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

by Elizabeth Hanbury

  “I have already considered that. You will be the orphaned daughter of my mother’s dearest friend. Your grandmother, who is unfortunately an invalid, has entrusted me to escort you to London, where you will be staying with my mother. The post chaise hired to transport you and your maid met with an accident outside Bath, and your maid was injured. We have therefore been forced to continue our journey in my curricle, bringing only a limited amount of baggage.”

  Sophie gaped at him. “Even I could not have thought of such a tall tale!”

  “I’m rather proud of it myself,” admitted Theo, flashing a grin. “Most irregular, of course, but it should serve as an explanation at the coaching inns. Many of the landlords know me so I daren’t introduce you as my sister, or even my cousin. They’d know at once I was pitching the gammon.”

  “Perhaps you should go with Mr Cavanagh, Sophie,” ventured Olivia. “Your journey would be more comfortable, and faster, and if Perry should somehow discover where you have gone…” Olivia shrugged and directed a meaningful glance toward the hallway.

  “You see, even Miss Sloane thinks this is the best option.”

  Sophie chewed thoughtfully on her lower lip. She tried to push aside the anticipation she felt at remaining with Theo and concentrate on practical considerations. The benefits seemed to outweigh any disadvantages. She had enough funds to cover her immediate expenses, but she had no idea what monies she would need in London, or how long it would be before she could draw on her inheritance. In view of that, she should save the cost of her ticket if possible. Eventually, she sighed and said, “Very well, but I don’t feel comfortable about involving you. And how, pray, am I ever to repay you?”

  “You can thank me when we reach London,” replied Theo with a smile. “Now, we must set off within the hour if we are to make Newbury before nightfall.”

  “And I must go back before I am missed,” said Olivia, getting to her feet. Embracing her cousin, she said warmly, “Dearest Sophie, take care! I’m glad you are travelling with Mr Cavanagh. I will feel much more comfortable now. Write and let me know you have arrived. I’ll miss you more than you can guess—you’ve made my life more bearable and I thank you for it.”

  “Goose!” said Sophie affectionately. “I’ll send for you as soon as I am settled and we shall see the sights together, just as we have talked about so many times. Until then, don’t let your mama or Perry browbeat you.”

  Olivia nodded and collected her hat and gloves. She then put out her hand to Theo.

  “Thank you for helping Sophie. She is indeed fortunate it was your carriage she chose, for she could not have alighted on a more considerate and attentive rescuer.”

  “I will ensure she reaches her destination,” said Theo. “Allow me to escort you back to your maid.”

  “I’m coming too,” declared Sophie.

  They went back into the hallway, where Olivia’s maid was waiting on a wooden settle near the fireplace. The room was busy, but Sophie’s attention was drawn to the gentleman on the far side the room. Mr Lucius Grey was staring at them and, under his keen gaze, a shiver ran down Sophie’s spine. Something about Mr Grey put her on edge. Another man of stocky, muscular build with grizzled features and a shaved head, who had been deep in conversation with Mr Grey, moved away into the tap room after a whispered comment from his companion.

  Lucius Grey came towards them. Like Theo Cavanagh he was a tall, imposing man of roughly the same age, perhaps three or four years older. He was also possessed of thick, dark hair, but there the similarities ended. Where Mr Cavanagh’s demeanour was one of restless energy, Mr Grey evinced controlled power. Like some mysterious avenging angel, thought Sophie, although devil might be an equally appropriate term.

  He regarded them from under half-closed lids, giving an impression of languor belied by his uncomfortably penetrating gaze. Enigmatic and ever watchful, Mr Grey’s remarkable blue orbs missed not a whit. They were of a shade of blue so dark and intense that the pupils were almost indistinguishable from the irises. He was dressed soberly in buckskins, top boots, a dark coat and waistcoat, and a neatly tied cravat. The cast of his lean features was severe and his manner reserved, but his mouth, although at present unsmiling, was not unattractive. A small, crescent-shaped mark adorned his right cheekbone. Most striking of all was the slender ribbon of pure white hair which stood out from the black locks brushed back from his brow.

