He made a low sound of protest when she ended the kiss.
‘Oh!’ she murmured, blushing. ‘Pray do not think ill of me – I-I had to kiss you again.’
‘I could never think ill of you,’ whispered Hal. ‘What must you think of me for taking advantage of you at a time such as this? Forgive me.’
Isabella shook her head. ‘There is nothing to forgive, Hal.’
His gaze ran over her and he smiled. ‘That is the first time you have called me by my name and it thrills me to hear you say it. I thought I might have offended you with that kiss, Isabella, but it was truly not something I intended to happen when I arrived.’
‘I know. And I do not want you to think afterwards that I kissed you out of gratitude because you would be quite wrong,’ she replied. ‘I wanted to show you how I feel, not just for what you have done for Dominic, but for all you are coming to mean to me—’
‘My darling–’ he began, taking her hands between in his.
There was a look of apprehension in her eyes as she continued, ‘But I must ask you to be patient, Hal. My emotions have been suppressed for so long, and it is not easy for me to deal with other feelings – unfamiliar, powerful, overwhelming feelings that I never knew I possessed until you awakened them.’
‘I shall try not to rush you, even though my passion for you is so intense it is almost a physical pain,’ he murmured, caressing her cheek with his fingertip. ‘But there is something I want you to understand … I desire you not only physically, but in every way imaginable and because of that I want no barriers between us. I want to know you – every charming nuance, every wonderful detail – however long it takes. I promised that one day soon there would be no secrets between us and we have already begun to share our souls.’ After a pause, he added, ‘I wish I could show you how deeply I feel, Isabella, but the moment is not right. Your emotions are still raw and I will not insult you by capitalizing on that. When the time comes for you to reveal your secrets, there must be nothing else to distract us; I would not have it any other way.’
‘Yes,’ she murmured, ‘just the two of us, in the right setting and with time to talk.’
‘Then, for now I must content myself with this….’ he said, before kissing her again, this time more ardently. Afterwards, as his lips brushed across her forehead and temples, he muttered in a husky voice, ‘I should leave now, but I give fair warning, Isabella: I’ll call on you tomorrow to take you for the drive in the park we had planned.’
Smiling into his eyes, she nodded her agreement and they went back into the hall, where they were met by Sir Seymour who had just hurried in.
He greeted Isabella and then seeing Hal, said, ‘Well done, Bramwell,’ as he shook him by the hand. ‘I’m very glad to hear Dominic is safe. Your brother outside has told me some of the details – Dominic was abducted in broad daylight, eh?’ Sir Seymour shook his head in dismay. ‘London is a dangerous place these days. Something must be done and I shall speak to Grey Bennet on the matter, you may be certain of that.’ Then, he peered at Hal through his quizzing glass. ‘Bramwell, I know there are extenuating circumstances, but you must go home and shave immediately! Not at all the thing to be calling upon ladies in a less than perfect state of dress.’
Hal laughed and looked at Isabella, amusement and love lurking in his eyes. ‘Quite right, Sir Seymour. I have apologized for my appearance to Lady Vane, but she has been most understanding and says it will not weigh against me.’ Then, he departed to join Theo outside.
Harriet came downstairs and begged to be told all the news about Dominic, but Isabella explained that she could not enlighten her further yet and excused herself, leaving Sir Seymour to Harriet’s care.
Later, having heard her son’s alarming story, Isabella sat in the chair next to his bed watching him sleep. Her gratitude towards the unknown Sarah, Theo and, of course, to Hal was boundless.
Dominic had been in mortal danger; the underworld was a harsh, unforgiving place, and if it had not been for Hal’s determination and the bravery of one young girl, she might never have seen Dominic again.
A shudder of fear ran through her at the thought and she vowed to ask Hal what had happened to Sarah, and how she could repay her kindness.
It was hours since Hal had left, yet Isabella still felt ablaze with desire. Edward had accused her of being a cold witch and eventually, because he had flung the epithet at her so often, she had believed it to be true. But Hal had proved Edward’s bitter denunciations wrong and Isabella knew now that she did possess sensual feelings where Hal was concerned. She was attracted to him with an intensity that shocked and frightened her.
