A Mouse for the Duke
Page 5
“Well, this is a pleasant surprise.” A deep voice says behind her. “May I help you find someone?”
“Yes, please. I’m looking for Lord Sheridan, I was told he was here.” London smiles at the handsome older gentleman and glances past him, looking for a familiar face.
“It seems like all the ladies are trying to find him tonight. Perhaps I could escort you to his side. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you, alone in the garden, at night.” His eyes trail down her figure and steps closer to her. Lust shines in his eyes and she takes a cautious step back.
“That's very kind of you, but my cousin is joining me here any minute.” London turns to go, but he reaches out and grabs her wounded hand, causing her to shout in pain. Tears erupt in her eyes as the pain rips up her arm.
“Is there a problem here?” A familiar voice asks.
London glances to the left and up into the handsome faces of Declan and his grandfather. “No. Mind your own business Sheridan,” the man growls.
“Declan,” she gasps and steps forward, but the man refuses to let go of her wounded hand.
Declan jerks at the sound of his name and reaches for her.
“Release her!” Matthew demands and takes in the pain on London’s face.
“Now, Mr. Dolle! Can’t you see the pain she’s in?” Declan demands.
Faced with the two of them, he's left with little alternative. Just before he releases her hand, he squeezes it once more. London's knees buckle, and her ears ring, but Declan quickly steps forward and grips her around the waist. “I've got you,” he murmurs.
London turns her face into his shoulder and prays that she doesn't faint. She can feel the blister on her hand has burst and is thankful that Matthew has moved close to prevent others from seeing her. London tries to pull away, but Declan isn't ready to release her.
“I thank you, gentlemen, for coming to my aid. Excuse me,” her voice is raspy even to her own ears. When she tries to walk away, Declan keeps her close.
“Nonsense. We will escort you. Where is your chaperone?” Declan is worried about her. She has yet to get the color back in her face, and she seems to be barely holding back the tears.
“Do you need a doctor?” Matthew asks.
“No!” She says too quickly, but a tear breaks free and runs down her face.
Declan turns to his grandfather, “Keep watch,” he takes London by her elbow and moves swiftly through the sculpted garden to a gazebo.
“You need to sit down before you faint,” Declan demands. London almost laughs at his gruff tone, but she has yet to find her voice. Her hand is throbbing, and she is desperate to get back to her room.
Declan sits beside her and stares at the lovely young woman. “Why are you walking around the garden's unescorted?” He reaches for her hand, but London jerks away before he can touch her.
“No, don’t touch me,” she whispers and holds her gloved hand tightly to her chest.
“My apologies. I only wish to see if he bruised it,” Declan explains. Fear is flickering in her lovely eyes. Why do they seem familiar? “Am I supposed to know you?” Declan asks. London shakes her head.
“Forgive me, Lord Sheridan, but I'm afraid I don't have much time,” she starts to say. “I was looking for you,” London stops talking when she realizes how close he is to her. Her heart starts to pound, and she stares into his eyes, temporarily forgetting what she was about to say.
Declan stares at her and smiles softly. He memorizes every angle. Lovely blonde hair, down around her shoulders and dancing on an unseen wind. Declan is transfixed by the curve of her cheek to the shape of her pink lips.
“Tell me your name?” he pleads, reaching out to touch her face. London leans forward, and her lips part in a rush of breath when his finger strokes down her cheek.
A shrill voice calls his name, interrupting them. London's soft hiss of fear isn't hidden quickly enough. Declan rises and protectively steps in front of her.
“Declan, it’s time to make the announcement,” Lady Hubbard calls out.
Matthew walks into the clearing and shrugs his shoulders as if to say sorry.
“Of course,” Declan walks forward to Mrs. Hubbard and offers his arm to her. “Mrs. Hubbard, you look enchanting in the moonlight,” Declan says. “May I escort you back to the ballroom?”
“Call me Tessa, Declan,” she giggles as she grips his arm.
“I hope you saved a dance for me, Tessa,” Declan says as he walks her back to the ballroom.
