To Save a Lady

by Lindsay Downs

  With her comfortably in his arms, Brendon guided her around the floor but this time held her slightly closer than permitted. In the corners, even nearer to where he could feel the tips of her breasts gently brush across his chest. He glanced down. She wasn’t blushing but smiling back to him.

  Back at the settee, Brendon retook his position earning a clap on the back from Robert.

  “What was that for?”

  “What do you think? Rescuing Jolene from those annoying ladies and totally misbehaving on the dance floor. Now, if I were you, I’d be worried about several rogues approaching. From the leers in their eyes they are after one thing. Your Jolene.”

  When her father referred to Jolene in that way it somehow came as a surprise. He’d, in private, on occasion thought of her that way but never heard the words spoken. Brendon turned to learn who could be adanger to Jolene.

  “Yes, I am aware of them. They belong to one of the gambling clubs I’m quitting. From the leers in their eyes, the last thing they wish is to compliment Lady Jolene on the necklace but try to convince her to partner with one of them in a dance. If I’m not mistaken, they also are deeply in debt to certain individuals.”

  No sooner were the words past his lips then Brendon understood the importance of the threat to Jolene last night and the note from her informant.

  “M’ lord, we need to politely depart and return to your townhouse.”

  “Yes, I agree,Father, for I heard what the marquis said and do believe our thoughts are similar.”

  Chapter Ten

  It had been a difficult night’s sleep for her with dreams of Brendon dancing with her and what he’d told her and her parents when they returned early from the Grayson ball. Now she was sitting on the veranda keeping an eye on Samson playing with a stick. This was the diversion she needed while waiting to receive word back from Vikki. She was also waiting for Brendon to arrive so they could take a drive in the park. That had been the reason for allowing her collie to let off excess energy. He would be accompanying them, but on a leash.

  Jolene glanced over her shoulder when footsteps distracted her. She stood.

  “Good afternoon, Father.”

  “Daughter, this just arrived for you.”

  She accepted the piece of foolscap and unfolded it. A smile crossed her lips on noting who the sender was. Vikki.

  Dearest friend,

  I have contacted the Met Officer in regards to the requirements of attending the meeting with Julie Patrick. He is agreeable to wearing a blindfold until inside the house. Thomas Spencer will come to your parents’ townhouse to travel with you.

  Julie is happy to learn that he believes of her innocence.

  Shall we meet at the house at two of the clock tomorrow?Oh, and make sure that charming Brendon accompanies you along with Samson.

  Vikki

  “Remember Thomas Spencer? He will be stopping by tomorrow, my guess, about one of the clock. Vikki wishes him to come to the meeting with Julie.”

  “So, she has given her permission for him to join you. What about Brendon?”

  “He also.” Jolene glanced down at the note. “As she calls him, ‘that charming Brendon’. If I’m not mistaken this is the first time Vikki has directly mentioned him.”

  “Mentioned who?” Brendon asked as he stepped out of the townhouse.

  “M’ lord, is it that time already? And the who is you. Vikki has requested you accompany the Met Officer and I to meet with Julie tomorrow.”

  A bump against her leg caused Jolene to glance down at the upturned head of her collie. She gave him a pat.

  “Yes, you as well.” She glanced to Brendon. “M’ lord, if you will give us a few minutes as I wish to change into walking boots and Samson needs a collar and leash.”

  “Certainly. I’ll meet you in the courtyard.”

  Sweeping into her suite, Jolene saw her brown boots were already set out by the dressing table. On itwas also a tan collar and leash.

  “Thank you, Emmy.”

  “You are welcome, m’ lady.”

  Changed and with Samson at her side, Jolene met not only Brendon but her parents by his landau. What made her happy, they would notbe accompanying them to the park. She waited while her collie hopped in and took a seat on the squabs. That, she wasn’t going to allow.

  “Down,” she ordered, then waited while he slid off and lay down onthe coach’s floor. “That’s better.”

  Not until they were rolling out of the courtyard did she address Brendon.

  “I thought that with the note from the other night and what you told us after the ball it would be safer to have him along.”

  “I agree, but I’ve also sent several of my footmen and maids, in street clothes, to the park as an added layer of protection. Your parents are already aware I have done that and not only approve but are thankful I had the forethought to take the precaution.”

  When the landau came to a stop and she was handed down, Jolene called for Samson. Curiously, he stood, glanced around, then while staring at someone let out a low growl. She peered in the same direction. The only person she saw was a worker picking up leaves. The man didn’t appear concerned at those around him but went about his task, head down.

  “Before you ask, I’ve no idea what that was all about. If I’m not mistaken I’ve seen the person on several occasions performing the same task,” she told Brendon.

  “I don’t believe he was responding to the gardener. If I’m not mistaken, past him and now gone, I thought I caught a glimpse of one of the rogues from last night.”

  “As he doesn’t appear to be a threat of any kind at the moment, shall we enjoy a relaxing hour or so strolling about. We might even meet Eustace and Lady Sarah as he had luncheon with her and her parents.”

