Wicked (24 page)

James raised a hand, motioning Stanley to stop. “Wait, wait. What’s happening?”

“My brother caught Veronica sneaking into the rectory a few hours ago. She’s named you as the culprit who lured her out.”

“She’s a liar. I never did!”

“I was sure you hadn’t, but I’ve been informed by a well-placed servant at the vicarage that—once the sun is up—my brother will barge in and demand you marry her.”

“Dammit! I won’t!”

“No, I would never let you, and I guess Lucas was correct in his warning that you were in danger. We should have heeded him.”

“Yes, we should have.”

“If she spins an involved tale about you, it will be the very devil to refute it.” Stanley paused, realizing this moment was key. “You have to leave. Immediately.”

“To where?”

“To London. Right now. I’ll tell everyone—but especially my brother the vicar—that you left last night after supper and that I rode with you part of the way. You couldn’t have cavorted with her because you weren’t here.”

James froze, seeming to hold his breath, his mind racing as he struggled to figure out how to refuse without mentioning Miss Ralston or his affair with her.

Stanley pressed his advantage. “I have your horse saddled and a bag packed. It has to be now before the house begins to awaken. The servants are loyal, but I don’t want anyone to see you who could contradict my claim.”

“I don’t know, Stanley,” he finally said. “I hadn’t planned to go so soon.”

“There’s no other choice, James. You understand what Oscar is like. You can’t be eager to embroil yourself in a conflict with him.”

“No.” James studied the floor, thinking, thinking. “I should say…goodbye to some people, though. I should explain—maybe to Lucas.”

“I’ll speak with Lucas in the morning, and he can corroborate our account as to the time of your departure.”

“Yes, I’m certain he would.”

“And what about the paramour with whom you spent the evening? Will she remain silent? I trust she wouldn’t incur Oscar’s fury by announcing your tryst. She’d never come forward with a story that differs from mine, would she?”

“No, she wouldn’t.”

Stanley stood and approached James. Disaster was about to strike, and James needed to hurry. Stanley would never permit Oscar to harm James, but it was easiest to accomplish Stanley’s goal with James spirited away. If James wasn’t on the premises, if he didn’t return, the whole incident would die down without too much of a mess.

With James having cancelled their deal regarding Miss Ralston, Stanley hadn’t expected to pay up on their arrangement, but to coerce James into leaving, he decided to tender his prior bribe as an added inducement.

Besides, though James wasn’t aware that Stanley knew the truth, James had carried out his part of the bargain. Stanley only had to wait to learn if James’s seed had caught. James deserved to be remunerated for his efforts, and Stanley handed him an envelope.

“What this?” James asked.

“It’s a bank draft for the money I promised you earlier—when we were haggling about Miss Ralston.”

“There’s no agreement between us. You don’t owe me for anything.”

“It contains the other details too. About the orphanage.”

“I see.” James stared at the envelope, running his thumb over and over the front.

He might have passed up the money, but he wouldn’t forego the information about his parents. He couldn’t. He’d wanted it forever.

“Let’s go, James,” Stanley urged. “I saddled the horse myself so I wouldn’t have to involve any of the stable boys. It’s behind the barn. You can use the back road.”

James peered up at Stanley, and he looked so torn. Did he realize he was in love with Miss Ralston? Had the notion occurred to him?

It was the most important reason why James had to leave.

“This is so sudden,” James said. “It doesn’t seem right.”

“Get yourself to London. Oscar’s temper will calm, and I’ll have Veronica married off somewhere else. Then you can come home.”

“That might be awhile in the future.”

Stanley shrugged. “It shouldn’t be that long. Just until matters have resolved. I’ll be quick about it.”

Actually, he wouldn’t work toward a resolution. While he’d certainly deal with Oscar and rid himself of Veronica, he wouldn’t allow James to return. Miss Ralston had to wed Stanley, and he almost hated to hurt James so terribly, but some behaviors couldn’t be helped. Some endings couldn’t be avoided.

“Let’s go!” Stanley snapped.

He gestured impatiently to the door, but James didn’t move.

“Time’s wasting, James,” Stanley said. “Each minute that ticks by, we’re closer to Oscar arriving. Will you remain here and be trapped in Veronica’s web? Is that the conclusion you envision for yourself.”

