Saving Lady Abigail: A Historical Regency Romance Book Page 17

  From the estimated time given, it put Gilchrist only a few hours behind his target. He would be able to overtake them by dawn if they had decided to stay the night instead of continuing to drive.

  From the innkeeper, it seemed that they ate at a relaxed pace while their own horses rested and were watered instead of changing them out for another pair. That told Gilchrist they were in no hurry, and Heshing had no idea that he was being chased down.

  Gilchrist did his best not to think about what he would come upon if Lady Abigail was, in fact, complicit in all of this. Especially if he was to come upon them in the middle of the night.

  Over and over the Earl of Gilchrist repeated the mantra that he wouldn’t lose his temper. He had done it once in front of Lady Abigail; he would not do so again.

  He would tell himself he would not concern himself with his own happiness but only the comfort of the lady, whatever that might entail. He would be there to support her either way for the sake of Isabella.

  “I don’t care who yer lookin’ for sir; I want you o’my place this instant!” a fat woman bellowed across the almost empty room.

  “Madame, if you will allow me to explain,” Gilchrist said, doing his best to keep his cool.

  The woman, who had been cleaning the tables and preparing for the morning meal, screamed when he first entered.

  “A man such as yer’self has only one ting on his mind when he be asking about a couple headed north. I won't be lettin’ a hired thug like you stop some poor lovers!”

  She waved the rag in her hand at him like he was a rat.

  “Shoo now! Out wit’ ya!”

  “I will have you know that I am Lord Colton Frasier, Earl of Gilchrist, that you are so rudely denying information to. I am here to capture a rake that has quite possibly stolen a lady against her will. If you have any information on the matter, I suggest you speak it now before I have you arrested for impertinence.”

  The woman opened and closed her mouth a few times like a fish gasping for water. She seemed to look the earl up and down. Though his face was ghastly and his clothes covered in mud, he did have the stance and clothes of a fine gentleman.

  “Pardon me, m’lord,” she said humbly, still with an eye to his face.

  He was sure the lady was wondering how a lord could possibly have such a disgusting face. In her mind accidents that caused such markings were undoubtedly reserved for the lower class.

  “Well?” Gilchrist asked again, now shouting.

  The lady jumped at the resounding echo of his word.

  “They did stay here but left early this mornin’, m’lord. No more than an hour before you walked in yer’self.”

  “They stayed the night then?” he asked in a low tone, hiding his own disgust as much as possible at the thought.

  “But respectfully,” she added quickly. “He seemed a handsome enough ‘gent. Got her a separate room an’ all.”

  “Looks don’t always match the man inside,” Gilchrist spat back at the woman. “And what of the lady? Did she look willing?”

  “Hard to say,” the woman responded now, scratching her mop head with the dirty rag hand. “She was so quiet. Din’ say much at’tal. I figured she was just one u’those blushin’ brides.”

  It wasn’t the answer that Gilchrist was hoping for, but it also wasn’t definite proof that Lady Abigail was going along with the elopement. The separate bedrooms for the night was not only a relief but also further evidence that she may not be willing.

  Lady Abigail shifted in her seat for the third time that morning. Though they had been traveling at a leisurely pace, it did nothing to prevent the jolts and bumps from the well-worn road.

  Though Lord Heshing had tried to spend the night sharing her bed, Lady Abigail had refused, threatening to scream if he so much as dared.

  She may have been forced to marry this man she knew no better than the others sitting in the taverns they passed, but she would not allow him such liberties before their wedding day.

  Heshing had not been happy with her refusal. No doubt he saw it as one more way to secure herself, and dowry, to him. He had woken her with a loud banging on her door and insisted they leave at once.

  She hadn’t even had a proper breakfast before they set out on their route again. Heshing seemed to drive the coachman harder this time around. She wondered if he was becoming nervous that they were being followed.

  As much as Lady Abigail wished her brother would come after them and stop this sham from happening, she couldn’t see how that was possible. With a note written explaining her false desire to marry the man, there would be no cause for the Duke of Wintercrest to come after them.

