Harrison reached in the dark and found her hand, lacing his fingers through hers.
“Enough punishing yourself. You’re away from Huntsford. You need never see or interact with him again. First we will find out what Mr. Robins has discovered and plan from there. There is no reason you cannot find employment as a nurse somewhere and move on with your life.”
“You think it’s possible? For I’m not certain I can forgive myself.”
“One day at a time. You must recover not only from the pneumonia, but from dehydration and malnutrition. Worry has brought a lot of this on, as well as being on the streets these past weeks.”
“I do not deserve your kind generosity, but I’m not proud. I will take any assistance you offer and thank you.” She squeezed his hand. “The exchange of secrets appears to be all on my side of the scale, I apologize for this unburdening.”
“Do you feel better?”
“As a matter of fact, I do. I doubt there is anything similar in your past.”
“Not necessarily. Years ago, when in my early twenties, my brother Tremain and I shared a courtesan. The experience was fueled by opium and spirits and left me empty. I never touched the drug again. The gossip cemented my reputation and I used it as a shield for pursuing my doctoring. My life is built on a lie.” Harrison released her hand. “But that is a conversation for another night.”
“When I am well enough, and if I’m not be hunted by the police, may I come and assist you at the terminus? Doing volunteer work would ease my guilt, but most of all I will be paying you back for all you’ve done for me.”
“I do not expect payment of any kind.” There was an edge to his voice, he couldn’t help it. Just what did she think he would demand in recompense?
Lydia remained silent for several minutes. Should he take his leave? “I meant no offence. I want to do something useful. From what I observed, you could use the assistance.”
She wasn’t wrong. “Yes, we could. Very well. Once we have the lay of the land, and you’re fully recovered, we will broach the subject again. Agreed?”
“Yes. Thank you.”
Harrison stood. About to depart, he hesitated. He could vaguely make out her shape in the shadows, so he leaned in and laid his hand against her forehead. Warm, but at least it was not raging hot. Without thinking, he kissed her temple. A soft sigh escaped her lips. The sound spurred him forward. He gently kissed her cheek, then laid his lips against hers, barely touching, but enough to cause a roll of heat to travel through him.
“Sleep well,” he murmured as he straightened.
“Thank you for listening. And not judging.”
Harrison left the room, closing the door softly. Later, as he lay in bed, the heated sensation of the brief kiss stayed with him, jolting his heart. The conversation they shared played over and over in his mind. Good God, what she had revealed. Unhealthy bond was the right of it. Harrison was not a prude. He wasn’t shocked by the fact she had sex with Huntsford. After all, she believed herself in love, that they would have future. Considering the circumstances, it was a good thing she never married him. It would be a damned sight harder to extricate herself from the man if she did.
Regardless, no matter what lay in her wretched past, he was developing deep feelings for Lydia and he wasn’t sure what to think about it. Fatigue got the best of him, and he gave himself over to sleep. His dreams were filled once again with a complicated golden-haired beauty.
* * *
Lydia awoke feeling rested, and more at peace than she felt in ages. Confession is good for the soul or so she’d heard. Rising from bed, she yawned as she made her way to the window. Pulling aside the curtains, she peered out. The street below was alive with vendors pushing carts laden with breads, fresh fruit, or flowers. Ladies in fancy dresses carrying matching parasols strolled along the sidewalks either with other young ladies or with a gentleman. It was a beautiful spring day, and the idyllic life unfolding before was almost too good to be true. Even the birds were singing.
Eleven days passed since her rescue from the alley, but the memory of being alone on the streets still haunted her. It may haunt her the rest of her days. Every time she had awakened it took her several moments to realize she was not sleeping on the streets, but in a comfortable bed with expensive linens and a feather pillow. A knock sounded at the door.
“Yes?”
“May I come in?”
It was Harrison. Good lord, facing him in the harsh daylight after her late-night confession would be embarrassing to say the least. But Lydia was determined to put her past firmly behind her. Reaching for her wrap, she slipped it on as she headed toward the door. Upon opening it, her breath seized momentarily at the sight of him. Immaculately groomed and dressed as always, it was the warm smile making the lines crinkle at the corner of his eyes that appealed the most. How tempting it would be to curl up in his embrace. Nuzzle her neck against his perfectly tied cravat. Inhale the masculine scent of his lime and bergamot cologne.
“You look rested. I thought to inquire if you’re well enough to join me for breakfast. There is a veritable feast laid out on the sideboard, and I will need assistance in eating said banquet.” He gave her a teasing wink.
“I would like to give it a go.”
“I’ll send Mariah up immediately. You slept well?”
“Yes. Thank you.”
“Your cough has all but vanished. A good sign.”
Their gazes locked. The heat emanating from them could light the logs in the hearth. Goodness, he radiated virile masculinity, and her entire body was attuned to it.
Two of his fingers wrapped around a strand of her golden tresses. “I like your hair down. Beautiful.”
She sucked in a breath at the feel of him caressing her hair. Harrison stood close enough she could nuzzle his neck. Lord, she was mightily tempted.
“I will see you directly.” He lowered his hand and departed, and then Lydia exhaled. By the time she dressed and was escorted to the dining room, she managed to rein in her runaway emotions.
