Risking it All for a Lady's Heart: A Historical Regency Romance Book

by Aria Norton

  She coloured a little, picking imaginary lint off her dress. "Something like that. Uh, tell me, how goes your father's matter? Do you have any leads?"

  Please accept this change, please. Freddi did not want Nash venturing any further into her thoughts, as they were her own, never to be publically revealed.

  He shook his head. "No, I have not been able to find any clues in Alfriston. It is frustrating to say the least, as I have much riding on a favourable outcome."

  She did as well, but it would hardly be proper for her to say so. He might think that I am only after his money, although he was the one to offer it to me.

  “What now? What will you do?”

  Freddi watched him scratch his chin, his hand going back and forth over the same area. The friction caused a quiet, raspy sound, merely the briefest evidence of stubble. She found it strangely mesmerising, and her hand itched to find out if his chin would make the same pleasant noise if she were to scratch him.

  Freddi caught herself staring, grateful that Nash was too busy thinking to notice her gaze upon him. I must be going mad! When have I ever found such a sound pleasant? Or was it because it was attached to a man who she carried a tendre for? Lord, you have not created any other foolish woman as I. I seem to have no self-respect.

  “Well,” he finally said. “I suspect that the death threats may, in fact, be coming from an outsider.”

  “An outsider? Is that not a tad far-fetched? Why would an outsider wish your father to cease all business in Alfriston?”

  “What you are saying may be right, but I have to consider it. After all, Father spends a considerable amount of time in London. There is the chance that someone else wishes to come here and take over any business operations from Father. ”

  “Who would leave London to come to a small town such as Alfriston? They say that London is a great place with much to offer.”

  “Yes, but Alfriston has a charm to it that many admire. Perhaps someone- an old business associate- is looking to retire in a picturesque town while still being able to conduct business. You must admit that it is possible.”

  “I suppose so. Will you go to London, then?”

  “Yes, I feel that I must take a trip, and you must come along with me.”

  “Me?” she said, pointing at her chest. “Why ever for? What have I to do with London?”

  “Are we not partners?”

  “To a certain extent, yes, but to leave with you for London seems rather excessive.”

  “It would do me a world of good if you joined me, Freddi. Two heads are better than one, and all that.”

  But what would she do in London while he went traipsing all over? How long would they remain in London? It would be busy with the start of Parliament, and those taking part in the Season.

  “We shall leave first thing in the morning,” he continued. “You know, early bird and all that.”

  “But I need to investigate my own situation, Nash, I cannot go to London with you. Besides, if my parents were indeed murdered, the monster would be here in Alfriston, not in London. Who knows of the clues that I might find right here?”

  “This is exactly why you must come with me. I cannot have you putting yourself in danger, and need I remind you that the terms of our agreement stated that you would heed my words?”

  He was right, she had agreed to his terms. I appear to have shot myself in the foot.

  “What you are saying is that you wish to keep an eye on me while you find the perpetrator?”

  "That is precisely why, Freddi. However, your company would be appreciated."

  She pursed her lips. I can be stubborn and simply refuse or make him happy and accompany him. Perhaps I shall be able to help him, as part of that reward money is to come to me, after all. Freddi fiddled with the ribbon of her bonnet, thinking of the best solution. Do I stay and continue to search for my own clues, or do I go to London with Nash? What to do, what to do.

  “Do not think so hard, Freddi, the answer is a simple yes. I do not trust you not to wreak havoc while I am away. Who is to say that I shall not return to find you taken hostage, or worse, married to Mr Down?”

  A short burst of laughter escaped her. “How can a marriage be worse than a hostage situation?”

  “It is true. A hostage has the opportunity to escape, but once you marry that old man, you can never escape until he is laid to rest. At least he shall be the first to go, and not you.”

  “You are a strange fellow, Nash.”

  “You might be right, but I need you to come with me, Freddi. What is here to hold you back? It is time to leave the ashes behind and look beyond Alfriston.”

  “How many days do you expect to be in London?”

  Too many days and she might come back to find her belongings thrown out.

  “Two nights, perhaps three.”

