“Yes, we would love to join in filling out the square then share an intimate table afterwards,” Samuel spoke, as he offered his arm to Brittany.
After enjoying a pleasant time dancing they adjourned to one of several anterooms set up for the buffet. With unspoken direction Samuel escorted Brittany to a table set along one of the walls and were joined by Sally and Cole.
“Rest while Lord Cole and I collect a varied selection from the table. Lady Brittany, what would be your pleasure in satisfying your thirst?”
“M’ lord, I would love a glass of lemonade. For the tidbits, I’ll leave the choices to you.”
Not surprising, Samuel noted Sally made the same requests of Cole which proved interesting to him. Could his friend might have, by accident met his lady, too? This he’d have to inquire at the earliest possible time, such as now.
As the two made for the tables laden with food Samuel cocked his head to his friend.
“If I’m not mistaken Cole, you are smitten by Miss Crocker’s charms?”
“No more than you are by Lady Brittany?” Cole badgered back.
Samuel was more than besotted. Though this he wasn’t about to admit to Cole.
“That may be so, but as you well know I’m more interested in the Hersey book at the moment. Have you been able to learn anything more about the man?”
“Yes, turns out when we thought he was hiding in the country he was in Nigeria,” Cole quickly and quietly informed him.
“Wonderful, more conflicting information. Send me what you’ve learned by post in the morning,” a frustrated Samuel said, then continued. “Now, let’s take these plates to the ladies before they think we’ve deserted them.”
“Not with those strands of pearls you bestowed on your Lady Brittany could she ever think you have disappeared. You are correct though considering the impatient stares they’re sending to us.”
After a pleasant midnight snack they returned to the ballroom as the musicians started to play the opening notes to a waltz. With a bow to Brittany he settled his hand on the small of her back, guiding her to the dance floor.
“This is our third dance together, you are aware?” she whispered.
“Not exactly. Considering the country dance of earlier we didn’t partner so we could consider this our second,” he answered, back with a smile.
“I wonder what the matrons will have to say about it now or later,” she replied, settling herself in his arms as the music swirled around them.
As they glided around the floor Samuel couldn’t believe they weren’t getting scowls or frowns from anyone. He did wonder what Lady Wallace would have to say. When the music ended he guided Brittany to where her godmother awaited them.
“Children, you are aware you have shared three dances together this evening,” Charlotte said.
Samuel waited until Brittany took her seat before answering.
“My dear, Lady Wallace, if you consider the dance before we partook of the buffet Lady Brittany didn’t partner with me but your son,” he said, hoping his logic would work as they’d not started the country dance facing each other.
Samuel watched her brow furrow in contemplation to what he’d said and seemed pleased when she relaxed and smiled up at him.
“That might be stretching the rules a bit but considering you, my dear,” he watched as Charlotte smiled at Brittany and glared back at him. “I agree. I will accept the fact you’ve shared two dances this evening. Now, you need to convince your parents as I see them approaching. Be pleased, though, they are both wearing smiles, although with my brother I believe his might be forced.”
Samuel glanced over his shoulder to where Lady Wallace looked and understood what she meant. Brittany’s mother appeared pleased, which came as no surprise, while her father not so. He knew if he wished to continue to court her he’d have to think quickly or not only lose her but a chance at studying the Hersey book.
“I’m sorry to make short our evening but I received a report of another attempt to break into the townhouse. As fortune would be with us the guards were able to grab one of the men and like the other isn’t talking,” Eli said calmly.
“Was anything taken, m’ lord?” Samuel asked, as Brittany’s hand tightened on his arm.
“Again, we were lucky. They didn’t get too far into the house before one of your footmen stopped the one man,” he answered.
“Wonderful, then we should go and see what we can learn from him,” Samuel suggested.
“The carriage has already been called for,” Eli uttered, then bowed to his sister and nodded to his nephew.
Samuel turned to Lady Wallace, “It’s been a pleasure as always. You have my assurance no harm will come to your goddaughter,” he declared.
“I have faith in your protection. Now off with you,” she said, sending him and Brittany away with a wave of her bejeweled hand.
A short time later Samuel, with Brittany on his arm, followed the earl and countess into the Bemming townhouse to be met by the butler along with several footmen.
“M’ lords and ladies, I apologize for having to notify you of the attempt. The man in question is in the cellar in a secure room,” John announced, taking capes and coats from them.
“Good. Has Bow Street been sent for?” Eli asked, starting for the stairs to the first floor.
“No, m’ lord. When we secured him I took the liberty to request assistance from Stanley and he sent over an interesting gentleman.”
Samuel smiled knowing who his butler had dispatched.
“Lord Samuel, this man of yours, is he excellent at obtaining the necessary information without direction?” Eli probed.
“Most assuredly, m’ lord,” he answered back, then patted Brittany’s hand which still rested on his arm.
“M’ lord, don’t you think this conversation would best be continued in the family sitting room?” Barbara requested
As they climbed the stairs Samuel started to wonder, two attempts in two days. Could the thieves have been sent by someone for the Hersey book? If that were the case, would the book be safe here or should the earl move it to their country estate. This he needed to broach but not until hearing what Quinn learned from the thief.
