by Fanny Finch
“He was a bright, young lad, loved by everyone. Such a shame his heart could not save him.”
Sebastian winced. Hanson’s heart had not failed him. He was certain at that. His brother had been murdered. He believed that more and more, each passing day. His instincts, too powerful to be denied.
Nevertheless, he held his peace, just like he hid his wince.
“You are just as bright, Sebastian. I have no doubts you shall continue from where he left one, as though you and he were one. I only beg that you do well to care for your heart, lest it fails you too.”
“Thank you, uncle. The physician has declared my father’s heart hale and hearty. I would not think it a family thing. Nonetheless, one can never be too sure.”
“Truly? I’m thrilled for his grace. As for you, I wish you all the health and wealth, Longcross. Especially seeing as we may become in-laws soon.”
There was something behind those words and the smile on his face said it all. Sebastian felt his cheeks warm up, and he began to shift uncomfortably in his seat.
Clearing his throat, he forced out words. “Er… I would rather say it’s too soon to be certain, but yes, I do fancy the lady Liliana and I would love to court her this season.”
He would not deny that he had considered the possibility of marriage to Liliana and the very thought had made him smile. Yet, it was still too soon to be certain. The season had only just begun and anything could happen.
He wanted to take things slowly, especially with the matter he was investigating. Mr. Pickle had warned him that things could get dangerous. He would hate to be the one to put Liliana in harm’s way when he feared so much for her safety.
Lord Rothwell snapped him out of his thoughts with a clap of his palms.
“Excellent! You have my permission, son. All of it. You must understand, many men have been calling on lady Liliana, intent on becoming her suitors, but I have kept them all at arm’s length. It would make my soul rest easy, knowing that I have given the daughter of the only woman I ever loved dearly, to family. You will care for her, Sebastian, I am certain of this. And you shall come to love her, as she too shall.”
Sebastian nodded, grateful that he had Rothwell’s blessings. Yet, the truth that Rothwell had managed to avoid the question on Hanson was not lost to him.
He wondered if that could have been deliberate or not. If it was, would it mean something? What reason would Lord Rothwell have to ignore questions concerning what Hanson had been up to before his deaths?
Those questions put an uneasy feeling in his heart. Feelings he did not like at all.
“Thank you, uncle. I am very glad and thankful that you have chosen to give me this honor.”
“Pshaw! What are families for?”
Sebastian simply smiled, sitting up in his seat as he prepared to raise the issue of Hanson again.
“Father said you worked very closely with brother.”
“Ah, yes. Indeed I did. Pardon me, I have only just realized that I never answered your question. Yes. Hanson was involved in several new franchises. Most of them were concerning the foreign market- import and export. He worked closely with Newcastle, the Croftmans, the Barrymores, and of course, the Wetherspoons.”
“And then, there was you.”
“Certainly. The Rothwells and Leightons have been in business for three generations now and I do believe it shall not be ending soon. Although, the business your brother and I were recently involved in had to deal with an entirely different kind of merchandise.”
That got Sebastian’s attention and he leaned closer, for he reckoned this was a moment where Lord Rothwell would want to lower his voice, to serve the theatrics.
“Pray tell me, uncle… what was this merchandise?”
“Is, my dear boy, for we are still very much in business.”
Lord Rothwell stood up then, and Sebastian watched him as he walked to the mini Library in his study and opened a secret safe. From it, he brought out a parcel, covered with a piece of black cloth.
Walking back, he cradled it gently, as though he feared it might fall and cracked. Sebastian wondered what it was, but he controlled his curiosity. After all, he would find out in due time.
Lord Rothwell took his seat was more and before Sebastian’s eager eyes, unveiled the parcel he held.
As the cloth fell away, Sebastian’s eyes widened in awe. This was no parcel, like he had thought. It was gold. A big bar of gold.
Lord Rothwell held out his hands to him and Sebastian reached to take the gold, just as gently as he had been given. Thank God for daylight, he could see clearly that this was no counterfeit. It was pure, unrefined.
“Uncle, is this truly pure?”
“As dug from the mine, son. As dug from the mine.”
How? He racked his brain, trying to remember if there was ever a time when his father had messaged a gold mine as part of the properties they owned, but nothing came forth.
“How did you get your hands on this, uncle?”
“Our men happened upon it on one of their journeys. Here, on English soil. We searched, just to be certain that the land belonged to no one. When our search proved futile, we decided to claim it as our own. You know Hanson was a scholar and had the gift for archaeology. He proved to be helpful in finding more gold. We have been digging for months on end, son. We fear the mine may dry up soon, but there’s still wealth left to acquire before then. You are family, as was Hanson. It is only right that I brought you in on this. You must understand we are keeping this very quiet. Although, I expect you to be able to do just that.”
