Three Secrets and a Scandal (Regency Secrets and Scandals Book 2)

by Elizabeth Hanbury

  Theo stared, gulped in one deep breath and then another. The air seemed to have been squeezed from his lungs. His limbs had frozen and his mind had stopped functioning. He barely recognised the girl walking toward his carriage.

  Chapter 2

  Miss Devereux was now dressed in a blue silk pelisse trimmed with russet velvet and adorned with mother-of-pearl buttons. It fitted her perfectly, revealing the trim figure her old garments had hidden. Underneath the pelisse was a travelling dress of blue silk and she wore new half boots and gloves.

  Her face had been scrubbed clean to reveal a countenance that was striking rather than beautiful. Its appeal lay not only in her delicate features but in a certain sweetness of expression. Her complexion was unfashionably brown yet it enhanced the vibrant hue of her eyes. Holding a beguiling sparkle, they looked out on the world from beneath dark winged brows without a trace of selfconsciousness, while the arch of her mouth suggested hidden sensual depths.

  Her hair had been brushed until it shone and now peeped out from under a bonnet. The bonnet’s blue satin ribbons were tied at a jaunty angle and a single curled feather adorned the high crown. A hat pin with a topper fashioned as a bunch of cornflowers completed the ensemble.

  She had presented an interesting prospect when she had been covered in dirt and moss. Now, clean and dressed in an outfit that fitted her, she was certain to draw attention. She looked fresh and vital, exuding an indefinable inner glow. The grubby-faced tomboy had been replaced by a young woman, albeit one supremely unaware of how attractive she was.

  He watched in silence as she walked down the steps toward his carriage with a natural, easy grace.

  Seeing his expression, she gave him an apologetic glance. “I am sorry to keep you waiting. It took longer than I anticipated to get changed. There is no chance your horses could have taken a chill, is there?”

  Theo swallowed hard. “None at all,” he said mendaciously. “I wasn’t expecting…” He hesitated, and then said in a constricted voice, “You look delightful.”

  “Do you think so?” A shy smile hovered on her lips. “Madame assured me it was all the rage and it suited me, but she can’t be considered an impartial judge. I could not resist even though it was shockingly expensive. It is the first new outfit I have owned for years.”

  “Take my word for it, Miss Devereux—you look charming.”

  Sophie thanked him and waited. When he did not move, she said with a twinkle of amusement in her eyes, “Could you help me into the carriage please? I know I fell into it earlier, but I’d rather not ruin my new clothes straight away.”

  Theo jumped down. “Of course! Er, I think it would be best if we ordered a private parlour for luncheon at the White Hart.” He handed her up into the curricle. “From what you have told me, there is little possibility of your aunt and cousin pursuing you yet but, in the circumstances, it might be advisable to stay out of the crowds until your friend arrives.”

  “R-Really, it is not necessary,” she stammered as he took his seat beside her. “I will be perfectly safe.”

  Theo bristled. “If you think,” he began as they set off down the street, ‘that I am abandoning you—and looking like that, too—to the rakes and libertines who frequent the White Hart, you are mistaken!”

  “But it’s a respectable inn. And you are staying there, and you’re not a libertine.”

  “That’s different,” he protested with dubious logic. “Why, the mail and stage coaches leave from the place! It will be thronging with humanity and all manner of undesirables might accost you.”

  “I know about the mail coach, Mr Cavanagh. I don’t understand why you wish to trouble yourself further with my stupid affairs, but if it will make you feel more comfortable—”

  “It will,” he ground out.

  Sophie bit her lip and fell silent. After crossing the junction with Westgate Street and Cheap Street, they arrived in Stall Street at the White Hart. The inn was busy and Theo was obliged to hail an ostler. Hearing his imperative summons, two appeared and when his horses and carriage had been attended to, Theo ushered Sophie inside.

  It was almost one o’clock and, in the hallway, the landlord, a burly, ruddy-faced man, was besieged by a number of travellers trying to organise rooms for the night. When he spied Theo approaching, he directed his wife to deal with the group. Mr Cavanagh was already a favourite with the landlord, both for his easy manner and the generous coin he offered.

