Page 47 of Legacy of Succession

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

NICHOLAS

I watch Victoria sleeping — she looks peaceful. It’s nice to watch her in person and not via a monitor. She opens her mouth and mumbles something about an oat and raisin cookie and then wiggles her perfect nose. I smile because I’m relaxed and happy. I’ve never enjoyed watching a woman this way before. It’s been sex and goodbye, but with Victoria, it’s different. After we made love twice more, we laid in each other’s arms and talked about our childhood for a few hours. She fell asleep, but I wasn’t tired. I’ve got far too much on my mind and none of it good. No matter what Victoria says, I’m responsible for Amelia’s death. All this has been for my succession. I could have said no and walked away, but I didn’t because of William and my fears for myself. I was selfish but no more. Together, Victoria and I will finish this. I slide from the bed and fumble around for my boxers. I eventually find them slung over a vase of fake roses. The flowers are everywhere. It’s as if my mother knew that the girl I would fall for would pick them as her favorite. Tiptoeing quietly, I grab the rest of my clothes and go outside. I need some air to think about what happens next. I pull my phone out of my pocket and dial Reggie’s number. He may be my butler, but he’s also a confidant.

“My Lord, where are you?” he answers after the first ring.

“My mother’s summer house.”

I can hear him exhale a sigh of relief.

“You didn’t leave. What about Victoria?”

“She’s with me.”

“You have spent time together?”

“If you’re asking if we’ve slept together, then yes. I’ve made my decision — I’m going to marry her. It may not have a been a traditional courtship, but she’s everything that I want in a wife. Together, we’ll disband the society and see that no more girls are hurt by its rules.”

He goes silent on the other end of the phone.

“Reggie.”

“I’ll help you in any way I can. It won’t be easy. Your father is already putting things in place. He’ll check Miss Victoria, the moment you return, to confirm that her virginity is still intact. You and I are both aware of the consequences when he finds out that it isn’t.”

“He won’t touch her.”

“You have to think carefully, My Lord.”

“Is he at home?”

“No. He left after Miss Amelia’s body was removed to her father.” I wince at the mention of Victoria’s dead friend.

“Did he take it?”

“No, she’s caused shame on her family, and he refused her back. Your father has had her placed in the cellar until something can be done.”

“I want you to make arrangements for her to be buried in the local church. They'll not ask any questions. They’re used to random bodies suddenly appearing.”

“I’ll sort it at once, My Lord.”

“Thank you, Reggie. Where’s my father?”

“He went to his flat.” I don’t need to ask what my butler means by his flat. It’s the place where he goes when he wants time to fuck in peace, away from Oakfield, even if it's still on the grounds.

“I need to go check on Victoria. I don’t want to leave her for long. Can you send some food and clean clothing down here for her? I’m going to go and see my father. I want a guard as well, make that two. One for William and one for her. I know you have contacts.”

“I do, Sir. I’ll sort it at once.”

“Thank you.”

I hang up, and the summer house door opens. Victoria stands there, rubbing her eyes. She has the sheet wrapped around her body.

“I wondered where you’d gone?”

“I was just talking to my butler. My father has left Oakfield, but that doesn’t mean you're safe. I don’t know his next move, but I do know that the second he gets hold of you he’ll have you before his doctor, again. That’s not happening. I need to go and speak to him. Tell him I’ve made my decision. I want you to stay here. My butler has contacts. He’s going to get someone to guard you and someone for William, also.”

“Nicholas.” She places her hand on my chest. “I’ve been thinking. We should run away — go to Scotland and marry. He can’t do anything about it once we’re man and wife. You'll be married, and he’ll need to step aside. Then, we can start changing the rules.”

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