Pursuing the Governess, page 10
Lord Matthias feared Vickery’s revenge enough that he gave Regina a new identity. Alec knew him well enough that the man would not stop until he had his revenge, and that is what frightened him the most. Not for himself, but of Vickery getting his hands on Regina.
“Vickery?” Preston asked, voicing Alec’s thoughts.
“It is who I suspect.” Though he hoped that he was wrong.
“I’ve my pistol, primed,” Preston offered.
“I have my knife.” Alec pulled it from his boot.
With a nod, the two gentlemen slowly walked toward the carriage. It was impossible to do so under cover as there were no trees or bushes between the manor and the road. Both were out in the open and Alec could only hope that their approach was not noted.
There was no driver in the seat and the team of four horses were tied to a post near the road so that they’d not run off, and the brake was set.
This was very odd indeed.
Blast! He should have made certain that the servants were searching the house to make certain that there were no intruders. He wouldn’t put it past Vickery to sneak in and try to make off with Regina.
As they reached the horses, Preston went right and Alec went left, ducking and slowly approaching the door. When he noted the crest, he frowned. “Rennick?” he asked himself.
Alec moved closer and peered into the carriage. Regina’s cousin was asleep on one bench, and he could only assume the other sleeping man was the driver. How long had they been out here?
Alec returned his knife to his boot then knocked on the door.
The men stirred and blinked the sleep from their eyes.
“What are you doing here Harwich?” Rennick asked.
“A better question is why are you parked at the end of my drive?” Preston countered.
Rennick sat up and pushed his fingers through his already messy hair. “It’s imperative that I speak to my…your governess. There is news of which she must be made aware.”
“How do you know Melcombe’s governess,” Alec asked just to see how far he’d go in protecting Regina.
“I’ve known Miss Pierce all of my life. I really must deliver this message to her in person and in private.
“Alec, leave Lord Rennick alone,” Preston groaned. “We know she is your cousin, Miss Regina Rutledge.”
“You do?” Rennick exclaimed in surprise.
“Why the blazes are you parked at the end of my drive?”
“We arrived too late to take a room at the inn and far too early to pay a call, so we decided to sleep and wait until a more decent hour.”
“We are all awake now, even Regina, so you might as well come up to the house now,” Preston said.
“Thank you. I am sorry to have disturbed you, but what I need to tell her is important and couldn’t have been written in a letter.”
Alec frowned. What could his future wife need to know? Further, he hoped that it didn’t delay their trip north because he’d waited long enough to marry Regina.
Regina wished she could see who they were speaking to, but her nerves calmed when Alec returned his knife to his boot and Preston walked around the horses and no longer aimed the pistol before him.
She also wished she could hear what was being said because they seemed to stand there for the longest time. Then Alec and Preston moved away as a man emerged, untied the horses, then drove toward the manor with Alec and Preston walking behind.
It was clearly nobody they needed to worry about, but she was still curious.
“Is all well, Lady Melcombe?” the butler asked.
“I’m not certain,” she answered. “Could you see that a pot of coffee and tea is prepared, please?”
“It’s already being seen to.”
When the carriage came to a stop behind Alec’s, Regina strained to see better, but could not. It was really none of her concern, given this was Melcombe’s home and it could be anyone who needed to see him. All she wished was for her and Alec to be on their way, which they would be as soon as he reached the manor.
Except, as soon as she saw the guest, Regina realized they were not leaving as soon as she had hoped.
“Isn’t that your cousin?” Lady Melcombe asked.
“Yes, it is.” Regina turned and made her way to the entry so that she could greet him immediately.
The butler opened the door and Joseph stepped inside and smiled as soon as he saw her.
“They know who I am,” she quickly said. “Why are you here?”
“Is that any way to greet your cousin?”
“No, of course not,” she shook her head. “Though I am surprised to see you.”
“Yes, I’m certain you are.”
“Why don’t we go into the sitting room so Rennick can explain,” Preston said coming in the door behind him.
“But do make it quick as we must be on our way,” Alec said.
Joseph frowned and Regina was certain he didn’t understand why his being here was important to Alec.
“I’ll explain later,” Alec offered as Preston directed Rennick to the sitting room.
“I’d rather speak with my cousin alone,” he said. “Though if you know who she is, you may already know why she assumed a new identity.”
“We know all of it,” Alec assured him.
“Good, it will save much explanation.” Then he turned to Regina. “Vickery is dead.”
Her heart stilled for but a moment, then renewed with a heavy pounding. “Are you certain?”
If this was true, she no longer needed to hide. Though in truth, she never wanted to return to London anyway, so what did it matter?
Except, she no longer needed to fear discovery.
“Very certain. I am the one who killed him.”
She grasped the back of the chair for fear her legs would give out. “Why?”
As much as she wanted to be free of Vickery, she didn’t wish for her cousin to be caught up in the middle of the scandal. Or worse, charged with murder.
