“You will go?” Velvet looked cautiously at Bran.
“I would go to the ends of the earth for Worthing. Considering he takes up Eleanor’s cause, how might I refuse?”
Velvet did not argue; she just settled in closer to him as he read on.
The next part is most difficult to record. I have spoken to Lady Eleanor, and she shares the most sorted facts. It is inconceivable that a woman of Eleanor’s ilk might live under such a shadow. As I have expected from the first night I found Lady Eleanor sleepwalking at Thorn Hall, your sister suffered under the late Duke’s hand.
“Viscount Worthing mentioned Ella’s sleepwalking earlier,” Velvet confided. “But I do not understand His Lordship’s words regarding your father.”
“If the viscount mentioned the late Duke,” Bran barely whispered, afraid to say the words, “then Father took advantage of Eleanor.”
“Tell me...it cannot...cannot be,” she stammered.
Bran caught her hand. “Let us discover what His Lordship wishes us to know, with the understanding we will never be the same.” He swallowed his anger and began again.
Lady Eleanor describes what happened in terms of love. When Lady Fowler passed, and you argued with your father and left Thorn Hall, Lady Eleanor turned to her only parent for love, and William Fowler responded in the only way he knew how. I shall not dwell on the specifics. You understand without the words. This continued until Lady Eleanor reached fifteen years, and then the late Duke withdrew for over a year. His control became mental games. The late Fowler often asked Eleanor to prove her love for him. That is what I heard when I found Lady Eleanor that first night in the library.
Velvet now had tears running down her cheeks. “Why did I not see it? How could I be so unaware? Poor...poor Ella.”
“I should never have gone away. It is my fault; I should have tolerated my father’s depravity. I could have saved Ella.” Bran’s free hand fisted, but the anger turned inward as he returned to the letter.
Somewhere towards the end of that year of reprieve, your father developed a friendship with Robert and Lillian Levering, Sir Louis’s parents. No one knows how things developed, but, eventually, the duke brought Sir Robert to Lady Eleanor, literally, offering his own daughter to a stranger. When Eleanor objected, Fowler threatened to take Miss Aldridge instead; therefore, your sister submitted.
Velvet gasped, “She did it for me!” Her lip trembled with the words. “Oh, my God! Ella tolerated such depravity to save me. I do not think I could survive the degradation.”
“Eleanor was always the strong one.” Bran slid his arm around Velvet’s shoulders before he began again.
Eventually, Lillian Levering joined her husband and Fowler. Lady Eleanor often served as a way to enflame the others. However, as the Leverings demanded more and more, the Duke put a halt to their coming to Thorn Hall.
The current situation evolved from a diary Lady Levering kept. She thoroughly described their encounters, often mentioning the Duke’s name, as well as Lady Eleanor’s. Sir Louis found the diary and blackmailed your father for several years. I fear, Your Grace, we can now put the question of 3L in the resolved column.
“3L?” Velvet asked.
“Unusual payments out of the estate expenses. I could not explain them until now.” He returned his attention to the letter.
According to Lady Eleanor, Sir Louis thought himself safe when you did not return to Kent, as the baronet has an alliance with your Cousin Leighton. With your appearance, things changed. Now, Sir Louis threatens to send pages of his mother’s diary anonymously to every ton member. Lady Eleanor’s childhood mistakes will be the talk of Society. She swears she will marry Levering rather than to let that happen. Yet, I refuse to permit her such a sacrifice. I will eliminate Levering first.
Sir Louis staged the Hyde Park attack to weasel his way into your good graces. However, none of us truly accepted him, which increased the baronet’s desire for revenge. Now, we must free Lady Eleanor from Levering’s hold. I have some ideas, but I need the Realm’s input to make them work. We will discuss them at The Fish Bowl Wednesday evening. We will need what you have already put in place, as well as Crowden’s personal skills. We must secure Lady Levering’s diary and then find a way to bring down Sir Louis. Unfortunately, we must share some of this information with others. Those who assist us will require a working knowledge of Sir Louis’s perfidy, but as much as possible, I wish to protect your sister.
