“Who else are the investors in the current gas light company?” asked Raven. He pondered and walked back to his desk to make copious notes of things he would have to do.
“I’m not sure, Raven. You could make discreet inquiries. You are, after all, a prominent Member of Parliament.”
Raven nodded. He did have an outline in his head where and who would start the first inquiry.
“I do not mean to exchange allegations here, but is your Lady Samantha involved in the cartel through her brother? Could she have spoken to someone?”
Raven sat at his leathered desk and tented the fingers of both hands and frowned. “The thought occurred to me, Nicholas. Everyone is suspect. I’m not aware if she supplied funds to her brother. I made it clear I didn’t want to know. This is a close-knit family issue.” He asked Prince Nicholas, “What do you know about Lord Roger Dudley?”
“Other than the fact that he is a flawed womanizer—not too much. He is always in need of money, though. His debts inundate him, and he seeks a wife with a generous dowry.”
Raven thought this could have been Dudley’s attraction to Samantha and the bid on her picnic lunch. He would obtain a beautiful, spirited woman and a significant amount of money for the man to squander.
“Have you asked for a particular reason, Raven?” They now were at ease with one another again.
“I believe he has an attraction to Samantha, and she would fit his qualifications. That is all. He is aware of my affection for the family and while he might seek information, Samantha would never hurt her brother in any way. I’m sure she is involved in the cartel through her brother.” Raven attempted indifference.
“I think you are much attracted to this lady,” Prince Nicholas stated in a less jocular tone.
“I believe you’re right,” answered Raven. He again wanted to change the focus of the conversation, and asked, “Will Sergei join you here, Highness?”
“He will send me word, Raven. I doubt it, though.” The Prince sighed in exasperation. “He ignored my advice and took a new mistress, Lady Sofia. Pretty, but greedy. She is much older than he, and Sergei is tired of her already. They have been together four short months.”
Prince Nicholas further explained that Sergei’s youth and inexperience caused great consternation and he mentioned that though they were well off, their finances were not inexhaustible. “Sergei is convinced there is an endless flow. Such an impetuous youth does not understand political ramifications, nor does he want to hear about them.”
Prince Nicholas laughed. “Da, Yes. He feels he is a Russian stud available to entertain and entice the women of England.”
Raven smiled and remembered he never knew youthful experiences. With his father’s untimely death at the age of nineteen, for him, study and prepare, became his motto. He envied his brothers’ freedom to do as they pleased.
“What do you know about the Earl of Ballantyne?” asked Prince Nicholas, who now changed the subject.
“They have been friends of the family for decades. They are above reproach.”
“We will soon run out of suspects,” commented Prince Nicholas.
“Maybe we look in the wrong direction.” Raven raised his right hand to his temple and worked his fingers in circles to ease his pounding temples. “Maybe the person is so obvious we can’t see through the deceit.” His thoughts became interrupted by a knock on the door.
“Enter,” he instructed.
Randall’s face held a serious look. “Your Grace, forgive the interruption, but there is a message for you from the Prime Minister.”
He heard the specified alert phrase. Raven excused himself from the Prince, and his majordomo followed him to the empty drawing room.
“What is it?” he asked his man.
“You indicated you wanted to know anything and everything no matter how unrelated it appeared.” He handed him a business card on which Lord Dudley’s name appeared.
“Where did you get this?” Raven’s mind raced.
“The valet found it in Lord Winston’s breast pocket. He brushed the garment clean and felt something. He gave it to me. That is all I know.” As an afterthought, he said, “Is this important, Your Grace?”
“Yes. I will keep the card for a few hours.”
Raven returned to his study. The Prince asked, “Since when does the Prime Minister communicate with you at Ravensmere?”
“Since he found the necessity to do so. It’s a small matter not related to the cartel.” Raven could not trust anyone until he could be sure. “By the way, Highness, do you have any new members of your entourage who are inquisitive about my guests or me?”
