Anne noticed that the mourners were nearly all single women, two dozen, at least. The rain had let off and they milled about chatting and exchanging news. Presently the whole assembly entered the church where the ladies set cakes and punch on the table in the foyer.
Amidst the expressions of sympathy sent her direction, Anne overhead more than one comment to the effect of, “We met in the apothecary one day. He was such a nice man and a widower, too.”
“He always spoke to me. We were particular friends.”
She sighed. Mr. Tyler had been an eligible bachelor and a good catch. No wonder there were so many disappointed souls assembled at the church. She wondered how many had pressed attentions upon him during his trips to the village.
She was happy to see Mariah when she arrived, flanked by Troy, who looked less than happy to be there. Mariah leaned from the pew behind them to whisper, “It looks as though Mr. Tyler was popular with the ladies.”
In spite of herself, Anne could not suppress a smile. “It is interesting how he never mentioned a one of them.”
“You believe the affection was one-sided.”
“Yes. I believe that it was.”
They settled back quietly as the service began. After a few hymns, the vicar delivered the eulogy and then the prayer. When he had finished, he invited the congregation to follow the coffin to the gravesite beside the church.
Anne clutched Lord Westerfield’s arm as they followed the men who bore the casket. She was aware of the unabashed stares from the ladies of the church. The gossip would fly until they learned of the engagement. Then each would be quick to assure the others that she was the first to deduce there had been an attachment.
At the gravesite, the vicar read a scripture as the casket was lowered. Anne listened, fighting back tears when he finished. Everyone watched as she tossed a handful of dirt upon the casket. The service ended and people began to drift away, drawn by the refreshments waiting in the parlor. At last, only Mariah and Troy were left with Anne and Lord Westerfield.
Mariah touched Anne’s elbow. “I am so sorry. You have had many losses to bear.”
Anne nodded. “I did not know him long and yet, I found him kind and understanding. Both Jeremy and I shall miss him.”
She smiled at Mariah. “Thank you for coming. And you, too, Mr. Fletcher.”
Mariah pressed her lips into a disapproving line. “We nearly missed it entirely. Mr. Fletcher has taken to going out for a hunt each morning, though I do not know why as he is yet to come back with any game. He went out today and only just remembered in time that we had an engagement.”
A glance at Troy told Anne that he did not appreciate Mariah’s assessment of his activities. The smoldering resentment that lay in his eyes made her shiver and feel glad that she had not become mixed up with him.
In a cold tone, he replied, “Thank you for sharing my lack of ability, my dear. Perhaps I might do the same for you sometime.”
Mariah’s rosy cheeks flushed bright crimson.
“Forgive me,” she said stiffly. “I did not mean to offend.”
“Perhaps we should all go in for some refreshment. It has turned quite warm after the rain,” said Lord Westerfield.
Anne quickly agreed. She welcomed a diversion to relieve the tension. “Yes, we must. I am sure the ladies would be offended if we did not partake.”
They sampled cake and punch and drifted about the room chatting with the ladies. The widow Needleham surprised Anne by saying, “I was delighted to hear of your engagement, dear. Mariah told me about it when we spoke a few minutes ago. I should be glad to help with preparations in any way that I can.”
Anne managed a smile. “Thank you. You are very kind to offer.”
The lady leaned toward Anne and whispered conspiratorially, “I was surprised by Mariah’s elopement. If you ask me, it was all very strange.”
Anne decided to change the subject. “Indeed. Now I would like to ask you if we shall be able to count on your for roses should I fall short. You have such beautiful roses.”
Mrs. Needleham beamed. “Oh, indeed. Of course you may count on my roses. I should be delighted to share them.”
They spoke of the flowers until the good lady decided it was time for her to take leave. “I need to get off these feet. I tire more quickly these days.”
Anne smiled. “Then you must go home for a rest.”
After Mrs. Needleham departed, Anne sought out Mariah for a private word. “Why did you tell Mrs. Needleham of the engagement? It was still a secret. Now everyone will know.”
Mariah shrugged apologetically, “They would know soon enough anyway. Besides, you know how much I love to be the first to share good news.”
It was true. Anne knew that Mariah had never been able to bear keeping a happy secret. Though Anne had hoped to put off being a source of gossip for at least a few more days, she supposed she could easily forgive Mariah after what she had been through lately.
