Brotherhood 02 - Broken Promise (24 page)
Read Brotherhood 02 - Broken Promise Online
Authors: Laura Landon
“Oh, look,” Lady Penderly said, interrupting Sarah’s thoughts. “Jonathan’s found his toy.”
Sarah watched Jonathan play with the rag toy she’d made him. So did Lady Penderly. Then, she stepped forward and lifted her grandson.
Even though she was dressed in a beautiful satin evening gown and ready to entertain guests, she brought him up to her shoulder and held him close.
The countess made cooing noises that made Jonathan laugh. Her heart warmed when she thought of how much Jonathan would always be loved.
Sarah stepped to the window and look down on the street below. A carriage bearing the Etherington crest had arrived and one by one, its passengers disembarked.
Her heart gradually increased its tempo, its pace matching the ticking of the clock on the mantle, then racing past it.
Major Talbot exited first, his legs taking the steps the footman lowered for them slowly and cautiously. Liddy had told her how her husband had been injured during the war, and how he’d nearly died. She’d also explained that it was a miracle he was able to walk at all, let alone manage so well. He turned when he was out and helped his wife to the ground.
It was hard to imagine anyone could be so lovely as Lady Lydia was. She stepped to the ground but did not release her husband’s hand. The adoration in her eyes when she looked into Major Talbot’s face stole Sarah’s breath. The major and his wife shared the same deep affection that Lord Fledgemont had felt for his wife. A love that was everything Sarah had always dreamed of finding.
Lord Etherington disembarked next, and finally Austin appeared.
Sarah’s heart thundered, her flesh tingled with emotion. Her breathing quickened and rushed in mighty gasps. She studied his every move as he stepped to the ground. She didn’t think he knew she was there, but he must have felt her watching him. He stopped and looked upward.
His gaze focused on the window where she stood as if he knew she would be there. As if his mind informed him she’d be waiting for him to arrive.
Their gazes locked and held for several long moments before he gave her a slight nod, then he walked toward the house with the rest of his family.
Sarah didn’t move. She pressed her fists to her stomach as if she could ward off the churning whirlpool that spun with growing ferocity.
Her mind relived the passionate lovemaking they’d shared the night before and her cheeks turned hot.
She’d dreamed of being loved, dreamed of having the experience Austin had given her, and knew he was the only person on earth she would ever love enough to give herself to. Because the love she felt for him was so all-consuming.
The realization of what she’d just admitted stabbed through her heart with the sharpness of a honed rapier. She loved Austin. She knew now she’d loved him for a long time already. At least from the time he’d taken care of her after she’d been shot. Maybe even earlier than that. Maybe from the day he’d broken into her house and held her close to him.
Something special had passed between them at that moment, something she didn’t understand, and most likely, neither did he.
She wondered what his feelings were for her now. Oh, he’d asked her to marry him, suggested that she at least consider the idea, but she’d refused his offer. He knew she’d never leave Jonathan.
Perhaps he’d only asked because it was the
right
thing to do. After all, they’d just made love. He was too much a gentleman to take her virginity without at least making the offer. Unless—
She pressed her forehead against the window frame and waited for her heartbeats to slow. She couldn’t think straight with him so near.
She just had to make it through this night, then she would go with Jonathan to the country. Jonathan would be her life—until he was old enough that he no longer needed her.
She pushed herself away from the window and clamped her hands to her mouth. And how long would that be? Five years? Ten? And then what?
Her muffled moan echoed in the silence.
“Are you all right, Miss Bentley?” Lady Penderly asked.
“Yes. Fine. I’m just…worried about tonight.”
Lady Penderly walked toward her. She had Jonathan in her arms. “I’ll tell you what Penderly told me. He went to Captain Landwell to find Gregory’s widow because he had confidence in the captain. And look what he brought us?” She snuggled Jonathan closer and kissed his cheek. “Penderly said Captain Landwell promised nothing would happen to Jonathan, and if that’s what the captain said, that’s how it will be.”
Sarah smiled. “You’re right. I should have more faith.”
“You have faith. Don’t doubt yourself. But you love Jonathan enough to worry about him.” Lady Penderly motioned for the nurse to come for the babe, then handed him over. “It’s time to go. I hear voices below which means some of the guests have arrived. The others will be here shortly.”
The door opened and two guards entered the room. Two more stood in the hall outside the door and two more were on the other side of the room near the connecting door that led to the servant’s room. There were six armed men surrounding Jonathan here, and at least a half dozen more on the main floor. She told herself it was impossible for anyone to get past them to harm the babe.
Sarah followed Lady Penderly out of the room, then down the hall. When she reached the stairs, she placed her hand on the railing and lowered her gaze. And stopped.
