Clue of Affection

by Ellie St. Clair

  Soon, Joshua found himself sitting in his own carriage, his wife tucked neatly by his side.

  “You nearly pushed me right over back there,” he said. “Where did you find the strength?”

  “I have brothers,” she said with a grin. “But it was Lord Taylor who ultimately sent you backward and took on Lord Swinton.”

  He shook his head at his luck. “How did you know to come?”

  “I was doodling.”

  “Doodling?”

  “Yes, I was playing with the letters of names and suddenly I realized that Swinney North and Lord Swinton were one and the same. It seems fairly obvious now.”

  He nodded. “Well, I should be forever grateful.”

  He could hardly believe that the entire case was now closed and that now he was finally able to concentrate fully on being everything he could be to Violet.

  “I was so close to losing you,” she said, softly, looking up at him. “I must tell you, Joshua, I realize now that had anything happened to you I… I could not have lived without you.”

  He shook his head, overcome with just how much he felt for her. She was so much more than the beautiful face she wore. She was courageous, with intelligence, wit, and a warm heart. He couldn’t think of another woman of his acquaintance who would think nothing of confronting a man like Swinton, putting her own life in danger to save another.

  “My dear Violet,” he began. “I know we had a difficult beginning, and I hope you believe what comes from my lips from here on out. We married urgently, and for reasons that were noble but not what should be required for a marriage. However, as sorry as I am for breaking your trust, I am so very grateful we were pulled together. You have come to mean more to me than I ever thought possible, and I love you, my wife.”

  A tear rolled down Violet’s cheek as she looked up at him with a smile before she lifted her head and kissed him. A fire swept through his veins, making him grasp her shoulders and tilt her towards him a little more. If this was what if felt like to love another, then how much he had yet to explore!

  “I love you, Joshua,” she murmured against his mouth, the confession making his heart almost burst from his chest. “I have what I have always hoped for – a marriage of love and affection.”

  “You are the answer I didn’t know I needed,” he replied softly, brushing his fingers down her cheek. “My beautiful Violet.”

  Epilogue

  Violet leaned back against the wall, a smile on her lips as she watched the dancers circle the ballroom. Her sister Polly was the center of attention, as was usual. Violet did not begrudge her one bit, but instead welcomed that most eyes were off of her, despite the fact that this party was intended to celebrate her marriage.

  Once the threat to her life was over, Joshua had called upon her father and explained, if not the cause of their marriage, the true reasoning as to why it had been in such haste. Lionel had taken it in stride, while Marie, of course, had fallen into hysterics at the thought of how she had come close to losing her eldest daughter, though she had not made any effort to determine whether Violet had suffered any ill effects following the ordeal.

  Marie had decided that she would not allow two of her children to marry without a celebration, and therefore had begun planning an elaborate ball in honor of her daughter, now Lady Greville, and her new husband.

  Violet had protested, but her mother insisted, and now here they were, the ballroom of the Harrington home filled with revelers dressed in the latest fashions as they sipped their drinks and danced to the three-instrument orchestra in the corner.

  “What is such a beautiful woman doing standing here alone?” came a husky voice in her ear. She turned with a smile to her husband, who had approached behind her and was now resting a hand lightly on the waist of her pale blue ballgown.

  “Why, I believe I am waiting for a suitable gentleman to approach me,” she replied with a sly smile of her own. “I am quite particular, you know.”

  “Yes, I have heard it said that one must be extremely fortunate to be graced with your presence, my lady. Would you care to dance?”

  “Fortunate you must be, my lord, as I believe I shall agree.”

  His eyes were only on her as he led her onto the dance floor. She looked around in amusement before saying to him, “It is a fine ball, indeed, is it not, for a former wallflower and a man who refused to dance?”

  He laughed at that, a deep laugh that stirred both her body and into her soul. She let him draw her closer than was likely appropriate, and gazed out at others around the room, both her loved ones and those who were not as well known. Her aunt Bess, with her husband Marco, had arrived from Italy. Bess had aged gracefully, remaining quite beautiful. She winked at Violet as she waltzed by her.

  Polly’s cheeks were quite red with the exertion of her stream of dances, her beauty eclipsing every woman in the room, in Violet’s opinion. Benjamin, with the impish grin that always accompanied him, was doggedly in pursuit of the lovely young women that lined the dance floor. Her two younger siblings would certainly keep their mother on her toes. Thank goodness she would no longer be the object of Marie’s marriage intentions. Now that Thomas has married himself and Daniel remained a ‘hopeless case,’ according to their mother, Polly and Benjamin were the next in line. Violet grinned at that.

  How ironic that Violet would end up marrying the exact type of man her mother wanted for her. Although, if Marie knew the true extent of Joshua’s involvement in criminal investigations, she might think otherwise.

  Joshua had promised her that he would be taking a step back from his pursuits. He would remain involved with his men, but would not take the risk and the time he once had. Instead, he would oversee everything, and Violet had made him give his word that he would keep her informed of the goings-on. He admitted that she had been much help in the last case, and he could see how her intellect would only enhance the tools at his disposal to solve such matters. Before he agreed, he had extracted a promise from her that she would be involved only from afar, and not take anything into her own hands. She had reluctantly agreed, not wanting to miss out on the excitement, but understanding Joshua’s intentions.

