Always Have Hope (Emerson Book 3) (15 page)

“Yes,”
parroted his sister. “She’s the one you should be questioning. She might’ve
come in and killed us all in our sleep.”

“Provided
you were truly home at the time,” said her brother.

“Mrs.
Pierce…” began Fisk, as Alex held his breath, “….has been confined to Lynwood
House. She could not have committed this murder.”

“So
there is another murderer in addition to Winifred?” asked Emmeline. “How
ghastly.”

“Or,”
said Fisk. “There is only one murderer and it is not Mrs. Pierce.”

“You’re
wrong about that, I’m quite certain,” said Emmeline. “Isn’t that right,
Horace?”

“Yes,
dear. Quite wrong.”

After
getting the addresses of Pierce’s brothels as best he could remember, Fisk told
the family they could go back to bed.

“I
would like to see Tawny’s bedchamber,” said Alex.

“If
you will follow me,” said Havers, as he escorted Alex, Fisk and Grayson to the
servants’ quarters.

“Did
Tawny have any kin?” Fisk asked the butler as they climbed the stairs.

“Not
that she told us, sir. Said she was an orphan and she’d come to London at
fifteen to support herself.”

“How
did you come to hire her?” asked Alex.

“I
didn’t. The late master did. Said she’d come highly recommended by a friend
of his.” Havers gave them a meaningful look.

“Did
this friend say just what he was recommending her for?” asked Fisk.

“I
did not ask, nor was I informed. This is – was – her room,” said Havers.

“Did
she share it with anyone?” asked Fisk.

“No.
And before you ask if I thought that was unusual, I did. But I did not pursue
the matter.”

“Thank
you, Mr. Havers,” said Fisk. “You may go now.”

The
butler looked insulted by the dismissal, but he did obey the directive. Alex
shut the door after him.

“It’s
a bit unusual for a maid to have a room of her own, isn’t it?” asked Fisk.

Alex
nodded, even as he looked around the room that was small and unkempt. The bed
wasn’t made, the wardrobe door was ajar and he could smell stale tobacco
smoke. “In the house where I grew up, senior servants, such as the butler,
housekeeper and cook had their own rooms, but not usually maids. And I know my
mother never would have allowed a member of staff to leave her room in such
disarray. Has it been searched? Or is this the way she always kept it?”

“Hard
to tell,” said Grayson, as he searched the small bureau. “But she does seem to
have several nice gowns for a maid.”

“It’s
not uncommon for the lady of the house to give her cast-off garments to maids,”
said Alex.

“But
I cannot imagine Win wearing any of these gowns. They’re too garish by half.
And this….” Here he held up a pair of silk garters covered in red hearts.
“It’s just not her style.”

“Perhaps
you are better acquainted with Lady Winifred than you let on,” said Alex and
even he could hear how jealous he sounded.

Grayson
snorted his laughter. “Calm down, Lewis. Her brothers would have my bollocks
if I acted inappropriately with either of the sisters, and I do wish to keep
myself intact. What have we here?” He pulled a coin purse out of a drawer.
“I found this stuffed in a stack of her, uh, female supplies. There must be
over one hundred pounds in here. Well more than five years’ salary. And
somehow I doubt Tawny was much of a saver.”

“Perhaps
Pierce was paying her for her services?” asked Fisk.

“I
know French courtesans who aren’t this well paid,” said Grayson. “No, I think
Tawny was blackmailing someone and it might have gotten her killed.” He handed
the purse to Fisk.

They
could hear the knocker on the front door.

“That’s
probably Bow Street,” said Fisk.

“Grayson
and I should probably go,” said Alex. “I’d rather not answer questions
tonight.”

“I
have a few myself that I’d like answers to,” said Fisk. “Not the least of
which is why the two of you have teamed up together.”

He
omitted the involvement of the ladies, for which Alex was grateful. He assumed
Havers was listening through the keyhole and he most certainly didn’t want the
butler asking questions.

“That
is a tale for another day. But Sergeant,” said Grayson as he pulled out
several coins from his own purse. “I would like you to give this to your
veteran friends.”

