Daring the Duke (The Seven Curses of London Book 7)

by Lana Williams

  “I started with a few taverns to get the recipe right then moved to finer establishments.” He pointed to the tables where the men measured each step of the process with a precision as if their life depended on it. Much different than the normal work they did. He’d buy them all a round at the local tavern when this was over. “This is where the magic happens.”

  McCarthy smiled, just as D.T. had intended when he’d rehearsed it. Entertaining and selling were often one in the same. He’d learned that long ago, and this occasion was no different.

  He continued, sharing a generalization of what he did, while he avoided revealing his source for the alcohol or what he was adding to it. When McCarthy came out and asked, he smiled. “Trade secrets.”

  “I understand,” the crime boss said, a little more respect in his expression.

  “Are you considerin’ joining the business as well?” D.T. asked, hoping that wasn’t the case.

  “Only with you, should we come to an agreement. Shall we talk privately for a moment?” he suggested and pointed to D.T.’s office.

  McCarthy made himself at home in the chair before D.T.’s desk, his guard remaining in front of the door, staring at the opposite wall. His presence felt odd, as if an elephant stood in the corner of the room.

  “I understand you sold some liquor to a member of the nobility.”

  “Yes,” D.T. answered, hoping he didn’t ask the customer’s name. There were certain things a businessman didn’t share.

  McCarthy leaned forward, that gaze pinning D.T. in place. “What if I told you that I could arrange for more customers like that? I also have a contact at a gentleman’s club in London who’s considering changing suppliers.”

  “Interestin’.” D.T. did his best to keep calm, despite his racing heart. This was exactly what he’d hoped for. Now to hear the details. “What did you have in mind?”

  ~*~

  Lillian wandered through the gardens near the Crystal Palace in Sydenham Hill that evening with Julia and Oliver. Dusk created a golden glow over the area. Torches lined the walkway, already lit in preparation of nightfall.

  Lillian turned to look up at the giant glass and iron structure in awe. “I cannot believe the building was taken down from its location in Hyde Park and reassembled here.”

  “I’m pleased they were able to do so,” Julia said as she stood beside Lillian and followed her gaze upward. “It’s a lovely building, and it would’ve been a shame if they hadn’t erected it here. We’ll come to another event so you can look inside.”

  Oliver sighed, making Lillian look at him to see how he was holding up in the growing crowd.

  His expression was less than pleased as he surveyed the area. “Why did we choose to attend this exhibition?”

  “The culmination of the evening is a reenactment of James Glaisher’s ascent in a hot air balloon to study the atmosphere,” Julia said. “Remember? You were quite interested when I showed you the advertisement.”

  “I’ve changed my mind,” Oliver said, causing Julia and Lillian to share a smile.

  “Come now,” Julia cajoled. “The phrase ‘the British Association for the Advancement of Science’ is all it took to capture your attention.”

  “I understand Glaisher’s book documenting his work has recently been released. Do you intend to read it?” Lillian asked Oliver.

  “That isn’t my usual field of study, but I find the premise interesting,” Oliver said. “I suppose it depends on how this evening goes.”

  “I don’t understand how they’re going to reenact his climb in the balloon to 36,000 feet, but it will be interesting nonetheless,” Lillian said.

  “Do you suppose they will mimic Glaisher losing consciousness?” Oliver asked.

  Julia jabbed him in the side. “It’s not his fault he did so. Thank heavens his assistant managed to stop the ascent.”

  “It’s rather odd that one man would pass out but not the other,” Lillian said.

  “Everyone is different, I suppose,” Julia said. “But it should make for fine entertainment.”

  The reason for this outing wasn’t overly important to Lillian. She was enjoying it regardless. It was lovely to be out in the evening air rather than in a stuffy ballroom. Watching the people stroll by would’ve provided enough entertainment for her, but if she learned something as well, she’d be even more pleased.

  “Let’s stop by the magic lantern show before we go to the reenactment,” Julia suggested. “We have plenty of time.”

  “It’s not another one on the evils of alcohol, is it?” Oliver asked.

  “This one shows highlights of India, according to the advertisement.”

  “Hmm.” Oliver sounded less than impressed.

  “You may have been there, but I haven’t nor has Lillian. You can tell us what parts they have incorrect.”

  Oliver had visited many countries during his time in the Navy. Lillian envied the various sights he’d seen, but she also knew he’d witnessed events no person should have to. His marriage to Julia had helped him to better deal with what he’d endured.

  They stopped at the magic lantern show, where slides in large wooden frames were projected with an electric bulb onto a large cloth hung a short distance away. Like many of these types of shows, the purpose was to educate and entertain. Temperance activists liked to use the method to warn both young and old alike about the dangers of alcohol. Luckily, the evening’s show would no doubt be more entertaining.

  Lillian and Julia oohed and awed over the elephants, natural wonders, and buildings as the slides were changed. A man narrated a description of the slides. The last one showed the Taj Mahal. Lillian had seen pictures of it before, but it never failed to impress her, especially on the large scale used this evening compared to a small photograph in a book.

