How to Tame a Beastly Lord (Happy Ever Regency Book 2) Page 5

  To this day, Adrian could not say with certainty who had taken his friend’s life. He had his suspicions, however, a letter found among Emery’s possessions had prevented Adrian from seeking retribution. If he could not save his friend’s life, then at least he could fulfill his dying wish. And so, Adrian had returned to England.

  “If she’ll agree,” Adrian heard himself say before his gaze focused and met Grant’s. “I will marry her, and you have my word that I’ll do everything within my power to see them safe.”

  For a moment, Grant stared at his friend, disbelief in his eyes. Then, however, relief claimed his features and the tension of the past days fell from him. “Thank you,” he gasped, inhaling a deep breath. “Will you return with me to Wentford Park? I believe it would be best if the ceremony would take place as soon as possible. I’ll send Mr. Thatcher to London to procure a special l—”

  “I will not leave Ravengrove,” Adrian growled as the thought of what he had just agreed to slowly sank in. “If she agrees to marry me, then bring her here. I’ll have the east wing readied for her.”

  Not that there was much readying to be done as Mrs. Perry seemed to have everything under control as she’d always had.

  Momentarily taken aback, Grant paused, but then nodded before he quickly took his leave, eagerness quickening his steps. He assured Adrian that he would see to the preparations and bring Eugenie to Ravengrove as soon as possible.

  Adrian said very little and was relieved to hear his friend’s footsteps echo away and toward the front hall. Not in many years had he spent this much time in the company of another.

  It was draining, to say the least. Considering the upheaval Grant’s visit and request would bring to Ravengrove and Adrian’s reclusive existence, Adrian was not surprised to find himself exhausted. Worry creased his brows as he sank into his father’s chair. Although he knew he could not have refused his friend, he could not help but curse himself nonetheless.

  What was he to do with a wife and child? What would being at Ravengrove do to them? Adrian didn’t dare contemplate the matter. What remained was that he could not have refused. He had failed Emery, but this was a chance to make amends.

  If he could protect…Eugenie—he sighed at the warmth that rushed to his heart—perhaps he would find some measure of peace. Perhaps Emery could forgive him for his failure. Perhaps at least Grant would be happy again, unburdened by guilt.

  Burying his face in his hands, Adrian groaned. What on earth was he supposed to do with a wife?

  Chapter Four

  The Beast of Ravengrove

  The Beast of Ravengrove!

  Eugenie felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. Although she could have very well blamed it on her pregnancy or the carriage’s swaying as it rumbled along the country road, she knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that it was the man awaiting her at the end of her journey who caused her such unease.

  Of course, Lord Wentford had not referred to him as the Beast of Ravengrove; however, Eugenie had heard the whispers. Especially considering that Ravengrove bordered on Wentford Park, gossip abounded with regard to the reclusive lord who’d lost his family in a terrible fire. People whispered of a curse which had marked his face and blackened his soul. No one had ventured near the estate in years and very little was known about its master as his servants kept to themselves, loyal to the beast they served. That alone magnified some people’s belief in a curse for who would willingly be in service to a monster?

  Closing her eyes to the green countryside as it rushed by, Eugenie inhaled a deep breath when a wave of nausea rolled through her middle. She clamped her lips shut and breathed through her nose, willing her mind to focus on something other than the sickening swaying of the carriage.

  But what else was there?

  “Are you all right?”

  Opening her eyes, Eugenie looked at her husband—no, not her husband, not any longer—as he looked at her with concern darkening his eyes. Seated diagonally from her, he watched her carefully as though he feared she might faint at his feet.

  In that moment, it was a very appealing thought indeed.

  “I’m all right,” Eugenie replied, willing her voice not to falter as she cast him an uneasy smile. At a loss to explain, her hand came to rest on her middle without thought, and she saw him almost cringe as he realized her meaning.

