Tananguard 02 - To Love a Lord (17 page)

“Have you ever gone back?”

He shook his head. “Never wanted to, and I had no reason to. I write now and then, but until today, I’ve never received anything in return.”

Not that he was surprised he’d never heard anything in return. Not after the way he left.

Thomas entered the hall with a bag slung over his shoulder. Muriel was in there, as well as a hundred other souls. Muriel and Robert were arguing. Thomas sighed. He should take her with him, but he knew she would never leave.

“I said no and that’s final!” Robert growled.

“One hour from your day would not hurt!” she shouted.

Robert scowled. Then he spotted Thomas. “It appears Thomas is finally moving about normally. Take him,” he said, pointing at Thomas.

Muriel paled as she turned to find Thomas watching them. “Thomas,” she began. Her eyes widened when she saw the bag. “Are you leaving?” There was pain in her voice, and he could see it in her eyes as well.

Robert laughed. “Leaving? Where would he go?”

“I am leaving. There’s a ship in port, and they’ve agreed to take me on,” Thomas said.

Robert gaped, his smile falling. “A ship? Have you lost your senses?”

“I cannot stay here anymore. There’s nothing left for me.”

“Thomas,” Muriel said sadly, “please. You can’t go.”

“I have to, and you know why,” Thomas said in frustration.

Robert laughed
in astonishment. “You
are
in love with her!”

Thomas stared at his brother. Then he walked toward him. Muriel was standing by
Robert’s side.

“Yes, I am in love with her. And it is your fault,” he said quietly. “You’ve made me her guardian when you should have taken it upon yourself to be so! I am in love with your wife, and that does not bother you?” he shouted in anger.

Robert scowled at him. “Do not raise your voice to me, boy! That’s what you are, a boy. Why would it bother me that a
boy
is in love with my wife?” he growled.

“A boy?” Thomas asked calmly. He took another step forward, a step that placed him close to Muriel. He stood a head taller than her
, something that obviously surprised his brother as his eyes widened when seeing the two side by side. Muriel had always been taller than Thomas—at least she had been when he was fifteen. That was four years ago, and he was much taller and broader than he used to be.

Thomas took a step even closer to
her. Her breathing quickened and Thomas wasn’t the only one who noticed. Robert’s eyebrows furrowed in alarm.

“Do I still look like a boy to you, Brother?”
Thomas asked darkly.

Then he did the stupidest thing possible. He pulled Muriel into his arms and kissed
her as he’d done a week ago, kissed her long and hard. He pulled away, letting her go almost as quickly as he’d grabbed her. She stumbled backwards, knees weak, breath coming in quick, short gasps. Her cheeks were crimson, and so were Robert’s as he lunged for Thomas.

Thomas dodged the fist to his eye and landed
one of his own to Robert’s face. Then he pointed at Muriel. “There is a woman hungry for a man! But she doesn’t want me! She wants you! She’s only wanted you, and you keep ignoring her! You’re a bastard, Robert! That’s what you are!” And those were the last words he said to his brother before walking out of the keep.

“You received word from your brother today?” Maggie asked in surprise
, pulling Thomas from his memories.

He shook his head. “No, from Muriel.”

Maggie looked away. “Oh, I see. I hope it wasn’t bad news.”

Thomas eyed her. He wanted to think he’d heard a tinge of jealousy in her tone, but could he truly hope for such a thing so soon from her? He shook the thought away. “It wasn’t terrible.
Do you care to read it?” he asked, producing the letter.

She flushed crimson in embarrassment. She shook her head, looking away from him. “I never learned.”

“Never learned to read? I could teach you if you’d like.”

She laughed lightly. “
Oh Thomas, there’s never time. Chores…work…,” she trailed off sadly. “They always get in the way.”

“Not here,” he told her. “There will be time. We’ll make time. I promise.”

She looked at him hopefully. “Truly?”

He nodded
, and she smiled in pleasure. He would teach her, alright, if it brought such a lovely smile to her lips! Did she realize how beautiful she was?

“So what did the letter say?” she asked.

“Oh, the letter. Right. Robert is injured. The lout tried to crack his head open and broke his leg at the same time.”

She gasped. “Will he be alright?”

“Yes, but there are problems arising—possible feuds and claims to our lands considering Robert has never produced an heir and I have not been seen for some time. I suppose Muriel felt I needed to know since I’m Robert’s heir.” Robert and Muriel had three more children after Thomas left. All of them girls, and that left Thomas as the next Laird unless Muriel could produce a boy. The letter said she was pregnant again, so it was possible for her to have that desired boy. But she was not as young as she used to be, and with Robert’s near-death experience, the other lairds were claiming suit to their lands if something further were to happen to him.

