Chapter 19

Chapter Nineteen

Miles watched Edwina's retreating figure and he didn't quite understand what had transpired. His mind raced, trying to understand what had caused Edwina to flee from him. But it only took a moment for him to realize that he needed to go after her.

He had to make this right.

As he headed towards the veranda, Winston stepped in his path with a stern expression. "I refuse to stand by and not say anything," he said firmly. "What are your intentions towards my cousin? And I want the truth this time."

Miles knew he owed Winston the truth. "I want to marry Edwina, but she has been rather hesitant to accept my proposal."

"Why is that?"

"Because she wants a love match," Miles admitted.

Winston raised an eyebrow inquisitively. "Yes, and…?"

Miles winced. "I cannot love her."

"Pardon?"

With a heavy heart, Miles confessed, "I love Arabella…"

Winston put his hand up, stilling his words. "I know this, but why do you believe you couldn't love Edwina? "

"I cannot betray Arabella's memory," Miles said.

Crossing his arms over his chest, Winston studied him intently for a long moment before saying, "I know you want to believe that, but it isn't true."

Now it was Miles' turn to ask, "Pardon?"

Winston's eyes held compassion as he replied, "You love Edwina. It is evident every time you lay eyes on her. It is rather revolting, if I must be honest."

"You must be mistaken."

Dropping his arms to his sides, Winston said, "As a barrister, I deal in facts, not emotions. And it is a simple fact that you love Edwina." He gave him a pointed look. "Tell me I am wrong."

Miles shifted his gaze towards the veranda, knowing that Edwina was still out there. Alone. And all he wanted was to be with her.

To love her.

He closed his eyes as the truth dawned on him. He did love Edwina. He had fought against it for so long, but he could deny it no longer. He loved her, and he always would.

Miles opened his eyes and confessed, "I love her."

Winston gave him a smug smile. "I know," he responded. "Now what are you going to do about it?"

Hope blossomed in his heart as he responded, "I am going to offer for her… again. But this time, I will tell her how much I love her."

"That is a good start, but you might have to grovel."

Miles nodded, knowing that Winston spoke true. "I am not opposed to groveling."

After he said his words, Miss Bawden joined them with a concerned look on her face. She leaned in and whispered, "Have either of you seen Edwina?"

"She is on the veranda," Miles replied.

Miss Bawden shook her head. "I looked outside and I saw no sign of her. "

Miles eyed her with disbelief. "That is impossible. I just saw her go outside."

"As did I, which is why I decided to go after her," Miss Bawden said.

Winston turned his head towards the veranda. "Surely you must have missed her," he remarked dismissively.

Miss Bawden's eyes flashed with annoyance. "Yes, because I often manage to overlook a whole person." Her words were dry.

"I never said that, but Edwina might have ventured further into the gardens," Winston said.

"Why didn't I think of that?" Miss Bawden asked. "Oh, wait. I did. And I searched the gardens."

"The gardens are vast and you are just…" Winston started.

Miss Bawden spoke over him. "A woman?"

Undeterred, Winston met her gaze. "Yes, it would be difficult for anyone to do a thorough search in a ballgown."

Placing a hand on her hip, Miss Bawden said, "I went down several paths and I did not see Edwina. Although, I did stumble upon a couple engaged in a passionate embrace in the rear of the gardens."

Miles had heard enough. Edwina had to be out in the gardens and he would find her. He needed to tell her that he was wrong and he did love her.

"I will go look for her," Miles stated before he started to walk outside.

He stepped onto the veranda and saw a few couples enjoying the night air. But Edwina was not here- just as Miss Bawden had said.

As he went to step onto a path, Winston came to stand next to him. "We will find her. Edwina must be out here somewhere."

Miles had an uneasy feeling about this, but he didn't dare express his thoughts. Not yet. He just needed to find Edwina, and quickly.

Taking one of the paths, Miles hurried down it, looking for any sign of Edwina. But when he couldn't find her, he headed towards another path. And then another. It felt like hours, but was probably only a short time, before he arrived back on the veranda.

Winston approached him with a worried look on his face. "Any sign of her?"

"No," Miles replied. "Where could she have gone?"

