Lucas tamped down his frustration. His friends had been trying to solve this problem for months now. He knew he could do no better. Unfortunately, patience was not one of his virtues.
*
Moira waited in the drawing room for the girls to come down for their outing. They’d spent the morning exploring the extensive garden, pretending to search for hidden treasures from India. Moira had thought it important for the girls to stretch their legs and enjoy some fresh air after two days of traveling. However fresh the air could be in London. Though the day was cool and overcast, the promised fog had yet to make an appearance.
Now they were meeting Abigail and her sisters at Emma’s and going to the British Museum for Natural History in South Kensington. Moira was nearly as excited as the girls about their excursion.
She hadn’t seen Lucas since he’d left her bed early this morning. When he’d sought her out again last night, she’d been so pleased, certain they were growing closer. But he hadn’t spoken other than when they were making love. Her flicker of hope refused to be squelched no matter how sternly she berated herself. A footman had advised her that Lucas had left the house earlier when she’d descended the stairs for breakfast, leaving her disappointed.
Addie and Amelia entered the room with a maid directly behind them. Unfortunately, it was the one maid Moira didn’t care for. Something about Ingrid seemed insincere. Determined not to allow her presence to affect the outing, Moira smiled brightly.
“Shall we journey Lady Ashbury’s? I believe you’ll have a chance to meet her sisters as they are coming with us.”
They all settled into the carriage for the short drive to Abigail’s.
“Do you think the twins will like us?” Amelia asked, quite worried at the idea.
“Of course, they will.” Addie folded her arms across her chest. “We are very likeable, aren’t we, Aunt Moira?”
“Yes, you are. Please remember your manners when we arrive.”
Ingrid, the maid, was silent but her presence in the corner of the carriage watching them bothered Moira for no discernible reason.
“Welcome! Come in.” Abigail greeted them upon their arrival with hugs and took them into the drawing room where Emma waited. Abigail introduced them to her sisters.
Sophia and Olivia were lovely young ladies who immediately took to Addie and Amelia. The older girls were as different from each other as Abigail had said. Olivia was slim and tall with golden hair that held a hint of red in it. Sophia was shorter, with dark hair, already showing signs of the curves she’d gain as she matured.
The four girls would’ve been pleased to visit for a time, but they also wanted to go to the museum.
“Why don’t we take our coach so we can all travel together,” Abigail suggested. “We’ll give you and the girls a ride home when we’re done.”
As they went back outside, Moira told Ingrid they wouldn’t be needing her and sent her back with the carriage. The look the maid gave her seemed very odd, almost as though she was displeased.
“What was that all about?” Abigail asked as she watched the carriage leave.
“Did you see that, too? I thought perhaps I was imagining it,” Moira said.
“She seemed quite unhappy she wouldn’t be accompanying you.”
“Do you think she was disappointed as she wanted to see museum?”
“I’ve no idea.” Abigail shook her head. “Something about her seems odd. How long has she been employed by the Berkmond’s?”
“I don’t know but I will find out.”
They joined the girls in the coach. There wasn’t a moment of silence the entire drive to the museum. The four girls took an immediate liking to each other, much to Moira’s delight.
“Amazing.” Moira stared up at the ornate terracotta façade of the museum in awe. Two towers stood on either side of the entrance.
“Isn’t it though?” Emma agreed with a smile.
Moira stilled as a uncomfortable feeling of awareness passed over her. She glanced about but saw nothing untoward.
“What is it?” Abigail asked.
“I have the oddest feeling someone is watching us.”
Abigail and Emma shared a worried look.
“Most likely someone is. My uncle likes to know where we are and what we’re doing,” Emma said as she too glanced about.
“The only one we would recognize is Vincent Simmons, but he’s either quite careful to be certain we don’t see him or he’s hired others to watch us in his stead,” Abigail added.
Emma scowled as she continued to study the people around them. “Let us go inside.”
The interior of the building was just as impressive. Even the girls paused to admire the main hall with its tall, vaulted ceiling with glass windows lining the edges of the rounded ceiling.
Having Sophia and Olivia with them made watching the girls easy. The four stayed together, walking just ahead, allowing Abigail, Emma, and Moira to visit and appreciate the exhibits.
“Some of the artifacts are still at the British Museum in Bloomsbury,” Emma said. “They opened this one just last year.”
“It must take a significant amount of time to move all those exhibits from one location to another.”
“Unfortunately, most of the original items that made up the museum’s displays have disappeared over the years. It is said that the Keeper of Zoology’s wife carried open trays of new exhibits recently purchased across a courtyard during a gale and all the labels blew away.”
“That’s terrible,” Moira said. “Such a waste of information.”
“Can you imagine?” Abigail chuckled. “You would think she would’ve known better than to attempt such a feat if she was the keeper’s wife.”
“The keeper complained of mental illness among the staff. Maybe that’s another reason so many objects went missing.”
“Do you see why I adore coming to places like this with Emma?” Abigail said with a smile. “She knows the most interesting gossip.”
Emma’s mouth popped open in shock. “Gossip? I do not—”
Abigail patted her arm. “I’m only teasing you. Surely you know that by now. You of all people always act above reproach.”
