Seeing Elinor had been wonderful and painful. He longed for her, yet didn’t deserve her. “I am not sure. She said she loves me. That’s one good thing.”
Thomas clapped his hands and laughed. “That’s great news. Do you think she will marry you?”
“One step at a time. Let’s see if I can get her to dance with me at Markus’s mother’s ball before I begin to speak to her about marriage.” Michael refused to get worked up about his small success.
“I supposed you’re right. But I heard that Middleton intends to offer for her. You may not have that much time.” Thomas plucked lint from the overstuffed chair.
Michael rubbed his face. It had been a long few days, and this was not the news he wanted to hear. “I cannot do anything about that. If Elinor accepts Middleton, then I will wish her well, but I think she will stall and make sure she has satisfied her lists.”
“Her lists?”
Michael waved. “It’s a long story. Shall we go for dinner, Tom? If you’ll wait for me to dress, we can go to the club.”
“I’ll wait if you’ll allow me to try out that harpsichord you hide away in the library.”
“Help yourself.” Michael trudged up to his rooms.
Forty-five minutes later, Michael stood in the library doorway listening to Thomas play some piece of music that he should have recognized but didn’t. He liked music, but admitted he was sadly uneducated. Thomas, on the other hand, was an aficionado on music in all forms and was constantly hunting for the best and brightest musicians or the perfect composition.
He could have stood there another hour listening, but Dalton interrupted. “Pardon the intrusion, your grace. A Mr. Hardwig is calling. He comes from Scotland Yard and says his business is urgent.”
Thomas stopping playing. “James is here.”
Michael lamented the end of the music. “Evidently.”
In the study, James Hardwig stood, rocking heel-to-toe with his hands behind his back.
“Hello, James,” Thomas said. “Good to see you.”
Looking from Michael to Thomas, James’s jaw dropped before recovering and shaking Thomas’s hand. “Wasn’t expecting to find you here, Wheel, but it’s good to see you, too. Been too long.”
“Good evening, Inspector. It’s a pleasure to see you again.” Michael shook James’s hand.
“Your grace, I am sorry to disturb you. I thought to catch you before you went out for the evening. I have some important news, and I didn’t think it should wait.” He brushed the hair meant to cover his bald spot into place.
“We were just going to dinner, but we are not on a schedule. What is your news?” Michael sat and offered James a seat.
James cleared his throat. “I do not mean to be rude, Wheel, but this is personal news for his grace.”
“You may feel free to speak in front of Thomas. He and I have been friends so long that secrets seem a waste of time. He always knows what I am thinking, anyway.” Thomas knew everything about Michael’s life. Nothing the inspector could say would be hidden from his true friends.
James nodded. “I noticed that when I first met you. You four have a rather odd way of communicating.”
“We’ve been together since we were in short pants, James,” Thomas said. “It’s a bit hard to get out of the habit. Marlton, Flammel, Kerburghe, and I have been through quite a lot together.”
“What was your news?” Michael asked politely.
James sat on a brown wingback chair facing Michael. “The crown has asked me to do a thorough investigation of Roxton’s claims on your title.”
“And what did you discover?” Michael wished he was indifferent, but he liked the idea of leaving more for his brothers and maybe even children one day. He quashed the notion.
“The claim is complete bunk as you might have guessed.”
“I hear a ‘but’ in your tone, James,” Thomas said.
James Hardwig stared at the carpet and rubbed his forehead. He ruffled his thinning hair and breathed long and steady.
Maybe he didn’t know what to say. Michael looked at Thomas, who had known the inspector a long time.
Thomas waved dismissively. “Give him a moment, if you will, your grace? He is usually worth the wait.”
Michael went behind the desk and adjusted a stack of papers on the corner.
Thomas flopped on the couch and crossed his feet.
Finally, Hardwig raised his head. “During my investigation I found some rather strange anomalies in the estate of Kerburghe.”
“The title goes back several hundred years, Inspector. What kind of anomalies did you find?” Michael didn’t like the sound of this. It was one thing if someone else had a prior legitimate claim on the title. He would have to live with that. He had never expected to be titled, let alone a duke, but if this was the crown backing out of their promise, he would seek justice.
“Relax, your grace. You are the Duke of Kerburghe. No one will dispute that. That is not what I meant. What I found was that someone has been playing the part since the last duke’s demise. At least that’s what I think.”
A sinking feeling settled in Michael’s gut. “What do you mean, ‘playing duke?’ How can that be?”
“At first I thought I must be crazy. The last Duke of Kerburghe died over a year ago. His name was Willoghby Roxton. He was ninety-four years old at his death and had never married. He left no sons and no brother who had sons who are living, and so the title returned to the crown. It’s a fine holding, even though it is in Scotland. Just before this Roxton passed, his very distant nephew, one Carter Smyth, convinced the old duke to allow him to change his name to Roxton. In fact, he changed the name of his entire family: two brothers, a sister, and even his mother. I am not certain if the documents are legal. He may have forged the old man’s signature. In any case, he then proceeded to Kerburghe lands and took over, saying he was the heir apparent when the duke died. He named himself as successor, taking the profits from a coal mine and good farmland and living quite well for himself.”
