He glanced at his pocket watch. Ten past eleven. It appeared Hebe wasn’t coming. Lewis left the ante room and made his way to the front door.
“My lord!”
Hebe came hurrying behind him. “I had trouble getting away,” she gasped her cheeks pink.
Caught again by her fresh-faced innocence, he considered it extraordinary how untouched she seemed by the life she’d been living in London. If that life had continued, however, this lovely girl would have been damaged by it.
He glanced behind her, but no one had followed, so he drew her into a shadowy corner. “We shouldn’t be seen here alone together, Hebe. I came down hoping to find you. To warn you to be careful when you return to London. If Seth Crabbe was behind Marigold’s murder, he might be dangerous.”
“Have you learned anything more?” Hebe asked. “My friend, Sally has no idea what happened although she suspects Seth. Do you believe it was him?”
“I cannot say.” He shrugged. “But it is certainly possible. Is there anything you can tell me about Marigold that might help find who killed her?”
“No.” She sighed. “I don’t like to engage Sally in correspondence, and I won’t be in the city for some time.”
“What if I went to see her?”
Hebe looked doubtful.
“Perhaps not.” It was unlikely someone from that world would speak freely to him. They didn’t trust the upper classes. Sometimes for good reason.
“I do appreciate you coming all this way to warn me,” Hebe said.
“I wanted to get out of London for a bit…” he began.
Loud voices erupted from around the corner.
His hand on her arm, Lewis pulled her farther into the shadows and shielded her with his body. “You should return to your aunt.”
“I will in a minute. Is the statue finished?”
“No. I’ve put it aside. It’s not a commissioned piece.”
“Oh, but it’s beautiful. You must finish it.”
He smiled at her. “I lost my inspiration when I lost my model.”
Hebe flushed and lowered her chin. “You must find another model. I would like to see it one day should it be exhibited in a public place.”
“Yes,” he said thoughtfully. “I’d like you to see it. After all, you spent many hours posing for me.” He found himself wanting very much for her to see it finished. To watch her expressive face when she viewed it.
“You paid me well. Too well. I intend to return half the money when I can.”
“You can forget that for I won’t take it.”
She shrugged her slim shoulders which drew his eye to her smooth pale bosom revealed by the gown’s scooped neckline. Why had he resisted seeing her unclothed? Was it because he feared he might find her a little too attractive to resist? He considered himself a cut above those men who toyed with debutantes, and Hebe was very much one, standing there before him in her muslin gown. But without so much as a gold locket, bracelet, or brooch, he noted. She hadn’t been completely restored to her former life.
Suddenly three young gentlemen burst into the corridor and ran toward them, laughing and shoving at each other. One beau knocked against Lewis’s shoulder and the fellow behind him stumbled into them both. Lewis grabbed Hebe around the waist and pulled her aside before she could lose her balance.
“I say sir, I do apologize,” one of the young blades said with a grin. “I didn’t see the young lady.”
“No harm done, but it would be better to take your hijinks outside,” Lewis said, as, laughing, the young men burst out into the street.
Hebe stiffened within his arm and he turned. With a scowl on her face, Hebe’s aunt approached, accompanied by the lady in gold lace.
Chapter Eleven
At her aunt’s expression, a lump choked Hebe’s throat. Behind her, Lady Stowe’s face was a picture of pure glee.
“I ran into Lord Chesterton in the passage and while we were conversing, some rowdy young men almost knocked me off my feet,” Hebe hurriedly explained.
“A likely story,” Lady Stowe emerged from behind Aunt Prudence to condemn Hebe with a disbelieving stare.
“As my dear brother lies below ground, I feel it is my duty to take his role in the care of his daughter.” Aunt Prudence sounded uncharacteristically firm. “If you have our address, sir. I shall expect you tomorrow at two.”
Lewis bowed. “Certainly. Good evening.” He walked out the door.
Shocked, Hebe stared after him. She turned to her aunt mouth agape. Would Aunt Prudence have behaved in this fashion if the annoying Lady Stowe wasn’t present? Much was being made of something entirely innocent. She had explained, so surely it would come to nothing. But she wished she could be sure of it.
