by Cheryl Holt
He wasn’t sure why they were departing so rapidly, but Miss Ophelia was practically dragging Miss Gordon away. It was probably for the best though. Sebastian was gone, so they shouldn’t have dawdled at the Haven for a single minute.
The manor was full of handsome, randy bachelors, so it wasn’t appropriate for them to be in residence too. If Sebastian’s mother discovered the arrangement, she wouldn’t be pleased. They were safe enough though. Miss Gordon was slated to be Sebastian’s fiancée, so she was off limits to any flirtation. And Miss Ophelia was viewed as a sort of pesky little sister they’d watched grow up.
Judah, though, had an entirely different opinion about her. She ought to wed, and he was convinced that he ought to be her husband. By becoming a member of the family, it would cement his position with the expedition team, but it would also prevent any problems that might arise over Nathan Blake and what had happened in Africa.
Judah had traveled with the Sinclairs for over a decade, initially joining when he was eighteen. His father had deemed him to be a lazy wastrel who’d needed to toughen up and find a purpose, so he’d purchased Judah a spot on the crew.
He’d quickly adapted to the itinerant life Sir Sidney had supplied, and he didn’t want it to ever end. Yet he didn’t have the power to guarantee he be allowed to participate in the future. He could get that power by marrying Miss Ophelia.
Over the years, he’d worked to ingratiate himself to Sebastian and Sir Sidney, but he’d never felt his place was secure. They’d never been partial to him as they were toward some of the others such as Raven Shawcross. Judah had been tolerated and accepted, but he’d never been especially liked.
He was earning significant money from their trips and was determined to keep it flowing into his bank account. If he was kicked off the team, he had no idea how he’d support himself.
Plus, there was an enormous social benefit to being affiliated with the famous group. They were written about in the newspapers, recognized on the street. He reveled in the heightened attention, and that pompous ass, Nathan Blake, couldn’t be permitted to wreck what Judah had built for himself.
He’d persuaded Sebastian that he’d found Nathan dead, that there was no explaining how he’d survived. Judah’s two companions had lied as vehemently as Judah, claiming trauma must have addled Nathan’s wits, but Judah was no fool. Nathan and Sebastian had been friends since they were boys. No doubt they would eventually mend their rift, and when they did, where would Judah be?
At that very moment, Sebastian was at Selby, conferring with Nathan about the inquest, and Judah was in a panic. Each reunion between them might be the one where their relationship was restored.
If he was Miss Ophelia’s husband, he would be Sebastian’s brother-in-law. It would create a closer bond to Sebastian than Nathan could ever have. Nathan might tell tales and complain about what had occurred in Africa, but Judah would be family, and with the Sinclairs, family came first.
“I’m disappointed that you’re leaving in such a hurry,” he told Miss Ophelia.
“I thought we should. If my mother learned I had tarried after Sebastian left, she’d be incensed. I shouldn’t have stayed at all. There are too many incidents transpiring that I shouldn’t have witnessed.”
“Such as?”
She didn’t clarify, but asked, “How long has that woman, that Miss Robertson, been living here?”
“Just a few days. Why?”
“I had ordered her to stop by the manor to speak with me this morning at eleven, but I shouldn’t bother with her. It’s the actual reason for my departure. I don’t believe she and I ought to ever converse.”
“Why not? She can be a tad bossy, but mostly, she’s harmless.”
“She’s not harmless. She’s carting around a bit of…ah…baggage that she shouldn’t be bringing onto our property.”
Judah wasn’t the sharpest nail in the shed, but he didn’t have to be a genius to understand the reference. She’d observed Miss Robertson in the village—with Sir Sidney’s bastards—and evidently, she’d figured out who they were.
Judah wasn’t supposed to know himself, but he’d figured it out too, the minute he’d laid eyes on the pair. The men on the crew had been fully cognizant of Sir Sidney’s less savory proclivities, and the children looked exactly like him. There was no chance Sebastian could hide their paternity from anyone who was genuinely curious.
