by Anne Herries
‘Is he dead?’ Brock asked conversationally.
‘No, sir. He’s had some sort of a fit,’ the waiter said. ‘I’ll have him taken upstairs and send for a doctor. The gentleman is still breathing and with good fortune we may save him.’
‘Pity,’ Brock murmured. ‘He is a cheat and a liar—and we don’t need his sort.’ He picked up the money from the pot, leaving what Harding had won earlier on the table. ‘You should take what is necessary to pay for the doctor.’
‘I wasn’t a part of this,’ Patterson said suddenly, looking sick as he gazed at Jack. ‘He’s cheated me, too.’
‘I suggest you take what he owes you now,’ Jack said, and as Patterson reached for the pot, he gripped his wrist. ‘Let this be a warning, Patterson. Don’t talk about what you don’t know.’
The other man swallowed hard, then, ‘I have no idea what you mean. It was all Harding’s idea.’
‘Just remember I’m the wrong man to cross and if I have a score to settle I can be ruthless,’ Jack said and watched as four burly waiters carried Harding from the room. He looked at his friends and grimaced as they walked away together. ‘We can do no more here. I’m sorry it had to end like this, Brock. Allow me to reimburse your for your losses.’
‘Keep your money,’ Brock said and grinned. ‘It was worth it to bring that rogue to justice. If there is such a thing as true justice, he won’t be troubling you again, Jack.’
‘It would seem not,’ Jack agreed, but he did not smile. He would have preferred a different outcome, for it felt as if he had unfinished business with Lord Harding.
The friends departed, walking back through quiet streets to Jack’s home, where they shared a decanter of brandy and talked over the events of the evening.
‘It was fortunate that you managed to nick the corner of that card,’ Jack said. ‘Without it, the proof would not have been so complete.’
‘I’d spotted what he was doing a couple of hands earlier, but it was truly an accident. I intended to have the pack changed the next hand. It was fortunate you struck when you did.’
‘Yes, well, he responded as we hoped, but I’m sorry for the rest of it—I would have preferred to meet him as we discussed.’
‘It may be better this way,’ Brock said. ‘At least you won’t have to flee the country for six months.’
‘If only I could be certain it was the finish of him,’ Jack mused.
‘He looked pretty queer to me,’ Phipps said. ‘I’ve seen the results of a seizure like that—even if he should recover he may have some paralysis or a speech impediment.’
‘Harding will be no more trouble to you,’ Brock said confidently. ‘The man is finished in society and when this gets out nobody will believe anything he says—and Patterson is terrified of being tarred with the same brush.’
‘Yes, I think you’re right. It was all Harding’s idea. I believe we can forget about this unpleasant incident and I can look forward to my wedding with an easy heart.’
Chapter Nine
Charlotte twirled before her mirror, admiring the gown of pale rose-pink silk that Mama had had made for her dance that evening. She was looking her best and the smile on her face was free of shadows, because the news of Lord Harding’s sudden collapse after being accused of cheating at cards had swept through London society. He had been taken out of London by his servants and was still unwell, though he had not died and no one was quite certain what harm the seizure had done him. Indeed, after the first buzz of gossip few people were interested. He had never been a popular man and now he was seen as being beyond the pale.
Mr Patterson had also left London for his own estates, which meant that Charlotte was no longer frightened of being imminently ruined by scandal. Whatever gossip there had been had effectively been quashed, because no one wished to be associated with a man who had been caught cheating. Now that his perfidy had been revealed there were many ready to come forward and accuse him of having cheated them; they had always suspected him, it seemed, and the general opinion was that Jack had done society a good turn by unmasking the rogue.
Some ladies spoke sympathetically of his having suffered a seizure, but most were inclined to think it was his own fault for having behaved so badly. Charlotte could only be glad that the threat of scandal had been lifted, though she was not so hard hearted as to wish the man dead or indeed permanently disabled. She was merely thankful that he was no longer in town.
