Conduct Unbecoming of a Gentleman

by Woodson, Wareeze

  A short while later as she entered the library, excitement had her nerves at fevered pitch. Laurel gazed around picturing Robert behind his desk but the image faded quickly. Unpleasant memories overlaid the cherished memories of first love. For a brief second, she wished things could have been different but she had no time to linger over what might have been. She shook loose from those imagining, searching her memory for the location of the safe. Robert had insisted she say the numbers to the combination several times, as if she could ever forget his birthday.

  Laurel glanced at the shelves lining three walls all loaded with a staggering number of leather bound tomes and wished he’d made her recite the exact location of the safe instead. At least the remaining dark paneled wall contained a huge window where light filtered into the room. A quill and ink pot graced the top of the wide desk stationed in front of the opening. A couple of brown, leather chairs with a table between stood in front of a row of shelves. She decided to start there. Kneeling down, she reached all the way to the back of first shelf then another until she had almost completed the circuit. Her first elation began to fade. So far she’d been unable to locate the safe.

  An eerie sensation of being watched had her head snapping around and she nearly jumped a foot at the sight of the faded looking little old lady standing behind her. How had the woman managed to enter and cross the room without making a sound?

  “Oh dear, I never meant to startle you but the library is off limits to all but the family. I’m Essie Calhermin, Lady Rhonda’s cousin so I’m allowed. I came as chaperon to Lady Rhonda when her sister-in-law decided to desert her.” She shrugged and peered at Laurel for a long moment. “You’re a pretty little thing. Lady Rhonda won’t care for that. Still, she isn’t here.”

  Laurel grimaced. She got off her knees and straightened her skirt. “I’m Lady Laurel Laningham.”

  Essie gasped, “Oh dear. You’re my sweet Robbie’s wife. I should have known except Rhonda told me you had unremarkable, pale hair and eyes. Indeed, she led me astray.”

  Laurel smiled at Essie. “Am I to understand you were related to my husband?”

  “Indeed.”

  “How delightful to meet you then.”

  “And you,” Essie gushed. “You’re a sweet thing and so pretty. Did I mention that? Robert’s wife,” she sighed and continued to stare.

  “If you would care to join me, I’ll order tea to be served.”

  “Delighted to, my child. I knew my precious Robbie would have married a sweet girl. He was so sweet himself, so kind. I was here quite a lot when they were little.”

  Laurel pulled the bell cord and waited for a maid to appear. “See that tea is prepared and served in the main drawing room.” She led the way and sank into a chair.

  The tea tray arrived and Laurel sighed with relief, glad of the interruption from the endless chatter Essie spouted. Laurel busied herself pouring tea and passed a cup to Essie before settling back into her chair. “Are you comfortable at Landings?”

  “Yes indeed. Lord Gladrey was here earlier, always so thoughtful and he saw to everything. He only left this morning. I say he’s a fine gentleman, so handsome and absolutely charming.”

  Laurel’s lips curled in a strained smile. Charming wasn’t exactly the way she’d describe him. Overwhelming was a more accurate description of not only his looks but of his personality.

  “Rhonda is sweet on him, you know,” Essie piped up.

  Somewhat taken aback, Laurel wasn’t sure what to say, but she needn’t have bothered.

  Essie continued to rattle on. “I don’t hold with this cousin marrying nonsense though, so it’s just as well.”

  Laurel didn’t care to hear any more about Rhonda’s fixation on Adron and standing, she placed her cup on the tray. “It’s been a pleasure to meet you but if you’ll excuse me, I only arrived a short while ago. I’ve been away so long I really have dozens of things calling for my attention.” Laurel smiled. “I’ll see you at dinner,” she said and whisked out of the room.

  She thought to try the library again only this time she would lock the door before she began her search. Stepping into the hallway, she spied Percy again and frowned as a surge of annoyance washed over her.

  “May I help you with something, Milady?”

  Laurel wanted to make a nasty comment, but she didn’t. “No. That won’t be necessary.”

