Clairece eased the shawl back in place. “It appears worse than it is.” She glanced over Phillip’s head at James and raised a questioning brow. James gave a barely discernible shake of his head. “Would either of you care for tea or coffee?” she offered.
James pulled up a chair and sat. “We won’t stay long, my dear. We don’t wish to tire you. I sent a wire to your father and Uncle Adrian.” At her startled gasp, he hushed her. “They needed to know, and it was my duty to inform them.”
She swallowed. “What did you tell them?”
“I told them we’d misjudged the reason for your trip and your life was in danger.”
“Misjudged?” Her heart thumped in her chest.
James sighed. “I wanted to believe your sudden desire to visit was to spend time with us, but suspected there was something more.”
“I see.” She stared at her clenched hands.
James continued. “For that reason, and because you both share an interest in antiquities, I asked Tony to help you in any way he could.”
A band tightened around her chest and her throat constricted. She’d been a fool. She’d glibly fallen in with Anthony’s plans and asked him to help. Clairece swallowed against the pain. “Anthony saved my life twice, so your trust was well placed. However, as soon as I’m able, I’ll move back into Aunt Angeline’s home for the duration of my stay.”
“No, you will not.” Anthony spoke from the doorway.
Her head snapped up, tears blurring her vision. “I just learned your willingness to help me was a favor to James. I won’t inconvenience you any further. Your services are no longer required.”
Anthony cursed. In a few, swift, strides, he crossed the room. “Like hell they’re not. You’re not going anywhere, at least not without me.”
Phillip drew in an outraged breath and sprang to his feet. “You cannot keep Clairece here against her will, Tony. If she wishes to leave—”
“She will stay with me,” James interrupted smoothly, rising to face Anthony.
“Don’t do this,” Anthony growled, stepping toward James.
“Enough!” Clairece shouted. “I will hear no more of your manly bickering while you decide what is to be done with me. What I do is my choice, and mine alone.”
James and Phillip gaped in surprise while Anthony, his expression resembling nothing short of a thundercloud, stood with his hands balled at his sides.
“Sit down, all of you. I won’t have you towering over me.” All three men remained rooted to the spot. “I. Said. Sit,” she ordered.
They sat.
“Now, please remain silent while I explain a few things. First and foremost, I’m almost twenty-five years of age, and I’m a widow. My late husband left me financially independent, and I have the dowry from my father Roger set aside for me. For the last two years, I’ve lived without benefit of family to tell me how it’s done. And, lest you forget, my home is in Philadelphia, a thriving metropolis full of all manner of people.”
The men began to mumble.
She cleared her throat.
The mumbling ceased.
“There are some significant facts you should understand about me. I enjoy certain freedoms I do not intend to relinquish.” Clairece flicked a sideways glance at Anthony. His eyes narrowed in response. “Whatever I choose to do, I need not ask permission first.”
The men glared at each other as she stated, “You’re correct in assuming my coming is connected to Roger’s death, but you’re vastly mistaken if you think I will let two attempts on my life deter me.” Clairece raised her hand as all three male voices rose in objection. “Obviously, I saw something which poses a danger to whoever stole the collar and killed Roger. However, those responsible will be brought to justice.”
“How? By using yourself as bait?” Anthony’s voice held deadly calm.
James and Phillip bounded to their feet and started to pace. She ventured a peek at Anthony and found him watching her, an ominous gleam in his eyes.
“Why didn’t they go after you in Philadelphia?” Phillip questioned.
Anthony spoke up. “Because they had no reason to consider her a threat. However, everything changed with the notice in the paper.”
Chapter 18
Anthony needed time to talk some sense into Clairece, or, barring that, he would happily throttle her. God only knew what she thought after James’ pronouncement, but he could venture a fair guess. Her eyes had shown hurt and betrayal, but she was wrong if she thought he would abandon her. He leaned closer and whispered, “We’re going to talk.”
“There’s no point,” she murmured.
“You think not?” He raised his voice. “Gentlemen, please take your seats.”
James and Phillip exchanged glances and sat.
“I visited The Post and learned most personals are left in a drop box with no name or direction. After this last attempt, I doubt there will be more messages. Inspector Stallings agreed to check ship passenger manifests for the months surrounding the theft of the collar. His men will watch for any name going to, and returning from, New York.”
The others nodded their approval.
“In the meantime, I would like to take Clairece to Sanctuary Park in Somerset. It’s on the coast between Portishead and Bristol. I suggest you both come along.”
James ran a hand over the back of his neck. “They’ll keep trying, won’t they?”
“Yes.” At Anthony’s response, a distinct humph came from the woman seated beside him. “If you agree on Harding Hall, I will have Dr. Farris examine her before we leave.”
James glanced from Clairece to Anthony. “As it happens, I concur with your taking her to Somerset. However, Phillip needs to return to Oxford, and I should wait here for her father and Uncle Adrian.”
“I haven’t said I’ll go,” Clairece mumbled.
Anthony swiveled toward her. “We are not giving you the choice. You will go.”