  It had been rewarding to see Lord Swinton and his gang, including Roberts, to be caught and punished, putting an end to their criminal activity. Swinton had taken all of his men down with him.

  Violet and Joshua had decided to divide their time between London and their home in the country — together. Joshua would no longer be jumping on his horse to ride between the two on a whim — unless, that is, he took his wife along with him.

  “Well, my love, only one mystery remains this evening,” Joshua said, looking down at her. “What did a man like me do to deserve a woman like you?”

  “You certainly did not give me much choice in the matter,” she replied, cocking an eyebrow. “However, I suppose in the end you deserve happiness for all you have done to better the lives of others in your quest for justice.”

  “All these years, and I simply did not search well enough. Happiness was waiting for me all along, standing to the side of the dance floor.”

  She smiled up at him, that sweet smile that filled his heart.

  “I love you, Violet.”

  “And I you, Joshua.”

  He ached to kiss her there, in the middle of the dance floor, but instead had to content him with a look that promised her of the love he would show her later that evening, and that he would feel for her for the rest of their lives.

  QUEST OF HONOR

  SEARCHING HEARTS BOOK 1

  Go back to the beginning of the series and read the story of Thomas & Eleanor in Quest of Honor

  PREVIEW

  Prologue

  Marie looked around the table at her five children, her gaze coming to rest on Thomas. Normally she was most concerned about Daniel, her eldest and the next in line to become Duke, but there was something about Thomas tonight that seemed off to her.

  Typically the most free-spirited of her chil
dren, this evening he wore a serious look, and had taken on the brooding silence that overcame him whenever he felt stifled or frustrated.

  The remainder of her children, from Daniel at 24 down to her 16-year-old daughter Polly, were chattering away as they were normally wont to do, no matter how she tried to instil in them the proper etiquette of the dinner hour. Her husband, Lionel, Duke of Ware, sat in his usual place at the head of the table, intent on his food as he listened to the stories of his brood.

  “Thomas,” Marie said, and he raised his dark head. “Is everything quite well, darling?”

  “Yes, Mother,” he replied mechanically.

  “Are you quite sure?”

  “Well actually,” he said, looking hesitantly at her and then his father. “I do have somewhat of an announcement.”

  Marie raised her eyebrows as the chatter around the table hushed, for Thomas’ siblings could see the nervousness that accompanied his statement.

  “I am going to be joining the Navy,” he said, puffing his chest out, trying to look more assured than he felt.

  “The Navy!” his mother exclaimed incredulously. “You cannot be serious. Is this some sort of joke?”

  “Not at all, Mother,” he responded, his blue eyes taking on an icy resolve. “The Navy is a noble profession. What else am I to do with my life?”

  “You are the second son of a Duke! What if the title of Duke should need to pass onto you and you are injured or dead somewhere at sea?”

  “I shall not spend my life sitting here waiting for Father and Daniel to die, Mother,” he responded, his voice becoming slightly more heated, although he would never raise it at his mother. “They are both quite healthy and, I’m sure, have long lives to live. I want to see the world! What better way than on the sea?”

  “Lionel!” Marie said to her husband with fervour. “Have you nothing to say?”

  Lionel finished chewing his potatoes, his expression unwavering.

  “Well, son,” he said. “I would say your intentions are admirable. You do know what you are getting yourself into?”

  “I do.”

  “Well, then, boy, I’d best talk to my friend the Admiral tomorrow. The son of the Duke of Ware must find a reasonable berth and vessel upon which to serve.”

  Thomas’ face lit up, and he caught the gaze of his sister Violet, who smiled at him encouragingly. He grinned at her, then turned back to his father.

  “Thank you, Father,” he said. “I would appreciate it.”

  “This is quite ridiculous,” his mother said, her head swivelling from Thomas to Lionel and back to Thomas once more. “Thomas is 22 years old! He and Daniel should be finding wives, settling down, raising children. Instead, Daniel is out doing Heaven knows what and Thomas will be at sea miles away from Britain! How is it that I have three children of marriageable age, none of which have any interest in actually being married?”

  Benjamin and Polly smirked, happy to have the attention off of them and onto their three elder siblings.

  “In due time, Mother,” said Violet, somewhat mollifying her. “In due time. In the meantime, let us drink to Thomas and the world that awaits him.”

  “To Thomas!” They all joined in, with the exception of Marie, and Thomas grinned, excited about what the future would hold for him.

  1

  Five years later

  Eleanor Adams sat primly on the straight backed chair as her father stomped around, muttering something under his breath. She waited patiently for his judgement to fall, knowing that he would not be able to bring himself to punish her too severely. After all, she was his only child and he had never been able to be too strict with her. In fact, this was the only life Eleanor had ever known. Just her and her father, facing the world and all its tribulations.

  “You cannot simply do as you please, Eleanor!” her father spluttered, his face now a beetroot red. “What if we had not seen you?”

