A Scandalous Wager

by Cassandra Samuels

  There was so much she wanted to say. Needed to say. But for now she would have to be content to be in the embrace of the man she loved. He had come to save her. Did that mean he loved her? But what did it matter if he did? As Dalmere had pointed out, he couldn’t afford to taint his family name by marrying her.

  Lisbeth’s eyes flickered and then opened. She saw the balloon rising high into the air through the window, saw Oliver looking down at her. Saw his concerned smile, and then felt his lips on her forehead again.

  She took his hand in hers and squeezed it. He squeezed back. Her throat hurt and her head hurt. In fact all of her hurt and she was so very, very tired. She was glad she had been able to see the balloon had gained its freedom and was even now rising higher and higher into the murky grey sky. She was glad she’d had Oliver with her when she saw it. She only wished she had the energy to lift her hand and touch his face. That she had enough breath to tell him how much she loved him.

  She closed her eyes again and let the sway of the carriage and the whispered tones of Oliver and the surgeon soothe her.

  ‘Tomorrow,’ Oliver whispered into her ear, ‘All will know of your innocence, Lisbeth. I will make sure of it.’ Oliver’s voice had an edge of determination in it. She tried to smile but it hurt too much so she just squeezed his hand again and was happy when he gathered her closer to his chest so she could hear his heart.

  ***

  Oliver, Tony and the Vauxhall gatekeeper’s thug had spent four hours relaying their versions of the events for the magistrate. Now, Oliver and Tony were seated in their club relaxing in the knowledge that Dalmere was safe behind bars and Lisbeth was sleeping safely in her bed under the eagle eye of her grandmother.

  ‘I will take this statement to the papers for the morning’s print run. It will be a relief to have this all over.’ Oliver folded the notice and put it in his jacket pocket.

  ‘Yes, by tomorrow everyone will know the truth and Lady Blackhurst will have her reputation restored. I am the first to admit I was wrong about her. I have already made my apologies to her but I still feel terrible about it and for getting you involved in the first place.’

  ‘You didn’t make me take on the wager, but I’m glad you got me involved. For if you hadn’t I would never have fallen in love with the most wonderful woman.’

  Tony’s usually serious features transformed into a smile. ‘You are going to marry her, aren’t you?’

  ‘You know, I think I might.’ Oliver grinned back and it felt good on his face. ‘Still, I feel a little foolish that Dalmere so easily made me believe his lies. He betrayed me, made me think my brother capable of murder. I don’t know if I can forgive myself for that.’

  ‘Dalmere betrayed everyone. We all believed his lies. I pride myself on knowing the facts before making decisions and yet I simply assumed she was involved in the speculation. My pressing you to continue your association with her put you and Lisbeth in danger. It was unintentional. I do hope you and Lisbeth will forgive me.’

  ‘I don’t blame you. If it were not for you and your superior snooping Dalmere may have succeeded in murdering Lisbeth. How was it that you knew it was Dalmere anyway?’

  ‘When you gave me the list of names I put it up against the people I knew were long-time investors with Blackhurst. There were only a few of them in this last speculation, the rest were new investors. I spoke to some of the newer ones and they said it was Dalmere who had convinced them to invest. He had apparently delivered a stirring speech and topped it off by putting his own money in too. Blackhurst had promised the usual paperwork would be on the way to those who had invested before. They had no reason to doubt him as he had always done so before. The new investors didn’t suspect they were supposed to have any proof of investment.’

  ‘Do you think Henry knew there was something not right about the speculation?’

  ‘I asked my brother Warrington and he said that Henry had confided in him a great distrust in Blackhurst and regretted investing, even before Blackhurst was murdered. He also said Henry never mentioned Lisbeth or any affection towards her. Does this put your mind at rest on both these issues?’

  Oliver stood up and shook Tony’s hand. ‘Yes. Yes it does. Thank you for today.’ Tony gave him a bow. ‘Just one more thing. Who was the client who asked you to look into Lisbeth’s involvement with the speculation?’

