Best of Both Rogues (22 page)

Ben’s heart kicked against his ribs. “My wife is here?”

“Yes, sir.” Dobbins’s cautious tone and narrowed eyes suggested he suspected Ben had bats in the belfry. “Is she planning an excursion this evening? Should I send word to the coachman?”

“No,” Ben said as he swept toward the door. “I will inform you if anything changes.”

He stalked to the dining room, not breaking stride as he crossed the threshold. Eve was alone. She hadn’t gone with her brother as Ben had arranged. He couldn’t decide if he was annoyed or heartened by her disobedience.

He locked gazes with his wife as he advanced. She stood; her lips parted on a silent gasp. He stopped inches from her, waiting for a sign that she wanted him here. She gripped the napkin in front of her, twisting the fabric square as if trying to strangle it. His shoulders sagged at the evidence of her nerves.

“I heard your brother and sister-in-law stop in for a visit,” he said.

She arched an eyebrow and released one end of the napkin so it hung at her side. “That wasn’t well done of you, then. Sebastian and Helena would have been pleased to see you. I thought you and my brother made peace when we married.”

Ben had thought the same, but the fact Thorne hadn’t granted his request suggested he had misjudged their association. “Did Thorne’s visit serve a particular purpose?”

Her hands landed on her hips in agitation. “Are we going to pretend all evening, or may we get to the bottom of your attempt to send me away? And allow me to be clear: I am not leaving. Not now. Not
ever
.”

Ben’s lips curved into a reluctant smile. With Eve’s determined stance and slightly bedraggled coiffure, she looked fierce and ready for battle. She was the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen—lively and well. Her quick recovery from the afternoon seemed a miracle too good to be true.

“Are you laughing at me?” she said, her voice rising in volume. “Because there is nothing humorous about this situation.”

“No.” He shook his head to clear his mind and focus on the here and now. “I’m happy you stayed. I expected you to be eager to put as much distance between us as possible.”

“Why, in God’s name, would I want distance? I can’t imagine anything more distasteful. The past two years we’ve had more than enough distance between us, and I can say with confidence it only made me miserable. I believe you were no happier either.” She stepped toward him, her face softening as she looked up at him. “We must stay together through good times and bad, just like we promised when we spoke our vows.”

He shook his head. She had spoken her vows under false pretenses. How could he hold her to her word? “You didn’t know what you were promising.”

“Of course I did.” Her chin hitched higher. “Do you take me for an idiot?”

“You know I think nothing of the sort. I only meant you didn’t vow to love a broken man. I am
flawed
.”

“You are not broken, and I have news for you. Everyone is flawed. My father was. My brother, my mother, me.” She ticked off each person on her fingers. “Show me one person who claims to be perfect and I will point out
his
flaw. Either he is arrogant or delusional.”

“You have no flaws, Evie.” He pulled out the chair next to hers and collapsed on it. “You are perfect, and you deserve better than to be saddled with an ill husband.”

A wry smile stretched across her face. “Normally, claiming I am perfect would be an effective tactic to end an argument, but I’m afraid I cannot accept it this time. Even if it were true, there are no promises I will stay this way. In truth, I won’t. My hair will gray. Wrinkles will come. My hips will probably spread when I have our children. Are you implying you will toss me aside if I change? What if I become sick or face a problem I cannot overcome alone? Will you leave me in the country and forget about me?”

The notion was too preposterous for serious consideration. Ire renewed his strength, and he shoved to his feet. “Do you think I could love you any less because of gray hairs and wrinkles—or wide hips?”

She shrugged one shoulder, stirring his temper more. “Will you love me even if I grow senile and forget your name?”

“Even if I must remind you every hour that I am your husband and you are the love of my life. My word is my bond. Nothing could ever make me toss you aside.” He slammed his fist down on the table. “
Nothing
.”

Her eyes flared slightly in response to the startling bang. She paused with lips parted, then nodded thoughtfully. “I am not questioning your word.”

She pulled something from her pocket and offered it to him.

