“Tricia,” her sister’s voice bit into the moment, and Ryker glanced up to assess Tabbie again. She was indeed bolder than his rather more demure, Tricia. Not that Tricia lacked for bravery, he knew that wasn’t true. Tricia was the healer in her family, he could see that now. She put the needs of others before her own. It was a trait he found himself appreciating more the longer he knew her.
“Yes?” Tricia replied innocently, and Ryker had to bite back another smile. Tabbie was demanding answers no one seemed willing to give.
“I want to know—” Tabbie started.
“Oh for heaven’s sake, not here.” Tricia leaned toward her sister. “Get your pasties and then we will return to your townhouse.”
“But we were on our way to Mother and Father’s.” Tabbie seemed momentarily stunned.
Tricia took an audible breath. “If you could just give me a few minutes to explain, then we can go.” She reached for her sister’s hand, giving it a squeeze. Ryker could see her softening for her sister. He couldn’t help but note her kindness yet again. “I can only assume you’d prefer answers now and I left early this morning, despite being up rather late, to give them to you in the privacy of your home. If you want to go to see Father now, I’ll understand. But you’ll have to wait until we can be alone again for me to explain.”
Sussex gave an understanding smile. “I’ve learned, darling, to always listen to a Riley lady when she requests an audience.”
Ryker felt his own eyebrows rising. Had Luke been as powerless to resist Tabbie as he seemed to be with Tricia?
With a curt nod, Tabbie stepped up to the counter and ordered a variety of pasties. Then turning back, she huffed. “I was going to bring them with me.”
“You still can. We’ll be quick.” She squeezed her sister’s hand again.
“We?” Tabbie quirked a brow, looking to the woman who had accompanied Tricia. “You mean you and Miss Walters?”
Tricia turned back to look at the woman just behind her. He had been right and the woman with her was her companion, Miss Walters. “Of course I didn’t.” Tricia looked up to him then. Some feeling rumbled deep in his gut. He wanted to kiss her, he wanted to claim her as his own. Reminding himself that this was a potential business transaction like any other, he tried to push the feeling away. “Though you don’t have to come if you don’t want. Can you give me the name of the sanitarium? I’ve yet to receive your missive.”
“Sanitarium?” Tabbie croaked.
But Luke was smiling again and he leaned over to Ryker. “They do get themselves into a bit of trouble. But it’s completely worth it. Marriage has never been more entertaining.”
Ryker’s eyebrows rose again. How had Luke known he was considering marriage?
* * *
Tricia walked next to Ryker, his presence having the same effect on her that it always did. It was soothing her, calming her all the while filling her with a fluttering of nerves that made her itch to touch him.
Something was different today. He was less irritated with her presence, more open. Hadn’t he immediately tucked her hand in his arm? Spoken with her family as though it were completely natural? They were supposed to keep their identities secret. Though, to be fair, his still was. At least to her.
Besides, it did no good to think this way. He was handsome, likely titled. He’d never want her. And she already had a perfectly suitable plan. She ignored the tiny protest in her own mind that declared suitable absolutely dreadful.
They quickly reached Tabbie and Luke’s townhouse, which was just around the corner from the shop. Ushering them into a sitting room, Luke gave his famously rakish smile. “Welcome to our home, Your Grace.”
Tabbie felt as though she’d been socked in the gut. Your Grace? Of course, it made sense. His demand to remain anonymous, his bossy nature, as though used to men following his orders. The opulence of his carriage. But what was a duke doing down at the docklands?
Her eyes round, she looked at him and he gave his head a subtle shake, warning her not to let on that she hadn’t known he was a duke.
She gave a curt nod to show her understanding and clamped her lips closed.
Luke helped Tabbie sit on a settee and Miss Waters was sent to the kitchens as Tricia and Ryker settled across from them. As Tabbie fussed to get comfortable and Luke intently helped her, Tricia leaned over and whispered, “Your Grace, you are the Duke of…?”