  ‘I’m afraid I can’t tell you but I can say that they are very happy with the outcome.’ Oliver could have argued the point but in the end did it matter? The sooner he delivered the notices to the papers the sooner he could return to Lisbeth.

  He felt light as he went down the steps, as if the heavy burden of the past few weeks were now lifted from his shoulders. Lisbeth was safe and he was in love. Henry was still dead but his memory was no longer tainted by Dalmere’s lies. Would Henry approve of his love for Lisbeth? Oliver looked up at the sky above him. It was cold, cloudy and threatened rain but he was warm in the knowledge that, if anything, Henry would no doubt have said he at least had great taste in women.

  Chapter 18

  Lisbeth woke with a start, images of Dalmere looming above her, his eyes filled with hatred and murderous intent, filled her mind. Frantic, she swept her gaze around and saw, except for the many vases overflowing with a profusion of flowers of all sorts and colours, that her bedroom was empty.

  Relief washed over her as she drew in a breath. Every attempt she made at swallowing had agony ripping through her. It felt like the silk rope of the supper tent still surrounded her throat, still constricted her breathing. Still tried to steal the life from her.

  Oliver!

  She wanted to scream out his name, have him rush to her, comfort her. Take her away from here. Her mouth remained silent and her room remained empty. She pushed back the heavy covers and sat on the edge of the bed. Her bare toes dangled above the floor, her nightgown twisted and damp against her skin. She felt woozy and the room spun in a slow arc around her. Closing her eyes, she tried to calm the military tattoo drumming away in her chest.

  She was fine.

  She was alive.

  She was in her room.

  No need for such hysterics.

  Lisbeth opened her eyes and looked out the window. It was dark and gloomy, as it had been nearly every day this year. Only, this wasn’t every day. This was the day she was finally free of the mantle of murderer.

  The Black Raven had taken flight and flown away for good. She had completed her vow to reclaim her life. She should be overjoyed. So, why wasn’t she?

  The clock chimed in the hall and Lisbeth jumped. The sharp intake of breath hurt so much she found she had to clutch her throat to stop the pain. What time was it? For the first time in years she had no idea. She had no schedule to guide her, no pocket watch to remind her with its incessant ticking.

  It was strange, daunting, but at the same time it felt good. Her schedule had been a blessing and a burden. Now she was free of it, could she manage on her own? Take her days as they came and live without the deep-seated terror Nathaniel had implanted in her all those horrible years ago?

  If Oliver was by her side, she was sure she could do anything.

  She heard the sound of singing gradually becoming louder. Marie. It made her smile. Her sister was here. She wasn’t alone, hadn’t been abandoned. Marie came into the room with a massive flower arrangement in front of her, still trilling like a songbird. Lisbeth had never had her sister’s talent for singing, not that it mattered now. Then the thought struck her with the force of a runaway carriage. What if she never was able to talk again? What if this damage was permanent? The thought was as horrifying as it was shocking. Her fingers stroked gently over the bruised flesh of her throat. Dalmere may not have killed her but he may still have damaged her forever.

  ‘Oh, you’re awake!’ Marie exclaimed when she turned from putting down the flowers. She rushed over to Lisbeth and hugged her fiercely. ‘Oh, my dearest. You look very pale. Would you like some water? Or lukewarm tea?’<
br />
  Lisbeth made a T with her two index fingers. Marie smiled and briefly went out into the hall. Lisbeth let one tear escape down her cheek before she wiped it away. Now was not the time to grieve for a voice she was not sure she had yet lost. When Marie returned it was with yet another vase of flowers. Lisbeth lifted a brow at her sister in question.

  ‘Oh, these?’ Marie read the little note attached. ‘These are from the Warrington hothouse in Sussex. Aren’t they stunning? They have the best hothouses in all of England. Flowers have been arriving all morning from all manner of people. I imagine there was many a shocked face reading the papers this day. Finally, everyone knows the truth, Lisbeth. You can finally get rid of the Black Raven for good.’ Marie hugged her tightly, pulled back, smiled, and then hugged her again.

