by Platt, Meara
They all hurried in.
John had been pacing while Sophie was seated and wringing her hands. “Girls,” she cried, jumping up and hurrying over to hug each of them. She paused to gaze at Finn uncertainly. John appeared relieved to see him, but obviously unsure how much to reveal.
“I happened to be passing by the Royal Academy when I saw your nieces rushing out. Is there anything I can do to help?”
Since Belle said nothing to encourage her uncle to confide in him, Honey took up the role. “Mr. Brayden knows everything we know, Uncle John.” She glanced at Finn. “Belle and I sought his help. We were worried about Father. Something bad is going on, isn’t it?”
John nodded. “Rupert sensed something was…off…the last time he visited Oxford. And now this sprained ankle. Only it’s more than a mere sprain. Rupert thinks he was roughed up.”
Belle and Honey gasped.
“Girls,” Sophie said, obviously trying to remain calm, “tell us what you know.”
Honey started the recounting, and Belle finished the story. “That’s why I contacted Mr. Brayden,” she said, casting Finn a weak smile. “We hoped to gain access to the business accounts this weekend. Now I’m worried we’re too late. Mr. Brayden had volunteered to review them for us to try to detect the manner of fraud.”
Her uncle ran a hand through his hair and cast Finn a wry smile. “We are much indebted to you, Mr. Brayden. I didn’t think you’d want anything to do with Belle after…well, it doesn’t bear mentioning.”
Belle blushed. “Indeed, may we please forget that day and never think of it again? Mr. Brayden has been kind enough to forgive me. Let’s move on. What’s our next step? Do we know who is out to harm our father?”
“No. Rupert tried to get answers from him, but he refuses even to admit there is a problem. Your mother wouldn’t talk to Rupert, either.”
Honey sighed. “We’re not surprised. They’ve been hiding the truth from us for months. This is why we asked Mr. Brayden to pretend to court Belle. We hoped our parents would not grow suspicious when we brought him home with us.”
Sophie arched an eyebrow. “You’re courting Belle?”
“No,” Belle blurted. “Merely pretending.”
Finn nodded. “Yes, I’m courting her.” He crossed his arms over his chest and repeated, “Yes. She may be pretending. But I’m not.”
Belle sank into one of the chairs beside her uncle’s desk. “He doesn’t mean it.”
Finn wanted to throttle her.
Sophie moved to sit beside her. “Oh, my dear.” She put her arm around Belle’s shoulders. “These Braydens do not tiptoe around a subject. They say what they mean. Love can be frightening, especially when you’ve been raised to believe you are unlovable.”
Belle glanced at Finn.
The urge to throttle her faded instantly, for all he saw was anguish in her fragile gaze. “I think,” she said, taking a deep breath, “we ought to proceed with our plan. Honey and I will have our weekend party, and Finn and his brother will join us. How can we cancel, anyway? Holly, Dahlia, and Heather will be joining us, and they must have left York by now. There’s no way to contact them and have them turn back.” She glanced at Finn. “They’re from the Yorkshire branch of Farthingales.”
“You’ll like our cousins,” Honey said. “Holly is a widow, but her younger sisters are unmarried. They’ll be staying in London with Uncle John and Aunt Sophie when Dahlia and Heather make their debuts next Season.” She walked to her uncle’s side to give him a quick hug. “You’ve been more than generous with all of us. This is why we feel just awful dragging you into this mess.”
Belle agreed. “We’d hoped to handle it ourselves, but matters have become desperate, it seems. Do you think these villains would dare harm our mother?”
John’s expression darkened. “I hope not. We don’t even know who they are. Your father refused to tell Rupert anything.”
Finn was more relieved than ever to have Joshua coming with him. They would engage a Bow Street runner or two to follow them. More precisely, the runners would be instructed to guard Belle and Honey. They were Farthingales. Independent. Headstrong. They would not sit quietly while he handled matters.
