Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty
Benedict and Charles stood off to the side of the dirt path the phaetons would be racing along with several other gentlemen and a few ladies as well while the two young lords prepared themselves and made ready for the match. Both men possessed excellent horses, and it looked as if it would come down to who was better at managing a team. Both Fitzgerald and Netherfield were indeed still foxed, as was expected. The two young men laughed loudly as their groups of friends slapped them on their backs and told them how the other opponent didn’t stand a chance. It was rather comical.
Benedict was beginning to become annoyed at the immature behavior of the group and thought wryly that he was certain to have a few of them visiting the Lair once the season began. He knew Charles had meant for this to be a distraction, but there was simply too much on his mind to enjoy something so frivolous and reckless. Avanley had placed his bet on Lord Fitzgerald and now they were just waiting for the race to begin.
The foolish young lords climbed onto their high-perch phaetons and prepared to race down the road to the finish line where several other drunk lords were waiting to see who would win the competition and which of them could collect a hefty purse for this misadventure. Although, he thought that if both young men could come out of this unscathed or killed, they could count themselves lucky.
Benedict crossed his arms over his chest as a pistol was fired starting the race and watched as the young lords recklessly raced past them, their phaetons both wobbling precariously. The horses raced forward, coming dangerously close to crashing into one another. Before reaching the finish line one of the phaetons tilted to the side and for a moment, he thought that they would indeed see a tragic accident unfold before them, but the driver managed to maintain control even if he did cross the finish line behind the other carriage.
“Well, I am both surprised and glad to see that young Netherfield managed to regain control. It would have been tragic to see a young man severely injured participating in something so reckless. I would imagine he is a good deal more sober now,” Charles said as watched the crowd move toward the victorious Lord Fitzgerald.
“You don’t remember the foolish things you used to do while spending time with Hawksford and Leicester? Your foolish pursuits are legendary.”
“Yes, I remember the fun we had. You and Davenport had quite a few reckless endeavors yourselves, albeit they were more dangerous than foolish. I sometimes wonder how much of your whiskey was smuggled through the lines during Napoleon’s quest to conquer the continent. You did accompany him on a few of his missions.”
Benedict laughed as he rolled his eyes. “Davenport did manage to drag me into a number of his adventures, but thankfully his heroic actions were reason enough to forgive his smuggling endeavors. You should go collect your winnings. I believe I will make my way back to the carriage as I have no wish to get caught in the mob of young fops congratulating the winner and consoling the loser.”
Charles chuckled. “You are getting much too somber and serious, my friend. Perhaps you need a bit more foolish folly in your life.” He moved toward the crowd and Benedict began making his way back to Avanley’s carriage.
As he was walking back, he heard shouting behind him but thinking it was just the rowdy crowd of spectators still congratulating Lord Fitzgerald he didn’t immediately turn around. But the noise grew louder, and the ground began to shake beneath his feet as he heard the sound of horses growing closer. He turned just in time to see an out-of-control Phaeton barreling down on him. He heard Charles shouting and dove out of the way but not quick enough before his shoulder was struck. He fell to the ground and rolled. The Phaeton continued, never stopping. Benedict grabbed his shoulder as he rolled to a sitting position just as Charles ran to him.
“Kingston!” He stopped suddenly. “Bloody hell, I thought for sure you were a dead man.”
Charles helped him to his feet as the crowd began to gather around them.
“Help me to the carriage.”
Charles helped him to his feet and into the carriage before anyone could get close enough to ask questions.
“Did you see who was driving? At first, I thought it was a runaway, but as I watched, it became apparent that the man was targeting you.”
Benedict grimaced when he tried to move his shoulder. “No, the driver wore a cap pulled down low. I couldn’t see anything other than horses thundering toward me.”
“You need a surgeon if your arm is not broken it is definitely dislocated.”
Benedict leaned his head back against the carriage. “This was the second accident in days. I think we can both agree there is no doubt now.”
Charles’ eyes narrowed. “No, I am convinced, but we will find whoever is behind this, my friend.”
Benedict nodded. “You know what I must do.”
Charles’s somber look darkened. “I will not interfere in that decision, but you must be certain there isn’t another way to keep her safe.”
“Then take me home, send for a surgeon.”
Sophie stepped out of her carriage and hurriedly walked up the stairs just as the first fat drops of rain began to fall. As Henry opened the door, she came quickly to a stop as Charles was escorting an older man she did not recognize out the front door.
“Your grace, I was just seeing Dr. Sheffield to the door, and I should be making my way home as well. I hope you and Bella enjoyed today’s picnic.”
Sophie looked from Charles back to the man beside him. “It was a lovely day. Luckily, we arrived back home before the rain began. Is everything alright?”
Charles nodded for the doctor to go ahead and leave. “It is nothing. Benedict hurt his arm today but nothing serious. You will find him in the study no doubt drinking a hefty glass of brandy.”
Sophie didn’t wait to hear more. She moved around Charles and made her way to the study. The doors were closed. She hesitated just for a moment then opened the doors and walked inside. Benedict was sitting before the fire, a glass of brandy in his hand and his left arm in a sling.
