“Mr. Maitlin greeted you very warmly,” the viscountess said with a sideways look at Anna. “You are well acquainted with the man?”
“His mother and I have become friends.”
“Lord Cameron didn’t look like a cripple.”
“He isn’t crippled,” she replied. “The man suffered an injury to his leg and now uses a cane.”
“The gentleman did look tired. I’m sure the death of his poor wife was a blow to him. He and his brother were very agreeable despite being in a hurry to get to their next appointment.”
She didn’t think Devlyn’s cause for haste stemmed from an appointment. Cameron’s face had been drawn and pale. The man looked to be in pain. Because of his injury he was probably unaccustomed to prolonged time in the saddle.
“I wonder if Lord Cameron will remarry very soon.” Lady Gainsley didn’t notice Anna’s lack of conversation. “The man is a marquess after all and needs an heir.”
For the first time she could remember, the thought of someone else having a child didn’t disturb her. There were children in the park, and not once had she felt the familiar ache in her chest when she looked at the families around her.
“I suppose he will have to remarry sooner or later,” she responded.
“His brother is also unmarried.”
“Yes,” she replied. “Mr. Maitlin recently returned from a three year stay on the Continent.”
“I expect poor Mr. Maitlin may never marry. Lady Beauchamp tells me he has a physical infirmity.”
Anna chose to make an inane comment about the weather rather than talk about Devlyn’s physical health. She knew Lady Gainsley meant no harm. The protective feelings that overcame her whenever Devlyn’s name was mentioned couldn’t be helped. Regardless where the future led her, she would always care for the man.
Her thoughts were now preoccupied with deciphering the meaning of the tender looks Devlyn had bestowed upon her during their short meeting. It would be far too easy to get used to the mix of desire and affection on his face whenever he addressed her. It was time to pick up the pace of their walk. Brisk exercise would help her think of something other than Devlyn Maitlin.
* * * * *
Cameron was to depart that morning for Kent in his elegant traveling carriage. Devlyn knew their ride on horseback to the solicitor’s office yesterday had been a trial for his brother. He could see Cameron was in pain despite his insistence on riding through London. His brother retired early after dinner and several glasses of port. Much to Devlyn’s relief, Cameron looked in far better health and mood this morning.
“You must write me at least once a week,” the dowager said to her eldest son over breakfast.
“Of course, mother,” Cameron replied.
Devlyn suppressed a chuckle. He himself was a prolific letter writer. His brother was not.
“How is Miss Hart getting along?”
A look of frustration crossed his brother’s face before Cameron masked it. “She removed to London to pursue family business, mother. I’m not sure if she will return to Kent.”
The tension in the room was palpable. He couldn’t decide if it emanated from his mother or brother or both. Cameron rose from the breakfast table and declared his intention of checking the readiness of his carriage.
After Cameron’s departure for Kent, Devlyn sat in his brother’s study and listened to a report from an inspector of the Thames River Police.
“Two fishermen found the body, sir. I remembered from the paperwork you filled out at the office that Mr. Bradley absconded with Lady Stafford’s sapphire jewelry.” The man pulled a small brown bag from his trouser pocket and placed it on the desk in front of Devlyn. “The fishermen found this bag in one of the man’s pockets.”
Devlyn leaned over the desk to pick up the bag and proceeded to open it. The only piece of jewelry inside was a diamond and sapphire necklace. “There was nothing else in the bag when it was found?”
“We assumed the smaller pieces had been lost in the river. Do you believe the fishermen might have taken some of her ladyship’s jewelry? I can call the two men in front of the magistrate.”
“No need, inspector.” He shook his head. “Lady Stafford would need to make a statement and I would prefer not to distress the lady any further. She did tell me the jewelry was of little consequence to her.”
“The Bradley family has been notified of the death. Evidently the brother who is a vicar arrived in London today for a visit. The man has identified the body as his brother Michael Bradley. The case is now closed.”
Devlyn stood. “Thank you for informing me of recent events. I will ensure the necklace is returned to Lady Stafford.”
After the man left, Devlyn sat and stared at the sapphire necklace. Anna had been right about the stones. Sapphires were a cold jewel indeed. His darling girl should be draped in emeralds.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Devlyn stared at the piece of vellum in his hand.
“Wiggins, what is the meaning of this?”
“It is my resignation,” the other man answered. “My reasons are stated in the letter.”
“…time to take up my rightful place in the family…” he read aloud. “…Lord Colin Wiggins…” He looked up at the man who stood in front of Cameron’s desk. “You’re a baron?”
“By way of a few unfortunate deaths in the family,” Wiggins replied with a shrug.
“Do take a seat.” He noticed his former valet had dropped the use of the word ‘sir’ when speaking to him.
Wiggins sat with one ankle crossed over his knee, an elegant pose and one which had led Devlyn to wonder about the other man’s upbringing many times before.
“You were raised as a gentleman.”
Wiggins nodded.
“Why did you want to work for me?”
“I needed to leave England for a time and keep my identity hidden. The undersecretary assigned me to aid you during your time in the Netherlands.”
