Page 66 of Cherish and the Duke
Cherish had not cared about these slights nearly as much as she ought to have done. It simply was not in her nature to take offense or hold grudges. However, Gawain was not nearly as nice as she was and felt nothing but outrage on her behalf. He wasnot about to let her uncle’s cruel attempts to deprive her of her dignity and worth go unpunished.
As for that punishment, he would take his cues from Cherish, for he did not wish to overset her. Still, he would go after that oaf even if it was not done as thoroughly as he truly wished. He understood that Northam was her only family, and Gawain had to respect her feelings even if he considered her too softhearted.
He would not be happy, but Cherish’s happiness was more important.
He smiled thinking of her. Despite her quiet manner, there was an air of confidence about her, a spirit that her uncle had not been able to destroy. She had a sweet nature, but was no little mouse to be pushed around. He liked that unmistakable confidence in herself. As irritated as he was with her lack of fear for her own safety, he was also greatly relieved to see this spark of determination shine from within her.
Her uncle looked sallow and deflated as they rode to Northam Hall, obviously contemplating his mistake in coming after his niece and dreading what would transpire next.
Good. It was time the tables were turned and this man paid for his wrongdoing.
Gawain had met the Northam Hall butler and several others on the Northam staff when he stopped in the other day. “Good morning, Potter. We have come for Lady Cherish’s belongings.”
The man’s eyes rounded in surprise, but he hesitated not a moment before nodding. “At once, Your Grace.”
Lord Northam was not pleased by his own head butler’s compliance. “Anyone who assists Bromleigh shall be sacked on the spot. Not a thing is to be touched. She owns nothing. Not a gown or a shoe buckle. It all belongs to me!”
Gawain frowned. “Be quiet, Northam. I am keeping count of every petty, vindictive word out of your foul mouth. If you thinkthis will not come back to bite you in the arse, then you had better think again.”
He turned to the butler. “Get her things packed at once, Potter. Ignore your master’s threats. I shall hire anyone he sacks for doing the right thing.”
Upon hearing those words, the Northam servants came out of the woodwork like ants. They ignored their master while he ranted and raved, and paid no heed to the equally unlikable Lady Northam when she lumbered down the stairs and began to shriek at them in outrage.
The servants took care as they packed Cherish’s possessions. The Northam footmen then loaded them onto the wagon Gawain had brought along for this purpose. “Well, Northam? Are you going to discharge your entire household? Even your cook and scullery maids came out of the kitchen to assist me. It will serve you right if you and your wife are abandoned entirely and left to fend for yourselves.”
“Blast you, Bromleigh,” Northam grumbled, and stormed back inside without a word to his staff, for it was obvious he dared not lose any of them.
Potter looked back at Northam’s retreating form and then turned to Gawain in dismay. “Too bad he kept silent. There is not one of us who wishes to serve him. Lady Cherish is another matter. We would lay down our lives for her. Your Grace, may I be so bold as to ask what is to become of her?”
Gawain smiled. “She is to become my wife.”
“Your wife?” The old butler’s eyes turned moist, and he cracked a broad grin. “I speak for the entire Northam staff when I say that we wish her every happiness and know she will have it with you. This is excellent news. You will not find a finer lady.”
Gawain nodded. “I shall convey your regards to her. Send word to Lady Shoreham if Northam dares to mistreat any of you after I’ve gone. She will let me know.”
“Thank you, Your Grace. That is very generous and much appreciated. Alas, I fear he is too enamored of his comforts to risk an uprising from his staff. I expect we are safe enough from his threats and bluster. Unfortunate, but there it is.”
Gawain and his companions made it back to Shoreham Manor in time for lunch. He was ravenous, but had to attend to a delicate matter with Cherish first.
She must have been fretting as she watched for his return. Gawain’s heart melted when he saw her standing on the front steps with her hands clasped in front of her and a worried look on her face. He noticed that she had changed out of her gown into a fresh one, for there was no bloodstain on the sleeve.
Good, for that scrape had concerned him. He’d thoroughly cleansed it, but did not like that it had bled again during her confrontation with Northam.
She lit up upon noticing his smile of conquest. He pointed to the wagon, which was filled with her belongings.
Fiona, Margaret, and a dozen other guests hurried out to greet them, but Gawain had eyes only for Cherish. Lord, would he always turn soft as pudding at the sight of her? Was this what love did to a man? This was something new for him, a feeling he’d never experienced in the forty years of his life.
Upon reflection, he had never once felt this way with his first love, Lady Albin. That youthful affair could best be described as passionate, intense, too often volatile, but certainly not a mature love to last a lifetime.
Gawain dismounted, handed Odin to one of the grooms, and then strode to Cherish. “Come with me,” he said, taking her hand to lead her into the garden, where they might have some privacy.
She felt so right walking beside him, her hand soft and little as it was swallowed in his. He felt good just being with her.
In addition to changing out of her bloodied gown into a finer one, she had attended to her hair. No doubt Fiona had sent hermaid to Cherish with specific instructions. Her hair was stylishly drawn back in a ribbon, but left long and loose to cascade down her back. Not at all proper for going about London, but perfect for a country house party.
Especially practical if he wished to untie the ribbon and slide his hands through those silken strands as he kissed her.
Yes, Fiona was sharp and did not miss a trick. Cherish looked beautiful and suitably prepared for that first kiss he now intended to give her.
