Her eyes opened in amazement. “You fought for money? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“What would you have done if I told you?”
“I don’t know. Ask my father for money—”
“Exactly. I needed to do this on my own.” He stood. Sitting irritated him. He started to pace. “No one could know what I was up to, otherwise Lord Gordie would have stopped my mother from leaving him.”
“I understand.” Her voice was quiet. “You got your mother away from those who wished her harm. What happened next?” There was a touch of resentment in her tone. She had wanted to go with him, to run away from her father.
He hadn’t taken her.
“I can’t resent the choices I made, because here we are now. I would not risk the happiness that I have with you.”
She gave him a small smile and he received hope from it. “Tell me everything.”
∫ ∫ ∫
6 0
* * *
Needing to be closer to her, Sirius retook his seat and held out his hands.
Pia filled his palms with her own.
He blew out a breath. “I gained more money from my fights here. This was where I met Cassius. And Nick. Cassius would come around here for winter fights. So did Nick. I learned to put on a show to avoid being beaten too severely, but sometimes my flips and tricks didn’t work.”
Pia said nothing, but her fingers nearly crushed his.
He rubbed his thumbs over her knuckles. “My mother wanted me to stop so I found a position in a small shop. When I found a discrepancy in the bookkeeping, the owner made me his bookkeeper. It was only a matter of time before I heard about a position that opened at a storehouse not far from home.”
“And that was when you started working for Van Dero.”
He nodded. “I kept his records. Nothing made sense at first… and then it did. I learned quickly what was going on and learned fast. So when Van Dero had use of a new Collector, he chose me. That was when I met him.”
“What was Gregory like?”
Sirius shook his head. “He could look rather kind, actually, but it was all a facade. He was a cruel man, but I didn’t know that until I found out the real truth behind the storehouses. What I thought was simply money and goods actually included much more. Children, women, even men could be traded. The business was dark during Gregory’s reign.”
“And it isn’t now?” Pia lifted a brow. “Cassius seems dangerous.”
“He has his limits.” He hoped they remained in place, but only time could tell. “By then, it was too late to leave. Only death would dismiss me from my position. My hands are stained with so many sins. I became dark. Then one day, my purpose became clear.”
“What was that?” she asked.
“My brother came in, sat in the booth much like you did, and sold Adalina and Babbette for forgiveness for an offense he and Maria had committed. Adalina and Babbette are Sirius’ daughters. Not mine, but I love them as my own.”
“They are yours,” Pia told him with tears in her eyes. “I’m glad you saved them.”
“Well, my brother’s refusal to obey cost his life. Gregory only allowed me to take the girls if I took my brother’s place. So, I took the girls, left for a time, and returned with black hair. By then, very few knew Sirius. Therefore, the difference in our appearances could be explained away easily. I weighed less than him and was far more fit. Everything else had always been similar. The eyes, nose, and height.”
* * *
As Adam’s story unfolded, Pia found herself conflicted. If Sirius were Adam, then who was it that she loved? Had a part of her truly known who he was, and thus fallen for Adam intentionally? Or did she love Sirius, this dark ominous lord who wore bruises on his fingers just as easily as others wore rings?
Could she love them both?
“Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked. “Did you think you couldn’t trust me? After all we’d been through? You knew how much I loved you.”
“The thing is, who you loved is gone, Pia. I am Adam, and yet I am not. Surely, you can see I’ve changed.”
“Not really. You were always defending those who couldn’t defend themselves. That has not changed.”
He smiled. “I love that you see the good in me.”
She placed one of her hands on his knee. “There is much good to be seen.”
“I wanted to tell you,” he confessed. “But I also wanted you to love me for who I am and not some memory of an innocent boy I could never be again. Also, there was your aunt.”
She closed her eyes at the thought of Melody. She’d been executed earlier that week. Pia was glad it had been done in the winter. Fewer members of Parliament were present at the public event.
