by Wendy Vella
Of course, all he had to do to see her was get to his feet and walk to James’s house when Samantha was having a lesson. But he hadn’t done that because he wasn’t sure what to do about Rose Abernethy yet. Strangely his family had not mentioned her either, which alarmed him slightly as they had mentioned little else twelve days ago.
There was a tap at the door. “Enter,” Wolf said. In walked Dorrie, Somer, Samantha, and Warwick.
“Hello, what brings you here?” Wolf got to his feet. “Did you come alone?”
“We brought a footman, and Mr. Linues.”
“How did you manage to convince your tutor to bring you to my house?”
“I told him we needed a field trip to the park, and he agreed,” Dorrie said.
“And where is Mr. Linues now?”
“Downstairs, inspecting the map of London hanging in your entranceway. He said it was the most detailed he’d seen.”
“Excellent. I am glad he is occupied in a useful manner. Now why are you here?”
“We miss you,” Somer said, looking sad.
“I saw you yesterday, and the day before that in the park.” Wolf knew they would get round to the reason for the visit sooner or later, so he played along.
“It is not the same as having you in our house,” Warwick said.
“No, but then I am a five-, possibly ten-minute walk away. A note would have me at your side in a short time should you wish it.”
“She is not coming again.” Warwick looked deflated.
“Who?”
“Rose. She did not come for our first lesson. Not with the twins or me.”
“And what am I to do about this?”
“Eden and James are away from home today, and Cam is with Em pulling silly faces at Beth.”
“Surely he is allowed a few silly faces when looking at his firstborn child,” Wolf said, fighting to hold in his smile. “In fact, I’m sure he pulled a few silly faces when you three were born.”
“My father didn’t, he was a beast,” Samantha said. It was said matter-of-factly, and no longer had the power to hurt her, but once it had. And for that he’d like to visit the late Duke of Raven in hell and have a chat with him.
Children, as far as Wolf was concerned, were precious and should be treated as such... for the most part. He understood that sometimes they provoked different reactions in their parents, but as he was not a parent, he could spoil the ones in his life.
“Why did you not tell Dev that Miss Abernethy has not come to any of your lessons?”
Had she stayed away because he’d kissed her?
“He’s busy, and doing things with his ships and gone before we rise at the moment. I did tell Lilly, who already knew, but her brother Nicholas is unwell, so she has been nursing him.”
Wolf raised a hand. “You four have more adults you can call upon than any child I know, so don’t try to fool me. What’s really going on?”
There was silent communication that included a lot of eye contact, and then Samantha spoke.
“We thought perhaps if you are not busy you could take us driving in your carriage, and if that happened to take us by Gunther’s then we could get an ice,” she said, smiling sweetly.
“Yes, and if you pass Miss Abernethy’s on the way, we could call in and see her, just to make sure she is all right,” Dorrie added.
“Why do you not just get another music teacher?”
Their little faces looked solemn.
“We liked her.”
“But you three,” he pointed at his cousins, “have not had her teach you a note yet.”
“But Samantha has, and likes her. Plus, we have been there and seen how Rose is. She is very nice.”
And sweet.
“I am worried she is unwell and has no one to care for her,” Samantha said, looking at her toes—which fooled no one.
“She has a friend who will look after her if she is.” Wolf hated the pain he felt under his ribs at the thought of Rose unwell.
“Pleeease,” Somer begged, which had Hep snuffing as it woke him from his slumber.
“All right, this is what we will do,” Wolf said. “You will go home at once and tell an adult who is related to you that we are going driving for an ice later today... or maybe a cream bun and cup of tea, I shall think on that.”
“Ice!” Warwick cried.
“Cream bun!” the girls shrieked.
“And Rose?” Samantha asked.
“I shall go and see her myself first, then collect you after, as I have no wish for you three to accompany me or nothing will be accomplished.”
“That is harsh,” Warwick said. “We are very reasonable when necessary.”
That comment made Wolf hoot with laughter.
“You will talk Miss Abernethy’s ears off and confuse the issue. Now run along, and I shall send word with the time I am collecting you. Be good, or I will know.”
“We’re always good,” Somer said. “After all, we are now young adults.”
“Are you really? I must have you mixed up with other children then.”
Warwick poked out his tongue before leaving the room.
He really didn’t have to come, and could have sent a note or a footman to enquire after Rose. Yet here he was, riding Apollo through London, heading toward Totts Street, telling himself he was doing so because his little people were worried about her and he should deal with that personally.
It was all a lie, of course. He wanted to see her.
He certainly had plenty to occupy his time. They’d purchased the mill, and there was much to be done to get it up and running.
Yesterday he had visited Ranwich House to see the veterans. Wolf had discussed relocating those that wished to, and explained that the mill needed workers to run it. He’d left those interested with hope in their eyes, and that had made the entire venture worthwhile.
