Chapter 23
“Lady Carlisle is going to be present tonight,” Julian said suddenly, making Rosalind jump. She turned her head away from the window, both of them traveling in a carriage along the London streets.
“Is she?” She wasn’t interested, but Julian clearly wanted a reaction out of her. She wasn’t going to give him one, regarding him coolly. “I didn’t realize.”
“She said that she’d been out of London for a long time, and that she would be delighted to see us here.”
“You spoke to her about coming to London before you said anything to me?”
Julian shrugged. “It just came up in conversation, that’s all. Nothing to be upset about.”
Rosalind didn’t believe that. She was aware that Lady Carlisle and Julian were up to something, but she wasn’t sure what entirely. It had to do with Cormac, she was certain of it. Lady Carlisle was trying to get into Cormac’s good graces again.
Before, Rosalind would’ve seen that as Cormac softening to her and going back to the woman he once loved despite everything, but after her confrontation with Julian and the way she’d been treated in London, she was beginning to question everything.
And she’d come to the conclusion that there wasn’t anyone she could trust in the house. While she’d been in Corrieden, Julian had dismissed their original servants and employed others, those who barely smiled and even reported what she did to Julian at the end of the day.
Mabel kept Theo away from her for most of the day, and even the time she spent with her son was limited. Rosalind felt like she was in a gilded cage. It was frustrating, and she hated it.
Now she knew that Cormac had come to London as well.
He was present, even after saying he had hid himself away from everyone by staying at Ravensmuir.
Knowing he was there made her feel a little better, but there was no point in getting excited about it.
How was she supposed to see him when Julian had a close watch on her all the time?
It was like she was monitored everywhere she went.
It didn’t help that Sir Crispin always seemed to be there.
He was polite enough, but he didn’t speak much to her.
If anything, he kept their conversations to a minimum, and he couldn’t even look at her properly.
That was insulting, more than anything. She didn’t want to be treated like a pariah, but Sir Crispin was very good at that.
Why would Julian choose him to become her husband? There was no compatibility between them. It was just ridiculous, and yet Rosalind knew she couldn’t get out of this. Even if she said no now, Julian wouldn’t listen to her. He’d made up his mind on everything.
What had happened for this to start? Why would Julian start turning into this dictator who treated her and Theo like they were an inconvenience?
It had happened so fast that Rosalind was still reeling from it.
She was scared she would end up in a loveless marriage, her son separated from her, and she would be kept under watch for the rest of her life.
Not for the first time, she wished she had her husband there. William would know what to do. Then she thought about Cormac. If only he was there. He looked out for her.
And Bea wasn’t there, either. Rosalind kept turning around to talk to her, but she wasn’t there. Mabel was cold with her and barely spoke to her unless it was to answer a question. She wasn’t a talkative person, and Rosalind knew she’d tell Julian about anything they discussed.
This was terrifying, and Rosalind hated it.
“I thought you’d be happy to know Lady Carlisle was going to be at the concert tonight,” Julian remarked, watching her thoughtfully. “She is an acquaintance, isn’t she?”
“I wouldn’t call her that, Julian.”
“Well, I would. And she is keen to talk with you again.” Julian chuckled as he sat back. “I’m sure she’s going to be delighted to know that Lord Ravensmuir came to London to see her. I know she’s been missing him.”
Rosalind didn’t respond. He was trying to goad her. The kind brother-in-law who looked after her seemed to have vanished, and she didn’t know what to think about it. It was like she didn’t know the man at all.
She wanted to get away from him.
When the carriage arrived, she was helped out by Julian, who kept a firm hand on her arm as they went inside. Sir Crispin was in the drawing room, holding a glass in his hand. He nodded at Julian and barely looked at Rosalind, keeping his gaze averted as he kissed her hand.
Rosalind looked around the room. There seemed to be so many people in there, and it was pressing in on her. She could feel her chest tightening, and it was becoming a struggle to breathe.
“The concert is going to start soon,” Sir Crispin said. “But can I speak to you first, Mr. Ellingham? I’ve got something important to discuss.”
Julian looked impatient. “I was looking forward to this.”
“It won’t take long. The sooner, the better.”
Julian huffed and turned to Rosalind. “I’m afraid I’ll have to leave you for now, Rosalind. Sit and enjoy the concert.”
“I really don’t…”
She broke off as he squeezed her hand a little too hard before letting go. Then he left the room with Sir Crispin. Rosalind didn’t want to be there. She needed to get out and find some space.
There were a set of double doors open to her right.
Gratefully, she went over to them and stood by them, allowing a cool breeze to wash over her.
Now that was better. She could cope with the music when she had a bit of space around her.
Normally, she enjoyed a musicale, but this time it felt suppressing. She couldn’t relax enough.
She just wanted to get out of there.
“You can just leave, you know.”
Rosalind felt a shiver through her body at the soft tone of Cormac’s voice. He turned, and he was there, standing at her side with a glass in his hand. Freshly washed and shaved, he looked even more handsome than she remembered.
Her heart skittered at the sight of him. He was looking toward where the musicians were setting up, not looking at her, but when he spoke she knew it was for her.
“I could escort you home, if you wish.”
Rosalind sighed. “I wish I could. But Julian is adamant that I don’t leave without him.”
“Where is he?”
“Talking to Sir Crispin in private. Probably about me, I’m sure.”
He glanced at her, and she saw the concern in his eyes.
“You’re worried that this will come to fruition, aren’t you?” he asked quietly.
Rosalind wanted to say she wasn’t worried, but she felt the tears pricking at her eyes.
He was right; this was not how she saw her future.
When she reluctantly agreed to the marriage arrangement, she hadn’t expected what happened afterward.
