Page 69 of Scandal with a Sinful Scot

“Oh, Garrett,” she swallowed down a sob. “You came for me.”

“Always. You’ll not be rid of me so easily, my dearest love. Not ever again. In fact, I will stay with you this afternoon as long as you wish. Unless you want to be alone.”

Hot tears burned at the corner of her eyes. “I would like for you to stay awhile. And hold me, nothing else.”

Garrett kissed her softly on the lips again, causing her heartbeat to speed up. “We will leave the serious conversation until tomorrow. Let me fetch your tea and I will hold you close to my heart as long as you wish.” He gave her such a heated look, her breath caught. “For the rest of our lives. Hell, forever.”

Garrett departed, leaving his enticing scent in his wake. She inhaled, then the sob she had held in escaped. As did the tears. Not only from what had happened at the sanatorium, but the fact that Garrett had come to her. Would he claim that he was leaving the curse behind him? Could she believe him? All she knew was that in a moment of pure terror, leaving aside their daughter for the moment—she had wanted Garrett. Most desperately. To hold her. To tell her in his deep but soft voice that all would be well. She yearned for him to protect and love her. To claim nothing else mattered to him—but her. Not the curse, not any outside influences or dramas. Not the past, or recriminations and mistakes on either side.

Now Abbie just had to find the courage to do the same.

Chapter 22

After making Abbie her tea, Garrett stayed with her for close to two hours until she fell asleep in his arms. His meeting with Dr. Bevan had been frank and rather emotional, as he’d revealed Aidan’s connection to Delaney. At least, what he knew of it. The doctor had not acted surprised, relaying that he’d heard similar stories from various patients through the years. He told of one man who had prostituted his daughter in order to procure opium. The man had been a respected doctor at a London hospital.

How disappointing to learn that Aidan’s recovery was not progressing as quickly as the doctor had hoped. His nephew’s attitude hampered most of his recuperation. But the doctor remained positive that Aidan would recover.

He had returned to the George Inn sick at heart, but Jonas and Laddie’s happy greetings helped elevate the gloom. Over dinner, he’d decided not to mention to Jonas about Aidan being in Standon, or the drama-filled episode of the afternoon. Nor would he mention it to Megan. He’d rather that they be introduced when Aidan was fully recovered. Deep down, Garrett believed his nephew would come through this. Damn it, he must.

After a fitful sleep, Garrett rose early and shared breakfast with Jonas. He’d informed him that he would be speaking to Abbie, and had asked the young man to stay in the room at the inn until he returned. Jonas held up a book, one Megan had given him. The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens.

At the last minute, Garrett decided to take Laddie with him to visit Aidan. “Perhaps, Doctor, you are not keen having a rambunctious canine on the premises,” Garrett said as he pulled gently on Laddie’s leash.

Gethin patted Laddie on the head. “It may prove to be therapeutic. I heartily approve.” He straightened and met Garrett’s gaze. “Aidan has agreed to see you, but only for five minutes. I am to keep a rigorous timing of the visit. I will extend it a couple of minutes beyond, but no more. I hold firm to the belief that family should not be involved at this stage of recovery.” Dr. Bevan led him to Aidan’s room and opened the door.

Garrett entered, and the energetic Laddie lurched forward and pulled on the leash, tongue lolling, eager to greet someone new. Aidan, dreadfully thin and pale, sat at the front of the room in the wheeled chair, covered in blankets. Yesterday, he hadn’t had much of a chance to observe his nephew’s appearance. It still was a shock to see.

Aidan gave a cursory glance at the dog, then looked away. “If you have come to warn me about Delaney, you’re too late.”

“Yes, I’ve been late regarding many things.” Garrett let the leash drop, then reached into the inside pocket of his greatcoat, pulling out a small stack of envelopes. He set them on the table by Aidan’s bed. “Here are letters from your father, grandfather, and brother. Some of the recent news is in these dispatches. Read at your leisure.”

Laddie loped toward Aidan, woofing softly. With his wet nose, the puppy nudged at Aidan’s hand, no doubt hoping to be petted or have his ears scratched. But Aidan ignored the gesture.

“The Marquess of Sutherhorne—you may remember his name mentioned yesterday—is responsible for a number of incidents that have occurred toward our family.” Aidan’s indifferent gaze slid to the sling on Garrett’s left arm. “This peer was a guest at a party in December. One he claims you attended. He bought you for his man Delaney’s pleasure. The man here in this room yesterday. Is this true?” Garrett took a step closer. Laddie had given up trying to encourage Aidan to pet him and instead sat at his feet. “Did you sell yourself for money in order to acquire opium?”

“It appears so,” Aidan answered in a flat tone.

“Did Delaney force himself on you?” Garrett’s voice was soft, but his insides tumbled with apprehension.

“I do not remember much of the incident. But I was a willing participant. I wanted and needed the opium desperately enough to debase myself. The episode is merely part of many that haunt my disturbed dreams.”

Jesus. Garrett took a deep breath and exhaled. “Well, Sutherhorne is spreading this gossip about London. I thought you should be aware. I doubt it will reach here; no one knows that you are a Wollstonecraft anyhow—except Dr. Bevan. I swore him to secrecy yesterday.”

“After how low I’ve sunk? I hardly think that gossip will affect me.”

“No, but it will affect your family. Not that you gave us any thought as you made your steep decline into debauchery.”

Aidan met his gaze. “No, Uncle, I didn’t. Not once. Doesn’t bode well for my soul, does it?”

“I am sorry,” Garrett rasped.

“For what?”

“For not reaching out to you, offering help and support. We failed you. And I am heartily sorry for blaming you just now for your decline and the gossip. You do not deserve my censure.”

Aidan exhaled a shuddering breath. “I’ve failed myself, Uncle. I do deserve your censure. And I believe your five minutes is up.” His nephew pulled the blanket tighter about his shoulders.

“Yesterday, Delaney’s parting words to Abbie were for her to take care of you. And to tell you he will see you soon. She believes it is not a threat as such, but I would like to leave Samuel here in Standon in case the brute makes another appearance.” Garrett had already written a letter to Edwin Seward last night to begin an investigation into Colm Delaney. The way things were going, he may have to place Edwin on permanent retainer.