She crossed the room quickly and knelt before him. “What happened?”
Benedict had watched her as she crossed the room. The look of worry was evident on her face, her eyes searching his for confirmation that he truly was alright. She was so beautiful, and he wanted to kiss her, to hold her against him and reassure her, but he knew what had to be done. She reached out to touch him, and he pulled away.
“I’m sure Charles informed you on his way out that I had a small accident. It is nothing serious, and I will recover in a day or two. It is nothing to concern yourself with.”
Sophie drew her hand back surprised at his clipped words and harsh tone of voice. “What happened? Are you in pain?”
He was in pain, but not from the shoulder. His pain came from the knowledge that he was going to have to hurt her. “I told you; it was an accident. A carriage was out of control and caught my shoulder before I could move out of the way. It will heal in a day or so and all will be fine.”
He stood and moved to the opposite side of the room. He had to get farther away from her. The urge to touch her was too great. The faint scent of her perfume seemed to swirl around him.
Sophie stood and clasped her hands before her, confused by the coldness in his tone of voice. “Is there anything I can do?”
Benedict shook his head as he took another sip of his brandy. “No, but there is something I would like to speak with you about.”
Sophie stepped toward him but when he began to back away, she halted her approach.
Benedict held the glass tighter in his hand. “I feel the time for me to return to London has come. There are things I need to see to, and I feel as if I have been neglecting the Lair. I will be leaving first thing in the morning.”
Sophie tilted her head to the side. “What of your injury? Surely it will be uncomfortable to travel so far. Perhaps we should wait…”
“The injury is of no consequence, and I need to get back to London.”
Sophie nodded. “If you are certain, I will have the maids pack our things.”
“I’m going alone, Sophie.”
Everything in the room seemed to still at his words. She narrowed her eyes slightly. “Shall I join you later or will you be returning?”
Benedict hated this; he hated having to hurt her, but he was afraid that if she knew the truth, she would never leave him, and he would not risk her safety just to appease his longing to have her by his side. “I think it is time that we adhered to our original agreement. You have done an admirable job at securing our place as Duke and Duchess of Kenworth within the ton. You have my eternal gratitude, but I think the time has come for us to consider the agreement we made when we began this endeavor. We both knew how this would end. It was a business arrangement that has worked well for both of us.”
Sophie felt as if the air was being sucked out of her lungs and she shakily made her way to the settee. “Endeavor? I thought…. Is that all this has been to you?”
Benedict could see the hurt in her eyes, and he had to force himself to remain rooted to the spot where he stood. “I think we both knew that it would eventually come back to our original plan. It will be beneficial for both of us. We must be sensible about this, Sophie.”
Sophie felt her hands begin to shake, and she knew that she was close to tears, but she would not humiliate herself by crying in front of him. “Sensible, yes let’s be sensible. After all, this started as a business agreement and nothing more. I had thought….” Her voice caught on her words, and she took a minute to regain control of her emotions. “I understand if you no longer wish for me to be your wife.”
Benedict couldn’t hide the possessiveness in his voice when he answered. “Make no mistake, Sophie, you are my wife. There will be no changing that. It is simply time we each made our own way.”
Sophie closed her eyes briefly and took a slow breath to regain her composure. “Do you have a preference as to where I shall reside or is that to be my choice?”
Benedict gripped the glass he was holding tighter. “As my wife, you will have access to my funds. You have the freedom to use any of the residences belonging to the duchy. If you choose, you can journey on to Kenworth Park or remain in Brighton. I know you and Isobel have formed a friendship. I’m certain Charles would not mind if you traveled with them to Avanley Hall and spent the summer there. I will leave that decision to you.”
Sophie raised her chin a notch and straightened her spine. “And you have no objection to my travels?”
“As per our agreement, you have the freedom to do as you choose.”
She rose from the settee. “Yes, I remember all too well our arrangement. Very well. I will no longer burden you this evening. I hope you have a pleasant trip to London.”
“I will see you before I leave.”
She shook her head and refused to meet his eyes. “There is no need. Once we have set upon this course, there is no reversing it.”
Her words sent a chill down his spine. This was his greatest fear; that once the danger had passed, he would not be able to win her back, that she would not want to return to him as his true wife. Benedict watched as she turned and walked from the room with as much grace as any woman he had ever seen before. He took two steps, ready to go after her but stopped short. This was what was best and as soon as he discovered the person or people behind the attempts on his life, he would find her. No matter where she traveled, no matter how long it would take, he would find her and tell her how much he loved her. His only fear was that it would be too late.
Sophie managed to make her way up to her chambers without collapsing. It had taken all her strength to do so, but she made it to her room. As she locked the door behind her, her hands shaking uncontrollably, she fell to her knees. The weight of her sorrow and pain was almost too much to bear. Everything had been going so well. He had not brought up their original agreement in weeks, and she had foolishly begun to think that they had the chance at true happiness. That their marriage would be one based on love, she loved him and had hoped that he felt the same. The pain of knowing that she had been wrong felt like a weight pulling her down into the darkness of despair. The tears she had so bravely been keeping at bay now poured down her cheeks. How could she have been so foolish to believe that he had grown to love her? She supposed there was a fine line between love and lust.
