Rogue Most Wanted, page 25
“Goodwin is a snitch,” Stella offered helpfully. “A marvelous one, at that.”
Somerton’s gaze shot to Will’s. “It was Ferr-Colby who took the story that Thea had something to do with her grandfather’s death to The Midnight Cryer. He’s also the one that spread the tale about her with footmen. He planted those lies to hurt her credibility.” Somerton’s voice turned guttural. “He’ll stop at nothing to win his challenge tomorrow.”
“Including ruining my reputation.” Thea gripped her clasped hands tightly to keep herself from jumping up and pacing. Why was she not surprised by the news? Ferr-Colby had created a perfect storm to destroy her.
Will placed his hand over hers. “We’ll stop him.”
“I don’t care about my reputation, but I’ll not allow him to defame my grandfather.” Thea’s voice grew stronger. “Whatever he plans on doing tomorrow, I’ll thwart his every move. Mr. Odell, I want to speak on my own behalf tomorrow. Any accusation leveled at me, I want to address head-on.”
The solicitor tilted his head and regarded her. “My lady, that’s highly unusual.”
“That’s appropriate in this case, sir,” Thea said. “I’m a highly unusual peer.”
He studied her as if trying to decide whether she was up to the task. Finally, with a single nod, he agreed.
“That’s the right attitude for a countess,” Edith said.
“Excellent.” Stella turned her hawk-like gaze to Will. “Now, your part in the interview is simple. You’ll sit beside Thea. You’re there in a show of support. The committee will look favorably on Theodora with all the Cavenshams sitting behind her. Plus, once they realize you and Thea will be married, it’ll make their decision easier to make. If they ask you anything, just identify yourself and answer their questions honestly.”
“It’ll be my pleasure and honor to sit beside Thea,” he answered, then turned to her. “Whatever you need.” His gaze was kind, even affectionate. He lowered his voice until it was a whisper between the two of them. “I’ll be there for you.” Discreetly, without anyone seeing, Will squeezed her hand, offering his strength, giving her courage. “Ferr-Colby will not sully you—not if I have anything to do with it.”
“Hear, hear,” Edith and Stella chimed together.
Claire captured her gaze. “You can do this, Thea.”
Miraculously, Thea didn’t feel nervous anymore. Whatever happened tomorrow, she’d be prepared. Whether she was called a cold-blooded killer or a countess, she’d fight with everything she possessed to protect her grandfather and his legacy. With Will and his family behind her, her determination soared. It truly was a magical day after meeting Liam, listening to Stella and Lady Edith, and most important, having Will’s support.
She didn’t even spill one drop of tea when she served it this morning.
Proof that miracles really did occur.
* * *
For the rest of the day, Will didn’t have an opportunity to see Thea, as he’d been called to his brother’s house for some Langham estate business. What should have only taken a couple of hours, turned into an all afternoon and evening affair.
Finally, Will left for Langham Hall. As he walked the short distance back to his home, his thoughts drifted to his brother and sister-in-law. They’d discussed an addition to McCalpin Manor for their expanding family. McCalpin’s excitement over the project was contagious. If it were Will’s wife who was having a baby, he’d want the same thing—everything perfect and in place.
He stopped beside a park across the street and let his gaze wander. Another lovely vision of Thea with their child propped on her hip flooded him with warmth.
Claire’s warning—be careful what you wish for—pounded in his head. He closed his eyes and inhaled the stale London air. It was in direct contrast to Thea’s natural clean scent, the one he’d become accustomed to.
No matter what, last night wasn’t a mistake. What they shared was something incredibly tender and honest, and he’d never experienced it with any woman before in his life. He shook his head. After pleasuring Thea, he wanted to marry her. Not only was it a matter of honor, but he cared for her deeply. He’d not ruin her, then let her go.
She was passionate and wasn’t afraid of her own body or his. She knew what she wanted. And she wasn’t afraid to go after her dreams either.
