Buch lesen: «The Midnight Rake»

Writing a novel can be much like raising a child. You put your heart and soul into your efforts. You do your very best. You nurture and worry over every choice and then pray in the end you’ve done enough. Thank you, Mom and Dad for a loving, happy childhood.

Chapter One

“Charles! Why are we stopping?” Victoria Betcham, Countess of Fenhurst, pushed aside the crimson velvet curtain obstructing her view of the open road and poked her head through the square carriage window. Her eyes scanned the empty roadway. They’d been traveling at an excellent pace toward London. The unexpected slowing was not due to traffic. “Charles?”

The coachman’s voice rang over the noise of the slowing team as the carriage rolled to an abrupt stop. “A mail coach is blocking the road, my lady. There is no way for us to pass.”

“Mon dieu! This is inconvenient. Is anyone hurt? Can you locate the driver?” She angled her head in an attempt to see past the floorboard iron, but had no success. Reluctant to leave the safe confines of her carriage, Victoria trusted her coachman to resolve the issue with intelligence. She did not suffer fools well and Charles had been in her employ for over twenty years.

A country road far outside of London was nowhere to be stranded and a variety of perils flittered through her mind until the vision of a threatening highwayman determined to snare a respected aristocrat caused her to bundle her pelisse and reticule closer. A crack of thunder emphasized her concern. Would she have to contend with poor weather as well? The roads would become impassable, leaving her abandoned and at risk for danger. Vulnerability was not a desirable traveling companion. She anxiously awaited Charles’ return.

“It appears the driver needs assistance in pushing the conveyance to the side. Broken rear axle, as I can see.” Charles climbed from the front boot and addressed her through the window. “We will resume shortly, although I do not know how the two young ladies will manage.”

The coachman’s latter comment was spoken as an afterthought, but it pricked Victoria’s attention more than his announcement they’d soon continue their journey.

“Ladies? Where?” Quelle horreur! Genteel ladies did not travel by mail coach. If Charles’ assumption proved true, the two females were in a definite bind. Never mind the series of perils she’d catalogued only moments before. “Let me see them. Move aside, please.” She motioned at the door with a sharp wave of her hand.

Once the steps were extended, she exited the carriage far enough to assess the two petite travelers alongside the roadway. Their clothing portrayed them as quality and the sorrowful expression on the face of the taller miss tugged at Victoria’s heart.

“Bring them to me. Perhaps I can help. If the ladies mean to travel to London, there is room to share.”

Victoria watched the interaction with interest as her coachman complied with alacrity. The ladies approached and she noted their delicate features, most especially the innate poise of the older girl despite the weariness that clouded her eyes and descended to her dusty hems.

“My lady, may I present Miss Penelope Rosebery and her sister, Miss Aubry.” Charles nodded his head to initiate introductions. “Victoria Betcham, Countess of Fenhurst.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, although the circumstances are horrid.” She cast a disapproving glance to the disabled mail coach. “How fortunate I happened along. If you are bound for London, you’re welcome to accompany me.”

With mild amusement, Victoria watched Aubry’s eyes flare as she perused the luxurious carriage. Penelope, the older of the two and not a day past twenty-four if her assumption stood correct, looked as though she might fall asleep with the next breath.

“Thank you for your kindness. I am afraid we have little choice.” Penelope’s pensive expression softened as she accepted the offer. “We do appreciate your hospitality.”

“But of course. Conversation will be a welcome diversion during the long ride.”

Minutes later the carriage rolled on with all passengers settled inside. Victoria smiled with satisfaction despite the situation proved curious. Penelope remained silent, nestled beside her sister. Aubry appeared of the opposite nature, her bright eyes anxious for conversation with no shadow of the hesitation evident in her sister’s guarded demeanor. “I have never ridden in a vehicle so fine.” Aubry’s gaze flitted about the interior as if wishing to absorb every detail. “It’s very beautiful.”

The carriage swayed and Victoria noticed Penelope’s eyes slide closed before the girl forced them open, each attempt a little slower than the previous. In many ways the young miss evoked images of her daughter, Julia, currently living away from home.