  Sophie felt Olivia, who was standing next to her, stiffen with surprise. She had not observed Mr Grey’s approach until he was almost upon them.

  “Miss Sloane,” he said, addressing Olivia in a smooth, deep voice, “I saw you earlier and decided to wait. I wondered if you were in need of assistance, but now I see your cousin is here also.” His gaze fell on Theo, but beyond a flicker of interest, he betrayed no other emotion.

  “T-thank you, Mr Grey,” stammered Olivia. “That was most kind of you, but, as you see, Sophie is with me. I…er…brought her something.”

  “I see,” he murmured. He bowed to Sophie. “It is an unexpected pleasure to meet you and your cousin today, Miss Devereux, and in this unusual location too. How charming you both look! It is such a warm day I decided to call here to take a tankard of ale. Bowyer, my valet, is with me. Do you visit the White Hart often?” His slight smile and bland expression offered no clue to his thoughts.

  “Hardly ever,” said Sophie, calmly, “but we have been shopping and decided to take luncheon here, where we happened upon an acquaintance of mine, Mr Theodore Cavanagh.”

  “Delighted to meet you. Lucius Grey, at your service,” he said, giving Theo an assessing glance.

  “Likewise,” replied Theo, with an equally shrewd look.

  An awkward silence fell until Mr Grey observed, “I had planned to visit a friend this afternoon, Miss Sloane, but I can take you or your cousin home. There is room for one in my curricle and I would be happy to oblige—”

  “No!” interjected Olivia. “Thank you, but I have some more shopping to do and Sophie has another commission.”

  “Ah.” Lucius Grey’s tone and the ironic lift of one eyebrow suggested he did not believe a word of her hurried explanation. “A pity because I always enjoy your company. Yours too, Miss Devereux. No matter, I shall look forward to seeing you again soon. I am engaged to dine at Ludstone next week.”

  “We shall look forward to it,” replied Sophie breezily.

  There was another pause while Mr Grey’s gaze scrutinised them all. “Well, it is time I was leaving so please excuse me, ladies. ‘servant, Cavanagh.” He bowed again, bestowed another smile on Olivia, and then strode out, his frame filling the doorway as he followed Mr Bowyer into the taproom.

  Olivia closed her eyes and groaned. “Now we are done for! Mr Grey always manages to put me in a fluster. He will tell Perry, I’m sure of it!”

  “He may not, at least for several days and I will be in London by then,” said Sophie.

  Theo was staring at the door through which Mr Grey had passed. “What a curious fellow! I have the feeling I have met him somewhere before, but I can’t recall where.” He looked at Sophie. “We have no control over when or if he informs your cousin he has seen you, so we should leave at once. In any event, we must reach The Pelican by nightfall if we are to have any hope of making London by tomorrow evening.”

  “Yes, of course,” said Sophie. “Go back now and don’t worry about Mr Grey, Livvy. If you are questioned by Perry or Aunt Eudora about being seen here with me, do not deny it, but say even though you pleaded with me, I would not divulge my plans.”

  Olivia nodded.

  “Good,” replied Sophie. “I’ll send for you as soon as I can.”

  With that, Olivia and her maid left and Theo urged Sophie to wait in the coffee room while he sought out his groom and gave him instructions.

  A short time later, Sophie and Theo drove out of the courtyard, unaware their departure had been witnessed by Lucius Grey who, with Mr Bowyer, was watching from the room where Sophie and her rescu
er had been only twenty minutes earlier.

  Chapter 3

  “How far is it to Newbury?” asked Sophie.

  They had already passed through Atford, Melksham and Devizes and were heading across the Wiltshire downs towards Silbury Hill.

  Since leaving Bath, the carriage had rattled along at an impressive pace. Stevens, Theo’s groom, had grumbled his disapproval at being left behind and darkly prophesied trouble ahead while strapping Sophie’s portmanteau and an overnight bag for his master to the curricle. The sun, however, shone steadily and a breeze meant the afternoon was warm rather than hot. Sophie had never travelled this far abroad from Ludstone and found everything in her surroundings of interest.