With a renewed determination to convince her he was the right man for her, Will continued his way home. When he entered Langham Hall, Pitts failed to appear. Will wouldn’t let another second tick by without talking to Thea. He asked an attending footman where she was and discovered she’d spent the night preparing for tomorrow’s hearing.
Before Will could ascend the staircase, Pitts miraculously appeared. “Lord William, a moment, please. The Duke of Ferr-Colby is in the duke’s salon. He says it’s a matter of urgency and asked for Lady Eanruig.” Pitts was always a consummate English butler who guarded Langham Hall and its inhabitants from unnecessary interruptions. However, even he appeared to be under a little stress about tomorrow’s hearing, if the dark circles under his eyes were any indication.
The affliction seemed to be shared by all of them.
“I’ll see him.” Will started down the hallway to the sitting room with Pitts right beside him.
Soon they arrived outside the salon. Without his usual fanfare, the butler opened the door and announced Will.
“Ferr-Colby,” Will drawled as he strolled into the room. “What could possibly bring you here this evening? Are you dropping your claim?”
“Unfortunately, not,” the duke said. He turned from his study of the fireplace and faced Will. “I wanted to see Theodora. Not you. She needs to know that I’ll still be her friend.” He smiled gently and glanced at the floor, as if he really were sorry it had come to this between the two of them. “No matter what—”
Will interrupted him. “No matter what lies you spread to hurt Lady Eanruig, you want her to know that you’ll still marry her? What happens if you prevail? Will you still want to marry her then?” He continued to stare at Ferr-Colby. The tension between the two men could have been severed with a sword. “That’s what I thought, Your Grace. No suave or ready answers to my questions. Just empty threats.”
“I’ll do whatever is necessary, and in my power, to win, including marrying her,” the duke said, as if he were commenting on the dreary London weather. Then his visage visibly tightened. “Do you know what exactly happened at Ladykyrk? Why wasn’t the duke seen in all those years? Why did the invitations to visit cease?” He leaned close and stared into Will’s eyes. “I’ll bring charges against her if need be.”
“Ducal charm at its finest.” Ferr-Colby’s true agenda had started to emerge, proving what Will thought was true. The man had no morals. “What happened to wanting to be her friend?” He didn’t wait for an answer as it wouldn’t be worth listening to. “What charges would you bring against Lady Eanruig?” Will demanded.
“Murder.”
“Be my guest,” Will taunted, then stepped forward, ready to challenge the duke. He lowered his voice to a growl. “Where were you all those years Thea was taking care of her ill grandfather? If it had been me, nothing would have kept me from visiting my great-uncle, particularly if I was his heir. I wouldn’t have waited for an invitation.”
Ferr-Colby’s eyes widened.
“Your threats are meaningless. Thea’s grandfather was a great and fair man. I wonder what he’d think of you, his default heir, if he could see you trying to steal Ladykyrk from his only granddaughter.”
“What the old duke would think now is immaterial to your countess,” Ferr-Colby mocked. “The only thing that matters is tomorrow.” Without waiting for a reply, he strolled from the room.
Standing guard, Pitts nodded to Will, then followed the duke. The sound of their footsteps faded as they made their way to the entry.
Without losing a second, Will headed to Thea’s room. Tonight, they’d get their future settled. When she didn’t answer after his brisk knock, he entered his room and headed for the balcony.
The structure was empty, and the balcony door was shut. No soft candlelight glowed through the window. She had to be asleep in preparation for tomorrow.
Though he didn’t regularly pray, he whispered one tonight.
Dear God, let her win tomorrow so Ferr-Colby and his threats will be out of her life forever.
The latest edition of the Cryer will be delayed this morning. We’re waiting for the
Committee for Privileges—or as Lady Man-Eater likes to call them—a bunch of ‘white-wigged men’ to make a formal announcement as to who is the true head of the Eanruig earldom. A bit of news we did pick up this morning—one member of the committee divulged that he sits on a dais to keep Lady Man-Eater from attacking.
Sounds like a traveling circus, doesn’t it, gentle readers?
