Scent Of Danger (A Sinclair & Raven Novel Book 4)

by Wendy Vella

  “Who?” he said again, this time louder.

  “I have a note.”

  “How fortuitous. Do you care to tell me who it is for?”

  “I’m meant to deliver it into her hands, ’cause it’s important.”

  Cam knew any number of “hers,” especially on this particular street.

  “I shall see she gets it then.”

  The boy’s fringe stood out from his forehead like a platform, suggesting he’d slept facedown in his bed last night.

  “Begging your pardon, but you don’t know who it’s for.”

  “You’re about to tell me that.”

  “Am I?”

  Cam nodded patiently. When the boy showed no signs of giving him what he wanted, he took two coins from his pocket.

  “It’s Miss Tolly.”

  “Excellent, and I shall see Miss Tolly gets the missive you are clutching in your hand.”

  The boy thrust it at him, took the coins, and ran off down the street with that inexhaustible energy children tended to have. His eyes followed the lad until he disappeared.

  Emily has a note. Looking at the crisp white square of paper in his hand, with her name inked in black, he wondered what it said and whom it was from. Turning it over, he found no seal. Could it be from Jackson? She wasn’t exactly inundated with friends or acquaintances, he knew this. Nor had he ever seen her leave the house to visit someone unless it was with Samantha or one of the members of their families. Although that wasn’t exactly true, as he’d seen her alone twice. At The Trumpeter and Mr. Fossett’s lecture.

  The front door to the Raven townhouse opened, and suddenly there she was, looking... rumpled was the only word he could come up with.

  Emily’s hair was tied in a bow at the back, and the tail reached her waist. She wore a coat hastily pulled on and he thought the buttons were not done up correctly, but couldn’t be sure from this distance. Cam couldn’t remember a time when Emily had been rumpled. He found he quite liked the look on her. In her arms was Whiskers, Samantha’s little dog.

  Cam stepped back a few paces, putting himself behind a pillar, and wasn’t entirely sure why.

  “Now, you little fiend, I am lowering you to the patch of grass and you will do what you must, then we will return inside to whence we came.”

  She put action to her words, and the little dog sniffed in circles one way, and then the other.

  “Now, Whiskers, as I have no time for your theatrics. Today will be a trying one for everyone, and I have no wish for you to make matters worse. So get about your business.”

  The dog ignored her and sniffed some more around her feet.

  “I have brought you out here to do your business, but next time I am taking you into the rear garden and leaving you there. I’m not entirely sure why this is the only patch you wish to frequent.”

  The little dog sat and looked up at her, one ear falling forward, the other back.

  “Please, Whiskers, I need to go to my room and prepare for my talk with James and Max.”

  Her voice sounded husky, as if she had been crying a great deal. Cam felt it again, that dull ache in his chest at the thought of her hurting.

  “All right. I will do it, but next time you are on your own!”

  Cam swallowed his snort of laughter as she started to whistle. To his surprise the dog made for the small circle of grass and squatted, and did as he was supposed to.

  “Good boy.”

  Cam heard the yowl of a cat and watched a bristling feline stalk into view at the exact time Whiskers saw it.

  “Whiskers, come here!”

  Of course the creature ignored Emily and eyed the cat, creeping slowly forward.

  “Come here, Whiskers!”

  Disaster struck as the cat ran and the dog followed.

  “Whiskers!” Emily shrieked the dog’s name and then suddenly she was running. “Stop, you little fiend!”

  Cam followed her out the gate, jogging now, as she sprinted across the road before him. The little dog was like a white streak, ears back, body streamlined as he chased the cat, who was now nowhere in sight.

  By the time they reached the park, Emily had her skirts in both hands, and Cam was able to glimpse her slender ankles, clad in thick woolen stockings. He lost her briefly as she ducked behind a bush. Reaching her seconds later, he found her on her belly, half under the bush.

  “It’s freezing, you horrid little beast. Come out here, or I will feed you to a pack of wild dogs,” she muttered, wriggling.

  Her bottom was nicely rounded, legs long and slender. Cam was now the fiend as he stood watching with Emily unaware that he was doing so.

  “Whiskers, come here at once! You are a heathen. I should just leave you out here lost and alone!”

  “Such venom, Emily. Poor little Whiskers, surely he does not deserve such a fate?”

  Her body stilled, half under the bush.

  “May I be of assistance?”

  The body did not move.

  “I can see you, Emily, so unless you are going in further, you really must come out, as it’s brisk, and the ground damp. I suggest you rise at once before you become ill.”

  “Go away.” Her words were muffled.

  “I think not.”

  Cam bent and gripped her trim waist, lifting her out, then placing her back on her feet.

  Her hair now held twigs and leaves, and her coat was covered in damp grass. She was stunning, Cam realized, and needed no embellishment to achieve what many sought. Seeing her standing there with the trees at her back gave him a jolt. Completely natural, with no artifice, she was breathtaking. He wondered again how he had not noticed this about her sooner. Her eyes, however, those were weary and red-rimmed, with dark smudges beneath. She looked like a woman who had slept little, and wept a great deal.

