“So they ain’t in London.”
“No. And you still haven’t told me what this is about.”
Loudin looked like he was considering whether or not to tell her. Valenica wondered if it would be the truth.
“Well, yer ladyship, I’m to bring this Rosalind Carson back to her fiancé, which will be much harder to do if she marries someone else.”
Valenica saw the beginnings of a plan.
Apparently, so did Loudin. “And, yer ladyship, it sounds like you don’t want this Rosalind Carson marrying that Duke of Lynwood. Is that true?”
“It is really no business of yours what I do or do not want.”
“That’s neither here nor there. If you tell me where she is, I can go fetch her, which would help the one who hired me and it sounds like it could do you some good, too. All you need to do is tell me where she’s at.”
Valencia smiled. Her plan was shaping up very well, indeed.
* * *
It had been an extremely frustrating few weeks for Joseph Stapleton. He couldn’t understand why there was no word on Rosalind Carson. Not only had he been searching, but he’d had some of his best men out looking for her. He’d even sent one to track Grant Loudin, but with no success. If she were travelling along the main roads, he would’ve heard something by now since Bow Street had a network of informants scattered throughout England. But none of them had reported seeing a woman matching Rosalind’s description.
He was worried for the lady he’d come to like so much through his association with the Kellingtons. He’d seen right away that she’d been in love with Lynwood. But his friend had been surprisingly oblivious at first, which was odd since the duke was known for getting what he wanted in the House of Lords, which required the ability to read people. But once Lynwood had finally noticed Miss Carson – really noticed her – he’d fallen hard. He’d just let his damnable honor get in the way of what he truly wanted. And needed.
It wasn’t that Stapleton didn’t value honor. Quite the contrary. He’d grown up in rough circumstances and when you met a man who kept his word and acted with honor, you recognized just how rare that was. Not that honor was harder to find in the stews than it was in Mayfair. Quite the opposite, when you considered that a rich man with everything he could need or desire usually had no compelling reason to act dishonorably. But a poor man faced with no coin and a hungry family was presented with reasons to lie, steal, cheat, brutalize and kill on a daily basis. The ones who could be true to themselves under such circumstances were few and far between.
And Stapleton knew he could not count himself among them.
In Lynwood’s absence, the Kellington family had been meeting at Riverton’s home to discuss updates on the case. Stapleton had met the marquess through Lynwood, drawn together by a love of chess. Then they bonded together through good conversation and a desire to improve the situation of London’s poor. While Lady Riverton was known for her reform work, her husband had quietly been donating to charitable causes for years.
As Stapleton walked up the steps to Riverton House, the door was opened and Drasin bowed to him. Since making Drasin’s acquaintance, the butler had introduced Stapleton to several disabled veterans, good men thrown away by society. Stapleton had put as many of them as he could on Bow Street’s payroll as Runners, clerks and informants.
“Good evening, Inspector,” said Drasin with a smile. The man was still trying to be a good butler and remove all trace of emotion from his countenance, but it was the one part of his job he could not do. And Stapleton liked him all the more for it.
“Good evening, Drasin,” he said, handing the man his great coat, walking stick and hat. “I fear I am the last to arrive.”
“Her ladyship asked that dinner be delayed, waiting upon your arrival. The other family members are in the sitting room, except for Miss Violet, who fell asleep and is now in the nursery.”
Stapleton walked through the stately foyer. It was still odd to think he was a regular visitor in this house, as well as in Lynwood’s home. Growing up, he would sometimes wander through Mayfair, though the private guards were quick to chase away anyone who looked like he didn’t belong. And there was no doubt that Stapleton hadn’t belonged. Occasionally, he’d get a glimpse of a foyer while a door was being opened. At the time, he could not imagine walking into such a place. It was only years later when he began going to these homes as part of his duties as a Runner that he realized that sometimes the beauty of a house was in stark contrast to the ugliness of the people’s character within.
But on this night, he looked forward to seeing the Kellingtons, even if he did have nothing good to report.
