Lady Overton's Perilous Journey (Honorable Rogue Book 1)

by Vikki Vaught

  “I hoped you had written to him. I know he will be willing to help. Are you sure I need to wait until spring to go back?”

  “Until we know where Lord Howard is, you need to stay hidden. There’s no way he’ll be able to find you in Alexandria, and I think we’ve left enough of a false trail that he won’t spend time looking for you in Baltimore. We need to wait until we’ve heard from Barrington anyway.”

  “Whatever you think is best. I trust your judgment.” Anissa leaned back on her hands, soaking up the warm afternoon sun. “By the way, your mother told me you were a lawyer, but you left your practice and took over your father’s ship when he passed away.”

  Looking over at her, Alex retorted, “My mother talks too much. After I graduated from Harvard, I did start a law practice, but well, you know what happened. I’m sure Ma told you all about it. It’s because of my father that I have such a great love of reading. My brother never enjoyed books for some reason. He was always too restless to sit still for long. I’m surprised he went west. He always loved the sea so much. For my mother’s sake, I wish he would come back. She misses him terribly.”

  Anissa heard the pain in his voice. His mother was not alone. He missed his brother as well. What a shame the family had been ripped apart. All because of a shameless hussy who only cared about herself. No wonder Alex did not trust women—what man would after having such a wife?

  She reached over and touched his hand. “Have you ever tried to find him? Since he had such a love for the sea, perhaps he found a ship and signed on, instead of going out west.”

  Gazing out over the stream, Alex mused, “I was so thrilled when I thought Pamela returned my love, I dismissed his departure. I assumed he would return once the wanderlust got out of his system. It wasn’t until after I married Pamela and found out the true reason he left that I tried to find him. By then, his trail had grown cold. I never thought about him going to sea, but that does make more sense. He probably said he went west so we wouldn’t try to find him.”

  “Perhaps you could get the word out that you are looking for him. Another sailor may know him and tell him that you want him to come home. Possibly, if he finds out Pamela is dead, he will return. You know he may have kept track of you, and he could be on his way back from a long voyage. It would please your mother so much if he returned.”

  He glanced at her. “Are you always such an optimist? You amaze me, Anissa. You have suffered the loss of your husband, the news regarding your brother’s disappearance, and finding out Lord Howard wants you and your son dead, and yet you remain positive. How do you do that?”

  “I cannot give up. I have to stay strong for my son. He does not have anyone else to fight for him. No matter how long it takes or what hardships I must endure, I shall make sure he can claim his rightful place among his peers when he reaches his majority.” Looking over at Harry, she watched him stretch then open his eyes. “And our young marquess is awake. I think we had better get back on the road.”

  Pulling his timepiece out of his pocket, Alex checked it. “You’re right, we’ve been here almost an hour. Although, I don’t regret the delay. I’ve enjoyed our conversation. I’m going to hunt down my brother. No more sitting back and waiting for him to return. Thank you, Anissa. Here, let me help you.”

  Taking her hand in his, he gently pulled her up. When she stood facing him, he bent over, kissed her cheek, and smiled. Her heart gave a tiny flip. She must do something to protect her heart or she would lose it to Alex, and that could not happen.

  * * * *

  They reached Washington City before four o’clock, but the traffic was already heavy. Alex had joined them in the carriage, but with two horses tied to the back, it slowed their progress. Finally, the President’s House came into view.

  Alex watched Anissa’s face as she gazed at the palatial mansion. Her bright blue eyes widened as she looked out the window to get a better view. “What do you think? We Americans are quite proud of it.”

  “Oh, Alex, it is magnificent,” she stated. “Your country has come a long way. I can understand why you are so proud.”

  Alex leaned forward and looked out the window. “Wait until you see the Capitol building. It’s not complete yet, but I’ve seen the plans. It will truly be impressive when it is finished. It’s coming up ahead.”

  The carriage stopped in front. As Anissa looked at the building, she commented, “It looks near completion now. It is an impressive building already. I’m curious, who governs America? I know you have a president. Does he make all the decisions?”