“I didn’t know if I could trust you,” he said. “If the wrong person found out, Adalina and Babbette would suffer far more than I would.”
“I’ll never say a word.”
“I know. I trust you now.”
“Why?” she asked. “I’ve given you reason to doubt.”
“Yet, you’ve also given me reason to trust. You are part of me, Pia. I could never be truly happy or truly free to love you if I didn’t trust you.”
Pia stared at him and finally allowed herself to see Adam. It was always the eyes that made her question everything. She leaned forward and ran her hands through his hair. “No one else has your eyes.”
He bent closer and rested his forehead on hers. “Only you would notice. Only you cared to truly see Adam. I’m sorry I abandoned you. It will never happen again.”
Pia cried, and Sirius swept her into his arms and held her for a time.
∫ ∫ ∫
epilogue
* * *
One Week Later
Sirius grinned as Lord Freylor took another sip of tea from the cup Sirius had offered him.
It was the enemy cup, the one made of human teeth. It was the only reason Sirius could sit across from the gentleman and not wrap his hand around the man’s throat.
“Hm, what is this tea again?” Freylor asked. “You got it from London, you said?”
Sirius chuckled, which made Freylor’s brow lift. “I got the ingredients from here and there. Much of it from London. You could say it’s a homebrew. ” Sirius was nearly certain the man couldn’t taste the teeth. Almost.
His father-in-law frowned. “Well, as I was saying before, I’m very glad for the match between you and my daughter, though I pray it will not be a waste of your time.”
“A waste?” Sirius folded his hands on his lap. “How could marrying Pia be a waste?”
Lord Freylor lifted a brow. “She never had children with Lord Ginter. I’m sure you’ll want heirs.” He took another sip and only then did Sirius calm.
It had been a wonderful idea to have Pia make that cup. Adalina had painted it blue. Sirius had suggested his daughter draw small teeth in the design. He’d told no one where he’d gotten the fine bone powder until later.
Nicholas had laughed. Cassius had smirked. Milly had shaken her head. Pia had looked ready to faint, but she was a strong woman and held her ground.
“You mean, there were actual teeth in that powder?” she’d asked over and over again, her hand on her chest as though to hold her heart in. “The clay I made had human bone in it?”
Sirius had been more than happy to tell her just how many teeth he’d pulled. Only when she’d begged for mercy did he stop his story.
She was only beginning to learn just how dark his thoughts and actions could be.
“I didn’t marry your daughter for her womb,” Sirius said.
“The eyes then,” Freylor said, as though he were sure of himself.
“I already told you what a wonderful woman Pia is.” Sirius unfolded his hands and placed them on the armrest. He gripped the chair and wondered again why he’d agreed to meet with his father-in-law. Then he remembered. Pia had asked it of him. She was quite through with trying to gain the love of her parents, but she did wish to help them in some way.
&n
bsp; It mattered not if they deserved it or not.
She was one of the sweetest women he’d ever met.
Unfortunately, Sirius was not sweet.
Before Freylor could say something that would make Sirius collect enough teeth to make a matching saucer, he said, “Let’s discuss business. How much did you need again?”
Freylor cleared his throat and quoted a figure. “I know it’s a great amount.”
“It is,” Sirius agreed. “You’ve many debts, don’t you?”
Freylor put his cup down and leaned forward. “I have every intention of paying it back as soon as possible.”
“Oh, you will pay me back,” Sirius stood and moved to the door. He opened it and two watchmen came in. Sirius pointed to Freylor. “That’s him, Lord Freylor.”
The watchmen moved to Freylor.
The earl shrunk in his chair, his eyes round. “What’s going on?”
“Your creditors have all called their debts in.” Sirius smiled. “It’s debtor’s prison for you, my lord.”
“No!” Freylor tried to get away from the watchmen, but they were faster. “Unhand me! No!” He looked at Sirius. “I thought you were going to help me!”
“I am.” Sirius couldn’t help but laugh as the man was carried out of the office. “I’m helping you find a touch of humility.”
