Damnation, why was she being so feeble? There was absolutely nothing preventing her from snatching her hand away from the duke’s arm, excusing herself and walking away. But if seemed as though her feet were glued to the floor and that she no longer had a mind or will of her own. She was truly pathetic. Then she glanced up at the duke, he winked at her and her determination to escape evaporated.
That was all it took and she simply didn’t care.
‘Oh, I’m not sure. Has she given you any indication, Miss Sophia?’ Purvis asked, making a poor show of appearing ignorant.
‘She has not written to me recently,’ Sophia replied, thinking her evasiveness wasn’t a complete falsehood.
Someone else claimed Purvis’s attention and the duke steered Sophia away.
‘What did you make of that?’ he asked.
‘Nothing that we didn’t already know,’ Sophia replied, feeling uncomfortable beneath the force of his penetrating gaze. ‘Purvis remains besotted with my sister.’
‘And she with him?’ The duke spoke casually but there was no mistaking the sharpness in his expression as he awaited her response. Ross Ellwood, she was quickly discovering, never asked a question without a purpose. She would be well advised to keep her guard up around him since she still wasn’t sure if he regarded her as an ally or simply as a means of extracting information. The incident in the ante-room, far from clarifying matters, had confused her even more.
‘I cannot speak for Maria,’ she said, opting to go on the offensive, ‘but I suppose you mean to imply that her regard for Purvis does not match his for her. That is a reasonable conclusion to draw, I am obliged to concede, given the way she behaved with your brother.’
‘Or Purvis isn’t as amiable as he would have the world believe. He is violently in love with your sister. There is no disguising that depth of passion.’ The duke fixed her with a probing look. ‘I don’t yet know what sort of arrangement he entered into with Andrew. My senses suggest that it was more than reckless fun but I don’t have any evidence to support that theory. Even so, I don’t suppose Purvis imagined when your sister persuaded him to include her in their escapades that matters would run out of control between her and Andrew.’ He paused, lost in reflection. ‘I wonder if he knows that Andrew bedded her and how he would respond if he found out. Even the slowest-witted of men would be offended.’
‘You think he arranged Andrew’s murder?’ Sophia asked breathlessly.
‘I am not fooled by his amiable façade. It’s unwise to underestimate the determination of a man so madly in love.’
Sophia swallowed. ‘Yes, perhaps.’
‘Is Purvis aware of the reason for Maria’s sudden disappearance?’ he asked in a deceptively mild tone. ‘He spoke earlier as though he was fully conversant with the facts.’
Chapter Eight
‘What did you discover?’ Tanner took Ross’s outdoor garments when he returned home and followed him into the sitting room. ‘Or were you too taken up with the company of a certain female to give the reason for your attendance more than a passing thought?’
Ross dealt his man a dour look. ‘Not sure what I found out, truth to tell.’
‘Hardly surprising, given the distraction.’
Ross ignored Tanner’s clumsy attempt at wit, poured healthy measures of brandy for them both, handed one glass to Tanner and then threw himself into a chair in front of the fire. ‘Met Blake and Swinton and didn’t make much of them. Showy pair of individuals with an axe to grind.’
‘In what respect?’
‘Not sure about that either, but they were up to something with Andrew, manipulating him in some way, I’m absolutely convinced of it. They gave themselves away by assuring me that they don’t want me to settle Andrew’s debts.’
‘That’s a rum ’un.’ Tanner put his glass aside and rubbed his chin; a habit of his when he was angry or thoughtful. ‘I’ve seen his vowels, and I know how much he was into them for. Can they afford to write off that large a debt, and more to the point, why would they when they must know you are in a position to settle it? Debts of honour cannot be ignored, even posthumously.’
‘Precisely. I cannot help but think that Andrew paid them off in some other way.’
‘Well, the vowels were in his possession, which makes sense, I suppose. But if the debt had been paid, why didn’t he tear them up?’