Michael didn’t know what to say. It was absurd. He laughed.
Open-mouthed, James watched him. “You think it’s funny, your grace? This cur has been stealing from you. At least, that’s my supposition. I haven’t any hard proof yet.”
“No, it is not really funny. But we’ve met Roxton and frankly, he did not seem smart enough to pull this off. You have to admit it’s rather clever.”
“As I said, I do not have hard proof.”
Thomas said, “I know you, James. If you’ve come up with all of this, then your evidence must be compelling. You just need proof that will stand up in court.”
“What do you plan to do now?” Michael asked.
“With your permission and your help, your grace, I’d like to catch him in the act, so to speak. He’s been living in Scotland, but I heard recently he took up residence in London. Bought himself a townhouse and seems very comfortable.”
“With my money, I presume.” Michael liked this Roxton or Smyth less and less. He’d gone from annoyance to problem in only a few hours.
“I would surmise as much.” James stood and buttoned his jacket.
“What’s the plan?” Thomas stood as well, looking ready to fight the next battle.
James shook his head. “My original plan won’t work now. I didn’t realize that you had met Roxton, umm, Smyth. Thought you could go to Scotland and surprise him. Then I could arrest him with the help of a few of my men. Now I’ll have to think this through for a day or two. Do I have your permission to go to your lands, your grace?”
If Thomas trusted James, he could, too. “I trust you, Inspector. You saved the life of two of my closest friends over the years.”
James blushed.
“You may act on my authority. I would appreciate to be kept apprised of what is happening, and if you need my assistance, I shall be available.”
“I will let you know when I have a plan in place,
your grace. I appreciate your faith in me.”
“Why don’t you join us for dinner, James?” Thomas plucked his gloves from the top of the desk.
James puffed up and grinned. “I would not want to intrude.”
“Not at all,” Michael assured him. “You would be most welcome.”
Smiling, the inspector accepted, and the three left for dinner.
Chapter 11
Elinor entered Flammel house just as Dory glided down the stairs toward the foyer.
Lord and Lady Castlereagh greeted their guests under the elegant crystal chandelier. Maids and footmen bustled in crisp gold livery.
Elinor curtsied before her hosts. “Good evening, my lord and lady. Thank you for inviting me.”
“So glad you could come, Lady Elinor. I know Dorothea will be happy you are here to hear her play.” Lady Castlereagh grinned like a cat who’d caught her mouse.
Lord Castlereagh turned to Dory. “You look truly lovely, my dear.” Tall and handsome, he was still a favorite among the ladies.
“Thank you, Father.” She smiled, but it did not light her eyes.
“I understand you are to play for us tonight.” He kissed her cheek.
“Yes, Father. Mother has made a special request.” Dory dipped into a small curtsy for both her parents.
“I look forward to it, Dorothea.”
Dory took Elinor’s hand, and they escaped into the ballroom.
“Are you all right?” Dory asked.
“I am glad you and your mother came to an understanding about your playing.”
Dory shrugged. “She made me feel guilty, so I agreed to play for twenty minutes and not a minute longer. But I was asking how you are, not about my family squabble.”
Elinor had hoped to escape more conversation about her situation. “Fine. I was nervous earlier, but now I feel quite well.”
“Why is that?”
“I took a taste of Father’s brandy.” She made a face. “Tasted like the devil, but it did take the edge off of my nerves.”
Dory shook her head. “Don’t get drunk. You must keep your wits about you. Both Michael and Middleton will be here tonight.”
“Are you sure?”
Nodding, Dory patted Elinor’s hand. “Middleton is already here, and he is heading this way. I wonder where Sophia is.”
“They are always late,” Elinor said.
As elegant as the prince himself, Middleton arrived and bowed. “Good evening, ladies. Lady Elinor, may I request the first dance?”
Her cheeks heated. Damn her fair skin. “Thank you, your grace. I would be delighted.”
The music had not yet started.
He kissed her hand. “Until then.”
Several other young men came by and asked for dances from both ladies.
“Kerburghe had better get here soon if he wishes to have a dance with you. Your card is almost full already,” Dorothea said.
There would always be space on her card for a dance with Michael.
When the music began, Middleton came to claim his partner. “You look beautiful, Lady Elinor.”
It was a moment before the dance brought them together again. “Thank you, your grace.”
On the next pass, he gazed into her eyes. “Did you enjoy the play the other night?”
“I love the theatre, and while the play itself was foolish, I think the message was quite good.”
Middleton cut a fine figure, in black with a crisp white shirt and perfectly tied cravat. He cocked his head and took the hand of the next woman before coming back to Elinor. “What message are you referring to?”
“Love.”
He laughed. “I am afraid I will require more instruction than that, my lady.”
She accepted the next gentleman’s hand and they promenaded. Would Michael have understood her? No, he’d probably hated the play. Men never understood such things. They came together for the final turn and Middleton walked her off the floor. “People should be willing to give up everything for true love.”
