Simon's Brides (17 page)

She wondered for an instant why her sisters had never wondered at the deaths in this family, and on the estate. None of them had ever said a word, even though she knew they knew about the curse. Now that she thought of it, none of them had spent any time talking about marriage and life away from the Manor. Did they think to stay here with her, for all their days?

Suddenly, she knew a real fear. Her sisters couldn’t be planning to stay with her, could they? Still, she wondered why they had never discussed what they wanted in a marriage or what kind of homes they foresaw in their futures.

Fighting to ignore her gruesome thoughts she reread her letter. She signed, sanded and sealed the missive and then went in search of a servant. Perhaps the Reverend Mr. Sudsberry would call on Beth in the next day or two.

That should please Beth and Simon.

Amy sneaked up the stairs to her room. She would take a nap and spend what was left of the day working with her medicinals.

She ordered a luncheon tray, but found her appetite had deserted her. A short time later, Caro stuck her head around the door.

“You’ve sulked enough. Ellie and I are going for a ride. Why don’t you come along?”

“Did Simon say you could ride?”

“He said Ellie and I could ride. He just doesn’t want one of us out on our own.”

Amy shook her head, “Thanks for asking but I intended to take a nap. I didn’t sleep all that well last night,” Amy replied.

“By the way, Beth is over the moon. The vicar sent word he plans to visit tomorrow afternoon.”

“You know?” Amy tried to hide her surprise.

“Of course. There are no secrets in this house. At least not among us.”

Amy flinched, guilty that she hadn’t told her sisters what she had done to Beth. She should have known Beth would tell the others. This wouldn’t be the first time they had shared the happenings in their lives.

“Come riding with us,” Caro pressed.

Amy shook her head. “Not today. You go ahead.”

“If you’re certain?”

“Oh, yes. Besides, my melancholy would affect your pleasure. You go and enjoy yourselves.”

Amy watched Caro leave. Maybe going out riding might be the thing to do, but she didn’t feel up to it. She still suffered from her meeting with Simon that morning and his reminder of what had happened between them the night before. Everyone was better off without her poor disposition inflicted on them.

That evening, she decided to also take tea in her room. That brought Agatha scurrying to her side.

“You aren’t taking sick again, are you dear?”

“I’m just tired. I didn’t sleep well last night. The headache,” Amy offered, hearing the insincerity in her voice. But, she wasn’t ready to face Simon yet.

Of course, she should have known he would not leave well enough alone. After dinner, he tapped on her door.

“Are you unwell?” he asked.

“I’ll be fine,” she assured him.

“Amy?”

“I said I’ll be fine. I’ll be at breakfast in the morning.”

That seemed to satisfy him and she heard his steps move away. Resolutely, she bathed, slipped into her night rail and crawled into bed. She nodded off as soon as her head touched her pillow.

She rose at her usual time, dressed and made her way downstairs. The few guests who had remained another day at the estate were preparing to leave later that morning. After she finished answering inquiries about her health, she nibbled at some toast and fled back to her room. Just before lunch Beth announced that the vicar would be calling. Amy pledged to herself that she would disappear the minute lunch was finished. She had started a treatise on American herbs. That should keep her occupied for the rest of the day.

Amy combed her hair and made her way to the dining room. She had just taken her seat when Simon walked in and sat at the head of the table. As soon as he appeared her heart began its erratic rhythm and as always her breathing became labored. She wanted to stand up and scream with the frustration of it all.

If Simon’s presence wasn’t enough, Agatha gushed about the ball, the guests, the vicar’s interest in Bethany. When the conversation about the ball slowed, Agatha turned to Simon.

“How long, Nephew, are you planning to stay at Kirkley Manor?”

Amy had avoided looking at Simon during the meal. She feared her sisters might detect a change in her expression, but at Agatha’s question, she jerked her head in his direction. She held her breath waiting for his reply.

“I--I don’t know. I find that I’m enjoying caring for the estate.”

Amy thought he looked startled at what he said. But, not as distressed as his words made her feel. She took a deep breath. She wanted him gone. In fact, he had to go. His presence was destroying her.

“Of course,” he offered in a teasing voice and with a wink in Caro’s direction, “I must stay until I find a tall, horse-mad gentleman for our Carolyn.”

A curl of jealousy twisted through Amy. She sat stunned. She could not be jealous of all of her sisters. She tried to suppress her feelings. This had to stop. Naturally, she didn’t want him...

But, she did. She wanted to feel the pleasure she felt in his arms. She wanted his lips to scorch a path to her sorry soul. She wanted what she had enjoyed with him in the garden and more. But, it couldn’t be.

