Genie’s Scandalous Spinster’s Society

by Charlotte Stone

  He stared at her blankly and nodded.

  She placed a hand on his arm. “Tell me why everyone seemed to be angry that night?”

  “I can’t.” He started to move them again.

  “Are Francis and Morris angry with one another?”

  Rollo seemed to have to think about the questions. Then he sighed. “I can’t speak to that either.”

  “If you don’t tell me, I will have Lorena come and allow her to ask these questions and you know she’ll bring the others.”

  Rollo’s expression became bleak. He groaned and led her into the shade of a tree. The garden seemed quieter and Genie had no idea where Morris and Sophia had gone, yet still Rollo whispered, “They’re not truly mad at one another.”

  “What’s happening?”

  “That, I can’t tell you.” His eyes conveyed he would not be broken for any reason. “But you’ve no need to worry. Everything is well between the Men of Nashwood.”

  She thought this over and asked, “So it was a charade? You all performed?”

  Rollo lifted a brow. “Why would you ask that?”

  “Because I had a visit from Mr. Cross. He told me that he suspected Francis put on a show that evening as well, pretending to not wish to kiss me.”

  “You should speak to Francis.”

  “But he’s not here.”

  “Has anyone ever told you about the virtues of patience?”

  Only men, she thought. “I have none!”

  He laughed boisterously, breaking the silence. Then he looked at her with shiny onyx eyes and shook his head. “I can see why Francis adores you and why Morris would favor you for marriage, considering he must marry a lady. Your honest expressions are a rarity.”

  Genie stared at him.

  He chuckled. “Don’t worry. I won’t ask for your hand. You’re not my sort of woman.”

  Genie became slightly offended.

  He laughed and started to walk again.

  She shook herself from her silliness and took his arm. “What sort of woman do you favor? Perhaps the Spinster’s Society could help find her for you.”

  Rollo groaned. “Please, don’t feel obligated to do me any favors.”

  “Oh, it would be our pleasure.”

  “And my headache.”

  She laughed and they walked the rest of the garden, discussing subjects that were pleasant and less likely to offend or reveal secrets, meaning they didn’t discuss Francis though Genie thought it unfair that Francis’ friends could know about them while hers couldn’t. She’d believed the secret to be between only him and herself but that was obviously not the case. But after a while, Genie decided that she liked that someone else knew. It proved that shame wasn’t the reason they were not being open about their relationship.

  But it still left her with too many questions unanswered.

  They found Morris and Sophia by the stairs that led back to the courtyard. They were escorted back inside and the men continued their lesson as Genie and Sophia were allowed to explore the house as they wished.

  Genie decided she wished to see Francis’ room, though told Genie that she simply wished to see the duchess’ drawing room, and headed toward the guest apartments while Sophia was given a separate tour of the house from a very handsome footman. Genie found what she knew to be Francis’ room because of the perennials that had been placed on the table, a collection of every one she’d given him since arriving at Cort.

  His scent lingered in the room and she walked over to the table to simply to look over his things.

  A letter caught her eye but more so the seal on its folds. It was the seal of Buckley. She opened it to find a letter detailing the amount of money Francis’ bank draft had been for and was surprised by the sum. Was this the reason Francis wouldn’t marry her? Did he fear losing a steady income from her lessons? On more than one occasion he’d mentioned that she would one day no longer need his teaching. Unless he’d known that she would never allow him to quit so long as she still had him to chase. Was this the reason they remained a secret? The reason he’d not kissed her back in front of her cousin?

  Genie didn’t wish to believe that, refused to even. Instead, she focused on his love for her and made her way toward the bed. She sat down and laid her head back, imagining Francis at her side. She couldn’t resist turning around and placing her face in his pillow and inhaling.

  “I knew it.”

  Genie looked up and found Sophia smiling at her.

  Sophia walked into the room and shut the door behind her. “You’re sleeping with Francis.”

  Genie gasped and quickly stood from the bed. “How did you know?”

  “You think I don’t recognize the scent of sex when I smell it? The room was permeated with it the morning after the dinner party.” Sophia laughed. “Don’t look so surprised. I’m very perceptive. Little gets past me.” Sophia tilted her head to the side. “Why didn’t you tell me? Or Lorena?”

  Genie put the pillow back where it belonged. “I couldn’t.”

  “Why not?” Sophia narrowed her eyes. “Is it Morris? Do you wish to keep it from him?”

  “No.” Genie shook her head. “Besides, I’m pretty sure that Morris already knows. The reason I’ve not told the Society is because Francis asked me not to. There seems to be some sort of danger in everyone knowing until the time is right and I’ve been trying to figure out what that could be.”

  Sophia crossed her arms. “Well, if something horrible will happen by too many people knowing, I swear to keep your secret.”

  Genie sighed. “Thank you.” Then she went over and hugged Sophia. “Oh, it’s so wonderful to have someone who knows. Someone I can speak to about it.” She leaned away and smiled at her. “I’m so happy, Sophia.”