She lay there until the darkness crept through the windows. Her lady’s maid had knocked to check on her, but she had turned her away. She wanted to be alone. She had pulled herself from the floor to her bed, and as she lay there fully dressed staring into the flame of the candle burning beside her, she wondered how Benedict could be so cold, so callous, to leave as if she meant nothing more to him than a business contract.
She wiped her eyes, but they were dry, she had cried every tear. Her brow furrowed as she thought how fast he had changed. Had something happened that drove him to this decision or was she grasping for anything to hold onto besides the fact that he didn’t want her, didn’t love her?
The first rays of dim light began illuminating the room around her. She was still wearing the same dress as yesterday, her hair was all askew, and she looked an absolute mess, but she needed to leave. Being there when he left would be more than she could bear. So, she grabbed her cloak and slipped her shoes back on before quietly opening the door and creeping down the stairs. She would go to Bella. Maybe she would offer some advice or insight into why Benedict was doing this.
The house was quiet and as she neared the front door, she took one more look behind her, making certain she was still alone. Once she was outside, she quickly made her way down the streets toward Avanley’s residence.
Benedict was still in his study. He had not gone up to his rooms last night. Being so close to Sophie, with only a connecting door between them, was too much of a temptation. Henry had informed him that she had refused her maid entrance and never accepted the food tray he had sent to her room. He had questioned the wisdom of his plan a thousand times. He had drunk nearly a full bottle of brandy through the night and more than once had to stop himself from going after her. He was sitting before the fire, his arm aching like the devil as he watched the flames dancing in the hearth burn down to glowing orange embers. The sound of the front door closing jerked him out of the trance he had fallen into. If he were to leave for London, he needed to go make himself ready.
He walked up the stairs to his room, pausing for a minute outside of her chambers. He forced himself to walk past and called for his valet. The trip to London was long but the sooner he could get there, the sooner his search for whoever was trying to kill him could begin. And when he found them, he would show them no mercy.
After getting ready and seeing that the servants had taken his things to the carriage waiting outside, he walked over to the connecting door between their rooms. He placed a hand on the doorknob and leaned his forehead against it. He wondered if she was still asleep. The image of her lying in his bed popped unbidden into his mind, and he closed his eyes trying to squeeze the image from his memory.
“Excuse me, your grace.”
Benedict quickly stepped away to face his butler. “Is everything ready to go, Henry?”
“Yes, your grace. The carriage is ready for your departure.”
Benedict nodded as he inhaled deeply. “I’m sure her grace is still sleeping. I will not disturb her. I am entrusting you with her care for as long as she wishes to remain in Brighton.”
Henry cleared his throat and twisted his hands before him. “That is what I came to discuss with you. Her grace is not in her rooms. Her lady’s maid became concerned when she did not answer and asked if I would open the door to make certain she had not come to any harm. The room was empty. It looks as if she had slept on top of her coverlet but other than that, there is no sign she had been there.”
Benedict felt his heart drop. How could she have left the house without anyone having knowledge of it? “Begin questioning the servants to see if anyone saw her leave.”
Benedict raced down the stairs not knowing where to look first. He opened the front door and nearly collided with Charles.
“Save your time, she is at my house with Bella.”
Benedict felt an instant relief that nearly made his knees buckle.
Charles folded his arms across his chest. “I don’t suppose you could have been a bit gentler with the news of your departure. She showed up on my doorstep at dawn looking as if she hadn’t slept in days. What the hell did you tell her?”
Benedict took another breath. “I told her that we should abide by our original agreement.”
Charles’ eyes widened. “You couldn’t just send her to Kenworth Park, tell her there was business that needed your attention, anything but that bloody stupid agreement.”
Benedict’s fear was quickly being replaced with anger. “It was the only thing I could think of that would keep her from following me or trying to get involved. This way I am assured that she will be nowhere near me, at least until I can find the bastards responsible for trying to kill me.”
Charles raked a hand through his hair. “She is heartbroken, Kingston. Even if you find the man trying to kill you, this may be something she never forgives you for. You may lose her.”
Benedict pushed past him. “She is my wife, nothing will change that and once I find the culprit behind this and send him to hell, I will be back to claim what is mine. And there is nothing nor anybody that will stop me.”
Charles followed him out to the waiting carriage. “I hope you do so soon because I am not nearly as confident in this idea as you are. I saw her face, Kingston. I saw the hurt and pain she is feeling.”
Benedict didn’t need to hear this right now. He stepped into the carriage. “Keep an eye on her for me and if anything happens to me, explain to her why I did this. Tell her that I love her.”
Charles slammed the door of the carriage. “You should have bloody well told her that yourself!”
Benedict knocked on the roof of the carriage and sank back against the cushions. He rubbed his arm and closed his eyes against the pain shooting through his shoulder. Once in London, he would employ every avenue he had at his disposal to find the person trying to kill him and then he would return to claim his wife and to hell with anybody that would dare stand in his way.