“I would love to. As I’m much better today. Much to my surprise our dances didn’t hurt but apparently helped.”
“If you children are finished, may we return to the discussion at hand?” the duchess requested.
“Of course. We’re sorry,” Jolene replied.
“Well, having studied the two threats combined with the attack on my son and the counterfeit note, Ethan and I believe the person you’re hunting lives here in England, right under our noses,” the duke told Jolene.
“Godfather, are you saying the man is a peer?”
“Yes, except I believe you are searching for a lady,” Ethan added.
This was more than she could take. Up until that moment, Jolene had thought she was hunting down a man, now not.
“The handwriting, that’s a man’s, isn’t it?”
“No, if you carefully examine how some of the letters are formed, you will see what I mean. As for the murder of Jack Cooper, that had to have been done by a man who he knew and trusted,” Ethan uttered.
“Would the killer have been of common blood or a peer?” Brendon asked.
“That I can’t answer but now, with your permission, Jolene, I’d like to start looking into the finances of some of the ladies of the ton,” Ethan requested.
“If I may, between my mother, Kristina, and I we should be able to come up with the names of those who are spending more than their allowances, thusly in need of secret funds,” Katherine, silent until now announced.
“Please do, and share the list with your husband and myself. Granted, I’m relatively new to the ton,but I do have select people who could learn things about them as well.”
“Then, shall we adjourn so work may begin. Also, dearest Jolene, I promise to only help from the comfort of my house,” Ethan promised.
Standing with help from Brendon, they followed her parents down and out to the landau. During the drive to Hyde Park Jolene glanced out over the people, many peers, out for a stroll and shopping. Then an idea slipped into her mind. She chose to hold off saying anything until alone with Brendon.
After setting her parasol and with Samson on a leash at her side, Jolene waited for Brendon to join her. She glanced around at those enjoying a beautiful sunny afternoon. Spying several familiar faces, staff from her father’s townhouse, their presence encouraging, added to her safety. Of course, with Brendon at her side that was even better.
She settled her gloved hand on his forearm, and they started to stroll about. As in the past, she hoped Eustace would be out with Lady Sarah. Once they were far enough away from her parents, she slowed.
“If, as suspected, a lady of the ton is behind the forgeries and Jack received a counterfeit note from the jeweler, I’d wager this person frequents the shop. Considering the store isn’t in a fashionable area, then she would be able to come and go with no one the wiser.”
“I’m in agreement with you on that. What are you suggesting?”
“We set up a watch on the shop. Several of my contacts are familiar with the ladies of the ton and could easily spot this person. Since we don’t know who it is that will make it easy for my people.”
“I do like the plan. When would you be able to set everything in motion?”
“By tomorrow there will be at least one keeping a watch.”
“Perfect. Now, shall we enjoy a relaxing stroll as we only have about an hour before returning you to your parents’. That was what held me up.”
With Brendon safe at his townhouse, Jolene was happy when he had accepted the dinner invitation from her mother. Sweeping into her room, she was met by Emmy.
“Welcome back, m’ lady. How did everything go at the ducal palace?”
“Quite well. I must write a note then have you deliver it. I’m also going to read andrest, before bathing and dressing for dinner. Have you thought how to do my hair?”
“Is the marquis coming for dinner or are you meeting him at the ball? The reason I’m asking is that will help me consider what to decorate your tresses with.”
“Then, might I suggest since I’m wearing the light-brown gown youweave mytopaz necklace in.”
“That will add the perfect dramatic touch.”
“Let me get the note written so you may be off. Don’t forget to take a footman with you.”
A few minutes later with Emmy on her way, Jolene settled in a chair, started reading, and as promised her lids drooped shortly afterward.
Wakening, Jolene glanced around happy she was still alone considering the dream she’d had. It had been one which she’d had several times before of her and Brendon. What made it so, not disturbing but excitingly perfect,was the fact they were in his bed naked. She went into her private room and splashed cool water on her face, hoping to quickly rid her cheeks of the blush.
No sooner had she stepped back into her suite than Emmy entered wearing a smile which quickly turned to a scowl. Quickly Jolene dipped her head in case there might be a hint of pink left on her face. It didn’t work.
“M’ lady, while you slept your mind turned to His Lordship again. Now, didn’t it.”
“So what if it did?There’s nothing wrong with that, is there?”
“Of course not. Your bath water will be here shortly.”
With a final glance in the mirror Jolene smiled at the image reflected back. Between the color of the gown, which complimented the medium brown of her hair,andthe deep yellow of the topaz, she was sure Brendon would be speechless. Collecting her wrap, reticule, and fan, she swept from her suite and went down to her mother’s parlor.
Chapter Sixteen
Even though the ducal palace, where his parents currently resided, was directly across the square from his townhouse, Brendon took his landau to visit the duke and duchess. He had requested the meeting earlier as he wished to discuss something of great import to him, them, and a certain young lady. Jolene. After which, he was going to collect her then enjoy a pleasant hour or so at Hyde Park. Thus, the open-topped coach as no chaperone would be needed. Granted, she would bring Samson, who deep down he did like. Her, though, he loved.
