A Ring of Midnight Orchids: Flowers of the Aristocracy (Untamed Regency Book 3)

by Jackie Williams

  “Yes, but I knew he’d go screaming straight to you, his lifelong friend who happens to have a fist of iron. Easier doing it that way than any other. Just didn’t think it would happen so fast. He’s better than I gave him credit for.”

  Lucas had lost the thread of the conversation entirely.

  “Credit for doing what? And why did you think he would come to me.”

  Harold shrugged his big shoulders.

  “I didn’t have to think. I knew. I saw him at our fight. Was as angry as a wasp at the outcome. Only real friends become that worked up. Wasn’t very pleased with me even though he won a load of money when you went down.”

  Lucas thought his eyes might fall from his head as comprehension dawned.

  “Pierce didn’t bet on me to win? The louse! I’ll have his hide, though I confess that I wasn’t too happy with you myself. Bloody broke the Caruthers nose, you damned cheat! My mother was most put out.” Lucas rubbed the new bend in his nose.

  Lancer nodded slowly.

  “Yes, but it gives you character, and you’ll watch for the trick another time, won’t you. Lesson learned. Never drink anything you haven’t prepared yourself before a fight. You don’t know who might have spiked it.”

  Lucas tilted his head curiously.

  “Fine advice from the one who did it to me, but pleasant as this conversation is.” Sarcasm filled his tones. “It is not helping me at all. I’d like to speak to my wife.” He leaned into the door a little more.

  Harold opened it wider.

  “Married for two days and lost her already, have you? Idiot.” The man’s eyes suddenly darkened. “Or did she run? What did you do to her? Did you strike her?” His hands shot out and he took a hold of Lucas’ lapels.

  Almost as quickly as his aggressor, Lucas raised his arms between Lancer’s, his fingers clasped together like a club head.

  “How dare you suggest such a thing. I’d protect her with my life!” His hands connected to the man’s chin with an almighty crack.

  Harold’s head snapped back and he let go of Lucas’ collar instantly. The man staggered, his knees crumbled, and he dropped to the floor. His eyes watered as he lay on the tiles, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

  “Always knew that you were the only one good enough for her,” he muttered moments before his eyes rolled back and he lost consciousness.

  Lucas bent and shook Lancer’s shoulder.

  “Pardon? What did you just say?”

  The butler limped forward from his hiding place behind the door and began to examine his employer. Apparently satisfied that Lancer was only knocked out, he looked up at Lucas.

  “I believe he said that you were the only...”

  “I know what he said,” Lucas interrupted the man. “I just don’t understand what he meant or why he said it.” He adjusted his collar.

  The butler tilted his head towards Lucas as he bent to put his hands beneath Lancer’s armpits.

  “I have heard him mention your name on several occasions. I believe he admires your form. Has done for a long while.” He grunted as he lifted the dead weight and then lifted his chin sharply, indicating that Lucas should pick up the man’s feet.

  Lucas grudgingly obliged. Harold Lancer could rot on the floor for all Lucas cared. But then he remembered that he might need to make a good impression on his wife. Leaving Angelique’s unconscious brother to catch a chill on the cold tiles might not be the best way to win back her good graces.

  “Has he now? First I have heard of it. But how does that make me the only one good enough for his sister.” He bent his knees and lifted Lancer’s not inconsiderable weight.

  The butler began walking backwards, his peg leg tapping on the tiled floor, until they reached a door and shoved it open. The man continued backwards into a drawing room and didn’t speak again until they had Lancer lying on the settle, plump cushions propped beneath his bald pate.

  The butler eased his back for a few seconds before continuing the conversation.

  “He has been anxious for his sister for some years. And for himself too. Thought it best if she were married and out of his way.” He picked up Lancer’s wrist and checked the man’s pulse.

  Lucas dusted himself off.

  “Out of her brother’s way? But why? Angelique is a charming woman. Delightful, in fact. She has become very dear to me.”

  The butler nodded and let Lancer’s wrist go, apparently satisfied that his master still lived.

