Secrets of Sloane House

by Gray, Shelley

  Still looking at their joined hands, Reid slid his palm so their fingers linked. “Is that what you thought I wanted? You thought I wanted to be repaid?”

  His tone sounded faintly accusing. It stung, though she wasn’t sure why. “I didn’t know what you wanted.”

  “It wasn’t repayment. I never thought of you as a job or an assignment, Rosalind.” Releasing her hand, he leaned his head back against the velvet cushion, then chuckled softly. “You know, if you are going to be completely honest, then I suppose I had better be too.”

  She couldn’t reply. All she seemed capable of doing was sitting next to him and breathing.

  Yes, that was good. Inhale. Exhale.

  “Rosalind, haven’t you figured it out yet? I did feel sorry for you, and I did want to help you. I did. But that was never why I wanted to spend so much time with you. I never stayed away, because I liked you, Rosalind.” At her wide-eyed stare, he laughed. “Come now. You had to know.”

  “I knew that I cared for you. I know that I do care for you.”

  “So we care about each other. And you know that I like you.” He smiled softly. “I feel as awkward as a foolish teen. But perhaps that’s not a bad thing. I need some brashness, all the sudden.”

  But the tables had turned. Now he was leading the conversation and she was the listener. “What are we going to do, Rosalind?”

  “I think that is something for you to decide.”

  He grinned. “What if I told you that I want you to stay here? In Chicago. What if I told you that I want to have you here with me always?”

  “I . . . I . . .”

  He cut her off. “What if I told you that I don’t just ‘care’ for you, Rosalind? That I don’t just ‘like’ you? What if I told you that my feelings are deeper, more intense?”

  “Um . . . intense?”

  “I love you, Rosalind. It was all I could do not to tell you that a couple of weeks ago, to take you in my arms and kiss you. I love you and I want to marry you.”

  “Love? Marry?” She felt like a puppet on a string, echoing his words in wonder.

  He grinned. “I am speaking of love and marriage, Rosalind. And of you and me. What do you say about that?”

  If she wasn’t surrounded by horns and animals and skyscrapers and dust, she would have been sure she was dreaming. “Reid, your mother—”

  “My mother loves you. It’s been killing her these past two weeks that I haven’t made my intentions known.”

  “Why haven’t you? Why did you wait until now?” she blurted, then ached to take it back. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that out loud.”

  “I didn’t want to overstep myself. I didn’t want to rush you, not after you just found out the awful truth about your sister. And truthfully? I was afraid you wouldn’t want to take the chance.”

  “Chance?”

  “Take a chance on love, Rosalind. Take a chance on doing something new. On being something new.”

  She shook her head. “Is that even possible?”

  “Of course it is. Haven’t you learned by now that only good things come from taking chances?”

  He did have a point about that. Only by stepping out of her comfort zone, only by reaching for something better than she imagined, had she been able to turn her dreams into realities.

  Reaching out, he clasped her hand in between the two of his. “Say you’ll think about this. Say you’ll consider everything I’m saying.”

  She certainly didn’t need him to explain. Almost everything of worth had happened ever since she’d started taking chances. She’d discovered what had happened to her sister and had even helped some other women by stopping Douglass’s scheming and dangerous ways.

  But something unexpected had also happened when she’d started taking chances. She’d also discovered that she was more than she’d ever imagined.

  She was stronger, smarter, and braver than she’d realized.

  Which was why, before, she probably would have tried to tell Reid that she didn’t deserve a man like him.

  Now she knew that she did.

  “I love you,” she said. “I just want you to know that.”

  “Because?” For the first time, he looked unsure.

  “Because I’m going to say yes,” she said with a soft smile.

  “Yes to staying? Yes to Chicago?” His brows lowered. “Or yes to me?”

  “Yes to everything, but most especially yes to you.”

  Just then, the carriage stopped. It shook a bit as Charley hopped off the driver’s seat, then threw open the door. “Here we are, Miss Rosalind. Union Station.”

