“Well, it’s obvious had the hand been from Geoffrey Chambers you would have readily accepted his advances.” His curt and wounded voice replied.
He had jumped to an unwarranted assumption. “Don’t be hurt, Robert. I implore you. I have my reasons.”
“And what could those be?” Robert narrowed his eyes.
She wanted to blurt out the truth. “You could be my half brother.” Each fiber of her being wanted to declare it, but the doubt still raged through her heart. Even though events pointed to the truth, a part of her still wanted to disprove it all. Even so, she had already confirmed many statements in the letter. Fate had brought her face-to-face with the Holland family straightaway, when she had not even started her search.
Nevertheless, so much remained unread in the pages of the diary. Jolene shifted uncomfortably in her chair as she silently mused about what to do next. The movement caused it to slip off her lap onto the floor, face down, opened between two pages. Frozen in horror, her mouth gaped open. Robert quickly came to the rescue. He bent down and picked up the book keeping it open.
“Robert,” she called his attention away from the content. “Please give it to me.” Her voice demanded his immediate action, but he didn’t answer. Instead, he held the diary away from her reach and began reading a portion. Jolene thought she would faint when Robert’s face abruptly twisted in anger.
“What is this?” He glared at her and then glowered at the diary. “It has the name of Jacquelyn Holland written in here.”
In an attempt to halt further exposure, she reached across the table and grabbed the corner of the diary. “Give it to me.” She scrunched her lips together crossly. “It’s my property.”
Robert retained a strong grip preventing her from retrieving her secrets. His eyes looked back at the words, and she could tell he read a few more lines.
“What the bloody hell is this?” His brow furrowed causing his blue eyes to turn into dark slits of rage.
“Robert, I said give it to me!” She raised her voice so loudly that she caught the attention of the entire café. He scowled.
“How did you come into possession of this? What are you, a busybody reading gossip about my family?”
Jolene trembled. He would not return the book. She needed the book. Once he continued to read, he could refuse to return it into her hand. Like a cornered animal, frightened and defensive over her territory, she inhaled a breath and spewed out the reason.
“My first name is Angelique not...not Jolene.” Her voice sputtered. “I believe that you may be my half brother.”
Robert’s body jerked in his chair. He dropped the book on the tabletop as if it were on fire. Jolene took the opportunity to snatch it from him. Flipping it shut, she shoved it back on her lap and out of reach. When her gaze returned to Robert, a sudden rush of fear struck her heart.
All of a sudden, his hand flew across the table and clutched hers resting by the coffee cup. Angrily, he squeezed her palm until it hurt. “Is this some kind of fucking joke?” His jaw clenched.
His choice of words startled Jolene for she had not expected him to swear at her in such a vulgar manner. Robert continued to channel his anger to her crushed hand between his fingers. She winced in pain. Perhaps too quickly she had opened the door to her identity, and it had been a terrible mistake. Regrettably, she could do nothing about it now.
“Not so tight, Robert,” she said in a low voice. “You are hurting me.” Her eyes watered. Finally, he released his grip. Jolene brought her hands together rubbing her hurting palm. “I have reason to believe because of what is written in this book that I am indeed your half sister that was kidnapped by Jacquelyn Holland.”
There she had said it. Her trip to search out the truth probably would end explosively in a London café. Surely, all of her plans to take time and pursue answers had come to a ruinous end.
“Robert,” she pleaded. “I need you to help me to find the truth. Please don’t be angry with me.” He stared blankly at her, keeping his lips compressed in a straight line. She could not discern whether he believed her or not. Perhaps he thought that she was a charlatan, too, who had come into his life for some ulterior motive of gain. His next movement caught her totally off guard.
Robert threw down his napkin, shoved his chair back, and rose hastily to his feet. “I can’t handle this right now,” he said. He dismissed their meeting without further comment. Then he turned on his heel and stomped toward the door.
