To Save a Lady

by Lindsay Downs

  “Godmother, I understand them going into mourning over the loss of their daughter, but what I don’t understand is why they have stayed away from London?”

  “I wish I could answer that. From what I remember of them, they did tend to only have a few friends, of which I was one. After they thought Julie had died they cut off all contact with them and myself. After about a year of having posts returned, unopened, I stopped writing the viscountess.”

  “I gather they didn’t have any other children?”

  “To the best of my knowledge they didn’t.”

  When the coach came to a halt outside the dress shop and after being helped down, Jolene followed the duchess in. She smiled as Mrs. Holly swept up, curtsied, then set her eyes down at her collie.

  “Your Grace, Lady Jolene, welcome. And how are you today Samson?”

  “Well, aren’t you going to say something, brat?” Jolene teased.

  “Woof.”

  She then waited while he got comfortable on the floor, warmed by the sun, under the window.

  “What might this humble shop owner do for you?”

  “Lady Jolene is in desperate need of a new ball gown. It has to be something special,” the duchess directed.

  “Your Grace, is there a particular event that I’ll be designing the gown for?”

  “Yes. Sometime in the next few days, if things work out for the best, the marquis will be formally offering for Lady Jolene. Afterwards we will be attending a ball. Which one I’m not sure of as of yet.”

  “Then, shall we retire to the next room so you both may review the new fashion plates I have?They came in this morning, and none of the other ladies who frequent my shop have seen them.”

  This was more than she could have asked for. Unseen sketches. If she found the perfect one, she would request Mrs. Holly to destroy it. That way, no one would be able to use it.

  “What if, between Her Grace and myself we are unable to find what we’re searching for?”

  “Then, if you find parts from different plates I will take them to create your gown, m’ lady.”

  Jolene smiled brightly to Mrs. Hall and the duchess. If that was going to happen then the dress would be completely unique, and she wouldn’t have to worry about other ladies copying her.

  In the second room, where the plates were laid out on a round table Jolene stepped up and started sorting through them. Happily, her godmother joined in the search. After at least an hour, she was becoming frustrated. That was when she recalled the dressmaker’s words.

  “Your Grace, let’s start again, but this time if you find part of a gown you like set the print aside. I’ll do the same.”

  This time as the pile had been reduced because some of the drawings wouldn’t have suited her, after thirty minutes between she and her godmother they had eight plates to review. Clearing the table, Jolene spread them out. Slowly she, with the duchess, examined each one. She then set the three she liked down and pointed to each one.

  “Your Grace, bodice, skirt and train. It will not only be different butunique.”

  “Yes, I understand your vision and love it. My only suggestion, the bodice. Have Mrs. Hall design it slightly more daring.”

  If this did occur, then Jolene knew Brendon wouldn’t leave her side, not that he did now.It would be fun to see him try to fend off gentlemen wishing to beg a dance with her.

  “I understand what you mean and totally agree with you.” Jolene turned to Mrs. Hall. “As you notice we’ve the rough plan for the gown. Would you be able to create a drawing of it so I will be able to see howit will appear?”

  “Certainly. I love what you have designed and Her Grace’s suggestion for the bodice.”

  “M’ lady, I will send over the sketch tomorrow morning. Would you mind if I added a few touches of my own?”

  “Not at all. I would love to see what you come up with.”

  Linking an arm with the duchess, Jolene led her from the shop. At the ducal carriage, she waited while Samson jumped in and retook the seat from before.

  “He’s such a brat, isn’t he, Lady Jolene.”

  “That he is, and that’s why I love him.”

  On the drive back to her parents’ she was curious if Brendon would still be there. Rolling into the courtyard, she glanced out and smiled that his landau was. Mayhap she could convince him to take her to the park, if even for a short while. With guards.

  Sweeping in, she guided the duchess up to her mother’s parlor. As they went by her father’s office, she stopped when her name was called out. She peered in.Both parents, Brendon, and a surprise. Vikki. Why was she here?Not only that, but how did she arrive? Except for Brendon’s landau there weren’t any others.