Moira couldn’t help but giggle at the look on Emma’s face. “Your expression is priceless.”
Emma shook her head, a smile on her lips. “I should know better than to fall victim to Abigail’s teasing.”
Tears filled Moira’s eyes without warning. She blinked rapidly before either of the ladies could see them. She’d never had friends like this, hadn’t realized what a treasure they would be. The joy that came over her when she was with them was precious, especially since she knew it was temporary. When Lucas returned to Brazil, she would no longer have the opportunity to spend time with them.
“Moira, what is it?” Emma asked, taking her arm.
“Surely my teasing Emma hasn’t upset you,” Abigail said as she took Moira’s other arm.
“No, nothing of the sort. I—I am so blessed to have met you both. I’ve never had friends like you, and I’m so grateful.”
Abigail squeezed her arm. “We are pleased to have met you as well.”
“Friends are special. I recently learned that as well,” Emma said. “I had no idea how uplifting friends could be.”
“Then we’re all in agreement,” Abigail said with a grin. “Friends for life, from this moment forward.”
“Now we need only convince our husbands to continue their renewed friendship.”
“That will be difficult for Lucas as he still intends to return to Brazil,” Moira reluctantly said.
Abigail scowled as she turned to check on the girls. “That makes no sense to me.”
“Maybe he’ll change his mind,” Emma suggested.
Moira couldn’t confess how much she wished that as well. Perhaps she was going about it wrong. Maybe the time had come to make him realize he couldn’t possible live without her.
*
“Berkmond’s newl
y married.” Vincent rolled up on his toes, pleased with the amount of information he’d been able to gather from the butcher who’d been delivering their order.
“Married?” Uncle Grisby asked.
“Happened only a week or two ago to a woman who lived near his country estate and who he’s known most of his life. His brother’s two daughters are with them as well.”
“Interesting. All three men are now married. Once again, the power of three, but now multiplied.”
“He left early this morn and met up with the other two lords near the docks.”
“Do you suppose they’re looking for us?” His uncle smiled as though pleased at the idea. “Good. That would mean we have their attention. What of their wives?”
“They visited some museum with the girls and Lady Ashbury’s sisters.”
“What did that maid who is staying with Berkmond learn?”
“Very little. She didn’t go with them.”
“Blast it, Vincent!” He slammed his fist onto the desk before him. “We need to know not only where they are, but of what they’re speaking.”
“What do ye expect me to do? Force her into the carriage with ’em? I think we’re doin’ quite well by followin’ all six of ’em across town.”
His uncle sat back and scowled. “I suppose you’re correct. The more people we have involved in our endeavors, the greater the risk. Yet we must know what they’re up to. It’s our best chance to learn if they’ve somehow discovered our whereabouts or our plans.”
“Can’t have it both ways.”
“Keep the maid at Berkmond’s home. She might yet overhear something of importance.” His uncle sipped absinthe, the nasty green-colored spirit he swore aided his pain, as he mulled over the situation. Though Vincent thought the drink disgusting, it was better than the damned cocoa leaves he sometimes chewed. His uncle acted oddly after that. “I still believe Berkmond is the key, but all three men must be convinced of the validity of my plan. If they were to join me, I would be invincible.”
“Ye or yer plan?” Vincent’s eyes narrowed as he watched his uncle. While he appreciated his uncle wanting someone to believe in his science, he couldn’t help but wonder what the power would do to his uncle’s mind should he accomplish this grand plan of his.
“The plan, of course. Don’t be ridiculous.” He poured more of his special drink from the crystal decanter at his elbow.
Vincent released a muffled sigh. “What of Tysdale? Is he comin’ around to yer way of thinkin’?”
“He seems to be. At your suggestion, I have only shared parts of my research and the plan. Another meeting is in order, but I don’t want to move too quickly with him. These things take time yet we can’t dally overlong.”
“The longer we wait, the greater chance the lords will find us.” Vincent didn’t care for those odds at all.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Lucas paused before the connecting door late that night, berating himself for not being able to stay away from Moira. Only two days had passed since his last visit to her. But damned if he could stay away any longer. Fighting his desire for her was exhausting.
Already he was semi-aroused at the thought of her warm body against his, of her soft sighs and velvety skin. He’d done his best to avoid her during the day, fearing she’d see through his thinning defenses. The cover of darkness shielded his true feelings. At least he hoped it did. He knew he was growing dependent on her, but he lacked the will to do anything about it. Being with her seemed to calm his very soul.
He turned the knob and entered. Only a narrow beam of moonlight streaming in through a part in the drapes lit the darkness. His dressing robe slid to the ground as he lifted the covers to join her.
Her warm body shifted as he drew her back against him, her bottom pressed against his groin. He simply held her for a long moment, choosing not to question the peace that washed over him. Soon that tranquil feeling was replaced by the heat of desire. He ran his hands along the length of her back, along the narrow curve of her waist and the roundness of her bottom.
She moaned in response.
Her relaxed muscles told him she was still half asleep. He repeated his movements, loving the feel of her. Her breasts drew his attention, her nipples taut through the thin fabric of her nightgown. His hand drifted down to its hem and drew it up, caressing her long legs as he went.
