“She could have been sent back to Newgate! Or worse!” said Colin. “I wouldn’t care what happened to me, but she risked everything. And I don’t know what she was thinking by taking Rose.”
“You can’t blame her for that,” said Nate. “Rose is one of the most stubborn, independent females I’ve ever met. You cannot make her do anything she doesn’t want to do. Win tried to make her stay home, but Rose refused. She’s really quite willful.” Now, Stemple was really staring at him.
“What did Lewis say when he found them?” asked James.
“He reacted much as you did, which is one of the reasons I believe he likes her. He’s very protective. When he and Win caught up to Rose and me in the tunnels, he was trying his best to shield her from harm.”
“So you and Lady Rose were alone together, my lord?” Stemple asked in a deceptively calm voice.
Brilliant. The butler was going to come back and kill him in his sleep.
“I can’t believe they were so foolish,” said Colin. “I have to say something to them.”
“I hope you do not,” said Nate. “Lewis and I impressed upon them the danger they risked. They promised not to leave the house again. But, in Win’s case especially, I think it was important for her to do this. I believe she spent too much time under someone else’s power. And I do not think she’ll repeat it, if for no other reason than Rose would follow along again. However, I’m glad you know, so you can keep an eye on them, just in case.”
Colin took another long swallow of his drink. “It goes against my every instinct not to say anything.”
“Nate may be right,” said Nick. “We must protect Win, but we cannot smother her. She managed to survive all those years without us. She’s stronger than we think.”
“I know she’s strong,” said Colin. “I just don’t like feeling powerless. It’s my job to protect her. I already failed once.”
“I believe,” said Lynwood, “that there are various forms of protection. We will all keep a more vigilant eye on your sisters. But, perhaps, allowing her more freedom is the best way you can protect the lady she has longed to be.”
There was a moment of silence as the men considered this. Then Colin broke it by saying “Bollocks! I suppose you’re right, Lynwood. But I don’t like it.”
“That is the disadvantage to being a man who loves as well as protects.”
The men sipped their drinks in silence for another few moments.
“There’s one thing you didn’t tell us, Nate,” said Nick. “What were you doing with Lewis?”
Nate wasn’t sure what to say. He could trust the men in this room with his life, even the surly butler. But he wasn’t ready to tell them about his work, even though he knew they would keep his secret. “That is a story for another time. Now, I’d like to get back to this ledger.”
With that rather graceless dismissal, the men left. Stemple was the last to leave and the look on his face very clearly said his threats remained in effect.
When Nate was once again on his own, he hoped he hadn’t given too much away about his own feelings for Rose. But he couldn’t think about that now. He wanted to delve into the ledger because there were mysteries in those pages that had to be revealed.
Whether he wanted to see them or not.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
“There is no estate?” Win was still trying to absorb what Mr. Olson had just told her.
Mr. Olson took off his glasses and looked at Win. “I regret to inform you, Lady Winifred, that your husband had no legitimate assets. That doesn’t mean he didn’t have funds obtained through illegal means spirited away someplace. Indeed, from what we uncovered, it would appear he has been blackmailing several people over a period of years. But even if we were to uncover those funds, it would be illegal for you to keep ill-gotten gains. Even the house is mortgaged. I am afraid your inheritance is limited to the value of the items in it, and from what Mr. Lewis witnessed, Pierce’s brother and sister seemed intent on taking anything of value. There may not be much left. I am truly sorry, my lady.”
Win sat back in the comfortable chair in the Lynwood House sitting room. The sole reason her father had sold her into marriage had been because of Pierce’s wealth. Her husband had never given any indication he had lost his money. But she didn’t doubt Olson’s information. He was not the sort of man to make mistakes.
“Are you all right, Win?” asked Colin.
Her whole family was looking like they expected her to break down in tears. But the money had never meant anything to her, not when it had come at the expense of the loss of her family. Alexander Lewis was also there, but sitting slightly apart from the others.