  Can I marry her?

  Running his eyes over her he thought the answer was yes, and not just because she was lovely to look at. No, there was also the matter of her making him feel alive. She challenged him constantly, and also enjoyed astronomy. The Trumpeter was something else they shared. Perhaps they could make a marriage work; the only drawback would be in getting her to agree.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  Emily knew Cam had not been there to witness her disgrace last night, as he’d left the gathering early, but she wondered if the news had reached him this morning.

  “Good morning, Emily.”

  “Good morning, Cambridge.”

  “Cam will do.”

  “You do not like your name?”

  He shrugged, his wide shoulders rising and falling under the material of his black jacket. His complexion was pale out here in the weak morning light, and although he was still ridiculously handsome, she thought he looked not his usual self.

  “I do not know many people with such a name, and I suppose that is a benefit, but it would not have been my choice, were I allowed a say in the matter.”

  “Do all your siblings feel that way?”

  Her life had turned on its head once more, and she was standing here talking to him about his name. She wanted that, wanted to continue to put off what she knew awaited her back inside the Raven townhouse.

  No one had spoken of the matter last night, as she had been too distressed, but Emily knew the reprieve was only a short one. She had been ruined irreparably, and while she did not walk in society, her brother most definitely did, and he was a duke. There would be consequences, she was just not sure as yet what they would be.

  “Most, but we are quite happy with the abbreviations.”

  He gave her a gentle smile, and she searched the Sinclair green eyes, but they gave nothing away.

  “How did your parents come up with those names, if you don’t mind me asking?”

  “I can’t believe you have not asked anyone before.”

  “It was rude to do so.”

  “Lord yes, we would not want you being rude.”

  “Manners are not something to be ashamed of,” Emily snapped.
“You should try using yours occasionally.”

  “I shall give it some thought,” he drawled. “The truth is that we were conceived in those places, and named accordingly. Only Eden was born at home, and our mother believed Oaks Knoll to be the Garden of Eden, hence her name.”

  “Oh... ah, I see. Forgive me for prying.”

  “I am not embarrassed by it, Emily, and you did ask.”

  “Are you unwell?” He really did look it, there was almost a green tinge to his skin now. She did not like to think of him suffering.

  “No, I simply overindulged last night, and am now paying the price.”

  “Then your pain is thoroughly deserved.” Emily wasn’t sure why, but the thought of him enjoying himself while she was being compromised by Mr. Jackson annoyed her immensely.

  Had he stayed at the ball, perhaps it would not have happened.

  No, there was nothing even Cam could have done about what occurred. Had Mr. Jackson not forced himself upon her then, there would certainly have been another time when he did so.

  “That’s extremely heartless of you.” He looked down. “Your little fiend has returned.”

  Emily found Whiskers sitting on her feet.

  “You horrid little beast!”

  “Surely not. Look, he is quite obedient. His business is done, and now he is ready to go home.”

  “He is a naughty boy.”

  Emily scooped up the dog and held him close. His little body quivered from the exercise, and he licked her hand. She patted his head. No one could stay angry with Whiskers for long, except maybe James.

  “Well I must get back then.”

  “I know about last night, Emily.”

  Her heart missed a beat. “I have no wish to discuss this with you.” Turning away, she started walking back to the house.

  “Jackson will be dealt with.”

  “I want no retribution. It is done, and there is nothing that can change that.”

  “I spoke with your brothers.”

  Emily didn’t know how to answer that, so she kept silent.

  “They are deciding what the best course of action is, but we shall discuss that further when we return to the house.”

  “We shall not discuss anything. This is not your problem, Cam, it is mine.”

  “We are all involved, that is how families work. But for now let’s leave it until you speak with your brothers. I have a letter for you. I intercepted it just moments before Whiskers make his escape.”

  “From whom?”

  “A young lad who was lurking around the front door, he was tasked with putting it in your hands, so I offered to do so.”

  Emily looked at the note he held with dread. She never got letters, or correspondence from anyone. Who would have sent her that? Surely not Mr. Jackson?

  “Shall I open it for you?”

  “No thank you.” She took it, and pushed it into the pocket of her coat. “I am perfectly capable of doing so.”

  “You do not wish to read it now?”

  “No.”

  “Yes.”

  “Pardon?” She looked up at him. His hair was messy, eyes squinty, almost as if the dull light hurt them.

  “Emily, you do not know many people in London, so chances are that note is from Jackson. I want to know if it is.”

  “I will tell James or Max if that is the case.”

  He wasn’t happy with that, but said nothing further. Instead, taking Whiskers from her, he then took her arm, and soon they were walking silently back to the house.

  James was waiting for her as she entered.

  “There appears to be a duke lurking in the front entrance, Emily,” Cam said to alleviate the tension that was thick in the air.

  “Come to my study please, Emily. You too, Cam.”

  “But James, why is Cam required?” Emily said as she took off her coat.

  “All will be explained shortly.”

  “Very well. I shall change first.”