Fair and honest reporting always,
The Midnight Cryer
Chapter Twenty-Two
Thea smoothed her hands down the elegant but subdued blue-and-silver Italian crepe gown that Mademoiselle Mignon had crafted for her to wear today. Even the fine leather gloves that had been dyed to match couldn’t keep her palms dry. Her hands had become watering pots, and the hearing hadn’t even started. Her future and the fate of all the people that depended on her would be decided today. It would be a blessing to just have it over with. Living in limbo was hell.
Beside her sat Will, who looked impressive in a dark-navy double-breasted morning coat with black wool breeches. His silver silk waistcoat almost shimmered in the light, the material was so fine. A sapphire sparkled in the small stickpin he’d used in the intricately tied mathematical knot of his cravat. Every time she glanced at him, the thing appeared to wink at her, and she prayed it was a good omen.
Behind her, the entire Cavensham family had come to support her. The Duke and Duchess of Langham sat directly behind them, with Stella and Lady Edith directly behind. Claire and Pembrooke, McCalpin and March, along with Emma and Somerton sat directly behind the duke and duchess.
Even with all this support, the uncertainty of today’s outcome twisted her stomach into a knot that she didn’t think would ever become untangled. It didn’t help matters that Mr. Odell hadn’t arrived yet. His seat sat empty, and the table depressingly bare. Across the aisle, massive piles of papers were carefully sorted and laid in precise order in front of the duke’s solicitors.
She turned to Will, but he was talking to his father. She caught his eye, and he smiled in return. Just then, the door opened behind them, and the Duke of Ferr-Colby entered with his entourage. With his blond hair and blue eyes, he cut a striking figure. His straight posture and confident smile made him appear at ease—almost as if on a stroll in the park.
After he greeted the Duke and Duchess of Langham and the rest of the Cavensham family, he turned his attention to her. “Lady Eanruig, you look especially beautiful today.” He bowed slightly.
“That’s where you’re wrong, Ferr-Colby,” Will drawled. “She looks this way every single day.”
The duke winged an eyebrow, then returned his attention to Thea. “No solicitor? That’s a novel approach. Good luck.”
Thea didn’t answer.
As soon as the duke settled at the table directly across from Thea, three members of the committee in full ceremonial robes and wigs took their seats. Following behind them, another man entered.
Will leaned close. “That’s the attorney general. He’s here to listen and take notes for the Prince Regent. He’ll not ask any questions.”
Lord Howton called the hearing to order. “Is the claimant ready to procced?” He looked around the chamber. “Where is Mr. Odell?”
“I’m afraid Mr. Odell hasn’t arrived yet.” Thea rose slowly and faced the dais. Her pulse pounded, but she refused to sit. “Lord Howton, if it would please the committee, I’d like to say a few words first,” Thea announced with a strong and steady voice. Thankfully, no one knew her knees were knocking gently.
His eyes widened. “It’s out of the ordinary, but of course you may. Please proceed.”
Will also rose to stand beside her. He took her hand in his. His whisper only loud enough for her to hear. “Odell will be here. Just remember you are the true Countess of Eanruig, and your confidence and commitment are in rare form today.” He squeezed her hand gently. “Countess, you’ve never been more beautiful in my eyes than you are now.”
She squeezed his hand in acknowledgment.
When Will sat, his chair squeaked, the only sound in the chamber besides the pounding rhythm of her heart. She forced herself to ignore the stares of the committee members and glanced at the Cavenshams behind her. When her gaze settled on Stella and the Duke of Langham, she nodded. Slowly, she drew a deep breath for courage. The Daniels family flashed before her. Ladykyrk and its future depended on her succeeding today. She drew her shoulders back and faced the committee. Silence reigned through the chamber, but she’d not allow it to quiet her.
“I’d like to start with why the original Earldom of Eanruig was created in the first place.” Thea cleared her throat so her voice would carry through the room. “My ancestor, Alexander Gordon, who was named after King Alexander II, fought against the British repeatedly. In honor of his bravery for those battles long ago, Alexander Gordon was given the title of Earl of Eanruig and the land that is now called Ladykyrk by charter in the year 1012. The king decreed that the title would pass to the heirs of the marriage, not the male heirs of the marriage.”
