“The first day I arrived at Thane Park. Just as I was greeting Keyes at the front door, I heard a shot and went to investigate.” Relating the events he witnessed, he then added, “She was protecting you. She made it clear he had been tolerated only because he hadn’t upset you too much. But, apparently your last encounter had left you shaken and she decided to take matters into her own hands.”
Tina was shocked. “I thought I had been calm enough when I went back out to the garden to tell her what he told me. She was so excited to find out you had arrived in London. She has always seemed unreasonably hostile toward him, but it never occurred to me she might go so far.” The blood drained from her face, leaving wide aquamarine pools in a pale face. “If you hadn’t arrived, I shudder to think what Mr. Milton might have done in retaliation.”
Her distress affected him more than he was willing to admit and he nearly reached out and pulled her into his arms. “It was because of that scene I sought her out to find out more about Milton, but then I was sidetracked because she didn’t believe who I was.”
“Because of the picture in the gallery. Your hair must have darkened as you aged because it’s nearly the same shade as Aaron’s in the picture.”
He shook his head. “My parents paid the artist to lighten my hair so Aaron and I would look more alike. I didn’t want to look like Aaron. He might have been older than I, but I did not look up to him, nor did I want to be like him.”
“Why not? I thought all younger brothers looked up to the older one. There was a time when Jon looked up to Aaron, but I don’t think Aaron was very nice to him when Papa wasn’t around.”
“That’s exactly it. Aaron was one person around our father, but a different person altogether out of our father’s sight. The problem was that our father refused to believe me when I brought it to his attention. I was always the one in the wrong if there was a choice between us.”
He couldn’t put a name to the emotion that entered her eyes. At least it wasn’t pity. He didn’t need her pity. He’d dealt with Aaron and his father by leaving home and answering only to himself and his conscience.
Knowing how she felt about Aaron vindicated his feelings when it came to his brother, but he wasn’t sure he would ever believe his father had changed so drastically.
“I’m glad you aren’t like Aaron,” was all she said as the carriage came to a stop.
Once inside, she sent a footman to find Milly and have her bring her a cup of tea, while she headed upstairs. Keyes informed Jay a message had arrived for him while they were out and he had left it in the library.
Tina was already asleep when he entered her room sometime later. The message had been Pymm’s written report. He could have waited until tomorrow to read it, but once he started, he hadn’t put it down until he had finished it. He would discuss its contents with Jon tomorrow, but at least for now, Tina was safe.
She turned into his arms as he settled into the bed beside her, curling up close against his side. He wished he could keep her this way forever—or at least until the threat passed. But he wasn’t sure that would ever happen as long as Milton was loose.
He suspected Milton was beyond just wanting a piece of property. If he had to hazard a guess, he would say Milton somehow believed Tina responsible for everything that went wrong in his life. The dislike of gypsies was the foundation. It must have come as a shock to the family to lose the property—and to the descendant of a bastard gypsy-born daughter. For Milton, the loss was personal. If not for Tina, it would have been his. That Tina was unaware of the bequest and had not somehow schemed to get it was irrelevant. It was hers whether she wanted it or not. And for that, he could not forgive her. Irrational it may seem, but, as he told Lord Weston, murderers were seldom rational.
He tried not to think of how closely Milton’s situation paralleled his own. Tina was unaware of the will, had not schemed to deprive him of his birthright, yet he still had regained it all under false pretenses. Even though it looked as if she’d married him for his title and fortune, could he really fault her for wanting security? Did he know any woman who would have acted any differently given the choices she had before her?
Perhaps the question he ought to be asking himself is whether he thought she would have acted differently had she known the truth? Would she have, as he assumed, preferred a season first? She’d said no, but she hadn’t been in possession of all the facts. The knowledge that she had the other half of his medallion assuaged his guilt over not honoring his promise, but made him wonder if she’d worn her half because she regretted not following her great-grandmother’s wishes.
His conscience accused him of using her ignorance, just as Milton had, to his advantage. Would she forgive him if she ever found out?
*
In the end, Tina confided in Lady Weston and the duchess. It wasn’t that she planned to include the duchess, but she knew Jay had discussed Mr. Milton with Lord Weston as well as the duke. It seemed only logical the ladies knew what was going on as well.
In addition, Tina decided she was going to need some help in the plan she had begun to formulate. She knew Jay and Jon both would be appalled.
“I’m hoping he will make a move the night of the Thurston’s masquerade,” she told the ladies. “It would be very easy to slip in disguised and try something, and I plan to be an easy target.”
“How do you propose to do that?” Lady Weston asked. “Once anyone finds out what your costume is going to be, you won’t be able to lose yourself in the crowd. Everyone will know who you are.”
“I plan on being something he won’t be able to overlook. Very few others will identify me with a gypsy costume, but he will.”
The duchess nodded in agreement. “You’ve got the right of it there, but how do you propose to get past that husband of yours? I can’t see him letting you leave the house dressed as a sitting duck.”
“I’m still working on it,” Tina replied. “But I’ll figure something out.”
“Just what do you expect Milton to do once he sees you?” Lady Weston asked.