How would Rose react to seeing him on her doorstep? Had she thought about what lay between them constantly, as he had? The kisses and touches. The fiery exchanges that left him feeling alive. Unlike with other women in his life, he had never really conversed with Rose, discussed her likes and dislikes, and yet Wolf felt he knew her.
She was wrong for him in so many ways, and yet she was firmly planted inside his head. What worried Wolf was that he wouldn’t be able to dislodge her.
As the streets narrowed he formed a plan as to what he would say to her. He decided to be formal and keep things focused on the lessons.
He would not kiss her again.
Dismounting, he tethered Apollo to a post, then found a young boy to watch over him. Not that it was necessary; his horse would go nowhere without him.
“Do you live here?”
The boy nodded.
Wolf looked at the dirty buildings and shopfronts. Saw the streets lined with rotting food and other refuse he did not want to examine closely.
Most streets had such sights, and yet this one was more desperate and undesirable, and it was here Rose lived. The thought was not a pleasing one.
Wolf stepped up to the door and knocked. The sound of feet had him exhaling slowly. He could do this, see her and ask his question, then leave. Distance, Wolf. It was what he excelled at, after all, and surely would be in the best interests of both him and Rose.
“May I help you?” The woman who opened the door was old and frail.
“Good day to you. My name is Captain Sinclair, and I wanted to speak with Miss Abernethy if that is possible?”
“I shall have to send someone up to check if Rose is in, as she lives on the top floor with Kitty and I cannot manage that climb, you understand.”
“Perhaps I could go then.”
Her cap was lace, and pulled so low her brows were hidden.
“I do not allow young men to enter my young ladies’ rooms.”
“I know Miss Dodds also and have met her several times before.”
The woman smiled, revealing pink gums.
“Well then—”
“Who
is it you are talking with, Mother?”
A man appeared. His face was pleasant enough, but the sullen look in his eyes had Wolf’s hackles rising.
“Go and get Rose, Rupert. This here is Captain Sinclair and he wishes to speak with her.”
“What do you want with her?”
“That is personal, sir.” Wolf’s dislike increased.
“I recognize you. You and Rose were talking in the street that day.”
“Very likely.”
“As she lives in our house, I would hate to think anything untoward is going on, or that the ladies are soliciting gentlemen in their rooms, so I insist you enlighten me as to what you want with her.”
Wolf stepped closer. “If you do not retract that statement I shall be forced to seek retribution on Miss Abernethy’s behalf.”
“Oh now—”
“Let me assure you”—Wolf stalked the man as he shuffled back a few steps into the house— “that Miss Abernethy is my niece’s piano teacher, and a lady in every way. I am here purely to relay a message. To suggest otherwise is an insult that I will not let go unchallenged.”
He could knock the man out with a punch, but had no wish to do so with his mother nearby. It was bad enough she had raised this parasite, but to see him felled before her was not something Wolf would wish her to witness.
“If you will not go and collect her, then I will,” Wolf added.
“I’ll get her.” His tone was belligerent, and while he did not want the man anywhere near Rose, he could do nothing to stop him as he owned the bloody place.
“Come, Captain Sinclair. You may use the front parlor.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Putt.”
“My boy gets a bit confused, you see, Captain. But his concern is always for our guests.”
“Of course, and forgive me if my words upset you.”
She let herself out of the room and Wolf raised his eyes to the ceiling. He’d felt Rose as soon as he’d entered the lodging house. Known that she was here even though he’d not seen her yet. He wondered what Rupert was saying to Rose. He’d give him another minute, then he was going up to find out. And if the man had insulted her, he would be made to pay.
Wolf looked around the drab room as he waited and tried to rein in the need to protect Rose Abernethy. She struck a chord inside him and it wasn’t healthy for either of them, yet he wasn’t sure how to sever it.
Chapter 18
Rose was repairing the hem of her second dress when her door burst open and in walked Rupert Putt.
“Captain Sinclair is downstairs and wishes to speak with you, Rose.”
The needle slipped and jabbed her finger.
“How dare you enter my room without knocking, Rupert!”
“What is this Captain Sinclair to you? What does he want?”
“That is no concern of yours.” Rose put down her mending and got to her feet. “Now leave my room at once.”
“I hope you and Kitty are not exchanging favors with gentleman for money, Rose. Because if you are—”
Rose grabbed her broom and swung it at his head. He ducked and left, his laughter following him.
Pressing a hand to her chest, she felt the rapid thud.
The entire incident at the Duke of Raven’s house was something she had consigned to the back of her head. What had happened was inconceivable, even though they had explained it to her. With distance, her doubts had risen. Was it really possible?
Strangely it was Captain Sinclair’s second kiss that occupied more of her thoughts. It had made her ache for something she’d never ached for before: to be close to a man. To have a man know her like no other, and she could not allow that, not with him. He could never be anything to her.
She looked in her small mirror and tucked a few stray strands of hair into the bun she’d bundled it into this morning. Realizing what she was doing, she walked away, disgusted with herself. This man is nothing to you.
