Shadowed by Sin (17 page)

Two months later…

Estelle packed hers and her husband’s belongings with the aid of her maid and mother-in-law. She’d have never guessed in advance truly how much clutter could have been collected while they were abroad. Anxiously, she waited to hear back from Benedict, who’d left hours ago on a suspicious errand.

She ignored the way his mother ordered about the maid and the footmen from her own home, to aid them in their move to her first home as countess.

“Estelle, dear, while I am not accustomed to organize such a feat in small rooms as this, your assistance in taking charge would be appreciated. Not that I expect you’ve had any appropriate lessons. Now this is what I’d like you to do…”

Her sharp-tongued mother-in-law’s words trailed off into silence as the door swung open and her husband appeared at the door.

Estelle rose to her feet, rushing over to him to embrace him. “What is it, dear? You were gone a very long time.”

He turned to his mother and nodded. “Mama, I’d like a word in private with my wife.”

“It’s just as well; most of everything is ready to carry down to the carriage. I will return shortly.”

“Come, sit down with me on the bed, dearest. I have much to say,” Benedict instructed and she could do nothing but comply.

Her nerves began to get the best of her; from the dreaded fluttering of her belly, to her muscles tightening in her neck.
Heavens! Get over it, you silly girl
.

“I have just come back from the inspector’s office. As it were, the Earl of Hawthorne has been charged with several counts of murder and illegal gambling, and interference with a criminal investigation. Considering the unfortunate suicide of his son, they had to turn the French investigators away, but not before learning of the terrible crimes George committed in his time abroad.”

Estelle couldn’t bear the thought of what sort of atrocities that man did in a foreign country, but could very well imagine how deviant and horrible they must have been.

“As it turns out, George had robbed people blind of their belongings, raped innocents, and if that weren’t cruel enough, he was caught with a noble’s wife. After being called out, he shot the man, returned to the wife only to brutally rape her before killing her too. The viscount’s children hid while they watched their mama being attacked.”

Benedict paused, pulling her into an embrace, shaking uncontrollably. Her husband—the love of her life—was upset which was quite natural given the circumstances of the horrors they experienced.

“I am truly sorry that we ever set foot in that house. I should have never asked you to attend with me, my love. I put you in danger and I’m a horrible person for doing so.”

Estelle pushed away from his embrace to cup his cheeks. The sadness and hurt swimming in his eyes brought her to tears. “My love, there is nothing I would not have done for you. When we made the decision to attend the devil’s party, it was under the premise to free your papa from whatever menacing hold that wretched family had on him.”

She stopped to raise her hands and looked around, only to return her attention to him. “Look at us. We are alive; your family free from scandal and some very evil people have been stopped. If anything, we’ve rid society of some of England’s worst scoundrels. I am glad we both came out of it alive. I do not think I would have been able to carry on if I lost you, my love.”

Her tears fell uncontrollably now. This had been the first time since the events that they talked this freely and now they could carry on with their lives as they were meant to.

Benedict wiped the tears away and whispered, “Come, come. No more tears. We are free, have each other, and a lovely new home to enjoy in every aspect. I would love nothing more than to hear the pitter-patter of tiny feet. So let us leave the hotel in a pleasant mood, and let my mama enjoy ordering people about for just a second longer. I desire nothing more than to bless my countess with the loving she so deserves.”

Estelle smiled and let the warmth of love wash over her like a warm sun shower. He was hers for eternity.

The End

Publisher’s Note

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Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Layna discovered her love of reading at an early age. She’s a bestselling author at All Romance eBooks, and multi-published author of historical, paranormal and contemporary erotic romances. When she isn’t devouring salacious romance novels or writing, she enjoys losing herself in researching ancient history and mythology, weaponry, and hiking. She lives in Northern Ontario, with her husband and two daughters.

For updates on her upcoming releases, or to leave her a comment, you can find at:

Website: http://www.laynapimentel.com