Conduct Unbecoming of a Gentleman (8 page)

Heloise lay propped against a stack of fluffy pillows, frail and pasty against the bedding. His alarm deepened. He accepted the fact of her advanced years but the thought of losing her was more pain than he could contemplate.

“Gran, how do you feel?”

Heloise waved one hand at him, the other clutched to her chest. “Fine, fine. Don’t fuss. I had one of my turns is all.”

“Her cordial, Milord.” Heloise’s companion handed him a brown bottle and quietly left the room.

“The doctor left a cordial. Here drink it down.”

“I’m old, not sick. I don’t need a cordial but you could relieve my mind if only you will.”

He eyed her with a wary glint in his gaze. “Let’s hear it.”

“Melissa.”

“Don’t start that old refrain again, Gran.”

She held up one hand. “But I want Melissa taken care of when I pass.”

“I won’t hear of you passing. Now, Gran . . .”

Heloise glared at him. “Certainly I’m not gone yet awhile.” She waved her hand and snapped, “Laurel! You can’t smell of April and May then try to gull me. I’m not blind so don’t try to deny it. Don’t make her an offer.”

“You are rather jumping to conclusions there. I haven’t mentioned the word marriage in the hearing of any lady. Nor will I be pushed by you or anyone.”

Heloise sipped a swallow of cordial. “I’m not pushing but I want to see you married.” She coughed and continued, “Don’t doubt me, I admire Laurel but I want Melissa for you, young innocent Melissa and whole hearted I might add. Laurel certainly can’t claim the same detachment. Her heart is buried with Robert. I don’t want that for you. First love and all that. Mark my word, the heart never forgets.”

“Gran, don’t fret. I’ll see to Melissa. Regardless. But I choose where and when I marry.” He held up his hand before Heloise could speak. “I know what I owe to my name and position but I have years yet.”

“It would relieve my mind if you would at least spend a little time with Melissa. Give her a chance. You’ve hardly spoken a word to her since your return and little before that.”

“Gran, that’s unfair.” He sighed and reluctantly agreed. “I’ll escort her about the rose garden, perhaps even a stroll around the lake. Will that make you happy?”

She chuckled. “Indeed.”

“So be it,” he said, kissed her cheek and tucked the covers over her shoulders. “To keep out the draft.”

“Don’t forget.”

Laughing, he strolled to the door. “Never.”

Adron intended to keep his word to his grandmother, at least about this. It wouldn’t hurt to escort Melissa into the garden but only when he could find the time. Two hours later, Melissa tracked him down and later was at hand.

“Adron, there you are,” she said, her voice coated in cloying sweetness.

He checked on the threshold and grinned at her with resignation. “The very person I wanted to see.”

“And here I am. How fortunate.”

“Indeed. Will you accompany me on a stroll, perhaps to the garden? The day is lovely. Almost as lovely as you.”

“You say the sweetest things,” she said with a giggle.

He bowed his head and took her elbow, strolling toward the lake, his original destination.

Laurel sat on the bank with Jamie in her lap, his toes trailing in the water and giggles bubbling from his mouth. Ingrid’s two young daughters were wading knee deep in the lake, splashing water at one another. Paige, Adron’s sister, swam a few yards away and called to Laurel, “Look at me.”

Laughter reached across the lawn drawing Adron in and Melissa held his arm a little tighter as he slowly escorted her across the lawn.

“Adron, go away,” Paige shrieked. “I’m swimming in my chemise.”

He chuckled. “I’ve seen you in much less. If you must, stay in the water. Now that we are here we’ll only be a moment.”

Adron glanced down at Laurel. “We’ve come to check on the children.”

Laurel nodded and sprang to her feet.

Adron plucked Jamie out of her arms. “How are you my little man?” He grinned proudly at Lady Melissa and stepped closer.

Melissa raised her hands as if to ward off something distasteful. “Oh, he’s all wet,” she cried.

“A trifle damp,” he admitted with a grin. “No need for the fidgets. I would never expect you to damage your lovely gown, my dear,” he drawled.

“Of course, he is a dear,” Melissa added quickly. “I’m not above being pleased with such a delightful creature.”

Adron handed Jamie back to Laurel. “No such thing. As you say, he is damp and would quiet ruin the lovely picture you present. And the sun is warm here.” He knew the efforts she extended to guard her smooth skin. “Let’s stroll through the garden where your lovely complexion will be spared from a kiss of the sun.”