  “Why can’t you just sit still, it is very distracting, you know?” Heshing muttered as he again seemed to focus on the road behind them.

  Though at their speed it was uncomfortably chilly to have the top down, Heshing insisted upon it so that he might get a good view of anyone approaching.

  “Why can’t you just take me home,” Lady Abigail spat back.

  “My dear,” he replied, looking at her with that oily smile. “It doesn’t matter that we spent the night in separate beds. A day has passed, and you are as good as my wife.”

  “Well for someone who is practically a husband, you would think you would do better to see to your falsely taken wife’s comfort. It is dreadfully freezing,” she added.

  “I could have you sit next to me for warmth,” Heshing said with a raised brow.

  “I would rather not,” Lady Abigail retorted with her head held high. “I don’t enjoy close contact with strangers.”

  “How could you possibly call me so. I am the same man you have spent your last few months with.”

  “I am sorry, Lord Heshing, but you are not at all the man I thought I spent my days with. In fact, you are worse than a different creature. You are the one I was warned of and didn’t believe the truth about. Had I only listened,” she added in a softer tone.

  “Ah yes, your dear Gilchrist pet. Such an ugly pet if you ask me. I am sure he did his best to blather on about me to anyone who would listen. It will make no difference, though. With your money in hand, I will pay off any debts I have incurred. The ton will be none the wiser to any unsavory business and Gilchrist will go back to being a raving beast.”

  “You are the most horrible rake I have ever laid eyes on. To speak of an honorable gentleman in such a way," she shook her head in disgust. "You will never be half the man Gilchrist is.”

  “Hm,” Heshing said, reaching forward and taking Lady Abigail by the arm. It was quite tight, and Lady Abigail did everything not to show the pain on her face. “Perhaps he was more than just a pet to you. Are you in love with Gilchrist?” Heshing asked as if the idea was laughable.

  Heshing glared into Lady Abigail’s eyes for an answer. When she wouldn’t give it, he finally released her.

  “Sorry to say, my dear, but I will be severing that tie first thing. You can wave your little pet goodbye for he will never be welcome in my house.”

  Lady Abigail glared across the carriage at her intended as he went back to searching the roads behind them. She would have much liked to scratch his eyes out at that moment. She saw no point, however.

  Her only hope was to pray that her brother was on his way and would find them in time. She cared not a whit that it would mean a life of solitude. At this point, she would gladly be put away instead of being attached to Heshing the rest of her days.

  Finally, just after noon, they stopped to rest the horses for the first time that day. Lady Abigail was beginning to recognize the land. She knew that meant she was close to Wintercrest. Just beyond her brother’s lands was Scotland.

  They were seated quietly in an establishment that was at least the cleanest that she had seen as of yet and were waiting for their humble meal to be brought to them. So close to the end, Lord Heshing seemed to give up his anxiety of the morning finally.

  He relaxed into rambling conversations of what he had planned for
their future. Lady Abigail would not listen to any of it. Instead, she chose to stare into the fire and do her best to tune out his voice.

  It was then that the inn’s door opened, and a lady seated just next to it gave out a scream of fear.

  Lady Abigail turned from gazing at the leaping flames, to see the scarred Lord Colton Frasier, Earl of Gilchrist, standing in the doorframe. His eyes seemed to scan the room for only a second before they fell on her. In that instant Lady Abigail gave a great sigh of relief.

  Chapter 27

  Lord Gilchrist strolled with determination, ignoring the stares and startled screams from the rest of the guests in the busy inn. It didn’t take long for Heshing to notice him either.

  Heshing turned to Lady Abigail and hissed, “Remember, you marry me, or you can kiss your and your younger family members’ reputations goodbye.”

  Heshing stood, putting space between Gilchrist and Lady Abigail. For a moment Lady Abigail thought Lord Gilchrist might just barrel right through him. However, he stopped abruptly before Heshing and looked down on him.

