by Gayle Eden
“Any help I can be, let me know.”
“I will. I rather dread the social part, but I miss my siblings, and father. It is always interesting to see what Jo will get up to.”
Lady Summerton laughed. “I don’t know what to make of Auvary indulging her. He doesn’t seem the sort.”
“Um. Since his break with Alex did not break his heart, I imagine he is back to raking. I do not for a moment think he sees Jo in that manner, and suspect between he and father, he’s escorting her about for her protection. Jo can be reckless.”
“Does Van Wyc mention the Viscount?” Sonja referred to Sascha Auttenburg, her brother Edmund’s best friend and a handsome man Jo had fallen for. He had been entangled with an older duchess and owed her money. After years of playing puppet, he had seemed to have reached his limit. Or rather, after meeting and developing feelings for Jo, he seemed to have gone through a reassessment of his life. Van Wyc had gotten him passage and secured him employment with his family.
“Yes.” Val answered. “He’s doing quite well. Having thrown himself into starting over, according to Archard, he scarcely blinked, even after the duchess was forced to acknowledge the debts were paid. His man of business saw to it. Moreover, he managed to save his estate, which she had held notes on. He did not write anything personal in regards to Jo. Trust me, no matter how blasé she acts, Jo always asks in her letters without seeming to—In any event, the Viscount had been employed by a cousin, of which there are dozens…a chap in Geneva. He is some mixture of French and German. Since Van Wyc’s father was actually born in Holland, it is all very complicated, the lines and connections, there are cousins who have been wed more than once—but they are a family who stays close in ties. Sascha and this cousin hit it off. I expect he has written the Earl, Edmund, of it. He has already sailed to America and various ports overseeing the shipments—lumber sold for furnishings or some such. According to Archard, he’s a changed man….”
“I know that pleases Edmund. It was difficult for him. He would have paid the Viscount’s debts. However, I admire Auttenburg for refusing too. Despite the pain it likely caused both himself and Johanna, it says much that he took it upon himself to change the situation. Seems I read in one of the papers that the duchess…Edith, was courting some young earl, fresh out of university. I don’t envy those green lads.”
“Nor I.”
After more conversation, they parted for the day, Sonja to answer a few letters, and Val to meet with the housekeeper. She expected that Van Wyc would arrive at Whitestone and then journey to London. It was expected his brother and, a young cousin—whom he would see enrolled in University, was also coming. From his letters Val gathered that Aric, his twenty three-year-old sibling was strictly educated as well as versed in many of the family businesses.
He was apparently curious about “society” and something of a rogue. Too handsome for his own good, Archard claimed.
The cousin was seventeen. His name was Leuthold, but they called him “Roth” his last name being Rothstein. It sounded as if he worshipped Archard, even if Archard wrote about him with humor. He had aspirations of working in the merchant/shipping trade, which Archard oversaw here in England.
Later in the year, a female cousin, named Ingrid, was expected.
She wanted to experience a London season. She was not exactly a deb, at twenty. However, she was an heiress and according to Van Wyc, she grew up nearly running a homestead after her widowed father died. Tradition or not, she took it over and earned great respect (not a little awe too) by doing well at it. Before she settled down, which Val took to mean, found a husband or settled on one, she wanted to see what it was like to attend grand balls and live another kind of life. Val was greatly in hopes that Alex and Jo would see that she did, since she herself had little time on the dance floor and more sitting with the matrons than they. She would do her best, however.
Val planned for all of that. She kept it in mind for the London house, too. Jo, bless her, was supposed to help her prepare, and indeed, she had already toured it since her father had the keys. She assured Val that she would find everything in time, and though there was only a small staff now, according to the Marquis, others simply awaited her arrival.
* * * *
The day came when Sonja was to depart.
It was still chilly. Over the winter, Val felt they had bonded deeper and grown closer. It wasn’t that they needed to talk often of their past, so much as it was the days they had relaxed, or read, or had discussions about books, music, art, did it more. They embraced by the coach, the team snorting and harness jingling, Val felt that extra squeeze and felt good about inviting her. She knew in her own way the duchess avoided bonds. She and Edmund put distance between themselves and others because of the past. Since Edmund and Alex wed, the duchess became family in all their opinions, as well as Val’s good friend.
“I shall see you in London,” Sonja said when settled inside. She pulled up her lovely silver fur rimmed hood. Having relaxed in the country, she was done in her usual exquisite style, a black gown and silver and black coat that was smart and sophisticated. Her lush black mane was done up in a twist with onyx and silver combs.
Val stood by the door. She was in a comfortable jumper and dun skirt, prepared to do errands and chores. “Yes. We must go to the opera too.” She laughed. “Society is likely preparing to eagerly receive us both.”
Sonja snorted delicately. “For Edmund’s sake, I’ll attend what I must. But I never imagine I’m invited for any other reason than curiosity.”
“Me, likewise. I cannot imagine what’s been said about my marriage to Archard.”
“No matter what it was, you will not find any who do so once he is there.” Lady Summerton grinned a little. “The Viking intimidates people.”
“Um. Yes, he does.”