  “Exactly!” The man exclaimed as if the one word explained anything.

  Lucas raised an expectant eyebrow.

  “Exactly what? I am afraid you are going to have to explain more fully.”

  The butler heaved a sigh.

  “I shouldn’t really say anything. My job...”

  Lucas thought he might punch the man if he didn’t spit out his words.

  “Come on, man. Just tell me. I need to find her. And soon.” He wanted to see her now, to touch her, to inhale the smell of midnight orchids until the day he died.

  Glancing at Lancer once again, the butler’s shoulders sagged.

  “He’s not a bad man. Gruff and impatient occasionally, but bad, no. He loves his sister very dearly.”

  Lucas glanced at the Pulveriser too. Didn’t look so fearsome now with his slack jaw and drooling mouth. Lucas pulled a handkerchief from the man’s pocket and wiped the mess away.

  “I suspect he does, but he’s not shown it recently. The forced engagement to my friend, Lord Trenchard, for instance.”

  The butler sighed and walked to the drinks cabinet. He poured two glasses of brandy and handed one to Lucas. He tipped the other measure down his own throat before speaking again.

  “I have been with the household for over ten years. From before his father died. God rot his soul!” He poured another measure and raised it heavenward. “Though he was barely seventeen, it was Harold Lancer who fought for me to work at Landsdowne. This kind of injury puts many off.” He raised his wooden leg from the floor and pointed at it. “But not young Harold. His own valet, Cuthbert, has a limb missing too. Insisted on us both working for himself rather than his father. Paid us out of his own money too.” The man gave his employer a soft smile before returning to the conversation. “The old earl hid much of what he did to his wife. Harold didn’t even know it went on until he was in his teens, but he was too young to protect his mother and sister. His father’s brutality was the reason he took up pugilism. Wanted to protect them. Managed it too for the most part, but then he discovered that he had a temper all of his own.”

  Lucas tensed, fury burning through his veins.

  “Don’t tell me that he began hitting his mother and sister too.” He would kill the man.

  The servant shook his head quickly.

  “No, no. Nothing like that, indeed it is almost the opposite since his first mistake that almost killed a man.”

  Both men looked at the unconscious figure.

  “What happened?” Lucas was almost too scared to ask.

  The butler shuddered.

  “He was at the horse fair. One of the horses wouldn’t walk into the arena to be viewed. Kept stalling and fighting the stable lad leading him. Creature was stubborn to be sure but only needed a sure hand. Unfortunately the lad couldn’t control the horse and its owner was furious. The man made the mistake of whipping the already terrified animal about the head and then took his crop to the lad too. My master didn’t hesitate. He leapt from his seat, took his own crop, and set about teaching the man a lesson.” Lucas waited while the man paused and took another sip of brandy. “Only he didn’t stop, even when the owner was a bloody mess on the ground. Took six men to haul him away, but by that time the man had lost an eye.”

  Lucas gaped.

  “Dear God alive. It is a wonder he escaped a prison sentence.”

  The butler shrugged.

  “Titled men get away with worse, but my master was appalled at his behaviour. He admitted his fault and paid a hefty compensatio
n, but he also became fanatic about any injustice done to weaker animals or people. Especially any harm dished out to women, children, or the disabled.” He waved a hand at his own leg again. “And to the poor too, who he helps as much as he can. Did you know that he gives away all his prize money.” He nodded at Lucas’ startled expression. “Yes, he sends it to the orphanage on Cheapside, and I saw him thrash a man who whipped a stable lad for no good reason.”

  Lucas gasped.

  “Makes the man sound like a saint!”

  The servant twisted his glass nervously in his hand.

  “In many ways he is, but he became scared that his temper would overspill again and that he might accidentally hurt someone else. What if his mother, or his sister were around when his temper flared. What if he hit his own family or a servant by mistake. He never has of course, but the fear of ending up like his father kept him out of the women’s way and to leading the life of a near recluse. But since inheriting the title, he has been forced to oversee his London interests. His mother’s ill health has left him with no option but to bring his sister with him. But he’s scared. Scared that he’ll lose control and hurt her. Like his father hurt their mother. He’s been trying to find Miss Angelique a safe haven ever since. He saw you at your first fight and has followed your progress since. You are a handsome chap. You come from a good family. You don’t gamble, you don’t drink to excess, you don’t womanize. And, more importantly, you don’t appear to lose your temper. Even when someone drugs you to make sure you lose a fight.”