Without a single note, Thea traced her entire ancestry, everything she’d learned from her grandfather, including his relentless lessons on the history of her family. Finally, she came to her mother. “I am the only heir from the marriage of my father, James Monmouth, the Earl of Northcross, to my mother, Lady Janet Worth, who was the only child of the previous Earl of Eanruig, who also held the title of the Duke of Ferr-Colby.”
Though she didn’t dare look, she felt Will’s warm gaze. Her confidence continued to strengthen, knowing he was by her side.
“My grandfather was a fair and just man. His loyalty has always been to the crown and the responsibilities he bore with his titles. One of those responsibilities entailed ensuring my readiness to assume my duties as the Countess of Eanruig, which I’ve been performing for years. There is only one decision that this committee can make today—the only decision that is fair and in the best interests of the estate and the people of Ladykyrk. That’s to declare the title of the Earldom of Eanruig as my birthright. Today, I stand before you and declare that my claim is true.”
Her last words echoed through the chamber. When they finally faded, silence blanketed the room. Lord Howton and the other members squirmed in their chairs. She might have been too passionate, too loud, but she would never forgive herself if she didn’t speak on her own behalf.
“Before I sit down, there’s another matter to be addressed, the rumors and allegations that have been printed about me and my grandfather.” She turned to Ferr-Colby. The spineless coward refused to look at her. With a slight shake of her head, she continued, “My grandfather was ill for seven years before he passed. When he started failing, his doctor and his most loyal servants came to me. It was in my grandfather’s best interests if his duties could be simplified. That’s when I took over the administrative and secretarial duties for him. With the help and support of Mr. John Miles, the butler for the ducal estate, Dunbar on Ferr, along with his brother, Mr. Charles Miles, the butler of Ladykyrk, we provided the best care possible for my grandfather and assistance in the management of his estates to the best of our abilities.”
Will’s steadfast presence gave her strength as Thea stared at the three committee members, daring them to question her.
“Barely at the age of eighteen, I took all responsibility for my grandfather’s well-being and the responsibilities of Ladykyrk and Ferr-Colby. Not once did his ducal heir make an effort to see about my grandfather’s welfare or the status of the ducal estate. Not once,” she repeated. “If anyone believes I’d do my grandfather harm, then they don’t know me nor do they know the loyal servants in my late grandfather’s employment.” Thea inched her chin upward. “If anyone”—she turned toward the duke—“would like to examine the account books for Ferr-Colby or the Earldom of Eanruig, then they are welcome. If they’d like to interview the servants, I’ll make the arrangements. I have no secrets to hide.”
Will rose from his chair and stood beside her. “I’d like to add to what the Countess has said today.”
Lord Howton nodded.
“I’ve had the opportunity to become familiar with the tenants of Ladykyrk. Every single one of them praises the Countess of Eanruig’s efforts. Under her management, the estate and the Ferr-Colby duchy have prospered. Lady Eanruig’s tenants respect her for not only her business acumen but her kindness and her willingness to work hard for them.” Will turned toward her and smiled. “For anyone to besmirch her integrity is a travesty. I can attest to that. All the rumors and innuendoes that have been printed or bandied about are utter hogwash.”
The smile on Will’s face hit her square in the chest, and she stood a little taller, basking in the warmth and pride of his gaze.
“Gentlemen, I find myself in the most fortunate position of being betrothed to this amazing woman. I can only come to one conclusion. Jealousy and pettiness are the source of such ugly rumors and the utterly ridiculous challenge to her claim.”
Lord Howton cleared his throat. “That’s all well and good, and we appreciate your candor and observations. However, your conjectures regarding the reasons for the rumors aren’t relevant here.”
“Oh really?” Will drawled. “Well, when my fiancée is threatened with a capital crime, I think it best to be on the offensive.” Tenderly, he took her hand. “I’ll not allow her reputation to be ruined because of someone’s greed.”