  Freddi rubbed her brow as she thought about the best way forward. She would soon leave Blackmore Estate, would it not make sense to remain in her family home until then? I may never have the opportunity to see it again. However, if she went with him and were perhaps able to help him, that would provide her with the means to support herself. Besides, Alfriston had ceased to be her home the day Lord Blackmore decided to ruin her character.

  The town's people did not want her near them, and people had begun to turn their backs on her. Even Caroline was finding it increasingly difficult to see her under the circumstances. I have nothing left but memories, and a few belongings. Mama and Papa are no longer with me, and the community I had called my own have rejected me based on a lie. Indeed, what is keeping me here? It would be far preferable if she went to London and became accustomed to it, especially if she decided to make it home.

  With the money, she could rent a room and work from there, sewing garments and making a living. If I cannot do it in Alfriston, why not London? Freddi was well aware of the fact that people paid good money for high-quality dresses, and she knew that she could succeed if only a door would open for her. This could be my door, I might as well consider it.

  “All right, I shall accompany you. I have nothing better to do, and Alfriston no longer accepts me as its own.”

  “Excellent! I knew that you would eventually come around. We will need some assistance when we arrive in London, I cannot run around like a headless chicken looking for leads.”

  “Do you know of anyone willing to help you? You have been gone for many years, people might have forgotten about you.”

  He looked at her, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. Why does he look at me like that?

  “You did not forget me, Freddi. You recognised me fairly easily.”

  Freddi felt her cheeks grow warm. "It was not a challenging task, Nash. Anyone with a good pair of eyes could have recognised you."

  “I beg to differ. I have walked around Alfriston for some time now, and yet no one save one woman has recognised me. She would not have done so had I not had a slip of the tongue.”

  Freddi did not like the sound of that. “A woman? Do you know her well?”

  “Not as before. Do you recall a woman named Lily who worked for my father? She was one of the few to be fired during our childhood.”

  Freddi vaguely remembered a buxom woman, but why had Nash gone to see her?

  “Did you pay her a courtesy visit?”

  She inwardly grimaced at her possessive tone. He is not mine, I have no right to ask him such questions.

  “No, I did not know it was her until I saw her. She goes by Mrs Summersfield now, a widow. Her husband had business with my father, and after my father took everything from him, it was only a matter of months before his death. I only spoke to her because I wished to see if she could be angry and vengeful enough to send my father those death threats.”

  “And?”

  "I mistakenly called her by her name and she put two and two together, revealing my true identity. Fortunately, she will keep my secret."

  “How can you be so certain?”

  “Sh
e is not looking for trouble, Freddi, she has her own life to live.” He smiled at her, wriggling his eyebrows. “If I were any other man, I would think that you are jealous.”

  She scoffed. “Jealous? You could not be any further from the truth. Who shall help you in London?”

  Freddi disliked that Nash could read her so easily. I must learn to hide my emotions better.

  "I have a good friend there- Lord Willoughby Curtis. He has many connections both above and underground, I am sure that he will be able to point me in the right direction."

  "Then you had best send him a note to prepare him for your visit. You can hardly arrive at a man's abode without warning."

  He nodded. “You are right; I should send a letter ahead of our arrival. Does the Sloane Inn still take letters? If I am not mistaken, the mail coach passes there on its way to London.”

  “Yes, but the mail coach will have passed by already, Nash. You will not be able to send the note today.”

  “Drat! I was hoping to leave in the morning, but perhaps this might work in my favour.”

  She frowned. “How so? I imagine that you would not want any delays.”

  "Yes, but I need to know of my father's business dealings and partners in London. He has only given me information based on Alfriston, and that has come up empty, but he also has businesses in London, although not as many as in Alfriston."

  “Oh, I see. You are still at the Black Horse, am I right?”

  “Yes, why?”

  "There is a runner mail boy who usually goes to all the inns and taverns, collecting letters and such. Ask for him, and give him a little tip- he tends to 'lose' letters when people have not tipped him well."

  Freddi recalled how cross Caroline had been when Benson had failed to send her letter because she had refused him a sweet bun.

  “Thank you, I shall be aware of him. Perhaps I should accompany you home, and I can speak to my father now rather than tomorrow.”

  Why does he wish to tire himself? He is struggling as it is, he must rest his leg.