“Heir?”
Maggie asked, stiffening visibly. “You’re nobility.”

“Not in the sense you’re thinking. I mean
…I suppose, but…don’t look at me like that, woman. I’m no different now than I was a moment ago,” he said in alarm. She was looking at him as if he’d grown horns. “I’m simply me, Maggie. Thomas, your…friend.”

Her face soften
ed, and she nodded. “I’ve been a servant to nobility all my life. It’s all I’ve known. And to think that you might be…,” she trailed off, shaking her head. She glanced down briefly then back to his face. “I—” Her eyes darted back down to his chest in alarm. “Thomas, are you bleeding?” She reached toward his midsection, hands patting him down, searching for an injury.

“Bleeding?” he asked, trying hard not to allow her touch to stir desires within. He knew it was innocent, knew she didn’t realize how she affected him. “No. Why do you ask?”

“You’ve got blood on your shirt here,” she said, pointed to a large splattering of blood. “If it’s not yours, whose is it?”

“Oh. That would be Dickson’s blood,” he explained.

“Dickson’s? How did he get it on you?”

“I
broke his nose. Then I shook him about a bit,” he said nonchalantly.

Her eyes widened. He loved her innocence. The more he spoke with her the more he realized how sheltered she’d truly been. She was naïve to the world and should have still been naïve to
the ways of men.

“Why would you do that?” she asked with concern.

Thomas’s eyes furrowed. “He called you something I did not like. He knows better now. They all do.”

Her cheeks flared red. “They all do,” she repeated.

“They know not to cross me, Maggie. No one will be calling you anything but your name from now on. And that includes you. Do you understand? You stand below no one. You are an equal in this community. And you will be treated as such from now on.”

“Actually…I thought it might be best if I left,” she said quietly.

“Left?” he said in exasperation. “No, that wouldn’t be best. You have to stay. Things will improve for you. I promise. Give our community a chance to get to know you. The people will see the kind, innocent woman that you are, and they will grow to care for you as I do. Besides, if I’m to teach you to read and write, you have to be where I am.”

Her eyes were wide with wonder, and she nodded in agreement. Thomas sighed within in relief. He couldn’t lose her yet. He needed more time. It was too soon…too soon to see.

Lucas paced the house irritably. Why had he made that Sophia woman Connor’s bet? He had thrown his friend to the wolves with her. He hadn’t expected Connor to fall in love. And then with that talk of marriage almost a month ago after the fight, Lucas knew he would soon lose his friend. He was already losing him. Connor had been avoiding Lucas regularly since that night. He rarely saw him anymore. Yet, Connor claimed he had not bedded the
woman. Perhaps there was still hope. If Lucas could convince Connor that Sophia was not what she seemed, he might give up this ridiculous notion he was in love with her. Lucas’s mind worked fast, an idea forming within seconds. He smiled, knowing what needed to be done.

*

Josephine wandered through the market lazily. She was now Mrs. Connor Tananguard and had been for almost a month now. She had never believed she would find such happiness as she had with him. They shared every moment together they could, but business had called Connor into the heart of London today, so Josephine had chosen to come to the market to purchase fresh meat and other needed produce.

Unconsciously, she fingered the small ring on her left finger. It had been Connor’s mother’s ring, a ring his father had given him for his future bride. It held sentimental value, and he had given it to her. She knew beyond doubt he loved her.

She smiled as she walked, not really looking at the fresh foods around her or looking at anything for that matter. She had not made a purchase yet either, and she had been wandering through the market for some time now. Her stomach growled, reminding her it was nearing lunchtime. She purchased an apple and
strolled to an empty park bench to enjoy it. She hadn’t even taken a bite when a figure stood in front of her.

“Josephine, I am so glad I found you,” Rebecca Cunningham said in relief. She sank down onto the bench as if to prevent herself from fainting. “I have been searching everywhere for you.”

“Rebecca, what is the matter?” Josephine asked in alarm. She hadn’t seen Rebecca since the day she had played the pianoforte at Sarah’s luncheon party.

“I have heard dire news and knew I could not stand by and allow you to be hurt,” Rebecca said.

“What dire news do you speak of?” Josephine asked carefully.

“Oh dear. Where do I begin?” Rebecca sighed in despair. “I know we haven’t been the friends we used to be. So much has changed, but I still care for you. You are the sister I
should have had.” Her words were said with such sincerity it was hard to know if she was simply spouting things to soften Josephine’s heart or if she truly meant them.

