The Black Lotus (Night Flower) (27 page)

“What stopped
you?” In a voice as hushed as his, she demanded the answer as her fingers worried at the French lace on her sleeve.

“You started to speak and I could see that you were unlike the rest. You have a restless spirit and
…” He gave a bark of low laughter. “So refreshingly honest that I found myself disgusted with my selfish desire. You also managed to see straight through me. I am a hedonist Melissa.” He uttered simply, with little guilt or apology in answer to her bewildered face. “My amusements keep me sane but I do not love or even care for those I use. If a girl is willing to offer herself to me, then more fool her,” The words spilled from him in a rush as rapid as water from a burst dam. “Now do you see? I could not seduce you as though you were one of those blue bloods that I see each and every night, because to me you are worth more than a simple dalliance.” The torrent had finished and in the sharp silence that followed only their breathing could be heard. Melissa stood like stone before him, her fingers coiled round the French lace as though it were a lifeline.

“But you would never let it go further
,” She whispered into the stillness born of a knowing despair. “You would soon leave because of your secret,” A crushing weight settled on her chest, was this heartbreak? She could scarcely believe it possible, she barely knew him and yet he seemed to hold her heart in his hand.

“I would lea
ve you because I have no choice,” His voice grew soft; all traces of harshness gone from his tones and Melissa could hear the longing deep within. A hand reached forward and caught hers, sudden warmth capturing her cold fingers. “I never meant to go this far. But when I saw you on the road that night, I couldn’t in all conscience leave you there and I had to make sure you were well,” He released her hand and stared at their surroundings as though in turmoil.

“A
nd then I called,” Melissa finished the narrative and a small laugh escaped her lips. “What a pair of dolts,” They laughed together for a short space of time before the reality settled back in on them. “I wish..” She could not finish the thought and Justin did not press her for details. He had not wanted to draw her into his world, yet circumstance and her own curiosity had placed her squarely in his path and he had to be strong once again.

“Melissa. You know we cannot go on. You know why I cannot woo you properly and I cannot in all conscienc
e ruin what reputation you have,” Melissa felt tears prick the back of her eyes and she bit her lip, trying to hold in the emotion. “Much as I would like to, I can’t stay. You deserve better than me.”

“Why though? Surely we can…”

“What can we do?” He asked softly, w
earily, as though the question drained him. “You will age my love and I’m damned if I will subject another to my hell. You will age and I will not. If we stay in England, I would have to fake my death in a few years, if we move abroad; I deprive you of your family. I am not as selfish as that.” He chuckled bitterly and continued. “Besides, you will be free of my brother’s attentions once I move on.” He picked up her hand again. “Live and be happy. Your father is not a tyrant; he will ensure you have a suitable match that won’t distress you unduly. Forget me, it is the best way.”

Melissa bowed her head. In her heart of hearts she knew he was right. It was only in fairy tales that love found a way and she had to live in reality. Justin was a dream and always had been. Comforted though she was by his desire to save her reputation, she couldn’t help but wish she had her own choice.

“It looks as though we have company.”  Justin nodded towards the end of the foyer and the thunderstruck form of Mary Westbury. Melissa groaned as her supposed rival pulled herself together and headed for their direction with the determination of a charging bull.

“Justin darling,
” She simpered as she approached, her excessive flirtation gaining a raised eyebrow from her supposed paramour and a barely concealed sigh of derision from Melissa. “I believe I have you on my card for a dance later. You aren’t going to disappoint me are you?” Casting a poison filled glance at Melissa, she caught hold of Justin’s arm. “Only you did promise.”

“Indeed I did,
” He responded, the devil may care mockery back in his voice and manner. “But I may have to pass I’m afraid. I have a splitting headache. I was explaining to Miss DeVire that I would be unable to attend her brother’s jaunt to Somerset this weekend.”

“Oh my poor Justin is there anything I can do to help?” Melissa bit her lip in an effort to suppress hysterical laughter as she reached for her fan to hide her expression. Justin on the other hand
, managed to contain his amusement perfectly and he adopted a tragic expression.

“I’m afraid not, but thank you for your concern.” He turned from
Mary and looked back at Melissa. “Miss DeVire,” He dipped his head and kissed her fingers lightly. “I must bid you adieu.” Melissa felt the thrill of his kiss run through her body and she watched him walk away with increasing sorrow.

