Surrendering the Past Read online

  “Bring him here.”

  Two more men dragged the pitiful creature inside the room and dropped him on the floor. Litchfield pulled his handkerchief from his pocket and covered his nose.

  “How could this—thing—tell me anything I need to know?”

  “He said the viscount stole his estate from him—cheated him at cards.”

  Litchfield removed his handkerchief and crouched down to look the man in the eyes. “Is this true?”

  “Yes,” the man spat. “He is a thief, and I demand retribution.”

  “You can be assured of it. May I ask your name?”

  “Carrington.”

  If Litchfield’s scowl could strike fear in a man, his smile could incite absolute terror. “Have my carriage readied. Get the direction from this man; then throw him back in the street.”

  He had to resist the urge to go to his firstborn and gloat over how easy it had been to find the needed information. Wesley had underestimated his need for revenge, and he could be patient long enough to deliver the proof of his success to Wesley’s door. Imagining the looks on all their faces made him near giddy, and that energy would carry him through the journey, and the cur and his bitch would feel the full force of his wrath.

  * * *

  “Well, Cousin, you have accomplished what you set out to do. The Granville name is being bandied about all over town. I was not shunned at the club today, but I could tell several men were disgusted by my refusal to turn against you all. Richard is being branded a scoundrel, and Jane, well, let me just say I needed to leave before I called out the lot of them.”

  “What did they say about Litchfield?”

  “Oh, they are all having a good laugh at his expense. His own son carried away his bride! This will be the story they tell of him, not his great wealth or political dealings.”

  “Nor his great evil. In this case, I suppose, I must be satisfied with humiliation over truth. But the truth of his character would likely be far less shocking than Richard and Jane eloping.”

  Julian nodded in agreement. “What were you reading when I came in? You seemed very serious.”

  “A rejection letter. Lady Kathleen has informed me she no longer wishes to be my wife. You can imagine my relief.”

  “If that is your reaction, I wonder that you ever engaged yourself to her.”

  “I had a role to play these last years. Kathleen was part of that. I should not have to worry about marriage now. I am likely the least eligible bachelor in London.”

  “That will last only as long as it takes for you to inherit your father’s title and money. The ton’s mamas have shorter memories than you might conceive.”

  “There are some whose memories will last their entire lives. No, Richard’s son will be the one to carry on the Granville name. With Jane as his mother, this future heir will no doubt restore honor to the title.”

  The sound of a throat clearing turned their attention to the door, where the butler stood wearing a most unpleasant expression.

  “Pardon me, sir. There is a—person—here to see Viscount Ashly.”

  “You sound as if you cannot tell what species he is, Alfred.”

  “It is questionable, sir.”

  Julian laughed and turned to see his cousin’s reaction. Wesley nodded, communicating to the butler to allow in the creature. Seeing that it was actually one of the men he had paid to turn on his father, Wesley stood and again became very serious.

  “What is it, James?”

  “I was out all morning looking for anyone who might’ve helped the captain, like your father ordered. When I returned, I learned that they found ’em. Lord Litchfield left some hours ago headin’ for Cumberland.”

  Wesley’s curse sounded through the bottom rooms of the house, likely terrifying everyone but Julian.

  “I will have my carriage readied.”

  “No, Julian. You stay here in London. I will go on horseback.”

  “You will freeze to death.”

  “I will not catch up to Litchfield in a carriage. I underestimated the bastard, but I made him a promise I intend to keep. God help him if he makes it to Cumberland before I do.”

  Chapter 19

  “You can imagine my surprise when the solicitor arrived this morning to tell me the estate had a new master and we would get a new tenant. The entire place is in an uproar over the changes. I do not suppose you can tell me anything about this new master?”

  Richard listened to the steward drone on as he watched Jane take stock of the place. His new bride had a tendency to make everything seem better than it was, but even Richard had to admit that the cottage was in good condition. He had not held much hope after seeing the disrepair of much of the estate.

  “No, I cannot.”

  “Very well. Whoever he is, he instructed me to hire a maid and a cook for you. There has not been much time since I received his missive, so I had two girls come down from the manner. The maid will stay here with you, but the cook will have to return to her duties after she serves your supper. She will be back in the morn.”

  “That is all fine. I thank you. I am sure we have kept you from your duties too long.” Richard held out his hand for the man to shake, but his expression held no sign of friendliness. The more they were left alone, the better.

  The steward nodded and departed. Richard made sure the door was latched before returning to the main room of the house, where Jane stood looking out the window.

  “I am sure it is lovely here during the spring.”

  “But it is not now?”

  Jane turned, and seeing that her husband was smiling, she smiled, too. “Everything is lifeless, but I should not expect sunshine and roses in the middle of winter.”

  “It is not much of a honeymoon cottage, but we will be warm and dry.”

  “And fed, if I am not mistaken. Something smells heavenly. Shall we go meet our cook?”

  Richard nodded and followed Jane as she trailed the smells to the kitchen. He was not surprised that she should seek out sustenance. The last two nights at the inns provided food that was not fit for swine, much less someone like Jane. But she never once complained or allowed him to apologize again for their pitiful accommodations.