“And I suppose you would treat
one of your sisters with as much disdain and resentment as you did me last we met,” Josephine replied.

Rebecca heaved a puff of air. “You aren’t still bitter about that, are you? Honestly, I told you long ago we could not socialize publically. It would ruin my reputation. Besides, I wouldn’t have done it if you weren’t pretending to be something you are not.”

“Oh? And how was I pretending, Rebecca? I am a pianist. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“And you are a very good one at that, but you are no true pianist. Simply a commoner who can play the pianoforte well. But that is not why I said the things I said. You were deceiving those people by using a false name.”

“It is my mother’s given name. It is a respected name, and Sarah and I agreed it would be wiser to hide my true identity. I was there purely for entertainment purposes. Nothing more.”

“You were not trying to rise above your station? I saw the way you mingled with them as if you belonged. I could not allow those people to be deceived, especially the men.”

“I know my place, Rebecca. I have never tried to rise above my station,” Josephine said angrily.

“No? Then tell me of Connor Tananguard. Tell me why he believes he has you ensnared in his web,” she retorted with as much anger.

Josephine felt the blood drain from her face. “Connor Tananguard? What do you mean?”

Rebecca sighed. “Connor Tananguard is not what he seems.”

“You have your eyes on him, don’t you,” Josephine said incredulously.

“No!”

Josephine raised her eyebrows and gave Rebecca a very dry look.

“I…no…I do not…,” she paused. “But I did notice him watching you that day, and how you swooned when meeting him. I knew I had to stop it at once, but it didn’t stop did it?”

“That’s none of your affair,” Josephine defended.

“Oh, but it is. It is why I am here. Whether you believe me or not, I am still your friend. And I do not wish to see you get hurt. These men, Connor and Lucas, they play a game beyond either of us. I am a piece, and so are you.”

“What are you saying, Rebecca?” Josephine asked.

“We are nothing but bets to them. Connor told me this himself after he left my house this morning. He was meeting with my husband and we crossed paths. He cornered me, Josephine, in a very friendly manner. He knew Lucas and I were becoming quite friendly, and for fear of losing the bet, he told me everything. You and I are a means to an end. A pile of money and nothing more. I, of course, do not care. I play a similar game, and you know better than anyone that I have no morals. But you are innocent. You deserve a man who loves you. You deserve what I gave up,” she finished with feeling.

Josephine’s heart tore and her stomach sickened. “What are you saying?”

She sighed patiently. “He is using you to win a bet with Lucas
, a bet that claims he cannot lure you to his bed. It is as simple as that.”

“No, that’s not possible.” Josephine blinked back tears. A bet?
Could it be true? No, if she had been a bet, Connor would not have married her. He would have taken her when she had offered. He hadn’t. He insisted on marrying her.

Rebecca’s face saddened. “You’re in love with him. Oh no, Josephine. Tell me it isn’t so!”

“No, no. I’m not,” Josephine lied. She needed to get away from Rebecca, to think, to clear her mind. “I…I…thank you for telling me this. Do not worry about me. But I must go.”

Rebecca nodded. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry Josephine. I hope you are smarter than I ever was.”

“You were never foolish, Rebecca. You always knew what you wanted. Thank you, again.”

“You know. Maybe it was lies. Maybe Connor was spouting nonsense about this bet. He did seem to be trying to impress me. There is one way to be sure, though. Find Lucas. If you can persuade him to tell you of it, surely it is truth. Get him to confirm what I’ve told you, for I doubt Connor will.”

Josephine stared at Rebecca. How well did she know either of those two men? Connor would tell her the truth. Lucas would be the one to lie. But what if Rebecca was right? She needed to think. “Goodbye, Rebecca.”

“Good luck and farewell, my friend.”

They gave each other a quick hug before Josephine quickly slipped away. Her mind was ablaze with questions. How much of what Rebecca said was truth? Josephine was certain there were lies within the truth, but until she spoke with Connor, she would never know. Did she dare speak to Connor about this? She had to. It was the only way to find out the truth, unless she did as Rebecca suggested and spoke to Lucas.

Connor hadn’t told Lucas they had wed. He seemed almost fearful to bring it up with the man. Why? What was Lucas’s role in all of this? She did not like Lucas. She knew that much. But could she trust him to tell her what she needed to know in this matter? He valued Connor’s friendship. If she used that as leverage, she may be able to get truthful answers from him.

With that decided, she turned south and headed toward Lord Hoffman’s estates to confront Lucas.

