The Hunt Ends (Markson Regency Mystery Book 6) Read online

  Too tired to worry about a shirt, he slipped back into bed.

  “Come now, darling,” he called out to his wife.

  But it wasn’t his wife who appeared in the open doorway.

  Mrs. Swanson’s cheeks turned red. “M’ lord, I was sent to bring you this tray. I am sorry for what it is, but I was under orders from Her Ladyship.”

  “Don’t worry. It’s for the best. Place the tray on the table by the fire cove.”

  “Yes, m’ lord.”

  Once the housekeeper departed, Robert dismissed Evan. He waited for his wife, but she didn’t come. Alone and bored, and the meal looking less than desirable, he slowly pushed out of bed and went to the door leading to the adjoining suite, opened it, and disappointment made him frown. Where was his wife?

  “Are you looking for me?”

  He turned around just as she was coming in from the hallway. He’d never been happier to see her in his life. He opened his arms and she swept into them. She smelled so good, felt better. He wrapped his arms around her, carefully considering her delicate condition. Lowering his head, he settled his lips over hers, teasing her mouth open with the tip of his tongue. The moan of pleasure that drifted from her throat excited him. He should be too tired for this, but quite the contrary, he wanted his wife more than he needed his next breath. He felt her slight resistance and pulled his head up to look down at her. “After all of these months I’m not in the mood for broth and biscuits, my love. I want my wife.”

  “I feel completely the same, but something is bothering me—has been bothering me since you mumbled it when you first arrived. I’m afraid I can’t think of anything else unless I’m certain we’re safe from Estelle’s wrath.”

  “Of that, I’m not sure. Once I regain some of my strength we can discuss that subject and what will be needed to keep you and the baby safe. Now, as the only food I’m allowed is that weak broth and biscuits, shall I dine?”

  “Yes, my dear. If strong enough and while you’re doing that would you mind telling me what you meant when you said, ‘Estelle is coming here’.”

  Realizing she wouldn’t allow him to wait, he nodded. “I will explain, but first I need to sit. I’m feeling a bit weak.” And it wasn’t fully contributed to his injury, but instead the touch of his wife.

  With her assistance, they retreated to the chairs by the fireplace. Once he was settled, she took the one opposite where his tray awaited him. “This is really hard for me, my love. I should be catering to you, not you to me,” he growled.

  “I’ll hold you to that once you’re better.” She wagged her brows. “Won’t you fill me in on the details of your trip?”

  His wife had little patience. He sipped the soup, dipping the biscuits in. “Thanks to your brother, who is still banned from here, we chased Estelle all over France. Every time we got close she slipped away like a phantom in the night. I tracked her to Pas de Calais and there she boarded a boat that is used by smugglers. From there she made her way to London. I began my search again and was told by mutual friends that she could be found in the city. Again, I approached and she fled. Fearful she would come here, I started out to return to you. Enroute I was shot and I’m certain she was the shooter. You know the rest.”

  “Why would she risk coming here? I would have thought if Estelle desired revenge she would go after the duke?”

  “From what I had learned from people both in France and here that is her plan but first she wants to hurt me by killing you. I took her sister and she wants to take the love of my life from me.”

  “Then, with you dead she’ll hunt down the duke, and finally Ethan.”

  “My dearest husband, do you believe Estelle is here already? Lurking in the shadows?” There was an obvious quivering to her voice.

  “We need to speak with Sydney, then the stable master and the head gardener to alert them of her possible approach. Placing guards around the perimeter will keep us—you-safer.”

  “I agree about the guards, but try not to do too much, husband. I think you should rest. Then later, we can meet with the workers in your office, if you’re agreeable and strong enough.”

  “As for lying down I feel you are right. If you’ll give me an hour.”

  Standing, Robert made his way to the bed and dropped down, the popping springs resisting his weight. Kristina covered him with a quilt then he watched her slip from the room as his eyes drifted close.

