Page 30 of A Second Chance for Carys
He’d said the woman “claimed” to be carrying his child. Which meant he had his doubts.
“You don’t believe her claim?” She had to cling to the hope that this was a mistake that could be resolved somehow, because otherwise, it would be a disaster.
James hesitated, as if unsure whether to voice his concerns or not. In the end, to her relief, he seemed to conclude he could tell the truth because she wouldn’t judge him.
“Honestly? I don’t know what to think. She looks no different to her usual self, which doesn’t help. It’s only been four months since I left her cottage, of course, so it’s possible she wouldn’t be showing yet but…” Black eyes skewered her while he delivered the blow. “Here is what troubles me. I can’t even remember bedding her. All I know is that whatever happened between us happened without my real consent and full knowledge. I was feverish for days on end while in her care and don’t remember anything. I have no choice but to trust her word, and I’m not sure I want to, or can.”
As declarations went, this one was rather shocking but Carys did her best not to react. James was having enough difficulty handling the news. He didn’t need her to make him feel even worse.
He ran a hand through his hair again. There was stubble on his jaw, betraying the fact he had not shaved that morning. Carys had rarely seen him so unkempt or agitated, would not even have believed hecouldget so agitated.
“Something feels odd. I know I would never have slept with her had I been in my right mind and find it hard to believe I would have wanted to, even when feverish…I’ve never felt any desire for her, or even really liked her, God forgive me. But considering the state I was in, there is no telling what I did. It’s possible I did something so unlikely.” He kicked the tree in front of him. “This is a nightmare, like being told you broke a bone slipping on a frozen lake when you can’t recall having gone there in the first place and your arm is intact.”
Yes. She could imagine it would be hard to accept. It was not an insignificant thing either. This lapse in judgment, if one could call it that, could have lifelong, potentially disastrous consequences. They had better make sure everything was as Margaret claimed. James was scared to death; she had to do what she could to help. She could not let him face this alone.
“Would you like me to go talk to her, see if I can find out a bit more?” she offered. “She doesn’t know me, and has no idea that I know you. If I pretended I’m no one of importance and care not one way or another about what happens between you, she might allow me into her confidence.”
James’ eyes lit up for the first time since she had come to him that morning. The hope shining in them was enough to convince her she should speak to Margaret. If there was any way she could get him out of this nightmare, she had to try.
“You would do that?”
“Of course.”
She would do so much more for him. As if he’d understood what she hadn’t dared say, he took her hands in his and drew her close. “Thank you, Carys.”
Oh, his name in his mouth! She willed her heartbeat down.
“Wait. It might not work, she might not be willing to confide in me,” she cautioned, not wanting him to think his problem was solved. “Or I might find out that she is telling the truth.”
That prospect was terrifying. Because then there would be no coming back. If the womanwasindeed carrying his child, he would marry her, whatever his misgivings. A man of honor, he would not abandon her and the babe.
“No, I know. But it means a lot to me that you would even want to try to help.” He leaned in toward her, all masculine intent. “You’re the only one at Sheridan Manor I have told why Margaret is here. Matthew and Branwen have made her feel welcome, of course, but they do not know why she’s here. They think she’s only come for a visit. I didn’t want to say anything until I was absolutely sure I knew where things stood.”
It made sense. She nodded, overwhelmed by his proximity. “All right. Let me see what I can do.”
The sooner they knew where they stood, the better.
“Carys, I?—”
“No. Please.” She stopped the declaration poised over James’ lips and picked up the basket she had deposited at her feet, steeling her resolve. “We’ll talk afterward.”
If you’re free to express your feelings then.
It didn’t take Carys long to locate Margaret. Guessing the woman would be more at ease with the servants than with the lord and lady of the manor, she went straight to the kitchen and found her sitting by the fire, a cup in hand. She was laughing at John, the spit boy, who was doing his best to ignore her taunts.
James had described a small woman, with thin chestnut hair, a pointy face and a sallow complexion. He’d forgotten to mention however, that the result was somehow reminiscent of a mouse. The discovery only spurred Carys onward. A man like James Mortimer, who was a mighty eagle, if she’d ever seen one, could not end up married to a mouse.
As soon as she saw her enter, Avice took her to one side.
“Oh, my lady,” she said, wringing her hands together. Carys let the undeserved greeting pass. No matter how many times she had told her friend she was not a lady, she was the master’s wife’s mother, and that was as good as anything for the cook. “Please help. I don’t know what to do with the woman. She’s getting herself in quite a state with the mead I foolishly offered her earlier. I dare not provoke Master James’ anger by throwing his sister-in-law out of my kitchen, but really, she is disturbing everybody’s work…Poor John is at his wits’ end.”
Carys allowed a grim smile to float on her lips. Margaret was in her cups? Even better, this could only serve her purpose. The woman might be more disposed to talk and not get suspicious so easily if she could not think straight. She did not let her conscience bother her. Every weapon at her disposal she would shamelessly use in her bid to establish the truth—and hopefully free James from a fate he dreaded.
“Leave it to me. I’ll take her away from here.”
“Would you?” Avice looked relieved. “Thank you, my lady.”
“It’s Carys to you,” she reminded her, knowing it was in vain.
