A woman’s voice called, ‘Cooee! Cooee! Here I am. Sorry I’m late.’
Both of them swung around to see Natalie Parkinson hurrying towards them. Wearing a grey tailored coat, and with a feather in her neat hat, she looked smart and respectable. She had a bright smile on her face, as cheerful as usual. That was one of the many things that James liked about her. She was never in a bad mood, always ready to get to work on a project. It was obvious she enjoyed what she did and wanted to excel.
She shook their outstretched hands, and then addressed Mr Malvern. ‘It’s coming along very well, isn’t it, sir?’
‘That’s almost the understatement of the year, Miss Parkinson. You and James have worked a miracle, which I just told your colleague. I want to thank you for being so devoted to this new asset. I am very glad I came to Hull with James last night. This latest arcade is a sight for sore eyes, really cheers me up. And how lucky that you have your cousin to advise you about Hull, James. William certainly found us a prize location right in the centre of everything. I’m just sorry I won’t be able to come to his supper tonight.’
Natalie glanced at Henry Malvern, looking surprised. ‘But I thought you had accepted his invitation, sir.’
A smile touched Malvern’s eyes, and he suppressed the laughter bubbling in his throat. ‘It’s actually other members of the Venables family I’m dining with tonight, Miss Parkinson. William’s parents.’
Natalie had the good grace to smile. ‘You have such a lot of family up here, Mr Falconer. It must be very special for you.’
James simply nodded. He had very much enjoyed spending time with his aunt and uncle, as well as his friend and cousin William. But not everything in Hull was idyllic. No one ever discussed his cousin Albert. He was the black sheep of the family.
Malvern said, ‘Shall we go to our office and go over a few matters? Then I would like to take you both to lunch at the Metropole Hotel.’
James nodded, and Natalie asked, ‘Are you definitely leaving tomorrow morning, Mr Malvern?’
‘I am, yes. Bolland brought James and me up, and he’ll drive me back to London on Saturday. I do believe my carriage is a better means of transport than these steam trains, which are so dirty and uncomfortable.’ He shook his head: ‘Sometimes newfangled things just don’t work as well as the old.’
James and Natalie shared a knowing look but remained silent as the three of them walked down the arcade to the main entrance on the busiest shopping street in Hull.
Whenever she was in Hull, Natalie Parkinson lodged at a comfortable bed-and-breakfast which was close to their small office. The bedrooms were neat and clean, and the beds comfortable. Furthermore, Mrs Pullman, the owner of the B&B, had plenty of good food for breakfast. Natalie was always accompanied by either Lucy Charteris, a young widow, or occasionally by her sister Irina, to ensure her travels were viewed as respectable.
There was a knock on her bedroom door, and Natalie turned away from the mirror and went to open it. Her sister stood there, lovely to look at in a pale lilac silk frock with a fitted bodice, square neckline, and short sleeves. The long skirt was straight at the front, with side panels and a small bustle at the back.
‘You look ravishing,’ Natalie said, admiring her sister. ‘James is really going to fancy you tonight, no question about that in my mind.’
Irina appeared puzzled when she repeated, ‘Fancy me. What do you mean?’
‘I saw the way he looked at you the night you were at the supper Aunt Cheska gave for me. I think he’d like to pay court to you.’
Irina stood there, silent for a moment, and then she felt the heat rising in her face. She knew she was blushing.
Natalie smiled at her and drew her into the room, making no further comment about James Falconer. After glancing in the mirror once again, she said, ‘Just let me get my reticule, and I’m ready to go. Do you like this dress, Irina? Is it the right colour for me?’
‘Perfect,’ Irina answered. ‘I’ve always liked you in purple, and we sort of blend together, don’t you think?’
Turning, staring at her younger sister once more, Natalie nodded. ‘We do, and certainly you’re very much in fashion. Lilac is the new favourite colour these days.’
Within a few minutes the two young women were out on the main street, walking toward the Tamara restaurant. Irina had never been there and she was looking forward to the evening. Natalie had explained that it had a special flavour, a slightly Russian feeling about it, and that some of the dishes were Russian in origin.