One thing I will ask Lady Eleanor to do is to write several newsy letters home. I will send a man to the Lake District to mail them. This will assist us in maintaining the ruse for others. Of course, Sir Louis will know the deception, but he can say nothing because Lady Eleanor is supposedly with her friend Miss Nelson. The first of those letters should arrive within the next few days. Hopefully, you will have the opportunity to use them effectively.
Until we meet...
J. K.
“I must set things in motion,” Bran rose to return to his desk.
Velvet followed him. “How might I be of assistance? May I go to Northamptonshire with you?”
Bran hesitated, actually considering allowing her to accompany him, but then he knew how the other Realm members might react. They would “guard” their words, and for this, they required a free exchange of ideas. “It is not prudent, my Dear. Although I would cherish your being with me, I require someone I can trust to maintain a countenance in London. What if Sir Louis comes looking for Eleanor? I need you to be that person. Can you do this for me? Can you do it for Ella?”
“Of course, I can. Just tell me what you require of me.”
“Let me send out notes to the others first, and then you and I will discuss the best way to handle the rest of London’s Society, as well as Sir Louis’s eventual return.”
*
Six men sat around a large table in the private dining room of The Fish Bowl Inn. They leisurely ate, comfortable in the knowledge that they knew each other as few men do. They each had carried his “ghosts,” but none of them judged how their friends had come to the Realm. They had accepted the unknown and offered respect and loyalty.
“Do we understand our roles in this charade?” Worthing asked. “We all know what we are doing?”
“I wish you had asked something of me besides feigning friendship with the baronet,” Bran grumbled. “Could I not just beat him to a pulp?”
“As much as I would like to see Sir Louis meet with a sudden accident, I want no shadow to remain for Lady Eleanor. Lexford, you have contacted the baronet?”
“I did. My letter told Levering that I expected payment of his debts as soon as I arrived in London. The baronet still owes me a substantial sum, and I will twist the knife until he discloses the diary’s location. I warned the gentleman that I would tolerate no defection on his part.” Kimbolt popped another slice of cheese into his mouth.
Worthing nodded his agreement. “Swenton, do you suppose you could buy up some of Levering’s blunt. I will stand you, as I am certain will His Grace. That will assist Lexford in tightening the hold on Levering.”
Bran readily agreed. “Whatever it takes, John. I am good for it. You have the wealth of Thornhill in your efforts.”
“I will see to it right away, Captain. I already have a list of the baronet’s many creditors. It should not take much to convince them to sell me his personal notes.”
Bran took a slow sip of his wine. “Crowden, your skills will come into play as soon as Lexford locates the diary.”
“Do we have any idea where I should begin my search?” Crowden leaned back in his chair.
“Soon.” Lexford acknowledged with a salute of his glass.
“I am looking forward to it,” the Marquis asserted. “London Society bores me; I require some excitement.”
Lowery asked cautiously, “Has Lady Eleanor agreed to this plan?”
Worthing offered a secretive smile. “I have not told her everything. His Grace and I discussed it. To be truly free of
Sir Louis, Lady Eleanor must face down the baronet. We will make Levering appear a fool. He will come to the Prince Regent’s party thinking he can reclaim Lady Eleanor only to find her under our protection. No one touches those that the Realm affects. The baronet will say something foolish, and either Fowler or I will call him out. Levering will either run away in shame or die with the dawn.”
“How will Prinny react to a duel?” Crowden mused. “Could that not be dangerous?”
“I am betting that the Prince will take offense at Levering making false claims regarding the daughter and sister of a duke,” Worthing shared. “Prinny takes it personal when those of a lower rank usurp their betters. Lady Eleanor would never consider a mere baronet in Queen Charlotte’s scheme. Propriety must be maintained; and although at times our prince may be slack in his own proprieties, he will see to what is right in this matter.”
