“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I offered cordially, smiling down on the aged woman who fussed at her assistant, pointing to the pencil and paper where she’d be recording my measurements. After all this time, I still wasn’t quite sure what the younger apprentice’s name was—only that she worked quietly and often seemed to anticipate her mistress’s every need. “I see you have someone here to help,” I offered, hoping to finally be introduced. Back when this meeting initially happened, I’d been so caught up in the moment my manners had escaped me. There was no better time to rectify the slight than now.
“Yes, yes,” Ms. Valeria repeated, somewhat distracted as she kept glancing back and forth between where I stood and her work. “I’ve brought Constance along today so I can give you my undivided attention.”
I had to choke back the snort that threatened to burst out of me. If that was her intention, she was definitely off to a rough start.
“Thank you for coming, Constance.” Judging from her startled reaction, the petite blonde wasn’t accustomed to being addressed let alone thanked by clients. I could tell it pleased her, however, by her discrete smile.
“Has Lady Hannah informed you what I need?” I ventured again, feeling a little ignored on my perch. I had no doubt she knew everything down to the finest stitch and fancy button. My struggling attempt at conversation was more for my own sake than hers.
“Her Ladyship has left all those details up to me. I am the best at what I do, Mr. Lockhart. Granted, this request is quite at the last moment, but rest assured, by the time I’m finished with you . . .” She peered up at me over her thin framed spectacles perched near the end of her nose. “You will be the finest dressed gentleman in London. You’ll have every woman reaching for her smelling salts . . . inducing swooning fits as you pass by.”
Her confidence made me chuckle. She was exactly as I’d remembered her and it warmed my heart to see not everything changed. Ms. Valeria promised that to all of her clients, but that didn’t lessen it’s truthfulness in any way. The clothes she made for me were fit for a prince or king. If I were honest, it was her keen sense of style that inspired and began my own addiction to well made clothing.
I just couldn’t admit that to her and not seem like some crazed lunatic babbling about the future. One false step and I would find myself with a one-way ticket to the mental asylum at Bethlem Hospital.
“Then, madam, I am at your mercy.” My respectful bow curled the edges of her lips.
“Our Mr. Lockhart will require one of everything . . . trousers, a new tailcoat, shirt, waistcoat . . .” All while Constance scribbled furiously on her notepad, not once looking up. “A fresh cravat, gloves, and top hat . . . yes, I have just the one back at the shop to include with the delivery.”
At the sound of each item, I remembered being dazzled by such extravagance. I wasn’t new to such finery but there had never been a time when I’d been able to purchase them all at once. My family was definitely not cash poor, but we lived quite modestly in our country home. Looking again at the expensive fabrics the celebrated seamstress brought with her, I could honestly say I’d never worn anything so indulgent and fine before.
If only Verity could see me now, I mused silently. She would’ve loved to sit and listen, asking each and every question that popped into her beautiful head. This was the kind of life and lifestyle I’d often daydreamed giving her—such affluence that, if the mood struck, I could adorn her with jewels and silks. Verity never asked, let alone expected such things of me. It was my own desire speaking. I wanted to give her the world. Hell, if I could pluck the moon and stars from the sky for her, I would in a heartbeat.
“Have you decided what color—” I began only to be interrupted by a stern glare.
“All in good time,” Ms. Valeria tsked, finally reaching for her measuring tape. “Allow me to work my magic.” With that, the brazen woman winked at me!
Holding my hands up in surrender, I barked out a laugh. “Then forgive me for foolishly interrupting. I’m in your capable hands, after all.”
“You, dear sir, have a silver tongue. Flattery will get you everywhere in this town.” She ran her fingers down the sides of my arms, pausing here and there long enough to place the tape and rattle off the numbers, never bothering to hide her teasing smirk. “Unfortunately, you will not win my heart with your fancy words. I am married to my work and my passion is seeing the streets of London decorated with my creations. Anything else fails to hold my attention.”
