* * *
After breakfast, Elijah returned to the desk in his father’s study and emptied out all of the drawers, hoping he would find more letters.
The study looked as though it had been hit by a windstorm, leaving it a wreck of papers, ledgers, and scattered memorabilia that made up his father’s life and dealings.
Elijah worked, recalling with pleasure his meeting with Lady Diana. She was beautiful, with alluring brown eyes. More than that, she was interesting to talk with.
Elijah was looking forward to meeting Lady Diana at the luncheon. He hoped she would help him make the acquaintance of Lord and Lady Albany.
The floor of the study was covered in piles. Any correspondence had been placed in one pile. Anything to do with the business had been placed in another.
His father, it seemed, had kept everything. He had records of sale, lists of all kinds. Not knowing what would be of assistance in his search, Elijah kept it all.
He returned to the desk, running his hand over the bottom of the drawer. That was when his finger found a catch. He pulled it, revealing the false bottom of the drawer.
It opened, to reveal several piles of letters, tied with ribbon. Elijah looked at them, his pulse racing. He picked up the first pile, which was tied with purple ribbon.
It was written in a feminine hand, which he didn’t recognize. He set it down, looking for letters in his mother’s hand.
He found them, tied with yellow ribbon. Elijah, eager to find out more about his mother, took them with him over to the chair by the fireplace. He sat down, and began to read.
Most of the letters were about her daily activities. He began to look for letters from around the time of her death. However, there was nothing.
It seemed that the trip to visit her parents had been her last.
Chapter 5
In her dreams, Eleonora was always dancing and laughing. She always wore fine silks in rich jewel tones. Her hair was always piled on top of her head, luxurious curls framing her cheeks. She was always with the same gentleman. He had dark blond hair and green eyes. When she looked into those eyes, she could see how he loved her.
He spun her around, so that the skirts of her gown swished about her legs. When no one was looking, they would slip off, into the garden. Her heart would race, as he pulled her close and pressed his lips to hers.
When she woke up, she was in her room. Her hair was shorn close to her head, and when she reached up, there was a smooth scar through her temple. Her head ached, and her memories were fuzzy—jumbled.
It was only a dream.
Eleonora was an invalid. She could recall nothing of grand ballrooms or dancing with gentlemen who loved her. Her father could barely look at her. She knew why. Ever since the accident, her mind was not right. She lost her temper easily.
“I am not who I was,” she mumbled to herself as she sat up in bed.
“My Lady?” Sarah asked. Eleonora glanced over to her lady’s maid. Ever since her accident, Sarah had been sleeping on a pallet in Eleonora’s bed chamber so when she woke in the night, she wasn’t alone. In the early days, when they weren’t sure if Eleonora would live, Sarah had never left her side.
“I had a dream,” Eleonora said.
Sarah climbed out from under her blanket, then walked over to Eleonora’s bed.
“Tell me about it.”
“There was a gentleman,” she began.
“The gentleman?” Sarah asked, raising her eyebrows.
Eleonora nodded.
“I…suppose I’ve made him up.”
“Or maybe, you’re trying to remember what you’ve forgotten,” Sarah pointed out.
Eleonora was struck by how true this felt.
Her dreams were telling her that she’d forgotten something. There was a large gap, a space in time where she wasn’t wholly clear on what had happened, exactly. Almost as if someone had taken scissors and cut it out. Part of her wanted to remember. The other part was terrified what she would learn when she did.
“Maybe I am.”
* * *
Lady Strutherton was throwing a luncheon. Everyone was out on the lawn at Strutherton Park. Diana was dressed neatly in a fine white cotton gown, with a white bonnet. She had blue ribbon around her waist, and tied beneath her chin.
She spotted Lord Cambolton immediately. She walked slowly, hoping that he would see her. He was staring off, into the distance, his gaze over the gardens.
“Lord Cambolton,” she called out, softly.
He turned, smiling the moment he saw her. He looked handsome, dressed in a hunter green frock coat, cream-colored breeches, and a pair of sleek dark boots.
In the sunshine, she saw him so clearly. Her pulse raced, as a pleasant feeling pooled in the pit of her stomach. It was like butterflies, flying about lazily in a warm summer breeze.
“Lady Diana,” he murmured, bowing to her. “It’s good to see you.”
“And you, as well.”
“There’s—there’s quite a turnout,” he commented, his eyes travelling around the crowded lawn at Strutherton Park. There were tables, with crisp white linen cloths. He was frowning thoughtfully.
She had been so excited to see him, that she was thrown off by his curious demeanor. She swallowed, panicking for a moment that his ardor might have cooled.
“Pray tell, My Lord—is something wrong?”
