Devoted to You

“I don’t appreciate you trying to implicate me in your scheming, woman. I have always suspected you but had nothing to take to anyone. Suspicions aren’t enough, so I have had to just hope you wouldn’t do it again. It shall be a relief to be able to get you out of this house so we can all be safe, and sleep soundly in our beds at night,” he declared coldly.

This seemed to help Mrs Kempton make her mind up about something. Before anyone could do anything, she took a small bottle out of her pocket, yanked out the cork, and downed the contents of the bottle in one gulp. She dropped it onto the carpet and smiled sadly at the room.

A moment of horrified hesitation swept over everyone. The magistrate lurched forward to try to stop her but her eyes rolled to the back of her head before he reached her.

She fell to the floor. Her wide, sightless eyes confirmed her death.

“What the hell?” Aidan growled staring in horror at the deceased woman.

“It looks like some sort of poison,” the magistrate informed them. “She has gone.”

“Perhaps it's just as well,” Jerry sighed. “Although I won’t be attending her funeral, nor will I have her buried in the cemetery at Abbeygate, she can at least be laid to rest in the village graveyard. At least she won’t be a danger to anybody else now. Nor do we need to discuss this with anyone outside of this room now that her crimes don’t have to go to the judge.”

“Nobody mentions what has happened to anyone,” Aidan reiterated. “The magistrate can attest that she has admitted to the murder of Alice, and attempted murder of Petal, to everyone here today. However, she is now dead so no further action is required.”

Everyone nodded their agreement never to discuss it outside of the room.

The dowager sighed. “Now that Mrs Kempton is no longer with us, Petal can sort out how this house is run. I am, of course, happy to assist in any way I can. After all, I am aware you need to learn how to. Meantime, I think you both should rest.”

With that, Mrs Kempton was carried out of the room.

“Do you want to move room for the night?” Aidan asked once Petal had been examined by the doctor.

Now that they were alone, Aidan drew his wife lovingly into his arms. He had been assured by the doctor that Petal had sustained nothing more than a few bruises, but he still needed to make certain that she was going to be alright.

“I am not at all squeamish about things like that so it doesn’t bother me,” Petal replied. “But I will if you wish.”

Aidan shook his head. He slid down in the bed until they were face-to-face.

“How are you? Really?” He murmured softly as he studied her face for signs of pain or distress.

“Shocked,” she replied ruefully. “I have to confess that when you left to go riding, I was bored and decided that I needed something to do with my time. Now, after what has happened, I don’t care how quiet it is, I shall be glad of it. Excitement is all well and good but not if it threatens our lives or our happiness.”

“I don’t want you to be bored in our marriage,” Aidan said with a frown.

“Oh, please don’t misunderstand. It isn’t you I am bored with. It is just that this house has been run to Mrs Kempton’s standards, and I have nothing much to think about. I almost need a little project of my own to think about.”

“Well, there is the new housekeeper to arrange now. My mother has surprised me but was emphatic about her offer of help. I think she will be offended if you don’t ask for her assistance. You may have to concoct something just to assure her that you aren’t snubbing her. I believe she is quite taken with you,” he mused, openly delighted.

Petal smiled at him, inwardly thrilled at the formidable matron’s shocking acceptance of their union.

“I have a little project for you to work on,” he murmured huskily once he had eased her around to face him.

“Oh?” She asked. Her eyes were bright with anticipation.

“Yes, I want you to take a look at the rest of the rooms up here and pick one you think would be acceptable as a nursery. Then I believe that we should set to work to ensure that your days are kept busy. Once you have recovered, of course.”

She smiled in delight.

“I can think of nothing better.” When her husband tugged her down until she lay beside him, she smiled up at him softly. “There is just one stipulation.”

Aidan laughed. “You are giving me stipulations already?”

“Of course I am, it is my job to keep you in line,” she replied cheekily.

Aidan grinned. “What?”

“I don’t want a nanny raising the children. I know it is unheard of, but I want to look after our children myself. I don’t want any staff to do what I am perfectly capable of doing. Besides, I need something to do with my time.”