  They had crossed the border into Scotland early that morning and found the nearest blacksmith. Without much ceremony, and no celebration, they were quickly wed, and once again, they boarded their carriage. Richard knew Jane was missing her family, particularly her sister, and he tried to distract her. In the end, however, she would naturally be sad, and he merely held her close for most of the journey to the cottage. Now that they were inside and she walked only inches from him, he missed the feeling of her in his arms.

  Before they reached the kitchen, Richard grabbed her by the waist, spun her around, and lifted her into the air.

  “Richard! What are you doing? We have servants just in the other room.”

  “It is all part of the disguise, Jane. If I behave as a gentleman, they may become suspicious.”

  Jane laughed. “You ridiculous man. No one would mistake you for a gentleman now.”

  “Hmm, perhaps. I think we must take every precaution, however.”

  She was still laughing when he kissed her, but soon, they were both lost in the sensation, and Jane’s hunger, along with every other thing that had burdened them over the last weeks, was all forgotten.

  “Jane,” he whispered as his hot breath trailed down her neck. “We must get you fed and refreshed. I know you are weary.”

  Even as those words were spoken, he did not stop his assault on her composure as his hands finally explored all the placed they had previously been denied. She greedily returned his advances as if she, too, had felt restraints being lifted.

  “I am weary, but not from the road. I have allowed myself to feel so little that now, when I feel so much, I am overwhelmed. But you make me feel—”

  She lost her words as his mouth continued to travel over the sensitive skin of her neck.

&nb
sp; “Feel what, Jane?”

  “Free.”

  He groaned as he pulled away from her and took her hand, leading her to the stairs, though he knew not which chamber was theirs or if it had even been prepared for them. Luckily, the cottage was small, and they had but two choices, and he chose the closest one.

  “Are you cold, darling? I can light a fire for you.”

  Jane shook her head and attempted to help him remove his cravat, which he was struggling with. Once it was free and lying on the floor, more pieces followed until Richard lifted her, carrying her to the bed, where he sat and placed her gently in his lap.

  “We must slow down.” He cupped her face and traced her lips with his thumb. “You are so gentle, so innocent, and I am terrified of hurting you.”

  “Richard. Right now, you are all I have in the world.” She took his face in her hands and laid her forehead on his. “I will not break if you choose to love me, but I fear I might shatter if you do not.”

  Her words and all the meaning behind them broke what little of his heart that was not already hers. He laid her on the bed and carefully settled over her, stroking the silky skin of her thigh as he looked in her eyes.

  “I do love you, Jane—wholly and without reservation or expectation, for no other reason than for whom you are.”

  He could feel the tears on her cheeks as he kissed her, but her sweet reciprocation told him she was not distressed. He had never before spoken words of love, and the freedom he found in them multiplied as he expressed those words with his body. When Jane cried out, first in pain and later in pleasure, his tears mixed with hers as he recognized that, for the first time in his life, he felt safe and whole.

  * * *

  Jane awoke smiling and stretched out next to the sleeping frame of her husband. Three days of wedded bliss had not dulled the thrill she felt each time she was privy to the sight of him wearing nothing but his own crooked, satisfied smile. She curled up next to his bareback and marveled at how warm his was, even in the chill of the chamber.

  For some time, she lay there listening to his soft snores and contemplated the hard lines of his back, trailing her fingers up and down his spine in a half-hearted attempt to wake him. When she heard a noise downstairs, she decided she would allow him to sleep while she helped prepare breakfast. The maid, Sally, and the cook, Hannah, had been kind enough to teach her how to prepare simple things like tea and bread. She had never known what a joy it could be to help prepare a meal for someone she loved, and she planned to continue doing so even after they moved to their own estate.

  She quietly dressed and left the room, making no noise as she closed the door and walked downstairs. Her smile quickly faded, however, when she reached the bottom of the stairs and saw the maid lying in the middle of the floor.

  “Sally.” Jane ran to her, but she was stopped by an arm wrapping around her waist as an icy hand covered her mouth.

  “There you are, my dear. I had begun to wonder if you and your mongrel lover would leave your bed this day. I had hoped my son’s face would be the first I saw, but perhaps it is better this way. You and I have so much to discuss.”

  His grip tightened as he pulled her closer to his body. “Hmm. I have not had the pleasure of being this close to you before. It is such a pity you have been defiled. I had so looked forward to doing that myself. But I would not have you now. Luckily, I have associates who are less discerning. You will still be of use to me, and if you run from me again, I will merely take your sister instead.”

  His voice was as cold as his hand, and Jane went limp at the thought of him hurting Amy.

  “Now, I have a horse just outside the kitchen. You will accompany me to it and will make no noise along the way. My man is right outside with a lighted torch. One word out of your mouth, and he will set fire to this little shack, and your lover will awaken to the smell of his own burning flesh. Do you understand?”

  Jane nodded, and Litchfield released her just long enough to wrench her wrists behind her back. He pulled her through the kitchen, where she saw Hannah in the same position as Sally. She whimpered, and Litchfield tightened his grasp. Outside, Jane looked around but saw no one as Litchfield half threw her onto the back of the horse. He mounted behind her and took off at a gallop.

