Winter Wishes: A Regency Christmas Anthology

by Cheryl Bolen

  “Delham, you say?”

  “Of course I can provide assistance,” Crenshaw said. “What of you, Thompson?”

  “I’d be delighted.” Thompson nodded.

  Benjamin advised them of the time and place of the meeting and asked them to invite others they deemed worthy to help spread the message about the cause. “We’re being rather selective in who we want to participate.” He nearly groaned at his own words. Not only had he used Delham’s name to gain their cooperation but suggested exclusivity to convince them to assist in the process. “Wouldn’t want just anyone involved.”

  “Excellent notion.” Crenshaw patted Benjamin’s shoulder. “Need to have the right people involved.”

  “We look forward to the meeting,” Thompson said.

  Benjamin moved away in search of his next target, leaving Crenshaw and Thompson debating over who they wished to ask. Though he’d have preferred the need for such a charity alone to win their help, he had what he wanted. Soon, the wounded soldiers would have support, and that was all that mattered. Moments like this made him more determined to develop a reputation that caused his peers to be eager to work with him.

  Before he’d taken more than a few steps, an older woman he’d met briefly at the Delham gathering stepped into his path.

  “Granger, allow me the pleasure of introducing my daughter, Lady Amelia.”

  Based on the woman’s determined smile, she was a matchmaking mama if he’d ever met one. Lady Amelia dipped into a curtsy only to stumble as she rose, leaving him no choice but to reach out to assist her—a deliberate move on her part, if he had to guess. He endured a dance with her then quickly returned her to her mother’s side.

  He turned only to find Lady Adele and her brother, Viscount Gibbon, heir to the Earl of Mansby, nearby.

  “Good evening, Gibbon. Lady Adele. I hope the evening finds you well.” He’d become acquainted with Gibbon during their university days but didn’t know him well. His younger sister seemed a timid thing based on the way her gaze focused mainly on his shoes rather than his face. He’d met her at an earlier gathering, and she’d acted much the same way then.

  They conversed briefly until Benjamin could no longer ignore the hopeful glances she’d started to cast his way after a few minutes. “Might I have this dance, Lady Adele?”

  “It would be my pleasure.” Her face turned an alarming shade of red as he escorted her to the dance floor.

  The dance seemed to last forever though the lady seemed to enjoy it. She spoke little but met his gaze several times and stared at his shoes less frequently. He returned her to her brother then quickly excused himself.

  He searched the room once more for the other man with whom he wished to speak and nearly reached him when a primrose-colored gown a short distance away caught his eye. Louisa. A footman leaned close to tell her something, and her face paled. Had she been given bad news? He changed his course to discover if she needed assistance.

  “Lady Louisa.” Aware of numerous people watching, he bowed, smiling politely as she curtsied. “Is something amiss?”

  “How do you mean?” She blinked up at him, distress evident in the depths of her eyes.

  “I would help if I could.” He spoke quietly and smoothed out his expression to keep from appearing overly concerned. That would only garner more attention.

  “I-I received a rather disturbing message. From my mother.” She closed her eyes briefly then forced a smile as she opened them. “’Tis nothing.”

  “You are a poor liar.”

  She appeared taken aback by his words before her concerned expression eased. “I would prefer to think you’re especially observant.”

  “I have come to know you well in a short time.” He knew that to be true, though he’d prefer not to share how much she held his thoughts.

  The hint of vulnerability in her face had him catching his breath. Why did he feel as if he’d be willing to do anything to aid her? They were little more than strangers. Strangers who’d kissed. But he realized what lengths he was willing to go to if she asked. His chest tightened at the thought.

  “I appreciate your concern, but it’s nothing.”

  “Unfortunately, I don’t believe you.”

  “Unfortunate for you or me?” Her gaze held his, and he could all but see her internal debate on whether to trust him with the issue.

  “Perhaps both of us.” He held his silence certain that if he pressed her, she’d retreat.

  Louisa glanced about as if to make sure no one could hear their conversation. “My mother has become involved with someone whom I fear is not in her best interest.”

  “There seems to be much of that in the air,” he muttered, his thoughts on the Marchioness of Delham. “Tell me the man isn’t an artist.”

  Her eyes widened in alarm. “How could you have possibly known that?”

  “Hmm. If it happens to be the same person I recently heard about, you should definitely be concerned.”

  Louisa stared at Benjamin in disbelief. How could he possibly know anything about the man with whom her mother had become enamored? Yet she well remembered the uncomfortable feeling that had overcome her when her mother first told her of the painter. Did she dare trust Benjamin with the details?

  The grim set to his mouth suggested he believed her mother was in danger. He might have a rogue’s reputation, but he’d already proven himself by not only returning her mother’s letters but by keeping the situation private.

  “She sent a message with the footman that she’s gone to see him, and I shouldn’t expect her home until the morrow.”

  His brows rose in surprise. “That is quite a significant message for a servant to deliver. Especially a servant in someone else’s employ.”

  “He didn’t say those exact words. We’ve established a code of sorts.” The footman had said her mother looked forward to breakfast, and Louisa knew what that meant. This wasn’t the first time her mother had requested a servant to deliver news she didn’t want to share herself. Louisa knew it was because she didn’t want to argue or listen to the reasons her plan was a poor one.