‘A very good question and one that I ought to have given consideration to before now. Emily passed the vowels to me. I assumed that Blake and Swinton had sent them to her as a gentle reminder but didn’t think to clarify the matter, or to wonder why they would be daft enough to part with them if the debt was still owing. Perhaps she went through Andrew’s desk and found them there. I shall ask her. Speaking of Emily, she’s in London. She accosted me this evening at Lady Carpenter’s and warned me away from Sophia Kennard.’
Tanner chortled. ‘I wonder why.’
‘She’s staying in town with her friend, Belinda Cornish.’
‘And keeping her eye on your activities, I imagine. Presumably she’d already heard that you danced with Miss Kennard. She has you in her sights and don’t like competition; especially not from a younger, prettier female.’
‘Then she is deluded. I thought I had already made my disinterest in her plain.’
‘She was married then.’
‘And I have no intention of taking up with Andrew’s leftovers now that she is not.’
‘Well I know that, obviously, but Emily is so full of herself that she probably thinks she’s irresistible.’
‘She tried to convince me that there was nothing suspicious about Andrew’s death, then suggested I call on her tomorrow to discuss the matter.’
Tanner grinned. ‘Ain’t exactly subtle, is she?’
‘Nevertheless, I think I should go and that you should accompany me.’
‘She won’t like that.’
‘She is not the one in control but I would prefer not to have to endure another of her clumsy attempts to attract my interest.’
‘She knows your feelings on that subject so I wonder why she persists. Where’s her pride?’
‘She probably hopes that I will offer her a generous allowance, simply to be free of her clutches. Even so, I am absolutely sure that she knows more about Purvis’s activities than she has revealed thus far.’
‘Shock her out of her scheming then. It’s the only way you’ll get her to talk.’
‘Suggest she was involved in some way?’ Ross nodded, as though answering his own question. ‘I very well might.’
‘How was the delightful Sophia Kennard this evening?’
‘Challenging, stimulating, infuriating.’
‘That bad, eh?’ Tanner grinned broadly.
‘She is holding something back about her sister.’ Ross tapped his forefinger restlessly against his lips. ‘That’s something else I’m sure about.’
‘Perhaps her first loyalties lie with her sister and she isn’t prepared to tell you absolutely everything about conduct that probably embarrasses her. Either that or she thinks it isn’t relevant to your investigation and it’s none of your business. Has that possibility crossed your mind?’
Ross firmed his lips and canted his head in a considering fashion.
‘Besides,’ Tanner added, clearly determined to drive his point home. ‘She isn’t as desperate to gain your good opinion as most of the females who cross your path. That must be quite a blow to the old self-esteem. Perhaps you’ve met your match at last.’
‘Enjoy being employed by me, do you?’ Ross spoke in a mildly castigating tone, which Tanner ignored, just as Ross had known he would.
‘She’s probably conflicted an’ all. She is beguiled by your supposed charm and flattered to be noticed by you, but even so you’re asking her to choose sides.’ Tanner’s tone turned serious. ‘She’ll be aware that if her sister is somehow involved in Andrew’s demise, then her entire family will be shamed and her chances of making a good marriage eliminated. Muc
h as she might want to help you, she wouldn’t be human if she didn’t put her own interests first.’
Ross sighed, wondering how things could have become so complex. Well aware of the reason why they had. He cared about Sophia, despite the fact that they were barely acquainted. He admired her courage and her individuality and was amused by the manner in which she gently poked fun at the rigidity of tonnish society; how she wasn’t afraid to stand up to him in a manner that few members of either sex ever did. They were all too keen to cultivate his good opinion. It became tiresome.
‘Possibly,’ Ross said languidly, stretching his arms above his head and yawning.
‘Don’t expect too much from her, is all I’m saying.’
Ross absently nodded, surprised at the degree of his disappointment when he contemplated continuing his investigation without the distraction created by Sophia’s involvement in it. His mind dwelt upon the incident in the ante-room, when desire had trumped common sense and he had almost kissed her. How he had prevented himself from following his instincts remained a mystery. She wouldn’t have stopped him, he knew. She had looked both expectant and vulnerable, wariness reflected in silver eyes that widened with carnal curiosity as she met his gaze and provocatively moistened her lips with the tip of a very pink tongue.
