“You bought a copy of Debrett’s Peerage?” This was as suspect as his other claims.
“No, I acted as though I was looking for a different book. His name did not take long to locate.”
In order to consider the information, he strode over to stare out of the window. Why would Gardiner give him this information? What if his accusations were true? He shook his head with vehemence. “I cannot comprehend how Grayson could keep his identity so well hidden.”
The other man shrugged. “Grayson is a common enough name, and he seldom conducts his criminal business himself, using the name Thomas Grayson for investments. I am certain if another peer heard the name, they would not link the viscount, due to his reputation and the difference in forenames.”
“I find it difficult to credit, but I shall remember. Elizabeth will not be alone if he is nearby.” Darcy doubted her uncle was too concerned since he was so eager to trade her for his debts, but he could tell Gardiner believed his assertions—even if Darcy did not.
He did not look back as he rushed from the room, searching out Mrs. Henderson to request a bath for their guest upstairs as well as for the clean clothes he would require. Once she assured him she could find something suitable, he sought out Elizabeth, who was reading in the conservatory.
“There you are.”
Her smile warmed him. “Here I am.”
He took the seat beside her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Are you well?”
“I am. I did have seven months to mourn the uncle I lost.” With a sigh, she rested her head against his shoulder. “He is the man I remember from my childhood.”
“I know you do, but that man became lost in his own misery. Perhaps one day, he will find his way back.”
“Thank you for helping him. I know you would much prefer to leave him to his own devices.” Her eyes did not leave him, but there was no sadness, or even gratitude to be found in them. Instead, her adoration was written there, clear for anyone to read. He drew her against him and held her close.
“I would hate for you to lose more of your family.”
She drew back and placed her hands on his cheeks. “The man I knew died long ago, but I appreciate that you feel he might be reborn. I am also grateful you will provide him with that chance.”
Elizabeth’s lips claimed his and she deepened the kiss until he groaned and pulled back. “You cannot do this to me outside of our chambers,” he whispered.
“So take me to our bed, Fitzwilliam. I believe I am in dire need of a nap.”
Her command set his heart racing, and he aided her to stand. They managed to maintain decorum as they ascended the stairs, but once out of sight, the servants below were sure to have been startled by a loud shriek, followed by gales of laughter, as he chased her down the hallway to their rooms.
“A safe departure, then?” Darcy examined Richard’s expression. He had no reason to think his cousin would defy his wishes, even though Richard did not approve of him helping Gardiner.
“Yes, and Babcock said he would contact me if something goes wrong.” Richard reclined in his comfortable seat at White’s with a snifter in his hand.
“Good riddance!” Darcy raised his glass, overcome with relief that Gardiner was gone.
Richard tipped his own glass forward in acknowledgement. “I still say you gave him too much money.”
“If it keeps Elizabeth safe, then it is worth every shilling.”
After his cousin took a sip of his brandy, he blew out a heavy breath. “I suppose you have a point.”
“What did I miss if you are conceding that your cousin is correct?” They both turned to find Uncle Henry, who laughed as he approached their table with another gentleman.
“Nothing of importance, or I would not have surrendered.”
Darcy rolled his eyes as he and his cousin stood to greet the earl.
Uncle Henry chuckled and gestured to the man beside him. “Lawrence Grayson, Viscount Carlisle, I would like to present my nephew, Fitzwilliam Darcy, and my son Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam.”
“I have heard much of both of you.” Carlisle barely dipped his head. “I believe I remember my wife speaking of your marriage a few months ago.”
The expression on Carlisle’s face had a certain quality that did not sit well. Could this man and Gardiner’s business partner be one and the same? As he had told Gardiner, the Carlisle earldom was known for their adherence to living strictly from their assets and not investing in trade.
He nodded. “Yes, we were wed in May.”
“Aah, still early enough for me to wish you joy.” Carlisle reached into his coat pocket and pulled out his watch, opening it to check the time. “I apologise, but I am to meet someone. I hope you will not find me unforgivably rude if I excuse myself so soon?”
“Of course not.” Uncle Henry reached out and shook the viscount’s hand. “After all, our meeting at the door was happenstance. It is not as if we had plans.”
Carlisle’s grin was wide, and Darcy flinched as Richard’s boot dug into his toe. He spun towards his cousin, who almost imperceptibly shook his head, then he turned back in time to find the viscount’s hand before him.
“It was a pleasure.” They shook hands, and Carlisle then offered his hand to Richard.
Once he had excused himself, they both watched as Carlisle disappeared through the exit in the direction of the private rooms.
“I heard of Lizzy’s run in at the theatre. I hope she is well.” Richard had informed Uncle Henry of the entirety of Gardiner’s attack and flee from London in private while he arranged Gardiner’s transport, but they had decided to keep the secret within the family.
“She is well. Nothing more than a bit of a fright. Grandmamma’s brandy was all it took to set her to rights.”
Uncle Henry and Richard began to laugh. “Yes, I am sure it did,” his uncle agreed. “I’m assuming she had her flask.”
He nodded. “How long has she had that? I have never seen her use it before.”
