Chapter Fourteen
Happiness and gaiety filled Malcolm’s home upon their return. The children ran into their father’s arms and greeted him with kisses, and then turned and rained the same affection on Camilla. Her chest expanded with happiness.
For the rest of the day, she stayed by Malcolm’s side as he sat on the couch and played with the children. He touched her often with gentle caresses. Was this all a wonderful, beautiful dream?
But all dreams had to end. When she first decided to play her sister’s role, she was out to prove him guilty of unlawful actions. Yet now that she loved him, she didn’t want anything to happen to him. Whoever had tried to kill him was still out there. Her hopes of living happily ever after with Malcolm and his children faded quickly, and she couldn’t stand the suffocation tightening her chest.
The day’s end drew near, and she wondered if he would invite her to share his bed. They hadn’t made love yet, at which she was relieved, but she still enjoyed holding him while she fell asleep.
In the parlor, Malcolm finished his nightly reading of bedtime stories to James and Lizzy, and Camilla joined the trio on the sofa. The more time she spent with his family, the softer her heart grew toward them. This was now her family, and nothing and nobody would take it away from her… except her own lies or someone killing him.
No matter what, she needed to tell him the truth. Never again did she want lies to come between them.
Jane stepped into the room to collect the children. James and Lizzy gave Camilla kisses and hugs before leaving with their nanny to retire for the night. Once the children were gone, Malcolm wrapped Camilla in his arms. She cuddled against him, loving the perfect way they fit together.
“Today was wonderful.” She stroked his wide chest. “Was it not?”
“Wonderful is certainly the correct word. I don’t think I have had a better day.” He lifted her chin, so she looked into his eyes. “And I want tonight to be just as special.”
She smiled, her heart beating an irregular rhythm. “That thought crossed my mind, as well.”
“And what, pray tell, were you thinking?”
“I think I quite enjoy being held by you, but—”
“No buts.” A low rumble started in his chest from his laugh, and he touched his finger to her nose. “Would you think it improper of me if I suggested retiring to our room now?”
“Our room? Have you forgotten in this house we have separate chambers?”
“I want you in my bed from this day forth.”
Excitement flowed through her, and she wanted the same thing. It was right, she convinced herself… After all, according to the certificate, they were already married. “I do like the sound of that.”
He leaned down and covered her mouth with his. The kiss was brief, yet blissfully pleasing. That would never change as long as she loved him with all her heart. She pulled away and stood, reaching out her hands for him to take. Behind her, footsteps rushed into the room, causing her and Malcolm to swing their heads toward the intruder.
Broderick doffed his hat and nodded to her, then turned his attention to Malcolm. “Forgive me for this rude intrusion, but I must speak with you.”
Malcolm struggled to stand, and when he did, he leaned against Camilla. “Can it not wait until tomorrow?”
Broderick twisted his hat against his stomach. “It cannot.”
Camilla looked into Malcolm’s eyes and smiled. “Don’t be too long. I’ll be waiting for you.” She winked then pulled away. She walked past Malcolm’s friend and nodded. “Good evening, Broderick. Please try not to keep Mr. Worthington on his leg too long. I fear the swelling will return.”
“Yes, Mrs. Worthington.”
She stepped out of the parlor and pulled the double doors closed behind her. The seriousness on Broderick’s face worried her. Would Malcolm trust her enough to share what he learned tonight?
*
“What do youmean they suspect me?” Malcolm pushed his fingers through his hair in irritation.
“One of my friends works for the magistrate, and he overheard the magistrate and two other men talking.” Broderick paced the floor. “He overheard them saying that you were the one who broke into Mr. Clarkston’s office.”
“That’s utterly ridiculous,” Malcolm snapped. “We were together at the tavern that evening. I have you for my alibi.”
“There’s more.” Broderick stopped in front of him. “Brandon Kennedy mentioned to the magistrate that your wife had talked about killing you a few months ago.”
Malcolm’s blood turned to ice and his gut twisted. This couldn’t be happening. Camilla would never…
His thoughts stopped quickly. Camilla wouldn’t have done it, but Kat would. He still needed proof, but he felt deep in his heart that Camilla was not the wicked woman he had married.