With a horrified expression, Melissa gasped. “Indeed, let’s go. The sun is ruinous to the complexion. Nothing could be more ill-advised than to encourage a brown spot on my face. Indeed, god-mama would have a fit.”

Adron pasted a distant smile on his lips before extending his arm to escort her toward the side lawn. “No need to fret.”

Laurel watched Adron and Melissa saunter away as two of Ingrid’s children splashed out of the water onto the shore. The girls leaned against Laurel’s shoulders and stared after the departing couple. After last night, her hopes soared but today her heart sank and her stomach burned with jealousy. Melissa seemed to be the one in favor this morning. Laurel lifted her chin.
Be damned!
She would not be used again, her for the nights and innocent Melissa for the days—no, no more.

Chapter 9

Laurel and the children made their way back toward the house at the moment a carriage rattled up the drive. A single passenger climbed down assisted by the coachman and stood on the drive.

“Nanny Nagerty, Nanny Nagerty,” the youngsters shouted, racing toward her.

The nanny dropped her bandbox and opened her arms wide with her reticule dangling from one wrist. “Children! Decorum please, my beauties. Always with dignity.”

She was rather a formidable figure in her stiff, serviceable black bombazine gown with her narrow face and dark brown eyes—until she smiled, then her entire expression seemed to light from within.

With a curious smile at Laurel, she curtsied. “Milady, I’m Nancy Nagerty.”

Laurel nodded. “I’m Lady Laningham. The children are delighted to see you. I’m happy you’ve made a swift recovery.”

“Not at all,” Nancy denied while a soft blush covered her face.

Laurel gave her an encouraging smile. “Children, don’t keep your nanny standing outside. Escort her in the house.”

“Indeed, let’s make our way inside so I may get settled.” Nancy patted Laine on the head. “Show me the way to the nursery if you please.”

Laurel, with Jamie in her arms, followed at a more leisurely pace. Simply because the children’s nanny had arrived didn’t guarantee her own release from her rigorous extra duties. As she entered, Adron glanced up as he sorted through the mail and called to one of the maids. “Please, take Master Jamie up to the nursery.”

He flashed a distracted smile at Laurel before focusing his full attention on her. “Now that the children’s nanny is here, we must make plans for your trip.”

Laurel could hardly believe his harsh treatment of her had miraculously altered after she’d allowed him into her bed. Allowed, she suppressed a laugh at the thought. More like she succumbed and was actually helpless to do anything else, but she welcomed the change.

Opening the door to his library, he waited for her to precede him. Trepidation slowed her steps as she entered the room, a chamber stamped with his authority. Her thoughts reeled as she fought against the intimation threatening to swamp her.

Before he settled behind his desk, he handed her a letter. “A message for you.”

Laurel reached for the folded foolscap and ripped the seal open. She read the letter once and then again. Scarcely able to believe her eyes, she glanced up from the paper. Her aunt’s companion had written that the entire household had removed to London so dear Madam Betsy could be near the doctor. Laurel crushed the letter in her fist, her face draining of color and she shot a distressed look at Adron.

“I had no idea Aunt Betsy was so ill. I must go to her at once,” she said in a trembling voice.

He hurried around his desk and caught her hands in a reassuring gesture. “Of course you must go, but be at ease. We already have plans for your visit. We’re here now to finalize arrangements for your trip. You’ll be off in a trice and soon united with your aunt. I promise.”

With tears in her eyes, she gazed up him, unable to control the quiver in her voice. “Thank you.”

Adron smiled down at her, released her hands and took his seat. “In the morning, I’ll have Horace bring the carriage around.”

“Horace?”

“Horace was my batman in the army, a trustworthy, capable bloke. He’ll accompany you to your aunt’s side and after a time escort you back again.”

“That’s comforting.”

“He’s my best man, reliable and he keeps a cool head. Hester, the upstairs chambermaid, will accompany you. Being a mature and respectable woman, she’ll lend you countenance.”

Every muscle in Laurel’s body squeezed with anxiety and she swallowed. “And Jamie?”

His lazy grin widened. “Naturally he will go with you as I promised.”

She let out a pent up breath and leaned back against the chair. “Thank you again.”

“I realize you’re worried about your aunt and I understand your concern.” He rounded the desk to take her in his arms. “But the days and nights will be never ending without you.”