“Ah, Joseph,” said Lizzie, as she rose to greet him, then just as quickly sat back down. Her husband was immediately by her side. “Don’t look so worried, Marcus. Just another wave of unpleasantness, though, fortunately, it does not happen as often as it used to. I know they say it’s supposed to be more common in the morning, but all that means is our dear babe cannot tell time. It is your fault, I am certain. Hal, get Joseph a drink.”
“Why do I always have to get the drinks?” asked Hal, newly returned from his wedding trip. But he said it with good humor and used the opportunity to refresh his own whiskey at the same time. “Mel and I leave for a few weeks and all hell rains down upon us.”
“How was your holiday?” asked Stapleton. “Your skin is not bronzed. I would have expected you to have been in the sun more. Did the south of France not appeal to you?”
“To be honest, I cannot remember a single thing about it. We spent the whole time indoors, specifically in bed.”
“Hal!” Hal’s new bride, the former Melanie Sutton, blushed vividly. “You should not say such things.”
“I am afraid, my dear, that you shall quite have to get used to my loose tongue. And to all the naughty things I say, as well.”
If possible, his wife blushed even more, while also looking extremely pleased. The American will be a good match for the wildest Kellington brother, mused Stapleton.
“Welcome home, Lady Melanie, Hal,” said Stapleton. “And, Lady Riverton, I apologize for being late. I waited for word from one of my agents, but unfortunately, he had nothing to report.”
“It is most vexing,” said Lady Riverton, who looked less green than a moment earlier. “But perhaps we should discuss it all over dinner.”
It was rare that the Kellingtons ever had a dinner in which guests were seated in order of precedence. But, as of late, even the tradition of the husband and wife being seated at opposite ends of the table was abandoned, so that Riverton could be at Lady Riverton’s side, should she need him.
Stapleton smiled at the sight of his friend helping his wife into her seat. He was happy that Riverton and the Kellingtons had all found true love. He had long ago given up on the hope of finding it for himself. Not that he was so very old. He, Riverton and Lynwood were all of an age at two and thirty. But with his profession, he wasn’t sure he’d ever find a woman who would wish him to continue in that line of work.
And it was more than that. He straddled two different worlds. He certainly didn’t belong in the one where he would live in a house such as this one. He didn’t particularly care for most toffs, with the exception of the ones in this room. But he enjoyed the conversations he had with Riverton and the Kellingtons, as well as their intelligent wives.
Once Stapleton had started earning enough to support his basic needs, he’d bought a subscription to a lending library and read everything he could get his hands on. Lynwood and Riverton had been generous in sharing their own libraries with him. In an ideal world, he would like to find a wife who loved reading and learning. But since most working class women had little time for such pursuits – if they’d ever learned to read in the first place – he didn’t think he’d find a woman there who could truly engage him for a lifetime.
It was a sad fate to contemplate.
“I have decided to call you Joseph,” said Lady Riverton.
“Pardon me, Lady Riverton?”
“I have decided to put an end to the dreadful formality you insist on observing with the female members of the Kellington family. It is most insulting when you call my husband and brothers by their Christian names, but persist in using titles for the rest of us. Especially since you are the voice of authority. Every time you call me ‘Lady Riverton,’ I half expect you to escort me to the Tower of London. I am sure my sisters-in-law agree with me.”
“Absolutely,” said Jane.
“You and I come from the same place, after all,” said Vanessa.
“I am American, so I do not care for titles,” said Melanie, with a shy smile.
“Give over, Joseph,” said Marcus. “My wife is rarely thwarted. You might as well fall in line, especially since she has been rather emotional as of late. You would not wish to upset her.”
“Marcus, I’ve not cried since I saw the new litter of puppies in the park and that has been almost two days now. Really, Joseph, I must insist.”
Stapleton had to smile. The members of this family had done more to welcome him than his own had ever done. “Very well, La…Elizabeth.”
“Lizzie.”