“I only have two regrets at the money’s loss,” she said. “One is that I will have to borrow the funds to pay Mr. Olson for his excellent work, and, I suppose, to compensate Mr. Peyton for his efforts.”
“Peyton should be paid what he is worth,” said James. “And even I could afford that.”
“Don’t worry about Olson’s fee,” said Nick. “I’ll ensure he’s paid.”
Colin shook his head. “No, Nick. You’ve already taken on too much. And if Simon learns you’re paying for Win’s defense…”
“I hope the day never comes when I keep from doing what is right for fear of what Simon Chilcott thinks. What is your second regret, Win?”
“I would have liked to help my family. Instead, I may have to ask for your continued charity until I set a course for my future – providing, of course, that I am not hanged.”
Something flashed across Alex’s face, though Win did not recognize the emotion. Perhaps embarrassment that she was so dependent on others when he’d worked so hard for his independence.
“Win,” said Colin. “It is not, nor will it ever be, charity. We do not wish for you to be anywhere else but at home with us. It is not a very luxurious setting, though there are many who make do with much less than us. But it is a home filled with love, with room to spare. Please come home.”
“Oh, Win, please do,” said Rose. “We have two new sisters to enjoy and three brothers to plague.”
Win smiled and tried hard to keep from crying. “I believe it sounds most wonderful, but first I must be acquitted. Does anyone have any ideas about that?”
“I do,” said Alex. “But I’m afraid there’s a certain amount of risk involved.”
“James, Nick and I will do anything to have Win acquitted,” said Colin. “We would risk everything.”
“I’m afraid we’ll be putting Lady Win at risk,” said Alex, “though it goes against my every instinct.”
“I will do anything to clear my name,” said Win. “And, dear brothers, as much as I love your protective nature, this is a battle I must wage. What do we need to do?”
“Well, I believe this starts with a visit to Sir Wilfred’s office,” said Alex. “And an explanation of a certain ledger.”
“And I have a visit of my own to make,” said Nick. “As much as I dread it.”
*
Simon Chilcott lived in his childhood home in Mayfair. Nick hadn’t been there in years, but he was paying a visit now because he would do anything for Win. As he looked up at the building, he could see it was showing signs of wear. The stone was discolored in places, the walk hadn’t been shoveled recently and only a few of the windows showed light, despite the gloom of the overcast day. It looked like Simon was either too cheap to properly illuminate his house or was running out of blunt.
Nick rapped on the knocker. The door was opened by the butler, Irving, whose look of disapproval was immediate.
“The Earl of Layton to see Mr. Chilcott,” said Nick, when the man remained silent.
For a moment Irving stood rooted to the spot. “Is he expecting you?”
“I cannot imagine he is, but he’ll want to see me anyway.”
Irving seemed dubious, but went in search of his master after letting Nick in. But only so far as the foyer.
Once the butler departed, Nick looked arou
nd the foyer. It had changed little since the last time he’d been there, some five years earlier after the death of Simon’s father. There was nothing to indicate Simon was in need of money. There were no missing tapestries. No lack of furniture. Two vases held hothouse flowers. No, Nick suspected Simon’s tireless efforts to take the title weren’t motivated by money.
He just wanted to be earl.
Irving reappeared then rather surprisingly ushered him to the study, where Simon was in a wingback chair, drinking. He didn’t rise to greet his cousin.
“You disappointed me in court today,” said Simon as he took a sip of his drink.
“Oh?” Nick sat in the chair opposite.
“I thought you were on the verge of a heartfelt confession to being the murderess’s brother, but then that arse of a prosecutor interrupted you. I told Sir Wilfred to sack him.”
“I have never made it a secret that I’m proud to be Win’s brother. I’ve never shied away from my relationship to the Emersons. And if you ever call Win a murderess again, I’ll start by blackening your eye. Who knows what I’ll do after that? Why are you conspiring to get her convicted?”
