The Debutante: A Regency Mystery (The Sinclair Society Book 2)

by Bethany Swafford

  As soon as she sealed her missive, I helped her out of the lovely white muslin dress she’d worn to the musical soirée. Any other night I might have asked if she had enjoyed the music or if she’d enjoyed good company. To do so on this occasion would have been in vain, for Miss Dunbar hummed to herself with a pleased expression on her face.

  “Now, go already,” she ordered once she was in her bed. “The longer you dawdle, the later it becomes.”

  I really didn’t need the reminder. In any event, despite the fact that I needed to put the dressing room right, I put the message in my pocket. It took me no time at all, much to my great disappointment, to put on my pelisse and hat. Then, I was faced with going through the door and out into the night.

  The last time I had done so had not gone well for me. Granted, at the time, I’d been attempting to escape a dangerous situation, and it had ended better than it could have. Still, I’d been left with an aversion to being alone in the dark.

  For a moment, I wavered with what to do. I could leave quickly and run the risk of being locked out when the butler locked the door for the night. Or I could tell Bunker that I needed to run an errand and incite Miss Dunbar’s anger at having revealed her actions. As I had no intention of sleeping on a doorstep, I went to find the butler.

  When he heard what I intended to do, Bunker raised his eyebrow and inquired as to what was so urgent it could not wait until morning. Remembering my employer’s temper, I lifted my shoulders in a shrug. “I regret Miss Dunbar does not voice her reasonings to me. She merely commands and expects me to obey.”

  The butler’s jaw tightened, and he stared at me. I’d been fortunate enough to keep my distance from him during my time in the house, but doing so had left me with little idea how he would react to my thinly veiled impertinence. After what felt like an eternity, he said, “Be quick about it.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  As I turned to go, he added, “And be careful, Nelson. It is not wise for any female to be out at this hour alone.”

  Glancing over my shoulder, I gave a brief nod. I had no intention of telling him that in my hand, hidden in the folds of my gown, I had a sharpened penknife. Anyone who made the mistake of approaching me, for any reason, would regret it.

  I kept my steps quick as I hurried the distance from the Dunbar’s house to Mr. Ingram’s residence. Lights shone from the houses lining each side of the street, but even those lights were going out one by one. Thankfully, I saw no one walking and arrived at my destination unharmed, though my shoulders ached from being so tense.

  With the house before me, I hesitated for a moment. As soon as I delivered the message, I was a part of whatever was going on between Mr. Ingram and Miss Dunbar. Did I really want that? Of course, I’d already come this far, and perhaps this would clear the way to me knowing more of how Mr. Ingram had been connected to my brother.

  Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to walk up to the front door. I sincerely hoped the man’s servants were a discreet lot or, at the very least, well paid to keep silent about the strange comings and goings in their employer’s house. Once I reached the door, I plied the knocker and waited, counting every second as it slowly passed.

  As soon as I reached the number twenty I was more than ready to flee and claim I had done my best. In fact, I was turning away when the door abruptly opened. A grim-faced footman held a lamp and glared at me.

  “A note for Mr. Ingram,” I said, simply and concisely. I held it out to him.

  The man took it from my hand, and I began to back up. “A moment!” he exclaimed, his tone surprisingly alarmed. “Step inside. The master may have a reply or wish to speak to you about what this contains.”

  “I cannot. Good-night!” Mr. Ingram had his own servants to carry his notes, and Miss Dunbar had not ordered me to remain for a response. It was inconceivable for me to wait or accept his invitation to enter the house. As the footman continued to protest, though he made no effort to stop me physically, I returned to the street and began back the way I had come.

  My journey to Mr. Ingram’s had been quick, but my return to safety was at nearly a run.

  Though my footsteps echoed, there was a silence to everything. Only an occasional hack, conveying its occupants to who knew where, moved in the street, and no giggling ladies were on the pavement. Bath had become an entirely different place.

  It was with great relief that I stepped into the Dunbar house and closed the door behind me. No doubt having waited nearby, Bunker hurried into sight as I leaned my back against the door, trying to get my breath back. I moved aside so that he could turn the lock and secure the house for the night.

