“You obviously didn’t.”
“That is completely beside the point, and I’ll have you know I’m covered in bruises from missing the window and sliding halfway down the gutter.”
Theodore choked back a laugh. “How did you manage to get back to the window?”
Samuel puffed himself up, rose from the chair, and began to pace about the room. “I certainly didn’t get back to the window with any help from our servants.” He paused in mid-pace. “I have no idea why not a single one of them came to my aid. They must have heard me. I was yelling rather loudly.” Samuel shook his head. “I finally managed to inch my way up the gutters, then used the vines to swing my way back to the window. To add insult to injury, your mother was calmly standing right before the window, and she didn’t even bother to ask about my welfare.”
“At least you got into the house,” Harold said, moving to Samuel’s side and giving him a commiserating pat on the back. “Katherine locked me out last week. She claims it was an accident, but I was forced to spend the night at my parents’ house.”
“It’s a conspiracy, I tell you,” Samuel said. He stalked back to Theodore’s desk and banged his fist on it, causing papers to drift to the floor. “It’s your fault, Theodore, and Harold and I are here to demand you set matters right.”
“You’re sadly mistaken if you believe I know anything about women these days.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “I will say this, though. The two of you created your situations, not I. Did you truly think Mother and Katherine would believe that ridiculous story you made up about spending an evening participating in a charity event and at a church no less?”
“Are you suggesting I lied to your mother?” Samuel asked.
“I’m not suggesting anything, Father. I know you lied to her. You and Harold were most likely off at a pub.”
Harold lowered himself into a chair. “There’s nothing wrong with pubs.”
“Then why didn’t you tell Katherine that’s where you were going?”
Harold ignored Theodore’s question. “None of this would have ever happened if you hadn’t introduced them to those two Beckett women. They’ve been a horrible influence on Louise and Katherine. Katherine’s never questioned my actions before, and I don’t appreciate the fact that she’s doing it now. I want my adorable little wife back, not the hoyden who has somehow taken her place.”
“Mrs. Beckett and Miss Beckett are wonderful ladies,” Theodore said, unwilling to contemplate why Harold’s disparaging statement rankled so much when he’d been lecturing Katherine along the same lines, at least in regard to Arabella. “Mrs. Beckett is a prominent member of society, and Miss Beckett is a woman who has devoted her life to helping others.”
Samuel’s face turned red. “Miss Beckett has devoted her life to convincing other women they need to throw off their feminine manners and behave like men.”
“Exactly how is Mother behaving like a man?” Theodore asked.
“She questions me, and it’s not a woman’s place to know what her husband is up to every single minute.”
Theodore considered his father for a moment. “This is going to sound odd, coming from me, but don’t you think you and Mother might be happier if you actually attempted to share more of your lives together? You might discover you enjoy spending time in her company.”
“Miss Beckett’s gotten to him,” Harold said.
“Miss Beckett has nothing to do with any of this,” Theodore said, even though he feared that was slightly less than the truth. “The only reason I invited Mother and Katherine to attend the dinner party in the first place was because you two left them alone that night. I found them upset and unhappy, so I took it upon myself to improve their situation by getting them out of the house. My plan worked because Mother and Katherine had a lovely time. You two should be thanking me.”
Samuel’s face went from red to purple. “You think I should thank you? Are you aware that your mother and sister are spending the evening dining with the Beckett family instead of being home where they belong? Add to that the pesky little fact that Mr. and Mrs. Watson have also been included, and I shudder to think what nonsense Louise will be spouting once she does come home.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Watson are very nice,” Theodore said. “In fact, I’m surprised you haven’t socialized with them before. Mr. Watson adores everything to do with the financial markets, and he would welcome an opportunity to seek your advice.”
“I’m very aware of the fact that Roger Watson is a capital gentleman, Theodore,” Samuel said. “But his wife, on the other hand . . .” He shuddered and took a deep breath. “I have no idea why Roger would permit his wife to associate on a regular basis with Gloria Beckett.”
“I would have to believe that Mrs. Watson never bothered to ask her husband if she could become friends with Mrs. Beckett,” Theodore said. “But Mr. Watson was wise enough to know he needed to accept Gloria if he wished to remain in accord with his wife. Besides, I’ve come to know the woman quite well, and I find her enchanting.”
Samuel wiped his brow with the back of his hand and, glaring at Theodore, lowered himself into a chair. “You think I should simply go along with your mother’s madness?”
“If you don’t want to continue getting locked out of your own house, yes.”
The sound of running feet caused Theodore to shove his chair back and get to his feet just as Eliza rushed into the room, accompanied by a woman who looked slightly familiar. He narrowed his eyes as Eliza skidded to a halt in front of him and placed one hand on his desk while she used the other to press against what must be a stitch in her side.
She tilted her head and peered at him through hair that had somehow managed to escape its pins. “I need your help.”
He lifted a brow. “That’s obvious.”
She dropped her gaze, brushed the hair out of her face, and turned her head ever so slightly before he heard her suck in a loud gulp of air. She suddenly straightened, her hands clenched, and then she lifted her chin, batted almost-innocent eyes at him, and let out a giggle.