“So you think persons might be employed to spy on me or us?” He arose and turned to pace the marble floor. “I don’t handle the acquisition of people. I have so many, but will set about finding more information, Da. Yes.”
He sighed loudly and murmured, “This is exhaustive. Political intrigues are a bore, Raven. Then I shall retire and give instructions to my trusted aides. If there is anything else, I will let you know, my friend.”
****
Samantha reviewed the social events posted in the drawing room. Breakfast was an informal buffet. The men had already left on a tour of the estate with Raven and the estate manager.
After eating, the ladies busied themselves in a tour of the gardens. Samantha encountered the gardener and asked about the crimsoned roses. His reply didn’t surprise her. “The Duchess had a fondness for red roses. This flower is a hybrid developed and named in her honor. It won first prize at the National Flower Show because of its rich color and strong scent,” he said with obvious pride and continued to prune the roses. “We plant no other type rose, m’lady.”
“She must have been a unique woman,” Samantha whispered.
For once, Lady Minerva, who strolled with her, was at a loss for words of comfort to her niece. “Samantha, you will have to come to terms with this grand love Raven bore for his late wife.”
“It seems everywhere we turn, there is homage to her memory. I grow weary of it, Aunt Min. I’m jealous of a dead woman and her husband’s love. Would that he could espouse one tenth of that love for me,” she said in soulful sadness when she gazed upon the profusion of scarlet roses everywhere.
She walked to a bush and motioned to the under-gardener who cut a full bloomed rose and handed it to her. Samantha smiled and thanked him.
“How do you know he does not—or could not—feel as strong an emotion for you?” Lady Minerva asked during their leisurely walk farther along the path.
“I believe he has a strong physical inclination toward me, but about his emotions, he’s not let go of his memories. This manor house and grounds are a shrine to his late wife. Aunt Min, he did refurbish my quarters with me in mind, didn’t he? Though she loved astrology, too. I’m afraid it’s not me he sees and admires. How do I survive in the shadow of such an unforgettable love?” All the sunshine left her face when she dropped the rose to the ground and crushed it under her foot.
“You pride yourself on your strength of character, and yet you allow yourself to wallow in pity and self-doubt. It’s a credit to Raven that he held on to the love of her for so long. Patience is not a virtue you possess.”
Lady Minerva went on to say, “If you’ve waited this long time for your special love, a little while longer will not hurt either of you. Help him and continue to show him who you are. You caught his interest in the first place. Remember he did give up his mistress because of you. We have but a few days left before we leave. Make the most of it. He will come around. You’ll see, but don’t give up. That would be surrender.”
“Wise counsel I know, dear Aunt Min, but when I see that picture gone from the drawing room mantel, I will know he has buried the past at last.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Raven, seated by the lakeside next to his Aunt Margaret, was asked, “Is everything to your satisfaction, nephew?”
He beamed a smile at her. “It is perfect.�
�� He reviewed the activities of his staff and nodded. “I recall when I purchased the chinaware. It’s been packed away too long. Ask the servants to exercise care. I’d like to use them again on another occasion.”
The long table held a colorful array of epergnes of flowers with unusual artistic decorations. China, crystal, and cutlery bore the ducal insignia. A huge buffet table placed on the periphery allowed the liveried servants to serve the food. Bottles of wine and champagne chilled in woven baskets in the cool waters of the lake.
The lunch consisted of pheasant, grouse, rabbit, trout and salmon, all caught on the estate. There were variations of cold soups, curry, hot pies, game patties, and desserts. To further tempt the guests, there was a profusion of fluted lemon cakes dripped with fresh honey, and chocolate grenache layered cakes with raspberry pudding. Fresh fruit preserves and water ice completed the menu. Champagne and wine overflowed served by an attentive white-gloved household.
A cool breeze whispered through the trees; the filtered shade protected them from the blazing sun. All in all, the pleasant entertainment would be memorable.
While other guests were involved with conversations, Raven sat next to Samantha.
