by Dawn Brower
Diana tapped her fingers on the arm of her chair. Her lips were pursed, and she narrowed her eyes into slits. “That doesn’t explain why you’ve lied to me all these years.” Lulia’s stomach rolled as anxiety spread throughout her entire body. She hated that Diana might be upset with her.
“I haven’t lied,” Lulia said. “Merely withheld all the information.” She tucked a stray lock of her hair behind her ear. “Please be patient and let me tell my story.”
“Then by all means finish it.” Diana waved her hand. “I’ve nowhere else I need to be.”
She was surprised Diana had been this accommodating thus far. Lulia probably wouldn’t be if their positions were reversed. “Grandfather Alby won’t acknowledge me as his granddaughter. Once I picked the Romany, he disinherited me. He told me if I contacted anyone in the Alby family he’d ensure that I’d regret it.” She took a deep breath. “I believed him.”
“And yet you’ve been a part of my life for nine years now.” Diana shook her head. “What changed?”
“I found out recently that grandfather passed.” Diana had doubts. Lulia didn’t blame her for having them either. “He didn’t know I’ve been in contact with you. When is the last time you’ve visited him? I don’t recall you ever making the effort.”
She sighed. “You have me there. I didn’t particularly enjoy spending time with any of my grandparents, but our shared one was especially difficult. I’ve barely corresponded with him, and only when necessary. He didn’t even attend my wedding.”
Lulia was aware… If he had come to town for Diana’s wedding, then it would have meant she couldn’t attend herself. “So, you see how it was easy enough to keep my secret, but I couldn’t do it anymore. Even if I hadn’t received notice of his death… I needed you to know the truth.”
“Honestly,” Diana began. “I had wondered why a gypsy would abandon her family and choose to stay in London with me. It never made sense.” She crinkled her nose. “When did grandfather pass? I haven’t received word. Are you sure he’s gone?”
“It’s recent. Within the past fortnight. One of the Romany who still travels in the area wrote to me about it. I don’t think she’d lie to me.” She sighed. “I’m half Romany,” Lulia explained. “I don’t mind putting down roots, but I still have a more primitive side. I like my freedom—I’ve enjoyed controlling my own life. You’ve given me that option by supporting my endeavors over the years.”
“This is going to take me a while to become accustomed to.” Diana moved forward and placed her hand on Lulia’s shoulder. “I would never have believed we’re family, but I admit it is a welcome revelation. I’ve always felt some sort of kinship toward you.”
Lulia smiled. “I’m glad you have considered me family from the very beginning. You’ve always made me feel—wanted. If not for you I don’t know where I may have ended up. Thank you for being such a wonderful person. You’ve been a true inspiration to me.”
A tear fell down Diana’s cheek. She wiped it away as quickly as it appeared. “Don’t make me cry. I’m overly emotional these days.”
“Why? What’s wrong?” Lulia’s heart started to pound at her words. Diana was the only family she had. Well, the family that mattered…
“That was my news I wanted to share with you.” Diana’s lips tilted upward into a serene smile. “If you hadn’t shocked me with yours, I’d have already imparted it—I’m with child.”
“Oh…” Lulia’s already racing heart nearly burst with the announcement. “That’s splendid.”
Her stomach rumbled, and Diana laughed. “You have to eat something. Cook made sure to make your favorites.”
Lulia’s cheeks pinkened. “It’s embarrassing sometimes how hungry I get.”
After that, any tension that remained in the room dissolved into nothing. The rest of their visit went unencumbered, and they eased back into the comforts of their longstanding relationship. Everything had gone amazingly well and much better than Lulia could ever have hoped for. She shouldn’t be surprised. Diana had a generous heart and had always accepted her. It might take her a while to recognize Lulia as family, but she could be patient while Diana worked through it all. Now she needed to make things right for and with Fin.
Fin stared at the correspondence on his desk and the words blurred. He hadn’t been able to stop thinking about Lulia and the soiree from the previous day. She’d always been there at the back of his mind. That fortune she’d told him so many years ago. Everyone in Tenby had known about the gypsy that resided in town, but he’d never thought to seek her out. Lulia was her daughter. Did she really have the power to see the future? Could he believe that his fate depended on what path he decided to take, and was it too late to choose the right one?
How was he supposed to get any of the accounts done if he couldn’t concentrate on them? His mind was a bloody mess of contradictions. He had to get out of the house and try to forget about what bothered him. A walk might work wonders in clearing his head—or a ride. He hadn’t exercised his horse in a while. This time of year, Rotten Row would be nearly empty. The lords and ladies of the ton didn’t appreciate the cold.
“Halsey,” he hollered.
Thump, thump, thump echoed through the hallway and into his study. His butler had been injured in the war, and his badly damaged leg gave him a permanent limp. He’d been Fin’s aide while he served in the Cavalry. If not for Halsey, Fin might have died. Fin had a long, jagged scar across his shoulder where a blade had sliced through him. It would have hit his heart if Halsey hadn’t knocked the enemy soldier to the side, changing his trajectory.