  ‘In any case I have decided not to read those awful scandal sheets ever again and only read LaBelle Assemblée from now on. I won’t know any of the gossip but I shall be very well dressed.’ Marie twirled around and laughed. Lisbeth clapped her hands and stifled a laugh she knew would only bring her pain.

  So, everyone knew. It appeared Oliver had made good on his promise to report the truth. Yet he did not know the whole truth, for she had yet to tell him of the ledger and diary. How would he react to the fact he was to get back the capital his brother had invested in the speculation? Surely that would make him happy. Surely then they would be on even terms. But first she had to release him from whatever duty he may feel towards her. Set him free as she had been set free. It was only fair.

  Marie returned with a maid and together they helped Lisbeth dress before moving into her sitting room to sit near the cheery fire with a cup of tea. Marie sat happily with her, chatting.

  ‘My dear Fenwick’s face was comical when I told him it was Dalmere all along who had killed Blackhurst. My husband is dear to me but sometimes he can be very narrow-minded. Dalmere had everyone fooled as to his character, it seemed.’

  Lisbeth smiled and indicated for something to write on. Marie jumped up and went to Lisbeth’s writing desk in the corner and brought the small table over for her. Lisbeth took up a pencil and wrote, where is Bellamy?

  ‘At home or at his club, I suspect. Grandmother insisted he go home and change his clothes and stop hanging around like a lost dog in need of scraps. She said he could return this afternoon when you were rested.’

  Grandmother is here? Lisbeth wrote. She wasn’t sure why she felt a thrill run through her. Was it because her grandmother cared enough to be here, for her? Lady Fortesque was a force to be reckoned with on a normal day. Today was not a normal day. She had to admit she was somewhat relieved her grandmother thought to come over and take on the household duties leaving the nursing to Marie. Lisbeth’s grandmother had never been the type to dote.

  Marie laughed. ‘Oh yes, she is downstairs terrorising your staff. Rollands is quite put out.’ Marie rolled her eyes.

  She mustn’t dismiss anyone. They are my staff. Lisbeth would not repay her loyal staff by having the wrath of her grandmother’s viperous tongue upon them.

  Marie patted her hand. ‘Of course. Don’t fret. Your servants are safe. She is just ensuring the house does not fall down around your ears because the coal wasn’t ordered or the menu not organised.’

  Well, that made sense. However, Lisbeth was not completely useless just because she could not talk. The sooner she was back in charge the better she would feel.

  When is the doctor due? Lisbeth wrote next. The sooner she was given permission from the doctor to talk, the sooner her new life could begin. The thought of sharing it with Oliver sent her pulse to skittering erratically and her whole body feel warm. Would the mere thought of him do this to her in years to come? She had the distinct feeling it might.

  ‘The doctor said he would be here at eleven so not long now.’ Marie got up and smiled down at Lisbeth. ‘I am so glad you are alright. I don’t know what I would have done had Dalmere taken you from us. Wretched man. I hope they hang him.’

  Yesterday, she would have wholeheartedly agreed. Now? There was a time when there had been a real danger she might have met the same fate. The difference being that he had committed the crime and she had not. Still, she felt uneasy about sending another person to their death. Blackhurst had done a heinous thing to the investors of the speculation but did he deserve death? Blackhurst had treated her terribly and unjustly but as much as she had on many occasions wished him to Hades she had never considered murder.

  I am glad you are here too. You are doing such a good job of looking after me.

  Marie hugged her. ‘Well, it is the least I can do considering all that has happened between us. I should never have doubted you. I know you have forgiven me but I still feel…miserable about the whole thing.’ Marie seemed surprised by her tears and turned away.

  Lisbeth took her hand and showed her what she had written. Please don’t cry. I am just so happy to have you, Fenwick, little Charlie and Grandmother back in my life. That is all I need right now.

  Marie gazed at her with moist eyes. ‘What about Bellamy? You still love him, don’t you?’

  Lisbeth bent her head and scribbled frantically on the paper. Yes, I do, but first I have to let him go. If he loves me too then maybe we have a future together.