It was the necklace he had given her two years earlier. The yellow diamonds sparkled in the candlelight as he held it up for inspection. It was a beautiful piece he had discovered years ago on a trip to India, and for some unfathomable reason, he couldn’t walk away from it. When he had fallen for Eve, he knew the necklace would make the perfect wedding gift. He’d wanted nothing more than to join their lives together.

She glanced up at him with a question in her eyes. “I have heard this particular necklace symbolizes a lasting connection between husband and wife. Why did you charge Mr. Cooper with bringing it to me when you were severing the connection between us?”

Ben opened his mouth to speak, but words evaded him. He forcefully exhaled and shook his head. He didn’t have a ready answer.

“You know what I believe?” she asked. “Deep down you realized we are forever joined at the heart. Even with seas between us, our connection couldn’t be broken. Separation caused us to suffer. I cannot see how the result would be any different if you sent me away now.” She extended her free hand toward him. “Please, allow me to be at your side while you face whatever is troubling you.
Please.
I simply want the chance to live up to my promises too. Shouldn’t I be allowed to love you with the same devotion you have for me?”

Hurt shone in her brown eyes, hurt and desperation. But also, in the depths, he detected a glimmer of hope. That tiny glimmer reached out just as her hand strained toward him. It shattered the last stone in the wall he’d erected between them. Their fingertips brushed, and he tugged her into his arms. He prayed he wasn’t making a mistake. “I want you to stay, Evie. I need you.”

She buried her face into his neck. “Good, because I am not leaving. I need you too.”

When their lips met, their kiss was filled with promise. Oddly, his burden felt lighter, as if his wife was already bearing part of the weight of his shameful secret. He broke the kiss but didn’t release her.

“This could get difficult.” He felt the need to warn her off, to allow her one more chance to escape, but she didn’t take it.

Instead, she scoffed at the idea. “Easy is for novices. We know all about difficult.” Lifting to her toes, she placed a peck on his mouth, then sat in the chair. “As long as we are discussing complications…”

She patted the upholstered seat beside her, and he lowered to the chair, waiting for her to continue.

“At the dock today, I saw the man who followed Sir Jonathan, my maid, and me to the museum.”

Ben tensed. “The one you spoke with before you stumbled into the river?” In the turmoil, he had forgotten about the man.

“Yes, but he seemed as surprised to see me as I was to see him, so I believe our encounter was purely coincidental.”

“Did he say anything to you?”

“I couldn’t understand a word, but he seemed distressed by the whole ordeal. I am only mentioning him because I promised not to keep anything from you. Maybe we should let it be.”

Like hell he would. “I will have the docks searched. I didn’t have a good view. Could you give a description to the investigator I hired?”

“I am certain I could, but you said we shouldn’t get involved with Sir Jonathan’s affairs.”

She might be right on that account, but learning the man’s identity could be the key to keeping her safe.
Know
your
enemy
.

“Be that as it may,” he said, “I would like you to speak with the investigator tomorrow.”

“Very well, but there is something I would like in return. Even if you are able to purchase the property from Lord Wellham and forgive Mr. Tanney’s debt, you need to call on Charlotte’s brother.”

Ben’s chest tightened. “That seems unnecessary. I told you there is no love lost between the Tanneys and me.”

“Maybe that is the source of your troubled dreams. You said they restarted when you learned about the Tanneys’ situation. Making peace with Charlotte’s family might help.” Eve reached for his hand and laced their fingers together. “I would go with you. Please, think about it.”

He didn’t relish the thought of returning to Eton. His last memories of the town were ones he wanted to forget, but perhaps his wife was correct. He should at least entertain the idea before rejecting it. “I will think about it.”

Ben reached for Eve’s hand as the Eton College Chapel appeared in the distance. The wooden fan-vaulting on the chapel’s roof jutted into the gray sky, reminding him of spearheads. He hadn’t visited the school since his father mercifully allowed him to return home after Charlotte’s accident and hired a tutor to complete Ben’s education. The chapel was a forbidding sight.

Eve raised her gaze to his, her rich eyes assessing. “The House of Hanover: George III, George II, George I,” she intoned and smiled reassuringly.

