Chapter 11

Chapter Eleven

A fter having breakfast with Rosie, Belle excused herself with a headache and went to her room. She waited until Lizzie came, as she knew she would.

“I’m fine, Lizzie. I just need a bit of quiet time.”

She settled into a chair with a book. After fussing over her and feeling her forehead at least three times, Lizzie eventually left her.

After a few minutes, she donned her coat and carefully made her way out the back of the house. The skies were overcast and there was a sharp chill in the wind. She scanned the surroundings for any sign of any of the men but didn’t see anyone. She sprinted across the grass for the cover of the trees, waiting again to see if anyone had seen her. All was still. Quickly and quietly she went to the tree where Isaac had left the note and then continued in the direction he’d disappeared.

Eventually, the trees opened up, and she came to a stream. She hadn’t ended up exactly at the bridge, but it wasn’t far, and there was a cottage on the other side.

She knocked nervously. The door opened, and she was tugged inside.

The cottage was dark, and she could hardly see a thing. Curtains covered all the windows, blocking out most of the light. But she could see well enough to make out Isaac’s tall form.

“You came,” he said happily.

“Isaac!” She threw her arms around him. His long limbs wrapped around her and squeezed her tight. Happy tears leaked from the corners of her eyes. When she’d left America, she thought she’d never see him again.

He stepped back and looked into her face. “No tears, Bells. You’re safe now.” He tapped the end of her nose gently with his fingertip. So much joy radiated from his smile.

“Here, sit.” The cottage was obviously abandoned, and there wasn’t much in the way of furniture, but he led her over to a small bed and she perched herself on the edge.

“What are you doing here Isaac? How did you get here? What’s going on?”

Isaac chuckled and dropped onto the floor, crossing his long legs in front of him and leaning back on his hands. “Leave it to you to ask a bunch of questions and not wait for a single response. The short answer is, I’m here to rescue you.”

“Rescue me? From what?”

“From your tyrant husband, silly.”

What was he talking about? Belle shivered. “Isaac, I don’t understand what is happening.”

“Did you forget about the promise I made you? I told you I would rescue you from your husband if you were unhappy. Of course, now I realize I should have just taken you away that night and never sent you back to be wed. I am sorry for that. But I’m here now, Bells.”

“I’m really happy to see you, Isaac. I’ve missed you, dearly. But I don’t need rescuing from my husband. He’s a good man.”

He pulled a letter from his breast pocket and handed it to her. It didn’t matter that there wasn’t enough light to read it. She recognized it anyway. She’d forgotten even sending that letter. They’d only been in England two days when she’d posted it. At that time, she was scared and angry and feeling very sorry for herself. She couldn’t remember exactly what she’d written, but she had undoubtedly exaggerated how terrible everything was.

“Oh, Isaac, I’m so sorry. I never should have sent you that letter. Things were a bit difficult at first, but the truth is, he’s never been anything but good to me.” She felt like such a fool. Even though he’d said as much, it had never occurred to her that he would actually leave his whole life behind and cross an entire ocean to rescue her. How was it even possible that he had done that?

He tipped his head and raised a disbelieving brow. “You don’t have to pretend with me, Bells. I know everything is not well. I’ve seen him abuse you.”

She recoiled from his words. “You most certainly have not!”

“I was there, Belle. At the ball. I heard him threaten you. I saw him drag you into that sitting room, and I saw you when you came back out a few minutes later, disheveled and flushed.”

“Oh God,” she said, dropping her face into her palms. “This is so embarrassing.”

“Don’t be embarrassed, Belle. You’re safe now, I promise.” He rested a reassuring hand on her knee. He truly had no idea of the reality of the situation.

“Isaac, that was not what you think it was.” He was like her brother, and this was the most humiliating conversation she’d ever had with him. Or, at least, it was about to be. “Michael didn’t do anything to me that night that I didn’t want him to do.” Belle’s cheeks were instantly on fire.

