An Elaborate Hoax (A Gentlemen of Worth Book 5) (10 page)

BOOK: An Elaborate Hoax (A Gentlemen of Worth Book 5)
10.18Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub

And with that the footman left.

“Pray tell, who is Miss Lemmon?” How long would David keep Penny in the dark about their visitor’s identity? She came to the conclusion it might be forever if she had not inquired.

“Miss Lemmon is presently visiting her sister and family in a neighboring estate, Manfred Place. Her parents will collect her before traveling on to Town for her first Season.”

“Oh, I see.” They hadn’t made a turn toward the house, and Penny finally said, “If Miss Lemmon is a neighbor, or even a neighbor’s relation, you are quite right. It will not do to at all to keep her waiting.”

David led Mrs. Parker into the green parlor. Miss Lemmon stood from the sofa when they entered. “How good it is to see you again, Miss Lemmon.” He approached, leading Mrs. Parker forward to make the necessary introductions. “My dear, I do not believe you have met our neighbor, Miss Lemmon. Miss Lemmon, this is my wife, Mrs. Cavanaugh.”

“How do you do, ma’am?” Miss Lemmon dipped into a shallow curtsy.

“How do you do, Miss Lemmon? It is a pleasure to meet you.” Mrs. Parker glanced about, and David was not quite certain why she should do so. “Have you been made to wait by yourself? Where is your maid, for you have not come all this way alone? You cannot say such a thing!”

“Oh no, to be sure I have not!” she exclaimed. “My maid is presently in your kitchen delivering the provisions Dr. Harding requested of Sir Benjamin. There’s a lemon and honey tisane—it’s a draught that eliminates coughing. It is very good for the throat. There are ingredients for a poultice to ease Madam’s breathing, if she should be in need of it, and several tonics, some to aid in her recovery. The doctor thought them helpful for her overall good health.”

“You are too kind, as is Sir Benjamin, whom I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting.” Mrs. Parker’s accommodating manner bespoke warmth and benevolence. Both qualities which David would hope his wife possessed. “I hear you are visiting at Manfred Place?”

“Yes, that’s right. I’ve spent many a summer with my sister and her family. And I’ve had the pleasure of the elder Mrs. Cavanaugh’s long-standing acquaintance. I would like to visit with Mrs. Cavanaugh, if she is feeling up to callers.” Miss Lemmon’s gaze lifted and her gently arched brows rose, looking to David for an answer.

“I beg your pardon, may I ask—” he interjected, changing the subject. “How is it you have already returned home and can be on our doorstep so quickly, when I only arrived a few moments ago?”

“I, Mr. Cavanaugh, know my direction,” the young lady replied amiably.

“Had you been lost?” Mrs. Parker directed at him, in somewhat of a pointed fashion.

“Have no fear, ladies. I found my way back to the house without a single misstep.” David straightened, lifting his chin in a show of defiance. “However, my young traveling companions have small limbs and can only proceed at the pace of a turtle, thus delaying my return.”

The two ladies hid their smiles and said no more.

“I’m sorry to disturb you,” Mrs. Sutton said as she entered the room. “Madam is awake and most anxious to have her visit with the children now.”

“Excellent!” David brought his hands together in a single, loud clap. And why would the news of his recovering grandmother not make him happy? He addressed Mrs. Parker. “My dear, will you be so good as to fetch the children?”

She nodded and he could determine by the sudden stiffness of her posture that she remained apprehensive about the impending interview. Mrs. Parker had told him as much since their arrival, even before they’d left London. David very much understood that his ruse depended on the children’s behavior and what they said.

“Miss Lemmon, you are fortunate to have been present when Gran had called for visitors.” He offered her his arm. “I shall personally see you to her bedside.”

Chapter Nine

I
n the nursery, Penny stood the children side by side. She knelt before them to look into their eyes and explain. “Grandmother Cavanaugh is the most beloved grandparent of Mr. Cavanaugh, and she may believe you are his children. You will pretend, will you not? To make her happy?”

Davy tilted his head. Whether that gesture was made from confusion at what Penny meant or that he did not understand at all could only cause her concern. She relied heavily upon his five-year-old sister to lead him. Perhaps it was better said that Penny hoped Davy would do as he always did: follow his sister’s lead.

“I made this drawing of the berry bushes for her.” Lucy held up a piece of paper with a respectable pencil sketch.

“That is very nice.” Penny smiled at the girl’s thoughtfulness. “I’m sure it will delight her. Now you remember, both of you”—she gazed from Lucy to Davy, looking them each deep in their eyes, as if by doing so she could convey the gravity of the situation—“you must not excite her. Gran is most anxious to meet you, but you must remain calm.”

“Yes, ma’am, we will,” Lucy promised. Davy nodded his head. And in that moment Penny had no doubt they both meant it. But children could only remember for so long, and it was not very long at that.

Penny hoped it would be long enough.

“Now let us go.” With a fleeting glance to Nanny, Penny led their small party from the nursery to Mrs. Cavanaugh’s bedchamber on the second floor. She paused before passing over the threshold and gave the children a last look, hoping that they would be on their best behavior.

