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

by Elizabeth Hanbury

  “But we can’t stand by and do nothing!”

  “That’s why we came, Theo,” said Sir Seymour. “Much as we dislike the investigation being interrupted and justice potentially not being served as a result, Miss Devereux’s safety has to be paramount. Luc therefore proposes to warn her about Sloane. We think you should go too; she trusts you and Luc thought you would want to be involved.”

  “I do, for more reasons than you might guess. What about Verney? Should he be told?”

  “Not immediately. The fewer people who know about this, the better,” said Luc. “Sir Seymour has agreed, though, that I can talk to Miss Sloane about her brother. An unpleasant task, but I will do my best to soften what will be a devastating blow.

  An odd feeling had crept over Theo as he listened. It was like being touched by invisible hands. Recognising it as a presentiment of fear—an unfathomable, soul-deep terror for Sophie—he jumped to his feet. “Then let’s waste no more time! I’ll summon a hackney.”

  “No need. My carriage and team are waiting at the end of the street,” said Luc.

  Sir Seymour levered himself out of his chair. “Go with Luc. I’ll take a hackney to Bow Street and see if any more information has emerged from Sloane’s accomplices.”

  As they prepared to leave, Theo thrust his hand in Grey’s direction. “I’m sorry I didn’t trust you,” he said, gruffly.

  Luc took the proffered hand, shook it and flashed Theo a brief but rueful smile. “Don’t be. I’m sorry I couldn’t take you into my confidence earlier. I spend my life keeping secrets. It’s my duty and I’m used to it, but it’s a hard price to pay at times.”

  Sophie emerged from the lawyer’s office into bright sunshine. Mr Sands had been amiable and helpful and, despite her unhappiness, she could now try and look to the future. She would gain control of her inheritance very soon. Apart from the Star, there was some money invested in the funds. It was enough for her and Olivia to live on, although they would not be rich enough to move among the ton.

  She had questioned Mr. Sands as to whether there were any legal reasons why she could not sell the Star. It appeared there were none. It had been passed down to the eldest child through tradition, not through entail. But Mr Sands, looking at her over his spectacles, advised in stentorian tones against selling it now. In his opinion she would not realize its full value if it became known she needed money. Sophie assured him she had no desire to sell—it was, after all, her last remaining link with her family—but had been merely confirming the option was open to her.

  Sophie had never given much thought to the difficulties that came with owning the Star. That had changed. Beautiful and valuable it may be, but conflict and despair followed it too. Easy to see why it was considered a bringer of bad luck to anyone who was not its rightful keeper.

  Sophie knew of only one occasion when it had proved of practical use. Her father and mother had placed little store by wealth. Their marriage had been a love match and they had been content to live modestly but, after a reversal of fortunes on the stock exchange, her father had contemplated selling the gem. In the end he had decided against it, instead borrowing money against the value of the Star to clear his debts. The Star had proved a force for good then, but Sophie thought it ironic that it was its potential value, rather than the realisation of it, that had helped her father.

  Yet perhaps that was how it should be. The Star had a mystical, almost unearthly quality that could never properly translate into a monetary value.

  With their discussion concluded, Sophie and Mr Sands had parted on good terms, the lawyer agreeing to draw up a shortlist of suitable houses and companions.

  Reaching the bottom of the steps outside Mr Sand’s chambers, Sophie pulled on her gloves and prepared to hail a hackney. Only Olivia knew of her visit here today. She had slipped away from Brook Street while Lady Verney had been taking her afternoon nap, thus avoiding awkward questions about where she was going.

  A hackney drew up alongside the pavement. She was about to give the jarvey directions back to Brook Street, when to her astonishment Perry emerged from the carriage. He stepped toward her, a smile on his lips. “Well met, cousin.”

  “Perry! What are you doing here?”

  “I followed you.”

  Perry’s eyes were curiously blank, leaving Sophie unsure what to make of his remark. Deciding it must be his idea of a joke, she gave a little laugh. “Indeed? Well, my errand is done and I am about to go back to Brook Street. Lady Verney must be wondering where I am.”

