In truth, Lewis hadn't given a thought as to how him carrying the unconscious Lady Sophia into the Bull and Toad would appear to others. He wasn't truly part of Society, at least not like his brother Guy, the current Baron Wicksford, was. He had learned a life of duty and loyalty in the army, and it had never once crossed Lewis' mind to allow the shivering young woman in his arms to remain outside in the soaking rain, just because him carrying her into the inn would make it appear bad for both of them and potentially cause a scandal.
On the battlefield, appearances and social niceties could go hang. Survival was paramount, as was winning the battle or gaining the prize to be had. In this case, the "prize," so to speak, had been Sophia's continued good health and not allowing her to succumb to a fever and catch her death. How the situation would appear to others had never much crossed his mind. Lewis was more concerned with her dying on his watch.
Later on, however, the appearance of what he had done did begin to concern him, very much so. Especially when Egerton had arrived at the inn several hours later and began asking questions that Lewis did not and would not answer. At least not fully, for it was not his place and he was driven by some absurd desire to protect both Sophia and her reputation. Even more than he was driven to respect his Bow Street superiors.
So other than the Reynolds family, the now deceased Selby, and Lewis himself, Egerton was the only other man who knew even part of the truth of what had transpired that night. It had become evident over the last several months that even Sophia herself remembered only select bits of that night. Which was likely for the best, especially in Lewis' estimation.
Besides the obvious, there was Egerton's over-reaction to the entire situation which, even now, appeared to be troubling the man greatly.
That night, when the chief inspector had arrived at the inn, he had taken one look at the scene before him, declared it a potential disaster if a man from Bow Street was caught out with a now-ruined Society chit and had gone on the offensive. It was only thanks largely to the hard work of Egerton, coupled with the sheer determination of the dowager Duchess of Hathaway to see her daughter's reputation remain spotless, that Sophia had not been cast out of Society. Or worse, forced to marry either Selby or Lewis himself.
Instead, there were plenty of rumors and innuendos floating about, such as the one put forth by Madame C. that very morning that Lewis and Sophia were involved in some sort of secret courtship. But no one knew the full truth of the matter. If Lewis had anything to say about the situation, it would remain that way, as well.
After all, he had no desire to wed at present, and if he did, it would certainly not be to a Society chit like Lady Sophia, no matter how much his body might long for hers. No, he needed a levelheaded and plain wife who would accept the complexities of the Blackmore family and not trot him out into Society night after night where his family's secrets might be revealed for all to see.
For Lady Sophia was not the only one among them who harbored secrets. Lewis protected his fair share as well, and, like her, he guarded them closely. Lewis needed a certain type of woman to be his wife, one that was not brash and one that did not have eyes the color of the Caribbean Sea, along with a body lush enough to tempt a man to sin repeatedly with her - even if only in his mind. A woman he could bed but not obsess over endlessly. A woman who did not fill every last one of his senses and leave him desperate for more of her. Not that Sophia did those things to Lewis, of course. But she could. If he released his tight control upon his emotions and desires. Then? Well, then, anything was possible.
So no, Sophia was clearly not the woman for him, much as his body might disagree at present. Despite the changes in her disposition now, in time, she would heal. Lewis knew this from experience. She would never be the same as she had been before that night, but she would eventually become a different, stronger version of herself. One that enjoyed parties and balls and soirees. She would not hide out in her brother's town home forever, and when she finally emerged again, she would find a Society gentleman who would accept her for her flaws and wed her once he realized what a treasure she truly was. That was one of many reasons why Lewis was not the man for her, either. No matter how much the gossips might wish the matter to be otherwise.
"I believe we are all fortunate that the gossip was contained," Lewis finally agreed, uncertain of Egerton's point. "The consequences could have been very dire indeed." He chuckled dryly. "Especially for me."
"They still might be."
At that, Lewis' eyes snapped up to the chief inspector's. "I am afraid that I do not follow you. The incident is in the past."
Egerton inclined his head slightly. "That was true enough once, but you were seen at Reynolds House just yesterday. Your visit has ignited talk once more."
"But certainly no one thinks that Lady Sophia and I... I mean, that is preposterous!" At least in Lewis' mind it was.
"Is it?" The inspector didn't seem so certain and he glanced at the Tattler again.
Lewis crossed his arms almost defiantly across his chest. "I was there on business. Bow Street business, to be precise. You know that."
"Others do not know that. Not for certain. More importantly, Society does not know that. All they believe is what they see. And what they read." Now it was Egerton's turn to frown again. "It is assumed you were there on business, yes, but why you in particular? Why not another Runner?"
"Because we have a history, Lady Sophia and I. It is not much of one, I will grant you, but that connection cannot be denied. I only wanted to make the entire situation regarding Selby's death easier upon her. It is not ever pleasant to hear about the passing of someone you once cared about, no matter how furious you are with them. Or how much you likely wish them to perdition anyway."
