Page 2

Chapter two

Dr. Rillian said it would take time for Cecily’s body to readjust to not being dosed with that awful concoction that kept her asleep much of the day. As much as he hated to do so, we had to keep giving the strange medicine to her, but in lesser doses, a decrease each week.

When the bottles were empty, we would toss the lot of them into the lake and celebrate. Cecily might one day enjoy a normal childhood like she ought to have. As it were, her latest tirade—agitations set off by a lower dose of medicine this week—left us exhausted. Settling her took both of us.

Betimes she anxiously desired to find Samuel, her favorite brother. A brother who’d manipulated her as much as she tried to manipulate everyone else. A poor hero he’d made. Tobias faulted himself for not giving her enough attention. He faulted himself for much these days.

We sat upon her bed, the child finally, blissfully, asleep between us. Tobias leaned against the headboard with his eyes shut, but I knew he was awake. How many times had we done this?

Entirely improper. But we had no choice.

Most of the house help had abandoned Mayfield when the scandal began.

And Cecily wouldn’t allow anyone else near her.

Dr. Rillian took it in stride. Propriety was far less important than a little girl’s life.

I agreed. How often had we sat in the parlor or library with naught but each other?

With no chaperone for decency? There was also the fact that we called each other by our Christian names.

I do not even know how or when it began.

To say we knew a certain modicum of intimacy was an understatement. His future wife would be none too pleased if she found it out. My jaw clenched. I mustn’t think of that. He wasn’t thinking of taking a wife. Was not engaged. And I, I…

“Tessa…” Tobias whispered in the darkening room. “Go take your rest.”

“If you are sure?”

He cocked a brow and pointed to the water pitcher.

I eased myself from Cecily’s side, her long golden hair slipped from my arm to her pillow. She took a deep breath but did not wake. I quietly poured a tumbler of water and handed it to him.

“Thank you.”

“Need you anything stronger?”

“Do not tempt me. I’ve given it up.”

Did he, now? “Tea then?”

He reached for my hand and squeezed. “You are an angel.”

“I’ll be back.”

I left the door slightly ajar and made my way to the kitchen.

The cook had been instructed to allow me liberties within her space, as I had to daily ensure Emma received tea that wasn’t tainted with laudanum or—the dangerous elixir Mr. Chinworth thought was helping his daughter.

I did the same for Tobias. Trust among the family and staff was thin.

Making a fresh pot was calming work. A blessing. Thankfully, the cook knew the routine and always left a kettle of water to heat. I poured hot water into the brown teapot and let the tea leaves steep.

These quiet moments after Cecily calmed enough to sleep were almost sacred. A relief, to be sure. A surety that storms always died down, and something better would come next. I poured cream and tea into the cup and made my way back to Tobias. I’d return for a solitary cup of my own.

He met me in the hall, quietly closing Cecily’s door. “I think she’s out cold. It has to be exhausting, causing so much ruckus.”

I handed him his tea with a slight rattle on the saucer, his finger accidentally grazed my thumb, leaving a trail of heat. His eyes captured mine as they had earlier in the parlor. As though he felt more—and would say more, but did not.

He offered a light bow. “Rest well, Tessa.”

“I thank you, I shall.”

He lifted his cup in a resigned salute and made his way to his room.

What would he have said had he allowed his lips to follow his thoughts? Did I want to know? I needed to be careful lest I read in his expressions something untrue. Careful, Tessa. You must be careful…

I slipped back down the long flight of steps to the kitchen and made my own cup of tea. Creamy, soothing. Was there anything better? I poured a second after I drank the first and made my way back to my room. I stalled to listen at Cecily’s door. All quiet. Thank God.

Until tomorrow then, dear girl. We shall keep pushing ahead and one day you will move past this strange season of your life… it will be a distant scene and nothing more…

A shuffling sounded, then a loud grunt. Surely, she hadn’t woken? But that was not a sound the child would make. Another strained and unrefined grunt filtered down the hall— from Tobias’s room. Was he ill?

I ran as fast as I could to his door. The sounds grew louder as I approached.

I hesitated, my hand gripping the knob. What if I caught him with his shirt off?

And nothing wrong with him but spilled tea?

A voice hissed and something heavy dropped to the ground.

I had to know if Tobias was alright. Nothing for it…

I shoved through the door, swallowing a scream. Twas so dark—no candle had been lit. But I could see a hulking form wrestling in the center of the room. Two men were fighting! I had to think quickly and clearly.

