An Inconvenient Trilogy (16 page)

It seemed like an eternity before she heard footsteps approach the carriage, but she could not move. She heard muffled voices and closed her eyes; it could only mean bad news. She did not open her eyes when the door open and she felt someone getting into the carriage, she did not want to be told that he was dead.

“Elizabeth?” came a concerned whisper.

Elizabeth opened her eyes wide, Michael was sat before her, looking dishevelled and with a bruised cheek, but alive. “You’re safe.” were the only words that she could utter before the tears flowed and sobs overtook her.

Michael smiled and gathered Elizabeth into his arms. “Come now, I didn’t think news of my survival would cause you to be so upset.” he teased gently, his heart easing a little from the vice-like pressure it had been under since the terror had started.

Elizabeth tried to laugh, hiccupped and started to cry again. After many minutes had passed she lifted her head from his shoulder, but still held onto him, because she never wanted to let go of him again. “I thought you had been shot! What happened?”

“I decided to issue my own punishment on George,” Michael started, not wanting to upset Elizabeth further, but knowing that she would need to know what had gone on. “He did fight back,” he smiled a little, pointing to his bruised cheek. “I was quite pleased, it gave me the excuse to really punish him. What I had not anticipated was that he would be armed.”

Michael paused at Elizabeth’s sharp intake of breath. “Shh, there’s nothing to worry about. We fought some more, my aim was to try and disarm him at this point, but he had primed the gun. Herbert saw what was happening and moved in front of Miranda, probably the only brave thing he has ever done. When the gun went off, Herbert took the full force of the blast. I’m sorry Elizabeth; your cousin did not survive.”

Elizabeth stared at Michael. She did not wish anyone dead, but after today she could not feel any sympathy for her cousin. He had only played a minor role in the nightmare, but he had gone along with the scheme without any thought for her. She was sorry that it had come to that, but she would not mourn him. “Miranda and George?” She asked.

“Miranda became hysterical with George, not for the loss of her husband, but the fact that his death meant that she had nothing. Without Herbert she is reduced to being a widow who has many debts. I have left Charles to send for the local magistrate. I was going to let them go and try to survive with the debt, but while they roam the streets I would never feel that you were safe.” Michael pulled Elizabeth closer and kissed the top of her head. “It’s over now. They can’t harm you now.”

Elizabeth snuggled into him and sighed with relief. She was close to Michael and there was no danger. It was not long before she fell asleep, the drug was still in her body, and the emotion of the day had completely drained her. Only the security of having Michael’s arms around her allowed her to relax, knowing it was over and she was protected.

The sedate pace of the journey back allowed Michael to go over the events of the day. The feeling of panic and dread came back as he mulled it over in minute detail. There were too many ‘what ifs’ at the moment for him to be able to relax. If Herbert had not sent them to the correct inn, they would never have found her, thank God he had directed them straight there. His coachman was in line to receive a huge bonus from his employer, he had driven as fast as the vehicle could stand and probably faster, to try and recover some of the ground they had to gain.

When they had reached the inn George’s carriage was still in the yard, it was not a busy inn, George had not wanted to make things any more difficult by meeting people passing through who might have known one of their group. Michael and Charles had burst into the inn and demanded to be told which room they were in. They had already been halfway up the stairs before the innkeeper had had time to respond, and reached the top of the stairs to be faced with numerous doors. Every second counted, but the pause allowed him to hear Elizabeth scream out his name.

The sound of her voice, the panic, fear and desperation had made him angrier than he had ever been in his life. He had to get to her. Charles had turned to the sound but Michael had already reached the door and kicked it in, the door bursting open as if there was no lock in existence. The scene he was met with almost made him stagger. Elizabeth on the bed, her dress ripped, legs apart, with George lying across her. At that moment Michael knew he could kill, but something inside had managed to hold him back in order to get Elizabeth to safety.