  Surprised by her question, Alex thought a moment, and then told her, “Not at all. Our country has two legislative branches.”

  She interjected, “England has two governing branches as well. I would be interested in knowing how your form of government differs from our Parliament. It has the House of Lords and the House of Commons.”

  How astonishing, she is truly interested in this. “I’ll try to explain,” he replied. “The Senate is one branch, and the people of the United States elect the senators through a state vote. The House of Representatives is comprised of men voted in by their local districts. These houses work together to ensure that our founding fathers’ vision for our country stays protected and the constitution upheld. It’s a bit more involved than that, but I would probably confuse you if I explained further.”

  “In the House of Lords, the men are not elected. It comes to them when they inherit their title. I’m not exactly sure who is in the House of Commons, but I heard Kendall talking about men standing for commons. I do know he became very frustrated when some of his peers did not take their seats, or at least did not attend regularly.”

  Alex retorted, “That’s why my country has elected officials, instead of right of inheritance. If a president, senator, or representative doesn’t do his job, he won’t be re-elected.”

  Her brow furrowed as if she were mulling this over. “That does make more sense.” Then she added, “I recall you mentioned your grandfather was a high court judge. What was his role in your government?”

  Her interest in this subject amazed him. “He held a position as a Supreme Court justice. These judges determine whether a law is constitutional. The president appoints the judges, and they hold office as long as they are able to do the job.”

  “Fascinating. How many judges are appointed?”

  “Six all together, including a Chief Justice. Our current Chief Justice is John Marshall. He and my grandfather didn’t always see eye to eye because Marshall is a federalist, and my grandfather was a Democratic-Republican.”

  “It sounds as if these justices have an important role in your government. You must have been very proud your grandfather held such an important position.”

  Alex stared over at her. “This is the strangest conversation I’ve ever had with a female. Most of the women I know don’t have a clue as to how our government is run, nor do they really care. As I have said before, you’re an amazing woman.” He pulled out his pocket watch, checked the time, and added, “As interesting as this has been, we really must continue our trip. I need to exercise Blazer. He hates to follow behind a carriage. Besides, Harry is waking up. I’m surprised he slept through our discussion.”

  Alex got out of the carriage, mounted his horse, and then they were off. As he rode along, he recalled their conversation. Anissa’s intelligence enthralled him. Pamela had been so different from her. She hadn’t cared about anything but having the prettiest dresses, going to the best parties, and having dozens of men fawning all over her.

  For so many years, Alex had lumped all women together. It was actually unfair of him. There were women who did care about the important things in life. Anissa had him rethinking some of his presumptions regarding women.

  As he watched her take care of Harry, he could tell she loved him dearly and would protect him with her life. She was a woman of great moral fiber, and he found that very appealing. If their paths were not so different, he could see himself
married to her, and, he suspected, quite happily. He should have known that when he found a woman he could respect and admire enough to marry she would end up being from an entirely different country.

  No, as attractive as he found her, nothing could come of it. He had to be satisfied with friendship. What a novel idea, a woman as a friend. He realized he had never had a female friend before. That was what he would do over the next year. He would enjoy her company, but he would keep his passions in check. After all, he was a mature male, not given to acting on his impulses.

  Chapter Nine

  After traveling for better than an hour, the carriage slowed down and made a right turn. She looked out the window and watched as they turned into a circular driveway. Then a lovely manor home with white columns in the front and a large porch came into view. It was a mellow, red brick house with large mullioned windows across the front. The man and woman standing on the porch must be Mr. and Mrs. Allen, the couple who took care of the property. Alex had mentioned them on several occasions.

  As the carriage drew up in front of the house and stopped, Harry sat up and rubbed his eyes. Yawning, he asked, “Are we there yet?”

  “Yes, darling.” Anissa smiled over at him. “We have pulled up in front of the house. Put Barney back in his basket and tuck in your shirt. It must have pulled out while you were sleeping.”