However, she did know that an upturn in social calls would be inevitable now. Being that she was a private person, and used to a having her life to herself, they would surely tax her energy. Every matron in town would offer her advice in the choosing of her wedding clothes.
She looked up to see Lord Westerfield striding towards her, tall and fit, with just enough swagger in his step to convey confidence. He was worth of any amount of having ladies meddle in her affairs.
As the guests departed, Anne thanked everyone for their kind condolences. When she closed the door, she felt as though she had used every reserve of energy she had ever possessed. Lord Westerfield led her to the couch, “Are you tired?”
“A little,” she admitted.
He snuggled her against him. “You have a rest. You deserve it after what you have been through of late.”
She rested her head against his shoulder and enjoyed the scent of his cologne and the slight stubble of his beard as it rubbed against her hair. She looked up, observing his chin and decided he was a man who must shave more than once a day.
He studied her upturned face. “What is so interesting?”
“You. I would memorize every detail of your face. You have a pirate’s face, you know.”
“A pirate’s face?”
He sounded so surprised that she laughed.
“A very handsome pirate with black eyes and hair and a strong jaw.”
He leaned down so close that his mouth was just above her own. “And how would you know anything about pirates?”
“I suppose I do not,” she whispered, captivated by his closeness.
“Have you ever had a pirate do this?”
He kissed the top of her forehead.
She shook her head.
“Or this?”
He kissed her nose.
Once again, she shook her head.
“Or this?”
He captured her lips in a lingering kiss. She smelled of lilacs. He breathed in her scent as though he could store it in his lungs, to be reminded of her any time he liked.
He tasted of mint. Anne had often seen him, lost in thought as he chewed on a sprig. He had done so after their picnic. She would always remember him on that day, tall and handsome as he walked beside her.
They drew back and looked into one another’s eyes.
He ran his fingers along her cheek, her temple, and the edge of her chin. “I know your lovely face, every line and curve. I could pick you from a hundred women in a pitch black cave.”
Anne smiled. “You are a dear. You make me feel special.”
He raised a brow. “You are special. I love you with all of my heart.”
She snuggled against him again. “I love you, too. All the same, please stay out of dark caves full of women.”
He laughed. “I think I can safely promise that I shall.”
She sighed. “I suppose we should collect Jeremy from your father’s care.”
They had a carriage summoned and arrived at Westerfield Manor where Jeremy was in no h
urry to be collected. “Lord Westerfield has given me leave to explore the house.”
He barely stopped to explain before excusing himself for a further expedition. Therefore, Anne and the young lord were easily persuaded to stay and have a cup of afternoon tea with the elder Lord Westerfield.
“Nasty matter with Mr. Tyler. Jeremy told me all about it. What are you doing at home to see to the boy’s protection?”
“I no longer allow him to play outside,” Anne replied.
The aged man frowned. “And the servants? Do they look after him?”
“Yes, sir, my Betsy is careful to keep an eye on him.”
He shook his head. “Poor boy. No one should have to live this way. Creeping about in shadows and hiding.”
Just then Jeremy showed up. “I did not find any secret doors such as are in our house, Anne.”
He said it with such somber disappointment that Anne smiled. “I do not suppose that every house has secret doors. However, I am sure you had a lovely time exploring.”
He brightened. “Yes. It was glorious.”
He spent several minutes telling of the glass case he had found full of carvings from India. The library was another of his favorite spots. With wide eyes, he related finding shelves of books that described all sorts of foreign lands.
“You must come and read them,” said the young lord.
“I should be happy to. Any time,” Jeremy returned politely.
Anne smiled at him. He was a winsome creature when his manners were intact.
When it was nearly time to leave, the elder lord said, “I should like to invite Miss Tyler and young Jeremy to a little party with some of the neighbors. Would Saturday night be convenient?”
Anne thought a moment. “It would be quite convenient.”
He beamed. “Good. Then I shall begin planning.”
Anne and Jeremy bid him good-day and set off for the trip home with young Lord Westerfield.
“He means to announce our engagement,” he said, when they were inside the buggy. “I think he is still afraid you will get away.”
Anne grinned at his candid assessment. “Tell him wild horses could not drag me away.”
