by Rose Pearson
“And what would that be, Lady Rebecca?” Jeffery asked, wishing he had as much insight as she and realizing that she had been correct in what she had said about him being so caught up in his attempts to protect Lady Rebecca that he might well have missed the full picture of what Lady Kensington was attempting to do. “What is it that Lady Kensington wishes for more than anything else?”
Her eyes glowed. “Her freedom,” she said slowly. “And that, Lord Richmond, is precisely what I believe you are helping her gain.”
Chapter Twelve
Rebecca forced herself to remain calm as she sat in Lord Richmond’s carriage, whilst, all the while, she felt as though she were somewhere between exultant joy and despairing tears. She had been through a great deal already, given the difficulties that had come to her last evening, only for her then to awaken this morning with a sense of determination growing within her heart. She had decided to hear it all from Lord Richmond’s lips in the hope that everything Lord Swinton had said was true, even though the thought of seeing Lord Richmond again had sent a deep sense of unease all through her. But she had been proven right in her judgments, for Lord Richmond had appeared and explained it all just as Lord Swinton himself had done.
Rebecca had felt her heart begin to heal itself again, had felt her sorrow and pain begin to purge itself from her soul, and in its place came a steady resolve that she would rid Lady Kensington’s hold on both her and Lord Richmond’s lives. She wanted that freedom, she realized, to know she was entirely free to do as she wished, to act as she pleased, and to consider whomever she wished.
And it had been that thought that had led her to realize just what Lady Kensington wanted.
“I have been foolish, mayhap,” Lord Richmond rumbled as the carriage took them back towards his townhouse. “Perhaps I should have opened up these packages. Perhaps I should have discovered immediately what it was I had purchased on her behalf.”
“You did not do so, however,” Lady Hayward interrupted, “because you were doing all you could to protect those you care for. That is not something to criticize yourself for, Lord Richmond. Rather, it is something that you ought to be commended for.”
Rebecca smiled at Lady Hayward’s encouraging words, seeing how Lord Richmond looked back at her as their eyes met. There had been such despair in his expression when he had first walked into the room, but now none of that remained. Instead, there was a new light in his eyes, a light that spoke of hope and relief and happiness. Happiness that Rebecca hoped would only grow and expand, so that it might fill both of their hearts together, bringing them close as one.
It did not take long for the carriage to reach Lord Richmond’s townhouse, and, hurrying inside, Rebecca was led to Lord Richmond’s study—although he apologized profusely for doing so as though they expected him to stand on ceremony and conduct them to the drawing-room where they might take tea together. She laughed and shook her head, telling him that there was no great concern as to where they went and that they only wished to see these particular parcels. Lord Richmond smiled at her, her cheeks a little flushed, before asking them all to sit down whilst he found them.
“And you say that they were already waiting for you?” Lady Hayward asked as Lord Richmond opened up a drawer and took out one box and one small parcel that was wrapped in brown paper and tied with string. “You had to purchase them, however?”
Lord Richmond nodded, biting his lip. “I am to make arrangements with Lord Bellingham and give the items to him,” he said slowly. “Although I cannot understand why.”
“Most likely because you cannot meet with Lady Kensington and give them to her yourself,” Lord Swinton suggested gruffly. “She wants them, whatever they are, and for some reason wishes you to purchase them for her, and, thereafter, to make certain that they reach her hands by giving them to another willing gentleman.”
Rebecca wrinkled her nose. “I have conversed with Lord Bellingham,” she recalled as Lady Hayward nodded. “I confess that I found him to be…quiet.” She frowned. “He said very little and was very difficult to converse with.”
“He does not have a strong character,” Lady Hayward agreed slowly, “which might make him very easy indeed to manipulate.”
Rebecca let out a slow breath and nodded, whilst Lord Richmond frowned, looking down at the two items. She felt her tension rise as he turned his attention to the box, which was also tied with string.
