Sarah was especially animated that evening as she and Mrs. Keats carried on conversations with Honore and the two inspectors.
My evening was not dampened by the soured disposition of the dinner companion to my right, Mrs. Walters. She simply turned to her right and engaged the gentleman in conversation, as well as others at that end of the table.
Jude and I carried on our own conversation from time to time with flirtatious glances and alluring smiles over our wine glasses. I found him so distracting that I barely noticed the main course.
Dinner finally concluded as Philippe Deveraux announced that coffee, tea and pastries would be served in the parlor. Inspector Collins and I were just concluding our conversation on the economy and the affect it had on crime when I felt a tug at the back of my seat. Looking up, I found Jude waiting impatiently to assist me up from my chair.
“If you would be so kind and excuse us, Father has requested an audience,” Jude informed me as he took my hand, leading me to the study.
Philippe Deveraux was holding court in his private study. On entering, I was introduced to Lord Alexander Grayson and Lord Victor Whitehead both members of Parliament, one from the House of Lords and the other House of Commons.
“It is a pleasure to meet you both.” I curtsied first, reaching my hand out to Lord Whitehead and then Lord Alexander Grayson. When my hand touched Lord Grayson’s, the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end.
“Have we met before, Lord Grayson?” I inquired looking at him more closely, curious as to why I had such a reaction.
“I am afraid not, miss. I would have remembered such a meeting, I assure you,” he said, holding my hand longer than he should have. I tried pulling away but he held on tighter. Then bending deliberately slowly he placed a kiss on the back of my hand.
My entire body wanted to shake, as if someone had just walked over my grave, but I managed to maintain my composure. Making a mental note to research his background later, I continued to smile politely at him.
“If you gentlemen will excuse me now, I would like to talk with Lady Stewart for a moment,” Philippe announced to everyone in the room, while making a sweeping motion with his hands toward the door.
Jude and I walked over to the davenport in the center of the room and sat down.
“I meant you too, son, out with you,” his father said, waiting for Jude to comply with his request. “And please, shut the door on your way out.”
Pouring two drinks from his personal bar, he walked over to offer me a glass.
“Thank you, but I think I have had enough this evening,” I said apprehensively, watching Jude walk out the door.
He placed the glass on the table in front of me, “In case you change your mind, my dear.”
“So, Lord Deveraux, to what do I owe the privilege of this private audience with you?” I asked directly.
“You are a bold thing,” he laughed, surprised by my question.
“You sound surprised, Lord Deveraux,” I said, feeling less apprehensive now.
“Please, call me Philippe. I feel as if I know you already. My son has gone on and on about you.” He was gesturing with his hands as he spoke.
“If we are to be on a first name basis then I insist you call me Angelina. Please enlighten me. What exactly has your son gone on and on about where I am concerned? He has told me virtually nothing of you or your lovely wife, and I am feeling at a disadvantage,” I said, looking directly at him.
“Just that he found you to be intelligent and fascinating. My son is very intrigued by you, to say the least. I only wish to get to know the woman who captured my son’s attention so profoundly.” He narrowed his eyes at me, as if trying to determine the best approach.
“Then, Philippe, you and I must make a deal. I will answer all of your questions and you will answer any and all of my questions honestly.” I narrowed my eyes as I studied his reaction to my brash bargain. I could tell he was weighing his options.
“My son truly is a lucky man. You have yourself a deal!” He stood to offer his hand to me in a gentleman’s agreement. Chuckling he sat back down in his chair. Taking a cigar out of his pocket, he held it up to me. “Do you mind if I smoke? It is one of the last pleasures a man my age can enjoy.”
“I am merely a guest, sir, please feel free.” Standing, I walked over to a window, opened it then turned toward Philippe. “I think I will go first,” I said pointedly. “What is the nature of the relationship between Lady Walters and Jude?” Walking back to my seat I paused to read his face before sitting.
