Part 14 (1/2)

Smoke billowed around her, stinging her eyes and sucking the breath from her lungs. Where was he?

She crouched in the doorway, trying to get her bearings and remember where he was when shead left him.

The smoke thickened, the fire cracked and popped overhead, a live creature, devouring the ancient wood as if starved. It roared with the throaty growl of a hungry bear.

Harriet could barely hear herself think. Chase was inhere, she knew it. She could feel it as surely as she could feel the dirt beneath her hands, feel the smoke that tortured her eyes.

Suddenly, she found him, sprawled on the floor. Her fingers closing over his hair, his face. She shook him, trying to wake him. aChase!a she choked, catching her breath. aGet up!a Derrick materialized out of the smoke, his wet coat tied over his face. He bent over Chase.

After a second, he glanced up and yelled over the roar of the fire. aWe must get him out of here. Once the fire gets to the woola”a aTake his shoulders, Iall get his feet.a Derrick did as she told him and they struggled to lift St. John. It took every ounce of strength Harriet possessed, but she managed. Together, she and Derrick staggered out of the barn, choking and wheezing as they went. They half dragged, half carried their burden to the yard and then fell into a heap, gasping for breath in the cool air.

Mother was there in an instant. She looked at Harriet and then Derrick. aIf you two ever, ever do something that foolhardy again, Ialla”a aMother,a Harriet gasped. aChase is injured. His heada”a She couldnat go on.

Motheras expression softened. aIall see to him.a She glanced at Ophelia, who hovered nearby. aBring your brother and sister some water.a She turned and began to examine Chase.

Ophelia brought a bucket and dipper. Harriet sipped the water and rubbed her chest where it burned, trying hard not to think. If she thought about Chase, alone in the barn, injured and bleeding while flames crackled about him, she would cry. Cry and cry until she could cry no more. She closed her eyes and said a fervent prayer. He was so special. So dear. She loved him so much thata”She opened her eyes. She loved him.

Mother rocked back on her heels, her face grave. aI canat believe it.a Harrietas heart dropped. aHeas going to die, isnat he?a Her voice cracked.

aNo. Heas breathing. And heas not bleeding badly at all. Itas this.a She pulled back his s.h.i.+rtsleeves. aHe was tied, Harriet. Both his hands and feet.a She met Harrietas gaze with a frightened look. aHarriet, someone tried to kill him.a

Chapter 26.

The St. Johns hate as hard as they love.

aTis the way oa them and I donat see them a-changina.

Little Bob, the coachman, to Miss Lucy, Lady Birlingtonas maid, while meeting for a tryst Doctor Blackthorne shook his head. aItas a sad business this.a Harriet, who had been hovering beside the couch, stepped forward quickly. aWhat? Is he well? Do you need some water? Or should Ia”a aHarriet,a Mother said, taking her daughter by the arm and leading her to a chair. aCome and sit here and let the doctor do his job.a Harriet subsided into the chair, her hands clasped before her. She said a quick prayer, though she kept her gaze fastened on Chase. He looked so pale, lying there on the couch, his clothes and face smeared with soot, his hair matted with blood. Dr. Blackthorne had said no st.i.tches were needed, but Harriet wasnat sure she believed him. All she knew was that if Chase St. John would live, shead never want for anything again.

The door opened and Sophia came in. aMother! A coach just arrived!a aA coach?a Mother went to the window. aWho could that be?a Doctor Blackthorne reached into his bag and pulled out a small bottle. He uncapped it and waved it beneath Chaseas nose. Almost immediately, Chase coughed and sputtered.

He waved his hand weakly, batting it away. aFor the love of Hera, get that out of my face!a Harriet didnat think shead ever heard a sweeter sentence. She leaned forward and grasped his hand, holding it between both of hers. aThank G.o.d you are well!a Chase looked at Harriet, then looked past her to the doctor, and then past the doctor at the rest of the Wards, who were all lined up on the other side of the room, watching him with anxious expressions. His gaze wandered back to Harriet, and he took in the fact that she was wearing a bedraggled night rail, long black soot stains on the knees and streaking her face.

He tightened his grip on her hand. aGood G.o.d, what happened to you?a She only managed a tremulous smile as a large tear made a path down her cheek, cutting a streak through the dirt and soot. aThere was a firea”and the barna”you werea”a To Chaseas utter amazement, she burst into tears. Not tender tears head previously seen, but heavy sobs that tore at his heart. Wordlessly, he reached out and pulled her down to the settee, holding her tight.