“I’m hoping he’ll try to abduct me,” she confided. “I don’t think he’ll try to do anything at a ball—too many people. But, a body has to surface sometime in order for people to believe I’m dead. So, he’d have to take me away to try to kill me.”
“But surely you don’t want to end up alone with him?” The duchess was horrified.
“Of course not.” Tina replied. “Even though I don’t want Jay to see my costume until after I’m there, I will suggest to him he have the detective he’s hired at the ball to help him and Jon keep an eye on me.” She thought for a moment. “Of course, I haven’t worked out all the details yet, but I’m hoping the detective will be able to take Mr. Milton into custody, and out of our lives forever.”
Lady Weston nodded. “It might work, if Milton reacts predictably. But what if he doesn’t? Suppose all he does is draw you out into the garden and try to murder you there?”
“Jon and Jay, both, would say I was insane to try this scheme, but I’ve not gone completely mad. I won’t be drawn out into the garden without an escort. I’m well aware that would be asking for trouble.”
Both ladies were heartened by this declaration and pledged their support. The duchess, however, had the last word.
“It still remains to be seen whether you will be able to cozen that overprotective husband of yours into letting you arrive at the Thurston’s at all without him in attendance.”
*
The next week proved to be the most stressful week of Tina’s life. Although Milton did not appear at another function, she was constantly looking over her shoulder and jumping at shadows. It was, in short, nerve-wracking. Convinced, however, Milton would make a move of some sort the night of the masquerade, she moved forward with her plans.
The afternoon of the masquerade she and Lady Weston were at Westover House enjoying tea when their husbands joined them. The duchess was out to tea with one of her cronies, the duke hav
ing taken himself off to his club for the afternoon and early evening.
“You still have not told me what costume you are wearing this evening,” Jay remarked to Tina during a lull in the conversation.
“I know,” she responded, her eyes twinkling. “You will just have to wait and see.”
Jay was obviously not pleased by her answer. “I take it by that you mean it is a closely guarded secret?”
“Of course. After all, if everyone knew what everyone else was, what would be the purpose of a masquerade?”
Although he attempted at least once more to find out her costume, she remained adamant he not know.
“Geri and I are getting ready here,” she told him. “So you need not worry about me.”
The statement was met by raised eyebrows.
“Besides, I thought you were arranging to have the detective and some others there tonight. If I come with Geri and Lord Weston, you can make sure your arrangements are in place. I will be perfectly safe with them.”
Jay was unconvinced. “I’m not questioning Gerald’s ability to keep you safe, mind you, but why do I suspect there is more here than meets the eye?”
“Perhaps because you are naturally suspicious.”
Her nonchalance would have been charming, if it wasn’t so irritating, he thought. But he wasn’t about to argue over a costume with her. In any case, she was right, he needed to have some men there. He, too, had surmised the masquerade might be a good place for Milton to make a move and he was taking no chances. He would see her arrive with the Westons and would point her out to the men.
Once apprized of the situation, the Thurstons had been eager to cooperate and allow for a few extra “footmen” to be placed in strategic locations. Although Milton had not been invited, they understood it was nearly impossible to ensure only persons with invitations actually attended these affairs. Anyone could come in through the garden, for instance, once the fete was in full swing, and no one would be any wiser.
It would be nice to know ahead of time what she was wearing, but he had discovered women delighted in these doings and who was wearing what were closely guarded secrets. He would not quibble over her wish for secrecy. After all, a costume was a costume. She wouldn’t stand out any more than any of the other women in the room.
Chapter Sixteen
“Are you sure about this?” Lady Weston eyed Tina’s costume with no little trepidation later in the evening.
“Yes. Very sure,” Tina replied, studying the ensemble in the mirror.
The white, off the shoulder, peasant blouse decorated with red embroidered flowers around the low neckline didn’t reveal any more or less than most of her evening gowns and the bright red skirt, bolstered by four petticoats, reached completely to the floor, although most gypsies wore theirs at ankle length. Knowing she couldn’t go barefoot, she was wearing stockings and slippers underneath, as well as a pair of her specially altered drawers. A black fringed shawl completed the ensemble, tied at her waist at one side and ending in a triangular point on the other side. For jewelry, a necklace consisting of gold coins matched the several bracelets she wore.
The costume wasn’t risque by any means, but she knew Lady Weston was primarily concerned about her hair. Partially braided with coins woven into it, the rest was loose, falling in curling waves nearly to her hips. Even the black half mask she wore could not completely conceal her identity. But that was exactly what she was counting on.
“Then I suppose we ought to be going.” Lady Weston sounded like she was headed for an execution, not a masquerade ball.
Tina couldn’t help the giggle that escaped as the two women left the room to head downstairs. It had not escaped her, the contrast between the two of them.
“What’s so funny?”
“I was just thinking how opposite we look together. I’m not sure that anyone will have ever seen a nun and a gypsy together before.”
That made Lady Weston laugh. “I’m sure you’re right,” she said as they reached the entryway. “You had best put your cloak on while I go get Gerald. I’m not sure he’ll let you out of the house if he sees you before we get there.”