He blinked, turning toward her. He smiled affably.
“I…I wonder if I might ask a favor of you?”
“Of course, My Lord.” She was curious to know what ailed him.
He glanced back at the party. They were at the edge of the gathering. He turned away from them, toward the gardens. She did the same, so that it looked like they were both discussing the flowers.
“I came here today primarily because you mentioned that you’d be here,” he said in a low voice, and she blushed. She was pleased, but there was clearly another reason, which she demanded to know.
“It sounds like you have an ulterior motive, as well, My Lord.”
“I do. I was wondering—could you introduce me to Lord and Lady Albany?”
“Can you tell me why?” she asked, curiously. After all, Lord and Lady Albany were her closest neighbors. She wanted to know if they were involved in any intrigue.
“I have a hunch that they have answers that I seek.”
“In regards to what?”
“I’m nervous to say,” he admitted. “Especially where anyone might overhear.”
She turned to look at him. She wasn’t sure of his intentions.
“On my honor, I shall tell you everything. At a more suitable moment.” He looked back at her solemnly. She found that she believed him. After all, they were co-conspirators. They shared the secret of their meeting, out in the gardens.
“Then leave it to me,” she said, smiling at him.
* * *
Elijah was pleased that Lady Diana was willing to assist him. He wasn’t sure how to discuss possible murders with a lady, but he had promised her that he would.
He wanted to be sure that his hunches were correct before bringing up something unsavory. Of course, he didn’t want to put Lady Diana in any danger.
Lady Diana slipped her hand into the bend of his elbow. He allowed her to lead. She marched him right over to an elderly gentleman and lady, who were seated at one of the tables that were set out along the lawn.
“Lady Diana,” the lady said, smiling. She had white hair, piled elegantly on top of her head, with a white bonnet on top. “It’s so good to see you.”
“And you as well, Lady Albany,” Lady Diana replied. “Lord and Lady Albany, I want to introduce you to Lord Cambolton. He’s only recently returned to the area, following his father’s death.”
The two of them smiled at him pleasantly.
“Welcome, My Lord,” the gentleman said. “Come, have a seat. The both of you.” Like his wife, his hair was white as snow. He was dressed in a maroon morning jacket, with a snow-white cravat and
shirt. His breeches were black, matching his boots.
Lady Diana smiled at him, then took her seat. Elijah sat down, as well. The two ladies began to discuss the ball of the night before.
Elijah was wondering how he would get into the conversation about the ball, from eighteen years before, when the gentleman spoke up.
“Are you much interested in fishing?” he asked.
“Yes, My Lord. Though, it has been very long, indeed, since I last had the pleasure.”
“You should come over to Albany House sometime this week,” he replied. “My lake is well stocked, and I could use the company.”
“That’s a wonderful idea,” Lady Albany said. “We can host you for tea on that day.” She glanced at Lady Diana. “You should come, as well. We two ladies can sit in the parlor, whilst the gentlemen fish.”
“Sounds lovely,” Lady Diana replied.
“I would be happy to come.” Elijah smiled. It seemed that his search was progressing of its own accord. That would be the perfect time to ask both of them, as well as to fulfill his promise to Lady Diana.
“Your father would come and fish with me often,” Lord Albany told Elijah. “I’ve missed his company greatly.”
“Then I shall endeavor to take his place, as much as I am able,” Elijah promised. “He wrote of everyone in the neighborhood with great affection.”
“He was a dear friend,” the gentleman said, nodding to himself.
Elijah knew that, if he brought his concerns, the gentleman would be glad to help. He relaxed.
* * *
Diana was intrigued by Lord Cambolton’s request. She was curious to know what it was that he was trying to find out. After all, Lord and Lady Albany were very quiet people. They were genteel and serene—the very picture of respectability.
He had promised her that he would reveal all, when he had confirmed his suspicions. She was looking forward to the visit on Thursday.
She was just about ready to leave for home.
“Well?” she asked. “Have I fulfilled my part of the bargain?”
“I am indebted to you, My Lady,” he said. “I will reveal as much as I am able.”
“I will hold you to your promise.”
“I would expect nothing less.”
She curtsied to him. “Until next time that we meet.”
He bowed to her. “I look forward to it with eagerness.”
Diana said her goodbyes, and then left Strutherton Park in her father’s barouche-landau. Since it was a hot summer’s day, the collapsible hoods were down. She watched all of the other guests as she passed.
She saw Lord Cambolton as he turned toward the groom, who held his horse. It was a sleek, proud animal, which befitted him well. As he went farther away, she wondered what he was trying to learn.
