Healing The Broken Marchioness (Laced Up Ladies Book 2) Page 6

  "Lady Bowmount was right about your disrespect to this entire household. You leave as you please without informing anyone and return when you deem fit. You've been here for three days and you do not know what it is that needs to be done. You are incompetent for this position."

  Arthur raised a brow, wondering what it was he had done wrong this time.

  The Dowager Marchioness jerked her head to the dining room. "Dinner will be served in twenty minutes. Be on time, Lord Bowmount."

  He was tempted to take a look at his pocket watch, so he'd know the time and know how late he was, or if he was even late at all.

  "Of course, My Lady." He bowed.

  The Dowager Marchioness’s neatly pinned blonde hair caught his eyes, and a silver pin’s reflection made him squint a tad. The Dowager Marchioness walked away from him without another word. Thinking that she was gone, he decided to run up to his bed chambers to stow away his briefcase when a voice caught him off guard.

  "Careful, My Lord!" a young voice gasped. He looked left to see what he should be careful about, when the figurine on the table against the wall caught his eye. He carefully placed it back and whirled around to see Lady Victoria staring at him with large green eyes that were wide in fear.

  "Lady Victoria," he murmured. Then a smile came to his face immediately. "How are you, My Lady?"

  She curtsied. "Well, thank you. Please be careful, that belonged to my father."

  He stood there, looking at her gloomy eyes for a while before he responded. "Really now? And which figurine is yours?"

  Lady Victoria frowned. "They all belong to my papa."

  There was sadness in her voice. And she looked like she wanted to be anywhere other than talking to him. But still, she lingered there. Like she wanted to say something.

  Arthur squatted before her, so that he was at her level. "Is there a problem, Lady Victoria?"

  She cast her gaze down and toyed with her skirt. "Are you going to replace my papa?"

  Arthur was taken aback by the sharp edge of her question, and by the fact that she even asked that. He was bothered that he was yet to make a good impression on her. He was bothered about what she thought of him.

  He was about to respond, when Victoria went on, "My papa left for the sea and never came back."

  Arthur smiled at the child. "Lady Victoria. I am not here to take your papa's place. I knew your papa. He was my cousin. I am simply here to help out. But I'd never replace your papa."

  Lady Victoria seemed relieved to hear that. "Very well then, My Lord."

  He smiled at her, thinking that she was about to walk away, instead, she stayed where she was. "You said you knew my papa?"

  He nodded. "When we were children."

  Lady Victoria toyed with her dress some more. "Will you tell me about it? Papa only told me stories of when he was at sea. He never got to tell me about when he was a lad."

  Arthur smiled at the child. She looked to be about seven or six years old, and she was very smart. "I shall, but first I have to go up and get ready for dinner. If I am late, your mother and grandmama will be very cross."

  "I shan't stay after dinner, My Lord. Mother always tells me to sleep after that."

  "Then tomorrow."

  "But you'll be out. Just like everyone else."

  "I will be home early, then," he clarified. And he would. To lighten up the mood, he added. "What's for dinner?"

  "Black pudding, but I shan't be eating that. I am allergic to carrots, and it has been sprinkled all over. Mama has asked that a pie be made for me."

  Arthur grinned. "I am allergic to carrots as well." The allergy ran in their family. He knew Victor wasn’t allergic, but his father had been. Uncle Anson had been allergic to carrots.

  Her eyes widened, and a small smile perched her lips. "Really? I thought it strange that I'd not like carrots, everyone does. Mama, grandmama and even my friends do."

  "Now you know, you're not alone." He winked.

  Lady Victoria blushed.

  "Victoria?" Lady Bowmount's voice echoed through the hallway. Arthur rose instantly, touched the tip of his hat, winked at the young child and turned around the first corner.

  He fled because he was not ready to see the lady. He'd seen the Dowager Marchioness and he was certain seeing Lady Bowmount would make all hell break loose. As he bounded up the stairs, he thought of Lady Victoria. She was such a lovely young lady. He knew, from their exchange, that she was saddened by her papa's death. She was disappointed that he had left and never returned. It was certainly the reason why she was so quiet.

  Chapter Seven

  The hallway was silent when Katherine walked in. Only Victoria stood by the figurine on the table. Katherine was certain she'd heard Victoria talking. Someone else had been there as well, not just Victoria. She walked over to Victoria and squatted, so she'd be of the same height as her.

  "Darling, were you alone?"

  Victoria shook her head. "Lord Bowmount was here with me."

  Katherine panicked at the look of gloom on her daughter’s face. Of course, she always looked like that for the past months, but before she came down, she had been smiling at some books her father owned. Katherine suddenly wished that she had met up with Lord Bowmount first, so that she could scare him away.

  "What did Lord Bowmount do to you? What did he say that upset you? And where was Amelia?"

  Victoria gazed up at her. A look of bewilderment crossed her eyes. "He said nothing wrong, Mama. I left Amelia in my bedchamber."