Then Isabella remembered the flame-haired lady at the theatre and a cold flicker of doubt entered her heart; her love and desire for Hal would be worthless if she could not trust him. Tomorrow she must discover the lady’s identity, and find out what her connection was to Hal.
Chapter 12
The following day, Julia and Lady Bramwell were taking a late breakfast together in the morning room used for the purpose in Berkeley Square. Sun streamed in through the window, holding out the promise of fine weather.
‘Hal seems happy this morning,’ remarked Julia, as she spooned blackcurrant conserve on to her plate.
‘With good reason,’ said her mother. ‘Dominic is safe, but matters could have turned out very differently. The providential outcome was due in part to a girl called Sarah, who, Hal tells me, is no more than eleven or twelve years old. She hid Dominic and made her way here alone to raise the alarm.’
Julia raised her brows. ‘That was a courageous thing to do. What has happened to her now?’
‘She is being cared for of at one of Hal’s refuges.’
‘I see,’ said Julia, nibbling thoughtfully on a slice of bread and butter. ‘The hours when Dominic was missing must have been awful for Isabella.’
‘Indeed. As a mother, I know I would have been similarly distraught. It is fortunate that everything ended well and there is no lasting harm done.’ Lady Bramwell sipped her coffee and observed with a percipient smile, ‘Hal tells me that he is taking Isabella for a drive this afternoon.’
‘I believe they are falling in love, Mama.’ Pushing aside her plate with a sigh, Julia leaned on the table and cupped her chin in one hand. ‘I hope I shall soon be as content.’
Marguerite, glancing across the table at her daughter’s despondent expression, said, ‘Have you received word from Freddy?’
‘Only an impersonal note to say he will be attending tomorrow night – nothing more.’
‘Try to be more cheerful,’ urged Lady Bramwell. ‘Freddy will be anxious to make amends now he has had time to think.’
‘He might still be upset with me,’ said Julia sadly.
‘I would be surprised if he is,’ observed her mother. ‘Freddy is normally amiable and more than a little in love with you.’
Julia made a sound of frustration. ‘I wish he would tell me so.’
‘He will,’ declared her mother. ‘Now, shall we indulge ourselves with some shopping this morning?’
The door opened and Theo came in. Overhearing this comment, he protested, ‘I hope you don’t require my company – I’d rather finish my essay than go shopping.’
‘It will be difficult, but we will endeavour to manage without you, Theo,’ replied Lady Bramwell, amused.
‘I’m relieved to hear it.’ He sat down and took the cup of coffee his mother passed across the table. ‘After searching the gin dens and flash-houses last night, even I crave a quieter time of it today.’
‘So, will you be working on your essay then?’ prompted his sister, arching a mischievous eyebrow.
‘Most definitely not, Ju,’ he said with a shudder. ‘I plan to dine with Hal at White’s and enjoy a hand or two of cards.’
‘The tabula rasa awaits, Theo,’ teased Julia.
Theo groaned in disgust. ‘Don’t start sounding like my tutor – the essay can go hang!’
Despite h
er responsive laughter, melancholy shadowed her eyes and Theo, observing his sister over the rim of his cup, frowned when he saw this. Freddy Isherwood was an excellent fellow, but Theo had no doubt he had mishandled his courtship of Julia. The unhappy couple obviously needed some assistance and Theo decided it was high time he gave this problem his consideration.
When Hal reached Curzon Street, he jumped down from his carriage and instructed a waiting footman to walk his horses. Shortly afterwards, he was shown into the saloon where Harriet and Dominic were waiting.
Leaping to his feet and scampering over to embrace him, Dominic said, ‘I’ve been expecting you.’
‘Hello, troublesome cub!’ Hal grinned and lifted him into the air, making Dominic squeal with delight. ‘Have you recovered from your adventure?’
‘Mostly. I had a bad dream last night about Mother Jackson, but Mama came and sat with me until I went back to sleep.’ Dominic then regarded Hal gravely for a moment. ‘I want to know what has happened to Sarah.’