Since that night, Jack had spent most of his time escorting her and her mama to balls, soirées, drives and picnics while the weather kept fine, also visits to Vauxhall Gardens and the theatre. The day of their wedding had been announced as the first Thursday of September, and once Charlotte’s dance was over, Jack had promised to take her down to his grandfather’s estate for a few weeks.
‘Grandfather is looking forward to meeting you, as is Mama, of course,’ Jack told her. ‘We shall hold a ball at Ellingham for all our neighbours and friends, but where would you prefer the wedding to be—at your home or at Grandfather’s estate?’
‘I think Papa would like to hold the wedding at home,’ Charlotte said. ‘But it will be smaller than a wedding your family might host. I do not mind, for I have only a few friends and relatives to ask.’
‘And I have too many.’ Jack smiled ruefully. ‘However, if we invite them to the ball and entertain them for a few weeks, we may be forgiven for having a smaller affair at your home, my love.’
Papa was consulted, but thought it might be better if the wedding was held at Ellingham after all and so it was agreed. Charlotte would stay at the estate for a month to meet Jack’s family, but after the ball she would go home and they would entertain her family’s friends, before returning a few days prior to the wedding.
On the evening of her dance, Jack presented Charlotte with a parure of diamonds consisting of a necklace with a magnificent drop pendant, earrings, bracelet, tiara and brooch. He had also given her another beautiful ring for her own and she wore the ruby-and-diamond ring on her right hand.
‘You will spoil me,’ she said when dazzled by the wonderful engagement gift. ‘I feel like a princess.’
‘I want you to have all the beautiful things you desire,’ he told her and kissed her lightly on the mouth.
Charlotte had blushed and smiled, wondering if he might take her in his arms and kiss her with passion, as he had that day in the parlour, but since then his kisses had been chaste. She regretted that her brother had interrupted them that afternoon, for Jack did not seem minded to repeat his passionate embrace. She could not deceive herself that he was in love with her, for had it been the case he would surely have taken every opportunity to make love to her. Yet his behaviour was everything that a lady could expect of a gentleman with standards of honour.
‘We shall not anticipate our vows,’ he said once when they were briefly alone and he had taken her into his arms to kiss her softly on the mouth. ‘Impatient as I am, the world is too uncertain and I would not do anything that might harm you, Charlotte.’
‘Why should anything you do harm me?’ She’d looked at him, feeling puzzled.
‘If anything were to happen to prevent the marriage,’ he said and frowned. ‘I am foolish, I know, for it is not like, but—’ He’d shaken his head as she looked at him questioningly. ‘No, there is nothing to fear, dearest Charlotte.’
Yet despite all the parties, the drives and the shopping trips, despite the congratulations of friends, the wonderful presents of silver, jewels and china, and the whirl of pleasure, Charlotte detected a shadow hanging over them. Jack was concerned about something. She could not guess what and he would not tell her, but she sensed something...a guardedness in his manner, as if he were waiting for something to happen. It made her a little afraid, though she did not know why.
She did not think his anxiety concerned her for she had hea
rd nothing more from either Lord Harding or Mr Patterson. Indeed, neither had returned to town, though Julia had heard that Lord Harding was recovering rather more easily than had been expected. Yet surely he could no longer be a threat to her; he had been discredited and Mr Patterson was staying clear of London for the moment.
No, she did not think a scandal was imminent, for no one would believe anything Lord Harding said now that Jack had unmasked him as a cheat. Yet there was something troubling her fiancé—though he had not mentioned anything of consequence to her. Indeed, his mind seemed bent only on making her happy.
* * *
Her dance was a great success. Charlotte stood with Jack to receive their guests, wearing her diamonds and a beautiful green-silk gown and smiling until her face ached. By her side Jack looked elegant in a blue coat and pale-buff pantaloons that clung to his strong muscles like a second skin. Later, they danced together, and then with others, the evening a pleasant occasion and declared a success by everyone who attended.