  “Can you imagine how much the emperor loved his wife to build that for her?” Julia sighed, a wistful smile playing around the corner of her mouth.

  “Do you think it would’ve been more of a statement if he’d built it for her while she lived?” Oliver countered. “It’s a beautiful piece of architecture, but I have to wonder if it was built for the wrong reasons and at too high of a cost.”

  “I prefer the romantic version of the story,” Julia said with a frown. She held up a hand before Oliver could protest. “We each get to have our own opinion, do we not? The love they shared is something to be admired, a good thing in this world when there are so many evils.”

  Oliver tucked Julia’s hand into the crook of his arm. “Excellent point.”

  Lillian couldn’t help but think of the duchess and how much she missed her husband. “Why is it that some do all they can to forget the loved ones they lost while others go to such great lengths to remember?”

  “One of the biggest motivators of humans is the avoidance of pain,” Oliver said as they left the magic lantern show and continued down the walkway. “But how we do that tends to vary. Some run. Some hide. Others lash out.”

  “People are an interesting mix,” Julia said.

  Lillian nodded, though she thought the variety of reactions was puzzling. Then again, she’d felt all of those things when Helena had died. Perhaps it wasn’t so puzzling after all.

  They reached the wide grassy expanse of the park where the balloon ascent was to be held. Many people had already gathered there.

  “Let us not get overly close,” Oliver warned. His gaze swept the area as though he prepared to lead his men into battle. “These sort of demonstrations do not always go as planned.”

  “I do not care to be trampled in the event of an emergency,” Lillian agreed. “Where would you suggest?”

  They found a slight rise toward the back that would provide a good view. The balloon and its large basket were being placed into position as the crowd gathered.

  “Good evening.”

  Lillian turned in surprise at Elijah’s familiar voice.

  “Burbridge,” Oliver greeted him with a bow as Lillian and Julia curtsied.
>
  They exchanged several moments of pleasantries.

  Dusk made it difficult to read Elijah’s expression, but Lillian was thrilled to see him. She couldn’t explain the sensation, not when she had so many doubts about him and the situation with Helena. Yet it was there all the same. In truth, the feeling grew each time she saw him.

  That worried her as much as it pleased her. What to do about it was another matter entirely.

  “What brings you to the ascent?” Lillian asked.

  Elijah glanced over to see Oliver and Julia speaking quietly. His gaze swung back to her. “The hope of seeing you.”

  She couldn’t help the small gasp. Or the way her heartbeat quickened. Or the heat that filled her cheeks. “That’s a lovely thing to say.”

  Her honesty appeared to have surprised him. Good, she thought. She preferred to keep him on his toes as much as he did to her.

  He nodded toward the balloon. “Have you ever seen a balloon ascent?”

  “When I was younger, but it was during the day. Quite impressive all the same.”

  “It’s even more impressive at night. I’ll be interested to hear what you think.”

  “Will you watch it with us?” she asked, uncertain if he’d arrived with another group.

  “I’d be honored to.”

  Another little thrill ran through her, bringing with it the now familiar worry. Her feelings were becoming so quickly entangled, and she felt helpless to control them. She worried that she’d return home with a broken heart, much like Helena’s.

  She drew a breath, reminding herself that they were still coming to know each other. Her concern could wait for another day. For now, she intended to relax and enjoy the evening.

  “What did you think of the discoveries made during the original ascent?” she asked Elijah. “I didn’t realize how cold it would be.”

  “One doesn’t think about freezing temperatures when drawing closer to the sun. The findings were certainly interesting.”

  “Ask Glaisher if that’s true,” Oliver added with a smile.

  Elijah chuckled. “How unfortunate that he’s already remembered more for his loss of consciousness than for the bravery it took to do something no one else has done before.”

  “Fame is a fickle thing,” Julia said.

  The sound of drums filled the evening air, drawing everyone’s attention. Soon after, the announcer declared it was time for the presentation to begin. He gave a brief summary of the decision to make the ascent, listed the risks involved, then the drum roll started once more.

  Lillian caught her breath as the burner of the balloon lit, slowly filling the balloon with air and a soft glow. Oliver and Julia moved forward to better see it, giving Lillian and Elijah a small measure of privacy. It took several minutes for the balloon to fill enough to raise the two men in the basket. The announcer’s explanation no longer mattered as they all stared at the balloon.

  “Beautiful,” Lillian whispered to Elijah.

  “Yes.”

  She turned to see his attention was focused on her rather than the ascent. The steady regard in his eyes was visible thanks to the light from the balloon. His gaze dropped to her lips, causing her stomach to do a long, slow roll. It almost made her feel as if he’d kissed her. Yet the idea of it wasn’t enough. She’d experienced the real thing, and nothing less would do.

  But that would have to wait for another time.

  The announcer’s voice caught their attention once again. They watched as one of the actor’s in the basket pretended to shiver. The pigeon they had with them in a cage froze, the live one switched to a stuffed one by a clever slight of hand. Then the actor feigned a loss of consciousness just as Glaisher had done. The other actor who posed as his assistant climbed the rigging, swinging about, acting as if the wind buffeted him, making the attempt dangerous. He rubbed his gloved hands as though they were cold then at last reached up to shut off a valve line to stop the ascent.