Settling Brittany on a light blue divan angled so they would be able to easily converse he noted a worried expression on Lord Eli. He chose to remain standing.
Out of earshot of the ladies Samuel turned to Eli.
“Yes, Bemming?” he chose the more formal to address him.
“Is someone after the Hersey book?” the man asked, softly so not to worry the ladies.
“If I were to hazard a guess I’d agree, but let’s wait until we hear from my man and what he tells us,” Samuel spoke with confidence.
Chapter Nine
“Lord Samuel, I’d suggest the planned drive be postponed? It seems someone waits until we’re out before breaking in. With two failed attempts at night, next they could try coming in the daytime which would be dangerous for us and the household. Since the Hersey tome has recently found a home here, I’m certain they’re after the tome,” Eli said.
“I agree we cancel the excursion. If someone, namely Hersey, is after the volume do you have a suggestion on how to protect the book?” Samuel asked.
“Father, I might be able to answer part of your question,” Brittany announced, stepping around Samuel, causing him to start.
“Yes?”
“Lord Samuel and I noticed something unusual when reviewing the book. Unlike other copies this one contains author notes, or so we believe, in the margin for supposed later printings.”
“And so far, from the few pages we’ve seen neither of us are able to make any sense out of the passages,” Samuel added, hoping neither would catch him in the lie as he already suspected what some meant.
“Shall we join the countess? We can discuss what direction we next undertake?” Eli suggested.
Samuel turned, offered his arm to Brittany and escorted her back to the divan where her mother
waited patiently. Giving her a relaxed smile he took a seat across the table from the ladies. He started to bring up the topic of the next day only to be interrupted by a knock on the door.
“Enter,” the earl called out.
He watched as John led Quinn into the room, happy to see the man had at least put on a clean shirt before coming over. Of all the men who’d served with him in the Guards, this individual had frequently been dressed down or put on bread and water as his uniform had frequently been a mess. Later, Samuel learned the reason for Quinn’s untidiness. When off duty Quinn would spend time in the stables. What had made the man’s reason more interesting, his gentle way with Samuel’s stallion. To that end Samuel made him his groom.
His decision turned out to be excellent as both Quinn and Tempest were not only giants but calm, except when pushed into doing something neither wanted. Hard on the outside, soft on the inside. Quinn had the ability to get information from someone who wouldn’t give it up, usually without laying a hand on the person.
“Well, what were you able to learn from the prisoner? And Quinn, be respectful of the ladies sensitivities,” Samuel ordered.
“Certainly, m’ lord. The man told me he’d been ordered to break into here, attempt to steal a book, and that it would most likely be on a table by itself. Then, once the book was in hand, deliver it to the Drunken Sailor, which is near The Pool. There he’d be given the other half of his payment.”
“Did he tell you which book?” Brittany asked.
“I’m sorry, but he didn’t.”
Samuel realized immediately this could be a significant detail. He glanced from Quinn to Eli, who then nodded to continue the interrogation of his man.
“Were you able to get a description of the person who hired the thief?”
“Tall, well turned out such as you, m’ lord, and the earl. He also spoke as one educated so I’d guess he’s one of the ton. I’m sorry but that’s all the man was able to tell me. Oh, and I can assure you I didn’t touch him at all. M’ lord, he’s as healthy now as when caught and John can attest to that fact,” Quinn said with a toothy grin then bowed.
What Samuel found interesting about this report as with others from the past, there wasn’t any expression on Quinn’s face or in his voice. This had been and continued to be an amazing attribute about the man. People Quinn talked to were frightened of him and would cower, spilling any and all information.
“Thank you,” Samuel told him with a dismissing nod then glanced to Eli.
“John send for Bow Street and have the captive removed. Let them deal with him.”
“Yes, m’ lord,” the butler said, then ushered Quinn from the room.
With the parlor cleared of staff Samuel looked to the ladies and Eli, seeing the narrowing of their expressions. They were as puzzled as Samuel. With this vague information he didn’t know how to proceed in finding the person or persons responsible for the attempted theft.
The countess gave him a faint smile then a subtle glance to her husband. Samuel was happy to see a change in the earl’s demeanor, for the better.
“M’ lady, might you have a doable suggestion as to preserve the safety of the tome?” Samuel asked, hoping he’d not overstepped his bounds.
“I believe so,” Barbara stated. She kept her gaze on her husband. “Parliament rises at the end of next week until after the holidays. I know you’re heavily involved with several bills but what if we depart within the next few days to the country. This, of course, will turn everyone on their ear, which could confuse Lord Hersey, or whoever is after the book. At the estate we’ll have better protection as we can enlist the tenants to be on the lookout for strangers.”
“That is a wonderful proposal as you will have more time to prepare for our annual Christmas ball. By staying in town until the last minute I know everything is rushed and you’ve never been totally pleased with the end results,” the earl concluded.
“If I might say,” Samuel added, “I do wholeheartedly believe Lady Sexton, you have the perfect solution to the dilemma as in doing so will protect everyone and the book.” He hoped an invitation to join them would be forthcoming. Not only did he wish to learn the secrets of the book but continue his quest for Brittany’s hand.