Tina had retrieved her cloak from the butler and put it on by the time Lady Weston returned with her husband and the duchess. The duchess looked at her closely, but said nothing.
Tina was quiet on the short ride there. As she had for most of the evening, she wondered what she would do if Jay took one look at her and decided to take her home. Making a scene would not solve anything, but she hadn’t come up with any arguments in favor of him letting her stay. Her best hope was to already be enjoying herself by the time he found her.
She was learning fast that Jay enjoyed indulging her. He might not ever love her, but he was willing to spoil her and she was not above using that to get what she wanted. Tonight she wanted to enjoy her first masquerade ball and, hopefully, trap Milton at the same time.
Jon must have been haunting the door because he was at her side almost the moment she entered Thurston House. Dressed in plain evening clothes and wearing a black silk domino, she would have recognized those emerald eyes anywhere.
“I’m not supposed to know who you are,” she whispered as she fumbled with the fastening of her cloak. For a moment, she wasn’t sure she wanted to remove it. She wasn’t sure she wanted to see Jon’s reaction. He, at least, would recognize what she was doing—even if Jay did not.
Jon noticed her hesitation. “What’s wrong?” he asked, “You’re already nervous.”
“Where’s Jay?”
Jon cocked his head toward the ballroom. “I think I last saw him outside in the garden talking to Pymm, why?”
Gathering her courage, she removed her cloak and handed it to the hovering footman. “Just wondered.”
Jon stared at her as if she had grown two heads. “Are you out of your mind?” he nearly shouted.
“Shhh, keep your voice down. I don’t want to draw too much attention.”
Slipping her arm through his, she followed the Westons into the ballroom, dragging him along, a smile pasted on her face.
“He’s going to kill you—and I’m going to watch—and applaud.”
Tina tossed her head. “Then Milton won’t have to,” she countered, eyes flashing.
They entered the crowded room and continued in the duchess’ wake until she stopped and turned back to them. Her eyes were hard to make out behind the mask of her sky blue domino.
“Ahh, I see,” she said and Tina couldn’t tell whether her voice held disapproval or not.
“What do you see, Your Grace?” a tight-lipped Jon asked.
“What the shouting is all about, of course. Now, run along and see if you can find your sister and I something to drink.”
Jon was not convinced, but did as he was bid.
“I hope you have a good explanation for your husband, my dear. Your brother might have expected something like this from you, but I’m afraid you may find the man you married has another side to him—especially once he sets eyes on you.”
“Jon obviously didn’t expect it from me, either. Except for my hair, I do not think there is anything wrong with the way I am dressed. It is just a costume after all.”
The duchess chortled and patted her arm. “Let us hope your husband thinks so, too.”
Tina was dancing when Jay entered the ballroom from the garden. He had not seen her come in, but he knew Jon was waiting by the door to keep watch for her. Pymm and four policemen were stationed throughout the ballroom and gardens to watch for anything untoward.
Now, he was free to find Tina. He had tried to guess what she might devise in the way of a costume. Knowing she had the help of the duchess and Lady Weston, he knew she could be any number of things. Surveying the dancers as he skirted the ballroom, he suddenly caught sight of a bright red skirt and raven-hued hair.
His blood chilled. She wouldn’t, his mind screamed. She could not possibly be that naïve. Yet, he was sure he had found her, even though his t
houghts denied the evidence before his eyes.
Jay watched the woman until the dance came to an end, then moved to intercept her and her partner as they left the dance floor. He reached them just as they reached the side of a woman in a sky blue domino. The woman’s escort bowed over her hand and raised it to his lips, then left her to another man standing beside the woman in the blue domino. He recognized Jon.
As he approached, he heard her laugh. The sound enveloped him and settled somewhere in the vicinity of his heart. It lightened his mood somewhat, but only a notch.
“And then he asked me to tell his fortune,” she was saying to her companions.
“And what did you say to that,” the woman, whom he recognized as the duchess, asked.
“I told him I had left my crystal ball at home for the evening, but perhaps another time,” Tina replied easily. She smiled as she sipped the lemonade Jon handed her.
Jay came up behind her, resisting the impulse to clamp his hands around her waist and anchor her back against him.
“Perhaps you should have offered to read the cards for him, instead,” he said in a taut voice. He didn’t trust himself to say more. He was still reeling from her costume.
How dare she openly challenge Milton to come for her? He expected she would wear a normal costume and be difficult to pick out among everyone else. But, no, not his wife! She had to blatantly advertise her presence. It would be like picking a blood-red rose out of a snowbank. He had underestimated her—again.
She spun around to look up at him, the laughter dying in her eyes at the sparks flying from his. His black gaze took in her features, alight with joy, before that light was extinguished with one look at his face. He knew he was scowling, but the more he looked at her, the blacker his thoughts, and the deeper the glare. His mood soured. The crowded ballroom faded into the distance, then disappeared.
“My lord?” her voice was tentative.
Good, he thought. I ought to pack her up and take her home right this minute and to hell with Milton. But, even as he considered doing just that, her next partner appeared as the sets were forming for a quadrille.
The Gypsy Legacy: Marquis Page 26