The response from Lewis was so quick that he didn't even pause to think, which only made Egerton smile in a peculiar sort of fashion that Lewis did not like. "And that is the crux of the matter, isn't it, Lord Blackmore?" Lewis blanched at the use of his informal title. "The two of you have a history together, one that cannot be ignored, as you said, and one that is not yet quite openly acknowledged either." He gave the younger man a tight grimace. "It is also not lost on the gossips that after days of refusing even her closest friends entry to Reynolds House, Miss Reynolds allowed you, of all people, inside. No matter the reason, that mere act alone speaks volumes."
"I was unaware of that fact, sir." Lewis truly hadn't known. "But I do not see that it makes a difference."
"It should not." Egerton's expression was now grim. "However, for the foreseeable future, I am afraid that it does matter a great deal. Just this morning a case was presented to me, one that you would have been eager to investigate, I am certain."
"But?" For Lewis could already tell there was something Egerton was holding back.
Running a hand through his hair, the Chief Inspector shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot. "It is a robbery. A Society couple attacked by footpads as they waited for their carriage outside the theater in Covent Garden."
Lewis settled back in his chair, his arms crossed over his chest. Waiting. "And?"
"And when I suggested that I would assign you to come and speak with them, they refused. They did not wish to become entangled in the gossip surrounding you and Lady Sophia. They were afraid that such a connection might sully their own daughter, who is about to make her come out next Season. Your reputation as an upright and honest man is impeccable - for now. However, there are those who are beginning to wonder how honest you can be if you do not acknowledge what they see as a relationship between yourself and Miss Reynolds. Especially in the wake of Selby's death. It is convoluted thinking, I know, but there it is. It is the way of Society."
"That," Lewis snapped angrily, "is utterly foolish and ridiculous! I am more than capable of doing my job, regardless of my relationship, or rather lack of one, with Lady Sophia. I have been in the gossip rags before."
"Not in this manner."
Lewis had to concede that Egerton
had a point there. "So what do you suggest? I have no intention of quitting my job, if that is what you are implying." He didn't need the job to support himself, really. He was a Blackmore, after all, not to mention he had put away much of his military salary over the years. But he did enjoy working with Bow Street. Very much so.
"No, no! Nothing so rash as all that," Egerton rushed to correct him. "I was merely thinking that you might take some time away from the job. Er, just until all of this has blown over, you understand. A fortnight at the most."
Lewis had the distinct impression that his superior was not making a request. "Very well. You may contact me when you require my services again." Lewis rose and reached for his greatcoat. He might not desire this outcome, but he had spent enough time in the military to know when something was worth arguing over and when it was simply best just to do as ordered. This was one of those times when following orders was the only real option.
"This is not forever," Egerton attempted to reassure him. "Just until the worst of the gossip passes. Once everyone has forgotten about you and Miss Reynolds, I see no reason why you could not return to us. Perhaps with a new title and a pay raise?" It was a bribe and both men knew it, though neither one would sully themselves by acknowledging the offer as such.
Standing stiffly before the man he had always respected until this very moment, Lewis merely shrugged with the air of the careless aristocrat he had never been but often played at being so very well. "We shall see." Then he gave a stiff bow, his leg still paining him greatly. "Until then, Chief Inspector."
As he walked away from the desk he had called home for last several years, it took all of Lewis' considerable military training and self-control not to begin smashing things as he left. But he was not a barbarian. He was a gentleman. And, as a gentleman, he had a call to pay once more. Especially now that he was officially without anything more worthwhile to occupy his time.
Chapter Four
Lewis was in a fine temper by the time he pulled his high perch phaeton up in front of Reynolds House. The finely crafted conveyance was his one concession to his heritage and wealth, as was the rather exceptional horse that pulled the magnificent carriage, and he had to steady his hand so as not to upset the occasionally high-strung animal. Usually, Hermes was of the most even temperament to be found in a creature of any sort, but, as if sensing his master's own foul mood, the horse had been tossing his head and stamping the ground from the moment they had departed Bow Street.
Tossing the ribbons to a waiting groom, Lewis took the front stairs two at a time and was granted entrance to the home almost immediately - as if Thompson had all but anticipated his arrival. His wait in the green parlor seemed interminable, though in truth, he probably cooled his heels no longer than five minutes at the most. It was a sign of Lady Sophia's good breeding and hospitality that she did not make him wait longer, as proper calling hours had not yet arrived. She could have - and probably should have - refused to see him at all, so Lewis was thankful for small favors and that she had not turned him away.
Because of those niceties, Lewis' temper had cooled considerably by the time Sophia swept into the room in a rustle of pale blue sprigged muslin and a halo of golden curls. Even now, she looked like an angel, at least to him, and once more, he cursed the Fates for both his current predicament and hers. He was a man, strong enough to bear whatever was thrown his way. But Lady Sophia? She was viewed by many as a light and delicate flower, fragile and in need of protection. She did not deserve the horrors she had been dealt.
Then again, she had borne up remarkably well under the strain. Better than almost any other debutante likely would have, he reasoned silently. So perhaps she was stronger than she first appeared. Actually, he knew that she was, especially after that night on the Great North Road.