Taking his cigar deliberately to his mouth and slowly blowing the smoke from his lips gave him plenty of time to ponder just how he intended to answer that loaded question. “My son was infatuated with her many years ago. Juliette had plans of her own. She married an older man by the name of Lord Albert Walters, the Marquis of Bourbon. She never bore him any children and he has been dead three years past now.” Philippe watched my reaction to his words closely.
“If this is true, why would you have invited Lady Walters to your private dinner gathering and why seat her next to me?” I asked.
“Now, if this is going to be fair, it would be my turn to ask a question,” he said, holding up his hand.
“Of course, where are my manners? My life is an open book,” I quipped.
“Is it true that you carry a six-inch dagger with you at all times?” his tone fascinated by the prospect.
“Is that the question you have been dying to ask me all night?” I asked, my tone slightly skeptical.
“Yes, I really wish to know,” he said, taking another drag from his cigar.
Patting the side pocket of my gown with my right hand, I replied, “Yes, I have it with me at all times.”
“Well, let’s see it!” Putting his cigar in the ashtray, he put his hand out.
Reaching into my pocket to retrieve the blade, I handed it to him.
“Marvelous.” Turning the dagger over in his hand, he then removing the sheath from the blade.
“Please be careful, it is very sharp,” I cautioned him as he ran his finger down the blade.
Placing the sheath on the blade again he handed it back to me. “I couldn’t believe the story when my son told it to me. But now I see it with my own eyes,” he said, sitting down and picking up his drink. “Did you really stab that man and leave the other cowering on the ground?”
“In short, yes, and in my defense, I did warn him. It seems it is back to my question,” I challenged, placing the dagger back into my pocket. “Now back to the matter of Lady Juliette Maureau Walters. Why would you invite her to dinner and sit her next to me?” I inquired, looking directly at him.
“If it had been left up to me, she would not be let back into this house, let alone placed anywhere near you. But these things are left up to my wife,” he said, very matter of factly.
“Of course, which would beg the question, what have I done to offend your wife, Lady Deveraux?” Standing, I pensively walked back to the window to get some air. His cigar had started to affect me, and I was feeling queasy.
“My wife is a different sort,” he said, trying to be diplomatic. “Very protective of her only child, you see. So when she saw you and Jude together, she felt the need to test the waters, so to speak.” Jude’s father walked over to where I stood. “She will come around, just give her time.”
Taking several deep breaths to stave off the sick feeling starting in my stomach, I continued. “And you sir, how do you feel about the matter of Jude and me?” I turned from the window to look him directly in the eye.
“Are you all right, my dear, you look pale?” Concern etched his voice.
“I think it is the smoke. I am feeling a little ill,” I said, looking at the offensive cigar.
Stubbing out his cigar, he took me by the arm, leading me to the nearest chair and fetched a glass of water.
“To answer your question, Lady Angelina, I am fascinated by you.” Handing me the glass of water he poured. “Most you
ng ladies your age are preening, self-indulged little twits. You are nothing I would have expected and everything I could have hoped for my son. My wife will come around once she sees your qualities,” he finished.
“I believe I will be fine now.” Taking a couple more deep breaths, I stood as he walked over to take my arm.
Opening the door, we walked out together arm and arm to find Jude had been pacing the hallway.
“Why, Jude Deveraux, were you worried about me?” I asked when I saw the look on his face. “I was perfectly fine in your father’s capable hands.”
“It wasn’t you I was worried about,” he said looking at his father with feigned concern. He leaned down to place a kiss on my cheek. “I am in need of a word in private with my father.”
“I will just amuse myself and find Sarah and Jonathan. Don’t be long,” I added, walking down the hall.
Still feeling a little ill, I looked for the door to the powder room. Turning down the hall to my left, I found the door. Not bothering to lock the door behind me, I bent down and scooped up water in my hands, splashing it onto my face several times. The cool refreshing water revived me as I felt around for the towel I had left next to me.
“Here, allow me,” Lady Walters said, handing me the towel.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you come in,” I said, patting my face dry.
“You know that you are simply a dalliance of Jude’s and that I will be winning him back,” she said coldly.
“Is that so? And how do you figure, Lady Walters?” I asked, feeling angry color staining my cheeks.
