The driver gave a sharp nod.
Xavier climbed into the carriage, pulled the curtains, then joined Claudine on the bench. The carriage lurched away from Serafine’s house and rattled over the uneven street.
He swiveled toward Claudine. “Will you allow me a closer look at your face?”
She flinched, pulling the hood lower to hide. “I’m embarrassed for you to see me this way.”
“You have no reason to feel embarrassed. You are not to blame for what has been done. Stanhurst should be ashamed to show his face. I only want to examine your injuries. Will you allow me?”
She inclined her head slightly and didn’t move as Xavier removed the hood. Her chestnut hair hung in tangled waves around her shoulders. He was careful to maintain a blank expression as he inspected her battered face, but his hands shook with repressed rage. She would heal, and those who looked on her would consider her beautiful. Most would never see the scars she carried inside, but they would be there.
“Stanhurst must answer for what he has done. I will call on him and he will answer to me.”
“No!” Claudine grasped his hands, clinging as if he might walk out of the moving carriage to confront the duke. “You can’t go to him. He wants you dead.”
He smiled, hoping to help calm her nerves. “We have something in common. I want him dead too. Although I will settle for gravely wounded.”
She didn’t return his smile.
“Tell me what happened,” he prompted. “What precipitated his attack?”
“One of the actresses spoke with you at the theatre. She knew you’d come looking for me.” Claudine pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve and gingerly dabbed at the tears when they slipped onto her cheeks. “She thought she could ingratiate herself with the duke by claiming I was being unfaithful. She wants Stanhurst to toss me aside, so she can assume my position.”
“I can’t believe Madame Parma betrayed you.” The leading lady’s compassion for Claudine had struck him as genuine. She had played him for a fool.
“It wasn’t Lia. She is a loyal friend.” Claudine sniffled. “Zoe is a young upstart with high ambitions. She has no idea the price she would pay if Stanhurst made her his mistress.”
The pixie. Stanhurst would delight in squelching the girl’s high-spiritedness, just as he’d taken joy in robbing Claudine of her confidence. Knowing the young actress was responsible for Claudine’s current state made it difficult to feel sympathy for her, however.
“Zoe will have to fend for herself,” he said, “but you are never returning to Stanhurst. Is your friend still in Vienna?”
“I don’t know. The duke’s servants hold the post until he inspects it. If Sarah has written to me, I’ve never seen her letters.”
Xavier felt his nostrils flare, but he kept his temper in check. Cursing the Duke of Stanhurst wouldn’t help Claudine. “My betrothed and her family will provide you safe haven for now. We can write to the theatre owner once you are settled. If your friend has moved on, he should know where she was headed next. Then we’ll write to that theatre and continue sending letters until we find her.”
She shook her head. “Searching for her would take too long, and I couldn’t impose. Please accept my congratulations on your betrothal, though.”
He leaned against the seatback with a smile. “Thank you. Regina is the most magnificent young lady I have ever known. She is also kind and tenderhearted. I imagine she will insist you stay at Wedmore House.”
Claudine grimaced. “I didn’t seek you out so you could assist me. I came to warn you against Stanhurst. When he called at the town house last night, he kept ranting about how he should have killed you himself instead of trusting others to do it.”
Xavier’s breath caught in his lungs. Could the duke be responsible for his imprisonment? “Did he say anything else?”
“No.”
“Are you sure? Think about it a moment.”
“I don’t think there was anything else. His ramblings were nonsensical most of the time. He talked of finding out about Vienna and that you were assisting me, but I already knew he had discovered our plans. He told me the morning we were supposed to leave. That is how I learned the servants are loyal to him.” Her brow furrowed. “Xavier, what happened to you? The duke said you left without me, but I couldn’t believe it was true.”
“It was a lie. I’d been winning at the gaming tables, so I made one last trip to the Den the night before our departure.” He’d wanted to return home wealthier than when he’d left and prove his sister’s worries about gambling were for naught. He had won at Hazard that night and lost over two years of his life.