  The tips of his ears turned red and his eyes narrowed to slits. A sensation of unease tingled down her spine and the feeling came from more than his usual attitude of dislike. In that threatening stance, he reminded her of the thief. Putting up a brave front, she lifted her chin. “Do you require something more, Mr. Dimty?”

  He hesitated, his stare level and intent. “No, Milady.”

  “Then you may be about your business,” she said in a firm voice, and gave him stare for stare before he wheeled and continued down the hall.

  Laurel made her way into the library and with a sigh of relief turned the key. Free from prying eyes and extremely soft-footed old ladies, she could continue to search for the safe. She’d tried the bottom shelves earlier so she would try the middle ones next. About half way down the row, a section of books seemed melded together and at one go she pulled out three volumes, comprising the entire collection of poems bound in red leather. The safe had been hidden behind the books. Drawing a deep breath, she tried the combination.

  Laurel didn’t know what she expected to find, but the safe was relatively empty. Only a journal and a few hundred pounds in cash were inside. She flipped the book open, glancing at several pages. Robert’s childish writings became firm and better formed as he matured. Why had the journal been locked in his safe? She left the cash for now, but removed the book, settled in one of the chairs and began to read.

  Laurel thumbed through the first pages of the book filled with childish adventures and dreams for the future. His dog had died and he had been distraught for several pages. She could almost feel his pain through his writing and finally paused at a passage she found particularly interesting:

  Today the Dimty family came for a visit. His father and mine attended school together and became fast friends. Now I attend school with his son, Percy but he is a year older than me so he is in a more advanced line of study. He has a way of making me feel inferior whether on purpose or not is anyone’s guess. Thankfully his family didn’t bring his cousin with them this time, the sneaky, two-faced little rodent. Although it would earn me a thrashing, I’d like to knock his block off. If only he’d give me a good excuse, I would. Both he and his cousin are always snippy with Rhonda and she doesn’t like that one little bit. My tutor excuses their behavior and says boys will be boys.

  Laurel sighed wondering why Robert had stowed the book of his childish ramblings in the safe, but she continued to read. Obviously, he had been older when he’d written the next several pages. This recounting of his life put her to the blush. If all young men learned about bits of muslin and high flyers in such a manner, no wonder men had little respect for women in general. She sat up straighter as she read the next page.

  Something has happened to Rhonda. I don’t know what and she won’t tell me anything. She cries a lot. I don’t like it. She’s my sister and I’ll always take care of her. She knows that. She can depend on Adron as well.

  Slightly irritated at the mention of her dear sister-in-law’s name, Laurel snapped the book shut deciding to retrieve Robert’s letters from the attic while the day still offered some light. Laurel could read both the journal and his letters in the privacy of her own chamber at a more opportune moment. She gathered the volume beneath her arm and headed up the stairs to her chamber.

  Cramming the journal in her wardrobe beneath the loose bottom, she washed her face and hands before heading up to the attic. She only hoped Robert’s writings would prove more valuable than the inf
ormation contained in his journal thus far. As she approached the threshold of the attic, she hesitated. Perhaps she should read the journal entirely before venturing further. Still she was here and dressed for the part.

  Shoving the door inward, the screeching sound of the little used hinges scraped on her nerves as the musty smell of disuse hit her. Laurel held her candle aloft and glanced inside at the pieces of furniture draped in ghostly covers. She brushed several cobwebs aside before stepping into the attic where abandoned household items added eerie shapes to the gloom. At the far end of the room, the sun cast dim rays through a dirty windowpane and she greeted the fleeting light with thanks. Although evening threatened to steal the last of the sunrays, the notion that nothing dangerous would happen during the daylight hours comforted her. After all, nightmares only happened during the night.