  “Welcome back, sir,” said the landlord, with a beaming smile, “Will you be wanting luncheon?”

  Theo gave a brief nod. “For myself and the lady—in a private parlour, if you please, Johnson.”

  “Very good, sir.” Not for a moment did Mr Johnson betray his pleasure at having a coin slid into his palm along with this request. He merely threw an interested glance in Sophie’s direction.

  He led the way into a pleasant oak-panelled room with a low ceiling which overlooked the bustling courtyard. A fabric halfblind afforded some privacy from the outside world and two comfortable chairs were set either side of the fireplace. A heavy oak sideboard, its deep patina polished to perfection, ran along one wall and a low-backed oak bench had been fashioned to fit underneath the window. A vase of fresh flowers sat on the mantelpiece. The covers were already laid on the table in the centre of the room, and, having advised Theo and his companion lunch would be served at once, Mr Johnson turned to leave.

  Sophie called after him. “Landlord!”

  “Yes, miss?”

  “Someone will arrive here soon and ask for me by name—Miss Sophie Devereux. Would you be so obliging to show the person in here?”

  Mr Johnson, charmed by the smile accompanying this request, assured her that he would before going out.

  Theo tossed his gloves and his driving coat onto the bench. “Well, at last we have a moment to draw breath.”

  “We have a little time,” agreed Sophie, “but I intend to be away from Bath before the day is out.”

  Theo turned to face her. “So your friend is escorting you out of the city?”

  She did not answer directly, but removed her bonnet and gloves, saying, “Once Aunt Eudora and Perry discover I am missing, Bath is the first place they will look.”

  “I suppose so. But where is your friend taking you? Do they have a property nearby? I hope there is a suitable female relative to act as chaperone.”

  Sophie sat at the table, unconsciously twisting her hands in her lap. “Not exactly.”

  He walked towards her, frowning. “You are keeping something from me, Miss Devereux. After helping you thus far, don’t you think I am entitled to the truth?”

  A flush stained Sophie’s cheeks as she raised her eyes to his. “Yes. You have been so good and deserve to know, but it is unfair to involve you further.”

  “Let me be the judge of that.”

  “But I fear you will be angry.”

  A smile touched his lips. “I’ll be angrier still if you won’t trust me. What precisely are you planning, and who is this mysterious friend?”

  The arrival of lunch saved Sophie from an immediate reply. There was no chance of private conversation while the meal was served, so they chatted about unexceptional subjects.

  She furnished him with more details of her difficult life at Ludstone and her childhood. Sophie had an original mind and a lively intelligence, and was more than willing to discuss things women usually had no interest in. She also had an appreciation of fine wine, garnered from her father who had been something of a connoisseur, and Theo complimented her by saying he had enjoyed talking to her as much as he did to the female members of his family, who were the only other intelligent ladies of his acquaintance.

  Half an hour later, when the covers had been removed and coffee had been served, Sophie had just poured out a cup and passed it to Theo when the landlord returned.

  “Your cousin is here, miss, and asking to see you.”

  “Please show my cousin in,” replied Sophie in a calm voice.
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  As Johnson went out, Sophie heard Theo’s shocked exclamation and risked a glance at his expression. Her amiable lunch companion had vanished and a steely-eyed man had taken his place. Theo’s brows were drawn together, his countenance had darkened and she could see anger burning in his eyes. Sophie guessed the conclusion he had come to.

  “How has he discovered your whereabouts so quickly?” Jumping to his feet, Theo tossed his napkin down onto the table. “Let me deal with this!”

  “But you don’t understand—”

  “I understand perfectly. Your cousin will be left in no doubt of my opinion of him.” When the door swung open, Theo began in a curt tone, “Sir, I am glad you have come…”

  His words died away. Before him stood a slender girl about the same age as Miss Devereux. A quiet elegance defined her despite her outmoded clothes. She wore a sprigged muslin dress and a sober-hued cloak, and a chip straw hat covered her dusky curls. In one hand she carried a small portmanteau. Her smile of greeting vanished when she saw Theo and her large grey eyes, set in a lovely face, widened in surprise.

