by Jenn LeBlanc
“The Grenvilles.”
“Send a missive, let them know to expect me as well.”
Calder and Warrick arrived at Trumbull House early that evening and waited in Perry’s study for him to come down.
“You’re sure he’s attending the Grenvilles?” asked Warrick.
“Absolutely. His response was...intercepted.”
Perry entered the study and poured himself a brandy. “Does this mean that if he doesn’t attend he will be missed?”
“Not at all, merely that I’ve no doubt where he’s expected to be,” Calder replied.
Perry nodded, holding the balloon over the warming candle lit on the sideboard next to the tantalus. He swirled the fine liquor, watching it catch the light and bend it to its will. He turned toward the chairs where his cousins rested. “Do we have any sort of plan as to how we should proceed?”
Warrick looked up from beneath his eyelashes. It had been years since Perry had spent much time with him, as he’d recently returned from abroad, where he’d spent most of his adult life. The sudden death of his father had required a hasty return, and there were many unanswered questions as to where he’d been and what he’d been doing for all of a decade. “I’ve an inkling, though I don’t imagine it’s going to go well. The trouble, as I see it, is that for there to be cause, he must be caught in the act of doing something quite indefensible.”
“We know his acts to be indefensible.” Perry groaned.
“Don’t be foolish, Perry,” Calder said. “We all want to see him taken care of, but not at the expense of something as vital as your life.”
“I want him dead,” he replied easily.
“That can be arranged, of course.” Perry and Calder turned at how easily Warrick had dispensed those words. He took no notice. “In which case you should be nowhere near this man.”
Perry and Calder glanced at each other, eyes wide in consideration. “Warrick is right,” Perry said after a pause. “Without cause, we should not proceed. Perhaps we merely wait. He cannot possibly stay true to his word for long, and you are no longer able to disappear into the night with that title hanging over your head.”
Warrick scowled, seemingly angered by his bonds. “This was not my choice, merely an accident of birth. I didn’t live by the rules of the peers while I was…” He shook his head. “And I do not wish to live by them now.”
Calder exchanged a glance with Perry as he stood. “Let’s be off, shall we?” he said jovially, trying to break the heavy mood.
Warrick nodded and followed. He was the tallest of the cousins by inches, and the most intense by demeanor.
“You make Roxleigh look like a puppy,” Perry said with a wink to Calder.
Calder chuckled, clapping Perry on the back. “I do believe you are quite accurate in that assessment,” he said, looking at Warrick. “And what will the ton think of you?”
Warrick grunted as Perry studied him.
“I’ve yet to be introduced to the ton, particularly as I’ve yet to be interested in the ton,” Warrick said.
“You’ll find they need you, more than you need them,” Perry replied.
“Well, are we off to Lady Grenville’s?” Calder asked impatiently.
“By all means,” Warrick muttered.
Perry set his brandy on the sideboard and followed Calder through the hall. Harper was waiting with his cape, top hat, gloves, and cane.
“What the bloody hell is that?” Warrick asked, kicking at Perry’s walking stick. “I’d no idea you were quite so fashionable,” he said with a half grin.
Perry smiled. “Cunning, chap. In fact, this would be my only weapon when I travel the streets of London unescorted.” He lifted the cane and pulled the end. The intricately carved handle clicked and slid from the base, revealing a narrow silver blade.
Warrick’s face broke in a smile as he reached for it. The blade sang from its unconventional sheath and he smoothed his hands down the well-honed steel. “This is no toy.” He tested the blade with his thumb. He flicked it, then measured the weight in his hand. “Well balanced, though the hilt is a bit awkward at first.” Warrick thrust, then swept the blade in front of him, testing the feel as Calder and Perry backed away and Harper stepped behind them. “I want one.”
Perry laughed. “Well, if you don’t mind looking fashionable I’ll have one made for you, only you’ll need to choose the hilt and pommel. Consider it a welcome home gift.”
Warrick smiled and nodded, holding the sword carefully at the hilt and gesturing for the scabbard. Perry handed it to him, and Warrick sheathed the delicately carved blade, listening to the solid click as it seated. “Impressive, very well crafted,” he said approvingly.