London’s relief is instant. “This was a terrible idea,” she sniffs back tears and stands.
Matthew jerks in surprise. He knows that voice! Before he can move, London starts to walk away, but he steps in front of her, “Stop,” his deep voice causes her to pause in relief.
“Forgive me, Lord Sheridan, I was hoping to have more time.”
“It is you!” Matthew states.
London sighs.
“Yes. I’m glad to see you are well after the close call you had at the workshop.”
Matthew stares at her and laughs out loud. “I knew I recognized your voice. Your hand?” The pain is starting to ease into a manageable throb.
“Is going to be okay. Lord Sheridan, you must listen to me. I don't have much time.”
“Of course, please allow me to escort you back inside.” He offers his arm, leaving her no chance to refute him.
“That’s very kind of you,” she says softly.
Matthew pats her good hand and walks her through the gardens.
“I work for the Hubbard's, Lord Sheridan. I overheard something disturbing, and I tried to warn Declan. I put a note in his overcoat, but I'm guessing he didn't receive it?” she asks. “I sent a telegram as well. Did you receive that?”
“Not that I know of my dear,” Matthew says, “but we've been busy with the fire and wedding. I'm afraid our correspondences have gone unattended.”
The music from the ballroom becomes louder as they draw closer. Walking back inside, everyone has fallen quiet when the music stops, and George walks forward to make the announcement.
“Tonight we celebrate the impending nuptials,” George’s voice fades as London stares at Declan. Reagan is standing stiffly at his side.
“He doesn't look like a happy groom,” someone whispers. The music starts, and Declan escorts Reagan to the floor to dance.
“Don’t they look good together?” a female voice says from beside her.
Reagan dances, but her eyes are on a young man making his way out of the ballroom. He passes Matthew and London with a look of sorrow mixed with anger.
“I’m betting that young man doesn’t think so,” Matthew chuckles.
The music changes, and Declan returns Reagan to her family. Couples move to the floor as the first tones of the waltz start. Matthew bows to London, “Would you gift an old man with a dance?”
“I love the waltz,” London smiles. Pushing back the pain in her hand, she says, “I'd be honored.” As they dance, London is surprised by the elegance of his step, considering his age.
“Tell me how a ladies maid knows how to dance the waltz,” Matthew demands.
“That is a long story, your Lordship, but you must know that Declan is in danger. Lord Hubbard is determined to gain control of his business.”
“I’d like to see him try,” Matthew laughs.
Declan watches from the sidelines and smiles as his grandfather glides elegantly around the dance floor. London says something that makes him laugh out loud, and Declan isn't surprised to hear people begin to speculate about the lovely young woman in his arms.
“He’s already begun.” London quickly goes through the details of the fire while Matthew frowns and nods.
“I will heed your warning, my dear. You must let me tell Declan who you are.”
“No,” she insists. “It isn't important. Only that you understand the situation, Declan's business is in. Should I continue with my plan to buy the shares, or should I let you handle it?”
“That's very kind of you,” London glances away and finds Declan looking at them. Matthew escorts her to the unmarried side and bows to her. “Thank you for making my night,” he stops when he realizes he never got her name.
“The honor was mine, Lord Sheridan,” London curtsies.
Matthew watches her quickly stride from the ballroom and isn’t surprised to see Declan working his way towards her. He is clearly frustrated when he’s stopped multiple times.
London pauses at the door and glances over her shoulder, her heart trembles in surprise when she locks eyes with Declan. Matthew grins as a new plan forms in his mind. If your beloved was about to marry another, where would you be? He grins and strides from the ballroom in search of the angry young man.
London turns and hurries away through the hallways to the elevator. She takes it to the second floor, before stepping off. She hurries down to the stairwell, where she rushes up three flights of stairs, praying that no one sees her in this dress. This level is reserved for the staff only. When the door finally closes behind her, London strips out of her dress with trembling hands. A hiss of pain explodes when she removes the glove allowing air to hit the open blister on her palm.
