Jennie turned around and motioned to a servant girl. The woman immediately moved forward and took the boys, leaving Jennie and Taygete alone.
Taygete opened her mouth to tell Jennie that the action hadn’t been necessary, but Jennie cut her off before she could.
“I know you must loathe me.” Jennie had tears in her eyes. “I know what I did, but you must understand that everything is not what it seems.”
“I know what happened, Jennie,” Taygete said quietly so as not to draw attention. “You married the duke instead of my brother.”
“No.” Jennie shook her head and bit her lip. Then she closed her eyes and when they opened, the tears she’d been holding back fell.
Taygete was startled by the sight of it but made sure her face didn’t show it.
Jennie wiped her eyes and took a deep breath before whispering, “Oh, Taygete, I want to tell you the truth, but I can’t.”
The truth? What truth was there that she didn’t already know? The papers had told the story fully. She’d married for a title.
“Jennie, I believe it is best that you leave my family alone,” Taygete told her.
Jennie's eyes stopped watering and she whispered, “You should leave.”
“What?” Taygete asked.
Jennie glanced around the park before turning back to her. “You and your sisters must leave London.”
Taygete froze under the intensity of Jennie’s stare. “Why?”
Jennie shook her head. “I can’t say, but you must go.” Then she pressed her lips together and said, “I’ve said too much already. Please, Taygete. Leave. I’ve enough guilt to deal with as it is. Don’t let what happened to your sister happen to you.”
The words crashed into Taygete like a brick of ice. “What are you talking about? Maia died in a simple carriage accident.”
Jennie frowned and shook her head. “No, that’s not it. Maia…” Jennie straightened and looked around again before returning her gaze to Taygete. “You must leave. It’s for your own good.”
“Wait.” Taygete caught her arm before she could get away. “What are you saying? Did my sister not die in a carriage accident?” Taygete’s heart was racing, and she felt unstable on her feet as though she’d stepped into a land that didn’t exist, a land where Maia hadn’t died because of her. “What happened to my sister?”
“I must go.” Jennie ripped her arm away then turned and rushed to her sons.
Taygete thought to follow her and would have had she not seen the fear in Jennie’s eyes. Something was the matter, and Jennie thought the rest of the Bellengers were in danger. Taygete needed to speak to Hugh, but the marquess was locked away in session. Taygete would have to wait until later that evening.
“What did she say to you?”
Taygete turned to find Electra glaring in Jennie’s direction. Alcyone was there as well, looking at Jennie but not with hate. She’d been too young at the time to understand what Jennie had done.
“Nothing.” Taygete would not worry her family about this, not until she knew the truth, and Taygete planned to get it one way or another.
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CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
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Her chance came that night. Hugh arrived only an hour before everyone was to leave for the party, and Taygete didn’t hesitate to knock on his door moments after the maids took away his bath. She’d hoped to have given him enough time to dress, but when the door opened, she realized she’d not.
Hugh’s dark hair was still wet, slicked back from his brow, his trousers were in place, but he’d had yet to don a shirt.
Taygete’s eyes fell to his chest, which she thought hadn’t been dried properly. It was moist and the dim light from his room made his tanned form glisten. She could feel her mouth grow dry and decided it best to keep her eyes on his.
She caught him looking her over as well. Taygete had decided on a gown that would bring out the blue of her eyes. The cut was elegant and without fuss, but she saw appreciation nonetheless in Hugh’s eyes when they returned to her face.
He leaned his head against the door jamb, and Taygete couldn’t have stopped staring even if a catastrophic storm had laid siege on the house.
“My lord,” a voice called from the room.
Hugh turned to his valet and said, “You may leave.”
The valet had been holding his shirt open but put it down and left the room through another door without a word.
Hugh grabbed Taygete’s hand and pulled her into the room. “Help me dress, and you call tell me why you knocked on my door.” His eyes smiled down at her, and it took her a moment to look away.
His room was large with a bed that looked as though it could hold more than a few people. The style was simple, and the space simply furnished with a few chairs, a table, and nightstand. The most prominent part, besides the bed, were the twin fireplaces on either side. Taygete found she liked it.
She moved to the shirt the valet had discarded and held it open just as she’d seen him do.
Hugh moved toward her and she lifted her arms to reach his great height. Powerful limbs and wide shoulders disappeared into the fabric. When he turned around, she began to button him at once, already missing the sight of him.
She paused and touched his exposed chest and trailed it down, enjoying the slick feel of him.
“Taygete.” Her name on his lips… He’d been the one to cause her to like it. Before Hugh said it, she’d hated hearing it, but Hugh made it sound lovely. Perhaps that was because he always said it with love. At the moment, love came mixed with arousal and the promise of wicked pleasure.
His hand reached out and stayed hers just as she’d made it to the edge of his breeches.
She looked up to find his eyes had darkened. She blinked. “How did Maia die?”
The words broke whatever spell had been over them. Hugh’s face was no longer relaxed, it looked guarded.
“She died in a carriage accident,” he told her. “But you already know that.”
