Then there was Weston and Emma. How coincidental that she had sought out Weston for a reference in order to obtain a governess position with his cousin soon after the events involving Ashbury and Abigail had taken place. He, too, would’ve suspected Emma was somehow working with her uncle. Apparently she had been driven to desperate measures to find a new position as her younger sister suffered from consumption and needed medical care. Dreadful, wasteful disease.
He honestly hoped he never met the girl for it would be unbearable to see the dark shadow of death clinging to her. He wouldn’t be able to hide that from Weston. Weston knew him too well.
Weston had been quite clever to offer Emma a season so she had the opportunity to find a wealthy husband. And it was an ironic twist that despite Weston being already engaged at the time, he’d ended up marrying Emma.
The confrontation the pair of them had had with Professor Grisby in the garden at a ball was alarming. The professor had told them of some of his plans for the devices he’d built. None of it sounded like the professor they’d all so admired at university. The accident had obviously changed him in more ways than even Lucas had been changed.
“Our abilities might be of assistance,” Ashbury suggested.
Lucas quickly shook his head. Ashbury was obviously referring to their aura reading. His friends might have told their wives of their abilities, but he had no intention of doing so.
“Abilities?” Moira asked. After all, she was the only one of the six of them who didn’t know to what Ashbury referred.
“We have become quite adept at investigating leads that come our way.” Weston gave Moira a charming smile with his false answer.
Her frown made Lucas realize that, at the very least, a question had formed in her mind. He just had to make certain she didn’t ask it, because he wasn’t going to answer. He quickly changed the subject.
After the meal, they returned to the drawing room to continue their discussion.
Despite the seriousness of the topic they discussed, the afternoon passed enjoyably for Lucas. He’d missed these men. He no longer felt quite so alone.
“It appears the best course of action would be for us to venture to London,” Lucas said.
Moira looked at him, her concern visible only because he knew her so well. A pang struck him, surprising him with its intensity. If it bothered him this much to consider traveling to London without her, he wondered what it would feel like to say goodbye when he departed for Brazil.
He glanced away, not wanting to face it. Not at the moment anyway. He would deal with that later, when the time required it and not before.
“We have been searching for Professor Grisby for months. Though we’ve been close several times, we have not yet found him.” Ashbury shook his head in frustration.
“We don’t know where he’s living or working. We’ve located warehouses he’s rented, many under the name of Leon Smith, but they were empty by the time we arrived.”
Abigail sat forward. “We haven’t been able to determine how he’s receiving his funding. If we could discover the source of his money, that might provide a way to stop him.”
Lucas was surprised at her suggestion. “That’s a brilliant idea.”
Ashbury smiled with pride. “Abigail is very good with financial matters.”
“Indeed, she is,” Weston agreed. “Unfortunately, we haven’t found his source. There have been a few mysterious events, one involving stolen unregistered bonds, but the police were never able to identify the thief.”
“It had to have been Simmons. I suggested as much to the police, but they have informed me that he died in prison,” Ashbury said. “He escaped prison once. Obviously he managed to do so again.”
“With the professor’s help,” Weston added.
“What if we take a closer look at Professor Grisby’s objective and evaluate how he might accomplish it?” Ashbury asked. “Perhaps that would provide some ideas of where we could search or what his next move might be.”
“He mentioned how he wanted restore dignity and power to England. That England should be the strongest country in the world. He said if we had the most powerful weapon no other country would challenge us.” Weston shook his head. “I have no idea how he intends to use the devices to accomplish that.”
“Do you truly think he’s going to take the next step? Wouldn’t he have done so by now? From what you’ve told me, he hasn’t done anything significant since he revealed himself to you in the garden.” Lucas stood to pace. “Perhaps it’s over.”
Weston rose as well. “I don’t believe so. Do you?” he asked Ashbury.
“No. It’s far from over.”
Weston turned back to Lucas. “He told us he wanted the three of us to work with him. When we heard of your brother’s death, we immediately feared he was behind it. The professor confirmed it when Emma and I spoke with him at the ball.”
“And you think this Simmons person is the one who killed Markus?” Lucas asked.
“No doubt.”
“My young brother actually saw the man,” Emma said. “His description matches Vincent Simmons’ appearance, but the police won’t take any action because they believe him to be dead.”
“And nothing we’ve told them has changed their mind,” Weston added.
“Unbelievable.” Lucas shook his head then turned to Emma. “Would it be possible for me to speak with your brother?”
“Unfortunately, he’s traveling with my mother and sister. They’ve gone to Switzerland to take in the air with the hope that it aids Tessa’s health.”
“That seemed the best way to keep him safe. Someone put out the word that he can identify the murderer, so we kept him in hiding until they departed,” Weston added.
“When will they return?”
“Not until the spring. At least that is the current plan.”
Abigail rose. “Moira, would you be so kind as to show us the gardens? I’ve had enough of this discussion for a time and would love some fresh air.”
Emma rose along with Moira. “As would I.”
“You are welcome to stay at Traverston Manor for as long as you would like,” Lucas offered.