Planta had told Devlyn much the same. Wiggins didn’t appear at all apologetic about the deception. He felt a fool many times over. “Why did you stay in my service when we returned to London?”
“I had to make sure the difficulty that forced my departure from England had been resolved.”
Although there were many other questions on the tip of his tongue, he refrained from asking them. Wiggins’ past was none of his business. The man had been an asset to him in many ways and he proceeded to articulate the fact without forgetting the man was now on the same social footing as himself.
“It has been a great pleasure to know you,” Wiggins said after Devlyn finished his pretty speech.
Anna’s necklace still lay on his desk. He absentmindedly picked up the piece of jewelry and rubbed a few stones between his fingers. The baron’s gaze sharpened when he noticed the item in Devlyn’s hand.
“Franco’s body was fished out of the river yesterday. This necklace was the only piece of Lady Stafford’s jewelry found on his person. Do you know the piece?”
“I saw a necklace like it wagered in a card game.” Wiggins cleared his throat. “One of Lord Pickerel’s mistresses, who wore the necklace at the time, was included in the wager.”
“Perhaps that is information I need not share with Lady Stafford,” he replied. He tamped down the impulse to ask his former valet what part he’d played in the high-stakes card game.
Wiggins smiled and stood. “I believe that to be a wise decision.”
Devlyn also came to his feet. He extended his hand to the other man.
“Perhaps we will cross paths in the future.”
His former valet nodded as he shook Devlyn’s hand. “One never knows.”
* * * * *
“Wiggins is a member of the peerage?” his mother asked, her tone incredulous.
Devlyn and the dowager sat together in her parlor while his mother wrote out replies to the numerous condolence letters the family had received.
“It appears so.” There had been many
changes in his life the last few weeks and he needed to make a few more. The task of finding a capable valet was the least of his concerns. He would draft one of the footmen for the time being.
His mother and brother were safe. He had a new career to look forward to. He loved the bustle of London and would make a home in town. Now he needed someone to share it with.
When he’d seen Anna in the park yesterday everything in his life had come into focus. Cameron had made the wrong choice based on duty and the results had been disastrous. If he didn’t at least give himself and Anna a chance, he would regret it the rest of his life.
When Anna looked at him he didn’t see pity in her eyes. He saw respect and, dare he hope, love.
“Devlyn, you’re wandering.”
He shook his head to clear it. “I’ve decided to take the position of secretary to Lord Phipps.”
“You’ll stay in London then,” his mother replied, a smile in her voice.
“I also plan to let a townhouse near my new office,” he said with some hesitation.
His mother reacted as he’d expected.
“Why would you need a townhouse? This is your home, Devlyn.”
“I would say whether I need my own house or not will depend on Anna.”
The dowager glanced up from her work, raised a hand to her mouth and tears pooled in her eyes. She looked to suffer from a loss of words. He couldn’t suppress a grin at the oddness of such an occurrence.
“I have an appointment with Lord Phipps this afternoon. Afterwards I plan to view a few vacant properties.” He rose from his chair. “I will be home for dinner.”
“Devlyn…”
“Tonight, mother. I will ask her tonight.”
Chapter Thirty
Anna smiled at her brother-in-law over her cup of tea. “Do you really think you can eat all the kippers you put on your plate?”
“Mrs. Wilson is a wonder with breakfast,” Neil replied with a grin. “The food the cook we employ in York served was frankly inedible.”
For the next few moments she watched Neil devour the contents of his plate. She felt good. Her mood swings were becoming rare, and the tremors occurred less and less. She still craved wine in the evenings, but the desire for alcohol grew less every day.
Her chance encounter with Devlyn in Hyde Park assured her the man was busy with family business. She had looked her best in a new green promenade dress. There had been more than desire in Devlyn’s eyes whenever he glanced at her. She might be fanciful, but she thought she’d seen approval and pride in his face when he looked at her.
“You never responded to my offer suggesting you accompany me on my visit to the estate in Suffolk.” Her brother-in-law took a sip of coffee and leaned back in his chair.
A footman reached to remove Neil’s empty plate.
“I have some unfinished personal business to take care of,” she replied. Her thoughts turned to Devlyn. The funeral had been two days ago. Much to the chagrin of marriage-minded ladies in London, Lord Cameron had only this morning decamped back to his estate in Kent. According to Mary, Devlyn and his valet had remained in London. “You plan to depart on the morrow?”
He nodded. “Will you be all right here alone?”
She knew he referred to her difficulty with alcohol.
“I will be perfectly fine here without a nursemaid. If I do not conclude my business satisfactorily, I will join you in Suffolk.” She neglected to mention having her maid Mary around was very nearly like having a nursemaid in the house.
“Is there anything I can do to aid you in your affairs?” her brother-in-law asked, looking intrigued. “Perhaps challenge someone to a duel?”
She laughed out loud. Despite his advancement in years she knew Neil would always remain her champion.
“I hope I won’t need you to perform such a service,” she replied with a smile. “However, I will keep your offer in mind.”
* * * * *
Neil had departed for Suffolk and Cecily was away visiting her brother. She missed Andrew’s company although not as much as she would have thought. Widening her sphere of existence had introduced her to new people. People who might one day become friends.