It made her feel nauseous knowing she was going to be dictated and ordered about. She would be like a prisoner.
And she didn’t want it.
“Do you think you can face me, Rosalind?” Cormac whispered.
She jolted. “What?”
“I would rather see your eyes, and I can barely see them with your hair in the way. I want to see those beautiful eyes of yours.”
Rosalind faltered. He thought they were beautiful? He’d never said that to her before. It made her pulse pick up. She looked around. There were so many people in the room it was a miracle that there was breathing space, but nobody was looking her way. Nobody would notice what she was doing.
Slowly, she turned and looked up at Cormac. His expression warmed and he reached up, almost as if he was going to brush her hair away from her face. But his hand hovered in the air before he dropped it again.
“You shouldn’t have to hide yourself.”
“I tried when I first got here, and people stared at me like I was some sort of monster.” Rosalind’s stomach turned at the memory. “I can’t do it, not when I’m treated differently for how I look.”
“Then those people are fools for believing that you’re a monster. I see a beautiful woman who has a lot to give.”
That left Rosalind stunned. He was speaking in a way she’d never heard before. How was this happening? Cormac glanced around them, and then leaned toward her a little.
“Bea is safe,” he said.
“What?”
“She came to me as soon as your brother-in-law threw her out. She was in distress and scared about you. She’s in my household now and Hamish is looking after her.”
Rosalind closed her eyes as a wave of relief washed over her. Bea was safe. She’d been scared that something would happen to her. They’d been ripped away from each other so rapidly that she hadn’t been able to see her. She bit her lip to stop the tears.
“I’m glad she’s with you,” she said. “She’ll be looked after.”
“I know. And she’s waiting for you to be safe. She’s not forgotten about you.”
“I know she hasn’t. Can you tell her that I miss her?”
Cormac nodded.
“Of course.” He hesitated, looking at if he was trying to weigh up his next words. “Rosalind…”
“Lord Ravensmuir!”
Rosalind’s heart sank when she heard Ottoline’s declaration. It was loud enough that it made everyone turn around. Then the woman herself was sweeping toward them, wearing a dark red gown that looked ravishing on her. She beamed at Cormac and laid a hand on his arm.
“I’m so pleased I found you! I didn’t realize you were going to be here. You need to tell me instead of surprising me. Not that I don’t like surprises…”
“Lady Carlisle,” Cormac said in a clipped tone. “I think you should sit and watch the concert before they start, otherwise you’re going to disturb them.”
That made Ottoline falter a little, and Rosalind bit back a smile. Clearly, she was expecting Cormac to react differently. Cormac turned to Rosalind and gave her a slight bow.
“I think I’d better take my leave. I don’t want further commotion tonight.” His eyes never left her face. “If you need anything, you know I’ll be nearby, my Lady.”
“Thank you, my lord.”
Cormac gave her a last lingering look that seemed to speak volumes, and then he walked away.
Ottoline recovered and started hurrying after him, trying to get him to talk as he left the room.
Rosalind rolled her eyes and slipped outside, into the inner courtyard.
After that interaction, she needed to clear her head.
Cormac was here, and he was looking out for her. That was something. But if she needed his help, that was going to be easier said than done. How was she supposed to get to him if she was under watch all the time?
She would figure it out. Somehow. She wasn’t going to be cowed by Julian. Whatever he was up to, she wouldn’t let it happen. Especially if it kept her son safe.
“You really need to stop complaining, Crispin. You’re aware of what you get out of this, don’t you?”
“Of course, but it doesn’t make it any easier for me.”
Rosalind’s ears pricked up at the voices. It was Julian, for certain, and it sounded as if he was talking to Sir Crispin. She looked around. They weren’t outside…
But the window to a nearby room was open, and a candle was flickering inside. Rosalind tiptoed over, keeping out of sight as she pressed against the wall. She knew she shouldn’t eavesdrop, but how could she walk away from this? She could hear both men clearly inside.
“All you need to is marry Rosalind and your debts are dealt with. If you don’t…”
“Yes, yes, I know. You’ll make sure I’m ruined and nothing can get me out of that,” Sir Crispin grumbled. “You have me over a barrel.”
Julian chuckled. It didn’t hold any mirth.
“And I get the northern estate. Just as it should be. I’m not about to let Rosalind and that brat of a boy live there when one of William’s friends lives so close. I can’t afford that to happen again, especially as he’s now come to London.”
“What are you going to do about him?”
“You let me worry about that. Just focus on keeping Rosalind sweet.”
Sir Crispin snorted.
“That’s easier said than done, Ellingham. How can I keep a woman like that sweet? She’s got a spoiled face!”
“Are you in a position to complain?”
“I should be! How can you expect me to take a wife who looks like her? It’s almost too much to ask.”
Rosalind felt the shock and anger burning in her chest. They were talking about her as if she didn’t matter. And she already knew Sir Crispin’s opinion about her looks, but to hear it out loud made her want to scream. It wasn’t her fault she was like this.
Then she heard Julian speaking again.
“If you don’t want to look at her face, you don’t have to. There are plenty of ways you can make sure she covers herself. Maybe even wear a veil. Although that would be interesting if you were to have a child with her.”
“A child?” Rosalind could hear Sir Crispin shuddering. “I don’t want a child with that! It’s bad enough you’re forcing me to marry her…”
“Then you’d better remember why you’re doing this. I can ruin you any time I want to. You just have to do as you’re told, and things will be fine.”
Rosalind had heard enough, even as they moved away from the window and they left the room. The anger mingled in her belly as she moved back to the drawing room windows. Julian was treating her like a burden, someone to get rid of.
She was a piece of furniture, passed around to whatever his needs were.
And Rosalind knew whatever she said wouldn’t be taken into account.