Beloved Lies, Book 2

by Marti Talbott

  “For my part, I find it is not the kind of book one longs to read again and again.”

  “I agree and I am quite curious as to the kind of mind that thinks such things up.” He had no reply, so she asked him a more pressing question. “Tell me, how did you know which room is mine?”

  “Oh that. Well, I happened to be sending another cable when the one for you came in. I offered to take it to you, and your room number was written on the outside. When I could not find you, I asked David to give it to you.” Braxton Dedrick thought about it and then looked at her through the sides of his eyes. “You suspect me of something menacing?”

  She nervously giggled, “I am being ridiculous, am I not?”

  “Indeed you are.”

  She matched his smile with hers. So far, she managed to embarrass herself in front of both Lord O’Dell and Mr. Dedrick, and could not guess what either truly thought of her. On the other hand, what did she care, she reminded herself once more? As she and Mr. Dedrick passed by, Robin and Lord O’Dell had ended their walk at the side railing and seemed to be deep in conversation.

  “About your mother, I...” Mr. Dedrick started.

  Blair stopped walking, stared at him, and allowed her voice to rise. “What more could there possibly be to say about my mother, that is not already being talked about aboard this ship?”

  He backed up a step and studied her furious eyes. “Are you quite certain you did not push the viscount over the railing?”

  It took a while, but Blair finally calmed and cast her eyes downward. “It must be the sea air.”

  “Or a lack of sleep, perhaps?”

  “It could be. I have stayed up late reading.”

  “Did you not expect everyone to be curious about her?” Mr. Dedrick asked.

  “I thought I was well prepared for it, until the first night at dinner when everyone stared as I came in. Even now, I feel them watching me.”

  He nodded and started them walking again. “I was going to say I met your mother once.”

  That revelation surprised Blair. “Did you?”

  “I suspect while you are in London you shall make the acquaintance of several who encountered her.”

  “Aye, I am expecting that, but I dinna think you...”

  “She did me a kindness.”

  “My mother? The ex-duchess of Glenartair? Are you not confusing her with someone else? Someone above reproach, perhaps?”

  “I am not. I remember it quite well. I was but a small boy and quite lost when she found me and took me home. Of course, after that she beguiled my father, which caused a terrible rift in the family.”

  Blair laughed. “That sounds like her.”

  “Yes, but she was not all bad. She just hated poverty.”

  “I suspect I would hate it too – anyone would.”

  “True, but from what I hear you shall never be faced with it.”

  “Perhaps not.” She held her breath, waiting for the inevitable question concerning her inheritance. Thankfully, he did not ask, and why would he – surely everyone already knew by now. Instead, she boldly asked, “And your wife? Will she face poverty?”

  “My wife, should I be fortunate enough to have one, shall have everything she desires, and then some.”

  Blair believed him, and why wouldn’t she? She heard nothing but good things about the British lawyer. Just then, she realized they had completely walked past Robin again, and stopped to look back. Robin and Lord O’Dell were still deep in conversation and she was a little concerned about the intense look on Robin’s face. “I suppose we should rescue Miss Robinson.”

  “Did you not say she does not need rescuing?”

  Blair neglected to answer, turned, and started back.

  After they approached, both Mr. Dedrick and Blair listened. “Politics?” Mr. Dedrick asked as soon as he caught the gist of the conversation.

  “She is quite well versed on the subject,” said Lord O’Dell. He nodded slightly to Blair and then turned his attention back to Robin.

  “I blame it on my stepfather,” Robin confessed. “It is all he ever talks about. He says a woman has not the intelligence of a man, while my mother outwits him at every turn.” She made the three of them laugh, and instantly dispelled any notion Blair had of a disagreement between them.

  “I find your wit quite refreshing,” Lord O’Dell told her.

  “Thank you,” Robin practically purred.

  Blair approved...sort of. Lucy had nothing discouraging to say about Lord O’Dell, and if Robin was happy, as she seemed to be just now, she was happy for her. “I best dress for dinner,” Blair said.