  “Jolene, dear friend, thank you for bringing Julie here for her safety. When I arrived I looked in on her. Thomas, much to my happiness, was keeping an eye over her, with a maid also present.”

  “Yes, that is for both their safety. But excuse my manners, Vikki, you remember my godmother, don’t you,” Jolene announced.

  “Of course. Even my mother can’t stop me from writing my dear Jolene.”

  Seated beside Brendon, Jolene wondered who should inform Vikki about who Julie truly was. She turned to the duchess.

  “Vikki, this might come as a shock but the young lady you know as Julie Patrick is in effect Lady Julie Patrice, long thought dead,” the duchess said.

  “Might I inquire how you know this?”

  “I was or am her godmother. Her parents are the Viscount and Viscountess Cullen.”

  “Yes, I know of them. Besides both having gambling problems, they tend to walk the line between good and evil.”

  This information was more than Jolene could have asked for. Was it possible the Cullen’s were behind everything. The forgeries. The killing of Jack Cooper. Even the attempt on Julie. But how will she be able prove it. Then she had an idea.

  “This could be risky, but what if it is announced in The Tattler, The Times, and all the other major broadsheets that Julie Patrick had been shot and wounded. Someone who wishes to remain unnamed recognized the young lady as Lady Julie Patrice, long lost daughter to Viscount and Viscountess Cullen. Lady Julie is now recovering from her injury at a peer’s townhouse.”

  “Excuse this interruption, Your Grace, m’ lords and ladies, but won’t that put her in danger. We at the Met have been trying to find any evidence to arrest them for years. Some there, including myself, believe they instigated the murder of their daughter. What may I do to help?” Thomas declared.

  “Son, be here for Julie. If you wish, I’ll have a suite opened up for you,” Kristina offered.

  “I’ll speak with your superior, informing him you are taking time off to resolve a personal matter. Trust me, no one will question my word,” Vikki uttered.

  “Thank you all. Lady Hampshire, I’ll take you up on your kind offer. Vikki, you will send fear through the office when you arrive.”

  “Now, back to the possible announcement in the broadsheets, I believe it will work with one exception. It should say she is staying here. Doing so will make it easier for them or someone to find her. Brendon, may we borrow some of your footmen to add to ours?”

  “Of course, you may. Will you want them in uniform?”

  “No. They will serve better on the street out front as sweepers or in the mews. As none of us know what the Cullen’s look like, tell your staff to be on the alert for anyone suspicious,” Robert replied.

  With all this going on around her, Jolene still had a question. How did the shooter gain access to the house next to Vikki’s? Was there a traitor she didn’t know about? Once this was resolved, Jolene would approach Vikki about that thought. With her, Brendon, and her parents out at a ball Jolene changed her mind about the trip to the park. She would much prefer to relax with a book, thus nap.

  “Jolene, how did the excursion to Mrs. Holly’s go? Where you able to find a gown?” Brendon inquired.

  “Sir, to learn the outcome of the visit, you
will have to wait. That is all I will say on the subject.”

  Much to her pleasure he didn’t answer back but stood.

  “Then if you will excuse me, I must return to my house to get ready for this eve.”

  Jolene accompanied him to his landau and under the stern eyes of her parents and Vikki’s glare bid him adieu until later.

  Chapter Twenty

  Not needing to be at the Hampshire townhouse for several hours for luncheon and then to escort the ladies to the dressmaker,he thought back to last eve on returning for dinner then the planned ball, he was surprised plans had changed. They were staying in, considering what had happened in the afternoon. What came, for him at least, as a surprise was that Lady Julie joined them at the table having earlier learned who she truly was. As she had announced, “I have always felt out of place, but I’m happy to have served as a servant at St James Palace. I learned how to treat people, in particular staff, with kindness or harshness when needed.”