“I am glad of that.”
When they arrived home, Jeremy jumped from the carriage to go and see his puppy. Anne sat with Lord Westerfield, neither wishing to part.
“Would you not like to come in?” she asked.
“I should get back soon. Now that Father has taken it into his head to have a party, he will want to begin preparations. And when he said he would begin planning, he meant that he would plan and I would carry it out.”
“I see. Perhaps I could be of assistance.”
He gave her an appraising look. “Perhaps you could. You could give a weary drudge a kiss to carry him through the ordeal of pleasing his father with the planning of a dinner.”
She leaned to kiss his cheek and he turned his head, meeting her lips with his own. She laughed and drew back. “You are an incorrigible rogue.”
“You kisses are as intoxicating as a fine wine. I cannot help myself.”
She paused and listened. “You shall have to, for I hear Jeremy and it sounds as though something is amiss.”
They sprang from the carriage and followed the sound of his voice. He was frantically calling his dog, his voice growing panicked when there was no joyful bark in reply.
Anne found him in the garden. “What is the trouble?”
“Duke is gone, leash and all. He must have pulled free. I have to find him.”
Anne glanced around, remembering how Mr. Tyler had been taken unaware. “You go inside. I will look for Duke.”
“But he is my dog,” Jeremy protested, on the verge of tears.
“And you are in danger every moment you are outside.”
Lord Westerfield leaned down to the boy. “You go on in and ask Cook what she knows. I will stay and help your sister search. If Duke is anywhere near, we will find him.”
Reluctantly, Jeremy obeyed.
“Do you suppose he ran back to your place?” Anne asked.
“I suppose it is possible. If we do not find him, I will go and have a look around.
They searched for over an hour, failing to find any sign of the dog in pastures or gardens. Exhausted, Anne said, “I know you must return home. Your father will want you. I will tell Jeremy we think the dog may have gone back to your manor. That will give him some comfort.”
“I will let you know if I find him. The grooms can help search around the stables.”
“Thank you. I know I do not have to tell you how much Duke means to Jeremy.”
Westerfield nodded. “Try not to worry, darling. Dogs like to wander, but they usually turn up.”
She sighed. “He has lost so much. Surely, he will not have to lose Duke, too.”
He put his arm around her and gave her a gentle squeeze. “All will be well, you will see.”
She watched him drive off, praying in her heart that Duke really had gone back to the manor. It made perfect sense, really. He was born there and that was where Jeremy had gone. Perhaps, he was only tracking Jeremy. He would be returned safely once Lord Westerfield found him.
With that comforting thought firmly in mind, she went up to share her conviction with Jeremy. She found him moping about the library. He looked up when Anne came in.
Eyes brimming with tears, he said, “You did not find him, did you? Cook does not know where he is either.”
“He will turn up. Lord Westerfield has gone to see if he might have gone searching for you at Westerfield Manor. Dogs sometimes return to where they were born, you know.”
Jeremy brightened. “Do you really think so?”
“I believe it is a good possibility.”
“May we go, too, Anne? We could leave right away.”
“Certainly not. Lord Westerfield will let us know if he finds Duke. I am sure he will bring him here straight away.”
Jeremy sighed. “But it is so hard to wait.”
“Yes, dear. But it is safest for you.”
They waited all afternoon and all evening. Jeremy paced restlessly about the house, asking every little while if Anne thought Lord Westerfield would come.
At last, she could put off sending him to bed no longer.
“Perhaps they have decided to keep Duke overnight. I am sure we will hear from Lord Westerfield in the morning.”
Jeremy went reluctantly to bed.
Anne retired much later, having asked Betsy to split a night shift of keeping watch over the house. When she finally got to bed she sunk rapidly into sleep and would have slept much later had not Jeremy knocked at her door at eight o’clock in the morning.
He popped inside and said, “Lord Westerfield has not come.”
“It is too early for him to come. Please, Jeremy. Go and let me sleep.”
He shut the door and trudged away. Though the house was quiet, Anne found that she could not get back to sleep. She tossed and turned and thumped her pillow into a dozen shapes. Still, each time she closed her eyes, all she could see was Jeremy’s small face looking lonely and disappointed.