When he marched into the ducal palace, Brendon went straight to his mother’s parlor. At the door, he stopped, peered in, then knocked on the doorframe to announce himself. She waved him in.
“Thank you for allowing me to visit,Mother.”
“Not at all, you know I’ll do anything for you. That is, within reason,” she jested.
“Mother, please. What I wish to discuss with you is Lady Jolene. I desire to make her my marchioness. Will she accept me considering how often we are at loggerheads?”
“Yes, she will. On several occasions she hasmade mention of her affections for you. When are you planning to ask her?”
“That is what I wanted to talk to you about. When Lord Crossington asked my sister, there was an intimate dinner party afterward then a ball. I have spoken with Lord Hampshire but only in general on the subject, and he’s been somewhat allusive with his answer.”
“Ah, I understand your dilemma. Sometime in the next day or so, request a private meeting with Robert. When you do, make me aware of the date and time, then I’ll make sure Jolene isn’t home. That way, she won’t learn of it until the night you ask for her hand.”
“Yes, and thank you. My next question, should I wait until after the current case comes to a conclusion?”
“I would suggest you do. As you are aware, when she isworking on solving a crime almost all of her concentration is on it. Except, if the reports are to be believed, when she’s in your arms waltzing. Or, strolling about the park such as you will be doing shortly.”
How she learned what they would be soon doing Brendon didn’t even wish to learn. As for dancing, since they routinely shared three that was always reported in the broadsheets. But his mother was correct about Jolene’s focus when on a case, especially this one as it involved forgeries of bank notes.
“Mother, when I collect Lady Jolene I will try to speak with Lord Hampshire as to when it
would be convenient to speak with him.”
“No,Son, send him a note as it will be better that way. Do it when you return from your outing, and instruct Waters to make sure it is personally handed to the earl. By doing so, Jolene will most likely learn and suspect the reason. It will also save you from having to either lie or explain your action if she catches the two of you talking.”
“Thank you,Mother,for I shall take your advice. If you’ll excuse me, I must be off.”
After giving her a bow, he returned to the landau and Jolene.
When the carriage rolled into the Hampshire courtyard, Brendon saw a man somewhat properly attired depart from the kitchen door then slip into the mews. Not recognizing him but curious about the way he moved, Brendon hoped it would be one of Jolene’s people, there to deliver information about who visited the jeweler’s.
Once the coach came to a stop, he climbed down and marched up to the door which opened for him. The sight set before him was a vision to behold and almost took his breath away. There sat Jolene in a dress of dark red cut slightly daring while being demure at the same time. Her hair was under a straw bonnet held in place with a matching ribbon. Even her parasol was the same color. The picture was made complete bythe fact that Samson wore a scarf and from what Brendon could tell, from the same exact material as the dress.
“Please forgive my tardiness as I wished to speak with the duchess, and she kept me longer than expected,” he pleaded.
“That’s quite all right as I had a visitor. One of my sources with not such good news.”
“Why don’t we depart so you may tell me while we’re en route to the park,” he suggested.
Accepting her hand as a yes, he escorted her out and into the landau. Once Samson was settled,Brendonclimbed in then directed the coachman to drive off.
“M’ lady, what did you wish to tell me?”
“M’ lord, my informant was able to observe those entering and leaving the shop but hasn’t seen any ladies who might be in the dun. He and the others will continue until told otherwise.”
“That is disheartening, but I agree they should continueto keep a watch. At some point the woman will have to make another purchase,” Brendon uttered.
“And I haven’t heard from my brother or your sister, either. Something tells me itis going to take a long time to solve the case.”
For him, that wasn’t what he wished, but he was happy they were entering the park. When the coach came to a stop, he helped Jolene then smiled as Samson, from the seat, glanced around then joined them. He noticed even Jolene was curious about her collie’s behavior.
“Remember, he did that once before. Do you believe he’s searching for any kind of danger?”
“Most likely. The last time, if I’m not mistaken, he noticed someone and growled. At least this time he didn’t.”
As they strolled about, this time going toward the Serpentine, Brendon kept aneyeout for someone not seen by Samson. Considering the threats to her and the attack on his person, he wanted to take all the necessary precautions to protect, without smothering, her.
That was why he’d sent his own people to help guard her, but from a distance. When they arrived at the huge pond, he glanced down to be welcomed by a smile then noticed her pointing at something. He followed her lovely, dainty finger. Swans, with their babies following. Looking past her to Samson, Brendon smiled thathe was sitting. This made him curious as to why he wasn’t wanting to chase them. Now, he hoped was the perfect time to talk about something fun.
“M’ lady, is he always this well-behaved when he sees the swans?”
“Now, heis. Last year, when I brought him here and he spied them, he tried going after one of the babies only to be attacked by the mother. Ever since then he has only watched them from a safe distance.
Brendon barely heard someone approach until it was almost too late. The man tried to push Jolene into the water but was stopped by Brendon grippingher hand then Samson jumping on the attacker. In seconds, footmen had descended and taken the person into custody.
