His Blessed Epiphany (A Regency Holiday Romance Book 9) Page 6

  “I wanted a tour of the house,” Clarence said. He looked as surprised as the rest of them at the words that spilled out of his mouth.

  “Lord Evesham, you have been here before.”

  “Have I, sir?” Clarence looked a little panicked. “I…”

  “I suppose it didn’t leave a lasting impression on you, lad. It was during a ball, and the frenzied activity of the night might have kept you from actually appreciating your surroundings.”

  “If Lady Evesham was invited, the only surrounding he was interested in was her lovely charms, eh, Clarence?” Freddie jested.

  “Aye,” Clarence said, colouring up.

  “I would appreciate it if you would be honest with me, Felix.”

  “It would seem you haven’t been entirely honest with me, either, sir.”

  They stared at each other for one tense minute. He looked over at Clarence, who looked about ready to scream, he probably looked the same way. The Colonel’s eyes swept over them all, finally settling on Lewis. The Colonel had always been an imposing figure, and age hadn’t lessened that one bit.

  “I see you have betrayed my confidence, Lord Cary. I did have higher hopes for you.” The withering tone in his voice would have cowed most men. Fortunately, Lewis wasn’t most men.

  “It couldn’t be helped, sir. You said you would reveal the truth to Lord Spaulding before he married your daughter. I arrived here to find out that wasn’t the case, and I assume you planned for them to be wed right away, am I correct?”

  He sighed heavily, walked over and sat on a hall chair. “Yes. You are. I was going to confess all to you before you said your vows, Felix. I had hoped it wouldn’t make a difference. I hoped that the bond you two shared would be reignited once you were reunited. I did believe I was going to die, and I admit I didn’t believe the good doctor when he told me that I would recover given time. I thought…I thought I would leave this world. I felt as if it was my time, and I had to get my affairs in order. I didn’t want to leave Epiphany without a protector. She is a headstrong, willfully independent girl, and her ideas…her ideas can beg for trouble at the best of times. She thinks that women should have the same rights as men, and while I do not disagree with her, that mindset can be dangerous.

  “I only sought to deliver her into the keeping of a man who wouldn’t punish her or attempt to suffocate her free spirit, or deny her the right to be mistress of her ancestral home. What will you do now that you know, Felix?” he asked wearily.

  Felix considered his answer at length. He didn’t know what to do. He was so bloody conflicted. On one hand, he wanted to marry the Lady Epiphany, and see where their life together could lead, and on the other hand, he wanted to take his chance at freedom and run while he could. Be that as it may, he had given the man his word—while Lord Painswick had honestly been under the impression that he had precious little time left on Earth. If he didn’t stay true to his word, he would feel vile, and the guilt would hang over him for the rest of his life. It would dog his every move, and he didn’t think he could live with that.

  Epiphany wasn’t a bad prospect. She had everything he had ever wanted in a woman, and she hadn’t looked at him as if she was disgusted by his size or sometimes cloddish behaviour. He knew what he was deep down in his heart, and he didn’t need the likes of Peter Blessing and Miss Duffy reminding him of it.

  “Epiphany seems keen on the match,” Felix said softly.

  “Aye that she does. I am pleasantly surprised by how much she is looking forward to it. She hasn’t ever appeared so interested in marriage before, Felix. She…she never really liked being on the marriage mart, even though I did give her a few Seasons. Her mother and I had hoped she would select gentleman, or that one of the gentlemen looking for a bride would show an interest in her, but if they did, she kept them at an arm’s length, and my nephew did attempt to court her, and that was a useless undertaking. She didn’t want him and told me so in no uncertain terms, not that I really blame her. Peter has a jelly like backbone, and he has a greedy nature that is most unbecoming. It is such a shame because as a child he was rather charming. No, even if my daughter wasn’t against the match, Peter would be an unsuitable husband. So, there you have it. I have a stubborn daughter who is set to inherit a fortune, and her head has never been turned by any other man. I am at your mercy, Felix. You may go and tell all to Epiphany, and then I shall be lowered in her estimation.”