  Sophia placed her hands on her arms and smiled. “Well, I’ve happy for you and you should know that you’ve done a great performance of keeping this secret so far. I promise not to tell anyone if you give me the details of that night.” She grinned.

  Genie laughed. “Yes, I’ll tell you everything.” She was ready to burst with the bliss she felt. The women left the house and Genie spoke on the ride to Aunt Tilda’s, leaving little out.

  Sophia was in tears by the time they arrived at the hillside. “I’m so happy for you,” she whispered. “I knew he loved you. Perhaps Francis’ errand in London has something to do with making it so you can be together.”

  “You think so?” Genie asked.

  Sophia nodded. “Also, if what you say about a performance being given by the men is true, then I would have to believe it to be for your cousin.”

  “But why would Archie have any say in this? Francis spoke as though he’d been denying himself for years. We’ve only known Archie for two months.”

  “But Archie said he could hold back your allowance, if you recall.” Sophia started for the door. “He said there was a way you’d lose all your money. What if this is it?”

  Genie stilled and stared at Sophia. “You think my income is dependent on Francis and I never marrying?”

  Sophia shrugged and looked forward again. “It’s possible.”

  “Well, I wouldn’t care,” Genie told her. “We could live off the income of the club.” Did Francis believe Genie needed her allowance in order to be happy? If that was the case, she’d inform him that she didn’t. All she needed was him.

  “We could investigate your cousin,” Sophia offered. “He seemed quite taken with Aunt Tilda, as if any man could withstand her charms.”

  “No, this was the reason Francis didn’t wish me to tell anyone. He knew we’d try to save the day and swore it would only make matters worse. I’ll simply have to wait and see what Francis has to say when he returns.”

  Sophia sighed as they arrived at the house. “Very well.” The footman took the reins and helped them down. “But whatever shall we do while we wait to hear from Francis?”

  “Have patience?” Genie suggested.

  They both made a face of disgust.

>   “Do be serious, Genie.” Sophia started toward the house. “We’ll simply set up the dowager house and make it pleasant for your and Francis’ arrival.”

  Genie liked that idea.

  * * *

  .

  .

  .

  * * *

  * * *

  .

  .

  .

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  .

  Francis stared at the building of the address for East African Trading Company and frowned. He pulled his coat closer to himself as a chilled wind blew from the Thames. It had rained throughout the night and well into the morning and the air was still cool. The London skies were gray and painted the world in dark tones, making the country and Genie seem like a faraway dream and not a reality he’d experienced a mere week and a half ago.

  “What the matter?” William came to stand by him as he climbed from the carriage. Hugh followed.

  “I’ve been here before.” There was nothing special about the brick building by the docks. It was clean and the company name was written clearly above the door in bold lettering. “This was the address of Gold Coast Traders, the company my father invested in, the one that ruined us. I’ve spoken to a man inside. He told me that East African Trading Company bought the building after Gold Coast Traders went out of business.” He sighed. “There’s no new information for us here.”

  He recalled the encounter as though it had taken place just the other day. There were no traces of Gold Coast Traders’ existence anywhere. His father had been tricked. It shamed him to know how gullible his father had been, considering the amount of money that had been poured into a company that didn’t exist. He’d thought to have bought himself over a fourth of the company but ended up sentencing his son to live a lie, to deny himself Genie’s love and to act as though he didn’t return the feelings.

  All for nothing.

  Had he thought so little of his family that he dared throw all their money away on something that was clearly wrong?

  “We should leave.”

  William touched his arm to still him. “When did you last come here?’

  “Five years ago, almost immediately after my father and Lord Buckley’s timely visit.”

  “There could be more information available.”

  “I’m going around the building,” Hugh narrowed his dark blue eyes on the building.

  “What for?” Francis said.

  “Just to have a look.” He headed toward the alley, his dark head disappearing out of sight.

  “Let’s go inside,” William told him with a grin.

  Frank turned to him. “Why?”

  “Because you own shares in this company.”

  “What?” Francis’ face fell. “My father owned shares with—”

  William shook his head. “No, I bought you shares with the money you gave me in Cort. It’s not much but it will do you some good.” He patted Francis on the shoulder and headed toward the door.

  It was just as busy as Francis recalled on his previous visit. There were men running from one room to the other, barely glancing their way as they stood in the corridor. A servant finally approached.

  “Good afternoon, gentlemen. Do you have an appointment?”

  “Yes, we’ll see Mr. Ellerey.” Francis recognized the name as the man who owned the company.

  The servant looked surprised. “And your names?”

  “Tell him Sir William Tift is here.”

  The servant directed Francis and William to a well-appointed sitting room and left to see if Mr. Ellerey was available.

  Francis glanced around the room and saw that everything was the same as it had been five years prior.

  The servant returned and showed them toward the back of the corridor and up the flight of stairs. There was only one door at the top. He opened it and Francis followed William in. The man on the other side of the desk was one he’d never met before.

  William greeted Mr. Ellerey and Francis noticed the man openly stare at him before giving him a smile.

  “Your Grace.” He bowed to Francis. “I’m glad to hear you’ve decided to invest in our company.” Mr. Ellerey was tall and lean built and much younger than Francis would have thought him to be.