Halsey limped into the room, leaning heavily on his cane. “You bellowed, Your Grace.”
“Don’t be impertinent,” Fin said, but couldn’t stop his lips from twitching. Halsey kept him honest and grounded. “Have someone bring my horse around. I am going out for a while.”
Halsey left the room at a slow pace. It would give Fin the time he needed to prepare for a gallop in the frigid temperature. He closed his account ledger and put his quill back into the ink pot. When he returned, he’d finish the task. For now, he’d take the time to embrace life and decide what he wanted. The desire he had for Lulia was as much a part of him as breathing. He didn’t want to disrespect her. Just because her mother was a gypsy didn’t mean Lulia would welcome the idea of becoming his lover. Fin would take great pleasure in making love to her, and he wanted Lulia more than anything. He wasn’t sure how to approach the topic with her.
He buttoned up his winter coat and then pulled on his gloves. Not long after that Halsey’s hard footsteps filled the hallway leading to the foyer. He stopped at the edge of the stairs and met Fin’s gaze. “Your horse awaits you outside.”
“Good,” Fin said. “I don’t know how long I’ll be. Have Cook hold dinner. I may go to the club.”
He had never sought the advice of his peers. Most of the time he believed himself impervious to society’s dictates, but the few acquaintances he’d managed to acquire from his brief induction to White’s might prove useful. The Duke of Ashley was a known reprobate and seducer of women. He stayed clear of innocents though. Something told Fin that Lulia, for all her worldly airs, was as innocent as any young debutante on the brink of their debut. Still, Ashley might have some insight Fin could use to charm her. Ashley attended White’s more than he went home—so the club would be as good a destination as any.
Halsey nodded. “Very well, Your Grace. Should I inform Brixton that you’ll not need his services too?”
Fin frowned. He wasn’t sure if he’d go that far. His valet might still be needed, but Halsey might be right. “Yes,” he replied. “I’ll see to my own needs tonight. Tell him to attend to me in the morning.”
With those words, he left Halsey in the foyer. The butler understood his duties and would ensure everything in Fin’s household was taken care of. His servants were well trained and knew their place. Fin hopped down the steps and took several long strides toward his stallion. He mou
nted the horse and took the reins from the footman. “Thank you,” Fin said and then pressed his knee into the horse to bring it to a canter. He was pleased to see he had been correct that the streets were not busy due to the cold.
He debated taking his horse to Rotten Row or heading to the club first. After a moment of internal deliberation, he motioned his mount to head toward the park. Once he arrived there, he let the horse loose into a fast gallop. The rush of wind over his face was invigorating, and he’d never felt more alive than in that moment. Perhaps Lulia had been right and he hadn’t truly been living. He was rather disappointed with everything as a whole. Fin had never wanted to live such a mundane lie. At first, he’d done so out of a sort of necessity. After his horrible fortune he hadn’t wanted to invite anyone he might come to care for into his life. Then, as time went by, it had become more of a habit than anything else. Now he might have to rethink how he had chosen to live. He brought the horse to a walk and headed down the path toward town. Now that he’d gotten the exercise he needed, Fin would go to White’s and see if Ashley was in attendance.
When he reached the club he dismounted and tied his stallion to a nearby post. One of the club’s grooms would take him to the stable while Fin attended. He took a deep breath and entered—Fin had never been more nervous in his life.
Hopefully it was worth the effort and Ashley could help him gain the one thing he’d always desired—Lulia…
Chapter 5
Fin went to the back of the club where there were several tables set up for card games. Ashley sat at the one in the far corner. He was flanked by the Marquess of Dashville and the Earl of Darcy. The duke shuffled cards in front of him. They couldn’t really be about to play a game yet. They were a player short… Maybe he could take advantage of the empty chair and try his hand at a game. Truthfully, he didn’t really care to play, but it gave him something to do while he prevailed upon Ashley for a bit of advice.
“Gentleman,” Fin greeted them. “Care if I join you?”
“Have a seat,” Darcy gestured toward the empty chair. “How do you feel about a bit of whist?”
He doubted he would be much good to his partner, but he wouldn’t explain that much. He’d pay Ashley’s marker if they ended up losing. “I don’t mind the game.” Fin shrugged. “Let’s play.”
Dashville picked up his glass and downed the contents. “Hey,” he shouted to a nearby servant. “Can you bring me a decanter of brandy?”
“Right away, my lord.” The man said and rushed off to do Dashville’s bidding.
“Have you read that latest scandal sheet?” Ashley said. “That Lady X sure knows how to rake a man over the coals.”
Fin scrunched his eyebrows together. “Lady X?” He didn’t read anything other than The Times and had no idea what scandal sheet Ashley meant.
“Grrrr…” Dashville groaned. “Don’t get me started on that evil woman. She has written about me five times this month.” He held up his hand and waved two fingers at them. “Twice in the last edition! None of it was good either. She hates me. I’d bet everything I own on it. What did I ever do to her?”
The servant came back and set the decanter of brandy on the table. “Will there be anything else, my lord?”
