The Viscount's Vendetta (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) (36 page)

“There is a man working for Damon, who says he is Charles Royston. I don’t understand why I do not like him and have not trusted him since the day we met. I feel he may be an imposter.” Caroline saw Lord Royston’s face pale.

“You think this imposter may have killed my brother and taken his identity?”

“I’m sorry to tell you, but yes, I do.” Caroline watched as he got up and went over to the window.

“I couldn’t understand why Charles did not at least write his fiancée. Many times I started to visit, but I thought he wanted to start over and might resent my intrusion into his life.” Harold Royston turned and stared hard at Caroline. His dark eyes had the same intense regard as Damon’s often did.

He glanced at his wife and gave her a soft smile. “I loved my brother,” he continued. “We were different and everyone made comparisons because we were only thirteen months apart. Most thought I was the better athlete, hunter, you understand. It was hard on him. I hated seeing how it hurt him.

“I didn’t feel superior to him. Over and over, I tried to tell him to ignore the others. I couldn’t make him believe I really loved him. Only his fiancée reached him with her love. But they were very young, and so he went away hoping to do well with his uncle and send for her. None of us heard from him. My father did have several letters from the viscount regarding how pleased he was with Charles’s work.”

Caroline’s heart sank. Perhaps the Charles she knew was the real one. She glanced around the room.

“Do you have any pictures of Charles?”

Lady Eleanor smiled “Of course, there are several in the gallery along with paintings of all the family.”

“Could we go there? I am most anxious to know if I am wrong.”

“Of course.” Lady Eleanor stood. “Perhaps it would be best if I took Lady Royston to see the paintings, Harold. You and Lord Halsford can visit.”

Harold stared at his wife and started to get up, but something in her eyes stopped him. “I’m sure you are right, my dear. We will be here when you return.”

Caroline watched the expressions on Harold Royston’s face and his wife’s. Strong emotions sparked between them. She followed Lady Eleanor out of the room and back to the foyer, where they went slowly up the winding staircase, down another hall and into a large room.

The walls were covered with paintings. Large windows along one wall let in some light, and Lady Eleanor went around lighting candles on all sides of the room. The walls were a deep ruby color and the paintings were large and in dark wooden frames.

“This is your husband’s father’s brother. Do you see a resemblance to your husband?” Lady Eleanor’s soft voice brought Caroline’s attention back to her.

“You look sad, Lady Eleanor. Did you know your husband’s brother before he came to Atelstone?”

Lady Eleanor glanced away, but she answered, almost in a whisper.

“Yes, I did.”

She led Caroline further along. “This is a picture of Harold and Charles at thirteen and fourteen. And this painting was done of Charles shortly before he left.”

Caroline glanced at the pictures of the young brothers together and moved to stand in front of the picture of Charles by himself. He was leaning against a fence with a large black dog at his feet. There was no imposter.

Caroline swallowed, her throat dry. “He doesn’t have the Royston blue eyes.”

“No, he looked like his mother. She was from these parts and had the black hair and dark-brown, almost black eyes. I often thought things would have been different for Charles, if she had lived.”

“When did she die?”

“When he was born, and Charles always reminded his father of the loss. You see, it was a love match. They fell in love as soon as they met and married shortly afterwards.”

“Did his father treat Charles differently because of his wife’s death?” Caroline moved to face Lady Eleanor.

She nodded. “Yes, he shunned him most of the time. Oh, he never admitted he was ignoring his youngest son, but he was always too busy for him. His only excuse was he was training Harold to be his heir, and so he had no time for Charles.”

Caroline felt sad and sick at heart hearing the unkindness Charles had grown up with as a child and a young man.

“My husband, Harold, tried to have a relationship with Charles, but their father’s unkindness prevented Charles from trusting Harold.”

Suddenly, Lady Eleanor moved around Caroline and gently touched Charles’s cheek in the painting. Her eyes caught Caroline’s and held them.

“He is alive, isn’t he?”

“Yes.” Caroline stared back. “I believed he was someone else.” She shook her head. “I was wrong.” Caroline noticed the slight tremble of Lady Eleanor’s hand and the unshed tears in her eyes. “You loved him, didn’t you?”

Lady Eleanor stared back at the picture. “Very much, but it was not to be. I think the day he left, I knew he was saying good-bye for good. I just didn’t want to admit it.”

“You were his fiancée?”

“Harold says I was, but not really. We were in love, or at least I was. Charles never asked me to marry him. He hinted he would come back for me, that is all.”

Lady Eleanor walked over to the long windows and looked out. “I guess you are wondering how Harold and I happened to marry.”

“It is none of my business.”

Lady Eleanor turned. “I want to tell you. I waited. I was eighteen when Charles left and I waited for five years. Harold and I would talk about Charles and we became close over those years. One day I finally accepted Charles was gone for good. I began to open my eyes to the man who had been patiently waiting for me.”

“Harold?” Caroline asked.

“Yes, dear Harold. I love him very much, and he is a good husband and father. He understood I wanted to be alone when I found out whether Charles was dead or alive.

“I’m not sure I have ever convinced Harold that I totally love him. We must go back with you and all of us face Charles. The skeletons must be blown away, and we can live in peace.”

“Do you think your husband will agree?” Caroline asked doubtfully.

“He will. Come let us go and tell my husband and your father that we will leave tomorrow for Atelstone.”

Damon was tired to the bone when they finally arrived back at Atelstone. Hannah had tried to talk with him several times, but he had cut her off. Since then, she’d frowned at him resentfully.

“Take us to Atelstone Hall,” Damon directed the coachman. He turned to Hannah. “We will stay at the old house tonight and decide later where we want to settle.”