Fisk
looked a bit uncomfortable. “We cannot be bribed, my lord. I’m still intent on
getting to the bottom of what has been happening in this house.”

“I
could not agree more. And this is not a bribe. It is only enough coins for a
few decent meals and possibly a place to stay. We do appreciate your
assistance – all of you.”

“Thank
you, milord. And if I might ask a favor on their behalf, they’re each of them
looking for employment. Honest work, preferred. If you know of anything, that
would be payment enough.”

“Very
well. I’ll make some inquiries then get back to you.”

“I
appreciate that, sir.”

Alex
and Grayson slipped out of the house, then kept to the shadows until they were
well past being overheard.

Alex
turned to Grayson. “Do you have anything in mind for Fisk’s friends?”

“I’ve
heard that Olson works with an organization that offers former prostitutes free
passage to America. I assume he has need for security. I have a feeling those
men would be formidable fighters, especially in a just cause. I’ll talk to
him.”

“It’s
going to be hard to keep up your pretense as an empty-headed fribble if you
keep getting involved in just causes, my lord.”

The
marquess smiled wryly. “I might be in trouble if I didn’t play the part quite
so believably.”

“One
more thing, if I may.” Alex turned to face him. “You and Lady Rose were alone
in those tunnels for quite some time. I hope you didn’t take advantage of
her. It would have been a unique opportunity to do so since her brothers can
never find out about this.”

Grayson
stood straighter, making him a good four inches taller than Alex. “I could ask
you the same thing about Win. She is in an extremely vulnerable position right
now and you literally have the power to see if she lives or dies. If you
pressure her into anything, I’ll kill you. And that is not an idle threat.”

“I
could have you arrested for that. But suffice it to say I would never use my
power like that – over anyone. Especially a woman who has been through what
she has.”

The
two men stood face-to-face for several tense moments. Alex even considered
striking the man, knowing that a brawl might be the best thing to take the edge
off the impossible situation he found himself in.

Finally,
Grayson spoke. “I have your word that you will not take advantage of Win?”

“Of
course. But I must have your word that you will not take advantage of Lady
Rose.”

“I
would never do anything to harm her. Which is one reason I try to stay as far
away from her as possible.”

Both
men seemed satisfied, though it was difficult to back down. And a part of Alex
still wanted to brawl. But finally, he held out his hand and Grayson shook it.
“Thank you for coming to me last night. I may need your continued assistance
in the coming days.”

“I
am at your service.”

*

Win
lay awake. Rose was lying on her side next to her, sleeping peacefully. She
looked more like a girl when she was asleep, but there was no mistaking that
she was truly a young lady in love. Win had seen a different side to Grayson
during their time at the house. She remembered him fondly from their youth,
but he’d always seemed like a rebellious young man out to disappoint his tyrant
of a father at every opportunity.

She’d
not seen him since her wedding, but she’d read the gossip sheets and there’d
been plenty of tales about the Marquess of G, as they’d rather transparently
alluded to him. Tales of gaming, drinking, unclothed dips in fountains and
suspected affairs that had on more than one occasion nearly ended in a duel.
Win suspected Grayson’s reputation as a skilled marksman had been his saving
grace.

But
tonight, she’d seen the clear-headed nobleman who’d somehow convinced the
Crown’s barrister to break into her house in search of evidence. Win could
easily see her sister married to that Grayson. The one the gossip sheets
wouldn’t recognize.

She
was concerned about Rose, but what was keeping Win awake were thoughts of
Alexander Lewis.

He
affected her physically. When they’d met, her initial reaction had been one of
fear. And for a moment in the dark tunnel, she’d been frightened again. But
she’d also worried about him when he’d fainted. And his subsequent
embarrassment had made him so vulnerable. He’d been protective, though
hopelessly naïve, when he thought he could make her stay back when Rose might
be in trouble.