  Not sure how much time had passed, when he awoke the room was shadowed in darkness. The sound of the suite door opening brought Robert quickly alert. Kristina stepped into his view and he smiled at her beauty.

  “How long have I been sleeping?”

  “A little more than two hours. I slipped in earlier, but you looked so comfortable that I didn’t wish to awaken you.”

  “I appreciate your consideration. Let me wash up then we can meet with the senior staff,” Robert said climbing off the bed, but swaying.

  “I took the liberty of having Sydney inform them. I hope that’s okay.”

  “Thank you,” he replied, stepping over to her, he tilted her chin up then brushed his lips over hers.

  “I did so miss your kisses. Now, wash your face and I’ll meet you in the office. Do you wish my mother to join us?”

  “Yes, as she’s going to be here until our son is born,” he teased, then marched into his private room.

  “Again, on that point you are wrong. According to mother I was as active when she was carrying me, just like our daughter,” she called out through the closed door.

  As much as he wished to argue about the child’s gender, Robert suspected that would be useless so he remained silent. Quickly washing up he went back into a now empty suite. He wasn’t sure what was up with his wife, but she was magically disappearing on him.

  After slipping on a pair of shoes, Robert grabbed a dark brown jerkin from the armoire and slowly put it on. At least this way he’d be fairly properly attired, not that he cared all that much. After all, as lord and master here at the estate, he should be allowed to wear what he wanted. That was, as long as his wife agreed.

  Robert met up with his wife and Sylvia in front of his office. Giving them each a bow, he waved them in then followed. His gaze was drawn to the sway of his wife’s hips. He’d missed seeing her lovely face each morning, and her bright smile that made his heart beat faster. He wanted to hold her, show her how much she meant to him and that he planned to never leave her again.

  His butler stood in the doorway, awaiting instructions. “When Seth and Jeff arrive, bring them here. I’ll need you and Kris to join us too,” Robert directed.

  “Certainly, m’ lord. They should arrive shortly,” the butler quietly left the room.

  “Robert, why aren’t you including Cook or Mrs. Swanson?” Sylvia asked.

  Should Kristina speak with them privately?

  Yes, that would be best considering she meets with both ladies several times a week.

  “M’ lady, you have made an excellent point, however, it would be best if Kristina spoke with them.”

  His wife nodded in agreement.

  The sound of heavy footsteps in the hall announced the arrival of the group of men. They came into the room, followed by the butler. As the senior staff entered, Robert was pleased to see that Seth had brushed the ever-present hay from his pants, while the head gardener had washed the dirt from his hands. The most amazing transformation came from his gamemaster, Kris. The man chose to appear in pants and shirt, and not his ghillie suit. Each man had a confused expression. Seth, spoke first.

  “M’ lord, if you wish to see us in regard to your injury I should let you know that we’ve already set about in placing a protective screen around the mansion.”

  “We’ve extended it beyond the gardens and into the forest,” the head gardener added.

  “And with your permission, I will have my assistant set traps along the most commonly traveled trails,” the estate gamemaster inserted.

  “That’s all wonderf
ul to hear. However, Kris, might I recommend having your people set watches on the infrequently used ones too. When Estelle attempts to sneak in it won’t be the easy way and she will be in disguise, of that I’m sure,” Robert explained.

  “His Lordship is correct,” Kristina said. “When Estelle and her sister were hunted down they were found staying in a tiny cottage, a ramshackle of a place really. No one could have guessed anyone would have been living there. Later, we learned the two women had been in the village and no one had been the wiser.”

  “Then, m’ lord and ladies, might I suggest we alert the shop owners to be on the watch for her?” Sydney asked.

  “Yes, and, if I’m up to riding on the morrow, I’ll start visiting the different farms to alert them as well.” Robert stretched his legs, feeling a painful tugging in his stomach. He needed to be sure not to overdo it.

  “M’ lord, tomorrow is the day for tenant visits. With you gone for so long, shall Lady Sylvia and I continue as planned? If Estelle is keeping a watch over the mansion, seeing us do our usual duties might keep her in the dark a while longer,” Kristina imparted.

