A Lady of Secret Devotion

by Tracie Peterson

  “I believe he’s gone to town for a few supplies. Mrs. Dixon was to have gone with him, but I suppose that could have changed.”

  Well, at least that explained their absence. Sebastian crossed his arms. “I suppose my mother and Miss Stover are out on some errand as well?”

  “I believe that is quite possible,” Silas replied, focusing on his bread dough. “Will you be with us for dinner?”

  Sebastian shrugged. “Who can say? I suppose it will depend on what I’m able to accomplish this morning. I’m going upstairs to change my clothes. If my mother returns in the meantime, please tell her that I’m looking for her.”

  “Yes, sir. I will do just that.”

  Sebastian bounded upstairs, anxious to change into fresh attire. He’d spent the previous night with his mistress and still reeked of her perfume. Tossing his coat to the bed, Sebastian worked the buttons of his vest. While doing so, however, he spied a letter left for him on his side table.

  He left off with his clothes and took up the missive. It was clearly his mother’s script. Glancing through the letter, Sebastian felt his jaw tighten. She wrote that the doctor had advised her to go away for a time to regain her health. The man wished for her to go to a spa somewhere in New York, but she didn’t say where exactly. “I apologize for not being able to give you this information face-to-face,” he read. “I do not expect to be gone long—surely no more than a month.”

  Sebastian crumpled the letter and threw it across the room.

  “No more than a month!” That would ruin his plans completely. He tore at the vest and threw it off as soon as the buttons were unfastened. “How could she do this to me?”

  He thought of Cassie and knew she’d no doubt played a role in the decision. His only recourse would be to go to the doctor and learn where they had gone. Reason came back to him in tiny bits, replacing the rage that threatened to blind him. Perhaps this would work to his advantage. After all, accidents happened all the time. It might prove to be the case with his mother and Cassandra. They could have a carriage accident on the way to or from the spa. Or they could meet with some calamity while his mother took the cure. There were numerous choices to consider.

  Sebastian dressed quickly and headed out as soon as he had finished. Wills was working in the stable when he came for his horse. The man seemed to avoid him, but Sebastian knew it was possible he already knew the location of his employer.

  “Wills, do you know where my mother is?”

  The man looked up from where he was tidying up one of the stalls. “At this moment, I couldn’t really say.” He looked at Sebastian for a moment. “Would you be wanting your horse saddled?”

  “Yes. I need to go out again.” Sebastian watched the man. “My mother left a letter saying that the doctor wanted her to go to a spa. You wouldn’t know the location of that place, would you?”

  Wills shook his head. “No, sir. I’ve not been informed.”

  Wills put aside his pitchfork and went to the stall where Sebastian’s dark gelding waited. He quickly saddled the horse and led him out, never once offering a comment. Sebastian thought it strange. The man was usually quite talkative. Things were definitely not as they should be.

  Sebastian headed to Dr. Riley’s office first thing. No matter what else happened, he would have to confirm the location of the facility where his mother had gone. After that, he would visit with Robbie and see what plans seemed best.

  Dr. Riley was busy with an elderly woman when Sebastian showed up. There was nothing to do but wait for the man to complete his task. Sebastian sat in the tiny waiting area, thinking of all that the future might hold for him once he squared things away with the will. Robbie had already managed to get a positive reaction from men in Charleston, Baltimore, and several other towns. Now what they really needed was the money.

  “Mr. Jameston,” Dr. Riley announced from the doorway.

  “What can I do for you?”

  “I had hoped you might tell me where you’ve sent my mother. I had to be away from the house for a time, and when I returned, she had already left.”

  The man’s expression changed to one of confusion. “I’m not certain I understand.”

  “My mother told me that you wished for her to regain her health at a spa in New York. I wondered where I might locate that spa, and in turn find my mother.”

  The doctor shook his head. “I made no arrangements for your mother. She told me that she didn’t wish to leave Philadelphia.”

