by Vella, Wendy
“Now is not the time for ego, Raine, it is the time for action. That child needs changing.” The cane thumped on the floor. “Give Dimity the girl.”
“She may not wish to go with her,” Gabe said.
“Did you know her before she met you today?” the duchess demanded.
“No.”
“Well then, don’t be a fool, and hand the child to Dimity, then see about getting her things so we may change and settle her. Have a bed prepared. Clearly she is weary and in need of rest.”
Not many people ordered Gabe about; the duchess had always been one of them.
“Ella, this is Dimity,” he said, which gave him a reason to move closer to her. How was it her scent was so familiar to him and yet he had no idea what it was? Nothing expensive, and he doubted it was even applied, and yet it was infinitely hers.
“Hello, Ella.” Dimity leaned closer, so her eyes were level with the child. “Would you like to come to me, and perhaps we could find a book to read, or maybe sing a song?”
“Dimity is a friend, Ella,” he said as the child hesitated, then looked up at him with solemn eyes.
“Do you look like her father?” the duchess asked.
“I do.”
“That’s why she is comfortable with you,” Dimity added, stroking a finger down the child’s cheek. “Did you know that I play the piano, Ella? Perhaps if Lord Raine allows it, we could sit there, and I could play for you?”
“Of course. There are books in there also for the duchess to inspect. Although she will not be taking any without my permission,” he added, which was expected of him. He couldn’t let her have everything her own way.
The warmth from Dimity’s smile traveled through him. It was genuine and came from deep inside her. He wanted it turned on him.
Fairfax returned looking unflappable, when surely the household had just been turned on its head with the arrival of his cousin and child.
“We need tea, and food for the child. Plus something to change her with. One would hope that her things are with her, and there is a nightdress also. Have a room readied for the child beside her father’s if possible,” the duchess said before Gabe could open his mouth.
“You do realize this is my household and not yours,” he said. The duchess merely harrumphed.
“This rude woman, Fairfax,” Gabe drawled, “is the Duchess of Yardly, who is far too used to having her own way. See to her demands when you have time.”
“At once, my lord.”
“I find it is easiest to agree, then do as I wish, Fairfax,” Dimity said out the side of her mouth.
His butler’s lips twitched.
“How do you live in the same household with that woman?” Gabe whispered. But there was no need, as the duchess was giving Fairfax more orders in a loud voice.
“She is my employer, my lord, therefore, I do as she asks.” Her words were cold, impersonal, with no hint of emotion. The smile she’d given Ella was long gone.
“Dimity, I—”
“No.” She shook her head. “We will never mention that again.”
“I need to— “
She cut off his words by walking away, still holding Ella.
They were no longer even adversaries, it seemed. She was to be rigidly polite when in his presence, and he was… what was he to do when faced with the woman who had wrenched more feelings from him than any other person in his life?
Gabe felt a heavy weight settle inside him as he looked at Dimity. He had, for the first time in his life, absolutely no idea what to do.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Dimity held the child close as she followed Fairfax and the duchess. Behind her walked Lord Raine. She would be unfailingly polite when he was near.
I can do this.
Seeing him standing in that doorway holding the child had been like a dagger to her abused heart. He would never hold her child in those big strong hands.
I can do this.
When the duchess stated they were to visit the Deville household, Dimity had managed to mask her immediate horror. She’d told the duchess that Lord Raine could surely have any book she wanted sent to her, so there was no need to go to his house. She’d then strengthened her argument by stating it was not right to enter an all-male household.
“At my age, I can do what I want,” the duchess had replied, and that was that, as far as she was concerned. Dimity had thought about saying she was ill, then thought about falling down the stairs and breaking a bone, but the latter sounded a terribly painful way to avoid a man… even this man. Instead, she’d had a stern talk with herself about being a coward.
“Is she heavy? If so, I can take her.”
“She is fine, thank you, my lord,” Dimity replied.
The little girl rested trustingly against her. How terrifying it all must be for her. To arrive in England and have her father disappear.
“It’s all right, Ella.” Dimity brushed a kiss on her head.
She’d heard that parents would do anything for their children and had to say in that moment she understood why. This was not even her child, but she felt protective toward her.
“Do you think she is well?”
Dimity turned slightly as they walked along a hall and looked into the dark eyes.
“She has no fever and appears only tired. But you should watch her for any signs that changes.”
His eyes ran over her face, settling on her mouth.
“You could never be nothing, Dimity Brown. Always remember that.”
Dimity turned away quickly. Her knees felt suddenly weak. He thought she was something, which made no sense and yet made her warm all over.
“I have no wish to speak of that day or matters pertaining to it. Please respect my wishes, Lord Raine.”
“No.”
She should hate him for what he’d done to her, and yet what had he done? He’d taught her about passion and what could be between a man and woman.
I can do this.
Mr. Diard’s pursuit of her had increased, and Dimity may not feel for him what she did for the earl, but surely respect would lead to that?
“I will have tea brought at once and speak with Mrs. Liall to see who can help care for the child while her father is unwell,” Fairfax said as they entered a room.