Perry took the weapon when offered. “Should I be concerned that this is the most animated and interested I’ve seen you since we were both in short coats?”
Warrick’s mouth curved in a genuine smile, and Perry realized just how much he had in common with Gideon. Perry could see the unadulterated appreciation in his expression. Much like Gideon and his horses, or his lands, or Francine. It was a striking exhibition on one who was generally so bereft of discernible happiness. While Perry ruminated, Warrick looked around for Harper, who seemed to have disappeared.
As it happened Harper was just outside the foyer, patiently waiting for the men to quit their perusal of the blade. He stepped into the foyer when Perry took the cane, moving to retrieve the duke’s cape and hat.
“You know, if you like this blade you should see the weapon I carried in the navy. I didn’t have much cause to test it, but know it to be a very well-honed rapier,” Perry said.
“Yes,” Warrick said, “I would like to, at some point. Perhaps we should spar,” he offered as they walked out the door.
“By all means. I’ve no doubt that would be quite enjoyable. Let us meet over foils,” Perry said with a twinkle in his eye.
“Should I feel left out for not having any weaponry training?” Calder asked jovially.
“Yes,” Perry and Warrick replied in tandem.
They laughed as they mounted the carriage and were swept off in the night toward Stanhope Place off Hyde Park.
Morgan watched as the carriage pulled away from the Grosvenor Square town house, grumbling as he looked up to the dimmed windows. He snapped the rein, moving the carriage through the street around the park. Roxleigh House at the other end of the square was equally dark and hadn’t been warmed since the duke quit London a month prior.
He didn’t know of a residence for the Duke of Warrick, though he must be somewhere near the upper end. He groaned and snapped the rein again, bound for Calder House. If any of the Trumbull clan were left behind, Calder House was where they would be.
Hepplewort wanted some sport. His mother showing up had raised his dander. Morgan had been sent to find the girl who was fueling the rumors throughout the ton. A bride for a bride.
Lilly looked at her form in the mirror. She was amazed what a well-trained seamstress could accomplish in one afternoon. The dress was the same color everyone said belonged to her, a vibrant crimson in long flowing silks. She had also been fitted into a snug whalebone corset and multiple petticoats over a steel cage support that drew the majority of the fabric up in billowy gathers at the back. The dress was trimmed in a matching georgette, finishing the neckline to perfection.
The maid assigned to help her had drawn her hair up into a large, rolling pile of curls woven through with red satin ribbons. The curls spilled from the top of the pile to bounce cheerfully around her cheeks and over her forehead.
She caressed the necklace that Perry had given her. He had given it to his aunt for Lilly to wear, should they attend a suitable event. She pulled the long pale gloves up over her elbows, until they nearly touched the sleeves of her ball gown, and shook her head.
She heard a quiet knock at her door and turned. “Yes?”
The door swept open to reveal the duchess all done up in a lavender creation, her blonde locks tied up with ri
bbons of every color.
“Oh, Lilly, you’re a vision!” she exclaimed, walking forward to take her hands.
“I’m quite uneasy, Your Grace. I’m not entirely sure of this.”
“Don’t trouble yourself. The lady is a dear friend of mine, and we shall sit and enjoy her company. Nothing more than companionship will be required of you tonight. I’ll make your apologies for you so you won’t be requested to dance.”
Lilly shook her head. “It all seems so simple when you explain it.”
“That’s because it is simple. Let’s be off.” Auberry pulled Lilly down the stairs and to the entry, where Albert waited with their capes.
“Sarah Jane, how wonderful it is to see you,” Auberry said, taking her friend’s hand and sitting in the chaise next to her. She looked back to Lilly, then pulled her down to sit at her other side.
“Is this the bit of distraction that has kept your Trumbull from attending the Season?” Sarah Jane whispered behind her fan.