Brendon steadied Jolene gently against him. Looking down, he witnessed fear turn to relief in her eyes.
“Thank you and Samson for saving me, as I don’t know how to swim.”
If that is the case, then once they wed that would be the first thing he’d teach her. He released her then turned his attention to his staff.
“What shall we do with this beast, m’ lord. Take him to the Met office or your townhouse so you may interrogate him?” the older one said.
“The Met and hand him over, personally, to Thomas Spencer with my compliments.”
“Yes, m’ lord, and we shall inform the gentleman of exactly what this monster attempted to do to our future marchioness.”
As much as he wanted to moan at the man’s words, Brendon didn’t. Instead he held out his hand to her, which she took, then turned to the small crowd that had gathered.
“As you see, our good friend Lady Jolene is fine. If you’ll excuse us, I should return her to the Hampshire townhouse and the care of the countess.”
With her collie at his side, which was very unusual, they returned to his landau then to her parents’ townhouse. Escorting her in, he then helped her up to the countesses parlor. At the door, he guided Jolene in and to the settee where her mother sat.
“You’ve returned early.Did something happen?”
“Yes, but we’d rather inform the earl at the same time,” Brendon said.
A minute later, Robert walked in,panic in his eyes and brow furrowed.
“In short, someone attempted to attack your daughter. As she had her hand on my arm, she gripped it tightly then Samson went after the man. Earlier, before leaving for the park, I sent several of my staff over, and they were able to help apprehend the man.”
“Where is he now?” Robert asked.
“At the Met being questioned by Thomas Spencer,” Jolene uttered.
“Good. The man is very competent and intelligent,” Kristina said.
From the short time spent with Spencer, he silently agreed with the countess. What had him worried was when and where would the next attack come, not to mention in what form? He brought this up to the others.
“Might I suggest that in the future when going, especially to the park, have guards visible and close by,” Robert recommended.
“When I go shopping I’ll take my maid and Brendon you as well. Of course, you won’t be allowed to see the material or pattern of gown, but I will feel safe with you along.”
As much as he agreed with the first, the second Brendon was sure about. If he went with her, how would he be able to have the private talk with Robert. Then he recalled the conversation earlier with his mother about taking Jolene shopping. Mayhap he could ask the duchess to make sure he didn’t accompany them.
With her safety for the present assured, Brendon bid his good bye with a promise to return for dinner beforethe Sinclair ball.
Chapter Seventeen
As in the past, he had given the coach driver an address, of a business, a street away from his final destination,22 Brompton Road. He did this so he could make sure no one was following him. After tossing the man a coin, Thomas looked up and down the walkway. He waited until the carriage had taken on another fare and departed before striking out. He appreciated the fact thatunlike where he was going, this street was all shops. Brompton Road held comfortable houses, all occupied by single families where the father held an important position; doctor, solicitor, or others with the means to pay the modestly high rent.
Making his way to visit with Julie, every so often he glanced in a window to make sure he wasn’t being followed. Yes, he was aware he could have been left off in front of the house, but he took this extra precaution for her safety. He’d been able to convince his direct superior of her innocence, but there were others who didn’t believe him.
Satisfied he wasn’t being tailed he walked up the steps to have the door opened even before knocking.
“Af
ternoon, Jones. Is she receiving visitors?”
“Yes, Miss Patrick is, as you are well aware. She’sin the garden reading,” the butler teasingly replied. Then added, “Just to be safe, no one knows you are here?”
“No, as with the other times I’ve visited I was very careful. Might I ask why?”
“I’ve lived here in the service to Vikki for the past four years and know, by face and name, everyone on the street. Even those who come to visit. We, the staff in particular, watch over the residents. I have learned,and it was reported to myself and the others, that over the past several days two strangers had been spotted.”
“Do you thinkthey could be searching for Miss Patrick?”
“I believe so. As you know, the walls in the garden are high enough to prevent people from looking in over them except from the second floorofthe adjoining houses. So, worried about these men, I sent a note to Vikki informing her. As of this morning I’ve not received a replyback.”
Aware that Julie could be in danger worried Thomas, but he wasn’t sure how to protect her. Until she was actually harmed or threatened, which he would deeply regret, he had no idea how to keep her safe. His other thought, was it possible she, unwittingly, knew something either about Cooper’s murder or the counterfeiting? So far, she gave no hint she did.
“Jones, is Julie’s maid with her, so we may talk?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Thank you.”
Making his way through the house to the small veranda, Thomas thought about, somehow, someway he should and could move Julie to another house. But where? Even though his father, the viscount, was in residence, he couldn’t take her there. By doing so she’d learn of his parentage and the affections developing between them could vanish. His house was also out of the question as being there she would be considered compromised. By the time he arrived at the terrace, he didn’t have any idea where to place her so she’d be out of danger.
He stepped out. There, protected from the sun by a bonnet and shade, sat his love,reading. In a chair next to Julie was the maid repairing the seam of a simple, brown dress. Thomas walked up and bowed.
To Save a Lady Page 9