“Landon,” he whispered back.
“Enough whispering,” Tabbie called. “I am anxious to see our father, so I’ll beg you to begin.”
Tricia gave a nod and launched into her story of how she ended up at the docklands searching for Fenton.
She tried to lighten it as best she could but she could see Tabbie grow paler with each passing sentence until she was gripping Luke’s hand with a white-knuckle hold that actually looked painful.
“We were very fortunate you were there.” Luke spoke through gritted teeth. Tricia wasn’t certain if he disapproved of her actions or Tabbie’s grip was causing him to clench so.
Tabbie was less diplomatic. “What were you thinking?”
Tricia bristled to match her sister’s irritation. “I was thinking that you would have done the same and I needed to be as strong as you.”
“The docklands?” Tabbie turned to Luke. “Tell her never to do that again.”
“Never do that again.” Luke responded without hesitation. “Tricia, your wellbeing, not to mention your reputation… Not even Tabbie would have—”
“Yes, she would.” Tricia stood then, crossing her arms. “I’ve been dragged along more times than I can count. Besides, you don’t know what it’s been like. I’ve been watching them both die.” The words choked out of her mouth. It was true. Her father had been dying due to the consumption but Fenton to vices. He had always been handsome, charming, and talented. Being older than her she’d looked up to him. When his parents passed, he visited less and less, a sadness about him. She’d tried to get him to confide in her but she was younger and he swore he wouldn’t burden her. She wished she’d pushed harder, maybe he wouldn’t have fallen into such darkness.
Ryker stood too, his hand grasping hers. “You’ve been very brave,” he murmured as his thumb stroked the back of her hand. His eyes were intent upon her and instead of the cold assessment they usually gave, this one was full of understanding, acceptance. It made her warm inside.
“Thank you,” she replied, turning back to her sister. “You’ll be happy to know, His Grace—”
“Call me, Ryker.”
She looked back at him, the same warmth in his gaze. “Ryker took over the search and was far more successful than I. He found Fenton and has delivered him to a sanitarium. The next question will be what to do with him after so that he doesn’t slip away again.”
Luke cleared his throat. “I can help him with that. I’ve several friends who can help an earl in need. Lord Coventry has turned many men around.”
Ryker nodded. “You’re right. He’s just the fellow.”
Relief washed over Tricia. To know in this time of uncertainty one of the men she loved might be saved made her feel so much better. “Thank you,” she breathed, giving Ryker’s hand one last squeeze before he slipped hers out of his grip. Now it was time to do the best they could for the other ailing man in their life. “Tabbie, are you ready to see Father now?”
Chapter Five
Tricia sat in the library waiting for her sister. She’d thought it best to give her older sibling some time alone with their father. It was a lot to take in. Just a month ago, he’d been the picture of health. Before fever and a cough had racked his body. The doctors were sure it was consumption. The only question now was would he live. Tricia had grown more hopeful. He was going longer stretches without fever and he he’d even managed to take a few meals. Still, the change in him was dramatic.
Tabbie entered the room, tears glistening in her eyes. “How could his health have failed so quickly?”
Tricia sh
ook her head. “I don’t know. It’s been…” She didn’t know how to put it in words.
Tabbie squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry if I was short earlier. I was worried about you. What if you were hurt? What if you were ruined?”
“I care not.” She waved her hand. “I’ll run your orphanages if I can’t marry.”
“Tricia!” Her sister’s sharp tone startled her. “How can you say that?”
Tricia blinked at her sister. “You applied yourself to avoiding marriage.”
“I know, but I was wrong. What I have with Luke, it’s worth more than anything in the world. To think of you not having that…”
“There is no guarantee I would ever find something like that.” Tricia shook her head, thinking that it would be impossible for her to find what her sister had. She knew she wasn’t a beauty and most men would not understand that she wanted to dedicate herself to more than just the home. “I like the idea of giving myself to charity. It has real meaning beyond planning parties and picking out dresses. I don’t want mother’s life.”