Thankfully, Reagan is sure to be back in the adjoining room late, but that is the least of her concern. Her blue dress is folded carefully and packed into the bottom of her trunk, and she changes back into her maid uniform. Rubbing the ointment onto her hand, she ignores the throbbing pain and mulls over the night's events. Things are getting out of hand quickly.
Stepping over to the mirror, she is shocked at her own face looking at her. Her hands tremble as she slides the spectacles back into place, and she murmurs, “Fix your hair, London”
“I'm so tired of this,” she murmurs and rubs a darkening powder into it instead of a wig. “Soon London, you will be free of this charade.”
Matthew returns an hour later and watches his grandson for the rest of the evening. There is no joy, only stiff resignation in his posture. He's disheartened when he realizes that he pushed Declan into making the biggest mistake of his life. Reagan Hubbard is young and obviously has feelings for someone else. This match will be a disaster if someone doesn't do something. A naughty grin ripples across his face, “I'm just that somebody.”
George Hubbard is drinking and laughing with a group of friends. He's unaware that Matthew is studying him. If he moves to call off this wedding, it could ruin Declan's business. If he lets him marry her, it will destroy two lives. He grins when he thinks of the young nameless maid. She's saving them twice, and Declan doesn't even know it yet.
One thing Matthew knows for certain is that no one threatens his grandson's life and business and gets away with it! The Hubbard's are about to learn that lesson the hard way.
Chapter 12
Declan dreams about the blonde beauty from the dance the night before. She’s running through a garden calling his name. “Wait!” he shouts, and she laughs, disappearing around a perfectly manicured maze. He picks up speed, running faster, he hears her laughter once more and smiles in response.
“Declan,” she whispers when he rounds the next turn and skids to a stop. Her beauty has him mesmerized. She reaches for him, only to scream in pain when he touches her hand. The ground opens up beneath her, and the terror in her eyes has him lunging forward.
“NO!” he shouts, waking with a start when he hits the floor with a thud. He sits still for a moment before stumbling to his feet. Walking to the side table, he pours a glass of water and sips it while waiting for his pounding heart to calm down. “It was just a dream,” he murmurs as if trying to reassure himself. Guilt strikes him. “What kind of man dreams about another woman when he's about to be married?”
Declan wishes he could drink something stronger, but he won’t resort to that. Today he will spend at the offices with his banker and lawyer. They have to go over his business plan and stocks. He’s sure it’s going to be bad news.
Part of his heart is thankful he won't have to spend more time with Reagan and her family. The young lady is miserable. It's clear she doesn't have feelings for him, and judging by her response last night, her heart belongs to another.
As much as he loves his grandfather, something has to be done. He won't be shackled in a loveless marriage just to make him happy. Declan pulls the chord for the valet and has him schedule a private breakfast with Reagan in the rooftop sunroom. Perhaps they can help each other.
Matthew is in the room across from Declan’s. He is stepping out to go to an early breakfast when he sees the valet leaving Declan’s room. “Good morning. Is my grandson ordering breakfast?”
“No, sir, he's having a private breakfast with his fiancé this morning.”
“Is that right?” Matthew smiles and nods. “Thank you.”
He waits for the valet to disappear and decides he may have to resort to his alternate plan. Knocking on the door, he waits for Declan to open it before groaning and swaying on his feet. “Declan?” he calls.
“Grandfather!” he shouts for help and catches him before he hits the floor.
Matthew spends the next few hours being cared for by Declan and the Doctor. “Dr. Bradley, is it serious?” Declan asks softly.
“May I speak frankly?” Elliot asks.
“Of course,” Declan wrings his hands together.
“You must keep the excitement to a minimum. I don't want him under stress. It may be his heart, though I couldn't hear the obvious signs. He's old, Declan. It's not surprising that his health is starting to fade a little.”
“What can I do?” Declan runs a hand over his face in worry.
“You can get married and take that stress off his mind. It's the one thing he won't stop talking about,” Dr. Bradley says, snapping his case shut.
