Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 82982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
I was also furious, the hatred I was feeling for her father a living, crackling flame in my chest. Hearing how he mistreated her, seeing the scars he left behind—both those that I could see with my eyes and the ones Maddie kept hidden deep within—would keep that hatred and need for revenge burning until he himself was extinguished.
I had gone to Cliffwood to win back the land my mother loved so much, but the truth was, saving Maddie was more important.
And I knew my mother would approve of those feelings.
In my chamber, I dismissed my valet after having him draw a bath. I slipped into Maddie’s room, but she was asleep under the coverlet, her hands clutching the edge of the heavy fabric as if not finding the rest she sought in sleep. Even after the pleasant hours we had spent together in the afternoon, no doubt her emotions were still raw.
I left her, sliding into the bath and sighing in relief. My shoulders ached from the work, and I was weary. For someone who remained aloof of others’ problems, seeing my wife so vulnerable this morning had done something to me. Broken something within that made me feel.
I wanted to fix it. Fix her. Heal her in any way she needed. Be the haven from whatever storm she faced and protect her at all costs.
I shook my head, realizing that my father had not accomplished what he had set out to do all those years ago. With her sweet ways and loving heart, Maddie showed me I was capable of feeling more than I thought possible.
More than I was able to grasp—even now.
I rose from the warm water, patting myself dry and donning a banyan. Although expensive and deemed excessive by many, plumbed heated water within the house was an addition I wished never to be without again. My kitchen ran smoother, the house was cleaner, and the water closet and bath a luxury I did not regret. In fact, I wished to add to the plumbing, and I had meetings coming up soon with a planner to do so. It was worth the chaos, expense, and repairs that followed.
I had just stepped into my chamber when I heard it. A low, keening sound. I stopped to listen, frowning when I realized it came from Maddie’s room. I heard another noise and the sound of a muffled sob.
Instantly, I was in her room, hurrying to her bedside. Her cheeks were wet with tears, one hand clutching the coverlet, the other reaching out beseechingly.
“Please, Father, no. I beg of you. I will do better. Please!”
She winced as if feeling the sting of a reed or the slap of a hand. I slipped my hands under her shoulders, shaking her gently.
“Maddie, darling, wake up. It is only a dream, my love.”
Her eyes snapped open, meeting mine. The terror I saw wrecked me.
“You are safe, Maddie mine. I am here.”
“Alexander,” she sobbed, flinging her arms around my neck. “I was there, back there…”
“Hush,” I soothed, rocking her. “It was but a bad dream. You are safe here with me, and nothing shall harm you. You will never be anywhere but here with me.”
She gripped me tighter, and I stood, taking her with me. In my chamber, I slid her onto the bed, keeping her close as I followed, pulling the thick counterpane over us and holding her tight.
“I am here,” I crooned. “Nothing shall harm you.”
I ran my hands along her spine, feeling the delicate ridges of the bones under my fingers. I soothed her with my voice and touch, sifting my fingers through her hair that felt like silk. Slowly, she calmed, and I pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I have you.”
“Safe,” she whispered. “With you.”
“Always.”
“Must I leave?”
“No, stay here with me. I will open the curtains in the morning, and you can see the sunrise with me. I will watch over you tonight.”
“I should like that.”
“Then so be it.” I bent and pressed a gentle kiss to her mouth. “This is where you belong. With me.”
Her eyes drifted shut, and she sighed. “I like belonging with you.”
I liked it too.
MADELEINE
My father raged at me, spittle flying from his lips.
“What a worthless girl you are. Slothful and stupid. A waste of flesh.”
I bowed my head, knowing it was best to accept his insults rather than defend myself. “Yes, Father.”
“Did I give you leave to speak?” he snarled.
I shook my head, knowing his ire would only grow. He hadn’t. I had only meant to show that I would obey, but nothing I did was ever enough.
“Time for your punishment,” he announced. “Hold out your hands.”
I did as he asked, hating to, knowing what was coming, trying not to whimper. It didn’t matter that my skin was toughened from the harsh work of being a housemaid or the layers of scarring. The pain was always as sharp as a blade, and I had to bite my lip to keep from crying out. Sometimes until the coppery tang of blood invaded my mouth.