They all nodded in the affirmative. Everything finalized, Worthing stood to end the meeting. “I will expect all of you at Linton Park next Friday,” he announced.
Swenton laughed lightly. “And for what purpose would that be, Captain?”
Bran stood also, lazily draping his arm over Kerrington’s shoulder, jostling his friend good-humoredly. “The Captain has decided to take orders from my little sister. A special license from the archbishop means Worthing becomes my brother in life, as well as in arms.”
Although Bran’s tone draped itself about all the well-wishers’ shoulders, the others at the table congratulated Kerrington in earnest. Jabs about Lady Eleanor bringing down a great man took precedence. Finally, Lexford declared, “It is time, Worthing. Lady Eleanor will be the perfect complement to your brashness.”
Worthing’s smile grew by the moment. “Of course, having Fowler for a brother is a detriment.” He purposely shrugged off Bran’s arm. “However, Lady Eleanor makes up for her brother’s shortcomings.”
Swenton came proudly to his feet, and the others followed. Raising his glass he toasted the man they followed into hell. “To the Captain!” he declared.
“To the Captain!” the rest of the men called in unison as they raised their glasses in respect.
“To my brother!” Bran announced. “I can think of no one I would rather have as part of my family.”
Much later, Bran reluctantly answered the door of his room. He had drunk too much last night and was to bed less than two hours, but he staggered to where the sound came. When he released the bolt and cracked the door, a sliver of light assaulted his eyes, and he squeezed them closed.
“Fowler,” Worthing’s voice came from the near darkness of the inn’s passageway. “I am leaving.”
Bran eased his eyes open, letting the light in a little at a time. “Leaving? What time is it?”
“About four.” Worthing lowered the candle to take away the light’s sting.
Bran looked confused. “Four? Why so early? Cannot stay away from my sister?” Bran’s alcohol-saturated mind could not think seriously.
“Not exactly.” The viscount paused in his explanation. “There is just something. Something is not right...a gut feeling...I cannot shake it. We have always listened to our instincts.”
Bran shook his head to clear it. “Levering? Do you suppose?” He was suddenly alert.
“I do not know; I just need to go. You will address what needs to be done in London?”
“I will see to it.” Bran began to consider the possibilities.
Already moving onto the next issue, Worthing shook his head. “I will see you soon.” Taking the candle’s spot with him, he disappeared into the darkness.
Within minutes, Bran heard the rattle of the carriage in retreat. He crawled back into the bed, pulling the blanket up over his head. He would rise in a few hours and return to London. The more he thought of the possibility of Levering being in Derby, the less likely he considered the notion. Worthing had simply missed Eleanor and had wanted to return home and start his life over. It was a nice dream; Bran knew it too. In fact, he suspected each member of the Realm held like desires–a chance to find love and happiness. Thoughts of Velvet Aldridge renewed these prayers in him, and Bran welcomed his favorite dream of the dark-haired beauty. Of late, things seemed better between them, and Bran had hoped that they might someday come to a true understanding. “The prayer the devil answers,” he mumbled as he rolled over in the bed.
*
“Sir Louis,” Velvet acknowledge as she entered the drawing room, accepting the baronet’s card presentation by Mr. Horace. Bran had not returned from Northamptonshire, and Aunt Agatha was out with some friends. Velvet hoped she could convince the baronet of the ruse they had put in place. She now realized how sly her former neighbor was. “I am surprised to see you at Briar House, Sir. Surely you realize my cousin is not at home.”
“Forgive me, Miss Aldridge.” Sir Louis offered up a belated bow. “I came seeking news of Lady Eleanor’s return.”
Velvet motioned to a nearby chair. “I cannot say for certain, Sir Louis, although we did receive a letter from Eleanor only just this morning. It seems she and Miss Nelson are thoroughly enjoying the Lake District.”
Levering asked suspiciously, “Miss Nelson?”
“You know. Eleanor’s new friend.” Velvet prayed her countenance would not betray her lie.