I couldn’t tell who was who until Tobias was shoved to the bed, his shirt most definitely off. His eyes flicked to mine, but the other man didn’t see me. The stranger lifted a pistol and took a few steps back. He’d caught his prey, so he thought.

The stranger was about my height. What had Jospeh said about disarming from behind? Oh yes. I could handle this villain. Indeed.

The stranger spoke through gritted teeth. “I’m going to kill you!”

"What?" Tobias flicked his chin. "No chance to pay?" He shot a glance at me that I ignored. Warning me off?

That was it, I’d wait no longer. In a swift action, I drew close, buckling the man’s knees with my own. I wrenched his arm behind his back, swiping the pistol with more ease than when I’d practiced with Joseph. He’d not seen me enter the room. Clearly.

The man swore as he turned to face a new enemy. “A woman! What’s a woman—give it here,” he swiped the air to grab the pistol, “if you know what’s good for you.” His accent belied the streets of London.

I cocked the hammer—a double barrel—and aimed at his rugged form—a patchy head of hair, bristly beard. And such stench!

His eyes glinted. “Give it here.”

He reached for me, but I backed up. The pistol was heavy, but I would hold fast.

Tobias skirted around the edge of the bed and waved. “Toss it to me.”

I ignored him. I mustn’t give this villain even a sliver of a chance. I aimed. “I’m an expert shot, mind you. Best you sit in that chair if you wish your heart to beat come midnight.”

The man lunged for me again and I shot, two inches left, into his arm. As planned. His eyes widened in shock as he stumbled backward, cursing as blood spilled down his arm.

Tobias’s well-muscled chest heaved from the exertion. “You best do as she tells you.”

The man glanced at the gun he’d supplied himself with, blinked twice at his wound, and fainted instead, clattering to the floor as a knife jangled from his other hand. I hadn’t seen it. And that could have cost us.

“Tessa.” Tobias folded his arms. “I see my cousin has trained more than men at his estate.”

“Quite.”

“But you are a woman. Why would you need…” His eyes darkened as he stood—a head taller over me. “I should have been the one to protect you.”

“I wasn’t the one being accosted.” My heart was going to beat out of my chest. My hands began to shake.

“True.” He lit a candle and held it to the man’s face. Blood began to pool beneath him, soaking into the rug. “I will send for the constable.”

“Tobias?”

“Yes?” He lifted the candle and stood.

“I need help.”

Confusion flit across his face.

“I can’t seem to unlock my hand from the gun.” My voice began to shake too. While I was indeed an expert shot, I’d never shot into flesh before now. The experience had me in dizzy waves of something I’d never dealt with.

He came beside me and clasped both hands around mine, turning the barrel away. “You did well. You can let go now. Breathe, Tessa.”

I took a deep breath. What had Joseph said to do? My thoughts muddled. Sweat trickled down my temples. Tobias’s hands eased the pistol from mine as weakness overtook me. This would never do.

“I’ve never seen someone—I’ve never seen a woman act so bravely.” He placed the pistol beside him on the table. “The way you threw him off balance before disarming him…my question is, why? Why does Tessa know how to do these things? Why did my cousin train you?”

He stepped away and grabbed his shirt, pulling it on, along with his vest.

I glanced at the villain. There was more blood. Mayhap I killed the man after all. One could bleed to death after all. I grabbed the bedpost for balance as a wave of dizziness beset me. I was not prepared for Tobias’s next question.

“Who are you really, Tessa?”

I shut my eyes and took a clean breath. He may as well know.

It was only fair if he depended on me to care for Cecily.

“I am the widow of a man who was murdered. I have been spied upon, chased. I’ve had to stand at my husband’s grave whom I loved with my life, though young I was.

And I will never be in a vulnerable position in the face of evil ever again. Ever.”

“Your connection with my cousin?”

“Stepsister, of a sort.”

“Of a sort?”

“Our parents married…before their deaths. Years ago.”

“Ah. I knew Uncle had remarried. I’d never met his new wife.” He refolded his arms. “You are a widow.”

“I am.”

“How long were you married?”

My jaw clenched at his questions. “But two years…”

“Such a short time.”

It was. Too short.

“I shouldn’t be calling you Tessa. It’s Mrs…”

“Smith.”

“You are lying.”

“Yes. I cannot go by my married name. I must not.”

“Hiding?”

I knew too much. And they knew that.

“The man is moving…” Tobias swiped his abandoned cravat from the floor and went to work. “Are you able to alert Jenkins to ride for the constable?”