Hannah turned her face away and went back to staring out of the carriage window. Damon leaned back and closed his eyes. Never did he think it would hurt so much to return home without Caroline. As soon as the coach stopped, he swung out and reached up to assist Hannah. When he released her, she flew by him and rushed up the stairs. The downstairs footman stood at the door.

“Welcome home, Lord Royston.”

“Thanks, I’m going to retire for the night. Ask cook to send up a tray to my sister and me. We’ll be in our rooms.”

“Yes, milord.” The young footman hurried toward the kitchen.

“Buckley, I know you will see everyone is settled in. I don’t wish to be disturbed.”

Buckley and Mrs. Parker frowned at him, but did not comment. Damon was glad to reach his room and shut himself inside. If only he could shut out his thoughts as easily as he shut out people.

The door between his room and Caroline’s stood open. He stepped into the darkened room and smelled her perfume. He walked to her armoire and touched her silk gowns. Groaning, he pulled his hand away. Walking briskly, Damon went back to his own room, closing the connecting door firmly behind him.

A few candles had been lit, and his fire was glowing brightly. He lit a cheroot and sat with his feet to the fire. When he rose to take off his coat, he remembered the small journal and letter Caroline had shoved into his hands just before leaving London. He tried to remember where he had put it. Yes, in his box coat which he’d left downstairs. He’d ask his valet to bring it upstairs tomorrow. Damon closed his eyes and prayed for sleep and forgetfulness.

* * * *

Damon rose early and went to his father’s study. Again he hesitated, but he forced himself to turn the knob and go inside. He sat in his father’s chair and looked around the room.

It was time to let the old wounds heal, so he could be in this room without the bad memories. What had happened occurred years ago. He had always loved this room when he was young.

He swallowed around the lump in his throat. He missed his mother and father. Being in this room brought them closer.
I’ll change the décor and make it my study.

“Buckley,” Damon called out loudly.

“Yes, milord?”

“I thought you would be nearby. Have Mrs. Parker come meet with me. I intend to make some changes to this room and will need her help.”

“Yes, milord.” Buckley bowed and moved out of the room.

Buckley and Mrs. Parker were not going to forgive him anytime soon, not when he’d left Caroline behind.

“Lord Royston, you sent for me?” Mrs. Parker stood in the doorway.

“I want this room dusted and cleaned from ceiling to floor. Order new curtains and a rug. Something in a bright color. I will choose a new desk.”

“Is that all, Lord Royston?”

“I am well aware you and Buckley are angry with me regarding Lady Royston. I will not stand for this surliness. My lady will not be returning. You had best forget her.”

“It is not for us to say anything, Lord Royston. But if I was to say something, I would tell you that you have made a big mistake.” With that comment Mrs. Parker left the room.

Damon couldn’t stop the smile crossing his face. “I think I have been told off by my housekeeper.” He chuckled. What was it about Caroline? How did she arouse such loyalty from people in a relatively short time?

“Damon, you’re back.” Charles came into the study and glanced around. “I thought you hated this room and this house?”

“It had very bad memories for me, but I have decided to let go of those bad memories. I’ll change the room to suit myself and use it. How have you been, Charles?”

“Fine, all has gone smoothly. I didn’t expect you back so soon.”

“I received your letter and talked with Caroline. I must apologize to you, Charles. I am ashamed guests in my home would invade your privacy.”

Charles shrugged. “At least we know who did it. I can’t understand what they hoped to find.”

“Nor do I. Nevertheless, I won’t abide someone lying to me. Lady Royston will not be returning. She is staying with her parents.”

“Oh, Lord Royston, I would not want to cause trouble between you and your lovely lady,” Charles protested.

“It is not your fault, Charles. You are the innocent bystander. If it had not been this, something else would have caused us to disagree. You must not blame yourself.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Say nothing. Let’s go out and ride over the fields. It is time I took better care of my estate.”

Damon walked out behind Charles. He’d noted Charles’s frown and quick glance back into the room. Damon shrugged off questions aroused by Charles’s behavior and headed with him to the stables.

Riding around the estate, talking with the workers had brought some relief from his repetitive thoughts. Damon went directly up to his room to bathe and change for dinner. He had invited Rev. Smitten and his wife to join him for the evening meal and had sent word to Mrs. Parker.

Damon groaned with relief when he leaned back in the tub of hot water.
I’ve let myself get out of shape. But things are going to change for me and Atelstone.

Albert helped Damon into his evening clothes. Damon had impulsively asked the Smittens, hoping to stave off the lonely hours. Remembering how talkative Mrs. Smitten could be, he hoped he wouldn’t regret his invitation.

He didn’t mention Caroline being gone. Once Mrs. Smitten learned tonight that Caroline was not returning, she would pass on the gossip, and word would get to his aunt and uncle. However, Hannah had probably already sent them a note. But she didn’t know Caroline was gone for good, although she might have guessed.

Damon knew he should tell his aunt and uncle himself, but he was also aware they would frown on his decision. He couldn’t handle their disappointment at this time. They were among the many that had fallen for Caroline’s charm.

Suddenly, he sat up straight in the tub. “Albert, did you find a journal and letter in my box coat?”

“Yes, milord. I brought your coat upstairs and placed them on the table by your chair.”

Damon saw the edge of the binder. Tonight, after he retired, he would read whatever Caroline thought was so important.

Rev. Smitten and his wife arrived as Damon was coming downstairs. Hannah had come out of the drawing room to greet them. She glanced up the stairs at her brother, her face pale and solemn. After brief greetings, they went directly to the dining room.

“But are we not waiting for your lovely wife to join us? I do hope she is not indisposed,” Rev. Smitten said with a concerned look.