“I hadn’t arranged for a carriage to come at a certain time, because I hadn’t wanted to be forced to leave if I found myself in the middle of a lucky streak. I remember a biting wind whipping through the alley, and how glad I was that I would be home soon where the winters are milder. I’d overindulged. I wasn’t listening for footpads, and I couldn’t see anything in the dark. I don’t recall much after leaving the Den, other than I experienced a blinding pain at the back of my head. I was in and out of consciousness, and every time I woke, I was traveling in a carriage. I was held prisoner until several days ago.”
“This had to be the duke’s doing, only I think he never meant for you to survive.” Fresh tears wet her cheeks. “I am sorry. I never should have accepted your help. Can you ever forgive me?”
“There is nothing to forgive, Claudine.”
He opened his arms, and she fell into his embrace with a sob. He held his friend as she cried tears she’d likely been storing inside for years. She was spent by the time the carriage arrived at Wedmore House.
“Could I take a moment to speak with Regina alone? She isn’t the type to require smelling salts, but I don’t want to catch her by surprise.”
Claudine tried to wipe away evidence of her tears with the damp handkerchief. “You should send me on my way. I am afraid of causing trouble for you.”
Xavier opened the carriage door and stepped down without waiting for the coachman to set the stairs then turned back to address her. “You are not returning to the duke. Now, please wait here. I won’t take long.”
As he started toward the front door, it flew open and Regina greeted him with a brilliant smile. Instinctively, he blocked her view of the carriage interior. Regina drew up short, her smile falling away. He’d hoped to prepare her and absorb some of the shock of seeing Claudine’s battered face.
“I’ve brought an old friend with me,” he said. “She has been hurt and needs tending.”
He cautiously moved aside, so Regina could see into the carriage. Regina covered her mouth with her hand.
He cleared his throat. “This is Claudine Bellerose. I’m afraid she has nowhere to go. Could I bring her inside?”
“Yes, of course.” Regina came forward as Xavier helped Claudine from the carriage. She placed her arm around the actress and guided her inside Wedmore House. As soon as Xavier closed the door behind him, she called out for her sister.
Evangeline appeared in the corridor outside of the library and hurried toward them with a rustling of skirts. Her eyes widened as she drew near. “Good heavens. Who is this and what happened?”
“This is Claudine, an old friend to Mr. Vistoire.”
Evangeline skidded to a stop. “Oh?” She drew out the word, glancing warily at Regina, perhaps seeking direction on how she should react to Xavier bringing a strange woman into their home.
Claudine’s chin quivered again as she seemed to fight against tears. “I am sorry. I shouldn’t have allowed Mr. Vistoire to bring me.”
Regina frowned at her sister. “Of course you should have. Forgive us if we have given offense. We are simply surprised, because we were unaware Mr. Vistoire knew anyone in London aside from his sister.”
“Claudine is an actress,” Xavier said. “We lost touch, but she sought me out today to warn me that someone wishes me ill.”
Regina arched an eyebrow
. “Evangeline, please show Claudine to the guest room, while I ask Cook to put the kettle over the fire.”
“Come this way, miss.” Evangeline ushered Claudine toward the staircase. “Are you able to climb?”
“Oui, if we move slowly.”
Regina’s sister linked arms with the actress. “Take as much time as you need. Once we have you settled, I will find a clean gown for you.”
He stood guard as the women ascended the staircase, holding his breath every time Claudine tottered and Evangeline fought to rebalance them both. When they reached the landing without incident, he exhaled with a noisy whoosh then turned to Regina.
“I should see to the kettle,” she said, “but when I return, I would like to understand what is going on.”
Several moments later, she bustled back into the foyer. “Cook will prepare a pot of tea and a pitcher of fresh water to clean her cuts.” Regina tried to whisk past to lead him to the drawing room, but he captured her around the waist and pulled her to him for a chaste kiss.
“I haven’t delivered my belongings to the hotel yet, and I would like word of my move to reach Farrin before sundown. Serafine and Isaac will be leaving early tomorrow morning. Could we discuss Claudine when I return?”