Miss Bawden spoke up from behind them. "I just spoke to a maid and Edwina is not in her bedchamber."

Miles was hesitant to ask his next question, but he had to ask it. "Do you think Edwina has been abducted?"

Winston's brow shot up. "By whom? Edwina is loved by the villagers."

"But your father isn't," Miles pointed out.

His friend frowned. "Why wouldn't the villagers love my father?"

Miss Bawden leaned closer and shared, "Because he isn't taking care of the village as he promised."

"Meaning?" Winston asked.

"My father is thinking of leaving this parish because your father isn't contributing as much as your uncle did," Miss Bawden replied. "The church has fallen into disrepair and there are no funds to fix it."

"Has your father spoken to mine about this?" Winston inquired.

With a shake of her head, Miss Bawden replied, "No, but he has spoken in length to Mr. Stanley about this."

"What does Mr. Stanley say about it?" Winston pressed.

Miss Bawden clasped her hands in front of her. "Mr. Stanley always listens but claims there are no additional funds available to help."

Winston reared back. "No funds? That is impossible. "

Miles bobbed his head. "It is true. If the rumors are to be believed from the villagers, your father is bankrupting his estate."

"No, that cannot be," Winston asserted. "You are wrong."

"Regardless, one of the villagers might have abducted her to make a point," Miles suggested.

Winston's expression held skepticism. "I cannot believe that to be true."

Turning towards Miles, Miss Bawden asked, "What would you like me to do?"

"Go inform Lord Dunsby of what is going on. He can help aid in the search," Miles said.

Miss Bawden tipped her head in acknowledgement before she went to do his bidding.

Miles faced his friend. "I need a pistol."

With a concerned look, Winston asked, "Why?"

"I do not know what we are up against, and I do not want to be caught unprepared," Miles replied.

Winston glanced towards the manor. "My father keeps his dueling pistols on display in the parlor. Would that be sufficient?"

"It would," Miles said.

Without saying another word, Miles strode through the ballroom as he headed towards the parlor.

Bennett stepped up to walk next to him, matching his stride. In a hushed voice, he said, "Miss Bawden just informed me that Edwina is missing."

"It is true," Miles confirmed.

"You don't truly think she was abducted, do you?" Bennett asked.

Miles shrugged. "I don't know what to think at this point, but I do not wish to cause any undue panic to Lord and Lady Dallington until we know for sure."

"Where are you going now?" Bennett asked .

"To retrieve one of your father's dueling pistols," Miles responded.

As they exited the ballroom, Bennett said, "Do try to use some discretion. Edwina may be hiding in the corner of the library, lost in a book."

Miles understood his friend's concern. They couldn't risk tarnishing Edwina's reputation by spreading word that she might have been abducted.

Bennett reached out and grasped Miles' arm, halting their steps. "Have you stopped to consider that you might be acting irrationally?"

No.

Miles' jaw was clenched in determination as he replied, "Until I am sure that Edwina is safe, I will stop at nothing to find her."

"Just promise me that you will search the manor before going off half-cocked," Bennett said.

With a firm, unyielding voice, Miles responded, "I cannot promise that."

Bennett gave him a knowing smile. "You love Edwina." His words were more of a statement than a question.

"I do," Miles admitted, seeing no reason to deny it.

"Then I will join you in your search for Edwina," Bennett declared.

Miles swiftly turned on his heel and strode towards the parlor. His plan was simple- find Edwina and never let her go. He cursed himself for not realizing his true feelings sooner, but he had been too afraid to face them. He had convinced himself that loving Edwina would be a betrayal to Arabella, but he had been wrong. Fear had held him back. And it was time to let go of that fear.

Arabella wouldn't have wanted him to stop living life. But that didn't mean he wasn't scared. He didn't know what he would do if he ever lost Edwina. His heart would never recover. He was sure of that .

Arriving at the parlor, Miles walked up to the mantel and removed one of the dueling pistols. He felt the familiar weight in his hand and took a deep breath, steeling himself for what might come. He would do anything to protect Edwina, even if it meant taking a life again.

The pistol glinted in the dim light as memories flooded into his mind. Unpleasant memories. Ones that he wanted to remain buried forever. But now was not the time to worry about his past. All that mattered was his future.