Never!

He was a man of the sea and she was a spinster. She had to continue to remind herself of those facts. No man could be allowed to tempt her from her course. She had to remember that.

Distraught and knowing she couldn’t hide it, Amy excused herself and rushed from the dining room. She heard Agatha voice her concern over her departure, but, no one tried to stop her.

In her room, Amy paced back and forth. She had no idea how she was going to conquer her feelings for Simon. Lecturing herself did no good, and her thoughts kept her from sleeping. Her appetite was now affected. She sank into her chair, grabbed the book she was reading and forced herself to open it. She forced herself to concentrate on the words.

She managed several pages when Caro called through the door, “Amy?”

“Come in,” Amy lay the book aside.

Caro stepped into the room. “Come riding with us. Ellie and I are going out again. I’d just as soon not be around when the vicar arrives. I’m afraid I find him a bit boring. Ellie isn’t interested either and you don’t want to stay here, do you? Come with us.”

“Not today. I just started reading this, and I do want to finish it.” She held up the open book.

“Oh, come on,” Caro pleaded. “The fresh air will do you good. You haven’t been yourself for the last two days. What you need is a good brisk ride.”

“I’ll go with you tomorrow. I promise,” Amy said. “By then, I’ll have finished this book.”

“More herbs?” Caro asked.

Amy nodded. “This is about herbal treatment in America. It’s fascinating.” If she could keep her mind on it.

“Well, all right. You finish your book. But, I’ll hold you to your promise. Tomorrow.”

Amy nodded and Caro left.

Again she forced herself to concentrate on the text. Miraculously, this time it worked and she had almost finished reading when she heard Caro return.

Amy stepped into the hall to greet her.

Caro, usually so well-groomed, looked a disaster. Her riding skirt was torn and her jacket appeared to be missing several buttons. She wore no hat and loose strands of hair hung down her back. She had several scratches on her face, she held one glove in her bare hands and she was limping.

“Oh, Caro, you’re hurt. What happened?” A wave of fear swept through Amy.

“It is a long story. I twisted my ankle but I’m all right. Have you seen Ellie?”

“Why, she’s with you, isn’t she?” Amy asked. “You said she intended to accompany you on your ride.”

Caro sighed. “We did ride out together. But, on the other side of the forest, Queen Sheba decided she and I needed to part company. I had the devil’s own time trying to stay on that animal. After she tried to throw me more times than I care to count she succeeded.”

“The Queen threw you?” Amy’s voice registered her amazement. Horses seldom threw Caro, and not the Queen. Caro trained Queen Sheba herself.

Caro nodded.

“Your ankle?” Amy asked.

“It isn’t bad. I can walk on it. I’m not hurt but I have a feeling someone wanted me to be.”

“But, where is Ellie?” Amy asked.

“After Queen threw me, I was a bit dazed and before I could stop her, Ellie rode off for help. You know how she is.”

“Why did Queen throw you? You’ve always said she was the most placid of the mares.”

Caro sighed, “After I got back on my feet, I tried to calm the Queen, but she wouldn’t behave. Once I could stand, I removed the saddle and discovered a spike embedded in the leather. Someone made certain the nail would work its way into the Queen’s hide as I rode. I figured Ellie would bring help, so I sat down to wait. However, when Ellie didn’t return I grew concerned. I began to worry that I might not have been the one targeted. I cleaned up the Queen and I started back. I can’t find Ellie and the stable boys say she hasn’t returned. Amy, I’m afraid something has happened to her.”

Amy felt a rush of panic.
Ellie hadn’t been thrown as well, had she?

“I need to find Simon.” Caro turned toward the stairs and her words seared Amy’s soul. Yes, they needed to find Simon. They also had to begin an immediate search for Ellie.

“You don’t think...” Amy hesitated, unwilling to put her fears into words.

Caro scowled. “I think my sister has found herself a quiet place to hide for awhile. She’s probably talked to Simon and then disappeared with a new book. You know how she likes to read. I’ll wager that we’ll find her someplace at hand with a book in her lap.”

“I’m not so certain. Did she know you were hurt?” At Caro’s nod Amy fought the sense of alarm clawing at her. “Caro, she would have come back to you just to make certain you were all right. I don’t like this at all.”

Eleven

Not at all certain she wanted to face Simon again, Amy paused before she followed the limping Caro down the hall.

“Come,” Simon yelled after Caro knocked on his office door.

He raised his head as they entered, “Yes? Caro, you look a... Have you had an accident?” his voice carried concern.

“My Lord--” Caro started.

“Simon,” he interrupted.