“But I heard him say he was going to—” Belle could almost see the gears turning in his mind as he worked through what she meant and what he had witnessed. He blew out a sharp puff of air.

“I know this is awkward, Belle, and I’m sorry, but I need to be absolutely certain that I understand what you’re saying.” He paused for a moment, probably trying to decide the best way to phrase whatever he was about to say. Belle steeled herself for the embarrassment she knew was coming.

“That night at the ball, when he threatened to… you went willingly into that room, and consented to, and enjoyed, everything that happened in there?”

Heat had spread to her entire face and she closed her eyes, unable to bear looking at him. “Yes.”

“Promise me?”

“Yes, Isaac. I promise. He’s a good man. In fact, he’s more than that. He’s kind and gentle and wonderful, and quite frankly, the best husband I could have asked for.”

“Right.” He jumped to his feet and started pacing, muttering curses under his breath as he moved back and forth across the small space. Her eyes were adjusting to the dim light and she could finally see his features. They seemed to be shifting between panic and frustration. Why wasn’t he happy for her?

“Isaac, did you really come all the way from America because of my letter?”

He stopped pacing and looked tenderly into her eyes. “Of course I did. I made you a promise.”

Belle climbed off the hard bed and threw her arms around her friend. “Thank you, Isaac. You don’t know how much that means to me, even if I didn’t actually need rescuing.”

He laughed nervously. “Well that’s good, but you make me sound heroic, when the truth is, I’ve made a big mistake. A handful of big mistakes, actually.” He squeezed her shoulders and sighed heavily. “Oh Belle, your husband is going to kill me, and rightfully so.” He steered her back to the bed.

“Don’t be ridiculous. Of course he won’t.” But Isaac wasn’t smiling anymore. Belle had been so distracted by the fact that her best friend was here, she hadn’t yet put all the pieces together and a cold dread filled her stomach as they finally fell into place.

She gasped at the revelation. “You shot him?”

He nodded slowly. “Although, it was an accident. Mostly.”

“What do you mean, mostly?”

“You have to understand, Belle. I thought he was hurting you, and I was so angry. I just wanted him to pay for what he’d done to you.” He knelt down in front of her. “I’m sorry, Belle. I’m so, so, sorry. I never meant to do anything to hurt you.”

“Well, I’ll just go back and I’ll explain everything. He’ll understand.”

He looked at her like she was a complete imbecile. And maybe she was. “I don’t want you to leave.”

“Belle, you shouldn’t even be forgiving me for this. I shot your husband.”

Laughter spilled from her lips. Frightened, slightly manic laughter, but laughter still.

“It isn't funny, Bells.”

“Well, what am I supposed to do if not laugh? My best friend left his whole life behind, crossed an ocean, and shot my husband, all in an attempt to save me from said husband, who is out there right now, no doubt wanting to shoot you.”

“I’d say that about sums it up.” Isaac’s smile faded and his shoulders fell slightly. “I’m sorry, Belle. I guess the road to hell really is paved with good intentions.”

Belle looked up into his eyes. “Isaac, you crossed an entire ocean for me. I forgive any mistakes you may have made in the process. Besides, I’m the one who sent that stupid letter.”

“Well, I’m not sure I deserve that, but thank you, Belle.” He let out a long sigh. “You need to get back before someone sees you’re missing. The last thing I want to do is cause trouble for you with your husband. At least right now, he’s only angry with me.”

“I do need to get back, but please don’t leave. I can’t lose you again.”

He let out a tortured sigh and scrubbed his hand over his face. “I won’t leave yet.”

“I’ll figure out a way to make everything right, Isaac. Tomorrow, I’ll bring you some food, and we’ll come up with a plan.”

He chuckled and nodded. “Only if you’re sure you won’t get caught. I don’t want you in any danger.”

“There’s no danger for me, Isaac. Even if I get caught sneaking out of the house, Michael would never hurt me.”

“You’re sure about that? Not even a single sliver of doubt?”