“Your Grace, your aunt has arranged a splendid luncheon. It reminds me somewhat of our auction benefit. However, the environment was not as grand as here at Ravensmere.”
Lady Minerva said, “This has been such an enchanted visit, and I’m almost sorry to see it end. We all look forward to the country ball on our last night here. Will there be many others in attendance?”
“Why, yes, a country ball at Ravensmere is one that is looked forward to by the local gentry. Professional local merchants as well as the reverend and his wife, and of course, my estate manager, will attend. I believe in shared special events with my people. The pomp and circumstance are a lot less than say Almack’s would allow.” He filled with delight at the sight of Samantha seated at his side. “We do have waltzes here, also. I do believe our guests will start to arrive at ten o’clock.” He turned his face toward her and asked if she enjoyed her stay so far.
“It’s an unforgettable experience etched in my mind,” she gushed.
His joyous mood became undermined by an air of silent threat. Damnation. He wanted to enjoy his time with his lady without the encumbrance of worry. There were too many people around.
Raven sat across from Prince Nicholas and near to the two dowagers.
“Lady Minerva, as outspoken as I am, it’s too late to change my habits, but do you still carry that pistol in your reticule?” asked Lady Margaret.
“Why, of course, I still practice also. It’s difficult to change habits at our age. I doubt our families realized how independent you and I had become all those years ago.”
A smile of pleasant reverie lit Minerva’s face. “I tell my niece one day I will share with her secrets no others know, but do you remember our stay in India with Colonel Addison and his family? You and I were the rage of the balls. I remember the Rajah, or could it have been a Pasha…who became so attentive to us both, we worried the entire British Garrison stationed there. I also remember those Russian Princes. They took our breath away with their magnificence. We lived in a magical fairy tale world.”
Prince Nicholas uttered, “Ah, ladies, how wonderful to have memories of India, and Rajahs, Pashas, and Russian Princes, too. Although in the judgment of your yet beautiful features, I would venture you both set many a heart on fire. Da? Yes?”
“And other parts of the body, too, Highness,” Minerva quipped.
Raven found the banter between the two dowagers an amusement. “Lady Minerva, you never cease to amaze.”
The Prince’s laughter roared through the breeze. He rewarded them his most resourceful smile, “Perhaps it is best that you never visited the Russian Court otherwise my relatives would be different. Da? Yes?”
“Prince Nicholas, at times members of the Russian Court visited us in London. Although I do remember a handsome and memorable count whose name propriety does not allow me to reveal.” Her face glowed. It became obvious to Raven that she was reliving the memories.
“The renowned libertine looked like a dark God on a mythological winged black charger, resplendent in his blue uniform at the head of his Jagers Regiment Parade. To see him in all his glory could make a lady swoon. The Count scandalized the court when he stopped and lifted his sword in a salute to me. Do you remember him, Lady Margaret?”
Lady Margaret fussed with her ruffled cuffs and, amused, said, “All too well, I’m afraid. “I remember Count Ivan with fond memories.”
“Jagers?” asked Prince Nicholas, placing his vodka glass on the table. “They are my regiment and my family’s for decades. Is it possible you speak of my uncle?”
“Lady Minerva spoke, “I grieved when I heard of his recent death.”
“He lived a good life and treasured every moment.” Lady Margaret broke the momentary silence. “The servants will clear the tables, therefore, may I suggest we walk the grounds for a while. Those who wish to return here, of course, may do so. A stroll is good for the digestive process, do you agree, Lady Minerva?”
“There is no need to remind me of my delicate system.” She grinned from ear to ear. “And I will promise not to shoot you.”
Raven intervened in a serious tone. “Why do you feel the need to carry a pistol, Lady Minerva?”
“Why in the event I have to shoot someone. I came close to performing the deed once. The problem caused a dilemma because I didn’t know who the victim would be, but that is quite another story.” She stared at Lady Margaret and moved in the direction of the boathouse. which bordered the lake.
