Promise Me (15 page)

He grinned. “Pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”

“
Leah, Mister O’Connell is Lady Westwood’s grandson. He’ll be our guest for a few days.”

Guest?

“
I wasn’t too thrilled at the prospect of spending several days roaming around the halls of my granny’s dusty old castle,” O’Connell remarked.

No! You cannot stay here!

“
Then along came Lord Greyson. Rode straight up to the front door and introduced himself. I had no brandy to offer, so he invited me to stay here for a few days.”

Not here!

“
I was simply curious as to why there were so many workers at Westwood Hall,” his lordship explained.

“
It’s my good fortune you stopped by,” O’Connell remarked. With a sly grin, his gaze locked on Leah. “Oh, and Miss Sheridan…your father also invited my grandmother and me to your fancy Bal Masque.” His eyes twinkled. “Imagine that.”

###

Around nine o’clock that evening, Nicolas headed up the stairs. He passed Adrian’s room and noticed the door ajar. Curious, he peered inside.

Surrounded by soft candlelight, Grandmother Margaret sat on the edge of the bed with a slender book in her hands. Edwin had curled up next to her, his thumb in his mouth. Winston paced beside the balcony doors.

“
It’s late, Gran. Why is the boy not abed?”

“
I’m well aware of the time, Nicky,” she said without glancing up. “Edwin and I couldn’t sleep. After engaging in a pleasant discussion about his father, I decided to bring him here.” She looked up. “Edwin’s vocabulary is rather limited, but he understands more than one would think. He’s quite intelligent for his age.”

“
I’m sure he is. Where is the new nanny I hired?”

“
I dismissed her.”

“
That makes three, Gran. You could’ve given this one at least a week.”

“
I could not grant that boorish woman another moment’s patience.”

“
You intend to spoil Edwin on your own then?”

“
I am not spoiling the child. But if you ask me, he should be spoiled.” She ruffled Edwin’s hair. “Dearest, you remember your Uncle Nicolas?”

“
Unca,” Edwin said around the thumb in his mouth.

“
That’s correct.” Nicolas smiled at the boy who looked so much like Adrian. “One day, Edwin, I’ll tell you stories of what a prankster your father was. Would you like that?”

He offered a shy grin.

“
What did Harcourt say?” Gran inquired.

“
He advised against adoption.”

“
I hope you set him straight.”

“
I certainly did, but there’s something we did not consider.” Nicolas walked to the balcony door and pushed it aside. Winston rushed into the night. “Harcourt thinks it would be wise to...well, he believes I should acquire a wife.”

“
Acquire?” Her brows drew together. “What an odd choice of words. It’s not as though you’d be purchasing one.” Amusement surfaced in her eyes. “Would you, dear?”

“
I hardly think so.”

“
You’ve a lady in mind?”

“
No.”

“
May I make a suggestion?”

“
Certainly, as long as it’s not Leah Sheridan.”

Edwin sat up, and his attention shot to the door. “Eee ah?”

Nicolas sighed. “No, lad.”

Tears gathered in the child’s eyes.

“
Oh, Nicky, see what you’ve done?” Gran pulled Edwin into her arms. “You must be more careful, or he’ll cry until he’s worn himself out again.”

“
He’s a child, Gran. Steer his attention onto other objects. Read him another story or give him one of the numerous toys you dug out of that old attic trunk.”

A lengthy coughing spell ended Edwin’s tearful episode.

“
There, there, dear boy.” Grandmother Margaret withdrew a handkerchief from a pocket of her nightdress and wiped his nose. “Oh, it’s my fault really. I should not have allowed you to take Edwin forcibly from Miss Sheridan. It was far too traumatic. I’ll send her a note of apology in the morning and ask her to pay us a visit.”

“
Certainly not. I forbid it.”

Her blue eyes flashed annoyance.

