by Monica Burns
“With the exception of Eli, I was your easiest charge to deal with,” Tobias said cheerfully to the quiet scoffs of disagreement from his friends. With a grin, Tobias turned to the men behind him.
“Jane, allow me to introduce the rest of my family,” Tobias said warmly. Still reeling from the endearment he’d use, Jane tried to focus on the introductions.
“This is Eli Brent, the golden child of the family.” It was obvious Tobias was teasing as the men all snorted with soft laughter.
“Tobias has never spoken truer words,” Eli said with a wide grin as he stepped forward to kiss Jane’s cheek. “Welcome to our family, Jane. I can only hope Tobias is worthy of your affection.”
“He is most assuredly worthy,” Jane said with conviction as she smiled at Eli then looked at Tobias. A dour look flashed across his features. He didn’t offer up a response to her remark, and a puzzled look crossed Eli’s face as he stepped aside to greet Angelique. Tobias gestured towards the Earl of Mancroft.
“I believe you’re already acquainted with Mancroft,” Tobias said quietly and she saw his gaze focus on Angelique’s composed features for a brief second. An unpleasant sensation exploded inside Jane. Dark and vicious, the feeling spread its way through her blood as she saw the way Tobias and the earl were studying her friend. For the first time in their friendship, she was jealous of the Frenchwoman. In the next heartbeat, she realized Angélique had not solicited Tobias’ concern. Ashamed of herself, Jane pushed aside her reaction and extended her hand to the earl.
“My lord, it’s a pleasure to see you again,” she said with a smile.
“Please, it’s Caleb. Family never stands on ceremony, Jane,” he said warmly as he took her hand and raised it to his mouth then quickly kissed her cheek. Despite his cordial and pleasant manner, tension vibrated off him like a piano wire pulled too tight. Jane saw him glance at Angelique, and she immediately turned toward her friend.
“Have you met my dear friend, Angelique Bissette?”
Jane gestured towards the Frenchwoman. Despite her serene countenance, Jane recognized how agitated Angélique was. It aroused more shame inside her for experiencing jealousy. Her friend was deeply in love, and yet some wall existed between her and the earl that seemed beyond destruction. Caleb shifted his position only the slightest bit, but the distance between the couple closed to mere inches.
“I have indeed,” Caleb said softly. “How are you, Miss Bissette?”
“I’m quite well, my lord.” Angelique’s reply was cold as ice, and Jane saw the earl’s lips thin into a fierce line.
“And still stubborn I see.” The soft words were clearly meant for Angelique’s ears alone, but Jane was close enough to hear the earl’s observation. Jane saw the steely look Caleb directed at her friend, and Angelique leveled a similar look back at him.
“My stubbornness, as you refer to it, my lord, is simply your explanation for your inability to admit defeat at the hands of a woman. I am nothing, if not resolved, in my determination to choose my own fate. For those who choose to challenge me in that decision, I can only presume their reasons are not only suspect, but superficial in nature.”
The smile on Angelique’s face was filled with seductive charm, but her words were meant to skewer Mancroft. Jane saw him stiffen with anger, and his eyes glittered almost menacingly at Angélique. The Frenchwoman simply tilted her head higher and glared at him with disdain. If Jane hadn’t known better, she would have thought the Frenchwoman loathed the man. A large hand suddenly clasped Mancroft on the shoulder as the tallest man in Tobias’ family cleared his throat.
“Step aside Caleb, you’re not allowed to monopolize the ladies any more than John.” All the men laughed except the earl who simply glowered at his friends. However, Jane was certain it wasn’t the congenial, brotherly laughter that irritated him. Known for his stoic, unflappable demeanor, Mancroft was anything but either of those things at the moment. Whatever the hidden meaning behind his exchange with Angelique, it had angered him enough to ruffle his usually calm façade. Before Tobias could speak, the last of his friends stepped forward to kiss her cheek.
“I’m Samuel Faversham. Welcome to our family, Jane.”
There was an acute appraisal in the man’s eyes that made Jane’s smile falter. Samuel was unlike the others. It was obvious he intended to scrutinize her closely. Jane swallowed the knot threatening to close her throat.