James and William had arrived early, were at the Tamara when the two sisters walked in. It was Natalie who spoke to the head waiter; a moment later he was leading them through the restaurant to the best table. The two men jumped to their feet at once.
Natalie had met William before, as part of the arcade work. Although James’s cousin was busy with his own role in his father’s business, he had helped them with the site. He was a fair-haired, pleasant-looking man, often eager to show them the sights of Hull. As she greeted William and introduced Irina to him, Natalie couldn’t help noticing how James was gazing at her sister, obviously unable to take his eyes off her.
Once they were all seated, William said, ‘I have ordered a bottle of French champagne … it’s a sort of celebration tonight. James just told me how impressed Mr Malvern is with the arcade and the hard work you’ve both done.’
Natalie smiled at him. ‘I don’t often have champagne, so this is a real treat, William. Thank you.’
She then looked across at her sister. Irina was glancing at James from under her eyelashes, clearly as fascinated with him as he was with her.
He deserves to find someone, Natalie thought, after what he’s been through with Alexis; working closely with Mr Malvern’s daughter, she had begun to know her well. Like everyone, Natalie was saddened by her indifference to her father’s plight.
James finally took his eyes off Irina and addressed Natalie. ‘He’s a good chap, you know, Mr M. Very appreciative, and I’m glad he’s starting to get better. I just want to please him, help him get on his feet, and he really was happy today. The arcade will be a huge success. I know it in my bones.’
William said, ‘Here comes the waiter with the bucket of champagne, and I shall order their best caviar to go with it. What do you think?’
The two sisters smiled and nodded their approval.
After the champagne and caviar had been enjoyed, the four of them perused their menus. It was Irina who suddenly exclaimed, ‘Oh, they have borscht! I do enjoy beetroot soup. You told me the chicken Kiev was excellent, Natalie. Shall I try them both?’
It was William who answered first. ‘If you feel like enjoying a lovely supper with a Russian flavour, do have them. I am.’
‘Yes, I will,’ she responded.
‘So will I,’ Natalie said.
‘And I will too,’ James announced, and looked again at Irina, mesmerized by her dark eyes. She had a beauty that was very different from the English girls he was introduced to here in Hull, or down in London; her face had a watchful quality, with her dark arched brows and her high cheekbones.
Irina gazed back and slightly parted her lips, running her tongue over her bottom lip. He felt a sudden rush of longing. He also recognized at once that he hadn’t felt so titillated by a woman for years.
William and Natalie were talking about Hull, and Irina watched James, wondering why he wasn’t engaging her in conversation. He now seemed far away, as if in a dream.
Eventually she leaned in a little and said to him, ‘When we get back to London, I shall send you something I bought for you. A gift. It’s an icon, a very old one, James, which I found in one of those continental antique shops in Mayfair.’
‘A gift,’ James repeated, coming out of his reverie. ‘A gift for me?’
She nodded. ‘I know you were fascinated with them, when you saw ours at Aunt Cheska’s.’
‘Yes, I was, and that is very generous of you, Irina. I am hoping to invite you
and Mrs Lorne to supper once I’m back, if you are both available.’
Irina smiled. ‘Thank you so much. I’m sure we can find an evening that would suit us all.’
James glanced at Natalie and, not wishing to be rude or leave her out, he invited her as well. ‘You will be back in London early next week. I shall take you all to my uncle’s new place, which he recently opened. Uncle Harry will reserve the best table for us at the Restaurant Rendezvous.’
‘Thank you, James,’ Natalie replied. ‘It is so kind of you to invite me. I shall be there.’
They ordered their food, enjoyed every morsel, and finished the bottle of champagne. William was genuinely happy, glad that everyone was having a good time. They laughed and chatted about many things and, as Natalie remarked at one moment, they all got on so well together.
Suddenly, James sat up straighter and exclaimed, ‘Oh look, William, the musician who plays the balalaika has arrived.’
‘Where?’ Irina asked eagerly, glancing around.