  Lucas could hardly believe his ears.

  “Are you telling me that him drugging my ale, forcing me to lose the fight, was some kind of test of my temper? Damn the man! I nearly lost my teeth...And look at my nose!” He pointed at his own face. “Why didn’t he just approach me like a civilized gentleman.”

  The butler laughed.

  “Would you have listened to him? He thought your friends reports of her beauty would tempt you into finding out about Miss Angelique, but you never even enquired about her. Not once. Many other gentlemen have shown an interest, but none were good enough. My master decided that you were the only one worthy enough to look after his beloved sister. He’s been trying to get closer to you for the past year or so. First through your association with Lord Spencer, and then through your friend Lord Trenchard.”

  Lucas stared back at the limp figure on the settee. Was the man really a very concerned brother? One who simply didn’t know if he could trust himself. Lucas almost felt sorry for him. But not quite.

  “He gave my friend a good thumping, and threatened him with amputation, with a rusty breadknife no less, if he didn’t propose to Angelique. The man ended up black and blue.”

  The butler shook his head.

  “Wouldn’t have been so bad if your friend hadn’t fought back. Not many would attempt to lay one on the Peckham Pulveriser, even if it was only in self defence. Your friend’s standing went up a notch or two, I can tell you that even if my master won’t admit it. But he only did it because he thought it might be his last chance to force your hand. He would never have actually cut anything off. And definitely not with anything rusty. He is really a kind, gentle, and fastidious man. He would never have a rusty breadknife in amongst his possessions.” The butler laughed gently as he saw Lucas glancing down at his wooden leg. “Lost it in the war. Caught some shrapnel in my calf and it became gangrenous. Surgeon hacked it off before it could spread. His Lordship simply asked that Cuthbert and I were around when he threatened young Trenchard. Added to the effect he wanted to make. He was sure Trenchard would run to his strongest friend. Knew you would want to help the man. Seemed the easiest way to bring you and his sister in contact with one another. Sounds as though his plan worked seeing that you and she are apparently now married.”

  Lucas wasn’t sure if he wanted to laugh or to thump Lancer again. Instead he poured himself another brandy and, remembering his recent excesses, he sipped at it carefully.

  “Well, his plan nearly backfired. Angelique was that close to marrying Lord Trenchard.” Lucas indicated a minute distance with his forefinger and thumb. “They were standing at the altar together. If we hadn’t all been three parts to the wind, Angelique would be married to my friend and not me by now.”

  A mumbled grunt came from the direction of the settee.

  “Just as well that I am on good terms with your local vicar, then.”

  Lucas spun around to find Lancer staring at him.

  “What? You know Roberts?” He asked while wondering how much of the conversation Lancer had overheard.

  Lancer swivelled on the seat and tested his jaw before answering.

  “I did my research. Man’s a lush. Will do anything for a cask of wine or two. I just had to get you all together at your estate. I knew about your library. It’s meant to be one of the best in the country, and knowing Angelique’s fondness of literature, I made sure that she knew about it too. Simply didn’t mention who it belonged to. I sent Roberts a big donation last year. I suspect most of it has been spent on wine, but he was willing to do me a favour in return. I sent him a note explaining what was to happen as soon as I knew that you were escorting my sister to Perrydale. He would have made sure the papers said what they needed to regardless of what happened in church. But from what you are saying, it appears he didn’t need to do anything.”

  Lucas let out a deep breath.

  “You have manipulated us. And injured my friend. I’m not sure that I shouldn’t demand satisfaction on his behalf.”

  Lancer shrugged and stood up. He gave a nod of thanks as he took the brandy proffered by his butler.

