Shadowed by Sin (9 page)

“He has to go! I do not want that disgusting little imp in my house. Everyone knows he set the cottage on fire. Why must he stay with us?” the countess roared with contempt.

“Think of it as an opportunity to earn a little income, and when the time comes, we’ll deem him unfit to live in society. I have some connections who would be easy enough to convince for the diagnosis. Have some faith in me, my lady.”

Her scowl grew deeper and her brows furrowed with severity. “And what of his sister? She’s back any day now from that distasteful school. What shall we do with her?”

“Marry her off to the first sorry sod we can find. Although I’ve heard some rumors about some fellow in town having expressed an interest in her. Once I have the perfect chap in mind, we’ll make all the arrangements.”

“Very well. Until then, keep that beast out of my sight. I cannot be seen with either of them. Neither will be accepted by me, nor the society we associate with. They’re mongrels! I cannot believe your father permitted your brother to marry that creature.”

His uncle raised a brow at the insult, unaware that Edwin hid behind a column, eavesdropping. “My brother never did have a lick of sense. It’s just as well they’re out of their misery. That’s what happens when you marry a traitorous lot.
”

The dining hall had been silent all throughout breakfast, until Lady Cuthbert broke the silence with laughter. “Well now, in lieu of last night’s disaster, I daresay the masque we have planned tonight shall continue. Do you not agree, my lord?” she turned to ask the earl, who barely paid her any mind.

Estelle blanched at the suggestion, and turned to look at her fiancé, who already scowled with discontent at the announcement.

The earl coughed to mask her whispers. “Lady Cuthbert, I am sure our guests would think it ill-mannered if we were to proceed.”

“Nonsense,” exclaimed an elderly lady, smiling over her tea and toast.

“I agree,” George added. “I think the lot of us could use some entertainment. Besides, I would like to get to know everyone better, my lord.”

Estelle winced from the pang in her heart. The awful feeling something dreadful was going to happen struck her again. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed two footmen being lured away. After having enough of this talk about a ball, she turned to Benedict and gave his knee a squeeze. “A most excellent breakfast, my lord. If everyone will excuse me, I am still feeling very tired. I think I shall retire for a bit.”

“Do you not wish to stay on a bit longer? I had planned on giving the ladies a tour of the manor shortly,” Lady Cuthbert crooned while setting her teacup down.

Estelle paused, trying to ponder how to get out of this invitation. “Perhaps another time, my lady. If you would do me the honor of showing me the grounds before I leave, I would be ever so gracious. However, I think it might be best that I lie down.”

“Very well, my dear.”

“Allow me to escort you to your room, Miss Humphrey?” Edwin asked, rising from his chair, looking back at his cousin and glaring at him.

“I think not, Edwin. I have yet to be formally introduced to Lord St. John’s fiancée.” George then turned to her. “It would be my pleasure to escort you,” he growled quietly with a sinister smile.

Everyone stared at her, as if she had mysteriously grown a second head. She hardly understood the sudden interest in her. “Your offers are very kind, my lords, but I think I shall be fine on my own.”

“Are you sure, dearest? After that envious display at breakfast between George and Edwin, I am not sure if I should be leaving you alone,” Benedict mumbled under his breath.

Estelle only smiled, nodded, and then curtseyed before retreating to the hall.

Footsteps behind her approached while she stopped for a second at the bottom of the winding staircase.

“Estelle, wait,” Ben called after her. “I will walk you to your room.”

Did he plan on staying with her for the remainder of the morning, missing out on the opportunity to tour the grounds? Last night had been delightful in more ways than one. She did not expect to enjoy the level of intimacy he demonstrated. The memory of last night, of the way he used his tongue on her delicate parts, made her damp and eager with anticipation of what they would do next.
I wonder if he would allow me to do the same to him?

“There you are, my girl. I had to ask myself what the rush was for, but I can see why. Those impertinent pups—you’d think the earl’s nephew would know how to comport himself after your previous encounter with him in town.”