He had no doubt these sisters were going to dig into their father’s affairs and turn over every rock until they found the snake who meant to harm him slithering beneath it. “We’re scheduled to go up to Oxford the day after tomorrow. Joshua and I will ride over here first thing that morning and travel with the ladies.”
Honey pursed her lips and frowned. “What if our father suspects your purpose and sends you away?”
Finn turned to Belle. “I’m not going to abandon you. There’s a simple solution to the problem, and you know what it is.”
“Marry you? Gad! You’re insufferable.” She wanted to throw a sofa cushion at his head, but her aunt had the good sense to cast her a warning frown before she could send it hurling at him.
He supposed he was being insufferable, but he didn’t know how else to protect her. He knew he’d botched his marriage proposal again. Why couldn’t he get it right? Dealing with financial matters was so much easier than dealing with Belle.
One did not have to lay one’s heart open when reviewing a column of numbers.
He’d read the book. He’d talked to Tynan.
He’d listened and learned.
Or so he thought.
He wasn’t an idiot.
What was he doing wrong?
Chapter Eight
Belle was relieved when Finn and Joshua chose to ride on horseback rather than join her, Hortensia, and Honey in the carriage as they traveled to Oxford. Of course, if given the choice, she and Honey would have chosen to ride horses rather than endure Hortensia’s stern countenance. But it would not have been proper for them to travel in the company of young men without a chaperone.
Perhaps she was being too hard on Hortensia. After all, she’d been brought in on the problem and was as determined to help save her father as they all were.
As the carriage rolled out of London and sped up along the countryside, Belle looked out the window pretending to study the rolling hills and sheep-dotted meadows. In truth, her attention was on Finn. She knew she wasn’t being fair to him. But she wasn’t about to rush into a romantic entanglement. She’d been burned all her life by friends and then suitors who’d rushed off in fear after witnessing one of her attacks, treating her as though she carried a contagion.
Finn had witnessed one such attack. And yet, he spoke of marriage? It troubled her terribly. Men did not stay around long once they’d seen her in the throes and gasping for breath. Yes, Finn was more stubborn than most. In truth, more protective than most.
Perhaps this was the problem. He considered her helpless and unable to take care of herself. He’d anointed himself to the task of guarding her.
How long before he gave up in disgust?
And if she took him up on his offer and married him? She would become an onerous chore from which he could never escape. It might take watching her suffer through several episodes before he came to his senses and realized his mistake. Then the resentment would start to take hold. She’d see it in his eyes. She’d see it in his manner.
It would break her heart.
Indeed, she would shatter into a thousand pieces to see him hurt and regretful.
She cared for him too deeply to allow it, and perhaps she loved him.
This was something she refused to consider. He’d never leave her side if he knew how much she wanted and needed him. He had the Brayden sense of honor and duty. He lived by a code of chivalry straight out of medieval knighthood.
She refused to be a duty to him.
And what of his family? They would hate her for trapping him in an unwanted marriage.
No, she couldn’t possibly marry him. But she would get her kiss and perhaps more…a touch, a taste of him. She would like to run her hands along his hard, muscled body, and if she mustered the courage to be naughty,
put her lips to his warm skin and taste the salty heat of him.
Yes, that would make her happy.
They rode in silence for a while. Hortensia drifted off to sleep. A short time later, Honey sighed to gain her attention. “Belle,” she whispered, “what do you think of Lord Wycke?”
“Lord Wycke?” She shook her head to bring her thoughts to the present. They had paid a call upon Lady Wycke the other day, and it had been pleasant enough. Her son, the Earl of Wycke, had made a brief appearance just as they were leaving. “I don’t know. He seems nice enough. Why do you ask?”
“He invited us to a country weekend at his Cotswolds estate next month.”
This surprised Belle. She had been so caught up in her own concerns she hadn’t been paying attention to Honey. “Do you want to go? Or do you find him boorish?”
She laughed softly and shook her head. “I would call him reserved. Aloof. But never boorish. What do you think of him?”