Her concern for his welfare had touched his very core, and he knew that after today, he had to tell her how he felt. He could not let her marry someone who would not cherish her, or love her as he did, but before that he had needed to deal with her relatives.

George had put up only a small fight; he was too rotund to be a fighter, especially against a man as angry as Michael. He had also presumed that once he produced his gun there would no longer be any reason to fight; he had thought that the sight of the gun would stop Michael in his tracks. The gun had caused Michael to falter for about five seconds, before he continued the battle. He was out to seek revenge for Elizabeth, and a gun was not going to stop him. When the gun had gone off, Michael and George had separated, wondering if it was the other who had been shot, but Herbert’s slumped body had told its own story. Michael thought that even though he had only a short acquaintance with Herbert, it was probably the best outcome for the man. He would not have imagined Herbert coping well with being brought in front of a magistrate.

Miranda had soon shown that her feelings were purely selfish. She did not mourn the passing of her husband, only mourning the loss of his income and had turned her anger on George. The innkeeper had seemed trustworthy enough to stay with the pair until Charles took over. A boy had been sent to inform the magistrate.

Once the fight was over, Michael had to get to Elizabeth to check that she had not been hurt. He knew she had not been ruined, but even the fact that she had been in such a situation would need careful handling. For her to have been in such a situation could scar her for life, Michael was determined that the bright eyed woman that he loved would return.

Chapter 18

The pair returned to London along with Miss Fairfield within a couple of days of the incident. Michael wanted to take Elizabeth away from her estate, not forever, but until she got some of the bloom back into her cheeks. It was ironic, he thought as they journeyed back, taking someone to London to improve their health, most people ran away from London to do that.

They had discussed everything that had happened, and Elizabeth had finally agreed that Violet should know the full story, and Michael had written his sister a long letter in advance of their arrival.

Elizabeth was quieter than she normally was on a journey, her natural enthusiasm a little subdued. She felt a lot older on her return to London, and it felt as if a long time had passed since she had travelled with Miss Fairfield in her purple and orange outfit. She could never have imagined even half of what had happened. Life changing events had taken place, and this trip would continue that theme for her. Even though the events involving Miranda and George were horrific, she had to give Lord Halkyn a final decision.

In her heart there was only one man that she wanted to marry, but although he cared for her, he had made it quite clear that he was her guardian and he was too honourable to do anything else. It did not make sense to Elizabeth, but at least he had admitted to his feelings for her. She would never forget the kisses they had shared in the top field for as long as she lived.

Before the journey to Yorkshire she had been sure that she would refuse Lord Halkyn, but after recent events, there was more to consider. She had puzzled over what her final decision should be. Trying to dwell on that, rather than what had happened with George. Each time she thought of those moments in the inn, she felt physically sick about how close she had come to being completely ruined. It did worry her a little that the thought of Michael knowing she was ruined had affected her more than anything else. She had not wanted to live without the chance that she would ultimately be with Michael. Thoughts such as those troubled her even more when thinking of Lord Halkyn, but she had to consider what he could offer her. She felt vulnerable and alone.

She was welcomed into Violet’s home like a long lost child, and she felt loved and cosseted within a few minutes of her arrival. Michael had left soon after to settle into his own home, leaving Elizabeth in his sister’s capable hands.

After a few days they had returned to a similar routine to when she had first arrived in London. A ride with Michael in the morning, visits with Violet and then attending some entertainment in the evening. She begged to be excused from the larger gatherings, to which Violet agreed.

“I understand why you want to ease yourself back into society, my dear,” Violet said with compassion. “But I don’t think many knew your cousin or his family, and I doubt they would expect you to be in mourning.”

Elizabeth smiled slightly, “I’m afraid I want to avoid society, but it has nothing to do with Herbert. I have my own selfish reasons.”

“You do have not a selfish bone in your body. What is troubling you? It’s been obvious something is unsettling you and I didn’t think it was all connected with what happened in Yorkshire.” Violet said gently.

“I need to speak to Lord Halkyn and I suppose I have been trying to work out exactly what to say.”