“Lady Hannah did say you were the best she’d ever seen and that you were often called to court. It must be fulfilling to know you’re in such high demand.” I adjusted my stance as she moved about me. In a few more seconds . . . without fail . . . and there it was. Even though I remembered her hand cupping my behind, the bold squeeze still made me jump in surprise.
This would be a story I retold—the time I’d been manhandled by a wise old woman with nimble fingers and a sharp wit. Even funnier, I wasn’t offended in the slightest. That was the thing about Ms. Valeria. No matter what she did or what she said . . . she somehow made you grateful for it!
“Yes, yes . . . your trousers should fit quite nicely.” Heaven help me, but she stroked the inside of my thigh, high enough that I blurted out a strangled sound that morphed into a cough. Maybe I wasn’t that grateful after all.
“Are you almost done?” My face burned, as though I had stupidly pushed my head into the fire and the flames licked at my skin. “I know I can’t rush a genius when creating a masterpiece . . .” I let the rest of my sentence trail off. Lord, there were some things and memories that time managed to soften. She was a lot more handsy than I recalled—taking liberties with my manly jewels most would never dare consider.
“Just a few more measurements and then I will meet with the Lady to discuss her wardrobe for the ball.” More commands were given to Constance, who hadn’t spoken a word the entire time. “Now tell me, are you attending the ball alone? Have you no sweetheart to escort? I will be extremely cross should I find out your female companion wore a dress made by someone else. I believe in the total package, Mr. Lockhart. It will not do to have you presented as a lustrous diamond while a dowdy sackcloth befitting cattle feed hangs off your arm.”
There was no holding back my laughter now. I would rather poke out my eyes with a dull knife than ever allow Verity to be dressed so poorly. If anything, I would wear rags if it meant I could drape her in finery.
“I am escorting Lady Hannah. I am travelling alone. My betrothed remains at home with my family.” There was no danger in that confession. It wasn’t peculiar for young men to journey afar by themselves.
Her brows furrowed and her hands rested lightly at the base of the pants I wore. Straightening, she all but wagged her finger at me as if she wanted to make sure I understood its importance. “Send for her. Mark my words, the male species is prone to get into trouble when they don’t have the guiding light of love to keep them in check.”
It was my turn to stare at her, my own eyebrows cocked. “I assure you, I’m the last person to go about seeking trouble, madam. I have a task laid out before me and I’m determined to see it through.” It was strange how this woman, who stood no higher than my chest, could incite such a need to defend my choices. Part of me expected her to grab me by the ear like a scolding governess if I somehow displeased her.
“That may be so, but I stand by my words, just the same. Send for her. You will need her.” Ms. Valeria nodded like it was a declaration of prophecy and I would be a fool to ignore her.
“Next you’ll be telling me you share Lady Hannah’s gift of foresight,” I teased back.
“My boy,” she cackled, giving me one last pat before placing her tape measure down on the table near Constance. “I don’t need to hold her special skills to recognize that look in your eye. One glance at you and my heart whispered you were trouble.” She’d meant it as humorous bantering, a continuation of the flirting we’d bandied back and forth over the course
of the fitting, but that didn’t stop the gooseflesh from pebbling my skin—because she was right.
I would be trouble—more trouble that anyone could ever anticipate. I would rain down blood and horror on those around me without a single drop of remorse. Maybe not today or at the ball we currently prepared for, but that day was coming.
Those I loved would rue the day they ever opened their hearts to me. They would shrink in fear as I laughed over and over again—basking in evil darkness.
That would be then and this was now. For the present, at least, it was about fine clothes, gentile manners, and dancing to music that lifted my soul. I intended to play the part and do it well.
No one would ever accuse me of not committing to a role, whether I chose the part or had it thrust upon me.
“I told him the very same thing, my dear friend, and he refuses to listen to me. It’s never wise to be so far away from your true love.” As if right on cue, Lady Hannah entered the room, chiming in on the conversation.