“
Grandmother, that woman--”

“
Has been wronged by every member of this family, and I am ashamed to be included. I’ve been thinking about this, and I believe I understand. Given the horrid circumstances, what that young woman did was remarkable, and I’ve come to realize how badly we’ve mistreated her.”

“
Then you are blind, madam.”

“
I think, Nicolas, that particular ailment belongs to you. Can you not see she has a kind heart that’s been viciously and abruptly broken? Can you not take pity upon the poor girl?”

“
While I agree that what Adrian did was reprehensible, Miss Sheridan should’ve told us about Edwin long ago.”

“
Anne could’ve told us, but she didn’t. Are you angry with her as well?”

“
Annie’s delicate condition makes her far too emotional. I’m not angry with her, but I no longer trust her judgment.”

“
Oh, pooh. Anne is the same sensible young woman she’s always been.” She stroked Edwin’s cheek. “And I may as well inform you that I’ve decided to attend the Bal Masque.”

“
That might be slightly awkward. When is it?”

“
A week from this Friday.”

“
Since I’ve no wish to insult Lord Greyson, I’ll accompany you.”

“
Nicky, I hesitate to bring this up, but the invitation was addressed to me.”

“
You’re implying I’m not invited?”

“
I’m not implying anything, dear. I believe the absence of your invitation speaks for itself.”

For once, Nicolas couldn’t think of a proper comeback.

Edwin stood on the bed, one arm wrapped around Grandmother Margaret’s neck for support. “Fry, Gan.” He handed her his toy. “Fry Boo.”

“
You want me to make him fly again?”

The child nodded.

Gran dangled the bird on the end of the string, swinging it back and forth.

“
Boo fry!” Edwin shrieked with delight. “Him fry!”

“
Yes, what a grand little bird he is, but now he must fly back to his nest or he will soon grow tired.”

He snatched the toy and hugged her neck.

The scene tugged at Nicolas’ heart. Clearly Adrian’s son craved affection. He probably hadn’t gotten much from his harlot mother. As for Leah, whether he wanted to admit it or not, Edwin adored her.

You need her as well.

“
No, I do not,” he mumbled.

“
What was that, dear?”

“
Nothing, Gran.”

Grandmother Margaret kissed Edwin on the cheek, and he placed his hands on both sides of her face and planted a quick kiss to her mouth.

“
He already worships you, my lady.”

“
And I adore him.” She brushed the curls from Edwin’s brow. “He reminds me so much of Adrian.”

Nicolas glanced at the child’s deformity, and his anger resurfaced. “How can you even suggest apologizing to Miss Sheridan? Did you not listen to what Doctor Porter said? If not for her, Edwin might have had the chance to become normal.”

“
Normal?” she echoed, her voice strained. “Nicolas, no child is perfect. You think because Edwin was born with a clubfoot he isn’t normal?”

“
No, of course not. I just meant--”

“
This child is as normal as any boy his age. And he has far more manners now than you or Adrian ever had.”

“
Grandmother, you’re being unrealistic. Because of you and I, Edwin will lack nothing, but his adult life will not be easy. Need I remind you he’s illegitimate?”

“
I forbid the use of that cruel word in this house,” she snapped. “Have you forgotten my dear mother’s parentage? I can assure you my father cared not on which side of the blanket she was born.”

“
Gran, I would never insult Great Grandmother Dreya, but her life centered around a musty old castle, and her only daughter couldn’t pry her away from it.”

“
There was a very good reason my mother never returned to England. Perhaps one day I’ll explain it to you.”

“
My point, love, is this. If your mother had lived in polite society, instead of on that dreary little island, do you know what she would’ve been called?”

“
That’s enough, Nicolas!”

“
And Edwin will experience worse treatment.”

“
I understand perfectly well the obstacles he’ll face,” she said in a calmer tone. “I’m more concerned with you. You know, dear, you should give marriage more thought. It might change your sour temperament.”

“
Sorry to disappoint you, Grandmother, but I do not need a wife, and my temperament is just fine.”