Her breath caught. Her foot hesitated as if it didn’t have the strength to move. Austin stood at the foot of the stairs waiting for her.
She anticipated seeing him when she joined the guests, but she hadn’t expected him to be waiting for her. Her heart shifted in her breast and swelled with emotion. His smile robbed her of her composure. She’d never been so happy to see anyone in her life. She took the remaining steps as if her feet floated on clouds.
When she reached him, she took the hand he held out to her. Sensations she’d never experienced before spread to every part of her body.
“You look lovely tonight,” he said and lifted her hand to his lips.
She whispered her thanks and when he lifted his gaze, she looked into the midnight blue of his eyes and was captivated by the depth of emotion she saw there. She would remember the exact shade they were tonight. That’s one of the many things she would always remember about him—the color of his eyes, the bronze of his skin, the strength of his commitment. He was one of the kindest men she’d ever met, one of the most honorable. If things were different, she wouldn’t hesitate to step into his arms and spend the rest of her life with him. If things were different. But they weren’t. Were they?
He held her hand longer than was proper but she didn’t care. If she could, she’d always keep him close enough that she could reach for his hand. Just as she would keep Jonathan close enough that she could always be with him.
Was it impossible to have them both?
She had to release one.
Didn’t she?
Dinner was almost finished and Sarah still didn’t know what to think of Lord Penderly’s family. Jasper Dunstan clearly resembled Lord Penderly in looks and mannerisms, but he lacked the regal bearing the earl possessed. Neither did he seem as happily married as the Earl and Countess of Penderly. Sarah thought the reason was the young Mrs. Dunstan.
Leonora Dunstan’s haughty attitude gave her a cold and remote disposition. Her main concern seemed to be in discovering what connection Sarah had to anyone in Society. Her opinion dropped considerably when she discovered Sarah was the daughter of a country vicar. She ignored her after that.
Lord Etherington and Lady Lydia were different matters. They were each seated on either side of the woman and she fussed and fidgeted over both of them as if they were royalty. Since Austin held no title, he didn’t warrant such enthusiastic attention, although that didn’t make sense since neither she nor her husband held a title.
Her little regard for Austin bothered Sarah and she had to admit that she didn’t like the woman overly much. Didn’t she know he was a decorated war hero? Didn’t she know that his bravery had saved countless lives? Didn’t she know that he was worth more than all of the titled aristocrats in England?
Sarah reached for her glass of wine. Its deep, rich sweetness seemed to calm her frazzled nerves. She took another small sip, then placed her glass on the table and looked to her left. Her gaze stopped when she reached Wesley Dunstan—the person Austin thought wanted Jonathan dead.
He was a handsome young man with features and coloring that resembled his cousin, the late Viscount Fledgemont. He was pleasant enough, joining in the conversations around the table and offering an intelligent opinion when asked. He also spent considerable time studying and evaluating each guest in attendance.
Sarah thought that if she could read his thoughts, she’d see he suspected that this dinner wasn’t simply an informal gathering of family and acquaintances, but that it served a much more important purpose. She wondered if he realized what that purpose might be.
Sarah repeatedly caught him studying Austin. His gaze returned to him again and again as if he was the most interesting guest at the table. Or, the most dangerous.
His brother Stewart sat next to him. Sarah wasn’t sure what words accurately described him. From the cut and style of his clothes, fashion was of the utmost importance to him. He sat on the opposite side of the table a few seats to her left and spoke very little. He wore an expression of boredom and sulked in his chair as if he wanted to make sure everyone knew he didn’t want to be here but had been forced to make an appearance.
Sarah decided she didn’t much care for this fellow who was probably Momma’s favorite and very spoiled. In fact, she decided that she didn’t like many of Lord Penderly’s family, except perhaps the brother Austin thought had tried to kill Jonathan. That frightened her.
The sooner Lord Penderly separated Jonathan from them, the better. That would be tomorrow morning.
The plan Austin and Major Talbot devised would force the killer to do something tonight.
Once Penderly announced he would take the new Penderly heir to Penderly Manor tomorrow, the killer would have to make his move.
Even though Austin assured her there were enough men guarding Jonathan that no one could get near him, Sarah couldn’t help but worry. She wanted this night over. She wanted Jonathan to be safe.
She attempted to eat some of the excellent roast duck but couldn’t. She finally gave up the futile attempt and set down her fork. She was too nervous to let anything settle in her stomach.
“You haven’t eaten enough to satisfy a small kitten,” Austin said, pulling her back from her thoughts.
“I’ll probably be famished tomorrow, but I can’t eat anything tonight.”
