Chapter 25
ALEXANDER
Three days later, I strode into the library, taking note of the cheery blaze in the fireplace.
Maddie was on the chaise, reclining against pillows, a blanket draped over her feet.
She was staring out the window at the stormy sky, heavy with rain.
It had begun to cloud over the day before, and my farmers predicted it would last for a few days.
Lydia was in the window seat, looking despondent.
I had a feeling it was due to the fact that Edward was in London on a task for me.
He had looked rather grim when he departed the day before, his mouth turned down in an unfamiliar frown.
He usually enjoyed the missions I sent him on, but then again, he’d never left behind someone he cared for.
They looked up as I entered, Lydia immediately standing. Maddie held out her hand. I took it, kissing the palm and holding it to my face. “Are you well, my love? You look sad.”
“No, I am fine. The weather is gloomy and makes me somewhat melancholy.”
“Edward has sent word he has arrived and will conclude his business swiftly.” I glanced at Lydia. “He plans to return as soon as possible.”
She smiled, looking pleased.
“Would you be so kind as to fetch tea, Lydia? I should like a moment with my wife.”
She departed quickly, leaving me with Maddie. I sat beside her, and she watched me with a confused frown. “Is something wrong?”
I stroked her cheek. “No, Maddie mine, but I am pleased you regarded me so calmly and without worry when asking that question.”
“I know you would never hurt me.”
“No, I wouldn’t. I would rather cut off my own arm than to cause you pain.”
“Yet, you look serious. Something is amiss, I fear?” she asked.
I set the small bundle I was carrying on her lap. “These were given to me.”
“From?”
“Geraldine. They were your mother’s.”
She eyed them with caution. “How did she come to have them in her possession?”
“She stole them from the baron’s desk. They are how he discovered he was not your father. Geraldine felt they should be in your possession, not his. I thought you might like to read them.”
“Have you already done so?”
“Yes. There is a great love story there of your true father. And many thoughts of your mother on her love for you. Even fondness for the baron. Your mother seemed to be of a determined nature, wanting to find the good everywhere.” I touched her cheek.
“Much like you, my sweet. You take after her in many ways.”
“I wish I could remember her face clearly,” she whispered.
I opened the bundle and handed her the small portrait. She inhaled sharply, staring at it, tracing her mother’s features with a trembling finger.
“You resemble her very much.”
A tear ran down her cheek. “Have I upset you, dearest?” I inquired gently.
“No, my dear husband,” she whispered, her voice catching. “This brings me great joy. I find my emotions high these days.”
I nodded in understanding. “The babe.”
“The babe,” she agreed.
“I thought today being dreary, you might like to read some of your mother’s words.”
“I would very much like that. Thank you for this gift, Alexander. It is incredibly precious to me.”
I opened her hand and slipped the small brooch into her palm. “This was a gift from your father to your mother. Geraldine has been safeguarding it for you, along with the likeness of your mother.”
She turned it over, studying it. “I recall her wearing this. It was small compared to some pieces the baron gave her, but she always said it was her favorite.” She smiled softly, another tear running down her cheek. “She said it was a family piece.”
“It was.” I took it from her, pinning it to her bodice. “And now it is yours. You were her family, Maddie. Her greatest love.”
She traced the sapphires, not speaking, her expression saying it all. I tapped the small likeness she still held.
“Perhaps we can commission a larger portrait of your mother from the likeness. You may hang it where you can see it every day. You can tell our little one about their grandmama when they are old enough.”
“You are the most generous, thoughtful man.”
I stood and pressed a kiss to her upturned mouth. “Because I love you, I find being both very easy. When Lydia returns with the tea, enjoy a cup, then read. I shall be in my study, working. If you need me, send Lydia.”
She reached up and grasped my face between her hands. “Thank you for this.”
I turned my face and kissed her palm. “I would give you everything if I could, Maddie.”
“You have, my love,” she whispered. “That and more.”
Edward returned two days later, tired but filled with news. He had been caught in the still-falling rain, so he retired to his quarters, cleaned up, and presented himself shortly in my study. I poured us each a large brandy and handed him the glass. “Tell me the news.”