“This was the first I collected and paid for,” he said, trying to undo the knots rather than cut the string itself. “It certainly is a little heavier than the second.”
Rebecca watched with growing impatience as his fingers attempted to tug at the knots, making such a hopeless mess of it that she found herself on her feet, walking towards the study table.
“Please, allow me,” she said, pulling the box towards her and looking carefully at the knot that had been tied securely. With deft fingers, she tugged at it gently, managing to undo it in a very short space of time. Lord Richmond chuckled as she achieved what he could not, making her look up at him and smile.
“Might you do the same with the other, Lady Rebecca?” he asked, his fingers brushing hers as he reclaimed the box. “I would be grateful for your help.”
Heat mounted in her face at his touch, and she quickly picked up the second, smaller parcel and set to work, praying that Lady Hayward did not notice the pink in her cheeks. Lord Richmond undid the string entirely of the box and then, pulling it free, set it aside. Her work completed on the second parcel, she made to step away, but Lord Richmond stayed her hand.
“Might you open it, Lady Rebecca?” he asked quietly. She nodded, swallowing her tension. “I will see what is within this one.”
Feeling a little anxious, Rebecca carefully pulled aside the brown paper that wrapped the small parcel. It did not take long, but, once she had revealed the object, there did not come with it a burst of awareness or any sort of understanding. Instead, she studied the small vial, the colorless liquid within, and found herself entirely at a loss.
Lady Hayward was on her feet in a moment, joining Rebecca where she stood, as Lord Swinton made his way towards them also.
“What is it?” Lady Hayward asked as Rebecca shook her head. “Do you know, Lord Swinton? Lord Richmond?”
“I do not,” Lord Richmond replied quietly. “But I do know what this item is.”
Rebecca lifted her eyes from the vial and turned them to the box, a gasp ripping from her throat as she took in the sharp blade that lay there. There was silence for some moments as the four of them studied the knife, tension rising steadily.
“So,” Lord Swinton said slowly. “We have a knife and a vial. A vial that I do not know the contents of and a knife that is very clear in its purpose.”
“A knife that I have purchased,” Lord Richmond said slowly. “And a vial that I also have purchased.”
A sudden fear clutched at Rebecca’s heart. “Did you not say, Lord Richmond, that you were asked to go to various locations in town at certain times?” Seeing him nod, she closed her eyes. “And at each of those places, Lord Kensington was present?”
“He was, yes,” Lord Richmond replied slowly. “Although I never once greeted him.”
“But you did greet others who were present,” Lord Swinton remarked, quickly becoming aware of what Rebecca meant. “They would know that you had been in the same vicinity as Lord Kensington.”
“As though you were determined to remain near to him,” Lady Hayward breathed, her eyes widening as she looked at Rebecca. “There is a plan here, Lord Richmond.”
“A plan to have you embroiled in something so dreadful, I can hardly bear to speak of it,” Rebecca continued, seeing the shock ripple across Lord Richmond’s face as he came to understand what she meant. “You have followed Lord Kensington across London. You were the one who attempted to steal affections from his wife.”
“And now, you are the one who has purchased a knife and a vial of some description,” Lord Swinton finished
as Lord Richmond set both hands down hard on the study table and leaned forward, his head bowed. “Quite what Lord Bellingham has to do with such things, however, I cannot say.”
Lord Richmond blew out a long breath, and when he lifted his head to look at her, Rebecca could see the agony in his eyes.
“I am to be made out as the person responsible for Lord Kensington’s demise,” he said heavily. “That vial, no doubt, will be some concoction that will bring about either a deep sleep or his death.”
“And the knife will be used and then left there, leaving Lady Kensington to cry and wail when she discovers him.”
“And then to mention that the knife, she is sure, is yours, Lord Richmond,” Lady Hayward continued, finishing off Lord Swinton’s statement. “If anyone were to make particular inquiries, they would discover that you purchased both the knife and the vial.”