  “Did you encounter a problem, Nelson? Your errand was quick, and you appeared frightened just now.”

  “My mind delights in imagining the worst when I am in the dark.” It was the first excuse I could think of. “As to my errand...I believed it best to go and return with as much haste as possible. As you said, it is not wise for a female to be on the streets alone.”

  The concern I’d imagined in his expression vanished, and he shook his head. “You ought to have taken George with you or allowed him to handle the errand.”

  “There is only so much abuse I can willingly provoke.” The words left my mouth before I could think better of it, and I was quick to add, “Forgive me, Mr. Bunker. I am more tired than I thought. Goodnight, and thank you for leaving the door unlocked for me.”

  He said nothing as I hurried on my way. In truth, if he revealed Miss Dunbar’s actions to her father, I would have been immensely pleased, even if it meant my part in the matter resulted in my dismissal. I couldn't help but believe something underhand was going on between my employer and Mr. Ingram.

  Perhaps the same thing, whatever it was, that had resulted with my brother being killed?

  As intriguing as the idea was, I knew it would have been too large a coincidence. Once I was well rested, which would not be that night. Making Miss Dunbar’s dressing room ready for when she rose in the morning prevented me from going straight to my bed, much to my disappointment.

  It had been one of the longest days I’d endured since coming to Bath.

  Chapter Six

  As Miss Dunbar did not berate me the following morning for not having a reply from Mr. Ingram, I knew I had made the right decision. The young lady was in a remarkably good mood, which made me uneasy. She made no complaints as she dressed and threw no temper tantrum before she left the dressing room.

  I should have known she was planning something.

  While I was still eating my breakfast, the new maid, Sally, informed me that Miss Dunbar was asking for me in the Drawing Room. With a sigh, I pushed away from the table and stood up. From her desk, Mrs. Dobbs offered a sympathetic look as I left the room.

  “Nelson, today I am at home,” Miss Dunbar said as soon as I entered. “However, I need more ribbons. You must go buy them for me.”

  “Ribbons?” I repeated, restraining myself a glance at her sewing basket. The ribbons she had sent me out to acquire the previous week were still there, untouched. “Is there a particular color you need, Miss Dunbar?”

  She dismissively waved her hand as she picked up her book. “If I needed something specific, I would have told you. Now, don't take all day about it, Nelson. Oh, and make sure you get the highest quality available.”

  There could be no doubt she wished me out of the house and ribbons was the excuse she had come up with. For what reason? What did she want to conceal from me? Why would she worry about what I would see? What threat could I be?

  The day was beautiful, so my walk to the shop was enjoyable. I determined to complete the errand as soon as possible and return quickly. Perhaps then I would be able to catch her at whatever it was.

  At one point, two young men crossed in front of me, and I couldn’t help but overhear their conversation. “Really, Ward, you lose more than you win with these games,” the younger of the two said. “Surely there must be some better way for you to
support yourself.”

  “Not everyone has a rich uncle die and leave them their wealth, Bywood,” his tall companion answered, looking bored with the conversation. “I am doing what I believe is best and we’ll leave it at that. There are worse things I could do to support myself.”

  “Oh? Such as?”

  “Surely you’ve heard of those who would sell information to the French. I am not so dishonorable to lower myself to that level.”

  “You cannot be serious! That is mere gossip, and no one in their right mind would pay it any attention. I cannot believe that anyone in our society would—”

  Startled, I came to a stop as they walked beyond my hearing. I’d known Jonathan’s purpose in coming to Bath was to seek out traitors but was it possible such traitors were still here? Or had he found them before he was killed?

  Mr. Harper had been searching for such a traitor in the Burnham’s household. Perhaps he had come to Bath for the same reason?

  And it has nothing to do with you, my mind whispered.

  Shaking my head to rid myself of those thoughts, I continued on my way. My hope to accomplish my errand swiftly was shattered when I entered the shop and saw the three ladies who were already there. The shopkeeper was occupied with the elderly lady, who was insisting he was keeping back the best selections.