  The area suddenly went dark, leaving the audience gasping, including Lillian. The feel of Elijah’s arm around her waist comforted her even as it sent a jolt of awareness through her. She turned to him, only to realize he leaned toward her. His lips claimed hers for the briefest few seconds before easing back.

  The precious moment pinched her heart, especially when the balloon lit once more, revealing Elijah holding her gaze with something in the depth of his eyes that lifted her soul.

  She had no idea where this attraction between them would lead, but she couldn’t wait to find out.

  Chapter Eleven

  “Therefore they [abstinence advocates] appeal as a rule to men who are in the enjoyment of their sober senses, and in a condition to weigh with a steady mind the arguments that are brought forward to induce them to abandon alcoholic stimulants altogether.”

  ~The Seven Curses of London

  The next evening, Elijah entered Lord and Lady Marley’s mansion on Park Lane for their annual ball, a large affair on the “must attend” list, according to his mother. Who was he to argue?

  She’d declined his offer to escort her, stating she intended to meet friends there, and he was free to go about his usual business.

  Elijah had left behind his “usual business” for so long that he no longer remembered what it was. Or perhaps the reason he didn’t know what that meant had more to do with the fact that Lillian now filled his thoughts to the exclusion of all else.

  He’d been overcome the previous evening when he’d seen her face light with joy as the balloon lit the night. It had taken all his will—and the presence of her brother—to keep from drawing her into his arms and kissing her thoroughly. When the assistant had reached up to shut off the valve and the lights had gone dark, he hadn’t hesitated.

  And he was so pleased he’d acted.

  At least, he had been until the middle of the night when he’d tossed and turned with desire. She had him in knots without even trying.

  Despite the fact that Lillian had told him they weren’t planning to attend the Marley’s ball, he found himself searching the crush for her familiar form to no avail. Julia’s father was celebrating a birthday, so they were having a quiet dinner at home. That didn’t keep Elijah from feeling bereft without Lillian.

  Having time to consider his feelings toward her would be good—if only he could convince himself that was true. It was concerning to realize how much he enjoyed spending time with her. The more he did, the more he yearned to. Yet the last thing he wanted was to show her too much attention in public and cause gossip to spread.

  Besides, his interest didn’t mean he was prepared to make this a lasting relationship—not with everything else he needed to worry over. An evening without her would provide him with a chance to dispel speculation by spending time with a few other ladies.

  How unfortunate that the idea didn’t appeal to him in any way.

  With a deep breath, he forced a smile then moved into the crowd to look for his mother. Tension filled him as he searched without success, worried he’d find her in an animated state from too much drink.

  Many familiar faces crossed his path. He paused briefly to greet some but only nodded at others, his anxiousness increasing as he searched. He realized he missed Lillian for one more reason—to have another set of eyes watching over his mother to make certain all was well. He halted to reconsider. Did he truly trust her to help with his mother?

  Lady Margaret appeared before him, a coy smile on her lips as she curtsied. “Good evening, your grace.”

  “Lady Margaret,” he said, hiding his dismay.

  “I hope the evening finds you well.” She stepped closer, looking at him from beneath her lashes.

  He knew the woman would welcome his advances, but he didn’t care for her and had no intention of encouraging her. “Indeed. And you also. Excuse me, but I see someone with whom I need to speak.” He moved away before she could protest.

  “Burbridge.” The Earl of Adair gave a polite nod.

  “Adair. Good to see y
ou.”

  The earl made few appearances since his marriage the past autumn. “I’ve heard things are going exceptionally well at Adair House,” Elijah said. The home was for those who needed a helping hand during a troubled time in life.

  Adair smiled with satisfaction. “Work is progressing, though we continue to refine our efforts.”

  “That is a wise idea from what little I understand. Redirecting resources as new information arises?”

  “Yes.” Adair shook his head. “The new tricks the professional beggars and thieves invent continue to shock me. The difficulty in sorting those with legitimate needs from those attempting to add to their personal gain remains a challenge.”

  “I applaud your efforts and would like to learn more,” Elijah said.

  “An excellent place to start is with a book called The Seven—”

  “Curses of London,” Elijah finished for him.

  Adair chuckled. “Someone has already provided you with a copy?”

  “Viscount Rutland. I’ve also had a chance to visit with Frost about his efforts along with those of your brother.” Hawke, Adair’s younger brother, had uncovered a criminal who specialized in young girls being sold into prostitution. Frost had aided him and also managed to assist young lads away from a life of thievery.

  “Excellent. You are well informed then. I’m thinking of presenting a few ideas for further reform at the House of Lords. Can I count on your support?”

  “I’d be pleased to do so.”

  They spoke a few minutes more before Elijah continued on his way. Men like Adair made the transition to being a duke easier by leading the way and offering opportunities to work together. Elijah might not be the same man his father was, but perhaps he could find his own path and make a difference in some small regard. The idea pleased him more than he expected. He wanted to earn respect rather than have it handed to him because he now held the title of duke.