Lord Heartless (14 page)

Aaron Bell was a mountain of a man and he knew it. Drawing a deep breath, he puffed out his chest and crossed his arms. From his hiding place, Landon watched with awe as his son showed not the least bit of intimidation.

Sizing up the giant before him, Alexander spoke with confidence. “I do, sir.”

Landon’s brow arched at his son humbling himself before those employed to help.

“You mind telling me why, Master Montague?”

Alexander hung his head. “I pilfered one of Cook’s pies.”

“Ah, so you are the rascal. Wondered what happened to it.”

“I ate it, sir.”

Bell’s eyes widened. “The whole thing?”

“Unfortunately, yes,” Alexander admitted.

Bell chuckled. “Must have had a disagreeable night.”

“Quite.” Alexander’s word sounded sour. “So you understand that I need to apologize to Cook.”

“Yes, yes, I see.” Bell stroked his chin and nodded. “All right, Master Montague, I’ve cut the wood and you would be doing me a favor taking it inside. Stack the cords in the wood box both inside the kitchen and just outside the door. You think you can handle both?”

Alexander seemed to brighten. “Yes, sir.” He extended his hand for the gardener to shake. Bell’s brow arched, but he took the child’s hand and they sealed their bargain.

“I shall leave you to it, then.” Bell gave a nod and stepped past Alexander.

“Oh, Mr. Bell?”

“Yes, Master Montague?”

“May I please pick a small bouquet of the countess’s roses?”

“For Cook?”

“Yes, sir, and,” Alexander’s words trembled, “for Lady Montague as well.”

“All right, no more than six, or the countess might think a thief stole in during the night.”

Alexander beamed as if someone pinned a metal upon his chest. “Thank you, sir.”

“Roll up yer sleeves and begin.”

Landon watched his son hurry away as Bell walked toward him. Checking once to make sure Alexander was not watching, the gardener dipped out of the boy’s line of sight and hurried to his side.

“Thank you, Mr. Bell.”

The gardener pulled the cap from his head and shook Landon’s hand warmly. “Pleasure, your lordship. I must admit, I was right surprised the lad came to me and admitted his guilty pleasure.”

“It seems my wife has a good understanding of children.”

“Ah, young Montague is growing. It is good for him to take responsibility for his actions. I must say it was a surprise.”

“Yes.” Landon nodded, thinking over the man’s words. “Just keep an eye on him.”

“Oh, no problem, milord. We’ll have ’em back inside by breakfast with Cook clucking over him like a mother hen.”

“Excellent.” With his spirits buoyed, Landon moved inside to do some work. However, his mind kept repeating the words Mr. Bell said. Was it that much of a surprise? Had he allowed Alexander to assume that anything he did would not have consequences?

Landon put down his pen and rose to stare out at the gardens. Arms crossed over his chest. His chin tucked toward his chest, he listened as his conscience analyzed his youthful actions. His own father was more absent that at home. He’d lashed out in similar ways hoping to be noticed. He’d thought himself incapable of downfall.

Simmons arrived at the door to his study promptly at nine. “Breakfast, sir.”

Landon put away his thoughts and turned. “Oh, good.” Grabbing the coat he’d left on the back of the chair, he walked to the dining room where he found his mother already seated. “Morning, Countess.”

His mother glanced up surprised. “Gracious. Is the world coming to an end?”

“Not at all,” Landon replied as he moved toward his wife. Today, Juliet wore a simple frock of rose pink. “The color becomes you,” he whispered in her ear as he helped her with the chair. He took his seat and pulled his napkin into his lap. “So, is today a stay at home day?”

“Yes,” the dowager replied. “We will be receiving from ten till noon, then once again from two until four.”

“How exciting.” He grinned, glancing across the table. He caught Juliet’s eye. “I trust you slept well after your stroll?”

Her cheeks turned pink. “I did. Thank you, milord.”

Before any further conversation could occur, the door burst open and Alexander strode in, hands behind his back and looking very pleased with himself. It was all Landon could do to keep a straight face.

“Alexander?” the countess questioned, her eyes moving over his son. “You are dirty.”

“Yes, countess.”

“Go and wash this instant before you sit down to the table.”