  “Let me escort you.”

  “It is not necessary,” she said with a shake of her head.

  “But something has arisen that I need to talk to you about urgently.” When Perry saw her hesitate, he added, “It concerns Olivia.”

  Sophie started forward in concern. “Is she ill?”

  “No. There is a delicate matter that needs to be discussed.”

  “Can it wait?”

  “I think not. It needs to be dealt with and you are the best person to advise on avoiding a scandal, and how to limit Olivia’s distress. It will not take long.” He moved aside, inviting her to step into the hackney. “Will you join me?”

  She paused and glanced at him uncertainly. “Perry, is this a kidnapping?” she asked, lifting her brows.

  “Don’t be absurd,” he drawled, in a bored voice. “Kidnapping implies force. Bundling you into a hackney in broad daylight would be a thankless task. I’ve no desire to have my eyes scratched out, or create a scene for half of Lincoln’s Inn to enjoy! Come or stay, just as you please. The matter I refer to should be discussed in private and this is a good opportunity. It is not an exaggeration to say you hold Olivia’s fate in your hands, but if you are unwilling to discuss the matter, there is nothing more to be said.” He shrugged and turned back towards the carriage.

  Sophie watched him go in an agony of indecision. Perhaps she was being overly suspicious. She was surprised to see him here, but unless he had been lying in wait in Brook Street watching her every move he could not have followed her. Besides, his behaviour yesterday had been unexceptional and he could hardly carry her off to the border in a hackney.

  What the “delicate matter” concerning Olivia might be and why it could lead to a scandal, she had not the least idea, but she sensed he was not lying. If the matter was serious enough to tear Perry away from his pursuit of pleasure, it must be important. She owed it to Olivia to find out more.

  “Wait!” Gathering up her skirts, Sophie hurried over. “I’ll come with you. I trust whatever you have to say will not take long? I am accompanying Lady Verney to the theatre tonight.”

  “Just as long as you decide,” said Perry, with a half smile.

  He stood aside to let her climb in and, after giving instructions to the jarvey, he joined Sophie in the hackney and it sped off down the street.

  Chapter 14

  Theo and Grey arrived in Brook Street to be informed Lord Verney was not at home for the rest of the day and Lady Verney was indisposed. Theo then asked to see Sophie. The butler, while disapproving in general of vulgar insistence in visitors, also itched to impart the information passed to him earlier by the senior footman. After a moment’s consideration, he therefore replied in a conspiratorial tone that Miss Devereux was not at home. She had left the house some time ago.

  “Alone?” prompted Theo.

  The butler confirmed this. “She did not call for the carriage and one of the other servants saw her walking to the hackney stand.” He paused and then added in a voice laden with foreboding, “Her maid was not asked to attend her.”

  Theo turned to his companion. “What do we do now?” he said in an urgent whisper. “We can’t wait for her to return.”

  “Insist on Lady Verney being disturbed,” proposed Luc.

  “Perhaps she will know where Miss Devereux has gone.”

  Lady Verney, roused from a comfortable afternoon dose, tottered into the saloon to meet her visitors some considerable time later. Wr
eathed in a quantity of shawls and clutching her vinaigrette, she came towards them wearing a feeble smile, her vaguest manner and a faint air of ill-usage.

  Theo made the necessary introductions before embarking on some adroit questioning. She accepted his queries regarding Sophie’s whereabouts without a qualm, but could offer no insight and furthermore, saw no reason for concern. No, she was not aware Sophie had left the house earlier, nor did she have the least idea where she might have gone to. Really, it was too bad of her not to have taken her maid along too—the girl simply refused to adhere to London etiquette —but since they were going to the theatre this evening, there was no reason to think she had embarked on anything other than a shopping expedition. She was certain Sophie would return in good time. Then Lady Verney gave a sly little smile and suggested Sophie might have gone for a drive with her cousin. Mr Sloane’s attentions had become marked recently. With a satisfied sigh, Lady Verney declared she must not say too much, but she had every expectation of a happy announcement appearing soon.