She frowned. “I am more interested in discussing who wants to harm you.”
“Claudine’s benefactor made threats against me, but there is no need for worry.” Stanhurst was a coward who only hurt those who couldn’t defend themselves. He had enlisted others to do his dirty work last time, and Xavier would be watching over his shoulder now. It seemed highly probable Stanhurst was responsible for his troubles with Farrin, but Xavier would like his suspicions confirmed.
“Have you had any luck finding the map?”
“No,” she said with a sigh. “But we haven’t finished searching the library. You should continue on to the hotel. We will watch over Claudine while you are gone.”
“Merci.”
Regina’s lashes fluttered as if she couldn’t understand him.
“Thank you,” he said, thinking perhaps his French had confused her.
She laughed. “I know what you said. I’m simply trying to understand why you are thanking me.”
“Many ladies wouldn’t acknowledge a woman of Claudine’s background, much less welcome her into their home. Thank you for not turning her away.”
“It never entered my mind,” Regina said with a shrug.
“I know.” He cupped her face, his fingertips nestling into the luxuriously soft hair at her nape. Tenderness filled his chest, bursting through in his smile. “This is why I love you.”
Her eyes widened, and she stared at him with her lips parted. His profession hung between them for several labored breaths. His gut clenched. He hadn’t planned to tell her that he loved her. At least not now, and not like this.
“Um...” She glanced toward the stairwell then back at him.
He decided to spare them both. “I should be going.”
She grasped his forearm as he turned toward the door. “May you find a gold coin in the street and be run down by the post coach.”
He blanched. “I beg your pardon?”
“It is a ritual.” A furious blush made her cheeks glow. “Before my uncle leaves on a journey, I wish him bad luck to trick the gods into keeping him safe. It is a silly child’s game. I’m sorry.”
She placed a peck on his cheek then hurried for the staircase. Lifting her skirts, she dashed up the stairs. He smiled. Her expression of love wasn’t what he’d expected, but it delighted him all the same.
Twenty-eight
Regina soaked a cloth in the washbasin, wrung out the excess water, and worked up a decent lather with the soap. Neither she nor the actress had spoken since Evangeline left to retrieve a clean gown. Regina realized she was being an abominable hostess, but she couldn’t shake off her embarrassment from earlier.
No lady with her wits about her should ever wish the man she loved to be flattened on the street, but that was the problem. The ability to think clear whenever he was near had become an impossible task. Furthermore, the realization that she did in fact love him frightened her.
Evangeline whisked into the room with a simple pink muslin dress draped across her arm. It didn’t seem like the most flattering color for the actress, but it was clean. “I found this in Sophia’s wardrobe. I think it is most likely to be a fit.”
“Merci.”
Evangeline pulled the chair away from the desk and dropped onto it. She tipped her head to the side. Regina saw the blunt question coming, but she was powerless to stop it. “What is the name of the rat who did this to you, and do you want us to bloody his nose on your behalf?”
Claudine’s smile seemed slightly grotesque with her swollen lip. “Merci, but no. It is best if you avoid Stanhurst.”
“A duke,” Evangeline said then whistled. “They are nearly untouchable.”
The Duke of Stanhurst was a distinguished man with graying hair and a frosty glare that could leave a person feeling the cut direct as if it were a tangible thing. His reputation for a callous disregard for others was well known, and most tried to avoid him if possible. His son Lord Geoffrey had inherited his black heart.
“How long has the duke been mistreating you?” Regina asked.
“Close to the beginning. I suppose we enjoyed a few months of harmony before I angered him enough to strike me.”
Evangeline leaned forward. “What could you have possibly done to warrant him striking you? He sounds mad.”
“I wore the Earl of Ventnor’s favorite color. I didn’t know it was his lordship’s favorite since I had never made his acquaintance, but when he complimented my gown that evening, he mentioned a preference for blue. On the carriage ride home, Stanhurst accused me of trying to entice the man.”
“Well, that answers my question. The duke is fit for Bedlam.”