  Inhaling a deep breath to calm her nerves, she searched the attic and finally spied her trunk underneath a portrait of a long deceased Laningham. As she lifted the painting away, she noticed a small crack in the wall. Rubbing her hand down the seam in the wood, she bit back a scream as a small door swung open. Lifting her candle to peer inside, she exhaled a pent up breath. Nothing more dangerous than dust and cobwebs greeted her intrusion into the priest’s hole, but upon further inspection, she noticed a lone box on a shelf, enough to lure her inside. She picked up the box, wondering at the small amount of accumulated dust on the surface and opened the lid. Much to her surprise, several pieces of jewelry glittered in the flare of the candle.

  The hair on the back of her neck stood up and her pulse quickened as her courage deserted her. What did this mean? Were these the actual jewels that had been duplicated or were these stones paste as well? A sense of danger quickened her breathing and she realized how foolish she had been to leave her pistol downstairs in her reticule. She snapped the case shut, peering around before stepping back.

  Laurel placed the case of jewels on the floor, shut the priest’s hole behind her and propped the portrait against the wall again. Since she was already in the attic, she might as well collect Robert’s letters to read later. She couldn’t wait to desert this dim place filled with cobwebs and mysteries. Leaning over the trunk, she raised the lid.

  A sudden draft whisked through the room rattling the windowpane and the flame on her candle wavered. Quickly, she glanced around, but before she could turn completely, she was suddenly thrust forward into the trunk as intense pain radiated from the back of her skull. Her brain had barely a moment to register that she’d been struck before everything went dark.

  Adron rode at a fast clip anxious to reach Landings again. He’d been fit to be tied when he arrived at Kendlewood only to discover that he’d missed Laurel by a few hours. Reportedly, she had traveled to Landings but for what purpose he had yet to uncover.

  His frustration mounted as he traveled. All he wanted was to protect her, to care for her, to have everything between them settled once and for all. Why couldn’t she forgive him instead of holding his every harsh word and ill-conceived action against him?

  With a bitter taste in his mouth, he admitted she did have reason to distrust him. He had acted the scoundrel toward her one too many times. Lifting his chin for a moment, he lowered it again. Actually, there was no excuse for him and he uttered a profanity.

  He’d always viewed women with a healthy dose of cynicism starting with his mother and her offer of only her powdered cheek for his kiss, to Genevieve whom he wanted to marry before she’d betrayed him. All the women vying for a position at his side simply because of his wealth and position had set the seal on his disdain. What a self-opinionated dolt he’d become.

  Until recently, only his female relatives, excluding his mother, had escaped his censure and measured up to his standards. Much to his chagrin Laurel had been classified as flawed until a matter of a few weeks ago. She was his family now or she would be as soon as he could persuade her to forgive him and stop acting as skittish as an unbroken colt every time he approached. His lips thinned. He had driven her away with his absurd notions of what a lady should be, but she was more than a mere lady. Laurel was a woman, warm, gentle, and compassionate. His woman, all he ever wanted, if only he could persuade her to trust him. Tonight he would make another push to convince her that he would hold his temper and never desert her again. He needed her.

  Adron dismounted and strode toward the house at Landings. A few paces from the door, he heard a screech and pounding footsteps followed by a scream. He bolted into the house and up the stairs where he encountered a maid wringing her hands. “What’s amiss?”

  Essie poked her nose out of the parlor with Percy behind her as the butler and a couple of footmen came tearing from the back of the house. Everyone stared at the maid.

  Her hands were trembling. “I was putting some linens in the closet in the back hall and I heard someone in the attics. Lady Laningham has been searching the house all day so I thought to give her a hand. I opened the door and a man wearing a mask was standing over her. She was limp on the floor like she was dead.” The maid covered her mouth and spoke between her fingers, “He come flying at me so I ran. And I screamed.”

  Adron took the stairs two at a time and drew his pistol before he shoved into the attic. At the sight of Laurel crumpled on the floor, his heart seemed to flip over before racing until he thought he would choke. Glancing around, he rushed over to kneel at her side. Adron stroked her hair away from her face. When he touched her, she moaned and seconds later opened her eyes.

  “My head hurts.”