“Camilla didn’t try to shoot me.” Malcolm’s voice softened. “She was in our room and still in bed when I left for the fox hunt. She was seen leaving the house after I was shot.”
Broderick released a gust of air from his mouth. “That’s good. However, we still need to try to clear your name before something worse happens.”
“No.” Malcolm’s leg throbbed, so he hobbled to the couch and fell upon it, and then lifted his leg up on the stool. “I need to find the person responsible for doing this to me. That is the only way to stop this.”
“I think Kennedy is behind it.”
Malcolm nodded at his friend.
“Ever since your wife turned away Kennedy’s attentions,” Broderick said, “more things have been happening to you.”
“I know, but I would rather have my marriage this way than the way it was before.”
Broderick gave him a small smile. “I still cannot believe it. When you told me earlier today, I was in complete shock. Who would have guessed Kat—”
“No, Broderick. Her name is Camilla.”
Broderick shifted his stance. “My apologies. I didn’t mean—”
“I know. It was a shock to all of us.” Malcolm chuckled. “Imagine my surprise when I admitted I was in love with her.”
“Unfortunately, we don’t know if it is your wife or the sister in the asylum. In a way, I wish she were still the old Kat. Then Kennedy would be occupied, and we would have a better chance of catching him trying to sabotage you.”
Malcolm scratched his chin. “There has got to be another way.”
“I’ll talk to my friend who works for the magistrate and see what else he knows.”
“Good thinking, Broderick.” As his marriage was finally going the way he had always dreamed about, now more than ever, he needed to bring a stop to the person trying to ruin him. If they tried to shoot him again, the bullet just may hit his heart and kill him.
“Were you able to snoop through Colonel Burwell’s study?” Broderick asked.
“No. My broken leg ruined my plans.”
“That is all right. We’ll find who has been stealing your drawings.”
“We had better. I grow weary of this game.” Malcolm struggled to stand. Broderick hurried to help, but Malcolm motioned him away. “We will have to wait until morning to figure out a plan. Hopefully, my leg will feel better, because I have many errands to run.”
“Is there anything you would like me to do?”
“If I do, I shall let you know in the morning.” Putting all his weight on the cane, he walked toward the door. “Now if you will excuse me, my wife is upstairs in my bed. And I’m not foolish enough to keep her waiting any longer.”
Broderick laughed and clapped Malcolm on the shoulder as he passed. “I’m happy to see you have found someone to love.”
Malcolm threw him a grin. “You aren’t the only one happy.” He winked.
It took him a while longer than he wanted, but he finally made it up the stairs to his room. He walked in and stopped. Only a single candle was lit, illuminating his wife on his bed.
Asleep.
He chuckled and ran his fingers through his hair. It looked as though tonight wouldn’t be when he made love to her. Then again, Broderick had given him a lot to think about. Perhaps he needed to do some serious contemplating before taking the plunge with Camilla.
He didn’t know what this woman had done to him, but whatever it was, he liked it. He also couldn’t let her distract him from his fight for justice. He only hoped she would support him and still want to remain by his side.
But a nagging thought in the back of his mind told him something wasn’t right. Why had more things started happening to him since his wife returned from caring for her sister? His heart wouldn’t allow him to believe the worst. He must trust that she wasn’t part of any of this.
*
Broderick Turner,
Watch Brandon Kennedy closely tonight. I have it on good authority that Mr. Kennedy is going to meet Captain Wilkes in secret to sell him some drawings. I fear your friend, Malcolm Worthington, will be blamed for something, and I want it stopped.
Your Friend, Always
Malcolm scowled as he glanced at the missive in his hand. “Who wrote this?”
“I wish I knew,” Broderick grumbled. “It was left for my friend who works for the magistrate. He said a lovely woman with red hair gave it to him.”
Malcolm snapped his attention toward his friend. “Do you know a woman with red hair?”
Broderick frowned. “I know a few, but none of them would be considered lovely.”
Malcolm pushed away from his drawing board in the office and leaned on his cane as he limped to the window. “The question is, how well do we trust this source?”