‘He’s just sitting down in the corner over there,’ James answered. And as he was speaking, the man began to play his instrument, which sounded like a mandolin.
Natalie and Irina were entranced, listening attentively to the Russian song the musician had begun to play. The four of them relaxed, their attention fully taken, all of them lost in their own thoughts.
Suddenly a harsh voice said, ‘Well, well, if it isn’t Mr Fancy Pants himself!’
William jumped up at once. He walked around the table, aiming to silence his brother Albert, who had appeared as if from nowhere.
He spelled trouble; William knew that only too well. He must be controlled at once.
James knew this too. He immediately rose and went around the table, stood next to William, ready for any threatening move Albert might make.
‘Good evening, Albert,’ James said politely, touching William’s arm, wanting him to stay calm.
‘So here you are in Hull.’ Albert glared at his cousin. His jealousy did not seem to have diminished. ‘Get out, go away. This is my town, not yours,’ Albert snarled. He stepped a little closer and lowered his voice. ‘You’re a rotten sod. You turned my own family against me. Get out of town. If you don’t, I’ll get you, Falconer.’ He laughed harshly. ‘I’ll get you anyway, one day. Better watch your back, you stinking bastard.’
William, alarmed, not knowing what Albert might do, said in a firm voice, ‘Let me escort you back to your table, Albert. We don’t want a scene here. Think of the family’s good name.’
He took hold of Albert’s arm, who instantly shook it off. ‘You’re a bastard – no brother of mine,’ he hissed, his face contorted.
He looked up at James, and sneered, ‘I see you’re with a juicy pair of tarts as usual, Falconer—’
‘That’s enough,’ William said in a low, hard voice, cutting him off. ‘Come along quietly, or Father will hear about this tomorrow morning.’ He took hold of Albert’s arm hard, and James held the other. Together they frogmarched Albert to a table at the other side of the room, where his wife Anne sat with a well-dressed man and woman.
William nodded to his sister-in-law, who was bright red and obviously embarrassed. ‘Hello, William,’ she murmured softly. The couple remained silent, but looked appalled.
Albert was wise enough to sit down quietly without causing any more trouble. In his fury and arrogance, he hadn’t noticed that everyone in the Tamara was staring at him, disgust on their faces.
William inclined his head to Anne and the couple. ‘Have a nice evening,’ he said and, taking hold of James’s arm, led him back to their table.
Once they were seated, Natalie said, with a frown, ‘I didn’t know that man was your brother, William. I’ve seen him before.’
Surprised and suddenly worried, ‘William asked, ‘Where?’
‘Hanging around the site … months ago, and then quite recently. About two weeks ago, I think. I didn’t pay much attention. I thought he was just a local.’
William threw a swift look at James but made no comment. Neither did James.
Irina looked at William and shook her head. ‘He’s not a bit like you. I would never have guessed he was your brother.’
When no one spoke, Irina blushed. ‘Oh, I do hope I haven’t said the wrong thing.’
‘No, you haven’t,’ William reassured her, smiling at her, snapping back from his thoughts. ‘Everyone says the same thing. Now, let’s relax and finish the evening on a happy note. He won’t trouble us again, I’m quite certain of that.’
‘Yes, relax, Irina, and you too, Natalie. We won’t hear a murmur from him,’ James said confidently, and thought, But I will.
FOURTEEN
Dorothea Trevalian Rayburn, the only sibling of the late Sebastian Trevalian, had been born at Courtland Priory, had grown up there, and had married from there. She considered it to be her home and had always had her own full suite on the bedroom floor.
Since Sebastian’s death she had become head of the family, although she did not intrude on Claudia or the role she played as chatelaine. Her niece had run the stately home ever since her mother’s death some years ago.
Now, as Thea walked down the grand central staircase and went into the blue-and-white room, created by Sebastian when he had inherited the house, she wondered for the umpteenth time why Marmaduke Gordon had sent a note yesterday. He was asking to come an hour earlier to the supper party. He needed to speak to her privately, the note had said.