Laurel stiffened at the reminder she was meant only for the nights. “I somehow doubt you’ll actually miss me what with your morning rides accompanied by Melissa to say nothing of your daily walks in the garden. Rhonda should be back soon as well.”

He studied her expression. “You’re sitting on a burr for the wrong reasons. I shall indeed miss you whether night or day. If I were in your company too much during the day, I would disgrace myself with wanting you.”

Her features softened. “I’ll miss you as well,” she said as her voice thickened. “And the nights.”

“Be careful and have a safe journey. I’ll wave you away in the morning.” He kissed her and with a pat, sent her out the door.

The next morning, Adron appeared on the steps as Horace, a big, burly dark complexioned man with black hair and eyes, pulled the coach round to the front entrance. He dismounted and scanned the sky. “Weather appears nasty, Milord.”

Laurel rushed down the stairs. “Please! I must go to my aunt.”

In a slight upward nod with his chin, Adron acknowledged her statement. “The weather does appear dubious but if it becomes too inclement, Horace will pull in at the nearest inn or posting house. Have a safe trip and wish your aunt the best health.”

Breathing a sigh of relief, she climbed aboard and took Jamie from Hester’s arms as the maid flopped on the opposite seat. Laurel waved and watched Adron as he returned her wave before mounting the steps.

Delighted to be well on her way, in spite of the threat of a pending downpour, she was even happier to have Jamie with her. With the gentle sway of the coach, Jamie fell asleep and Hester nodded off soon after. As the day advanced, Laurel’s eyelids grew heavy and drifted down as well.

The smell of rain-drenched air brought her round and she glanced out the window. The sky had darkened considerably since the morning and the storm broke with a vengeance. Rain pelted the vehicle making it advisable to put up at the closest inn. Horace drove the coach out on the pike-road, a mile or so north of Han’s Cross on the lookout for the lonely posting house.

Laurel and her group traipsed into the inn, shaking the moisture from their traveling cloaks. Following the Innkeeper into the interior of the inn, she approved the private parlor off the coffee room with a nod. A cheerful fire chased the dampness from the chamber and chairs were placed before the hearth. She rubbed her hands together before the blaze and pulled Jamie’s chair a little closer before ordering a light repast to accompany the tea.

Hester tripped into the room. “Everything is right and tight as is proper for your ladyship and the little one.” The maid bustled about the room, fluffing pillows and drawing a small table and chairs closer to the fire. “I’ve unpacked, Milady.” At the rap on the door, Hester hurried over to open it. “Here’s your supper now.” She arranged the meal on the table and bobbed her head. “Your ladyship.”

“Thank you, Hester. I’ll be fine. Jamie and I’ll go straight upstairs to our chamber. We’ll both go to bed so don’t concern yourself with us again tonight.”

Hester curtsied and bustled out of the parlor. Before the meal was half consumed the maid briefly knocked and burst into the room, drawing a long breath. “Milady, my chamber has been disturbed, searched and everything is in a scramble. I was that scared so I called, Horace and showed him the mess.”

Recalling her chamber had been searched when she had first arrived at Kendlewood, alarm brought Laurel to her feet. At the time, she’d thought Rhonda was being her usual nosey self, but perhaps something more sinister had been behind the search.

Horace followed Hester through the door and bobbed his head. “Milady.”

“You’ve seen Hester’s room?”

“It’s a hem set out. Her belongings pawed through, everything thrown about. These here public inns . . .” He shook his head. “Dangerous what with petty thieves and such lurking around, but you can be counting on me.” He thumbed his chest. “Lord Gladrey’s instructions was plain, take care of you and the little one and that’s what I aim to do. I’ll be checking during the night some.”

Disconcerted for a moment, she agreed without further argument.

Hester gazed around. “I am afraid, Milady.”

“Perhaps it would be safer to have Hester sleep in my room as well. That way you’ll have fewer doors to guard. Please instruct the innkeeper to set up a cot against the wall.”

“Thank you, Milady.” Hester bobbed another curtsy.

“It is rather frightening, but I’m certain Horace will keep us safe.” She glanced over at him. Her tone held a slight touch of sarcasm. “Do you have any further orders from Lord Gladrey?”

“Begging your pardon, Milady, but you can shove a chair against the door all safe like.” Horace gazed at her from under his brows.