Rebecca shuddered at the sheer horror of it all, seeing just how Lady Kensington had planned each and every step of her freedom. “No doubt, Lord Kensington will have made some arrangements for his wife, should he pass away before her.”
“Which, of course,” Lord Richmond muttered, “she will have made certain of.” He let out a long breath and looked up at them all again. “Can we be certain of this? And what part does Lord Bellingham have in it all?”
Worrying her lip, Rebecca considered carefully, then looked up sharply.
“We must speak to Lord Kensington,” she said as Lady Hayward caught her breath. “It is the only way to be certain of his safety, and that must be our priority at the present moment.”
Lord Richmond began to nod but was quickly interrupted by Lord Swinton.
“Mayhap we will be able to do both,” he said slowly. “We must speak to Lord Kensington, yes, but is there a way that we can have both Lord Bellingham and Lady Kensington join us when we do so?”
Rebecca waited, saying nothing as she looked from person to person. Lord Richmond was frowning hard, his brows low over his eyes, whilst Lady Hayward narrowed her eyes, staring down at the vial on the table.
“There is a ball in two days’ time,” Lady Hayward said eventually. “I am sure that Lord and Lady Kensington will attend. Lord Swinton, you would have to practically demand that Lord Kensington join you there. Quite how you would go about such a thing, I do not know.”
“Then I would have to have Lady Kensington attend there also,” Lord Richmond said slowly. “But if Lord Kensington is determined to keep his wife by his side, then what can we do to make certain that they attend separately?”
Lord Swinton chuckled. “Have no fear,” he said as the others turned to watch him. “If Lady Kensington is dancing, shall we say, then I will be well able to convince Lord Kensington to join me for a short time.” His smile faded. “I will speak of further rumors about his wife if I have to.”
“Then,” Rebecca said slowly, “if you are certain that Lord and Lady Kensington can be brought there, what of Lord Bellingham? We need him there also, do we not?” She looked around at the others and saw them all looking down at the vial and the knife, her stomach twisting as she allowed her gaze to linger there also.
“I will have to give the packages to Lord Bellingham,” Lord Richmond said slowly. “It is expected of me.”
“Then do so,” Lord Swinton replied with a small, determined smile. “Tell him that you will be at Lord Gillingham’s ball. The items can be placed in whatever room we will meet in, and he will have no concern about coming to speak to you. He is expecting the parcels, is he not?”
Lord Richmond nodded slowly, a look of relief wrapping across his expression. “Indeed, he is.”
“And do you have any letters from Lady Kensington?” Rebecca asked quickly, her hopes fading as Lord Richmond looked away. “Do you mean to say you have not kept any of them?”
Lord Richmond let out a hard breath. “I have torn asunder or burned any she has sent me, out of both anger and frustration,” he said heavily. “The only one I have remaining here at present is this one.”
Trying to smile, Rebecca reached across and set her hand on his as it rested on the table, all too aware that Lady Hayward would be watching her closely.
“Then take that one,” she said softly. “It will be enough.”
“And Lady Kensington does not have to know that you have ripped or destroyed her other notes,” Lord Swinton added as Rebecca murmured a quick agreement. “The shock of what you have either said or done might well be enough to frighten her into admitting it all.”
“You will have saved Lord Kensington’s life,” Lady Hayward remarked as Rebecca smiled up into Lord Richmond’s face, doing all she could to encourage him. “He will be inclined to listen to you.”
“And perhaps,” Rebecca murmured so that only he could hear, “Lord Kensington might be willing to state that all you have been accused of is quite unjust.”
Lord Richmond let out a long breath. “I might be free of her and her duplicity for good,” he said as Rebecca nodded, pulling her hand reluctantly away from his. “There is still a chance that…” He trailed off, but the words brought a fresh joy to Rebecca’s heart, knowing what it was that he so desperately hoped for. She could not help but long for it too, knowing that it had been so far out of reach and now, suddenly, was just before them as though desperate to be found.