When Miss Robertson had shown up at the Haven with them, Sebastian had picked Raven to deal with them, without pausing to wonder if he should offer the responsibility to Judah. The snub was galling.
Judah was as loyal and reliable as Shawcross. Sebastian shouldn’t keep secrets from him, and with Nathan off the team for good, Judah should be assuming a leadership role. Why hadn’t Sebastian realized it?
“Were you intending to discuss her baggage with her?” he asked.
“Yes, but upon further reflection, it was apparent that I shouldn’t. I’m sure she’ll traipse in at eleven as I demanded, but please tell her there will be no meeting.”
“I will tell her that, and I think it’s wise that you avoid her. Your brother wouldn’t like you talking to her.”
“My brother!” She scoffed with derision. “Is it possible Miss Robertson has him besotted?”
Judah frowned. “I haven’t really studied them when they’re together.”
“Well, I have. Yesterday in the village? He rode by while Veronica and I were at the mercantile. He saw Miss Robertson, and he reined in and chatted with her. They were quite friendly.”
“I’ll watch him. If I note any suspicious activity, I’ll inform you.”
“I’d appreciate it. She is a completely inappropriate female, and I hate that she’s here and causing mischief.”
“I feel the same,” he agreed, anxious for her to consider him an ally. “I tried to dissuade him from extending any charity to her, but you’re aware of what he’s like.”
“Just imagine if Veronica discovered he was engaged in a flirtation—right under her nose! It doesn’t bear contemplating.”
“No, it doesn’t.”
“I wish I could get rid of her, but I can hardly command my brother to better behavior. He never listens to me anyway.”
“I’ve learned that about him. In fact, he was laughing about you the other day—in front of all the men.”
“What was he saying? I’m certain he was thoroughly condescending.”
“He was jesting about how you’d begged to come with us on one of our expeditions.”
“I didn’t beg!” she fumed.
“He still pictures you as a little girl, and he thought it was a hilarious request.”
“I’m not surprised. You have no idea what it’s like to be a famous daughter. Sebastian was permitted to travel with my father because he was a son. He started when he was ten! I waited until I was sixteen to ask Sir Sidney if I could go too, but he refused.”
“I’m sorry to hear it.”
“It was six years ago that I first approached my father. Six years! Since then, I’ve been impatiently hoping to ask my brother about it. I was positive he’d view it differently, but he was even more opposed than my father had been.”
“That’s too bad, but what did you expect? He wouldn’t like you to tag along and suck up any of his glory.”
“Too true, Mr. Barnett!”
“You should be able to accompany us. Why not?”
She smiled up at him, providing the distinct impression that he was coercing her correctly. She was an adult, but she was so incredibly gullible.
“If only I had the power to make him let me join the crew.” She sounded especially woeful.
“There are other ways to garner what you crave.”
She scowled. “What ways?”
“For instance, if you had a husband who was eager for you to go, your husband would decide. It wouldn’t be up to your brother.”
She cocked her head, looking mischievous. “Why, Judah Barnett! Are you
suggesting what I think you’re suggesting?”
He flashed a smug grin. “I might be. I’ve always been sweet on you. You know that.”
“I haven’t ever been interested in matrimony. I like my life as it is.”
“Yes, but in this world, a woman can’t carry on as she likes. Occasionally, she needs a spouse to open doors for her.”
He brazenly reached over and squeezed her hand. “You should seriously ponder it. You’re twenty-two. Will you waste away in a quiet parlor with your mother while Sebastian has all the fun in the family? How can you want that to be your path?”
“I don’t want it.”
“Well, if you don’t wed, then you’re stuck with your brother being in charge of you. He hasn’t been inclined to give you what you desire. I, though, would spoil you rotten.”
His gaze grew very intense, so his male regard was obvious. With her blond hair, blue eyes, and curvaceous figure, she was a beautiful girl who would be a beautiful wife.
If she was his bride, she’d bring him a social status and fortune he could never achieve on his own. And she’d protect his spot with her brother. She didn’t like Nathan either. She thought he was pompous and rude, and if Judah married her, she’d have to side with him in any dispute over Nathan.