“That would be lovely.” Abigail turned to her husband. “Wouldn’t that be lovely, dear?”
“Quite,” Ashbury said with a smile. “That will provide us with some time to form a plan before we return to the city.”
Moira led the way out the door, and Lucas breathed a sigh of relief that she hadn’t asked additional questions about their abilities.
“Why haven’t you told her?” Ashbury asked as soon as the door closed behind them. “Surely you don’t think you can remain married to her and keep it hidden.”
Weston moved to look out the window. “He can if he returns to Brazil.”
Lucas scowled. Somehow the way Weston said it made him feel guilty. “You must see why I can’t stay.”
“Not really,” Weston said as he turned back to Lucas. “One would almost think you care about Moira. Why else would it matter if you saw a dark aura around her?”
Lucas stood. “Of course I care about her. I’ve known her far longer than I’ve known the two of you.”
“Childhood sweethearts, huh?”
Lucas felt his face flush. “Not exactly.”
Ashbury and Weston shared a look.
Weston seemed to take pity on him and changed the subject. “At any rate, we appreciate you offering for us to stay with you. We will be able to cover the information in further detail than what we shared today. Perhaps you’ll provide a fresh take on it and see something we missed.”
“Excellent notion,” Ashbury agreed.
“Why don’t we retire to the library,” Lucas suggested. “The ladies would probably welcome the chance to be rid of us for a time.”
He led the way, amazed at the turn of events the day had brought. Having his friends here was a mixed blessing. While he’d certainly missed them, it had been a long time since he’d been around peo
ple who knew him well. Though he’d confided most of his secrets in them, he had one more he wasn’t willing to share—the fear that he was losing his sanity.
But keeping all his secrets from Moira was what concerned him the most.
*
Moira laughed at Abigail’s quip, thoroughly enjoying herself. They were with Amelia and Addie in the nursery, having a lovely time. She hadn’t spent much time with women her age since…well, for years. She’d forgotten how refreshing it was, how wonderful it was to be reminded that some things you did or thought were completely normal.
Not that these two ladies were normal. Far from it. Based on what Moira had discerned thus far, Abigail was some sort of financial genius. She convinced Moira that she needed to make investments of her own, separate from Lucas. Moira hadn’t known such a thing was possible, let alone how to get started. Abigail was a very determined lady for certain, but with a good heart.
Emma was sweeter but had a core of steel that made her extremely loyal, especially to her family. She obviously missed them very much. It was quite interesting to hear of her experiences as a governess, especially since Moira had spent several years keeping watch over the girls. She understood and appreciated the challenges a governess faced.
Moira tried hard to ignore the pang of envy that filled her when they spoke of their husbands. They obviously loved them and were equally loved in return. Both women positively glowed with happiness.
That seemed far out of reach for Moira. Not that she regretted marrying Lucas. Not for a moment. She had to remember her goal: to help him. How she was going to accomplish that in the short amount of time she had before he left for Brazil seemed impossible, especially with his upcoming trip to London.
Amelia and Addie were on their best behavior with their guests. Emma spoke to them as though they were adults, rather than the baby talk some women used.
“When you come to London, Moira, we’ll have to visit some of the museums. The girls would enjoy that, wouldn’t you?” Emma asked as she smiled at them.
“We won’t be accompanying Lucas.” Moira glanced at Amelia and Addie to see how they were taking the news that their uncle was going to London after all.
“We don’t want Uncle Lucas to go.” Addie crossed her arms over her chest. “Bad things happen there.”
Emma looked at Moira in alarm, realizing she’d raised a delicate subject. “I’m sorry. I just assumed…”
“No need to worry,” Moira assured her. Then she turned to the girls. “He may have to go for a time. Lord Ashbury and Lord Weston have brought news that requires his attention and can only be addressed in London.”
“He said he wasn’t going to go,” Amelia said, her brow furrowed with worry.
“No, he said he wouldn’t go yet. You know he will be extremely careful. He understands how worried you are. He’ll return before we have time to miss him.”
“I have a trick to show you.” Abigail helped distract the girls by folding a piece of paper several times, then cutting an elaborate pattern in it. “What do you think it will be?”
“I have no idea,” Amelia said as she watched closely.
“I think it will be a flower.” Addie eyed the mysterious paper with great interest.
“Do you know my younger sisters are twins, too?” Abigail asked. “Their names are Sophia and Olivia. Maybe one day you can meet them.”
“How old are they?”
“Fourteen. They don’t look anything alike.”
“Truly?” Amelia turned to study her sister. “We look a lot alike.”
“Yes, you do,” Abigail said. “There. I’m done.” She set down the scissors. “Now I only need to open it carefully.”
The girls watched in wide-eyed wonder as Abigail revealed what looked like a piece of lace.
“It’s beautiful.” Addie reached out to touch it with a finger. “Can we try?”
“Absolutely.” Abigail and Emma showed them how to fold the paper while Moira found another pair of scissors.
After both girls had completed two of the lace papers, Moira hung them in their window with string.
A maid came to advise them that tea was ready so they left the girls to rest with the maid while Moira led the way to the drawing room.