“No.” James stared at the floor again. Ultimately, he said, “If anyone inquires about me, tell them why I left, would you? Make sure people know I didn’t seduce Veronica—and that I will be back very soon. Take Miss Ralston, for instance. I’ve really grown to like her. I wouldn’t want this nonsense to ruin her good opinion of my character.”

“I will tell her. In fact, I will shout from the rooftops that you are much too smart to involve yourself with Veronica and that she is a bald-faced liar.”

“Thank you.”

James couldn’t say more than that—he’d have to admit his affair—and Stanley wouldn’t listen to more. While he understood James’s attachment to Miss Ralston, it didn’t signify. It couldn’t.

James had to
go
.

“Come,” Stanley said. “I’ll walk you out.”

“All right.”

James thoroughly assessed the room, clearly concerned over when he’d return, which was a valid worry. After Stanley wed Miss Ralston, James would
never
return.

“I’ll send the rest of your things,” Stanley told him.

“I appreciate it.”

“Write me so I’ll know where you’re staying.”

“I was thinking…ah…I might head to India. I have a friend from the army who asked me to join him in a business venture.”

“A grand idea.” Stanley forced a smile, the enormity of James’s departure gradually sinking in. “I can assist with your travel arrangements, and if you have fees or commissions to pay, I’ll gladly buy them for you.”

“I have no idea how much it will be.”

“The amount doesn’t matter.”

Then there was nothing else to say.

Stanley went to the door and pulled it open, peeked out to ensure the hall was empty. They tiptoed down the rear stairs, and Stanley led him to the spot where his horse was tethered to the fence.

Neither of them spoke, Stanley stoically watching as James checked the saddle, his pack, as he swung himself onto the animal.

“You’ve been good to me,” James said. “I’m grateful for your many kindnesses.”

“You’re welcome.”

“This seems so final.” James glanced around. “I wonder if I’ll ever be back.”

“It’s your home, James. I’ll always be happy to have you.”

They shared a lengthy visual exchange, and Stanley was disturbed by how emotional it was. He’d thought he could push James off into the night, that he could coerce James away without consequence, but evidently, their separation would be much more difficult than Stanley had imagined.

He was an old man—without friends and only Oscar as family. He’d assumed he was beyond sentiment, but apparently, he wasn’t. Apparently, he possessed a long-buried and completely unnecessary pebble of affection for James.

“Be safe,” Stanley said.

“I always am.”

“Write to me,” Stanley said again, suddenly desperate to hear that James would.

“Once I’m settled,” James said.

He tugged on the reins and was gone, swiftly swallowed up by the dark.

“You’ll pay for this!”

“I already have—just by you showing your face over here. It’s never pleasant when you visit.”

“I won’t be mocked!”

Rose was coming down the main stairs when angry voices drifted up from down below. She halted on the landing and peeked over the banister to see Stanley and Oscar Oswald, toe-to-toe, their fury evident.

“She’s a tart and always has been,” Mr. Oswald was saying. “You’re the only one who didn’t know it.”

“My daughter will not be shamed like this. Neither will I.”

“She needs to marry.”

“On that point, we agree.”

“I’ll find her the husband she deserves,” Mr. Oswald fumed, “but it won’t be
him
.”

“He will do right by her! If I have to sue him in the courts to make him behave properly, then I shall.”

“I’m weary of your melodrama, and I’ve had enough. It’s time for you to leave.”

The butler was standing by the front door. As if on cue, he whipped it open.

The vicar was so incensed he was shaking, and Mr. Oswald watched him with a bored expression.

“You haven’t heard the last of this,” Vicar Oswald hurled like a threat.

“I’m sure that’s true,” Mr. Oswald stoically retorted. “You never did know when to shut up.”

“A moral crime has been committed, and a moral price must be paid.” The vicar wagged a finger at Mr. Oswald. “We’ll see who is victorious in the end.”

“Yes, we will.” Mr. Oswald batted the finger away.

“Tell him what I said! Tell him he’s in my sights, and I won’t stop until he makes the appropriate amends.”

“He’ll be delighted to receive your message.” Mr. Oswald motioned to the door. “Now drag your ass home to that little trollop and inform her it will be a cold day in Hades before anyone believes her lies.”