  “May I escort you?” Mr. Dedrick asked.

  “Truly,” Blair said, “we Americans do not feel the need to be escorted everywhere we go, but I thank you for the offer.”

  “Halfway, then,” Mr. Dedrick insisted. “I am going to the library anyway.”

  “Very well.” She nodded and then let him walk her back inside the ship.

  “Might I be so bold as to request a dance with you this evening?”

  “I shall be delighted,” she graciously answered. She left him at the library door, and went to her room.

  LUCY PUT GLASS HAIR pins in Blair’s hair that would sparkle in the light of the dining salon chandelier instead of the wreathlet. She was almost finished when Robin knocked on the door, opened it, and came in without waiting to be invited.

  Robin’s cheeks were unusually flushed, her grin wide, and this time her colorful gold and green gown enhanced the color of both her brown hair and her eyes. She heaved an enormous swoon and plopped down in one of the chairs.

  “What?” Blair asked.

  Robin excitedly clasped her hands together. “I believe I am falling in love. Is Lord O’Dell not divine?”

  “Divine?” Blair asked a little taken aback.

  “He is handsome. Perhaps not as handsome as the poor drowned viscount, but handsome enough for me,” Robin went on.

  “And wealthy enough for your mother?” Blair asked.

  “Would she not absolutely float on air if Lord O’Dell preferred me? I doubt that he does, though. I am likely just entertainment while we are aboard ship. On the other hand, it is possible. Is it not possible, Blair?”

  “I cannae think of a single reason why he would not prefer you. You are kind, quick, fun to be with, and as lovable as any young woman I have ever known. A lad would be foolish not to notice your superior qualities.”

  Robin lightly bit her lower lip. “Might you mention that to Lord O’Dell when next you see him?”

  Blair laughed. “I doubt I shall need to, but I surely shall if he asks me. Did something happen after I left the two of you on the deck?”

  “He touched my hand in a way I have never known a man to touch me before. It was a very gentle touch with the back of his hand against the back of mine.” Robin suddenly sat up straight. “Suppose it means nothing? Suppose it was quite by accident and I have mistakenly taken it as a sign of endearment? I mean, I shall need more proof than that before I...”

  “Before you completely fall in love?”

  “Yes, that is it. Like you said, I must not be so easily got – but Blair, I have no experience in matters such as these.”

  Blair giggled. “Pretend he is Freddy Lester and he has just cheated at cards.”

  Robin’s eyes lit up. “That just might work. Yet, if he is determined...I mean, if he asks for my hand in marriage, I have not the strength to turn him down.”

  “You might say you wish to consider it for a time.”

  “But I do not wish to consider it.”

  “In that case, you must follow your heart.”

  Robin seemed satisfied with that answer. “You have said not a word about Mr. Dedrick. He looked friendly enough when the two of you finished your walk.”

  “He is very friendly and has good conversation, which I require in a lad. I did not particularly like him before this afternoon, but he seems to be growing on me.”

&n
bsp; “I thought you said you are not looking for a husband,” Robin scoffed.

  “I am not, but it cannae hurt to enjoy myself while I am young and unmarried.”

  “True.”

  As soon as Lucy put the last pin in her hair, Blair thanked her and got up.

  “Wait,” Lucy said. She went to the closet and chose a short, but warm cape for Blair to take with her.

  “Thank you, Lucy,” Blair said as she took it, laid it over her arm, and then walked to the door. “Come Miss Robinson, the Whitfields are likely waiting for us.”

  Lucy watched the door close, bowed her head and in a little while, a tear rolled down her cheek.

  AS SOON AS THE WHITFIELDS, Blair, and Robin stepped off the elevator, David came to greet them. “The Captain sends his deepest regrets, for he cannot dine with you this evening.”

  “Is something wrong with the ship?” Claymore asked.

  “Not with the ship, but,” David leaned a little closer, “he fears another search by London authorities for the viscount when we land shall delay the return voyage to America.”

  “He hopes to discover what happened before we land?”