Bennett retrieved the other pistol. "I am not saying that you are right, but it is better to be prepared."

"I agree, wholeheartedly," Miles said with a tight voice. "We will need to search each room, thoroughly, so as not to miss Edwina."

Bennett's eyes roamed over the room before meeting Miles' gaze. "I can safely say that Edwina is not here."

Miles resisted the urge to look heavenward. He didn't know if Bennett would be a help or a hindrance in this search.

But he didn't have time to wonder. His first, and only, concern was finding Edwina.

Edwina crouched in the shadows just outside of her uncle's study, her heart thudding in anticipation. The heavy door was closed, but she could see a flickering light and the shadow of a figure moving about from under the doorway. She had been waiting for what felt like ages for the person to leave so she could discover their identity.

What were they doing in there?

She considered going to find her uncle or a footman but couldn't risk missing the person's departure. No, she was on her own. Slowly, she stepped out of the shadows and approached the door. With a steady hand, she turned the handle and pushed it open just enough to slip inside before leaving it slightly ajar behind her.

The room was dimly lit with only one candle burning on the desk. Edwina saw a figure crouched down behind it and her heart leapt into her throat. Gathering her courage, she reached for the iron poker from the hearth and demanded, "Who is there?"

To her surprise, Mr. Stanley's head popped up from behind the desk. "Lady Edwina?" he exclaimed.

Edwina let out a sigh of relief. "Mr. Stanley," she said. "What are you doing here?"

With a sheepish smile, he rose to his feet and showed her a file in his hand. "I came to retrieve a file from Lord Dallington's desk that I had forgotten earlier."

"Oh," Edwina said, placing the poker back by the hearth. "I thought someone was breaking into my uncle's study."

Mr. Stanley chuckled. "No need to worry, my lady. It is just me."

Feeling foolish for suspecting foul play, Edwina allowed herself a small smile. "I find myself greatly relieved."

"Dare I ask how the soiree is going?" Mr. Stanley inquired.

Edwina's smile faltered. "I have had better days," she admitted.

Mr. Stanley's eyes crinkled around the edges. "We all have good days and bad days. It is how we make the most of each that truly matters."

"I just wish that my father was here," Edwina said wistfully.

"Your father was a good man," Mr. Stanley remarked. "We were lucky to have him for as long as we did."

Edwina nodded. "I agree."

Mr. Stanley reached down and retrieved the ledger on the desk. "Now if you will excuse me, I have work I need to see to. "

Her eyes dropped to the ledger in his hand. "You are taking my uncle's ledger?" she asked.

"I am."

Edwina furrowed her brow. "But he doesn't like anyone to touch it, including Bennett at the moment."

Mr. Stanley tucked the book securely under his arm as he spoke. "I understand your concern. But this is important business that must be attended to. I shall return it shortly."

Her gaze flickered from the book to Mr. Stanley's face. "Does my uncle know that you are taking his ledger?"

"He does," Mr. Stanley replied. "Who do you think gave me the key to his desk where he keeps it locked up?"

As her eyes scanned the bookshelf, Edwina noticed a gap where a book should have been. It was the one that held the spare key to her uncle's desk.

"Did he give you the key or did you use the spare key?" she asked, trying to hide her growing suspicion.

Mr. Stanley smiled. "You are being rather inquisitive tonight, but I assure you that everything is aboveboard."

A sense of unease stirred within Edwina, though she couldn't say why. Mr. Stanley had never given her a reason before not to trust him, but his responses seemed too contrived.

"Perhaps we could ask my uncle together about the ledger," Edwina suggested, hoping to ease her worry.

"I do not wish to bother him during the soiree," Mr. Stanley said as he came around the desk. "And you shouldn't be here at all. You should be dancing with a plethora of suitors, including Lord Hilgrove, if the rumors are to be believed."

Edwina refused to back down, not when she felt such a pressing need to get to the bottom of this. "Do you mind waiting here while I go speak to my uncle?"

An annoyed expression crossed Mr. Stanley's face. "I am simply trying to do my job. Do you truly wish to disturb your uncle over something as trivial as this?"

"I do."

"It's no wonder your uncle has been so disappointed in you lately," Mr. Stanley remarked with a hint of disdain. "Your persistence can be rather tiresome."

