The Abandoned Countess by Shannon Salter

Author:Shannon Salter
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, murder, mystery, murder mystery, historical, historical romance, regency, regency england, romance and adventure, mystery and romance, regency 1800s, regency era romance, regency adventure, mystery and drama
Publisher: Shannon Salter

Chapter Fifteen

The rain pattered gently against my bed chamber window, the bleak weather mirroring my own feelings. Millie had been in and drawn the curtains back when she brought my cup of hot chocolate, but I had not touched it.

Last night’s events kept replaying in my mind and each time I felt the same sense of overwhelming helplessness. Surely there was something I could have done to save my husband! But deep down I knew there wasn’t.

The knowledge that he was gone echoed in the hollowness of my being. I felt empty, devoid of all feeling, not even able to cry. I closed my eyes only to see his body crumbling as the memory of the pistol blast reverberated around my head. I could still feel the heavy weight of his hand as it had rested limply in my own; his final weak smile would remain etched in my memory forever.

The light tap that sounded at the door was unwelcome and I refused to turn my head on the pillow as Millie entered.

“John is askin’ to see you, ma’am. I told ‘im you was in no state to be seein’ anyone but ‘e insisted. What would you like me to tell ‘im?

I was barely listening. “John? Oh… you mean Kaidan.”

“No matter what ‘e calls ‘imself now, ‘e’ll always be John to me.” Millie said softly with affection.

I closed my eyes again. “Please tell him to go away.”

“I can try ma’am, but I have a feelin’ he won’t leave till ‘e’s seen you. I set ‘im up with a nice cuppa’ tea in the parlour. You see, ‘e slept on the settee last night, wanted to be ‘ere if you needed ‘im.”

“Tell me, Millie, what could I possibly need from him?” My tone was scathing. “He cannot bring Edward back.”

“Answers, ma’am, a reason for this senseless killing. You owe that much to Edward!” Grief was clear in her voice and I realized I was not alone in my sorrow. My loyal servant was also in mourning for her late master.

I was silent for a moment and desperately tried to draw some inner courage. Kaidan was perhaps one of the last people I wanted to face at the present.

“Tell him I will be down presently.” With great effort I dragged myself from the soft comfort of my bed and absentmindedly reached for the closest dress in the closet. I didn’t take any notice of the dull grey gown as I stepped into it and didn’t bother to tie back my tousled curls. Without even a glance in the mirror I left my bed chamber. I cared little for my appearance and hoped that Kaidan would not impose on me for too long.

He turned to greet me as I joined him in the parlour. Pouring myself a cup of tea, I noted his rumpled clothing. “You could have used the guest room.”

“The parlour is closer to the front door.”

“You think Hempworth would have come here?” I asked incredulously.

“I was more concerned you would try to find him.

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