  Katherine was not happy to hear that. Amelia was supposed to be with Victoria every minute of the day. That she had left her alone made Katherine angry. "You shouldn't be leaving without Amelia, Victoria," she scolded. Then recalling that they had been talking about Lord Bowmount, as well, she proceeded to ask. "What did he say to you?" Katherine insisted. She wanted to know. She was curious to know. She would waste no time in expressing her anger if he had upset Victoria. "Tell me, Victoria, what did he say to you?"

  Victoria shrugged. "Nothing of any importance, Mama. I had just told him to be careful not to break any figurines. And then I told him what was for dinner. He is allergic to carrots, as I am. That’s all."

  Katherine heaved a sigh. "Come on, let's go have dinner, darling."

  With that, both she and Victoria headed to the dining room.

  Victoria sat in her normal position; her pie was before her. Katherine moved the puddings far away from her daughter. Like her grandfather, Victoria was allergic to carrots.

  Everyone was seated except Lord Bowmount. Heaven knew what that man was doing. Katherine nodded at the other end of the table, where Louise sat. "Perhaps we should bless the meal and eat without him."

  Victoria perked up. "Mother, you said it was wrong to have a meal without everyone being seated." Her gaze was down again.

  Katherine clenched her teeth. She had, of course, taught her daughter proper etiquette. She took Victoria's hand from across the table and rubbed it against hers. "Yes, my dear. We'll wait for Lord Bowmount."

  Victoria didn't respond. After few seconds, she spoke again. "Mother, is there enough pie?"

  Katherine looked from Victoria to the large bowl of pie. A little extra was made, in case the child wanted more than her usual portion, but Katherine knew she was asking because Lord Bowmount had told her he was allergic to carrots as well. Katherine nodded at Victoria. "Yes, dear. There is more pie."

  Victoria simply nodded and went back to looking at the table.

  Katherine pursed her lips, wondering why he would even think to keep them waiting for so long. She pushed her seat back and nodded to the Dowager Marchioness.

  "I will go tell him it’s time for dinner." No one stirred as she spoke. She walked out the door and headed towards the staircase. As she did, she didn't resist the urge to grumble about how he should have been at the table, and not somewhere else. She went to the east wing, where his bed chamber was located.

  Lord Bowmount was a whole lot of trouble. The Dowage
r Marchioness had said she'd told him it was time for dinner. How dare he disrespect that? How dare he still be in his bed chamber while the entire household awaited his presence. She stopped in front of the bed chamber given to him. She raised her hand to knock when she heard voices inside.

  She stopped. She lowered her hand and stared at the door, wondering who could be with him at such hour, and while everyone awaited his presence. Could it be one of the servants?

  "My Lord, I'll be taking the Dowager Marchioness to the St. Paul's very early."

  That voice belonged to Gerald. What was the coachman doing inside of the house?

  "I need to be at Old Street quite early. Mr. Herondale said he'll be leaving for Wales; it’ll be weeks before he returns. If I see him tomorrow and the papers are signed, then I can open the office once the cleaning is done. However, without legal approval from the owner, it would be inappropriate to begin."

  “I can saddle a horse for you before we leave,” Gerald offered.

  "That’s perfect, Gerald. Now, I have to hurry. They’re all going to be furious."

  Katherine stepped back, her eyes going wide with new rage. So, he was almost done with setting up his office? And now he was confiding in Gerald? She would make sure he didn't get the opportunity to open that office. He said Mr. Herondale — definitely the landlord — had asked him to arrive early. And to think that perhaps he would go through with such an idea. She wanted to walk into his bedchamber at that very moment and tell him what she felt.

  But her shoulders slouched slightly at the thought of coming face-to-face with him. Knots twisted in her stomach, and she found herself trying to breathe properly. She swallowed hard, wondering what was wrong with her. She wondered why she felt so drawn to him. He seemed to be a sincere gentleman. Anytime she looked into his eyes, she always wanted to believe that he was a good gentleman, and he could keep everything in order. She wanted to believe that she could trust him. But somehow, she kept on being reminded that Victor had worked so hard and no one deserved to simply lay claim to what he had accomplished. Not even Arthur Shepherd.

  She needed to teach him a lesson, so he'd give up and leave Somerset. She needed to prove that he could not be trusted. She needed to make sure he would miss the meeting with Mr. Herondale. She turned and ran silently down the stairs.

  She stopped in her own rooms, grabbing the sleeping potion that the physician had given her, right after Victor’s death, to help her sleep. She then proceeded to the kitchen.

  She smiled to herself. "He will be here soon." She walked over to Analisa who stood by the corner. Victoria had said he was allergic to carrots. Which meant he would never consciously eat pudding on his own. He would want to take the pie. “Analisa, bring the pie into the kitchen."

  Analisa did as she was asked. Katherine paused for a second to rethink what she was about to do. Was it right? Would he be angry at her if he found out? She wondered if her action was extreme. Her hand, where the potion was held, froze over the bowl of pie.

  "My Lady?" Analise called behind her. "Is everything alright?"