  Sebastian looked at the man hard. “Do you mean to tell me that she didn’t go to the spa as you suggested?”

  “That’s exactly what I mean. She said she would think on it, but that’s as far as things went. Now if you don’t mind, I need to return to my patient.”

  Sebastian nodded. He thought of the letter his mother had left. What could it mean? She had lied to him—that much was evident. But where would she and Cassie have gone if not to the spa?

  He climbed atop his horse and considered the matter for a moment. Because of his earlier investigation, he knew where Cassie’s mother and sister lived. Perhaps that was the answer to his concerns at the moment. If his mother had gone away with Cassie, then surely Miss Stover’s mother would know her daughter’s whereabouts. He would simply go there and let her know that something terrible had happened at the house and that he needed to immediately contact his mother.

  Smiling, he urged the horse in the direction of Cassie’s home. His sense of anticipation began to build. As soon as he learned where the twosome had gone off to, he would set out to take control of the situation once again.

  Sebastian urged the gelding into a trot, weaving in and out of traffic as best he could. All of Philadelphia seemed congregated on Market Street as Sebastian made his way north. Most of the people appeared to be the working classes. They weren’t all that well dressed but seemed intent on their duties. The wealthy of Philadelphia had departed for the summer to avoid yellow fever, cholera, and other epidemics, but the poorer residents had no choice. They would stay and face the brunt of whatever came their way. Sebastian had spent too much time among their number, recruiting men to work for him, not to know their desperation.

  Leaving the frenzy behind him, Sebastian headed down Fourth Street to the east and approached Cassie’s neighborhood. He had checked out the residence on another occasion, so he wasn’t unfamiliar with the area. However, Sebastian knew that getting information from Cassie’s mother might prove difficult. Cassie might have warned her against saying anything to him. Her mother might even be in on the plan to help Cassie steal away his fortune. Perhaps if he could catch her little sister alone, he might be able to learn more. Still, he had no way of knowing whether Elida was ever left to fend for herself.

  Just then movement down the street caught his eye. To Sebastian’s surprise, he saw Cassie. She was strolling with Mr.

  Langford as if the entire world belonged to her. She laughed and gazed up at the man with the same look of adoration she’d given him for months.

  Sebastian halted his horse and held back. What was she doing there? What was going on? If she hadn’t gone away, then that would most likely mean his mother hadn’t either. Yet, if Mother hadn’t gone elsewhere, then where was she? It didn’t make sense, but Sebastian intended to find out the truth of the matter.

  You think you can outwit me, Miss Stover, but you do not real-ize with whom you are dealing.

  “Mother is quite delighted that you have proposed. Mrs.

  Jameston is, as well, but then, she constantly suggested that a proposal would be forthcoming any day now,” Cassie said. She looked up at Mark with a smile. “She always said you were a wonderful young man with ‘great potential.’ ”

  Mark laughed. “Great potential, eh? Well, I suppose that is yet to be seen.” He sobered. “She may think differently about me once everything is said and done with regard to her son.”

  “I know her heart is broken by the sins he’s committed, but she is not one of those mothers
to excuse her child’s behavior.

  We had a long talk about it, and while she regrets what might happen to him, she knows he’s brought it upon himself. She doesn’t blame you or me.”

  Mark patted her arm as she held on to him. “I’m glad. I would hate for a rift to come between the two of you—especially on my account.” They approached the door to Cassie’s house, and he paused. “I cannot tell you how happy I am. I never thought to love again. I was certain there could never be another woman to take Ruth’s place.”

  “And there isn’t,” Cassie said, shaking her head. “I have no desire to take her place. I simply want to take my own place at your side.”

  He touched her face. “I know, and that is what makes you so special. I cannot imagine any other woman speaking in such a way. Ruth will never come between us. I will not hold you up to her or her to you. It’s important that you know I have no expectation of your being the same kind of wife she was.”

  Cassie laughed and it made him smile. “I should hope not,” she said softly, “for I would be sure to disappoint. I’m done with pretense. I can only be Cassandra Stover.”

