No child here, p.16
No Child Here, page 16
The threat did not move his enemy to offer a quick resolution. Edgewood focused on Hannah. “I asked you a question and would have a reply. Are you with child?”
The intimate whisper inflamed Thomas’s anger. “Even if no child exists, I still hold someone you value, do I not? Is her life not reason enough to divulge the answer I seek?”
“Pembroke, I am not—”
She stepped between them. Strong and defiant. “He’s right. My life should matter, too.” Her fallen hair blew from her around her shoulders as though she wore a cape. “If my life is not enough to loosen the truth from your lips, Lord Edgewood, then what does it matter if I am breeding or not?”
Hannah’s newfound voice was a thing to bring a man to his knees. Regrettably, Edgewood was not so moved. She was challenging him, yet his pride would allow no bended knee. Thomas should have known.
Venom dripped from Edgewood’s voice. “A man should know if he’s going to be a father.”
It struck too close to home for Thomas. This was the very reason he lost Maria and Matthew. Keeping secrets from a father ended badly for all involved. “Hannah, tell him.”
“Tell him what?” The minx was bringing her claws to bear on him as well. “I am no more aware of my condition than either of you fools.” She spat like an enraged cat. “Would you both like to know the truth? Should I shout it to the world? Fine, then. I am two weeks late! Two weeks! Do you hear? My menses are late!”
Chuckles greeted the announcement, sounding suspiciously like his hired men.
“May I go now?”
“That might be best.” Thomas was in imminent danger of laughing and this was serious business. Or at least it should be. Hell, he didn’t know anymore. His heart was a jumbled mess and every action or speech he had prepared for this moment was going up in smoke.
“Two weeks,” Edgewood said like a proud father as she stomped away.
“Tell me, Edgewood. When I marry Hannah and claim your blessing as my own, will it be enough for you to know the child exists? Never to see them smile? Never to hear your name called in their sweet voice? It wasn’t enough for our father. Even that tyrant had to go searching for his second son when he found out about my existence.”
“I didn’t know it was Maria and Matthew in the carriage with him that night. I thought—”
“That it was just another one of father’s hapless victims and his by-blows. Yes, I can even understand that part. But what I don’t understand is your unwillingness to return Matthew now that you know he has a legitimate father. You went so far as to create a false grave to keep me from finding him. You didn’t place him in an orphanage. No, a man who goes through that amount of trouble must have a personal reason to do so.”
Edgewood was quick to mask the flash of shame. “He is well loved. Healthy and cherished above all others. His mother, his surrogate mother, lost a babe in miscarriage by the unfortunate actions of another. Your babe brought her happiness, and I will not break from my oath to safeguard his new identity.”
“Not even for Hannah?”
Maybe now was not the best time to dangle the demented woman as a prize, but Thomas had made less uncertain wagers in years past. Edgewood was here. His brother cared, but was it enough?
“Release Hannah and Miss St. Clair.” Edgewood shifted on his feet. “And then I will consider terms.”
A sardonic reply poised at the tip of Thomas’s tongue, but Edgewood provided a way for him to release Abby without drawing suspicion. Or it might be Edgewood’s way of confirming something Thomas had known in his heart ever since he escorted Hannah home from the tavern that night. “Let us come to a compromise. If I release Miss St. Clair and her son, would that be enough to provide needed answer?”
Relief in Edgewood’s dull eyes provided a foundation for all of Thomas’s suspicions. “If you personally see to their welfare from prison to home, then we will have an accord.” He stuck out his hand.
Did his brother think Thomas the fool? Thomas accepted the gesture, giving Edgewood’s hand a hard squeeze to ease the pain near his heart. “Excellent. I’ll inform Hannah to prepare for a journey post haste.”
“Hannah?” Edgewood squeaked her name.
Thomas grinned. “You didn’t think it would be that easy, did you?”
Edgewood’s mashed his fingers, yanking him forward. “I do not know what game you are playing, but Hannah is innocent. Leave her be.”
“Words of advice you should have heeded. But then, that isn’t the family adage, is it?”
“You knew only a dim reflection of our father. Stories told by those unfortunate enough to seek association with him.”
“Not to mention the tale of two beasts that keep his legacy alive and well.”
“Dorchester and I are not perfect, but that does not make us monsters.”
“No? Only a monster would take Hannah’s virginity without vows being spoken. And let go of my bloody hand. Maiming me will earn you nothing.”
Edgewood released him, glancing away, his head drooping.
“No answer? Oh, but I remember. Innocence is an abomination, isn’t it? Something to exploit and degrade. Rip away amongst female cries and tearful pleas to abstain.”
“Hannah voiced consent.”
“Of course, she did! She lived a sheltered life ignored by family, her only friends were books and scandal sheets bearing your name. I am certain she fell in love with you at first sight and what did you do with such blind devotion? You exploited it as you were taught. She was three sheets to the wind. In no condition to say yes or no, or even scream for help, you overweight brute.”
He glanced back with a frown. “Hannah wasn’t drunk at the glen.”
“Glen? What glen?”