Her cries m.u.f.fled against his s.h.i.+rt, her tears making a warm wet splotch, Chase silently held her, waiting for her tears to subside.

From across the room, his gaze met Mrs. Wardas. She, the doctor, Derrick, Stephen, Sophia, and Ophelia all stood, watching. He reddened, but he refused to relinquish his hold on Harriet. aSheas crying,a he said defensively.

aSo we see,a Mrs. Ward said, a faint smile on her lips.

aAnd hear,a Sophia added helpfully. Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears, and there was a trembling smile on her lips.

Chase clamped his mouth closed. He was not going to get into a discussion about this. All he wanted was for Harriet to stop crying. He rested his chin on her head and rubbed her back. aEasy,a he whispered. aEasy, love. Iam fine. Really I am.a She clutched his s.h.i.+rt and sobbed harder.

The door opened and the gaunt housekeeper stood in the doorway. aThat fellow Gower has come, and with him are those two men from the bank.a Stephen squared his shoulders. aBring them in, Jane. Wead best get it over with. The wool is lost and thereas nothing more to be done.a Ophelia sighed and dropped into the window seat, her skirts billowing out about her. aAll that worka”for nothing.a Her voice echoed hollowly.

aNonsense,a Sophia said with false cheer. aWe had a lovely time and Iam certain Iall never laugh as hard as I did when I saw Mr. St. Johnas sheep.a Harriet hiccupped a sob, then pulled away from Chase. aGa”give me a moment to compose myself. Iall talk to Gowera”a aNo, you wonat,a Mother said briskly. aYou arenat in any shape to talk to anyone. Just lie there on the settee with Mr. St. John and let me deal with this mess.a aLie on the settee with Mr. St. John?a Harriet blinked down at him.

Chase grinned and pulled her back to his side. aDo as your mother says.a Mother beamed.

aIall bring the gentlemen in,a Jane said with a fierce glower, abut I will not bring them anything to eat.a Doctor Blackthorne replaced the smelling salts in his bag. aI can see that Iam not needed here. Iall be off.a He glanced at Mrs. Ward. aIall stop back by this evening to make certain everyone is well.a Mrs. Ward nodded. aThank you so much. I will walk you out, buta”a He held up his hand. aDonat even think of it.a He made his way to the door, stopping briefly by the settee. aYouare going to have the devil of a headache.a Chase shrugged. aIall live with it.a The doctor eyed Harriet, who was snuggled neatly beside Chase. aI daresay you will.a With a wink, he left the room.

A moment later, Jane returned, the bankers in tow.

Stephen came forward. aGentlemen.a Gower nodded his head. aStephen. Mr. Silverstone, Mr. Picknard, and I were just looking at the barn. Itas still smoldering, but it seems a complete loss.a aIt is,a Stephen said shortly.

Gower smirked. aI thought it would be best to bring them out here myself so that they could see the damage firsthand.a Chase had never wanted to box someoneas ears so badly in his life.

Stephen lifted his chin. aWe might as well make this easier on all of us. Mr. Silverstone, Mr. Picknard, we cannot pay the note.a Gower brightened. aThere! I told you thata”a aMr. Gower!a Mr. Silverstone frowned at his a.s.sistant. aOne does not gloat over othersa misfortunes. This is a sad business. These people have worked hard.a Chase looked at the Wardsa faces, at the hopelessness in their expressions. He caught Harrietas gaze and gave her a comforting squeeze. aDonat despair.a She smiled then, and though it was a tremulous smile, he knew what it cost her. aI am not despairing. We will come about, one way or another. Even without Garrett Park, we are still a family.a His heart warmed. He was graced by the beauty of the woman he held in his arms. aYou are the most generous woman I have ever met.a She placed her free hand on his face, her fingers gentle. aI love you, Chase St. John. And nothing is more important than that.a He couldnat speak. Not one word. His heart bounded with joy, his soul burst into song, but not a single word came forth. And he knew in that moment that he had indeed finally found the strength he needed to face whatever the world had to offer.