  Eleanor stifled a sigh of frustration. “Papa, you know me better than that. I simply had to investigate whatever it was down there.” A small smile crept across her face. “And, if I had not, then we would currently not have these three small trunks in our possession.” She indicated the three, still damp, trunks that sat beside her father’s desk, glancing at them before returning her gaze to her father.

  To her very great relief, he sighed and sat down heavily, although he continued to shake his head at her. Eleanor hid her smile. She was triumphant.

  “We have not opened them yet, Eleanor,” her father said, a little gruffly. “You could have risked your life for nothing.”

  In response, Eleanor tossed her head, aware of the spots of moisture that shook off her long flaxen locks. “I am one of the best swimmers among the crew, Papa, you know that.”

  “But still,” he retorted. “You cannot just dive off the ship without alerting someone to what you have found! Had you done so, I could have dropped the anchor and gone to see what was there.”

  Eleanor bit her lip, aware that her father was being more than reasonable. Had any one of his crew done what she had, they would have been severely punished. It was only because she was the captain’s daughter that she had done such a thing. Her cheeks warmed. “I was trying to prove myself, Papa,” she explained, more quietly. “As the only woman on board, I have to take extra steps to show my worth.”

  His face softened. "Eleanor, you already have my respect and the respect of the crew. For over twenty years you have traveled the seas with us and you have no need to prove yourself. Doing such a thing is both dangerous and shows a lack of regard for me – not only as your father but also as your captain." His lined face grew more serious, as his bushy eyebrows clung together. "You know that I will need to punish you for what you did, Eleanor. As much as it pains me to do this, you are to be confined to your quarters for two days."

  “Two days?” Eleanor gasped, staring at her father. “But I will miss the exploration!”

  Her father nodded gravely. “I have to show the crew that I am not afraid to punish you, even though you are my daughter.” A hint of a smile pulled up the corner of his lips. “Just be glad it is not the cat o’nine tails, Eleanor.”

  Eleanor sagged against the chair, her ladylike position gone in a moment. Reflecting on her father’s decision, she had to admit that it was fair, lenient even. She hated that her impulsive nature had, once again, brought severe consequences. If only she had not dived into the water to see what it was that glistened below! If she had only told her father, then he would have dropped the anchor and sent someone down – although Eleanor doubted that he would have chosen her. Even though she could swim like a fish, her father always kept her in his sights whenever he could.

  “I am sorry you will miss the exploration of the Blackmoor Caves,” her father continued, gently. “But Eleanor, you must know that you cannot simply do what you please on this ship.”

  “I do know, Papa,” Eleanor replied, dully, ashamed that her the whole ordeal caused her to feel like a child when she would prefer to be treated as the sailor she was. She could only hope the treasure would yield results that would make all forget about the find and focus on the outcome. “I’m sorry.”

  Her father placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, getting to his feet. “Like you say, however, we have retrieved three trunks.”

  Hope sparked in Eleanor’s chest. “You mean, I can open them?”

  He chuckled. “I think so. After all, you were the one who spotted the locks gleaming under the ocean’s waves.”

  Eleanor rose, her booted feet clattering across the wooden floor of the cabin as she made her way towards the trunks. She would have to change into dry clothing, but that could wait. “It is only because we are in such shallow waters,” she said, bending down to examine the trunks. “Had the water been any deeper, then I doubt we would have found them.”

  “Here.” Her father handed her a large mallet, and, using all her strength, Eleanor hit the lock.

  It broke easily, evidently having been
underwater for some time. With bated breath, Eleanor pushed the top of the trunk back. A wide grin spread across her face as she took in the bounty.

  “There is some gold here,” she cried, pulling out a gold coin and handing it to her father. “Not much, but enough.”

  Chuckling, her father picked up the mallet and broke the other two locks, finding more gold and some silver in the other two trunks. He crowed with delight as he grasped great handfuls of coins, letting them trickle back down into the trunk. Despite her impending punishment, Eleanor could not help but smile too, delighted that they would have more than enough to pay the crew for the next quarter.

  "Everyone shall have a bonus!" her father declared, getting to his feet and throwing open the door to his cabin. "Morgan!"

  The first mate came stumbling in, as though he’d been waiting for the captain to call his name. “Aye, Captain Adams?”

  Eleanor grinned as her father slapped Morgan on the back, before gesturing towards the treasure.

  “Here,” he said. “Sort this out. Crew’s pay and a bonus for everyone. Leave the remaining treasure in the first trunk.”

  Morgan returned Eleanor’s smile, and got to the task at once, jubilant over some of the wonders he was finding. It would take him an age to sort out the treasure into piles of equal worth, but Eleanor knew it was a job the first mate thoroughly enjoyed.

  Wiping down her breeches, Eleanor got to her feet and smiled at her father, wondering if he might forget her punishment.

  Unfortunately, he had not.

  “Right, Eleanor, to your cabin. Your meals will be sent down.”

  A sigh left her lips as she trudged past him, sniffing inelegantly. Behind her, she heard her father chuckle.