  “Rather do it in the morning, Nash. Return to the tavern and think of all the questions you wish to ask him to be better prepared.”

  A slow grin spread on his face. “Why do I have the feeling that you trying to look after my well-being?”

  Freddi rolled her eyes. “You are always looking into my words for underlying meanings.” She got up. “I must go, it has been a long day.”

  “Must you? I was enjoying your company.”

  She bit the inside of her cheek, trying not to smile. He is too free with his words.

  "Goodbye, Lord Salisbury."

  Freddi turned from him, hurrying away. She heard a little chuckle, and rather than have it irritate her, it warmed her heart.

  ***

  Nash was up bright and early the next day armed with questions for his father. The Marquis needed to give him a complete breakdown of business practises in London, or any other alliance, be it personal or business. He stopped near Freddi's cottage, looking to see if he could catch a glimpse of her. The curtains and windows were open, but he could not see her.

  Mildly disappointed, he continued on with a little jump in his step. Yesterday had been a day of revelations for him. Nash now knew for certain that Freddi cared for him a great deal, and he would have some time to explore the extent of her feelings on their trip to London. She may try to deny it, but my heart knows better.

  The first person he saw was his stepmother stepping into a carriage. She paused when she saw him, indicating to the footman to let her down.

  “Nash! How lovely to see you. I did not know that you were coming by today, had I known I would have never made plans.”

  “Stepmother, radiant as always. I have come to see Father, then I shall be on my way.”

  “I feel rather put out, dear Nash. I have yet to spend some time with you although you have been here for some days.”

  Nash scratched the back of his head. “Yes, I have been rather busy, but I shall make a point to call on you once I return from London.”

  “Oh? London? Do you have some business there?”

  Nash did not know if his father had informed his wife about the death threats, but he doubted it. Lord Blackmore would never discuss such things, not when it could lower his image as an all-powerful man.

  “No, not business, but a visit to an old friend. Do you remember Lord Willoughby Curtis? His parents owned some land here in Alfriston before they moved away.”

  "Vaguely so. Very well, have a lovely time, dear. I am off to see Lady Pimms; her daughter has just been married, and she is eager to tell me all about it."

  A brief squeeze of a hand and she was gone, waving from her carriage. Nash carried on to the house, finding the butler.

  “Mr Dagwood, a word please.”

  “Lord Salisbury! You are still here?”

  “Yes, I still have some loose ends to tie up. Where is Father?”

  "The drawing-room, my Lord, he is having his morning tea."

  “Thank you, I shall see myself in.”

  The man bowed briefly, showing his balding patch of hair. Nash patted him on the shoulder, soon leaving him in search of his father. The door was slightly ajar, so he walked right through, meeting his father's lifted eyebrows.

  “I hope that you have barged in here with some good news for me?”

  “I never barge, Father, I enter. The door was open, and I took that as a welcome sign.”

  “Fine, fine, sit down and tell me what you have learnt. I imagine that you have something to tell me?”

  “I have come to ask you more questions, Father. It seems that we may be looking in the wrong direction.”

  His father's lined brow creased. “I do not follow.”

  “I wish to extend my investigation to London, and to do that I need more information from you.”

  The Marquis put down his teacup. “London? You think that the perpetrator is in London?”

  “I have not been able to find any good leads in Alfriston, Father, which leads me to believe that someone outside of town has been sending the death threats. The only other place that you tend to do business in is London. Who do you know there who might wish you harm?”

  Nash watched his father's chest puff out, his moustache twitching.

  “No one in London would dare such a thing, but I suppose there could be one foolish person mad enough to attempt it, although I sincerely doubt it, not after his spectacular failure.”

  “Indeed? Who?”

  “Lord Cecil Ayles.”

  The name rang a bell. “Did you not consider him your friend?”

  “Perhaps a long time ago, but now we are enemies. The fool thought to challenge me.”

  This was the kind of information that Nash needed. His father had never mentioned anyone challenging him before, and it seemed such a vital clue.

  “You clearly had a falling out. What brought it about?”

  “That hardly matters now, but he did engage me in a duel only to lose to me. I doubt that he would dare to threaten me, not after how I humiliated him.”