It was her vulnerability that had brought him to his senses. Well, that and the fact that anyone might have walked in on them. They would have done so, he reminded himself, thinking of the sound of the footsteps that had penetrated his lust-fuelled brain at the eleventh hour.
Even so, if he did progress matters between them, he was moderately sure that it would be enough to win her trust and that she would then be completely transparent with him. Needs must, he told his conscience, aware that he was making excuses to behave dishonourably.
‘You think Maria is still in London?’ Tanner asked, recalling Ross’s wandering attention.
‘I do actually.’
‘Then I will follow your Sophia and she can lead me to her sister.’
‘No!’ When Tanner raised both brows, Ross realised that he’d shouted. ‘I won’t have you spy on her,’ he added in a more moderate tone. ‘Besides, I don’t suppose she calls on her on a daily basis, even if she is still in town.’
Tanner spread his hands. ‘Then what?’
‘We call on Emily together tomorrow.’
‘Afraid to be alone with her?’ Tanner asked in a mocking tone.
‘Terrified,’ Ross admitted, making them both smile. ‘She is far too anxious to blacken the Kennard sisters’ names and knows more about Andrew’s activities than she has yet admitted to.’
‘Well, the resolution to that difficulty is within your grasp. After all, you control the purse strings.’
‘Hmm.’ Ross was mindful of Sophia’s warning in that regard. If he was too frugal, Emily would be sure to play the part of the deprived widow, kept on the breadline by her late husband’s wicked brother. ‘A little pressure is required, I think.’
‘What do you have in mind?’
‘Not sure yet, but something will occur to me between now and tomorrow, when you and I shall visit Blake and Swinton and then Emily.’
‘When shall you see Miss Kennard again?’
Ross hadn’t made any arrangements in that regard, and cursed himself for the omission. Perhaps that was why she had appeared a little disconcerted when they parted company. Ross had put her change of mood down to the fact that he’d pressed her on Maria’s whereabouts. Now he wondered if he had insulted her, which had not been his intention. In his own defence, he was more accustomed to making excuses not to further relationships with single females. Even so, his manners had been at fault and he must find a way to rectify that situation.
Ross drained his drink and took himself off to bed, where he slept badly, images of sparkling silver eyes and highly kissable lips intruding upon his repose. He rose early, broke his fast and donned his greatcoat to brave the elements. A light snow had fallen overnight, as a certain siren had predicted, and Ross was absolutely sure that Sophia would not have been able to resist its allure.
He knew where he would find her.
He strode quickly through the quiet streets in the direction of the park, ignoring the cold that bit into his cheeks and the light sleet that continued to fall from a grey sky, the heavy clouds so low that he felt as though he could reach up and touch them. The park was as empty as the streets, but for a solitary figure that he observed wandering close to the banks of the Serpentine, muttering to the fat ducks that seemed impervious to the frigid conditions as they paddled about on the water, their heads occasionally disappearing beneath its surface as they dabbled for their breakfast.
Ross paused to observe Sophia before she noticed him, enjoying the view a little more than was healthy. He admired her individuality, but his intentions—despite Emily’s opinion on the subject—did not stretch beyond admiration.
‘It’s dangerous to wander about alone,’ he said, walking up to her. ‘To say nothing of talking to yourself.’
She clearly hadn’t heard his approach and almost tripped into the icy water. He grasped her upper arm and steadied her.
‘Careful!’ he warned.
‘What are you doing here?’ she asked ungraciously. ‘And I was not talking to myself. I was having an intellectual conversation with the ducks. They are very good listeners and their discretion is absolute. Anyway, you might have warned me of your approach instead of creeping up on me and almost landing me in the water.’