*

Rebecca watched the other woman walk away. Even as a woman, Josephine was too trusting. Rebecca shook her head. Josephine was going to get hurt, and Rebecca was to blame. Bitterness and sorrow rang through her. No, she refused to care! Josephine had always been the perfect one, the one who could play the pianoforte with such ease. Even after her hands were burned, Josephine continued to play, and she grew far better than Rebecca could ever dream. Not to mention she was beautiful with flawless skin, and she had gone from very poor to handsomely sufficient due to that shipping company her father had invested in all those years ago. Rebecca glowered. Yes, Josephine deserved a bit of misfortune. And she would not feel guilty for her role in it.

“You really shouldn’t scowl. It’s unbecoming,” a sultry voice said.

Rebecca’s eyebrows rose in dry amusement as Lucas Hoffman strolled up beside her. “I’ve done as you’ve asked. She may even be on her way to your home now.”

“And was it so difficult?”

She laughed. “It never was. So tell me more of this game you play.”

“I’ve told you everything already. There’s nothing more to tell,” he said honestly.

“And I am your bet,” she said with interest. “That is why you’ve shown me such…attention lately.”

He shrugged, flashing her a playful smile. “What can I say?”

“You realize the only reason he set me as your target was to keep me from targeting him,” she told him bluntly. Connor Tananguard was no fool.

“I thought as much, but that’s what makes you challenging. The fact you don’t want me makes you more difficult to pursue.” He was grinning smugly now. “But that’s changed, hasn’t it, Rebecca?”

It was her turn to smile, and it was the sultriest smile she could perform. “That depends. How good are you?”

He laughed out loud, drawing several pairs of eyes their direction. “Shall I come over after I’ve finished with Sophia and show you.”

“Only if you are successful. I don’t want you otherwise.” And that was the truth. Lucas only appealed to her if he could truly do what he claimed he could: break Josephine Meredith from Connor Tananguard. If Rebecca couldn’t have her true love, neither would Josephine.

“Oh, I will be successful. By tomorrow this time, there will be no more Connor and Sophia.”

“Then you had better get home and greet your guest.” She turned to walk away from him, but then she stopped. She looked at him, batting her lashes delicately. “So I shall see you tomorrow night?”

He grinned. “Indeed you shall.”

“Good day, Mr. Hoffman,” she said, and this time she did walk away from him.

*

Lucas feigned surprise when finding Sophia in his parlor. “Sophia, to what do I owe this pleasure?” Then he furrowed his eyebrows. “If you are looking for Connor, he’s not here.”

“Yes, I know. I came to see you,” she answered. She fiddled with the gloves she held in her hands.

Lucas smiled. “How can I help you, Sophia, or do you prefer Josephine?”

“You know the answer to that already,” she answered irritably.

“Very well, what can I do for you, Sophia?” Lucas asked.

“I have some concerns I was hoping you could resolve for me,” she said.

He raised an eyebrow curiously. “And what are those?”

“Well, I was wondering,” she paused, pacing. “Maybe this was a mistake. I…I should just go.” She passed by Lucas, heading for the door.

A surge of panic ran through him. “Wait. You have me quite curious. Perhaps a drink would help relax you?”

She paused. “I usually don’t drink.” She clenched her fists, fighting within herself about what to do next. “Perhaps just one.”

Lucas smiled. He retrieved a bottle of brandy, and poured her a small amount. Sophia accepted the glass and drained it with one tip of her head. She gasped and made a face of disgust. Lucas nearly laughed out loud.

She cleared her throat. “You have been Connor’s closest friend for years. The two of you are like brothers, correct?” she asked.

“Yes,” Lucas said a bit smugly.

“So you know him better than anyone?”

“I do.”

“Does he ever mention me?” she asked innocently.

Lucas laughed. “What do you mean?” What was she getting at? What game was she playing?

“Does he seem interested in me?” she asked. Her cheeks colored nicely with the question.

Lucas eyed her. Was he wrong in his assumption that Sophia was the center of Connor’s affections? No, he was never wrong. “Is he not with you every moment of his day?” he asked dryly.

“No,” Sophia said.

That was not the answer Lucas expected. His eyes furrowed. “What?” he asked darkly.

*

Josephine smiled within. She
had
Lucas. He would answer honestly if he thought Connor was no longer interested in her. “I rarely see him. After the fight, he stopped visiting me as frequently. And I am confused. I thought that perhaps he had feelings for me. Did my brother say anything that night that may have affected Connor?”

Lucas turned away from her. He was mumbling something. Then he simply said, “Where the hell has he been?” He paced some, seeming quit
e frustrated. “Damn it, Connor, what are you up to?” he said aloud. He truly seemed baffled.