“Indeed, that’s an excellent question. I think I may have an answer.” Broderick moved beside him. “The missive asks me to watch Kennedy closely. So, as long as I can do it without being seen, I might be able to tell if this unknown person is trying to help us or not.”
“I don’t know, Broderick.” Pursing his lips, Malcolm started out the window into the busy street. He was thankful Kennedy and Crowley hadn’t arrived at work yet this morning. It gave him more time to think. “What woman would want to help us?”
“I was also pondering this since I received this note.” Broderick tapped his finger on the windowpane. “You mentioned your wife was worried about you. Do you suppose it’s Camilla who wrote this?”
“Impossible!” Malcolm moved back to his drawing board and stared at the blank page. Camilla wouldn’t do this without telling him, would she? He couldn’t allow her to do that. If she were caught by one of the soldiers…
He shook off the frightening chill running down his back. He wouldn’t let that happen.
“Broderick? Gather all the information you can. And yes, if possible, I want you to spy on Kennedy tonight.” He swung his gaze toward his friend. “I wish I wasn’t a gimp, or I could assist.”
“I can do it.” Broderick stepped toward him. “I won’t get caught.”
“I pray we will be able to catch Kennedy and Wilkes in the act. I would love nothing more than to see those two men sent to the gaol.”
“I agree wholeheartedly. The pompous captain thinks he can control everything. He acts like he runs Dorchester. I don’t know who gave him that assignment, but whoever it was needs to retract it.”
The office door opened as Brandon Kennedy entered. Both Malcolm and Broderick quickly ended their conversation. A gust of wind blew in a few leaves under Kennedy’s feet as he nearly skipped toward his office. He seemed chipper today as he shrugged off his overcoat.
“Good morning, Kennedy,” Malcolm greeted him.
Brandon turned and nodded. “Malcolm. Mr. Turner.” He whistled as he walked to the rack and hung up his coat. “A fine morning, is it not?”
Malcolm threw Broderick a wary glance. “Yes, it is, Kennedy. You look rather cheerful today.”
Brandon walked back to his desk, his grin widening with each step. “The fact is, I am extremely happy, and so will you be when I tell you the good news.”
“Good news?” Malcolm limped away from the window.
“Indeed. I heard that Lord Arlington is in the market for someone to build him a gr and manor in Dorchester.” Brandon chuckled. “That man is worth a lot of money, and I’m certain he’ll pay a good price.”
“That is good news.” Malcolm nodded. “When will you meet with him?”
“I have sent him a letter in hopes of setting up an appointment to meet with him next week.” Brandon leaned back in his chair and threw a skeptical glare at Malcolm. “I’m hoping your streak of bad luck has ended, because if you draw up the plans, I don’t want them getting lost somehow.”
Malcolm fisted his hands under his desk. Working with this man made him want to throttle him constantly. “I assure you, my streak of bad luck has ended.” At least, he hoped.
“That’s good to know.” Brandon turned back to his desk and started writing on a blank page.
Malcolm gritted his teeth, trying his hardest not to show the elation filling him. Brandon didn’t know—and hopefully, would never find out—but Malcolm already had an appointment scheduled with Lord Arlington. In three days, in fact. Malcolm would get that account before Brandon, and hopefully, this would be the last he had to work with Kennedy and Crawley.
The tower clock by the courthouse chimed the tenth morning hour. Broderick stood and cupped Malcolm’s shoulder. The movement slightly relieved his tension.
“Well,” Broderick said, “that is my signal to get to work. I need to run errands for my boss’s wife. If I’m not back shortly, she will dismiss me.”
Malcolm gave him a nod. “Let me know if she gets tough on you. I have a personal relationship with that mean Mrs. Worthington.” He winked.
Broderick laughed as he left the office. Malcolm hoped his humor would cover the panic over the past few minutes.
“Worthington? I see your leg is healing nicely.”
Malcolm glanced at Brandon. “Yes, thanks to my wife’s loving care.”
The other man chuckled as he picked up some contracts and shuffled through them. “I never thought I would hear you say that about Kat.”
“I would have to agree with you.”
Brandon threw him a look over his shoulder. “I suppose you have forgiven her for her unfaithfulness since you exchanged vows?”