It was time to push them to a more intimate level, and he might have leaned down and kissed her, but Miss Gordon suddenly tromped down the stairs, her two fussy little dogs yipping at her heels.
Miss Ophelia stepped away, and he hurriedly murmured, “Tell me you’ll consider a marriage between us. I’d like to have something to dream about after you leave.”
She nodded. “I will consider it. It might be a perfect solution to many of my problems.”
“I’ll be in town next week. For the inquest? Perhaps we could get together while I’m there.”
“Send me a note. We’ll arrange a secret rendezvous.”
It was the most thrilling comment she could have voiced. As she slid away and went to the foyer to greet her cousin, he breathed a sigh of relief.
* * * *
Raven Shawcross stood on the rear verandah at Hero’s Haven. He was staring out at the park, trying to peer into the future, but he’d never been a clairvoyant.
He supposed, with Sir Sidney dead and Sebastian and Nathan having parted company, he was second in command of their group of explorers.
Sebastian had the strength of character to lead them, and it wouldn’t necessarily be the wrong choice to continue on with him. He had much more common sense than his father, so he’d be much less likely to drag them into disasters.
But did Sebastian want to return to Africa? Raven didn’t think so.
The men were pestering Sebastian to announce his plans so they could begin preparing. It was a huge task to raise funds, purchase supplies, and pack gear, but if they weren’t going again, then the men needed to begin preparing for that eventuality too. Sebastian couldn’t decide, but then, he’d been distracted by all the memorials and parades.
The inquest was approaching, then the diversions would be over. Hopefully, Sebastian would finally be able to focus.
Raven hadn’t mentioned it to the others, but he was convinced Sebastian wouldn’t be traveling anywhere ever again. He was exhibiting all the symptoms of battlefield trauma. He drank too much. He couldn’t sleep. He was short-tempered.
He assumed no one noticed, but Raven noticed every detail. It had always been his job to notice. He’d been a scout for the team, the man who snuck into hostile territory to assess the area, the man who was expected to see what others never saw, the man charged with ensuring there were no surprises.
Sebastian simply wasn’t behaving as if he was ready for another journey to Africa—or to any foreign locale for that matter. He might ultimately calm down and regain some of his aplomb, but it might be years before that day arrived.
Would Raven dawdle at Hero’s Haven forever, waiting on Sebastian? Should he declare he was quitting to pursue his own course?
From the minute he’d joined his first Sinclair trip, he’d had a specific goal in mind. He’d been determined to earn as much money as he could, then use every penny to buy the retribution he craved. His deceased father deserved it. His dear mother, who’d died of a broken heart, deserved it too. If it took until he drew his last breath, they would be avenged.
Since he’d never wavered from that objective, wasn’t it time to resign his spot and head off to accomplish it?
Footsteps sounded behind him, and he glanced over as Judah came outside. It was nearly eleven o’clock, and he was a lush who liked to spend his nights gambling. Raven was amazed to find him out of bed so early.
Raven suspected—if Sebastian ever returned to Africa—Judah wouldn’t be invited. There was the whole debacle with Nathan, but his wagering and inebriation were gradually controlling him too. Who could trust the oaf when he had so many bad habits?
“The house is quiet this morning,” he said as Judah sidled up.
“Miss Ophelia and Miss Gordon went back to town.”
“That was a tad abrupt.”
“Miss Ophelia had scheduled an appointment with Miss Robertson, but she pondered the situation and realized she shouldn’t proceed.”
Raven scowled. “She scheduled an appointment with Miss Robertson?”
“We were in the village yesterday, and Miss Robertson was there with her wards. Miss Ophelia was disconcerted by the sight of them.”
Judah paused, eager for Raven to verify the children’s identity, but Raven never gossiped.
“Why would their presence disturb Miss Ophelia?” he casually asked.
“They startled her. She was thinking they looked terribly familiar, and she was incensed to learn that Sebastian has them hidden away in the cottage.”