  “I will agree to that under the condition you have several, well-armed, grooms as your escort,” Robert demanded.

  “Excuse me, m’ lord, but Her Ladyships have several grooms along, even though neither lady is aware of the pistols my men carry,” Jeff announced.

  “My dear man, if you are referring to the brace of Tower pistols they have in their saddlebags and the knives secreted in their boots, then no, Lady Kristina and I weren’t aware,” Sylvia teased.

  Robert noticed that the ladies were both wearing grins of satisfaction on having bested Seth. For him, and knowing his wife and Sylvia as he did, that hadn’t come as much of a surprise.

  “M’ lady, you are correct,” Seth announced.

  “Trust me, Seth, very little can escape the ladies. I can’t believe that Lady Kristina hasn’t forbidden me to accompany the viscountess and countess.”

  “On that, Lord Robert, you are mistaken. I’ve already instructed Seth not to allow you anywhere near the stable or that beast you insist on riding,” Kristina declared.

  What if I do the visits, in the cart with my wife ? Yes, that was the answer to his dilemma.

  “Gentlemen, your dismissed and thank you for your assistance.”

  With a nod to their bows, Robert waited until they left. “Sylvia, I will accompany Kristina tomorrow, but sitting beside her in the cart.”

  “If you insist, but I seriously doubt you will have the strength to join me,” his wife retorted.

  CHAPTER THREE

  “Robert, if you are adamant on accompanying me on the visits we first need to see how well you handle a meal,” Kristina stated.

  “And not the broth and bread I’ve only been allowed to have?”

  “You are correct. As the day will be long tomorrow you’ll need your strength. Do you feel strong enough to join mother and I at the table for dinner?”

  “I believe so. I wish to rest a bit before bathing and dressing. I will also attempt to be properly attired.”

  “I do look forward to the transformation. However, if you have a problem with the jacket a vest will suffice,” Kristina said.

  “Thank you, my dear. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to return to our suite. Hopefully, then see you at dinner.” Robert bowed and Kristina watched him carefully make his way from the office.

  Waiting until her husband left Kristina turned to her mother. The worried look she received mirrored the one in her heart.

  “Do you believe Robert will be well enough to go with me, in the cart? Or should I try to convince him to remain behind?”

  “That, my dear daughter, I can’t answer. Mayhap, we should wait and see how well he does at the evening meal. In private, we will discuss what my thoughts are on the subject.”

  “I believe that would be for the best. As our daughter is being active, thusly tiring me, I shall also retire to my suite and rest. Shall we meet in my parlor at seven of the clock?”

  Ringing the little silver bell, thusly calling Sydney, she stood.

  “Please have Amanda come help me along upstairs,” she told Sydney.

  “A very wise decision,” her mother replied, as the butler bustled off.

  Kristina pondered why Sydney had been smiling ear to ear. Before she could question her mother on the subject, Amanda arrived.

  “Let’s get you into your bed. That way you will be able to sleep without being disturbed.”

  “I will see you later, mother. I hope you rest as well for I fear the next few days will be stressful for all of us,” Kristina stated on her way into the hallway.

  Upstairs, she was helped out of her day dress and into a bathrobe. Kristina climbed onto the bed and slipped between the sheets. Within minutes, her lids grew heavy and closed.

  When she awoke, she stretched her arms over her head as a snore assaulted her ears. Looking around the suite, she found her husband dozing in a chair near the fireplace, his chin resting on his chest. She smiled.

  Why is he here and not in the bed in the other suite as he should be?

  With caution as Amanda wasn’t there to help her up, Kristina tossed the covers off, slid from the bed before sliding her feet into slippers. She quietly made her way over to Robert, siting in the chair beside his. She reached her hand out, taking his and gave it a gentle squeeze, which was returned. Kristina grinned as he opened his eyes, a warm smile slowly forming on his lips.