“Of...of course,” Sir Louis stammered. “I simply was not thinking of Lady Eleanor’s traveling companion. My parents had good friends with that surname, and my mind...my mind just naturally drifted to them.”
Velvet fought the urge to call him a liar. Instead, she offered to let him read Ella’s letter.
“That will not be necessary, Miss Aldridge.” Levering gathered his gloves. “I have simply missed Lady Eleanor’s company, and I am anxious for her return.”
Velvet bit back her anger. “Although I am certain my cousin misses her new London acquaintances, I applaud her for seizing this opportunity to see parts of England. Neither of us has traveled much. Surely Ella has shared her desire to see the world; she has always wanted to travel–to experience other countries.” She forced a smile to her face.
Levering obviously held no idea about Eleanor’s hopes and dreams, but he said, “Certainly. We have often spoken of traveling extensively before we begin a family.”
Velvet stood, unable to tolerate the baronet’s charade any longer. “I shall send my cousin your regards, Sir Louis. Is there anything else?”
Levering reluctantly stood. “I understand His Grace is not at home either.” She watched as the man tried to look innocent, but Velvet knew the baronet wondered if Bran had assisted in Ella’s escape.
“The Duke rode out yesterday. I expect him back in a day or two. I believe he planned to address a problem at one of the Thornhill holdings. You might try him again at week’s end. His Grace may have more news of his sister than I do.” Velvet started towards the door. “Now, if you will excuse me, I have an appointment with my modiste.”
Levering scrambled to catch up with her. “You will send Lady Eleanor my concern.”
“As Eleanor’s intended, I would have assumed she might write to you, but I suppose she takes the more traditional route.” Velvet could not help but to add one last aspersion. “I can guarantee that my cousin will know of your interest.” She would share with cousin Bran, not cousin Eleanor. Half-truths bolstered her spirits.
Levering bowed again. “You are most kind, Miss Aldridge. Thank you for your time.” Another quick tilt of his head, and the man disappeared into the main foyer and from the house.
A deep sigh allowed her to breathe again. “Hurry home, Bran,” she whispered to the empty room. “I have a great deal to share.”
*
Two days later, Levering called again. Although he felt nothing but pure hatred for the man, Bran had plastered on his most welcoming smile and had greeted the baronet in his study. Bran knew despite Lexford’s warnings, Levering had avoided the viscount and the payment of his debt. His friend had reported to Bran regularly.
&n
bsp; “I assure you, Sir Louis, my sister returns to London soon. In fact, I confirmed only yesterday that she should arrive in time for the Prince’s upcoming party. Naturally, I have insisted that Eleanor make an appearance at Prinny’s grand dinner. She must accept her place in Society.” Bran purposely put on his most pretentious attitude, in hopes of irritating Levering even more. Bran took a seat behind the desk before indicating that Sir Louis should assume the one before him. “Of course, you will be at His Highness’s bash, will you not, Levering?”
Sir Louis squirmed in his chair–a fact Bran had noted but pretended to ignore. “Actually, Your Grace, I was not invited.”
Bran steepled his fingers before his face, purposely not looking at the baronet. “I am certain that is an oversight. As Eleanor’s intended, I insist you join our party. My sister will be elated to see you, especially after being apart for so long.”
Levering fawned. “That is most gracious of you, Thornhill. I would be delighted to join you.”
“I will send word regarding Eleanor’s return.” Bran turned as if to resume his business dealings. “I can reach you at your London dwelling?” He picked up the pen, poising before writing.
Levering stammered, “I...I have...I have business in Kent for a few days, but I will be in London by week’s end.”
“Excellent.” Bran summed up. He needed Levering out of his sight before he bit a hole in the inside of his own jaw. In another minute, he might forget Worthing’s plan and just shoot the bastard–enjoying every second of watching the baronet die. “I will be in touch as soon as I know of Eleanor’s itinerary.” He stood to end the conversation.
Realm 02 - A Touch of Velvet Page 20