“I really do not think I could go so far,” said Stapleton.
Before Lizzie could argue further, her husband stepped in. “Have patience, love. He’ll come around. Joseph, do you have any news about Rosalind?”
“Unfortunately, no, although I am beginning to think that fact in itself is significant.”
“How so?” asked Ned.
“I can report with some certainty that she has not left the country. None of my contacts in the various ports have sighted her. Nor has she been seen on the main roads. As best as we can tell, she had little money, which means she would be travelling by stage or other public conveyance. My best guess is that she found a place to stay for at least the short term. We all know how intelligent Miss Carson is. She must have known her brother would try to find her and, from what I hear, the Duke of Fallmoor is making inquiries, as well.”
“That old roué,” said Lizzie. “I shall never forgive Rosalind’s family for selling her into marriage to anyone, especially to an old man like that. And especially when she should be the Duchess of Lynwood.” She sniffed. “Oh, no. The tears are coming again.”
Riverton took his wife’s hand and kissed it gently.
“Vanessa, I’m begging you,” said Arthur. “Do not take to weeping at every little thing like my sister when you are with child. I shall have to send myself on a mission to the continent if you do.”
“And I would gladly pack your trunks to help you get there all the faster,” she replied with a grin right before Arthur kissed her.
Stapleton had to smile at the changes in the Kellington men. Besotted, the lot of them.
And oh so fortunate.
“What I would like to know,” said Hal, who’d been rubbing his boot further and further up his wife’s leg since reaching the cover provided by the table, “is what Fallmoor’s reaction will be when our brother finds Rosalind and marries her. For I have no doubt he’ll marry her as soon as possible, even if he has to go to Gretna Green in the dead of winter. Scotland in summer isn’t much of a treat. I can only imagine how desolate it is with loads of snow. Oh, Lizzie, please stop sniffling.”
“I am just thinking of my brother and my best friend,” she said. “Marcus, I have soaked your handkerchief quite through.”
“It is a good thing, then, that I have begun carrying two,” he said, as he handed her the other.
“Fallmoor could be a problem,” said Ned. “At this point, Liam believes the honorable thing is to save Rosalind from a marriage to the man. But Fallmoor may not see it thus.”
“Aren’t there plenty of other women he could marry?” asked Stapleton.
“I do not think Fallmoor cares much about his choice of bride one way or the other,” replied Ned. “From what Liam said, Fallmoor paid a sizable amount to Rosalind’s horrid mother and brother, but I have no doubt Liam would repay the man, since I’m sure the money is long gone. But it’s Fallmoor’s pride that could be the problem here. Once word gets out – and word always gets out – he’ll look like a cuckolded fool. He won’t stand for that.”
“You don’t think he’ll call Liam out, do you?” asked Jane.
“Fallmoor’s not a fool. Our brother is too good of a shot. I don’t know what Fallmoor will do, but he won’t give up easily. And if his people find Rosalind before ours, I fear for the outcome.”
“Then I shall leave first thing in the morning,” said Stapleton. “I will track Loudin, starting from his last known position. And I will not give up until I have found Miss Carson.”
“And that, Joseph, is exactly why I think of you as a newfound brother,” said Lizzie, with a smile.
It was one of the most meaningful moments in Stapleton’s life.
“And here come the tears, again,” said Hal of his sister. “Really, Marcus, how do you stand it?’
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Liam had thought never to return to Lyman’s home, but as his carriage drove up the lane to the country estate, he actually looked forward to seeing the man again. What he really wanted to do was plant the man a facer. It was very fortunate that only one person had been in the church when it collapsed. If it had occurred on a Sunday, dozens would have been injured or even killed. Children and families could have been among the casualties. Even worse, Rosalind might have been hurt.
Yes, there was very chance that Lyman was about to be hit.
If the butler was surprised to see Liam again, he was too well trained to show it. When he said the earl was indisposed, Liam pushed past the man.
