It was good to have people who cared about him. Jacques never let himself become complacent about good friends. “I know, though I cannot imagine she is a spy. If I could get her out of my mind, believe me, I would. It is clear she is not interested in a courtship. She has said as much. It is also clear she is in trouble of some kind. If I knew what her problem was, perhaps I could help, but she is not willing to divulge the information. At least, not to me.”
“How did you meet Diana?” Millie asked.
“She was hiding on the side of the road into London when I was on my way back from my parents’ arrival party. At first, I thought she was a highwaywoman, and that was intriguing enough. Once she spoke, it was obvious she had a formal education among your English ton. I couldn’t leave her in the cold with snow coming, so I took her with me.” Jacques left out the story of holding her through the night at the inn. He wanted that memory for himself, and wouldn’t share her that way.
“So, you brought her to London and left her?”
“She asked me to leave her in Piccadilly Square or at Parliament. I assumed she wanted some public place where she could hide in a crowd. That kind of hiding does not last long. Whoever she is running from would have found her. If they know her well, they would have found her quite easily. I took her to Lady Jane.”
Millie’s mouth dropped open. “She’s at Everton’s?”
“Wait, it gets better.” Preston crossed his arms over his chest. “Go ahead. Tell her.”
“Yesterday, when I went to see your uncle about some projects I have funded, she was there working as his assistant. It seems she is accomplished in several scientific fields, though how that is possible, I do not know.”
Like a fish out of water, Millie opened and closed her mouth several times and blinked her eyes. “She’s with Uncle Francis? Uncle Francis hired an Everton lady? Good gracious, I should not have missed our appointment for tea last week.” A sweet giggle escaped her, and she covered her mouth with her hand.
“You think this is funny?” Preston raised his voice. “Our dearest friend is fumbling over a woman who may be a spy, murderer, or who knows what.”
She patted Preston’s knee. “If Jane Everton trusts this Diana, then you can rest assured she is worthy of that trust. I agree with Jacques.”
It was true that Lady Jane and Lord Rupert had a good record for hiring their Everton ladies. Though Jacques had never taken any stock in Preston’s dire worries. If Diana had wanted to harm him, she could have done so at the inn. “On which point do you agree with me, Millie? I didn’t actually know I had made one.”
Frowning, she shook her head. “We need to find out what trouble Diana is in, so we can help her. Of course, Jane likely knows, but she’ll never tell me. Well, it doesn’t matter. I shall see if Diana and I can be friends, and the lady will tell me herself or she will tell you, Jacques, as you are already her friend.”
“She hardly considers me a friend.” The fact sent an ache through him. Never had any woman affected him so strangely or strongly.
Millie shrugged. “That doesn’t matter. It is clear you consider her a friend, and will go to any lengths to help her.”
The tea arrived.
“How is that clear?”
A slow smile spread across her face. “Your eyes light up when you say her name. I’ve never seen you worry about anyone besides your parents and Preston the way you are fretting over Diana, and you let Preston trounce you at chess. If that’s not telling, I don’t know what is.”
Preston’s previous hard edge on the subject of Diana eased. “Perhaps we shall also attend the Hampton’s ball. I believe I would like to meet this lady and see what all the fuss is about.”
Chapter 4
Diana liked Francis Edgebrook. His knowledge of science was impressive, though he did tend to be careless and often wanted to push things past safe limits. Still, she enjoyed her time assisting him.
His previous assistant, Mrs. Whimple, had finally come around to liking her after a difficult beginning. Now it seemed Doris felt obligated to take care of both Francis and Diana. She’d taken to forcing them to stop work for meals and rest. It was often annoying, but always endearing.
Ten minutes earlier they had been summoned to the parlor for tea, with a reprimand that they hadn’t taken a break for nearly three hours.
Doris poured the tea and handed Diana a cup. “There you go. And have a biscuit.”
“Thank you.” Diana hadn’t had someone take care of her in a long time. She should have protested, but it was too nice to reject. Even Honoria was charmed by Doris’s need to keep everyone fed and comfortable. Diana wasn’t sure how she had become part of the group receiving care, but it was far better than the previous disdain.
Francis sipped his tea and read through a paper. “Mrs. Whimple, did you know they are having Sir George Cayley speak at the Royal Academy on Thursday?”
Smiling, Doris put a biscuit on his plate. “Who is Sir George?”
Eyes bright with excitement, Francis waved the paper. “He’s invented some kind of flying machine. I’m thinking we should go and hear him speak.”
“Do they allow ladies into the Royal Academy?” Honoria asked.
His gaze shifted while he considered the question. “I couldn’t say for sure, but I don’t remember reading that women were excluded.”
Honoria cocked her head. “I think a talk about flying in the clouds would be fascinating.”
Rising, Francis regarded her. He joined them around the coffee table. “If you are interested, I don’t see why we can’t all attend. I am a member and am entitled to bring as many guests as I wish.”
Doris clapped. “Oh, yes. Let’s all go. Miss St. Cloud, wouldn’t you enjoy a talk on Sir George’s flying thing?”