  “I won’t do anything of the kind. I have told a few good bouncers myself in my lifetime and rarely have my intentions for doing so been so honourable. No, we shall go along as we have, and if you won’t question why we were roaming through your house, we won’t speak of this matter again. And you must forgive Lewis for betraying your confidence.”

  “Done, and done,” Christian said, standing up. “Now, then, shall we retire to the Library, and have some brandy, mulled wine, posset—or perhaps, some whisky?”

  “Whisky does sound good,” Felix remarked. “But I do think we should allow Lewis to examine Lady Epiphany first.”

  “Quite right. Quite right. Her fall has unsettled us both. She tries to remain so stoic, and yet I know the incident has shaken her terribly. I do not think any dire harm has befallen her. She always seems to have an angel on her shoulder when it comes to such matters.”

  “She was a bloody fool for thinking she could ride a horse that wasn’t trained for the hunt.”

  “As I said before, if she has one thing on her mind, there is nothing that can sway her. The grooms attempted to change her mind, and their advice fell on deaf ears, I am afraid. Perhaps, her stubbornness is my fault. I told her she could do anything she set her mind to—and she believed me.”

  “She hasn’t changed a bit. She used to find all sorts of mischief as a young girl.”

  “That’s why I tasked you with keeping an eye on her,” Blessing chuckled. “Once you marry her, she shall be your little blessing, and I can have some time off.”

  Felix grinned despite himself. His mates looked thoroughly confused.

  “What happened to our Tiny?” Freddie muttered, as they made their way to the Library.

  “I don’t know,” Clarence admitted.

  “He has been bewitched,” Lewis said. “It happens to the best of us. A strong woman has woven a spell over him. And that is the kind of spell that no kind of magic can break. True love is stronger than anything on this Earth.”

  “Oh, he is bloody well done for,” Micah muttered.

  “Damnation,” Lucky sighed.

  Felix groaned. He felt a little bad for leaving Lucky behind, but Epiphany had stirred something he thought long dead within him, and he couldn’t leave her. Not now. Possibly not ever.

  Chapter Six

  Epiphany was a little overwhelmed by all of Felix’s mates.

  To be sure, they were nice enough chaps, but having them all in one place at the same time was rather jarring. She hoped she was maintaining enough of a stiff upper look, and hopefully, her face wasn’t betraying how she truly felt about the matter. She wished they would all take their leave, so she could be alone with Felix. She had hoped they would enlist the vicar but her father hadn’t spoken a word about it since he had returned from fetching Felix.

  Lord Cary was nice enough, and she had sat through his examination with Mrs. Davies keeping a watchful eye. Fanny had never had a doctor quite like him. He didn’t really examine her the way that other doctors did. He didn’t poke or prod, all he did was touch her forehead, and he seemed to know exactly what was amiss. He told her she was a lucky lass and she would be fine, he also said she should get some rest as she would require her sleep, and not to be left alone until she did have some rest. He had feared she would have to stay awake and be woken through the night but that wasn’t the case.

  He said that she would probably live well into her nineties. She didn’t know how she felt about that. His eyes had gone so distant. He had given her the feeling that he was actually portending her future and that dee
ply unsettled her.

  Once he had finished the examination, Mrs. Davies had gone and fetched her father, Felix and his mates. They had marched into the Library, and she had taken a moment to study them all.

  Lord Evesham she already knew, but Felix had to introduce her to the rest of them.

  Lord Knightwick was a little taller than Freddie and had one inch on Felix. Felix however, was broader of frame. They were all married, save for Lord Prescott. He was devilishly handsome, and she wagered it wouldn’t be too hard to him to find a willing lady, once he decided to settle down. By the way they were all dressed, none of them had empty coffers, although Lord Evesham was still the pinkest of the pinks when compared to the rest of them.

  She finished the last drop of sherry in her glass, and then stood up. “I am terribly sorry, my lords, but I should like to retire to my rooms. I think I should like to refresh my appearance.”

  They all mumbled amongst themselves and stood up when she stood up. Giving them one last look, she walked to the Library doors with little Felicity by her side.

  “Fanny,” her father said, in his deep voice. She turned to regard him.

