The Incorrigible Mr. Lumley

by Aileen Fish

  Northcotte chuckled, shaking his head. “I believe he thought you might recall some business you needed to attend to in Bath.”

  “Of course. I was simply trying to plan my scheme to run into her there.” In truth, he was still trying to convince himself she’d see him as something more than the friend she’d agreed to tolerate. Something much more.

  Could she possibly be hoping he’d ask her again? He was afraid to let hope into his heart. The pain of being refused twice by the woman he loved would be unbearable. Although he doubted it could compare to the pain he’d put Lady Joanna through.

  He didn’t deserve her. But he couldn’t go through life without her.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  The next morning, David paced outside the chamber in the magistrate’s office where they’d taken Sir Frederick. He’d been barred access to the questioning and was ready to crawl out of his skin with the need to confront the bounder. After several hours, Lord Clermont, the magistrate, came out of the room alone. David jumped at the chance to obtain some answers. “My lord, did you learn anything?”

  “Mr. Lumley, I can only speak of what pertains to your own interests, and frankly, I don’t think we’ll be questioning him on those incidents. We have no witnesses and no evidence. You’d be better served letting us try him on these recent poisonings. The sentence would be the same, and you’d have your result.”

  “To be honest, sir, I’m most interested in the Ascot matter. Has he confessed to anything?”

  “He’s too smart to confess to any act. His groom has supplied us with a number of names of men who could have been involved there, however. If even one of them tells the truth, it will be enough.”

  The relief washing over David was not enough for his smile to be natural, but he did so anyway as he thanked the magistrate. “Lord Northcotte will be pleased to know this.” He shook the man’s hand and returned to where Sir Jasper and Northcotte waited.

  Lady Joanna would also be pleased. And he had his excuse to visit Bath, once the proceedings were through. The case would take time to come to trial, but once the constable and magistrate finished gathering evidence, he could go to Joanna and tell her the news.

  Northcotte rose from the bench where they waited. “What did Clermont say?”

  “Nothing new. Sir Frederick isn’t talking. But they might have enough witnesses to proceed anyway.”

  “As soon as I’ve given him my testimony, we can leave, I imagine. There’s no point in remaining.”

  David nodded. “I thought I’d ride to Town to let Joanna know. I should be able to catch her before they leave for Bath.”

  “I’m relieved to hear it. Give her my best, and to my mother and aunt.”

  The door to the chamber opened again and Sir Frederick was led out by two burly men. He stopped short when he saw the others. “Northcotte. Lumley. I should have known you were behind this blasphemy.”

  “If you mean, did we tell the magistrate of our dealings with you, then you are correct,” David said evenly.

  “What dealings do you speak of, Lumley? We’ve had no business between us.”

  Northcotte jumped in. “I believe he referred to the matter between you and my father, and the resulting threats you made to me after his death.”

  Sir Frederick held his chin high, as if to allow him to look down his nose at all of them, in spite of his being the shortest of the men present. His contempt bled heavily into his voice. “I never threatened you. I offered you an alternative if you were unable to raise the blunt in time, to keep you from losing your stud and horses.”

  “You blackmailed him with his sister’s life in the balance,” David roared, taking a step closer to Sir Frederick.

  One of the bailiffs answered with a step of his own, putting himself between David and his foe. It didn’t keep Sir Frederick from bellowing back. “She was mine, until you interfered. She would have brought me the one thing money couldn’t buy—entry into the finest homes in London. That was all I needed to complete my scheme.”

  The bailiffs each grabbed one of Sir Frederick’s arms, jerking him away and ending the discussion. Shaking his head, David looked at Northcotte. “He needed richer clientele. I don’t understand what he thought to gain from them. Their properties and money would be entailed.”

  Sir Jasper tipped his head to one side as he watched Sir Frederick walk away. “But their sons had larger allowances than the average young man, and they would likely borrow larger amounts. With the percentage rate Sir Frederick added on, his profits would be endless.”