Tabbie shook her head. “All the same, you should leave yourself open to marriage. You never know what might happen.”
“I suppose you’re right.” Tricia clasped her hands in her lap, wishing to avoid an argument with her strong-willed sister. But she’d mostly made up her mind. She wouldn’t bother looking for the man who would allow her to continue what she already knew she loved.
“His Grace seems rather fond of you.” Tabbie gave her a sideways glance.
Tricia’s insides fluttered with hope but she pushed them away. Better not to hope wasn’t it? “I doubt that very much. He thinks I am a nuisance.” Her thoughts immediately went to their last carriage ride together and the feel of his parts poking into her. “But if he were, how would I know?”
Tabbie smiled. “He would hold your hand to comfort you, much like he did today. He would look at you with affection, help you when you needed it, if for example an errant cousin needed saving.”
Making a face at her sister, Tricia held up her hand. “Now you are just teasing me. He agreed to help me with Fenton within minutes of meeting me, and I know for certain he held no affection for me. He seemed rather put out.”
“But why, then, would he help you?”
“To make sure I left the docklands,” Tricia answered.
“But why not just escort you home?” Tabbie tapped her chin, it was a look Tricia knew well. Her sister was puzzling something out.
Grabbing her sister’s forearm, she wanted to impress upon Tabbie there was nothing to puzzle over. “He was afraid I would return.”
“But you weren’t his responsibility. Once he delivered you, what did it matter if you returned? Unless he cares for your wellbeing…”
“Tabbie, please. You are trying to paint Ryker’s feelings for me with Luke’s brush.”
“I’m not sure that I am.” Tabbie tapped her chin again and then stood slowly to ring the bell. When a servant appeared, she asked, “Could you please find my husband and have him join us?”
“Tabbie,” Tricia’s voice held a warning. She knew her sister. Once Tabbie started scheming it was difficult to change her course.
“I haven’t done anything,” Tabbie answered with far too much innocence.
Tricia stood as well. “Yet,” she grumbled. “But I know you.”
Luke entered the library. “How is your father?”
Tabbie’s mouth turned down. “He’s terrible,” she whispered. “But that is not what I want to discuss. You know His Grace. Can you speak with him? Find out what his intentions are? Technically, he’s been alone with Tricia—”
“Stop.” Tricia scurried across the room to stand next to her sister. “I know what you’re doing. You can’t help father so you are trying to secure my future.”
“That isn’t it—”
“Pish, it’s the same thing I did with Fenton. But I don’t need you to save me, Tabbie.” She turned to Luke, standing taller. Her sister was not going to force a match here. “Under no circumstances are you to demand he marry me.”
Luke gave her a wink. “I won’t have to. He’ll offer.”
“Stop saying that. He won’t.” Tricia had been alone with him. She knew he didn’t want to marry her. It was obvious to her and everyone else that took stock of her attributes. He was the most handsome man she’d ever met and she was barely pretty, not at all sophisticated. Besides, she wanted to dedicate herself to charity, didn’t she?
“But I have business to discuss with him. Honestly, I might know something of his thief. I received a missive from Coventry involving something similar. It might be coincidence but it’s information I will pass on to His Grace. I’ll go see him this afternoon and make no demands but perhaps ask a few pointed questions?”
Tricia reluctantly nodded and Tabbie clapped with delight. If Luke could help with his thief, she wouldn’t feel so guilty about imposing upon him. If he was interested in courting her, it would give her time to decide how she felt about it. Because she had no intention of marrying.
But her insides betrayed her as they danced with excitement.
* * *
“I’ve looked over your list of missing items. Jewelry, fine liquors, and even a few missives from the crown. They have one thing in common, they are goods easily sold for profit.” Mr. Hart gave him a meaningful glance across his desk.
“Easily?” Ryker gave him a look of disbelief.
“If you operate in the right circles.” Mr. Hart nodded his affirmation. “I only know one man who could make such goods disappear. The Marquess of Highwater.”