  “Yes, Papa?”

  “Don’t forget to heed the doctor’s advice. Call for your maid to keep you company, as I know you probably don’t wish to see Miss Duffy again today, if you can help it. And, try to have a bit of a rest before dinner.”

  She smiled weakly at him. “As you like it, Papa.” Without a further word, she slipped out the Library doors which a footman opened for her. Sighing, she looked at the imposing flight of steps. Perhaps, she should have asked someone to accompany her up, as they looked quite daunting to her at the moment.

  Almost as if he had read her thoughts, Felix appeared at her side. “Lewis suggested that I see to your rooms,” he said softly.

  “Lord Cary is a most perceptive man. I felt as if he was looking straight into my soul, during the examination.” She thankfully accepted his offered arm, and smiled as Felicity scampered up the steps ahead of them.

  “Doc knows more than most, and he knows it,” Felix said, chuckling. “Still, he is one of the best men I know, and I wouldn’t trust another doctor to tend to your ailments.”

  “Papa has seemed vastly improved since he came under Lord Cary’s tender care. I almost think he is recovering from whatever ailed him.”

  Felix cleared his throat nervously. “I, uh, well, I don’t know much about that.”

  He was cutting shams.

  She could tell, he was lying through his teeth, and she didn’t care to investigate any further. Right now, she wanted to enjoy the time they had together. Having him back in her life had lifted her spirits in ways she had never thought possible. Miss Duffy had truly started to get to her, and Felix was a like a breath of fresh air, compared to her festering filth. She couldn’t understand why Miss Duffy was so horrid. She hadn’t seemed like that years ago when her mother and she had visited Ireland. His presence had breathed new life into the house, and he hadn’t even been here for three hours yet.

  “Shall you remain here for the night?”

  “Of course. Why wouldn’t I?” he asked.

  Her steps faltered, and had he not been there to give her support, she might have taken another tumble. “I do not know. I feel as if you want to away.”

  “I am here for as long as you require,” he said softly.

  “Should we marry tomorrow, will you not stay here forever?” Her breath caught in her throat. They stopped on the landing, and she turned to stare earnestly up into his vibrant blue eyes. He was conflicted.

  Part of him wanted to leave—and part of him wanted to stay. She had to somehow find a way to appeal to the part of him that wanted to remain here with her. Her father might not think she could continue on without him, but she would find a way.

  She was about to elaborate, and they were interrupted by a flurry of guests storming down the steps toward them. They stood on the landing, and the staircase was designed in such a way that there were two ways off the landing leading to the bedchambers above.

  Stopping, Lady Armscote gave her a scathing glare. “We are leaving, Lady Epiphany, and I am taking your dear Miss Duffy with me. I shall need a companion for when I return to London. I shan’t let you give me any arguments on the subject.”

  She felt heady with happiness. “I wouldn’t dare,” Epiphany breathed. She felt buoyant. She thought she just might fly.

  “Obviously, you need to be taken in hand, and you have frayed poor Miss Duffy’s nerves, with your hoydenish ways. She is an absolute wreck. She attempted to make a perfect little lady out of you, but you were far too much of a mischief maker. She needs the break from all of your trouble.”

  “You may keep her with my compliments. I have never needed a companion, and I certainly do not require one like Miss Duffy. Furthermore, Miss Euphemia Duffy hardly made a lady out of me. You can thank my dear Mama for doing that, and she was the best woman I have ever had the pleasure of knowing—Miss Duffy pales in comparison.”

  “That is a very poor way to talk about your relation.”

  “She is so distantly related to me, that I have to get out the family tree and find the branch she is perched on like the little magpie she is,” Epiphany said. She heard Felix attempting to smother a chuckle.

  “It is just as well, because if you marry the man your father plans for you to marry, the entire House of Blessing shall go to wrack and ruin. Thank goodness that your saintly cousin Peter shall inherit the title. Pity, he cannot inherit all of this, as you do not deserve it. You cannot even act like the lady you are.”

  “I think you should find your besom and fly out of her, Madam,” Felix said coldly.