  With a mental shake of his head to return to the present,Brendon used the time to review letters from his different estate managers. That task completed, he then penned one to his man of business in regard to setting up accounts for Jolene when they married. He was sure the man would be happy to learn this piece of news.

  He had barely sealed the sheet of foolscap when Waters came to the door.

  “Yes?” He couldn’t help but notice the man’s chest heaving from strenuous exertion.

  “M’ lord, this was just delivered by a groom for the Earl of Hampshire.” The butler could barely get the words out he was breathing so hard.

  Brendon accepted the note, which wasn’t even sealed and opened it.

  Brendon,

  As you must have seen in the broadsheets regarding the discovery of Lady Julie and where she is currently residing.We are in need of your assistance. It turns out she has become a cause celebre.

  If you would come by the fastest possible means to help, I’m sure she and Jolene would be forever grateful.

  Robert

  Brendon lifted his head. “Have my horse saddled, but leave him in the mews. I have to change.”

  Marching up to his suite, he pulled a pair of riding britches and boots out. It took him no more than two minutes to change,and then using the servant stairs he went down to the mews. Stepping out, he was met by the stable master holding his beast and another groom mounted.

  “Thought you might need one. Wouldn’t do if something happened to you,” the old man said.

  “Thank you.” Brendon then turned to the groom. “We’ll go as safely and quickly as possible to the Hampshire townhouse.”

  “Yes, m’ lord. Might I suggest we avoid the main streets but use the side streets. They should have less foot or wagon traffic.”

  With his destination four streets over, that would be for the best even though Brendon didn’t believe they would go over a trot. It would still be faster than by carriage. He swung onto the saddle and set out.

  From the note Robert had sent, Brendon concluded they should enter through the mews, then he would use the kitchen entrance. Hopefully he would be met by either the butler or housekeeper so he could be directed to where everyone was.

  Stepping inside, he saw Jolene strolling toward him, a smile hopefully for him on her lips. Lips that soon he would be kissing.

  “M’ lord, thank you for coming so quickly. Everyone has gathered in the formal parlor as it is the largest.”

  “My pleasure. When I saw how the earl wrote the note, in pencil and not even sealed then reading it I believed speed was of an essence. Please lead, as from here I don’t know the way.”

  Under normal circumstances, which this wasn’t, he would have been at her side. However, on setting his gaze upon Jolene in the beautiful gown of pink, which showed her curves, he followed. That way he would be able to enjoy the gentle way her hips moved side to side. Not exaggerated such as many young ladies did.

  When he arrived at the sitting room, Brendon was amazed at the number of peers waiting to be introduced. Slipping in behind Jolene, he weaved through the crowd already in the parlor. From what he was able to overhear from a few, they were surprised that after all these years Julie had returned. He did hear one or two say something about her having spent years working in the kitchen at St. James. What they were curious about, aloud, how she ended up there and not back with her parents. That had him considering the same, and he would bring it up with the earl and countess.

  Finally making his way to the end of the room, he noticed Julie was reclining on a chaise longue in a white gown with Thomas behind her. This, not a settee, had been selected as the young woman did appear tired, most likely from all the excitement and fuss being made over her.

  Brendon bowed to the earl and countess then once Jolene took a seat beside her mother went around the divan and took up his post. A weak smile from Julie told him she was glad he was here.

  Over the next several hours, introductions were made and questions attempted to be answered. Until…

  “M’ lords and Lady, Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandrina Victoria of Kent,” Bing called out above the din.

  He came around, offered Jolene his hand, then helped her stand. From the corner of his eye Brendon saw Thomas did the same with Julie. Peering down the long room, he watched as ladies curtsied deeply while the few lords bowed. He found it interesting neither her mother nor Conroy had been introduced. Could they have been instructed to remain either at the palace or stay in the hall? Whichever it was he was happy they weren’t with the princess.