  Benjamin nodded. “Do you happen to know where this person lives?”

  “No, I don’t.” The faint flicker of hope Louisa held snuffed out. How silly of her to think Benjamin could aid her with the limited information she had.

  “Then we shall have to discover it on our own. Hopefully, we can do so before any harm befalls her.” He tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow and moved slowly toward the entrance.

  “Harm?” Panic fluttered through her.

  “We must find her as quickly as possible before she wades into even worse circumstances.”

  “I don’t understand.” Perhaps her worry over her mother was making her dim, but Benjamin’s words didn’t make sense.

  “You will soon enough.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “To obtain his address from someone who knows it.” He turned to face her. “We wouldn’t want to start gossip by leaving together. Can you make your excuses and meet me outside? I’ll leave through the garden entrance and wait with my carriage down the street.”

  “Of course.” She glanced about, nearly having forgotten about the other guests. “I’ll tell the host I’m not feeling well.”

  He squeezed her hand. “I’ll see you soon.” Before she could say anything more, he disappeared among the guests.

  “Louisa, is anything wrong?” Annabelle asked as she approached.

  She forced a smile. Though tempted to share her dilemma, she hesitated. If the evening ended as badly as Benjamin seemed to be concerned it would, the fewer people who knew, the better. Louisa trusted her cousins, but she also knew her mother would prefer not to share her impulsive choices with anyone. Louisa had little doubt that in a few days’ time, her mother would regret her actions this evening.

  “I’m not feeling quite myself. I think I’ll return home.”

  Annabelle laid a comforting hand on her shoulder.
“Good idea. Do you want me to find your mother to tell her?”

  “She’s already requesting the carriage. Thank you.” Lying to her cousin on her mother’s behalf annoyed Louisa. How could her mother act so thoughtlessly at times yet so lovingly at others?

  “I hope you feel better soon.”

  Louisa thanked her then made her way toward the entrance, pausing one last time to glance over the guests, but she didn’t see Benjamin. He must’ve already departed. She thanked Lady Portland, shared her excuse for leaving early, and donned her cloak, anxious to proceed. A sense of urgency filled her, and she hurried out the door and down the steps, grateful few others were nearby.

  The night had turned cool with fog looming in the shadows and along the ground. She pulled her cloak tighter, dismayed at the depth of the darkness once she moved away from the house. Several carriages lined the street. Without any idea which one might be Benjamin’s, she could only hope he watched for her and would alert her as she passed.

  “Louisa. Here.” The deep timbre of his voice had never sounded better.

  A footman hopped down to open the door. The carriage lamps inside were so dim that it was difficult to see. She took the seat opposite Benjamin as the footman shut the door, and Benjamin increased the flame.

  “No difficulty leaving?” he asked. His dark gaze raked over her, suddenly making her aware of the risk she took.

  Her mouth went dry. She was alone with a man. Not just any man but a rogue. Even worse, one to whom she was attracted. This act could ruin her. Panic tightened her chest. Yet what else could she do if her mother was truly in danger?

  Chapter 7

  “What harm do you think could befall my mother?” Louisa asked as she rubbed her arms against a sudden chill.

  Benjamin’s eyes narrowed as if he heard the doubt in her tone. “Having second thoughts about rescuing her?”

  She glanced away. “I wish to understand what sort of threat she might be facing.” Never mind that she should’ve asked before leaving the ball.

  “She might be having her portrait painted if she’s the adventurous type.”

  Louisa studied Benjamin. That idea had already occurred to her. “Why would that be so terrible?”

  “If the artist is the same man I happened to hear about earlier in the day, he often persuades his subjects to be painted in the nude.”

  “Oh, no.” Any concern she had for herself fell away in an instant. No possible outcome she could think of was favorable.

  “When the painter is ready to move to a new subject, he requests a significant payment for the portrait else he’ll share it with others.”

  “Do you speak of extortion?” Her earlier panic returned, causing her shivers to worsen.

  “Yes. I would assume if your mother chose to pose in such a manner, she’d prefer to keep it private and pay a reasonable sum.”

  “I’d prefer she not do it at all.” Yet it sounded exactly like something that would appeal to her mother. Louisa placed her hands over her face as despair threatened. Why couldn’t she have a normal mother who preferred to embroider or sketch? Or one who found a nice, older gentleman with whom to settle down? Instead, her mother seemed to thrive on the thrill of adventure.

  Louisa admitted she’d experienced that same excitement when she’d ventured to Benjamin’s home the second time. The realization worried her, as she knew at least part of her was much like her mother.

  “May I?” She looked up to see Benjamin point to the place next to her. “I would offer you comfort if you’d permit it.”

  She nodded, reassured by the fact that he’d asked rather than assumed. A true rogue wouldn’t have bothered to request permission.

  Benjamin sat next to her and gently placed his arms around her. “I don’t mean to frighten you. I don’t think the man will physically harm her. No doubt she can take care of herself.”