  Lady Armscote gasped loudly. Euphemia was struggling to get down the stairs with the two portmanteaus she carried. Her eyes widened when they clapped on Epiphany.

  Epiphany’s head still ached, but she was with it enough to know that Miss Duffy only owned one portmanteau.

  “Felix,” she said, clutching his arm tightly. “Apprehend her, she…she must have stolen goods in one of those bags, and the one portmanteau is mine. Dear God, she is like a magpie. She is trying to collect my belongings, as well as her own.”

  “I pitched Mr. Blessing into a pile of shite, as he didn’t have the manners of a pig, and I can do the same to you if you do not put those bags down and allow Lady Epiphany and myself to inspect them.”

  Miss Duffy looked stricken with panic. He had seen that look before. She was about to push past Lady Armscote and rush for the front door. “Don’t even think about it, Miss Thornback.”

  “Thornback? Why you wretched man. How dare you call her such a name!” Mrs. Armscote gasped.

  “I dare,” he said cheekily. “You can’t seek to run away from me. I caught Peter Blessing, and I daresay you can’t run any faster than that fool could.”

  Epiphany felt another thrill rush through her. He was magnificent. She watched as Euphemia’s shoulders sagged, and she dropped the portmanteaus. “I was only going to borrow the things I took. I knew I would be discovered. I knew I would have to return the items someday. It was my insurance. It was a way for me to return. I had to take something that I could later bring back.”

  “Are you telling me you are a thief?” Lady Armscote said, aghast at the revelation.

  “That is what she said,” Felix said. “And you lot look down upon where I come from.” He moved and opened the portmanteaus. Inside one nestled several cases of jewelry. He whistled. “Well, she at least went for the things she could sell easily. I didn’t think you were that smart, Miss Thornback.”

  “Those were my mother’s,” Fanny gasped. “You…you…wretched woman. Get her out of my sight, Felix, and take the evidence to my father. He can deal with the little sneak thief. I don’t ever want to see her again. She could have taken anything else and earned my forgiveness, but she knew how dear those jewels were to me. You knew they held sentimental value, and you took them out of sheer maliciou
sness, Euphemia. How could you?”

  Mrs. Davies came out of nowhere and dashed up the steps to where they stood.

  “I heard that Miss Duffy was in your bedchamber, my lady. The maid who saw her leaving it came and told me immediately, but it would seem she almost got away with it.”

  She felt as if she just might fall down. The day’s activities were finally taking a toll on her.

  “You ungrateful little wretch. You should be hanged,” Lady Armscote said. “I do apologize, my dear. I see now that this little minx’s behaviour has driven you to such dire straits. I suppose I should have expected nothing else from an Irishwoman.”

  “Oh, her being the way she is has nothing to do with her being Irish, Lady Armscote. We have people like her right here in Merry Old England. I am sure some of them are your closest friends,” Fanny said, her head feeling as if it just might explode.

  “Well, I shall see that your father hears of what you just said to me.”

  “Oh, do tell him. He needs a good laugh now and then.”

  “You are a lost cause, Lady Epiphany. Nothing shall reform your hoydenish ways.” Lady Armscote let out another indignant huff. “Good day to you, Lady Epiphany.”

  “Goodbye,” Fanny said softly, as the woman left in a dramatic display. “Apparently, sir,” she said, turning back to regard Felix. She squared her shoulders, and attempted to look as if her world wasn’t about to crumble around her. “Apparently, according to some, I am a hoyden.”

  “That’s fine by me, Fanny. I’m an arsehole,” he said, grinning widely.

  She laughed despite herself. He looked at Miss Duffy and then over at Mrs. Davies. “You go on and have a wee bit of a rest. Watch her well, Mrs. Davies.”

  “Oh, I will,” she said. “Come on, my lady, let’s go and have a rest. I shall ring for some tea.”

  “Tea? Oh, yes, that might help, with maybe some of that lovely pound cake that Cook makes, or maybe a mince pie, gingerbread, or some gooseberry fool, dash it, I am quite peckish,” she paused. “Felix? Make quite certain that Papa deals with Miss Duffy. If she is to stay in the house, I want her far away from me.”