Already she’d been pushed into attending a ball, and it was foolish to be out in public too much. Still, she loved the idea of being surrounded by people of science and learning what had happened in the real world since her capture. “I would like it very much.”
“Excellent. We shall pick you both up at Everton House and go directly to the Academy. Perhaps we might find some tidbit that will help us in our work. You never know who you will meet at such events.” Francis went to his desk in the corner and wrote a note.
Honoria put her teacup on the table. “You realize, bringing three women to an event generally reserved for men will make you the talk of the town.”
Looking up, Francis removed his spectacles and raised his eyebrows. “At least I’ll be gossiped about over something other than my latest explosion.”
* * * *
On Tuesday, tea was served early because the Duchess of Middleton arrived to visit her uncle. Millicent Knowles was very pretty and kind. Diana had tried to excuse herself so the relations and their old friend might have time alone. Millie, as she insisted on being called, demanded she stay.
“I must admit, Miss St. Cloud, I heard about you from my husband’s oldest friend. It seems you have made a most unexpected impression on Jacques. I was sure he was a confirmed bachelor.” Millie sipped her tea with a mischievous smile while looking over the rim.
Diana nearly choked and had to put her cup down to recover. “I’m sure he is still as he ever was. Mr. Laurent merely gave me transport when I was in need.”
Looking far too delighted, Honoria said, “Did you know that Her Grace was an Everton lady?”
Perhaps she had heard something of it from Jacques, but she wasn’t ready to admit that. “Really? It seems a long way from being a duchess.”
Millie laughed with a shrug. “It’s not as far as you might think. You see, I had dreams for my life, and I left my dear Uncle Francis in order to pursue those goals. I joined the Everton Domestic Society with the idea that I would work there for a year to earn enough to travel and see the world.”
It wasn’t so far-fetched.
Diana had avoided any type of serious courtship so she could continue to help Father in his laboratory. Poor Mother was beside herself, with a daughter not interested in marriage. “Then you gave up your dreams when you met His Grace?”
Mrs. Wimple laughed out loud. “As if Millie would ever give up on something she wanted badly enough. She had planned on me traipsing around the world with her.”
Raising her eyebrows, Millie said, “My path may have altered, but my goals never have.”
Diana thought herself to be reasonably smart, but she seemed to have lost her way in the conversation. “I’m afraid I don’t understand. Did you not choose marriage over your dream of travel?”
“I did not. I married a man who respected that my dreams were as important as his. We have been abroad twice since our marriage. We shall travel again soon, I think.”
Gaping, Diana didn’t know what to say.
“You look shocked, Miss St. Cloud.” Millie finished her tea and put her cup and saucer down on the table.
“I didn’t know such men existed. In the world I grew up in, when you married, you gave up childhood frivolity and settled for what your husband desired. I’m fairly certain this is the way of things in good society, yet you speak of a kind of partnership that is equal.” She had no idea why she was whispering. It wasn’t as if the conversation was of a personal nature.
Francis puffed up with pride. “My Millie would settle for nothing less.”
“You are not wrong, but there are other kinds of men. They are rare, but they exist. Men who view their wives as equal and worthy. Were your parents of a more traditional view?”
Father had worked on his experiments. Mother took care of things so he didn’t have to. She never complained and always looked happy. When she looked at him, her eyes lit with adoration. “My parents are both passed now, but they had a great love. Mother left home to live in Scotland with Father. They each had some part to play in the house, but I suppose in their way they were equal.”
She’d never thought about it before. As far as Diana knew, Mother had no dream to pursue some masculine occupation. It would be different for her. What man would want his wife toiling in some laboratory all day?
“I’m sure they were very happy. I’m very sorry you no longer have them with you.” Most people of the ton said they were sorry, as polite society demanded, but Millie Knowles’s eyes filled with tears. “I lost my parents to an illness when I was young. That is how I came to live with Uncle Francis.”
“I’m sorry for your loss, Your Grace. It is very hard to lose both parents.” Diana wished she could blot out the images of Mother and Father lying in pools of blood in that dungeon, but they were always with her.
Millie said, “For many years, I blamed myself for not doing more to save them. I was fifteen; I called the doctor, but it was too late. If I had been older and ignored their orders to wait, perhaps they might have lived. Then I realized, with Preston’s help, that these things were not in my control. I did what I could, and they died anyway. I miss them and mourn them, but there is no point in blame.”
Diana was directly responsible for her parents being killed. She might not have held the knife, but it was her virtue Father had been protecting. Still, Millie made a good point. People died and we couldn’t change the past by issuing blame. Father had protected her from rape and given her the strength to get out of that prison before they could torture her into complying with their wishes. “You are lucky to have a husband who supports you so completely.”
“Oh, what poor Middleton puts up with,” Doris said.
“He is very happy,” Millie scolded, but laughed, ruining the effect.
Doris huffed.
The way they all spoke filled Diana with joy she’d not felt in too long. This was a family. The kind she remembered and wanted. The kind she’d lost. “You have given me a lot to think about, Your Grace. It’s an interesting notion that such men exist.”
