It was as if, with the wave of a magic wand, this tomb had come to life.
Stony’s heavy boots pounded down the stairs until he stood neck to face with Phillip. He pointed toward the drawing room door. “She says to wait in there.”
Phillip handed the man his hat, coat and gloves.
Stony received this assortment with a certain amount of professional interest.
Had no one told him the duties of a porter footman before they assigned him the role? Phillip left him to decipher his next steps and headed for the drawing room. Just before he entered the room, softer footfalls drew his gaze to the side.
A familiar figure came out of the door that led to the kitchen. The newcomer took one look at Phillip, about-faced, and went back out the door.
“Trenton!” Phillip said, his suspicions now sky high.
The man slowly returned and sauntered over to Phillip as if he had never meant to retreat. Liar.
“Why are you here?” Phillip asked. “What do you have to do with Lady Roselyn?” And why was he dressed in that ridiculously ancient black garb?
Daniel dismissed Stony with a wave and the giant returned to his post, still holding Phillip’s outer attire.
Phillip turned back to study Trenton. “Answer me, sir. Why are you here?”
“I suppose you could say that Ben asked me to watch over Lady Roselyn.”
Not caring for the man’s insolent tone, Phillip raised his eyebrow and waited for further explanation.
“I heard Lady Roselyn was looking for new servants, and Ben suggested that if I applied for the post of butler, I could watch over her better.”
That explained his wardrobe. Though no one would believe this back-alley scoundrel was suitable to the role. “I am surprised Lady Roselyn would hire you so quickly,” Phillip said. “She could not have had time to verify your references.”
“I told her I was a friend of Ben’s, who was a friend of yours. That seemed to settle the matter.”
The last bit about Ben being Phillip’s friend was said with such a sneer of contempt, it set Phillip’s teeth on edge. He paused to consider the rogue. Was he letting his instinctive dislike of this man color his judgment? If Ben trusted him, he should give him a chance. “I shall discuss the matter with Lady Roselyn. And Ben.”
Trenton bowed.
Phillip entered the drawing room, thoroughly disturbed. He had not cared for Trenton’s familiarity with Ben, and he liked his presence in Rose’s home even less. And the sudden changes to Rose’s house were difficult to take in. Whereas before, this house had seemed dead and oppressive, it was now alive. Yet he still felt as if it held him at arm’s length.
He flicked open his gold pocket watch, a gift from his late uncle. If Rose did not come through that door within the next five minutes, he would go in search of her, Stony and Trenton be damned.
While he waited, he prowled around the room, pondering the changes. The bare windows let in much-needed light. The carpet smelled of fresh mint and other savory herbs. The lamps had been refreshed with oil and their patterned glasses cleaned. A large frame, its back facing the room, was leaned against the wall by the fireplace. Whoever had taken over management of the house had not had time to hang it over the mantel. Curious, he tipped it back to glance at the painting.
The door opened before he gained a clear image of the portrait. Rose walked in and Phillip’s interest immediately shifted to her. He released the frame and faced her. Her green gown with its high neckline was sadly out of fashion, but her eyes sparkled and most heartwarming of all, her smile was in full force.
Moving forward, he extended his arms, when a dry cough made him notice the two women who flanked her.
Arms back at his side, he halted. On Rose’s left, an elderly lady in a deep blue gown gazed at him with sharp eyes and a regal stance that reminded him of his mother. The women to Rose’s right, he recognized right away. She was the Spanish lady with the spectacles who had slipped Rose that note. His suspicions immediately raised his barriers high. A wisp of dust was hanging off the Spaniard’s pristine dark hair.
He returned his attention to Rose. “Good afternoon, Rose. Are these the acquaintances who took you in last night?”
“They are.” She stepped forward as if she meant to run into his arms.
Her guards, each with a restraining hand on her elbow, halted the movement.
He gritted his teeth in an effort to keep from pulling Rose away from her companions. Instead, he leaned back on his heels, clasped hands at his back, and gave them his practiced bored expression. “You ladies have been most kind.”
