Page 32 of Regency in Color

Since first meeting Alexander Yarnsby, Thomas had liked the man. Unlike most wealthy people, he didn’t hold himself above them. Before marrying, he’d eaten meals with the staff in the kitchen, claiming to not like eating alone in the dining room. Now he prayed the man’s humanity would help in his situation.

“Sir, I have a problem that I wish to speak to you about, if you have the time.”

“Of course,” Yarnsby motioned for him to enter the study. The room was bright during the day and at night, one could see the stars, as one wall was all windows.

He waited for his employer to round the desk and to sit in a chair opposite him before beginning.

“What is it Thomas?”

The dryness in his throat made Thomas clear it. “Men came here looking for me today. They asked Harold if I worked here and he denied it because he got a bad feeling about them. I am not sure what they plan, but I fear it is not good. They will return to look for me, I am sure of it.”

“Who are they?”

He hung his head for a moment, hating to have to admit to his roguish ways and the consequences, once again. “Brothers of a woman, whom I had a relationship with.”

“I see,” Yarnsby replied. “Am I to assume she was compromised, and they seek for you to make things right?”

He met the man’s gaze and nodded. “I am not proud of my past and how little I considered the impact it had on others. Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do that can ever repair any damage in this case.”

“What happened?”

He took a deep breath and swallowed. “She drowned, and her family says it was done on purpose, as she was brokenhearted over me not wishing to continue the relationship.”

Yarnsby stood and looked out into the night. “It is not your fault. Her act, if it was indeed because of you, was her choice.”

“How can I make her brothers understand that?” Thomas said. “I do not blame them for how they feel. And I do feel responsible. If someone did the same to my sister, and as a result, she took her life, I would want revenge, whether justified or not.”

They remained in silence for a long moment; finally, Yarnsby turned to him. “How dangerous are these men?”

“In all honesty, I grew up knowing them and never saw any kind of hostility between them and anyone. I shouldn’t have allowed my parents to convince me to leave my home. Running gave them a stronger impression that I am responsible for what happened.”

“They were worried about you,” Yarnsby said sitting again. “If I was in your place, I would feel the same. In all honesty, this conversation makes me think about my past as well. Although I did my best to keep relationships from becoming too deep, there were several times, breaking away was tough.”

“I understand if you ask me to go. I do not wish to put you and Mrs. Yarnsby in harm’s way.”

“I surely doubt it will come to that,” Mr. Yarnsby said. “Perhaps, we should find the men and speak to them directly. It may be the only way for this to end and for you to stop looking over your shoulder.”

Relief swept over him, and Thomas lowered his shoulders at sharing the burden. “I agree.”

Mr. Yarnsby met his gaze. “You have not been in my employ long, but already I can tell you are a good man. I have no doubt that if you could repair things with this woman, you would.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

Thomas made his way out to the stables to check the horses one last time. He’d promised Harold to do so, so the older man could go to bed early as he’d been complaining about back pains.

Thankfully the full moon allowed plenty of light so Thomas could see. Once inside the stables, he lit a lantern and hung it on a hook.

The horses were restless, making soft noises at his presence. In the nearest stall, the horse pawed the ground, the animal’s eyes wide. “What’s the matter?” Thomas said in a soft tone. “Is there a wee beastie about that makes you nervous?” He stroked the animal’s nose. “Let me look.”

Just as he reached the stall door, movement caught his attention. Two men appeared from the shadows blocking the entrance to the stables.

“You can’t run this time Thomas Sullivan,” one of them said.

He looked to one and then the other. “I heard you were here earlier. Can we talk?”

“We didn’t come here to talk. But to make things right. You killed our sister, and now you will pay with your own life.”

The familiar faces were twisted in fury, both seeming to enjoy the moment. Thomas knew it would be hard to win against both. One perhaps, but not two angry men.

“As I told you back then. I regret what happened. Your sister seemed to understand why we could not continue the relationship. She was sad, but I do not believe to the point of killing herself.”

The eldest brother sneered. “Our sister is dead. You killed her.”

It was of no use to attempt to convince them otherwise. Thomas blew out a breath and prepared to defend himself.