He released her hand to wrap an arm around her shoulders. She laid her head against his chest. “Thank you, but I am all right.”

He’d had spells the last three days as he anticipated returning to the place of Charlotte’s accident, but together he and Eve had made it through with few troubles. During the first episode of his heart beginning to run away from him, he had launched into a recital of the British monarchies in reverse order, as he’d learned to do in India. Afterward, he had been mortified, but Eve’s compassion and curiosity drew him out. He had explained his method of distraction and how it worked to control his symptoms. She declared him brilliant, and the next time, she joined in the recitation. Now he was finding he had a much more effective and attractive distraction—his wife.

It had been a week since Eve’s brother assisted Ben in brokering a deal with Lord Wellham to purchase the property in Eton, and as promised, he had given a lot of thought to calling on Robert Tanney and Charlotte’s mother. The nervous tumble in his stomach was a manifestation of his doubts, but it was too late to change his mind. The Tanneys were expecting them.

As the travel coach lumbered away from Eton College on High Street toward the Tanneys’ bakery, Eve lifted her head to peer out the window. “The village is charming. From Sebastian’s letters, I always imagined something quite different.”

“Did you never visit the village when you attended the Fourth of June?” The whole of London society absconded to Eton for the biggest day of celebration on the school’s calendar. How was it Eve had never seen the village?

“I am afraid we never made it for Sebastian’s Fourth of Junes. Papa was in a bad way before my brother left for boarding school.”

Every time Ben learned something new about Eve and her brother’s upbringing, the more he realized how lonely her childhood had been. This was what she meant about not marrying a man like her father. Eve wanted to escape a life of loneliness, and Ben would spend every moment of their life together making certain she never had that worry again.

He trailed the tip of his finger down the gentle slope of her pert nose. “I love you, Evie.”

She beamed at him. “What brought on such a sudden declaration of the heart?”

“You. I am grateful you are with me today.”

“I would not be anywhere else.”

The coach slowed as they reached a section of the village most familiar to him. They had arrived at Tanney’s Bake Shoppe. Tingling began in his fingers as he studied the bow window displaying tiers of sweets and breads. A yeasty scent permeated the air as he stepped onto the walkway and offered a hand to Eve.

He ran a quick eye over his investment, more comfortable focusing on the building than his coming encounter with Charlotte’s family. The shop door required a coat of paint and the glass in one of the upper windowpanes needed replacement, but the roof appeared to be in good condition. Wellham hadn’t allowed the building to fall into disrepair, much to Ben’s pleasure.

“Shall we?” Eve asked, waiting for his approval before approaching the bakery.

He gave a brief nod. They had traveled many hours that day. It was best to get on with the task. A small bell attached to the door tinkled as Ben pushed it open. An older woman bending down behind a glass counter slowly straightened with a smile for her customers. Her hair had streaks of gray and her face bore more wrinkles, but Ben recognized her immediately. Charlotte had always resembled her mother in appearance, and suddenly it seemed as if he was receiving a glimpse of what his young love would have looked like had she been allowed to grow old.

Charlotte’s mother surprised him when her eyes lit with recognition and her smile broadened. “Benjamin Hillary, what a sight for sore eyes.” She rounded the counter and came forward to take his hands in hers. “Robert said you would be visiting, but we didn’t know when you would arrive.” Her welcoming gaze swung toward Eve and she paused, awaiting an introduction.

“Please allow me to present my wife. Mrs. Tanney, this is Eve Hillary.”

Charlotte’s mother greeted her with a welcoming squeeze of her hands. “What a pleasure it is to meet you, Mrs. Hillary. How kind of you both to call.”

“It is our pleasure, Mrs. Tanney,” Eve said. “Ben has spoken highly of Charlotte on many occasions, and it is an honor to make the acquaintance of her family.”

Mrs. Tanney’s blue eyes radiated with warmth. “Thank you, madam. To know my Charlotte is remembered fondly provides me with much comfort.”