“My name is Millie, if you please. Let’s take a short walk together, Diana.” Millie stood.
“Millie, then.” Having little choice, Diana took Millie’s arm and they made a turn around the room together. Never in her life had she thought to have friends again, yet here were three people who liked her and wanted to spend time with her. And this was a duchess.
“I can see why Jacques likes you,” Millie whispered.
Warmth flushed Diana’s cheeks. “He is a kindhearted man who helped me when I was stranded. That is all. To say he likes me is far too bold. He took pity on me, and I am grateful.”
“If you say so.”
“I do.” They rounded near the window, and a light snow had covered the ground.
“It’s only that I’ve never known Jacques to speak of any woman. He never tells tales, though we know he has his liaisons. Since meeting you, he is distracted and full of energy. I also have it on good authority he is not keeping a mistress. He gave her up before his parents arrived because of his busy schedule and has not taken up with anyone new.”
“I’m not anyone’s mistress.” Anger rose from deep inside Diana.
Millie stopped and faced her. “I never meant to imply you were. Forgive me. I only meant that he is free of other obligations that might keep him away from you.”
Her assumption was ridiculous and had to be stopped. “Millie, I appreciate that you are very close to Mr. Laurent, and I’m flattered that you are fond enough of me to wish us together. However, we are not, nor shall we ever be. My life is…complicated. He would be far better off with a nice woman who did not have such a burden-filled past.”
Taking her arm once again, Millie continued around the room. “Be that as it may, he does not seem interested in that make-believe woman. He speaks only of you.”
Continuing to argue the point was silly. Besides, Diana couldn’t help loving the fact that she was on Jacques’s mind, even if being part of his life was impossible.
* * * *
True to his word, on Thursday Francis picked them up and brought them to the Royal Academy. A tall staircase and ornate arches loomed above them. A sea of men in black coats and hats filed through the doors.
It was safe to say that Doris, Honoria and Diana were the only women in attendance. Diana had worn a dark russet dress that was very modest. Doris was in her typical gray skirt with a crisp white blouse. In contrast, Honoria was in a peach confection with lace and ruffles. She made no effort to go unnoticed.
A tall man with a monocle rushed over. “Lady Chervil, I had no idea you were interested in the newest inventions.”
“I have a great many interests, Lord Graves.”
“Excellent. May I escort you in?” He offered his arm.
“I would be delighted.” Taking his arm, Honoria turned her head toward Diana and gave a wink.
Francis grinned. “Come, ladies. We don’t want to be late.”
“May I join you?” Jacques approached from the street. He offered his arm as they walked up the stairs.
“I think we will be tossed out,” Doris whispered.
Patting her hand, Francis said, “Not at all. We have seats and I am a long-standing member.”
Diana didn’t take Jacques’s offered arm, though she did stay close to him. “I think Doris might be right.”
“Nonsense. No one will say a word.” He shrugged. “At least not to your face. It will be all the gossip tomorrow that three ladies dared invade the male-dominated world of the Royal Academy.”
Of course, he was right. She laughed. “I’m interested to see how Sir George intends to create loft.”
“How are the experiments with the lamp coming along?”
She liked talking science with him. It was nice to think there were people who took her seriously and who were also taken seriously in society. When her father was alive, she’d been his assistant, and they had made many discoveries. Father n
ever questioned her ability to work in a man’s world, but she’d believed him alone in his forward thinking. Certainly, her few suitors had believed her abilities unladylike. Jacques Laurent was a most unusual fellow. “They’re going well. We’ve identified two combustible vapors that the flame is sensitive to. We just need a bit more time to make sure the lamp is safe and practical.”
He chuckled, and a grin transformed his face from handsome to stunning. “I can’t imagine practicality is a major concern for Francis.”
It was undeniable that Francis was loose with his safety concerns. “Perhaps not, but he did have the good sense to request help. I feel it’s my responsibility to remind him of such things.”
“You are the perfect assistant for him. I’m pleased he found you.”
A man with dark hair and fierce eyes approached. He was lean and reminded her of a cat on the lookout for danger at every turn. “Laurent, it’s good to see you.”
“Kerburghe, shouldn’t you be in Scotland with that enormous brood of yours?” Jacques spoke as if they were old friends.
Relaxing, Diana stepped back so as not to intrude.
Jacques took her elbow and gently pulled her forward. “I would like to introduce my friend, Diana St. Cloud. Miss St. Cloud, this is Michael Rollins, the Duke of Kerburghe.”
He stared her in the eye as if he knew something, but then bowed. “A pleasure to meet you, Miss St. Cloud.” He added an emphasis on her name.
Unable to meet his gaze, she lowered her eyes and curtsied. “Your Grace.”
“Michael helped me get out of France before my head met the guillotine. We have been friends a long time.” Jacques looked from her back to Michael. “He also called in a favor to get my parents passage to England.”
“You must be a very powerful man, Your Grace.” Diana didn’t know if she should attach herself to this friend of Jacques’s and beg his help, or keep as far away as possible. He had no reason to help her, and he could know the people who might lock her away for her lifetime, however long that might be.
A Lady's Past Page 5