Freylor fought without dignity. “How could you? I’m your father-in-law! We are family.” When that didn’t work, he began to beg. “Please, don’t do this.”
Sirius grabbed the man by the throat and leaned in. “Never fear. I’ll bail you out. Your debts will be paid… a pound for every kind thing you’ve ever said about Pia.”
“What? I’ve never said anything kind.”
Sirius shrugged. “Then I’d get started if I were you.” He motioned to the watchmen. “Take him away.”
“No! Wait!” Freylor was dragged on the heels of his shoes. “My daughter is wonderful! She’s beautiful!”
Pia suddenly arrived. The commotion had likely pulled her from her art studio. She wore an apron. Clay was on her cheek. She was adorable. “What’s going on?”
Sirius escorted her through the foyer and stopped her on the steps as her father was pushed and chained onto the back of a cart.
“Pia!” Freylor called. “You’re the most beautiful woman in the world! You are kind and good. I never deserved you, my dear.” He’d lost his hat. He looked mad as the cart began to pull away. “Please, Pia! I… I care for you.”
Pia frowned and then looked at Sirius. “I don’t understand.”
He kissed her brow. “You wanted me to help your father. That is what I’m doing.” He took her back inside.
“How does this help?” she asked.
“Word will spread about his arrest,” Sirius said.
“I still don’t understand.”
He grinned. “His public demise will make me happy. Only then will I give him the funds he needs to get out.”
Pia’s lips twitched. “You’re quite terrible, my lord.”
He stopped and cupped her cheeks. “Is that a smile I see?”
“No.” She struggled to put it down, but then she laughed. “Oh, Sirius! You know my father didn’t mean a word he said.”
Sirius shrugged. “If he says it enough, maybe he’ll begin to believe it.”
She didn’t deny him the kiss his mouth searched for. Her lips greeted him and then the rest of her body moved in.
“Take tea with me,” he offered a moment later.
She nodded. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes glazed. “Yes.”
He took her hand and led her back to his office.
She moved to the tea tray and saw the cup. She gasped. “Sirius, you did not give this to my father!” Snatching the cup up, she turned to the door. “I’m hiding this from you!”
“Oh, no, you don’t.” He followed her.
She picked up her step. “I’ll put it where you’ll never find it.”
“Not if I catch you first.”
Over her shoulder, she grinned. “You can try.” Then she dashed off.
Sirius laughed and then began his favorite sort of hunt with every intention of collecting.
∫ ∫ ∫
Keep Reading
From: Deborah Wilson
To: Beloved Readers
Subject: Next book in the series
Hi lovelies!
Thank you for reading The Secret Pleasures of An Earl, which is book 11 in the Valiant Love series.
The next book is targeted to release on 16th September.
While waiting for the next breathtaking book in the series…
I believe you will love to read the previous book in the series, which I had such a good time writing it.
Flip the page for a special first look at the previous book.
Thank you for reading my books and letting me serve you doing what I love!
xx Love,
Deborah Wilson
Author of Valiant Love series
PROLOGUE
July 1823, England
Dear Cassius,
How fare you, my dear cousin? It has been some time since we’ve written one another. I have heard that you’ve finally moved from Scotland and into your rightful home at my father’s estate. You are the Duke of Van Dero now. It is only right you live in England.
Since I last wrote, I am doing well, as is Clive. He is very anxious for the baby to arrive, almost as anxious as me, if you can believe it. Thank you again for allowing us the use of your home in London while our builders finish the renovations on our own London residence. Things had been a little slow with the rains. Also, the winter was not forgiving, but things are moving along well.
Surprisingly, Clive has expressed a desire to leave the city and have the baby born outside London. He claims the fresh air and clear skies will be good for the coming earl. Yes, my marquess does believe himself to be getting a boy. I pray he gets what he wants. As for me, I don’t care. Girl or boy, the babe will be loved, I’m sure.