A knock sounds at the door, and Declan is surprised to see Lady Hubbard with Reagan and her maid. “We heard about Matthew, is there anything we can do?” Reagan says as she glances past him to the bed.
“Thank you, I think perhaps we should postpone the wedding until he's able to...”
“No!” Matthew shouts, sitting up and grasping his chest. Declan runs over to his side. “I'll see you married before I join your Father!”
Declan stammers, “Don’t say that!”
London moves over to help the doctor calm the patient. Elliot looks over at her, thankful for the help, and does a double take. She bites her lip to keep from grinning.
“Take it easy, Mr. Sheridan,” London says in his ear. “Everything is going to be okay,” she promises.
Matthew lays back and stares at her with a look of surprise. Elliot pushes him back and covers him with a blanket. London keeps her head down and returns to Reagan and Lady Hubbard.
“Clearly, there is only one solution,” Lady Hubbard says with a grim smile. “We move the wedding up to this evening.”
“What?” Everyone shouts at once, and Matthew has to stifle a laugh.
“Perfect,” Matthew says. “Declan? Sit with me,” he calls weakly. London stares at him with a sinking heart.
“Don't worry about a thing. I will take care of everything.” Mrs. Hubbard promises. “Everyone is already here. It's simply two days earlier. We are going to go prepare, you rest, Matthew. The wedding will be at seven p.m. in the Grand Ballroom. Mouse!” she snaps!
“Yes, Mrs. Hubbard,” London hurries to the door to open it, and Reagan storms out, followed by the mistress. They leave, and Matthew doesn't miss the look on Elliot's face as he snarls, “Did she just call her mouse?”
Declan sits heavily in a chair and stares at his grandfather. “Should he be up and out of bed so soon, Dr. Bradley?”
“As long as he feels up to it, I’d say yes.”
“Will you stay for the wedding to make sure he’s well? I will send a driver for your wife,” Declan offers.
“Abso
lutely.”
“I’m going to rest now,” Matthew says. “Dr. Bradley will keep me company while you go see to your business.”
“I’m not leaving you now. The business can wait. That’s twice in one week that I’ve almost lost you. You’re stuck with me for the time being.”
Matthew sighs and pats his pocket. “Could you get my spectacles from my room, Declan?”
“Of course,” he hurries from the room and Matthew sits up and snaps at the Doctor.
“Tell me about the Mouse,” he demands.
“Don’t call her that,” Elliot snaps before he can stop himself. “London deserves better than that.”
“London?” he smiles. “I agree with you. Elliot, sit with me and get rid of Declan so we can talk.”
“Yes, Sir,” Elliot says and smiles as he walks to the door to intercept Declan. “Your Grandfather is resting, which is the perfect medicine for him. Go have breakfast. We can’t have you getting sick on your wedding day.”
“I... okay, if you’re sure he’s okay.”
“I’ll stay with him. Go eat,” Elliot takes the glasses and slowly closes the door making sure Declan gets on the elevator.
“Now, Dr. Elliot Bradley, tell me what you know,” Matthew throws the covers back and strides to the table to pour some hot tea.
“You old codger! You faked it!” Elliot shouts.
“I did what needed to be done. Now sit down,” Matthew demands. Elliot accepts a hot cup of tea and listens to Matthew explain about the fire.
“London is a longtime friend. We asked her to come live with us, but she's too proud. Matthew, London is no ordinary maid. Once the Taylor family were known all over the world. Her father is Christopher Taylor.”
Matthew slowly lowers his cup to the tray, genuinely shocked. “You're telling me the Mouse is the daughter of the Earl of Ironhand, from England?”
“Yes,” Elliot stares at him, observing his reaction carefully.
“What is she doing working as a maid? Where is her family? Why is she dressed like that?” he demands.
“That isn't for me to tell you. I will only say that she deserves better than the hand that she's been dealt. Lord Sheridan, London, has a brilliant mind, especially with finances. She's doubled my portfolio in the short time I've let her manage it.”