  “Precisely,” David answered. “He has ordered another complete search of the ship.”

  “Tell the Captain we completely understand. Perhaps when we sail back home in three months’ time?”

  “I shall put a note on his calendar,” said David. He led the way to a table near the window, seated them, handed out the usual menus, and went on his way.

  “I wonder if the captain has interviewed Mr. Dedrick.” Robin asked.

  Before Blair could confirm it, Abigail answered, “Lady Forrestal said he had.”

  Robin laughed, “My mother has a knack for knowing everything about everyone she meets.”

  “She certainly does,” Abigail agreed.

  Just then, Robin’s stepfather approached their table. “Miss Robinson, will you not join us this evening?”

  Robin could hardly refuse, so when he offered his hand, she took it, excused herself, and followed him back to the table where her mother was waiting.

  “Do you know her stepfather?” Abigail asked her husband.

  “Lady Forrestal finally got around to introducing us yesterday,” Claymore answered, and had he not been in such a hurry just now, I would have introduced you, my love.”

  “Let me guess. Lady Forrestal introduced the two of you in the smoking room?” Blair asked. She giggled at the shocked expression on both their faces. “We happened to see Lady Forrestal there when we went looking for the viscount.”

  “Is that not also the poker room?” Abigail asked.

  “The game room, they call it, my dear,” Claymore answered putting his menu down.

  Abigail took a long hard look at her husband. “Mr. Whitfield, precisely how much have you lost at poker?”

  “For your information, I have won enough to pay our passage and then some.”

  Abigail wrinkled her brow. “You won? When you and I play, you...” she narrowed her eyes, “you let me win?”

  “Not always,” Claymore assured her. “I only let you...”

  Like the three old and dear friends they had always been, Blair, Abigail and Claymore talked, laughed, and enjoyed their meal together. They shared a little gossip of their own and when Blair mentioned they should keep an eye on Robin and Lord O’Dell, the Whitfields were intrigued.

  As he promised, Mr. Dedrick was the first to ask Blair to dance and this time he held her a little closer. He spoke no flattery, asked questions about her family and in return, she asked about his. He mentioned a brother and three sisters, one of which he already said was married to the infamous Freddy Lester.

  Meanwhile, Lord O’Dell paid no attention to Blair at all. Instead, after he danced with Robin the first time, he took her hand and walked her out the door. Blair watched, but Robin’s stepfather did nothing about it, and Lady Forrestal seemed well pleased.

  Blair, on the other hand, held her breath. There was something about Lord O’Dell she did not like at all and try as she might, she could not imagine him a good husband for Robin. In the end, however, she once more dismissed it as simply being her own dislike for the man. When Mr. Dedrick approached the table and asked Claymore’s permission to take Blair for a walk, Blair nodded just so she could see what Lord O’Dell and Robin were up to. As soon as Claymore approved, Mr. Dedrick took her outside into the cool night air, which forced her to fold her arms for warmth.

  “How thoughtless of me for not realizing you are in need of a wrap,” he said.

  “It is on the back of my chair in the dining salon,” Blair said.

  “Stay right here and I shall fetch it.”

  Robin and Lord O’Dell were nowhere in sight, so Blair walked to the end of the promenade and rounded the corner. The lack of wind at the stern had attracted several couples and among them were Robin and Lord O’Dell. She stayed away and just watched for a time. Before long, Lord O’Dell leaned down and kissed Robin on the lips. It was not necessarily a passionate kiss, but the meaning was clear, at least to Blair.

  She was about to turn and go when she bumped into Lucy. “Oh,” she gasped. “Do forgive me.”

  Lucy quickly curtsied. “Just getting a breath of air, Miss.”

  “Of course you are, and who does not deserve it more? I best get back, Mr. Dedrick is waiting.” It was true, Mr. Dedrick was waiting and was about to come looking for her when she headed his way. He wrapped her cape around her shoulder, held on a bit longer than he should have, and then suggested they stand beside one of the lifeboats in an attempt to keep warm. He even managed to stand close to her with his back to the wind.