If you have the time, I would like you to visit us in the city. I miss you, Cassius. I was made terribly distraught by the fact that you couldn’t come visit for Twelfth Night. All our friends miss you as well. Do you think you could come to the city? I know how much you detest the noise of London, but… Let me know what your plans are for the next few months. If I cannot get you here, I will simply have to hunt you down.
You have my love,
Irene Dendrick, Marchioness of Fawley
* * *
Dear Irene,
I have adjusted well at the Vandera Estate. Your former housekeeper, Miss Mugge, seems like a reasonable woman and has helped me gain my bearings on the monstrosity of the house. She has said it is ill-advised to upset a woman who carries a babe. Therefore, it is only rational that I come to you.
I will come to London.
Expect me in a fortnight.
Your cousin,
Cassius Hiller, The Duke of Van Dero
∫ ∫ ∫
CHAPTER 01
Miss Milly Parker sipped her tea with slow indulgence. The spiced liquid was hot pleasure across her tongue. It traveled down her throat and beyond, spreading through her body and causing a slight shiver in the end.
She missed tea. She missed currants, chocolate, black butter, and gooseberry cheese.
Milly had always enjoyed eating, but tea was likely the thing she missed most since her family’s money had dwindled to little more than dust in the last few years. Every now and again, her brother Walter could afford a luxury or two, but otherwise, Milly accepted invitations to Mrs. Catherine Kemp’s home for enjoyable conversation and a form of happiness that could only come from roasted and crushed leaves.
“We’re sending Peter away tonight,” Catherine said. The words shocked Milly out of her pleasurable thoughts and bought her back to the room that had lost some of its life and color in the last year. The paint and furniture had begun to fade since the drapes had been ruined a few mon
ths ago and had yet to be replaced. Catherine, who’d once been known to give the best parties in their small town of Vandera, now only ever entertained Milly. Catherine’s family was also suffering but for different reasons than Milly’s.
Peter Kemp, Catherine’s youngest son, sat in a corner of the room with Milly’s younger sister Susanna. Both thirteen, the young man and woman were playing chess, but neither seemed enthusiastic about the game. Their expressions were somber. The likelihood that Peter was soon to be sent away had been common knowledge between the households, but Milly had thought Catherine would change her mind. She’d hoped for a miracle. Even with everything that had happened to her own family, she still believed in miracles, but apparently, Catherine had lost faith.
“We’ve decided on the Lord of Gavellorp’s Mines,” Catherine said. “I’ve spoken to many of my friends and they say his mines are upstanding, or at least better than the others in England.”
Milly and Catherine turned at a loud clatter to see that Susanna had dropped a chess piece.
“Sorry,” Susanna whispered as she picked it up from the floor. She looked anxiously away from the adults as she turned back to Peter.
Milly looked at Catherine. “Surely, there is somewhere else you can send Peter.” Milly hated the idea of the mines. She’d heard stories of young boys being trapped underground or living most of their lives in the dark. She couldn’t bear the thought of Peter living that way. “Maybe Harlan can find another child to tutor in town.” Harlan was Catherine’s oldest son.
Catherine shook her head. “He has looked. He tutors one child. The income is hardly enough for us to keep the house and food on the table.” Catherine pinched her lips, which made the wrinkles more pronounced. Lines of age had grown rapidly on the forty-seven-year-old woman’s face in recent years. At twenty-two, Milly was sure lines of stress had grown on her own as well.
Catherine’s blue eyes were imploring. “Could you not speak to your brother again? If he would give us just a portion of your father’s land—”
“He won’t,” Milly said. She swallowed and put her cup down. “I’m sorry, but you know how my brother feels about the land.” Their land, Parker’s Paradise, was the most coveted piece of property in town. It was lush and the crops were plenty. The money that came in should have easily provided for Milly’s family, yet their father had died, leaving his children deep in debt. Over the years, Walter had only made it worse. Gambling halls and credit debts from local businesses owned almost every coin that came in.
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