Lord Phillip's Folly Read online

  She opened the door and pushed the tapestry away from the bottom of it. A gust of dank, damp air entered the room causing the torches to flicker. She stepped into the tunnel.

  “Wait! You cannot leave. You are my prisoner!” Wolton cried.

  Phillip turned to see the big thug haul off and punch the aging lord. His nose began squirting blood.

  “You have two choices, Wolton. Come with us and face charges of treason. Or stay here, tied to this table, as your own sacrifice.” Neville motioned to the rope on the floor.

  “Tunnel,” said Wolton.

  “Who wants to do the honors?” Michael asked.

  The big guy grinned and came forward. “It would be my pleasure.” He roughly grabbed Wolton’s arm and the older man grimaced in pain due to his bonds.

  Beth stepped into the tunnel followed by Theo, Phillip, Michael, and Neville. Bringing up the rear was Wolton and his three minions. Several grabbed torches to help light their way in the darkness.

  21

  Elizabeth stumbled and tripped over the uneven surfaces. She gasped for air as fear closed in around her within the confined space.

  Theodore struggled behind her in assisting Phillip. They couldn’t walk side by side in the narrow tunnel and the ceiling grew lower.

  Another explosion rocked the earth and a gust of wind came down the tunnel snuffing out her torch.

  She froze. Her hand reached out to the dirt wall on either side of her. Keep walking. I can do this. Lord help me! She ran into a wall and her hands found the rough rungs of a ladder. “I’ve reached the end of the tunnel. Wait until I get the surface door open.” She climbed to the top. Hard to manage with her big stomach getting in the way and her long skirts. She reached the top, hitting it with her head first. “Ouch.”

  “Beth?” Phillip’s concerned voice traveled up to her.

  “I found the door.”

  She pushed and longed to scream against the darkness. Her shoulder became bruised from the effort but panic at the dark gave her the strength to continue until it budged. Her hands were bloodied as she shoved it open. “I’m out.” She pulled herself into the small hunting lodge and struggled to her feet. She found a flint and lit a lamp to shine into the hole. She turned to kneel and help Phillip as Theo pushed him from behind. As Phillip collapsed on the floor she set the lamp aside and pulled him free, holding him close.

  Theodore emerged followed by Michael and Mr. Neville.

  Another explosion rocked the earth beneath them and dust started to filter up through the door.

  “Wolton?” Neville shouted down into the tunnel.

  No one answered.

  “We need to get to the house!” Beth pulled to her feet and struggled to help Phillip stand with Michael’s help. She ran to the door of the lodge and opened it up to a black night. A shimmer of ice rested on top of a thin layer of snow. Flames could be seen a mile away.

  “Beth, even if we had the fastest horses, we’d never get there in time. I cannot travel on foot.” Phillip wrapped an arm around her as he leaned against the doorjamb.

  Michael stood on the other side. “I’ll go to where we left our horses and bring them here. I’m sorry, Beth. Phillip is right. We cannot make it in time.”

  Beth turned into Phillip’s chest and let all the fear of the day leak into his shirt exposed through his open coat. A light kiss on her hair as he squeezed her close told her he understood.

  Michael and Theo left to get the horses while Neville headed toward the house on foot.

  Phillip found a chair and sat, pulling Beth to his lap.

  She put a hand on either side of his face. “Are you well?”

  “Weak, hungry and thirsty, but otherwise unharmed.”

  She pulled his hand away to check his wrist. “And a liar.”

  “He planned far worse for you. Thank you for coming for me.”

  “How could I not? I’ve been a horrible wife and you deserved none of this. It’s all my fault.”

  “You are not responsible for your father or Wolton’s choices, darling.”

  “I pushed you away. You’ve been faithfully telling me of your love, and I’ve been too selfish to even consider how losing our child hurt you.”

  Phillip’s hand rested on her stomach. It moved. “Are you sure there isn’t a baby in there?”

  “How could there be? We lost our son. I keep feeling it, and feared I was mad. I was hiding myself from you because I was afraid you’d learn the truth.”