‘We shall leave town together in four days’ time,’ Jack told her when he took his leave in the early hours of the morning. ‘I have one or two things to do before then, so if I do not call you will forgive me. It is merely business, you understand, but it may take me out of town.’
‘Yes, of course,’ Charlotte said and reached up to kiss his cheek. ‘You must do exactly as you wish, Jack. I am perfectly content to visit friends with Mama and take my books back to the library, for we shall not return to town this Season.’
‘No.’ Jack smiled at her. ‘I believe you capable of amusing yourself, Charlotte. I would prefer not to leave you, but I...well, it is nothing for you to be concerned over.’
‘Are you sure?’ she asked. ‘I’ve noticed that you are concerned about something. Is it about me...about what happened?’
‘Not directly,’ Jack said. ‘I received a letter, Charlotte. It was delivered after that incident at the club and it concerns something that happened some years ago. Someone thought I ought to know...’ He shook his head. ‘As yet I have no proof, but I intend to discover what I can and that may mean a short trip north.’
Charlotte felt coldness at the nape of her spine and her sense of imminent danger increased, but her fears were for him rather than herself. ‘Be careful, Jack. If it concerns Lord Harding...he is a vengeful man. He will not lightly forgive what you did.’
‘He is confined to his bed for the moment. Besides, I do not fear him, Charlotte—if what I discover is true, it is he who should fear me.’
His tone was such that she looked at him intently, searching his face for a clue, but he merely smiled and touched her cheek with one finger. Even his lightest touch had Charlotte longing for more, but she knew she must not show how very much she was affected. Charlotte’s feelings for him ran deeper than she dared show, for she was not foolish enough to imagine that his for her were more than liking or affection. His kiss had been passionate, but he was a young and healthy man and that should not mislead her into thinking passion was love.
‘I want this finished and done before the wedding,’ he said and frowned. ‘I have suspected that something was being hidden from me for a long time, but I never had proof. That night there was someone at the club when Harding was accused of cheating. He witnessed what happened and he wrote to me afterwards, but I am not sure I can trust his word and so I must discover the truth for myself.’
Jack took his leave of her, and Charlotte resigned herself to the idea that she would see little of him until they left for the country. She was uneasy and wished that he had told her more, but clearly he did not wish to confide in her. Perhaps he had not wanted to make her anxious, but her unease would not be banished and she could only pray that she was being foolish to think he might be in some danger.
* * *
‘We are due to leave in the morning,’ Lady Stevens said to Charlotte some days later. ‘It is very odd that we have heard nothing from Viscount Delsey, is it not?’
‘Jack told me that he might have to leave town,’ Charlotte said. ‘Perhaps his business has taken him longer than he expected.’
‘It is most inconsiderate,’ her mama said, looking annoyed. ‘Everyone expects us to leave town for the marquis’s estate, but how can we go down alone? He should be here, Charlotte. Everyone is expecting an invitation to the ball and we know nothing of it.’
‘Perhaps he will be here by this evening,’ Charlotte said. ‘I wish Matt were here. I do not know how to contact Jack, or where he went.’
‘Do you think his particular friends would know?’ Lady Stevens was on edge. ‘It seems so odd. Almost as if he had changed his mind and gone off leaving you in the lurch.’
‘Mama!’ Charlotte cried, shocked. ‘Jack would never do such a thing.’
‘Then where is he?’ Mama asked and looked cross. ‘If he should call it off now, we shall look such fools and Papa will insist on returning the money. And then I do not know what we shall do. I cannot afford to give you another chance, Charlotte.’
‘Jack would never break his promise to me,’ Charlotte said, but her throat felt tight and she was close to tears. Jack would not let her down—but Mama was right, it did seem very odd that he’d gone away hours after their dance.
* * *
The letter arrived that evening, delivered by one of Jack’s grooms. It was addressed to Charlotte, but written in a formal manner designed so that her parents could read it. Jack apologised for the delay, saying that it was unavoidable, and asking them to proceed without him.