‘I do not creep,’ he replied, tucking her hand into the crook of his arm and leading her towards the shelter they had occupied once before. ‘I assumed you would have heard me. I did call out. Besides, I would not have let you fall.’
‘I was preoccupied, I’ll concede that much. The ducks and I are accustomed to having the park to ourselves at this hour of the day.’
‘You still should have brought your maid with you.’
‘Not that it’s any of your business,’ she replied, with an indignant toss of her head, ‘but ordinarily I would do so. She has a head cold, however, so I made her stay at home and left her drinking a medicinal hot toddy.’
‘Very thoughtful.’ He waited until she had seated herself and then occupied the space beside her. ‘You were right about the snow. I hope you are satisfied.’
‘Not nearly,’ she replied beaming and looking simultaneously cheated. ‘It has barely settled and will be gone before nightfall, leaving us with the inconvenience of slippery streets and none of the associated pleasures. There isn’t the slightest possibility of my hurling snowballs at you, unfortunately.’
‘What have I done to become your enemy?’ he asked, suspecting that he already knew.
Her expression turned unnaturally serious and she didn’t answer him immediately. Ross was comfortable with silences and allowed this particular one to stretch unbroken between them as he studied her profile. She was trying to decide whether or not to be truthful with him, he sensed, and he knew that if he said the wrong thing she would decide against it.
‘Maria never left London,’ she said eventually, staring directly in front of her at the rippling water. Her ducks had hauled themselves onto the grass and were pecking about in the snow. ‘But you had guessed that much already, I think.’
‘I considered it probable,’ he replied. ‘Given that she is increasing, travelling would be inconvenient and more dangerous than remaining close to home.’
‘I went to see her yesterday.’ She paused and then turned to face Ross, giving him her full attention. He could see that she was very troubled by whatever revelation she was about to make but also in urgent need of unburdening herself. Deception did not come naturally to her.
‘Tell me,’ he said softly, taking her gloved hand in his own and giving it a gentle squeeze. He didn’t release it again and she made no effort to snatch it back.
‘She was alarmed when I told her of your interest in Andrew’s murder; disproportionately so.
She urged me to take you to see her so that she could talk to you in person but…well, I wondered what her motives might be.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Don’t be so deliberately obtuse!’ she cried with a flash of her old spirit. ‘Maria thinks she is irresistible to all men, even in her current condition. If Andrew had offered her certain assurances that his death made it impossible for him to honour, she would easily imagine being able to persuade you to take his place.’
‘Heavens!’
‘I know it sounds incredible but my sister is…well, very self-assured. She knows what she wants, has always known, and nothing stands in the way of her ambitions. She looks upon her current situation as a temporary setback; nothing more.’
‘You are not a bit like her.’
‘You haven’t met her so how can you be so sure?’
Ross smiled at her. ‘I’m sure,’ he said.
‘Oh.’ She appeared to be genuinely confused by his compliment, and a faint hint of colour touched her cheeks. ‘As it is, she and Purvis plan to elope the moment the child is born and then present his mother with a fait accompli.’
‘Purvis believes the child she carries is his?’ He paused until she nodded. ‘Are you sure? It’s important, Sophia.’ He used her name unconsciously and she made no objection to the familiarity. ‘Does Maria know who the father is?’
‘She says that it could be Purvis, but was evasive when I pushed her on the point.’ Sophia closed her eyes, threw her head back and sighed. ‘Frankly, I didn’t believe her.’
‘She is carrying my brother’s child?’
‘If she is, there is no way of proving it. Only she will know for sure. I don’t think she would have let Purvis into her bed until after she had discovered her condition. I mean, whatever promises Andrew had made her, he could never have married her in time to legitimise the child, but if Purvis thinks the child is his then he will definitely offer her the respectability of his name. He is utterly besotted with her.’ She looked away, plucking absently at the folds of her fur-lined cloak with the hand he wasn’t holding. ‘And Maria, I’m afraid, has exploited his good nature quite shamefully.’
A Duke in Turmoil: Dangerous Dukes Vol 9 Page 10