“My dear, there is no need to clutter the air with conversation when fatigue plagues you.” She reached across the coach and offered Penelope’s knee a gentle pat. Who knew how long the ladies suffered in that cramped mail coach? With a full day of travel ahead, it made sense for the girl to take a nap.

“Please do not think me rude. I haven’t slept well in weeks, and now within the comfort of your wonderful carriage, sleep begs me forward no matter how I resist.”

“Not at all. You must take advantage of the time. It will be hours before we reach London.”

Aubry shifted on the bench, her attention drawn toward her sister. “Penny, you should rest.”

Victoria noticed the silent communication between the girls, as if pages of words were intimated with a flick of their eyelashes.

“I suppose a short nap would serve me well.” Penelope’s voice faded toward the end, a sigh of surrender overriding her admittance.

“Excellent.” Victoria’s tone echoed her approval. “Aubry and I will share pleasant conversation while you take respite. It will provide us a chance to become better acquainted.”

“Oh.” Penelope shot her shoulders straight and shook her head as if to clear her thoughts. “I can stay awake.” She glanced in Aubry’s direction, her eyes forced wide.

“Don’t be ridiculous, dear.” Victoria leaned forward and squeezed Penelope’s hand. “I insist.”

“As do I.” Aubry nodded her head confirming the sentiment.

As if fighting prevarication, time stretched before Penelope finally adjusted her position and reclined her head against the velvet bolster. They traveled only a quarter of a mile before she fell into a sound sleep and Aubry initiated conversation in a hushed tone.

“Thank you so much, Lady Fenhurst. My sister has been extremely worried these last weeks. I’m afraid the mail coach incident proved the final affront to her endurance.”

“I am happy to lend my assistance. If only I could do more.” Victoria eyed her reticule resting on the seat beside her, but abandoned her immediate thought. “Pardon my interference, but traveling by mail coach is not a prudent decision. Where will you stay when you reach London? Are you visiting family?” She continued, leaving no chance for a response. “One must be on guard against danger, most especially in the city. My daughter is of a similar age and has the same impetuous nature I suspect the two of you possess.”

For the slightest moment Victoria allowed a frown to turn her lips before she regained her cheerful demeanor. She worried for Julia and her broken heart, but nothing could be done about the matter. At least, not at the present.

“Oh, our decision to travel has nothing to do with adventure and we have no plans to see family.” Aubry glanced to her sister, in a sound sleep beside her. “Once we reach London, we need to visit a jeweler.” With care, she reached across the seat, grasped her sister’s reticule, and withdrew a gold pocket watch. She cradled it in her palm, gathering the long linked chain and closing her fingers tight.

Victoria watched Aubry’s actions with increased interest. The manner in which the girl handled the timepiece indicated it was precious indeed. Coupled with her forlorn expression and watery eyes, she surmised the watch held great sentimental value.

“What are you meaning to do?” The question needed to be asked regardless of its personal nature.

“Penelope hopes to sell my father’s watch so we have payment for a room in a lodging house.”

“A lodging house?” Victoria gasped at the words. “That idea will never do. Such unrefined housing would place you in the path of disreputable gentlemen and certain danger, most especially as you travel unchaperoned. My conscience could never survive were I to allow you to pursue this dreadful plan.” She shook her head to erase the thought, her eyes coming to rest on the glint of gold clenched in Aubry’s hand. “You cannot sell your father’s watch. I am sure it is a cherished keepsake.”

“He passed only eight months ago.” Aubry’s voice trembled as she whispered the words. Then with silent reserve, she replaced the watch inside her sister’s purse and cinched the drawstrings with more force than necessary. The action seemed to compose her unsettled emotions. When again she spoke, her voice sounded even. “I am afraid we have no other choice. We have a problem to solve. We need to locate someone.”

“My dear, you must reveal the person’s name so I may help you. I am traveling to the family townhouse where my son is in residence. We can enlist his aid in resolving your quandary. I’m only privy to the discussions traded in the retiring room, but young men have their fingers on the pulse of the city. My son is most dutiful. I am certain he will assist you, as will I.” She laughed at the girl’s brightened expression, her face beaming with anxious questions.