“I should not like to be in your shoes, Prudence,” Lady Stowe said. “As I’ve told you, Lord Chesterton has an unsavory reputation in London. He would have to be brought up to snuff.”
“That is entirely unfair,” Hebe said heatedly. “His lordship is a decent man, a celebrated sculptor.”
“That’s enough, Hebe,” Aunt Prudence said. “Fetch your things. We shall go home.”
“I shall leave you to deal with this, Prudence,” Lady Stowe said sounding regretful, as if she would have liked to enjoy more of it.
On the way home in the trap, Aunt Prudence broke a long silence. “As I was saying earlier, Pluto has made an appearance in your chart, Hebe. It represents those hidden things that lie below the surface.” She nodded at Hebe. “It is also linked to rebirth. The symbolism is clear. It shows us a way forward. Negotiate this hurdle and a new beginning is possible.”
“What hurdle, Aunt?” Hebe found it hard to speak her throat was so dry. “It can’t be anything to do with Lord Chesterton, he was merely being polite. He steadied me when I almost fell.”
“Tonight, everything happened for a reason,” her aunt said, at her inscrutable best.
Hebe was caught between asking her aunt’s meaning and the fear that the answer would be even more distressing. She swallowed and lapsed into silence. When they arrived home, she said goodnight and retired with little expectation of sleep.
In the morning, after a restless night, she dragged herself from her bed and allowed Mary to help her dress. She barely touched her breakfast, ate even less at luncheon, and by the afternoon, had developed a dreadful headache. She simply must talk to Lewis alone.
Her thoughts of Lewis promptly scattered when a carriage drew up outside and Lord Buckwood descended to stride purposefully to the door.
Buckwood entered the parlor and greeted her aunt, then turned to her, his hard eyes assessing her from head to toe. He threw up the tails of his coat and sat on the sofa. “You look delightfully fresh in the light of day, Miss Fenchurch.”
Hebe lowered her gaze to her hands. “Thank you, sir.”
Her aunt murmured an excuse and promptly left the room.
“I should like to see more of you.” Buckwood’s arrogant expression seemed to suggest he expected her to fall at his feet in gratitude.
“Of course, sir. But I have so many invitations, I’m sure I shall never manage to attend them all,” Hebe said, hoping he wouldn’t contradict her.
His expression heated. Unfortunately, this appeared to affect him like a moth to the candle flame. “You are popular of course. I see I shall make it my business to travel down to Brighton more often.”
Hebe was weak with gratitude to see her Aunt come into the room, carrying one of her special bottles of wine.
Buckwood eyed it suspiciously, declined and rose. “I am leaving for London this afternoon. I shall call next week,” he announced.
“We will look forward to it,” her aunt said, showing him to the door.
“Well, it seems we have another suitor,” Aunt Prudence said with a great deal of satisfaction when she returned. “That means competition.”
“Aunt, I don’t wish to marry either of them.”
“What nonsense, Hebe. This is your opportunity. You do wi
sh to marry? This astrological alignment may not return for years. You must take advantage of it.” Her aunt hurried out again.
Hebe wondered if it might be true. Her aunt seemed so sure. She ran to the window in time to see Lewis’ curricle pass Lord Buckwood’s on the driveway.
Lewis leapt down as Diggory came forward to take the reins. He ran lightly up the front steps and knocked. As Mary went to answer the door, Hebe hurried to the parlor mirror to tidy her hair. Too pale, she pinched her cheeks and bit her lips.
The maid announced him and left.
Lewis stared around the parlor surprised, perhaps, by the modest furnishings, although it might be Aries, tugging at his trousers, or Bertie, perched atop a lampshade.
“Stop please, Aries,” Hebe ordered. The dog returned to his basket and with a disappointed growl, turned around twice and sat. “And don’t you cause trouble either, Bertie,” she said to the bird whose beady eyes watched Lewis.