“What makes you think I am?”
“Your trip to the Old Bailey. Your consultation with Sir Wilfred.”
“What do I have to gain from getting the murderess – excuse me, alleged murderess – convicted?”
“To hurt me.”
“I would have to care about you to hurt you. And I don’t. I do think you’re an embarrassment to the Layton line, but I don’t care about you as a person. I want you to admit to your relationship with her in open court. But other than that, I care as little about Winifred Pierce as I do about you.”
Nick knew he shouldn’t let the comments hurt him, but they did. He was incredibly fortunate to have the love of the Emerson family. But he was both part of and apart from them. Nick didn’t have the luxury of having the Emerson surname. He was still expected to live as the Earl of Layton. And he’d been thinking more and more about just how lonely of a life that was.
When Win was safe, he’d think about fixing his own life. His two brothers had found true love. Perhaps it was time for him to do so, as well.
But for now, it was all about Win. Nothing else mattered.
“Where were you the night Pierce was murdered?” Nick asked his cousin.
“Clayton and I were at Madame Thurmond’s. It was a big night – her annual Winter’s Tale ball. The whores were dressed up as their favorite Shakespearean character. A house full of Juliets and one saucy chit named Bottom. I reckon she made some blunt that night. When we heard Pierce was dead we came here to tell you about it, if you’ll recall.”
“What about last night? A maid was killed at Win’s house.”
“We tried to go back to Thurmond’s, but it was closed. We spent the rest of our time in some hell. Clayton will vouch for me. Perhaps when you lose the title, you can join Bow Street. You seem to have a knack for investigations.”
“How do I know you didn’t hire someone to kill either of them for you?”
“Because I intend to be the Earl of Layton. I couldn’t very well enjoy the title if I were hanged, could I? Besides, I don’t have to kill for the title. I’ll simply continue turning your very own peers against you. There’s no need to involve myself in your sordid family drama.”
Nick had to admit that did make sense. “If you had to wager, who would you say killed them?”
Simon took another sip of his drink as he considered the question. “Pierce’s brother. He frequents the hells and plays deep. He’s lost more blunt than he can afford and rumor has it the late Mr. Pierce stopped paying Clive’s vowels long ago. He needs the inheritance and couldn’t count on his dear sister-in-law to help him out. With Pierce dead and the widow hanged, he’d have enough to restore himself to rights.”
Yet Nick knew there was no estate to speak of. It was interesting that Simon didn’t know it. He wondered if Clive did. “How do Clive and Mrs. Warren get along?”
“They positively loathe each other. I guess ours isn’t the only family like that. Of course, they’re actually related to each other and we are not. This conversation has grown tiresome. You may leave now to enjoy your remaining days as the Earl of Layton.”
Nick had no desire to linger. He rose to take his leave. “You know, Simon, you might not actually enjoy being earl. There’s some money, but a great deal of responsibility to go with it. And at the end of the day, you’d still be the same man you are today.”
“If you don’t think it’s that grand, why not simply give it up?”
Nick had asked himself the same question on more than one occasion. “Perhaps because it’s a destiny I did not want, yet still feel obligated to make my own.”
“Enjoy it while you can. It will soon be gone.”
Nick left the house wondering if that might actually be a good thing.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Rosalind had asked Win and the Emersons to join the Kellingtons for tea. Win was looking out the window in the lovely sitting room, marveling at how there could be ordinary moments in such extraordinary times. She wished Mr. Lewis could be there with her.
“That’s what I like to see,” said Rose, as she joined her sister at the window. “Your lovely smile has been absent from my life for much too long.”
Win put her arm around her sister’s waist. “It is hard not to smile when surrounded by my beloved family.”
“But is it truly your family that gives your countenance such a lovely glow? Or is it, perhaps, a handsome barrister?”