Finally, she gave up trying to rest and dressed for breakfast. She found Jeremy in the breakfast room, poking his fork at a poached egg and making no effort to eat it. Betsy looked up and said, “La, miss, you did not sleep long enough.”
Anne stifled a yawn. “I slept as long as I could.”
Betsy nodded at Jeremy. “I told the young master he needed to eat. He will not do that dog any good by losing his strength. I will tell Polly to fetch you some breakfast, too.”
Anne settled at the table with Jeremy. “Betsy is right. You need to eat. When Duke returns, he will not want to find his master pale and sickly.”
“What if he does not return? I shall never find a dog I like half so well.”
“Do not think that way. You must not give up hope. Duke may yet be found.”
After breakfast, she tried unsuccessfully to interes
t Jeremy in a geography game. They had been at it for only a short while when Polly announced that Lord Westerfield had arrived.
Anne sucked in her breath. Apprehension took away her usual delight in his arrival. So much was at stake. Jeremy would be so terribly disappointed if he did not have the puppy. And so blissfully happy if he did.
They hurried to the parlor where Lord Westerfield stood, quite alone.
Anne’s heart sank. “You did not find Duke?”
He shook his head. “I was hoping he might have returned here.”
“I am afraid he did not.”
She bit her lip as she turned to Jeremy.
In an outburst of anger and pain, he cried, “I told you. He is gone and I shall not see him again.”
Abruptly, he turned and spun from the room. A few moments later, they heard his footsteps pounding up the stairs.
“He is not taking it well,” said Lord Westerfield. “He was very attached to the dog.”
She nodded. “First he was not allowed out of the house for fear of his life and now his pet is gone. It has not been easy for him. And I do not know how to comfort him.”
“There is very little you can do, except hope that Duke may yet return.”
Anne shrugged. “I am afraid so.”
“I have one more idea to try. If you have no objection, I shall ride out to your tenants and see if anyone has seen the dog. Perhaps someone took him in as a stray.”
Anne’s eyes filled with tears. “Truly you are kind to take such pains over Jeremy’s loss. How can I thank you?”
He stepped over to her and pulled her to him. “You already thanked me by agreeing to become my wife. Your problems are my problems. Besides, I am quite fond of Jeremy. I know how it feels to love a pet so very dearly.”
She smiled up at him, a dimple showing in her chin as she said, “I still say you are the dearest, kindest gentleman alive.”
“And I say you are the sweetest, most beautiful creature on the face of the earth.”
He kissed her softly, and then said, “I had better be off if I hope to visit all the tenants. With any luck I shall find Duke with one of them.”
“I do hope so.”
She saw him out the door and then retreated to the massive oak desk in the library to look over their accounts. The tenants would owe them rent soon and Anne had never been the one responsible for collecting. As she flipped through the pages of figures, she wondered how Grandfather had ever kept it all straight. Though she showed more aptitude in mathematics than most girls she knew, with so many rows and columns, it would take quite awhile to get it all straight.
She worked through the morning. Jeremy came in once and sat and read for awhile. When she told him where Lord Westerfield had gone, he surprised her by saying, “I am sorry for shouting. I think it kind of you and Lord Westerfield to try so hard to find Duke.”
Pride for him welled in her heart. She rose from the desk and knelt beside him. “You are a dear sweet boy. You have every right to worry over your pet.”
His smooth brow wrinkled in determination as he said, “I shall try very hard to be brave.”
She kissed his cheek. “I know you will, dear.”
That evening when Lord Westerfield returned with unwelcome news, Anne knew that Jeremy would have to be very brave, indeed.
“One man with whom I spoke said he saw a fellow leave your lane carrying a pup away upon his horse. He described the dog as looking a great deal like Duke. He did not pay much attention to the man. He said he was dressed well and rode a fine bay.”
“Oh dear, then Duke has been stolen?” Anne asked.
“It seems that way.”
“But why would anyone do such a thing, especially a gentleman?”
Lord Westerfield shook his head. “That is a puzzle. Perhaps someone in town has seen the man or pup. I shall make a new inquiry tomorrow.”
She clasped his fingers. “Thank you. Perhaps he is keeping the pup in town.”
The muscle in Lord Westerfield’s jaw tightened. “If he is, I shall see that Duke is returned.”
