“Well, the attics should have some space, though they are filled with a few centuries of furniture. It gets rotated in and out, you understand, but there is still quite a bit of it. I can have the footmen clear out a space for you if you’d like. Now, if you wish to continue the tour, I can show you the guest wing where princes have stayed.”
As Mrs. Lyons continued her tour, Rose looked back at the portrait of the former duchess who had been denied her true love. And, somehow, Charlotte looked even sadder than before.
* * *
Bancroft slowed his horse to a canter, before halting the stallion all together. It had not been safe to talk in the house, what with Grayson popping up with irritating irregularity, so he had suggested a ride with Frederick Mortimer. Unfortunately, Canning had insisted on accompanying them, so Bancroft had told Jones to keep the viscount occupied while the duke learned why Mortimer was there.
Bancroft was on his trusted mount and had purposely given one of the more unpredictable steeds to Canning, who was one of the worst riders of the ton. Jones was little used to riding, but was doing well enough with his horse. The poor animal likely sensed what would happen to it if it acted up. And Frederick Mortimer rode as well as a gentleman, which was odd considering he was anything but one.
Bancroft and Mortimer were now on a hill, looking out at the estate, while Jones kept Canning busy.
“Why are you here, Mortimer?” asked Bancroft.
“I have a business proposition, your grace. There are rumors that the man who had Pierce killed made a tidy sum of money blackmailing members of the ton. Yet, because of the murder, the current atmosphere is too risky to resume his previous activities.”
“I do not know why that would possibly concern me.”
Mortimer’s only response was a raised eyebrow.
The duke continued. “If you think you know something, spit it out.”
“The only thing I know is that Viscount Canning drinks too much and thinks too little. He has all but admitted to knowing the identity of the blackmailer.”
Bancroft inwardly cursed, though he had suspected as much. “But if this blackmailer is as smart as I have heard, he hardly would have confided in someone as dull-witted as Canning.”
“That is what I thought, as well. Except, it is well known that Canning has made a great deal of money from his import-export business, yet from what I have learned, his fleet is small and its acquisitions inconsequential. Clearly, he is getting his money from other sources.”
“I still do not know why you are telling me this.”
“Because you are one of his silent partners in the import-export business. And, you, too, have unexplained wealth.”
Bancroft schooled his features. “I have never been one to talk about my investments. It is too common by half.”
“I am not here to cause you problems. I have come only to warn you. There are people in London right now going over your investments. I suspect they will soon learn there is no legal way to explain your wealth.”
“Who are these people?”
“Arthur and Vanessa Kellington.”
“And why are you telling me this?”
“For one thing, I still haven’t forgiven them for killing a former colleague of mine.”
“Rumor has it you were once in love with Vanessa Kellington.”
“She was naught but a protégé and a bit of fun on the side. I was close to a lifetime of wealth until they interfered. I would like to see them thwarted in this attempt to bring you down. Their embarrassment would be balm to my soul, damned as it is.”
“You said you had a business proposal for me. What is it?”
“I will run your business, for a percentage of what you make.”
“How big of a percentage?”
“Half.”
Bancroft snorted his derision. “Only a fool would agree to that.”
“I am not asking to do this on a permanent basis. I just need to earn enough to leave England.”
“I thought you were no longer a wanted man.”
“I’m not. But given my notoriety, I am no longer able to pursue my schemes here. I need the anonymity of America and that takes money. In the meantime, you can fade into the shadows. You would still be getting paid, but without the risk of getting caught.”
Bancroft thought it through. It was true that his enterprise was more fraught with risk than ever now. But he still didn’t trust Mortimer completely. “You can take five percent.”
Now it was Mortimer’s turn to snort. “You know I am worth more than that. Thirty percent. And that’s my final offer.”
“Fifteen. And you’ll only have six months, so you had better save your money.”
Mortimer thought about it, then nodded. “What about Jones? Will he work with me?”
“He’ll do anything I tell him to do. But Mortimer, one word of caution. If at any time I think you are trying to cheat me, Jones will kill you before you ever get the chance to run. And it will not be a pleasant death.”
“Fear not on that account. I want to live long enough to enjoy the money. And here comes the esteemed viscount now.”
They turned to watch the spectacle of Canning riding toward them, trying desperately not to lose his seat. He was listing perilously to the side, but held on with such a tight grip it was a wonder his horse didn’t throw him off. The viscount finally caught up to the others with Jones close behind.
“I say, Duke,” said Canning. “I don’t know why we had to ride these infernal animals when it would’ve been much more relaxing to stay in your study and discuss matters with some of your fine brandy and cigars.”
“In case you haven’t noticed, Canning, the castle is filled with people who cannot learn what we are up to.”
“Yes, your grace,” said Mortimer. “How did your daughter-in-law’s relations come to be living with you? I was quite surprised to hear Lord Grayson had married. Suspicious timing, is it not?”
“He likely got the chit pregnant,” said Canning. “Nothing suspicious about that.”
“It does complicate things,” conceded Bancroft, as he looked out at his land. “But it is nothing I cannot work around.”