  Until this moment Lady Abigail had never realized how much taller Gilchrist was than most other men. He seemed to glare down at Lord Heshing with all the hate she had ever seen in a man’s eyes.

  “Gilchrist, old boy, what a surprise to see you here," Heshing said casually.

  “I have come to take Lady Abigail home, on behalf of her family,” Gilchrist said directly.

  He spoke so calmly and at a steady pace that Lady Abigail suspected he had practiced saying it just so a few times. Heshing made a big deal of looking around Gilchrist.

  “I don’t see the duke? How am I to know you are not here on your own delusional course. Lady Abigail and I are in love and have decided to marry against the lies you have poisoned her family with.”

  Lady Abigail watched Lord Gilchrist’s fists ball at his side. She knew Lord Heshing was only trying to get a rise out of him. If Heshing could get him to lose his temper and create a scene, he would be removed from the establishment. It would give Heshing the chance to escape.

  As Lady Abigail sat there, she could only keep her mind on her nieces. It was for their sake she would continue with this charade. If they had an irrational aunt who eloped, they still would have a chance at happiness themselves. A ruined aunt, on the other hand, would seal their fate along with hers.

  Luckily Lord Gilchrist didn’t take the bait. It was a control that Lady Abigail had yet to see in him until now.

  He leaned towards Lady Abigail instead, “His grace wanted to come, but the duchess took the news very hard. He felt the need to stay at her side.”

  “Oh Isabella,” Lady Abigail spoke for the first time. “Is she alright?”

  Heshing didn’t wait for an answer. Instead, he grabbed Lady Abigail’s arm to pull her to stand.

  “I am sure she is just causing a scene to force you home. You, however, know the consequences of such,” Lord Heshing added under his breath. “I believe we should be on our way, having nothing more to say to the gentleman.”

  Lord Gilchrist looked into her eyes for any hint that she had changed her mind. Up until this moment, Lady Abigail had said next to nothing. For all he could see of the two, it would seem that Heshing was right.

  Lord Gilchrist couldn’t believe that Lady Abigail had been tricked so easily by this man. How could she not see him as the fiend that he indeed was?

  Heshing’s tight grip on her arm and the confusing warning he spoke didn’t go unnoticed by Gilchrist. He took a step forward, catching Lady Abigail’s eyes wholly for the first time.

  “If you don’t wish this, I can take you home now. Just say the word,” he encouraged.

  “She has nothing to say to you,” Heshing replied, trying to get between the two again.

  “Actually, I do,” Lady Abigail said.

  She would be sorry to sacrifice her nieces' reputations, but her brother had clearly seen fault in this sham to send Gilchrist. He had to know that it wasn’t what she wished and that it was the work of an evil mind. Perhaps that alone would be hope yet for her nieces.

  “I didn’t write the letter sent to my brother. Nor did I have any idea when I stepped into Heshing’s carriage yesterday that he planned to take me outside of town, and certainly not to a marriage.”

  “Then you are not willing in this?” Gilchrist asked, showing a light of hope for the first time.

  “Of course she is,” Heshing said, staring daggers at her.

  “No,” Lady Abigail said firmly. “Heshing recently confessed to me that he was in severe need of replenishing funds, and when I refused to marry him against my family’s wishes, he devised this plan to force me instead.”

  “Well then, I believe that settles the matter,” Gilchrist said, turning to Heshing. “You will remove yourself from Lady Abigail and your person from this establishment before I do it forcibly.”

  Heshing hesitated. The cold but fierce look in Gilchrist's eyes was not only calculatingly dangerous but also ready to act within an instant. For that reason, Heshing decided to do as he was told.

  Lady Abigail melted back down into her seat. She gave a great exhale she hadn’t realized she was holding since yesterday afternoon. She knew this was only the beginning to unraveling this disaster, but at least it was a start.

  Lord Gilchrist sat down too, once he was assured that Heshing had fully left the premises. He called over a maid to bring him some refreshment, having not eaten since the day before.

