She shook her head. “That won’t do. You and Jon have more important things to do than to trail around after me all day.”
“Nothing is more important than your safety,” Jon interposed before Jay had a chance.
“Now that I know, I will be very careful,” she informed them. “I will never leave the house without a footman, at least.” She was trying to be reasonable, but she could tell Jay did not want to be reasonable right now.
Jay’s frown grew blacker with each word. She sighed. He was going to become difficult. She recognized the possessive streak in him, but it was more than that. He wanted to protect her. Yet, his method of protection would smother her if she wasn’t careful.
“You will not leave this house without an escort,” he repeated. “A footman alone won’t do. Where was the footman who went with you today?”
Tina had no answer to that question. She knew he was thinking that servants, no matter how diligent, could not accompany her everywhere. Today had been a good example. Someone had insinuated themselves into the crowd strolling along the banks of the river. Someone who looked enough like a gentleman to pass inspection. If it had been Milton, neither the duchess nor Lady Weston knew him, so even if they had seen him, he wouldn’t have attracted their attention.
“Then I will not attend any more garden parties without you or Jon—or any other outdoor activities.”
“No.” Jay’s voice was implacable.
Sighing again, Tina rose to her feet. “If you are going to be unreasonable about this, then there is no use discussing it. But I will not become a prisoner in my own home again.”
Then she turned and walked out of the room, closing the door quietly behind her. Two pairs of eyes followed her, one in stunned silence, the other silently applauding.
Now that was the sister he remembered.
Jay sat immobile as his wife left the room in the wake of a near ultimatum. It had happened again. How had he lost control of the conversation so soon? He had been so worried about her safety, he hadn’t considered how she would feel.
‘I will not become a prisoner in my own home, again.’ He winced at those words. They were nearly the same words he had used to convince Felicia and Tina they needed to leave Thane Park. She had not liked them then—and she didn’t like them now.
Yet, the fear he felt was very real. The need to protect her nearly overwhelmed him with its intensity. He would not allow anything to hurt her. And he knew he’d go to any lengths to ensure nothing did. She could not possibly understand the lengths Milton might go to in order to claim what he considered his. His thoughts brought him up short.
When had she turned his life upside down? When had she become more important than the title, the land, the inheritance? When had he stopped thinking of her as an enjoyable means to an end, and begun to see her as his wife. He would protect her by all means possible—but that didn’t mean he loved her. Did it?
*
Upstairs in her suite, Tina searched for and found the small case she brought with her from Thane Park. Although she had not expected to need its contents, she carried them with her when she left. Now she was glad she had.
Ringing for Milly, she set the small wooden case on her bed and opened the lid to reveal the two small pistols contained within. Jay’s father had read about women in America who carried small pistols, called derringers, for protection and thought it an excellent idea. For some reason, he felt they were better than the small pocket pistols ladies had been carrying in England for years, so he had ordered two sets—one for her mother and one for her.
They hadn’t necessarily needed them while at the Park, but Papa said he was taking no chances with their safety. She supposed now he might have thought they just needed some protection when he wasn’t around. But it was more likely a whim brought on by reading—but who was she to argue? Especially since now the knowledge would be useful.
She and Felicia had discussed the best way to conceal them on their persons more than once. They had considered and discarded a number of ideas before hitting upon the idea of hiding one under their petticoats and carrying one in a reticule. A person finding the one in the reticule might not search further for a second one, they had reasoned, so an idea had been born.
When Milly arrived she found Tina sitting on her bed, a number of pairs of drawers spread out on the bed beside her. Swearing her to secrecy, Tina explained what she needed.
“I need you to cut and sew a pocket on these,” Tina told her, holding up a pair of drawers. “It must be large enough to put my hand inside of, but tie closed at the top so that anything put inside will not fall out by accident.” She knew that it was useless to tell Milly what she was going to put inside the pocket—it would only alarm her. “Eventually, I want this done to every pair, but for now, I must have one finished by tonight.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Milly hurried out with the bundle, and Tina turned back to the box.
Lifting out one of the pistols, she checked that it was clean, then checked to see how much ammunition she had left. She would have to ask Jon to get her some more. She had a feeling Jay would not necessarily be amenable to her plan, but she could not sit idle and feel vulnerable. She would not be a prisoner in her own home. It had been that way at Thane Park—she had been afraid to venture into the village. But now she couldn’t stay inside the house day in and day out. She would go mad.
Putting away the pistols and box, she wandered into her sitting room. Settling on a chaise, she opened the book of sonnets she had borrowed from the library a few days ago. Trying to lose herself in the familiar writings of Shakespeare turned into a useless endeavor and she gave up to stare without seeing across the room.
Jay was only trying to protect her the best way he knew how. She knew that. But, having used that form of protection herself at Thane Park, she now understood it was pointless. Initially she had stayed in the dower house as a form of defense. If she didn’t go out, she didn’t have to subject herself to the hostile and accusing stares, and it became a habit to just remain in isolation. It occasionally grated on her, the forced seclusion, but she had come to accept it, understanding eventually it had to change.