Whereas Ben might have felt ashamed for parading his wife in front of Charlotte’s mother, instead he felt a proud straightening of his spine. Eve was gracious and genuine in her speech, and he loved her more than ever for caring about Mrs. Tanney’s feelings.

“Let me close up shop, then we will retire above stairs. Robert will join us as soon as he returns from the mill.” Charlotte’s mother moved to the window to place the closed sign, then locked the door. “Follow me, please.”

The Tanneys’ living quarters were above the bakery, and the smell of cinnamon and ginger hung on the stuffy air. The scent reminded him of Charlotte and made him smile.

“Please, have a seat at the table.” Mrs. Tanney bustled to a window in the kitchen and threw up the sash, then snagged a plate of sweets on her way to the table. “Ginger biscuits can never repay your kindness, sir, but they are still warm. Would you care to have one?”

“Thank you.” Ben allowed Eve to choose one first before helping himself. The biscuit melted in his mouth, the bite of ginger sharp and yet pleasant. “Mr. Tanney owes me nothing. All rents owed were cleared when I purchased the property. However, I am tempted to accept future rent payments in biscuits.”

“You would hear no complaints from me,” Eve said, then took another nibble from her biscuit.

As soon as the agreement with Wellham was signed and the deed was transferred to Ben, he’d sent his man of business to Eton to notify the tenants of the change in ownership. Two other businesses occupied the building besides the bakery, and Mr. Yearwood, the hatter next door, had fallen behind on his rent by a quarter as well. The Earl of Wellham had raised rents at the beginning of the year in an attempt to clear his own debts and, in doing so, created a hardship on the tradesmen. While in Eton, Mr. Davis had been under orders to research the average cost of rent on High Street. All slates were wiped clean and now the tenants’ payments were on a par with their neighbors’.

The door to the living quarters flew open and banged against the wall, causing the women to startle. Robert Tanney stood in the threshold with two uneven red splotches covering his face. “Pardon me. The breeze caught the door.”

Mrs. Tanney smiled at her son and waved him to the table. “Come. Allow me to make introductions.” Charlotte’s mother played the perfect hostess while Robert Tanney stood with his hat in his hands and rocked from foot to foot. “Sit down, Robert,” his mother scolded.

He hung his hat on a peg by the door and hurried to do his mother’s bidding, choosing the seat across from Ben. He sat with his eyes downcast, which was far from the scornful man Ben had expected to meet today. Robert Tanney was nothing like his father. “Mother and I are honored to receive you and Mrs. Hillary, and we are deeply humbled by your generosity.”

When Tanney glanced up, Ben saw determination burning in his eyes.

“I swear I will repay everything owed, sir. The bakery’s business has improved since the start of the half at the college, and if I add a little more to my payment each month, I should be able to clear our debt in a year.”

Ben leaned back in the chair with a slight frown. “You owe no debts, Mr. Tanney. As long as you make your rent next quarter, you are in the clear. In truth, I am not here to discuss the bakery.” A lump rose in his throat, but he forced his words around it. “I wish to speak about Charlotte. I never had a chance to apologize for what happened that day or make amends to your family.”

Tanney and his mother wore matching looks of bewilderment. “Make amends? Whatever for?” Tanney asked. “My sister’s death was an accident.”

Eve eased closer to Ben’s side, lending him strength.

Ben cleared his throat and started to explain. “I was with her before the accident. She was troubled, and we had words. If I hadn’t upset her, she would not have run away or been too distraught to notice the coach coming around the bend.”

Charlotte’s mother pursed her lips. “Mr. Hillary, I do hope you haven’t been carrying this burden all this time. We do not hold you responsible.”

“Mother is right. The coach was traveling too fast around the bend, and for such a narrow lane. It is no wonder poor Charlotte was struck. May she rest in peace.”

Ben didn’t know what to say. The coachman hadn’t driven the team of four with recklessness, as Charlotte’s brother suggested. Perhaps her mother and brother were altering their memories of the past simply to placate him. He now held their lease, and therefore held some sway over them.

Eve spoke up on his behalf. “Please forgive my interruption, but I understood that Mr. Tanney senior blamed my husband for Charlotte’s death.”