Jolene panicked. The thought of him returning and telling his father and mother of their meeting would ruin everything. It was not time for them to know, or he would destroy all of her plans. In desperation, she jumped to her feet and lurched after him. Like a mad woman, she snatched the arm of his coat and pulled him to a halt. It did not matter who witnessed the slight altercation.
“Robert, please, I beg of you, speak nothing of this to your father and mother. Not until I am sure.”
He glowered at her. “You have doubts of your identity, yet you see fit to speak of it to me? What kind of woman are you?” He eyed her with such contempt that it brought tears to her eyes.
“I’m sorry, forgive me,” she pleaded. “You have every right to be angry with me.” Her plea did nothing to prevent his hasty departure. Robert stormed through the door and disappeared out of sight.
Defeated in heart, Jolene returned to the table and retrieved the diary and her purse. After paying the bill, she noted out the window that the Whitefield’s driver had returned and was waiting for her at the curb.
As she exited the café and walked toward the motorcar in dismay, she felt a strong hand grab her by the shoulder halting her steps. She spun around to see who manhandled her with such force.
“I forgot to pay for my tea.” Robert said. With an apologetic face, he held out a sovereign in the palm of his hand.
Jolene sighed in relief. “No matter,” she replied. “The tea was on me.” She looked anxiously at him waiting for him to say something, anything, to tell her he would listen to her story.
“All right, I admit it,” he began. He looked at her warily. “You have my attention. I want to know what is in your book of history, as you call it.”
Jolene could not help but smile. “I’m happy to share it with you, Robert, but you must promise not to tell anyone else.”
He nodded agreeably. “I can do that,” he said. “Besides, if I told mother, she would no doubt have a heart attack. I do not want to be responsible for her death,” he said. A lighthearted grin returned to his face.
Jolene slipped her hand into her purse and retrieved the letter. She held it tightly between her index finger and thumb. Slightly fearful of what she was about to do, she offered it to Robert anyway.
“Take this and read it. It arrived at my home shortly before the death of my stepfather. Let me know what you think. But no one else must read its words,” she strongly emphasized.
Robert took the letter and flipped it back and forth. “Posted from London?” He examined the stamp and address.
Jolene shook her head.
“All right, then, it’s safe with me.” He placed the letter into his inside coat pocket.
“I need your help.” Jolene took a step closer in desperation.
Robert glanced at his pocket watch. “I can do nothing further right now. My parents are waiting for me as we speak. May I call upon you at the Whitefield’s at noon tomorrow? Perhaps we can get away for a private lunch.”
“Yes, that would be fine.” She let the enthusiasm in her voice express the urge she felt to hug him, but she refrained from the display of affection.
“I see the Whitefield’s driver is waiting for you,” he said.
“Yes, I should be going.” He looked at her curiously as if he were seeing her in a different light.
“I know it must be hard for you to trust me, but it is hard for me to trust as well.” Jolene lowered her eyes ashamed of her own emotions. “I’m afraid, Robert, very afraid that the person I thought I
was does not exist.” Could he possibly understand her fears?
“We’ll talk more of it tomorrow.” His voice was kind as he tipped his hat in farewell.
“Goodbye,” she replied. Her voice trembled. The driver opened the door. “Would you like to return to the Whitefield residence?”
“Yes, please.”
Emotionally exhausted over what had transpired, she clung to the diary during the trip back. The turn of events had altered the course of her search. Hopefully, Robert would keep their confidence. He could ruin everything, but a peaceful calm told her that he would not betray her. She sighed, thinking about the remainder of the day. Her only plans for the next few hours would be to lock herself in her room and do nothing but read.
Chapter 11
Thwarted Plans
The car pulled down The Boltons, and as they approached, she noticed another motorcar parked in front of the home. Apparently, they had become quite the desired mode of transportation for those who could afford such luxury machines. Jolene had to admit, she did enjoy the ride compared to the bumpy transport of a hansom cab.