“Thank you,” she murmured suddenly tongue-tied and afraid of making a misstep where this man was concerned.
“Tobias mentioned you were an only child.” Beneath Samuel’s curious gaze she nodded.
“Yes, my mother died giving birth to me and my twin brother.” Jane bit her lip at the sharp pain that always accompanied the fact.
“Tobias didn’t mention you had a brother.”
“He died a few days after he was born,” she explained.
“Then you have my sympathies,” Samuel said.
“There is no need, but thank you all the same.” She glanced at Tobias and the men surrounding him and wondered what it would have been like to have a brother who cared for her as much as these men seemed to care for each other.
“I imagine we must seem a bit overwhelming,” he said with a kind smile that made Jane feel more at ease.
“Just a bit.” She laughed. “I find the obvious affection you all feel for one another quite heartwarming and enviable.
“That’s entirely John’s doing. Without him, I’m certain most of us would have led very different lives.”
“He seems a remarkable man.” Jane turned her gaze to Tobias’ mentor who was engaged in a lively conversation with Tobias and Caleb. “Has he never married?”
“He was married and widowed, long before we entered his life. I don’t think he’s ever recovered from his loss.”
“How sad,” Jane murmured.
“Yes.” Samuel nodded in firm agreement. “If any of us could, we’d find someone to share his life with. Perhaps now that you’re joining the family you can help us in that regard. Bachelors make terrible matchmakers.”
“As opposed to women,” she said with a wry twist of her mouth.
“It’s much harder for men to ascertain the suitability of a woman when it comes to marriage.” Samuel frowned as he turned and looked in the direction of his family.
“You’re concerned I’m not suitable for Tobias.” The observation made Samuel start as he jerked his head in her direction.
“Forgive me, I did not mean—”
“I cannot fault you for questioning my ability to make Tobias happy. It’s obvious you care for him a great deal, and like most siblings you wish only the best for him.”
“And like most siblings, I know most of Tobias’ secrets.” The indecision on Samuel’s face made Jane believe he was referring to Tobias’ father. But she was less certain of Samuel’s knowledge of Tobias’ penchant for surrendering to a woman. Wanting to ease the man’s fear for his friend, Jane touched his arm in a gesture of understanding.
“I know the darkness that eats away at Tobias’ soul, Samuel. I am determined to make him see that no matter how terrible his past, he will always find sanctuary with me.”
Samuel studied her in silence for a long moment. She didn’t allow her gaze to waver as she silently willed him to comprehend what she was trying to say. With a sudden nod of acceptance, Samuel smiled at her.
“I hope Tobias knows what a true treasure he has in his future wife.” The comment made Jane wince and concern darkened the man’s face.
“I’ve said something wrong.”
“Not at all,” she lied as she forced a smile to her lips. “Simply a cramp in my toes.”
“Then let me find you a seat.”
“I wish I could, but Lady Hounslow has a new round of guests who I’m certain she’ll want to introduce us to.” She nodded in Irene’s direction to where the woman was fawning over several of her father’s acquaintances in the salon doorway.
“Then by al
l means we should get you to Tobias’ side.” Samuel grinned. “He loathes social engagements so I imagine his ability to be gracious will require your presence to ensure he’s reasonably polite.”
“I didn’t realize Tobias wasn’t fond of these types of socials,” Jane said with surprise. As they closed the short distance between them and Tobias, she looked up at the towering figure beside her. “No wonder he seemed so ill at ease when he’s attended the dinner parties we’ve had here at Culverstone House.”
“Tobias prefers straightforward conversation, not general gossip such as one finds at engagements like this. Although I do believe he’s rather fond of theater.”
“The opera perhaps?” Jane inquired with a hopeful expression.
“Now that’s a question I can’t answer where Tobias is concerned.” The subject of their conversation turned to face them, and Jane flushed with embarrassment as she met her fiancé’s questioning expression. Samuel grinned. “I was warning Jane about your dislike of social functions.”
“You know me too well, Samuel,” Tobias said with a grimace.
“And yet you’ve attended many social engagements here at Culverstone House.”