Edwina was taken aback by Mr. Stanley's stinging remark. "That is entirely uncalled for, and not the least bit true."

For a moment, Mr. Stanley had the decency to look ashamed before his demeanor shifted back to one of impatience. "I apologize, but you are keeping me from my work."

Knowing she risked her uncle's ire, Edwina stood her ground and held out her hand. "I think it would be best if you returned the ledger until we can discuss this further with my uncle."

Mr. Stanley's eyebrows shot up in disbelief. "You cannot be in earnest."

"I am," she declared, lifting her chin defiantly.

With a calm grace, Mr. Stanley placed the book back onto the desk and reached behind him, retrieving a pistol that had been hidden from sight. He aimed it directly at Edwina and said, "I didn't want it to come to this, but I need this ledger."

Stunned, Edwina lowered her hand to her side. "What are you doing?"

A flicker of regret passed over Mr. Stanley's eyes before he hardened them once more. "You had to make this difficult. Why couldn't you have just let me take the ledger and mind your own business?" he demanded.

"I don't understand," Edwina said, taking a step back.

Mr. Stanley scoffed, a sneer twisting his lips. "Clearly," he mocked. "You live in a world where everything is handed to you on a silver platter, but I do not have that luxury. I have had to fight for every penny given to me."

Edwina's frown deepened as she listened to his words. "But why do you truly need the ledger? "

"Ever since your father passed away, I have been skimming off the funds from what your uncle provides for the village," Mr. Stanley confessed. "Your father kept meticulous books but your uncle is a fool when it comes to estate management. He has no idea how to balance a ledger. Which bodes greatly in my favor."

"If that is the case, then why do you need my uncle's ledger?" Edwina asked.

Mr. Stanley held the worn book up. "If anyone were to compare this ledger to mine, it would reveal discrepancies and prove that I have been stealing the funds."

"Couldn't you just get rid of your ledger?" she inquired.

Mr. Stanley looked at her like she was a simpleton. "Do you think it wouldn't raise suspicion if the man in charge of finances suddenly lost his ledgers?"

Edwina shook her head. "How could you steal from the villagers?"

"They don't need their cobblestone streets and clock tower to be repaired," he replied.

"And what of the tenants?"

Mr. Stanley shrugged. "So their roofs leak? That is hardly a concern of mine."

Edwina looked at him incredulously. "How did you keep this from my uncle?" she asked.

"As I said, your uncle is a fool and believed that any discontent among the tenants and villagers was simply ungratefulness, just as I had convinced him of such," Mr. Stanley boasted with a smirk.

"You are not the man I thought you were," Edwina remarked.

Mr. Stanley's smirk widened into a malicious grin. "I thought my scheme would be uncovered when I stole from your inheritance," he admitted. "But your uncle bought my excuse that your father wasn't in his right mind when he wrote the will and had not left enough funds in the account. "

Edwina felt her anger rising within her as she demanded, "How could you do such a thing?"

"Easily," Mr. Stanley replied. "I was tired of being poor when your family had so much wealth. It is my turn to be rich."

"But if that is the case, do you even intend to stop?" she questioned.

Mr. Stanley's expression darkened. "I have to. You mentioned that Lord Dunsby was going to start taking an active role in reviewing the accounts. I couldn't risk him discovering my treachery."

Edwina's gaze fell to the pistol in his hand and fear crept into her voice. "Do you truly intend to kill me?"

"I do. I am sorry that it has come to this," Mr. Stanley said, his apology sounding insincere. "Although, I did try to kill you once before. I startled that horse in hopes that you were trampled to death in the street."

Her eyes widened in shock and horror. "Why?"

"Because if you were dead, the questions surrounding your inheritance would go away," Mr. Stanley answered coldly. "Furthermore, it would release your dowry, which I could have stolen more funds from."

Edwina's breath caught in her throat as the full extent of Mr. Stanley's deceit and greed became clear to her. "You are a terrible person."

"The worst," Mr. Stanley agreed, his finger tightening on the trigger of the pistol. "I hadn't planned on shooting you, but I realize that this could work out in my favor."