  The carriage door opened, and Alex offered her his hand. “Welcome to Meadow Grove. Let me introduce you to Lucy and Alfred Allen.”

  After the introductions, Lucy said, “It’s a pleasure t’ meet ya, Miz Carlson. I’m sure ya would like t’ go t’ yor room t’ freshen up. Let me show ya th’ way.”

  Anissa smiled at the plump little woman. “Thank you, Mrs. Allen. I appreciate your assistance. The trip has been a bit exhausting.”

  As she made her way up the steps, Alex called out, “I’ll bring up your trunk, and after you’ve settled in, we can have a nice cool glass of lemonade. I’m sure Mrs. A has a pitcher coolin’ in the well.”

  Laughing, Lucy said, “Ya know me too well, Cap'n Alex. Jus’ as soon as I gets Miz Carlson upstairs, I’ll get that lemonade, and I’ve got some o’ dem lemon cakes ya used t’ love so much.”

  “Oh, Lucy, you always have spoiled me.”

  Lucy led Anissa and Harry upstairs. Portraits hung on the wall, and one of them was of a much younger Georgia. In fact, if it were not for the clothing, she would have thought it was a portrait of Kathleen. It was remarkable how much she resembled her mother. On the landing, the woman opened the door on the right and Anissa entered the room.

  She gazed around a pretty bedroom with cream-colored walls and a large braided rug on the floor. The bed looked quite comfortable with plenty of soft pillows scattered across the headboard. A quilt, similar to the one back at Alex’s house, lay on the bed. She suspected Georgia must have made it. A large wardrobe stood against the opposite wall and a dressing table by the window. A rocking chair sat in the corner, which would come in handy if Harry had a bad dream at night.

  Alex entered the room and put her trunk at the foot of the bed. “There you go. I’ll come back for you in thirty minutes, and then I’ll escort you to the parlor.”

  “I shall be ready. My bedchamber is lovely. If you do not mind, I would like a tour of the house. Oh, where is Harry’s room?”

  “His bedroom is down the hall. I figured you would want him next to you. I’m afraid his room isn’t much of a child’s room, but feel free to change anything you like. I’m sure there’s some things in the attic for children. You’re welcome to bring them down. Mr. Allen can move any furniture you may find to your son’s room.”

  “I’m sure Harry will have fun sorting through the attic. Once we have settled in, we shall do that. Well, I will see you in a bit.” Smiling, Alex and Lucy left the room, closing the door behind them.

  Finding fresh water in the pitcher, she poured it into the basin and washed away her travel dirt. Once she finished she did the same for Harry. Taking a quick look at her reflection in the cheval mirror to make sure she looked presentable, she noticed her wrinkled gown with a frown.

  Anissa opened her trunk and pulled out one of the new gowns she had purchased in Baltimore. It was a pale blue, sprigged muslin gown with flowers embroidered around the neckline and at the hem. White ribbons tied in front under the bodice of the dress, flowing down the front. Considering it was readymade instead of designed specifically for her, it draped her figure well. Going behind the changing screen, she donned the dress.

  Looking over at Harry, she noticed her son’s rumpled clothing, so she pulled out fresh clothes for him as well. Harry went behind the screen and changed. He came out with his buttons crooked. “Harry, your buttons aren’t matched up. Why don’t you look in the mirror and correct that.”

  Hearing a knock on her door, Anissa opened it. Seeing Alex, she stepped out into the hallway with her son following behind. “We’re ready.”

  “Good, Mrs. Allen has refreshments laid out in the parlor.”

  Offering her his arm, they made their way down the stairs, and he showed her a portrait of the judge. He was a distinguished-looking gentleman with a white wig and a long nose, dressed in the style of the last century.

  Alex said, “He passed away two years ago, and I miss him tremendously. He was the fairest man I have ever known. He’s the reason why I studied law. I wanted to follow in his footsteps.”