“I came for your sake, Jane, and no other reason.”
The quiet sincerity in Tobias’ voice made her heart skip a beat. Had she been wrong earlier? Had his endearment illustrated his true feelings for her? Was it possible he felt something for her other than desire? She offered up a small prayer that he might come to care for her. Jane wrapped her arm through his and smiled up at him warmly.
“Then you are forgiven for all the invitations you declined over the last few weeks.”
“I’m grateful for your indulgence,” Tobias said with a grin that was reminiscent of the Tobias who’d constantly challenged her at La Maison des Plaisirs Sombres. Determined to put him in his place, Jane leaned into him, her mouth brushing against his ear.
“There are many ways I am willing to indulge you, Tobias.” Passion flared in his eyes before it was extinguished a second later. Frustrated she scowled at him but his expression remained closed and guarded. Samuel chuckled.
“Why do I think there will be a constant battle of wills where the two of you are concerned?”
“Tobias has already told me there will be occasions when he will overrule me,” she said mischievously. “Although I’ve yet to see it happen.”
Tobias glared at her while Samuel laughed even harder. A quiet murmur of voices behind them made Jane release a sigh of annoyance as she heard Irene approaching. With a chuckle, Samuel excused himself and left them to a new round of exchanging greetings with people she barely knew.
Here they are, the happy couple,” Irene exclaimed with exaggerated delight. “Jane, Mr. Lynsted, here are Lord and Lady Hadley come to wish you well.”
Tobias’ arm became an oak branch beneath her hand the moment Irene announced the couple. As they faced Irene and the newcomers, Jane stared at Lord Hadley in puzzlement. The man was clearly agitated and out of sorts. His wife on the other hand was a replica of Irene. The woman’s simpering and trite manner would no doubt become quite annoying, very quickly. With perseverance, Jane forced herself to smile and appear interested in the woman’s conversation.
“I’m so happy Lady Hounslow invited us this evening so we could wish you both our very best,” Lady Hadley gushed as she offered them an insipid smile.
“Thank you, my lady,” Jane said as Tobias remained silent. Leaning into him, she smiled. “We’re quite happy, aren’t we, Tobias?”
Jane’s observation made Tobias jerk slightly as if she’d pulled him out of deep thought.
“Yes, indeed,” Tobias said as he kissed Lady Hadley’s hand and offered the woman his most charming smile. As Lord Hadley released Jane’s hand, Tobias nodded at the man.
“Good evening, my lord.” Tobias’ voice was pleasant, but his expression as he looked at Lord Hadley was distant, yet polite. Hadley blanched beneath Tobias’ penetrating gaze. Instantly, Jane stretched out her hand to clasp the gentleman’s arm to steady him as she realized he was on the verge of fainting.
“My lord, are you feeling all right? You look as though you’re ill.” At Jane’s observation, Lady Hadley immediately grew attentive to her husband and touched his hand.
“Should we go home, dear?”
“There’s no need to fuss, Matilda,” Lord Hadley said in a tightly controlled voice. “I was just a little lightheaded.” As the man looked at Jane and Tobias he cleared his throat. “As my wife said, we wish you all the best on the occasion of your marriage tomorrow.”
“Thank you, my lord. It was most kind of you and Lady Hadley to attend our celebration this evening.” Jane nodded while wishing the man and his wife would simply disappear.
“Lady Hounslow insisted we come,” Lord Hadley said in strangled voice as he nodded in Irene’s direction.
Startled, Jane suddenly realized her future stepmother had not moved on to another part of the room. Instead, the woman had remained off to the side silently watching the exchange. As Jane met Irene’s gaze, an expression of Machiavellian delight settled on the woman’s face. Suddenly aware of Jane’s scrutiny, Irene waved her hand toward the salon door.
“Oh my, Lord Tilden and his wife have arrived. You will excuse me, won’t you?”
Without waiting for a reply, the woman scurried away leaving Tobias and Jane to stare at Lord Hadley and his wife. As Irene abandoned them, Jane smiled politely at the couple.
“Would you care for some refreshments?” she asked.