The older one spoke. “Lady Roselyn is a good friend.”
“For how long?”
“I beg your pardon?”
“How long have you both been acquainted with Rose?”
“The time of our acquaintance is of little importance, sir,” she said. “It only matters that we are good friends now.”
“Pray, do not quarrel,” Rose said. “Let me at least introduce you first. Mrs. Weatheringham, may I present Sir Phillip Jones? And you both have already met.”
“Miss Wood,” Phillip said, “who is acquainted with your grandmother.”
“You have a splendid memory, Sir Phillip.” Miss Wood curtsied. “How do you do?”
Phillip reached for the dust ball hanging from Miss Wood’s hair and held it aloft a moment before letting it drift to the floor.
The young lady’s pale cheeks suffused with color.
“We have been cleaning,” Rose said.
He ignored her pleading glance. “I noted the changes. I appreciate your effort on Rose’s behalf. However, your assistance is no longer required.”
“And why would that be, sir?” Mrs. Weatheringham asked.
He faced Rose and though this was not how he wished to proceed, he had no choice in the matter. Life seemed to be dragging Rose away from him and he had an intense need to get a grip on this situation.
“Rose, I hoped to ask you this in private, but it is not to be. I love you and wish nothing more than to take care of you for the rest of your life. Will you marry me?”
“Oh yes.” She ran forward and hugged him. “I love you too, Phillip.”
Touched by her unrestrained answer, he hugged her tight with his eyes shut, and his world tilted back into balance. As long as he could hold Rose like this, everything would be all right.
Mrs. Weatheringham cleared her throat and Rose leaned away.
He released her, but kept hold of her hand. With his free hand, he tapped his breast pocket. “I have acquired a special license and a bishop has agreed to perform our marriage ceremony. If you are willing, we can be wed this afternoon.”
Instead of being overjoyed, Rose looked crestfallen. She glanced at the other two ladies and then gently extricated herself to return to their side.
“Shall we sit and discuss this matter?” Was that pity in Mrs. Weatheringham’s tone? The older woman moved toward the settee, taking the two younger ladies with her.
Rose and Mrs. Weatheringham chose the settee while Miss Wood pulled a chair close by them. That left Phillip no other option but to take a chair opposite the women. He did not care for the arrangement. Keeping his poise, he took his place.
“Now, Sir Phillip,” Mrs. Weatheringham said, “do you think it wise to rush such an important matter as marriage?”
Rose kept her head resolutely down.
He wished he could hug her and put her worries to bed. “Has Lady Roselyn mentioned that her life is in danger?”
Mrs. Weatheringham nodded. “Indeed. It is a most distressing turn of events. That is why we decided to move into her home and keep her company. She has told us about your efforts to find this villain and we are certain you will be successful in short order.”
&nbs
p; Her words, meant to mollify him, did the opposite. It sounded as if she was giving him his marching orders.
“Do you not think it best, Sir Phillip,” the elderly lady continued, “that the marriage should wait until after the person threatening Lady Roselyn is caught?”
“Marriage to me will be her best protection.”
In a loud voice, Mrs. Weatheringham said, “Daniel!”
The butler burst into the room and skittered to a halt wielding a wicked-looking blade.
Phillip was on his feet in a second, and whipped his blade from his walking stick.
Behind Trenton, Stony rushed in, wielding a cudgel.
“Put your weapons away gentlemen,” Mrs. Weatheringham said. “I merely called Daniel to show you that Lady Roselyn is well protected. No harm will come to her here. So, now you may continue your investigation, Sir Phillip, without being hindered by concern for her.”
Phillip waited until Trenton tucked his knife into his holster in his right boot before putting away his own blade.
Trenton crossed his arms with a disdainful frown.
“That will be all Daniel, Stony,” Mrs. Weatheringham said. “Thank you.”
Phillip took his seat. “Neither of them seem suitable as town servants.”
“They are adequate for our needs.”