There was a warm breeze, coming through the trees. She leaned her head back, allowing it to cool her face. It was not a long ride back to Lutterhall Manor. She was met in the drive by the butler, who opened the carriage door, offering his hand to assist her down.
“My Lady,” he said. His brow was furrowed.
“Is something the matter?” she asked.
“Your sister had a bit of a turn.”
Her heart sank in her chest. “What can you mean?” she asked, picking up her skirts, and breaking into a faster walk. The whole household knew not to upset Eleonora. They all treated her gently.
“She’s in a state,” he explained. “She’s been asking for you.”
Diana ran the rest of the way to the house, opening the door for herself, then running up the stairs. As she neared her sister’s room, she could hear Eleonora’s cries.
When she entered, she found Eleonora on the floor, wrapped in Sarah’s arms. When she saw Diana, she reached for her sister.
“Diana!” she cried. Her face was red and tear-stained. Diana’s heart broke at the thought of how upset she was.
“Darling, what’s the matter?” She knelt down on the floor. Sarah was dabbing Eleonora’s forehead with a cool, damp cloth. Often, there was no reason for her melancholy.
Eleonora, beside herself, only burst into more tears. She was sobbing, as though her heart had been ripped from her chest. The physician had warned that, with a head injury as severe as Eleonora’s, there would be a change in character.
Sometimes, Eleonora would cry or be angry, for no reason at all. Diana figured that it was one of these times. She and Sarah sat, trying to calm her down. They bathed her forehead with cool, damp cloths, offered her different tisanes and treats, but nothing seemed to help.
Finally, Eleonora allowed them to coax her into bed, where she fell into an exhausted sleep. The two of them crept from the room, closing the door as quietly as they could.
“Do you know what started it?” Diana asked.
Sarah shook her head. “She started right after you left, My Lady,” she said. “Nothing had happened.”
Diana sighed.
“I wish…I wish there was something more that I could do.” Sarah was near to tears.
“As do I,” Diana agreed.
* * *
Elijah returned to Cambolton after the luncheon. He was tired after being out in the sun that afternoon. When he arrived, Hanby opened the door for him.
“How was the luncheon, My Lord?” he asked.
“Very productive, Hanby. I met a good number of the local gentry.” It was cool in the foyer of Cambolton Manor. After the hot summer sun, it felt good.
“Very good, My Lord.” The butler closed the door after him.
“I will need the carriage to be ready late tomorrow afternoon—there is a dinner at Aston Manor.”
“Of course, My Lord. I will let the stable hands know.”
Elijah paused as he tugged off his leather riding gloves. “How long have you worked here, Hanby?”
“These past five-and-twenty years, My Lord.”
“How did my father seem, in the months preceding his death?” he asked.
Hanby tilted his head to the side as he considered the question. “He was very happy, My Lord.”
“Happy? Do you know why?”
“No, My Lord,” he admitted. “To be honest, he didn’t share why. He was often out of the house. But he seemed, for the first time since your mother’s death, to be happy. I told the local constables as much when they questioned me.”
“I wonder…” he mused.
“If I may be so bold, My Lord…”
“Please,” Elijah said.
“If you’re looking for answers, I know that he kept a journal. He would write in it first thing in the morning.”
“Do you know where he kept it?”
“In his bedroom, My Lord.”
“Thank you, Hanby.” Elijah began to turn toward the stairs.
“My Lord?”
“Yes?”
“The constables also looked for it,” he said. “It was nowhere to be found.”
“Would you happen to know if my mother kept one, as well?”
“That was certainly a long time ago, My Lord,” Hanby replied. “I don’t recall.”
Elijah didn’t know what to do. He bit his lip, trying to think if there was anything else he could ask Hanby.
“However, your father did keep all of her things.”
“He did?”
“Yes, My Lord. They’re in the attic.”
“One last favor, Hanby,” he said.
“Of course, My Lord.”
“Have all of my mother’s things brought down for me,” he said. “Have them put in the study, please.”
Hanby bowed to him. “I will have it done directly, My Lord.”
Elijah thanked his butler, and then retired to his rooms. The summer sun had taken all of his energy. He went up, then stood by the window. Outside, he could see the lawns, and the fields of the estate.
He thought of Lady Diana. He closed his eyes, imagining running his fingers through her auburn hair, then cupping her cheek with his hand, lowering his lips to he
rs.
Chapter 6
Diana entered the parlor at Aston Manor. It was a grand room, decorated in maroon and gold. There was a crystal chandelier that hung over everyone’s noble heads. Her eyes swept through the room. Lord Cambolton had promised her that he would be there. She scanned the room, excitedly.
Sinfully Bound To The Enigmatic Viscount (Steamy Historical Regency Romance) Page 3