And
she’d liked holding his hand. Even now, she found it hard to believe that
she’d liked a man’s touch. And he was all man. His hand was large. The
fingers short, but powerful. She knew he could inflict pain if he chose to do
so. That was a sobering thought. But, somehow, she didn’t think he would ever
do so to someone who didn’t deserve it.

She’d
thought he might kiss her once he awakened from his faint. Even more
extraordinary, she might have let him.

It
was no wonder she could not sleep. Her life was changing in every conceivable
way. Now she just had to live to enjoy it.

Rose tried to hide her nervousness on the hack ride to
Grayson’s bachelor flat on the outskirts of Mayfair. She’d originally wanted
to walk, but Stemple had insisted they take a hack because he didn’t want her
seen skulking about – as he phrased it – in such a disreputable neighborhood.

He’d learned the address the previous evening, and as
soon as he’d discreetly informed her while she was breaking her fast, she’d
insisted on paying a call that very morning. She wasn’t certain Grayson would
keep their midnight excursion a secret. It would be just like him to become
protective and then inform Colin, Nick and James. She had to make sure he
didn’t.

She’d wondered just how disreputable his neighborhood
was, then was rather disappointed to discover it was quite like Mayfair, but
with slightly smaller homes, some of which had flats in them. She wasn’t sure
what she’d been expecting. Opry dancers flitting about, for instance? A
menagerie of exotic animals in the garden? But the reality was rather boring.

She’d been too nervous to speak in the hack ride over
and Stemple had been brooding. She was afraid he would change his mind midway
and she’d have to return home. Only Maude had kept up a cheery conversation,
largely carried on with herself.

The hack finally pulled up in front of a stately
building that could nevertheless do with a fresh coat of paint. Perhaps, if
conversation lagged, she could bring that up with Nate.

She didn’t know how long she’d been staring up at the
building, when Stemple gently ushered her along. “If you’re determined to do
this, my lady – even though I think it’s a mistake – it’s best you move into
the building. I wouldn’t want anyone to see you out here.”

“You are correct, of course,” said Rose, as Stemple
opened the door for her and his wife. “I’m surprised Grayson doesn’t employ a
butler.”

“The lords who live in bachelors’ quarters tend to
value their privacy,” said Stemple. “I suspect they don’t want too many people
knowing the comings and goings of their guests.”

Suddenly, Rose wondered just how many ladies had come there
before her. Then she was hit with a particularly lowering thought. Nate could
have a lady in his flat right now. She halted as she considered the
potentially mortifying situation.

“Would you like to leave, my lady?” asked Stemple
hopefully.

Rose steeled herself. She was no coward. “No. I
have come this far. I shall continue onward,” she said, a good deal braver than
she felt.

They searched the building until they reached the
correct door and Stemple knocked three times.

“The hall looks clean,” said Maude. “That’s always a
good sign.”

“Even rakes can be tidy,” said Stemple disapprovingly.

“I do not believe Grayson is a rake,” said Rose.

Stemple’s look clearly disagreed with her. Yet he
knocked three more times. “He is not home, my lady. Let us leave now…”

From the other side of the door, they heard Grayson’s
voice. “Who the devil is calling at such an ungodly hour? I swear I’ll string
you up by the bollocks if this is…” He opened the door wearing nothing –
nothing at all – but a silk dressing gown.

Rose was absolutely shocked. Beyond shocked. His
golden hair was in disarray. In fact it looked like he’d just arisen from bed
and only hastily thrown on his dressing gown. A vee of skin showed at his
throat and –
goodness
– his legs were exposed from the knees downward
and his feet were bare.

Rose knew she was being scandalous by gawking, but it
was truly his fault for answering the door in such a state of undress.

For his part, Nate looked as surprised to see her as
she did him. But he recovered first. Then frowned. “What are you doing
here?”

“I….” Her mouth was too dry to speak and her wits had
taken their leave once she’d seen his lack of attire.

For a moment they both stood and stared.

Then Stemple broke the silence. “My lady, you cannot
wish to be seen in the hallway talking to a half-dressed lord. Might I suggest
we leave before you are discovered?”