“In a moment, please,” Alexander begged.

Landon looked down at his plate to keep his son from catching a glimpse of the smile that broadened his face.

“Only that,” his mother huffed.

Alexander ignored her anger and produced a single red rose in a vase. “Forgive me, Countess, for I stole the pie last night.”

“Wh-why Alexander,” the countess stammered placing a hand to her chest. She glanced to Landon before bringing her gaze back to the young boy before her. “To what do I owe this honor?”

“Because I love you and I took advantage of your generosity. I hope you will accept my apology and release Cook from your anger.”

Landon glanced to his wife, who seemed to me moving her mouth to his words. She caught his stare and lowered her eyes.

“Apology accepted,” the countess said. “Of course, you dear boy, but shouldn’t you be trying to please Cook?”

“I am stacking her wood for the rest of the week.”

“Indeed.” His mother’s eyes widened as Alexander crossed over to Lady Juliet.

There, he placed a vase on her plate that held two perfect pink buds.

“Oh, Alexander, for me?” she gushed.

He nodded. “I wish to express my gratitude for your visit.”

Juliet smiled. “I accept, and thank you.”

He turned and looked at his father. “You won’t eat without me? “

Landon shook his head. “No, hurry.”

Alexander sprinted from the room.

“Did you put him up to this?” his mother asked.

“No,” Landon replied. “This morning, I came down and found him already talking to the gardener.”

“Mr. Bell? Good heavens.”

Landon looked to Juliet. “It seems some fairy must have whispered in his ears as he slept.”

“Oh.” She blinked. “Do you believe in the wee folk too?”

“Well, whoever it might be, I applaud their actions,” the countess said.

“Yes, I applaud them, too,” Landon echoed and watched his wife blush.

***

Days settled into a particular rhythm. Alexander joined them for breakfast after completing his chore of penance, then Lord Montague would depart for business leaving the Juliet at the mercy of the women who could not contain their curiosity over Lord Heartless’s wife. Lucky for her, the countess remained by her side, declaring visitations over when they dragged on past their prime. The best part of the day was always evening. After dinner, she and Lord Montague made the habit of sneaking up the servant stairs to meet with Alexander and read.

Today, at breakfast, Juliet had been surprised by the countess proclaiming she would be ill in the afternoon.

“I have had enough of people coming to stare as I am sure you have too, Lady Juliet. I shall be ill this afternoon. I have instructed Simmons to take notes of regret to the Sinclair’s, the Bartlett’s, and Baroness Dupree.”

“Mother, are you truly ill?” Lord Montague asked.

“No, just tired of being put on display. You two can find something to fancy yourselves with today, can’t you?” She looked at Lord Montague, then gave a poignant glance in Juliet’s direction with an arch of her brow.

“Yes, I have some thank-you notes to write,” Juliet said.

“Good, I’m glad that’s settled. Now, if you’ll excuse me?”

“Of course, Countess.”

She watched her husband rise and take hold of the chair. The dowager rose, took her cane, and moved toward the doorway. “Simmons?”

“Yes, milady?”

“In about an hour, please bring some of those fresh strawberries Cook bought at the market to my room.”

“Of course.” He bowed deep.

Juliet watched the countess look over her shoulder and wink. Coloring slightly, she studied the food still on her plate as her husband regained his seat.

“Well.” He smiled, spreading his napkin. “That leaves you free for the afternoon. Is there anything you long to do? Take a carriage ride? View the gardens?”

“I do not wish to take you from your work.”

“I believe they could do without me for an afternoon. Besides, the carpenters have all been sent to Holly Grove.” He rested his forearms against the table. “Tell me, if you were at Holly Grove on a day such as today, what would you be doing?”

“What would I be doing?” She paused to think. “I would have finished the accounts and worried where the money was coming from.”

“Yes, well that’s taken care of.”

She nodded. “Then perhaps I might take a book, some water or wine, and fruit or cheese out beneath the trees to read.”

“Ah, what a splendid idea.” Landon leaned forward. “Did you know there is a small pond to the rear on the lawns?”

“No, I’ve not been any farther than the gardens,” she replied, buttering her toast.