“Everything is as Geraldine spoke. The young nobleman made no secret of his love for Maddie’s mother and their plans to wed.
I managed to track down the cousin on his mother’s side who knew him well, but she was departing soon for the continent, which is why I made such haste in leaving.
She had even met Felicity. She shared a few stories—wrote them down.
” He handed me a small packet of papers tied with a ribbon.
“She would love to meet Maddie if you take her to London and she has returned. She gave me this as well for her.” He handed me a miniature of a young man with dark hair and a serious expression.
I could see Maddie in the shape of his mouth and his gentle gaze.
He was handsome, and I imagined he would have been a good father to her.
I knew he loved her mother with such passion.
“This will bring her much joy. I will endeavor a trip after our child has come. A short one.”
“I have many other things to tell you, one piece in particular.”
I lifted an eyebrow. “Do speak.”
“Barnett is dead.”
I gaped at him. “What? When?”
“Only two days ago. His wound healed, but he had a run-in with someone in an alley. The word is it was a man to whom he owed a large sum. A lender not known for his patience with unpaid debts. All suspicion, of course, since not a soul saw anything. A passerby found him and called for the authorities.”
I rubbed my chin thoughtfully. “They never do.”
“Higgins was in town while I was there. He told me the news, and he also mentioned Milton Manor will be going for sale to cover balances. Plus what was left of the estate you visited. The house in London was stripped of anything valuable and is in desperate need of refurnishing, if rumors are to be believed. Selling the lot will barely cover his obligations. You might get Milton Manor for a song.”
“I will have Higgins start inquiries. I have no interest in Cliffwood, other than purchasing it and allowing Maddie to burn it to the ground if she desires it.”
He chuckled. “I assumed you would not. The entailed property will revert to the crown. It was much farther north, and I understand he rarely ventured there.” He grinned. “No one to play cards with other than sheep, and they loathe being fleeced.”
I had to laugh at his levity.
“I told Higgins as much as well,” he added.
“Excellent.”
“What will you do now? Tell Maddie?”
“Yes,” I replied promptly. “I believe it will ease her mind, knowing that awful man will never be seen again. That he can never again hurt her.”
He nodded, rubbing his eyes.
“Retire for the evening, Edward. Tell me the rest tomorrow, unless there is anything pressing.”
“No. I dealt with the matters you sent me on. I have documents for you. Some new items to discuss. But nothing urgent.”
I rose to my feet and extended my hand. “Thank you for your work. As usual, you have proven to be exemplary.”
He smiled and shook my hand. “I believe I shall wander to the kitchen and see if I can persuade Cook to share some of her delicious treats.”
“Do. The roast joint tonight was exceptional. And the cherry tarts divine. Maddie ate three.”
He laughed. “I will see you in the morning, Alexander.”
“In the morning,” I agreed.
He left, and I picked up the miniature and added the small package of letters, planning on reading them to her.
I decided to go upstairs locate my wife.
She had been emotional since reading her mother’s journals, and I sensed these letters and likeness would do the same to her, so I wished to stay close.
I swallowed the last of my brandy and headed for the stairs.
MADELEINE
Curled up comfortably on a chair by a crackling fire, I was waiting for Alexander when he came to our bedchamber.
The open book of poetry in my lap no longer held my attention as my handsome husband crossed the threshold.
I took a moment to admire him as I oft did, still unable to believe that he was mine, that my father would never dare to harm us again, and that our future would be as bright as the morning sun that shone in our windows each morning.
He wore a dark coat and trousers, his cravat snowy white to match his crisp shirt, his waistcoat a lighter shade of gray. His long, dark hair was pulled away from his face, and his strong jaw was clenched, as if something troubled him.
Since he had sent my father away, I had observed a lightness in my husband, one that filled me with happiness. His somber countenance made my stomach tighten.
“What is amiss?” I asked him.
He closed the door at his back, striding toward me.
I moved to stand and greet him.
“Stay as you are, Maddie mine. There is no need to rise on my account. I’m sure you’re tired after carrying our babe about all day.”
My back and feet were tired and sore, but my joy at our impending child more than assuaged any physical infirmity I suffered. I rose despite his protest, setting aside my volume of poetry.