After parking, the driver turned off the car and came around to open her door.
“Thank you for the transportation today,” she said.
“My pleasure,” he replied tipping his hat. “Feel free to tell Branson should you need further conveyance about London in the future.”
The door to the Whitefield residence swung open, and Branson greeted her arrival. “I see you have returned.”
“Yes, and I will be retiring to my room for a few hours,” she announced. Jolene walked past him with the intention of climbing the stairs to the second floor.
“I’m afraid that will have to wait, your ladyship. A young man has called and desires to see you. He’s waiting in the parlor.”
“What young man?” Jolene thought Robert had second thoughts and wanted to talk to her sooner.
“Mr. Chambers.”
“Oh.” Jolene was shocked over the announcement. “Well, tell him that I will join him in a few minutes. I must return an item to my room and quickly change.”
“Very well,” he said. He nodded and headed toward the parlor.
Jolene hastened up the stairs a bit miffed that Geoffrey had intruded upon her plans. On the other hand, his arrival had come at a time when a diversion might be helpful.
Upon entering her room, she stopped and tried to decide where to hide her so-called history book. Walking over to the armoire, she opened the double doors and saw a shelf just above her head. It would be a safe place, but she needed to wrap it in something to keep it hidden.
Her eyes wandered over to her bath chamber remembering the numerous towels. Finding a small hand towel, she wrapped the diary and shoved it on the top shelf toward the back, out of sight but not out of reach.
After removing her hat and the jacket to her walking dress, she straightened her white blouse. A quick check in the vanity mirror told her she needed to powder her shiny nose and rearrange a few loose strands of hair. When Jolene felt her appearance looked acceptable, she headed for the parlor.
When she entered, the diary and meeting with Robert swiftly faded the moment Geoffrey’s eyes met hers. She felt his magnetic presence ten feet away. The man was insufferably handsome with his dark-brown hair, tall and imposing stature, and a voice that could melt the winter snow.
“I wasn’t expecting you,” she said, taking a few cautious steps toward him.
“Pardon my unplanned visit, Lady von Lamberg, but I was driving by and thought I’d take the opportunity to speak with you about my offer to show you about London.”
He took a giant stride toward her until he was a few feet away. The cologne he wore mingled with the scent of her own perfume threatening to make her sneeze.
“Yes, the tour,” she said, stepping aside and walking toward a chair. “Why don’t you take a seat, and we can talk about it.” Jolene needed distance from his appeal that unnerved her female senses. She chose a single chair and sat down. Geoffrey dismissed her efforts to put distance between them and pulled a chair closer, settling straight in her view.
Another character note, she thought to herself. Geoffrey Chambers is forward.
Looking confident and comfortable, Geoffrey leaned back, placed his elbows on the armrests, and clasped his two hands together. “Now, what would the beautiful and charming young lady like to see in London? Your wish is my command.”
In Jolene’s mind, only one word described her desires—all. However, she remembered Grace’s proposal that maybe she and Robert should join them. It suddenly made perfect sense, because she admitted her weakness to Geoffrey’s charm.
“I would love to see everything,” she replied, sounding like an overzealous tourist. “Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, St. Paul’s, every museum in the city, and whatever else you suggest.”
“Well, you cannot leave London without a visit to Hampton Court and Windsor Castle. Those are absolutes for any tour.” Geoffrey added like a staunch history teacher.
“But are they not some distance away?”
“Hampton Court is ten miles down the Thames River, and the Castle about fourteen miles beyond that. I would suggest an overnight stay since it would be over a forty-mile trip in one day.”
Jolene considered his motives. Did he just advocate that she go away with him on an extended trip? Could he be that presumptuous to think she would agree? For a brief moment, she wanted to slap his confident face. He must have witnessed the fury in her eyes, because he quickly clarified his suggestion.
“Oh, by no means am I suggesting that you risk your reputation by spending the night with me. That was not my intent.”