Hebe was pleased to have him to herself for a moment while her aunt was distracted by something taking place in the kitchen. “We must confess the reason you came was to warn me about someone we both knew. Then all will be well, Lewis.” She kept an eye on the door. “After all, we’ve nothing to hide.”
“Don’t we?”
Startled she looked up into his face. “We won’t mention my posing for you, of course. We have already said we met socially.”
“And if Lady Stowe was to begin asking questions in London?”
“She wouldn’t. Why should she?”
“She’d be delighted to uncover something in the way of juicy gossip to spread around. A leopard never changes its spots.”
Hebe widened her eyes. “You know the lady?”
“I know her sort. I’ve had a fair amount to do with them over the years.”
“As have I,” Hebe said, downcast. “Please do sit down. My aunt shall be here shortly.”
“We must quickly come up with a story.” She sank onto the sofa while Lewis took a wing chair covered in faded brocade. “Then my aunt will understand.” She wished she could be more confident of that. Aunt Prudence was obsessed with her interpretation of some astrological sign, and Hebe feared she wouldn’t budge.
Lewis left his chair and came to sit beside her on the sofa. He took her hand in his, his fingers, rough to the touch, recalling the wonderful statue. “Hebe. I am not the sort to be brow-beaten into something I don’t wish to do.”
Hebe cleared her throat, pleased that he wasn’t, but at the same time greatly distracted by his touch. “No, I can quite believe that.” She tried to draw away, but he held her in a loose but determined grip. “You are decent and kind…”
“I have given this considerable thought. And although it’s not a love match, I am sure we can deal well together. Marry me, Hebe.”
She suddenly couldn’t breathe he was too close. “What? No! You are doing this for me. I won’t let you—”
“I must warn you, however, that my reputation just now isn’t sterling. And you deserve so much better than me.”
“Your reputation?” Hebe giggled, feeling slightly hysterical. “What about mine?”
Aunt Prudence entered the room, looking pleased. “Ah, good afternoon, Lord Chesterton. I see you two are getting along famously.”
Lewis stood and bowed. “Lady Prudence.”
Hebe wrung her hands. “Aunt, this has all been a dreadful mistake.”
“It seems that way to you, Hebe,” Aunt Prudence said sagely. “But that is because it is impossible to understand when Pluto clouds the issue.”
“Pluto?” Lewis widened his eyes.
“My aunt is a devotee of astrology,” Hebe explained.
“How interesting,” Lewis said politely.
Hebe feared she’d begin to giggle again. Was this a dream? If she pinched herself would she wake up? But it was no dream, for Lewis repeated his offer of marriage to her aunt, while her aunt nodded thoughtfully.
“So, if Miss Hebe will accept me, we can be married here in Brighton,” Lewis said calmly, sounding as if he spoke of how nice it would be to have a picnic in such fine weather.
“An excellent idea, Lord Chesterton,” Aunt Prudence seized the bell and rang it soundly. “We must celebrate. I brought back an excellent vintage from my travels.”
“But what about Mama?” Hebe asked faintly. “She is still in Tunbridge Wells.”
Aunt Prudence looked quizzical. “She will want to attend, of course. I shall write to her immediately.”
“I’ll return to London and visit Doctor’s Commons for the special license,” Lewis said. “Perhaps I can bring your mother down with me when I return, Hebe.”
Hebe jumped up. “But I haven’t accepted you, Lord Chesterton.”
“I’ll give you two a moment alone.” Aunt Prudence headed for the door. “Where has Diggory got to? The Old Ship Inn would be excellent for a wedding breakfast,” she called back.
Hebe turned to Lewis in desperation. “I cannot accept you, Lord Chesterton.”
He raised his brow. “Allow me to ask you properly, first, Miss Fenchurch.”
As the door closed on her aunt, Hebe placed a hand on his arm. “I give you leave to go. I will explain to Lady Prudence that you have business to attend to.”
A faint light appeared in Lewis’ serious brown eyes. “What sort of fellow would I be absconding in that fashion?”
“A sensible one I would’ve thought.” Hebe leaned back weakly against the cushions and folded her arms. “I know why you’re doing this.”