“Just look at me!” Grandmother Cavanaugh sat upright on the pink rose-patterned settee in her bedchamber. “Thank you, James, Joseph,” she murmured over her shoulder. Nurse had helped her into a dressing gown. It was probably the first time she’d been out of her bed in nearly a month. “My Davy!” She held out her small hand to her grandson, who collected it in his larger one and leaned near to kiss her soft cheek.

“You look wonderful!” He had never seen her so firmly in the grip of good health. What a difference twenty-four hours made. “Here, look who’s come to see you.” He stepped aside and invited Miss Lemmon to approach with his outstretched arm.

“Ma’am.” Miss Lemmon sank into a shallow curtsy and bowed her head. “I am pleased to see you looking so well.”

“Miss Lemmon. What a delight it is to have you visit. Have you seen my grandchildren?” She demurred and clarified, “They are not
actually
my grandchildren, you know.”

The pronouncement caused David a momentary fright. All at once the rapid thoughts “She knows all!” and “I’ve been found out!” raced through his mind.

“They are my Davy’s Lucy and little Davy, of course,” Gran added, meaning she could not take credit for as close of a relation as she had implied.

“I have had the pleasure of meeting them earlier today.” Miss Lemmon smiled. “They are quite enchanting.”

“I am so happy to hear you say so.” As pleased as Gran was to have David and Miss Lemmon for company, it was quite evident she was more anxious to see the two little newcomers.

David and Miss Lemmon stood together off to the left. Grandmother Cavanaugh sat on the settee with a blanket across her lap. Nurse sat in an adjacent chair not far away. Two footmen stood behind the settee. They must have been the two who carried the old woman there. Everyone remained still, waiting for what would happen next.

Entering the room, Lucy and Davy followed directly behind their aunt. Once inside, Nanny, who trailed behind, retreated to a less conspicuous position, and Pug leapt down from the settee to join his two new playmates. The canine followed them, walking in the same calm, well-behaved manner. The three of them came to a halt before the settee where Gran sat.

She looked upon them as if they were priceless treasures. Her eyes crinkled in the corners, adding to the smile upon her lips, brightening her face. “Come give us a cuddle, will you, my little ones?” She leaned forward, holding her arms wide to welcome her two smallest relatives, except they weren’t exactly her great-grandchildren. They were, to be precise, her great-
godchildren
.

Lucy and Davy turned their small faces toward Mrs. Parker for permission. She smiled and said, with a gentle nudge urging them forward, “Go on then.”

They moved quickly toward the elderly woman and did what young children always had the power to do: make the old feel young again.

“My darlings!” Gran wrapped her delicate arms around them in a tight embrace with an expression of pure delight, savoring the exquisite moment. “How I have longed to see you. I have waited so, so long—too long, I think.” Her gaze came to a rest on David.

“Yes, much too long.” He felt a twinge of guilt, and David wondered: Why hadn’t he done as he’d been asked and married when she bade him to do so? This family coze might have been genuine.

“You cannot blame yourself, Mr. Cavanaugh.” Mrs. Parker now stood by his side and laid her hand upon his sleeve. “We must share in that failing. Indeed, we should have made a conscious effort to make this journey sooner.”

To see the cuddling and cooing of his grandmother pleased David beyond contentment.

“How well she looks, Mr. Cavanaugh,” Mrs. Parker whispered to him.

“She is so very much improved. I can hardly believe she lay in bed when we arrived. It was only yesterday.”

“Now step back and allow me to have a proper look at you.” Gran smoothed the front of Davy’s shirt while she studied Lucy. “You take after your mother’s side of the family. You have the very same eyes.”

Indeed, Lucy and Mrs. Parker both bore that trait, and the same lovely auburn hair that many of the females in the Darling family had in common.

“Young Davy.” Gran held him at arm’s distance and narrowed her eyes. Probably trying to discern some similar features he shared with his father. Actually, young Davy did not resemble his father, Mrs. Parker’s relatives, but took after his mother’s side of the family. “It’s too soon to tell yet, but you might have your father’s nose.”

Heaven spare anyone from being cursed with the beak of a nose David sported. Gran only wanted to see the familiar family proboscis that had been passed down from father to son for generations.

“It’s much too cute!” Gran tapped the end of Davy’s nose with her finger, and he giggled. “Your father had the very same button nose when he was a lad. Never worry, it is your birthright to inherit the Cavanaugh nose.”

Knowing Davy’s true parentage, David was thankful the lad would never share that fate.

“Lucy, your picture,” Mrs. Parker whispered to the girl.

Lucy blinked and gasped at the reminder, then offered her picture to Gran. “I drew this for you.”

“Oh, isn’t that nice?” Gran stared at the proffered paper, taking hold of it with her slightly trembling hand. “What have you drawn for me, dear?”

“They are the berry bushes we visited. Only mine have ripe wild berries on them.” Lucy pointed to the fruit. “There and there.”

“Yes, oh, yes, I see them. It is very nice.” Gran held it out to David. “See what Lucy’s sketched.”