“Then what was your intent?” She coolly replied keeping her gazed fixed and watching him squirm in his chair.
“My parents’ manor estate is not far from Windsor. I’m sure they would not mind if you would be their guest for the evening.”
The idea sounded appealing but still left much to be desired. “Then who would chaperon, if I am with you at your country manor and your parents are here in London? I don’t understand the arrangement.”
“The season will practically be over in June anyway, and they will be returning home.” His voice sounded apologetic as if he were trying to redeem himself in her eyes.
“My plans are to visit Paris in June. I don’t think it would be possible.” As much as she wanted to see Windsor Castle, an important task lay ahead of her in Paris. She needed to find Philippe Moreau. Without any clue where to look, it would take time. A private investigator might need to be hired.
“I won’t deny I will be disappointed if you leave so soon, but I am more than happy to show you what I can during your stay.”
His demeanor shifted to a more courteous approach. Perhaps he realized he had nearly jeopardized his charming impact upon her heart.
“It is such a beautiful day that it is a shame I cannot drive you to Kensington Palace this afternoon. It’s only a few miles from here.” He dangled another tempting carrot.
She observed another character note. The man is indomitable.
“Grace mentioned that she would love to join us, along with Lord Holland, for the sake of appearances. Lord and Lady Whitefield thought it would be a wise thing to do. After all, I am a stranger to London. It might appear inappropriate for me to be seen alone with you, gallivanting about the city.” Jolene fully recognized she needed protection from herself and not necessarily Mr. Chambers.
His facial expression soured over the suggestion, and he began tapping his right forefinger on the armrest. “I should let you know that my cousin possesses ulterior motives,” he began. “He is ambitiously trying to pursue you romantically.”
Jolene smirked and shook her head over his attempt to warn her about his cousin. Geoffrey appeared self-righteous as he sat there waiting for her response. “It appears to me that you are as well, Mr. Chambers,” she countered quickly. “Besides, Lord Ho
lland and I have already come to an agreement regarding the terms of our relationship.”
“Oh, really?” he replied. He leaned forward in his seat indicating his interest.
“Yes really. I’m capable of handling my own affairs when it comes to the male race.” With her own confident air, she raised an eyebrow at him to put him in his place. He was about to respond when Grace unexpectedly entered the parlor.
“Geoffrey Chambers,” she spoke with surprise. She moseyed over and stood in front of him blocking his view of Jolene. “What may I ask are you doing here?”
Jolene tilted her head to the right around Grace’s body to see his expression. He rose to his feet in greeting but cast an annoyed glance. “My impromptu visit is in regard to offering her ladyship a proper tour of London.” Mr. Chambers sidestepped Grace to regain his view of Jolene.
“Oh, yes,” she said. “The tour.” Grace slipped to the left, found a nearby chair and sat down. She flashed a glance at Jolene as if she had rescued her from the worst villain in all of London. Geoffrey retreated and sat too.
“I already told Mr. Chambers that you had offered to accompany us with Lord Holland.” Since Robert had mentioned nothing earlier, she inquired. “Have you asked him yet?”
“I have not, but I intend to send a note of invitation this afternoon.”
“No need to do that, Grace. I have a luncheon date with Lord Holland tomorrow, at which time I will invite him to come with us.” After making her announcement, she intended it to generate a comment from Mr. Chambers. To her surprise, Grace spoke up instead.
“Why are you having lunch with Robert?” Her voice sounded curt and offended.
Her show of jealousy betrayed her romantic interest. Mr. Chambers quickly recognized her sentiments and explained.
“Don’t worry, Grace. The komtesse has advised me that they have already come to an agreement about their relationship.”
“Mr. Chambers.” Jolene scolded him. Clearly, he made the comment to tease Grace. “Our agreement is strictly platonic. Pay no attention to Mr. Chambers’ inference otherwise.” The tense facial expression on Grace’s face waned, and a slight grin replaced her worry.
The Price of Love Page 11