Once downstairs, Anthony pushed James up against a wall. “Have you run mad? I’ve never taken you for a fool, but if you destroy her trust in me, the cost might be her life.”
James swore and shoved back.
Anthony lowered his voice and pointed his finger in James’ face. “I realize placing her in further danger wasn’t your intent, but on her own, she doesn’t stand a chance.”
“I won’t allow her to be hurt by you, either,” James growled.
“What makes you certain I will hurt her?”
Phillip stepped between the two men. “What’s going on here?”
As the sound of men’s voices faded, Clairece shifted nervously on the settee. With each slow tread of Anthony’s boots up the stairs, she grew more agitated. If the gleam in his eyes was any indication, he was beyond angry.
The door to his bedchamber opened and closed. She heard him moving around. A few minutes later, Anthony entered the sitting room, locking the door behind him. In shirtsleeves and trousers, he advanced on her.
Clairece pressed back against the cushioned settee, her pulse racing. “What are you doing?”
Anthony opened the top two buttons of his shirt and rolled up his sleeves. “I suspect this will take some time. I intend to make myself comfortable.”
“It won’t take any time at all,” she retorted. Her breath hitched as he suddenly leaned forward, caging her between his outstretched arms.
“We have much to discuss, and we aren’t leaving this room until we do. Now, I remained quiet while you spoke and I expect you to show me the same courtesy. Agreed?” His warm, brandy-scented breath fanned her face. She closed her eyes and inhaled.
“Agreed?” he repeated.
Her eyes flashed open and she spared a short, “Fine.”
Anthony pulled up a chair and sat facing her, his knees
bracketing hers.
“What are you—?”
“Hush, my turn.” He crossed his arms and leaned back. “Now, do you think I knew who you were on New Year’s Eve?”
“No.”
“You’re right. I thought you were a . . . gift. I’d planned to spend the night alone, but at the sound of your voice and the vision you made, I stopped thinking rationally.” His tone dropped to a soft purr. “I have never desired a woman as much as I do you.”
Clairece swallowed.
“James mentioned his concern for a cousin and, yes, he asked me to help. It was before we met. Since I possess an extensive knowledge of antiquities, it seemed a perfect solution. After you disappeared, I feared it would take weeks to find you. But there you were, at James’ house. Do you think me the type of man to betray a friend’s trust?”
She stared into his eyes. “No.”
His hand wrapped around hers. “I’ve had to fight for everything in my life. I don’t deny, I’ll use whatever means at my disposal to get what I want. James’ request was a perfect way to stay near you, to see if what I’d experienced was more than lust.”
“Don’t—” she began.
He silenced her with a finger against her lips. “The night I came to your house for dinner, I watched the way you were with James and Phillip, so playful and sweet, and all I wanted was time alone with you. After the incident in Hyde Park, I desired nothing more than to keep you safe. My reasons had nothing to do with my promise to James.
“Watching the carriage and team rushing toward you,” Anthony swallowed, “nearly destroyed me. I thought I’d lost you. To let you go back to your house alone would be tantamount to handing you over to them. Don’t ask it of me.”
“Anthony, I’m truly not your responsibility.” She squeezed his hand, trying to ease the sting of her words.
“I believe you know better.” At the look in his eyes, her heart began to pound.
“I had no idea intimacy could be so sweet, so tender.” Clairece peered at her hand, surrounded by his much larger palms. She lifted a finger and ran it over the dusting of black hair on his forearm.
“Stay with me, let me protect you.”
Clairece leaned forward, dreading what she must say. “Anthony, as soon as this is over and we find those responsible, I will return to Philadelphia and my life there.”
Chapter 19
Anthony gaped. That Clairece could so easily dismiss what was happening between them, left him stunned. Notwithstanding her relationship to James and the Earl of Windsford, she was not the sort of woman to dally with and set aside. Neither was she a woman a man could forget. Whether Clairece realized it or not, she was his, and Anthony had no intention of letting her go.
“Let’s take one thing at a time, shall we? We need a safe place for you to recover, and I believe it to be Harding Hall.”
“As long as you understand how important my quest is to find those responsible for killing Roger, I’ll accompany you.”
“Sweetheart, they’ll come for us. They’re not going to stop until we stop them.” He raised her hands to his lips. “I’ll call your maid to help you into bed and inform Mrs. Dobbins I’ll be leaving for a short time. My men are posted both inside and out of the house, and Caesar will be in the room with you. Cook will mix hot brandied milk for you and I want you to drink all of it.” Anthony came to his feet and went to the bell pull, giving the cord a quick tug.
Anthony strode through White’s to the table in the alcove. To a waiting attendant he said, “Coffee and a sandwich of beef and cheese, if you would.” Dropping his gloves in his hat, Anthony handed them and his overcoat to a nearby footman.
His food arrived and he dug into the thick sandwich with gusto. Finally replete, he pushed the empty plate aside and downed the rest of his coffee. About to leave, he glanced up to see James approach. “Thanks for meeting me. I wasn’t certain you would.”