  “Good afternoon, my dear wife. From what little I remember you had a pleasant sleep.”

  “I did, but pray tell why are you here and not in the other room?”

  “Can’t a husband watch his wife sleep, as it’s something I haven’t done for quite a while?”

  “Most definitely, but only when he’s strong enough to stay awake the entire time. Oh, and were you aware you snore in that most uncomfortable position?”

  “Darling, I don’t. What you must have heard was heavy breathing.”

  “If you say so. I’ve also decided not to accompany mother on the tenant calls tomorrow.”

  He was about to answer when a knock on the door interrupted them. “Enter,” he called out.

  In strolled Sylvia, and she wasn’t pleased.

  “There you are, Robert. When Evan went to look in on you and you weren’t in bed he started to panic. Aware he couldn’t enter here he had your valet hunt down Amanda, finding me instead. He requested I look to see if you’d snuck in here. And you did.”

  “As you can see my wife and I are fine, except I do have a sore neck from sleeping in the chair. I forgot how uncomfortable this can be. Now, Kristina has decided not to join you tomorrow. This is for her and the baby’s safety. I also promise, as a gentleman, not to leave the confines of the mansion without footmen or grooms as guards,” Robert declared.

  This made her very happy that he would consider his safety as well. Hearing the hall clock strike six times Kristina turned to him.

  After dinner, Kristina settled herself on the divan in the viscountess parlor. Robert joined her while Sylvia chose a comfortable chair facing them. There was very little conversation, not even regarding the tenant calls in the morning.

  “I’m sure we are contemplating how to carry on the viscountess duties on the morrow. Before either of you say anything, allow me to present my suggestion,” Kristina said.

  “I promise to hear you out, even if I disagree with you from the start,” Robert declared.

  “The last time visits were done was a week ago, before Estelle could have entered the area. Mother, you are the only one she’s never met. My idea, you with Mrs. Swanson visit the farms. Now, here is the part you might not care for. You will need to dress down by using one of your maid’s dresses. That way, if Estelle does spot you she won’t realize you are a countess,” Kristina explained.

  “With the same number of guards, well-armed as before. That way nothing will look suspicious,” Robert added.
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  Kristina felt the baby either let out a kick.

  “Oof. The little one is being very active tonight. That means I might not get much sleep,” she declared.

  “I hope and pray daughter you do. And as for your idea, yes I approve of the plan and I’m sure with very little effort I can change my appearance. As for the little one kicking, how long has that particular activity been going on?”

  “Only for the past week or so but this was the worst of them. Mother, what does this mean?”

  “You’re not at full term, but the baby could deliver a little early,” her mother said.

  Now panicked, Kristina looked to her husband for support, but he too seemed worried. “Husband, trust me, I’m not leaving the mansion until after our baby is born.”

  “In that case, and I’m mad for not thinking of this sooner, Sydney,” Robert called out.

  “Yes, m’ lord,” the butler said.

  “I need two footmen at each end of every corridor as guards all the time,” Robert ordered.

  “Consider that done, m’ lord. Shall I send for the doctor or midwife?”

  “No. He’s drunk most of the time and heaven knows when the midwife washed her hands or bathed last. When the time comes I will help with bringing the child into the world kicking and screaming,” Sylvia declared.

  In all the years Kristina had lived under the Rosewood roof never had she heard that her mother had ever helped with delivering babies.

  “Sylvia, have you ever done this before?” Robert stated.

  “Yes. Three times. The reason you had never heard of the occasions is because I swore your father to secrecy. They all involved mothers on the estate. I wasn’t sure how you would react on hearing I’d helped with the deliveries. Seems our doctor was as bad as the one here. Don’t forget I gave birth to you and Ethan too. This should be fairly easy.”

  “Then, so be it.”

  Something told Kristina the countess was downplaying the danger to mother and child. She’d heard were the baby soon died after being born or the mother developed childbed fever and never recovered. Hearing footsteps in the hall Kristina looked to the door. She smiled on seeing who had arrived.