Chapter Fifteen

The Rotherford brothers and Eli met at Hannigan's, the village pub, that evening as was arranged the night before.

"Things seem to be in a far worse situation than we could have imagined," Eli said with a scowl over his ale. "After your tea, Robert, she holed herself back in up her room. I haven't the slightest idea of what to do."

"Charles is acting like a bear caught in a trap," Spencer added. "He's always so amiable. I don't enjoy seeing him like this."

"Clearly it's time to switch tactics," Robert replied sagely. "If they won't confess their feelings, we simply need to create a situation where neither one can walk away."

Eli grimaced. "CeCe is a beast when crossed. Are you certain that's the safest route to take?"

"Likely not safe at all," Spencer agreed.

"We've played it safe," Robert answered. "And now they aren't speaking with each other. No—it's time for action."

Spencer's lips twitched. "You do know that you aren't truly our superior officer?"

Eli stifled his outburst of laughter behind a cough.

Robert eyed Spencer with derision.

"So just to reiterate," Robert went on to say as if the two hadn't spoken. Eli, you are going to gather intelligence from your mother."

Eli mocked a military salute. "Yes, Captain."

"Spencer, you are going to invite CeCe for a picnic in mother's grotto."

Spencer hesitated, "What if she won't come? CeCe has a mean right hook."

If she won't come, kidnap her. And I will sober up lover boy and have him waiting with champagne or wine or whatever I can get my hands on. Are we clear?" Robert asked as Spencer and Elias answered in the affirmative.

The matchmakers had met the following day of the disastrous tea, knowing that drastic times called for drastic measures.

Elias and Spencer exchanged worried glances, but they knew Robert was right; they needed to do something. They couldn't stand by any longer while the two people they cared about most in this world suffered.

Elias reluctantly nodded, "Alright, I'll attempt to pry information from CeCe herself, but you lot better have my back if she breathes fire at me."

"I thought your aunt was the only Dragon of London?" Robert teased.

Spencer grinned, "Don't worry, mate. We'll have a hose ready. Oh! And a bucket of water."

"Very funny," Elias retorted. "And CeCe could give my aunt lessons on breathing fire when she's out of sorts. But I trust neither of you will betray this confidence."

"And risk becoming the charred remains of her wrath?" Robert uttered in mock horror. "Perish the thought, dear Eli."

Spencer clapped him on the back, "We've got this. You're an honorary Rotherford brother, after all. And our motto is…"

"We never back down from a challenge!" They repeated in unison, causing the barkeep to glance their way before returning to polishing the bar top.

Robert raised his glass for a toast. "To true love... and meddling done right."

The men clinked their glasses together with a resounding clink just as the door to Hannigan's creaked open with another weary farmer looking for a moment of peace and a stout ale.

The three of them downed their drinks quickly, the amber liquid burning a path down their throats as they clinked glasses in hopes of their latest scheme working. Spencer wiped his mouth with his sleeve and let out a contented sigh, feeling resolved to his part in getting CeCe to this picnic at the grotto.

On the other hand, Elias seemed lost in thought, his brow creased in concern. They were all aware that something wasn't quite right with CeCe and Charles, but being her twin, Elias couldn't help but feel her hopelessness and despair more keenly. He only prayed that his mother might shed more light on the situation.

Robert nudged Elias playfully, trying to break him out of his daze. "Come on, Eli! Perhaps some of Mrs. Hannigan's stew will lift your spirits?"

Elias nodded mutely. It was only a few moments before he had a bowl of steaming venison stew in front of him. Robert and Spencer had decided to try some as well.

When the three of them left Hannigan's, shoulders rubbing against each other as they walked to the stable to gather their mounts.

"You really think this is going to work?" Eli asked, taking twice the normal amount of time to get up on his steed. Just how much had he drunk at Hannigan's?

Spencer shrugged. "All I know is that I've never known two individuals who are more stubborn and difficult than the pair of them. It would be a damned shame to see that friendship fall apart."

Robert nodded. "I'm in perfect agreement with you, brother. Gentleman, don't forget your tasks for the morrow. If all is well, the banns will be read in church this next Sunday."

***

On the morrow, the Baroness was found in her morning room writing a few letters of correspondence. Hearing the door open, she turned and saw her eldest child enter.

"Elias, my darling boy, how are you this fine day?" She tilted her head for a kiss.

Elias, a bit fidgety under the circumstances, was uncertain of how to breach this vastly uncomfortable subject. "Good morning, Mother. You are in fine looks today. That rose gown becomes you," Elias said, kissing his mother's upturned cheek.

The Baroness chuckled. "Thank you, my darling, for the compliment. But I think I know my son well enough to know that you, my dear, are trying to butter me up."

Elias flushed. "I wouldn't dream of it."

His mother laughed again. "Of course you would! Those tricks might work on Mariah. But not on me. Come over to the settee with me, and we can have a nice chat about whatever is troubling you."

Elias led his mother to the finely upholstered piece, fetching a pillow to place behind her.

The Baroness was every inch a lady. Her back was rod straight, and her delicate ankles were crossed. Leaning over to take her son's hands, she encouraged him to unburden himself.

"Mother, I'm just not sure how to approach this subject. I know that it is certainly none of my business. It concerns you and Father's relationship."

The Baroness not only withdrew her hands but also seemed to withdraw emotionally. Her lips tightened, her delicately flushed cheeks lost their color, and even her eyes seemed to take on a hint of frost.

"Elias, you are my son; you can ask me anything. But there are some things that I may not be willing to answer. Can you accept this?"

