Love Comes Blindly (book 5) (The Fielding Brothers Saga) (15 page)

“You there, Miss.” The captain pointed and strode toward her with the Russian and three other men following.

Her hands shook and she clutched them against her middle. She wanted to flee, but that would make her look guiltier.

The higher ranking officer glared down at her as he stared directly into her eyes. “Where were you last night?”

She swallowed hard.
“In my room.”

“What time did you retire?”

“I—I—I don’t recall the exact time, but it was after dark.”

“And you didn’t hear the commotion going up on the third floor of the Abbey when several townsmen broke out the prisoners?”

“I didn’t, sir.” Her gaze switched to the Russian soldier for only a moment before returning to the captain.

“Well, this man right here says he saw you out very late last night walking near the stables.” He pointed to the Russian. “Were you by the stables?”

“Y—yes, sir.
I was checking the grounds before I retired.”

“Why so late at night?”

“It’s like I said…I don’t recall the exact time, but I retired soon afterwards.”

The Russian stepped forward, his eyebrow arching vindictively. “Captain Butters, I can assure you, she was the last person to see Private
Townley
before he went missing. I believe she knows something.”

She couldn’t breathe. That must be the man Gregg killed. Yet…where was Gregg? She hadn’t seen him. Had he left already to return home? He must have since Lord Calvin wasn’t here either.

“I don’t know who Private
Townley
is, sir.”

The Russian’s expression was so mean and
spiteful,
his glare could have harmed young animals. “Private
Townley
is the man who was in your room alongside me a week ago. He was the one who jabbed his sword through your trunk.”

“And…you say I was the last to see him? Yet both of you left my room at the same time that evening. So, sir, I would say
you
were the last to see him!”

He gave her an evil grin. “Not when he decided to return to your room without me, hoping to see exactly what kind of nun you really were.”

“What is the meaning of this?” Reverend Mother’s stern voice had everyone turning to watch her march toward Madeline and the others in the group. “Why are ye
tellin
’ such lies?” She directed her question to the soldiers.

The Russian lifted his chin arrogantly. “Ask her yourself if we were not in her bedroom that night.”

The Reverend Mother’s gaze met with Madeline as a touch of sadness darkened her brown orbs. Madeline’s heart wrenched.

“Is this true, my child?”

Madeline had only lied a few times since coming to the Abbey, but she could not lie to the superior mother, although it might get her hung for a crime she didn’t really commit. “They both came to my room looking for someone.”

“And what about last night?” the captain asked. “Were you not by the stables way past dark—by yourself?”

“That, I was, sir.” Madeline nodded as tears stung her eyes. “But it’s not to free the prisoners.”

The Russian smirked. “I’m certain you didn’t free them by yourself, Miss. In fact, I’m quite certain you were by the stable to sneak the men from the village inside to do the deed. You’re nothing but a traitor!”

Gasps ricocheted throughout the crowd.

She shook her head. “How dare you! I’m not a traitor.”

“Then child, tell us
whot
ya
was
doin
’ by the stables,” the Reverend Mother urged.

“I—I—I…” She swallowed hard again, silently praying for help.

“She was with me.”

The man’s strong voice from behind had her swinging around. Gregg marched through the crowd, his face hard as he bunched his hands into fists. Madeline wanted to sigh with relief, but something deep inside told her this was not the moment to claim victory.

“What are
ya
sayin
’, Mr.
Fieldin
’?” the Reverend Mother asked.

“I’m saying that the reason she was by the stables last night—way after dark—was because I coerced her there.”

The Russian soldier stepped toward Gregg. “You coerced her? Explain yourself.”

Stopping nearly nose to nose with the soldier, Gregg folded his arms across his wide chest. “I
seduced
her, you jackanapes! She was with me at the stables while I had my wicked way with her.” He cocked his head. “Satisfied now?”

Gasps exploded all around Madeline, and she thought even a few people released mournful sobs. Dizziness assailed her, and she wished it would consume her and make her swoon. Unfortunately, she was not that lucky, and she was kept alert to feel all the humiliation from the situation. Even though Gregg lied, at least his lie saved her hide.

Pain etched in the Reverend Mother’s watery gaze as she stared at Madeline. “Is this true?”

God forgive me, but I’m going to lie again…
Yet if she told the truth, both she and Gregg would be hanged for killing the soldier. “Yes, Gregg seduced me.” She lowered her eyes to the ground, not wanting to see the shame on anyone’s expression.

Mumbles rose throughout the crowd. Madeline knew what they were saying.
Knew that they were blaming her for becoming a fallen child.
Yet, God knew the truth. God knew why Gregg had to kill the Scot, and knew why they had to lie. And at this point, God was the only one she was worried about.

“What is going on?”

Another male voice boomed through the crowd. Madeline jerked her head toward the man in cloth.
Father Irvine.
Tears collected in her eyes, knowing she had let the good Father down as well as the Reverend Mother. What could be worse?

Madeline tried to close out the sounds around her as the captain and Reverend Mother related the horrid details of Madeline’s fall from grace, but she still heard their accusing tone.

“Mr. Fielding, is there anything you would like to say for yourself?” Father Irvine snapped.

Gregg shrugged.
“Nothing that would make a difference.”

“Sir, are you going to do the gentlemanly thing and marry this poor girl now?”

Madeline hitched a breath, and swung her gaze to Gregg.
Not again!
How many times did the man have to answer this question—with the same woman, no less?

Gregg squared his shoulders and breathed in deeply. His face only held one expression—annoyance. Madeline’s heart broke. He was still upset at her and thought she loved Andrew.