“I’m sure.” She nodded. “He won’t hurt me, Isaac. He’ll rant and lecture and he might never leave me unattended again, but he won’t hurt me.”

Relief washed over Isaac’s face and he hugged her close. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

* * *

That day, Michael only managed to absorb half of what was said in all of the different interviews he’d performed. The overcast skies had brought with them a numbing chill, and combined with his monotonous weariness, he struggled to concentrate. Although, his mind didn’t seem to have any trouble thinking about Belle. Thoughts of her had played in a ceaseless loop all day long. He wanted to see her, to hold her, to kiss her. He wouldn’t yet tell her of his recent epiphany regarding his feelings for her. He didn’t want her to feel obligated to reciprocate those feelings, or at least to espouse them. He wanted them to grow naturally and genuinely within her, just as they had in him.

He was cold, his arm ached, and they were accomplishing absolutely nothing. It may only be midday, but he was done. He gathered the others and called an end to the pointless search, at least for today.

When they entered the house, his valet approached him almost immediately.

“Pardon me, my lord.”

“What is it, Jones?”

“Might I have a word?” He looked somewhat nervous.

“Of course.” He led Jones to his study.

“There’s something I think you should see, my lord. I probably shouldn’t have read it, but I needed to know what it was in order to know what to do with it, and well…” He shook his head and held out a piece of paper.

Meet me at the cottage across the bridge.

“Where did you find this?” He didn’t understand what it was.

“It was on the floor in your bedroom.” He paused for a moment. “I found it when I picked up her ladyship’s clothes.”

Slowly, Michael sorted through everything in his mind. Belle had somehow received a cryptic invitation for an assignation at the same time they were looking for a mysterious tall, thin, dark-haired man.

He’d seen Belle with a man that matched that description once before. The picture of her hand-in-hand with him and of him embracing her and kissing her cheek flashed in his mind. It would seem her beau had followed them here… and shot Michael, before luring her away.

She’d been a virgin just a few days ago, so they hadn't been lovers before, but now that she knew the pleasures of the flesh, she’d undoubtedly be happy to pursue them with the man who held her heart. Bile filled his throat and he lowered himself into his chair. Well, Isaac may have her heart, but Michael was her husband. She belonged to him. Isaac was about to find out what happened to a man when he took something that belonged to Michael.

“I’m sorry if I crossed a line by reading it, my lord.”

Michael shook his head. “You did the right thing, Jones.” He looked his valet in the eye. “I’m sure this goes without saying, but please don’t mention this to anyone else.”

He nodded. “Of course, my lord.”

“Where is she?”

“I believe she is in her chambers, my lord.”

“Thank you, Jones.”

But she wasn’t in her chambers. She wasn’t anywhere else in the house, either. He walked into the drawing room where Patrick, Ash, and Giles were all warming themselves with hot drinks. He handed the paper to Ash.

“She’s there now.”

Ash read the note and it took him a moment to understand what was happening, but he got there in the end.

“Belle?”

Michael nodded. “I’m only telling you so you can stop me from doing something stupid. But I’m going after them. Now.”

He didn’t wait for an answer before he stormed from the room. Hurt and a ferocious anger blazed through him. The others were right behind him, though. Ash gave quick orders to McKinnon and O’Connell, sending them around to come in from the other direction and block them in, in case the man tried to run.

They didn’t get very far, though. Belle emerged from the trees then, practically skipping, a smile on her face that vanished instantly when she saw him and the others.

She approached him slowly. “Don’t be angry, Michael. I just needed some fresh air. I’m going back inside now.”

The lies came so easily for her. It disgusted him and made his mouth turn as dry as chalk. So much for having honesty between them.

The man stepped out of the trees not far behind her. Giles and Patrick both had guns trained on him. He raised his hands in the air and dropped to his knees in surrender.

“No!” Belle gasped. “What are you doing here Isaac? You weren’t supposed to follow me.”