  “You’re happy, aren’t you? My sister is perfect for you. Trenchard would never have been right for her. He might have enjoyed her looks but he didn’t have a clue as to the sort of woman she is. She needs excitement, adventure. She needs you. Perhaps Trenchard thought her a catch to begin with, but he was really only after one thing. He wasn’t ever in love with her.”

  Lucas fumed as he recalled Pierce’s confession about Daisy. No, Pierce wasn’t in love with Angelique. Never would have been, but that was no reason to malign the man’s character. Still, Lancer was now Lucas’ brother in law, and whatever his mad way of finding a husband for his sister, Lucas had to let it go.

  “I wasn’t in love with her to begin with either.” He pressed his lips together as Lancer raised a disbelieving eyebrow.

  “Rubbish,” he scoffed. “You only had to look at her to be in love with her. Just happens that she has a lot more behind those beautiful eyes and between those shell like ears, than many people notice. I’d followed you. Seen your orders at the bookshops. You are a man of reading, of learning. The shop owner couldn’t speak of you highly enough. I knew you would appreciate her inner depths. Simply had to get you together. Talking of which, where is she?” Lancer’s eyebrows came together.

  Lucas took a step back. He wasn’t sure that Lancer was quite as easy going as his butler made out, and while he knew he could take the man down, he wasn’t willing to chance it again quite so soon.

  “That’s why I am here. I assumed that she had come directly to you.”

  Lancer shook his head.

  “Not seen her since she left with you last week.” The man suddenly seemed to swell. “She better not be in any danger.”

  Lucas shook his head even though his heart began to stutter.

  “She has her maid with her and they took my carriage. My driver is a capable man. He’ll keep an eye on them until I can locate them.

  Lancer gave a quick nod.

  “Best head over to Carnsworth then. I am going myself. I have received the most extraordinary letter from a Colonel Flint and I have to go and see what it all means. You should join me in my carriage as, knowing few other people, I suspect Angelique might have gone to visit there herself.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Seeing the Obvious

  Angelique breathed in the heady scent of her mother’s orchids.
Their decadent fragrance calmed her aching heart, but didn’t alleviate the pain that dwelled there. The gentle sound of rustling silk had her turning to greet her mother as she entered the drawing room.

  “You should be resting, mother. I didn’t mean to disturb your routine.”

  Her mother reached to touch her daughter’s cheek.

  “I needed to be disturbed. I am delighted that you thought to come and stay...Though I fear that seeing me wasn’t your primary intention. You look troubled, child. Has Harold done something?” Fear etched the woman’s features.

  Angelique shook her head, then changed her mind and nodded.

  “He hasn’t done anything awful. Well, not that awful, but he has manipulated me into circumstances that should never have happened, and now I can see no way out of it.”

  Her mother tilted her head curiously.

  “Manipulated you? How? I thought you strong enough to resist any pressure from your brother.”

  Angelique let out a laugh.

  “He stood well back from the situation after putting it into action.” She held out her hand and let her mother see Lucas’ family ring.

  Her mother’s eyes widened and sparkled with joy.

  “You are married! To whom? Is he kind? Is he looking after you? Are you happy, my darling?” The questions tumbled from the older woman’s lips.

  Tears came to Angelique’s eyes, and she turned away to hide them.

  “Yes, I am married. To Lord Lucas Caruthers.” She almost choked on his name.

  Concern creased her mother’s brow as she glanced over her daughter’s exposed shoulders, her neck, her arms.

  “The prize fighter! Oh, Angelique! Has he beaten you? Has he hurt you? What has he done to you my darling girl?” She caught hold of her daughter’s hands and held them tightly.

  “You know him?” Angelique’s voice squeaked at the revelation.

  “I know of him.” Her mother clarified. “I do take a newspaper, and Harold does write occasionally. But I also know of the Caruthers family. I believe one of your aunts, is an acquaintance of Lady Caruthers, your husband’s mother.” The worry hadn’t left the woman’s eyes. “Has he been cruel to you? You know I will stand with you against any ill treatment. Harold will too. You have nothing to fear.”