Inhale and exhale, Rose.
She was just glad Kitty was not here; she’d make much of Captain Sinclair’s visit.
“He is in the parlor.” Rupert was waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs, insolent smile in place. “Remember what I said, Rose.”
“Kitty and I will soon have the money to leave here, Rupert. Your threats no longer concern me.”
The surprise on his face made her feel better, even if it was a lie. Without the income from her music lessons, things would once again become a struggle.
“Captain Sinclair.” She stepped into the room and sank into a curtsey. Dressed in deep blue, he looked his usual large, virile self, and Rose silently cursed her reaction to him.
“Miss Abernethy.” He bowed. “I hope I am not intruding?”
“No indeed, you are saving me from darning.”
“Ah, well in that case I am sure my arrival is something of a relief.”
He looked as comfortable as her, but unlike her he was not fidgeting. Rose put her hands behind her back as she went to thread them together again.
“Yes, it is not my favorite pastime.”
“I had to mend my own shirts in the army.”
“Did you really?” The conversation was silly, and yet Rose had no wish to change it. Fool that she was, she wanted to hear any insight into this man’s past.
His nod was solemn. “There were women in camp quite capable, and yet I thought they had enough to do, so I learned to do them myself. A young man who was assigned to be my aide taught me.”
“Could he not have done the repairs himself, Captain Sinclair?”
“He passed away the day after he taught me, Miss Abernethy. So I thought it fitting in his memory that I take up the needle and thread myself.”
“I’m sorry, were you close with him?”
His eyes were focused on her now, and yet she wasn’t sure if he saw her.
“Captain Sinclair?”
“As close as two men can be who are fighting side by side and living in conditions that no man should be forced to endure.”
“I’m sorry that you suffered.” Rose moved closer and touched the hand he clenched at his side. The action had his fingers opening briefly and gripping hers hard.
“Forgive me.” He released her and stepped away.
“’Tis all right, you did not hurt me.”
He turned from her and walked two paces. When he returned he was composed.
“I have come to ask you to resume your lessons with Samantha, Miss Abernethy. Also to start the lessons you promised my cousins.”
“I don’t—”
“They appeared on my doorstep this morning asking me to speak with you.”
“Oh dear.”
“Yes. I did not want to share my eggs; alas, I had to.”
“But surely they have others they could have spoken with. Why come to you?” Of all things she should have said, this was not one of them. In fact she should have simply said it was her choice to cease the lessons, and the right one considering what had happened.
“I asked them that, and apparently alongside their wish for you to come back was the need for an ice, or cream bun, and they suggested I should take them to acquire one.”
“They are very good at manipulating, even I am aware of that.”
“They told me Cam was preoccupied with Emily and the babe, and the others busy; plus they know I am the easiest for them to manipulate.”
Rose could do nothing to stop the giggle.
“That is a very nice sound, Miss Abernethy.”
“Thank you.”
“Samantha informed me she has no wish to have any tutor but you and is staging a mutiny by refusing to do any of the lessons the duke and duchess have set her.”
“Oh surely not?” Rose could not tell if he was serious, as his expression was blank.
“It is the truth, I am afraid. The dance instructor was sent away just this morning. The twins told me that if I did not get you to return, they would stop eating.”
“But I have not yet begun their
piano lessons.”
“Ah, but Samantha has told them so many wondrous tales of you that none other will do, so they are joining her in protest. Warwick was of course not involved, as he would never make such a sacrifice. Food is very important to him.”
He spoke with the same solemn expression in place, but those green eyes were twinkling.
“Now you’re teasing me.” Rose laughed.
“Perhaps I have exaggerated a little, but they do wish for only you to teach them, Miss Abernethy. Will you tell me why you have not returned?”
“I thought it was for the best.”
“Because you cannot be around us knowing what you witnessed? Were your words then not the truth that day?”
“No! How can you say such a thing to me? I told you I believed you were wonderful; I would not lie about that.”
He released his breath slowly.
“Then it is because of what happened between us?”
“I am not from that world, Captain Sinclair.”
“I had not believed you needed to be, to teach piano?”
“No, you are right. But after what I saw, and what happened between us….” She would be honest with him, if only to make him understand. “I felt different, almost as if there was more to me and my life, yet there is not.” She waved a hand around the room. “This is my life, and while I am probably making this hard for you to understand, I think it better that I do not teach your family.”
“Surely it is a good thing to want more? To feel as if there is more awaiting you out there?”
“Not when there cannot be.”
“Why can there not be?”
“Because there cannot.”
“Why?”
“You are not a fool, Captain Sinclair, and understand that for some there are limitations.”
“Thank you for not believing me a fool, I assure you it is a relief.”
“I was merely attempting to make you understand; forgive me if my words offended you,” Rose said quickly.
“You’ve met my family. It would take a great deal more than a few words to offend me, Miss Abernethy.”
“They are lovely people.”