“He always comes back to me,” she said, preening herself in the mirror.
“And exactly how many times has he come back to you?” The words nearly stuck in my throat.
“We were together right after I married Lord Walters and then again after his death. I know what he needs and no simpering little bint such as you will come between us.” Her biting words were like a dagger to my heart.
Tears I refused to shed welled up in the back of my eyes. She would never know the effect her words had on me. Turning the knob on the door, I paused for a moment. “I hope the two of you are truly happy together.” The words coming from me so quietly I was not sure she heard me. Chancing a glance back at her reflection in the mirror, I knew that she had. Then I quietly shut the door behind me.
Stepping to the door of the parlor downstairs, I stood in the doorway, looking around the room for Sarah and Jonathan. I spotted them standing next to Honore, Eli Collins, Mr. and Mrs. Keats and Lady Deveraux. I slipped into the group next to Honore and Sarah as the two inspectors were recounting some of their more recent cases together.
Sarah giving me a questioning look as I joined the group. “Where have you been? I was getting worried,” she whispered in my ear, taking hold of my hand.
“Private audience with Lord Deveraux,” I whispered back.
“Junior or senior?” she prodded as she gave me a scandalous look.
“Senior. What are we discussing?” I asked, trying to figure out what I had missed.
“They have been regaling us with gruesome tales of their cases together. They said they would tell us about the latest one. If you are feeling squeamish, you might want to leave. Some of them have been simply gory,” she said in a giddy tone, like a child witnessing something she shouldn’t.
“Maybe I will take my leave. I’m not feeling well right now,” I said, squeezing her hand.
“She was found tied to an old oak tree. The thing must have been a hundred years old at least, the tree not the girl,” Mr. Collins said, realizing the way he described the scene could be misinterpreted.
His words stopping me in my tracks as I grasped Honore’s arm to steady myself as my entire body began to tingle.
Mr. Keats cut in, finishing the story. “Not only was she tied to this gnarled old oak tree but her heart had been cut out of her chest,” he finished with a whisper, looking around to make sure people outside of the circle didn’t hear him.
Sarah gasped and grabbed my arm. I could feel the color leave my face and my peripheral view went gray. I felt like the air had been sucked from my chest.
Lady Deveraux noticed me first and quickly took charge. “Honore, help her to the next room. Lord Stewart, fetch a glass of water for your sister.”
I didn’t remember walking to the next room but I must have made it on my own feet. The next thing I remember I was sitting in a chair and taking the glass of water Jonathan offered me. Sarah stood over me giving me that look, that secret code that longtime friends develop between them that make words unnecessary.
“Maria, have the staff prepare the rooms upstairs for guests,” Lady Deveraux instructed as Jude and his father came into the room followed by Honore.
“I truly don’t think that will be necessary, Lady Deveraux. I am sure I will be fine now,” I said, handing the glass back to Jonathan. Taking a deep breath, I tried to stand, grabbing hold of Sarah’s arm to steady myself.
My knees buckled as Jude grabbed hold of me by the waist scooping me into his arms. “This is no time to be stubborn, Angelina.” He carried me through the doors at the opposite end of the room and up the back staircase as Sarah, Jonathan, and his mother followed behind.
“Jude, I am fine. Inspector Keats story took me by surprise, that is all.” My eyes were pleading with Sarah, over Jude’s shoulder, to do something. Sarah’s face was a mix of confusion and disbelief as she struggled to keep up with Jude’s long strides.
Stepping inside a room, Jude ordered the staff to leave. “Everyone out, now!” he barked, taking control of the situation like the pirate captain that he was.
The upstairs maids rushed to comply with his orders as I stared up at his face.
The maids had no more than run from the room when Jude turned, blocking the door. Sarah, Jonathan, and Lady Deveraux stopped where they stood. “Honore, no one is to enter this room unless I open this door and invite them in. Is that understood?” The stone hard look in Jude’s eyes left no room for insubordination. Honore nodded his head and took up his post in front of the door.
