Brittany recognized Cole’s voice as the speaker. For fear of giving themselves away she quickly grabbed Sally, who’d fisted her tiny hands in anger, and pulled her back the way they’d come. Stepping into a small side room she released her friend.
“Now, I understand why Lord Samuel seemed so insistent on gaining control of the Hersey book and why the introduction? All his words of love have been false so he could gain the knowledge that he needs. I fear Lord Cole has been as deceitful also,” she informed Sally.
Brittany wondered if Lady Wallace had been aware of her son’s activity, working in secret for the Crown. One thing she was positive of, what they’d heard couldn’t be discussed where the men might overhear. Now the trip to town took on a new and vastly more important meaning.
“Come, we still need the carriage. However, this time as we stroll down to my father’s office we carry on a conversation. This way they’ll hear us and hide the true reason for their meeting,” Brittany recommended and smiled to see Sally nod her agreement, then added, “If you feel it appropriate, be cool with Lord Cole. I intend to be with Lord Samuel.”
“I had already thought of doing that as he doesn’t deserve anything more from me.”
Together they stepped from the room and Brittany linked arms with Sally, smiled and started down to her father’s office.
“I do hope the weather remains clear otherwise travel would be difficult for some of the guests,” Sally said in a clear voice. In a whisper, “After all isn’t this one of the only topics we ladies can easily discuss.”
Brittany started to respond when she noticed they had arrived at the office door. With a delicate knock she didn’t wait but swung it wide and with Sally at her side swept in. Giving Samuel and Cole curtsies as due their rank, she then directed her attention to her father, trying to maintain a casual expression.
“Father, if you would please order up a carriage. Miss Crocker, Mother, Lady Wallace and I wish to visit town for some shopping,” she announced, attempting not to sound angry at the three men.
From the corner of her vision she noticed Samuel appeared a little miffed. She knew it had to be from her behavior—appropriate but distant.
Good, let him stew in his own words and actions!
Brittany focused on her father. “I’ll take care of everything at once and instruct heated bricks put in for warmth. Also, I’ll have several grooms ride along as guards for your safety. The coach will be in the forecourt within the next thirty minutes which should give you all time to dress warmly.”
“Thank you,” she said giving him a curtsey, then turned to Samuel and Cole. “M’ lords, good day.”
Turning, and with Sally stepped from the room, a hidden smile on Brittany’s lips. She suspected her friend was wearing a similar expression but refrained from looking until clear of the men’s ears and eyes.
“That was an interesting interview. I happened to see Lord Samuel and Lord Cole upset at the way they were treated. Both wanted to address us but considering the coolness presented they didn’t dare. I wonder if they have any understanding for our behavior.”
“I seriously doubt it. If Samuel had explained he worked for the Crown and why he wished the Hersey book I would have handed it over. Now he must pay for his deceitfulness,” Brittany stated, as they approached the parlor.
At the door she was happy to see her mother and Lady Wallace were awaiting word.
“Father said the carriage, with guards, will be ready within the half hour.”
“Wonderful, then ladies I suggest we repair to our suites and prepare for the excursion,” Barbara announced, rising from her chair, followed by Lady Wallace.
Thirty minutes later when she arrived at the ground floor Brittany wasn’t surprised, and from the gasp Sally let out, to see Samuel, along with Cole, waiting. Brittany interlocked her arm with her friend, set her head at a tilt of arrogance and continued out through the front door.
At the carriage she watched as Samuel rushed ahead and waited while her father assisted her mother and Lady Wallace in then step aside. At first she wanted to ignore his help but at the last moment decided to make him worry even more. With pinched lips she gave him a curt nod then set her hand in his to help her in.
Taking her seat, facing the rear, she glanced at Sally and saw her give Cole the same attitude. A gentle cough brought Brittany’s attention to her mother who scowled as Sally settled herself on the squabs. Steeling herself, as she suspected her friend would be doing, for the dressing down to soon come Brittany waited patiently. In her heart she knew she was right in her behavior and soon her mother would understand.
Chapter Twenty
Aghast at Brittany’s sudden change in demeanor Samuel watched the carriage increase speed when John Coachman whipped the horses from a walk into a trot. Briefly, he thought back over the last day, only to come up blank as to the reason. Taking in a breath, he glanced to Cole and saw the man’s look of confusion. Next, he turned to Eli who was wearing a frown.
“Gentlemen, do either of you have any insight as to the change in behavior with Brittany or Sally? I, for one, am at a loss.” he asked.
“I wish I could, but as you well know or soon will learn they tend to keep their own council in certain matters,” Eli explained.
“In particular of the heart, I strongly suspect,” Cole added.
“Then gentlemen, I suggest we retire to the office so we might continue our discussion as to how best to proceed with the hunt,” Samuel recommended, pleased when the two men nodded their approval.
Stepping back into the mansion Samuel noticed an unusual and confusing look also on the butler’s face. He wondered if Peter might be able to enlighten him as to the problem.
Peter shook his head to the obvious, but unasked question. Samuel moaned in frustration.
“M’ lord, would you care for some refreshments to be brought to your office.”