“Good. You may want to change out of such a pretty frock, and we’ll go exploring.”

“Just the two of us?”

“We could invite Alexander. In fact, I will go now and declare a studies holiday. You go change, Lady Montague, and we shall have a family outing.”

Breakfast forgotten, they hurried from the dining room. It took no time for Juliet to find the plain pink gown she’d worn at Holly Grove. Ignoring Helen’s frown at the missed the afternoon’s reception in exchange for the picnic with her husband and son, Juliet hastened to change her clothing.

“There will be tongues to wag,” her maid warned.

“We shall make it up. The full calendar and recent activities with the dress for the opera has exhausted the countess. Those that know her will understand.”

“Perhaps.” Helen sighed as she hung the dress back in the closet. “Some may think to your quickening?”

“Quicken….” Juliet’s hand moved to her waist. “There is none, Helen. I have not yet conceived. It is much to soon.”

“All the same, there would be talk. There is always speculation. Many of the stories center around Lord Montague and his journey to your home. Some believe a babe is already on the way.” Helen shrugged.

Juliet pressed her lips together and looked back at her reflection. They had been married nearly a month and in that time Lord Montague had made only that one visit to her room. Instead of returning to her, he had buried himself in making the necessary improvements to Holly Grove and she had undertaken the task to understand the Ton.

The time for the impasse to be breached had come. Other than the not telling her about Alexander, Lord Montague had kept his promises to the utmost. Was she being nothing more than a foolish chit demanding he utter the words, I love you?

“Will you need me any more today, milady?”

Juliet shook her head. “No, you are free until this evening when I need help preparing for the opera.”

“As you wish.” Helen quietly left the room.

After heading down the stairs, Juliet moved to the library. The rows of books stood neat upon the shelves along the north side. She bypassed the histories and moved to the far end where she selected a deep green leather-bound volume. Smiling, she opened the door to the hallway, where Alexander greeted her.

“Did you hear?” His eyes were bright with excitement. “Father declared a holiday.”

“Did he?” She played innocent to Alexander’s enthusiastic words.

“We are going to the pond at the edge of the grounds. Are you coming, Lady Montague?”

“I am.”

To her surprise, he reached out, took her hand, and gave a gentle tug. “Then come, milady. We do not want Father to start without us.”

Alexander raced ahead as they strolled toward the pond. Lord Montague carried a basket with a blanket tucked over so she could not peek inside. Beneath the shade of a sturdy English oak, they spread the blanket and sat down. Landon slipped off his shoes, as did Alexander, then, pulling a wooden sailboat from beneath the blanket, they hurried down to the edge of the pond. Juliet opened her book of sonnets and began to read. But the laughter and splashing quickly pulled her attention away from the words printed on the page.

“Lady Juliet, watch.”

She closed the book as Alexander pushed the sailboat out into the pond with a discarded branch. “Be careful,” she called as they both stepped into the cool water.

Landon guided the child and Alexander pushed the vessel along the water’s edge so it could catch the wind. She couldn’t help but notice how he was becoming a great influence in his son’s life. If she had done anything to help in that change she was honored. Leaving the child entertained, Landon retreated from the pond and joined her on the throw, lying down at her feet.

“Having fun?”

She kept her sights on Alexander. “I am. Where did you find the boat?”

“When I went to see Black the other day, he recommended a small store near his offices. I went in and it seemed to speak to me.”

“Speak to you.” She smiled and looked down as he brushed the dark curls from his forehead.

Her husband grinned. “Alexander seems to be enjoying himself. Perhaps,” he rolled onto his back and propped himself on his elbows to watch his son, “I have sired the next master of Montague Shipping.” He looked back to her. “When he is older, we shall take a voyage?”

“I would think he’d enjoy that,” she agreed.

His expression grew somber. “Lady Juliet, we need to talk.”

A lump formed in her throat for she knew what the discussion might entail. “Yes, I feel our conversation is long overdue.”

“Come. Walk with me.” He rose to his feet and held out his hand.

Heart in her throat, Juliet laid her book down and took his outstretched fingers as he helped her to stand. He draped her arm over his to walk along the water’s edge.

“I need to ask your forgiveness.”