The carriage clock on the mantelpiece struck six as Thea walked into the room, glancing around, thinking how beautiful it was this afternoon. Like her late brother, she loved this room, with its play of different blues against the white; in the late-afternoon sunlight, it seemed to sparkle. French doors led to the terrace. She opened them, went out, and stood staring at the lush gardens, a smile of pleasure touching her face. Her favourite pink roses, which opened their buds in June, were in full bloom. Suddenly hearing voices behind her, she swung around and went inside.
The head butler was showing Marmaduke into the room. Inclining his head, he said, ‘Mr Gordon has arrived, madam.’
‘Thank you, Kingsley,’ she replied, and smiled at Marmaduke, who was striding towards her. He did not smile back. She understood at once that this most remarkable tycoon, undoubtedly one of the most successful in England and revered by some, feared by others, was not here on a social call. He needed her help.
Although he moved elegantly and was as usual in control of himself, she instantly saw anxiety in his light-blue eyes, stress reflected on his face.
When the door clicked behind the butler, Marmaduke took her hand and raised it to his lips. Straightening up, he said in a low voice full of tension, ‘We’ve got trouble, you and I, Thea. Bloody awful trouble.’
Stepping away from him, staring hard, she asked, ‘You and I? Are you finally leaving me? Is that it?’
A hollow laugh escaped, and he shook his head. ‘You’ll never get rid of me, and one day you will marry me. No, this is not about us. If only it were.’
‘What’s wrong, Dukey? I know you’re keeping yourself in check, but I can see that inside you are very agitated. Please tell me.’
He did not answer her. He simply took hold of her hand and led her out onto the terrace. ‘Let’s sit over there in the corner where it’s quiet, secluded.’
Once they were settled in chairs facing each other, Marmaduke said, ‘How’re things in this house? Everything all right, is it?’
Slightly puzzled by the question, Thea gave him a hard stare. ‘Why yes, of course. When I arrived yesterday I received a warm welcome. I believe all is well, but why are you asking? Do you know something I don’t?’
‘I think I do.’ There was a moment’s silence, and then he plunged in. ‘As you are aware, my son and your niece have always been in each other’s pockets. Seemingly they are now in bed together.’
For a split second, Thea thought she was not hearing him correctly, and then, aware of hi
s grim expression, she felt a cold chill flowing through her. She turned ashen as she assumed the worst. ‘You’re not telling me Marietta is … that they have been intimate, are you?’
‘I am.’
‘Oh no, that can’t be!’
‘It is. They slept together. And have been doing so for several months. Since February, in fact. This new development in their relationship started the night of Connie’s birthday party, apparently. Here in this very house. In her bedroom, actually.’
‘Oh my God! This is scandalous. Whatever were they thinking?’
‘They were overcome by desire. So Anthony told me.’ Marmaduke shook his head. ‘And there’s worse.’
‘You’re not telling me she’s … expecting?’
He nodded. ‘I’ve drilled it into him to be careful, to protect the women he sees. I told him not to go anywhere near prostitutes. I thought he might get entangled with an eager married woman, or a lonely widow. It never occurred to me it would be Marietta. After all, they grew up together; they are like brother and sister. Or so I thought.’
‘He told you this?’ she asked, her mouth dry.
‘Indeed he did, and at great length,’ Duke sighed, rubbing his face with one hand.
‘When?’ she managed to ask, her voice now shaking. She felt slightly dizzy, completely taken aback, and certainly at a loss about what to do.
‘He came to see me on Monday,’ Duke told her, ‘late in the afternoon. Actually, he said he had come to let me know he couldn’t go to India with me, as we’d planned, that he had to remain in London. When I asked him why he had to stay behind, he said to get married. I suppose I looked so staggered that he quickly added he was marrying Marietta because she was carrying his child.’
Thea blew out air, shaking her head. Sudden tears blurred her vision; she blinked, went on, ‘What an appalling situation we have on our hands. But at least he told you truthfully, openly.’ She pursed her lips. ‘And he is being honourable.’
‘He’s my son,’ Duke said in a clipped tone.
‘And he’s very like you, Duke.’
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