  “I’m sorry,” Lord Wentford said, his shoulders slumped and his head bowed, deep regret etched into his green eyes. “I’m so sorry.”

  Eugenie nodded, knowing that it was not merely a platitude, but deep regret expressed at the sight of her misery. He knew well that she was the one paying the price for the happiness that would await him upon his return home. He had been granted a second chance with the woman he’d loved beyond death while she was on her way to wed a beast.

  How was this fair?

  A small spark of anger ignited, but did not blaze into a flame. No, Eugenie had too much sense to entertain such thoughts. Fairness was irrelevant. What had happened had happened and, now, she would do well to look to solutions and not place blame where it did not belong. After all, Lord Wentford was not at fault here; no more than she was. He had proposed, and she had accepted, neither one of them aware that his wife had still been alive at the time.

  “Do not concern yourself, my lord,” Eugenie told him with more bravado than she felt. For despite her determination to wish him well, she could not deny that she was terrified of what awaited her at Ravengrove. “I’m quite all right.”

  The green in his eyes darkened, and a frustrated sigh left his lips. Whether or not he believed her, there was nothing he could do to change what was. He knew that as well as she did herself.

  The only comfort came from the thought that the rumors might not be true, that the title Lord Remsemere had been given by the gossips was somehow undeserved, that the beast was a man after all. A man who would treat her kindly. A man who would protect her. A man she did not need to fear.

  After all, Eugenie did not believe that Lord Wentford would sacrifice her in order to reclaim his love. He would not urge her into a marriage without the conviction that she would be well taken care of. He would not lie to her in order to secure her agreement. He would not simply rid himself of her without thought for her future and safety.

  He would not.

  Eugenie was certain of it.

  Therefore, she willed herself to believe that Lord Remsemere was a decent man despite his reputation. Please, let it be true!

  As Ravengrove appeared on the horizon, Eugenie felt her nails dig into her palms. A cold shiver ran down her back when she saw the tall, forbidding towers looming high into an overcast sky. The large stone fortress held something dark, and it seemed the sun shone anywhere but here. Still, as they followed the fast-flowing river for a spell and then proceeded up a small slope toward the main building and its massive, double-winged front door, she saw no neglect as she might have expected from the rumors whispering of a man retreating from the world and living in darkness.

  At the very least, the man had a competent housekeeper who saw to the upkeep of his estate. A small relief on such a dark day.

  “My lady.”

  Tearing her gaze away from the walls made of dark stone, Eugenie found her husb—no!—Lord Wentford holding out his hand to help her alight from the carriage. A soft smile played on his lips, and she drew strength from it as she took his proffered hand and stepped down onto the smooth cobbles forming the long drive.

  I can trust him! She whispered to herself as he led her past the main entrance and toward the gardens where a small chapel sat nestled in a grove of ash trees. Swallowing the lump in her throat, Eugenie looked about her new home—if indeed she would ever come to feel at home here—and found it strangely empty. Not a soul could be seen anywhere—aside from the stable boy who had run out to help see to the horses. For all intents and purposes, it seemed as though the rumors were true and only ghosts inhabited this place.

  Her steps slowed involuntarily, and the muscles in Lord Wentford’s arm tensed. Swallowing, he looked down at her, an encouraging smile on his lips. “I never knew you were so brave,” he whispered, admiration shining in his green eyes. “I misjudged you, and I shouldn’t have.”

  Then he proceeded onward and, overwhelmed even more than before, Eugenie clung to his arm, not feeling brave in the least.

  Indeed, fear slowly clawed its way into her heart and every fiber of her body until she felt ready to bolt. If only things had gone differently!

  Feeling helpless once more at the turn her life had taken, Eugenie inhaled a deep breath in order to withstand its overwhelming pressure. Like before when her father had passed, she now found herself in a situation where her life was dictated by others and she was not free to choose. Although she had always been an obedient daughter, her father had long since promised her that he would allow her to choose her own match. He had been a kindhearted man, and she had believed him, never once thinking what would happen if he were to pass on before she was married.