“It is easier to point the finger elsewhere than face the truth,” Robert Tanney said, then addressed Ben. “The moment Father noticed a spark of interest between you and Charlotte, he began asking around about you. He reasoned because your grandfather was a tradesman, you would be more amenable to marrying a baker’s daughter. You seemed to be the answer to his financial troubles, so he encouraged a flirtation. He was rather insistent about it.”

Mrs. Tanney shot her son a chiding stare and swept an imploring hand toward Ben. “Please do not think Charlotte played you false, Mr. Hillary. She cared a great deal for you, but she was also vulnerable to suggestion. She was still a girl and infatuated with a handsome young man. I was not surprised she preferred to listen to her father’s false hopes than reason, but anyone with any sense knew your gentleman father would not allow a match with a tradesman’s daughter with no dowry.”

Ben reached out to pat her hand in reassurance. “I never doubted Charlotte’s sincerity, and while I appreciate your generosity, I do not deserve to be regarded as blameless. Charlotte was upset with me. I should have taken better care with her feelings.”

Mrs. Tanney planted her palms against the table and slowly pushed to her feet with a soft grunt. “The kettle is likely ready.” She moved to the hearth, turning her back to them.

“You were not responsible for her state of distress,” Robert Tanney said. “She was already high on the ropes when she sought you out.”

“May I ask what was troubling her?” Eve spoke softly, as if concerned she might be overstepping her bounds, but Ben appreciated her involvement and slipped his arm to the back of her chair in a show of inclusion.

Charlotte’s mother returned with a tray bearing a simple white teapot and chipped teacups. “My husband had a difficult time accepting that a match between you and Charlotte was not made in the stars. When he heard news of your return to school, he sent Charlotte straightaway to find you.”

“But not before he fed her worries and filled her head with nonsense,” Robert Tanney spat, ignoring his mother’s chiding glance. “She left on a mission to bring you up to scratch. Father warned that he would not accept no for an answer and neither should she. It was her duty to catch a wealthy husband. I hold
him
responsible for her death, Mr. Hillary. My father killed her.”

Tanney’s dark glower and venom left Ben taken aback. Eve sat stiffly at his side, and he gently touched her shoulder for reassurance. Tanney’s fury was not directed at either of them, but it was palpable and uncomfortable all the same.

Mrs. Tanney poured a cup of tea and slid the saucer and cup to Eve. “Would you like another biscuit, madam?”

“No, thank you,” she murmured and sipped her tea, studying Tanney over the rim.

Charlotte’s mother tried to pass Ben a cup as well, but he declined. Changing the topic to Eton’s cricket matches—something slightly less volatile, although Tanney had strong opinions on this as well—allowed Eve to finish her tea in relative comfort.

“We should find the inn,” Ben said after the requisite time had passed to leave without appearing rude. “Our trunks have already been delivered, and I imagine my wife is ready to rest after our journey.”

Eve took his cue and thanked their host and hostess for their hospitality. Charlotte’s mother and brother responded graciously and insisted on seeing them safely back to the walkway outside the bakery.

At the front door, Mrs. Tanney stopped Ben with a light touch to his elbow. “Mr. Hillary, if I may be so bold… You have never required our forgiveness, but I suspect you need to forgive yourself. Our Charlotte was just a girl and you were only a boy. Perhaps you could show that young boy a bit of compassion. It does not seem right to make him pay such a steep price for wanting to honor his father’s wishes.”

Ben’s eyes widened. He had never considered that he had been punishing a mere boy all this time. Inclining his head in thanks, he ushered Eve from the bakery and headed in the direction of their lodgings.

That evening he shared a quiet meal with his wife before they retired to bed early. As they cuddled under the covers, he reflected on the afternoon and Mrs. Tanney’s suggestion that he forgive his younger self.

“I think I should return to the place where Charlotte died. It may sound morbid, but…” He didn’t know how to finish his thought.

Eve placed a tender kiss on his cheek. “I think it sounds like the right thing to do, my love.”

* * *