Hanson had been involved in gold mining? Was that possible? True? When was this mine found? And why had Hanson not mentioned a word of this, even to his own brother, father or mother?
The bells in Sebastian’s mind went off, warning him. This was where the story was, he knew it. Yet, he did not know what exactly, the story was, and he needed to.
“You are certain the land belongs to no one?”
“Very. We searched for months. No one would claim it. Of course, we did not indicate the reason why we were searching for one who could lay claim to it. Any hint of gold would have brought false claims we would not have been able to prove otherwise.”
Sebastian frowned. He wondered if it would be right to share the thought in his mind.
“What if more people know, than you are aware of, and these people seek to have the mine for their own?”
Lord Rothwell looked taken aback. Could it be shocking that Sebastian had thought in that line or startlement that he had not considered the thought until now?
“I suppose you are right. But, we are only six men involved in this knowledge. All of whom I trust with my heart and we all made a pact not to betray one another. I do not think it’s likely another found out and sought to take us apart. Beyond that, if that be the case, and you mean what I suspect you do, it’s been moons since Hanson was taken. If his death was related to the mine in any way, you would think more would have happened. Alas, none has. I do believe Hanson’s death was simply a coincidence, Longcross. Think nothing of it.”
Lord Rothwell’s words were sensible, yes. Yet, Sebastian could not bring himself to accept it fully. He knew wiser than to press on. Lord Rothwell had already surmised that Sebastian was onto something more.
He had to dissuade the man from those thoughts. His gut was telling him Lord Rothwell need not know of his plans. He hoped to obey.
Nodding, he cleared his throat and found his voice.
“In honesty, I have not given the thought of his death much more than what I was told. A weak heart. The possibility that it could be beyond that was only whispered to me as you spoke of the man. Gold brings an immense amount of wealth, uncle. We both know that where riches are concerned, a man’s loyalty cannot be trusted, for it is certain to be tested. I simply wondered, is all. Nevertheless, for the reason that you trust this man completely and as you have said, no further ill news has occurred since the unfortunate incident wi
th Hanson, I shall rest my heart easy and fret not for your safety.”
“Ah. See how strongly you care for me. You are indeed, the son I never had, Longcross. Thank you. Never worry. You need not be afraid. All is under control.”
“Then fear not, I shall.”
There was a pause as both men exchanged warm, well-meaning smiles. Just then, a thought occurred to Sebastian.
“Uncle, if you would not mind, may I have the names of these other men? I would want to get acquainted with my business partners.”
“Of course, it is only expected. Ah yes. I shall write you a list that you may keep with you. Then, I shall send correspondences or ledgers and paperwork you may wish to go through. I am sure they shall help you find copies that Hanson must have kept.”
Grateful for the willingness to help, Sebastian smiled all the more.
“Thank you, uncle. I am truly thankful for this.”
“Think nothing of it. It was families do.”
Silence descended as Lord Rothwell found his quill and began to write. As he did, a red ruby which the quill had been decorated with, struck his eyes. They looked awfully familiar. He simply could not remember where he had seen them before.
Perhaps, in Lord Rothwell’s very own hands?
“That’s a fine gem,” he thought aloud.
Lord Rothwell need not ask what it was he spoke about.
“Ah yes. A gift from an old friend. I have treasured it since then.”
“As you should. It is a fine gift indeed.”
Just then, there was a knock on the door of the study and Lord Rothwell called out, “You may enter.”
It was the butler who had disappeared a long while ago to send for Lady Liliana. As Sebastian saw him, something leaped inside of him.
The butler bowed, first to his master, and then to his master’s guest.
Raising to full height when both men nodded in acknowledgment, he announced.
“Lady Liliana expresses her regret for keeping so long. She wishes to inform you that she shall now see you.”
Relief flooded Sebastian. He had worried that she would not wish to see him after he had left so rudely that night. All through the conversation with Lord Rothwell, he had refused to consider what would be, if she truly refused him.
Eager to behold her loveliness once again, he rose to his feet.
“I wish not to keep the lady waiting as it would be rude. If the list shall be ready by the time I am done calling on the Lady, I shall be happy to receive it then, uncle.”
Lord Rothwell was smiling from ear to ear.
“Certainly. Do not let me keep you, Longcross.”
With a nod and small bow, Sebastian took his leave.
Chapter 13
Liliana stood on the balcony, her back to the adjoining doors, her chin lifted up to the heavens, eyes closed, as she soaked in the mid-morning sun. Her hair flowed freely behind her.