“Why, yes, in fact.” Auberry pushed the fan aside with a wink. “Might I present you Miss Lilly Steele of Kelso. Lilly, this is the Lady Grenville. She—”
“What, pray tell, are you ladies doing here?”
Lilly jumped. She didn’t need to look to know who was standing behind her. She turned to find Perry with his cousins flanking him and smiled nervously, deferring to the duchess.
“Why, Trumbull, what do you mean by asking what we’re doing here? Whyever are you here? I thought for certain you would be at Lord Tremayne’s this evening.”
“And with me safely at Tremayne’s you ladies are able to gad about town attending unscheduled routs?” He had seen Lilly the second she entered the ballroom, as had every virile man within the walls. His eyes traveled the length of her, twice, from her broad sweeping crimson skirts to the tightly fitted bodice that held her posture perfectly, to the sheer sleeves that, along with the low neckline, framed the necklace he’d had made for her.
He couldn’t help but to gaze at the heavy stone resting at the base of her throat. It moved with her pulse, ever so gently. The large gaslight chandeliers cast a glow about the room, making her hair shine. The loose curls which framed her face cast dancing shadows across her skin.
He was suddenly frustrated that everyone felt the need to hide her scars. He thought she was beautiful, regardless. Her face was perfect, her eyes glowing, her lips full and sweet, her nose pert and slightly turned up at the end. She was stunning, and he felt like nobody had ever noticed save him. Then he looked around the room to find that once again every gent in attendance was taking note. He was well and thoroughly distracted by her.
Perry heard the opening strains of a waltz and leaned over to whisper in Lilly’s ear. “Do you waltz?”
“With my father and my brothers at the local fairs. I don’t know that it would have been considered proper.”
“I suppose we’ll find out,” he said as he turned to Warrick. “Mind my stick?”
“Not at all, Perry, but—”
Perry waved him off, never taking his eyes from Lilly. Warrick took the cane, twirling it in his hand as he balanced the weight.
“Give the man a weapon and he becomes all too genial.” Calder chuckled as Warrick ran his hand over the concealed blade.
Perry turned to Lilly and, taking her hand, he led her to the edge of the dance floor. He stepped out and swept her in front of him, her skirts making a great arc, drawing the attention of the room. He pulled her around the room, her head falling back as she laughed. He saw the light glint off her hair, the sparkle in her eyes, the brightness in her smile, and he felt for all the world a success.
She was a treasure, and right now she was his. He had every intention of making that permanent.
His hand tightened on hers and she looked up at him, amazed by the reflected joy in his eyes. She felt the movement of his muscles in his shoulder, the hand on her waist, the other holding hers warmly, leading her through turns, sweeping her in giddy circles.
The music faded and she frowned. He pulled her in two more sweeping turns as the floor cleared, then he bowed before her. Her fingertips brushed her mouth as she laughed. He took her hand, placing it on his arm to lead her to the terrace.
“My sweet Lilly, you are the most stunning woman I have ever laid eyes upon.”
Once outside he leaned against the balustrade and took her hand, unbuttoning the row of tiny pearls at the inside of her wrist. He placed a gentle kiss inside the loosed fabric, then pinching the tips of her fingers to loosen her glove. He pulled it off slowly, sparking the nerves in her skin. Then he kissed the tips of each finger, stroking the inside of her wrist with his thumb.
“You have stolen my heart. I’ve no idea how you’ve done so. You must be a sprite, sent to bewitch me.”
Lilly laughed. “I don’t know anything of that.”
Perry held her hand, slowly running his fingers up her arm and back again. “I was concerned about you holding your own in a venue of this sort. Clearly, there was no reason to be.”
“I am still shaking. But now that you’re here, I’m feeling much better.”
“We must go back inside. The duchess will be wondering where I’ve taken you.” He smoothed the glove back up her arm, straightening out the creases as he went.
“Must we?”
“I’m afraid we must.” He straightened from the balustrade and tried to button the tiny pearls on her glove, but his fingers were too wide. He gave up and took her hand and placed it on his sleeve, leading her back through the French doors.