They spoke a bit and then Val waved her off. Huddled in her coat she watched the coach vanish. Turning inside afterwards, she spent the day making her own lists. Her mind constantly drifted to the fact that Van Wyc was returning soon.
They would start their married life. Not letters. Once he returned, the real relationship would begin.
Time to face up to it, my girl, she mentally told herself. You wed a real man for a real marriage this time, no fairy tales or illusions.
Archard knew her. He would expect her to handle everything with maturity. She expected it of herself too.
Chapter Four
“Where is he?” Archard scowled at his brother, Aric, whilst pacing beside the coach.
Aric grinned, his gray eyes turning toward the Inn across the way. “He’s on his way. I had to knock on a few doors to find him.”
Grunting, Archard paced more, anxious to get going and to see Val. They were already a week later than he had planned. They had made it to Whitestone, rested and he had spent some time taking Roth and Aric around, even showing them Hawksmoor. However, getting Roth to the university and getting him settled in was taking more time.
“Here he comes.”
Near the team, Van Wyc shook his head, his irritation giving way to amusement as he took in Roth, who was hurrying across the way with his bag. Dressed in all black with a ruffled shirt, his raven haired, sapphire-eyed young kinsman prided himself on having a certain dash and flair. The women appreciated it. The women—were the reason it was taking so blasted long to get anywhere. Any Inn or tavern they stopped at, Roth usually caught the attention of several of them.
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” His apology to Archard came the same moment he tossed the bag inside the coach. He turned; stroking a close cropped goatee, his eyes sparkling and color high. “I tried to get away three times this morning.”
Over Aric’s guffaw at that double meaning, Archard said dryly, “Well, that should last you for the remainder of the trip.”
With Aric still chuckling, they got in the coach. Although his brother had shot up, grown to be a man of 6 foot and three height, strong and long legged, Roth just barely reach
ed six feet. He did not need height. Were it not for Archard knowing he was intelligent and expert at weapons, a fighter few wanted to challenge, even at seventeen, he would have brushed him off as a dandy.
Stretching his own legs, Roth across from him, and his brother on the other side, Archard conceded that Roth was not the prissy sort. However, with dark hair and darker blue eyes, that bit of face hair, he dressed himself after the “romantics and poets.” At least he did it well and with some roguish dash.
“You don’t have to glut yourself,” Aric was teasing him. “They’ll be no dearth of females around the university.”
“Can’t help it if the women here want to welcome me to their country so munificently.”
Archard’s lips curved at the two of them laughing. It had been the same aboard ship. Aric was doing the “looking after” of the younger cousin because Archard had been busy, and preoccupied. He spent his time getting some papers in order so he would be free to escort Val in London. Both men were excited to experience England, and speaking several languages they talked to anyone from the crew to the guests. Roth simply drew females like bees to honey, and though Aric was more discreet, Archard was aware that he too charmed a few “generous,” females to his cabin.
“My brother is anxious to get to his wife, and you’ve delayed him,” Aric was saying.
Roth flushed under his darker skin, his sapphire eyes shooting to Archard. “Apologies, Cousin.”
“Accepted.” Archard muttered. “But do yourself a favor when at the university and apply yourself, if you want to work for me next year.”
“Of course…”
“Don’t worry about it.” Archard smiled seeing the young man was truly embarrassed. “I understand how it is to be your age. But discretion goes a long way.”
“I can be discreet. I simply had too much ale and…”
Aric cut in, “He’ll learn.”
Archard looked at his brother and nodded.
Aric, who had deep copper hair, as long as Archard’s and silk straight, light gray eyes, was dressed in buff and brown, an open collar white shirt, his own casual style fitting his height and broad shoulders. Maturity that had taken Van Wyc by surprise, because when he had left Aric had been a young boy, just a bit over five foot and though whipcord, not grown into a man’s body.
He looked older than his twenty-three years and certainly had matured. Having finished his studies and worked at various family trades, he had been living on his own—by choice—and against the “elders” wishes for some time.
He had written Archard often, but not until they saw each other again did the younger brother catch Archard up on his life. Archard discovered that there was a bitter break between Aric and the cousin he had last worked for. Apparently, Aric had met a young woman when he was sixteen and fallen in love with her. The cousin interfered to the point of paying her father to separate them when Aric was eighteen. He had not known that. However, it was just the beginning of problems between them, and Aric left. He had taken off for months without anyone knowing where he was. He had been in the mountains, remembering a simple little cabin that Archard had escaped to on and off. Staying there until he decided what to do, he had surfaced and sold some of his “interests” and gone outside the “family” and made investments.
Archard discovered that many of the family heard only one side of it and saw only one side. They were cool towards Aric at the funeral, and did not understand his desire to join Archard, any more than they understood his need for independence. Archard understood it.
It did not bother Aric overmuch. As it turned, out many of the younger males and females supported him. However, his brother had long moved from that “protected” young man into running his own life, and that included having experience with females.
Objectively, Archard could admit Aric was a handsome man, certainly he knew how to charm when he wanted. Far from “guiding” him, as he expected to if Aric joined him, Archard found himself having to get to know a much more mature young man. They were developing a friendship. He was getting used to Aric’s dry humor too.