  “I’m sorry you lost him. Taking over your father’s shipping company must have been an even greater sacrifice than I had first thought. If you could have continued to pursue the law, you could have become a justice as he did. Was it really so necessary for you to give up on the law?”

  “Most of our assets were tied up in the shipping company,” Alex explained. “Even the judge had contributed funds to help it get started. My father was only forty-three when he died. We never expected to lose him. Since he was such a strong, vigorous man, none of us worried about tying up all our assets in the company.”

  Anissa could hear the pain in his voice. She understood what it was like to lose a parent unexpectedly. Her father had also died without warning, and she had lost her mother two years ago to a wasting disease. “I’m sure it came as quite a shock. It is so difficult to lose a loved one, especially when it happens suddenly.”

  “It was, especially with all the problems. If I hadn’t stepped in and taken over, we would have lost all our investments. The company was only a few years old. That’s why my father still captained a ship. John was supposed to eventually take over, but then, of course, you know he disappeared. It shattered my father, because he had looked forward to turning over the reins of the ship to him, so he could stay at home.”

  “It was unconscionable of your brother to take off as he did. Your mother must have been devastated to have her son disappear, and then a year later lose her husband when she had expected to have him home once John took over the ship.”

  “I wanted to join him then, but my father wouldn’t hear of it. He knew my heart wouldn’t have been in it. He understood that building my law practice was the most important thing to me. My father seemed to recover from his disappointment quickly, and anyway, he thought John would return long before he was ready to retire. But enough of this, our lemonade will grow warm if we don’t go partake of it now.”

  Alex was one of the most honorable and conscientious men she had ever met. Not only had he given up his dreams, he had thrown himself into the company and made it prosper and grow. Her respect and admiration grew exponentially, and she greatly feared that when she returned to England, she would leave a piece of her heart with him.

  Alex led her into a well-appointed room, which he called the parlor. She would have called it a drawing room in her home. Refreshments were on the low table in front of the sofa, and soon Harry and Alex were devouring the lemon cakes while she sipped a glass of lemonade.

  Once they finished the repast, her son looked longingly toward the door. “Harry, would you like to
take Barney outside while Alex gives me a tour of the house?”

  He enthusiastically nodded. Gathering his kitten in his arms, he rushed toward the door, then remembering his manners, he stopped a moment and bowed before he dashed out of the room.

  The dining room was across the entryway with the kitchen attached to it. Across from the library was a cozy room, obviously used as a morning room for the family. While the house was not large by any means, compared to the palatial home at Overton Park, it reminded her of many of the town houses in London. After the tour, Anissa retired to her room to unpack and settle Harry in his room.

  While having dinner that evening, Alex told her, “I’ll take you to meet my mother’s friend, Mary Lou Moore, tomorrow. I’m sure she’ll be happy to introduce you to some of the other ladies in town. I’ll leave Sunday, after we attend church. The judge attended St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, which is within walking distance. We go there whenever we’re in Alexandria. I’ll introduce you to the rector and his wife. She’s a lovely woman, close to your age.”

  “Thank you, Alex. I’m sure I will enjoy meeting Mrs. Moore. Your mother gave me a letter of introduction when we left this morning.”

  After dinner, Alex suggested, “Why don’t we take a walk? I’ll show you a few places around town. That way when I leave on Sunday, you’ll at least know where to go if you need anything. And we’ll be able to walk off some of the excellent meal Mrs. A prepared.”

  “What a wonderful idea. After being in the carriage all day, Harry and I would enjoy a walk. Where do Mr. and Mrs. Allen stay? Is it close by?”

  “They have a cottage behind the house, right next to the stable. I’ll show you, if you’ll follow me.”

  They took the stone path, which ran beside the right side of the house and entered the back garden. As soon as they entered, the wonderful scent of the beautiful rose bushes lining the property overwhelmed her senses. The lovely garden had a gazebo in the center. Along the back, she saw the Allen’s cottage and the stable. Since the garden was fenced in, it would be a safe place for Harry to play. For a house in town, the grounds were more extensive than she had expected.