Uncle Henry’s lip quirked as he sat back and made himself comfortable. “Father purchased it as a gift about five years before he died. He even had her initials engraved on the side. The shopkeeper’s face was entertaining when he realised whose name was represented by the engraving.”
“Grandfather bought her a flask?” asked Richard with disbelief.
Nodding, Uncle Henry continued to beam. “Who do you think introduced her to brandy?”
After one last round of laughter, Uncle Henry began the conversation they had planned. His entire body shifted and he spoke a hair louder than was his wont. “Have you discovered what became of the vagrant who grabbed her?”
For the first time in his life, Darcy desired to attract the eavesdropping gossips, so they did not modulate their voices as this performance was their entire reason for venturing to the club this afternoon. They did not want the beggar linked to Elizabeth’s uncle, so the man at the theatre had to disappear in some manner. Since Uncle Henry did not attend that evening, he was the most obvious person to ask about the encounter.
Richard nodded as he continued the charade. He explained how he brought the beggar to the magistrate, but the fellow was released the following morning. Of course, Uncle Henry would not agree, but Darcy would indicate it was Elizabeth’s decision and she wished to return home. He would not insist she remain in town to prosecute a vagrant.
“I do not think we need worry ourselves over him,” commented Richard to finish their performance. “I daresay the blight learned his lesson.”
Darcy then changed the subject, and lowered his voice since they no longer desired to be overheard. “Speaking of blights, I contacted the investigator and called off the investigation of Gardiner’s location.”
“What reason did you give for terminating the search?” Uncle Henry rested his forearms upon the table.
“I told Simms I found it improbable he would be found alive, if we found him at all. I did not wish to waste additional funds on what I
felt was becoming a fruitless endeavour.”
“Good,” agreed Uncle Henry. “I shall indicate much the same when I send him a note in the morning.”
Richard leaned over so he could whisper to his father. “How long have you known Carlisle?”
Uncle Henry furrowed his brow and regarded his son with a puzzled expression. “For some time. I am also acquainted with his father. The family has an impeccable reputation, and I find them both to be amiable men.”
“Not so impeccable if you consider his name is Grayson?” Again, Richard spoke in a low voice, but his father jerked back.
“No,” he whispered. “I am certain it is a coincidence. How could he keep such an identity from becoming public knowledge?”
Darcy drew closer to his Uncle. “Perhaps because he has men who represent him and do the not-so-gentlemanly work.”
His uncle stared without emotion for a moment. “No, I do not believe it possible.”
“It may not be him,” whispered Richard, “but Gardiner himself named him as the infamous Grayson. Be wary of what you say when the two of you are in company together.”
“I will consider it.” It was evident Uncle Henry was still sceptical, but then there was no guarantee that Gardiner’s claim was fact.
With the business they had planned concluded, they discussed other ventures and family issues until Darcy excused himself to visit the water closet. He made to return through one of the hallways when he heard a low voice from one of the rooms. “You owe me, Carlisle, and I expect whatever you find me will make up for the cockup with this one. I shall expect her at a discount and unscarred.”
He stopped short of the doorway. He had been so willing to dismiss Gardiner’s claims while Richard had been more inclined to believe the accusations, and yet, now he was listening to the proof!
“The scars were supposed to be minimal, and how was I to help it if an interfering relative married her off before she was turned over to me? From what I was told about the girl, she was perfect. She had been untouched and had spirit.”
The man’s voice was slick, and it would be easy to imagine him persuading almost anyone to do his bidding. What rendered Darcy ill was the understanding that this was the real Grayson, and that they were discussing none other than his wife.
“I want what I was promised. I turned out my last whore not long after you gave me word that you had found a replacement. I broke her long ago, and you are aware by now how they lose their appeal once they are broken. I only kept her until I had a new plaything.”
Swallowing the bile that rose to his throat, Darcy clenched his fist in an attempt not to barge into the room and strangle both men. Who they were was of no consequence, only that they had planned this for his Elizabeth.
“I shall find you something,” Carlisle implored. “Just give me a bit more time. I do not know if it will be a gentlewoman, but I shall locate a suitable replacement.”
“I prefer them gently bred,” the man objected. “They are more fun to break than those waifs you find who roll over and part their legs at the first sight of food. They are too simple for my tastes. I want some fight.”
“I know what you desire, but your preferences can be difficult to come by. As I said earlier, I require more time.”
“Very well.” The voice growled in such a manner that it sent a shiver down Darcy’s back.
He darted back to the end of the hall in order to prevent detection, then began to walk as the voice, who he recognised as the Duke of Cumbria, exited the room, followed by Viscount Carlisle. The duke had never been an acquaintance, but his atrocious reputation was well-known.
Carlisle spotted him and held out an arm to invite him into the room. “Ahh, Darcy. I hoped to speak with you in private.”
“I do not understand why.” He attempted to modulate his voice, to sound nonchalant, but Carlisle did not appear convinced. Carlisle led him near the fireplace where he offered him a seat. “What business do you believe the two of us have because I am at a loss as to what you would wish to discuss with me?”