“Do you really believe that?” His handsome face was expressionless, but his tone made her think that he found her ideas on love foolish.
“I do.”
“And would you?” he asked.
Her heart skipped a beat. She was saved by the music as her next partner claimed his turn on the floor.
The night continued on and on this way. She danced with almost a dozen young men.
Eventually Lord and Lady Marlton arrived. Sophia looked flushed, so the reason for their delay must have been a pleasant one.
Still, she couldn’t shake the question of whether she’d risk everything for true love. She’d thought she would, but he had rejected her and she hadn’t risked everything. She had complained but taken no real risk other than going to see him that one night. Would she give up everything for love?
Sophia’s husband approached. “You look like a woman with a lot on her mind, Lady Elinor. Would you care to dance with an old married man?”
She smiled. “I would be delighted. Your advancing years are a concern, but I shall make the sacrifice.”
“I am exceedingly grateful.” He offered his arm and led her onto the floor.
Daniel was a fine dancer. “I have become aware that my wife has been meddling into your life lately.”
Elinor smiled. “Sophia and Dory are trying to help.”
“And are they helping?” he asked.
She laughed. Speaking to a man about one’s love life was strange and unfamiliar. Still, sdo not he liked Daniel. He was one of Michael’s closest friends and had always been kind to her. “I do not know. I am still sad and confused. I really don’t know what to do. I love Michael but I am so angry with him. I do not know if I can forgive him and even if I did, would he have me? Really it would be a disaster if I chose him and he rejected me again.”
“It is a risk,” Daniel admitted.
There it was. She wasn’t the woman she thought she was. She’d been so afraid of embarrassment, that she hadn’t followed her heart. She looked at Daniel. “Thank you, my lord.”
As the music ended, he bowed. “You are flushed. Can I do anything?”
“I will just go and get some air.” She turned toward the veranda.
“Shall I accompany you?”
“No. I need a moment alone.”
“The veranda is likely filled with people, Lady Elinor.”
The heat in the ballroom would have sent half the crowd out of doors. “I practically grew up here. I know all the best hiding places, my lord.”
He nodded, and she walked away.
Elinor snuck through the library to a small private veranda. She breathed in the night air. Her situation was ridiculous. Middleton hadn’t offered for her, but it seemed he was likely to. He was kind and stable. She ran over her list in her head.
“Forgive me, my lady.” Middleton startled her.
“Your grace.” She searched behind him through the darkened library, but he was alone.
He joined her outside. “No one saw me enter. I apologize for following you. I wonder if I might have a word?”
“It’s unseemly for us to be here alone together.” She said what was expected, but in truth she was too curious to know what he wanted to care about propriety. Besides, she’d been ruined before.
He nodded and stepped to the low stone wall. “I know, and I won’t risk your reputation for long. I just wanted to know if my attention is a delight or a bother. Normally I can read a person, but I find myself stumped by you. Rather than cause either or both of us distress, I thought it best to just ask.”
“You are not a bother, your grace. You have been wonderful company on the occasions we have met.”
“Are you still in love with Kerburghe?”
Her heartbeat tripled and she gripped the stone to steady herself.
“Don’t answer. I can see that you are. However, Elinor, if you do not mind my com
pany too terribly, I still enjoy your company very much. Who knows what the future will bring. Perhaps I can sway you in my favor.”
“Why must you be so kind?”
He smiled, took her hand, and kissed it.
The crowd in the ballroom hushed as the music stopped.
Elinor pulled her hand back and left Middleton in the library as she rejoined the party.
The Countess of Castlereagh announced that her talented daughter would treat them to a rare and excellent performance on the pianoforte.
From her mother’s side, Dorothea smiled dutifully, then turned into the music room, which was lined with chairs.
Everyone filed into the long hall with cream wall coverings and two fine chandeliers.
Dory sat at the pianoforte.
Middleton strode in and sat on the left side of the room.
Elinor needed space from all the men in her life. She sat in the corner, obscured by the harp.
When Dorothea Flammel put her fingers to the keys, there was a kind of magic. It was genius. She played Chopin first, and dulcet tones rang through the room, bounded, and reached a crescendo before Dory brought them back down to earth.
Each composition she played was better than the one before. The crowd applauded wildly between each. The last started softly. It was light and funny, but in the middle a sad story found its way into the music. By the time Dory let her hands rest on her lap, half of the crowd was in tears.
Everyone applauded vigorously. Even those who knew nothing of good music could understand that they had heard something extraordinary. Many stopped to congratulate her on her accomplishments. Some people congratulated her mother, which Elinor would never understand.
The guests returned to the ballroom, where the orchestra readied to play again.
Intent on sitting with Dory for a few minutes, Elinor stayed in her fine hiding place.
Thomas Wheel waited at the far wall until everyone had gone.
Dory sat at the instrument again, but she did not play. With her head bowed, she caressed the keys. A tear fell and she wiped it off the precious ivory.
“You are magnificent,” he said.
Foolish Bride Page 11