“How am I to say no to the both of you?” I commented, again raising my hands in defense. Unlike most, I was used to being ganged up on by the women in my life—first, with my mother and Elynor, and then later with Darcy and Vivien. There were many occasions when it felt I navigated a minefield, never quite certain if one wrong step would set off an explosion. “Can we not agree to disagree? I have my reasons why my Verity couldn’t join me.”
“Has he told you of these reasons?” Ms. Valeria addressed her question to Lady Hannah, completely ignoring me. I was beginning to understand why Constance stayed so quiet—maybe more because she couldn’t match the quickness of her employer than shyness.
Lady Hannah let out an exasperated sigh, heavily layered with dramatics. “No. Despite my many attempts, he manages to evade them. I’m beginning to believe perhaps there is no Verity at all.”
She was goading me, trying to get me on the defensive, in the hopes I’d confess more of my secrets.
“There is definitely someone who holds my heart. It wasn’t safe to travel with her and she was needed at home.” These were all things I’d already shared—about my sisters death, my newborn niece, and aging parents.
“See how he protests,” Ms. Valeria smirked knowingly. “I think you are right. Who would leave behind such a beautiful companion and deny her the opportunity to shine in London unless she didn’t exist at all.”
I shrugged. It was the only thing I could do, other than continue to argue. “Perhaps one day I will bring her to town and then you can meet her. I look forward to hearing your apologies,” I teased in response.
“What does your gift say?” Again, the question was aimed at my gracious host. Each woman was eccentric in her own ways; together, they were quite a pair. It made me wonder about the poor saps they’d honed their tag-teaming skills on.
As well known as Ms. Valeria was for her dressmaking skills, Lady Hannah was similarly known for her ability to know things—secrets and omens about the future.
She huffed loudly with annoyance. “Unfortunately, while I catch glimpses of our fine young friend here, there are scenes that remain hidden. I will say this in his defense . . . his heart does belong to someone he cherishes above all others. It saddens him to be so far away from her. I guess we must be content to wait until he sends for her.” She placed a heavier emphasis on those last words. “You will end up sending for your Verity.” Then even softer, as if she believed only I could hear it and her added words would only reach my ears. “But you know this already, don’t you?”
I gave a brisk nod. Although, it wouldn’t be me who sent the letter, Verity would get her wish. She’d be by my side again within the next few months.
It was a reunion that stirred all sorts of bittersweet emotions. As much as I missed her and craved her presence, I dreaded it just the same.
Before the two of them could launch another verbal assault, professing the trouble I would get into and how desperately I needed chaperoning, I clapped my hands together, breaking the discussion going on between them. “I believe this is my cue to take my leave. I’ll leave you both to continue plotting.”
Hopping down off the pedestal, I bowed deeply, smiling widely. Then, before they could argue or somehow get me back under their thumbs, I slipped out of the room and headed out of the house completely. I needed to stretch my legs and soak in some fresh air.
Cavendish Square was bustling with activity. Seeing it as an invitation to go exploring, I disappeared down the street.
I was free, at least for the afternoon, and I was determined to enjoy it.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
It was with a lighter heart that I returned, noting that Ms. Valeria and Constance had already packed their wares and left. Maybe it was cowardly of me, but having both her and Lady Hannah gang up on me and pressing for information had given me a headache.
For most of my life, I’d always striven to live honorably, choosing to be honest in all my dealings. I hated the secrecy to which I was bound; believing, deep down, it was merely another way the Fates could torture me. Feeling alone was a terrible thing. It kept you isolated from those who could possibly help—even if it was just a show of support.
It wasn’t as if this was all new to me. I held the advantage of living this once before, but anxiety had held my insides in knots from the second I’d landed back in my past. The constant dread looming over me like a storm, threatening to destroy any and everyone around me, kept me on edge. The knowledge I could do nothing to prevent it, or at the very least prepare for the onslaught to come wore away at my nerves and made me jumpy.