‘She’s safe, Dominic. Sarah won’t have to return to Field Lane; she will live somewhere else instead and have a more comfortable life.’
‘Shall I see her again?’
‘If you would like to,’ said Hal, with a smile. ‘Sarah will go eventually to my home in the country, Chenning Court. She can go to school and then learn how to be a lady’s-maid, or whatever she wishes to do.’
‘I’m pleased that Sarah is safe – I liked her.’
‘There is something else you would perhaps like to see when you visit Chenning – Theo and I built a tree house in the woods when we were young. It’s not very big and perhaps it needs repairing now, but I would enjoy showing it to you.’
‘A tree house,’ cried Dominic, his eyes dancing with excitement. ‘I would like to see that.’
‘Then I shall make arrangements with your mother soon.’
Harriet, who had been listening and watching this exchange with interest, said, ‘You have been so kind, Lord Bramwell. Indeed, I do not know what we would have done without your family’s support and I know that Isabella is very grateful too. She will be here in a moment; even the promise of a visit from Sir Seymour could not tempt her to miss driving with you today, so I am obliged to entertain him. Ah, here she is!’
Isabella came in, dressed in a blue and white jaconet muslin gown and a dark-blue spencer decorated with epaulets. She smiled when she saw Hal, drawing confidence from the frank admiration in his gaze. Refreshed after a good night’s sleep, Isabella felt excited, nervous and a little shy at the prospect of an hour or so alone with Hal. The touch of his fingers when he handed her into the carriage sent the now familiar rush of anticipation through her and, as they set out in bright sunshine for Hyde Park, she covertly studied his profile and watched the deft way he took the reins and handled his horses, quite unlike the brutal treatment Edward had meted out to his thoroughbreds.
‘Dominic seems to have recovered from his frightening experience,’ began Hal once he had negotiated the worst of the traffic.
‘Yes, I believe he has. Hal, I should tell you at once that I have had a change of heart—’
He pulled his horses abruptly to a halt, ignoring the loud protestations of the driver of the tilbury behind who had almost collided with them. Searching her face, he echoed in alarm, ‘A change of heart? Not where your feelings for me are concerned, I hope?’
Isabella, clutching the side of the carriage as it bounced to a stop, blushed. ‘No. Indeed, after yesterday they are even more profound, but,’ she added with a little laugh, ‘take care because if you pitch me into the gutter, I cannot say what I may think of you then.’
A smile spread across his features. He flicked his whip and set off again, saying, ‘I apologize for my impatience. Please continue – what were you about to say?’
‘Only that now Dominic has told me how Aesop protected him, I cannot send the dog away and have agreed that he may stay in London, as long as he is kept well away from Sir Seymour.’
‘I fear neither Dinny’s wardrobe nor his nerves could withstand further attention from Aesop,’ he replied, amused. ‘Has Dominic explained about Sarah?’
Isabella nodded. ‘Dominic said Sarah had a terrible fear of Mother Jackson.’
‘Like many in the underworld, Mother Jackson is brutal, unfeeling and has no compunction at using orphaned, destitute children for her own gain. I have seen to it that she will face punishment and the other children will be taken care of.’ His expression grew grim as they entered the park by the Stanhope Gate and he explained, ‘The flash-houses are a disgrace; they are well known to law officials, but many are paid to turn a blind eye to their activities. I hope the scandal of their existence will lead eventually to pressure for change and demands that they be closed down.’
‘But where has Sarah gone? I would like to thank her.’
‘Before I tell you, I should explain that I fund a number of charitable refuges,’ said Hal. ‘With the level of crime and corruption in London, they can only rescue a few from the thousands who are being exploited, but they provide the hope of better prospects for those few. Most of the children are rescued from Newgate after their sentences have been commuted from hanging, even though their crimes are usually no more heinous than stealing a loaf of bread or a handkerchief. That our laws can sentence a child to hang for a petty crime, often one committed simply to stay alive, is appalling.’