“Then this matter will soon come to a close, it seems,” Lady Hayward remarked, looking at Rebecca with a smile. “Although we must all be prepared for what might occur. Lord Kensington might be unwilling to listen. Lady Kensington might deny it all, and her husband could well believe her.”
Lord Richmond shook his head. “I am sure he will not, not once he hears the truth,” he said firmly, his confidence filling Rebecca with hope. “It is time that all became clear, not only to us but to the beau monde. They should see Lady Kensington for who she truly is—a lady willing to manipulate and threaten those in her acquaintance simply so she might be able to gain for herself whatever she wishes. Even if it means the death of her husband.”
A coldness ran down Rebecca’s frame, but she pushed it away, determined to fill herself with nothing but courage and strength. “Then let us pray all goes well,” she said quietly as Lord Richmond held her gaze, a hope burning in his eyes that Rebecca felt ignite in her soul. “So that true freedom might once more be found by you, Lord Richmond. For the good of us all.”
Chapter Thirteen
“I have set both items aside in the room Lord Gillingham has granted us,” Jeffery murmured as both he and Lord Swinton made their way slowly into the ballroom, the sound of music, conversation, and laughter rushing towards them like an overpowering wave. “He was most understanding.”
Lord Swinton’s brows rose. “You told him of your intention?”
Jeffery chuckled. “I was not at all specific, no,” he said with a grin. “But I stated very clearly that it was to ensure that the life of one of his guests was not in any danger. That, certainly, piqued his curiosity, but he is too much of a gentleman to enquire further. Thus, we have been given a quiet parlor for our endeavors. There is a footman standing by the door so that you will know where to go.”
Lord Swinton took in a long breath, no smile on his face this evening. “And you are quite certain that Lady Kensington will join you there?”
“More than certain,” Jeffery replied with a rueful smile. “I will tell her that I intend to make for my estate come the morning and that I must discuss matters with her before I depart to make certain that she will do nothing more.” He watched as the awareness of what such a thing would mean to Lady Kensington came into Lord Swinton’s expression. “If I depart as planned, then she will not be able to do as she intends. Thus, she will, of course, say something to ensure I remain in London for a few days longer.”
“Very good,” Lord Swinton chuckled as Jeffery smiled wryly. “Then I hope this evening brings Lady Kensington’s comeuppance. You deserve to be free of her, Richmond, and to be happy with another.”
Jeffery lifted one eyebrow. “You mean Lady Rebecca.”
“Of course, I mean Lady Rebecca!” Lord Swinton laughed as Jeffery allowed himself a broad smile of contentment. “She is clearly very dear to you, else you would not have had such a strong reaction to what you believed was the end of your acquaintance.”
“I believe I have a deep affection for her,” Jeffery replied honestly. “I have not yet fully examined my heart given all that has been happening, but, when it comes time to do so, I would not be surprised to discover that I love her.”
Lord Swinton let out a sigh of satisfaction. “Then I shall be very glad to attend your wedding,” he replied, making Jeffery laugh. “And I shall count myself responsible for your happiness.”
“Let us hope it is as you say,” Jeffery replied, his stomach twisting as he caught sight of his quarry. “The evening, it seems, has begun.”
“Lady Kensington.”
Jeffery bowed and straightened, his whole body stiff with tension as she looked back at him, her eyes gleaming with evident delight at his discomfort. Quickly greeting the rest of the group that stood together, Jeffery forced himself to take in deep, slow breaths. He knew what he had to say for Lady Kensington to take note of his intentions, but to do so immediately would not be wise. Allowing the conversation to flow around him and fully aware that he was receiving some dark looks from some of those in the small group, Jeffery cleared his throat and swung his arms behind his back, his hands clasping together.
“It is interesting that you speak of missing the country, Lord Birchall,” he said, looking at the gentleman rather than at Lady Kensington. “I, myself, intend to return to my country estate rather than remain in London.”