“Your Grace,” asked Lady Minerva, “can you tell me a little about the building? It’s large.”
Raven joined her while Lady Samantha stayed back to talk to Prince Nicholas who appeared still in shock over the ladies gossip about the Jagers. Samantha soon excused herself to catch up with her aunt and Raven who had a head start on their walk.
“Your Grace, I would have words with you on a tender subject. May we walk in the direction of the boathouse?” Lady Minerva reached for His Grace’s arm for support.
“Since my niece has no close relative other than her brother, I’m obligated to ask you about your intentions.” She flipped open her parasol to shield her from the sun and continued. “My niece is not as experienced as people would think since you know her marriage was rather short. These past three years she found no one to whom she wished to attach herself, so her worldliness is still limited, if non-existent.” She appeared uncomfortable. “I don’t wish to see her hurt. There is a sadness about her, and it’s her story to tell you if she so chooses.”
Raven became intent on her words but wondered where this conversation would lead. Whatever it was, it was clear she had a concern for her niece.
“Tread with care, Your Grace. Otherwise, I shall be forced to use my pistol on you.”
He smiled in jest. “You say you are a good shot?”
“I’m an excellent shot and a good archer.”
He recognized her seriousness. “I have the highest regard for your niece and nephew. The purpose of this visit is twofold. The priority was to get to know your family better, and the second to introduce some members of our cartel. I ask you to remember I am an honorable man.” His tone carried weight and significance. How many times must he repeat his intentions? Damnation.
“I have an interest in the Lady Samantha, but I do confess, she mystifies me. There are times when I’m under the impression she likes my company and other times she orders me to leave her presence or walks away from me.”
They stopped their stroll. He continued to speak in a low voice but with great purpose in his words. Why did she wish to discuss so personal a matter about his relationship with Samantha? He answered his question. Samantha loved her dowager aunt as a daughter would a mother. The high-spirited quality appeared to be more than a female trait in the family.
With candor,
Minerva spoke in a manner and tone as if they discussed ordinary matters. She said, “It’s my duty to protect my niece, even though a widow, from unscrupulous rogues. Some men have tried, and I have been like a lioness in the protection of her cub. She is not fair game. I will give both of you a few weeks to decide if you can engage each other without venom. There is more to a relationship than a possible physical attraction.” She gazed into his eyes.
Lady Minerva removed her arm from his and wrestled with her parasol. Then she said, “Life and everyday involvement with someone else is an adjustment on both parts. You, in particular, have lived alone for over ten years. I can’t abide a woman whose sole aim is to change a man into an image of what she envisions.” Her lips made a tsk sound, and she paused to emphasize. “A true relationship is an exchange of ideals and values.” She paused to emphasize with a pointing finger. “And then comes love. We are born alone and die alone, and that is the way of life.”
“Quite profound, Lady Minerva. Samantha is indeed fortunate to have you as her protector and advisor.”
“There is no need to flatter me, Your Grace. Scandal must not tarnish the Winston name. Although I admit, I did have my share of discreet scandals.” She stopped and gave him a smile. “I do believe Samantha has a true interest in you, and there are times when she indeed vexes me with this talk of a search for her forever love that will save her from this cruel man’s world.” She gesticulated toward the sky. “This person, if he exists will allow her to soar and fly in the heavens. Nonsense, but she believes in this fantasy. Who is to say she can’t have the best of both worlds? Her independent spirit’s a cry for someone to help her. It will take a patient and special man with a gentle hand to conquer her. It will be worth the effort. I wonder if you are that man.”
She gauged his attention. “How can I say this with politeness? When Samantha is introduced to pleasure, if the man does not try to break her spirit, she’ll be a strong ally to some fortunate gentleman. Rest assured I know of what I speak. She has great strength of purpose, but all within the bond of marriage, Your Grace. I’ll not allow her to become some man’s mistress. Yours or anyone else’s to be easily dismissed after the fascination is over.”
One Night with a Duke Page 18