“How will that help if the lock doesn’t stop an intrusion?”

Picking up a wooden straight-backed chair, he braced it on two legs beneath the doorknob, demonstrating the extra security the chair would provide. “This here’s how to be putting a chair against the door so no such desperate criminals can be getting in again.”

“Very clever. Perhaps you may get some sleep after all.”

He grinned. “I’ll be sleeping right outside the door to your room. I’ve bunked down in worst places.”

Laurel took a sharp breath and scanned the room. “You think that’s really necessary?”

“If I want a whole skin. Lord Gladrey will have my hide if I don’t keep you and the little nipper safe.”

“Good-night then.” Her shoulders slumped. After climbing the stairs, she pushed into her chamber. The extra cot sat against one wall and a wide bed in the middle appeared well aired. Candles flickered on a small table next to the window. She let out a weary sigh and prepared Jamie for bed.

Laurel braced the chair under the knob as Horace had shown her before climbing into bed next to Jamie. Rain continued to spatter against the window and occasionally a gust of wind rattled the pane.

She lay awake listening, not only to the storm, but for nefarious footsteps or other disturbing sounds. Her imagination began to work overtime and she started to count the number of times her chamber had been disturbed. At Kendlewood, her room had been searched and perhaps before, even at Landings. She recalled moments of unease when things weren’t quite right, seemingly insignificant occurrences she’d dismissed as nerves, but now she wasn’t as positive.

If all of that were so, why had the intruder searched Hester’s room and not hers? Alarm widened her eyes. Perhaps the intruder had carefully searched her chamber before he moved on to Hester’s. Possibly his time had run out with Hester popping into her room. Laurel shivered.

She hoped the storm would pass and wouldn’t be a hindrance to travel in the morning. Longing to be away from this place, she couldn’t wait to arrive at Aunt Betsy’s where things that go bump in the night could be ignored far more easily.

The next morning, a mere hour after breakfast, the carriage jolted into motion and Laurel was glad to leave the inn behind. She and Jamie would be at Aunt Betsy’s townhouse in a few hours and with a sigh she relaxed against the seat.

The welcomed sight of the outskirts of London finally
appeared on the horizon. Traveling in a carriage, no matter how luxurious, was a tiring affair with a young child, to say nothing of her worry about her aunt’s health. Hester’s constant peering behind the coach as if she might discover an outlaw following the vehicle, made for an even more wearing trip.

“Hester, everything will be fine. Horace is a strong, capable man. We’ll be fine.”

Heightened color filled Hester’s cheeks. “I know, Milady. It was him as told me to keep checking out the back. I don’t see anything. Nothing but a coach and four traveling to London, same as us, is all. It only appeared on the pike road a ways back.” Hester straightened her shawl about her shoulders. “Don’t you fret, Milady. We’ll be right as rain with Horace in charge.”

Laurel refrained from rolling her eyes at Hester. Hadn’t she said the very same thing only a moment ago? Laurel turned her attention to the scenery again, watching while the sun sank beneath the skyline. The coach wheeled into a quiet street on the fringe of the district where all the Cits and merchants maintained houses in London. Horace pulled the carriage into the drive of a tall, narrow brick-fronted house with roses across the front. The fragrance of the blooms welcomed the weary travelers as they climbed out of the carriage and mounted the steps. Before the knocker could be applied, a footman opened the door with Betsy Collinsworth leaning on her cane and peering from behind him.

“I thought I heard a racket but I’m surprised to find you on my doorstep, Laurel.” Her graying brows rose in a sweet face full of age and wisdom. She had to look up to gaze into Laurel’s eyes. “I know I didn’t write to tell you I was coming to London. Yet here you are.”

Laurel laughed. “Your companion wrote to me. I expected to find you lying down upon your bed in desperate straits.”

Aunt Betsy grunted and waved her cane with a dismissive gesture. “Clara, that old woman. She’s always in alt over some matter or the other. You’d think she’d have more sense but there you are.” Shrugging, she motioned. “Come in, Child. Rupert, tea if you please,” she called over her shoulder.

Betsy settled in a comfortable, over-stuffed armchair. “Let me see my precious great-nephew before my housekeeper comes to steal him away. She’ll want to coddle him as much as I do.” She patted the padded stool before her. “I’d love to hold him if he’ll allow.”