  Then, she’d had no choice or at least not much of one. And neither did she have one now if she wished for her child to have a chance in this world.

  Out of the corners of her eyes, Eugenie caught movement and her head turned toward the stables. A small, dark head was peeking around the stone building, but quickly vanished when her eyes fell on him, a young boy unwilling to show himself.

  Why, Eugenie could not say, however, the sight of him gave her hope. If a child could survive in this place, then so could she! It wasn’t much, but she clung to this thought as she followed Lord Wentford into the small chapel.

  When Eugenie stepped across the threshold and her eyes spotted the tall, dark stranger standing with his back to her up front by the altar, all else faded into the background. She did not see the soft glow of the sun as it shone in through the stained-glass windows nor the beautiful carvings on the rows upon rows of pews. No, all Eugenie could see was the man in black, his midnight dark hair worn to chin-length and tucked behind his ears. Even from down the aisle, she could see that he was not clean-shaven, but hid the lower half of his face behind a beard as dark as the hair upon his head. He stood tall, and the breadth of his shoulders made him seem like a giant. His hands were linked behind his back, and his feet were slightly apart, his body alert, aware of his surroundings.

  Eugenie did not doubt that he was well aware of her entrance; however, he did not turn around, but kept his back to her as though he did not dare look at her.

  Her heart beat frantically, faster with each step she took toward the stranger she was to wed. And belatedly, she realized that she had never once wondered why on earth this man had agreed to marry her. Was it simply because Lord Wentford had asked? Was it simply a favor to a friend? Was that enough of a reason?

  Ashamed, Eugenie realized that ever since her world had come crashing down around her, she’d only ever seen herself. Not once had she wondered what he was giving up by marrying her and giving her his name. For it was not only her, but her and her child.

  Not only was he giving up any chance at marrying for love, but he also might be losing his family’s title to another man’s child. Why was it that he didn’t care? Or did he? But if that was the case, why on earth had he agreed to this? Eugenie knew why she had agreed, why she’d had to agree, but him?

  Still, the moment her feet reached the front of the aisle and came to stand by the altar, all thoughts fled her mind. All she was aware of was her wildly beating heart, and then she was alone as Lord Wentford released her arm and stepped back to sit in the front pew.

  Alone with a stranger.

  A tall, dark stranger who hadn’t even bothered to look at her yet.

  Only when the priest began his mumblings did Eugenie register the older man’s presence, and she wondered if there were other people present she hadn’t taken notice of. Her mind did not linger on that question though for her eyes were immediately drawn back to the man at her side.

  As the priest droned on, her betrothed shifted on his feet and his body turned slightly toward her. Seeing it as a sign of good will, Eugenie inhaled a relieved breath. However, it quickly retreated into her body when her gaze fell upon the long scar that covered the right side of his face. Like a lightning bolt, it slashed across his eye and down his cheek until it vanished in his thick beard.

  Perhaps he’d heard her intake of breath for his pale blue eyes met hers, and the cold in them reminded Eugenie of the ice on a frozen lake. An involuntary shiver gripped her, and her body began to tremble as she took note of the hard lines of his face. His jaw was set as though in anger, and he seemed to glare at her, a deep crease between his brows.

  Unbidden, panic slashed through her and tears welled up in her eyes. Eugenie wanted nothing more but to turn and run when all she could do was clench her teeth to keep a sob from bursting forth.

  Chapter Five

  In Name Only

  The young woman beside him was the picture of misery.

  Gritting his teeth, Adrian did his best not to look at her, to ignore the tears that blurred her vision. He had sensed her the moment she’d stepped into the small chapel. Fear had radiated off her. Fear and pain and regret; feelings Adrian knew well. They were his daily companions, and he sensed them in others with an ease that had been won through years of experience.