Michael had prayed he was wrong, but obviously he wasn’t. His heart broke in an instant and fury surged through his veins.

McKinnon and O’Connell came up from behind the man and hauled him to his feet. They simply stood, waiting for instruction.

“Did he hurt you, Belle?” He had to make sure of that first.

“No, he wouldn’t hurt me, Michael. He’s a good man.” She looked up at him with pleading eyes. “Please don’t hurt him. This is all just a big misunderstanding.”

Oh, he was going to hurt him. There was no question of that.

“Hold her,” Michael said as he pushed Belle into Ash’s hands.

He charged, but the man didn’t fight, or try to get away from his captors. He simply stood, as if awaiting his fate. There was something just not quite right about all of this, but it didn’t matter. Michael slammed his fist into the man’s stomach. His body lurched forward with a satisfying grunt, but he was kept upright so Michael could do it again.

“This was all my fault,” Isaac wheezed.

“You think I don’t know that?” Michael roared, throwing his fist into the man three more times.

He coughed and groaned but spoke softly again. “Please don’t be angry with Belle.”

“Don’t you dare to speak her name.” Michael’s fist connected with the side of the man’s face, blood splattering across O’Connell’s shirt.

A hand gripped his shoulder. “Michael, you need to stop,” Ash said quietly. “You’re scaring your wife.”

Slowly, Michael turned around. Belle’s hands covered her mouth and tears poured from her eyes as her body was wracked with sobs. His heart collapsed in on itself, not only because he was causing her pain, but because it was so clear that she had feelings for this man.

Jealousy kicked him in the gut and Michael backhanded the man as he turned to face him once more. He leaned in close to his battered face and spoke in a low voice. “You will never see her again.”

“Ash, there is an old dungeon in the bottom of this house. Will you see that he’s locked in one of the cells please? And make sure he stays alive for now. I may have more questions.”

Ash nodded. “She’s safe and she’s home, Michael. Don’t lose track of what’s important here.”

Michael didn’t respond. He simply stared straight ahead as the man was dragged away.

Her panicked voice sounded behind him. “You can’t do this. Let him go.” Michael turned to see her trying to stop the men from hauling him away. She ran in front of them and stopped, halting their progress.

As he neared, he could hear Isaac as well. “I’ll be fine, Belle. Go with your husband.” But she didn’t. Michael wrapped his fingers around her upper arm and yanked her out of the way.

She gasped and turned her tear-filled eyes on him. “How dare you!” She pounded her fist against his chest. “I begged you not to hurt him, and you did anyway!” She swung to hit him again, but he snatched her wrist and forced them both down to her sides.

“I’m your husband, Belle! Whether you like it or not, this is my estate, and everything here, including you, belongs to me. That means I get to decide what happens here.”

But she wasn’t cowed by his words and she snarled at him. “Well then, perhaps I shouldn’t have come home.”

His anger flared and threatened to explode. He leaned in close to her ear, his voice a quiet warning. “Are you going to go quietly up to my chambers and wait for me? Or do I need to hitch your skirts up right here and give you a spanking in front of an audience.”

Her heavy breathing continued as she scowled at him through her tears. She said nothing for a few moments, seemingly weighing her options before she eventually spoke.

“I’ll go,” she said quietly. Thank God she hadn’t called his bluff, because for the first time, it actually was. He would never spank her in the presence of others, and he would never spank her out of anger. And he was angry. Dangerously so. “If I cooperate and submit to whatever you want, will you promise not to hurt him anymore?”

The words were like a knife to his heart. She was sacrificing herself for that man. His resolve broke and he hauled her across the lawn and into the house. She was his. His wife. His lover. His Belle. No one else could have her.

He threw the door to his chambers open and pulled her inside, slamming it closed behind them. “You’ll submit because you’re my wife, Belle. Not to protect another man. Understood?”

Her throat moved with a swallow, her eyes filled with trepidation. “Yes, my lord,” she said quietly.

“Good. Take your clothes off.”