  She had talked animatedly, craning her neck to get a better view of the landscape. This artless chatter was interspersed with questions about the landmarks and villages they passed. Her companion had answered them, glancing down at her from time to time with an amused gleam in his eyes.

  “A little over forty miles,” he replied. He looked at the sky, assessing the clouds now dotted across it. “The weather looks set fair which means we should make good time if we don’t meet with any delays. We’ll reach Marlborough in another hour and I’ll change my team then. There may be time to snatch some refreshment, but we’ll have to move on quickly if we are to reach The Pelican in time for dinner.”

  She nodded, then ventured, “So you sell wine, Mr Cavanagh? Isn’t that an unusual pastime for someone in your position?”

  “Indeed it is,” he replied with a wry glance, “and if it wasn’t for my family’s ancient and illustrious lineage, I would have been ostracised from society—the faintest whiff of trade is enough to set doors slamming in your face! As it is, most of the ton indulge me in what they consider harmless, if eccentric, behaviour. The truth is that, as a second son, I’m not wealthy and I needed an occupation after leaving Oxford. Neither the military nor the clergy appealed to me and quite by chance I fell upon something that did— importing and selling wine. Although I have funds enough to live comfortably, thanks to a bequest from my Great-aunt Jane, I’ve continued with my venture. Now it’s something I choose to do rather than being obliged to. I find satisfaction in raising monies through my own efforts. But what I really want to do is own a stud farm.”

  “I think you would be successful at that too. You are obviously a fine judge of horses, as well as an expert whip. How well you drive!” Sophie watched in admiration as he rounded a bend and caught the thong of his whip over his head.

  A smile touched his lips. “Thank you. Are you sure this pace isn’t too alarming? My sister says an hour in my curricle is enough to overset her nerves for a month.”

  “Is your sister of a delicate disposition then?”

  Theo laughed and shook his head. “Julia is as fearless as any of her brothers, but she delights in teasing me, and in particular about one journey she made to Sussex in my carriage.” He chuckled again at the memory. “Julia was convinced she would end up in a ditch, and it was only because she was desperate to get to Swanborough that she endured my driving. I must say you are a more restful travelling companion than Julia. You’ve not complained once and if you are nervous about the speed we are travelling at, you’ve not shown it.”

  “Why should I be worried?” said Sophie, looking at him in surprise. “Your driving is a delight compared to my cousin’s, especially now he has that preposterous new carriage.” She rolled her eyes expressively. “I have warned Olivia not to let Perry drive her out in it. He is so puffed up when driving the wretched thing he pays even less attention to the road. That, together with the speed he travels, renders him dangerous and it will be a miracle if he does not end up with a broken neck. He longs to be a member of the Four Horse Club and even apes their dress, but I doubt they would admit him.”

  “Miss Sloane’s character is different from her brother’s then?”

  “Completely. Livvy is more like her dead papa, my father’s brother, in looks as well as character, although she has more spirit than Uncle Cecil ever had. He was an amiable man, but ruled over by his wife throughout their marriage. Olivia was a quiet, sunny natured child and Uncle Cecil doted on her, but Perry has always been Eudora’s favourite. When my uncle died, there was no one to prevent Aunt Eudora and Perry tyrannising over Olivia and treating her shamefully. I was shocked to find her so cowed when I arrived at Ludstone. They bullied her and took every opportunity to make her life miserable, treating her as if she were stupid and dull, which she is not at all. They tried to browbeat me too but I refused to stand for it. Olivia and I became allies. She showed me how to exploit their weaknesses, and I encouraged her to stand up to them. They blame my influence for the change in Olivia and it’s an accusation I am pleased to admit to. Olivia deserves a far better life than the one she is currently living, that of a drudge subjected to constant criticism.”

  Theo, who noted Sophie was now flushed with indignation on her cousin’s behalf, observed, “She must have been glad when you went to live at Ludstone.”

  Sophie agreed. “It was for her sake I stayed as long as I did. I would have left months ago, but I did not think she was able to cope then with the inevitable consequences of my departure.”

  “And now?”

  “Olivia has regained some confidence. She will not relent under their pressure. As soon as is convenient, I intend for her to come to live with me in London.”