  “That I really am going to be a father?”

  “That your wife had lost her mind and was destined for the Bedlam.”

  “Never. Although offering yourself to Wolton like that I began to wonder.”

  “Will you forgive me for pushing you away?”

  Phillip nodded. “I love you, Beth. That hasn’t changed. I understood you were in pain. I hoped in time you would return to me. It sure got lonely in my bed at night.”

  “I missed you too.”

  “We were interrupted earlier.”

  “We were?” Beth grinned.

  “I love you, Beth.” He reached up and pulled her head down to his own. Their lips met and she relaxed into the affection he offered her.

  Thank you, Lord, for saving us.

  Hoofbeats alerted them to company.

  ~*~

  Arriving at the house, there was not much to be done. The structure had been overcome by the flames. Wooden beams had fallen from the upper floors and the thatched roof had burnt to ashes. Phillip held Beth back. “We can’t go in now. It’s not safe.”

  Michael had made tentative steps into the structure calling for Lord Follett but received no answer.

  Neville returned to the hunting cabin to check on the collapsed tunnel. He couldn’t access it. His prisoner must have died in the collapse.

  “Let’s head to the Red Rooster to rest. We can return in the morning. Perhaps we’ll find something then.”

  “It’d be too late,” Beth protested.

  “Honey, if he was in there, it’s already too late for him.” Phillip tried to assure her.

  Theo brought the carriage for them. Phillip collapsed into the interior as his wife followed. The rest of the men would return on horseback.

  “I’m sorry, Beth.”

  She hugged herself. “You have nothing to apologize for.”

  Arriving at the Inn, Phillip was assisted from the carriage by his valet. He was taken to his room, bathed, fed and given plenty to drink. Fenway helped him to bed and he lacked the strength to fight. “Beth will be here soon.”

  “She needs her own rest.”

  “Try to keep her away.” Phillip winked.

  His valet blushed.

  Noise from outside the door drew Fenway to answer.

  Beth stumbled in.

  “Ma’am. His lordship is resting,” Fenway said.

  “I tried to stop her,” Elsa protested from the hallway.

  Beth pushed past them both to Phillip. She sat on the bed.

  “I told Fenway you wouldn’t stay away.” Phillip grinned, looking past her to the servants in the doorway. “You can both leave.”

  The servants left them alone.

  Phillip moved over to make room for his wife under the covers. Finally, after so long a struggle, every appetite was satisfied.

  ~*~

  The next morning, Beth took the steps to her childhood home. The odor of burnt wood lingered in the air and soot covered everything. Her hands grew black with the few things she touched. She found the study. Her dad’s favorite spot. Phillip was behind her. The remains of her father were there. The safe above his body was shut but not locked. Phillip opened it and drew out a metal box. Inside was a book and a letter addressed to Lizzy.

  “Do you mind if I open this?” Phillip asked about the bound volume.

  “No.” She held the letter in her hands.

  Phillip opened the journal. “Mr. Neville?”

  The Bow Street Runner entered “Yes?”

&nb
sp; “You might want to see this. He recorded the names of those involved in the smuggling and treason.”

  “The Black Diamond?”

  “Not even Follett knew who it was.”

  Nigel lifted the book. “Mrs. Westcombe, may I take this to the authorities in London?”

  “You may. Thank you for all you’ve done to help.”

  “I’m sorry for your loss, ma’am.”

  Phillip wrapped an arm around his wife and led her from the house.

  They remained in town to see to Lord Follett’s burial. The ceremony was simple and Michael and Theo stayed with them.

  They parted ways after that, the two men returning to London and Phillip accompanying his wife back to Stanton Hall.

  ~*~

  They arrived at the hall to find a letter from Lord Remington awaiting them. Phillip broke the seal. “Beth?”

  “Hmmm?” She came to stand by his side.

  “Marcus and Josie have a daughter.”

  Beth nodded and turned away.

  “Beth.” He pulled her back and held her close. “I want to call for the doctor. I don’t think you’re going mad.”