“I called him out if you must know.”
“Oh, Joseph,” she cried. “You shouldn’t have done anything. Think of your family and what could happen to you.”
“I am fine, Regina,” he assured her, but how could he be. It didn’t matter how often gentlemen met at dawn to settle insults, it was still illegal. If one man is killed… “Are you here because you need to leave the country? Is that it?” Though, if that was Joseph’s intention, he had gone the wrong direction, unless he intended to take a ship out of Edinburgh.
“It was self-defense and ruled as such.”
“How can a duel be self-defense?”
“Vickery wasn’t honorable enough to wait until dawn and attempted to murder me. He failed and now he is dead.”
“You are not to be charged with murder?” she asked to be certain she need not fear for her cousin.
“He’d been sullying your name and carrying on much like he had last Season and I had finally had enough and called him out. As there were several witnesses, his pride would not allow him to back down. However, instead of being honorable, he waited in the shadows for me that night. When I stepped outside to await my carriage, he came at me with a knife.”
Regina gasped and quickly glanced over his person and noted he seemed unharmed.
“The fool didn’t even attempt to hide his intent. His actions were witnessed by two footmen and another couple also exiting the ball. Though he did manage to stab me in the arm, it was minor. When he attempted again, I pulled my own knife and drove it into his heart.”
Joseph’s voice was so cold that it sent chills down her spine. Though she might have done the same given the chance. She’d witnessed the evil of Vickery when he attacked her father and no doubt Joseph had witnessed the same.
“You have recovered?”
“I am well, Regina, but that is only part of the reason I am here.”
“What is the other? Is all well with your family?”
“Everyone is fine,” he assured her then took her hands in his. “Now that Vickery is dead, there is no reason for you to remain so. I’ve talked to Lord Matthias, and he is willing to put forth a statement that all Vickery’s assertions about you were false. We have reason to believe that he invented the tales and that you had to go into hiding because you feared for your life. Afterward, you can renew your place in Society.”
Was that what she wanted? She did wish to have her name cleared, but those people had been so quick to believe the stories. Did she want them as friends or even acquaintances again?
She glanced at Alec. “What should I do?” Now that they were to marry, her reputation would also affect him.
“That is up to you. As far as I’m concerned, Society can go hang.”
That is what she needed to hear. “I don’t care what you and Lord Matthias announce. I’ll be happy if people do believe the statement as it will not taint your sisters when they take their place in Society, but I no longer wish to be a part of it.”
“I’d hoped you would return home with me,” Joseph said.
“That is kind of you, and I’d like to come home for a visit one day.”
Joseph frowned. “You wish to remain Lord Melcombe’s governess?”
Chapter 15
“No, she will become my wife,” Alec announced.
For a moment Alec feared that Regina would wish to return to her home and then London to clear her name. He would have understood, but he would not have allowed her to put off marrying him.
Rennick’s eyes widened with shock. “Is this true?”
She smiled. “We were on our way to Gretna Green when we noticed your carriage.”
“This is what you want?” he asked in all seriousness. “This will make you happy?”
Alec could understand Rennick’s concern. He was her only male relative and given what she’d been through the past year, he was probably protective.
“Yes, Joseph. It is what I want,” she assured him.
“Then I am happy for you.” Joseph stood. “I shall not keep you and wish you much happiness.”
Alec breathed out a sigh of relief. They could finally be on their way.
“Miss Rutledge is but one and twenty, is she not?” Preston asked.
Alec glared at him.
“Yes.”
“An age of majority,” Alec bit out. He was going to kill Preston…slowly for causing this delay in his and Regina’s departure.
“Yes, but as her only male relative, it is only proper to seek permission,” Preston noted.
“He has not.” Rennick now turned and studied Alec.
“Doesn’t she also have an inheritance? One large enough that a marriage contract should be negotiated before she says the vows.”
Alec knew for certain that Preston would soon be dead. He did not yet know which method he would use but already visualized his body in the family crypt.
“It is not necessary,” Regina insisted. “I trust Alec.”
“Thank you,” he said while glaring at Preston, the cousin he would soon disown.
“I’m afraid that I cannot allow you to run off and marry Lord Harwich until the two of us have spoken,” Joseph said to Regina.
“It really is not necessary,” Regina insisted.
“I was unable to protect you before. I will protect you and your interests now.” He turned to Preston. “Is there somewhere Lord Harwich and I might meet privately?”
“My library is available. Take all the time you need.” Preston grinned.
Alec glared at him one more time, then paused at the entry. “You will pay for this. Somehow, someday, I will make you pay.”
“You already did,” Preston said. “This is my revenge on you.”
“I’ve done nothing to you that could bring on this vindictiveness,” Alec objected.
“That first day, when I had Althea to myself, and the girls were with Charlotte.”
Alec pulled at his cravat.
“You overstayed your welcome and spoke of our uncle, which sent her fleeing above-stairs.”