“No,” said Rose, finally finding her voice. “But you
have the right of it. I shouldn’t be discovered in the hall. Are you going to
invite us in, my lord?”

Nate hesitated for a moment.

“Either in or out, my lord,” Stemple ground out. “But
she cannot linger in the hall.”

“Very well,” said Grayson. “Do come in.”

He opened the door to allow Rose and Maude to enter,
then was closing it as Stemple placed a booted foot in the way. “I am coming
in.” It was a statement not a question. “And you are getting dressed, unless
you want me to escort Lady Rosemary home again.” That was also a statement,
not a question.

Grayson was bemused. “Are you Rose’s guardian?”

“It is Lady Rosemary to you, my lord. We met briefly
in Wiltshire one day. I believe you were unwell.”

“I believe he was deeply in his cups,” said Maude with
a curtsy. “I am Mrs. Stemple and that is my husband, Mr. Stemple. And you’d
best do as he says and get dressed or he’ll bundle us out of here quick as he
can.”

“You are all talking as if I summoned Rose…I mean Lady
Rose. And I do not recall doing so.”

He looked at Rose curiously, but with such an intense
stare that she felt it to her bones. She was once again robbed of wits and
speech.

“Perhaps you need assistance dressing, Lord Grayson,”
said Stemple. “I can accompany you to your chamber, shut the door and work
something out.”

“I can dress myself, thank you,” said Nate,
acknowledging the not-so-veiled threat. “If you ladies will excuse me.”

He bowed to Rose and Maude, then pointedly turned his
back on Stemple before departing for his bedchamber which was, hopefully,
unoccupied.

Rose turned her attention to the small room they were
in, which seemed to be a combination library, sitting room and dining area.
There was very little in it that would distinguish it as belonging to Nate.
But it had a distinct masculine air about it. It was so intimate being there,
knowing this was where he spent his time when he wasn’t in Wiltshire. She’d
often wondered why he had bachelors’ quarters when his father, the Duke of
Bancroft, had a town house he seldom used. But it was just one of many things
she didn’t know about Grayson.

Such as how it was he’d shown up at Win’s house the
previous night in the company of Mr. Lewis.

“My lady,” began Stemple.

“I’m not leaving,” she said. “Not yet.”

Nate reappeared, looking more – but not completely –
respectable. He’d donned trousers, a shirt and waistcoat, but wore no cravat
and his feet were still bare. She couldn’t get over her fascination with his
feet. She never knew feet could be so interesting. In fact…

He must have noticed her staring because he was rather
amused when he asked, “Is there something I can help you with, Lady Rosemary?”
Then he languidly wiggled the toes on one foot.

She blushed. “Yes, well, I need to speak with you.”
Hoping for some privacy, she looked pointedly at Stemple, who rather pointedly
ignored her.

“I believe the lady would like you to wait in the
hall,” Grayson said to him.

“That is not going to happen,” said Stemple.

“Are you often in the habit of disregarding her
wishes?”

“No. But I think I’ll make a habit of it if she
insists on doing more foolhardy errands in the future.”

“Please Stemple, I will be but a minute,” said Rose.
“And you can trust Lord Grayson. He would never harm me.”

Stemple stared at Grayson, sizing him up. “I believe
Lord Ridgeway would prefer that I stay.”

“I cannot imagine Ridgeway would want any of you here,”
said Nate. “Am I right in assuming he does not know about your visit, Lady
Rosemary?”

“Colin doesn’t need to know everything I do. I am
almost nineteen and no longer a child.”

Nate seemed to consider that before moving to the door
and opening it. “Mr. Stemple, please wait in the hall. I have a feeling Lady
Rosemary will not leave until she has shared what she came here to tell me.
And if you truly want her to go…”

“I very much do, my lord.”

“Then your absence will hasten that along.”

“So you think I mean to leave you alone with Lady
Rosemary and my wife?” Stemple seemed most incredulous at the very notion.

“Actually, I suspect Lady Rosemary would like Mrs.
Stemple to wait with you in the hall, as well.”