“Truly?” Aubry’s eyes twinkled with excitement. “If somehow you could assist Penelope in gaining entry to social engagements, I’m sure our problem will be solved. Once she finds—” She stalled midsentence and took a shortened breath before restarting. “Once Penelope is able to mix with society, things will be much better.”

Victoria eyed the girl with speculative curiosity. “Of course, I insist you both stay with me while we iron out this little dilemma. I am happy for the company. My daughter, Julia, is currently away from home and I miss her dearly. Having the two of you in house will be splendid companionship.” She leaned forward and clasped Aubry’s hand in an affectionate gesture.

“That sounds wonderful, but I am not sure my sister…” Aubry slid her eyes toward Penelope in confirmation she remained asleep. “Perhaps we should wait until Penny wakes up.”

No longer speaking in a whisper, Victoria wondered if the girl attempted to rouse her sister with the suggestion. Aubry’s precocious nature proved both charming and endearing. Victoria smiled with pleasure, determined to help the ladies.

“Not to worry about your sister. I imagine she would feel relieved to have this problem solved.” Victoria paused, although she had no intention of allowing Aubry to refuse. When no objection was voiced, she could not be more pleased. “So it’s all decided. Imagine how surprised your sister will be when she awakes to discover one of her concerns settled. Now let me tell you about my son, Phineas. He is a handsome, dashing gentleman who knows all the very best people in London.”

Phineas Betcham, Viscount Fenhurst, stood on the grassy banks of the Tyburn tributary hoping to catch a fish or two before completing the journey to his London townhouse. The sport was intended to relax him, but today it caused the opposite effect as Phin’s thoughts lingered on his sister Julia, now residing in Brighton after a decision to take a brief holiday. He hoped his mother’s suggestion of a change of scenery provided the cure for Julia’s heartache. Having returned from depositing Julia safely with their aunt and uncle, he impulsively chose to spend the late morning angling rather than travel the final distance home.

The dank murkiness of the Tyburn presented a pale comparison to the crystal blue waters of Brighton. Still for all its pretty scenery, he doubted the city’s charm would mend his sister’s broken heart. And while he knew Lord Winton well enough and certainly never heard a disreputable word attached to his title, there was absolutely no explaining the man’s sudden decision to sever ties with Julia. The two had all but announced their betrothal. Winton’s sudden change in sentiment seemed odd; the display of contrary emotion offering Phineas another reason to remain unencumbered and thoroughly entrenched in bachelorhood.

His sister deserved some type of explanation to soothe her disappointment over Winton’s illogical dismissal. The gentleman’s abrupt drop from society could only be labeled dishonorable. Julia pleaded with him to discover what caused Winton’s fickle change of heart and while Phin endeavored to keep free of personal entanglements, he would be hard pressed to watch his sister suffer unnecessarily. With reluctance, he’d agreed to pursue the man on his sister’s behalf in hope of extracting an accounting for his recent behavior.

Phineas adjusted the drum of the reel and secured the wooden lace bobbin, casting as far into the waters as possible, the skittering noise of his line advancing as it arched through the sky a familiar sound. He rubbed the lucky penny in his trouser pocket, but luck was not his.

After an hour of similar failure, Phin conceded. He’d had no success and snapped his fishing rod when it caught on an unexpected quagmire. In a darker mood than earlier, he sunk into the leather squabs of his carriage and signaled to the driver with a sharp rap to the ceiling. He wished for nothing more than the sweet solitude he’d find upon arriving home. His mother remained at their country estate, Betcham Manor. His father had embarked on a grand tour months before and would continue his travels indefinitely. The allure of absolute quiet, a late supper and the respite to be found in his large bed, tempted with idyllic suggestion. He eased back against the cushions and relaxed, anticipating the peacefulness awaiting him at home.

Restlessness became his enemy and at last he arrived. Too anxious for the footman’s arrival, Phin’s boots hit the pavement before the carriage stopped in the drive. He bounded up the stone steps leading to the main entrance and barely reached the brass knob before the door flew wide, his butler present on the other side. The servant’s perturbed expression gave Phineas immediate pause.