“Yet it might be smart to decrease the odds of going against both Lord Grayson and Mr. Lewis,” said Mortimer. “Lewis spent too many hours in London boxing salons for anyone to want to take him on in a fight. And Lord Grayson looks like he could handle himself well enough.”
“Ha!” said Canning. “That is how little you know about it, Mortimer. Grayson spends his nights in the basest gaming hells, then moves on to brothels. I dunno where he spends his days, but I would not be surprised to learn he’s seen the inside of more than one opium den.”
Bancroft studied Canning. It was true that Grayson had spent a great deal of time in all of those places, but not everything was as it seemed. However, he did not feel the need to share that information with his companions. “How do you suggest I even the odds, Mortimer?”
“Are you still the magistrate for this county?”
“I am.”
“Then I have a suggestion.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
After her house tour, Rose had had no time to speak to Nate in private. She still wasn’t ready to tell him she’d seen the ghost in her bedchamber. But now that she’d seen the portrait, she was even more curious as to why she had seen that particular apparition. Rose was also worried about Win. Her sister had rested much of the afternoon, but was still extremely tired. And from the way Alex was watching his wife, Rose knew he was worried, as well.
They timed their arrival downstairs just as Westfield announced dinner was being served. Viscount Canning’s evening clothes were just as hideous as the ones he had travelled in. Mr. Jones was taking his meal in the servants’ quarters and Mr. Mortimer was dressed in understated elegance.
Mirabelle, however, seemed to have raided the crown jewels. She had diamonds dripping off her and her bodice was almost indecently low. But rather than being em
barrassed by his wife’s display, Bancroft was preening, as if showing off a Thoroughbred. Canning couldn’t keep his eyes off her and even Mortimer glanced her way with appreciation from time to time. Alex, however, had eyes only for Win. And Nate appeared bored each time Mirabelle addressed him.
Per usual, Mirabelle had seated Nate next to her, while Rose was by Bancroft.
“How was your ride, your grace?” Rose asked, once the second course had been served.
“I enjoyed it immensely. The estate is especially fine at this time of year and riding is excellent exercise. You should think about taking one of the mares out when Grayson is too busy to see to you.”
“I am never too busy for my wife, your grace,” said Nate. “But I was occupied this afternoon.”
“I often wonder what you occupy yourself with,” said Bancroft. “In all the time I have known you, I cannot recall you being that interested in anything which didn’t involve gaming or other entertainments.”
Nate glared at his father’s allusion to brothels. Rose quickly stepped in. “I am glad you enjoyed yourself, your grace. I hope your guests did, as well.”
“As a matter of fact, I came up with an excellent idea on the ride. You may know that I am the county magistrate, my dear. Well, since I have taken my new bride, I have less time to devote to such matters. So, I have decided to appoint someone in my place. Would you like the position, Lewis?”
“I do not believe I understand, your grace.” said Alex.
“You were a widely respected barrister for the Crown. I am certain you could do the job, since it mostly concerns cows trespassing into fields and the occasional drunken contretemps in the village. Plus, I have to think you miss your old life.”
Rose could tell Alex was intrigued by the idea, but did not want to accept, knowing Bancroft must have an ulterior motive.
“Thank you for the honor, your grace,” he said slowly. “But I, too, have recently married and would like to spend time with my wife.”
“You might be interested to know the title comes with a house on the estate. It is but a small dwelling, only two stories and five bedrooms. But it would be yours as long as you hold the position. And since I have no desire to ever take it back, it would be yours for many years. Just think, this would give Mrs. Lewis the chance to permanently escape her brother’s house. I mean, that is the reason you moved here in the first place, is it not?”
Win was so shocked, she couldn’t speak. Rose was also surprised, and a quick look at Nate showed that while he was outwardly calm, he was trying to figure out just what his father was about.
While Rose knew they could not trust Bancroft, giving the position to Alex was a brilliant idea. He was certainly worthy of the job. Alex had been an excellent barrister but had given it all up to marry Win. He had never complained, but it must have been difficult. Rose hoped Bancroft was in earnest with his offer because she did not want Win or Alex to be disappointed, though she had to wonder why Bancroft had done it.
“While I thank you very much for the honor, your grace…” Alex began, sounding like he was about to decline the offer.
Nate interrupted. “You will be a splendid magistrate, Alex. It will not be what you are used to, but this will free up his grace for other matters and I am certain those who live in the county will like knowing they have an experienced man in the position, especially one who comes to it without bias. When I was a boy, the duke would tell me stories of arguments he had to settle between people who had known this family for generations. I think he was always happy to return to his study with a snifter of brandy afterwards.” He smiled at his father at the remembrance and for once the emotion was real.
Bancroft laughed. “Yes. It can be quite trying to determine guilt in a matter when you’ve hosted both litigants for Twelfth Night. Mayhap I should send a bottle of brandy to the new house when you move in for the headaches which will surely ensue. Will you take the position, Lewis?”
Alex looked at Win, whose pride shown in her eyes. “Thank you, your grace” he said. “I will gladly take the position and promise to execute the job faithfully.”