That was then, in any case, and this was now. Having tasted the delights of the ton, she was not willing to absent herself from the social scene because a madman was on the loose.
She loved Jay dearly and she was beginning to suspect his feelings for her were deeper than he would admit. Why else would he seem frantic over her safety? Concern would be expected, but he was overreacting. Keeping her in the house or requiring that she only leave in his or Jon’s company would not stop a murderer. It would only make him more desperate.
She would just have to be vigilant at all times. Even in the house. Jon and Jay might think they could protect her constantly, but she knew that was impossible. They could not plan for every eventuality. It was up to her to think of those things they overlooked. The household was one such place. Rising from the chaise, she crossed to the bellpull to summon the butler and housekeeper.
If Keyes or Mrs. Greaves were surprised at her request, they kept it to themselves. “I know this is somewhat out of the ordinary, however, at this time, I feel his lordship and I must insist on strict adherence. There are to be no new staff hired without our personal approval. This includes anyone for any reason, including stablehands.”
The two servants exchanged quick glances, but said nothing.
“Also, if we have hired anyone new on in, say, the past fortnight, I would like to speak with them.”
“We haven’t needed to,” Mrs. Greaves spoke up. “We’ll be needin’ to hire more footmen for your ladyship’s soiree, though. We would have been startin’ to send the notices ’round to the agencies next week.”
Tina thought for a moment, then said, “I think we will have to wait on that. I will let you know when it should be done.”
Although she knew she could trust the two standing before her to keep the secret, she did not feel co
mfortable revealing the reasons for this new directive concerning household hiring. She didn’t know whether Jay would approve of them knowing.
Dismissing the two servants, she walked over to a window and stared out at the gathering darkness. A star twinkling overhead caught her eye, reminding her of the pendant Nona had given her. This might not have happened if she had waited for the person with the other half. But she could not imagine loving anyone else other than Jay. If the person with the other half of the pendant was her destiny, then why had she fallen so completely in love with Jay?
Was it possible Nona had been wrong? Or had she brought this misfortune upon herself by ignoring her great-grandmother’s words? Did she truly love Jay—or had she merely taken the safe way out? What if Milton decided to kill Jay? Had she exposed him to a madman’s vengeance needlessly? She had married him because it was the most sensible thing to do under the circumstances. It was what Papa had wanted. But had her guilt driven her decision—and would that decision now cost another of her beloved Papa’s sons his life?
If the person with the other half of the pendant was her destiny, how had she fallen in love with Jay? The question bothered her more than she was willing to admit, but she wouldn’t give it another thought if Jay loved her in return. She loved and revered her great-grandmother, but Nona was gone now and she had to live her own life. Nona was a part of her past, a beloved part, but nevertheless still past. She would always cherish the time spent with her great-grandmother and wearing the pendant would keep the memories dear, but she had to look forward. Someday she would pass the pendant on to her own daughter. The other half, might surface eventually, but she would not tell her daughter she should marry whoever possessed it.
*
Tina dressed for dinner with care. Worried Jay would forbid her to attend the Wolverton rout that evening, she was pleasantly surprised when he did not.
Jay had done his share of thinking earlier that evening as well. He might have the authority to order her to stay home, but what would it accomplish? She probably would not accept the mandate with grace and he wasn’t sure he wanted to experience Tina in a temper. Until recently he had considered her someone to protect, cherish, spoil, and generally shield from harm. He was rapidly coming to the conclusion, however, that he had woefully underestimated her ability to deal with difficult situations. Whatever reasons she had used to isolate herself at Thane Park would remain hers, but he knew that having observed her there, he had jumped to conclusions concerning her ability to face hostility. He had the feeling she would surprise him again before this situation was through.
In the carriage on the way to the Wolverton’s, she informed him of her edict regarding the hiring of servants. Needless to say, it hadn’t occurred to him to wonder whether someone could hire on inside the house and do her harm.
“But,” she continued, “Mrs. Greaves informs me it is usual to hire on extra footmen for a large function such as my soiree. Notices would have gone out to agencies soon. I don’t know how to handle that area at the moment. I’m not sure I want to interview another twenty footmen for one night.”
Jay’s initial instinct was she should cancel the soiree, but he suspected that idea would not be well received.
“Let me think on it,” he promised. “Perhaps Jon and I can come up with something.”
“Thank you.” Looking across the interior of the carriage at him, she was reminded again how much she loved him. She wished she knew what he felt for her. Reaching out, she put her hand on his knee to get his attention. “And thank you for not insisting I remain at home tonight,” she said softly.
She felt his muscles bunch under her hand and his eyes glanced down to where it lay. His voice was strained when he spoke. “You’re welcome, madam. However, if you want to arrive in the same condition you left Thane House, you might want to remove your hand and not tempt me further.”
Tina’s eyes widened at the undercurrent in his voice and words. Snatching her hand back as if she had been burned, she could feel the blood flooding her face and neck.
