do. I pledge it before God, and you know how seriously I take my faith. I would never make such a pledge before my God and King were it not so. My love for you is second only to my love for Him. Please believe me. Please forgive me.”

Laura closed her eyes for a moment, and Brandon thought perhaps she would break into tears. He wondered if he should escort her to a more private place, but had no idea of where that might be. The seconds ticked by, and finally Laura opened her eyes and fixed him with a smile.

“I forgive you. You have given me a wonderful Christmas gift, so let me return the favor. I love you most dearly. I have never given my heart to another, and never will.” She shivered again, and this time Brandon had no doubt it was due to the emotions of the moment. “I would forgive you even if I did not love you so. . . . However, I beg you to never deceive me again.”

“I promise you that I will endeavor to always be truthful. My motives were pure, even if they appeared otherwise.”

She seemed to relax a bit. “You have no idea how afraid I’ve been these last few days.”

“Afraid?”

“Yes. Afraid that you didn’t really care for me as much as I thought.” She twisted her gloved hands together. “I knew I’d lost my heart to you, but then I felt a fool for doing so.”

He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. “You are no fool, Laura Marquardt. In fact, you may very well be the most intelligent woman I’ve ever known.”

She laughed. “So it’s my mind you’re fascinated with. I should have known.”

Brandon chuckled and kissed her forehead. “Your mind, of course. But more importantly—your heart. You have held possession of that part of me for some time, Miss Marquardt. Very nearly from our first encounter.”

“When you yelled at me?” Her dark brow rose ever so slightly.

“I did not yell. I was merely firm.”

“And bossy and opinionated. You didn’t even let me explain myself.” She moved back on the settee and folded her arms. “Is that how you always deal with matters of importance?”

“I believe in obedience to authority,” he said, folding his arms, as well. “And you might as well know that I will probably have other moments of bossiness and opinionated firmness should we take our courtship further.”

“Somehow that doesn’t surprise me.” Laura raised her fan and drew it slowly across her cheek, allowing it to fall fully open.

“Another language lesson?” He grinned.

“Indeed.”

She got to her feet, but Brandon pulled her back. “Well? You know I am hardly fluent in fan.”

Laura laughed. “It would do you well to learn a few Southern customs. But I shall take pity on you.” She drew the fan open as she pulled it across her cheek. “This means I love you.” She met his gaze, and Brandon lost himself in the warmth of her eyes. “And I always will.”

———

Laura could scarcely draw a breath when she left Brandon’s side. She had never been in love before now, and the feelings and wonder of it all very nearly brought her to tears. How glorious it was to be in love and have that love returned.

She caught sight of Tyler and her sister and immediately sobered. Carissa looked ill, and Tyler was helping her to the door.

Laura quickly joined them, Brandon right behind her. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Your sister got too hot. She’s feeling faint, and I thought perhaps some fresh air would do her good.”

“I have a better suggestion,” Laura said. “I think we should return home. Carissa, I know you planned to have me join you at your house, but it would be best if you were to remain with us tonight. If you get worse, the doctor is only a short distance away. I’ll have one of the grooms ride over to your house with a note, just in case Malcolm returns from his trip tonight.”

“Let me get your wraps,” Brandon said, leaving Laura with her sister and Tyler.

Laura maneuvered toward the front door with Carissa close behind. “I am so sorry you have taken ill.”

Carissa shook her head. “I am fine. From time to time I feel a little faint. The doctor has assured me that it often happens in my condition.” She flushed and glanced at Tyler. “Excuse me for mentioning such a delicate matter.”

“No apology needed,” he assured her.

They reached the door and the butler had just opened it when Carissa turned to look at Tyler. “I am so very sorry,” she said in a gasp and promptly fainted.

Laura gave a little shriek but quickly recovered as Tyler caught Carissa before she could fall to the ground. “Please bring her outside. The fresh air will do more to revive her than anything else.”

She motioned their driver to bring up the carriage. He hurried from where he’d been chatting with some of the other men while Laura turned to meet Tyler’s worried expression. “She’s to have a baby.”

“I figured as much. Do you think she’s all right?”

Laura nodded as Carissa started to come around. “She’ll be fine. Let’s just get her to the carriage.”

Carissa opened her eyes and looked confused. Then she seemed to become fully aware of Tyler’s hold on her and her whereabouts all at once. “Oh . . . goodness . . . oh . . . put me down.”

“Tyler is going to carry you to the carriage first,” Laura insisted.

Brandon arrived just then with their things. The driver pulled up to the foursome and quickly reined back on the horses. “Whoa now. Whoa.”

“Stay there,” Laura commanded the man as he started to set the brake. “We can manage.” She opened the carriage door and stepped back, and Tyler climbed the step without difficulty.

Laura felt a hand on her elbow and Brandon pulled her toward him. “What was that you were saying about going to stay with Carissa?” he asked to her surprise.

“She’s afraid,” Laura replied, then turned to join her sister.

Brandon stopped her. “Of course she’s afraid. You should be, too. You cannot go there and stay in the same house with that madman.”