“What is it, Jenkins?” The man’s usual conviviality appeared absent.

“Your mother, my lord.”

Phineas pushed into the marble-laid foyer, his eyes sweeping from wall to wall in uncertainty. “Is everything alright?” His voice was laced with concern. “Has a message arrived? Is there news of which I need to be made aware?”

The butler cleared his throat and leaned forward a fraction. “Your mother is here. She is currently upstairs. The household did not expect Her Grace’s arrival and I am afraid the sudden visit has upended the staff.”

“Jenkins, you alarmed me. Have a care.” Phineas relaxed, shrugging out of his waistcoat to hand to the servant. Then brushing a palm down his face, he exhaled fully. “Surely my mother’s unexpected arrival should not discomfort the staff. The house has been kept aright and I’ve only been gone a fortnight. What seems to be the trouble?”

“She has arrived with houseguests, my lord. And…” Jenkins swallowed with palpable hesitation.

“Out with it.” Phin’s patience evaporated along with his envisioned tranquility. He wanted nothing more than the solitude of his bedchamber, and now the option had been taken from him. He’d be forced to show for dinner with his mother in house. She would desire a full accounting of his trip to Brighton. He could only conclude her sudden decision to journey into London had been prompted by her need for company while Julia remained on holiday.

But wait, didn’t Jenkins mention she’d arrived with companions? Phin released a disappointed groan. The only thing making a long dinner worse was forcing a mood of congeniality when all he desired was a good night’s rest.

A high pitched squawk from above stairs interrupted his dismal conclusions.

“No.” Phineas’ eyes flared with the realization. “Jenkins?”

“Yes, my lord,” The butler shook his head in forbiddance, confirming his master’s assumption. “Her Grace brought the parrot.”

Phin didn’t trust a reply. His mother’s pet parrot was a veritable nuisance. Not only did the bird’s incessant screeching guarantee all household decorum would be lost, but the pest had taken an unnatural dislike to him. The feelings were mutual. One look at the red macaw guaranteed the onset of a severe megrim.

He placed a hand on the butler’s shoulder in reassurance, unable to suppress the slight smile curling the edge of his mouth at the gravity in which Jenkins relayed the news. “It won’t be so terrible, I promise you.” He spoke the placating words in hope of setting the man at ease then paused as two maids rushed past, piles of freshly folded linen in their arms. His eyes followed them as they hurried up the far staircase. “Our home will not be turned topsy-turvy so easily.”

When the older servant made no reply, Phin repeated his vow. “You will see. I will not allow it.”

Determined to discover what his mother was about, he set a brisk pace across the hall, his eyes noting every detail of his home remained in order. Velvet curtains were drawn allowing daylight in, the tiles gleamed with fresh polish, and not a speck of dust could be found on the disciplined carvings of the satinwood furnishings. He rounded the corner of the corridor nearest the drawing room, only to pull up abruptly, unable to stop as he collided with a stranger who exited the same room. Their bodies bumped together with enough force to momentarily stun him. As he retreated, his chin brushed the hair swept across the lady’s forehead, his entire body confused by the unexpected collision and the instantaneous reaction of each of his senses.

She smelled like vanilla, sweet and tempting, and his stomach may have growled at the observation. One thing remained certain, the accidental caress against her person more than convinced him this stranger in his house felt warm and wonderfully soft in all the right places. He recovered manners with a shake of his head, and moved aside with reluctance.

Sunlight streamed through the drawing room windows and washed over the lady motionless in the doorway. By damn, her eyes were unusual, flecks of gold dancing in startling green. With effort he forced out a coherent string of words.

“Pardon me.” His gaze followed hers as it dipped to the floor where a pair of ivory gloves lay on the cerulean carpet. “If I may?”

His voice held a note of confusion he could not explain. Bending at the waist, part purposeful bow, he lifted the gloves with care. The silk appeared worn, and he noted the top glove was missing two of its four pearl buttons.

“Thank you, my lord.”