“A good brandy would be nice,” Lord Hadley muttered. The man looked around the room like a trapped animal, and Jane could’ve sworn he was looking for an excuse to drag his wife away from her and Tobias. Jane caught the attention of one of the footman who immediately approached them with the tray of champagne. Jane encouraged Lady Hadley to take a glass while directing the servant to fetch Lord Hadley a brandy. Lady Hadley took a sip of her wine and eyed Tobias over the rim of her glass.
“Lady Hounslow has not told me how the two of you met.”
“I was the earl’s solicitor when we became acquainted,” Tobias said in a matter-of-fact tone of voice.
“Oh,” Lady Hadley said and arched her eyebrows in a scandalous manner. Irritation swept through Jane at the woman’s judgmental expression.
“Yes, it was quite romantic,” she exclaimed as pressed her shoulder into Tobias’. “Stolen kisses when no one was looking. The passing of love notes. I can assure you, my father was just as surprised as everyone else.”
Lady Hadley’s eyes grew round with horror as Jane smiled innocently at the woman. Next to her, Tobias choked on his drink then coughed. Jane lightly patted him on his back.
“In fact, I’m very pleased at how we managed to make my father believe it was his idea all along that we should marry.”
As Lady Hadley stared at them aghast, Jane took a triumphant sip of champagne. She enjoyed the viscountess’ reaction to the fictional account Jane had fabricated for the obnoxious woman to digest. Clearly appalled, Lady Hadley glanced around her in search of a new distraction.
“Oh look, there’s Lady Ingram, we should say hello, Albert.”
With that abrupt statement, the woman walked away leaving her husband to stare after his wife in embarrassment. With a muttered apology, the viscount started to excuse himself, but Tobias forestalled him.
“Tell me, Lord Hadley. Are you familiar with the speculation market?” Tobias studied his champagne glass before directing his gaze at Hadley. “I’ve recently been offered an opportunity to invest in such a venture, and I was curious to have the opinion of someone with experience in this area.”
Hadley paled and before Jane could express her renewed concern, Tobias cupped her elbow in a silent gesture for her to refrain from going to the man’s aid. She looked up at him in surprise, but his gaze was fixed on Hadley.
“Why, I…I did lose a small fortune in the speculative market recently, but Lord Culv
erstone was kind enough to help me resolve the matter.”
“You’re fortunate he offered you his generosity without the request for something intangible. Such as an address on Harrington Street?” Tobias’ words made Jane start. What on earth was he thinking to mention the street where La Maison des Plaisirs Sombres was located?
“I…I don’t…know what you’re talking about,” Hadley blustered while the blood drained completely from his face.
“No? I seem to recall the earl mentioning how helpful you were to him recently with some invaluable information.”
“He wouldn’t…he gave his word as a gentleman,” Hadley stammered in apparent panic.
“The man is not a gentleman by any measure of the word.” Tobias’ face was cold and compassionless. “Believing that was your first mistake.”
“You can’t prove a thing, Lynsted,” the man snarled softly, but with a look of intense fear on his features.
“I don’t recall accusing you of anything, Hadley.” Tobias shrugged as his eyes narrowed on the viscount. “However it is important to note that a man’s good name is irreplaceable.”
Hadley stared at Tobias, his mouth working, yet no sound passed his lips except for small gasps for a long moment. Hadley shook his head as an expression of desperation made his face suddenly look haggard.
“It wasn’t deliberate…the rules have always been clear to me—”
“And yet you ignored those rules.”
Tobias’ voice was flat and cold, almost deadly, and Jane now realized the two men were discussing the traitor of La Maison des Plaisirs Sombres. Jane’s gaze focused on Lord Hadley more intently. Was Tobias accusing the man of betraying one of the club’s members? Hadley’s face looked almost ghoulish now with horror.
“When we passed each other in the foyer…I was stunned. I thought you might know who I was, just as I recognized you,” Hadley rasped. “The minute I entered his office, the man knew something was wrong. I tried to change the subject. I didn’t want to reveal my association with…that place, any more than I wanted to divulge where I’d seen you. But he hounded me and hounded me.”