  Francis asked. “Exactly how many shares did I buy?”

  “Enough to equal two percent of the company,” William told him. A very unimpressive number.

  “Not much,” Mr. Ellerey told him. “But there is still time for much growth.” He motioned for the men to take seats. “Have you come to inquire about the company?”

  “Actually, it’s Gold Coast Traders that we seek answers for, the company you bought the building from,” William told him.

  Mr. Ellerey nodded. “Yes, Gold Coast had shipping troubles. Apparently, they’d lost a few boats in a storm before they could even truly begin. Tragedy that. Why the interest in a company that barely existed?”

  “My father bought over forty percent of Gold Coast. He was their biggest partner.”

  Ellerey straightened. “That is a tragedy. I’m sorry to hear this. I’m sure he didn’t see any of his investment returned to him?”

  “No.”

  Ellerey gave a soft smile. “Well, it’s good that you have a friend like Sir William to oversee investments for you. He’s one of our partners here as well.”

  William said, “And I’ve recently discovered that your largest partner is Lord Buckley.”

  Ellerey’s eyes flashed. “Buckley always wished to remain a silent partner. Where did you hear this?”

  “From his heir. How did you and the old earl meet?”

  Ellerey looked between the two men and his face lost all expression. “As the earl wished himself to remain anonymous, I am not at liberty to give you that information. Whatever his heir is willing to tell you should suffice.” He stood. “Now, if there is anything else you need to know about East African Trading Company, my secretary, Mr. Jackson, would be more than willing to aid you.”

  “A few more questions,” William said.

  Ellerey went to the corner and rung the bell. “I’m sorry but I have another client to see. Perhaps another time.”

  The door opened and Francis turned to see the young man he’d spoken to five years ago and guessed him to be the secretary.

  Mr. Jackson recognized Francis almost immediately. “Your Grace.” He bowed. Then he turned to William and did the same, recognizing him as well.

  Mr. Jackson was short, bald, and wore thick spectacles over dark gray eyes.

  “You remember me,” Francis asked Mr. Jackson once they were out the door.

  Mr. Jackson did not look happy to see him but hid it fairly well. “Yes, you left quite the impression on me.”

  Francis recalled his state of mind at the time and remembered he might have done some yelling at the secretary. It was no wonder Mr. Jackson didn’t appreciate his presence. William stopped to speak with another man and Francis spoke to Mr. Jackson as they continued down the hall. “I apologize for my behavior a few years ago. There was so much happening at the time, I’m sure I offended more than one person during that period of my life.” He’d just signed his soul over to Buckley and begun paying off a debt that seemed endless. He’d also been dealing with the reality of never having Genie. That alone drove him mad. “Forgive me, I never should have spoken to you in such a way.”

  Mr. Jackson seemed surprised by the apology and Francis could imagine it to be the first he’d ever received from an aristocrat. Men of his station were not used to seeing themselves at fault for anything. A lord was always right and a servant in the wrong.

  Jackson surprised him with his next words. “Thank you, Your Grace, and I must say that I was hesitant to allow Mr. Ellerey to take your money for fear of your temper but he has obviously chosen wisely.” He smiled at the end.

  Francis was surprised by the man’s frankness and information. “Mr. Ellerey must hold your opinion in high esteem.”

  “Oh, yes.” M
r. Jackson fixed his spectacles further up the bridge of his nose as he jutted out his chin. “Mr. Ellerey entrusts everything to me. On more than one occasion, he’s asked where he would be without me.”

  Francis smiled as he reached the door. “He is lucky to have such loyalty.”

  Mr. Jackson smiled again and William joined him. They said their good byes and were off.

  Hugh met them in the carriage.

  “Discover anything in the alley?” Francis asked.

  Hugh smiled. “I did.” The carriage pulled away before he began to speak. “A man who frequents the tavern on the other side of the street mentioned he remembered the building when it was Gold Coast Traders.”

  “I’m sure more than one man would, since it was only five years ago,” William said.

  Hugh nodded. “I thought the same but for some strange reason, they don’t.”

  “Why is this?” Francis asked.

  “Because that building was only owned by Gold Coast for a day.”

  Francis frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, the dock man told me that one day the sign went up and the next it was gone.”

  It seemed impossible.

  Hugh crossed his arms. “And how much would you be willing to wage that the sign went up just in time for your father’s arrival and was down the moment after he signed the remainder of his wealth away?”

  “So there’s a chance that His Grace was the victim of fraud,” William said.

  Francis couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “It only means my father was a bigger fool than I realized. Alerting the authorities will only shame my family further and lead nowhere since the man who sold him on the company isn’t from here.”

  Hugh said nothing, knowing it to be the truth.

  Francis was ready to return to the country and Genie, as he was sure to find comfort in her arms, though his new level of shame kept him from running to her. How could she love him knowing who he was? The son of a man who’d made one poor choice after another. A man who’d ruined his family with his only weapons being pen and ink, sealing Francis’ fate.