  “It is only family, and while I am curious as to why you have half the park on you, that can wait. Come along now.”

  Devon, Eden, and Max awaited her inside the room, which surprised her further.

  “Hello, darling.” Eden came forward and gave her a hug. It was like all of Eden’s hugs, all-encompassing. “Come and sit now, and we shall discuss this horrid business.”

  She did, sitting beside her sister-in-law and Dev, who gave her a gentle smile.

  “I’m sorry, Em. Sorry that bastard hurt you.”

  “Thank you for your support,” she said, swallowing down the tears.

  “Before you tell us what happened, Em, I want you to know that in no way are you to blame for Jackson’s actions. The blame for last night lay solely with him,” Max said.

  He sat on the edge of James’s desk. Big and intimidating, and yet they all knew now he was anything but with the people he included in his circle. It humbled Emily that she was one of them.

  “It’s my belief Jackson took the actions he did because he wanted to infiltrate himself into this family, and I’m sorry he used you to do so. What he failed to understand, however, is that we love you, and will protect you no matter what it takes.”

  “He told me that due to my birth, you would be pleased to be rid of me.” She looked from Max to James.

  “He was wrong. Now, do you feel able to talk about it, Emily?”

  She nodded at James’s words, then looked around her.

  “Whatever is spoken in here will go no further, Emily. But in order for us to best handle the situation the Sinclairs will need to be involved. They will hear, and as family, I would rather they heard the truth.”

  “Of course.” Emily understood James’s words, even if she felt ashamed of what she was to say. “But you know most of it now anyway.”

  “We do, but I would like you to repeat it once more,” Max said.

  “Mr. Jackson found me walking along a hallway. He said he’d accompany me back to where you were. He opened a door and forced me inside, his reason being that he wanted to discuss his interest in me. He then offered for me. I declined. When I said I did not return his interest he began to behave inappropriately, and when I told him to stop, he refused... he was persistent, and then became forceful. He tried… to….” She couldn’t say the words, not in front of everyone. “I tried to stop him, but he did not do so until those people arrived. He then accused me of luring him there, and stated he would marry me to save my reputation. You know the rest.” Her brothers looked thunderous.

  “Bastard!” Cam hissed.

  She looked at him standing behind James. His face was clenched in anger, body stiff.

  “His words were the truth in part.”

  “Pardon?” James said.

  “I am the bastard daughter of a duke, and nothing will change that. I will always be subjected to such behavior, it is the way of things.”

  “Have there been many who insulted you?” James demanded.

  “A few, but I have not spent a great deal of time socializing and so have not encountered many people.”

  “Why did you not say something? Have visitors here insulted you?”

  “James, please, this is not your fault. It did not happen often, and never when you or one of the family were close, even Max, as he is accepted because of his power.”

  “I’m sorry, I should have known.”

  “How? I did not tell you?”

  “Still—”

  “Still nothing. I am strong enough to cope with a few words, James.”

  His smile was small. “Yes, you are.”

  “Jackson is telling all who will listen that even though you seduced him, he is willing to marry you,” Max said. “This I know as Edward called just minutes before I left the house, and told me what he had heard. I’m sorry, Emily.”

  “News travels fast in London,” she said.

  “James thinks that marriage—”

  “I will not marry him!”

  “I would never make you do a
s you do not wish, Emily. I hope you know that. I would also never agree to a match between you and that reptile Jackson. But should you find someone you respect and care for, then—”

  “Thank you, James, but my decision is made. I will never marry.”

  “There is another suitor to consider who you may find favor with,” Cam said, entering the conversation.

  “Who?” She looked at him.

  “Me.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  The silence in the room was deafening. No one moved, or it seemed, breathed.

  “I—pardon?”

  “Marry me.” Cam had come around to the idea of marriage to Emily now, and believed it would benefit them both. It was not something he’d planned, and definitely not with a prickly person like her, but at least they knew each other, and he would not be expected to put up with awkward and demanding in-laws, as he already knew them... especially the awkward ones. He would not need to court anyone, or play the pretty with her parents and friends. It was the best course and they would rub along he was sure. There was also the matter of finding himself thinking about her more and more... especially kissing those soft lips.

  “Have you gone mad?” Emily looked at him like he had an eye in the middle of his forehead and a set of pointy fangs. “We do not even like each other, why would we marry?”

  “My thoughts exactly,” Dev said in a terse tone. “And I would have appreciated a little forewarning. I swear my heart just stopped.”

  “You told us you were going to speak with Dev,” Max accused him.

  “I got waylaid,” Cam kept his eyes on Emily.

  “I like the idea,” Eden added.

  “Me too,” Max agreed.

  “No!” Emily got to her feet, eyes wide with horror. “Is this some kind of game to you?”

  She delivered the words to Cam while backing toward the door. He followed, determined to get her to see reason. Behind him, the others were, for once, staying silent.

  “No game. I have to marry at some stage, and it may as well be to you, a bloody Raven. After all, it seems I’m destined to wed one of you, and I’d rather not wait for another one to do something reckless and need saving.”