David regarded the artwork. It was very well done. One could see that it resembled several bushes near a small grove of trees that had been nearby. The bushes did, indeed, have ripe berries, which were illustrated by blackened spots.

“Your Lucy sketches very well, sir.” Gran would only have positive words for his offspring.

“Yes, she does.” Unfortunately, David would never be able to tell the difference between a child’s scribbling and a great masterpiece.

Gran cuddled the children and continued to praise Lucy’s work. “What a good girl you are. I like it very much. Thank you for making that sketch for me. It was very thoughtful of you, my dear.” And to make certain Davy had not felt left out, she added, “Do not worry, little Davy, my love. When you’re a bit older, you’ll be able to sketch just as well as your sister.”

“I want to
drawwl
Pug,” Davy exclaimed.

“And indeed you shall,” Gran replied. “I can see that you adore Pug as much as I.”

“You should bring your children to Manfred Place,” Miss Lemmon offered. “We have watercolors and Lucy could paint some lovely pictures. I think she shows a great deal of natural talent. Besides, all the children rub along so well.”

“Yes, they do.” David recalled how well the four of them played near the berry patch that morning.

“And Manfred Place has just had a litter of puppies,” Miss Lemmon added. “Perhaps the children would like to see them as well?”

“Puppies!” Lucy and Davy nearly shouted together.

Off to one side, Nanny cautioned them with a soft, “Children . . .”

Lucy, perhaps unaware of Nanny’s warning, made her wishes known with her unfettered response, “I want to see the puppies! I like puppies!”

Davy joined in and added an exuberant jump with every repetition. “Puppies! Puppies! Puppies!”

Pug, who had been on his best behavior, stood, barked, and turned in quick, small circles.

Nanny stepped forward to intervene before chaos erupted. She was too late.

“No, Pug! Quiet! Hush now!” Mrs. Sutton scolded the dog. “Quiet!”

Davy, who had been jumping in place, now bounded about the room with Pug at his heels. Lucy hadn’t moved from the spot she stood, but she was shaking with excitement regarding the puppies.

“Children,” Mrs. Parker called in a stern manner, gaining their attention. “I will be so good as to remind you what we discussed before we entered.”

“Oh no!” Lucy clapped her hands over her mouth; her eyes opened wide.

Davy immediately copied his sister. “Oh,
no-es
!”

“I think you two should be on your way now. This visit has come to an end,” Mrs. Parker announced and called for Nanny to take charge.

“Yes, ma’am,” Lucy replied, and Davy copied his sister. “Good day, Gran.” She leaned toward the woman and kissed her on the cheek before heading for the door.

Davy ran across the room to kiss Gran on the same cheek, as his sister had. “G’day, Gran.”

She had to lean forward to collect the precious token.

The lad dashed out of the room after his sister. Pug, still bringing up the rear, followed Davy across the room to Gran and then dashed out the door. Nanny rushed out after them.

“Goodness!” Mrs. Parker let loose her aggravation. “They knew what was expected of them, but the excitement of the puppies was simply too much.”

“I do beg your pardon.” Miss Lemmon’s gaze moved from Mrs. Parker to Gran. “I had no idea they would become so . . . unruly.”

“Nor did I,” Mrs. Parker confessed. “Madam, are you unwell?”

Grandmother Cavanaugh leaned back into the settee for a few seconds.

“Madam? How are you feeling?” Nurse had left her chair and gone to the patient’s side.

“Mrs. Cavanaugh?” Mrs. Sutton moved closer, making some slight motion for the two footmen to ready themselves in case they should be needed.

Everyone stared, watching for some reaction.

Gran’s eyes crinkled, and she finally took in a deep breath and laughed. An overwhelming relief replaced the concern that filled the room. “Oh, goodness! Puppies!” She laughed until she was out of breath, which did not take long. Then she began to cough and wheeze.

The anxiety of those in the room became palpable, and David had no idea what he should do. All at once Mrs. Sutton was at Gran’s side, holding her upright.

Nurse poured some liquid from a small container into a glass and brought it to the patient’s lips. “Take this draught. It will ease your coughing and aid your breathing.”

Gran staved her coughing long enough to swallow the contents of the glass. She cleared her throat and appeared to breathe easy. With a cleansing sigh, she blinked her watering eyes and appeared to have returned to normal. “Aren’t those two the most precious darlings?”

“Mrs. Sutton.” Nurse’s authoritative tone had meaning for Gran’s companion, for she knew exactly what to do.

“Miss Lemmon, allow me to see you belowstairs. Madam needs her rest.” Mrs. Sutton led the way to the door, and the visitor trailed in her wake as if she, too, had known the unspoken protocol. Before quitting the room, Mrs. Sutton directed her last words to David and Mrs. Parker. “We will wait for you in the green parlor.”

Other books

Quiver by Holly Luhning
The Final Fabergé by Thomas Swan
Firefly by Terri Farley
Vampire Breath by R. L. Stine
Invisible Girl by Mary Hanlon Stone
A Warrior's Promise by Donna Fletcher
The Tournament by Vora, Scarlett