The vicar stormed out, and the butler closed the door after him. Then he and Mr. Oswald tarried, frozen in place until they were certain the vicar had left.

When it became clear that he had, Mr. Oswald spun to the stairs and peered up at Rose, having realized she was eavesdropping. She should have guessed he would. He was incredibly astute.

“Good morning, Miss Ralston.”

“Hello.”

“Come down, would you? We need to talk.”

“I was…ah…on my way to breakfast.”

“I’ll have the servants deliver a tray for you.” He gestured down the hall toward his library. “If you’ll join me…?”

As always in her interactions with him, she couldn’t refuse. She was a respectful person in general, and he was elderly. Plus, with his promise to return her dowry after her month’s sojourn was concluded, she didn’t want to upset him. She simply wanted him to follow through and give her the money.

Upon awakening, Rose’s first thought had been about that money. She had no idea how much it was, but she and James could use it to live on until they found new positions in London.

She was so happy! With matters resolved between them, she’d raced downstairs, anxious to see him at the breakfast table. She was excited to spend the day making plans and couldn’t bear to waste time in a private chat with Mr. Oswald. But apparently, it couldn’t be avoided.

Forcing a smile, she started down.

“Yes, of course, I’ll join you,” she cheerily agreed.

“Thank you.”

He waited for her, offering his arm as he escorted her to his library.

He went around and sat behind his massive desk, and as she seated herself in the chair across, she said, “I couldn’t help but overhear you in the foyer with Vicar Oswald. He seemed very angry.”

“He was.”

“I hope it’s nothing serious.”

“Actually, I need to discuss his visit with you. There are some issues of which you must be apprised.”

The comment surprised her. “My goodness. What are they?”

He sighed, looking horridly aggravated. “I’m embarrassed to tell you, but I must. The gossip will spread like wildfire.”

“Gossip about what?”

“James has landed himself in a jam, and I’m not sure I’ll be able to get him out of it.”

“What sort of…jam?”

“He’s always flirted with Veronica. You’re aware of how it is with forbidden fruit, and the vicar’s daughter is the most forbidden of all.”

Rose’s pulse began to gallop. “What are you talking about?”

“He finally went too far.” More to himself than to her, he muttered, “I warned him about her, but he never would listen to me.”

“What happened?”

What, what, what?
It seemed the only word she knew.

“There’s no polite way to explain it,” Mr. Oswald replied, “so I’ll just blurt it out. Forgive me for being blunt.”

“Yes, please be candid. I prefer it.”

“He was with her last night, doing what he shouldn’t have.”

Rose gasped. She couldn’t hold it in. “He was with Veronica in an improper situation?”

“Yes.”

“When?”

“I’m not certain exactly. My brother caught her sneaking into the rectory about two o’clock, and she’s confessed her transgressions.”

Rose was so shocked, she was amazed she didn’t slide off her chair and collapse on the floor in a stunned heap. At two, she’d been pacing her bedchamber, wondering where James was and starting to suspect he wasn’t coming.

He’d been with Veronica? Rose couldn’t believe it. He wouldn’t betray her like that, wouldn’t treat her so badly. She and James were in love. They were moving to London to marry and live happily ever after.

Rose inhaled a deep breath to calm herself, then said, “I wouldn’t necessarily take Veronica’s word for it.”

“I feel the same.”

“Have you spoken to Mr. Talbot?”

“Yes, I have. Can you keep a secret for me, Miss Ralston?”

“Absolutely.”

Mr. Oswald sighed again, appearing as if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. “Unfortunately, he’s verified her account.”

“He admitted it?”

“Yes. The little tart has him boxed into a corner, and I’ll have to work like the dickens to save him from her marital noose.”

“Mr. Talbot and Veronica.” She pronounced the names slowly, as if her mouth couldn’t articulate them.

“It’s pitiful, isn’t it? But I’m afraid I have to ask for more discretion from you. For all my quarrels with James, I really like the boy. I can’t punish him by having him wed to Veronica.”

“I imagine it would be awful,” Rose mumbled.

“So while you and I know the truth, I am denying Veronica’s claim. I’ve told my brother that James departed for London directly after supper, that he couldn’t have trifled with her because he was gone. You didn’t see him after supper, did you? If you did, I need you to keep that information to yourself.”