“Moira, why aren’t you coming to London?” Abigail asked.
Moira hesitated. What did she say? “Lucas never suggested it. I don’t think he intends to stay long.” And then soon after that, he’ll be returning to Brazil. But she didn’t say that out loud. While the ladies already knew his plans, she saw no need to draw more attention to the odd complexities of her marriage.
“We would dearly love to have you come.” Emma took her arm as they entered the drawing room. “Wouldn’t we, Abigail?”
Abigail took her arm on the other side. “We would have a grand time. Have you ever been to London?”
“No, but I wouldn’t want to leave the girls.”
“Bring them along,” Abigail said. “My sisters would love to meet them. What better way to alleviate their fears than to have them close by where they can keep an eye on their uncle?”
“What are you lovely ladies plotting now?” Weston asked.
“We haven’t seen the three of you most of the afternoon but as soon as tea is served, you magically appear.” Emma released Moira’s arm to give her husband a kiss on the cheek.
“Guilty,” Ashbury said as he squeezed Abigail’s hand. “Mention food and we arrive.”
Tiago was with the three men as well.
Moira looked away from the other couple’s casual displays of affection only to have her gaze catch on Lucas, but his shuttered expression revealed little. The distance between them might as well have been a furlough than the few feet that separated them.
She busied herself serving tea, her heart heavy with longing. It had been easy to convince herself the terms of her marriage with Lucas were enough, but when faced with a comparison, she couldn’t help but wonder if she could be content after all.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Lucas helped himself to fried eggs, back bacon, sausage, and toasted bread from the sideboard then took his place at the table. His friends had not yet come down. He tried not to dwell on what they might be doing with their wives. That would be one of the advantages of a true marriage.
He hadn’t visited Moira’s bed since their company had arrived two days past. Not that he hadn’t been tempted. Lord knew he was. His desire for Moira had only grown since their night together. He didn’t see how he could hold himself to just one night with her. Yet neither could he bring himself to open the connecting door between their rooms.
The expression on her face when she looked at him since the other couples’ arrival confirmed their marriage wasn’t living up to her expectations.
While it wasn’t a complete surprise, it caused him to feel uncertain. She certainly deserved more than he could give. The path he’d chosen as well as the reasons why no longer seemed clear. Perhaps she felt the same way.
Added to that was the threat of the professor and his plans. So much was happening so quickly.
A footman poured him coffee that he’d brought from Brazil. He’d come to prefer its rich nutty flavor over the kind commonly used in England.
“Thank you,” he said then took a sip as the footman set a newssheet from London near his plate. The headline on the front page caught his eye: LORD DELIVERS ROUSING SPEECH ON ENGLAND’S FUTURE. The article advised that a member of the House of Lords had spoken of the rising power of Russia and how England needed to take action.
Lucas couldn’t help but think of what Professor Grisby had told Weston. Perhaps this lord would provide some sort of lead for them.
“Good morning.” Moira stood in the doorway, hesitating as though uncertain if she should join him.
His chest tightened as he realized how uncomfortable she was near him. While that might make it easier to keep his distance, he detested it.
“Good morning.” He cleared his th
roat, determined to make more of an effort at being friendlier. Moira deserved that much at least. “Please join me. The others are not yet down.”
“Thank you.” She moved to the sideboard, choosing sausage and fried eggs. “Did you sleep well?”
He debated telling her the truth—that he’d tossed and turned because he wished he’d been in her bed. But what purpose would that serve? “Quite well. You?”
“Yes. Thank you.” She sat next to him and placed her napkin on her lap. “Anything interesting in the news?”
“Actually, yes. There’s an article about a member of the House of Lords who seems to share similar beliefs with the professor.”
“Does that mean you’ll be leaving for London soon?”
“I suppose it depends on what the others think after they see this.”
“I would ask that you speak with the girls before you go. They are still concerned with the danger you’ll face in the city.”
“Abigail suggested that Moira and the girls come with us,” Ashbury said as he entered the dining room. “That would be easiest.” He dipped his head at Moira but didn’t bother to do so for Lucas.
Lucas set down the newssheet, the idea taking hold, especially now that she knew others there. He didn’t care to examine why having her with him sounded so appealing. “He’s right. You and the girls should accompany me. That should put the girls’ minds at ease.” His heartbeat sped as he watched her, waiting for her answer, hoping she’d agree.
Moira appeared rather startled at his suggestion. “Are you certain that’s a wise notion? It sounds as if you’ll be quite busy. We wouldn’t want to be in your way.”
“Wives are never in our way.” Ashbury sat beside her, his plate heaped with food. “Berkmond will be busy at times, but when he is, Abigail and Emma would be pleased to keep you company and show you some of the sites. Abigail tells me you’ve never been to London.”
“No, I haven’t.”
Lucas frowned. “Truly? You’ve never travelled to London?”
“The opportunity never arose.”
“It would be an excellent educational opportunity for the girls,” Ashbury continued. “Abigail’s sisters will love Amelia and Addie. Two sets of twins together. Think of the trouble they’ll find.”
Secrets 03 - Shattered Secrets Page 15