“She shouldn’t have an opinion about it. Hero’s Haven doesn’t belong to her. She has no authority.”
“I agree, but Sebastian rode by as he was leaving for Selby, and he stopped to chat with Miss Robertson. Miss Ophelia observed their conversation, and they seemed closer than they should be.”
“Again, Judah, she shouldn’t have an opinion about it. Sebastian is barely acquainted with his sister, and he’s a thirty-year-old bachelor. If he wants to chat with a pretty girl in the village, he probably ought to be allowed.”
Raven yanked his gaze from the park and settled it on Judah, his dislike oozing out. They’d never been cordial, mostly because Raven couldn’t abide him. If it had been up to Raven, he’d never have brought Judah on any of their expeditions. But he’d never been in a position to say so.
“If you have a problem with Sebastian,” he said, “I suggest you discuss it with him. And if his sister has a problem, she ought to confront him directly, and you should butt out. As to myself, I’m not about to stand here and bandy rumors.”
Judah’s demeanor changed in an instant. He feigned an expression of perplexity as to why Raven would have taken offense.
“I’m merely telling you why Miss Ophelia left. I have no other motive. I’m glad she and Miss Gordon went to town. Without her brother in residence, she shouldn’t have tarried.”
Raven shrugged. “Her choices aren’t any of our business.”
Judah perched a hip on the balustrade, trying to appear relaxed and nonchalant. “Are those children really Sir Sidney’s bastards? What’s your guess?”
“I haven’t given the matter any thought,” Raven lied.
“What about Miss Robertson? Miss Ophelia is worried that Sebastian is sweet on her, and it’s kept him from entering into his betrothal to Miss Gordon.”
Raven rolled his eyes. “Judah, shut up.”
The idiot never listened. “I mean, why would he stash her in a cottage out in the middle of nowhere? He must have a nefarious plan for her.”
Raven wasn’t certain how the argument might have concluded. He might have delivered a thorough dressing-down or he might have simply knocked Judah on his ass—just because it would have felt so go
od—but across the park, Miss Robertson burst out of the trees and marched toward them.
“There’s the stupid wench now,” Judah muttered.
“It looks as if she’s headed to the manor.”
“She has a meeting with Miss Ophelia, remember? I’m supposed to tell her it’s cancelled.”
Judah moved as if he’d traipse down into the grass to intercept her.
Raven couldn’t figure out what game Judah was playing with Miss Robertson or with Miss Ophelia. He definitely shouldn’t be talking about Miss Robertson—or the children—with Miss Ophelia. It wasn’t any of his concern, and Sebastian would be livid if he learned of it.
He put a palm on Judah’s chest, halting him in his tracks.
“I’ll speak to her,” Raven said.
“I’m happy to do it. I have a few words to share with her.”
“Stay out of it, Judah. This is none of your affair.”
They were toe to toe, and for a moment, it seemed Judah might push down into the garden despite Raven’s insistence that he not. Yet at heart, Judah was a coward. It was why Raven loathed him.
“Fine,” Judah spat. “Deal with her yourself—if it’s that important to you.”
“Go find a card game where you can lose some more of your hard-earned money. Your presence on this verandah isn’t necessary to anyone.”
A muscle ticked in Judah’s jaw, a thousand snide comments dying to spill out, but the cretin knew he was on thin ice with Sebastian due to the incident in Africa. So far, Sebastian had been too busy to tackle the issue, but he would tackle it.
Judah didn’t dare stir trouble with another member of the team. He stomped away, and Raven watched until he’d vanished, then he stormed down the stairs and walked directly toward Miss Robertson.
She saw him, but didn’t slow her pace. She was like a force of nature, like a hurricane whose route couldn’t be altered. In a weird way, she reminded him of Nathan. She blustered into dicey situations—as Nathan constantly did—not afraid of anything. She wouldn’t take no for an answer.
Raven couldn’t abide such domineering traits in a female, and he felt strongly that there ought to be laws against women acting like men.