She nodded, slipping her arm into his as they ascended the stairs. He tapped her hand and stopped at the landing before the next flight of stairs to where their apartments were. Light beamed in from the stained glass window, creating a myriad of dancing reflections on the wall. Ben released her arm but turned her to face him, gripping her arms.

“I do not want you alone with George. There are rumors circulating about devious things he has done, and I do not want you compromised in any way. You are mine; always remember that fact. I love you dearly, Estelle, and I would hate to have to kill a man who dares to touch you.”

She blinked furiously at the callous words. How harsh, but what did her beloved know that she did not about the heir of Hawthorne Hall?

“I am touched, my love, but I do not understand why you seem to think I would allow another man to touch me. I am yours now, and always. Will you let me go, Ben? You are hurting me.”

The intensity in his eyes washed away. He pulled her into an embrace, running his hand up and down her back, offering her comfort. In that moment, as safe as he made her feel, the back of her neck burned with the sense they were being watched. Ben’s hand slid further down her back until it rested upon her bottom.

Estelle coughed to mask her worry. “Dearest, we should continue this conversation in private,” she whispered, then continued. “We are not alone.”

Estelle pulled away, holding out her hand, waiting for him to accept. He took it and resumed in taking the lead. The silence until they reached her room had been deafening. Yet, the unspoken words between them raced through her.

Benedict locked the door behind them, and he approached so swiftly she nearly lost her balance. His lips crushed hers, and beneath the harshness of his touch, she melted into him. The man could take her now, and she would not mind one bit.

“Take me, now. Please,” Estelle pleaded, but soon found herself lifted and placed at the edge of her bed.

He knelt before her, resting his head on her lap. “My love, while I would love nothing more, it is too risky. For as long as we are here, the only time we can meet with some discretion will have to be at night.” He paused and she saw the tenderness in his eyes. “Come to me tonight, and I will make sure you are satisfied fully.”

Ugh
. Estelle fell back onto her bed and sighed with disdain. “Why can we not just rush off to Scotland, Ben, and once we return we’ll stay in town at The Langham until we’ve found a home?”

“As tempting as that thought may be, I simply cannot. You, my darling countess, will have a proper wedding. Are you not pleased by the news of a traditional wedding? I thought that by elevating you, things would be easier. Besides, I have plans and I would like nothing more than to include your father.”

He left her sitting on the bed and crossed the room to stare out of the window. Later, he turned to face her and smiled softly. “I am sorry if my decision upsets you. I will do my best to make it up to you tonight. In the meanwhile, I should meet up with the rest of the guests for the tour. Are you sure you do not want to accompany your aunt and me?”

Annoyed beyond belief, she fell back once again on her bed and grumbled, “No. I do not want to attend. I will sit in my room and mope about while trying to figure just what it is about this place that has me in such a foul disposition.”

“Have it your way, my dear. I will have your aunt join you as soon as we return. Shall I have your maid come up and see to your needs?”

Estelle nodded then reached for a pillow and covered her face. The sound of the door closing echoed around her. All she had to do was wait it out and as soon as the earl, countess, and the remaining guests left, she would find Mary and discover what else was put away in the attic. There just had to be more secrets up there, waiting to be found out. She couldn’t help but want to be the one to unravel the mystery of Helen’s death, and whatever made this house so cursed.

* * * *

Benedict hated leaving her behind. The disappointment that splashed across her face when he declined in taking her when she most desired him left him feeling cold and unhappy. Who was he to decline the woman he was planning on marrying anyway? Yet, his moral obligation to keep her free from any further scandalous situations settled in. His body urged him to do so, but he could not risk the possibility of them being caught. While he did not mind their reckless behavior, her Aunt Margaret would have an apoplectic fit. No, Estelle would have to wait until tonight.

“Please tell me, St. John. What are your plans in the near future other than marrying that delightful creature of yours? When you return from your honeymoon, I am ready and available to introduce you to the other lords of the clubs I attend. For I am certain they will be most eager for an introduction,” the Earl of Hawthorne said candidly.