“You think as Dorchester, don’t you? You believe I raped her at the tavern.” He speared fingers through his hair. “Why do those closest to me believe I am struck from the same cloth as my father?”
“We were never close, and your actions speak for themselves.”
“What actions?”
“In America, you twit. I know what atrocities you commanded other men to commit.”
Edgewood’s throat ripped like currents in a stream. “And you believe yours hold no consequences?” He threw his arm wide. “You hold the reputations of two different women, their futures, their children—my child. What you are doing will condemn them both to a life of hardships. Are you prepared to live with that? As Father forced me to live every single day of my life? Knowing I was responsible for so many fractured dreams?” He laughed, the sound absent humor. “I was his leading officer when it came to crushing innocence, and I tell you now, the pulpit you are standing on is a false stage. You will reap what you sow.”
Thomas stared as pieces of his brother’s perfect mirror began to splinter, revealing a familiar reflection underneath. Brittle blue eyes stared back, daring him to accept the bitter truth. The three sons of Henry Graham—Dorchester, Edgewood, and Thomas—were all as evil as their sire.
In his quest for vengeance, Thomas became the very thing he loathed most. Playing with innocent lives, twisting them to suit his own needs.
Hell loomed before him in his brother’s despairing gaze, and ghostly laughter floated up giving his father a voice yet again in this world. A thing Thomas would never allow. “I will go to Miss St. Clair.” The words tasted of death robbing him of his heart’s desires.
“And Hannah?”
“Hannah’s future is her own to decide.” The demon feasting on the remnants of his soul howled in agony, but Thomas moved, placing distance between himself and Harwood’s home. Hannah was becoming something new and fierce and if God willed it, she would find her way back to him.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Hannah tossed and turned but a dull ache in her belly would allow her no rest. She wasn’t hungry. It wasn’t that sort of pain. Nor did she feel an urge to use the chamber pot. It was more like a mild form of her menses. But she had checked, there had been no blood.
She longed for another soul whom she could safely ask. She’d die of shame before making an inquiry about her mother. Her maid might share her secret with the rest of the household. Father had no book in his library that might shed light on her ailment. Abby was missing and likely would remain so. What should she do?
A thought came unbidden. What about Thomas?
He possessed a wife who bore him a child. Perhaps he might shed light on her predicament and what it might mean. But dare she trust him with so intimate a concern?
Her stomach rolled. There were no alternatives.
She padded barefoot to the door, then opened it a crack to peek into the corridor. Caught between two lords, she expected a regiment of guards.
Yet there was no one. No thugs, Thomas, or Logan. Raw panic gripped her. Instead of rejoicing at the prospect of freedom, her heart wept bitter tears. Had they reconciled their differences and decided neither of them wanted her?
A sudden clatter from within her chamber brought Hannah spinning around.
“What moves your tears, my love?”
“Lord Edgewood, how did you get in here?”
“I took advantage of Harwood’s lack of common sense.” He pointed to the open balcony doors. “What father puts his daughter in a bedchamber with a balcony and trellis so close at hand? God’s teeth. Any manner of vermin may climb up.”
“Evidently. What do you want?”
“Answers. Pembroke has been in here.”
A denial hovered on her lips, but she smiled instead. “What makes you think that?”
“He made mention of your mountains of books and fondness for scandal rags.” He laid a clenched fist against her collection.
“Oh.” She had no notion Thomas knew about her secret trove of yellowed newspapers all bearing Logan’s name, but books were rather hard to hide.
He prowled the room, the firelight from the grate dancing to the devil’s tune as he kept to the flickering shadows. “But that hardly answers my question, does it?”
She held herself tall even as her legs quivered. “I do not recall a question being asked.”
“Hannah.”
The low growl sent gooseflesh flying down her entire body, bringing her back to another time when that same snarl rang out in pleasure. Treacherous memories. “How dare you come into my room and make demands upon me! You gave me away. You chose Abby. You lied to me in the forest. Claiming to love, honor, and cherish me until death. Your vows are as meaningless as your sense of honor.”
Logan went still. “Come here and say that again to my face.”
The command was given in a voice as grating as wheels crunching over gravel. Still, he would not see her cower. She met him in the darkest corner, itching to give him a piece of her mind. But she hesitated. This close, she could see the details of his dress. He clothed himself in black garments and on his face—
A mask. Adorned in silver primroses.
Words died a silent death on her tongue.
He began to circle as a hawk, stalking its prey. “It’s a terrible thing to impugn a man’s honor.” Logan’s voice came suddenly from behind, his breath hot upon her neck. “Men who dare usually do not live to issue an apology.” His hand shifted through her tresses to grip with meaning around her throat.
“What do you want?” She despised the quiver in her voice.
“I came only to share words.” His grasp slipped away.
“In the middle of the night?”
“I find it a most opportune time.”
She cranked her head around, finding herself nose-to-nose with the beast. “I am angry and not in the mood to speak.”
“What are you in the mood for?”
“Murder.”
“Then flay the flesh from my bones and be done with it.” An ebony lock of hair fell over his mask.