“Oh. I—I didn’t mean…”
Jay leaned forward and tipped her chin up so their eyes met. Even in the weak light from the carriage lamp, she could see flames leaping in the polished depths. For a long moment, he studied her face, then he smiled.
“Teasing you is too easy at times. I’m afraid I fall for the temptation too readily.” Then he took her mouth in a brief kiss, breaking off just as the carriage came to a stop.
Once inside, Jay stayed beside her even as her circle of admirers began forming. Although a few of them cast anxious glances in his direction, none ventured any remarks to him. When Jon joined them and later, Lord Westover, the three men talked among themselves, yet Jay kept her in sight at all times.
He was being obvious, but if Milton happened to be present, he wanted him to comprehend Tina would not be an easy target. He wished he could think of a way to draw Milton out without involving Tina, but so far he hadn’t come up with a plan.
“Between Teddy and I, we have spoken to every one of Aaron’s friends we can find. None have seen Milton within the last month.” Jon’s voice was laced with disappointment.
“He has to be somewhere,” Jay said. “And soon he will run out of coin. That may bring him out.”
It brought Jay some satisfaction to know Rodney Milden had evidently not expected them to discover his real identity. He had put all of his stolen funds into a bank account under his own name. Jay, Jon, and the Metropolitan Police had convinced the bank manager to halt any activity within the account, with one exception. Anyone requesting funds from the account had to do it personally to the bank manager, and the bank manager conveniently had a new assistant, who also happened to be a policeman.
It was Teddy who stated the obvious. “It’s possible now that he knows we know, he’ll just drop everything and disappear. After all, even if he manages to do away with Lady Tina, he would never be able to take possession of the property. He’d be a sitting duck.”
“One would hope he has thought it that far through and would do just that,” Jay responded dryly. “However, that would require he be a rational person. Murderers are seldom rational.”
“Got a point there,” Teddy conceded.
The final notes of the country dance were just dying when Tina felt a chill down her spine. Turning to her partner, her eyes met a pair of malevolent gray ones across the room. For a moment, she was motionless as his hatred enveloped her in a cold fog. Tearing her eyes away, she allowed Lord Exton to lead her off the floor. Once back in the small group, she moved to Jay’s side and slipped her small hand into his large, warm one.
Trying to stay calm, she looked up at him, but still could not stop the small shudder that went through her. Just as before, she could feel Milton’s hate like a tangible force. She needed Jay for strength, and she needed to stay calm. She knew Milton could do nothing in a crowded ballroom, but she was taking no chances.
He’s just trying to frighten you, she told herself. He can do nothing here. Yet, he was succeeding. Despite her confidence he could do nothing in the crowded room, she was still afraid.
Jay looked down as Tina slipped in beside him and noticed her agitation. When she put her hand in his and he felt her shiver, he was instantly alert. Bending his head, he asked, “What is it?” His voice was low, and she responded in an equally low whisper.
“He’s here. Across the room, by the balcony doors.”
Jay nodded. Turning to Jon on his other side, he said in a low voice. “Turn toward me as if speaking and look toward the balcony doors. Tina says Milton is there.”
Jon did as he was told. “I see him. Unfortunately, if either of us made a move in that direction, he’d be out the doors and gone before we even got a few steps.”
“Is he speaking to anyone in particular?”
“No, but Martindale is approaching him. Damn! I hope Teddy told him not to mention we were looking for him.”
Jay shrugged.
“It doesn’t matter. He must know we are on to him by now, unless he has not tried to withdraw funds from his account within the last few days. If he was the one who actually pushed Tina this afternoon, he has to have realized she knew the shove was deliberate.”
Jon turned to Teddy. “What did you tell Martindale?”
“I didn’t speak to him, Gerald did,” he replied. “Why?”
“Because Milton is here. No, don’t look directly, but he’s over by the balcony doors speaking with Martindale.”
Jay put Tina’s hand on his arm and covered it with his own. He felt some of the tension leave her body as he said, “Come, let’s walk. It’s nearly time for supper, so we can head in that direction.”
Over supper, Tina relaxed once Jon and Teddy joined them to report Milton had left. Once Jay and Tina had left the ballroom, Jon told them he had made it clear he had seen Milton by openly staring at him and pointing him out to Teddy. Milton had slipped out the balcony doors a few moments later.
The duchess and Lady Weston joined them and supper passed uneventfully. Staying just long enough to dance a waltz together, Tina and Jay took their leave not much later. Lady Weston promised to call on Tina the next day.
“Will you tell her what is going on?” Jay asked her in the carriage.
“Should I?” she asked. “It would be nice to have another woman to confide in. But, I don’t know how she’ll react. I wouldn’t want her to get hurt.” She sighed. “Actually it would be nice to have Felicia here right now.”
Jay could not stop the groan that escaped. “You do not know how glad I am she is not.”
“Why?”
“Because the first time I laid eyes on her she was holding a pistol on Milton. She gave him quite a scare, and I don’t doubt she’d try to finish the job if she knew what was happening now.”
“What!” Tina looked up at him, dismayed. “When was this?”
The Gypsy Legacy: Marquis Page 25