“Ah yes, I’d forgotten about that,” Violet said. She had hoped that Michael would have come to his senses in Yorkshire. She had not accounted for the attack on Elizabeth though and had to accept defeat when hoping that her brother would declare himself. “Have you made your decision?”

“I have, but if you don’t mind I feel it only fair to inform him of my decision first.” Elizabeth replied.

“Of course, my dear.” Violet replied, having to be satisfied with Elizabeth’s response.

*

Michael had remained convinced that he should declare himself to Elizabeth. The events in Yorkshire had shown him that he could not face a life without her. He still had nightmares about seeing her on the bed, with George poised between her legs. He shuddered every time a ‘what if’ thought entered his mind and it reinforced his determination to let her know his true feelings. He would tell her about the madness, but they could put in place some agreement that when he started to show signs, he could be locked away, for her safety and his. The thought of being locked away terrified him, but he would agree to it, if it meant he could have the time with Elizabeth while he was still sane. He comforted himself by thinking that at least he would not be in his right mind when he had to be separated from her.

He decided to speak to her before they went riding. It was the time of day that they would be less likely to be interrupted, Violet and Edward never came downstairs too early. The nerves built as he approached Violet’s home, it was not every day that he tried to persuade someone to marry him, at the same time of informing them that their time together would be limited.  

He wandered into the morning room to wait for Elizabeth. He paced the room as he waited, first time marriage proposals were nerve racking. At least Elizabeth did not keep him waiting for long; he heard her hurrying down the stairs. She entered the room, dressed in a deep red riding habit, which had complex patterns of black braiding on the sleeves and across the front.

“Good morning Michael,” Elizabeth said pleasantly. “I hope you are ready for a good ride, I feel the need to burn some energy today.”

Michael smiled, her natural energy was returning as he had hoped. “I am always ready to challenge you to a good horse ride, I don’t give up as easily as the friends with whom you used to race, but I thought we could talk before we began.”

“Yes, of course, if you wish,” Elizabeth responded easily. “Oh, before I forget, I need to see Lord Halkyn, I promised I would seek him out on my return and I’ve been very remiss. The man probably thinks I am a flighty miss, and I’d hate him to have such a low opinion of me. Do you know if he is still in town?”

If Michael had received a kick to the stomach, it would have been less painful. Halkyn. He had completely forgotten, or ignored the fact that she was considering an offer from him. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “He is in town I believe. Have you business with him?”

“Yes, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and it is time I started being more decisive. After what happened, I’ve decided that sitting around, and dwelling on things for too long does nothing but confuse matters. It is time I started sorting myself out once and for all.” She smiled at Michael, in her usual mischievous way. “Now, what do you want to talk to me about, have I erred again?”

Michael tried to smile, she was adorable and he had lost her. She was seeking out Lord Halkyn and looking happy about it, which could mean only one thing. Michael cursed himself silently, the one time he had decided that he was going to act; he had left it too late. He shook himself, he had only himself to blame.

“It is nothing, I just wanted to ensure that you are well, but in reality, I can see that you are.” he improvised.

Elizabeth smiled at him. “Thanks to the care of Violet and yourself, I am very well now.”

“Good! Come on, let’s get the horses,” Michael said walking to the door. He would mourn the lack of timing later; every moment with Elizabeth was even more precious now. He had been a damn fool.

*

The morning rides continued, but one morning Michael had sent word that he would be late for their appointment, so Elizabeth had taken her groom with her. She liked to get out as early as possible as the park was always quieter, and it gave her chance to plan her future.

Elizabeth rode through Hyde Park on the back of the dappled grey Michael had purchased for her all those months ago. It seemed strange now, looking back, reflecting on the feelings of outrage that she had had at the constraints of a guardian. In reality, she had not realised how lucky she was, coming to London for the first time with everything taken care of.

