03 - The Wicked Lady (13 page)

When Dr. Harrison reached the metal piece, Trevor let out a roar and bucked against Kristen's restraining hands. She was going to need more help but before she could ask Trevor to quit moving, he suddenly lay still. Too still.

"What's happened?" Fearing the worse, Kristen looked down at Trevor's closed eyes, the sweat beaded on his brow. "Is he all right?" She realized, for the first time, that she had tears streaming down her face, and she had to remind herself that she didn't cry. Crying showed weakness. She must be strong.

"Yes, Ma'am. Here's the slug" The doctor held up the dark piece of metal with his forceps. "He's just passed out as most mortal men should, which will make it a little easier when I start stitching him up." The doctor patted Kristen's hand.  "Now, now. Let's not have any tears. We're not finished yet, and I still need your assistance."

Kristen felt Trevor's forehead. It was clammy. "But he'll be fine?"

"I promise he will not miss your wedding if that's what you're worried about." Harrison chuckled. "I'll wager that the next time I'm summoned here, it will be for your firstborn child."

"I can't imagine having children," she admitted. As a matter of fact, she'd never considered the possibility that she might have a baby. She could have Trevor's baby.  The thought frightened her. How would she leave if that happened? There were so many things she'd never considered. As usual, she only took care of the immediate situation.

"Young lady, can you hold his wound together so that I can stitch?"

"I'm sorry. My mind must have wandered." Kristen quickly did as instructed.

"What's your name?" he asked as he expertly placed tiny sutures, closing up the wound.

"Kristen."

"Kristen, don't let childbearing bother you. Believe me, I've delivered scores of babies during my day, and it's a natural part of a woman's nature. You'll do just fine," he said, trying to reassure her.

"
'Tisn't childbearing that frightens me as much as Trevor."

The doctor had been taking neat little stitches, but he stopped and chuckled at that comment. "If you can ever get beneath that hard shell that he's put up around himself, then you'll have no problems. But you will be the first young woman to do so."

"Why?"

"I really should not be telling you this." Dr. Harrison leaned back, having finished his task. "But in this family, I'm sure no one else will, if I don't. You really don't know much about the man you're going to marry, do you?"

"Nay. He's never said much."

"Didn't think he would."

Kristen looked at him, imploring. "Can you tell me something that will help me understand him?"

Doctor Harrison looked up and studied her a long moment before he spoke. "Trevor's mother didn't want him. When he was two, she left him and never came back."

"How could she do something like that?" Kristen gasped. "He was her own flesh and blood."

"I've often wondered that myself." Dr. Harrison shook his head sadly. "Trevor was such a beautiful child. Always laughing.
Always happy. But she simply didn't want children, so she brought him to Chatsworth and left him with Constance to raise."

"What about his father?"

"He wanted no part of Trevor after that. Seems Trevor was the image of his mother, and that reminded Claremont of his unfaithful wife. So, what I'm saying to you is that this boy has never known much love. And he doesn't trust easily." The doctor reached over and took her hand. "I hope you can provide what he needs. I delivered this boy, and I've watched him grow into a lonely, driven man."

Now, Kristen felt really guilty.  She wanted to confess that their marriage would be nothing more than a sham. They were not marrying for love . . . .

Then she realized that's just what Trevor wanted.

A cold marriage . . . .

And who better than a stranger to have it with?

With an agreement such as theirs he didn't have to worry about wooing a woman, he didn't have to worry about love.  is marriage would be just like his life . . . empty . . . safe.

Kristen stared down at this man who had given her so much. He had so much to give. Somehow, she sensed that. But would the wall be too thick?

What could she give him that he truly needed? And could she teach him to love, when she'd had so little of that commodity of her own?

And that's when Kristen realized how much they were both alike.

Alone and unloved.

Chapter Seven

Kristen, at the doctor's insistence, followed him downstairs to let Constance know how her grandson was doing. Kristen needed to check on Hagan and change her clothes before returning to sit with Trevor, but she knew it could wait a few minutes. After all, she knew that if she were in Constance's shoes, she would want to know immediately how Trevor was doing.

The duchess got to her feet as soon as they entered the sitting room.  She looked pale and worried.

"How is my grandson?"

"With a little rest, he will be fine." Harrison rubbed the back of his neck, his weariness showing just a little. "He needs a good night's sleep to shake off the whisky, but Trevor is as strong as a horse, and he'll be on his feet by tomorrow, if I'm any judge." He rubbed the back of his neck again. "You could try keeping him confined to bed for a day, but I doubt you'll be successful." Harrison chuckled, then added, "Your new daughter-in-law was a big help to me." He turned to Kristen. "Thank you very much."

"She isn't my daughter-in-law yet!" the duchess blurted out. Her vehemence made Kristen wonder if the woman would do something to prevent the marriage.

"Now, Constance." Harrison shook his head. "I'm used to your being rude to me, but I'm sure Kristen doesn't realize you have a heart buried in there somewhere."

"I don't know why I put up with your insolence, Harrison." The duchess looked like an angry dog when its hair stands on end.

"Probably because you have little choice. Another physician wouldn't put up with you." He actually winked at Constance, then got his hat and started for the door.

"Kristen, you need to get some rest yourself. I'll check on Trevor tomorrow. Good night."

"Good bye," Kristen replied automatically, then decided to leave, not wanting to be in the same room with the old bat. How could she have felt sorry for the woman? But she stopped dead in her tracks when the duchess called her.

"I want to know what you are up to, young woman. I'm telling you now that it will not work!"

Kristen turned slowly. "I beg yer pardon?"