He smiled at her, then reached out to cover her hand in her lap. An instant calm settled over her. How could he do that? What power did he have that made her world a better place with him in it? What was there about him that made her doubt she could survive without him? Her heart increased its steady beating when he leaned forward and whispered in her ear.
“Penderly’s about to make his announcement. Keep your eyes on Dunstan’s two sons.”
She frowned. She knew Austin suspected Wesley Dunstan of being behind the attempts, but did he think Stewart might have something to do with it, too?
She barely had time to focus on the two brothers before Lord Penderly rose to his feet. Everyone immediately gave him their attention.
“Family and friends. Thank you for honoring me tonight with your presence. I can’t tell you how happy my wife and I are that you are here.”
Penderly looked down the length of the table and smiled at his wife. “Lady Penderly and I have some very exciting news to share with you. In fact, our news is the best possible news we could have received.”
Sarah looked around the table. Jasper Dunstan and his wife both looked intrigued. Wesley Dunstan wore a frown but looked genuinely interested. Perhaps
too
interested. Stewart Dunstan still looked bored.
“What is it, Penderly?” his brother asked. “It’s obvious something wonderful has happened. You haven’t smiled so much in months.”
“Oh, yes. I have reason to smile. Lady Penderly and I have done nothing but smile since Captain Austin Landwell came to visit us several weeks ago.”
“What is it, Penderly?” Mrs. Dunstan said. “Don’t keep us in suspense.”
“No. That’s not fair of me, is it?” The earl looked down the table at his wife and smiled again, then looked at his guests. “My dear family, I have just learned that before Gregory died, he and Miss Collette Flemming married. And from that union, there was a son.”
There was a moment of silence, followed by gasps from Jasper Dunstan and his wife.
“What?” Jasper Dunstan said. His face opened in a look of genuine pleasure. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, I am sure.”
“No,” Leonora Dunstan said. Her face held a look of undisguised disbelief. “That can’t be.”
“A son?” Wesley Dunstan questioned, then barked a bitter laugh. “Well, I’ll be.”
Sarah watched Wesley’s face for any sign of loathing, for any indication of jealousy intense enough to commit murder. His reaction puzzled her. His features changed very little, but his eyes spoke volumes. They opened wide and he seemed genuinely shocked and surprised.
And pleased.
Of course, such a reaction could be an act, but for someone who already knew there was an heir, he truly seemed taken aback. He was either terribly clever or…
Sarah quickly moved her gaze to where Stewart Dunstan sat and evaluated his reaction. Or rather, his lack of reaction. He received the news with the same lackadaisical sense of boredom he’d shown all night. Sarah doubted he even realized how monumental Penderly’s news was, or how much it might affect his brother’s future. Or, if he even cared, since the revelation didn’t affect him.
Sarah looked back to the Earl of Penderly. He was concentrating on her. She felt her cheeks warm.
“Before I introduce you to my grandson, I’d like to introduce you to the woman who brought me my grandson.”
“Is this Gregory’s actress friend?” Leonora Dunstan asked. Her voice dripped with disdain. “If she is, how can you be sure—”
“Unfortunately, Leonora,” Penderly interrupted, “my son’s wife,
Lady
Fledgemont, died shortly after her son was born. The woman here tonight is Miss Sarah Bentley. Miss Bentley was in my son’s employ and took care of our daughter-in-law, as well as our grandson. We owe her a debt of gratitude we will never be able to repay.”
“Are you sure the child she brought you is Gregory’s son?” Jasper Dunstan asked his brother.
“Yes. Miss Bentley has the papers to prove his parentage. But papers weren’t necessary once we saw him. He is the picture of Gregory at that age.”
Lord Penderly seemed as emotional as Sarah had ever seen him.
“Well, let’s see this young lad, then,” Jasper Dunstan said, knocking his fist against the table as if issuing a decree.
“Yes.” Penderly nodded to the doorman. “Allow me to introduce you to the Penderly heir. Jonathan Dunstan, Viscount Fledgemont.”
Everyone turned when the door opened but Sarah kept her gaze focused on the guests seated around the table.
Jasper Dunstan’s gaze focused on the open doorway. He wore a broad smile as he eagerly awaited the new Viscount’s arrival.
His wife’s reaction was the opposite. Her eyes narrowed and her lips pursed tightly as she waited. Her displeasure was obvious. Sarah had seen a portrait of Viscount Fledgemont as a babe and wondered if Mrs. Dunstan would admit to the resemblance, or if she’d continue to issue doubts.
Next, Sarah’s gaze shifted to Wesley Dunstan. His shock was obvious, his disbelief evident. Sarah didn’t want to think that he didn’t know about Jonathan, but his expression seemed genuine. But how was that possible if he was the one who’d tried to kill Jonathan?