  She reached for the bell pull to summon a tray of tea, but before she could do so, Theo made their hasty excuses and departed, leaving Lady Verney calling after him.

  Downstairs in the hall, Theo and Luc questioned the butler further, but even the inducement of the coin pressed into his palm brought forth little more. He had checked with the maid, who confirmed that no notes had been left and Miss Devereux’s clothes and portmanteaux were all where they should be.

  Mr Sloane had not called in at Brook Street today, and the only other possibility the butler could offer was that Miss might have gone to see her cousin in Grosvenor Square. This seemed unlikely as Theo was sure Sir Seymour would have been informed if Sophie had turned up in Grosvenor Square, but it was worth checking before they searched elsewhere.

  Arriving at the Dinniscombe mansion, they were ushered into the elegant saloon. Olivia was sitting with Harriet, but there was no sign of Sophie.

  Theo was unsure how much Harriet knew, but when he explained the circumstances of Sophie’s departure from Brook Street, her reaction made it clear she was in her husband’s confidence. She turned at once to Olivia.

  “My dear, have you any idea where Sophie may have gone this afternoon?” she urged. “If so, pray tell us…and don’t be afraid of breaking a confidence because she might be in danger.”

  Olivia turned her anxious gaze upon the visitors. “She has gone to see Mr Sands in Lincoln’s Inn. He is her father’s lawyer.”

  Theo glanced at his companion. “We’d best go there at once.”

  Luc nodded. “Will you wait for me outside? I’d like to speak to Miss Sloane for a moment.”

  While Theo took his leave of Harriet, Luc led Olivia to the window bay on the far side of the room. Taking her hands between his, he held them tightly. A jolt of sensual awareness shot through him. She seemed to feel it too and looked up into his face, a flush of pleasure on her cheeks.

  From under delicately arched brows, eyes the colour of storm-tossed seas regarded him steadily. Her mouth was soft and inviting, and a smile hovered on her lips. A tiny frown creased her brow, giving her an adorably quizzical expression.

  Today, as always, she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

  He mirrored her smile, but his voice was sombre. “Miss Sloane—Olivia—time is short. I am a man with many secrets. I cannot stay now to offer explanations, but I need to ask you a question. In these singular circumstances, you may consider it presumptuous, even offensive.”

  “What is it?”

  “A simple request: are you prepared to trust me?”

  “Yes,” she said, without hesitation. “And I don’t consider it presumptuous.”

  The pressure of his fingers increased. “Thank you,” he murmured, his tone turning the words into a caress. “This is not the right moment, but we will enjoy some private conversation soon, if you are agreeable?”

  Her flush deepening to crimson, Olivia nodded.

  He stroked the back of her hand with his thumb. “Very well. Listen carefully and be assured I have Sophie’s interests at heart.”

  “Has something happened to her?”

  Aware that her fingers trembled in his grasp, Luc hesitated. “Nothing yet, I hope, but she could be in danger,” he said eventually. “From her cousin.”

  Her frown re-appeared. “Perry?”

  “Yes.” He dragged in a tortured breath. “Olivia, you are about to hear some painful truths about Peregrine. I wish I did not have to do this but it is important that you know. And if bad news about your brother has to be delivered, far better it comes from someone who cares for you deeply.”

  As he waited for her response, Luc’s world teetered on the edge of oblivion.

  Blue eyes stared down into glittering grey, her gaze locked on his face as the meaning of his last six words sank in. A sound that was half gasp, half moan slipped from her throat, but the look in Olivia’s eyes told him all he needed to know. The world righted itself and he exhaled on a sigh.

  He glanced around the room and saw they were alone. Lady Dinniscombe, with great presence of mind, had stepped out for a moment to fetch her embroidery.