Harrison stood as soon as she entered. The sideboard was littered with a number of silver chafing dishes. A footman stood at the ready to assist.
“Come and make your selection. There are not huge amounts as I believe in conserving and not wasting food, but there is enough for you to find something you like.” Harrison handed her a plate as she lifted one of the dishes. Selecting poached eggs, bacon, fruit, and a scone, she took her seat as the footman automatically filled her cup with tea.
“That’s all, William. Inform Youngston we are not to be disturbed for about thirty minutes.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Lydia cut into the egg and popped a piece in her mouth. Lovely, made with shredded cheese.
“I received word this morning that Mr. Robins wishes to meet tomorrow. I could ask him to come here so that you may sit in on the discussion.”
And have her personal life picked over by a stranger while in her presence? How mortifying. It struck her as she ate, after all that happened, her love and confidence destroyed by Huntsford,—she trusted Harrison Hornsby. Was she making another grave mistake? So grateful for the rescue that she would believe anything he told her? Taken in by his generous nature and the molten heat radiating in his silver-gray eyes? His gentle kiss? His heroic doings as Dr. Damian? Blast, she hated doubting herself. But she could no longer cower. How could she move forward if she didn’t confront the past?
“Yes, have Mr. Robins come here. I will attend the meeting.”
Harrison gave her an admiring look. “Brave girl. Well done.”
She laughed brokenly. “Brave? Hardly. I merely want to put this behind me.”
“If all works out the way I believe it will, there is no reason you can’t move on with your life immediately.” Harrison sipped his tea. “There is to be a double wedding in about two weeks. My brothers will be marrying their brides-to-be. What I’m about to reveal about my family is part of the exchange of secrets. I protect my f
amily as best as I’m able, despite the gossip. I would protect them with my life.”
“You have my word I will not repeat anything you tell me.”
As they ate, he explained how Spencer, his youngest brother, met his choice. An ex-madam? How fascinating. Then he explained about Tremain and the ex-governess. Harrison hinted she had been dismissed from her post because of a dalliance with the son of the house. But he spoke of both women in glowing terms stating that the couples deserved all the happiness in the world.
“What captivating stories. Your brothers found love matches in the most unlikely of circumstances.”
“Yes, I couldn’t be more pleased for them.”
“Are your brothers marrying here in London?” she asked.
“No. I’m leaving for Hastings just before the nuptials. The affair is taking place at my family’s country estate not far from the town. Never fear, I will ensure you’re settled before I head off, whatever news Robins imparts.”
He’s leaving? Her heart sank. Despite the heated looks they’d exchanged, he had no interest in her. Perhaps the gentle kiss last night was completely innocent. As usual, she read too much into it. Lydia did not reply, but instead pulled her protective wall about her. It was best that she remain politely distant until he departs for Hastings.
The crestfallen look must be obvious for he asked, “Are you all right, Lydia?”
Her counterfeit smile froze in place. “Yes. All is well.”
But it wasn’t. She would not show her vulnerable side again. Or expose her heart.
Chapter 13
Harrison instructed William Robins to come to the town house at eleven in the morning, for he had a busy day attending the session at parliament then to terminus. Sam’s shifts at St. Bart’s were causing havoc, and if his friend was taken on permanently, it would cause further tribulations. It was only a matter of time for Sam was more than competent, and Harrison suspected his dear friend hadn’t looked seriously for a position in order to continue assisting at the terminus.
Though he’d offered to have Sam move into the town house and be given a stipend, his proud friend refused. Instead, he stayed at a small rooming house, supplementing his income with sporadic shifts at various London hospitals. But now that he’d met Miss Wollstonecraft, Sam would have to consider a different trajectory for his future. Harrison would never stand in the way of his close friend’s career. Yes, immediate changes were needed. The sooner he discussed this situation with his family, the sooner he could go public.
Once settled in the main parlor, Harrison’s gaze moved to Lydia. She sat ramrod straight on the settee. Had something happened since yesterday morning? Harrison could not pinpoint what. She was polite, but their effortless, conversational intimacy had disappeared. Last night she retired early and took dinner in her room.
Robins sat on the divan opposite. He refused the offer of tea, and also refused to give his coat to Youngston. He fidgeted, flipping through the pages of his notebook, clearly uncomfortable. Not used to such surroundings or did he have bad news to impart?
“The theft of drugs at St. Thomas Hospital took place thirteen days ago, long after Miss Chesterton departed. So far the hospital is keeping the theft quiet; they believe it was done by someone in-house. They’re questioning staff, especially those with access to the keys of the various medicine cabinets. Opium, cocaine, and morphine were part of the inventory taken.” Robins looked up from his notebook and met Lydia’s gaze. “There has been no police report—as yet, nor have you been named officially as a suspect, Miss Chesterton.”
A gasp of relief escaped Lydia. Then she quickly collected her emotions and held them in check.
Robins glanced down at his notes. “However, there is genuine concern about your disappearance amongst the staff and administrators. I would suggest you write a note to those in charge, claiming you had to leave London due to an emergency. Offer your resignation with the hope you may contact them for a reference in future. Make your apologies for the sudden departure and whatnot. I think it best you establish a timeframe and reason for your exodus to further separate you from the theft.” Robins flipped through the pages of his notebook as if searching for information.