“Well,” Gregg began, “I have never really considered myself a gentleman since I have the reputation of a rake. However, this is the first time I have tried to seduce a nun, so I suppose I will have to do the right thing and marry her for fear God will curse me if I don’t.”

A few chuckles bounced through the crowd, humiliating Madeline that much more. But what hurt was to think he didn’t appear happy at all about his declaration. In fact, he looked downright miserable.

“Splendid. I pray tomorrow
is
not too soon, because I will perform the marriage then.” Father Irvine switched his gaze between Madeline and Gregg. “Is this acceptable to you?”

“Only on one condition,” Gregg added.

“What is that Mr. Fielding?”

“After Madeline and I are married I want us to leave first thing for England.”

Her heart accelerated. By agreeing, maybe he would realize she really did love him.

“What say you, Madeline?” Father Irvine asked.

“I agree.”

“Then it’s settled.” The Father nodded.

“Actually, Father Irvine,” the Reverend Mother spoke. “I cannot have Madeline stay in my Abbey any longer. Is there a way you could marry them this afternoon?”

Gregg’s eyes widened, and Madeline’s chest clenched with fear. She waited for him to say something to stop it, yet he didn’t. Then again, shock probably had hold of his tongue.

Father Irvine nodded. “That can be arranged.” He turned to the captain. “There. Now you have her account. She did not have anything to do in the prisoner’s release because Mr. Fielding was keeping her…eh,
occupied
at the time. I pray you leave the poor girl alone. She has been shamed terribly, and she shouldn’t have to be humiliated any further. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, Father.” The captain nodded, turned, and stormed away.

The Russian threw her a piercing glare then followed behind.

Father Irvine stepped closer to Madeline and clutched her hands. “All is taken care of, my child.”

“What about…” she lowered her voice, “the traitors?”

“They will be captured, I assure you,” he whispered. He took a step back and cleared his throat. “I suggest you collect your things now, my child. You can ride back to town with me and Mr. Fielding.”

“Father,” Gregg said coming closer. “If you will, I would like to help Madeline and bring her to the church alone. Is it all right if we meet you there later?”

“Of course.
The ceremony will be at one o’clock precisely. Do not be late.”

“I won’t.”

The crowd walked away from her, parting like the Red Sea as she and Gregg trudged back toward the Abbey. Mixed emotions ran amuck through her, contrasting greatly. She wanted to feel happy that she would now marry the man she loved, yet at the same time, knowing he was forced to marry her—once again—left a bitter taste on her tongue. But knowing she would finally get to tell Gregg her feelings about going to England made her happy.

Taking a deep breath, she prayed for courage. “Forgive me—”

“Madeline, I’m sorry—”

When they both spoke at the same time, their eyes met and held.
She didn’t dare say anymore, and by his silence, she wondered if she thought the same.

She smiled. “Gregg, please forgive me.”

“For what?”

“For making someone force you to marry me twice now since we first met.”

Chuckling, he shook his head. “Indeed, it does seem rather far-fetched, does it not?”

“Yes, it does.” She touched his arm still folded across his chest. “Why were you apologizing?”

“For forcing you to return to England with me.”
His gaze dropped to the ground.

“Not to worry, Gregg. When I awoke this morning, I was coming to find you to tell you—”

“Madeline, we have no time to dally.” The Reverend Mother grasped Madeline’s arm, pulling her away from Gregg. “Mr. Fielding, please excuse us, but we need to get her ready to leave posthaste.”

Anger grew inside Madeline and she wanted to snap at her superior, but if she did, God would surely strike her dead. She nodded to Gregg. “I shan’t be long, I assure you.”

He nodded. “I will arrange for a wagon to take us into town.”

After he turned to leave, Madeline followed her superior. Once they entered the Abbey, the older woman slowed her steps and leaned closer.

“Father Irvine fears
somethin
’ is
goin
’ tae happen tae
ya
if we don’t get
ya
outta here soon.”

Relief flooded Madeline’s heart, knowing that the other woman wasn’t as upset as she was worried. “Then let’s not waste any more time.” She hiked up her dress to her ankles and flew up the stairs to her room. It didn’t take long to shove all of her personal belongings into the truck and secure it tightly.

“I shall go back down and find two men tae help us carry this outside.”

Madeline nodded,
then
flung her arms around the other woman, giving her a tight hug. Tears stung her eyes as memories flowed through her. There were indeed happy times here, as well as sad times. She would have to return every year to visit Vivian’s grave, but she was certain Gregg would accompany her.

“Reverend Mother, thank you for everything you have helped me with…for believing in me and becoming the mother I had desperately needed.”

The older woman returned a hug. “
Ya
were a joy tae get tae know. I will miss
ya
greatly, my child.” She tore away from Madeline and hurried out of the room.

She wiped the tears from her eyes and glanced around the room. Emptiness filled her heart, but yet she knew marrying Gregg and returning to England was the right thing to do. Asking forgiveness from everyone who she’d wronged three years ago was also the right thing to do. This was what God wanted.

After a few minutes, boot steps boomed up the hallway. Taking a deep breath, she turned and headed for the door. Just as she reached it, a large figure of a man blocked her way. His dark eyes pierced with malice.

The Russian soldier!

“Forgive me, Miss, but I have different plans for you…and they won’t be getting married in a church.”

Panic surged through her and she opened her mouth to scream. He pulled back his fist and struck her hard across the face. In one quick second—after pain exploded in her head—she collapsed against him as darkness filled her mind.