“It is simple, Darcy,” he replied with a worrisome smile. “I wish to discuss your wife.”
Chapter 21
“I do not believe you are acquainted with my wife.” Darcy’s voice was cold, but he maintained some distance from Grayson, lest he be tempted to strangle him.
“No, I have never had the pleasure of an introduction, but I know her uncle, Edward Gardiner, well. Have you ever made his acquaintance?”
He shook his head. “No, I have never cared to meet him, and furthermore, I hope to never have the man grace my doorstep.”
Carlisle tilted his head as if studying him. “I understand the sentiment. The man has caused me nothing but grief since I was first introduced, yet I must find him. Do you know where he might be hiding?”
Once again, he shook his head while concentrating on his composure. “No, I hired investigators to search for him, but he is exceptionally well-concealed. I am unaware of his whereabouts.”
The statement was not a full-out lie. He had no idea where Edward Gardiner’s transport was at that moment and would have no update until they left Southampton. How tiresome was this deception! And Carlisle had scarcely begun his interrogation.
“The man has caused my wife a tremendous amount of grief. Her family perished in a horrific accident, and they believed him to be a loving uncle. She was dismayed when she discovered that his plans for her future had nothing to do with caring for her. My sole interest in Gardiner is to prevent him from harming her further.”
The viscount studied him for a few moments before he nodded. “Since you listened outside of this room, I am certain you now realise my connection to Edward Gardiner.” Carlisle paused and watched Darcy for a reaction. The viscount must have recognised he would get nothing, since he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the table behind him. “I must request your secrecy in the matter. I do not want all and sundry aware of my other business ventures.”
“It seems there are already a few who are familiar with your dealings.”
Carlisle smirked. “I am very careful to limit my business to those who have more to lose than I; keeps my reputation safe.”
Darcy glared and joined his hands behind his back, clenching them together, the only clue to his anger and tension. “Why would I desire to protect your reputation?”
The viscount stepped forward, so they were almost nose-to-nose. “You dislike Gardiner, so I can assume you know the plans he had made for your wife.” Darcy held his breath as he waited for the direction of Carlisle’s conversation. “As long as I have your utmost discretion, I assure you your wife is in no danger from me. After all, Gardiner promised her untouched, and, as I understand, most of society believes her to be with child. She has no value for my purposes, and is therefore safe.”
“I am relieved to hear it,” he said through clenched teeth. The man was despicable! Carlisle spoke of Elizabeth as if she were merchandise for the taking; however, he bit back any further retort, as his loss of temper would be detrimental. Carlisle would cease this discourse at some point, would he not?
“I do ask that you contact me if you hear from Gardiner. He still owes me a great deal of money, and I intend to collect.”
“Do you think him still in the country?” asked Darcy. “The man has been missing for so long that he could have made his way to a port and taken a ship to anywhere.”
Carlisle gave a nonchalant wave of his hand. “It is possible, but I am assured he lacked the funds for such a journey. He could not have made it to Oxford much less Liverpool.” Carlisle lifted a half-empty glass of brandy from the table and downed it in a swift movement. “I must be off. I promised my wife I would be home for tea.”
Darcy’s eyebrows lifted of their own accord, astonished the viscount spoke of his wife with such warmth.
A menacing chuckle came from the viscount. “You should not appear so shocked. I am not entirely without heart, and I do have certain
principles.” His voice lowered as he stepped closer. “For example, I do not bargain over women often. I have an exclusive clientele for whom I procure a specific product, along with a few other ventures. It shores up the accounts on our estates.
“And, despite what I do, I find that a happy wife creates a pleasant home to return to in the evening. It also does not hurt when I wish her to warm my bed.”
Darcy’s face burned at the blunt nature of Carlisle’s last statement. Some men spoke of their wives or mistresses in such a fashion or worse, but he could not abide the habit.
Carlisle guffawed and slapped him on the back. “Come now! Your wife is with child. You know what it is all about.”
“And I prefer to keep the matter between my wife and myself,” he said with affront.
“Very well.” The viscount nodded as he shrugged into his coat. “I can respect your wishes. After all, my life revolves around secrecy and concealment.”
Carlisle strode past him towards the door, and Darcy kept his eyes upon him as he walked by, calling his name before he could leave.
“Carlisle, may I ask you two questions?”
“I may not give you the answers you seek.”
If he could just beat the smirk from the viscount’s face—but the idea was a dangerous one.
“Do you not feel remorse for what you have done to the women you have sold?”
The viscount lifted an eyebrow and then shrugged in a casual manner, as though his actions had not ruined innocent lives. “I have two clients who request maidens from me. One has only a few specifications whilst the other has very precise demands. Most are from the slums and the parents are most willing to take the amount I offer in return for their daughter. The others are more difficult to procure, but I am able to obtain them through debts and impoverishment. I come to their aid.”
Bile burned the back of Darcy’s throat and he swallowed hard. He had no desire to delve any deeper into Carlisle’s dealings. How could he continue to look the other way—even if it were a necessity? “Your family has a reputation for their upstanding characters and never dabbling in trade. How do you maintain that?”
An Unwavering Trust Page 32