He captured Harrietas free hand and pressed his lips to her palm. aHarriet Ward, I love you.a Tears filled her eyes once again, but they were held in check by the huge smile that graced her lips.

aThatas enough of that!a Gower said, his face red. aWe are here on official bank business. I have no wish to seea”a aGoodness!a Ophelia said from where she sat perched on the window seat. aYou wonat believe this!a aWhat?a Sophia asked. aWhatas happened?a aThereas a carriage and eight in the drive! Two of them! And they both have crests on the doors and footmen anda”a Jane stood in the door. aIf you are going to announce the guests, then Iall go back upstairs and change the linens.a aWho is it?a Stephen asked, looking completely confused.

Mr. Silverstone cleared his throat. aPerhaps Mr. Picknard, Mr. Gower, and I should leave so thata”a aNo,a Chase said, pus.h.i.+ng himself upright. He pulled Harriet with him and settled her on the settee beside him. aSorry, sweet, but weave guests.a Harriet snuggled in beside Chase, her heart humming. But before she could speak, a shadow darkened the doorway.

A man walked into the room. He was talla”only slightly more than Chasea”but he exuded a raw power that made even Mr. Silverstone stand more at attention. He was soberly dressed, yet in the height of fas.h.i.+on, a blue sapphire nestled in the center of his cravat.

His gaze cut across the room and found Chase instantly. Harriet was suddenly struck with the resemblance. Black hair and clear blue eyes, an aristocratic nose, a natural air of hauteura Chase struggled to his feet, swaying slightly as he did so. aMarcus!a The man came forward immediately and grasped Chaseas arm. ab.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l, what happened to you?a Chase grinned. aYou always said I needed a business venture, so I took up sheep shearing.a aIt looks like incredibly dirty and dangerous work. Youad better sit before you fall.a Chase sat back down, immediately returning Harriet to his side.

Harriet caught Marcusas considering gaze, her cheeks heating. To her surprise, he offered her a slight, calm smile before turning back to Chase. aIam sorry Iam late. It took us some time to discover your whereabouts.a aWe?a Chase asked.

The doorway was immediately filled, this time with a younger man, though he was clearly marked by his black hair and laughing blue eyes. aThere you are, you scoundrel.a aDevon!a Chase grinned. aMarcus has you running fetch and carry, does he?a aLud, no. Thatas why Anthony is here.a aYou brought our half brother?a aOh yes. Heas in the carriage now, with your present.a aPresent?a aAn early birthday gift.a Devon looked around the room, skimming over the bankers and coming to rest on Sophia. aWell! What have we here?a Sophiaas cheeks flooded with color and she dimpled adorably.

Chaseas smile dimmed. aSheas sixteen, Devon.a aOh. What a pity.a Devon shrugged. aI wish I wasnat a man of scruples.a aChase,a Marcus said softly, aperhaps you could do the introductions?a aWith pleasure. This,a he hugged Harriet tighter, ais Miss Harriet Ward. Harriet, malove, these are my brothers, the Marquis of Treymount and Devon St. John.a Harriet managed a nod, for Chase held her so tightly she couldnat rise.

Marcus bowed. aA pleasure, Miss Ward.a aIndeed,a Devon said, sweeping a gallant bow.

Chase didnat give them more time. aAnd this is Miss Sophia and Miss Ophelia. Derrick. And Stephen.a Marcus bowed again, then eyed Gower, who stood rigidly in the center of the room. aAnd these gentlemen?a aMr. Picknard and Mr. Silverstone from the bank, and his a.s.sistant, Mr. Gower.a Mr. Silverstone cleared his throat. aItas a pleasure to meet you, my lord. Iam afraid I donat quite understand whatas happeninga”a aNeither do I,a Marcus a.s.sured him with a cool smile. aBut Iam certain my brother can explain everything.a aBrother?a Mr. Silverstone looked at Chase, his brows raised. aThe captain is youra”a aNo,a Chase said. aI am not a captain. Iam Chase St. John.a aCaptain?a Devon asked, obviously amused. aWhen did you become a captain?a aIall explain later,a Chase muttered, sending his brother a quelling glance.