  Irrespective of that, this was going to be the first time he, along with Jolene,wouldbe formally introduced to the princess. Brendon peered over to Julie who appeared entirely relaxed. He would be surprised they had met before possibly in the palace kitchen. When Victoria was a few feet away, he bowed as Jolene curtsied.

  As he was the senior peer, it was his responsibility to speak first, after she did. What he did find interesting was the princess went over to where Julie was, with Thomas at her side helping to hold her up. She curtsied to the princess.

  “Lady Julie, when I saw the article in The Times I had to come see for myself that you are well. It is with great disappointment on my part that I will no longer be able to partake of your delicious pastries.”

  “Your Royal Highness, thank you. If you wish, I’ll bake something special for you and arrange for it to be delivered.”

  “Yes, I would like that very much. Now I must depart.”

  Julie curtsied again.

  Brendon smiled to himself as Vikki sweptfrom the room with the majority of visitors following. That he suspected, was because they hadn’t been invited to dine with Robert or Kristina. Once the last few departed, he helped Jolene up then followed her parents, with Thomas and Julie to the family dining room.

  Once the platters were passed, Brendon noticed Robert dismissed the footmen and Bing. This, he knew was so everyone could speak freely.

  “Julie, if I’m not mistaken, that short visit will be in the broadsheets tomorrow. You have just, so to speak, been given the princess’blessing,” Kristina announced.

  When the meal was over, Brendon escorted Jolene to the stairs so she could refresh before journeying to the dressmaker. While he waited for her, he joined Thomas and Robert in the earl’s office.

  “Brendon, have a seat as I’m sure the ladies will take at least thirty minutes to get ready. I’ve already ordered up the landau as I thought, if Julie has the strength, a drive around the park might be in order,” Robert said.

  “Much appreciated. Will you be joining us with Kristina acting as chaperone?”

  “Yes. Unlike previous trips there, we will remain in the coach. This is for everyone’s safety.”

  “And the guards?” Thomas asked.

  “There will be some at the park in street clothes on the off chance there is a problem. With the article, there’s no way of knowing what Cullen will do.”

  Over the next few minutes Bre
ndon spent time questioning Thomas about what he could remember about the viscount. Regrettably, very little but he would attempt to obtain the files from his superior.

  Ladies talking in the hall stopped any further conversation. Brendon, as did Robert and Thomas, stood when they swept in.

  “Gentlemen, shall we be off?” Kristina said, but Brendon wasn’t sure if it was a request or an order.

  At the dress shop, he was about to follow the ladies in when Jolene turned on him.

  “Not today. Lady Julie needs quite a few items, so why don’t you gentlemen find something else to do for at least two hours,” she firmly informed him and the others.

  “Instruct the dressmaker that she is to send the bill for Lady Julie to myself,” Thomas directed.

  “We ladies have already decided on that. Now, be off,” Kristina ordered.

  With time unexpectedly on their hands, Brendon considered how to pass it. He glanced over to Thomas and knew what to do.

  “Sir, if you are going to be escorting Lady Julie about and to balls you need much better clothes. As my tailor is right here, His Lordship and I are taking you in for not only new but much better tailoredattire. That is not up for debate,” Brendon declared.

  “M’ lord, I won’t argue, but who would invite me to a ball?For one, I’m a Met investigator, and we never receive invitations. Then there is the fact I’m the second son of a viscount, and even before joining the force never received one.”

  “Then you don’t know the duchess or countess. Between the two of them you will start being invited. Now, no more of this.Let’s get you the proper attire,” Robert uttered.

  Taking Thomas firmly by the arm so he couldn’t retreat, Brendon led him into his tailor’s shop, which also happened to serve Robert.

  “Welcome, m’ lords. How may I be of service?” the owner spoke then glanced at Thomas.

  “Yes, him. Everything. Jackets for daytime and evening. Trousers for the same, along with riding britches. Proper shirts and cravats. Even socks and undergarments,” Brendon told the man.