I wanted to scream in frustration—to beg for some kind of solace. What I needed was a confidante, an ally . . . someone to share this burden with. One thing I knew with a certainty—once I returned home, I would never take those I trusted for granted. They’d been like a balm for my soul, always there whenever I needed them for whatever reason. I missed being able to seek their counsel. Never had more truthful words been spoken than ‘a problem shared was a problem halved’.
I longed for my friends. Even though people working to help me surrounded me, it wasn’t the same. The secrets held in my heart were mine, and mine alone. The weight was crushing.
“Devlin?” Lady Hannah’s voice called out from the drawing room. Instead of retreating to my room upstairs, I joined her. She gestured for me to take a seat and my stomach tightened. My hostess had something on her mind.
“How was your walk?” Her question seemed easy enough to answer.
“Uneventful.” I flashed her a smile as I sat back, my legs crossed in front of me. When the maid entered asking if I’d like any refreshments, I shook my head. “When will Ms. Valeria return with our clothing?” Something I already knew, but we were enjoying a polite conversation.
“She’s quite the miracle worker. I’m always baffled by how quickly she’s able to piece together each outfit. Truth be told,” Lady Hannah leaned in conspiratorially. “I sometimes wonder if magic is involved.”
Playing along, I grinned. “Perhaps she has a team of elves back at her store working around the clock for mere grains of sugar.” I relaxed into the soft couch and I let out a tired sigh. My walk had definitely worn me out, reminding me of how human I was. I’d been a vampire for so long, I’d forgotten how limiting it could be.
“Perhaps,” she smirked in return. “Either way, she estimates being ready in a few days. We’ll both have another fitting to make sure everything is perfect.” Lady Hannah cleared her throat before throwing me a pointed glance. “Can I truly not persuade you to send for your Verity? There is still time.”
A fierce sense of longing rose up like a tornado. Verity was exactly the tender soul I needed to help calm the savagery brewing inside me. She held that special power of always knowing how to silence those emotions with the softest of touches and words. Every part of me screamed to say yes, unfortunately I had to deny myself that peace.
I shook my head. “She’s needed elsewhere,”
I replied, the same excuse falling from my lips. There was nowhere else I’d rather her be than by my side.
Lady Hannah’s mouth tightened in a disapproving manner. “You know, Devlin, I can’t pretend to be happy with all of this. I’m not used to being kept so completely in the dark. I’ve welcomed you into my home at the request of a dear friend, yet you’ve arrived here in a shroud of mystery.”
Her stare bore into me. For what felt like the hundredth time since arriving, she studied me as if she hoped to uncover my secrets. I’m sure it frustrated her to no end that she couldn’t use her gifts on me. For whatever reason, the Fates had cloaked me. A muscle ticked below her eye. Yep, she was thoroughly annoyed.
“What can I do to convince you that my hands are tied?” I ventured, desperately trying to placate her. “I’m forbidden to share my purpose beyond what I already have. You’ve caught a few glimpses. It’s not me who’s blocking your powers.”
She humphed bitterly at that. “I’ve a good mind to cast you out then, Mr. Lockhart. There’s an aura of danger about you and I won’t have you threatening my household. I’ve worked too hard to establish myself here in London . . . I will not stand by and let you rain chaos upon my home.” With each word, she grew louder.
“That was never my intent,” I promised, scooting forward in my seat so I could stand. “Allow me to collect my belongings and I’ll find accommodations elsewhere. I’m grateful for the help you’ve already given me.”
She cut me off with a wave of her hand. “No. Whilst I don’t like being kept in the dark, I’m quite certain you are meant to be here. This much I know. Could you not, at least, share even the smallest of morsels? Anything.” It was clear her curiosity was getting the best of her. My heart ached to oblige her.
I remained silent for a moment, stewing over what I could divulge without getting into trouble with the Fates. Lady Hannah already knew I was reliving my past. She knew I was aware to whom the wolf shape in the bottom of my teacup referred. My lips parted to speak when a shimmering figure appeared in the corner of my eye.
Blood Oath (#8, the Mystic Wolves) Page 12