Alec did remember. He’d done so intentionally just to make his cousin suffer. Bloody hell.
“You ruined my afternoon, and hers, and spoiled an opportunity for me to court her.”
He’d brought this on himself, and the only thing left to do was admit defeat. Alec executed a bow, tipped an imaginary hat, and uttered, “Touché.”
The most galling was Preston’s laughter that followed Alec down the hall as he walked to meet with Rennick.
Epilogue
Regina couldn’t be happier. She loved Alec and he loved her. He proved repeatedly that the scars were not a deterrent, especially when he wished to have her naked in their bed.
She still carried guilt for how her father died and the accusations of Vickery, but the more she thought on it, she believed that Alec was correct. Vickery had taken a minor rumor without proof or invented a story to get what he wanted.
She did ideally wonder what was being said in London. The report had appeared in the newssheets, which she read this morning, describing the lies told by Vickery, what the investigation had revealed, and the need to let all assume Miss Regina Rutledge had died, but in truth, had not.
“They are probably tripping over themselves to insist that they knew all along that you were innocent,” Alec had offered after they’d read the articles.
He was likely correct, but she’d already seen how they turned quickly and had no wish to be a part of Society again.
Alec had also sent off the notice of their marriage to be announced in the newssheets as well. “That will give them more to talk about in the event London is lacking gossip this Season.” He’d laughed.
Regina didn’t care if they gossiped about her or not, so long as she was forgotten by the time Joseph’s younger sisters made their debut. That was all she really cared about.
“I do wish there would have been a wedding,” Charlotte complained. “Though perhaps running off to Scotland is rather romantic.”
“I had already waited a year and I was not going to wait any longer,” Alec grumbled.
They were seated at the dining room table in Melcombe’s home. The couple had hosted a supper in celebration of Alec and Regina’s marriage.
“When do you leave for London?” Alec asked of Melcombe.
“In a sennight, but we won’t be gone long,” he assured him. “I assume you no longer wish to accompany me?” Melcombe arched an eyebrow.
Alec put his hand over Regina’s. “I have everything I need here.”
He’d confessed that he was simply going to wed a pleasant woman because he needed heirs. Had she not accepted the governess position and come to Willanton, Alec would likely be planning his wedding to another. It would have been her own fault for keeping her secrets, but she’d done what she’d thought best at the time. She’d been so wrong.
“What about the girls?” Alec asked. “You still do not have a governess.”
“They will be fine with the servants,” Althea stated.
“It’s not my preference but what is a lord to do when they can’t keep a governess?” Melcombe laughed.
“Perhaps that is how you should advertise,” Katrina offered. “In want of a husband and looking for love, become the governess to Lord and Lady Melcombe and your future husband will find you within a fortnight.”
Everyone laughed, except for Melcombe.
“I think it should be me,” Charlotte spoke up.
“You?” Katrina asked.
“I have the education. I know the girls. I already teach them art.” She looked to Melcombe. “More importantly, I already have a husband.”
Regina had found it strange that Charlotte lived in Willanton while her husband resided in London or at his family estate. But Charlotte seemed blissfully happy so who was she to criticize.
“Your husband might not approve of you becoming a governess,” Melcombe pointed out.
Charlotte dismissed him with a wave of her hand. “He will not mind.” She laughed. “The girls can stay with me while you are in London. We will have a grand time.”
Lord and Lady Melcombe shared a look. “I do not see why they cannot,” Althea said to her husband.
He glanced to Charlotte. “I will take you up on your offer. However, if your husband objects we might need to advertise for a governess in want of a husband.”
“You know he will not object,” she offered optimistically.
Regina glanced to Alec who looked to Melcombe as a silent exchange took place. She did not know the details of Charlotte’s marriage, but she did know that when Melcombe traveled to London, the one person he was intent on visiting was Charlotte’s husband, The Honorable Victor Hawthorn, son and heir to Viscount Blackmar. Further, the visit had nothing to do with asking Hawthorn to invest in Turner Textiles.
Thank You
Dear Readers,
Thank you for reading PURSUING THE GOVERNESS, the third book in the Love of a Governess series.
If you’d like to keep up with my books, new releases, and other news there are many ways to follow me.
Sign up for my newsletter by visiting my website at https://www.janecharlesauthor.com/.
Friend or follow me on Facebook at http://facebook.com/JaneCharlesAuthor
Join my private reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/romanceandrose
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JaneACharles
Follow me on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jane-charles
Follow me on GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4879172.Jane_Charles
If you enjoyed reading PURSUING THE GOVERNESS, please let me know and share it with others.
LEND IT – This e-book is lending-enabled, so please share it with your friends.
REVIEW IT – I welcome all reviews of my books, so please, share your thoughts with others by leaving a review on the site where you purchased the book and on Goodreads. Afterward, please email me at JaneCharles522@gmail.com so that I can thank you.