“Simon, has Ellie been to see you?” Caro leaned toward the desk.

“Ellie? I thought the two of you went riding. In fact, Aunt Agatha tried to commandeer me and Dora into chaperoning the vicar and Beth.” He shot an angry glance in Amy’s direction, “I was told not to disturb you. Now, what’s this about Ellie?”

“I had an accident. Well, it wasn’t quite an accident and Ellie left me to get help.”

“Wait one moment. I gave my permission for the two of you to go riding. You were not to separate. And, what do you mean an accident that wasn’t quite an accident? Explain yourself.” His voice sounded harsh and more than a little annoyed.

“The Queen threw me, but it wasn’t her fault. Someone pushed a nail into my saddle so that as I rode, the nail would work into the queen’s haunch,” Caro explained.

Simon bolted to his feet, “Then, what happened to Ellie? Why didn’t the two of you return together?”

Caro looked offended, “Ellie decided I had suffered a greater injury than I had. She took off to bring help. I wasn’t going to put that torture device back on Queen, nor could I have ridden her with a hole in her back.”

“You could have ridden double,” Simon said.

“Ellie had already left when I regained my senses.”

“You were knocked unconscious?” Simon yelled.

“Dazed,” she insisted.

Amy could tell that Caro was smarting under Simon’s questions, and she watched Caro lean back on her riding boots. Amy felt the tension in the room.

“Ellie is like that,” Amy admitted.

Simon glared at her, sending her heart beating its crazy rhythm. Then he turned his attention back to Caro, “Your horse?”

“I walked her back, after I cleaned her up.”

“I want to see the horse and that saddle. Did you bring it back?”

“I had enough trouble walking the queen back. I left the saddle by the stream close to where Queen Sheba threw me.”

“We’ll take a look at it in a few minutes,” he started around his desk. “By the by, who saddled your horse?”

“I saddle any horse I plan to ride myself. And, whoever put that nail in the saddle knew that. Also knew I always use my own saddle.”

Simon glared at Caro, “I told all of you to stay together when you went out. Ellie should have stayed with you.”

“Ellie thought I was injured. Of course, she went to get help. I’d have done the same. Besides, I felt certain I alone had been the object of whatever maliciousness had been planned.” Caro took a step back toward the door and Amy had a feeling Caro had just realized Simon was angry.

“Bloody hell!” he stormed and headed toward them, “When will you women learn you can’t go out without someone with you?”

Amy rushed for the door. Simon grabbed his gloves and demanded, “I want to see the horse and I want to travel to the place where you were--unseated.” For a moment he looked puzzled. “How did you find the problem?”

“After the Queen threw me,” Caro mumbled, “I knew something was wrong. I unsaddled her. Then I saw the blood and looked at the saddle.”

Despite her concern, Amy fought a smile. Her sister hated having to admit that she hadn’t stayed on her horse.

Amy patted her shoulder. “It wasn’t your fault.”

Caro blushed.

“Damn,” Simon swore and started toward the rear of the house. “Can you still ride?” he asked giving Caro a concerned look.

“I’m not that hurt and yes, of course I can ride.” She followed behind him.

“Amy, you stay here, in case Ellie returns,” he turned toward her, but she started to shake her head. She had no intention of remaining behind.

“Look,” Simon ordered, “We’ll be at the site of the accident. If Ellie returns, you send someone out to find us. Come on, Caro. I want to see that horse.” He scratched his head. “This is beyond strange. No one has seen anything of Harold or that young man, what was his name?”

“David,” Caro supplied.

“Yes, David. Amy, I’m sending Ben into the house. If Ellie returns or anyone else arrives, send him out to look for me.”

He strode out of the house and left Amy standing in the back hall her heart slowing to its normal rhythm.

She cursed his effect on her under her breath and then went to find Dora and Beth. They needed to be told that Ellie was missing and that someone had tried to injure Caro.

Thankfully, the vicar had taken his leave. Amy had no trouble finding her sisters. After Ben arrived and took his place in the hall, Amy led her sisters into the parlor and told them what Caro had told her.

“Could Ellie have found a quiet place to read?” Dora asked.

“I don’t think so. Simon hasn’t heard a word from her and you know Ellie would have told Simon before she found some place to read. No, I’m afraid she may have been thrown herself,” Amy said.

“She rides almost as well as Caro,” Beth commented.

“And, the Queen threw Caro,” Amy silenced her.

The women sat together waiting for Agatha, who had gone to take a nap after the vicar departed.

“What should we tell Aunt Agatha?” Beth asked.

“Nothing,” Amy answered.