"I find it strange that my grandson suddenly appears with a
Scotswoman
, whom I've never heard of, telling me he intends to marry her."

Kristen was determined that the woman wasn't going to get under her skin. "Was it not yer wish that Trevor marry?"

"Of course it was, but--"

"But not tae a Scot," Kristen finished the sentence for her.

"Precisely."

"
'Tis sorry I am that ye feel that way. However, yer grandson seems tae think differently and practically begged me tae marry him. I guess ye never know when true love is around the corner." Kristen smiled at the speechless woman. "Now can ye show me where they sent my brother?"

"Certainly not," Constance huffed, folding her arms across her chest. "One of the servants will show you to the second floor. At least my mind is relieved that the lad isn't yours." She turned and called for a servant.

Kristen's eyes flared. "I'd be very carefully how ye speak of my brother. He's ten times better than ye'll ever be. 'Tis a shame our relationship will be painful. I was hoping for something more."

"If it's money you are after, you'll never get a farthing!"

"I dinna think that ye instructed Trevor on how he can and canna spend his money. 'Tis funny, he struck me as being his own mon." Seeing the startled look on the duchess's face that she would dare to speak so boldly, gave Kristen a small victory, but she knew battling with this woman every day would be difficult. She followed the servant who appeared in the door, leaving the old bat to be by herself.

Upon reaching the second floor, Kristen resisted the urge to look in on Trevor, but instead went seven doors down to Hagan's room and peeked in on him.

"Hello, Kristen." Hagan glanced up from where he sat in a chair looking at a large book. "Isn't this the biggest place you've ever seen? Never been in a house this big before."

"
'Tis grand.  I hope we'll like it."

"I think we will."  Hagan sounded like a grown man. He put his book down. "How's Trevor?"

"The doctor removed the bullet, and said he'll be fine after a few days."

Hagan looked very somber. He paused before he finally said, "I was worried."

"That's sweet." She reached over and ruffled his hair.  "Ye'll talk tae him tomorrow, but right now ye need tae be in bed."

"Oh, Kristen."

She held up a hand. "'Tis been a bit trying today, so do as I say."

After getting Hagan to bed, Kristen went out and found her room was just as somber as the rest of the house. Rebecca had wasted little time in putting away her clothes and was just now turning back the bed.

"How is His Grace?"  Rebecca straightened.

"I'm getting ready tae go back and check on him. But I think he'll be fine tomorrow, though maybe a bit sore." Kristen started unbuttoning her dress. "Ye know, I thought he was dead back there. When I think about it, we were all lucky tae still be alive."

"Yes, mum," Rebecca agreed as she helped Kristen into a comfortable day dress of dove gray.

"That feels much better."

Rebecca sat down on a chair. "Have you had a chance to meet the duchess?"

"Unfortunately, yes. She's a grumpy old bat." 

Rebecca laughed. "That's an appropriate description." 

Before Kristen knew it, she had joined in Rebecca's laughter, too. All the tension Kristen had built up was slowly ebbing away.

"I probably should have warned you about the duchess. My mum said she has never seen the woman smile, and she's constantly complaining about something." Rebecca blushed at her boldness. "I really shouldn't be talking about my employer." 

"Ye know I'd never tell anyone," Kristen assured her. "Besides if ye don't tell me, who will? I'm a stranger here. I don't see what the woman has tae complain about. She has a beautiful home, people who wait on her hand and foot." Kristen shook her head. "I don't understand. She should try living down on the docks, then she'd appreciate what she has."

"Docks?" Rebecca questioned. "I never did understand why you went down to the docks. Trevor said you came from a convent."

"I know."  Kristen couldn't make up her mind whether to tell Rebecca the whole truth. She decided against divulging her background just yet. "It really is a long story that I canna comment on because I promised Trevor."

"I understand. I'm just glad you're here."

"Thank ye." 

"As far as the duchess appreciating her wealth, I don't think she ever will. Some people never find the good in anything."

Kristen smiled ruefully. Rebecca was wise for her years. "Yer right, but I bet if we look hard enough we'll find some good in her."

"I'll leave it to you to find," Rebecca said. "The staff will appreciate it."

Kristen looked at Rebecca with amusement. "Get some sleep. I'm going tae stay with Trevor for awhile."

Kristen carried an oil lamp to Trevor's room. Just before she got there, she noticed the door was half-way open. Carefully, she peeked through the doorway and frowned. Constance was leaning over her grandson speaking to him.

"What has that woman done to you?" she murmured to him.

Great! Kristen thought. She could see it now. She would be blamed for everything that happened around here, whether she did it or not. She would take credit for the first wound, but not the second. Kristen bit the side of her mouth to keep from saying something she'd regret.

"Don't worry, Trevor." Constance patted his hand as she bent over the bed. "I'll help you see the right thing to do. I can't believe you brought a Johnstone under our roof." She sighed. "I do wish you'd wake up Trevor and talk to me." She signed again.

"You remember Charity Fulbright? Well she'll be here in two days for a visit. You remember how pretty you always thought she was? She would make you the perfect wife, Trevor, and she is English, not a bloody Scot!" Constance pulled the cover up and folded it back across Trevor's chest. "I do wish you'd wake up. We have so much to discuss." There was a moment of silence. "Well, I guess I shall have to wait until tomorrow. Rest now." She leaned down and kissed him on the cheek. "We'll talk in the morning."

Kristen moved back around the corner so Constance would not realize that she'd been eavesdropping, and waited. The old bat was determined to cause trouble, Kristen realized. Just what she didn't need. She could find trouble on her own. She didn't need any help. She'd been hoping to find a family, yet she'd only found more problems.