  “Langford,” he said, gently kissing her nose. “Cassandra Langford.”

  After supper that evening, Mark had arranged to discuss the situation at hand with all involved. “I have a great deal of information that links Mr. Jameston to the fraudulent insurance claims,” he told the women as they found seats in the parlor. “However, I have less proof where the death of Richard is concerned. I would like to have had more, but I’m hopeful that in time, as arrests are made with Jameston’s men, perhaps someone will be willing to trade information and proof for a lighter sentence.”

  “What of his attempt to kill his mother?” Cassie asked. “I saw that firsthand.”

  “It would hardly be proof enough in court. You saw something in the oatmeal that made you suspicious. You cannot prove it was poison.”

  “True,” Cassie replied, “but his actions suggest it must have been.”

  “Yes. I understand that, but you wouldn’t get far on that as evidence. Even if the doctor testified to the fact that her symptoms were very much in keeping with being poisoned, it wouldn’t be enough.”

  Cassie’s face grew red. “I won’t allow him to go unpunished.

  He tried to kill his mother. He killed your friend.”

  Mark frowned. He knew her frustration. Would he ever be happy just to see Sebastian Jameston behind bars, yet not held responsible for Richard’s murder?

  Mrs. Jameston patted Cassie’s hand. “There, there, my dear.

  Do not grieve so. The Lord knows the truth, and the truth will win out. Sebastian will not go unpunished.” She smiled sadly, and Mark felt as though it might be time to change the subject.

  “I know you long to return home. I’d like to find a way to make that happen sooner than later. If we can push through to have Sebastian arrested for the insurance fraud, you will be free to go home.”

  “I’ve thought about that. I’ve thought about you and Cassie as well. Now that you plan to marry, have you given any thought as to where you will live?”

  “I suppose we haven’t,” Mark said, glancing at Cassie. He could see her look of confusion. It was as if the question were only just now dawning on her.

  “I know you make your home in Boston,” Mrs. Jameston continued, “but I wish to suggest something. I would very much like to invite you both to live with me after you wed. I have an entire floor that can be made over in any way that pleases you. I have a wing of rooms on the same floor as mine that could easily serve you. There are many possibilities.”

  “That offer is most generous,” Mark replied. “I’m sure we would be pleased to consider it. I have to say, though, that the real concern I have will be my employment. I need to keep in mind that the insurance company is located in Boston. If I am to remain with them, I might well have to return there. On the other hand, there may be opportunity to open an office here. And there is always that idea of starting up a new Langford hotel.”

  He could see that Cassie hadn’t even heard his words. She was deep in thought, and he knew she was troubled by the topic. The complication of the matter had never really occurred to him. He only knew that he loved her and wanted to marry her. Where they would live hadn’t really seemed an obstacle until just now.

  “Well, I am afraid that Elida and I have a full day ahead of us tomorrow,” Mrs. Stover announced. “I do hope you will forgive us if we retire. Mark, you mentioned bringing your friend here. I hope you will invite him to join us tomorrow for supper. We can perhaps further discuss your plans.”

  “The hour is pressing upon me as well,” Mrs. Jameston admitted. She got to her feet, as did Mrs. Stover. Mark stood in acknowledgment. “No, do not stand,” Mrs. Jameston said, waving him back to his seat.

  “And do not feel that you must rush off,” Mrs. Stover added. “Stay and visit with Cassie. You have my complete trust.”

  Her words warmed Mark’s heart. He already loved Cassie’s mother and sister. It would be easy to be a part of their family.

  “Thank you. I will remain for a little while.”

  After they had gone, he retook his seat and looked at Cassie.

  Her mood hadn’t changed. She still looked quite worried about something.

  “What’s going on inside that pretty head of yours?” he asked.

  Cassie looked at him and frowned. “I hadn’t thought about where we would live. Mark, I cannot leave Philadelphia. At least not if it means leaving my mother and sister behind.