“I liked him well enough. He has a bit of a rakish reputation, but he’s very handsome, so I suppose women would find him hard to resist. He was quite good with his mother and seemed genuinely concerned for her health. I noticed she struggled finding her words occasionally.” She inhaled lightly. “Honey, is there something you wish to tell me?”
“No. As you said, he has a bad reputation.”
Belle rolled her eyes. “I didn’t say bad. I said rakish.”
“Isn’t it the same thing?”
“No. Are you interested in him?”
“Not at all,” she whispered with a dismissive shake of her head.
“How about Joshua Brayden?” Belle glanced out the window to the rider beside Finn. The brothers were of similar height and build, both big. Joshua’s hair was more of a reddish-brown, much lighter than Finn’s, which was almost black. “He’s also quite handsome, and we know from Violet that all Brayden men are of good character. Violet glows like a little candle ever since meeting and marrying Romulus. She’s incandescent. Do you think we’ll ever fall in love like that?”
Honey pursed her lips in thought. “I like to think so, but who knows? Love is a precious gift, and true love is quite rare. As for me, I’m in no hurry to sacrifice the family business and my independence. I expect I will have to if I marry. He’d have to be awfully special for me to give it all up. Joshua Brayden seems very nice, but no. He’s not the one for me.”
“And Lord Wycke?”
“I don’t see how he can have any interest in me.”
Belle noted her sister had not ruled him out.
However, they dropped the conversation as their carriage drew up in front of their Oxford home. Belle loved the big, rambling manor that held so many happy memories for them. She gazed at its welcoming front door, and her heart began to flutter. “What will we do if Papa refuses to tell us the truth? Mama is just as bad. She’s covering for him. I’m worried he’ll destroy the accounts rather than risk us finding out what’s wrong.”
Honey nodded. “Let’s not confront him immediately. Be jolly. Let’s stick with our original plan for now. We’re here for our house party, and we’ve invited friends and family to join us. Act concerned, but do not make too great a fuss if you see him limping. Pretend to accept whatever drivel he tells us. Most important, pretend you are in love with Finn, and that’s why you’ve brought him home. You want him to meet your parents and gain their approval of his courtship.”
Belle nodded.
Honey took her hand and gave it a light squeeze. “I know it isn’t a pretense between you and Finn. Don’t push him away because you think he’s like the others. He isn’t, Belle.”
“I’ll think about it.” But to risk her heart just now was too much to ask. She’d give it more thought once they figured out what was going on with their business. By then, Finn would have enough of the messy affair and never bring up the topic of marriage again.
Honey shook Hortensia awake.
Their party was greeted at the front door by their elderly butler, Conyers. “Miss Honey. Miss Belle. It’s so nice to have you back home. Your father could do with a bit of cheering.”
Honey was much better at hiding her feelings. “Oh,” she said with convincing sincerity. “Has something happened that we ought to know about, Conyers?”
The man glanced around uncertainly, no doubt cautious about speaking where others might hear. But Hortensia had been led upstairs immediately by the housekeeper. Finn and Joshua were seeing to the unloading of the luggage. Only she and Honey remained with Conyers at the moment. “Perhaps I spoke out of turn. But your father fell while at work and sprained his ankle. He’s a bit banged up still. Your mother is most distressed. She’s been walking around like a frightened bird ever since your father got hurt. Seeing her daughters again will lighten her spirit, I’m certain.”
Belle was troubled when neither parent came downstairs to greet them. She knew they were at home and not at the shop. Conyers had added that bit of information before excusing himself to supervise the footmen who were carrying in their luggage.
“Mr. Brayden’s bags go in the blue guestroom,” he said, referring to Finn. “Captain Brayden’s bags are to be placed next door to him in the green guest chamber.” Joshua was in the army, so referring to him by his rank was an easy way to distinguish one brother from the other.
Belle wanted to ask Conyers more questions, but he was a loyal retainer and she did not wish to put him on the spot. Besides, she doubted he’d say more in front of Finn and Joshua, who had just marched in and were now standing beside them.
