Chapter 19
Nineteen
“You will not find me such easy prey.” The coldness in Tobias’s voice rooted Rowen to the spot.
She stood in the corridor outside the training room. As soon as she had seen the marks on Georgie’s arms, she had thought of nothing other than wringing the neck of the man who had done this to her daughter.
She had made sure that they were settled in the kitchen and then charged off in the direction of the training room. Fury had lent her speed.
But before she could enter the room, Tobias had taken charge, sending the children away and then rounding on the man. She could see the ripple of his muscles, hear the barely contained fury in his voice.
The fencing instructor clearly saw it too, as all the color drained from his face, and he took a hasty step back. “Your Grace, I think there has been a misunderstanding.”
Tobias took a step towards him, reminding Rowen of a wolf stalking its prey. “Clearly. I thought I was hiring an instructor for my children, not a violent thug with a penchant for sadism.”
“I am no such thing. You asked for a tutor, and I said I would not give her special treatment. I am a man of my word. But there is a natural order of things, and the girl is clearly defective. She is a perversion, a deg—”
Tobias grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and slammed him against the wall. “Consider yourself lucky that there are children in the house and that I have no wish to scare them.”
The instructor let out a gasp, clawing feebly at Tobias as his face turned deathly pale.
Rowen’s heart leapt. Anger and awe warred within her. She caught the thunderous look on Tobias’s face.
She had never seen him this angry, and yet, even though his voice was clipped with anger, she could see the tight control in his movements. He had grabbed the man in a way that would leave no marks. Though he had slammed him against the wall, he had only knocked the wind out of him.
Would I have such control?
A part of Rowen still wanted to tear Mr. Grey apart. To rip him limb from limb for daring to so much as think an unkind thing about her daughter.
“Men like you are all the same. You prey on those you think are weaker than you. You delight in causing pain because it makes you feel strong.” Tobias’s lip curled in disgust. “I served with men like you. Animals who craved nothing but violence. And do you know what I did to them?”
“What are you going to do to me?” Mr. Grey’s voice shook even as his eyes narrowed.
“Far less than you deserve.” Tobias’s voice sent a shiver down her spine.
“You cannot threaten me!” Mr. Grey squeaked.
Does he have a death wish?
Tobias let out a soft chuckle that sent more shivers down her spine. It was the coldest sound she had ever heard. Mr. Grey’s face, already deathly pale, turned ashen.
“This is not a threat; this is a promise,” Tobias hissed. “You are finished. Your career is over. You will never find work again. You will never so much as look at another child again. I will ruin you. Your reputation, your work, any hope you had of making something of yourself—that is all gone.”
“I will tell them the truth. I will tell everyone just what kind of deranged, fre—”
Tobias slammed his fist against the wall, inches from the man’s head. “The fact that I am letting you leave with your legs intact is mercy enough as it is, but do not think to try my patience further.”
Rowen could see the muscles in his neck tense.
“You are only a man,” Mr. Grey spat.
“I am a duke.” Tobias shrugged, still holding him by his collar. “And I have connections that you cannot even dream of. There is nowhere you can go on this island that is beyond my reach.”
Tobias locked eyes with Mr. Grey, who was trembling now, his wide eyes darting from him to the door and back again, but there was no escape. Rowen swallowed.
“If you so much as think an unkind word about my family, I will tell the ton how you took advantage of my daughter and make it clear that you are not a man to be trusted around children.” Tobias grinned, and the sight of it set Rowen’s teeth on edge.
“Your career being over will be the least of your worries.”
She knew what he was implying, and judging from Mr. Grey’s bulging eyes, it was clear he understood as well.
Such a thing will have him shunned from society at the very least.
“And once I have done that, I will find you, Mr. Grey, and I will make sure that when I do, we are in a place where no children are present.” Tobias flung the man towards the door. “Now, get out of my sight.”
Rowen stepped out of the way as Mr. Grey scurried past her. Her heart was hammering wildly in her chest, and she held herself straight as she watched him leave.
“I thought you were with the children.” Tobias’s voice was so strained that she almost did not recognize it.
She turned to face him. The mask of fury had vanished; his face was ghostly white and ashen, eyes wide as he stared at her.
She took a step towards him, her voice calm and gentle. “I wanted to give the man who hurt Georgie a piece of my mind, but it seems you beat me to it.”
Tobias’s eyes widened even more, his muscles tensing. She could see the last dregs of anger, but there was something else there. Shame.
“You heard everything.”
It was not a question, but Rowen answered it anyway, taking another careful step towards him. “I did.”
“I should not have done that. I should have stayed in control. If the children had seen that… But when I saw the marks on Georgie’s arm, I was so angry.
I am still so angry. I wanted to punish him.
I wanted him to feel afraid. I enjoyed making him afraid.
” Tobias moved as though to leave the room. “There is something wrong with me.”
“No.” Rowen put herself in front of him, holding up her hands.
Her heart twisted at the pure venom in his words. She ached at the viciousness he was showing. Not towards her, but towards himself.
How could he think that?
“Did you not see me? You should be running.” He gestured to the door, even as he towered over her.
Rowen stood her ground. “I am not scared of you, Tobias.”