aExplain now,a Marcus cut in, his brow lowered. aThe short version, if you please.a Chase sighed. aI was attacked by footpads on the road near here. It was my fault; I was drunk and an obvious target. Anyway, when I woke up, Ia”a aa”kindly agreed to pretend to be my fianc,a Harriet said breathlessly. She met Marcusas glance and colored adorably. aMy fianc that did not really exist. We call him Captain John Frakenham. We made him up to keep the bank at bay.a Devon burst out laughing. aSo Chase pretended to be a sea captain? BaG.o.d, I would have given gold money to have seen that!a aSt. John?a Gower suddenly sputtered. aWait! I read that name in Debrettas! Ya”you are not telling me thata”No. I will not believe it.a aYou donat have to. Itas none of your concern.a Chase reached into his pocket and pulled out the talisman ring. He glanced at Marcus. aThough I was waylaid by thieves, fortunately this was saved.a aThank goodness,a Marcus murmured. He eyed the ring a moment. aI think.a Devon frowned. aChase, I donat mean to pry, but you look like h.e.l.l.a aI was in the barn putting up the wool when someone knocked me on the head and set the building on fire.a There was a moment of stunned silence, then Devon chuckled. aAlways willing to play a joke, arenat you?a aI am not joking.a Harriet glanced at Chaseas stern expression. She placed her hand on his and was rewarded with a gentle squeeze.

Devonas smile faded. aOh. I can believe you were attacked and nearly set afirea but putting up wool? You expect us to believe that?a aYes.a aAttacked?a Mr. Silverstone said, looking concerned. aYou were attacked?a aAnd tied and left to burn,a Stephen added grimly.

Derrick looked at Gower. aDidnat you tell them about the fire?a Mr. Silverstone frowned. aAll Mr. Gower has told me is that your barn burned to the ground and you cannot make the final payment.a Gower waved his hand. aI didnat know anyone was tied and left to burna”a aYou knew someone was in the barn while it was burning,a Derrick said grimly, abecause we asked for your help, and you just turned and rode off.a Silverstone whirled on Gower, the older manas thick brows lowered even more. aDid you witness their misfortune and then turn and leave?a Goweras face turned bright red. aI saw no need toa”a aYoua”a Silverstoneas jaw set. He glared at Gower. aThere have been several instances when Iave wondered at your moral fiber. I can see my concerns were well founded. Youave wanted the Wards to fail since you first came to the bank.a Mr. Picknard nodded. aI believe weave seen enough, Silverstone.a aIndeed we have. Mr. Gower, the second we return to the bank, you will clean out your desk.a Goweras hands opened and closed. aThatas nota”I didnat meana”but what about the Wards? What about their note?a aThatas no longer your concern,a Silverstone snapped. aLeave, Gower. You are dismissed.a Gower sputtered. aB-b-buta”a aLeave,a Silverstone ordered again, but in a colder voice. aOr Iall see to it that you never work in banking again. Ever.a Red-faced, Gower seemed to be struggling with his temper. Finally, he swallowed, then said, aYes, sir.a It was easy to see that he wanted to say more.

Silverstone looked Gower up and down before turning away and murmuring something to Mr. Picknard.

There was nothing left to be done. Gower cast one last look at Harriet, slammed his hat on his head, and then turned on his heel and left.

Chase watched the man go. Had it not been for Harrietas small hand on his arm, he would have gone after that lout and shown him the true meaning of the word ahonor.a Mother cleared her throat. aMr. Silverstone, thank you very much. Mr. Gower has not been at all pleasant for us to deal with. However, he was right about one thing. Without the woola we cannot make the final payment.a Harrietas heart sank. It was so unfaira”they had all worked so hard, so very hard. Chase gave her hand a gentle squeeze. She looked at him and he lifted her fingers to his lips.

Mr. Silverstone nodded. aIf the board would approve an extension for a month, then perhapsa”a aNo,a Mother said. aIam afraid it would take an entire year to find the money.a aA year?a Mr. Silverstone sighed. aIam afraid we could never get the board to agreea”a aWhat about two months?a Chase asked. aWould that be acceptable?a aOf course,a Silverstone said with a nod. aIam certain that Picknard and I could get an extension for that length of time.a Mother frowned. aBut what could we possibly do in two months?a aI could marry your daughter.a He looked down at Harriet. aIf sheall have me.a Harrietas throat, already a bit sore from the fire, now seemed to close. She swallowed three times before she could even rasp out, aWhata”you canat want toa”but youave nevera”a Chase turned her to face him, his hands resting gently on her shoulders. aHarriet, I love you, and I want to marry you. I know I have things I must do, things I have to see to, but I think, with you by my side, that I can face those things.a Harrietas heart quivered. aYou are sure?a aWith all my heart.a aBut you were going to leave last night. I could tella”a aOnly because I hadnat settled things in London. But I wouldnat have been gone long. I couldnat have stayed away, no matter how much I wished it. And nowa now I realize that with you beside me, I can accomplish anything.a Tears welled in Harrietas eyes.