  Reid grinned as he leaned toward the door. “There’s been a change of plans, Charley.”

  “Sir? Where do you want to go now?”

  “Rosalind, you want to tell him?”

  She took a breath, then changed her life. “Charley, Mr. Armstrong and I would like to go back.”

  His eyebrows rose. “Back to Sloane House?”

  “Oh no. To Armstrong House,” she said with a smile.

  Reid grinned. “We’ve a wedding to plan, Charley. Miss Rosalind Perry has just consented to become my wife.”

  Charley looked at Reid, at their clasped hands. And finally, at Rosalind’s smiling face. “Congratulations! It’s back home now, then. For all of us.”

  “Take your time, would you?” Reid murmured as Charley started closing the door.

  “I’ll do my best, sir.”

  When the carriage started rolling again, Reid pulled her into his arms and kissed her tenderly. “I’m so happy, Rosalind. I’m so happy and grateful and blessed. And loved.”

  “Me too,” she murmured as he pulled her close and kissed her again.

  Then she followed her heart, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him right back.

  It turned out that some things didn’t need to be explained at all. Only repeated. Again and again and again.

  [Fluffer Nutter]

  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. I used the following scripture verse as a guide while writing this book. How does it resonate with you? “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool” (Isaiah 1:18).

  2. Setting the novel against the backdrop of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair was fascinating for me. Through my research, which included a lengthy visit to the Chicago History Museum, I learned a lot of new things about Chicago and life in the 1890s. Is there something about this time period which you found interesting?

  3. One thing I enjoyed about Rosalind’s character is she never shied away from what she knew about her sister. She accepted both Miranda’s good qualities and flaws, which in turn enabled her to uncover everything she could about her sister. What were some of Rosalind’s best qualities? What were some of her flaws?

  4. What did you think about the staff at Sloane House? Who did you find sympathetic? Was there a staff member you didn’t trust?

  5. Reflect on Victoria Sloane’s character. Did she have any redeeming qualities? What do you think will happen to her in the future?

  6. I felt like Reid Armstrong was walking a tightrope through much of the book, balancing his past with his future. Was he successful in this balancing act? Was there something he could have done in order to make his life different?

  7. Was Reid right to feel so indebted to Douglass Sloane? What do you think Reid’s life might have been like if Douglass had never stood up for him back in boarding school?

  8. How do you envision Rosalind and Reid’s future? What hurdles do you think they might face in the future?

  9. Reid’s faith throughout the book is unwavering. How do you feel this impacted his character? Did it affect Rosalind’s faith?

  10. Eloisa Carstairs is the heroine of the next novel in this series. What do you imagine will be some of the obstacles she might face?

  11. Much of the mystique about the fair’s White City is that the buildings were ornate and
beautiful, yet not made to last. Can you think of anything in today’s world that feels much the same?

  12. Which characters would you enjoy reading an epilogue about?

  AN EXCERPT FROM

  DECEPTION AT SABLE HILL

  by SHELLEY GRAY

  CHAPTER 1

  Chicago

  September, 1893

  “Don’t keep me in the dark for another second, Eloisa,” Quentin Gardner teased as they waltzed across the gleaming parquet floor of his family’s crowded ballroom. “Where have you been for the last three months? No one has seen you in ages.”

  “I’ve been the same places you have,” she replied, taking care to keep her voice light and steady. “Though to be honest, it would be a wonder if you were able to spy me among this year’s debutants clamoring for your attention.”

  He chuckled. “I’ve hardly been that in demand.”

  “The Tribune did just list you as one of society’s most eligible bachelors.” She raised a brow, half expecting him to act surprised. Quentin enjoyed pretending that he was above such things as the society pages.

  However, instead of denying the article, his cheeks flushed. “The only reason I was on that list was because of my family’s money.”