“Damn it, Tony.” James grabbed a chair and sat. “How did this mess between you and Ree happen? I understand she didn’t tell you who she was, and you thought . . . well, it’s obvious what you thought. But, Tony,” he lowered his voice, “she isn’t as worldly as she pretends.”
“I know that. I must tell you, it’s not over between us.” Anthony took hold of his friend’s arm as James started to rise. “Let me finish. I won’t deny I want her, but whether you believe me or not, when she’s ready to listen, I will ask her to be my countess.”
James settled in his chair. “I appreciate what you offer, but her happiness is more important to me than making this situation acceptable. Ree would not survive another disaster of a marriage, especially after—”
“After . . . what?”
“If she wants you to know, she will tell you.” James held a steady regard. “You’re like a brother to me, Tony. I would love nothing more than to see the two of you wed. However, I would have you end it and walk away if you cannot promise not to hurt her.”
“People hurt each other all the time, James, but I can promise it would not be intentional. If you’re asking whether or not I’d be faithful, the answer is yes. I would never break her trust.”
James nodded.
“What do you know of her relationship with her late husband?” Anthony ventured.
“She spoke about it after she was attacked this last time.”
“Then you know it was a hell of a lot more complicated than anyone thought. You were right in your assumption she is driven by guilt. Nothing either of us says will change it. To protect her, I need to keep her with me.”
“I don’t like it, but I understand,” James conceded.
Anthony rose. “I could use a walk. Care to join me?” It was a routine they’d established early in their friendship as a way to relieve the stresses of the day. At James’ nod, Anthony gave a sigh of relief.
Although not considered the safest thing for gentlemen to do after dark, they were both large, strongly-built men. They’d been watched with interest from narrow alleyways before, but never accosted.
“I’m sorry, Tony. I never expected Clairece to show up at your place the way she did.” James stuffed his hands in his pockets.
Anthony placed his hand on James’ shoulder and squeezed reassuringly. “There’s nothing to be sorry for.”
“She’s always been high spirited as well as beautiful. To prevent her coming to harm, her parents and Uncle Adrian kept a tight rein on her. However, to someone like Ree, such control was like smothering the life from her. They didn’t understand that facet of her nature until it was too late.”
“What is her father like?” Anthony sidestepped a raised brick in the walkway.
“Uncle Joel is a brilliant, highly-respected man. He positively dotes on his wife. He’s helped Uncle Adrian throughout the years with political and other business matters.” James cut a glance at Anthony. “Don’t be misled. Although some might expect him to be bookish and soft, he’s tough as they come.”
Anthony slowed. “Four men in the alley ahead.”
“I, for one, could use a distraction. What say you?” James quirked a brow.
In answer, Anthony grinned and snugged his gloves on his hands, flexing his fingers. “Hell, yes.”
Chapter 20
Anthony reached for his key and found it dangling from the remains of a torn pocket. Before he could use it, the door swung open.
“Good evening, my lord. Fisticuffs, I assume?” Hodges accepted the dusty hat and torn coat without a blink and laid the clothing across the back of a chair.
“No such thing, my good man. ‘Twas an out and out mill. James will be sporting a black eye by morning, but we left four louts lying in an alley. We had a splendid time.” Anthony grinned, then winced and gingerly touched his split lip. He headed down the hall toward the green baize door.
“Where do we keep the ointments?” Anthony marched into the kitchen.
“If you’ll take a seat at the table, my lord, I’ll gather the required items.”
Anthony plopped onto a chair at the long deal table and flexed his fingers. “Did I ever tell you how indispensable you are, Hodges?”
“On numerous occasions, my lord.” A flicker of amusement lit the servant’s eyes.
Anthony glanced down at his dinner jacket with its torn pocket and ripped sleeve. “Beetles will not be pleased with me.” He fingered the tear. “This is a new coat, and one of his favorites.”
“He will be overcome with grief.”
“Truly?” Anthony glanced at his trousers with its lacerated knee, and to his badly scuffed shoes. No amount of polish could rectify the damage.
“He takes the care of your wardrobe seriously, my lord. Your appearance reflects on his standing as a valet.”
“I hadn’t thought of it in such a way,” Anthony considered. “Well, the next time I’m set upon by ruffians, I shall first remove my outer garments, taking all due precaution against them being damaged or soiled in any way. Will that suffice?”
“It would indeed be a start, my lord.”
“Were there any incidents this evening?” Anthony asked, studying one of the lesions on his knuckles.
“The only disturbance involved Mrs. Dobbins and Caesar. The poor beast cannot set a paw right around her.”
Anthony’s lips twitched but he refrained from commenting.
Hodges placed a collection of medicinal items on the table. “Apparently, Caesar began to carry on and the nurse started to scream.”
Anthony frowned. “Would you have a maid send for Mrs. Dobbins? It’s not so late she should be abed.” He picked up a clean towel and dipped a corner into the basin of water Hodges had provided. He touched it to his lip—and sucked air in through his teeth.
The Sanctuary (A Spencer Novel) Page 11