  He was weary in body and spirit. At the same time, he was relieved that Lady Abigail was now safe and in his care. It was enough to make him collapse with exhaustion right there at the table.

  “Are you truly alright? Did he hurt you…” Gilchrist hesitated for a moment before adding, “in any way?”

  “No,” Lady Abigail said quietly. She looked down at her hands, embarrassed not only by her situation but the fact that it was Gilchrist whom she first had to stand before. “Nothing beyond my pride and reputation, that is.”

  “I believe we will stay here for the rest of the day,” Lord Gilchrist said, satisfied with her answer to her physical health.

  “I only came on horseback. I will need time to procure a coach. We are near Wintercrest. If you would like I could take you there instead to save you any unnecessary…”

  Gilchrist seemed to trail off in his words, unsure how to say the next part.

  “Gossip? Downcast looks? Or perhaps outright shameful things spoken of me? I believe all things you yourself have been forced to suffer and for far nobler a cause than me.”

  Lady Abigail took a deep sigh.

  “I would like to make sure Isabella is alright. I will hate if this causes her or the babe any stress.”

  “I will send a letter to them today. They will receive it quicker than we could possibly reach them.”

  “I appreciate that,” Lady Abigail said softly. “In fact, thank you for all you did for me. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for you.”

  At that moment, both looked around the room. There were still eyes glancing their way and a few downright nasty stares.

  “I hope you don’t mind me asking,” Lady Abigail said after looking back towards the earl. “Why did you come? Trust me, I’m glad you did. But why would you agree to help me?”

  “Your brother asked me to,” Gilchrist responded, much shyer than usual.

  “And you just said yes?” Lady Abigail asked, unable to let the subject die.

  “I care for your family very much. Isabella is like a sister to me. I would do just as much to help her as any other family member.”

  Lord Gilchrist also wanted to tell Lady Abigail that he would do anything for her as well. That he hoped once her nerves were again settled, she would consent to marriage with such a beast as himself.

  Lady Abigail was still reeling with the events of the last hour. She had gone from a desperate need to escape, to finding her rescuer before her. She had hoped her brother would come to her aid, but honestly, she
felt no disappointment to see the Earl of Gilchrist instead.

  Though the earl looked essentially dead on his feet, his hair was a frazzled blonde mess with sticks and leaves still stuck in it, and his clothes were caked in a thick layer of mud from the road, Lady Abigail had never seen a better sight.

  “You will probably want to rest,” Lady Abigail finally said.

  The conversation between them was thick and tentative. It was a raw situation for both parties.

  “Perhaps we should get some rooms?” she suggested further.

  “Yes, of course. I am sure I am extra frightening in my state,” he responded, waving a maid over.

  “It’s not that,” Lady Abigail replied, not wanting him to think she saw any less than a knight in shining armor. “I mean you do look a fright,” she added with a giggle, “but only because you are still wearing most of the travel on your person.”

  The earl relaxed into a smile at her words. It was the ice breaker they needed. He reached up into his hair and fingered out a stick before tossing it in her direction.

  After a hearty meal was consumed by the earl, the maid showed the two up to their own separate rooms to freshen up and rest. Lady Abigail was just as grateful for the time out of the carriage. She would have rather dreaded having to turn back around that instant and spend several more days without reprieve from the rocking and bumping.

  The Earl of Gilchrist had meant to wash himself, freshen up his clothes and make preparations. Instead, he collapsed onto his bed, without even removing his boots, and slept more soundly than he could remember ever doing in the past.

  Lady Abigail sat anxiously on the bed in her room. She wasn’t entirely sure what she was supposed to do now. She was grateful to be free of Heshing but at the same time didn’t know what consequences were in store for the rest of the single ladies in her family.

  Her biggest worry was for Jackie. She was just the age to be entering society in the next few years. Jackie would have a hard enough time as it was making a good place in society with her unique parentage. Lady Abigail hated that she might have made things all the harder for her, as the ton would be slow to forget untoward behavior associated with her aunt.