  Luc knew he should move away right now, put distance between them before it was too late. It had been a mistake to let slip he cared. He tried to keep in mind his duty and his orders. He even tried to block out her scent in his nose and throat, her warm breath striking his chin, her soft curves so enticingly near to him, but he failed. All his longing seemed to have been condensed into this moment. She was so lovely, and so close. Everything in him responded to her. Aching with love and suffering under a deluge of emotion, Luc did what he had wanted to do for weeks. Knowing he would hate himself later because it seemed impossible anything more could come of it, he pulled her close and kissed her.

  Like an over-wound spring, from the instant his mouth began to move over hers, his whole body seemed to uncoil. The sense of release was overwhelming. It felt as if he had found his way home after years of searching. Tension drained out of every muscle, to be replaced by a glorious languidness and sense of wellbeing that he thought had been destroyed long ago. Captivated by the sudden blaze of sensations, his lips explored hers, gently at first, then, as his mouth settled more firmly on hers, teasing, tasting, coaxing, until pleasure resonated in every fibre of his body.

  Her response was untutored but just as urgent and passionate. She melted into his embrace, her body arching closer as she moulded herself against him. His fingers feathered down her spine and he felt her responsive shiver through the thin fabric of her gown. Her lips were deliciously cool, her breath sweet; she tasted of summer and honey, her innocent sensuality affecting him like a heady drug, pushing him to the limits of his self-restraint. Eager for more, he murmured endearments against her mouth, desperate to kiss and taste every inch of her.

  Through a haze of pleasure Luc realized he was in danger of losing control. It was exhilarating for someone who had not allowed himself that luxury for a long time, but he knew had to stop. Only years of discipline, the years of enforced mastery over his feelings, allowed him to tear his lips away.

  It was the hardest thing he had ever done, but he held her to him afterward, their breathing fragmented after the storm of passion. Then, keeping her in the circle of his arms, he began to explain about Perry.

  Luc watched as her face reflected her emotions like clouds skittering across the sun. The colour ebbed out of her cheeks, but she did not question the truth of what he was saying. Nor did she demand to know who he really was and how he had uncovered such shocking details about her brother. He might be effectively a stranger, but the visceral attraction that bound their souls together allowed her to believe in him now. And there was more than trust in her grey gaze.

  This brave, loving and giving girl cared for him.

  A wave of searing tenderness, deeper than anything he had known before, swept through Luc. He had travelled alone for so long and seen so much of life’s dark side t
hat he wanted to bask in her sweetness always. The mysterious alchemy between them defied reason and explanation, yet it existed and was too strong to be denied. She was the other half that made him whole.

  From the moment he had laid eyes on her from afar while secretly observing Peregrine Sloane, Olivia had stolen his heart. Then, as he came to know and appreciate the woman she was, she had become his world, his reason for being.

  A practical man, he was staggered by force and depth of his feelings. He could only marvel at and be humbled by the way this quiet, graceful woman affected him. None of his previous relationships had lasted longer than a few months. They had provided physical release but nothing more and as time went on he had begun to think he was incapable of love. His way of life made it almost impossible anyway, but he thought perhaps there was also a flaw in him that meant he could never truly love.

  Meeting Olivia had brought about a momentous change. He had known from the first that this was different. She was different. He admired and desired her, but there was infinitely more to the way he felt than that. He had tried to define it and still he found it impossible to articulate everything she meant to him. How could he explain why one woman—this woman—had ripped the heart from his chest, never to let it go? All he knew was she was a beacon of beauty and kindness in a cruel, unforgiving world, the irresistible light that now guided him out of the filthiest hellholes, the seediest gaming dens and endless tight corners. She touched his soul and he loved her more than life itself.

  For weeks he had dreamed about her. He dreamed of loving her in a thousand different ways, of cherishing her, of spending a lifetime compensating for all the slights and cruel barbs she received at the hands of those who should have cared for her. He wanted to give her all the things she had been denied and see her grow under the warmth of love.