  She was curious, so she asked, “Did the captain question you about the argument you had with the viscount?”

  “He did and I told him all I could.”

  “Does he suspect foul play?”

  “He did not say as much to me.” Mr. Dedrick watched as two more couples came out and then started down the deck toward the stern. “I am convinced the viscount is merely hiding somewhere.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Because I saw a steward deliver dinner last night to his sister’s room and later saw her having dinner in the small salon.”

  Blair was surprised to hear that. “Did you mention that to the captain?”

  “I did not,” Mr. Dedrick confessed.

  “Why not?”

  “Because the viscount owes a great deal of money to one of my clients. If he should be arrested, my client shall never get his money back, where as if...” he suddenly paused as if he had to choose his words more carefully. “There are those who shall be waiting on the dock, and once the money is recovered, I shall happily turn him over to the authorities.”

  “You did not send a cable to the authorities as you said?”

  “The authorities I spoke of are friends to whom he owes money.”

  “I see. I suppose that is an end to it, then,” said Blair.

  “I hope so.”

  “Poor Robin.”

  “How so?” he asked.

  “She so hoped the mystery of a missing viscount would have a far more exciting resolution. That he was not missing at all shall greatly disappoint her.”

  Braxton Dedrick smiled. “Perhaps we could think of something exciting to tell her.”

  “Yet, I am not very creative in that regard.”

  “Nor am I, come to think of it.” This time, Mr. Dedrick was quiet for a time while Blair looked up at the thousands of stars in the sky. “Miss MacGreagor, I wonder...”

  “Wonder what?”

  “Well, we are scheduled to land day after tomorrow’ and I was hoping I might call on you after we get to London.”

  Blair did not immediately answer. “I shall be quite overwhelmed with all this coming out business and I find it unseemly to make promises I may not be able to keep.”

  “I understand. In that case, we must make the best of the time we have left on the shi
p. After a few days I shall call Lady Bayington’s residence and see how your schedule is progressing.”

  “Very well. May we go back inside now? ‘Tis too cold out here.”

  “Of course.”

  For the rest of the evening and at Claymore’s invitation, Mr. Dedrick joined their table and entertained the Whitfields with stories of what a conveyancer does for a living. Blair listened, but she found the subject rather boring. Instead she waited for Robin to come back and the longer it took, the more convinced she was – Robin not only thought herself in love, she was by now engaged.

  At last, the evening ended, Braxton Dedrick left, the Whitfields walked Blair to her room, and Lucy helped her get ready for bed.

  “HOW DARE YOU WATCH us?” said Lord O’Dell. He stood one step above her in a narrow staircase that led to second class.

  Lucy tried to pull her arm away, but his grip was too tight. “I saw the way you look at her. You desire her.”

  “I do not desire her – I do not even like her. It is all pretend. She is my only choice now that Miss MacGreagor shall not inherit for many years. Therefore, I am left with no choice but Miss Robinson’s dowry and I mean to marry her if she will have me.”

  “Mr. Dedrick does not know about Miss MacGreagor’s inheritance.”

  “If he does, he has not said as much to me. Lucy, I warn you – you are not to tell him, do you hear?”

  “I care not about him. I care only for you and I cannot bear to see you married to either one.”

  “You have no choice. I need the money and if I must give you up to get it, I shall.”

  “And what about me? What is to become of me?”

  He slowly softened his glare. “Her I mean to marry – you I shall love and care for until the day I die. Come to my room tonight and...”

  “If you loved me, you would marry me.”

  “And live on what? Have you any idea what it costs to maintain a mansion and all the people necessary to run it? I must marry for money. As soon as I have it, she shall mean nothing to me.”

  “Do you swear?”

  “Of course I swear.” He bent down and lightly kissed her lips. “Keep me in your heart, lovely little Lucy, just as I keep you constantly in mine.” He started to leave but when he cracked the door open, a steward was about to descend the stairs. He quickly turned around, stepped around Lucy, hurried down the steps, and disappeared around the corner.