by Jillian Kent
Vale stood by the window. His thick blond hair and brilliant blue eyes shining in the candlelight produced an angelic glow that caused an intake of breath. For the first time she saw what her mother saw, and it frightened her.
He quickly crossed the room to greet them. “Lady Madeline, a pleasure to see you again.” He bowed low. In their previous meetings he had always been most sedate, almost boring. But tonight he seemed to crackle with some invisible energy. His presence sent a shiver of apprehension through her, and she glanced quickly at Hally. To her annoyance Hally appeared quite taken by the man.
“You must introduce me to your friend.” Vale turned to Hally with a gracious smile.
“Countess, may I introduce Lord Vale, an acquaintance of my father. Lord Vale, my dear friend, the Countess of Gilling.”
“It’s an honor to meet such a close friend of the family, Lady Gilling.” He bestowed a kiss on Hally’s gloved hand. “I am most fortunate to be in such lovely company this evening.”
Vale guided her mother to her seat as a footman seated Madeline and Hally. Madeline couldn’t help but notice how his hand lingered on her mother’s shoulder and his index finger just barely caressed the back of her neck before he moved away. Madeline also noticed a hint of a smile on her mother’s face.
When Vale sat down at the opposite end of the table, Madeline realized he occupied her father’s chair, a seat that had remained empty. Blood surged through her veins, and she jumped to her feet. “No! You must not sit there.”
“What?” Vale jumped up and looked about as though the ghost of Lord Richfield had materialized in the chair.
“That’s my father’s place.”
“I am so sorry.” Vale stood hastily and hovered behind the chair, abashed.
“How can you be so rude, Madeline?” her mother demanded. “Apologize this instant.”
Madeline looked to her mother for support, barely able to hold back the angry words she wanted to use. Her mother ignored the silent plea and turned her attention to their guest, her face flushed pink with embarrassment. “I am very sorry, Lord Vale.”
Madeline opened her mouth to speak. Her mother raised the palm of her hand, demanding silence. “I know this situation is difficult for you, Madeline, but you must accept it. There is nothing else to do.”
“Maddie,” Hally whispered and placed a comforting hand over hers.
When Madeline turned to her friend, she imagined an invisible flag of truce in the meaningful look that passed between them. She fought for composure.
Her mother rose from her seat and went directly to her guest. “Lord Vale. As you can see, this is distressing for my daughter. May I suggest that you sit near me?”
“Certainly.” Vale smiled apologetically. “I would enjoy that very much.” Vale moved to a seat near her mother. “I imagine it is quite difficult for a young lady to lose her father. I never knew my own father. He died when I was very young.”
Realizing the vehemence of her reaction, Madeline took her seat and lowered her eyes. Why is this so hard, Lord? I’m acting as if my father still lives.
“I understand you took a rather nasty fall from your horse at Lord Selby’s hunt, Lady Madeline,” Vale said as he shook out his napkin, “and that Ravensmoore came to your aid. Does the injury bother you overmuch?”
“I find the pain increasing this evening.” She struggled to make polite conversation. “But the sling that Lord Ravensmoore fashioned for me is very helpful.”
“I’m glad to hear it. I was acquainted with Ravensmoore’s father and met his elder brother once. It must have been difficult when they died. No bodies to bury when a ship goes down.”
“How sad.” Madeline hadn’t considered this. He couldn’t visit the graves of his loved ones as she did. “A watery grave.”
“Forgive me, ladies,” Vale said. “That was insensitive to bring up in gentle company, and at dinner no less.”
Grace nodded. Madeline’s senses sharpened. “You are acquainted with Ravensmoore?”
“No. But I am quite certain his father would not have approved of his continued training as a physician after receiving the title. The entire ton snubs him. Think of it. A nobleman working at a trade. It’s preposterous.”
“I wouldn’t be so certain of that,” Hally said, after taking a sip of cider. “Lord Selby saw fit to invite him to the hunt. Not all of the ton has disapproved. I believe what he’s doing is quite honorable. Unusual, but honorable. Imagine what someone of his stature might accomplish.”