“Daniel is very protective of me,” Rose said.
Daniel? She was on first name basis with her cutthroat butler? He liked this arrangement less and less.
“Once you have ensured Lady Roselyn is no longer in danger, that would be the time to announce an engagement and plan the wedding.” Mrs. Weatheringham said. “This way, you would not only be protecting Lady Roselyn’s life, but her reputation and her place in society. I believe that is a more reasonable course for us to take.”
She sounded so like his mother, Phillip’s back automatically stiffened in resentment. Sliding forward, he took Rose’s hands, delighting at the tingles her touch always produced. “Is this what you want?”
Her green eyes were filled with sorrow. Then she, too, leaned forward to whisper in his ear. “What I want is to be with you as we were last night.”
He warmed at her words and the delectable display of cleavage her forward movement engineered. He glanced up and caught Mrs. Weatheringham’s frown of disapproval and could not help flashing an unrepentant grin.
Rose sat back, her gaze settling on their clasped hands. “Mrs. Weatheringham is correct, Phillip. My presence would hinder your search, so it is best to wait to marry.” She glanced up at him with deep uncertainty. “Will you wait for me?”
Did she worry he might not want her if they waited? “I would wait for you forever.”
Rose looked radiant and he cursed the fact that so many people surrounded them.
“Oh, how romantic,” Miss Wood said, her hands clasped on her lap. Tears had sprung up in her eyes.
Mrs. Weatheringham, too, smiled her approval, her first truly friendly gesture. “Well said, young man. No wonder you have won the lady’s heart.”
Phillip sat back, releasing Rose, and considered his options. While having her at his side met his heart’s desire, having her under these people’s protection would ease his worry enough to allow him to track down Evelyn Ravenstock . . . if she was, indeed, alive. Yet, he did not want to leave Rose in Trenton’s company. He did not care at all for the way her butler looked at her. There was a possessiveness and hunger in his gaze that was unseemly in a servant. He seemed more like an overprotective lover.
“Are you sure you can trust Trenton?” he asked her.
“I have known him for many years,” Mrs. Weatheringham said.
“Then you must know Ben,” he said. “I believe the two are acquainted.”
It seemed as if mental curtains cloaked the old lady’s thoughts. “Ben?”
“Turner, Benjamin Turner. Trenton mentioned that Ben recommended him to Lady Roselyn.”
Rose’s gaze, too, skittered away, while Miss Wood found her fingernails interesting.
“You should inquire of Ben his connection with Daniel,” Mrs. Weatheringham said.
“I intend to. As a matter of fact, we are set to meet this afternoon.” He checked his watch. “In an hour.”
A concerned look passed between Rose, Mrs. Weatheringham, and Miss Wood. It was obvious to Phillip that Rose was keeping secrets. And he did not like it. “Before I leave, Rose, there is a favor I must ask.”
“Anything.” She sat forward.
He reclaimed her hands. She wove her fingers through his in response, a welcome gesture. “I promised my mother at breakfast today that I would invite you for dinner at my cousin’s. Tonight.”
Her hands trembled and he gripped them tight. “Does your mother know that you—?”
“I told her that I intend to marry you. My cousins and aunt are thrilled with the news.” He laughed. “It seems they had given up hope that I would ever settle. My mother is a little reserved. But do not worry. She will come around. I cannot imagine anyone not loving you.”
Rose hesitated, then said, “I would be honored to meet your family. I hope I can ease your mother’s worries about my suitability as your wife.”
“Tonight is rather short notice,” Mrs. Weatheringham said. “However, for such a good cause, we shall do our best. I shall act as your chaperone, Lady Roselyn.”
“I hardly think that is necessary,” he said. “I shall be there to watch over her.”
“And I will be there to watch over both of you,” Mrs. Weatheringham said in a firm tone that brooked no argument. Phillip took his leave, angry about the arrangement but unable to argue against it. Besides, this case was nearing a conclusion. He had received news from Lady Tourville’s captain that he must discuss with Ben.