The corner of Lewis mouth lifted in a wry grin. “Good. Although I must say you’ve been a little slow to get the drift of it.”
She frowned at him. “You are rescuing me.”
He took her hand. “Has it ever occurred to you that you might be rescuing me?”
“Why? You have no need of it,” she scoffed.
“We are friends are we not?” He squeezed her hand gently and released it. “A marriage of convenience will confer respectability on both of us. You, through circumstances beyond your control have had your life turned upside down. And my reputation in London has reached rock bottom. I require a wife to make me presentable. Some gentleman will sweep you up before very long. Whereas it takes time and effort for me to court a lady, and at the moment few would accept me. So I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t wish to take on such a reprehensible fellow with a dark past as myself.”
“Oh, please don’t think it’s because of that…” she eyed him, annoyed. “You are playing games with me.”
He shook his head and smiled a rather sad smile. “Say you will rescue me, Hebe.”
“That is probably the most unromantic proposal a lady has ever received,” Hebe said, her lips quivering, half in laughter, half in distress. “But as you say this is not a love match, and I should not expect better. Very well, I will marry you, Lewis. But only so you can complete the statue.”
He laughed.
~~~
As the surprising Lady Prudence returned with a dusty bottle, Lewis feared he would be required to drink, he wondered what had got into him. He’d come here to try to repair the damage caused by a misunderstanding. And then to escape without any sort of commitment. Determined not to have marriage thrust upon him, in fact. But then he saw Lord Buckwood leaving the house. A brute of a man who had a reputation for deflowering young maidens then deserting them. Rendered furious at the prospect of Buckwood getting his filthy hands on Hebe, Lewis became shocked at the way she lived. And although he rather liked the slightly odd Lady Prudence, to condemn Hebe to this life was too cruel. It spelled disaster to leave her here.
It was true, he needed a lady of good birth to improve his stocks among the ton. Not that he gave a damn personally, but there was Emmy to consider. He didn’t love Hebe. Wasn’t capable of loving a woman again. But he liked her a good deal. He admired her grit. And she would put paid to Adela and the marriage-minded mamas in search of a title for their daughters at any cost. His and
Hebe’s union was to be celebrated. It made perfect sense.
Most of the ton didn’t marry for love. The few who did unerringly made each other as unhappy as he and Laura had managed to be. And yes, he could finish the statue. In fact, as soon as they were decently wed and returned to London, he would get back to work. Marigold’s murder might be quickly solved, and the scandal relegated to the past. If not, Hebe was safe with him. A thought struck him. Was it that, particularly, that forced his hand? Because he’d failed to protect Laura? Whatever the reason he found the outcome pleasing.
“I have accepted Lord Chesterton, Aunt Prudence,” Hebe said in a subdued voice.
“But of course,” her aunt said, as Diggory entered to uncork the bottle.
Lewis’ gaze slid from the butler who looked more like a bare-knuckle pugilist, to the purple wine which was splashed into the wineglasses. Perhaps this was his last day on earth, poisoned on the day of his betrothal. A smile tugged at his lips and he bravely raised the glass. “To our future!” He took a cautious sip. Surprisingly, although hardly a vintage he preferred, it wasn’t bad.
An hour later, Lewis took leave of his fiancée with a modest kiss on her cheek. He removed the reins from the dark skinned giant and set off in his curricle.
He wouldn’t be a man if he didn’t give a thought to having Hebe naked and in his bed. After he came to terms with his regrettably lustful thoughts, he began to worry that he might make her unhappy, that she might leave him as Laura had done. This marriage had been forced upon her. He would not make love to her until she welcomed intimacy.
Dash it all, what had got into him? This whole business had pushed him slightly out of kilter as if he was under some sort of unearthly force. Pluto perhaps. Even so, he didn’t regret it, perhaps because she was very different to the women he had known. She was unselfish and generous. And he liked the way that small dimple peeped from her cheek when she smiled. The natural way she laughed. He was very attracted to her. And with Hebe as his wife he looked forward to a future he had never expected for himself.
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