Sarah quickly glanced at Stewart Dunstan to see his reaction. His features didn’t change, except perhaps he looked even more bored than before. His eyes didn’t focus on the open doorway, but he sat as he had all night, still drinking the fine wine Lord Penderly served. Making a fuss over a baby seemed beyond his endurance. He seemed just that type—spoiled to the point of rudeness.
Sarah pulled her gaze to where the nurse stood with Jonathan.
Lady Penderly rushed to her grandson and took him in her arms. She looked at him and her face warmed with the love a mother feels for her child. The love Sarah felt when she looked at Jonathan. Lady Penderly turned, and stepped into the room with Jonathan in her arms. She stopped in front of her sister-in-law, Leonora Dunstan.
Mrs. Dunstan rose from her chair and her expression softened. She looked closer at Jonathan, then dabbed at her watery eyes. “Oh, Estelle. He’s the picture of Gregory.”
“Yes, he is.”
Everyone rose from their seats. Lydia joined the two women and Sarah did too.
“However did you manage with him?” Mrs. Dunstan asked when Sarah arrived. “With no one to help you?”
“Jonathan is a very good baby. We managed quite well actually.”
The conversation was lively, the mood quite celebratory. Major Talbot and the Earl of Etherington circulated through the room, each making a point to converse with Wesley and Stewart Dunstan. Austin stayed near Sarah, near Jonathan. Sarah knew his mission was to intercept any danger if someone made a move to harm him.
Sarah let her gaze rest on Austin as he studied each person in the room. The longer she watched him the faster her heart raced. Then, as if some instinct told him she was watching him, he turned his head and focused on her.
For several moments their gazes locked and she couldn’t breathe. He held her captive with an emotion so intense it shattered every nerve in her body. His chest rose with increased frequency, and the color of his eyes darkened. And still he watched her.
Sarah pressed her palm to her breast and felt her heart thunder louder. If she didn’t move her gaze from his she was afraid her heart might leap from her chest. But she couldn’t turn away from him. Austin controlled her in his grasp and he wouldn’t let go.
A thousand small entreaties passed between them. With just one look he told her how he felt about her. Told her he understood how difficult her decision was, but implored her to consider all her options, implored her to consider a life with him.
Her heart stumbled between beats and a heavy lump formed in her throat. With a painful tug, she pulled her gaze away from him and shifted her attention to Jonathan. Small tears formed in her eyes and she blinked several times to keep them from spilling down her cheeks.
How could she leave Jonathan? She’d promised Lady Fledgemont she’d always take care of him.
She reached out her hand and lifted the babe’s small hand in hers. He wrapped his pudgy fingers around one of her fingers and held it firmly—as if to show her how hard he intended to hold on to her. She leaned over and brushed the soft skin of his hands down her cheek. What choice was there to make?
Sarah lifted her gaze and looked at Austin. There was a hollow look in his eyes, a rigid pull to the muscles and flesh across his cheeks, a firm determination to his expression. He’d read her answer to his entreaty and was resolved to accept her decision. He wouldn’t ask her to come with him again.
As if he’d spoken his answer out loud, she knew he was gone to her.
Sarah swiped at another tear, but this time the tears weren’t for Jonathan. They were for Austin and the ache in her heart his absence would leave behind.
…
Austin refused to lift his gaze from where Lady Penderly stood with Jonathan in her arms. Sarah stood close enough to the babe he could see her every feature, read her every expression. He refused to give in to the pain her wordless answer caused him.
She’d chosen Jonathan. She’d considered his suit and had rejected his offer. She’d made a deathbed promise and wouldn’t go back on her word.
He wanted to laugh. He’d fight for her if his competition was another suitor, but how could he fight an infant? What battle plan was there to defeat a babe?
The ache in his chest intensified. He’d asked her to love him, asked her to marry him, and she’d refused. There was nothing more he could do except find the killer and keep Jonathan safe until Penderly took him to the country. Nothing more except make sure she understood he would always be here for her if she changed her mind.
Austin let his gaze circle the room, first to Jasper and Leonora Dunstan, then to their two sons, Wesley and Stewart. Nothing seemed amiss, but that wasn’t conclusive of anything. One of them was responsible for the attempts on Jonathan’s life.
When his gaze caught Penderly’s, the earl nodded that he was about to put the second part of their plan into motion. Austin nodded, then stepped to the door.
“I think we’ve kept my grandson up long enough,” Penderly announced. “And since we’ll be leaving for the country first thing in the morning, Jonathan will need his rest.”