Elias considered his mother's troubled face. "I wouldn't harm you for the world," he said, reaching out and retaking her trembling hands. But this involves CeCe and, to some extent, Charles as well."

"Have they formed an official attachment?" the Baroness squealed in delight, looking much more like the kindhearted woman he knew and loved.

"Well, Charles tried to, but things got a little sticky. Mother, I'm going to need to tell you a story. Please don't take offense; just hear me out."

The Baroness was quiet as her son began to explain his sister's courtship. Her eyes betrayed her excitement but then dimmed when she heard why CeCe was holding back.

"I had no idea CeCe overheard us that night. That poor child, I thought I could shield you both from the unpleasant side of my marriage. But after hearing your story, it seems I have failed."

Elias tried to assure her. "You did shield us, and you have been the most fantastic mother to us through the great trials of your own. I didn't know the extent of CeCe's fears about marriage until yesterday. No wonder she was so willing to bet me against herself in wedlock."

The Baroness took a deep breath. "Elias, ring for someone to fetch CeCe. I would only like to say this once."

CeCe walked in a few moments later, full of curiosity. "Yvonne said that you needed me, Mama. What can I do for you?"

Elias got up and moved to a chair so that CeCe could sit by the Baroness.

"There are some things in this family that need a bit of airing," her mother began with a depreciating shrug. "I suppose I should have talked about this a long time ago with the two of you. As you both know, your father and I are estranged. We only coexist in the same house once a year for the annual musical. I often feel that if it weren't for the Mangrove Musical, which has been an annual tradition in our family for years, your father would have stopped having it to avoid me."

"Mama, you don't have to explain," CeCe tried to intercede.

The Baroness smiled tiredly. "Yes, sweet child, I do. What I haven't been honest about was that I was secretly engaged to your father's elder brother, Sebastian. We anticipated our vows a bit, and I found that I was with child."

CeCe's eyes rounded, but she kept her tongue still.

The Baroness continued: "He had spoken with his father, informing him that our marriage would need to be in haste. The Baron, your grandfather, was thrilled. The plan was to have the banns read and a nice little wedding at the rectory. But fate was not kind that day. Your father, on his way to speak with mine, was held up by a highwayman. I was told he was shot in the head and in the heart. Your grandmother tried to assure me that he hadn't suffered. I was lost, an expectant mother trying to grieve. My parents, who would have nothing to do with me, told me I had soiled their good name.

The Baron was a kind man. He told me of his other son, who I knew very little about. He was serving in the war, a great commander and chief. Your grandfather arranged for us to be married by proxy. It was a hushed-up affair, and I spent the remainder of my confinement lying in, clothed in blacks in honor of Sebastian. Just before you were to be born, the younger son came home. He was angry at his father for being forced to marry me. They had a heated row, and in it, I overheard the Baron telling his younger son that he should be thankful. I guess that he had polio as a child and would be unable to father children.

Now he could live his life however and with whomever he wanted. No one would know that he was sterile. No need to remain faithful to a woman he didn't love, a woman he hadn't bothered even to get to know. The Baron was thrilled when you both were born twins! It was a miracle. An heir for the baronetcy and a perfect granddaughter! Elias, you look so much like Sebastian. I only wish that you both could have known him.

That night when you overheard us fighting, I had begged him to let us adopt a few more children. There are so many on the streets and in orphanages. Do you recall all the work that I do for the children's charity? I just thought we have so much, and they have so little. George, however, did not agree with my feelings, on this and on many other matters. He has never had any respect for me. But I do not hate him, for because of him signing that proxy wedding certificate, I was able to give both of you the life you deserved. The life that Sebastian's children were meant to have.

CeCe, my darling, marriage is hard, and there are some terrible things that happen with infidelity and mistrust in some cases. But you cannot in any way pattern your life off anyone else's. Charles loves you, and unless I am very much mistaken. You love him, too?

CeCe began to cry, nodding miserably. "I do love him. But I have ruined everything."

"There is something else I find I must confess," the Baroness added, guilty.

"What?" Eli and CeCe asked in unison.

"I never was ill," She confessed. "I'm ashamed to admit that in my hopes of helping you discover your love for Charles, I tried to fabricate an excuse to allow you to stay in the country. It wasn't well done of me."

CeCe was shocked. "But, but the spots, the fevers, you were incoherent at times."

The Baroness looked winced and then tried to smile, but she didn't quite pull it off. "If I must say so myself, I'm a gifted actress. I'd nearly convinced myself I was dying."

Elias sat there stunned, wide-eyed, waiting to see how his sometimes volatile sibling would react to this deception.

"Please say something, dearest," Eloise looked in askance. "I truly am dreadfully sorry."

CeCe shook her head slowly from side to side in complete disbelief. And then, much to the shock of everyone, she burst out laughing. "You have got to be joking," she wiped at her eyes, bursting into laughter again. "You painted spots on yourself and even convinced Doc Curry to be in on the charade? Bravo, Mama! I truly did not think you would sink to such depths to marry me off. Clearly, you were desperate."

"You're not angry with me?" Eloise asked timidly.

CeCe wrapped her arm around her mother. "Knowing now that you gave up so many things for our lives to be better, how could I let one small deception cause me to be angry with you? I love you, Mama."

"I love you too, precious child." The Baroness glanced at her grown children. When had they grown up? It was difficult to fathom that they were older than she was when she'd delivered the twins. Life was but a precious moment, it's better not to blink, or you might just miss it altogether.