Malcolm clenched his jaw and fought the urge to use his fists to vent his frustration. He stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Brandon, indeed. This is no kind of talk for two gentlemen.”
Brandon shrugged. “I thought to make conversation.”
“And I’m uncomfortable speaking about this, if you don’t mind.”
“I fully understand.” Brandon’s grin turned mocking. “I, too, would be quite embarrassed if I had a wife like yours.”
Exhaling deeply, Malcolm turned away from Brandon and looked at the papers scattered on his desk. Several drawings needed to be finished by the end of the week, and he really didn’t have the patience to talk nonsense with his partner. He’d rather punch the man in the nose and cause him excruciating pain.
“But I have to add how impressed I am that Kat changed her ways,” Brandon added.
Malcolm tightened his grip on his drawing pen. The quill snapped in two. “Would you cease this ridiculous discussion?”
“I’m only trying to point out—”
“Enough!” Malcolm pushed away from the desk, knocking over his chair in the process. He glared at Brandon. “If you’ll excuse me, I have errands to run.”
He stuffed his drawings in a satchel before throwing his long, dark brown cape over his shoulders. He hobbled out of the office, not going fast enough. The wind hit his face, and he squinted through the flying debris of dirt and leaves as he crossed the street. A crowd of soldiers gathered outside the nearest tavern, raising their cups in a toast. Their boisterous laughter gnawed on Malcolm’s nerves.
Down the street toward one of the several inns in town, a familiar figure caught his eye. Blinking against the blasting wind, he noticed a woman walk in front of Captain Wilkes as they entered the building. The back of her green cloak looked familiar, and he rubbed his eyes to focus better. By the time he looked up again, the couple had disappeared.
His heart hammered against his ribs and the palms of his hands sweated. The woman with Captain Wilkes wasn’t whom he had thought. Camilla wasn’t like Kat. Although he still didn’t know for certain who she really was, the woman he loved wouldn’t dally with other men. Camilla loved him as much as he loved her.
Didn’t she?
Hurrying into the bank, he calmed his fears, telling himself he hadn’t seen Camilla with Captain Wilkes. That must be his insecurities playing games with his mind, and he blamed Kennedy for making him doubt himself.
He turned, greeted the bank clerk, and requested a large sum of money to be withdrawn from his account. It was time he purchased a real wedding ring for his wife—the woman he never thought he could love so much. He wouldn’t put off giving her this gift any longer.
He signed his name, and with the money in an envelope safely tucked into his vest pocket, he turned to leave. Before he reached the door, it opened, and an older man wearing a top hat and dark brown cape entered. Lord Arlington? Malcolm’s breath caught in his throat due to the surprise. He hadn’t heard the lord would be in town this soon.
Doubts quickly filled his head. Did Kennedy know, and would he try to persuade Lord Arlington to sign a contract with him and Crawley? Malcolm must stop it.
Lord Arlington brushed the leaves from his overcoat and looked up at Malcolm. His eyes widened and his grayish-brown eyebrows lifted.
“Good day, my lord.” Malcolm smiled. “’Tis a pleasure to see you on this foul morning.”
“The weather doesn’t cater to our needs, that’s for certain.”
Malcolm took a step closer to the other man. “I’m surprised to see you in Dorchester. Have your plans changed since we last spoke?”
“Only a little.” Lord Arlington rested on his walking stick.
“If you don’t mind”—Malcolm lowered his voice, praying that those who worked in the bank wouldn’t run to Kennedy with the information they would overhear now—“we could meet sooner to discuss the plans for your manor.”
Lord Arlington nodded. “I’m actually free this evening.”
“Then so am I.”
“I’m staying at the Lion’s Paw Inn.” He motioned toward the street. “Would you like to meet me at nine o’clock this evening?”
“I’ll be there at nine sharp.” Malcolm’s heartbeat quickened with excitement.
He hurried out of the building as he tried to create an excuse to tell Camilla for why he had to leave for a meeting this evening. He still hadn’t told her the truth—that he was secretly trying to find patrons so as to build his own clientele. He didn’t want to get her too hopeful, just in case his scheme failed, and he had to remain working for an imbecile like Brandon Kennedy.