  “Will her mother permit that?”

  “She will do her best to stop it, not least because she will have no one to fetch and carry for her, but Livvy will be of age in October and may do as she pleases. I’ll be established then and able to support her. She is eager to get away too and we would have left together if it could have been arranged.” Sophie sighed. “We decided it was not possible, however, and agreed my plan was the best solution. Olivia occupies the room next to her mother’s on account of the robberies—my aunt thinks she is going to be murdered in her bed one day soon—so Olivia’s absence would have been noted before mine.”

  Theo raised a quizzical eyebrow. “Robberies?”

  Sophie looked at his profile, putting up her hand to shield her eyes from the sun. “Haven’t you heard of the Bath Fox?”

  He frowned. “No. Should I have done?”

  “Yes indeed!“ she replied. “The whole county is gripped by the exploits of the Bath Fox, a notorious thief who has committed several robberies along Bath Road during the past year. According to gossip, the Fox and his gang have held up coaches and relieved the passengers of their jewellery and coin. He’s more infamous for his raids on the homes of the Bath wealthy though. He has a penchant for jewels and seems to know exactly where to find them when he breaks in. Why, he broke into Shaw House last month while Miss Thresher was at a concert and took her diamonds! Robberies have been committed as far afield as Reading and Windsor, and my aunt is convinced it is a matter of time before he sets his sights on her emeralds, hence her insistence on Olivia occupying the room next door. No one knows where he will strike next.”

  “Stuff and nonsense!” declared Theo roundly. “Never heard of the Bath Fox and even if he exists, I doubt he’s half as successful or dangerous as gossip suggests. Most of these rumours are exaggerated with little basis in fact.”

  “Normally I would agree with you,” said Sophie, “but I know of several people who have had items stolen and there is proof he’s been growing more daring of late. Miss Thresher’s footman was shot in the leg, and it’s only due to good fortune the poor man isn’t dead.”

  “Well, this Bath Fox will encounter more than he bargained for if he tries to ambush us.”

  “I believe he would,” said Sophie, eyeing him from under her lashes. A moment later, she added, “You know, I have a shocking lack of sensibility. My nerves should be jangling at the possibility of encountering him, but I am not concerned, particularly in your company.”

  His mouth quirked into a grin. “Your confidence is gratifying, but you are disconcerting
ly fearless, Miss Devereux. You make my sister appear demure, something I would not have believed possible!” He shook his head, adding in an admiring tone, “After running away from home and dropping into a speeding curricle, you were ready to travel to London alone on the stagecoach. Good grief, I dare say you would have taken the guard’s blunderbuss and threatened the Bath Fox with it, should he have been foolish enough to accost you!”

  Sophie blushed and laughed. “He usually targets private post chaises and carriages because the pickings to be had there are far richer.”

  “I doubt we’ll encounter anything more alarming than flyblown cheese and poorly-aired sheets on this journey,” observed Theo in a dry voice.

  The Bath Fox was not discussed further, and they passed through West Kennet, Overton and Fifield without incident. It was therefore only mid-afternoon when they reached the half-timbered buildings and overhanging gables of Marlborough high street.

  As Theo waited in the crush of carriages pulled up at the front of the elegant Castle Inn, he was more than satisfied with their progress. He had travelled this route many times but, in Sophie’s company, he was viewing familiar surroundings through her new and eager eyes. For a man who knew every monotonous tree and milestone between Bath and London, this was a refreshing change and the journey had beguiled away pleasantly as a result.

  But there was a great deal more he wanted to know from Miss Devereux. She had not yet explained who she was going to stay with in London and he determined to broach this subject over dinner.

  There was no private parlour available but the landlord, who knew Theo well, accepted his explanation of their circumstances without a qualm and showed them to a quiet corner of the coffee room where they were served with coffee and a jug of porter. Sophie refused the offer of broiled mutton and haricot beans, but did ask for cold meat and fruit, and some cake, if there any was to be had. The food arrived shortly afterward and, while they ate, Theo was treated to Sophie’s lively observations on the other occupants of the room.