  “No, she can’t. She never looks beyond the moment. Never considers what could go wrong.” Louisa leaned her head against Benjamin’s shoulder, grateful for his support. It had been so long since she’d had someone with whom to share her worries.

  “It sounds to me as if she’s searching for happiness.”

  Louisa tipped her face to look at him in surprise, his understanding warming her from the inside out. “No one else seems to understand that.”

  Benjamin shifted as if uncomfortable under her scrutiny. “I confess to doing a few things in my past that were unwise. It took discovering the reason why I did so to change.”

  “I want her to be happy. But I can’t seem to provide that for her.”

  His gentle fingers brushed her jaw. “Doing so isn’t your responsibility.”

  “Perhaps. But I must continue to try.”

  “You are a loving daughter, an amazing person. Special.” He briefly pressed his lips to hers. “Unforgettable.”

  Her stomach swirled at his quiet words as much as from his kiss. Though tempted to share that she felt the same way, she held back. Encouraging a relationship would be a mistake, even if that no longer felt as true as it had a few days ago.

  Benjamin confused her in every way possible. When he kissed her again more deeply, all she could think of was how lovely the confusion felt.

  He eased back only to place a kiss along her cheek. “Wait here.”

  Only then did she realize the carriage had halted. She watched as Benjamin alighted and closed the door before peeking through the curtain to see they’d stopped before a large townhome. The Marquess of Delham’s home, she realized with surprise. She quickly closed the curtain, not wishing to be seen. Time crawled as she waited for Benjamin’s return. She couldn’t imagine why they’d stopped here or what might be taking so long.

  At last, he returned and spoke quietly to the driver before joining her. “My apologies for the delay. Obtaining the address was more difficult than I expected.”

  “Why would the marquess know the address?”

  Benjamin studied her for a moment as the carriage rolled forward. “The marchioness received a note from the painter today demanding an outrageous sum for her portrait.”

  “He painted her as well?” Louisa couldn’t imagine the stiff-mannered lady in such a compromising position.

  “Yes. Needless to say, the marquess was less than pleased.”

  “Oh my.”

  “Quite.” Benjamin shook his head. “However, we now have the location of Monsieur Delacroix’s studio.”

  They spoke little as the carriage proceeded to lower Thames Street where several artists had their homes above the shops that lined the street. She’d passed through the area before but never stopped.

  Louisa considered how best to convince her mother to leave. Accusing the artist might cause her to come to his defense.

  “Do you have a notion as to how to proceed?” she asked.

  “Not precisely.” He glanced at her. “Do you?”

  In truth, she was surprised. A man with his reputation had surely been in unique situations like this one. But she was equally surprised he’d asked her. Weren’t rogues notorious for acting without concern for other people’s opinions?

  “Caution is in order,” he added. “We shouldn’t needlessly upset the marchioness.”

  Louisa’s heart thudded dully. To think he might understand the need to approach the situation delicately was one more chink in her defense against him.

  She gave herself a mental shake. Now was not the time to worry over her growing attraction to this man.

  “Why don’t you wait here while I see if I can gain entrance?” He reached for the door as the carriage halted.

  “I’ll come.”

  “I would prefer to avoid any unnecessary risks to your reputation.”

  She paused to stare at him in disbelief. He’d done it again—acted nobly. What was she to do with him and the way his words caused her heart to stutter? “You might require my assistance.”

  His wry smile suggested her remark amused him. “I’m certain your pr
esence would reassure the marchioness. With luck, Monsieur Delacroix hasn’t charmed her into doing anything she wouldn’t normally do.”

  Louisa didn’t share her doubt as she alighted with Benjamin’s assistance. She’d lost any surprise at what her mother might do.

  Benjamin glanced up and down the empty street then studied the dark shops briefly before looking at the upper stories. Louisa’s gaze followed his to where dim light shone along the edges of the draped windows.

  “Is that it?” she asked.

  “I believe so.” He tried the door set between the two shops only to find it locked.

  “Would you like me to try?” Louisa asked as she reached for a hairpin.

  “No need.” He placed a hand on her arm as if to make certain she didn’t make an attempt, leaving Louisa to scowl in disappointment.

  Benjamin withdrew a slim metal rod from his waistcoat pocket then bent low to pick the lock.

  Louisa stared in surprise, unable to determine why he’d have the tool or the skill. He was much quicker than she and had the door open within moments.

  “I’ll lead the way, shall I?” he asked as he stepped inside. He paused to listen then closed the door behind her and started up the narrow stairs, his boots nearly silent on the steps with Louisa close behind.

  Nerves danced in her middle. The faint sound of voices drifted toward them, including a feminine laugh—her mother’s. Anger took over once more. To think her mother had ventured here alone... She couldn’t finish the thought.

  Benjamin knocked on the door at the top of the stairs. Several moments passed before a male servant cracked open the door. “Oiu’?”

  “I wish to speak with Monsieur Delacroix.”

  The man’s gaze swept over Benjamin then glanced past him toward Louisa. “Pourquoi?”

  “A business matter.”

  “Non. No visitors.” He started to close the door, but Benjamin anticipated the move by putting his boot in the doorway and prevented him from closing it.