  Katherine held her breath. She needed to do this. What use was there in trusting him? He would never be Victor; he didn't deserve Bowmount Hall, nor the title of Marquess. "Everything is just fine, Analise."

  She poured the sleep potion she had been stored away in the cupboard of her room for a long time, into the bowl that belonged to Lord Bowmount. He would never make it to the meeting.

  * * *

  The door swung open when she was seated, and two bowls of Shepherd’s pie sat at the center of the table. Lord Bowmount walked in. He was dressed for dinner, in a dark frock coat, dark breeches, and a white linen shirt.

  "Pardon me," he said quickly. At the sound of his voice, a ripple moved through her body.

  Katherine adjusted in her seat, attempting to be more comfortable. He moved around the table and took a seat beside Victoria. As the seat scraped against the floor and as he settled down, his blue eyes locked with hers. He smiled at her. She felt her insides twist uncomfortably. Casting her lashes down, she readjusted.

  The Dowager Marchioness released a ragged, angry breath and then nodded at them all. “So good of you to finally show up,” Louise muttered. They closed their eyes and she blessed the meal. Soon, they all dug in.

  Analisa who stood by the corner, immediately stepped forward to serve Victoria a small portion of the pie, as instructed by Katherine.

  As Katherine dug into her meal, her eyes caught a swift movement. Lord Bowmount had taken the plate of pie placed before him and poured in a small portion for himself as well. She felt guilt set in as she watched him take the pie—the one that she'd mixed with the sleep potion. He would sleep like a babe, for a very long time, and he would miss his meeting. That office he wanted was not going to be legally ready for a very long time—weeks, by the sound of it. She should have been happy, but all she felt was guilt. She felt it even worse, every time his eyes locked with hers. But she had to do it. She wanted him gone.

  Dinner went on very quietly. They all ate silently. When dinner was over, they all left. Katherine beckoned to Victoria, and together, they walked up the stairs, heading to Victoria’s room.

  Darlene walked behind them. Victoria's fingers were stiff against hers. Victoria stared ahead as she walked. Her daughter's quiet behavior still bothered Katherine. She was unaware of what she should do, in order to have Victoria come back, to return to the playful child she had once been.

  In the room, Amelia dressed Victoria for the night in her cotton nightgown. Katherine tucked Victoria into bed and sat next to her. Darlene gathered the dress Victoria had taken off, placed it in a basket for dirty laundry, then bowed before walking out.

  "Do you want to come sleep in my bed chamber?" Katherine asked, pushing a strand of hair from her daughter’s face.

  Victoria shook her head. "I will sleep here, Mamma."

  Katherine knew that would be her answer. It had been her answer for the past six months, but Katherine would never get tired of asking. She nodded at her daughter.

  She picked up the book from Victoria’s nightstand. Victoria liked to be read to at night. Katherine had stopped for a while, while she was deep in mourning, but she had begun to read to Victoria again two months ago.

  "I want to go to bed, Mother."

  Katherine looked up at her. "I want to read to you. Would you not like that? You always have a good night’s sleep when I read you something, my dear."

  Victoria shook her head. "I am alright. I am very tired and I'd like to go to sleep, now."

  Katherine masked her hurt with a strained smile. She didn't want to leave Victoria. She wanted Victoria to hug her and giggle like she used to do. She wanted Victoria to ask her about the sky, about the animals, and about her home before Bowmount Hall, just like she used to. She missed her daughter so much. But Victor's death had taken a toll on all of them. Maybe Victoria more than anyone. And Katherine understood that; however, she was not happy that Victoria was not talking to anyone, including her.

  She kissed Victoria on her forehead and whispered while her lips lingered. "You can always talk to me."

  When she rose, Victoria was not looking at her. Her eyes were closed. Katherine fought the tears that gathered. She hoped that Victoria would get over her self-imposed isolation soon.

  She turned and walked out of the room. As the door shut behind her, she walked towards the candle by the stairs, to blow it out. By now, everyone had gone to bed. As she was about to, she saw Gerald coming from the east wing. He held a rectangular shaped note in hand. Gerald's eyes widened when he saw her. She beckoned to him immediately.

  Gerald walked over to her. He bowed when he was near and smiled. "My Lady."

  "What is that you hold?" She eyed the cream-colored paper that looked almost orange in the flame.

  He shrugged. "The Marquess —Lord Bowmount has sent me on an errand."

  She raised a brow. "At such an hour?!"

  "Of course not,
My Lady. For tomorrow."

  Katherine smiled. "I see. And he has sent you now? Just now?"

  This was part of her plan, to disrupt any chance he had of getting what he wanted. She needed to do this.

  Katherine knew very well what the note said. Now, she had to find a way to get rid of it. Katherine had been thinking of a way she'd collect the letter from Gerald. "May I see it?" she asked.

  Gerald handed it to her without hesitation, but with a fearful gaze. She broke the seal, unfolding it and reading through it. It was a note to a random hackney driver, to leave for the Bowmount Hall as soon as possible. Katherine closed the note when she was done. Gerald stretched his hand forward to collect it, but Katherine moved it away from his reach and smiled.