Madeline grappled with her thoughts, not wanting to agree with anything Vale might have to say, yet not wanting to come to Ravensmoore’s defense either. One emotion after the other followed her thoughts. “I think his choice is… is intriguing.”
“You do?” Hally asked, obviously surprised. “But… I thought you—”
Madeline kicked Hally under the table. “Yes. I think more noblemen might consider the pursuit of an honorable trade,” she said, looking directly at Vale. “What trade would you choose, Lord Vale?”
Vale smoothed his carefully knotted cravat. “Why, banking, to be sure,” he declared. “There my experience in investments could be put to the best use. I cannot imagine anything more gruesome or grisly than the medical field. Ravensmoore must be mad to pursue such a course.”
“Perhaps I am.” At that moment Ravensmoore himself appeared next to the grim-faced Phineas at the entryway to the dining room. The earl wore a black tailcoat and matching breeches, spotless Hessians, a knotted silk neck cloth, and a charming smile. “But it is a most fulfilling madness.”
Madeline’s jaw dropped, her heart skipped a beat, and she felt her face flush crimson. She groaned silently, thinking the evening could not get much worse. Ravensmoore didn’t look anything like a physician, or what she thought a physician should look like. He looked… exceptional.
Phineas stepped in front of their newly arrived guest and addressed her mother. “Lord Ravensmoore is calling to inquire about Lady Madeline’s injury. Should I have him wait in the parlor, madam?”
“Heavens no. What an unexpected and pleasant surprise. You must join us for dinner, Lord Ravensmoore.”
“I do not wish to impose, Countess Richfield.”
“Nonsense. Cook makes enough food to feed a village. Phineas, seat Lord Ravensmoore next to Madeline.”
Ravensmoore dropped smoothly into the seat next to Madeline, sending goose bumps up her spine and heat into her cheeks.
“I’m relieved to see your color coming back,” he said. “A healthy sign.”
Grace smiled. “I am most pleased that you have come to inquire of my daughter’s health. I worry about her.”
“I will do my best to relieve your fears, madam.” He caught Madeline’s eye again and smiled.
Madeline swallowed hard. Hally nudged her and cast a quick grin across the table. Ravensmoore’s proximity made it difficult to think… to breathe. He smelled of leather and spice that she could almost taste. Masculinity laced with risk and possibilities. It made her wonder what it would be like to …
Her thoughts hurtled toward disaster.
She could not be attracted to him. She simply couldn’t.
CHAPTER 4
For he knoweth the secrets of the heart.
—PSALM 44:21
DEVLIN COULD NOT take his eyes off Madeline, and the smell of her perfume, that mesmerizing scent of jasmine, nearly obliterated all else from his mind. He forced an ear to listen politely as the countess introduced him to Lord Vale.
“I heard you mention my father, sir. How is it that you knew him?”
“Primarily business dealings. I met your brother too.” Vale cut into the piece of venison on the Wedgwood plate.
Devlin’s gut reaction to Vale was one of mild annoyance. There was something pretentious about him. “And in what business dealings were you involved?”
Vale swallowed a bite of food, concentrating on his plate instead of maintaining eye contact with Ravensmoore. “Inv
estments.”
“Ah, yes. Which investments?” Devlin probed, curious about this man and his relationship with his father.
“The East Indies.”
“I don’t recall any investments regarding the East Indies. Perhaps you are mistaken.”
“I am rarely mistaken in matters of business.”
Her mother interrupted. “Gentlemen, you must save this talk of business for after dinner. I believe we were discussing the idea of noblemen working at a trade. Lord Ravensmoore, why have you chosen to pursue a life in medicine?”
“Do tell,” Hally encouraged him.
“As the second son, I had already begun the study of medicine when my father and elder brother, Edward, died in a shipwreck. I simply chose to continue my studies along with my obligations as the heir.”
“There is nothing simple about that, sir. Your work is most honorable,” Hally said. “I’ve never heard of any gentleman doing such a thing. Have you, Lady Madeline?”