  Realizing how close Lady Joanna had been to marrying the man caused a painful hollow to hit David’s gut. He’d been no better than Sir Frederick in using Lady Joanna to gain what he needed. To some extent, many marriages were based on that—a young miss in search of a title, a penniless lord in need of an heiress to support his estate. Somehow, those situations seemed less mercenary than what he’d done. With a heavy sigh, he raked his hair off his face. “Well, shall we see if they’re ready to record what you know, Northcotte? I’m eager to be on my way.”

  Northcotte turned to David. “There’s no need for you two to stay. I’ll ride home to Hampshire when I’m done. If you leave now, you won’t need to take lodging when you change horses.”

  David was eager to see Joanna, to make certain she was happy as well as in good health. He looked at Sir Jasper. “Shall we be off, then?”

  Joanna sat in the drawing room of the London town house and poured a cup of tea for Amelia, who had just joined Joanna and her aunt. “You look rather peaked, Amelia. Are you not well? Or are you sad to be returning home after such an exciting Season?”

  Amelia’s fragile smile broke and she fished her handkerchief from her reticule. “I have news—” Her voice cracked. “Oh, Joanna, he’s eloped with Lady Elizabeth!”

  “Who has? Not Sir Richard? I thought her father refused him and insisted she marry another.”

  “He did refuse, and next month she was to marry the lord her father chose. Sir Richard was to call on me today, and I was certain he was going to speak to my father. But a letter came in this morning’s post, and he apologized most ardently for any injury he might have caused, but he had to act in consideration of his heart, so he was going to marry Lady Elizabeth in spite of her father’s wishes.”

  “How shocking,” gasped Aunt Ophelia. “And how dreadful of him to send such a note.”

  “He claimed he didn’t wish for me to read it in the papers. He thought it would be kinder to tell me himself.”

  Joanna set down her cup and saucer so no one would notice how her hands shook. Imagine both of them suffering heartbreak. “I’m so sorry, Amelia. I know how this must hurt.”

  “I know you do, and I’m sorry for it. Whatever did we do to deserve such scandalous attachments? I fear I‘ll never love again.” Amelia dabbed her cheeks.

  “You girls did nothing wrong,” Aunt Ophelia said, patting Amelia’s hand. “You will find a husband, never fear.”

  “I thought I’d found one.” Amelia sniffed and reached for her cup.

  Joanna sought something encouraging to say, even though her own case was hopeless. “You mentioned some time back the possibility of returning for the Little Season. Perhaps you’ll meet the perfect man then.”

  They continued to console her until the conversation drifted to recent assemblies Joanna had missed. At last, Amelia rose. “I must go. Mama accepted an invitation for cards this afternoon. I shall smile and be gay and not let anyone intimate I was anything but sparkling in my manner.”

  “That’s the spirit. Perhaps after a few days of doing so, you’ll come to believe it yourself.” Joanna smiled consolingly as her friend left.

  When she heard the front door close moments later, she sighed. “The poor girl.”

  “I’m afraid the end of the Season always yields a few broken hearts. And some successes.” Aunt Ophelia eyed her as if judging whether to say more. “I have news of my own. Sir Jasper and I will be w
ed at the end of the summer.”

  Joanna jumped from her chair to hug her aunt. “That’s wonderful. I am so happy for you. He is a good man.”

  “Yes, he is. But he’s not the only one in all of England. You’ll find one, too.”

  Looking away, Joanna said, “I hope so.”

  “I know it will be so. I can feel it in my heart. Robert hasn’t mentioned Sir Frederick again, has he?”

  “No. He hasn’t said much of anything to me since I returned from Windsor. I don’t know if he’s afraid to press the matter, or if he believes I have, or will, accept Mr. Lumley’s offer.”

  “You need to speak with Robert, my dear. He needs to know you remain unattached.”

  Drawing in a deep breath, Joanna nodded. “He’s at Bibury this week. I’ll speak to him when he returns.”

  Aunt Ophelia rose. “I should allow you to rest. Are you certain you feel up to attending Lady Derringford’s ball tonight? It’s likely to be quite a crush, as it’s the last of the important ones.”