Not wishing to appear anxious, Samuel studied Eli as he evaluated the suggestions from his daughter and wife.
“Lord Samuel, I’m taking the recommendation of the ladies. Retiring to the country will be to our best advantage. With the countess’ permission I would like to invite you to travel with us. This way you’ll be able to continue your studies of the book in preparation for your journey to Africa. Also, between you and our daughter working together, you might uncover the reason this edition is of such an interest to someone.”
“It would be my honor to join your family at the estate. That is, with the ladies’ permission?”
From the expression he perceived from Barbara he knew she would welcome him joining them. On the other hand, the mild scowl from Brittany told him she wasn’t sure about him being in the same mansion as she. Now, he knew he would have to take the offensive to accompany them.
“M’ lady, it would be my honor to spend whatever time is necessary with you, except Lady Brittany isn’t of the same mind. If you can convince her, then I’m more than willing to join you at your country estate.”
“It’s not that I wouldn’t wish you to join us, but the library at the estate is much smaller than here. I had hoped to garner enough information from the book so I’d know which ones to bring with me,” Brittany told Samuel.
“Lady Brittany, I don’t understand. Wouldn’t the estate library be as extensive as or more so than here?” Samuel asked, puzzled.
“No. We keep the main collection here. Frequently, learned scholars visit to examine works as our collection is extensive, but you already know that. Years ago the books had been kept in the country but travel became difficult for some of the more elderly to make the trip. I decided to remake the ballroom into what you currently see and moved the books here. Now, academics are able to visit easily, much to their delight. When we’re not in residence John knows who is permitted into the library and who is not,” Eli explained.
“Then, that’s what this person wants from you. Remember Quinn said the thief was told to grab a book, not necessarily the one written by Hersey. The mastermind wants us to retreat to the country where they will easily be able to get their hands on it,” Samuel explained, to nods of understanding from everyone.
“So Lord Samuel what would you suggest we do? If we stay here he’ll send more thieves and someone could get hurt,” Eli asked.
“You do precisely what Lady Sexton suggested. Go to the estate, except leave the book here with Lady Wallace. I’m assuming she, along with Lord Cole, will be joining us at the estate. She can bring it with her,” Samuel recommended, glancing to Brittany.
“Yes, they planned to arrive a few days before the Christmas ball, but if she’s willing, which I’m sure she will be, they can arrive much earlier,” Barbara answered.
Now Samuel had a problem. With Christmas ten days away, when would Lady Wallace arrive thus giving him time to look over the book. Of course, Brittany would be at his side, which pleased him. If he could convince Lord Eli to depart within the next two days then everything might work as needed. He’d have enough time to study the notes in the margin and attempt to win his beloved’s heart.
“That would be perfect. As soon as you hear back I can contact Lord Cole to arrange passing the book to him.”
“Lord Samuel, when you hand it over I wish to be with you. I know from what Sally briefly told me earlier I do approve of him. I just want to make sure he understands how important the book is,” Brittany stated.
“I have no problem agreeing with your request. Actually, I was thinking we call on Lady Wallace and pass it along. This way she’ll be aware of everything thus nothing will come as a surprise to her.”
Samuel was happy when she nodded her agreement
to his suggestion, as she would be more comfortable, which he needed.
“I’d recommend, Lady Brittany, in the morning you post a note inquiring if we might visit within the next day or so for tea.”
“Oh, that won’t be necessary as I have my godmother’s permission to visit whenever I desire. If you’re agreeable we can stop over tomorrow afternoon.” Brittany paused and looked to her parents. “Then the following morning leave for the estate?”
“Yes, I will notify certain lords in Parliament I’ll be leaving early but refrain from explaining why,” Eli said with a smile.
“And it won’t be a problem for arranging to move the household either. I will post a letter to Mrs. Garrett of our early arrival and the inclusion of you, Lord Samuel, so a suite may be readied,” Barbara told him.
“Thank you. As it’s late and we’ve much to do over the next day or so I will bid you all a good evening,” Samuel uttered, then strolled from the parlor, down to the ground floor where he collected his cape and stepped out and into the waiting Bemming carriage.
Chapter Ten
Annoyed by the sun warming her face, Brittany forced her lids open. Rolling over she started to bury her head under the linen when she heard her suite door creak open. Silently cursing the noise, she held tightly to the sheets knowing what would happen next. She heard Aggie cross the room to the bed.
“Don’t even think about it. You well know I only set my head down a few short hours ago,” she snapped.
“As you wish, m’ lady. I should point out the time is past noon. His Lordship will be here soon. While you take care of your needs I’ll lay out your green gown which Her Ladyship recommended as it fits the season we are entering. The countess has also requested the pleasure of your company before meeting with Lord Samuel.”
“Please inform mother I will join her in her private parlor once I dress,” Brittany instructed Aggie.
“At once, m’ lady. I’ll return to help you and set your hair in a comfortable style for the day.”
With a nod Brittany slipped into her private room and took care of her needs. Freshly cleaned she stepped into the bedroom in time to see her maid laying out the requested dress along with the necessary undergarments.
Lady Brittany's Love Page 5