“I assume he’s still abed,” said Liam as he made his way up the stairs. He didn’t want to spend any more time on this errand than necessary. Especially since he didn’t wholly trust Rosalind not to take his absence as an excuse to bolt once again. Fortunately, he’d paid a couple of the children in the village to prevent her from doing that very thing, feigning injury, if necessary. She would never walk away from a child in need. He knew he wasn’t playing fair but did not care. All he was concerned with was making Rosalind his wife.
Liam knocked on Lyman’s bedchamber door, then upon hearing no permission to enter, did so anyway. He found Lyman in bed with a dark-haired woman he recognized as a servant.
Liam’s revulsion of the man grew.
“Lyman, I have come to make you a proposition,” said Liam, ignoring the earl’s sleepy protests to the intrusion. “If you will be so good as to excuse us, miss.” Liam tossed the servant’s wrapper onto the bed.
The woman climbed out of bed, making no move to hide her naked body. “You’re that duke who took the daft cow Olivia with you. I cannot imagine you’ve had good sport with her. The name’s Tally, if you’re looking to have some fun. I’d fancy working in a great house in Lunnon, I would.”
“Yet I would not fancy having you there,” replied Liam. “Olivia has already become an invaluable member of my household. You shan’t say a word against her. Now take yourself off, if you please.”
Tally took her time covering herself. “As you wish. But if you change your mind…”
“I won’t.” With that, he gave her such a look of dismissal that even the bold Tally knew enough to depart.
“See here, Lynwood,” said Lyman, looking like he was suffering the effects of drink. “What the devil are you doing, bursting into my bedchamber and rousting me from a morning tup?”
“You are fortunate I do not have you arrested for attempted murder,” said Liam. “Are you aware that the church in Kibworth collapsed? Upon further inspection of the buildings in the village, I am surprised there haven’t been more such incidents. There very likely would have been, had it not been for the intercession of Gabriel Mills and others in the village.”
“What has that got to do with me?”
“It is your land,” Liam all but roared. “They are your te
nants and you’ve been grossly negligent in your responsibilities.”
“Let them do their own work. I’m not rich like you. My blunt barely covers my expenses. The farmers can pay their own way. You already said that Mills fellow fixes things up. That’s as it should be.”
“No, it is not, Lyman. Not when they can barely afford to keep themselves fed and you waste money on endless house parties.”
“Lynwood, you’re such a bloody hypocrite. It’s not like you don’t ever have a bit of fun. You bedded Lady Elling back in London often enough and I heard tell you had her and Darva Montpelier together at the very house party you just disparaged.”
“Lyman, I have never beaten a man in his bed before, but am willing to make an exception. I am going to buy the unentailed portions of this estate at a fair price and I am going to restore it to a level where your tenants shall be treated well.”
Lyman’s shock was evident, but he covered it with the mistaken impression he could get the better of Liam. “What if I’m not of a mind to sell it to you?”
“Oh, but you are. Your cattle and expensive mistresses have all but bankrupted you. And I shall offer a fair price. You need the funds and since you have abdicated your responsibilities – something the King would not look kindly upon – you will take my offer.” Liam knew Lyman’s efforts to curry favor with the King would push the transaction through. “I shall begin repairs straight away. My man of business will contact yours as soon as possible. Now I must be off because I do not care to spend more time with you can necessary. Don’t get up. I have not yet had my breakfast and have no desire to have my appetite ruined.”
Lyman seemed to be warming to the business deal, but nonetheless added “This is awfully high-handed even for you, Lynwood.”
“Quite,” said Liam, right before he left the bedchamber.
* * *
Rosalind pulled the tray of scones from the oven. These didn’t look half bad. Liam had left that morning before he’d eaten, but only after they’d made love. She smiled when she thought about how tender he’d been that morning, almost as if he thought he had to make up for being so dominating the night before. But truth be told, she liked him both ways. The excitement of being at his mercy and also the tender ministrations that made her feel cherished. Loved.
Never Deny Your Heart (Kellington Book Five) Page 16