  “It’s wishful thinking.”

  “And that’s a bad thing?” Phillip grinned. “What if somehow you are still pregnant?”

  “You can summon the doctor.” Beth walked away.

  Phillip sighed. His wife was once again returning his affection but grief over her father was a new obstacle to break through. The unknown question with her health was also a concern. He was cautiously optimistic that his introduction to fatherhood was on the horizon.

  ~*~

  Beth settled into her room. Once Elsa had unpacked, Beth was alone. She went over all that had happened as she held her father’s unopened letter in her hand. The fireplace was burning brightly but she shivered against the cold and the depth of evil they’d faced in the dungeon. If it hadn’t been for Phillip’s comfort during the night she’d have succumbed to horrid nightmares. It was as if he sensed them coming and would hold her close and whisper words of love to her in his sleep keeping the evil at bay.

  She broke the seal to the letter.

  Dear Lizzy,

  If you are reading this, I am most likely dead. I had nothing left to lose and could think of no other way I might possibly help you than to burn the house down and hopefully create a diversion. If you are alive, perhaps that means I’ve done one thing right in my life.

  Do not mourn for me. I’ve made peace with God. I’m unsure whether the Jesus you believe in has truly forgiven me, but I deserve nothing more than to spend eternity with the gods I’ve served. I pray by the mercy and forgiveness you and your husband have shown me, that God will extend the same to this old, repentant heart.

  In spite of all my sins against you, I loved you. I wish I could have done better by you. When your mother was taken from me, something inside me died. Yes. She was a victim of Wolton as well, but never fear, you are truly my daughter. Of that, I have no doubt.

  I am grateful you have your faith and Lord Westcombe. I pray together you will forge a new path, escaping the evil perpetrated here. Another good reason for the property to be destroyed. Even if you conquer Wolton this time, remember there is a spiritual enemy that will continue to seek to destroy you. I’d prevent that if I were able, but spiritual battles are beyond my ken.

  May God richly bless you, daughter. Do not grieve for me. Instead, rejoice in the love and new life God has brought to you.

  Sincerely,

  Felix Follett

  Elizabeth folded the letter and placed it in the front of her Bible. Her father had accepted Christ, sacrificed his last moments of his life sharing his love with her, and had died to save her and Phillip. She was now an orphan. With her new life with Phillip and her friends, she didn’t feel the loss of family as much as she thought she would.

  Her hand came to rest on her stomach. Wolton swore there was a baby. Her heart longed for that to be true.

  Phillip entered the room. She rose to go to him, grateful that this man had saved her in more ways than he realized. Thank you, Lord.

  ~*~

  The doctor arrived the next day.

  “Mrs. Westcombe, it is a pleasure to meet you.” He began his exam silently nodding. When he finished he sat down with Beth and Phillip. “I want to assure you, my lord. Your wife is in excellent health. She is not losing her mind. You, dear Mrs. Westcombe, are definitely pregnant. I would guess you to have a month left in your pregnancy. I anticipate an uncomplicated birth.”

  “But I lost the baby. I saw his body. I remember the cramping. The blood,” Beth protested.

  “My guess is you had twins. I do not deny the loss you experienced. In my professional opinion, in spite of that loss, God has granted you one child to raise, instead of two. “

  Hope welled up inside Beth. She wiped away a tear. “I’m not losing my mind? I’m going to be a mother?”

  The doctor nodded. “Rest. Your recent grief and sorrow over the loss of your father is natural but should not harm the baby. Congratulations.”

  Phillip squeezed her hand and smiled. “Thank you, doctor.”

  The man rose and left.

  Phillip turned to Beth. “I’m a father.”

  “I am a most blessed mother. We’re really having a baby.”

  “Best Christmas gift ever,” Phillip stated.

  “It is Christmas in a few days, isn’t it?”

  Phillip nodded. “We’ve been busy.”

  “Is it too late to decorate and celebrate?”

  “I think we can celebrate first—and decorate later.” He winked at her.