Now Win smiled at the duke. “Your grace, while we very much appreciate the offer of a home, I was hoping my husband and I could stay in the suite next to Rose for just a while longer, if it pleases you.”
“Why on earth would you do that?” asked Mirabelle, who had tired of having the attention turned away from her. “I believe it is quite odd, even to the point of being selfish, for a sister to impose on her newly married sibling.”
“Win and Alex could never be an imposition,” said Rose adamantly.
“Which is just what a polite sister would say,” said Mirabelle. “And do not forget, I am newly married as well. Mayhap I would like more room to myself.”
“Yes,” said Nate dryly. “The castle can barely accommodate our guests.”
Mirabelle smiled at Nate, then patted his hand. “Oh, Nathaniel, you are so droll. I am just saying that since the duke was so generous in allowing Mr. and Mrs. Lewis the use of a house, they should move in at the earliest opportunity. I am certain Mrs. Lewis would like to be mistress of her own household, instead of forever letting others take precedence.”
Rose half expected her sweet, peaceful sister to throw a piece of the Bancroft crystal at their hostess. But instead, Win relaxed enough to say, “The duke has been most generous and we will move in to the house as soon as it is ready, though I daresay we shall be over here almost as much as if we were still living here.”
Rose would be sad to see her sister go, though she was excited that Win and Alex would have their own home. Rose knew Nate would do what he could to ensure they would be allowed to stay there as long as they liked.
Rose still didn’t know why Bancroft had made the offer, but from the satisfied look on the duke’s face, she knew this would not bode well for Nate.
* * *
Later that night, Rose and Nate sat with Win and Alex in the sitting room adjoining their suites.
“I do not want this position if it means putting the two of you at risk,” said Alex. “I can still decline in the morning.”
Nate took a sip of his port. “It would look too suspicious if you turned down the offer. After all, not many people tell my father no. And this will work to our advantage since we will need you to arrest him when the time comes.”
“You do not think he would willingly submit to that, do you?” asked Alex.
“It would be better than the alternative facing him.”
Rose took her husband’s hand. She hated to think of anyone dying, even Bancroft, but knew it to be a distinct possibility.
“But why can’t we remain here?” asked Win, barely suppressing a yawn.
Nate smiled at her. “For one thing, the two of you deserve a home of your own. For another, Bancroft is more likely to let down his guard if he doesn’t believe there is a gentleman in the house who could beat him senseless. And, if you will permit me to be indelicate, I believe you to be with child. It was bad enough for you to risk your own life. I will not permit it now that you have a babe to think about.”
Rose was shocked. She wasn’t the only one. Alex was staring at his wife, mouth agape.
“How did you know?” asked Win. “It is still quite early.”
“You have a glow about you, when you are not falling asleep in the middle of the day. Congratulations, love. You will be a wonderful mother, and Alex an excellent father. Kiss your wife, Lewis.”
“You are….how did…how long…you are going to have a baby?” asked Alex, as he looked Win up and down as if the babe were already poking out of her somewhere.
“Yes, love,” said Win with tears in her eyes. “But it is very early and I did not want to say anything until I was further along. After everything that happened to me in the past, I did not even know if it would be possible to have a child. And now, I am carrying yours.” Tears began flowing down her cheeks, as her husband pulled her gently into his arms.
> Rose felt her own tears fall as her husband’s strong arms came around her.
“First Colin, now Win,” said Rose through tears.
Nate whispered in her ear, “May we be blessed with our own, soon.”
He kissed her, then the two couples sat before the fire and, for one moment, nothing else mattered but love.
* * *
Rose was having a difficult time sleeping, despite the warmth and security she felt in her husband’s arms. She never could have imagined how wonderful it was to be entwined like that, her back to his front, his strong arms around her. It had become their routine. They made love each night, then he would turn on his back, with her nestled on his chest as they talked about the day ahead. Then when it was time to sleep, he would roll them both to their sides and nestle together.
Rose usually fell asleep quickly, but tonight, though she felt Nate’s even breathing of sleep, she could not turn off her mind.
She was overjoyed with the thought of Win becoming a mother. Her poor sister had already gone through so much in life, it was only fitting that she would now have not only an excellent husband, but a babe to love, as well. Rose was already in love with the little one and was looking forward to spoiling all of her nieces and nephews. And, when this was all settled, she hoped to have a baby of her own. She knew Nate would be an excellent father because he had so much love to give.
Then her thoughts turned to Duchess Charlotte who had died so young, separated from her true love. Rose knew nothing could take her away from Nate. She would always fight to be with him, come what may.
She wasn’t sure of the time, but it was very dark in the room when she awoke from a sleep she did not even know she had fallen into. There was a glow in the room and she looked up to see Duchess Charlotte floating above the bed. Rose turned to see what Nate had to say about it, only to find him sound asleep behind her, just as he had been earlier.
Charlotte slowly held out her hand, hovering closer and closer to the bed until she was just inches above. Almost instinctively, Rose held out her hand to touch fingers with the other woman. When she did, there was a coolness which travelled up her fingers and spread to every part of her. There was a glow around her and suddenly she was floating above the bed with the duchess.
Always Forever (Emerson Book 5) Page 12