  “And perhaps your good looks, too.” Tapping his shoulder lightly with her gloved hand, she murmured, “I’ve been told that blue eyes and coal black hair are an irresistible combination.”

  “You and I both know that article was mere gossip.”

  “One that has a shred of truth, though.”

  “Even if I was surrounded by a bevy of young ladies—which I was most definitely not—I would have noticed if you were in our midst. You have not been out, Miss Carstairs.”

  With effort, she kept her expression impassive. “You sound so sure about that.”

  “That’s because I am.”

  Just as she was developing a reply, Quentin twirled her around. Then, as she chuckled at his exuberance, he eased her a bit closer. “I’ve missed your company, Eloisa. What made you decide to suddenly be so elusive?”

  She had a very good reason. A very good reason that only a handful of people knew about. It was also imperative that she keep it that way, too.

  As she felt his warm breath on her neck, her unease returned. Pressing on his shoulder, she attempted to gain back her space. “Quentin, there’s no need to hold me so close.”

  Something flashed in his eyes before they filled with hurt. “I’m not doing anything inappropriate. I simply want to talk to you without having to raise my voice.”

  She tried to pull away again but his arm holding her waist was very strong. “The way you are holding me is rather improper . . .”

  “Hardly that. Besides, I can promise that no one is paying the slightest attention to us. It’s a veritable crush here. I think my mother’s guest list included every dignitary associated with the Fair.”

  He was talking about the fair to commemorate the four hundredth anniversary of Columbus’ discovery of America, the World’s Columbian Exposition, of course. Though some were still scratching their heads, wondering about the need to celebrate such a thing in such a grand fashion, no one could deny that the World’s Fair of 1893 had certainly made Chicago feel as if it was the center of the universe.

  The excitement surrounding the fair had been exhilarating and wondrous. And exhausting. Every dignitary and society matron had used the event as a reason to hold a soiree, dinner party, gala, or ball. And because her mother was intent on Eloisa marrying well, she’d encouraged her daughter to attend as many events as she could.

  The only excuse she would hear of for Eloisa to decline was of a migraine headache. Therefore Eloisa had made sure she’d had as many such “headaches” as possible.

  When Quentin twirled her again, Eloisa tried to relax. Tried to remind herself that he was doing nothing but dancing with her—in plain sight of everyone, too. “Soon everyone will go back to their homes and Chicago will seem almost empty.”

  “Yes, the fairgrounds will close on All Hallow’s Eve, you know.”

  “I’ll be glad when it’s over.”

  Quentin nodded. “As will I. Our city feels filled to the brim with miscreants and vagabonds.” Tilting his head back so their eyes met, he added, “I know how independent you are. I hope you are taking care when you go out. It’s no longer safe for young ladies to go anywhere unescorted.”

  “It hasn’t been for some time.”

  Regret filled his clear blue eyes. “Forgive me for frightening you. I imagine you’re still reeling over the news about Douglass Sloane’s death. It has only been two weeks.”

  She stumbled. “Yes. His death has been something of a shock. I can still hardly believe the news is true.”

  “I’m still trying to figure out why he’d decided to go boating in September. It isn’t quite the thing, you know. He was never one I would call a friend, but still…drowning in Lake Michigan? That’s a terrible way to go.”

  Hardly able to even think about Douglass, she nodded and prayed for the dance to be over soon. Or, at the very least, for Quentin to change the subject.

  And as if on cue, he did just that. “Now, of course we have even more to worry about, what with the recent string of attacks on women of substance.”

  “Indeed. It, ah, is a wonder any of us ever leave the house.”

  “How many women have been attacked with a stiletto?”

  “I’m afraid I don’t recall,” she lied. Three. Three acquaintances of hers had found themselves at the mercy of a crazed madman intent on ruining their looks.

  “You’re looking pale, dear. Forgive me. I’m not usually such a clumsy conversationalist.”