Win’s blush must have spoken volumes, if Rose’s answering grin was any indication. “I like your Mr. Lewis very much,” she said. “Colin and James have done an excellent job of bringing home lovely wives. I should like to have a clever brother join the family – especially one who cares so much about you.”
Win couldn’t help but be warmed by the thought. “Why do you think he cares about me?”
“You’re not in Newgate, are you?”
“He is simply a gentleman who doesn’t want to see a miscarriage of justice.”
“He is also a gentleman in love. I see how he looks at you. I know what he did for you. The only question is whether you have feelings for him, though I believe your smile has already given me the answer.”
Before Win could respond, they were joined by Colin and James.
“This is a sight I have longed to see,” said Colin.
“And one I pray we see more often,” said James. “In fact…”
They were interrupted by the boisterous arrival of Violet, Letty and Anna, who bounded into the room, just as tea was about to be underway. As soon as the girls arrived, Violet sought out her mother, who was on the settee talking to Ava and Irene. Violet sat next to Jane, who put her arm around the girl and hugged her. Anna sat next to Irene and beamed at her. Irene pulled her close, as happy to see Anna as the girl was to be with her.
Only Letty remained standing, staring wistfully at the two girls chatting happily with their mamas. Win’s heart lurched. Her youngest sister had been denied so much.
But then Ava held out her arms. “Letty, dear, my arms are empty without you. Please tell me what the three of you have been doing all day. I daresay I will be quite envious when I hear about all the fun.”
Letty’s face lit up as she sat next to Ava and let herself be enveloped into the type of hug she’d always been denied by her real mother. Win reveled in the sight of the two of them together.
“You chose well, brother,” Win said to Colin.
“He truly did,” said Rose. “She is as warm and caring as Mother was cold and neglectful. And I thank God every day that he married for love instead of money.”
“As selfish as it is to admit, I am glad, as well,” said Colin. “And James had the unenviable task of searching for a woman who could actually abide him, though he was helped a great deal by having such a wonderful daughter as inducement.”
“You w
ere quite fortunate yourself,” said James. “Though it’s too bad you had to saddle the poor lady with the title of Countess of Ridgeway.”
“It isn’t the best legacy,” said Colin with a laugh. “But she is redeeming the title, as much as is possible.”
Win knew her brothers were only teasing each other, but she turned to both of them now – humor far from her mind. “The two of you and Nick are the most honorable men I know. I like Ava and Irene very much, but they are very fortunate to have you. We all are.”
There was a moment of quiet reflection. Her brothers were self-effacing men. She suspected the compliments were difficult for them to accept.
Then Colin spoke up. Win expected a clever rejoinder.
But instead he said, “Love, none of us will be truly fortunate until you are a free woman. We cannot be happy until you are with us once again.”
If Rosalind hadn’t chosen that moment to call them over to tea, there would have been four sobbing Emersons.
*
After tea, Mrs. Rigg and Mrs. Stemple came to collect the three girls, who were anxious to continue their training of Violet’s dog Merry Man, who gladly did anything for the reward of a little steak.
Once the girls had left, it became apparent there was a reason for the gathering. Each adult member of the Kellington family was there. Arthur and his wife Vanessa had arrived only that morning. Their sister Lizzie and her husband Marcus were there, as well as the family’s maternal aunt Prudence, along with her companion, Miss Mariah. Heskiss remained in the room, but all the other servants had been dismissed.
Liam cleared his throat before speaking. “From what we have learned, it appears that Win will not receive a fair trial. There is obviously a conspiracy afoot and it is possible she will pay for that with her life.”
The sitting room was silent and still. Not one person refuted the possibility.
The duke turned to Win. “I know Mr. Lewis is working on a plan to free you. But we must come up with an alternate one in case he does not succeed.”
Win was touched by his offer, knowing he’d be held responsible for her absence if she left the country. “Your offer means more to me than you can possibly know. But I cannot allow you to be punished for my actions.”
Always Have Hope (Emerson Book 3) Page 18