Ryker assessed the man across the table from him. Mr. Hart had every reason to tell him the truth but something didn’t sit right. Even a marquess could be felled by a duke and certainly the Prince Regent. “You think he’d steal from me?”
Mr. Hart sighed. “I don’t think knowingly. But…” His eyes drifted away before returning to Ryker’s. “You share the same solicitor.”
A growl rumbled deep within his chest. “Mr. Winters. My father’s solicitor.” Ryker closed his eyes. He’d thought he’d seen the man the night before last when he’d been in the docklands investigating the thefts. “I saw him. The first night I was at the docks.”
Mr. Hart nodded. “And the man gambles. A great deal, actually. He could be selling the goods to the marquess—”
A knock at the door interrupted the rest of his thought. “Yes?” Ryker barked. As a general rule, he didn’t like interruptions. With one notable exception, of course. Tricia. She had done nothing but interrupt and yet, he found that he liked it with her.
His butler opened the door. “The Earl of Sussex is here to see you, sir. He claims that it is urgent.”
Ryker swore under his breath. He knew Sussex would be visiting in short order but he’d hoped to deal with the issue of the thief first. “Send him in.”
The butler nodded and Mr. Hart rose. “Should I step outside, Your Grace?”
“Yes, thank you.” Ryker stood from his chair, taking a deep breath to clear his mind. “This shouldn’t take long.”
With a nod, Mr. Hart stepped out as Sussex came in.
“Sussex,” Ryker nodded.
“Your Grace,” Sussex returned.
“You needn’t be so formal. Landon will do fine. We’re to be family, after all.” Ryker returned to his seat, and gestured for Sussex to do the same.
“Well that was rather simpler than I had anticipated.” Sussex took the chair Mr. Hart had just vacated.
“Truth be told, I’d made up my mind to pursue a match before I saw you this morning.” Ryker folded his hands preparing for the negotiation about to happen. With Tricia’s father ill and her brother still quite young, it didn’t surprise him that her brother-in-law had been sent to see to the details.
Sussex nodded. “I assumed as much, after seeing the way you looked at her today.”
Ryker started in surprise. How had he looked at her? This wasn’t a love match.
He had simply deemed her to have the necessary attributes in a wife. And he considered it an asset that they could forgo courting through a series of painful social commitments. Of course, the attraction he felt was also pleasantly unexpected. “I don’t know what you mean.”
But Sussex only winked. “I am married to her sister, remember? They are difficult women to resist.”
Ryker frowned deeper. That wasn’t what was happening here. “It isn’t a matter of being unable to resist. I find her to be the type of lady who would make an admirable duchess.”
Both of Luke’s eyebrows rose then. “A duchess should sneak out at night and travel unattended to the worst sections of London?” He leaned forward then. “Tabbie has a certain affection for abandoning the rules and I must confess I find her unrestrained side rather…exhilarating.”
Ryker nearly choked. “Sussex, that is rather more information than I needed.”
But the other man’s eyes danced with merriment. “Tricia has more restraint than her sister, which will likely suit you well but there is a wild streak that I am sure you noticed, and will likely enjoy, as her husband.”
A sudden image of her on his lap, pressed against him, her eyes hooded and her lips pouty. Luke was undoubtedly right. His mind wandered further. He’d seen her delicate curves in her frocks and pelisses. What might she look like without them? Sussex was a terrible influence. “You must have been quite the rake.”
Luke chuckled. “I was. But a certain little red-haired minx has reformed me completely. Can’t deny her a thing.”
Red-haired minx. That about summed it up. “And you find marriage to suit you?”
“It more than suits me. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”
“Thank you, Sussex.” Ryker nodded. “Provided Tricia is amenable, I will sign an agreement and, if you agree, get a special license post haste. I am hoping we can work out some of the particulars in a few days’ time, I have another matter that is rather pressing.”
My Duke's Seduction (Wicked Lords of London Book 1) Page 4