"Captain Blackmore." Sophia dropped into a deep curtsey as Lewis rose and for some reason, he found the last of his anger ebb away, leaving something rather peculiar that sat squarely in his stomach in its wake. He did not care for that feeling any more than he had his earlier anger, he quickly discovered. "Or should I call you Lord Blackmore?" She frowned and he discovered that she looked rather adorable when she did so. "Or Inspector? I am sorry to be at such a loss. How would you prefer that I address you?"
Lewis returned her bow, schooling his features so that he appeared more serious. And less like the incorrigible flirt that he had once been. This was not a social call and he had best remember that and quickly. "Lord Blackmore will suffice." He laughed a little then. He had no real idea why he did so, for nothing was particularly humorous at the moment. It simply seemed the thing to do when she looked so worried over a little matter, such as how to address him. "Especially as I am no longer in the army and, as of but an hour ago, am not currently in the employ of Bow Street either. That is why I am here. To inform you that if other developments surrounding Lord Selby's demise arise, that I will not be the one to keep you abreast of the news, should it be necessary. Another Runner will come in my stead."
For a moment, Sophia was so shocked that she did not know what to say. "Pardon? But just yesterday...."
"I know." Lewis cut her off before she could begin asking questions he could not and would not answer. At present, he wished to be the one to control this meeting and he had a feeling that Lady Sophia Reynolds, despite her golden looks and angelic face, was far too clever by half. She would quickly outmaneuver him and get him to reveal far too much about himself if she was given an opportunity. "Let us just say that after this morning's gossip regarding my visit here yesterday was announced in the papers, my superiors and I decided that some time away from my duties might suit all parties involved. It is difficult to be effective in questioning suspects when instead, all anyone wishes to discuss are the rather salacious details of a fictional courtship. Repeated visits here, should they be necessary over the course of the investigation into Selby's death, would only add fuel to that particular fire, as they say on the peninsula."
"That is utter nonsense. We are not courting, nor betrothed." Some older, more defiant part of Sophia flickered to life. Ever since that night, she had been meeker and milder than she had once been. She had also come to realize that she had been little better than a spoiled brat at times, her acts of petulance and pouting more fit for a child than a proper young lady. "Surely that counts for something." She hoped her words now were not her slipping back into her old habits, but rather, genuine concern for a man who had done her a great service on more than one occasion. She wished to think they were any way.
When she finally remembered her manners and offered him a seat, Lewis accepted, settling his large frame into one of the delicate, wing-backed chairs. "Lady Sophia, if I may be so bold as to call you thus?" When she nodded in approval, he continued. "I fear that Bow Street, much like the rest of London, lives and breathes by what is considered proper. And what is not."
"And your visit here yesterday was not proper in anyone's eyes. Even though you were here on business regarding Lord Selby's passing." Sophia didn't see the matter in that light, of course, but now, with the perspective of time and lessons learned, she could see how others might.
Sophia was known for being both willful and delicate, overly spoiled and yet in supposed need of cosseting at the same time. She was, to Society in general, little better than a strong-willed, spoiled brat who indulged in temper tantrums when she did not get her way. She had also all but disappeared after that night on the road north to Scotland. When she finally had returned to London, she had refused to see anyone, even old friends, or attend any parties or festivities. She simply hadn't wanted to be forced to choose a husband, but now she could see how others would view her actions as yet another example of her brattiness. And, quite possibly, favoritism to Lord Blackmore, especially considering that she had refused everyone else entry into Reynolds House, including her closest and dearest friends.
Perhaps she hadn't learned as much as she had hoped over the last few months.
Fo
r his part, Lewis spread his hands in a gesture of helplessness. "We both know the truth, as does your family. My superiors do as well. But others do not, and it is how matters appear to those people that seem to carry the most weight, I am afraid. It is not fair, certainly, but it is the way of things in our world. If I cannot be counted on to be truthful about my relationship, such as it is, with you, then there are those who would question how I can be truthful in my investigative matters as well. Especially given the gossip swirling around us. Some time away seemed...wise." He disagreed, of course, but she didn't need to know that. He did not wish for her to blame herself for his temporary dismissal.
"I am sorry. Truly. You cannot imagine how much." Sophia lowered her head and stared at her hands. "Had I not been behaving like a spoiled child deprived of a favorite toy, I would not have needed rescuing that night. I would have done as my brother asked and been done with Lord Selby. Above all, I would not have placed you in that situation. Moreover, had I not been indulging in pity and fear ever since, I would have resumed my normal activities and received my friends when they came to call upon me. Once again, I have done you great social harm, however unintentionally. For that, I am truly sorry."
When she raised her head, Lewis could see that her eyes were glassy with unshed tears, though he also knew instinctively that she would not cry. He was utterly amazed at her inner strength. For the first time, he began to have some inkling of exactly how strong-willed this woman was. He had witnessed hardened soldiers on the battlefield shed tears for much less than she had endured.
"It is not your fault." Lewis moved to the edge of his seat, wishing for some reason to reassure her. "You have endured something very horrific, my lady. You cannot be blamed for your fear or reticence."
"Others do not see it that way," she sniffed, showing a bit more weakness but still refusing to shed tears. "Had I married Lord Selby, what he did would have been his right, even if I did not wish it."
A Gentleman by Moonlight Page 5