  She took a step back, exclaiming in a soft voice, “Oh! I expected you to be alone!”

  Sophie laughed, went to the girl and clasped her hands. “Come in and allow me to introduce you, Olivia.” Indicating Theo, she said, “This is Mr Theodore Cavanagh, the gentleman who helped me get to Bath. He has been kind enough to stay with me until you arrived.”

  “So you escaped in the way you planned after all, Sophie,” said Olivia, still staring. “I had my doubts it would be successful. Were you hurt?”

  Sophie shook her head. “I am well, as you see.” She turned to Theo, whose look of surprise had been replaced by one of confusion. “May I introduce my cousin Olivia, Peregrine’s sister.”

  “Delighted to meet you, Miss Sloane.” He bowed, giving Sophie a reproachful glance. “Miss Devereux hadn’t informed me she had such a delightful cousin.”

  “Have no fear of speaking freely in front of Olivia,” said Sophie gaily, leading her cousin over to the table. “She’s my dearest friend and knows all my plans. She’s nothing like her brother—or her mama, for that matter—and is under no illusions about them, notwithstanding her familial ties. I arranged to meet Olivia here so she could give me the things I need. There was no other way to smuggle them out of the house. Olivia, you see, is permitted to come to Bath, although Aunt Eudora believes she is here today shopping.”

  “Thank you for helping Sophie, Mr Cavanagh,” said Olivia, as she sat down. “She was desperate to get away.”

  “So I understand,” he said. “Have you come alone?”

  “No, my maid is outside, but she is discreet and can be trusted.”

  “Have you brought everything?” asked Sophie eagerly.

  “Two dresses, a nightgown, tooth powder and a few other necessities. It’s all I could manage to smuggle out,” she replied. “You look splendid in that outfit, Sophie—Mama and Perry would be speechless if they saw you—but there is something I must tell you. Mr Grey is in the hallway, in the company of another man whom I do not know, and I believe he has seen me.”

  The colour ebbed from Sophie’s cheeks. “That is indeed a setback.”

  “Miss Devereux, would you mind telling me what the deuce is going on!” said Theo irascibly, pushing his fingers through his hair. “Who is Mr Grey?”

  “An acquaintance of Peregrine’s. Lucius Grey has been staying in Bath and has been to Ludstone several times at Perry’s invitation. He knows Olivia, and me, and will no doubt think it odd to see Olivia here at this hour, and carrying a portmanteau too. Mr Grey is astute and misses nothing…it is unnerving.”

  “But he seems generally amiable,” demurred her cousin, “and quite unlike Perry’s usual friends. It’s true he’s taciturn, and strangely omniscient, but I do not dislike him.”

  “Mr Grey is an unusual man,” agreed Sophie, “but there is something about him that does not ring true. I don’t trust him.” She gave a little shrug of resignation. “Well, there is nothing we can do if he has already seen you. We must hope he will not mention it to Perry, at least until I am on my way.” Sophie gave her cousin’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “I am concerned about you, though, Livvy. If Mr Grey speaks to Peregrine, you could be connected to my disappearance and I wanted to avoid that. Things will be difficult enough for you as it is.”

  “Don’t worry. I can take care of myself.”

  Theo listened to this exchange with a growing sense of misgiving. “Just where are you going,” he asked, his voice ominously calm, “and with whom? It seems Miss Sloane is not accompanying you.”

  Sophie put up her chin. “No. I’m afraid I did not answer your question earlier about a friend escorting me out of Bath because I did not want to lie. There is no such person. Olivia risked a great deal to bring my things here and now her part is done. She will go back to Ludstone. I, on the other hand, am going to London by stagecoach. Alone.”

  For a moment, he made no sound or movement until his exclamation rent the air, making Sophie and Olivia jump.