It was something she rarely let happen, but she had felt like it as she dressed for her meeting with the marquess.
She had chosen a soft peach dress.
It was very simple, devoid of ruffles, frills, and laces. Although, its chiffon sleeves danced in the wind. It was one of her favorites, and very proper for a day dress in which to receive a guest.
She especially loved the way it hugged her waist, then flowed into free skirts that flitted around her ankles when she walked. This dress had been made like all other dresses, with love, care, and intent.
Her eyes fluttered open as the hair on the back of her nape stood, announcing his presence. She could not see him, but she felt him anyway.
She had kept him waiting a while, she knew. Yet, she found comfort in the knowledge that he had had her father’s company. Not to mention, it was only a fair price to pay, after he left her standing at the ball the other night.
Oh yes, indeed, she had taken her sweet time, wanting to make him wait, as he made her wait.
She trained her ears and picked up his footfalls as he drew closer. Soon, he was by her side and his manly scent mixed with cider and wood filled her nostrils.
She turned slightly to face his almost intimidating height.
Dipping into a small curtsy, she greeted, “My lord.”
He bowed in return. “My lady.”
She put her hand in his outstretched palm and when he took it in a kiss, she felt cool shivers climb up her nerves. Withdrawing a little too quickly for fear that she will be given away, she tucked that hand by her side.
Not daring to hold his gaze, she returned her attention to the garden.
He said nothing of it, as though understanding. When he spoke, she heard the smile in his voice and she wondered if he was laughing at her.
“It’s a lovely day. Such fine weather. Makes one’s legs itch to go for a walk.”
Understanding the meaning of his words, she too smiled, despite herself.
“It is always so in spring. It is my favorite time of the year.”
“Is it? Interesting, my lady. I happen to love spring too. The blooming flowers, the fresh rain, the green trees…”
“-And the scent of spring in the air,” she put in, dragging in a lungful of breath.
She heard as he inhaled and exhaled beside her.
“Ah, indeed. The clean air is also one of the things I fancy in spring.” He paused then and from the side of her eyes, Liliana saw him turn to her. She felt the heat of his gaze on her cheeks.
“I hear the gardens here are beautiful, my lady. That you have been spending an awful time there, yourself. I do hope you would not resist showing it to me?”
Oh, but how could she resist when he asked so daringly, as though he expected her to cower and refuse. It was bait, she knew this, she took it nonetheless.
“Resist? Certainly not. You heard right. The garden truly is beautiful, especially this time of the year. I love visiting often. It reminds me of the countryside. I would never pass a chance to visit.”
“In that case, my lady, do lead the way.”
She turned to him then. Though his hand was outstretched, gesturing at the gardens, his eyes were on her, never leaving, unflinching.
It made her almost squirm- but in a good way. Those dangerous violet eyes looked at her as though they could see all of her fears, pains, secret desires.
Oh Lord, she hoped not. It would not do for Lord Longcross to find that she pined for him like a little girl who was experiencing her first infatuation.
Are you not? The voice in her head asked, snickering at her.
Liliana chose to ignore it. Instead, she moved away from the railing and began her descent down the short steps that led to the garden.
He followed quietly behind her. She was certain that he was taking note of every detail. For what, she wondered.
They were soon out of the balcony, walking towards the garden, side by side. Silence reigned once more, but it was the comfortable kind. She wondered who would be first to speak.
She hoped it would be him, after all, he owed her apologies which were due.
“I was told you had taken to needlework upon my arrival.”
She nodded, trying to hide the shiver that ran down her spine as his voice sounded so close in her ears. Oh, but he looked so handsome today.
He had designed on a grey suit, white shirt, and a blue cravat. His shoes were black, just like the hat that sat on his head. He looked freshly shaven, and the neat cut revealed his sharp edges, making his jaw even more defined.
When she had turned to him earlier, she had noticed for the first time, how beautifully his eyes twinkled in daylight.
How did she hope to resist the way he called out to her when everything about him was every young woman’s dreams? Far be it from her to the moon, but that was exactly what Sebastian Longcross’s presence made her do.
“You know I sew. I also happen to do embroidery. It’s just to pass the time, mostly. Keeps my hands busy, and helps me think.”
“I see. May I ask what thoughts troubl
ed my lady?”
Thoughts of you… but she could not tell him that, could she?
She forced a laugh, her nerves almost getting better of her. “I would not say I was troubled, my lord. You know the way the mind keeps itself busy. Thinking nothing and everything all at once. It can get so loud. Needlework helps me focus on one thing at a time, keep it quiet.”