“I would,” said Rose, with a pleading look to Maude.
“It shan’t take long. But I would appreciate it.”

“Out of the question,” said Stemple.

Now it was Maude’s turn to take Grayson’s measure.
But first she looked pointedly at the nearly empty brandy decanter. “We shall
go outside for ten minutes only,” she said. “I hope, my lord, that you will
remember Lady Rosemary is a lady and you a gentleman and act accordingly.”

“Barring that,” said Stemple. “I hope you’ll
recognize that I am not a gentleman and won’t hesitate to hurt you badly if you
dare make an improper advance on Lady Rose.”

“Stemple!” said Rose. “You cannot threaten the man.
There are laws against that.”

“She’s right,” said Nate, leaning casually against the
door frame. “If you harmed me, I could have you arrested.”

“That’s assuming they’d ever find your body. Which
they wouldn’t. Just think of me as a substitute for Lord Ridgeway, Lord Layton
and Lord James combined. You have ten minutes. No more.”

Then Maude joined her husband and Rose heard her call
him her hero before Grayson closed the door after them.

Meaning they were completely alone in Grayson’s private
quarters.

*

“I like that man,” said Nate.

“I am certain he wouldn’t truly harm you.”

“Actually, I am certain he would, which is why I like
him so much. Loyalty and protectiveness are excellent traits in any
relationship. In servants, they are invaluable. Because I believe I am
correct in assuming you didn’t tell your brothers about this visit. Nor would
they be very happy if they knew of it.”

Nate had spent much of the previous night – well, the
few short hours he’d been asleep – thinking of Rose. He hadn’t expected to see
her at Win’s house and he’d been wholly unprepared for his intense need to
protect her. He’d been concerned about both Rose and Win’s safety, of course.
But while he’d watched over Win like a brother, he’d been protective of Rose
like a lover.

Like a husband, though that would be impossible, of
course.

He’d been in the middle of a sensual dream about her
when he’d been rudely summoned from his bed by the knocking. In his dream
they’d been in his bed in the castle. His suite was in the turret and he’d
imagined imprisoning her there as he made her every wish come true. Of course,
his throbbing cock was a reminder that, dream or not, his attraction to her was
only growing stronger. He casually moved behind a chair to hide his arousal.
She’d been fascinated enough with his bare feet. Lord only knew what she’d do
if she saw the bulging evidence of his interest.

He’d known Rose forever. And there was a damningly
awkward eight-year age gap between them. He’d grown up with her brothers and
she’d tagged along as soon as she could keep up. He’d been fond of her as a
child and had admired her intelligence as she’d been an adolescent intent on
her studies. The old earl had been a vicious bastard and while Nate didn’t
think he’d ever beaten the girls like he had the boys, he’d been cruel to them
just the same. Win had withdrawn into her art. Rose had thrown herself into
her studies. She would have done well at university if women had been allowed
to attend.

Then came the awkward moment when she’d been sixteen
and Nate had caught a glimpse of the beautiful woman she’d one day become.
He’d felt terrible having those thoughts since she was so young, not to mention
his friends’ sister. So he’d kept his distance and teased her mercilessly.
Fortunately, his work kept him away from Wiltshire, so he’d been able to stay
out of her intoxicating orbit.

But then he’d seen her this past Christmas and even
though he’d been deep in his cups, as Mrs. Stemple had said, he’d been
bewitched by her once again, even falling off his horse at the sight of her.

That had been rather embarrassing. It was one thing
to play the fool and quite another to be one.

Now she was almost nineteen and getting more beautiful
by the day. But she was still so much younger than he and still his friends’
sister.

And what the devil was she doing in his flat?

“Thorn,” he said, using his old nickname for her.
“What are you doing here? Are you afraid I’ll tell your brothers about your
nighttime excursion? I should, you know. It was a dangerous stunt and could
have gotten you both killed.”

“Yes, I believe you made your displeasure clear last
night. But in the end, no harm came to us and we were indispensable in moving
the case forward. What do you think of Mr. Lewis? Can he be trusted? Or does
he plan to use this against Win?”