  Trying to rein in my impatience, I took the opportunity to peruse the ribbons on display so that I would know exactly which ones to purchase. The elderly lady kept up a steady stream of criticism, though I couldn’t determine who it was directed towards. Out the corner of my eye, I saw when one of the other customers, the youngest of the three ladies, suddenly went pale and she reached out to put her hand against the wall.

  The other two ladies did not seem to notice. When they did not make a move towards her and failed to say a word to her, I stepped over. “Miss, are you well?” I asked in a low voice.

  Dark brown eyes wide in her pale face, she glanced at me in surprise. Visibly, she hesitated, glancing at the other two ladies. “I...I believe I could use some fresh air,” she finally said.

  Her companions were still not paying any attention to her. I had not noticed it being particularly closed up in the shop, but others could be more sensitive to such things. I couldn’t in good conscience leave her side. “Allow me to help you outside, then, for you don’t look at all well.”

  She gave a brief nod and made a step towards the door. Instantly, she wobbled, and I sprang forward to catch her arm. “Lean on me,” I said, offering her my arm.

  As she leaned against me, I guided her out. I desperately tried to think of whether there was a doctor nearby, but I had not been in Bath long enough to know such a thing. “Do you have a conveyance, or are you staying nearby?” I asked. “Did you enter the shop with someone? I can inform them you are not well.”

  “Oh, that’s not necessary,” the lady —she was older than me, but not by much—said swiftly. She pulled her hand away from my arm. “Thank you for your assistance, but I am sure I will be well now that I am in the fresh air.”

  In all honesty, she did not look much better, and for a moment, I debated telling her so. In time, I remembered my place and managed to hold my tongue. As it was, she tilted her head and studied me. “Have we met?” she asked.

  Ruefully, I shook my head. How strange that in the span of a few days I would have to make introductions myself. “I fear we would not have had occasion for an introduction. I am Nelson, Miss Dunbar’s maid.”

  “I am Miss—Lady Leith.” She offered a slight smile. “I am still growing accustomed to my new name.”

  A baronet’s wife? “Pleased to make your acquaintance,” I said politely. Our conversation had no chance to go any further for she swayed and I caught hold of her once again. “Lady Leith! Let us find you someplace to sit down.”

  Then, someone was on her other side, helping to support her. “Dear Lady Leith, are you quite well?” Mr. Oswyn Harper asked, his tone concerned.

  “I’m afraid I’m feeling a bit faint, Mr. Harper,” she admitted, with more honesty than she had given me.

  “Shall I hail a hack for you?” Another familiar voice made me shift my gaze beyond Mr. Harper. To my surprise, Mr. Adam Melbourne was also there. “Sir Horace would never forgive us if we did not see you safely home.”

  Lady Leith sent a glance over her shoulder. “I shall tell your companions where you have gone,” I said, guessing at her thoughts. “Then, they may join you or follow once they have finished if that is what they desire.”

  “Oh, would you? The Dowager had her heart set on shopping, and I hated to disappoint her.”

  So the older woman was her mother-in-law. Mr. Melbourne let out a laugh. “No wonder you are feeling faint.” His face flushed with embarrassment as Mr. Harper sent a sharp glare in his direction. “No offense intended, my lady. The dowager is a fine lady and—and—”

  He struggled to find the words to finish his gallant statement. “You may cease perjuring yourself, Melbourne, and make yourself useful,” Mr. Harper said. “Lady Leith is still in need of that hack you promised to hail. Perhaps you should do so now.”

  Mr. Melbourne nodded and hurried to do so. “Miss Nelson, I’m sure your employer needs you,” Mr. Harper said to me, his tone shifting to one of dismissal. His emphasis on the word employer indicated he wished to put me in my place.

  “Miss Nelson was kind enough to lend me her aid,” Lady Leith said, speaking before I could say a word. She faced me. “Thank you. I know you must have many things to do. My husband’s friends will see me safely home.”