“We need some cloths and blankets, please, Fairfax,” Dimity added.
“Very good, Miss Brown. I shall see to it at once.”
Dimity looked at the piano. It was the second one in the household; the other was in the small music parlor. This one, she’d learned, had been played by the late Countess of Raine. She’d never used it.
“Please use the piano, Dimity,” Lord Raine said, as if sensing her thoughts.
“I can go to the music room, as I will feel more comfortable there.”
“Sit,” he said in that voice that set her teeth on edge. It was filled with authority, and she was sure everyone but his siblings jumped when he used it.
Remember, he is an earl. It is not your place to agree or disagree with him. Only to obey, she reminded herself.
“As you wish, my lord.”
“Dimity,” he warned. “Stop whatever this is.”
“If you’ll allow it, my lord, I will remove her outer clothing.”
“Why would I not allow it?” he growled.
She sat with the babe on her lap, ignoring him, and began to take off Ella’s bonnet and gloves. Next came the shoes.
“You’re a man, and what’s more, a pompous nobleman,” the duchess said from her position beside the bookshelf. “There is every chance you may object to seeing the girl not fully dressed.”
“Which means what exactly?” he snapped. “She’s wearing her dress, isn’t she?”
“If you rise to every insult I hurl at you, it will make me extremely happy, Lord Raine,” the duchess crowed.
“Vixen,” Dimity heard him say.
“It is my fondest wish to be so,” the duchess replied.
“What?” He loo
ked at Dimity.
“I did not speak, my lord—as is befitting my station,” she added serenely.
“God’s blood, stop this nonsense now, Dimity.”
Ignoring him, she made her way to the piano with Ella.
“I am not reading to you, and there will be no impromptu literary salon,” she heard him say to the duchess. “Now if you will excuse me, I will check on my cousin.”
Dimity sat on the piano stool and lifted the child to her lap. She then eased out a slow breath as the earl left the room.
She played whatever came to mind and sang several nursery rhythms. Ella clapped, clearly enjoying the performance.
“Forrest would like to see Ella.”
She’d not noticed his return, as she’d been caught up in the music.
“You play and sing beautifully, Dimity. I don’t believe I’ve told you that before.”
“It’s very gracious of you to say so, my lord.” His lips thinned at her words, but he said nothing, simply taking Ella and leaving again.
“That man needs a woman to soften him,” the duchess said, still looking through the titles on the huge bookcase before her.
Clearly she saw nothing odd in being in the Deville brothers’ household while somewhere a long-lost cousin was being tended by the family.
“We should leave,” Dimity said, standing. “It is not right that we are inconveniencing them further with our presence.”
“Not yet.” The duchess showed no concern over having her companion tell her what to do. Directness, Dimity had found, was always the best path. “There is still the lower half of this shelf to view. The Deville brothers have excellent reading material, but I beg you not to tell them that.”
“Dimity?” Hogan appeared in the doorway. He and Dimity had become friends when she had worked for the earl.
“Hogan.” She hurried forward, noting the look on his usually smiling face. “What has happened?”
“I need to speak with the earl urgently.”
“What has happened? Is it his sister?” Cold dread gripped Dimity.
“No.” He shook his head, reaching for her hand. “She is well.”
“Well, then what is it?” The duchess arrived.
Hogan shot her a wide-eyed look. He’d heard stories from the staff about the duchess’s behavior when he’d visited Dimity and taken tea in the kitchens.
“I—ah, need to speak with Lord Raine, Your Grace.” Hogan bowed deeply, clearly nervous. “He needs to come to the kitchens at once. Tell him that, Dimity. At once!” Hogan didn’t wait for an answer but ran from the room.
“I never thought the earl would run such a shabby household,” the duchess said, leaning to look out the door. “Stray cousins turning up, and now servants demanding he come to the kitchens. All very odd,” she muttered.
“The earl runs a very well managed household,” Dimity said, still looking at the now empty doorway. Something was very wrong for Hogan to behave as he had.
“Your Grace, I am dismayed your tea has yet to arrive. If you will excuse me, I shall endeavor to see what is keeping it,” Dimity said.
“Good” was the duchess’s reply as she wandered back to the bookshelf. “I shall send the earl there when he shows his face. Or one of his brothers. I find it hard to believe men who are extremely mouthy most of the time are silent as a ghost in their own home!”
Dimity ran along the hall that led to the stairs that would take her to the kitchens. Hurrying down, she made her away quickly along the hallway. She heard raised voices as she approached. Stepping into the kitchens, she found Mrs. Wood with a large ladle in her hands. She was holding it aloft.
“How could you wish to harm the man who has been so good to you, boy?”
Dimity took in the scene. Mrs. Liall, the housekeeper; Fairfax; Hogan; and Mrs. Wood, the cook, had formed a half-circle around the stable boy, Henry, who was often found in the kitchen eating. He and Dimity had become friends when she worked here. She’d gone with him once to visit his mother on his day off.
The lad looked terrified, cowering in the corner.
“Talk to us, Henry,” Hogan said in a gentler tone. “The master will know about this. If you come clean, we can speak on your behalf.”