“Something has distressed you, and you aren’t telling me what it is.” I pressed a hand to my lower back, thinking that I would soon need to let out the seams of my dressing gown. Or perhaps have a new one fashioned for me, one with room for my ever-growing belly for my lying-in.
“Nothing is distressing me,” he assured me, “but I do come to you bearing news. Edward has returned from his sojourn to London.”
Belatedly, I noticed he carried a stack of papers bound with ribbon and something that looked like a miniature.
“What news does he bring?”
Alexander reached me, his countenance gentling as it did for me alone. “Please sit, my love. Some of the news may overset you.”
“Alexander, please, you’re worrying me.” I reached for his coat sleeve.
He was my anchor. My everything. We had weathered so much together. He knew me better than anyone. Sometimes better, even, than I knew myself. If he believed I would find the news upsetting, then it must be something dreadful indeed.
He kissed my brow. “Sit first. I’ll not have you swooning and injuring yourself or the babe.”
He was right. My pride wasn’t worth such a risk.
Reluctantly, I obeyed his request, settling back into the chair I had so recently vacated.
“Now, then. Tell me, if you please.”
Alexander surprised me by sinking to his knees on the Axminster before me, his dark eyes searching mine. “Edward brings news of two fathers. The one you believed was your father up until so recently, and the man who was truly your sire.”
My breath caught, my heart pounding faster. “Barnett hasn’t returned to Wheaton, has he? You said he wouldn’t dare. Has he threatened you again?”
“He has done none of those things,” Alexander told me softly. “Because he is incapable of doing anything. Lord Barnett met an untimely end in London two days ago. Or, given his vile deeds, some might say timely indeed.”
Shock coursed through me, followed swiftly by relief. “He is dead?”
Alexander nodded. “Yes. Barnett is dead. He can no longer harm you ever again.”
I exhaled slowly, the tension seeping from me. “I do not wish death upon anyone—”
“Then you are a saint, Maddie mine, and a far better person than I shall ever be,” Alexander interrupted grimly. “But of course, I already knew both of those things.”
“But I am glad he is gone,” I finished. “I am glad that he can no longer hurt you, me, or our child. It is a blessing that we do not have that worry hanging over us like a storm cloud. How did he die?”
“There are whispers that he was murdered by an unscrupulous creditor. Perhaps it was a footpad. I reckon we will never know for certain.”
I nodded. “Thank you for telling me.” The other half of what he had said occurred to me suddenly. I had been numbed by the news of Barnett’s death. But now, I recalled that Alexander had spoken of two fathers. “Mr. Warwick brought news of my true father, you said. What is it?”
“A miniature likeness of him,” Alexander said, turning the object in his hand to face me.
I gasped, a face so like mine staring back at me. A serious, handsome young gentleman. One who had loved my mother deeply. One I wished I had been fortunate enough to know and meet.
“May I?” I asked, reaching for it.
“Of course, my sweet. It is yours.” He gave me the miniature and then offered me the packet of what appeared to be letters as well. “Along with these. Stories of your father, that you may better know the man he was.”
Emotion rushed through me, bittersweet. “Thank you, my love.”
“Thank Edward. I didn’t venture to London and return with spoils,” he said tenderly.
“You asked him to go for me. You wanted to find the pieces of my past.”
He cupped my cheek with one hand, the other going to my stomach, cradling the ever-growing swell that housed our babe. “So that you can look to the future awaiting us.”
I glanced again at the miniature before reverently setting it on the table alongside the abandoned poetry book, then placed the letters there for safekeeping as well. I would read the stories of my father in good time.
Alexander frowned at me. “Do you not wish to read about him now?”
I smiled, feeling as if a weight had been lifted from me. And it had. My life was complete. I was safe. I was loved. I was married to the finest man I had ever known.
“I wish to savor them,” I told him softly, love for him beating swiftly, furiously, jubilantly within my heart. “But for now, I want to savor my husband.”
His expression shifted, his lips turning up at the corners. “Is that so, Lady Wheaton?”
“Yes, that is so, my lord marquess.” I took his face in my hands and drew his lips to mine for a kiss.
How I loved this man.
I had been made for him, and he for me.
Of that fact, I was certain.