The Wolf of Winterthorne: Scandalous Secrets, Book 4 (19 page)

Arabella leaned into him, placing her cheek against his vest. “How is it that you can make all of this insanity sound rational? How is it that you comprehend what I am feeling better than I do myself?”

This man did understand her. He didn’t fault her for feeling betrayal, rage, panic, and for her insatiable thirst for vengeance.

“Anyone else would be fleeing in the opposite direction from me,” she laced her hands around his neck, meeting his gaze. “But you … you are placing yourself in harm’s way for me.”

Kissing her forehead, Logan whispered. “I would do anything for you. Besides, I do have a penchant for impropriety and peril.”

“Am I not the fortunate one?” she smiled.

“Yes,” the Dowager Viscountess interrupted their
tête-à-tête
 
from her seat near the windows. “I dare say you are both quite fortuitous, for you have a chaperone who isn’t scolding you at this very moment for that kiss and embrace.”

Logan and Arabella’s heads both snapped towards the elder woman.

“I am not blind,” she assured them with perfect annunciation. “What I am, is happy to see Logan so content, however, do not think for one moment that I am opposed to rapping your knuckles with my cane if you attempt anything less than marrying each other after this intrigue is settled.”

“Yes, my Lady,” Logan tipped his head, resting it against Arabella’s. Her blonde curls intoxicated him with her signature scent of lavender and vanilla.

Arabella stifled a giggle. “I promise, my Lady.”

Fiona winked at them.

“Excuse me, Mr. Ambrose,” the footman announced from the doorway. “You have a visitor.”

Logan squeezed Arabella’s hand. “Both of you remain here.” It was his only command as he raced down the hall.

He found his visitor in the parlor, the same room as he previously instructed his footman to direct all visitors, though this particular caller was far from threatening.

“I assured your footman that I wasn’t armed, though he failed to believe me,” Lady Victoria MacAlistair held her hands in the air then twirled, a flourish of indigo satin rustling as she spun in place. “Apparently, he is under the absurd notion that I am hiding something under my skirts.”

Shrugging, Logan kissed the back of her gloved hand. “I shall have a conversation with him.”

“No need. I
am
formidable and it gives me a respectable amount of satisfaction to learn that he noticed.” Victoria winked at him.

“Indeed,” Logan offered her a smile. “Dare I ask what brings you here? Did Colin send you?”

Colin and Victoria were family. Half-siblings through their father. Most unconventional. She and her husband, Tristan, Colin’s half-brother through the men’s mother, had welcomed Logan into the fold.

Their entire families had. Both branches. What Logan wouldn’t give for a clan like theirs … though complicated, they loved one another and offered unconditional support and protection. Through scandals and misunderstandings.

It never ceased to amaze him.

Victoria peeled her gloves from her long, patrician fingers. “I insisted upon this visit.”

She must have perceived Logan’s confusion for Victoria clarified, “You seek information about Arabella Sutton and her employer.”

“Are you acquainted with her employer?” Logan steeled his shoulders, inhaling a deep breath in the attempt to calm his erratic pulse.

Could this be the lead they sought?

“Why, Logan Ambrose, how you underestimate me,” Victoria slapped her silk gloves against her palm. “You could learn a thing or two from that footman of yours for I
am
Arabella Sutton’s employer.”

Upon leading Lady Victoria into the library, Fiona’s squeal of excitement was so high-pitched that it caused Logan’s ears to ring.

“Victoria!” The Dowager Viscountess stood, leaning against her cane. “Oh, my darling! I am thrilled to see you!”

Victoria raced to the kind woman, embracing her in an immediate hug. “I have missed you, Fiona. As have Tristan and the children.”

“How are Ian and Sophie?” Fiona reached for Victoria’s long, auburn hair with shimmering highlights, brushing it away from her shoulder.

“They are growing so quickly, I can hardly believe it. Much like your granddaughter.” Victoria’s smile was like a ray of sunshine illuminating the room. “We all played together just yesterday. Eve and the children have resided at Kellington Manor with us while Colin has conducted his investigation.”

“Ah, yes. Thank you for keeping them safe,” Fiona patted the young woman’s cheek.

A glint of understanding emanated from Victoria’s azure eyes. “Always.” She turned towards Arabella, offering her a sweet smile. One clearly meant to place her at ease. “Hello. Pray, forgive me for interrupting your afternoon.”

Arabella held a thick, leather-bound volume in her hand. “There is no need to ask for my forgiveness. This is Logan’s home and I take it that you are … well acquainted.” Tilting her head to the side, she studied the scene with a quizzical expression.

“I shall allow Lady Victoria to explain,” Logan interjected. After all he had learned in the parlor, it seemed like the most logical course of action.

With a bemused smile, Victoria squeezed Fiona’s shoulder. “I have known this fashionable woman since the day I was born.” She paused to smooth the multicolored fur around Fiona’s neck. The elder woman wore a gown resembling a rainbow, with the pattern repeating, until it made one dizzy to study the garment for too long. “Logan, on the other hand, is a dear friend of my half-brother – my husband’s half-brother. They are one and the same, you see. Colin is related to me through my father and Tristan through their mother though there is nothing incestuous, I assure you.”

Logan coughed behind his hand.

“What? Have I offended your demure sensibilities?” Victoria mocked.

A fit of laughter gripped Arabella. She clamped her hand over her mouth before lowering it and placing her hands behind her back. “My apologies. I just … I considered
my
family to be unconventional. Now I feel slightly less self-conscious about my own twin trying to kill me.”