She turned to study his profile, her eyes wide with shock. ‘Is that where Sarah is – at one of your refuges?’
‘Until I can make arrangements for her to go to Chenning. Sarah is an orphan and more than happy to leave the city behind. Unfortunately, there are many more children like Sarah.’
‘Indeed, it is dreadful,’ said Isabella in a sombre voice. ‘I had no idea of the extent of crime and poverty here. Hal, I insist on contributing towards the cost of Sarah’s education. It is the least I can do in recompense of what she did for Dominic.’
‘Very well, if you insist. We can discuss the details another time.’ Hal was uncomfortable with Isabella shouldering this undertaking, but he did not argue; he hoped that soon he would bear all her burdens, financial and otherwise. ‘There is something you could help with now – Sarah needs suitable clothing.’
‘Then let me obtain some dresses, boots, gloves and such like.’
‘She is about twelve years old, but very thin and undernourished,’ said Hal.
‘My maid has a niece of similar age, so I have a reasonable notion of what is required.’ Colour rose to Isabella’s cheeks as she admitted, ‘I – I did not realize you funded refuges, Hal. I am ashamed to say that when we first met I thought you an utterly reckless, inconsiderate creature.’
He raised his brows quizzically and chuckled. ‘Was that one reason why you were so cold towards me then? Society may think me devil-may-care, Isabella, but I was never truly such. My sporting wagers sprang from boredom and frustration, not from any desire to break my neck. I have recently declined Lord Dryburgh’s challenge to a curricle race to Newmarket and several similar requests; since meeting you, my time is much more agreeably occupied and the only way I shall be impetuous in the future is in loving you. As for the refuges, I wish I could do more. The living conditions of the poor is not a subject which concerns the vast majority of the ton – you, my family, a few close friends and those who run the refuges are the only people aware of my philanthropic interests. You see,’ he concluded, ‘I didn’t want my efforts to be seen as a wealthy man’s idle hobby because I view it more seriously than that.’
By now, they had threaded their way along a crowded Rotten Row, past numerous stylish high-perch phaetons, elegant barouches and sporting curricles, all of whose occupants had stared at Lord Bramwell and his companion with ill-disguised curiosity.
Hal knew that his appearance here with Isabella at this most fashionable of hours would cause a stir. This would be seen as a statement of his serious intentions towards Isabella – a precursor to a prop
osal of marriage – and he was more than content for society to see it as such. ‘Shall we walk a little now we have escaped the crush and the attentions of the inquisitive?’ he said.
‘But what about your horses?’
‘As you see, my groom has caught up with us.’ Hal indicated the man approaching on horseback. ‘He will walk them while I enjoy your company without having to concentrate on driving through these crowds.’
When the groom had taken the horses in hand, Hal helped Isabella alight from the carriage. There were few people in this quieter area of the park and, as they began to stroll in the warm sun, Hal drew her hand through his arm.
‘Tell me about your family,’ said Isabella. ‘I envy you – I have always longed for brothers and sisters.’
‘My father died suddenly five years ago. He was a fine man and it was a terrible time for us all, but especially my mother: their marriage was very much a love match,’ he began. ‘Julia is as she appears – headstrong, vivacious, but also extremely loyal and loving. We are hoping that she and Freddy will recognize soon that they are made for each other.’
Isabella looked at him in surprise. ‘Oh, I had not realized that was the way of things. I am very fond of Julia, and agree they would make a charming couple.’
‘Theo, whom you have met briefly, is boisterous and outspoken, but good-hearted. He causes no real trouble apart from the occasional scrape. Lukas and Hugo are twins, and still at school. They are enthusiasts for the latest scientific inventions, and we have to listen to their schemes for building some contraption or other when they come home.’
‘They sound delightful,’ she said wistfully, ‘I wish I had such a family.’
‘They will all love you almost as much as I do, Isabella.’ Admiring her profile, he added, ‘Do you wish to tell me anything of your family?’
‘It is painful for me, Hal. I want you to know, but I have kept it to myself for a long time.’
Lady Vane's Secret (Regency Secrets and Scandals Book 1) Page 12