  Not waiting for an answer, she handed over Samson’s leash then set her parasol. Accepting his arm, even thoughshe would have much preferred to place her hand in his, she let him guide her to a group of close friends.

  Strolling along as before, even though her collie was with them, she would on occasion glance around for any signs of danger. Not spotting any after a few minutes, she started to relax and enjoy the time spent with Brendon.

  “Will you be attending the Collins ball?” she inquired.

  “Yes. The countess was kind enough to give me a list of the balls you will be attending over the next few days. I assure you I will be at them all.”

  This was more than she could have ever asked for. With Brendon at her side, Jolene knew she would be safe. Not only from those wishing to attempt to cause her discomfort, such as rogues, but to enjoy waltzing with him. Now she knew her mother had been correct. With him, she was comfortable. But, he still had a long way to go before proving to her he would be the perfect husband. Not that, at this particular time, she was thinking along those lines. First and foremost, they had a case to solve.

  That thought reminded her of the note from Vikki.

  “M’ lord, one of the most important questions tomorrow will be to learn if Jack Cooper had frequented gaming rooms. So that we will be able to confirm her reply, do you have any way of learning if he did?”

  “Regrettably no. The clubs I used to frequent were primarily limited to those of the peerage. If he did gamble, most likely he would visit one of the less savory establishments.”

  This was disappointing news. There had to be some way to learn. Was it possible Thomas Spencer might be able to help? That thought she chose to keep to herself until talking with Julie.

  Samson growled. Louder this time.

  Quickly, she glanced around. Coming toward was them Mr. Edgerton. From the expression he was wearing, the man wasn’t happy about something or with someone. Mayhap her.

  “Do you wish for me to deal with the man?” Brendon asked in a low voice.

  “If you would, and keep Samson held tightly. Remember the last time we met the man, my brat wasn’t too happy about him.”

  No sooner had she spoken then, much to her relief, Eustace
and Lady Sarah stepped up.

  “Lady Jolene, this is a pleasurable surprise. Mr. Markson didn’t mention you would be out today. I couldn’t help but notice your Lord Lange is with you, in a sense as he’s arguing with that horrid print shop owner.”

  “Yes, about what I don’t know, but the marquis will inform me later. I will tell you this, though, Samson doesn’t like the man.”

  “Then, dear sister, if he cares not for the man he must have a good reason. Now, as he’s storming off shall we learn why he was so upset?”

  Jolene waited as Brendon, being pulled by Samson, stepped over to them.

  “Well, what had Mr. Edgerton so upset?” she asked.

  “You and I. He recognized us from the time we visited his shop portraying average people with a scholarly father. When he started rebinding the book, he saw the book plate with the earl’s name handwritten on it. He was furious and said to come collect the book by tomorrow.”

  That presented a dilemma for her, not to mention Brendon as they were expected by Vikki. Then there was the ball this eve, which meant not getting to bed until very late. She cocked her head to Eustace and smiled.

  “Yes, dear sister I will collect father’s book for you. However, you will owe me a favor.”

  From past experience with her brother, it would be something that their parents shouldn’t learn of. Then again, she did have a few interesting secrets from them as well.

  “Agreed.”

  She frowned, granted she would have preferred to stick her tongue out at him but that would be unladylike, at the silly grin he gave her before he guided Sarah away.

  “M’ lady, what did your brother mean?”

  “If I’m not mistaken he will soon cause some form of mischief, and I will have to deny he did it. What and when I’ve no idea, but I assure you itwill be highly interesting.”

  Not to mention embarrassing for someone.

  “Then I anticipate learning whatever it is. Shall we continue our stroll or would you prefer to return home considering what happened?”

  “If you don’t mind, I’d like to return to the townhouse and enjoy a light snack with you. That is, if you don’t mind?”

  “Not at all, m’ lady, for you appear a little distraught. About what, I’m not sure.It could be being found out or what your brother demanded of you. All I wish is to make sure you are happy so we may enjoy a few waltzes this eve.”

  “I do appreciate your concern.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Jolene glanced, again, at the note she’d received upon returning from the Collins ball last night. For her, the news was somewhat encouraging.

  Lady Jolene

  In the short period of time I had to look into your request, I’ve nothing of value to report.

  To the best of my knowledge, Jack Cooper never visited any gambling establishments nor did he partake of strong drink.

  When I arrive tomorrow at the Hampshiretownhouse I might have more concrete information for you.

  Your servant,

  Thomas Spencer

  Folding it, she slipped it into her reticule then picked up the plain, brown shawl from the bed and swept down to her mother’s parlor. When she passed her father’s office, she was surprised the door was closed, which never happened unless he was having a conversation with someone in private. One person that wouldn’t be was Brendon, for he wasn’t supposed to arrive for another thirty minutes.

  At the door to the sitting room she glanced in, knocked, then entered.

  “Do you have a few minutes?”

  “Of course, my dear. Where’s Samson? I thought he was going with you?”

  “He’s outside doing his thing. The brat should be along shortly.”

  She then took the note out and handed it over.

  “This is good news, and I hope when Mr. Spencer arrives he’ll have more to report.”

  “I agree. At least that will rule out one avenue for you to search out. On the other hand, finding the murderer will or could be even more difficult,” Kristina replied.