“Mother, you still have guests to attend to. Please assure anyone who might have questions about Lady Stewart that she is fine. Tell them it was just a case of the vapors.” He stood waiting for Lady Deveraux to comply with his wishes. When she hesitated, he lifted his eyebrows at her then looked to his father to take charge. Lord Deveraux, taking his wife by the arm, escorted her down the hall as the sound of her displeasure could be heard all the way down the back staircase.
“Jonathan, Sarah, please rejoin the party. Angelina will be fine. I will send for you if your services are needed.” With that he turned, shutting the door with the heel of his boot.
“You truly are magnificent when you do that,” I said, looking up at him while he carried me across the room.
“When I do what, my love?” he asked while gently placing me on the bed.
“Take charge like that. I stand in awe of the way you command attention and absolute obedience,” I answered, feeling secure and safe like nothing could hurt me.
“What happened? Is your corset too tight again?” he asked, reaching for the buttons of my gown.
“No. Really, I am fine. My corset is fine,” I assured him, slapping his hand away.
“Then what is the matter? Father said you got ill while you and he were talking,” he stated, very concerned, running his hand through his hair.
“Your father’s cigar smoke got to me, that is all. Maybe I ate too much and my corset cut off my air a little. I don’t know, but I am fine, please don’t worry,” I said, taking his face in my hands to place a kiss on his cheek.
“But I do worry. I can’t help but worry. If something happened to you . . .” His words trailed off. Looking deep into my eyes his hand wrapping around my neck, he pulled my lips to his, kissing me passionately.
“Darling, I find that I can’t go another day without you bound to me,” he said into my ear, his passio
n evident in his voice.
“What are you saying, Jude? I am devoted to you. There could be no other man for me,” I said, pulling back from him slightly. “I could never let someone else touch me like you do, my love. I swear it.”
“Then marry me, Angelina,” his words hit me like a punch to the stomach. Shock slowly registered all over my face.
Rolling to the other side of the bed, I sat there dangling my feet off the bed then looking back at him. “Let me consider your captivating proposal.” Pausing to think a minute with my finger to my mouth. “There, I’ve considered it. No!” Climbing off the bed, I turned to face him as he sat there puzzled by my reaction.
“Jude Deveraux, you know how I feel about marriage. I will not be owned! Not even by one as alluring as yourself,” my last words coming out in a whisper as I walked to the window.
“I am saying this all wrong, or maybe you do not understand me. Please look at me,” he pleaded, walking around the bed to stand by me at the window. Turning me to face him as he took my hands into his large stronger ones, he bent to one knee forcing me to look down into his eyes.
“I feel this force that inexplicably connects the two of us that cannot be severed without causing irreparable damage to my heart.” Something in his tone began a stirring deep inside of me. “As if we are directly linked and your breath is my breath without which I could not survive each day.”
Placing my fingers over his lips to stem his passionate words, tears filled my eyes.
“Do you think me without a heart or soul unmoved by your words because I am of the feminine persuasion, like a machine that moves without feelings? I speak to you from my soul to yours, as an individual human being with a will and mind that works independent and of its own. I beg you burden me no further with your impassioned words of persuasion to bid me marry you because I do not believe it is in my makeup to resist you further. I fear I am not that strong,” I pleaded with him as my tears threatening to spill over.
“Then hear me out.” His eyes pleaded with me. “Keep your free will and desire to be your own person. I seek to take nothing from you. My only desire is to give to you all that I have and all that I am. I offer you my heart that is true and faithful, full of love, desiring only you. I give to you freely my soul that we may walk all the days of our lives together as equals, one never ruling over the other. If there should be a Here and After, may we be entwined still, for I fear a lifetime with you could never be enough to satisfy me.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small blue box. “I ask you, no, I beg you with impassioned pleadings, to walk through this life by my side as my equal. For it is your soul that I desire to come to me freely, consenting to be my wife.” Jude opened the small blue box to reveal a hidden treasure nestled in blue velvet. A large square-cut sapphire engagement ring surrounded with tiny diamonds set in a white gold band. The ring was simply breath taking.
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