Her small hand snatched the gloves from his grasp before he could consider them further, her fingertips sweeping against his palm in a smooth, silky caress, so delicate he wondered if he’d imagined it. But no, the sudden shot of awareness that jarred his heartbeat proved it occurred.

“I am Phineas Betcham, Viscount Fenhurst. This is my home. And you are…?”

A flash of surprise flickered in her deep green eyes and a smile made a fleeting appearance before the lady caught her bottom lip in indecision. Again, a peculiar feeling rushed through him. Perhaps the long carriage ride and the heat of the day had affected his stomach after all.

“My name is Penelope Rosebery. I’m a guest of the Countess.”

Her voice, melodic and calming, banished all thoughts of the intrusive parrot, inviting him to consider her fine features. Her bonnet fell backwards, the yellow ribbon circling her neck as if she’d just made entrance to the house. The delicate hat lay underneath a single long braid, the color of fresh baked scones. Her eyes, a mossy shade he’d never seen previously, sparkled, crystalline and intriguing; and her nose, pert and quick turned, was spattered with a handful of freckles likely gained by not wearing the bonnet. Were her cheeks flushed from their near collision or the circumstances of the situation? He could not know. All in all she presented a fetching picture; an utterly refreshing surprise during an inordinately difficult day.

Despite his curious silence, Miss Rosebery flashed a brilliant smile and Phin returned it in kind, a warm feeling replacing all others, more akin to the streaming light reflected through the windows.

“Please forgive my confusion. It would appear I’m the last one to be made aware of your visit; but then I’ve been out of house on a fishing trip,” he muttered, his mind busy contemplating how her name certainly fit, loveliness and sweetness combined.

“Of course.”

Her gaze fell on him as she replied and an unexpected flicker of emotion inspired his chest. He disliked the disturbance and dismissed it with a deep exhale. They might have remained stalled were they not interrupted by his mother, her enthusiastic exclamation as startling as the parrot’s incessant squawking earlier.

“Phineas! Très bien. At last, you’re home. Your father extended his travels to include Egypt. I daresay I’ve no idea when he’ll return and I’ve been so lonely. I want to hear every detail of your trip to Brighton. Has your sister’s countenance improved? Her heartache keeps me awake at night.”

Phineas grimaced as his mother embraced him; her histrionic outpouring as exaggerated as her tight hold.

“I’m happy to see you as well, Maman. I hope you’re not as terribly desolate as you wish me to believe.” He knew well her tendency to lean on the melodramatic.

With the same vigor the Countess affected in every area of her life, she inclined her head toward Penelope, an affectionate smile sliding into place.

“Have you met our guest? Miss Rosebery will be staying with us here in London.”

Before he could respond, his mother turned to the young lady and continued as if he took no part in the conversation.

“Your sister is settled upstairs. Aubry seemed so tired from the carriage ride, I advised her to take a nap. I’m sure she’ll feel refreshed once she rests a spell. In the meantime I’ve instructed Cook to prepare a picnic. After traveling for hours confined to the stuffy coach I’d like nothing more than a light repast in the garden. Will you join me?”

“Excuse me, Maman.” Phineas steeled his patience and interrupted his mother’s rapid planning. If he did not exert some control over the situation, he’d find his afternoon and evening arranged without a say as was his mother’s tendency.

“Mais oui. Of course you will join us. It would be impolite for you not to welcome our new houseguests. Besides, you must be hungry from your travels. How delightful we all arrived at the same time. We’ll picnic in one hour.”

Her forthright directive brought him up quicker than a wasp sting. It would do little to object as propriety dictated he be present no matter he desired a quiet meal and a night’s rest. At least the outing would present an opportunity to uncover the reason for Miss Rosebery’s visit and her sudden relationship with Maman. He had no desire for complicated company, most especially female guests, yet despite his misgivings, serving as reluctant escort was the gentlemanly thing to do.

He excused himself and retreated down the hall to his chambers. As he climbed the stairs, his fingers worked the knot of his cravat. Perhaps he could get a bit of peace before joining the ladies in the garden. Removing the linen from around his neck, he pushed it into his trouser pocket, his fingers brushing against the coin there. Lucky penny indeed.