“Is that all?” she asked, holding her eyes. “Is there anything you’ve not confessed?”
Twin lines of anger were pulled between his brows, and his hold on her wrist tightened. “Who have you been speaking to?”
“No one.”
He used her wrist to draw her closer and lowered his face until all she could see was his eyes. They were unforgiving. “What do you know?”
For the first time in her life, Taygete felt true fear as she remembered Jennie’s warning to leave London. Jennie had claimed an accident did not kill her sister and now Hugh was suspiciously aggressive. Taygete tried to tell herself not to jump to conclusions but found it hard not to.
Still, she believed he wouldn’t hurt her. “What happened?”
Hugh let go, almost flinging her hand away as he moved across the room. With his back to her, she knew he was buttoning his shirt. “This is not the time to discuss this. We have to be at the party soon.”
Taygete took a deep breath and moved toward him. “Hugh, we need to discuss this now. I need to know what happened.” She’d tortured herself for years over believing herself guilty for her sister and niece’s death. If Hugh knew anything, she had to know now. She needed to. “Please tell me. I need to know—”
“No.” He turned to her, buttoned and flipped up the collar. His eyes blazed with anger. “We’ll not discuss this tonight.”
Taygete backed away and wondered why he was so angry, all the while hoping she didn’t know the answer. “Hugh, did you do something wrong?”
Hugh’s anger cooled, and he reached for the cravat that rested on the table. His eyes no longer meeting hers, he began to tie it. “Taygete, I…” He looked at her then, pausing in his work. “You wouldn’t understand, and we’ve no time to discuss this at length.”
He started to tie the cravat hi
mself, and Taygete moved forward, pushing his hands away and taking over herself. Her hands shook at first, her fingers trembling as she tried to make a knot.
Hugh placed his hands on hers and brought them up to his lips, kissing them both while holding her eyes. “You’ve no need to worry. I’ll not let anything happen to you.”
She’d not been concerned about that until she’d spoken with Jennie. The fright she’d seen in the woman’s eyes was engraved in Taygete’s mind.
“Taygete,” he said.
She focused on him once more.
He leaned forward, and Taygete offered her mouth for the kiss he gave. “I’d lay my life down for you.” He stared into her eyes. “I’d do anything to keep you safe.”
Her body relaxed enough for her to give him a small smile and finish doing the knot. When it was done, she grabbed the back of his neck and pulled him down, needing to feel connected with him again.
He returned the kiss and, this time, it was Taygete who broke it.
“Tonight,” she told him. “I want to know what happened after the party. I’m owed that much. Maia was my sister.”
Hugh nodded slowly, though it was clear he didn’t wish to agree. “I’ll tell you.”
She let him go and left the room, trying in vain to focus on the mission of the night but failing.
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CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
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Hugh looked over and noticed Taygete’s smile was tight as she was introduced to one family after another. Though Aaron, the Earl of Jeanshire, was host, with the assistance of his distant cousin, Elipha, Hugh still made sure Taygete met anyone who was a potential suitor for Alcyone and Electra.
But the first act of business had been introducing the women to Mary and Lily. He was startled every time the girls grew excited at seeing him. Their eyes widened, and their hands clenched their skirts, anxiously waiting for him to allow a hug.
And he always did, kneeling to their height and allowing their arms to go around him. Then he’d listen to them tell him about everything he’d missed. They’d also thanked him for the ribbon for their cats that had been encrusted with diamonds and Hugh had to fight not to look at Julius, knowing his friend was grinning at Hugh’s expense. Hugh was lucky he did well for a titled gentleman. Another man would have fretted cover the cost. Hugh wouldn’t. Not when his girls were happy.
His girls. That’s who Mary and Lily were to all the men, and every moment in their presence he understood why Rollo and Julius fought for their love.
They liked the Bellenger women immediately, but Electra, who was animated, had them giggling in moments of introduction.
He looked across the ballroom and found both Electra and Alcyone were now involved in a country dance, smiling as they mingled with both men and women, the beau monde and the upper working class.
Electra shined, captivating everyone everywhere she went, a feat that was hard to do considering some of the ladies were likely not to befriend a woman without royal blood, but Electra had a gift and left no one with the choice to dislike like her. And since Electra loved her family dearly, that made the rest of her family acceptable.
Hugh had even heard one of the order titled ladies whisper, “Darling girl, that miner’s daughter, though I can’t quite remember her name.” He’d chuckled at those words, knowing the sisters might have to introduce themselves over and over again.
Every invitation that had been sent out, even with such short notice, had been returned with affirmation.
So far, Electra had men all but following her across the room and watching her every move. Alcyone was much the same, only her suitors were different, those who enjoyed a quieter woman.
But Hugh knew Alcyone’s quietness was rooted in something besides good breeding. Fortiere had not arrived, though his invitation had said he would and the anxiety in Alcyone’s eyes struck deep into Hugh’s heart. He stopped caring whether the lad’s family was tied into Titan’s business troubles. He simply wanted the boy to show and make Alcyone happy with a dance.