“Hussy.”
Mary waited until Justin had left before she rounded on Melissa. “You’ve bewitched him and he is not for you.” Mary’s face was flushed even through the layers of powder that she wore and she advanced on Melissa with hatred in her eyes. “I warned you to leave him alone.”

“Oh grow up
Mary.” Upset and angry, Melissa stared at the other girl. “He will never marry you and even if he would, your father will disallow the match.” She closed her fan and pointed it at Mary’s chest. “Whatever he said to you, he lied. If you were foolish enough to believe him then it is your own misfortune.”

“And you think you can do any better?”
Mary sneered into Melissa’s face. “You? Whose only claim to fame is the striking of a Lord?” Her laugh tinkled off the parquet floors. “It is not I who has brought shame upon my family and forced my older brother into a duel he did not want. Who is the fool here, me, with my several offers of matrimony or you?” Mary paused and looked over Melissa with repulsion twisting her elegant features. “You only have the reputation of a Docklands fishwife following you. I’m sure a wonderful match is waiting for you this year.” Mary stepped back with a vicious, triumphant smile creasing her lips. “Enjoy your season Melissa; I’m sure it’ll be a wonderful memory in the future when you’re a governess or some lady’s companion.” Mary turned away and took several steps before glancing back over her shoulder. “As long as you know that Justin will be my husband and if you continue to turn him from me, you will regret it. I promise you that.”

Melissa watched
Mary stalk off into the main ballroom and rolled her eyes. She had not thought it possible to see such foolishness. Relaxing the vicelike grip she held on her fan, she left the alcove and moved toward the exit and her carriage. As she moved into the cool darkness of the street, the figure of Alistair Lestrade moved from his hiding place in the shadows to stare after Mary, who was chasing Justin through the crowd. A thoughtful expression creased his features and he moved into the ballroom, following Mary and Justin at a discrete distance. Moving through the chattering throng, he followed his quarry, watching as Mary finally reached his brother’s side. Stopping beside a tall fern, he feigned interest in the green leaves as he focused in on the pair. Their conversation was low, beneath his level of hearing yet Alistair was an adept lip reader and though he could only see Justin, he was more than capable of following the discussion. Without a doubt, Mary was attempting to charm his brother in her simpering, simplistic fashion and, he smiled cruelly, Justin was clearly breaking his flirtation off. Alistair watched carefully as his brother severed his ties with Mary Westbury and moved away from the devastated girl before him.

“Something interests you?” A soft voice sounded beside him and Alistair turned to face the woman at his elbow.”

“Katherine.” Alistair turned and smiled, his gaze drifting over the woman with approval. The woman’s face was pale and she wore periwinkle blue. Fine silver embroidery and beading on the bodice and skirt flashed in the candlelight and exquisite French lace trailed from each sleeve. A fan dangled from a fine boned hand and a bracelet of silver and pearls encircled her slim wrist.

“I have
n’t piqued your interest, so don’t lie.” The woman’s voice was gravely serious and familiar as Alistair bent over her fingers, gently kissing the pale skin with his smooth lips. “So what has got you all serious and concerned?”

“As if you don’t know,” He replied, smiling at the woman with a crooked grin
, noting the sadness within her eyes. “You were there,”

“Oh the De Vire girl,” Katherine moved out from behind the pillar and stared at Justin. “Do you think he will
take her?”

“Not if I can stop it,” Alistair replied, moving back into the alcove and drawing Katherine back with him. “Don’t be so obvious Kat, I’ve seen Tarlington already and you can bet that if he sees you, he’ll be straight to Justin to warn him.”

“Am I that dangerous Alistair?” Katherine’s voice was soft, almost regretful as she regarded the young man.

“Yes my dear, you are, both you and your pay master.” He watched Justin stride towards the gaming room and he turned back to his companion. “Now why don’t you tell me why you were posing as a maid of all things?”

“As you say Alistair, I have my pay master and he has orders.” She fumbled in her pockets and drew out a fan. “He’s asked me to talk to you,”

Alistair sighed and leant back against the wall. “What about?” His asked in a low tone.

“He wants a meeting,” She waved the fan slowly before her face as she spoke. “He needs to talk to you about your brother and the others.” The fan snapped shut and she leant forward. “I wouldn’t advise saying no to him.”