Violet was aware of how she felt about Michael, she was sure of it, but she was not as sure that Michael was. Every time she had resolved that she should marry Lord Halkyn, an image of those warm brown eyes would float into her mind’s eye, and she knew she could not marry anyone else. But, she had to let everyone know of her decisions. In two weeks it was her birthday, a mixed blessing. She would be an independent woman, but she would no longer have a close connection to Michael.

She had tossed and turned during the nights since her return from Yorkshire, determined to make a final decision and she had, but whether everyone else would agree to her plans would be another matter. If they did not, she would wait for two weeks and then do as she pleased, she had led the life of an idle lady for too long and it was making her lethargic. It was time to take action.

She was disturbed from her thoughts by an approaching horse and rider. It was clear who it was and although it was not an audience she was looking forward to, she hoped that at the end of the conversation the meeting would force, there would be the chance to start her life moving again.

“Good morning Lord Halkyn,” she inclined her head as he slowed his horse near her.

“Miss Rufford, I had heard you were back in town. Was everything in order in Yorkshire?” Lord Halkyn asked pleasantly.

“Not yet, as there is much work to be done, but the estate shows potential.” Elizabeth replied more cheerfully than she felt. She had never had this type of conversation with a man before and nerves fluttered in her stomach.

“I am surprised we have not met sooner,” Lord Halkyn said. “Your presence was missed at the entertainments this last week. You had returned a few days before I was told you were in residence.”

“I wished to remain quiet, while I thought things through properly.” Elizabeth replied, knowing she had avoided contact with Lord Halkyn, and that it was obvious he knew that too.

“And did those thoughts include some consideration about my proposal?” He asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes, I want to thank you for your very kind offer, but I am not going to accept it.” Elizabeth said quickly before she changed her mind.

“And is your response influenced by your guardian?”

“No! Not at all, Lord Dunham still does not know of your proposal. I have made the decision after much consideration and without anyone else’s counsel.” Elizabeth assured him.

“In that case I am sorry,” Lord Halkyn said with a small shrug. “Some would say I should persist and try to change your mind, but consider me vain if you will, I want to marry someone who welcomes my addresses.”

Elizabeth smiled, “You are not vain and it is only what you deserve. I like you very much, but I am convinced that I could not have made you happy.”

“We would have got on tolerably well.”

“I agree that we would and some people would think us very lucky, but is it wrong of me to want more?” Elizabeth asked.

“I hope you find more, if that is still what you wish. You have always been honest with your desire for a love match and I wish you luck, although with your guardian glowering in the background, it may put off lesser mortals than myself,” Lord Halkyn smiled, looking over Elizabeth’s shoulder.

She turned slightly to see Michael approaching and he was indeed glowering. “Oh he always glowers, do not mind him.” Elizabeth said lightly.

“I do not, but I am in no mood to pander to him at the moment. Please would you give him my excuses while I go away and nurse by broken heart?” Lord Halkyn bowed to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth reached out her arm and squeezed Lord Halkyn’s hand. “Thank you for being so understanding and being patient while I made my decision. I was flattered and tempted by your offer. I do hope you find someone who can care for you the way you deserve.”

“Take care Miss Rufford, you are in danger of becoming one of the most sincere people I know. I wish you well.” Lord Halkyn said with a wry smile, before turning his horse.

Elizabeth watched Lord Halkyn as he galloped away, causing people to turn their heads in wonder at such a noise so early in the day. She stayed still until Michael reined his horse in at the side of her.

“What did Halkyn want?” Michael snarled.

“The same as anyone wants on these outings, to pass the time of day with acquaintances.” Elizabeth replied lightly.

“Do you squeeze the hands of all of your acquaintances in public Elizabeth?”

“Not all, only the ones I really like!” Elizabeth replied cheerfully. She might love Michael, but she would never allow him to wallow in his moods, or let him pass any unreasonable comments. She moved away with Michael following her. Elizabeth perhaps would not have been so at peace if she had realised that her actions and words had led Michael to believe that she had accepted Lord Halkyn’s offer of marriage.