She swiveled back around, unable to bear the sight of the silky strand. How smooth and soft it felt scrunched in her hands, while he… while he…
Left her trembling and aching in the grass. The wretch. “I will cook you a meal and feed you instead.”
“Is that a threat?”
“When I have pancakes to throw at you, you’ll know.”
A dark chuckle echoed, then came the scraping of a chair. “Sit.”
She stared at the furnishing as if it had sprouted teeth and stood poised to bite her. “I’d rather not.”
He dragged another armchair over and descended, his massive frame filling it as though it were a child’s seat and he a giant. He flung an arm over the back cushion and splayed his legs. His gaze fell upon her as a hot brand. “We are having this discussion no matter your position, so by all means, do as you please.”
Her belly chose that moment to complain. Sighing, she made herself comfortable on the cushion. Let the oaf think she was biddable. She’d teach him the error of his ways soon enough.
“I know my refusal to give in to Pembroke’s demands hurt you tonight, but—”
“He demands his son as any father in his position would. He is desperate and fights for his child with what means are left, but even so I know he would never hurt me as keenly as you have.”
Silence greeted her outburst.
All at once her temper deflated, leaving her with a strange sadness. “You do not love me enough to surrender his son. Why are you even here? You should be planning your reunion of Abby.”
“Is that the reason for your waspish tongue? You think I’m in love with her?”
“Speculation is not required, my lord. I know you are. And… and I think she with you.”
His fists clenched. “Not everything is as it appears, Hannah.”
“Then Thomas’s plans are for naught if there is no one you hold close to heart.”
He slipped to the floor at her feet, daring to rest a hand on her knee. “The entirety of my world is in this room, and I would love nothing more than to hold you both.”
“Yet you gave us up when you chose to keep a child from his father.”
“My unwillingness to give in to Pembroke’s demands does not mean I’m giving you up.” He sighed. “It’s about a debt, Hannah. Something I owe, not someone I love.”
“A debt? To whom?”
“I cannot tell you.”
“Why?”
“I swore an oath to protect the identity of the parent and the child.”
“More vows. Tell me, my lord, how do you choose which to honor and which to cast aside? Is it a game of chance, perhaps? A matter decided by a roll of the dice?”
His eyes narrowed a warning, but she hungered to draw blood with the only weapon at her disposal. “Fine then, my lord. Keep your secrets and I shall keep mine so we may have a balanced scale between us.” She stood, sweeping to the balcony doors, staring out the pane of glass, bristling with anger and jealousy.
Footsteps eased up behind her. Hot breath teased the back of her neck. “He kissed you, didn’t he?”
Guilt blasted through her animosity. “Perhaps it was I who kissed him.”
Her neck moistened when warm air gave way to silken petals, lavishing attention on the sensitive area she loved most. “Did you enjoy it?”
“Yes.” She gulped and his teeth nipped her flexing tendon. She arched into the sensuous sting. “Still, you ruined the moment.”
His tongue apologized to the abused flesh, lapping it several times. “How did I accomplish such a feat removed from the situation as I was?” Arms circled her waist in a gentle vice.
“Your child gave me second thoughts.”
He chuckled, low and rough.
“You find my words amusing?”
“Amusing? No.” He maneuvered her around to face him. “In truth, I’m disappointed. Yet I understand.”
“You do?”
“I would think exploring your passion for others would be a natural thing. How else would you know your feelings for me are real and not because I’ve been forced upon you for acceptance?”
“A proper suitor would be jealous.”
“I sympathize with your situation.”
“You sympathize?” The words struck a raw chord inside Hannah. “How gallant of you, my lord. Is that the reason for your return here tonight? To pat me on the head, sit me on your knee and whisper of false platitudes?”
“Of course not.”
They stared at each other, their gazes searching.
“You say I betrayed you with a kiss, but it was you who strayed first.”
“Why? Because I protect the identity of one child and his mother? Or is it because of this?” He stormed to her desk, picking up her memory book. “You created a hero and laid blame at my feet for not playing the role you assigned to me. This rubbish is not who I am.”
“You fight with uncommon skill, have hidden stores of weapons, own a horse who hides upon your command. You keep secrets and steal children.” She gestured at his silver mask. “And now come to me dressed as Silver Hawk. You wear costume upon costume, I haven’t the slightest notion who you are and what’s worse, you frighten me.”
He knelt before the hearth and tossed her memory book and newspaper clippings into the fire. “Then let us lay waste to the past and forge a different path for ourselves. We can place the first brick of a new foundation between us tonight. One made from the courage of our convictions and the strength of our hearts toward a common goal.”
“Common goal?”
“Us, Hannah. Our child. Our life together as man and wife.” He prowled back to her side, dragging off his mask then handing it to her. “Take it.”
“Why?” Cool linen slipped into her palm, and she inhaled the faint aroma of horse and sandalwood. The same scent she breathed as Logan had moved over her in deep, rolling surges.
“I desire my wife to be aware of my most closely guarded secret. Disclosing it will be my death should you wish it.”
She blinked at the power clutched in her hands. “Then why give it to me?”
“A life for a life. I could not afford the stakes of Pembroke’s game, so I am offering you something of equal value.”