  Beth grabbed his cravat and pulled him close. “I like the way you think.” She kissed him and savored the sensations it brought. Merry Christmas indeed.

  22

  Late January 1811

  Phillip heard his son’s wails. “I’ll get him.” He struggled out of bed and crossed over to the bassinette where his son loudly complained. He picked up the little boy. “Edward Marcus Westcombe, I hope I can teach you better manners than that. It’s not polite to cry for your supper.” He placed a kiss on his son’s pale, downy locks.

  “Don’t tease him, Phillip. Bring him here.”

  “Shouldn’t I change him first?”

  “And let him wake the entire house?”

  Phillip brought his son to the bed and sat by his wife’s side as she nursed him. “Have I told you how much I love you?” he asked.

  “Quite often.”

  He leaned over to kiss her. “Hmm.”

  She smiled at him. “I was thinking…”

  “At this time of night?”

  “I know you missed being with your family over the holidays. There is not much to be done on the estate right now. The weather has been fair and Edward and I are doing well. I thought perhaps we could go to town for a few months.”

  “London?”

  She nodded. “I need a new wardrobe, as does our little man here. And I never did decorate the house. This would be the ideal season to undertake some of those tasks. And I know you miss seeing your friends. I would never want to keep you from them.”

  “When are Josie and Marcus coming?”

  “I’m not sure Josie will come to town with Isabella this spring. The baby has had terrible coughs. Marcus likely will arrive for Parliament.”

  “Yes, my love.”

  “Really?”

  “My mother and father will dote over the baby. Perhaps we’ll be ready to go out in society again when the season starts.”

  “Not too much.”

  “Only for a few select events.”

  “Wonderful. By the time we get there Edward should be sleeping longer.”

  “Good.”

  “Yes. We’ll have more time for ourselves then.”

  Phillip grinned. “I like the sound of that.”

  “Do you miss your nice, orderly life?”

  “Orderly is overrated. I wouldn’t trade what I have now wi
th you for anything.”

  “I’m grateful God led me to you, Phillip.”

  “He knew what I needed before I even did.” Phillip lifted the soothed infant back into his arms and changed the nappy. He swaddled the little man up and held him to his shoulder.

  “You need to let him sleep in his bassinette.”

  “But he is so soft and snuggly.”

  “So is your wife.” She wiggled her eyebrows.

  “I get your point.” He gently placed the infant in his bed and caressed the child’s cheek. With a sigh of contentment, he turned back to his wife and crawled in next to her. She was right, she was soft in all the right places. “I love you, Beth.”

  She wrapped her arms around him and he drew her close.

  Her kiss told him everything he needed to know. Thank You, Lord.

  Acknowledgements

  It would be impossible to thank everyone who has helped me on my journey, so I apologize in advance for those I will miss. It doesn’t mean you are any less valuable and thankfully, God keeps better track of those things than I do and His “well done, good and faithful servant” has more merit than any thanks written here.

  So here it goes. Special thanks to:

  Elizabeth Herman–you amaze me. Thanks for all the ways you’ve invested in me.

  Doris Pollard Wichern–another early reader and one of my most faithful cheerleaders in this writing adventure. I’m sad you weren’t able to live to see this an so many other books you read rough drafts for, published. I miss you.

  Lisa Lickel–thanks for being such a wonderful mentor, friend, and shoulder to cry on when the publishing process throws me those curve balls. I don’t think I would have ever taken that first step in this journey to publication without your gentle push.

  David Mundt and Ken Nabi–for unwavering support and believing in me and the calling God has on my life.

  Sally Shupe–my faithful editor. Thank you for finding all those silly errors!

  Nicola Martinez–my beloved Editor-in-Chief who continually supports my writing while allowing me the joy of helping others on their journey to publication. I’m grateful for our partnership and friendship.

  Biography

  Susan M. Baganz chases after three Hobbits, and is a native of Wisconsin. She is an Editor with Pelican Book Group, specializing in bringing great romance novels and novellas to publication. Susan writes adventurous historical and contemporary romances with a biblical world-view.