A Graceful Swan for the Fearless Marquess: A Clean & Sweet Regency Historical Romance

by Fanny Finch

  “It’s so beautiful tonight,” she thought aloud, breaking the silence.

  “You love the night sky. I have come to notice.”

  “You speak as though we have spent many nights together…”

  Surprised, he turned to look at her, aware that she did not realize the implication of her words. She turned too. He had a feeling her head had acted on its own.

  The meaning of her word seemed to dawn on her as their eyes met and it thrilled him, watching her turn red.

  “Hmmm…” she cleared her throat, “Of course, I mean nights like this, my lord. We haven’t had so many balls since the season began.”

  He was grinning now, immensely enjoying this. She was so innocent. Deciding to put her out of her misery, he responded.

  “Of course, Liliana. I knew what you meant. Your words are true. Nevertheless, I have caught you staring at the night sky, quite a number of times.”

  A soft sigh broke free from her lips then.

  “Father and mother… it was their favorite thing to do together. We lived in a small cottage in the woods, you know. On nights like this, father and mother would come outside to watch the skies. After Nora and I were born, they would bring us with them. As we grew, it became a tradition. We always knew there would come a day when they would no longer be with us. Father always said we only have to look at the sky, and we would find them. They would be stars, looking down on us, watching over us. Nights like this, bring back bittersweet memories. I wish they did not have to go so soon.”

  He held her voice break, and it tore his heart. Afraid that she might shed a tear, he damned propriety and obeyed his heart.

  His hand settled on the small of her back, offering comfort and strength. He searched for the right words to say, that was when he realized his throat was clogged as well.

  It was almost laughable. He was a man. Men did not cry.

  “I understand, Liliana. The littlest things remind me of Hanson too. It truly is hard to handle the loss of someone we once loved so much. To live life without them. It’s… like being lost.”

  “And you fear you may never find your way because… they, they lightened your path and now, the whole world is dark and dreary.”

  He paused wondering how she had put his feelings so aptly into words.

  “Yes,” he finally breathed. “Yes, Liliana. It does feel that way. Dark and dreary. I know death is inevitable and while we love, it is always with the knowledge that one day, loss would come. Yet, one is never prepared for it.”

  “Especially when it happens so quickly. Too quickly.”

  “Yes. I cannot claim to know the extent of your pain, Liliana. But I understand it. Where I lost a brother, you lost two parents.”

  She shook her head. “Loss, is loss, Sebastian. Beyond that, I have had years to nurse my pain. Yours is still as fresh as the morning dew on rose petals.”

  How? How did she manage to say the right words all the time?

  “Yes, it is. Nevertheless, it is not the kind of pain that ever goes away, is it?”

  “No. But yes, it does get easier with time.”

  Sebastian nodded, understanding. The pain of losing Hanson was not as strong as it had been when he first returned to England, forced to face the truth.

  “He was the best brother anyone could have ever asked for, you know. Though five years older and destined to lead, we were always inseparable. He treated me as though we were one. Taught me all I knew. He loved me like he loved himself. Hanson…” he paused, sighing. It was in that moment that he realized this was the first time he was willingly speaking of his brother.

  He had simply had thoughts of Hanson, and listened while others spoke of him since his return. He had been too overwhelmed with grief to say those words.

  Now, they spilled freely. All thanks to this woman. Dragging in another deep breath, he released in a ragged stream and continued to speak.

  Chapter 22

  “Hanson was the best. We flew my first kite together. He was there, when I nursed my first injury. When we were much younger, I, only a wee lad, he would carry me, mother said. I would follow him all around the manor and when I grew tired, he would lift me on his shoulders. He would play with him, laugh with me. When I started lessons with him, I was slow to catch up. Our tutor was not very patient with me, but Hanson was. He protected me from many scoldings. He was the sensible one. I was very notorious. I would always get into trouble, but he would take the blame. When we grew older, we became the best of friends. The very best. There was nothing we did not tell each other. Nothing. Even when I went on tour, no matter where I was, he would write to me, and I to him. We exchanged tales. I, of wherever I was in the world at the moment, and him, of London and home. It did not matter how long it took for these letters to get to one another, we wrote them still. He was a wonderful man, and very much loved. Very much.”

  He stopped then, for a tear had dropped from his eyes.

  It felt so foreign. So strange, quickly, he reached to wipe it. As he did, several drops fell rapidly and he wiped them, even harder.

  He had not shed tears in years, now look at him. Here was not the place. Not because of the woman, but because of the people.

  He felt a soft hand take his and squeeze affectionately. Oh, his Liliana. Offering him strength and comfort, when she hurt herself.

  “You loved him, very much. You still do.”

  He nodded. “Yes, always will.”