Laura felt a surge of anger. “Do not tell me what I might do where my sister’s safety is concerned. Malcolm would never dare lay a hand on her while I am there.”

The grip on her arm tightened. “Malcolm Lowe doesn’t care if you are there or not. He will not be thwarted by your presence. If he chooses to hurt his wife, there is very little you can do about it.”

Laura leaned closer in order to whisper. “I will not let her be alone. She cannot be sent back to that house and the danger that it represents without help. My parents have no idea of Malcolm’s abuse. And even if they were to know, I seriously doubt they could do or say anything that would change the situation.”

“But you think you can?” he asked in disbelief.

“Laura, are you coming?” Carissa called weakly from the carriage.

“I am,” she replied and looked hard at Brandon.

“We will discuss this further when we arrive at your home.” Brandon helped her into the carriage, then took a seat beside Tyler.

Laura arranged her sister’s cloak around her shoulders and drew her close. “We’ll have Carlita get you tucked into bed as soon as we get back. I’ll have Esther bring you up something warm. Would you prefer milk or tea?”

“Tea, I think,” Carissa said and sighed. “I apologize for ruining an otherwise perfect evening.”

“Bah, you didn’t ruin anything,” Laura replied.

“She’s right, you know,” Tyler said in a good-natured manner. “It wasn’t that perfect. There wasn’t a single sprig of mistletoe anywhere to be found. And believe me, I looked.”

The foursome laughed at this, and Laura was grateful for the way it broke the tension of the moment.

After the short drive home, Laura allowed Tyler to help Carissa to the door, then asked Brandon to assist her inside. She turned to Tyler and smiled. “Thank you so much for all you’ve done. If you are still in town tomorrow, I would be pleased to have you join us for dinner—say around twelve thirty?”

“I would love to, but I have plans to be on my way. Thank you, however. I won’t forget your kindness, and the next time I’m in town, I will happily take you up on the offer.”

Laura nodded. “I’ll call for your horse.”

“Don’t bother. I know the way to the stable. I’ll retrieve him myself. Good evening.” He gave the briefest bow.

Laura hurried inside and found Mother already fussing over her younger daughter. She deposited her wrap and gloves with the butler before turning to find Brandon watching her most intently. “I suppose we might as well discuss this now.”

“I think that would be wise.”

Moving back the pocket doors to a small sitting room, Laura took up a lamp from the hall table. Once she’d lit another in the sitting room, she replaced the lamp and took a seat. Brandon came and sat down beside her.

“You know that Malcolm is dangerous. I’m not exaggerating that fact. If he has in mind to harm Carissa—he will most likely have no problem hurting you, as well.”

“But what am I to do? Carissa can’t face him on her own. She’s far too delicate.”

“Then get the doctor to recommend she stay here. Take the man into your confidence and let him know that Malcolm hits her. Tell him that you need him to insist Carissa remain here with women who can tend to her needs.”

Laura thought for a moment. It might work. The doctor was a longtime friend of the family, and Laura knew she could trust him. “I suppose I can do that.” She let out a long sigh. “I know I cannot keep her safe forever.” She turned to Brandon with a pleading look. “Please, please get the necessary evidence and put that man behind bars, where he cannot hurt her. Please, Brandon.”

He nodded and took hold of her hands. “I will. I will see that he is apprehended as soon as possible. Just remember—if we don’t manage to get the proper evidence against him, Malcolm could well go free. Then things will truly get ugly.”

A trembling started in Laura’s knees and spread throughout her body. She was terrified of what might happen. The very thought of Malcolm being arrested only to be set free had never crossed her mind. “Oh, Brandon, God alone can see us through this.”

He nodded. “You speak the truth. God has the only means to see justice done. We must trust Him to watch over the entire affair and reveal evil where it has its hold.”

After Brandon left, Laura hurried upstairs to check on her sister. Their mother had finally gone to bed and Laura could see that Carissa was far from being sleepy.

“Do you want to talk?” Laura asked.

Carissa nodded. “Did you send a note to Malcolm?”

“Yes. I had it sent soon after we arrived. Brandon reminded me before he left.” Laura sat on the bed beside her sister. “He also had a good idea. He suggested that I speak to the doctor and let him know of how Malcolm mistreats you. He believes, as do I, that the doctor will keep our confidence. We can have him suggest that you need to stay here due to your condition—that you need to have the care of someone in case you faint again.”

Carissa met her sister’s gaze. “And he doesn’t want you anywhere near my house for fear of what Malcolm might do to you.”

Laura thought to deny Carissa’s comment, but decided against it. “Brandon said that if a man will beat his wife—threaten the mother of his unborn child—he would have no trouble hurting me. I suppose that his statement is true enough. That’s why I’m begging you to allow me to speak to the doctor. I will go first thing in the morning on the pretense of bringing him here. I will tell him what he needs to know. Are you agreed?”

Carissa placed her hands on her still slim belly. “I am. Let us see if we can arrange this without Malcolm causing either of us further harm.”