Her heart pounded as she stared down the barrel of Mr. Stanley's pistol, knowing that one wrong move could be her last. "If you shoot me, the servants will come running," Edwina said, attempting to reason with him.

Mr. Stanley pursed his lips together. "You are right. I am going to have to muffle the shot." He walked over to the settee and retrieved a pillow. "This should do just fine. Now we will just wait until the music starts up again."

"You are never going to get away with this," Edwina stated firmly, trying to maintain a sense of control despite the fear gripping her.

"Who is going to stop me?" Mr. Stanley asked confidently with a smug grin, tilting his head towards the door where they could hear music playing in the distance. "Well, it appears that your time is up. The orchestra has begun the next set."

Edwina racked her brain as she tried to think of something to keep him talking but she was out of ideas.

And out of time.

Her breath caught in her throat as Mr. Stanley placed the pillow in front of the pistol and she froze.

But just as he was about to pull the trigger, the door swung open and Miles appeared in the doorway, his own pistol aimed directly at Mr. Stanley.

Edwina's heart leapt with relief at the sight of Miles, but she knew their situation was still dire.

"Put down the pistol," Miles ordered, his voice firm and commanding.

Mr. Stanley arched an eyebrow, a cruel smirk playing at his lips. "And why would I do that, my lord?" he scorned.

Miles stepped further into the room, his eyes still trained on Mr. Stanley. "Because you have lost. Do not make this any harder than it needs to be."

A dangerous glint entered Mr. Stanley's eyes. "Well, it appears that I have the advantage since I am holding a pistol aimed at Lady Edwina," he sneered. "If you don't put down your pistol, then I will shoot her."

Miles remained resolute, his grip on the pistol tightening as he stared down Mr. Stanley. "I will not allow that to happen," he declared.

"If Lady Edwina dies, can you live with that on your conscience?" Mr. Stanley taunted with a smug look in his eyes .

Miles didn't falter or lower the pistol but instead glanced over at Edwina and gave her a reassuring wink, providing her with great comfort. She didn't know how, but she knew in her heart that Miles would keep her safe.

Mr. Stanley tossed the pillow onto the settee and retrieved the leather-bound ledger from the desk. "I suggest we both put down our pistols and walk away from this unscathed."

"I cannot allow that," Miles stated resolutely, moving to stand in front of Edwina. "I have heard enough of your deceitful words and I refuse to let someone like you continue preying on those less fortunate."

Making his way towards the hearth, Mr. Stanley held up the ledger triumphantly. "If this book is destroyed, then all you have against me is your word. And what value does an earl's word hold in a court of law?"

"I daresay that it holds plenty of weight," Miles countered, his voice carrying the heaviness of conviction.

A gentle breeze drifted in from the open window, bringing the sound of Bennett's voice along with it. "I would think that two earls' words would carry even more weight."

"Yes, it would," Miles agreed before addressing Mr. Stanley once more. "And if you move to throw that book in the fire, I will not hesitate to shoot you."

Mr. Stanley gave him an amused look. "You will not shoot me."

Miles' gaze grew determined. "I most certainly will. You are a despicable man who deserves to pay for his heinous crimes."

Bennett climbed in through the window and pointed a pistol at Mr. Stanley. "You heard my friend. Put your pistol down."

With a dry chuckle, Mr. Stanley held his hands up. "This has all just been a misunderstanding," he said.

Edwina huffed in disbelief from behind Miles. "A misunderstanding? You were going to shoot me! "

"My cousin is right. We heard and saw everything," Bennett stated firmly. "You have taken advantage of our family's generosity for far too long."

"Is that what you think I am doing?" Mr. Stanley asked, his voice turning harsh and defensive. "No, my lord. I am simply taking my fair share. The only reason your family is so wealthy is because of me! I did this, not you. Not your father. Not even the late Lord Dallington."

Bennett took a step forward, unwavering in his stance despite Mr. Stanley's outburst. "That was your job, Mr. Stanley, but you are dismissed."

Mr. Stanley's face contorted with anger and he held the ledger up. "I will not give you the satisfaction of knowing the truth," he seethed, making a move towards the hearth.

Just as Mr. Stanley was about to toss the ledger into the flames, a loud gunshot rang out and shattered the tense silence in the room.