Eliza never giggled.
She laughed, snorted, grunted, and raged in a temper from time to time, but not once since he’d made her acquaintance had he ever heard her giggle.
Something dire was obviously afoot.
“I do beg your pardon,” she practically purred, which was also something Eliza never did. “I was somewhat distracted and didn’t realize you have company. Violet and I will just be on our way.”
Violet, that’s who the other lady was, and . . . he knew her from the streets.
Something definitely was afoot.
He walked around his desk and took Eliza’s arm, staring down into her now-perspiring face. “What happened?”
“It’s not terribly important, and there’s no need to involve you in it. If you’ll excuse us, we’ll just be on our way.”
He tightened his grip. “You’re not going anywhere until you explain exactly what you’re doing here and why you’re here with that lady.”
Eliza’s expression turned stubborn. “It’s a bit of a tricky situation, but Violet is a friend of mine and sought out my help when a slightly disturbing incident took place. Since you have guests, I’m not comfortable going into all the troubling details.”
“These gentlemen aren’t exactly guests. That’s my father, Mr. Samuel Wilder, and that’s my brother-in-law, Mr. Harold Gibson.”
He wasn’t certain, but he thought he heard her mutter something that sounded very much like “This is awkward” before she glanced at Harold, turned rather pale, and then squared her shoulders. “Gentlemen, it was lovely to see everyone this evening, but I truly do believe the best option at this point would be for me to go find Hamilton.”
“Hamilton’s missing?” Theodore asked.
“Not at all. He’s working late with Zayne, but they’re away from the office. That’s actually why I came here, but apparently, given the fact you have company, I’m going to have to see if I
can run him to ground.”
“I say, am I to understand you’re Mrs. Hamilton Beckett?” Harold asked.
Eliza nodded, bit her lip, and dipped into a curtsy as Harold bowed in her direction. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Gibson.”
“The pleasure is mine, Mrs. Beckett. I’ve been meaning to pay you and your husband a visit. I have quite a few investment strategies to share with you.”
Theodore felt his teeth clink together. “Harold, this is hardly the appropriate moment to sell your services.”
“Where are you manners, Theodore?” Samuel said as he rose to his feet and sent Theodore a look of disgust. “Honestly, I assumed this was a mere client, but . . . to find out she’s Mrs. Beckett, the newly arrived aristocrat from London, well, I must beg your pardon for not getting to my feet sooner, my dear.”
What was wrong with everyone tonight? It was clear from Eliza’s attitude that something was dreadfully amiss, and here his father and brother-in-law were acting as if they should be sitting down to tea with the lady.
He pushed aside his aggravation. “I am sorry, Father, for not paying proper attention to the social necessities. This is, indeed, Mrs. Hamilton Beckett, and I believe Eliza said the woman with her is Violet.”
Violet sent him a cheeky grin from her position by the door, and he felt his lips twitch when he realized she’d been edging her way back to the door ever since Eliza had acknowledged his guests.
“It is an honor to meet you, Mr. Wilder,” Eliza said. “Your son was of great assistance to me when I first entered the country, and that is why I’ve sought out his counsel this evening. Having said that, I do believe I may have overreacted to the situation, and now, if you’ll excuse me, Violet and I will be on our way. Good evening.” She shook off Theodore’s hold, strode to Violet’s side, and began pulling the woman closer to the door.
“Has Agatha gotten herself into trouble again?” Theodore called, causing Eliza to pause on the threshold and turn.
“Why would you assume that?”
“Process of elimination.”
“Maybe I’m here concerning Zayne.”
“You said he was working late with Hamilton.”
“It really is unfortunate you’re so bright.”
“What was that?” Theodore asked.
“Nothing,” Eliza replied as she began moving once again. “We’ll just see ourselves out. Have a good night.”
“Is she in jail?”
Eliza stopped, turned, and released a dramatic sigh. “Why would you assume someone’s in jail?”
“Because it’s late, you’ve opted to seek me out, and you’re in the company of a rather questionable character,” Theodore said before he smiled at Violet. “No offense meant, of course, Violet.”
“None taken, Mr. Wilder,” Violet said.
Theodore returned his attention to Eliza, who, much to his amusement, appeared to be slowly scooting back through the door. “So, Agatha’s landed herself in jail again. Is she alone?”
“You’re very annoying,” Eliza said, pausing in mid-scoot.
He arched a brow.
Eliza threw up her hands. “Fine, you’re right, Agatha’s in jail.”
“And?” Theodore prompted.
“And what?”
“Is she alone?”
Eliza shot a look to Harold, and then for some odd reason turned her attention to the ceiling as if she found it incredibly interesting. “Of course she’s not completely alone, Theodore. I’m sure there are other people in jail with her.”
Why were women such difficult creatures, and why did it seem as if he was constantly engaged in a battle of wits with them lately?
“Would one of these other people just happen to be Arabella Beckett?”
Eliza’s perusal of the ceiling ended as she winced. “Arabella might be with Agatha.”
“Are you suggesting Miss Arabella Beckett is currently residing in the city jail?” Harold blustered.