  “I am pleased I was able to help, even in a small way, your ladyship.” Gently, I pulled free from the grasp she still had on my arm and bobbed a respectful curtsy. “I do hope you recover. Good day, my lady, Mr. Harper.”

  As I returned to the inside of the shop, I could feel Mr. Harper’s stare on my back, though I did not look his way. The Dowager Baroness had apparently made her decision and was looking around. “Where has that child gotten to now? Rebecca, you were to watch her!”

  “I’m sure she cannot have gone far,” the second lady, a companion or cousin of some sort, said, her tone placating. “You know how timid and shy Lady Leith is. She has undoubtedly found some out of the way corner to hide in.”

  It was abominably rude the way they were speaking about her in such a public area. The shopkeeper was watching, his eyes bright with interest as he glanced from one to the other. A desire to protect the lady arose in me.

  “Excuse me, my lady,” I said, curtseying as I spoke. I had to firmly remind myself to remain respectful and subservient as a lady’s maid ought to be. “Lady Leith felt faint and stepped outside. Mr. Harper and Mr. Melbourne summoned a conveyance to return her home.”

  The Dowager heaved an annoyed sigh. “Must she make a scene everywhere she goes? I declare she is the most irritating child sometimes.” She swept out of the shop. Her companion followed, disdain in her face as she passed me.

  Pursing my lips, I watched them through the doorway. The shopkeeper cleared his throat to get my attention. Reminded of the reason I was even at the shop, I returned my focus to the task at hand.

  “I would like to purchase these ribbons,” I said, gesturing to the closest ones.

  IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO determine what Miss Dunbar had been doing while I was gone. Her behavior was one of smug satisfaction as she glanced over what I had purchased, but that was no different to how she had behaved before I had left. Tossing the mustard yellow ribbons into her sewing basket, she flounced out of the sitting room.

  A discreet question to Mrs. Dobbs and one of the footmen yielded no satisfactory answers. Many people had visited Miss Dunbar. Disappointed, I set it aside as an impossible mystery. One which it was unlikely I would ever learn the answer to.

  Thankfully, there were no more distractions, and I was able to complete my duties. It was strange to think that such a thing had become so important to me. There was a feeling of pride to accomplish everyth
ing that needed to be done and knowing it had taken effort. Not everyone had the skills to be a lady’s maid, at least not a good one.

  I didn’t trust the peacefulness that seemed to fill the Dunbar house. In the past, such had signaled something worse was just around the corner. Try though I may, I couldn’t figure out what was about to go wrong.

  One afternoon, in spite of the rainy weather, Miss Dunbar went off with one of her friends, who sent a carriage for her. I was able to go about my duties quickly, without having to worry about whether she would need me. And then, my time was my own.

  Mrs. Dobbs had invited me to play the pianoforte in her sitting room when she was busy with her own responsibilities. I hadn’t indulged in music since I left London and I was longing to practice. Sitting down, I took a moment to admire the keys and then I placed my fingers on them.

  From memory, I began to play one of my favorite songs: Robin Adair. I couldn’t help but remember the times I had played it for my parents in the music room of my childhood home. They’d endured countless flawed performances but had always praised my efforts.

  Tears welled up in my eyes, and I paused to brush them away.

  “While the melody is lovely, I’m not sure it should inspire tears.”

  Mr. Harper’s voice made me stiffen. “Why is it that you are constantly on hand wherever I go, sir?” I asked. There was a catch in my voice, and I cleared my throat to rid myself of it. “I am beginning to think that you do so on purpose.”

  “Why does it bother you so much that I am?”

  “I didn’t say it bothered me!” Annoyed, I spun around to face him. He stood just inside the doorway. “You, sir, have come to the wrong side of the house. Miss Dunbar is not at home today.”

  “I did not come to see Miss Dunbar.”

  He’d come to see me? But why? The infuriating man appeared determined not to give anything away, and I refused to give him the satisfaction of hearing me ask for an explanation. “I am astonished that you were able to convince Bunker to allow you access to this room,” I declared, pushing myself to my feet. “Mrs. Dobbs will be most unhappy.”