  They had shared everything, but why had Hanson not shared that he was in danger? That he had uncovered things that had put his life at risk, for he was now certain that that was the case.

  Hanson must have known learned what he should not have, and the wrong people must have found out. Sebastian knew this now. It was clear. Very clear.

  He simply needed proof. Most importantly, he had to make certain he didn’t lose his life before he succeeded in revealing the culprits for who they were.

  He looked at the woman by his side. He did not wish to put her in danger, but he could not bear lying to her any longer. He wanted to share everything with her. Everything.

  Swallowing hard, he pondered upon the wisdom of this decision once more. Reaching a decision, he blurted.

  “I have not been entirely truthful with you, Liliana. I have been busy with state affairs and business, yes. Nevertheless, that is not all I have been busy with.”

  She turned to him, her eyes full of questions. He continued.

  “I have come to London for another reason aside taking a wife, and filling Hanson’s shoes. I have also come to find Hanson’s murderers. I believe my brother was killed. I have been making investigations. They are what have truly been keeping me busy and away. Hanson was involved in business with terrible men. Very terrible men who have committed all kinds of atrocities. I believe Hanson uncovered the truth and they killed him to ensure his silence.”

  His voice had gone very low now, barely a whisper and he had stepped closer to Liliana so she would hear him. The wind had ears… he did not want for this secret to get entangled in its wisps.

  It was because he stood so close that he heard the gasps that left her lips, before she moved her hand to stop it.

  “How do you know this?”

  She asked… “because I have uncovered some truths myself, but not all. I still do not know who had Hanson killed. I also do not have any proof of my claims… I am yet to find it but I will. I know I will. I only need time. You must keep this to yourself, Liliana. I would not have told you, for I fear for your safety. Nonetheless, I find it I cannot keep the truth from you any longer. Lying to you, it weighs heavily on my heart. I cannot bear the burden anymore.”

  “Oh, Sebastian! Who else knows of this?”

  “The investigator I have hired to work with me. His name is Ramsey. He is a very diligent man. The best runner there is in London. He is passionate about this case as well.”

  “And your parents?”

  He shook his head. “I did not want them to worry an
d I did not trust that this secret is safe with them. Mother, mother can get frantic and father… father can be too emotional. He would want to involve everyone we can. I’m afraid, that would only do more harm.”

  “So, you have been bearing such a heavy cross alone.”

  “I am afraid yes. It is what I thought right. Until now.”

  Once again, she looked up at him, her eyes twinged with hushed tears. “Oh, Sebastian! I wish I could give you an embrace! I am so happy you have found me worthy of trust, enough to share this with me. I shall not betray this faith, Sebastian, never! And you are alone no more. Let me know what I can do, how I can help.”

  His heart had begun to melt at the happiness and empathy in her voice. Yet, as he heard of her helping, the same heart froze in panic.

  “Help? Of course not. We have everything under control. You will do well to keep out of it, Liliana and not speak a word to anyone. I did not want to tell you for your own safety. Please, do not make me regret my choice. No one must know you know a thing, for this knowledge could endanger your life. You would do nothing. Leave it all to me. It is only a matter of time until it is all over.” Then, I shall marry you.

  She frowned, clearly not happy with what she had just heard. Thankfully, she held her peace.

  “I shall do as you say then. I shall speak no word of it. However, there is one thing I can do. I will burn candles for you, Sebastian. I shall pray to the virgin to intercede for me and keep you safe for I find it, I cannot lose you too.”

  He would have kissed her and it took every will in him to restrain himself from doing so. Goodness! She was an amazing woman. Utterly wonderful and beautiful, so beautiful.

  Those words stayed on the tip of his tongue. It would be a good time to say them, yet, it was not the perfect moment. So, he bit his tongue and swallowed his words.

  “Thank you, Liliana. You have no idea how much this means to me. I shall never forget it. Ever.”

  “Pshaw! ‘Tis only expected to want to protect the people you care about.”

  His heart tumbled… she cared about him. Glory! “Yes,” he muttered softly. “It is.”

  “Do you have any suspects so far, my Lord?” she asked, so suddenly.

  His brow furrowed. “A handful, my lady. Why?”

  “Would Mr. Walsh happen to be part of them?”

  Surprised, he answered,

  “Yes. Why?”

  She simply smiled. It was a small one. “That would explain it. He was here, just before you arrived. He came to poison my mind about you. He demanded that I asked you about what you have been busy with. Why you have been lurking in dark alleys and strange coaches. I do believe you are being followed, Sebastian. I believe Mr. Walsh and his associates know you are up to something and they are beginning to get frightened. Please, Sebastian, you must be careful, now more than ever. I cannot bear the thought of any harm coming to you.”