“No, not at this time but maybe later. We’ll also have luncheon in my office as the ladies will be dining in town.”
“Yes, m’ lord.”
As he walked along the corridor Samuel thought about what had happened with Brittany. All he hoped, she’d not call off the wedding. At the office door he stopped when, down the hall he noticed a small piece of green cloth.
Separating from the others, he stepped over to the scrap which seemed so out of place and picked it up. Next, he noticed a nearby door was ajar. Hoping it wasn’t a harbinger of an intruder, he carefully opened it. Taking in a breath he detected the faintest hint of Brittany’s perfume, jasmine.
Now he understood, or at least partially, what might have happened. He along with the other two were just as at fault. Somehow Brittany and Sally had overheard them talking and learned why he’d wanted the Hersey book. To make things worse her father hadn’t told her nor his wife of his duties to the Crown. Quickly, he turned back and stormed into the office.
“Gentlemen, I believe I found the reason for the ladies change in attitude. I found this on the floor next to a partially opened door down the hall. When I entered the room I detected a hint of Brittany’s perfume. If you remember this piece of material matches those on her dress. I wish to postulate, somehow one or both overheard our earlier conversation.”
“They now believe you lied to my daughter about your feeling for her,” Eli stated.
“Yes. What she doesn’t realize is my feelings are true. Yes, I wanted to get close to Brittany for the book, but as time wore on I found her intriguing and fascinating. To be honest, and if you, Cole, ever repeat what I’m about to say, I’ll deny my words. I don’t believe I can live without her. I love her,” Samuel admitted, more to himself then the others.
“Now back to the problem at hand.”
“Excuse me, but as of now we seem to have three, maybe four, of them. Protect the book, apprehend the people responsible, and finally reunite Brittany to Samuel and Sally to me,” Cole declared.
“Very simply put nephew. Samuel, you will need to win h
er heart back while at the same time promise never to hide anything ever again. I’d also suggest not jewelry as they are bought. Everything you say and do needs to be from you, but don’t smother her for she will fight back,” Eli explained.
****
From the sour expression not only from her mother but also godmother Brittany knew an explanation was in order. Where should she begin? At the book emporium? Or what she’d overheard a short while ago? With a glance to Sally who wore a worried look, Brittany decided to tell them about what they’d learned by accident.
“Yes, I know you both are wondering why the cool reception we gave Lord Samuel and Lord Cole? Simply put, they aren’t who they claim to be and neither is father.”
“Darling, I don’t understand, especially in regards to my husband?” Barbara said back.
“Samuel’s interest in me isn’t of a romantic nature. He wanted access to the Hersey tome to uncover the secrets which Sally—” she pivoted her head and smiled to her friend. “—has been able to decipher. I truly don’t believe he loves or has any affection for me. I’d hate to think what could occur after we wed, if that should come to pass,” Brittany uttered.
She could tell from the shocked expressions on the ladies faces they were as surprised at the revelation as she’d been. Did she have deep affections for the man? She’d known of his interest in the book but to toy with her heart as he did, was inexcusable.
“My dear, that explains part of what you said. What’s this about the earl? As you are aware he’s my brother. To the best of my knowledge he’s always been an honest man. He doesn’t gamble needlessly, drinks in moderation and only has eyes for your mother,” Lady Wallace asked.
“Lady Sexton, Lady Wallace are you aware the three men work for the Crown in hunting down spies, traitors and those difficult to apprehend?,” Sally easily added.
From the looks of astonishment Brittany knew this had been the first time either lady learned about their husband, son or brother. She wondered what would happen to the men when they returned. The last place she wanted to be was anywhere near them when confronted by not one but two very distressed ladies. That thought would have to wait, now she needed to deal with the present.
“I have an excellent solution to this dilemma. I suggest, later on returning to the estate, you both complain of headaches and need to rest. This way the gentlemen, and I use the term loosely, in question will have to worry and fret,” Barbara recommended.
“Yes, I wholeheartedly agree. I will deal with my son, the bounder, in good time and see he makes amends for his behavior Miss Crocker,” Lady Wallace told them.
As the carriage came to a gentle stop, Brittany glanced out of the window to see they were at the tavern. This gave her a chance to recollect her thoughts to a more interesting activity, shopping. Turning to her mother, Brittany smiled.
“Shall we arrange for a private dining room now?” she suggested.
“My dear, it would seem to be sensible thus assuring us time with which to continue this discussion.”
Brittany suspected her mother and also Lady Wallace would continue to lay out their plan to antagonize the men. Suddenly, she began to feel sorry for Samuel. As soon as that thought entered her mind it departed. Yes, she knew he had to suffer and greatly for his deceit, not to mention what Cole had done to her bosom bow.
She waited while her mother and Lady Wallace were handed down by a footman. This gave her the opportunity to quickly suggest to Sally later they take dinner in her suite.
“I believe that would send those impossible men the correct message. As neither are permitted in our wing we will be safe,” Sally stated.
“Over luncheon we will make our suggestion known. Now, shall we forget them and enjoy ourselves by spending their money?” she declared as the footman helped her then Sally from the carriage.