Chapter 28:

Justin finished drowning his sorrows and headed from the card tables. Since his talk with Melissa, he had found a game of piquet and gambled recklessly, losing a small fortune in the process. After an hour and a half of play, he exc
used himself from the table and left the party. Retrieving his cloak from the servants, he walked through the doors of the great house and turned right. Despite the alcohol he had downed he moved with considerable alacrity along the gravelled driveway and towards the stables. The great house and grounds were bathed in the milky light of a full moon turning the exquisitely planned lawns and arbours into a silvery fantasyland. It was indeed a night for lovers and lunatics. He snorted derisively at his romantic notions and hurried through the covered alley that led to the stable yard. Distracted, lost in his thoughts, he was unprepared for the hand that snaked out of the darkness and pulled him into shadow.

“What the blazes!” He yelled and punched free, fist meeting solid flesh as he turned to face his assailant, his hand reaching for his sword.

“There’s no need for that Justin.” A familiar voice drifted from the mouldy recesses of the alley and Lord Tarlington walked into view. Free from the light of the ballroom and beneath the silvery moonlight, Tarlington’s dandyish clothing seemed less of the mode and more outlandish and strange. The man’s gaze swept across Justin coolly and he seemed quite unlike the charming fop that Melissa had spoken with.

“What the devil do you want?” Justin got his breathing under control and he stared at the other man with barely concealed contempt. Tarlington did not answer instead he pointedly stared at Justin’s fingers, still curled about the hilt of his rapier. “Oh heaven forefend.” Justin exclaimed as he released his sword and stepped back. “As if this would harm you.”

“Not me dear boy, my jacket.” Tarlington replied with a gentle rebuke as he reached into a pocket and withdrew a snuff box emblazoned with an enamel lotus. He lifted the lid and delicately took a pinch of snuff before returning his attention to Justin.

“Well your desire for unmarked tailoring aside, what do you want?” Justin’s voice was low and filled with venom. “I thought we had an agreement that you steer clear of
England when I’m here.” The moonlight picked out the silver embroidery on Justin’s frock coat and threw his face into sharp relief. His handsome features were harsh and angry beneath the harsh silver light. “Particularly when you interfere in my affairs.”

“If you mean your fancy, then I’m terribly sorry for that dear boy, but I thought some things were more important than our little feud.”

Justin drew a sharp breath and stared across at Tarlington with suspicion. “Like?”

“I thought you knew.” Tarlington sighed and headed back into the alcove. “And there was I counting on your omniscience.”

“Tarlington.” Justin snarled, his frustration finally boiling over. “Enough of the games and tell me.”

“If you think this is an example of my games, then I worry for you.” The dandy bemoaned as he removed one of the kid gloves and revealed a ring set with a blood red jewel. “But as I believe in helping those that least deserve it, I’ll ignore your rudeness.”

Holding in his impatience with superhuman effort, Justin waited quietly. Past experience had taught him that Tarlington would get to the point in his own time and rushing him was not advised. Stilling his questions, he watched as the lamplight played on the other’s face, waiting for him to continue.

“Oh very well.” Tarlington finally spoke, a tinge of disappointment colouring his tones. “
John has returned.”

“I knew that.” Justin replied, irritation bubbling over. “Alistair has already warned me.”

“Oh I knew he had already warned you.”

“Then why for the love of all that’s holy have you…”
Justin snapped, his patience almost gone.

“He likely didn’t tell you all of it. Don’t forget I know you and your brother. Alistair is known for half truths.” 
Tarlington smiled as he looked at the older Lestrade brother, he liked to needle the other man but it wasn’t really malicious. He had known both Justin and Alistair for a very long time and while they were both responsible for what had happened to him, he did not really hold a grudge.

Justin sighed and ran his fingers along his chin, feeling his irritation subside as he weighed up the issues in his mind. “Alright.” He murmured finally. “Tell me.”

“It’s not just
John.”

Justin felt sick as the words settled into his thoughts.
John was bad enough but the others; he closed his eyes briefly and whispered. “Who else?”

“Katherine.” He spoke simply, dropping the names as though unaware of their impact on Justin.

Justin’s eyes popped open. “Not Abbott or Henry?” He asked with obvious relief.

“Not that I’m aware of.” Tarlington adjusted his cravat and walked towards the main courtyard. “That doesn’t mean they aren’t here.” He looked back over his shoulder. “You boys really made a mess of things didn’t you.”

“We didn’t mean...”