A search the next day raised no sign of the dog. As the days passed, Jeremy kept his promise to be brave. He spoke little about finding the dog and Anne knew he was losing hope.
Saturday night arrived and it was time for the engagement party. Anne imagined that the elder lord was in quite a state of excitement about the event. He had kept his son hopping for the last day or two getting all in order. And now, Jeremy was to come along and they were all to have a merry time.
They arrived to greet the first guests. Mariah and Troy attended as well as a few neighbors and Westerfield’s friends from the village.
Jeremy sipped lemonade while the adults had fine champagne to celebrate. By the time they sat to supper, Anne felt more festive than she had in many weeks. The sideboard was set with a bountiful feast of roast pheasant and hams, side dishes, puddings and cakes. She kept an eye on Jeremy who partook of so many sweets she was afraid he would suffer a stomach ache. Yet, she could not bring herself to chastise him. He had moped about, eating so little the last few days, that it was good to see him enjoy a meal.
When they finished, the gentlemen went to the drawing room for a smoke while the ladies retired to the parlor. When Jeremy begged permission to go to the library, Anne agreed. He could amuse himself there until the evening ended.
Alone in the parlor, the ladies took pleasure in reminiscing about their weddings, all except Mariah. Anne’s heart went out to her friend at her discomposure. However, when it came to advice and offers of assistance, the ladies all joined in, offering more than one conflicting opinion of what fashion would suit Anne best.
All the while Jeremy sat alone in the library, paging through Lord Westerfield’s books. He was so engrossed in the geography about China that he hardly noticed when the door opened and a gentleman came in, holding a lantern in one hand.
“Jeremy, come with me. I know where to find your dog.”
Jeremy jumped to his feet. “I shall tell Anne.”
“No. Let us go alone and surprise her when we return with the puppy.”
Jeremy thought that a splendid idea. After all, had not Anne and Lord Westerfield spent hours searching for Duke? Now, he could add to their happiness by surprising them with the puppy.
He followed along as the man said, “Let us go out the library door. No one will know we are missing until we return.”
Moments later, Pete summoned Lord Westerfield as politely as he could manage. Alone in the hall, he stammered, “You told me to tell you if anyone came or went from the house. Master Jeremy just followed a fellow toward the forest.”
Westerfield’s heart began to pound. “Which way did they go?”
“Out the library, sir.”
Westerfield strode to the library and took two loaded pistols from the desk. He stuck one behind his waistcoat and carried the other as he headed for the door.
Anne saw him pass the parlor and knew from the look on his face that something was amiss. She excused herself from the ladies and scurried to catch up with him. She called to him as he exited the open French doors.
“My lord, something is amiss. Please tell me what it is.”
He glanced back. “No time to explain. I am going after Jeremy.”
Anne’s ire rose. Why would Jeremy wander from the house? He knew better than to worry them like this. He would catch the sharp edge of her tongue when they caught up with him.
She raised her skirts and dashed to keep Lord Westerfield in view as he ran toward the thicket of trees that bordered the gardens. Had it not been for the full moon, she knew she would have lost sight of him.
She was out of breath by the time he slowed at the edge of the trees. She caught up with him and grasped his arm as they plunged into the edge of the thicket.
“You should not have come. There may be danger. I only pray we are not too late.” His grim words made her blood run cold.
“What do you mean??
??
“Jeremy was not alone when he left the house.”
They passed quietly among the trees, listening for any sound that would alert them to Jeremy’s whereabouts. After a few moments, they heard a puppy’s gleeful barking.
“Duke,” Anne whispered.
They made their way straight for the sound of the puppy and stumbled into a small clearing. What they saw by the light of the lantern brought them to an abrupt halt. Anne felt faint with fright. Two large dogs, trapped in a pen, drew back their fangs and snarled at the new arrivals.
Her gaze flew from the dogs to the golden-haired man who stood a mere fifteen feet away, staring at them, his face distorted by the light at his feet. Startled by their sudden appearance, he grabbed Jeremy and held a knife to his throat.
“Let him go. I will pay twice as much as whoever has hired you,” Anne cried.
His green eyes narrowed. “No one has hired me.”
“But you are not a Tyler,” she stammered.