“I wish it was only a suggestion,” Eliza said before she lifted her chin and glanced at Violet. “We really should go.”
“Just how are you planning on getting Agatha and Arabella out of jail without my help?” Theodore asked.
“It can’t be that difficult,” Eliza said. “I did bring money. I’m certain the officials at the jail will be more than happy to divest me of it.”
“Why don’t you want me to go?” Theodore asked.
Eliza glanced once again to Harold, winced, and turned back to Theodore. “You have guests. It would be rude for you to abandon them.”
“My father-in-law and I will come with you,” Harold proclaimed.
“Why would you want to do that?” Eliza asked, panic now clearly visible in her voice. “It will hardly be a pleasant outing.”
“Pleasant outing or not,” Harold began, “observing Miss Beckett behind bars will give me the ammunition I need to encourage my wife to discontinue her association with the Beckett family.”
Eliza narrowed her eyes. “Mr. Gibson, I am now a member of the Beckett family, and I take great offense at your insinuation that they are somehow undesirable. They are a prominent New York family with abundant wealth at their disposal, and someone in your profession should certainly not throw aspersions on their good name. It would not serve you well to insult a family who has more than sufficient funds tied up in the stock market and in stocks I’m certain you represent.”
Harold’s lips thinned. “Your sister-in-law has been a bad influence on my wife. Katherine has not been herself ever since she made Miss Beckett’s acquaintance.”
“Your wife has spent relatively little time with Arabella,” Eliza said. “If she’s not been herself lately, I would have to believe the fault for that lies with you. Maybe you shouldn’t spend so much time carousing.”
Harold blinked. “Where did you hear that?”
Eliza shrugged. “Katherine mentioned it to me.”
“When did you have a conversation with my wife?”
Eliza turned to Violet. “Ready?”
Violet nodded.
Theodore strode forward and stepped in front of Eliza, effectively blocking her from the door.
“You really must step aside,” she hissed.
“I’m afraid I can’t do that just yet. When did you talk to Katherine?”
“I really shouldn’t say.”
Alarm began to snake through him. “Why not?”
“It wouldn’t be appropriate given your . . . guests.”
“Who else is with Agatha and Arabella in jail?”
Violet stepped forward. “I think Lottie and Hannah got snatched.”
Theodore could feel the vein begin to throb on his forehead and drew in a deep breath, trying to control the anger now coursing through him. “Forgive me, Violet, but you know your friends were not who I meant.”
“You’re not very attractive when you snarl like that, Mr. Wilder,” Violet said with a sniff before she looked at Eliza. “We should be on our way.”
“No one is going anywhere,” Theodore said, “until I learn exactly who is behind bars with Arabella and Agatha.”
“I demand someone explain what is going on,” Harold said, joining Theodore and looking from Eliza to Violet. “What does it matter who is with Miss Beckett and Miss Watson, unless . . .” Confusion clouded his eyes. “You’re not suggesting that Katherine and Louise are involved in this madness, are you?”
Before Theodore had a chance to reply, his father strode up to them and let out a chuckle. “Of course no one is suggesting our wives are involved, Harold. Why, you and I both know that Louise and Katherine are dining at the Beckett house this evening.”
Theodore watched as Eliza exchanged a horrified glance with Violet before she batted innocent eyes once again, still not speaking a single word.
Ladies were much more trouble than they were worth, and he needed to remember that.
He drew in another deep breath and slowly released it. “Are my mother and siste
r enjoying a lovely dinner at the moment?”
“I’m sure your mother is.”
Theodore felt as if his head were about to explode. “And Katherine?”
“I don’t appreciate your tone, Mr. Wilder.”
“I don’t like that you’re hiding something, Mrs. Beckett.”
Eliza’s eyes spewed sparks as she considered him for a long moment, and then she smiled. “Fine, have it your way.” She turned to Harold, her smile widening. “I do hate to be the one to tell you this, Mr. Gibson, but your wife is not having dinner. She’s in jail.”
Harold began to sputter, abruptly stopping when Eliza stepped closer to him and added, “And just to be clear, the reason Katherine’s in jail? She blackmailed Agatha and Arabella into allowing her to tag along this evening. So if you think you’re going to blame Arabella for your wife’s foray into criminal activity, you’re sadly mistaken.”
Eliza curtsied, took Violet’s arm, sent Theodore a glare that had him moving out of the way, and stalked from the room, her head held high.
12
Arabella hunched her shoulders, hoping to appear as small as possible as she huddled against the cold iron bars of yet another cell.
She chanced a glance at the eight ladies of the night who were lounging on the opposite side of their shared space, and could only thank God this particular cell was not as small as the one she’d been stuck in back in Gilman.
From the angry looks some of the ladies kept sending her way, as well as the looks they were sending Agatha and Katherine, she wasn’t exactly certain a larger cell was going to help them survive the night.
Honestly, she was a bit befuddled by the looks. It certainly wasn’t as if she’d done anything that had caused them to get arrested, and neither had Agatha or Katherine. If anything, the ladies should be grateful they’d been arrested with her in tow. She had more than enough money to see them all released, once someone showed up to bail them out, and—
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