“
Is it? Your heart may have once been willing, but now your mind is too logical. You may not believe in the happily ever after of wedded bliss, but for some, it does exist.” Gran stood. “Come, Edwin.” She set the child on the floor and grasped his hand. “We’ll finish our book in my chambers.”

“
I’ll carry him.”

“
That’s not necessary. I’ve no wish to be accused of further pampering.” She brushed past him. “As you can see, Edwin and I are quite capable of managing on our own.”

Alone, Nicolas wandered onto the balcony. Shadows covered the gardens below, firing his imagination concerning the Greek statues. He remembered every detail of the letter Adrian had written describing the purchase and shipment of those statues. He’d been so excited his words fairly leapt off the pages.

After a few quiet moments of reflection, Nicolas walked back inside and locked the balcony door. He hadn’t meant to anger Gran, but did she truly understand the cruelty Edwin would face? Unfortunately, Edwin would become all too familiar with it.

His gaze drifted about his brother’s room. It hadn’t changed much. The black and gold music box sitting on the night table beneath the oil lamp was new. He lifted the lid, and a haunting melody played softly as two figurines danced in the center of the box. The female wore a long, white gown meticulously carved and trimmed in gold. The gentleman sported black evening attire with long coattails. There was an inscription along the bottom.

To my beautiful wife, Leah.

Raw emotion enveloped Nicolas. His first instinct was to hurl the music box against the far wall, but violence would not erase his grief. He returned it to the night table before stopping in front of the armoire. As a lad, Adrian had often hidden childhood treasures in its secret compartment.

Nicolas slid his hand along one side of the armoire but didn’t find what he expected. He walked around to the other side and repeated the action. A panel dipped inward before popping open. Should he invade Adrian’s privacy? It almost felt as though his brother’s spirit gave his approval.

He opened the panel wider. An old leather belt rested on the center shelf. He recognized it immediately as the form of punishment Grandfather Bart used when he handed down discipline. If Adrian kept this as a childhood memento, he’d certainly developed a distorted sense of humor.

Nicolas brought over the oil lamp so he could see more clearly. The rest of the items included their father’s tobacco pipe, a gold pocket watch that no longer worked but had once belonged to Anne Ashburn’s father, an ivory handled knife Nicolas had given his brother for his sixteenth birthday, a fiery dragon pendent belonging to Grandmother Margaret, and a green ball of...

Yarn?

Why the devil had Adrian kept this?

After pondering all possible explanations, as well as those he deemed farfetched, Nicolas finally gave up. Before closing the panel, a pink ribbon caught his eye. He slid it forward and discovered it encased a lock of golden hair.

A deep ache rose in his throat, forcing his thoughts backward to a time and place he’d almost forgotten.

His beautiful mother had been so kind and generous. So soft spoken. Even Grandfather Bart could find no fault with the lady. Not so with his only son. Bart was a difficult man to please, but Nicolas’s father never gave up trying. At a young age, Nicolas had often made the attempt as well. Until he realized the old man could never be pleased.

Good God, have I become my grandfather?

Or did Leah Sheridan merely make him feel old?

He returned the lock of hair and spying an envelope caught between two shelves, he slid it out. Written in Adrian’s bold handwriting was one word.

Nicolas.

Chapter Ten

This is a difficult letter to write, Brother, but it is my duty to tell you how foolish I’ve been. I took a mistress, and she bore me a son. She’s demanding money. A great deal of it. More than I can give without attracting suspicion. But if I refuse to do as this woman’s demands, she will destroy my future with Leah.

I admit that I am a cad, but I must keep the truth from her until after the wedding. I realize this is most dishonest of me, but I cannot lose her. I accept responsibility for what I’ve done, but I shudder at what my dearest will think of me. Gran must never know. It would break her heart. I imagine Grandfather Bart, wherever he is, is cursing my stupidity.