“You are too kind, my lord. I would certainly appreciate your assistance and to meet your comrades. I am sure more connections will come in handy. However, I have quite a bit of work to do before I begin gracing the clubs of London. In particular, I’m exploring the idea of having a new home built, but want to assess the existing real estate in town first.”

“Very well, young man. I look forward to calling on you and your countess when the papers have been finalized.”

The earl gazed upon the guests who walked lazily through the terrace and down the path toward the old chapel that burnt to the ground fifty years prior. Benedict found himself instantly drawn to the recollections the man was evidently remembering. He followed the earl’s eyes to the chapel and wondered if the man had a good upbringing. Benedict surmised it would have been a proper one, but by London standards proper did not always equate to a loving parentage.

“My lord, as you already know, the manor’s history is speculated much. Would you mind sharing what you know of your ancestors and the land on which the manor is upon? Plainly, there is much history here,” Benedict said.

“There is much to be told about Hawthorne Hall. Although, I am not certain now is the time…”

A howling beyond the cook’s garden alerted them all. The remaining guests stilled on the path.

Benedict raced over to his beloved’s aunt paling at the horrific sound.

“Benedict, do tell me that sound is not being made by a wolf.”

The earl came to a halt and turned to face Aunt Margaret. “My lady, wolves have been extinct in these parts for centuries. I imagine it would be some sort of animal that is trapped. Do not worry. I will have someone investigate. Let us carry on to the chapel and I will share the history of the building. Come along, everyone,” the earl coaxed, trying to cover up wherever the sound hailed from.

A gleam in the earl’s eye exuded an awareness and certainty, and if he were a betting man, the earl most definitely had an idea of what was transpiring. Either that or he clearly had a guilty conscience.

Benedict took Aunt Margaret’s arm and hooked it in with his, and was about to follow the group when a shadow moved swiftly from the corner of his eye.
What in damnation?
He turned his attention toward the garden and caught a door closing behind some ferns. From this distance, which had to have been at least twenty yards away, the entry was not at all noticeable.
What lay behind that door? Could the noise that frightened the guests be coming from there?
He had so many questions and not enough time to explore them.

He and his companion followed the others, and while Estelle’s aunt paid thorough attention to the earl’s tale, Benedict could not help but think if the area in question connected to the part they slept in. Completely ignoring what the group had been discussing, he bent down to whisper to Estelle’s aunt. “I know this might sound odd, but Estelle has been behaving quite peculiar since the tragedy. Perhaps you could speak with her. I am certain she will be more forthcoming with you.”

Her aunt nodded. “I will check on her the instant we return to the manor. Although, I think it best that we pay attention to our gracious host. He has looked our way several times, scowling. I do not think the earl likes being ignored.”

“An aristocratic trait, my lady. Most men of the peerage are not satisfied until they are the center of attention. Let us resume our focus on him and once we return to the house, we will continue our discussion.”

Benedict strode toward the group now leaving the family cemetery. There was much to be discovered and very soon he would have answers to save his father from being blackmailed further.

* * * *

Estelle groaned for what seemed the millionth time these last thirty minutes. “That is it. I’m going on my own and if Mary will not show me, I will find someone who will.”

She bolted from her room in search of a servant who could lead her to her maid, but luckily she did not have to engage anyone else in her foibles.

Mary stood whispering to another servant at the end of the hall.

“Mary, I apologize for interrupting but—” Her words were cut off by a distant howl. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end, and a shiver licked up her spine. “What in the world made that sound?”

The servant Mary had been speaking with hastily ran away, leaving the two of them together to discuss in privacy. “I haven’t the slightest clue, Miss. However, I can assure you most of the staff is suspicious. I hardly imagine the sound being made by any animal. Which leaves the question of who is making that noise and why?” Her maid stopped and scowled. “I had been informed by your fiancé that you stayed behind, that you were not feeling well. Should I assume you stayed behind on purpose?”