“How much longer?”
“An hour or so.” Archard shook his head at Roth who was yawning. His eyes touched his brother’s amused ones.
Aric muttered as he braced his boot sole on the seat, “At least you won’t be further delayed once we find him lodgings and get him settled. I think he’ll sleep for a week.”
Lashes closed, arms crossed, Roth still heard that and quipped, “Two days at least. Bloody ale has my head pounding.”
Archard settled down and watched the scenery, hoping to get that “settling” done and then head to London. He had sent Val a note. The season was in full swing and she was going about with the Marquis, Alex, and Edmund, still sitting with the matrons, he suspected.
Archard intended to end that.
The Marquis had written him about Valerie furnishing the house. He was touched, surprised that she had apparently had them all scouring warehouses to get it done before he returned. Not just that, Alexander had told him that Val, after unpacking trunks he had, looking through his books and doing the library with some art and paintings he had stored there, decided the home needed to reflect both his world travels and his culture. The result the Marquis said was an interesting blend, comfortable, tasteful, and unique. It pleased everyone to help Val find what she needed, and it pleased Archard that she gave so much thought to making their home to suit them both.
With a slight smile now on his lips, Archard tried to tamp down other emotions connected to seeing her again. His dreams were increasingly graphic. He would still need patience with Val.
“I look forward to meeting her.”
Archard attended Aric who was studying him with an amused lazy gaze.
“You’ll like her. She is the most reserved of the three, in town. Nevertheless, relaxes once she gets to know someone. At Hawksmoor, she is more like her sisters.”
“You’ve talked about her often.” Aric teased grinning. Then he looked out the window. “Auttenburg spoke of her too, though he was obviously taken with her sister, Jo. Rotten thing, that situation.”
“Yes. And, speaking of Johanna….”
Aric laughed. “Don’t worry. I won’t seduce her, although flirting may be irresistible if she is as beautiful and spirited as both you and Sascha say.”
“She is more. However, she is my wife’s sister, and family.”
“I’ve noticed you are protective of them all.”
“The marquis is also my best friend.”
“Never imagined you’d wed into the aristocracy. Despite the ties we already have to them.”
“They’re not the usual…”
“I’ll say.” Aric laughed. Obviously thinking of the Rakehell Marquis—and how he got those daughters. The smile faded though and he offered, “Leland is a rotten piece of work. I hope the family rumors are true and he’s gone off to America.”
“As do I. Although, I feel sorry for anyone who falls for his handsome façade and lies.”
“Yes.”
“He’ll never come near Val again. I’ll make sure of that.”
“As will I.”
“I know.” Van Wyc saw the truth of that on his brother, having shared confidences with him. “And I thank you for it.”
“We’re brothers.” Aric said simply. “Valerie is now my sister.”
Chapter Five
“I will expect you all for dinner,” Alexander told Val as he dropped her off after returning from the shopping district.
“We’ll be there.” She handed her boxes to the maid, Sally. Who carried them inside. “I expect Archard will be anxious to see you.”
Her father’s eyes twinkled. “I won’t keep him too long afterwards.”
Flushing, she looked at the street traffic, a weak sun slanting down on her pert velvet hat and warming the hue of her purple suit. “I hope his brother likes me.”
“Everyone likes you, my dear.” Her father lifte
d his hand from the window ledge and touched her cheek. “Relax, daughter. Enjoy the life that will be beginning for you and Van Wyc. You’re both fortunate in each other.”
“I know.” She chewed her lip and looked back at him. He was as dashing and handsome as usual, youthful and vibrant, despite his silver hair. “I aim to try and be a good wife—”
“Val.” He sighed while smiling. “Relax. Just relax. I have enjoyed seeing what this marriage has already done for you. Whether he was here or not, whether you noticed it or not, you have regained much of your confidence—and your humor. Whilst you were decorating the house and shopping, even during the opening amusements, your sisters and I have observed a more relaxed side of you. That is how you need to be with Archard. I know him well. Although he is serious in business and gives everything his all, he is like most of us, a man who wants to enjoy life. Don’t over think everything.”
“I know. I won’t.” She leaned in and kissed his cheek. Stepping back, Val said before turning to go inside, “Thank you for spending the day with me. I realize you chose to do so instead of going to your club.” Her smile was wry. “You thought I’d be anxious since Archard’s note arrived.”
“I enjoyed it. I always enjoy my daughters company.”
Chuckling she said, “You are the only man I know who has better taste than most women. Or who does not mind shopping.”
He winked before the driver pulled out.
Going inside, her smile still lingering, Val added mentally that her father was also sly—since he knew, she was meeting the duchess for tea, and had joined them at the café. Although she was aware of Sonja’s reluctance, she also observed the attraction between the two was growing.
“The master and I will be having dinner out,” Val told the plump housekeeper as she took off her gloves and hat in the foyer. “I expect he and his brother will arrive within the hour. Please check the guestroom over and make sure that the younger Mr. Van Wyc will be comfortable.”