“I know.” Tarlington placed the tip of his cane to the cobbled ground. “That’s why I get along with you.” He stepped out into the courtyard, the moon painting him in silver and grey. “I would watch for your lady friend my boy. Your interest has been noted and I would venture that
John will be taking steps.”

These words galvanised Justin into action. “
He can’t. I’ve left her; I’ve put aside those thoughts.”

“Doesn’t make much difference as you know,” The dandy whirled round and stared at Justin with hot eyes. “Or have you forgotten what you did to
Anna already?”

Justin bowed his head, pain creasing his features as he struggled to respond. “
Anna was…” He swallowed. “I loved her..”

“Not enough to leave her in this life as I recall. You were spoiled, selfish and entirely too sure of yourself. I warned you and so did Abbott and you ignored us both, convinced that true love would conquer all.” Tarlington stepped closer until his face was mere inches from his. “
And Anna paid for your flawed desires with her existence.”

“Hugh.” Justin’s voice was a broken whisper. “Don’t..”

“Why should I not remind you? I see the same signs in you now that I saw back then.” Tarlington’s icy blue gaze stripped through to Justin’s very core, puncturing the pretences that he had so carefully constructed.

“Don’t you think I don’t know how foolhardy such thoughts are? I made a promise Hugh and I will stick to it.” Justin stared back into the other’s eyes, his own warm eyes as cold as the stones beneath their feet. “I have told her that I can not woo her. I have asked her to move on with her life. John should have no issue with that.”

“But she is aware of your nature.” The point of Tarlington’s cane pressed into Justin’s chest as though to punctuate each point.

“How did you?” A look of horror crossed Justin’s face and he stepped back. “He had me watched.”

“Of course he had you watched.” Tarlington replied with a sneer of derision. “
John is determined to punish you, like your brother is determined to punish you. And both would not stop at warnings to bring their point across. He sees you and this girl and knows that she is tempting for you. He wonders if you will break your vow and bring her into this select group of ours and he means to stop you.”

“Hypocritical of him though isn’t it?” Justin countered his voice harsh. “His errors are as manifold as mine yet he buries his own complicity and blames me for all. It is insanity that he revels in and whatever reason he spouts to cover his cruelty does not alter the fact that John likes to kill.”

Tarlington stepped back and lowered his cane. “Indeed he does and I do not agree with the direction he has taken. You’ve been a fool boy, but you’re not malicious.” The tip of his cane tapped the ground lightly. “I know you mean to keep your promise.” He turned back to the courtyard and spoke nonchalantly to the air. “I saw him enter the stables not long after your lady was seen to leave. It’s quite possible that he knows where she lives.”

Justin moved like a scalded cat, a frenzy of action and barely concealed panic. He rushed into the stable yard, startling a stable boy and kitchen maid kissing in the corner. The maid gave a small shriek of shock at his agitated appearance.

“Saddle my horse boy.” He called to the stable lad as he stammered apologies. “And quickly now.” Stumbling over his feet, the young man leaped to do his bidding and headed into the stables. Justin paced impatiently across the straw strewn cobbles, sparing barely a glance for the girl straightening her garments in the corner. The heels on his boots made tapping noises over the dusty stones as he moved back and forth.

“Can I get you a drink sir?” The maid asked tremulously after several moments of watching him stride up and down. He turned to face her and she swallowed a gasp at the bleak look of anger on his features. He stared at her for a few moments before answering, trying hard to restrain his fear fuelled anger.

“No, thank you.” A clattering of hooves announced the arrival of his horse and he turned. Seizing the reins from the stable boy’s hand, he vaulted onto its back. Touching his heels to the horse’s side and raising a cloud of dust, he raced out of the stables towards the road. The maid and her lover watched him pass, curiosity and concern etched onto their features.

Justin barely felt the movement of the horse beneath him as they galloped through the moonlit landscape. His thoughts raced with the beat of the hooves as they passed through quiet villages and turnpikes. Hooves thundered over the rough ground and the horse ate up the miles as though they meant nothing. He knew that the horse could not sustain the pace indefinitely and
he was forced to slow down as he passed through villages. It was ten miles to the De Vire estate and time was not on his side. John was probably at her house already and who knew what he had planned. He recalled the murdered heiresses and cursed himself for not thinking of it sooner. In renewed fear, he touched his heels to the horses side and increased the pace, trying to make it there in time.