Grandfather and Mama are expecting you at Ellingham. Please go on ahead and I shall join you as soon as I am able. I regret this unfortunate delay to our plans, but I have discovered something important that I must investigate.
I am sure Grandfather will be pleased to have you all at Ellingham and I shall be no longer than necessary. I have written to let them know you are coming. Once again, my apologies.
Yours devotedly, Delsey
* * *
Mama had been inclined to be doubtful, but Papa had said they would take Jack at his word and leave for the country in the morning. The London house had been given up and their only alternative was to return home. He was travelling with them so there was no need for any other escort, other than the various grooms and servants, most of whom followed in the lumbering baggage coach. Mama had not liked it, but she did not know what else to do and so they left at the appointed time.
Mama complained to Charlotte most of the time for the whole journey, leaving her in no doubt that she had never wanted her daughter to marry a rake and regretted that Papa had allowed it.
‘Had you encouraged Sir Percival I am certain he would have made you an offer—and this would never have happened. It was really so unobliging of you, Charlotte.’
‘Sir Percival is very kind, but I prefer Jack, Mama.’
‘Your father should have asked him to wait for a while so that you could be certain of him.’
‘Mama, my father had little choice,’ Charlotte reminded her. ‘Had Jack not paid the outstanding debt to the bank, Papa must have sold the estate and we should have had only the estate manager’s cottage in the village left to us.’
‘And might still if Delsey lets you down.’
‘He will not,’ Charlotte said, but her chest felt as if it had a stone in it rather than a living beating heart. She did not know the viscount very well and could not be sure that he was not regretting his impulsive proposal. Where was Jack and why had he needed to go away now, when all the plans for their wedding were in train? ‘Jack would not hurt me like that, Mama.’
‘Gentlemen are not always to be trusted, especially men of Viscount Delsey’s cut.’
‘You must not doubt him, Mama. I am sure he is merely detained on business.’
Charlotte could not help a niggling doubt in her mind that Jack ha
d regretted asking her to be his wife, but she resolutely defended him to her mama. Whatever had taken Jack away from her must be important. She wished she knew just what was going on, and whether he was in danger, but he had not fully confided in her and she worried that something might have happened to him.
She could not bear to lose him now!
Charlotte suspected that Lord Harding had something to do with Jack’s sudden need to go off on business, but surely the man was still too ill to be a danger?
Common sense told her that Jack would come to no harm, and yet she was anxious. What was it that had made him seem so strange, almost haunted, as if something played on his mind? Yet no matter how often she tried to solve the puzzle, she came up with a blank. Clearly there was something in the past, something Jack had to sort out—but why now? Why could he not have put it off until after the wedding?
* * *
Jack looked about him as he reined in and looked down at the isolated inn. He had been told that he could learn something to his advantage concerning his father’s death if he came here alone to meet a man named Jeb Scott. The name meant nothing to him; he was certain he’d never heard it before, but the writer had hinted that his father’s death was not an accident due to an obstruction in the road.
Jack had always suspected it. The nagging doubt had been there at the back of his mind for years, festering like a thorn in his flesh, lying like a shadow over his life. He’d almost succeeded in persuading himself that it was nonsense until the letter came after the showdown with Harding. Someone had been a witness of the incident—a witness who claimed to have evidence that would prove Harding was a murderer...as well as all the other things.
Jack realised then that he’d always suspected it. Over the years Harding had made remarks that he could take two ways, but when he’d challenged him, he’d always backed off and claimed that Jack had misheard him. Yet it made sense. Harding’s cousin had left him a fortune, which he had wasted at the tables and races—but the man had closer relatives who had inherited the estate and title. Why had Harding been left the private fortune—unless he’d done the man a favour? The Marquis of Rockingham had a young wife he’d suspected of taking a lover—Jack’s father. Too old and sick to do anything about it himself, had he pledged most of his fortune to a man who would be capable of any action to gain that fortune?