  “That is true, but I still believe the shop owner is involved somehow. After all, if this murder has to do with counterfeiting then the man would be able to do it very easily.”

  “Yes. You will still have to find out how he would benefit by printing bank notes.”

  For Jolene, this was the sticking point with the case. To the best of her knowledge, limited as it was in this area, criminals were the only ones who would. Even if she does learn new information from Spencer, she would still need to send notes to several contacts.

  “Thank you,Mother. Now, why is father’s door closed? Do you have any idea?”

  “I wish I did. He’s been very secretive since after luncheon.”

  With a smile and nod Jolene stood and returned to her suite. Walking in, she was met by her collie getting a brushing from Emmy.

  “Why, when you do that he cooperates,but when I groom him it’s a fight to get him to stay still?”

  “M’ lady, don’t forget I cared for him from the time he was a puppy until he replaced Beau when you took over the task.”

  Taking a seat at her desk, she began to write notes to people who might have the information she and her mother had discussed. Finished with the last one, she felt a bump against her chair. She tilted her head to Samson whohad a brown scarf around his neck.

  “You are so handsome. Vikki will love seeing you with that on. It makes you appear distinguished. Shall we go learn if the marquis has arrived?”

  With him at her side, she went down to the front door and peered out and smiled that her carriage was waiting for them. As in the past the coachman was wearing street clothes. Beside the coach, she saw Brendon and Mr. Spencer talking. From what she could tell,the marquis appeared pleased with something. She stepped out and marched up to them.

  “Gentlemen, good afternoon. Are you ready to depart?”

  “We are, and Thomas had a suggestion. Instead of the hood he is willing to sit on the floor. That way he won’t learn of our direction,” Brendon said.

  She quickly thought over the idea and found it would make better sense than the hood which the curious might notice.

  “Yes. Thomas, once in the coach we will only use Christian names and no titles. This is done for the client’s benefit so they won’t become scared or nervous that Brendon and I are peers.”

  “I understand and do agree with you. Heaven forbid someone learns I’m the second son of a viscount. At the Met, only my direct superior is aware of that.”

  This was something she’d never even thought of. Him being a peer definitely put a new light on not only him but his skills in hunting down criminals. She was curious where or how he’d learned them. That though, she would save for another time.

  “One final thing, whoever you meet in a short while is to remain a secret. Not even the person you report to is to learn. Again, that is for everyone’s safety.”

  Accepting his nod as one of approval, Jolene, with a wave of her hand, sent Samson into the carriage then she let Brendon hand her in.

  As they rolled through the streets Jolene took this occasion to ask if Thomas had learned any more about Jack.

  “Regrettably,nothing has changed in regards to him from what I sent you last night. That makes it even more confusing as to why someone wished him dead.”

  Jolene glanced over to Brendon who was frowning, most likely for the same reason. Finding the true killer was going to be next to impossible now. When they arrived at the house she let Brendon help her down then with Samson at her side and Thomas keeping his head down marched up to the door which opened before she got to it.

  “Good afternoon, Jones. We are expected.”

  “Certainly. They are in the back parlor.”

  “Come Samson, let’s go visit with Vikki and Julie.”

  She didn’t mention Brendon or Thomas but knew they would follow as it had been her wish to speak with the young girl. When she walkedinto the sitting room, both ladies occupied
the same seats as the first time she’d met Julie. What also came as no surprise, her collie bounded up to Vikki put his front paws in her lap, and licked her on the chin. That earned a giggle from the princess.

  Taking a seat, she called Samson over to her.

  “This is Thomas. He works for the Met but has since learned of your innocence. I invited him along as he might have a question or two for you Julie.”

  When she finished, she glanced over to him. Granted she’d never seen it before, only read about it in romance novels, but the man appeared totally smitten by Julie.

  “Welcome Thomas,” Vikki said, but he kept his attention on the young woman.

  Finally-

  “I do apologize for staring. Pray, forgive me.”

  “Sir, there’s nothing to pardon. I just wish Jack had appreciated me the same way you are. It makes me feel safe,” Julie replied.

  Jolene wondered if in the few heartbeats they had been in each other’s company was it possible there was an attraction between them. If so, then she suspected Thomas would do any and everything possible to prove her innocence. But before that could happen Jolene needed to learn a few things.

  “Julie, do you know if Jack ever gambled?” Jolene said.

  “No, he didn’t. In fact, if I’m not mistaken he never drank except possibly a tankard of ale at meals. Why?”

  “I’ll answer your question in a moment. Did Jack ever give you even the littlest of gifts? A flower? A lock of his hair?”

  “I never thought about it until now, but he gave me this locket and he told me never to open it unless something happened to him. When I learned he’d been killed, I couldn’t bring myself to follow his direction.”

  This Jolene found interesting to the point of puzzlement where she glanced to Brendon and Thomas. Both were baffled as well.

  “Dear, may I borrow it?”

  “Certainly.”

  She waited while Julie took it off and passed the necklace over. Carefully, Jolene turned the accessory over in her hand before focusing back on Julie.