  ‘What is this talk of letting him go? Of course he loves you. You must tell him and be done with it.’ Marie reached for the teapot. ‘Now, come have some more tea. We cannot have you fading away. Grandmother would kill me!’

  ***

  The doctor announced Lisbeth was doing well, but it was better for her not to try and speak for the rest of the week. She had hoped for a better result but at least he wasn’t saying she would never talk again.

  She spent a good half hour trying to compose her note to Oliver. Marie’s words spun around her mind trying to find a comfortable spot. Just tell him and be done with it? She couldn’t just blurt it out. She had so much to tell him, about the ledger, about her decision to give the investors back their capital, her need to know that he was with her because he loved her too and not because he felt some misguided duty towards her.

  Her floor was soon littered with paper balls of varying sizes depending on how bad her attempt had been. Eventually she decided on firstly releasing him, then when she had done that she would be able to gauge how best to proceed with her declaration of love.

  Dearest Oliver

  I can never repay you for all you have done for me. Now the truth is known by all I think it only fair that I release you from our agreement.

  With affection,

  LC

  Simple was best. Marie had said to be direct. Lisbeth thought if Oliver had any questions she would simply write the answers down for him, but she felt her note clear enough. She wanted there to be no feeling of obligation between them. She wanted him to be sure it was she he wanted. It was she he loved.

  ***

  Oliver wore his best frock coat. He wanted to be well-dressed when he asked Lisbeth to marry him. When he told her his heart was hers. What had happened in the last few days had made his feelings clear. He loved her. He smiled at the thought of her face beaming with joy. At how she would fling herself into his arms and kiss him. Tears of happiness escaping her amazing blue eyes.

  He whistled happily as he strolled down the road. He had decided to walk as his body was too full of nervous energy to sit in a hack. As it was, he was continually stopped by passers-by who asked if the rumours were true. He was happy to confirm they were. Dalmere was imprisoned and would appear before a court of his peers. They would not go lightly on him as the murder of Blackhurst was not an act of honour, no matter what dishonourable act Blackhurst had committed. Things may have been very different if Dalmere had simply killed Blackhurst in a duel. The fact he had tried to hide his crime behind the skirts of a woman only made him seem more cowardly.

  Oliver reached Lisbeth’s house and stood for a moment on the steps where it had all begun. It was here on this step he had misguidedly sta
rted on this journey with her, while waiting to win the Black Raven Wager. It was here he wanted to propose to her. It seemed fitting.

  Decided, he knocked on the door. This time when it was opened Rollands almost looked pleased to see him.

  ‘Good afternoon, Rollands. Would you be so kind as to ask your mistress to come to the door?’

  The butler frowned. ‘The door, my lord?’

  ‘Yes, the door. The hard wooden thing you are currently hovering in front of and have such a wonderful time slamming in unwanted guests’ faces.’

  ‘It’s not done —’

  ‘Well, it’s done today. Don’t be difficult and ruin my surprise. I plan to propose to your mistress so be quick about it.’

  Rollands looked at him for a moment as if not quite believing he had heard Oliver correctly. He no doubt saw the stupid grin. A grin that had refused to leave Oliver’s face since he had decided to marry Lisbeth.

  Rollands gave the hint of a smile. ‘Very well. Would you like to step in and wait?’

  ‘I’m fine just here.’

  The door closed and Oliver stifled a laugh. The door had been closed in his face the night he had met her, too. He was convinced this was the perfect place for his proclamation of undying love.

  A few minutes later Lisbeth stood in the doorway, a bemused expression on her face. He bowed. She looked around but then shrugged and curtseyed. She thrust out her hand before he could open his mouth to start his very impressive speech. A speech he had worked on all morning.

  ‘What’s this?’ He unfolded the papers and saw one page was his list of wagers, all in code. ‘I don’t understand.’

  She motioned towards the page again.

  He read it.

  Frowned.

  Read it again.

  He felt the blood leaving his face. A strange kind of dizziness came over him, and caused him to grip the rail on the steps for support. She was dismissing him? Just like that? Now Dalmere was caught and she was free of her murderous reputation, she was letting him go?