“Am I not? I am Zachery Tyler, son of your esteemed Mr. Tyler.”
He spat the words.
“He refused to recognize me as his son, but he could not prove I was not. I took the name Fletcher and came to claim what should be mine. I had your grandfather poisoned, then my father shot in an “accident”. Now it is this boy’s turn to die. And I am afraid you will both have to die with him. It will be a tragedy that you three took a walk and fell prey to wild dogs.”
Lord Westerfield held his gun level, still aimed at the madman.
Fletcher tightened his hold on Jeremy. “Throw your pistol on the ground or the boy dies now.”
Westerfield paused, judging the distance. It would not be an easy shot in the poor lighting. He couldn’t chance hitting Jeremy.
Fletcher shouted, “Now! I mean it.” He pointed to the ground in front of them.
Westerfield tossed the gun on the ground.
Fletcher gestured with his head. “You two come and stand beside the pen.”
As they moved to join Jeremy, he began to scream and kick at Fletcher. “No, I will not let you hurt Anne.”
“Shut up!” Fletcher struggled to hold the boy.
Duke, upset by his master’s struggle sprang at Fletcher and sunk his teeth into the arm that held the knife. With a cry of pain, Fletcher dropped Jeremy to struggle with the biting dog.
Anne grabbed Jeremy and pulled him away.
“I will kill you, you beastly mutt,” Fletcher cried, aiming a kick at Duke. Duke avoided the kick and ran to Jeremy.
Acting fast, Westerfield pulled his second pistol out and aimed at Fletcher. “It is over Fletcher. Stand where you are,” he shouted.
Fletcher stepped back. His mouth worked in surprise to see himself staring into the barrel of yet another pistol. He held up his hands. Hatred shone from his eyes as he saw there was no way he could win.
“You are coming back to face the charges of murder,” Westerfield said.
Fletcher looked into the dog pen and back at his captors. “I think not, for I would surely be hung. My father was the death of my mother and he will be the death of me, too. But, like her, I shall choose how I will die.”
He stared into the pen with the snarling dogs. He took a step toward them and Anne cried out. Once again, Duke sprang upon him, delaying him from leaping into the pen. Lord Westerfield dashed forward and cracked his pistol upon Fletcher’s head. The man fell in a heap.
“We’ll bind him and call for the constable.”
Duke returned to Jeremy. “He was not a nice man. Good boy, Duke. You saved us.”
Westerfield appraised Anne. “Jeremy looks to be holding up better than you. You are shaking badly. Do you need to rest before we start back?”
She shook her head.
As they walked back for ropes, Anne bit her lip. “Believe or not, I feel some sympathy for the poor tortured man. And more than that, what of Mariah? It will be a terrible stigma for her to have had a murdering husband.”
Westerfield considered her sentiments. “It is sad for her, but Jeremy is safe now.”
Jeremy looked up at them. His blue eyes glowed in the moonlight. “Who shall be my guardian?”
Westerfield put his arm around Anne’s waist. “Why us, of course. Myself and my wife.”
He smiled down at Anne, liking the sound of those words.
She smiled back, liking it also.
Husband and wife, nothing could be more perfect.
She linked her arm across Jeremy’s shoulders and Lord Westerfield’s waist, as together, they walked back to the house.
When they arrived, Lord Westerfield sent a groom to get the constable. Then, he gathered a small party of men to bind Zachary Tyler and escort him to the stable to await the constable. Mariah would be spared embarrassment during the engagement festivity.
When the party ended, they broke the news to her. She wept while they escorted her safely to her parents’ house. Anne could only hold her hand, sympathetic tears flowing freely along the way.
When she had been safely deposited, Lord Westerfield told Anne, “Now, I shall see you two safely home, though I doubt you are in any more danger.”
“We owe you thanks for that,” Anne declared, as she gazed at his handsome face lit by moonlight through the window of the coach.
“Are you really to be married?” Jeremy asked.
“Indeed we are,” Anne answered.
“Y will like that,” Jeremy assured them.
“Your approval pleases me,” Lord Westerfield assured him.
They rode into the moonlight with Jeremy sleeping on the seat and Anne snuggled against the shoulder of the man she loved. Soon they would be a family. The losses of her past were behind her and she looked forward to the future.
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