Again he was rewarded when she moaned.
Passion filled him, pushing away his doubts, leaving only need. He lingered over her curves, pausing in some spots longer than others. Her sighs encouraged him, and he shifted her forward so she lay partially on her stomach, giving him better access to his goal.
When she brought one knee forward, leaving the other leg straight, he smiled. As he nuzzled the back of her neck, he caressed her bottom until at last he eased his way toward her center.
Her sigh made him ache, telling him of her desire. Unable to wait any longer, he eased her against him until he thrust into her. The relief was temporary. His need for her set a rhythm over which he had little control.
“Sweet Moira,” he muttered as his world sharpened until only she existed.
“Lucas.” She reached back to touch his hip, drawing him even closer, arching until they fit perfectly.
His heart shuddered in response just before his body did the same.
Once again, peace filled him as he held her, breathing in her sweet scent.
How was he going to live without her now that she was his?
*
Moira woke the next morning to find her bed empty once again. Other than a dent in the pillow beside her from where his head had laid, no sign of his presence existed. Except for the fullness in her heart.
While she wasn’t so naïve as to believe that a physical relationship with Lucas meant he was growing to care for her, the sweetness he showed her when they were together in the darkness of the night had to mean something. Didn’t it?
Though she tried to push aside the doubt and worry, it wouldn’t quite stay away.
Then she reminded herself of her goal: to help Lucas in every way she could. If making love with her helped him see he was capable of living a normal, happy life, then she would gladly do so.
She placed a hand on her belly, wondering if their times together had by some miracle already given her the gift of a babe. She closed her eyes and said a little prayer that it was so. Would knowing she carried his child keep Lucas here?
Somehow, she doubted it. He seemed to avoid connections with anyone he might grow to care for, including her. She hadn’t seen him in the light of day since they’d arrived. Other than what little Abigail and Emma had told her, she knew nothing about how his pursuit of Professor Grisby was progressing.
At least she knew Lucas was often with Lord Weston and Lord Ashbury. It wasn’t as if he was alone and in danger. That brought her some comfort.
She rose to begin her day, trying to keep her hope to a minimum and instead, concern herself with the girls. Amelia and Addie had thoroughly enjoyed exploring London thus far. Moira had as well.
However, they’d all had their fill of museums for the moment. She needed to find something else that would be amusing and appropriate for them.
Fran, her maid, arrived to help her dress.
“Good morning, my lady. Misses Amelia and Addie are having breakfast in the nursery, then walking in the garden with one of the maids.”
Alarm filled Moira. “Which maid?”
“I believe it’s Ingrid, my lady.”
“Can you please tell the girls I’d like them to join me in the morning room directly after breakfast? They are not to go into the garden beforehand.”
“Of course, my lady.” Fran’s curious look made her realize she was being overprotective, but Ingrid made her uneasy.
Moira considered speaking to the housekeeper about making certain Ingrid was never alone with the girls but hesitated. She didn’t want to cause the maid trouble simply because of a feeling. Once again, she mis
sed Lucas. He would know the proper course of action to take. If only he were here so she could discuss it with him and see if he’d noticed anything untoward about the maid.
Fran left to deliver the message as Moira descended the stairs to the family dining room. As she expected, the room was empty. Tiago had opted to stay with Lord Ashbury and his wife for a time. He was fascinated by the gaming establishment Ashbury ran and had found an unlikely friend in Ashbury’s partner, Farley. Moira hoped she had the opportunity to meet Farley as well. He sounded like an interesting man.
Just for a moment, she paused in the doorway, pretending that Lucas was sitting there waiting for her. That he greeted her with a smile and a kiss. That they planned their day together.
She shook her head. Such wishful thinking would only cause her more pain down the road. Why couldn’t she remember that?
A footman arrived to serve her. She picked up the newssheet and glanced through the headlines as she nibbled her eggs. Several pages in, she noted an advertisement for an event.
Demonstration on the Uses of the Electromagnetic Spectrograph!
Enjoy this demonstration of the measurement of electromagnetic energy resulting in a colorful light show never before seen by the human eye!
Perfect. This would provide her with a better understanding of electromagnetism so she wouldn’t feel so lost when it was discussed. The girls would enjoy the light show as well. It sounded as if it would be both educational and entertaining.
She noted the name of the theater where it was being held that evening. Perhaps she could convince Lucas to accompany them. If she saw him before then.
After breakfast, the girls joined her in the morning room and she read them the advertisement.
“What is it?” Addie asked.
“Well, that is an excellent question and one of the reasons I thought it would be interesting to attend this demonstration. From what little I know, it has to do with a form of electricity, which is energy. You know how you are sometimes shocked if you touch something?”
Both girls nodded.
“That’s a type of energy. Lightning is another type of natural energy. You’ve seen the electric lights some of the buildings that we’ve been in have. Those are another type of energy. You’ve played with magnets before and those also have energy. Only in the last decade or so has it been discovered that magnets and electricity are related.”
Secrets 03 - Shattered Secrets Page 19