“I’ll not speak on his behalf!” Mrs. Liall scoffed. “He tried to poison the earl with Mrs. Wood’s pudding.” Clearly indignant, she shook a fist at Henry.
“Hello,” Dimity said, making them aware of her presence. “I came to see if the tea tray is ready for the Duchess of Yardly?”
Mrs. Liall’s lips tightened as she saw who spoke. She’d never really liked Dimity, because she was outspoken and often stood up to the woman.
“We have a situation, Miss Brown,” she snapped.
“I can see that. What has happened?”
“That is none of your business.” The woman sniffed. “You no longer work in this household.”
“Please do not speak to Miss Brown that way,” Fairfax said.
“I’ll speak as I want to her,” Mrs. Liall said. “She always thought she was better than all of us. But we know different now. We know she strayed above stairs, just not which bed she slept in, if not all of them.”
“I have had no cause to question your employment within my household until now, Mrs. Liall.” The earl walked into the kitchens with Michael Deville on his heels. “That appears about to change.”
His jaw was tight. The look in his eyes had Dimity swallowing, and it wasn’t directed at her. He was furious.
“There is no need to—”
“There is every need,” he cut Dimity off. “You have done nothing to deserve her words. I should not need to explain that you are to be respected as our family’s friend.”
“Oh no—”
“Be quiet please, Dimity.”
“Friend,” Mrs. Liall unwisely scoffed. “You dismissed her, my lord.”
“I owe you no explanations, Mrs. Liall. I have stated that Miss Brown is a family friend. If you have a problem with that, I will understand. Fairfax will find a replacement for you, I am sure.”
She shouldn’t be enjoying the moment; she really shouldn’t. The housekeeper’s mouth had fallen open, and she looked like a codfish.
“Now.” Lord Raine gave her a gentle smile before looking at his footman. “I believe you wished to speak with me, Hogan?”
“That boy tried to poison you, my lord!” Mrs. Wood cried.
“If you’ll let me explain, my lord,” Hogan said.
The earl nodded.
“I entered the kitchens when everyone was taking their tea at the table.”
All eyes turned to the wall behind which the table the staff ate their meals at lay.
“Henry was pouring something from a bottle into the pot of coffee you drink,” Hogan continued. “I asked him what he was doing, and he tried to flee. I grabbed him, and then the others arrived.”
“Henry would never had done that without reason,” Dimity said. “He is a good boy.”
“Where is the bottle?” Michael Deville asked, stepping around his brother.
“Here, sir.” Fairfax handed it to him.
Michael sniffed, then handed it to his brother who did the same.
“My guess is arsenic, as there is no smell. If indeed it is poison,” the earl said in a calm voice. Far too calm. Dimity’s insides had turned to ice at his words.
“Why would you want to poison Lord Raine, Henry?” Dimity moved to stand before the boy. Much to her surprise, the earl joined her. “This is a very serious situation, and I know you well enough to understand this is out of character for you.”
Henry nodded, his eyes filling up his face. Tears started falling as he looked at her.
“They left me no choice, Dimity.”
“Who left you no choice?” She bent to touch his hand.
“The man and his friend. They said the earl must die, or they’d kill my family.”
“Dear Lord,” Dimity whispered.
“Come, Henry, we
need to talk.” The earl led the boy from the kitchens, leaving stunned silence behind.
“Well,” Mrs. Wood breathed.
“Please bring a tray for the duchess,” Dimity said before she ran after the Deville brothers and Henry.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Gabe walked the boy up the stairs to his office. He knew Michael followed, and very likely Dimity, as she wasn’t one to stand back. Well, she hadn’t been. But that ridiculously polite facade she’d put on since she and the duchess arrived had made him want to shake her.
Stopping a few steps from his office, he looked at his brother.
“Michael, please take Henry to my office.”
“Come.” Michael’s tone was clipped.
“He is not at fault, brother,” Gabe said as he passed. “You know that as much as I.”
His brother gave a curt nod but said nothing further. Gabe did not have long to wait before Dimity appeared.
“Please take the duchess home, Dimity.”
“No. Henry is a special boy, Lord Raine. I wish to stay with him.”
He had nothing to smile about, but he was. Someone wanted him dead, his cousin had arrived on his doorstep—ill or exhausted, the doctor would diagnose which—with his daughter, who now slept beside him after one of the maids changed her.
The life he’d woken to was vastly different from the one he would retire to this evening. Although hadn’t he thought he was all at sea at the breakfast table? How wrong he’d been. His life had suddenly turned on its head.
“I don’t understand why would Henry try to poison you?” Dimity’s scowl was fierce. “If it was poison in that bottle.”
At least this was real emotion she was showing him. No longer the icy polite facade she presented him earlier.
“It was poison.” He would not lie to her, about this at least. “But this is not your problem, Dimity. It is something I must deal with. Something that will not go away until I do.” He moved closer to her, so close that all he had to do was raise a hand and he could touch her cheek. It was soft and silken.
“Don’t touch me.” She stepped back, and his hand fell to his side. “What do you mean, it is something you must deal with?”