  “I am perfectly fine.” She attempted to smile while peeking over Quentin’s shoulder at the orchestra. Hopefully the waltz would be over soon. Then she could quietly make her escape and return to the sanctity of her room. Leaving it had been a mistake.

  The faint wrinkle that had been marring Quentin’s perfect features smoothed. “Please don’t be concerned about your safety here, dear Eloisa. I’ll look after you.”

  “That is very kind, but people will talk if I monopolize all of your attention.”

  He laughed. “I don’t care. Actually, my mother would practically start crowing if everyone believed that you and I had formed an alliance. I might be this week’s most eligible bachelor, but you, Eloisa, have been the focus of every man’s attention between the age of eighteen and eighty since you made your debut.”

  “You flatter me.”

  “It’s the truth. You are the object of many a man’s attentions. Believe me, I’ve heard.”

  She shuddered. “Your observation doesn’t make me feel any safer.”

  “How about this, then? My father hired two off-duty policemen to keep watch over the event this evening. I promise, all evening you’ve been closely guarded.”

  “Truly?” She looked around the room. “I saw a couple of officers near the front door, but I thought they left.”

  “No, dear. They’re right here with us. In the ballroom.”

  “I haven’t seen any men in uniforms.”

  “They’re here undercover. One is Detective Owen Howard. Have you made his acquaintance?”

  She relaxed. “Of course. We’ve known each other for ages.” Just like the rest of them had. Everyone in their circle stayed the same, only got older. Owen was the exception, which made her admire him all the more.

  “He is a good man, to be sure, though I have to admit to still being somewhat shocked about his chosen profession. He could have done much better.”

  “Perhaps he enjoys the work?”

  “That would be doubtful. His father is a banker.”

  “Perhaps banking isn’t for everyone.”

  “Well, he is a fourth son. With no chance of inheriting much, he elected to go into the police business.” After a pause, his voice turned haughty. “It’s his partner who looks a bit more swarthy. His name is Sean Ryan.”
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  “Sounds Irish.”

  “Trust me, he’s as Irish as a clover. He had also been lurking about in an ill-fitting tuxedo. I don’t know if the poor fit is from an inferior tailor, his bulky weapon, or the fact that he likely borrowed it from some unfortunate soul.”

  As Quentin guided her across the marble floor, she scanned the crowd. “I don’t see him.”

  “You will. I promise, once you start looking, you won’t miss him. He sticks out like a sore thumb! However, Owen has vouched for his character, which is the only reason my parents allowed him to be in our midst.” He leaned closer to drawl into her ear. “So don’t worry about a thing, Eloisa. As long as they’re here, everything is going to be just fine. As far as I’m concerned, they’re worth every penny of their exorbitant fee. If they keep you safe, it will be money well spent.”

  It took a lot of effort to pretend she believed him. But what Quentin didn’t realize was that it wasn’t only the threat of being accosted by scoundrels that frightened her.

  It was the knowledge that much worse things could happen by someone she knew.

  “You’re staring again,” Owen Howard blurted as he reached Sean’s side. “If you’re not careful, someone besides me is going to notice.”

  “I’m merely scanning the area,” Sean lied. Only through careful effort was he able to refrain from flushing. “There are a lot of people here, you know. Hundreds.”

  “Yes, but only one Eloisa Carstairs.”

  “I’m sure I don’t know whom you are referring to.”

  “Of course you do,” Owen countered with a wink. “But don’t be embarrassed, chap. You aren’t doing anything the rest of us haven’t done a time or two. Or ten. Eloisa is perfection. Angelic even.”

  Sean raised his brows at the descriptor. It was at times like these that he truly wondered why Owen had elected to join the police force. Though he wasn’t quite as high in the instep as the majority of the gentlemen and ladies in attendance, he was certainly far and above Sean’s social standing.

  In addition, Sean was fairly certain that if he had made such a social stumble like joining the police force, he certainly wouldn’t be showing up at society functions like this. It seemed an odd choice.