Taking a deep breath for fortification, Regina approached Claudine with the wet cloth and lowered beside her on the edge of the bed. “Xavier said you sought him out to issue a warning. Do you believe the duke truly means to harm Xavier?”
“I’m uncertain.” The actress accepted the proffered cloth and thanked her. “Stanhurst often speaks out of turn when he is on a tear, but I was unwilling to take a chance with Xavier’s life.”
“Yet, you risked your own.” She studied the actress. Like her sister, Regina was dubious about Claudine’s previous association with Xavier. “How is it you and Xavier know one another?”
“Your betrothed is a good man, or at least he tries to be. Two years ago, we met at the theatre after a performance. He was the only person to see beyond the act I put on for onlookers, or perhaps everyone knew the truth about the duke and simply didn’t care that I was miserable.” She sighed, her shoulders drooping as if she was weary of trying to hold herself upright. “Whatever the case, Xavier offered his assistance to help me escape from London. I had an actress friend in Vienna willing to take me in. I could have found work on the stage once I arrived, but Stanhurst kept every coin I made. I had no means to travel until Xavier came forward.”
“What happened? Did you change your mind?”
“Xavier never arrived the morning we were to board the ship. I believed the duke when he said Xavier had decided I was too much trouble and left without me. I should have known something was amiss, but Stanhurst was especially cruel to me when he learned I wanted to leave him. I only discovered today that Xavier was being held prisoner all that time.”
Evangeline angled a narrow-eyed glance in Regina’s direction. “Has the duke ever mentioned a man named Farrin?”
Claudine startled. “Not for a long time. Mr. Farrin dined with Stanhurst at the town house several times, but as I said, it has been a few years. How do you know Mr. Farrin?”
“He is responsible for Xavier’s imprisonment.” Regina gently nudged Claudine’s arm. “You should clean your cuts so they don’t fester.”
Claudine carefully circled the c
loth over the abraded skin stretched across her cheekbone. “The servants are in Stanhurst’s pockets, and one of them informed him that I was packing. That is how he knew I was sailing that morning, but he implied he’d had a conversation with Xavier about leaving me behind, and we know that is a lie. I’m certain the duke played a part in Xavier’s disappearance. Do you believe he hired Mr. Farrin to see to the deed?”
Or made false claims to insure Xavier was no longer a threat to the duke losing his mistress.
“Why do you stay with him?”
Claudine’s gaze dropped and ruddy patches appeared on her cheeks and neck. “I have nowhere to go, and even if I did, I’m rarely left alone.”
“You may stay here as long as necessary,” Regina said.
Evangeline reached a hand toward Claudine, and the actress met her halfway. They linked fingers and held on to each other. “No one deserves to be treated in such a manner. I am glad Mr. Vistoire brought you to Wedmore House, and I agree with my sister. You should remain here until you have a safe place to go.”
Claudine’s sad smile tugged at Regina’s heart. “Thank you both for making me feel I have someone to confide in again,” the actress said. “The worst of this ordeal has been the loneliness. It was easier to let friendships fade than face Stanhurst’s temper. I would give anything to stay, but if I’m not home by sundown, the duke’s servants will send word to him. Stanhurst will believe I am with Xavier, and I’m worried for him.”
“Well, I regret to inform you that we won’t allow you to go back,” Regina said. “Xavier can hold his own against the duke. You have warned him and he will be cautious.” Her heart floundered in her chest. The words were for her own reassurance as much as for Claudine’s.
The actress pressed her argument, but in the end, she didn’t stand a chance against Regina and Evangeline. Eventually, she acquiesced.
“Splendid,” Regina said with a clap of her hands. “Let’s wash your hair before you change into a new gown.”
Once the actress’s chestnut brown locks were clean and combed, Evangeline assisted her into the pink gown. Regina and her sister stepped back to inspect Claudine. Her injuries were still a shocking sight, but she looked more comfortable and at ease.
Secrets to a Gentleman's Heart (Uncle Charlie's Angels Book 1) Page 21