Placing Bella at ease had been Victoria’s intention. Of that, Logan was certain. It was also a success.

“Oh, darling girl,” Fiona rapped her cane against the floor. “If you only knew more about our families. Search deep enough and one would discover scandals, family secrets, attempted murder, adultery … the list is long indeed.”

Victoria nodded, pausing to adjust her jaunty indigo hat sitting atop her auburn curls. “Lest we forget arson, defying convention, and publically chastising the
haut ton
—”

“Oh, I adored that last one very much! I wish I had been there to witness you hurling powder at that dreadful woman!”

“Powder?” Arabella arched her brow, turning towards Logan.

She wore a cornflower blue gown today, made of satin and lace. It brought out the blue in her eyes, and the caramel highlights in her blonde hair. Arabella looked enchanting and the very sight of her caused Logan’s heart to leap in response.

“Yes, it is quite the story,” he winked at Bella.

“Imagine, if you will, Lady Victoria MacAlistair,” Fiona’s gray eyes glinted with mischief as she narrated the tale, her cadence filled with flourish, as if she were brandishing a wand and weaving an incredible tale. “Wife to the heir of the Viscount of Cavendish’s title and fortune, taking credit for dumping powder over a fellow member of the
ton
and chastising the whole lot in attendance. I have never been so proud of you, my darling. Your mother would have been so as well.”

Victoria met Arabella’s gaze. “In my defense, the woman did disparage my child and gossip about my husband.”

“Logan once told me propriety is overrated,” Arabella’s mouth upturned into a grin, her tone laced with awe. “I had no idea how much he meant it.”

“He and Colin have that in common,” Fiona drawled.

“As do we,” Victoria chimed in, glancing again at Arabella. “Our families are all of the same mind on that particular subject.”

Arabella studied the regal, auburn-haired woman who stood across the room, her indigo gaze holding Bella’s, offering her a warm, knowing glance.

In Victoria, Arabella saw kindness. It was in her gentle grin, emanating from her bright eyes … compassion, intermingled with concern.

Bella felt an immediate connection and instantly took a liking to Victoria, just as she had upon meeting Colin, Eve, and Lady Weston. Though there was something more …

Could it be a familiarity?

Scrutinizing Lady Victoria, Bella watched as the sweet woman offered the Dowager Viscountess assistance, guiding her until the elder was settled comfortably in her chaise. Fiona’s silver ringlets bobbed about her head as she conversed animatedly with her friend.

The Dowager Viscountess’s friend …

There was something about Lady Victoria that Arabella couldn’t quite place. Granted, her infectious smile disarmed one, as did her ease of conversation and ability to make one feel welcome and sane when Bella’s life felt anything but. Then there was her tone, gentle yet teasing, optimistic in the face of serious topics.

Bella couldn’t shake the feeling that she had been acquainted with Lady Victoria. But how? Victoria and her husband had children … could Bella have been their governess?

Squinting, Arabella studied the woman now standing before her. Their eyes locked, Lady Victoria’s gaze radiating compassion and …

Was it recognition?

“If I were to ask if I know you …” Arabella focused on Lady Victoria’s smooth visage – her high cheekbones, full lips and auburn hair.

“Welcome to Ainsley, Miss Sutton. I am glad you have accepted my offer.”

Like all of the other flashes of recognition, this came with a jolt. One so powerful that Arabella leaned against the bookshelf to steady herself. “I know you. I-I worked for you!”

Victoria and Logan ran to Arabella, each offering support.

“Steady, now,” Victoria offered Bella her arm. “See, Logan? I told you I was unforgettable.”

“Don’t let it go to your head, my Lady,” Logan drawled as he took Arabella’s other arm.

“Perhaps you should sit?” Victoria prompted.

Arabella steeled her shoulders. “No, thank you, though. Please continue.”

“You were under my employ,” Lady Victoria’s tone was gentle. “At Ainsley, my boarding school.”

“Orphanage,” Logan corrected her.

Lady Victoria sighed, “My school. You were one of my most beloved teachers. Kind, steadfast and professional. Everyone loved you, especially the children. Until one day you announced to my head mistress that you had acquired another position and voiced your intention to leave. You packed your belongings and departed immediately thereafter.”

“Why would I do such a thing?” Arabella’s thoughts swirled, a whirlwind of emotions thrusting about, gaining momentum.

Kind.

Steadfast.

Professional.

“How could I do something so completely out of character?”

“I wondered the same thing. It was unlike you not to speak with me in person, especially since I hired you and we had an amiable rapport. My relationship with my staff is unconventional, you see, and I am accessible to those under my employ.”

Arabella shook her head. “This makes no sense. Why would I leave a beloved position without a word to the woman who appointed me? Especially when you were so amiable?”

Arabella recalled Logan’s retelling of their conversation years prior. Why would she ever accuse him of being beneath her?

Wasn’t that out of character, as well?

She loved him.

Then and now.

Of that, Bella was certain.

“None of this makes sense,” Arabella shook her head. “None of this sounds like me.”

“I agree,” Lady Victoria glanced from Arabella to Logan before returning her attention to Bella. “That is what I contemplated, as well. Until I spoke with Colin. It appears that your announcement and subsequent departure from Ainsley occurred the morning after Logan discovered you fleeing onto his property. No matter how talented I know you to be, Miss Sutton, even you cannot be in two places at once.”