Perry was watching her face as they navigated the ballroom. As quickly as frost melts in sunlight, her features shifted to confusion and then to anger. He stopped and turned to face her, blocking the rest of the room. “Lilly,” he said, taking her hands in his as he scanned the guests above her head.
“He’s here.” She paled.
“He.” Perry shifted them, watching the room, scanning the faces. He caught the attention of his cousins, who weren’t far away.
Perry surrounded her with his broad shoulders and strong arms, and walked toward the main entry. “I will get you out of here, I will keep you safe.” What he should have done was insist she and his aunt leave the moment he saw them. But he’d been so taken with her, had wanted only one waltz. But at what price?
They left the ballroom without looking back. Once they crossed the threshold he swept Lilly from her feet, carrying her through the entry toward a parlor on the opposite side. They were followed closely by his cousins, his aunt, and the lady of the house.
Perry set Lilly on a long chaise and turned on Warrick. “He’s here.”
“I’m aware.” Warrick held his hands up to stave off the rant. “We caught sight of him when you went out to the terrace.”
“Where is he now?” Perry asked.
Warrick shook his head. “He was in the ballroom, but we lost him after he saw you and Lilly.”
“Damn him. I should have removed them. This is my fault.” Perry started to turn for the door, but Lilly held him.
“Let them call for the carriage, please. You can’t walk away from me now.” Her hands were shaking like autumn leaves from trees.
“As you wish.” He turned to Calder. “We need to get them away from here.”
“Mama, you are to stay with Warrick and Perry. Do not leave.” Calder strode from the room.
“Someone needs to explain what’s happening,” Lady Grenville said.
“Oh, Sarah Jane, I do beg your pardon. It appears you have an unwelcome guest,” Auberry said. “But not to worry—Calder and Warrick will handle it and none will be the wiser.
Calder came back into the room and spoke in Warrick’s ear. Warrick went to Perry and Lilly. His large hand came down on Lilly’s shoulder so very delicately, like an elephant on a spider’s web. “He’s out front, and demanding an audience.”
She stood suddenly. “If you go, I go.”
“Lilly, I—”
“If you go
, I go.”
Warrick led Perry while Lilly and Calder followed. They found Perry’s men guarding the door, Hepplewort pacing at the base of the steps in front of his carriage, his horses shifting nervously.
“Hepplewort, you are supposed to have left London. Why are you here?” Warrick asked.
“I am here for reparations.”
“You are due no further reparations from me, or anyone here,” Perry said.
“He’s well into his cups, that one is.” Auberry looked down her nose at the earl. Perry scowled when he realized his aunt had followed them out as well.
“Perhaps I’ve had a drink or two, but that is irrelevant.”
Perry shifted and Hepplewort caught a glimpse of Lilly. “What’s this, then?” He stopped his pacing. “Here’s a girl. Do you know we’ve made quite the rounds in an attempt to find one girl to return home with? And here’s one right now, tucked safely behind the man who helped to steal my bride.”
Calder and Warrick flanked Lilly, and she stepped forward, her other hand holding tightly to Perry’s. “And why would you be looking for me? I thought I was just a passing fancy, a bit of fun you picked up.”
Hepplewort sent her a confused glare. “What are you talking about? I only want to steal his bit of tail.”
“You’ve no idea who I am, then?”
Perry squeezed her hand. “Lilly.”
“Who you are? You’re nobody, you’re irrelevant, just a tool I wish to use.”
Lilly stepped forward, her grip on Perry loosening while his grip on her tightened. “I see, but you don’t. You’ve already used me, and quite thoroughly I might add, to sate your need.” She took another step as he glared at her, allowing the light to strike her face.
“There is something about your— Oh.” A devilish grin broke a crooked line across his pudgy face. “Why, I thought you were dead.”
Lilly’s jaw dropped and Perry stepped forward, taking him up by the collar and throwing him to the ground. “You son of a bitch! How dare you! You have no right to even address her! Much less to behave in such a callous manner.”
Hepplewort scooted back, then sat up. “Well, she wasn’t so brave and powerful when last we met, were you, chit?”
