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)
Just then, Edward strode in, looking anxious. He glanced toward Maddie, offering her a quick bow. “My lady. Forgive the interruption.”
“We were planning our day,” I said firmly. “We can speak shortly.” Whatever it was could wait. A roof needing repair or a dispatch could be handled quickly so I could be with my wife.
But Maddie was ever the lady and frowned my way before looking to Edward.
“What is it?” she asked. “You look upset.”
“There is a situation,” he replied. “A serious one.”
“Pray, then do tell,” I insisted.
He glanced toward Maddie, then leaned close, lowering his voice.
“Her father is at the gate, demanding an audience. He has others with him.”
Maddie gasped in shock, and I rose, standing behind her, placing my hands on her shoulders in comfort.
“The devil he does,” I swore. “What does he want?”
“Should we discuss this in private, my lord?”
“No,” Maddie protested. “I need to know.”
I nodded at him to speak.
Edward drew in a long breath. “He says you spirited his daughter away in the dead of the night and dishonored her and his name. That you stole her. He is demanding satisfaction.”
“He put her up as an offering,” I snarled. “As if she were a piece of furniture. I stole nothing. There were witnesses.”
Maddie spoke, her voice quavering. “The servants heard him. They knew how I was treated.”
Edward smiled sadly. “The word of a peer will take precedence over that of an underling.”
“What about my word?” she demanded.
“He will say you have been turned against him,” I murmured. “From what Edward found out, he has dismissed his remaining servants, so we cannot question them.”
“Lydia?” she whispered, referring to her lady’s maid.
He shook his head. “Not even Liddy’s word would be taken as truth.”
Even with the situation, I noticed the way he referred to Lydia. As if he were familiar. But that was a subject for another time.
Maddie stood suddenly, turning to me. I loathed seeing the fear back in her eyes, the expression of worry on her face.
“Will he take me?” she asked, her voice trembling, her body beginning to shake. “Alexander, will he take me from you?”
I gathered her in my arms, holding her close. “No. You are my wife, and you will remain with me. I shan’t allow him near you,” I stated firmly. “I will deal with him.”
“He will try,” she said, sobbing. “He is violent and vindictive. He hates me—he has always hated me, and I have never known why. He doesn’t want me to be happy.”
I held her closer, meeting Edward’s gaze over her head. He regarded her with sympathy and understanding.
“Why?” she cried. “Why after all these months?”
“I asked him the same question,” Edward informed us. “He said it took him time to trace you here.”
“Damn his lies. He knew,” I cursed. “There is something else to this.” I pressed a kiss to my trembling wife’s head. “I believe you are right. He knows you are happy, and he seeks to destroy that happiness.”
“Alexander,” she whimpered. “Help me.”
I bent and scooped her into my arms, and her head fell to my chest. “You are going upstairs, my love, and resting as I rid our home of this infestation of vermin. This stress is not good for you or my unborn child,” I murmured as I carried her up the stairs. I laid her on the bed, brushing away the tears falling. “Do you trust me, wife?”
“Yes.”
“Then know I will handle this. Your father will not come near you, and you will not leave this estate with him. Ever.”
She nodded.
Lydia stood at the foot of the bed. “Should I accompany you, my lord? I can attest to the truth, even if they will not hear it.”
“Yes. That is a good idea. Fetch Mrs. Dougall and have her sit with my wife.”
I turned to Maddie. “I shall return shortly, and our pleasant day will continue.”
More tears fell down her cheeks. She had become white and fearful-looking again. I was furious and ready to draw arms against the man at the gate. Strike him down where he stood for causing her anguish once again. I strove to calm myself, knowing I needed to keep a cool head and banish him.
I bent and kissed Maddie. “I will be back.”
“Promise me.” She gripped my waistcoat. “Do not let him near you either. He is like a snake and will strike when you least expect it. I could not bear it,” she sobbed.
That was when I understood her greatest worry. Not her father taking her away, but me being hurt or killed.
I cupped her face. “Ah, Maddie mine. My love. No one on this estate shall be hurt. He is the one who should be fearful of my wrath for being here. Causing you pain. Trust me and know all will be well.”
I waited until she nodded hesitantly.