They all followed Conyers upstairs and waited while he efficiently saw to everyone being properly settled in their assigned chambers. Once they were alone in the hall, she and Honey pressed him for more information.
The look in his eyes was one of despair.
Honey sighed. “Conyers, tell us all you know. We’re here to fix the problem. By the way, the Braydens are here to help us. You may tell them anything you would tell us.”
“Yes, everything,” Belle said for emphasis.
“Very good. I shall, but I wish there was more to tell. Whatever is going on concerns the shop. That’s where you’ll find the answers.”
“What about the ledgers?” Belle asked. “Are they still kept here at home?”
He nodded. “Only your father has the key to the locked drawers. He carries it on his person at all times now. He stopped hiding it in the Chinese vase weeks ago. Probably realized we all knew about this not-so-secret hiding spot.”
Belle cast him a warm smile. “You’ve been most helpful. We’ll take it from here. Just let us know if you think of something else.”
She and Honey exchanged glum glances as they watched their trusted butler stride downstairs. “Oh, dear,” Honey said. “Seems we have our work cut out for us. How is Finn with picking locks?”
“I don’t know. But he’s quite perfect, isn’t he? I’m sure he’ll have a solution.”
Honey’s eyes widened. “Oho! So, you do like him.”
“I am not discussing Finn Brayden with you.” Belle gave her sister a quick kiss on the cheek and disappeared into her bedchamber to freshen up. “I’ll be ready in five minutes. Meet you back out here.”
The maid she and Honey shared was a cheerful girl by the name of Maggie. She knew their routines and preferences and had all in order by the time they were ready to return downstairs to the drawing room.
Belle wanted to go in search of her parents, but Honey held her back. “No, I’d like Finn to be with us when we first see them.”
“Very well.” Belle saw the wisdom in this. First impressions were often the most honest.
They did not have long to wait before Finn and Joshua joined them. Hortensia had decided to nap after the journey, so it was only the four of them awaiting her parents.
They weren’t kept waiting long. Their father hobbled in, leaning on the arm of their mother.
Belle reached for Finn’s hand, hardly aware of what she was doing.
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br /> She felt his fingers wrap around hers, imbuing her with warmth. But she’d turned to him on instinct and quickly realized her mistake. She drew her hand away before her parents noticed and voiced their disapproval of the inappropriately affectionate display.
Tea was served after introductions were made, and they all sat down to engage in casual chatter. Belle sat close to Finn, purposely tossing him an adoring glance or two whenever she thought her parents were looking.
She did not want to overdo it.
He shot her an occasional steamy glance, and even though she expected it and knew it was part of their ruse, her body did not seem to understand this. Perhaps because his feelings were real, as he’d taken pains to tell her.
Her heart beat a little faster.
After enduring an inconsequential exchange of conversation about the weather, Belle decided to get to the heart of the matter. “Papa, we were hoping to show our friends the shop tomorrow morning. We’ll go early, so we can be home by the time the other guests arrive.”
Her father paled.
Her mother appeared ready to faint.
But her father recovered quickly. “No, my dear. It isn’t a good idea just now. We have…repairs going on at the shop. You’d best stay clear of it.”
“That’s right.” Her mother nodded a little too frantically. “All that dust, and who knows what else was stirred up by the construction? It isn’t good for your lungs, Belle. No, indeed. You are too delicate. Stay away from the shop.”
Belle wanted to press them on it, but Finn smoothly interceded. “Joshua and I went to university here. There are a few professors we’d like to see. Would you mind if we brought your daughters along?” He turned to Honey and Belle. “We’ll take you for tea afterward. Or perhaps a picnic along the Isis?”
This was how locals often referred to the Thames where it coursed through Oxford. She glanced at Finn and wondered whether they’d ever crossed paths during his university days. It felt odd to think they might have.
Had she ever felt a little tug to her heart for no apparent reason while walking down one of the streets near their shop? Had her heart sensed his presence and awakened?