“Indeed.” I could do so. I must. I willed my legs to walk to the door.

“And Mrs. Smith?”

I flinched.

“Please…”

He did not look at me.

“Will you check on Cecily? The gunfire may have woken her.”

“At once, Mr. Chinworth.”

And thus, the closeness between us seemed quite ended.

I sent Jenkins to the constable, checked on the sleeping child, crawled atop my bed and wept. An hour later, a hand snaked into mine. A pair of eyes gazed upon me. A handkerchief pressed against my face in soft touches.

Tobias.

“I’ve brought you some tea. See? Doctor Rillian has come to look after you.”

Dr. Rillian drew to my side. “Are you well, child?”

I rose and sat on the edge of the bed. “Merely heart sore.”

He nodded. “Tis a difficult action to put lead into a man, be it necessary.” His kind eyes soothed.

“Will he live?” I needed to know, but wasn’t sure if I should ask. Did I really want to know?

“Aye. For now. He’s been hauled off to the gaol. Cat’s got his tongue. Won’t say who paid him for the attack.”

I shut my eyes at the implications.

“Drink your tea, Tessa.” Tobias used my name again. My heart warmed. He nestled the cup into my hands.

I lifted it to my lips and tried to swallow it but the liquid wouldn’t go down. I rushed to the wash basin and lost my supper. Dr. Rillian followed and gave support to my heaving shoulders. “That’s right. Let it out, my girl. Let it out. You’ll feel better soon.”

Some minutes later, I lay atop the bed, weak and embarrassed. Tobias had seen everything. I wasn’t the heroine he thought me.

“Send for her maid, man. Don’t just stand there. I require some hot water as well.”

I had no maid. As for the hot water…Tobias gave a curt nod and left.

“I think a sleeping draught is in order.” He smiled. “I’ve helped many a youth through his first shot. Too many battles, too many wars…”

“Must I? What if Cecily needs me?”

He nodded. “The medicine will calm your stomach—and I promise to stay and help look after the child. You need to rest.”

“Alright.” I couldn’t disagree. I was weak from tip to toe.

Tobias returned with the kitchen’s steaming kettle, a towel around his arm, looking more like a servant than a master. To think a Chinworth performing such menial tasks.

I washed my face in the fresh hot water, then the draught was mixed and given to me. A blanket was spread across my form as I grew drowsy. I blinked in the darkness, my hands locking and unlocking against the imaginary pistol I held in my thoughts.

Tobias leaned over me. Was he angry? I couldn’t bear it. He leaned closer and pressed his lips against my forehead. My heart cinched at his touch…

“Sleep, Tessa,” he said as he softly shut the bedroom door behind him.

Then I was alone. Alone in my dreams, quiet, soft, silent. Healing.

I woke to their voices, how many hours later? I blinked to sunlight—bright, hot sunlight. Must be well past noon. They stood in my doorway talking.

“I’ve never seen a woman leverage her body in such a way as to disarm a man, she—she saved my life.”

Amusement laced Dr. Rillian’s tone. “And this bothers you?”

“How can a female have beauty, common sense, and strength?”

Dr. Rillian laughed. “You haven’t known enough women.”

“I don’t doubt there are strong women, but Tessa is a lady. She is gentle.”

My heart sped and I shut my eyes lest they knew I overheard.

“A gentlewoman with abilities. Fancy that." Doctor Rillian moved closer. "She told you of her past?”

“She did. Some.”

“You can’t blame her.”

“Blame her? No indeed. I do not. I am glad of it. Merely, I am astounded by last night’s rescue.”

I could still hear the wonder in Tobias's voice. He was glad? But he’d called me Mrs. As though…

“Good.”

Silence accompanied their footsteps to my bedside. My eyes fluttered open and I focused on their faces. My limbs felt heavy, but my mind was becoming quite clear.

“Now, young lady.” Dr. Rillian pulled a pouch off his arm. “When you are ready for the day, I believe,” he lifted the flap and removed a pistol, “that the best medicine for you will be some target practice.”

I rose to a sitting position, protesting. “I couldn’t!”

Dr. Rillian smiled. “You must get back on the horse, as Joseph would say.”

I took a breath and caught the smile lighting Tobias’s face. “I quite agree,” he said, “and I will be joining you.”

“What about Cecily?” The last thing she needed was several rounds of gunfire in her ears.

“Elaina and Callum have taken her on a picnic to Goodwyn Abbey. She’ll be gone most of the day. That will give us time to pack for Burtins. We leave in the morning, Tessa.”