“Bring His Grace a glass,” Darcy motioned toward Fin. “He needs to catch up. We’ve been drinking…” He turned to Dashville. “How long has it been now?”
“Damn if I know…” Dashville poured some more Brandy into his glass, then turned to Ashley. “Are you going to deal?”
Fin felt as if he was in a whirlwind. The conversation was beyond him and he didn’t want any brandy. He didn’t need an addled brain while he played cards. Especially since his card skills were lacking. “I don’t need a glass,” he told the waiter. “We have everything we require for now.”
“Very well, Your Grace,” the servant replied and then left.
Ashley shook his head and met Fin’s gaze. “You don’t always need to be so bloody proper.” He started dealing the cards. “There is such a thing as pleasure. I suggest you find something of that nature.”
Fin’s lips twitched into a smile. “I’ve never been good at letting my guard down.” He could sometimes be a bit impulsive, but he didn’t have any real vices.
Dashville lifted his glass and saluted him. “I wish I could say the same, and maybe that awful woman would quit writing about me.”
“Let it go,” Darcy said to the marquess. “Lady X will tire of writing about you at some point or maybe quit giving her the tantalizing gossip she needs to put you in her column.”
Dashville glared at the earl. “That’s easy for you to say. She hardly ever mentions you unless it’s in conjunction with me.” He was really concerned about this Lady X person. Perhaps Fin should figure out what all the fuss was about.
Dashville and Darcy were close friends. As long as Fin had been aware, the two lords had always been by each other’s side. Their easy banter said a great deal about how comfortable they were with each other. Fin wished he could have that easy of a relationship with another person. “Considering how often you’re in my company, that’s a bloody lot.” Darcy grinned. “You’re lucky I like you or I’d have had to let our friendship go. She really doesn’t favor you.”
Ashley leaned back in his chair and had a large grin on his face. For whatever reason he seemed to be enjoying Dashville and Darcy’s conversation… The cards he’d dealt remained face down on the table. The earl and the marquess showed no signs of picking them up. Fin left his where Ashley had laid them too. He didn’t see any reason to pick them up until the other men decided to play.
“You would be lost without me,” Dashville said. He picked up his cards. “I thought we were playing… What game is this again?”
A laugh spilled out of Fin’s mouth before he could prevent it. He’d been worried about playing horribly when Dashville didn’t even recall the game they’d decided upon. “How inebriated are you?”
“Not nearly enough,” the marquess replied. “As I’m sure you may have deduced, I’ve had a rotten couple of days.”
There was a time when Fin had been tempted to drown his sorrows in brandy, but he didn’t think he deserved the numbness alcohol would offer. The only way to get over the pain of losing his father was to go through it. In the end, it made him stronger and maybe a little wiser. Though even he still made foolish mistakes… “Does this have to do with the mysterious Lady X?”
“Don’t get him started on that particular subject,” Darcy warned. “He won’t stop discussing the evil workings of her mind as it is.”
“That’s all he’s mentioned since I sat down at the table.” He met Dashville’s gaze. “What did she write in her column?”
“That’s not the correct question to ask, Your Grace.” Dashville picked up his brandy and took a long drink.
Ashley shook his head. “Are we going to play this game or not?”
“You never said what game you dealt us for,” Darcy said. “Dash forgot.”
“I thought we were playing whist,” Fin supplied. “Am I wrong?”
He might not know a lot, but he did understand how to pay attention when need be. When he came to White’s, he’d hoped for some advice on how to court Lulia. Now though, he realized he might as well give up on that particular endeavor. Darcy and Dashville were too foxed to be any good, and Ashley seemed weirdly preoccupied. Fin would still stay and play cards though. It would do him some good to do something resembling a good time. He hardly ever let go and enjoyed himself.
“You’re not wrong,” Ashley answered. “This is definitely whist.”
Darcy picked up his cards and glanced at them. “Then let’s get this game going.”
Fin took this as his queue to do the same. He slid the cards toward them and then adjusted them in his hand. Once he had the cards the way he wanted, he waited until it was his turn to lay a card down. The other gentlemen remained silent for several plays. It was odd considering how vocal they’d been up
until that point. The game moved at a rapid pace, and before Fin had time to realize it, he had no cards left in his hand.
“That was the fastest round of whist I’ve ever played,” Ashley said aloud. “Did any of you actually think about what you were doing, or did you randomly throw a card on to the table?”
Dashville shrugged. “I couldn’t say.”
Ashley quirked a brow. “You can’t say? Are you bloody serious?”
He shrugged. “I think my mind went blank for a spell. I can’t be held accountable for my actions. I think I may have had too much brandy.”
Darcy’s low throated chuckle was the only answer Dashville received to that statement. Fin could have told the marquess he’d had too much to drink when he’d walked into the room. Someone should confiscate his brandy decanter before he poured himself another glass. “I don’t usually play at all, so I couldn’t say how fast it should have gone.” Though he did think it was a rather quick game. “I’m not sure…” He met Ashley’s gaze. “Did we win?”