“No. Never.” Madeline fidgeted with her fork, picked up the utensil briefly, put it back on the table, and looked everywhere but at the man next to her.
“Indeed,” Vale said dryly. “What is the purpose of such an act?”
Devlin considered Vale’s attitude, an attitude he’d become all too familiar with since he’d come into the title. “To help those less fortunate than myself, sir.”
“A noble gesture, but quite unnecessary.” Vale reached for a piece of bread and knocked over his glass. “So sorry.” He tried to keep the spreading river flowing toward him from spilling over the edge of the table and ruining his clothes. A footman scrambled to clean up the mess.
Devlin caught the smile that Madeline could not contain. She doesn’t find Vale agreeable either. I wonder why? Vale appeared to be a real dandy and possibly a skilled liar as well. Devlin knew his father never had holdings or investments in the East Indies. Yet Vale claimed otherwise. Perhaps he wished to impress Countess Richfield.
“I find that easing the pain of those who suffer is an absolute necessity,” Devlin said pointedly. “If God has placed it upon my heart to become a physician, I would be unwise not to follow that path.”
Madeline turned to look at him. Her piercing hazel eyes seemed to swim in a storm of emotion. “But you are of a higher social rank. It is not done, Lord Ravensmoore.”
“That does not mean it shouldn’t be done.” Devlin searched her face expecting to see disapproval there, but instead saw only curiosity and perhaps respect.
She quickly composed herself. Her emotions vanished from her face like a turtle that suddenly disappears into its shell when danger approaches.
“I think it is wonderful,” Hally said. “Bravo, Lord Ravensmoore. May God bless you and your pursuits.”
Looking directly at Madeline, Devlin said, “I believe He already has.”
Vale cleared his throat. “There are many ways to help those less fortunate than ourselves, Ravensmoore. For instance, it came to my attention through a business associate that the Ashcroft Lunatic Asylum was in need of financial assistance. I visited the wretched place and improved the conditions of the kitchen and the food they were providing those unfortunate souls.” He shook his head. “Since this estate is near the asylum, I should alert you that one of the young women escaped from the asylum two days ago.”
Devlin watched the blood drain from Madeline’s face. “What’s her name?”
“Amanda Quinn. She’s cunning.”
Madeline whispered to herself, “Amanda.”
“Lady Madeline, are you all right?” Vale asked. “You look a bit pale.”
She looked from Vale to Ravensmoore. “I’m fine. I was just thinking how sad it is that the poor girl is disturbed and out there somewhere in need of help.”
“Never begin to think that the girl is to be pitied, Lady Madeline. She doesn’t speak, but that doesn’t mean she can’t speak. She’s chosen not to since the day she murdered her father. She’s mad. The courts have said so.”
Countess Richfield gasped. “How awful.”
Vale turned to Grace. “Indeed. She’s fortunate she didn’t get the gallows. She was right where she needed to be, and now she’s a danger again. I’d encourage you to have your servants on the alert in case she comes near Richfield looking for food or shelter.”
Devlin noticed that Madeline twisted her napkin in her hands underneath the table.
After dinner, while the men retired to another room for port and cigars, Madeline and Hally strolled in the moonlit gardens, ripe with plants and flowers awaiting spring’s call to blossom. Several grass-covered paths ran through a maze of tall hedges. Each led to a large wooden gazebo draped with ivy, an inviting, private place that Madeline loved to frequent during the summer months. With a book in one hand and a diary in the other, she would read and write and dream her time away. That was before death had plunged into their lives, hacking and pillaging its way through her family.
“What is wrong with me?” Madeline linked arms with her friend as they enjoyed the unusually warm and pleasant night. “I cannot believe my reaction when that man sat in Papa’s chair. Mother was horrified, and I’m responsible. What could I have been thinking?”
Hally sighed. “I think you know but are too afraid or too angry to say the words. Your mother is allowing Lord Vale to court her. I think she hoped for your approval tonight.”
How can she look at another man in the same way she did my father? “I cannot bear the thought.”