  “Yes. I should say farewell to any of my friends who remain in Town. If I grow tired, would it be all right if we left early?”

  “Of course. We should plan on it, regardless. You still appear pale, to my eyes.”

  Joanna smiled. “I feel quite recovered.” Most of the time. Until her mind wandered down the wrong lane and encountered Mr. Lumley. Every time she thought of him, pain stabbed her heart. Had she made the right choice in turning him down? She hoped so, because she was going to have to live with that decision.

  Later that evening, when she stood in Lady Derringford’s home watching the first dance of the evening, she was glad she’d come. The music was lively and laughter rang out around the room. Her heart lightened, and her mood couldn’t remain melancholy.

  Then Lady Hannah and Trey found her. “Lady Joanna, I am so happy to see you!” She squeezed through the crowd and hugged Joanna.

  “As I am to see you.” Joanna smiled at Trey who offered her a slight nod in greeting.

  “You look very well,” he said, his voice surprisingly husky.

  “I am well, do not worry. I’ve recovered fully from my illness.” They’d not let on to anyone outside the two families that she’d suffered anything more than a severe stomach complaint. “Will you both return to Bridgethorpe now?”

  “Yes,” Hannah said. “As much fun as I’ve had, I’m ready to go home. I miss riding every day, and there are friends I would like to see again. I didn’t have time when we were there for the wedding.”

  “I understand.” Joanna missed her home, too, but somehow she knew life there would never be the same. She was not the same person who’d arrive in Town just a few months ago.

  So much had happened to her. The good. The bad. The horrid. None of it even faintly resembled what she’d dreamed her Season would be.

  Trey saw a friend and left them after securing a dance from each lady. Hannah grasped Joanna’s hand and met her gaze warmly. “I’ll miss you most of all. I was certain we would be sisters.”

  Joanna patted her friend’s hand. “As did I. But we can remain friends, I believe.”

  “Are you certain? I didn’t know if seeing me would bring it all back to you. I would have called on you, if I’d been more assured.”

  Her friend’s presence did bring back the painful memories as well as the good, but she cared too much for Hannah to tell her so. “Your brother and I have agreed we can remain friends, so I couldn’t do anything less with you. I would miss you too much.”

  “I’m glad.” Hannah hugged her once more.

  Joanna’s partner for the next set led her out on the floor and Joanna decided to fling her cares aside and enjoy the dance. It wasn’t difficult, with the way she loved music and dancing. Her partner was light on his feet and offered amiable conversation when the dance allowed. After their set ended, Joanna was grateful she’d planned to sit out the next set. She still hadn’t fully regained her strength.

  Seated beside Aunt Ophelia on a padded bench along the wall, Joanna watched the others mill about, hugging friends they would miss over the summer and sharing news of engagements. She wished Amelia were there to keep her company. Hannah had disappeared and was probably busy dancing and flirting, as one should do at a ball.

  On the other side of a potted palm sat a pair of matrons who had obviously not learned the skill of gossiping quietly. Joanna tried to ignore them until one name was mentioned.

  “Yes, that’s what my husband told me. Sir Frederick Ardwen was arrested in Bibury during the race meeting.” The first woman’s voice was rich with the glee of knowing something her friend didn’t.

  “That awful man! He nearly had my son sent to the workhouse. My Harrison had to pay the debt. Whatever did they charge him with?”

  “Murder. Can you believe it?”

  “I can. It is said he comes down very hard on those who can’t repay.”

  “My dear husband said this was about keeping the borrower from being able to repay.”

  “No! Can they charge him for that, too?”

  “He didn’t say.”

  As they continued to chatter, Joanna’s blood ran cold. The man she’d barely escaped having to marry was charged with murder. As uncomfortable as she’d been around him, she never would have imagined him capable of such an act.

  Yet she had no difficulty believing he’d done whatever he’d been charged with.

  Shivering, then growing uncomfortably warm and nauseous, Joanna touched her aunt’s arm. “I’m not feeling well. May we leave?”