The last few days she’d examined her life and her future. Children or no children, she loved Devlyn. There was no doubt in her mind they could be happy together. Devlyn, his brother Cameron, and the dowager would be her family.
She gathered her courage and called at The Grange.
“Mr. Maitlin is not at home,” the young butler informed her.
The dowager walked into the entry hall from a nearby room. “Lady Stafford, how lovely it is to see you again.”
“Lady Cameron, good afternoon. I came to see your son.”
The dowager nodded to the butler and motioned Anna to follow her. The woman reentered the room she’d just exited. Anna remembered well the small parlor with the dowager’s portrait over the fireplace.
“I promised I wouldn’t interfere,” the other woman whispered.
“Caroline?” She stood near Lady Cameron and wondered at the older woman’s uncertain expression.
“Anna, please have a seat. Devlyn is out right now. I don’t expect him home before dinner.”
She took a seat, pushed down her impatience to speak with Devlyn and smiled at the dowager. “I have thought of you many times the last few days. How are you?”
“You are familiar with the restrictions one has when in mourning. I do appreciate your kind words. It is very nice to have another woman in the house to speak to.”
“Do you miss your daughter-in-law very much?” she asked.
“I rarely saw Millicent. She was always headed to some amusement or another. I would be happy to have the company of my youngest son if he could be convinced to remain in England.”
“Will Devlyn continue to work for the Foreign Office?”
The other woman sighed. “He has been offered an assignment in London. He is at an appointment at the Home Office right now. I’m not sure he will take the position. He did enjoy his time on the Continent.”
“Oh,” she replied inanely.
“How silly of me,” the dowager said. “I forgot to ask you if you wanted refreshment.”
“Yes, thank you.” What had Caroline asked her? She was in shock at the very idea Devlyn might leave London again. She tried not to think of the possibility of a future without him.
“Anna, my son is in love with you.”
She let out a breath. “I hope you’re right.”
“He tells me you value children above love.”
The dowager’s tone of voice reflected confusion, not censure. Anna didn’t have to think of a reply, it came automatically to her lips.
“I value your son above everything.”
A light knock heralded the arrival of a laden tea tray.
“Thomas must have rung for tea. I do adore my sweets,” Caroline said.
Among the cakes and sandwiches on the plates presented on the tray the accompanying maid placed on a low table, Anna spied a favorite treat.
“Ginger biscuits?” she asked.
The two women shared a laugh and the dowager replied, “Always.”
The cups were sorted and both women placed several sweets on their plate. How wonderful it was to indulge for once and not pretend she had the appetite of a bird.
“I could get used to this,” she said to Caroline as she finished another tea cake. “Allowing myself to eat sweets and showing my emotions. You have found a kindred spirit.”
“I would never judge you, my dear. I like you too much.”
She sobered. Could she tell Caroline about her addiction to wine? Would the woman demand she leave her house and never return?
“What is wrong, my dear? What is it?”
Anna gazed at the kindly face of the other woman and her decision was made. Before she knew it, she’d told Devlyn’s mother all about her childhood, marriage to Danforth and addiction to alcohol.
“You are a ve
ry strong young woman,” Caroline said when Anna stopped talking and dissolved into tears. “I believe you will have a happy future if you reach for it.”
She continued to sniffle as the dowager moved to sit beside her and pulled Anna to her side.
“Everything will be all right,” the dowager said as she stroked Anna’s hair. “You’ll see.”
She hiccupped and wiped her eyes with a scrap of linen Devlyn’s mother supplied.
“I know for a certainty my son will call on you this very evening.”
“Yes?” She took a steadying breath.
“Yes. Now you must return home and get ready for his visit. You wouldn’t want Devlyn to see you with red puffy eyes, would you?”
Although Anna knew the other woman said the words to tease her, she took her leave and hurried to her carriage. On the ride home she almost shouted with joy. It didn’t matter whether Devlyn stayed in London or not. She would go with him to the ends of the earth if need be. Wherever they were together would be their home.
The carriage came to a halt. Through the window of the coach she could see the shape of Stafford House before her. The house was beautiful and had everything a woman could want, but it didn’t feel like home. It had belonged to Danforth and now it belonged to Neil.
“Are you in good health, my lady?” Mary asked as she helped her mistress with her bath. “Your eyes were red when you arrived home this afternoon.”
“I was just tired, Mary,” she replied.
“Oh, my goodness, I forgot. A letter arrived while you were out this afternoon. I’m sorry, my lady.”
“You’re forgiven,” she replied as the girl helped her towel herself dry. “My dressing gown if you would.”
“Would you not prefer an evening dress, my lady?”
“I don’t plan on going downstairs this evening. Advise Cook I would like a tray in my room. I’m still tired and plan on an early night.”
Mary helped her don the dressing gown. “Let me find the letter. I think I put it on your writing desk.”
The girl produced the missive. Anna noted her uncle’s return address on the outside of the envelope.
“Please help me with my hair. The letter can wait.”
A Lady's Addiction (Honor Prevails Book 1) Page 25