  “Have you no sense?” he cried. “You cannot travel on the stage coach and without a chaperone too. You’ll be prey to every ne’er do well between here and London! You’ll be squashed into a rum-smelling carriage with a motley collection of people, and be more uncomfortable than you’ve been before in your life.”

  “I’ll be perfectly alright,” she replied with spirit. “And some discomfort is preferable to what I am leaving behind. Every minute I am away from Ludstone makes me more determined never to go back.”

  Frustrated, Theo appealed to Olivia. “Surely you cannot be in agreement with this?”

  “I’m not happy about it, but I also see Sophie has no choice,” she replied. “She wants to go to London and without the money to hire a post chaise, this is her only option. The risks are worth it when you consider the alternative is marriage to my brother.”

  Theo let out his breath in a hiss of annoyance. “This will not serve at all!”

  “I have sufficient funds to pay for my ticket,” said Sophie, watching as he began to stride to and fro. “When I called in at my lawyer’s office, he advanced me a small sum. I purchased the clothes from Madame Lavalle with some of the money as I could not arrive in London dressed as I was. The remainder I have in my reticule. An inside seat on the stage will cost fivepence a mile, and I have more than enough for that, and to pay for an overnight stay.”

  Theo stopped and stared at her. “My good girl, it is not a question of money! Your safety is more important and I cannot let you board the stage when I have been responsible for bringing you this far.”

  “At my request,” Sophie pointed out. “I am grateful, but I absolve you of responsibility. The stage leaves later this evening and I intend to be on it.” She rose and went toward him, putting out her hand in a conciliatory gesture. “Please Mr Cavanagh, I don’t want to argue. Can’t you see I have to do this?”

  Once again, Theo found himself torn. He was used to dashing through life without a care for anyone other than family and friends, and yet already he felt a strong sense of obligation toward this girl.

  Why?

  What was wrong with him?

  It was out of character for him to react this way. He rarely lost his temper or raised his voice, but he had done both since meeting Sophie Devereux and he felt irritated at being jolted out of his comfortable, even-tempered state. He found it hard to comprehend why, in a short time, it had come to matter what happened to her. Fear shafted through him at the thought of her travelling alone.

  Catching her outstretched hand in his, he kissed her fingers. Then, in a softer tone, he said, “I cannot allow you to travel on the stage. May I suggest an alternative?”

  “I won’t ask Olivia to come with me—” she began.

  “No, I agree that would not be sensible. I will escort you to London.”

  Sophie stared, taken aback by his suggestion and by the sensations the touch of his lips
had unleashed. Her hand tingled where he had kissed it and she found herself wishing his lips had lingered. Her mouth went dry at the sweetly tormenting thought and with difficulty she dragged her attention back to his proposal. She could not deny the prospect of travelling with Mr Cavanagh was far more appealing than the stagecoach, and she would enjoy getting to know him better.

  But she was mystified as to why he would want to be further entangled in her affairs. Her favourable first impressions had been confirmed over their shared lunch, but there was a difference between asking for his help to reach Bath and allowing him to escort her to London. She did not want to impose on his good nature, or to have him help her out of a misguided sense of responsibility. Sophie had been aware of the difficulties involved when she had embarked on this course, and accepted them. It was not right for a stranger to do the same. There was also James to consider. What would he think if she arrived in London in Theo’s company? He would be astonished enough to see her as it was.

  “Thank you for your generous offer, but I cannot allow you to disrupt your plans.” She extracted her fingers from his grasp. “When I dropped into your curricle, I had no thought of dragging you into my affairs beyond getting to Bath.”

  “I know,” replied Theo, “but I’m willing to help further…if you will allow it.”

  “Because you feel obliged to?”

  “Because I wish to be of service.”

  She looked at him quizzically. “But you said I needed a female chaperone.”

  Theo coloured. “Well, it would be preferable, of course, but in the absence of a suitable female companion, I’d rather you travel with me than go alone. My groom can stay here. It would be an uncomfortable journey for Stevens anyway, perched on top of the baggage.”

  “We cannot travel together without having some ready explanation,” demurred Sophie. “The fact I have no maid and little baggage will give rise to conjecture and gossip.”