AFTER PHILLIP left, Mrs. Weatheringham retired and Miss Wood went up to the attic to take a quick look at the volumes that would be coming down to the library. Rose watched her leave, fondly suspecting that her “quick” look might turn into the rest of the day.
Meanwhile, Daniel was voicing his strident disapproval of her meeting Phillip again as Ben. But all Rose could think about was what she could wear for this evening’s dinner party to meet Phillip’s mother. The woman would never deem Rose a proper match for her son if Rose arrived in outmoded attire.
The fact that Ben must meet Phillip at the tavern prevented her from visiting a seamstress to procure appropriate wear. She left Daniel with a placating promise that he could accompany her to her rendezvous. She then searched out Mrs. Weatheringham.
On hearing of Rose’s dilemma, the elderly lady gathered some of the servants who were experienced at sewing. With the aid of The Lady’s Magazine that one of them possessed, they chose one of Rose’s dresses to alter into the current mode. Miss Wood was reluctantly extracted from her books and dispatched to purchase extra fabric and trimmings.
Much relieved, Rose disguised herself as Ben and sped, in Daniel’s sullen company, to meet Phillip.
She arrived at the Boar and Cross with a few minutes to spare. While Daniel skulked outside, she entered the premises. In the crowded tavern, no one paid her any mind. She took a table by the window that overlooked where Daniel had positioned himself. She set her hat on the bench and nodded to Daniel across the street. He crossed his arms and faded into the shadows.
The moment Phillip entered, conversation died and all eyes turned in his direction. He did not seem to notice the attention. His eyes lit up at sight of her and he walked briskly to her table.
“Ben, well met.” He ordered a crank. Once the barmaid left, he said, “We have much to discuss.”
“You are still in good cheer, sir. Your fire of enthusiasm from last night has not waned, I see.”
“Nor will it for the rest of my life.” He gave a short laugh. “Fortune has smile
d upon me, Ben, for I have the love of the most beautiful woman in all the world.”
Rose ducked her head to hide her pleasure. She hated this deception. She wanted him to say that to her, as Rose.
“Ben.” He waited until she looked up. “I believe you have something to tell me?”
“About what, sir?”
“Your friend, Trenton.” He nodded toward the street. “He is good at hiding.”
“Obviously not good enough.”
“Why is he here?”
A flush heated her cheeks at the direct question. “I asked him to watch over Lady Roselyn for you.”
“Then why is he not at his post?”
“He worries about me as well. He left Lady Roselyn in Stony’s care to follow me. Needlessly, I warned him, but he insisted. He has a suspicious mind.”
“Of me?” Incredulity rang clear in his tone. Then he shrugged. “No matter. Why did you not tell me you sent him to Rose’s door?”
“I did not know if you would approve. Daniel gives the impression of being disreputable. But he would not harm Lady Roselyn.”
“Ben, we are friends, are we not?” Phillip asked.
She nodded.
“Does Trenton have some hold over you? If so, I can assist.”
She took a calming breath. “There is something you should know.”
“Good.” He sat back as the barmaid set his glass on the table, collected her coin, and departed.
“However, it is not my secret to share.” Not yet. “As soon as I am at liberty to speak, I promise to tell all.”
“Does this have anything to do with Mrs. Weatheringham and Miss Wood?”
“You have met them then. What did you think?” It was important that he like the two women who were fast growing as close as family to her.
He gazed out the window. “At first I did not care for them. One reminds me of an old hen, protecting its chick, while the other is like a rat on the hunt for cheese. There is a thirst in Miss Wood’s gaze that goes unquenched.”
He was good at deciphering people. After one meeting, Phillip had accurately assessed both women’s temperaments.
“I would not have allowed Rose to stay with them had I any qualms,” Phillip continued. “To be honest, I find them more annoying than dangerous. They would not even let me speak to Rose in private. I wished to show her how much I missed her, but I could do little more than hold her hands.”
A Devilish Slumber Page 20
