Chapter Thirty-Two

A Deceitful Letter Is Delivered

Wolferton entered his chambers where Halbert waited to assist him. “After you’ve finished with me, fetch the letter on my desk from Halifax addressed to Jaclyn.”

Halbert did as instructed.

“I find I need to stay in this tub longer. These past few days I’ve had little sleep and not been in my bed. I’ve become used to such luxuries, probably because in wartime there weren’t many opportunities to soak unless we waded through a cold river in our uniforms. Aye? Those days seem like a lifetime ago.”

“Perhaps because it was a lifetime ago, Your Grace.”

“We’ve been together a long time, haven’t we, my friend?” He slipped his shoulders under the water, head back against the rim of the hammered copper tub, and rubbed his neck against the metal as if to wash away a headache or a memory.

“Aye, sir. You were twenty-one and bought your commission to the army. I was your batman then, as I am now your devoted servant.” He nodded and left the room.

Wolferton remembered only too well the invaluable service Halbert rendered. It was not an uncommon practice for an officer to have a batman at his disposal. The duties went above and beyond any call of service. Such a person was an enlisted man who received extra pay from a personal account to act as the officer’s valet but was still expected to be with the regiment when in battle and carry out all normal services of his commanding officer. Halbert would be asked to perform many tasks, which included responsibility for luggage, food preparation, and sundry other duties.

If there was any man Wolferton trusted, Halbert headed the list. Fifteen plus years together had earned them a relationship to cherish, for indeed they were also friends. Halbert knew most of his dark secrets and over the years had performed the difficult task of settlements about his father’s callous affairs and disregard for females. Surely, if Halbert wanted, he could blackmail him, but Wolferton never worried about such a circumstance.

His man soon returned with the accursed letter and placed it on the large military style bureau, next to the hand mirror. After a moist shave of his master’s stubble, Wolferton became presentable once again. Careful to remain expressionless, he took the letter with him and held it in his hand as he strode to Jaclyn’s room.

He paused at the open door. “I’m back, sister. Has she awakened again?” With the envelope in hand, he sauntered into the room and placed it by Jaclyn’s bed table. “I’ll leave it here for when she does.”

“Why not disregard the missive? We’ve been content here without the need to worry about Halifax’s unscrupulous intentions. By the way, Dr. Cleeves will be here soon. He seems like such a nice man.” She arose from the chair and checked Jaclyn’s head. “Her forehead’s not hot, which I take as a good sign.”

“Most country doctors are for they have ‘oneness’ with their patients. Many have brought new generations into this world. Must be good to know someone you helped birth might be a future deacon, schoolmaster, or perhaps a prime minister!”

“You aim high, brother.”

“For what else were the heavens created?”

Now at Jaclyn’s bedside, he stared at her blissful repose. His gaze then went to the window where storm clouds gathered on the horizon. “Believe we’re in for a bit of rain. It should be good for the crops as long as the wind is not severe.” He turned back toward his sister. “I hope she doesn’t have much memory retention about our conversations. I’m afraid I was indiscreet.”

“Indiscreet good or indiscreet bad?” asked Camille.

“I believe both could apply for my words were truthful but imprudent. I spoke as if they were my last comments on earth.”

“How can the truth hurt if you were sincere?” Camille went to him and extended her hand. He clutched it, and the contact conveyed all he wanted to say but couldn’t. “Let me know when the physician arrives for I have many questions.”

He released her and descended to his study. Kort, lying beside his desk, raised his head and wagged his tail. The bright sunshine streamed through the stained-glass windows, which caused him to smile at the complacency of the supernatural images.

Wolferton paused to think about all that occurred in such a short time on the estate. His gaze held the images on the window, and a grayish light streamed through the wolf’s eyes, and then turned more of a grotto blue. “Did you wink?” It became clear to him that the supernatural beings responded to the presence of those they protected. He pondered. That meant if he and Jaclyn were in the country, the city, or wherever the stained-glass pieces were, it activated their beings. “Guess you’re not complacent, after all.” He arose and walked toward the wall. For some unknown reason, a smile stretched across his face. “Yove.” He spoke the silly word. “So, you two guardians know about my feelings for her too. I’m not surprised, but perplexed. What am I to do?”

A wolf howled and a zing sounded from Golden Boy’s sword.

“I’ll take those sounds as your approval.” He exhaled, and he turned back to his desk to complete some tasks.

After an hour of work on the accounts, and research for other issues related to the estate, he needed to stretch his legs and went to the stables to check on the new colt. He greeted the head groom in warmth. “Mother and son are well. I’m most pleased. Has the animal doctor been to visit them?”

“Aye, Yer Grace. Said they were fit as fiddles. He’ll be a fine addition to the stables.”

“Good. Saddle my horse. I wish to go for a long ride. Include a blanket roll for me. Inform my sister that I will return in a short time. I’ll be at the top hill.”

The groom departed and he soon returned with the duke’s favorite horse, Midnight. Wolferton cantered off. As he approached the pinnacle he so loved, he dismounted, tethered the horse to a branch, and spread the woolen cloth on the ground. He leaned back into the tree and gazed over the land. It was a sight to behold for his tired heart. Lush fields aplenty and small stone tenant houses peppered the hillside. The quaint village housed a general mercantile store, a blacksmith shop, an apothecary, and a rural post office, all subsidized by him.

He had all a man could want, except for two things—peace of mind and Jaclyn. Wolferton pulled a blade of grass, smelled the freshness, chewed on it a while, and then discarded it. The sun was high and warm. He placed his hat on his face and dozed in contentment. The sound of horse hooves awakened him. The major approached with apparent caution and cleared his throat.

“Don’t tell me, Major. Halbert sent you to check on me.”

The man dismounted. “He wanted to be sure you didn’t meet up with a rattler, Colonel,” was his jovial reply. “Once a batman always a batman. There are worse things that could happen. I’ve never come this high before. The view is bucolic. Is this a favorite place of yours?”

Wolferton nodded, partially moved his hat to the side, and lifted his back against the tree, one knee raised. “Seems I have no more secrets.” He blinked. “Have a seat. The tree is wide enough for two.”

“Don’t mind if I do. Sorry if I interrupted your nap, Colonel. I heard you had little sleep last night. Miss Moreux is up and asks for you.”

Wolferton arched his left brow one inch. “Women can be a nuisance at times, especially since I am her guardian. Little did I know when I granted her dead father’s request, she’d become a handful.” Of course, he didn’t mean the words the way they came forth, but it deflected the greater concern he had about Jaclyn, which was nobody’s damn business but his own. The accident jolted him since he could have lost her. That thought embattled his heart.

The major didn’t respond.

To change the subject, Wolferton asked, “Have you completed the research I requested?”

“It will be on your desk late this afternoon. After you’ve read it, I can answer any questions you have.”

Wolferton arose, brushed his jacket, and prepared to mount his horse. “Seems there’s no place a man can hide. I’d best see what the fuss is. Feel free to stay here if you wish, but I’m rested now and will return to the house.”

“Colonel, if it’s not an imposition, may I accompany you?”

“How about a gallop?” Wolferton smiled to put the man at ease, and soon they were off. The wind on his face refreshed his body—but the mind was quite another thing.