  “Laurel. Thank God. What are you trying to do to me?” He lifted her into a sitting position with one arm and examined her scalp only to discover a lump trickling blood onto his hand. Someone had attached her and rage boiled inside him. He managed to force it down. “Someone knocked you on the head. Let’s get you downstairs into bed.”

  He gathered her in his arms and placed a kiss on top of her head. “You frightened me half to death. I couldn’t bear to lose you.”

  Carrying her gingerly down the stairs, he placed her on her bed. “I’ll send one of the maids to assist you into bed. Then I want to know exactly what happened.”

  After the servant helped her settle, Adron stalked into her chamber leaving the door ajar and pulled up a chair. He forced his temper down. “What are you doing here? I thought I made it clear this is no place for you at present.”

  Laurel leaned up on one elbow. She caught her breath on a half laugh and half gasp of pain. “That hurts.” She sank back onto the pillow. “I apologize, Adron. I thought you would be here to protect me else I wouldn’t have come.” Laurel stopped to catch her breath. “I couldn’t stand not knowing if Percy’s uncle is the thief.”

  He stared at her hard and let out a long sigh. “Why were you in the attic? What were you looking for?”

  Carefully easing up, she leaned her head against the headboard. Her eyes sparkled with strong emotion. “Evidence. I thought perhaps Robert’s letters might hold at least a suggestion about this mystery. I found his journal in the hidden safe in the library.” She lowered her voice to barely above a whisper. “Adron, you’ll never guess what I found. There’s a priest’s hole in the attic and there’s a leather case with the stolen jewelry inside.”

  “What?” he thundered.

  “Not so loud. We don’t want anyone to know I discovered the box. I’m afraid I left the case in the attic behind my trunk.”

  He scowled. “Someone already knows.”

  “I don’t think so. A draft nearly blew my candle out only moments before I was struck. I’d already removed the gems, closed the priest’s hole and leaned the portrait back against the wall. I reached for Robert’s letters when the intruder knocked me on the head.”

  “I want you to rest now.” He stood and looked down at her. “From this moment on a footman will be posted outside your door.”

&nb
sp; Adron headed to the door, called to a servant in the hall and relayed his orders, but before he could leave, Laurel call to him.

  “Adron, are you going to retrieve the jewelry now?” Her fingers gripped the edge of the spread.

  “Let me worry about it.”

  “Very well,” she huffed. “After my head stops aching, I want to read the rest of Robert’s journal anyway. There might be a hint of something there else why did he leave that particular book in the safe?”

  Adron’s head snapped up. “What journal?”

  “I hid it underneath the loose bottom of the wardrobe. So far, I discovered Robert and Percy were at school together. He mentions Percy’s cousin too but I don’t have a name.”

  Striding across the room, he retrieved the journal, examining the cover before placing the book on a table. “Now try to get a little rest. I’ll be right here so it’s safe to go to sleep.”

  Her smile trembled but she settled down. Pulling the covers over her shoulders, he quietly slipped out of the room with a candle in one hand and headed for the attic. He plucked the case from behind the trunk and quickly descended the stairs to slip back inside her chamber. Adron inspected the jewelry whistling softly at the array of gems. Finally coming to his senses, he sighed and closed the box. He retrieved the journal and began to read finding the several pages of Robert’s exploits as a young man about town highly entertaining. The mention of Rhonda’s distress caused him to clench his teeth but Laurel murmured in her sleep distracting him. He laid the book aside to gently brush her hair off her forehead. Satisfied with the coolness of her skin, he resumed his reading. Suddenly his hand stilled on the page.

  It’s a rotten shame that Edmond Sinclair, Percy’s cousin the sneaky little worm, is now Adron’s secretary. I can’t believe it. And worse yet, through Adron he is now privy to the information concerning my estate and I hate that. Possibly I should have mentioned my doubts to Adron at the time but he had much on his plate what with the war effort and his family. Perhaps Edmond has changed. I pray it is so.