He realized he’d gone soft toward the women when that thought came to mind. Instead of being glad that a potential danger had not arrived, he simply wanted Alcyone to have the perfect evening.
Even Taygete had been asked to dance and, since Hugh had received her first dance and Ray her second, Hugh had encouraged her to have a few turns with the fathers of the top candidates.
Taygete had danced the first hour straight until refusing the rest on the fact that she was to chaperone her sisters, which she did with the help of the Brotherhood and the Spinsters. They were everywhere in the house, listening to conversations and gossip that would allow Electra and Alcyone to make the best decision possible.
“You shouldn’t have given him back the painting,” a male voice murmured at his side.
Hugh looked over to find Lord Windmere standing next to him. Hugh had no clue what his father had done to get him to attend, but Lord Harving had not disappointed him.
Windmere looked his usual careless self, a style that women enjoyed on him. His cravat was slightly loose as though he’d break out of his fine clothes at any moment. His hair was mussed but not by any sort of pomade. He’d simply gone without combing it for the night.
Windmere was tall, built like the athlete he was since he, like Francis, rode horses during the races, and even Hugh had to admit that brooding worked for him, which was fortunate since Windmere was always brooding. With a father like Lord Harving, it was hard not to.
He had dark hair and pale brown eyes that held flickers of gold in their depths. His gaze was currently focused on the dance that was taking place, but he looked bored.
Hugh stared at him. “I knew you took it, but I’m not sure I want to know why.”
“You don’t,” Windmere said without looking in his direction. “Because I didn’t do it for a laugh or to have a go at him.”
Hugh had suspected as much, but still had to ask, “You didn’t sell it for financial reasons, did you?”
Windmere didn’t bother looking in his direction as he shook his head. “No, I gave it to Lawton for free, and once I take my father’s place, I’ll simply do it again.”
Hugh now understood why Lawton had said he’d be getting the painting back again. Hugh didn’t get involved in family disagreements, but knowing Lord Harving as he did, Hugh took little issue with what Windmere had done.
He turned to Taygete and she immediately broke from the couple she’d been speaking with to come to him.
“Windmere, I would like you to meet Miss Taygete Bellenger.”
Windmere straightened and turned to them. He took Taygete’s hand in greeting before asking, “Are you enjoying London, Miss Taygete?” His eyes slid back to the dancing.
“I am,” Taygete said, but then when she noticed Windmere was no longer looking at her, she frowned and turned to Hugh.
The gesture was rude, and Hugh was just about to tell him so when Windmere spoke again.
“Who is she?” Windmere asked.
Hugh turned toward the dancing. “There are many women out there. I’ve no clue—”
“I mean the one who is just a gorgeous as Miss Taygete. They’re obviously related. The tall one.”
Hugh noticed Taygete blush at the compliment, no longer offended by Windmere’s distracted attention. The comment had been well played.
“Her name is Electra,” Hugh told him.
“Pleiades,” Windmere whispered, still staring at Electra.
“Yes,” Hugh said with a knowing grin.
“May I dance with her?” he asked.
“Well—” Taygete started.
“Now?” Hugh asked.
“Right now,” Windmere said.
“But—” Taygete tried again
“Yes,” Hugh said.
Windmere looked at him
. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome…” Hugh said and barely finished before Windmere was across the room. The country song was just ending, and Electra was being escorted from the dance floor with her last partner. Her attention was on whoever’s arm she held, but it was cut off by Windmere’s approach. She looked startled.
“What is he saying?” Taygete asked.
“I’ve no clue,” Hugh confessed.
Windmere’s back was to them, but whatever he said, it wasn’t long. Hugh watched as Electra’s eyes widened in surprise and the other gentleman stiffened. Then Electra’s face reddened. She tried to suppress a smile, but having never suppressed a smile before, she failed. The new look was one Hugh knew. She was captivated, while the other man looked ready to rip Windmere’s head off.
Then Windmere was taking Electra’s hand and leading her back on the floor as the first strings of a waltz began.
A young man, whose name Hugh couldn’t remember, approached. “That dance was mine.”
Hugh had completely forgotten that Electra’s card was full but didn’t take his eyes off Windmere and his sister as he said, “No, I believe that dance has always been his.”
Taygete let out a shaky breath, and Hugh knew she saw what he did.
Windmere was still speaking and whatever he was saying had turned Electra soft and quiet, a small secretive smile on her lips with disbelief and hope in her eyes.
“I’m not speaking about Miss Electra,” the young man said, and Hugh turned around to see the young man was not one the who’d asked to dance with Electra but Alcyone.
Taygete gasped and grabbed Hugh’s arms, pulling him to gain his attention. “Look.”
Hugh turned and found Alcyone on the other side of the room dancing with a grinning Samuel Fortiere. Alcyone was clinging to him for dear life and Hugh thought them to be standing much too close for his liking. Whatever the miner’s son had said, it seemed all was forgiven in Alcyone’s eyes.
Miss Taygete’s Sweet Sister’s Society Page 17