  With every step the horse took away from the cottage, Jane’s panic grew. His words implied he would keep her alive. Given his actions in the past, living with Litchfield would be a far worse fate than facing death. Jane realized then that Litchfield had purposely waited to find her alone instead of facing Richard. He preyed on the weak, and if she could not find the strength to fight him, she would be lost. She thought of Richard and his heartache over losing his mother. How much more would the ache grow if he lost his wife to the same fiend?

  Litchfield held her tightly against him with one arm. She could not jump off with the horse going at such a speed, but she could grab the reins. Taking a deep breath, she quickly reached out and grabbed hold of them and pulled as hard as she could, causing the animal to balk and rise up, sending both her and Litchfield to the ground.

  All light momentarily dimmed around her as she struggled to catch her breath. In the distance, she heard someone calling her name, and she struggled to answer. Finally, awareness returned, and she stood on shaky legs and looked at the body on the ground bedside her. Litchfield lay completely still, and she could see blood coming from beneath his head. Again, she heard the voice calling her, and she took off running toward it.

  “Richard!” She ran faster until she finally fell into his arms.

  “Jane.”

  His breathless voice sounded softly in her ear, and her panicked one replied.

  “I could not let him take me from you. I would not. Oh, Richard, I think I killed him—your father.”

  “Jane, my brave little soldier. Where is he?”

  “Just through the trees there. I pulled the reins, and we both fell from the horse. He is not moving.”

  “Get her back to the house, and get her warm. I will see to Litchfield.”

  Jane was surprised by the other voice. She had not noticed anyone with Richard.

  “Wesley?”

  “Are you hurt, Sister?”

  “No, only very frightened.”

  He squeezed her shoulder. “I am sorry. I tried to catch up to him, but he managed to elude me the entire way from London. I arrived only a little while ago just as Richard was in a panic looking for you.”

  “It is not your fault he is an evil beast. He said he would burn the house if I made a noise. He said a man was just outside. He hurt Sally and Hannah.”

  “Shhh.” Richard pulled her closer. “They are well, just knocked unconscious. They were both awake when Wesley and I left the house, and there was no man there that we could see. Come, let us do as our brother says and get you warm.”

  Before turning back toward the house, Richard looked at Wesley and handed him the walking stick he had at his side. Wesley nodded and pulled the blade from its sheath and headed toward the trees.

  * * *

  For nearly an hour, Jane and Richard nervously waited for Wesley to return. As if he were treating soldiers on the battlefield, Richard tended the servants’ wounds and then sent them home with the promise of extra pay for their troubles. He doubted either of them would return, and he did not blame them. Richard had just gone into the kitchen to fetch Jane’s tea when Wesley walked through the door.

  “He is not there.”

  “What do you mean? Jane said his head was bleeding. He could not have gotten on his horse and left.”

  “The horse was there, as was the blood, but Litchfield was not. I searched for some time and found no trace of him.”

  “Wesley.”

  “I am telling you the truth, Richard. If I had killed the man, I would brag about it. As it is, I can only be concerned that he might return. I think we should all travel back to London. If his men came to retrieve him, which is likely, they are probably headed there themselves.
I cannot allow him to get away with this. Not all the threats I made to him were empty.”

  Richard nodded. “I think Jane needs to be close to her sister now. If we cannot be hidden all the way up here, then it is likely we can be hidden nowhere. Give her another hour to calm, and then we can go.”

  “I am sorry this happened. I should have known threats would not contain his madness.”

  “As you said before, you do not want blood on your hands. It is becoming clear that only death can defeat him. You are not to blame, Wesley.”

  His brother seemed to ignore the offered absolution, and Richard knew he would continue to carry the guilt that he did not deserve. Hopefully, with time, it would lessen.

  Chapter 20

  The long days in the carriage did nothing to tame Wesley’s rage. It gathered strength with every mile they traveled. He inquired about his father at every stop they made, but no one had seen him, or at least, they were unwilling to say they had.

  By the time they reached London, his blood was hot with the need for retribution, and if he made it through this confrontation with Litchfield alive, he would see their name destroyed, just as he had promised. After seeing Richard and Jane safely deposited at Julian’s, he marched against the cold wind to Litchfield House. His anger blinded him to all else, and so the scene he walked into took a few moments to process.

  No butler or footman greeted him upon his arrival, and the old housekeeper, who had served Litchfield for several years, stood near the stairs crying into her apron.

  “What is happening?” His voice held no curiosity or compassion, only a demand for an answer.

  “Oh, my lord! Your father is dead!” Sobs took over her body, and it was some moments before she could again speak. “They found him just an hour ago, frozen to death in the garden.”

  Wesley started, then stood silent for a moment attempting to comprehend the great weight of those few words. His father was dead? His greatest desire had come true, yet he had been robbed of one last chance to see the man writhe in fear. He drew a deep breath and pushed those thoughts aside, becoming the master that his father’s death just made him.