“I concur. Miss Chesterton, what Mr. Robins suggested is prudent. We can find you employment elsewhere, far from Mr. Huntsford,” Harrison interjected. She gave him a wan smile in reply.
“And now we come to Surgeon Huntsford,” Robins said. “It’s not a pretty tale. He has disappeared from his residence. He sold what possessions that were left in the place and departed in the dead of night. Was the rent in arrears, Miss Chesterton?”
Lydia flushed, clearly embarrassed. “Yes, I tried to keep up with current payments.”
“I spoke to the landlord, he was quite angry for Huntsford sold a few pieces of furniture that belonged to the flat. I encouraged him to place a debt collector after Huntsford, for the total debt is more than ten pounds, grounds for incarceration in a debtors’ prison. It would be one way to pursue justice. The surgeon’s current residence is a squalid room in Whitechapel with a Miss Fannie Slickson, a place, one of my men found out; he has stayed on several occasions in the past.”
Lydia’s flush deepened. So her lover had cheated on her. Harrison was not surprised.
“As for his position at St. Thomas Hospital,” Robins continued in a flat tone, “He works four shifts in a row, then takes several off. It’s during this period he indulges in his varied vices. At work, he’s sober and competent enough not to arouse suspicion. There is also no suspicion surrounding him regarding the theft. You believe it was him, Miss Chesterton?”
“Huntsford always managed to put on a public face of respectability. I’m not surprised. But he had discussed the robbery in length. He talked of not stealing the keys as such, but making wax impressions and having keys made. You see, he thought to take a little here and there. I explained to him that inventory is done at the end of every shift. Even a small amount missing would be noticed. He must have decided to take it all in one lot.” Lydia frowned, her brows knotting in worry. “How can it be proven that he’s behind the theft?”
“There is no way to verify this burglary unless a witness saw him,” Robins replied. “Unless you testified in court, which means—”
“Which means my sordid past with him would be publically exposed. My lack of character—and lack of courage. I should have approached the head nurse about this the moment he started planning his reprehensible scheme. But I didn’t want to reveal our relationship. At first, I didn’t believe him serious. When I realized that he was …I’m afraid all I thought of was my own safety and self-preservation. How utterly selfish. The first moment I could, I escaped.”
“He has privately hired Willis as I originally thought. Why, Miss Chesterton, would Huntsford be seeking you out at this juncture? Desperate enough to find you that he hired a copper for the job?”
Lydia wrung her hands in what Harrison guessed was agitation. This must be extremely discomforting to relive, but he admired her honesty.
“He’s claimed on more than one occasion that I am his possession. From what I know about him, he’s angry I’ve left, misses the control that he wielded, and misses my steady income. He wants me back under his thumb. Huntsford believes it is his right.” She bit her lower lip. “I would be a handy person to blame the theft on should suspicion turn his way. I now understand that Huntsford is the type of man who would metaphorically throw you under the wheels of a moving carriage to protect himself. ”
Robins turned to Harrison. “What do you wish to do, my lord? I can have this landlord report the debt immediately. Give up his location. He would be arrested and held until his hearing in debtor’s court. It would give us time to decide how to proceed. As in bringing further charges.” Robins tucked his notebook in his side pocket. “We would need more proof than Miss Chesterton’s testimony. No offence, miss.”
“Would he have the drugs on him?” Harrison asked. “He could be arrest
ed for having the stolen goods in his possession.”
“Ah, true, my lord. But we managed to inspect the room when the occupants ventured out to the local pub. We could find nothing beyond the paraphernalia that arises from frequent drug use. An opium pipe and needles are not evidence enough to indicate his involvement in the theft. Huntsford is clever. He’s keeping his stash private. Miss Slickson may not even be aware. When the surgeon is working, she also works if you get my meaning. Huntsford would not want to keep his drugs in such a public place. She has men visiting at all hours during his hospital shifts.”
Harrison glanced at Lydia, she was flushing furiously. His doctor mind turned to the possibility of sexual diseases. Had she unprotected sex with this Huntsford, a man who was indiscriminate with his choice of partners? As a nurse she must be well aware of the risks.
“What do you wish to do, Miss Chesterton?” Harrison asked.
She met his gaze. “About Huntsford?”
“Yes.”
A furrow appeared between her brows, and both he and Robins waited patiently for her reply. It was not for them to decide on her fate, the choice must be hers.
“If it’s all the same to you, my lord, I believe it best to not show our hand too soon. All Huntsford would have to do is sell the drugs in his possession and he would be able to pay his debt and avoid incarceration,” Lydia said, her voice firm.
Robins nodded. “Very true, although this may be one way to catch him with the pharmaceutical goods. Him trying to sell them. We should keep that avenue open.”
“I agree,” Harrison said. “Continue with your surveillance, Robins. Gather as much information as you can.”
“I will testify,” Lydia interjected. “About his vile habits and his thievery plan.”
The Marquess of Secrets (The Hornsby Brothers Book 3) Page 10