  “Walsh was here? He came to you in my absence. He shall hear from me!” Sebastian was furious. Furious to know that he was being followed and even more furious to know that he had dared to use Liliana as bait.

  Liliana stopped him, grabbing on to his arm.

  “No! Sebastian! This is what he wants. For you to confront him! You must put aside your emotions and use your mind this time. Walsh… he’s a devious man. You must be calm if you hope to beat him. He was hoping I would ask you these questions and you would lie. Then, a seed of doubt would be sown. Or, I would tell you of his words and you would be rightfully livid. Then, you would go to challenge him. Don’t you see?”

  All these while, they were speaking with voices barely above whispers. It was a wonder how no one seemed to pay them any mind. They had been on the balcony a while now and no one seemed to notice them.

  Hmmm…

  Sebastian drew a tight rein on his emotions, knowing she spoke the truth.

  Calming, he turned so he would face her, face fallen.

  “You are right, Liliana. This is what he wants, what he would have counted on. We must play this game differently if we hope to win.”

  “Precisely.”

  “Tell me, tell me everything you know about Walsh and all that he said to you.”

  And so she did, she told him of their childhood, and of the conversation that night. As she spoke, Sebastian’s anger grew further justified and he knew now that Walsh was indeed, an important piece in all of this.

  That only meant one thing… it was time to return to his residence.

  Chapter 23

  Lord Rothwell loved many things in life. He loved fine clothing. A hearty meal that filled the stomach for hours, and the mind with memories for days. He loved good weather, a fine home. He loved the smell of the air on a rainy day.

  He loved his business, oh yes, he did. For a man like him, a baron, the lowest of Lords… there was only one way through which he could have climbed to the place of status he now held in the society.

  That was only through wealth. So, he had honed his senses. Open his mind and eyes to opportunities and take advantage of every tie he had- familial and none familial.

  That was, slowly but surely, he had amassed lands, accumulated wealth until he became a force to be reckoned with. Now, here he stood, one of the most powerful men in the ton.

  A baron who dined with dukes and earls, marquesses, and proudly so. All of these, he had achieved because of what he ultimately loved- winning.

  Above all the things Rothwell enjoyed, the enjoyed winning the most. It was the force that drove him. He had come so far, done so many things that could not be whispered outside of closed doors- all because he wanted to win.

  He had, so far. He did not wish to relinquish this position at the top. He had done bad things to get here, even worse things to stay there. He would continue to do whatever it took, to remain there.

  However, now, he was faced with another threat yet again.

  The Leighton brothers. Hard-headed lots. And noble. Too noble for their good. Just like their father. The only difference was, their father was not a troublesome man.

  The duke was a man who minded his ways, happy to remain oblivious of the harsh realities of the world and why not? He had been born into generations of wealth, destined to inherit all of it, and a title to go.

  He had never had to fight or labor for anything. It had all been handed down to him on a platter of gold and that had made him go soft. Too soft!

  Ah… but his wife, the duchess. She was the one with the spunk. The one the boys had taken after when it came to hotheadedness.

  Rothwell was not surprised, though a distant cousin, she remained his blood. Their family was known for their spine. It was just a pity that her sons kept getting in the way.

  Oh, but he had liked the boy Hanson and Sebastian? He liked him even more. Especially now… now that his stepdaughter had fallen heads over heels for him.

  He watched them now from the window in the hall, as they arrive from their visit to the opera house.

  One did not have to look too hard. Even a blind man could see the love between them.

  He said something to her and she giggled. When he leaned in to kiss her head, she let him. Afterwards, farewells were shared and Liliana watched him as he climbed onto his carriage and rolled away.

  Only then, did she proceed into the house.

  Hmmm… there was a problem. A huge problem, in fact. He was aware that Longcross was on to him, as well as every other person who had been involved in one treachery or the other.

  The thing was Rothwell had been too foolish. He never should have handed out the names to Sebastian gold. As though he had not learned from Hanson’s misfortune.

  He had simply feared Sebastian would have found the truth, nonetheless, in Hanson’s records and would begin to suspect him. Sebastian was a wise man. He would wonder why Rothwell has lied, then he would want to probe.

  What Rothwell had not known was that Sebastian was already probing then. As at the time, he had believed the boy was simply curious, ea
ger to pick up where his brother had left off.

  Oh, but the boy’s movements around London had been noticed and when they had watched more closely, they had realized he was on to something. On to them.

  He was not working alone, of course, he was working with a man. A man who moved in the shadows. Impossible to catch. He was only known by one name… Ramsey.

  Whatever Longcross was looking for, Rothwell knew it would lead him back to him. He was at a crossroads.

  He would not have minded ending Longcross, but things had become complicated.