Over the next few hours the ladies spent an exorbitant about of monies to which Brittany was instructed by her mother to make sure the bill was sent to Samuel.
“He needs to learn we, in particularly you, aren’t to be taken for granted,” Barbara easily declared.
“And Sally, this is a lesson my son needs to understand as well. All things considered I’m sure, once this problem is resolved, Cole will be approaching your father asking for your hand. So yes, that’s why I insist he pay the piper,” Lady Wallace declared.
Later, during a wonderful luncheon set by the tavern owner’s wife the four ladies discussed and refined their plan for the rest of the afternoon and evening.
As agreed Brittany was assisted in by her mother while Lady Wallace aided Sally. Easily the four slipped up to the second floor and into Brittany’s suite.
“Now stay hidden here and I’ll arrange for tea and later dinner to be brought,” Barbara said.
“Thank you, Mother. If possible can you secret the second Hersey book to us. It will help pass the time and when the men are humbled and beg our forgiveness we will have more information for them,” She requested
“Certainly, now both you relax and enjoy your time while Lady Wallace and I make their lives miserable.
Brittany looked to her friend and smiled.
Chapter Twenty One
With their tea tray removed and a long table delivered, Brittany took up were she’d left off with the faux copy. At the other end Sally continued to decipher the anagrams from the original.
After about thirty minutes Brittany rang for Aggie.
“Yes, m’ lady?”
“I need you to go to the library. On the desk you’ll find several books. I need you to bring them to me.”
“At once, m’ lady,” she replied, curtsied and slipped from the room.
Glancing to Sally, Brittany noted her friend had a quizzical expression in her eyes.
“Did you find something which might help find out who the leader is?” Sally asked.
“Remember when I said most of what Hersey wrote had been penned a very long time ago. Well, I’ve come across several passages which are new to me. It would seem Lord Hersey might have been to Africa. Aggie bring me the books I brought so I may compare them. If I’m correct then it’s possible he had been there as he claims.”
“If you give me the page numbers of where you are, I’ll see if there might be an anagram,” Sally replied.
“The first difference occurs on page fifty six. It starts at the top of the page. Then, page fifty eight at the chapter beginning.”
Brittany stood and started to pace about while she waited for Sally to locate the first instance. After a few heartbeats she saw Sally smile.
“Give me a few minutes as there are several and the first one is twelve letters long.” Sally started in.
Brittany stopped and spun about. “Are there three letters then two letters the same?” Brittany said, retaking her seat.
“Why, yes? How did you know?”
“My dear, that’s because what you see is a person’s name. Someone we both are acquainted with— Mr. Winterbottom,” Brittany declared with confidence.
“Give me a second to confirm your suspicion.”
Brittany had even more reason to worry about the safety of the book. If Mr. Winterbottom hadn’t been behind the attempts to steal it, then he knew who could be? Brittany stood and took up her pacing while waiting for Sally to finish solving the several new anagrams. Hearing a grumble from Sally she wanted to respond when her suite door opened and Aggie with a maid stepped in.
“M’ ladies, here are the books you requested. Her Ladyship suggested another tea tray to help keep your strength up.”
“Thank you. Set the books on the table and the tray on the one by the fireplace.”
“Yes, m’ lady.”
With a head bob, Brittany dismissed both before turning to Sally.
“Let’s take a few minutes to do as Mother recommended. Also, I have an uncomfortable feeling if things turn out as expected, we will need to deal with those men. I don’t know about you but that doesn’t sit well with me,” she
explained.
“I agree.”
A short while later Brittany smiled. What she’d suspected about the new passages were true. The only way they could have been written would be if someone had been to Africa. Of this she was positive.
“Yes, and you’re correct about the name. It’s Mr. Winterbottom and I’ve found several references to Hersey also,” Sally said, with a smile.
“Wonderful, were you able to discern which is in charge of the slavery ring?”
“Not yet, I need to go back to where I left off before finding this new information.”
“I believe it’s time we invite Mother and Lady Wallace into our discussion. They also might have a suggestion on how to deal with Samuel and Cole,” Brittany said.
Ringing for her maid she asked if Aggie knew where Her Ladyships were.
“I believe they’re in the countess’ sitting room reading.”
“Thank you. Wait, as we may need your assistance.”
She and Sally would be able to, with the books and papers, sneak down the back stairs and slip into her mother’s parlor. What made everything so enjoyable, the men would never learn what they’d found until the right time.
“Aggie, I need you to quietly request an audience for Miss Crocker and myself. Return with the answer. We’ll need your help in bringing some of these books with us,” Brittany instructed.
While waiting for a response Brittany made sure her hair didn’t need to be repaired. Next, she started to collect the books and mark the pages. She saw Sally had done the same, when a knock sounded on the door.
“Come in,” she called out, her back to the door, putting the final marker into the book.
“My dear, you wished to speak with us.”
Spinning around, Brittany’s mouth dropped open in surprise.
“Mother, Lady Wallace what are you doing here,” she sputtered.
“When you requested to speak with us we suspected it must be very important and having to do with the book. As such, we decided to come to you,” Barbara expounded, stepping into the suite with Lady Wallace at her side.
Lady Brittany's Love Page 11