  They need me.”

  He smiled and leaned forward to grasp her hands. “And do you suppose I am such a wretched man that I would suggest such a thing? I know you love them. I know they need you. I would not seek to separate you. In fact, I like the idea of remaining here in Philadelphia. I even mentioned as much to my mother on my last trip to Boston.”

  “You talked of staying here when you were last in Boston?

  But that was before . . .” She fell silent and looked away.

  “Before you all but proposed marriage at the train station?”

  Her eyes snapped up to fix on him. “I wasn’t that bold.”

  “But very nearly. To answer your question, however, yes. I spoke with my mother and told her about our game of pretense and how I wished it might be something more.”

  “Truly?” Cassie seemed dumbfounded.

  “Truly. Did you suppose you were the only one losing your heart?” He got up and came to help her from her chair.

  “Cassie, I believe that we might very well have had a case of love at first sight. When I saw you there on the ground, passed out from fear of poor Portland . . . well . . . you totally won my heart.”

  She laughed and let him draw her into his arms. “Did I ever tell you,” she asked, gazing deep into his eyes, “that when I first woke up after that hideous attack I thought you were God?”

  Mark saw that she was quite serious and began to chuckle. “No, I don’t believe you ever mentioned that before now. What convinced you that I wasn’t?”

  “The hard cobblestone on my backside,” Cassie said, then bit her lip.

  Mark only laughed all the harder. “Did you not suppose that heaven had hard streets as well?”

  “I suppose I didn’t,” she said, cocking her head to one side. “But I do remember thinking how very dashing God was.” She put her arms around his neck and sighed. “But then I realized you weren’t God—you were simply His servant, come to rescue me.”

  “And you seemed like an angel to me—until you regained consciousness, of course.”

  “Of all the things to say!” She tried to pull away, but Mark would have none of that.

  “My sweet Cassie, you are infinitely better than any angel.” She relaxed in his arms. “You are so very sweet in nature. So giving and loving. Fear not for your mother and sister. They are my family now as well. I would never allow anything to happen that would jeopardize their happiness. Just a
s I will never allow anything to jeopardize ours.”

  CHAPTER 25

  Cassie ushered Mark and Mr. Westmoreland into the house the next evening. “I’m glad you could join us.” Both men were dressed in dark suits and starched white shirts. Mr. Westmore-land looked rather uncomfortable in such attire, but the fashion seemed exactly perfect for Mark’s tall stature.

  “We have much to discuss,” Mark announced. “We’ve come up with several ideas that might help us to see Jameston pay for Richard’s murder, as well as his attempts on his mother’s life. August has given me some additional insight.”

  Cassie smiled and took their hats. “Perhaps after dinner we can—”

  “August? Is that you?” Dora Stover exclaimed as she entered the room.

  “Dora.” Westmoreland shook his head as if seeing a ghost.

  “I . . . well . . . I can scarcely believe it’s you.”

  Cassie watched as her mother crossed the room to take hold of the stocky man’s hands. She smiled up at him. “I know exactly how you feel. I haven’t seen you in over twenty-five years.”

  “You hardly look a day older,” he said in reply.

  Her mother seemed to light up in a way that Cassie had not seen since her father had been alive. It was obvious they knew each other from their youth, but also just as obvious that the reunion met with both parties’ approval.

  “Who is that man?” Elida asked, coming to stand beside her sister.

  Their mother turned. “Girls, this is Mr. Westmoreland. We grew up together. We were neighbors and dear friends. How is your sister?” she questioned, turning back to the man.

  “She’s widowed now. We both are. She lives with me at the boardinghouse I run. I know she’ll be pleased to see you again.”

  “Oh, I shall very much look forward to that.”

  He glanced around. “So this is your house?”

  “Yes,” Mother said, smiling. “My husband passed on ten years ago. Elida was just a few weeks old when he was killed in an accident. Since then, we’ve worked at running a laundry service.”