  A part of Adrian could not help but regret the fact that he had agreed to marry her. Her sharp intake of breath when she had glimpsed his scar spoke loud and clear of the terror that lived in her heart. No doubt she’d heard the rumors of the Beast of Ravengrove. Who knew what thoughts, what fears lived in her heart?

  Certainly, this marriage would protect her from society’s censure, but was that enough? Perhaps he ought to have urged Grant to search for another man willing to marry her despite the circumstances she now found herself in. Perhaps that would have been for the best.

  For her.

  For everyone.

  Still, as much as he regretted the developments that had brought them to this moment, Adrian could not help but look at her. She was Emery’s little sister, and a part of him yearned to know her. Her tear-filled eyes shone with the same silvery glow as her brother’s and possessed the same kindness as well. She was a slender woman, not short in height, but dainty and delicate. Her velvety white skin stood in stark contrast to the raven-black curls dancing down her temples, and despite the paleness of her cheeks, her lips seemed to know the meaning of a smile.

  She had been happy…once.

  Now, her jaw was quivering as she fought down panic, her eyes fixed on something only she could see, away from him and the fear the very sight of him instilled in her.

  Guilt flooded his heart, and Adrian whispered a silent apology to his friend. He had hoped to be of service to Emery’s little sister. However, it would seem his mere presence was causing her more heartbreak than she had ever known before. His jaw tightened at the thought that he was disappointing his friend yet again, unable to repay the debt he owed him.

  Her lashes fluttered downward and when they came back up, a lone tear rolled down her right cheek. She swallowed hard, and he could see her gaze shifting backward as though she wished to turn to look at the man who sat in the pew behind her.

  Grant.

  The man she’d married.

  The man she’d loved.

  The man she still loved.

  While Grant would return to his first wife, both hands reaching for a happily-ever-after with the woman who’d stolen his heart years ago, Emery’s sister would have to say goodbye to the man who had stolen hers.

  It was, indeed, a dark day. Adrian felt like a true beast at the sight of her terror whenever she dared glance at him. Silently, he prayed that the priest would hurry so that he could retreat to the west wing and leave her be.

  For that was the only way she would ever find a small measure of peace here at Ravengrove.

  As promised, he would marry her, give her his name, his protection…as well as his absence. She could make her home in the east wing while he would remain far away, in his family’s old quarters where life didn’t dare venture. He would keep his distance and avoid her wherever possible. It was the least he could do, lest the darkness in his life engulf her as well.

  No, he would never allow that to happen. His failure to keep his distance had already claimed Emery’s life. Adrian would not allow his friend’s sister to follow him into an early grave.

  When the priest mumbled the final words, proclaiming them husband and wife, Adrian blinked, knowing he could not simply rush off. At the very least, he needed to assure her that she had nothing to fear from him, that he would keep his distance.

  “Congratulations!” Grant muttered, a somewhat taut smile on his face as they both turned to look at him. He stepped closer and his green eyes drifted from Adrian to the new Lady Remsemere. “I wish you all the best.” His voice dropped to a whisper as his hand reached out to touch her arm, an offer of comfort. “All will be well. I swear it.” For the length of a heartbeat, his eyes met Adrian’s before Grant turned back to his former wife and the corners of his mouth twitched. “He barks, but he does not bite. You have my word, my lady. He will see you safe. Always.”

  Despite the tension still hugging her features, Eugenie managed a tentative smile. “Thank you, my lord.”

  Adrian merely inclined his head, uncertain how to feel about his friend’s whispered words. Then he simply offered his new wife his arm.

  His lady drew in a deep breath before she reluctantly lifted her hand, slipping it through the crook of his arm. He could feel the delicacy of her touch as her hand all but hovered above his arm, afraid to feel him. She kept her eyes averted, not daring to look at him, and then walked beside him as though she wished to break free and run.

  Adrian was disgusted with himself, feeling like a monster dragging a helpless victim to his lair. He needed to leave…as soon as possible.