“What you think is of no consequence. She is obviously interested in this man. Her eyes betray her feelings. And did you see the way he looked at her? I think the feeling is returned. Don’t you believe your mother deserves another chance at happiness?”
“Of course. I’m not cruel. He’s just… the wrong man. We don’t even know much about him.”
“I thought he was a family friend.”
Madeline snorted. “Six months after Papa died Vale came to the house. He claimed to be an old acquaintance of my father, wanted to pay his respects, and wanted to know if he could be of help regarding estate details. He’s knowledgeable about such things as a nobleman and knew our man of affairs had died in an accident.
“Mother refused at first, then slowly changed her mind when she got to know him better. Since she’s come out of mourning, he’s made a pest of himself. She’s been entertaining him much too often. And then tonight she invites him to dinner.”
“Maddie, what will you do if your mother decides to continue seeing him?”
“I don’t know.”
Hally turned off the path and led Madeline to a flat stone bench. Behind them stood a small fountain with a statue of a child pouring water from a pitcher. Its perpetual supply filled the basin, sending minute droplets of spray into the air. Madeline felt a tiny splash hit her cheek. She smiled, thinking how she used to sit here as a little girl and splash water at her father.
Hally nudged her, interrupting her thoughts. “And what about Lord Ravensmoore? You came to his defense this evening.”
“I did no such thing. I merely agreed that his decision to become a physician was intriguing.”
“That must be the nicest thing you’ve said about the gentleman since you realized he treated your father.”
“Treated is not what I call it.” Madeline fidgeted with her silver bracelet, turning the smooth bangle around and around on her wrist. “I find Vale irritating. I simply chose to disagree with him.”
“Are you sure, Maddie? Perhaps it is time you examine your own heart instead of your mother’s.”
“Each heart has its secrets, Hally. Mine is no different.” She heard footsteps and looked up.
“Ah, there you are,” Ravensmoore said as he rounded the hedge and spotted them in the gazebo. “I hope I’m not interrupting, but I did want to inquire after your injury, Lady Madeline. Is now a convenient time?”
Hally replied for her. “It is the perfect time, sir.” She rose from her seat. “I will begin walking ba
ck to the house while you talk. Please catch up with me soon. The countess would not want you to tarry long by yourselves. Even though you are studying to be a doctor, Lord Ravensmoore, you are very much a man.” She curtsied, gave him a brilliant smile, and quickly disappeared around the hedge.
An awkward silence fell as Madeline found herself suddenly alone with this man.
“May I join you?” Ravensmoore asked. “I want to know how you are feeling. I must return to the hospital this evening and cannot remain much longer.”
Madeline looked up at his towering frame, uncomfortable with her confusing emotions. Her mouth went dry when her eyes met his. She forced out the words, “Of course.”
“Are you well?” Ravensmoore sat next to her. “Is the pain tolerable?”
“It has been but a day, sir.” A mere inch separated them. Madeline could feel his closeness. His warmth wrapped about her like a protective cloak. “However, when I awoke this morning, it ached. I am most tired of wearing this cumbersome sling.”
“I suggest a more relaxed position of the arm. It appears too tight. May I?”
“If you think it will help.” Madeline’s heart fluttered when Ravensmoore stood and moved behind her. “Do be careful.”
“I’ll be most gentle.”
His fingers slid against the nape of her neck as he untied the knot of the sling. Gooseflesh covered her skin once again. Were these the hands of a butcher? She shivered, but not because she disliked his touch—the opposite.
“Let’s reposition your arm and start over.”
Surprised at his gentle touch and care for her feelings, a seed of guilt began to sprout as he secured the sling more comfortably about her neck. She had treated him so poorly and thought even worse of him. Could she have misjudged the gentleman? And if she had, could she have misjudged Vale as well?
“There now. How does that feel?”
She sighed with relief. “Better, thank you.”
“Let’s see how you fare over the next few minutes.” Ravensmoore came from behind her and held out his hand. “Would you do me the honor of a short walk?”