“You should be.” His words were little more than a choked whisper.
“Why? Because you threatened some worm who harmed our family? Because you spoke the language that a man like that understands?” She felt a lump form in her throat. “You did something I could never have done. Your actions have kept us all safe.”
“You could have done the same; do not sell yourself short.” Tobias gave her a wry smile that did not reach his eyes. “I have seen the way you protect the twins.”
“In truth, I would have had far less control than you. I would have done far worse to him and been half as effective.” She gave him a bitter smile. “Men like that respond to power, and they do not think women hold such things.”
“You do not think me a monster?” His eyes searched her face, as though looking for the lie.
“No, Tobias. Not for a second. You have been more of a husband to me in this moment, more of a father to my children than the late Earl ever was.” Her eyes filled with tears as the truth of her words hit her. “You keep your promises; how could I fear you for doing that?”
Words are cheap.
She took a step forward, tears streaming down her face, and wrapped her arms around him. At first, he tensed, but then she felt his arms slide around her, holding her against him as though he would be her safe harbour in storm.
The smell of cedar and pine was like a warm blanket on a cold winter night. She could feel the beat of his heart against her ear. She hugged him tightly and let him hold her. He stroked her hair and murmured soothing words to her.
When her tears subsided, she leaned back, looking up into his face through watery eyes. She dabbed at her cheeks and gave him a small smile.
He handed her a handkerchief. His eyes were wide with concern, his lips downturned, but then his brow creased with confusion.
“Thank you.” Rowen wiped the tears from her face. “For everything.”
“You do not have to thank me.” His deep voice vibrated through his chest.
“I know, but I do not want you to think I take you for granted.” Rowen reached up and put a hand on his cheek.
She expected him to flinch, but he did not. She felt the faint pinprick of stubble against her skin. His green eyes met hers, so soft they reminded her of the first tentative blooms of spring.
“Would you like to join us for dinner tonight?” she asked, biting back a small laugh when his eyebrows flew up.
“It would be my pleasure.” Tobias gave her a small smile.
“Good.” She stepped out of his embrace, the loss of his warm touch sending gooseflesh across her skin.
“I should wrap up this business with Mr. Grey. I will have the butler put out word that he is not to be trusted. And I shall also share the information with some acquaintances who have a penchant for rumor-mongering.”
Tobias ran a hand through his hair, his eyes distant, and Rowen knew he was thinking of all the things he needed to do.
“But first, I wish to check on the children. I want to make sure they are all right and that none of their other tutors have been behaving like this.”
His eyes flashed with anger, and he clenched his hands into fists. Rowen reached up and laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. He looked at her, his eyes softening once more.
“Hopefully, it is only one bad apple in the bunch. But whatever happens, we will deal with it together.” She held out her hand, and he took it.
“I will write to the widows and have them spread the word as well. Adele is hosting a tea party tomorrow, and I know that Miss Joan Featherstone will be there—she will delight in spreading something salacious.”
Rowen and Tobias began to walk towards the kitchen together. She tried not to think about the warmth of his hand around hers.
“I do not think I have known anyone who loves gossip as much as Miss Featherstone.” Tobias shook his head.
“It will be a nice change to have Miss Featherstone’s tongue used for good rather than ill.” Rowen tapped a finger against her lips. “No doubt Cora also knows someone well placed to spread word as well, especially with your legwork on the matter.”
“I will make sure the servants are apprised of the story, and remind Mr. Tanner to tell the footmen not to add their own embellishments.” Tobias frowned. “As a butler, they should respect his word, but perhaps I should also make it clear in person. Mr. Evans, especially, is prone to such things.”
“It may be best if we allow them to add their own embellishments, provided they serve our cause, of course.” Rowen pursed her lips. “Mr. Evans is taken with one of the maids; I can make sure she steers him in the right direction. Sometimes it is better to lure flies with honey.”
She realized that Tobias was looking at her, a small smile on his face. She felt her cheeks redden and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.
“You truly are remarkable.” He smiled at her.
“Thank you.” She swallowed.
As they rounded the corner, she found Georgie and Alistair waiting for them. Each was nibbling on a spiced bun, and when they saw them, their eyes widened.
Rowen did not let go of Tobias’s hand, feeling him hesitate when he saw the children. She saw the bandages around Georgie’s arms, and the urge to find Mr. Grey and feed him to the pigs returned.
“Do we have to resume our lessons?” Alistair asked as they drew level.
“No. Not today. I think you could both do with a break,” Rowen said, pulling her children into a hug.
“But—”
“Your mother is right.” Tobias’s voice was deep and soft. “You have both been working far too hard; you should do something fun.”
Georgie swallowed and looked between Alistair, Rowen, and Tobias. “Like what?”
“Anything you wish.” Tobias shrugged. “Well, perhaps not anything. I would not want you to put yourselves in harm’s way.”
“It is snowing.” Alistair pointed out the window.
“In that case, I think I have the perfect idea for us.” Rowen grinned at the children and saw their eyes widen. “I think it is time for us to build a snowman.”
“All of us?” Georgie looked hopefully at Tobias, as did Alistair.
Rowen saw Tobias hesitate for a moment, and then he nodded. “All of us.”