“Why not? She’s going to ask about Simon’s man standing in the front hall,” Dora said.

“Why upset her? Ellie may return shortly,” Amy said.

“Do you think she will?” Beth whispered.

“I don’t know. Caro thinks she, instead of Ellie, was the target this time.”

“But, what if...” Dora paused.

“Let’s not start guessing about what might have happened. We must wait until Caro and Simon return. Then we will know.” Amy smoothed her skirt and tried to tell herself to believe what she’d just said.

At that moment, Agatha entered the parlor.

“What on earth is going on here? Why do you all look as if you’d lost your best friend? Oh, my. Don’t tell me the vicar said he wasn’t going to return?” She lifted her hand and patted her chest in a sign of distress. Then she sank into the nearest chair.

“No, Aunt Agatha,” Amy shook her head. “Caro and Ellie went for a ride and--”

“I know that. Haven’t they returned? And, who is that man standing in the hall? I’ve seen him before, haven’t I?”

Amy sighed. She didn’t want to say anything but they did owe Simon’s aunt the truth.

“Caro returned. But Ellie has not.”

“Ellie hasn’t returned? That child knew she wasn’t supposed to leave the property alone. Simon is going to be furious.”

Amy grimaced. Agatha wasn’t usually this dense. “Aunt Agatha, we don’t know what has happened to Ellie.”

“What do you mean, you don’t know what’s... Oh, my. You mean something has happened to Ellie? And that man is one of Simon’s... Oh, my.” Now she fanned her face.

“We don’t know anything yet, Aunt Agatha,” Beth soothed.

“Oh, dear, oh, dear. I just knew that something bad would happen. I just knew it.”

Amy wondered how Simon’s aunt had known, but she wasn’t about to ask.

“Aunt Agatha, we have no idea what has happened. Ellie could have stopped to visit with someone. Until Simon and Caro return, we have to wait.”

“I’m no good at waiting. Dorthea, dear, could you ask Cook for a tea tray? Some biscuits would be in order. She may serve the cakes she prepared for the vicar and Beth. We will hope for the best. Now, let’s talk about something pleasant. Beth, what did you think of the vicar?”

Amy stifled a groan as panic clawed at her. She didn’t think she could sit still and listen to Agatha and Beth discuss the Reverend Mister Sudsberry. She glanced at Beth and decided Beth must be remembering her own kidnapping.

“Not now,” Beth whispered.

“Well, dear, we are not going to just sit here. It is not in my nature.” Aunt Agatha leaned forward. Amy wondered if she had more to say.

At that moment Dora arrived. “Tea in just a few minutes. And, Amy, Caro’s returned. One of Simon’s men brought her back, and then he left. She said she’ll join us as soon as she changes.”

Amy nodded and all four women sat tense and quiet as they waited for Caro.

She limped into the room following Cook and the tea cart. Caro sank into a chair and Amy couldn’t believe the grim look on her face.

“No news?” Amy asked.

“It doesn’t look good...”

“Carolyn, dear, don’t frighten us. What do you mean, it doesn’t look good?” Agatha leaned forward in her chair.

“Aunt Agatha,” Amy groaned.

Caro leaned forward and glared at Agatha.

“I won’t say another word,” Agatha murmured.

Amy wanted to shout,
good!
However, she held her tongue. They were all tense and Agatha had meant well.

“We went to the stable, Simon looked at Queen, then we rode out to the scene of the accident. Simon examined the saddle and agreed someone had tampered with it. Simon discovered a sign of a struggle a short distance from the accident. He also found one of his men. Someone had struck the sailor on the head. He was unconscious but when he came around, he said he couldn’t remember a thing.”

“What about Ellie?” Amy asked.

“There was no sign of Ellie. Nor of her horse.”

“No sign,” Beth questioned, her voice shaking.

“Simon believes his man tried to stop Ellie but there must have been some kind of struggle,” Caro murmured.

“She would never leave the property, not by herself,” Dora defended their youngest sister.

“He doesn’t believe she did. He thinks someone kidnapped her, just as they kidnapped Beth.”

“Oh, no,” Beth wailed.

Amy pulled Beth into her arms, “It’s all right,” she whispered. “She’ll be all right.”

“Oh, Amy,” Beth sobbed, “she’ll be so frightened.”

The sun faded from view, the gloom of the night descended and Amy, her sisters, and Agatha sat around the tea cart, the cakes and biscuits untouched. Tea had been freshened several times and still they waited.

Simon sent word that a number of men from the village as well as all three Foleys had joined his sailors in the search. They had found no sign of Ellie or her horse.