  “Of course. Would you prefer to lie down here for a spell, or are you able to make your way to the carriage?”

  “If I may sit while they bring the carriage ‘round, I’ll be fine. I must leave now.”

  “Very well.” Aunt Ophelia steadied her as she stood and put her arm around Joanna’s shoulder while they walked.

  Joanna caught a footman to bear the news of her departure to Lady Hannah and Trey. The merrymakers in the ballroom became a blur, and she concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other. Aunt Ophelia helped her onto a bench in the entryway where they waited for their cloaks and the carriage to be brought to them. Thoughts spun through Joanna’s head, only one landing long enough for clarity.

  A murderer.

  She’s practically been engaged to a murderer. Joanna shuddered again. Her London Season had ended with a shocking surprise.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  When they arrived at the house in Eaton Place, Aunt Ophelia stepped down from the carriage to assist Joanna, not waiting for the footman. Joanna took her arm as they proceeded to the door. “I’m capable of walking,” she complained.

  “You are like a daughter to me. Allow me this one indulgence to make certain you are well.”

  Starley waited for them at the open door. “Lady Joanna, you have a caller.”

  “At this late hour?” Aunt Ophelia asked.

  “Who is it?” Joanna tucked a loose curl into place.

  “Mr. Lumley, my lady. He waits in the drawing room.”

  Her heart jumped, then raced like a runner. Why had he come so late in the evening? Had something happened to Robert? “Has his lordship returned?”

  “No, my lady.”

  “Thank you.” She gave Starley her gloves and cloak, as did Aunt Ophelia, who followed her into the drawing room.

  Joanna stumbled when she saw him by the window, looking out over the street. A single lamp glowed on a table nearby, giving her enough light to see his strong features. Absence had improved his looks, which she’d already thought perfect. He smiled and walked to her.

  “You look very well, my lady. I am happy to see it.”

  “Is my brother all right?”

  Mr. Lumley’s brows drew together. “Of course. Or he was when I left him.” He must have noticed Aunt Ophelia who sat on the settee near the empty fireplace. “Good evening Lady Ophelia. Sir Jasper and I rode back directly, and Northcotte remained to take care of some bus
iness. He will go straight to Hampshire, I believe.”

  Joanna exhaled in relief. “When Starley said you were here, I feared the worst. I heard some gossip not minutes ago regarding Sir Frederick. Is this why you have come?”

  “Yes. I thought you’d want to know they are hopeful they may charge him with attempted murder against you and the groom. And, they might have found witnesses to connect him to Bruce’s death.”

  Her legs became weak and she grabbed for his arms to steady herself. He caught her and led her to a chair. Tears flowed freely, and Joanna batted at them in embarrassment. “I’m silly, I know, but I am so relieved to know this.”

  Mr. Lumley stroked his thumb across her damp cheek. “It’s not silly. You’ve lived through some upsetting times.”

  His sympathy made it all worse. She’d been so cruel to remain distrustful of him, when he’d proved he was better than his early mistakes. She began to blubber her feelings aloud. “All I wanted was a husband, a kind man who would let me have my horses. I never expected to be fought over by beaux, or to be a pawn in anyone’s games. I’ll be such a good wife to a good man, why did you both choose me?” She punched weakly at his chest.

  He pulled her into his arms, placing her on his lap as he sat. She curled up there and cried on his shoulder, feeling the calming stroke of his hand down her back and arm. Weeks of heartache, of weakness and recovery, of dreams shattered and not yet buried had built up and could no longer be contained. She didn’t know how long she cried, but Mr. Lumley continued to say sweet things and calm her with his strong embrace.

  David’s heart was breaking.

  He knew the pain in his chest couldn’t compare to what he was certain Joanna had gone through. What nearly killed him was knowing how large his part was in her agony. Nothing he could do would ever erase that memory for her. “For my own part, all I can say is I didn’t know you when I considered how your friendship might help me find the answers I needed. And it did, although they weren’t the answers I expected. But you taught me much about myself.”