Chapter Three
M erde . What was Ellie doing in her room, especially at this hour? It would be best to brazen it out. “I went for a ride, as usual.” Striding over to the chair by the fireplace, Lissa pulled her right boot off.
Lady Eleanor Compton of Dulac was anything but meek, especially as she stood there scowling, her red hair as yet unbrushed, her blue dressing gown barely tied. “There’s nothing usual about this.” She waved her hand emphatically before settling it on her hip. “I came in here with an offer of help, only to find you gone. Then you arrive dressed like a man?”
Lissa couldn’t help grinning and lowered her head so Ellie wouldn’t see as she yanked off the other boot. Finally, she looked up and shrugged. “It’s how I got about in France.” She frowned. “Sometimes I miss home so much, I need to recapture it.”
Usually such emotional tactics worked, but as Ellie crossed her arms over her ample breasts, it was clear she wasn’t impressed. “You escaped from poverty and war to our shores. Don’t try to tell me you long for that again.”
Her classmate was far too honest to brook any dissembling. Rising, Lissa gave an exaggerated sigh. “True.” She lifted the boots and brushed past Ellie to deposit them in the back of her armoire, their respective daggers remaining hidden from her classmate. Closing the door, she faced Ellie. “You said you came to help me?”
Ellie moved to the chair she’d just vacated and sat. “Not until you tell me why you went riding dressed as a man.” Her eyes narrowed, suspicion clear in her gaze. “Tell me you took a groom.”
Lissa leaned back against the armoire and crossed her arms. “I took a groom.”
Her friend eyed her then nodded, finally convinced she told the truth. “At least you are being safe. Now tell me why you are dressed so.”
On one hand, Lissa would like nothing better than to take one of her classmates into her confidence. On the other hand, the fewer people who knew about her adventures, the less likely she’d be caught. “I’d rather not.”
Instead of being affronted, Ellie shook her head. “Tsk, tsk. I thought I could help, but it appears you won’t tell me. Then I guess you’ll just have to tell the duchess.”
Lissa’s breath caught in her throat, and though she didn’t move a muscle, fear crawled up her spine. Not fear of the duchess per se, but fear that her one chance to enjoy life again would be snatched away.
The Duchess of Northwick managed the Belinda School for Curious Ladies, and as forward thinking as she was, she would not look kindly on riding about in men’s clothes, meeting an unmarried man, friend or not, and searching for an unmarried tradesman with that friend while discovering the secrets of a degenerate viscount. Even as Lissa thought of all the problems the duchess would have with her new life plans, she knew her course.
She purposefully moved her gaze, studying Ellie. The woman was someone who could not easily be discounted either for her intelligence or her sheer force of will. Ellie also tended to mother them all, looking out for them like a protective hen despite the fact she was only twenty-four herself. She was much like the planets and stars she so loved, a force of gravity and impossible to ignore. Yet, unlike those cold celestial orbs, Ellie had a heart as large as the Continent.
There were worse classmates to be caught by. Lady Rose was far too proper, and Lady Sophie, though very quiet, was far too observant and would go straight to Lady Northwick. Lady Georgina couldn’t keep a secret any better than Dory.
Finally, Lissa pushed away from the armoire and unbuttoned her trousers, the shirt beneath covering her to her knees.
“Shall I fetch the duchess, then?” Ellie was far too confident, but she had reason to be.
Still, Lissa ignored her and pulled the men’s shirt over her head. After untying the material she’d used to bind her breasts, she took a deep breath, surprised at how constricting it had felt. She used to bind them all the time at home. Walking in her stockinged feet to the bed where she’d left her shift, she pulled it on to cover her nakedness before gathering the material and clothes up and adding them to the back of the armoire. Finally, she moved to her bed and sat upon it with her legs crossed, facing Ellie. “Very well, I will tell you.” She had no doubt that Ellie had made note of where she kept everything, so she would know the woman didn’t support her if anything came up missing.
“I’m listening.”
She held up her hand. “First, you must take an oath not to tell anyone.”
“I cannot take such an oath until I judge it is possible to do so based upon the information you relate.”
Lissa bit down on a grin. Ellie, though the daughter of an earl, was as blunt and straightforward as herself. “Then I fear we are at an impasse.”
“No, we aren’t. You are. You can speak to me with no oath or speak to Her Grace.”
She should have known that Ellie would not make any promises. “So you mean to ruin my entire future?”
At that, Ellie laid her hand on her chest. “I have no such intention. Come, Lissette, tell me what you are about. Perhaps I can help.”
And there it was, her wonderfully big heart, obvious in her offer and her softening tone of voice. It was that characteristic that reminded Lissa of her own mother. “Very well. I rode out in disguise to meet a friend who has agreed to help me find a husband before the Season begins.”
Ellie’s eyes lit with delight before they narrowed. “Then this friend was a man, and perhaps an unmarried one at that? Was it Mr. Taylour?”
Startled that Ellie had deduced so much so quickly, Lissa hid her surprise. “Why do you suggest that?”
“Simple.” Ellie crossed her arms and raised her chin. “The reason I came to your room was because your spirits have been much higher since you saw Mr. Taylour the other day, and I was going to suggest a dinner party.”
Lissa’s heart warmed at her friend’s thoughtfulness. “I thank you for that. But Mr. Taylour and I are old friends. I have been in good spirits, as you say, because he is the one who will help me find a husband.”
“But how can he do that. Is he a peer?”
She chuckled, relieved that Ellie seemed far less shocked than she’d expected. “No. He served in the military and before that was with the Bow Street Runners. He earns his living and so will be able to introduce me to other men of that class who have a bit more in their pocket than he.” She lowered her voice as if to impart a great secret. “My grandmother expects a comfortable old age.”
Ellie’s forehead furrowed and she dropped her arms. “But why would you not wish to marry a peer?”
And here Lissa was again, trying to explain something she couldn’t, all because her grandmother wanted a peer and would accept nothing less. But Grand-maman was in a townhouse in Bath at the expense of Lord Blackmore and so was not about to say what must be. “I am not comfortable with such status in your country. I do not wish to remember every manner and proper etiquette of a great lady. It is different for you. You have grown up so.”
“Yes, I have, and still I fail at the worst times.” Ellie’s shoulders slumped, her own lack of success during the Season lying heavily on her.
“Do not fear. Some fine lord is bound to see your warm heart and kind demeanor.”
“Thank you. It is my endless hope.”
Ellie’s lack of success did raise the question of whether the school was the right place for her, but since she enjoyed her studies, it was most likely a happy distraction. Unfortunately, there was little Lissa could do to help Ellie, and much the woman could do to help her. “Will you keep my secret?”
“I will, but only if you promise not to put yourself in danger. Being alone with a gentleman could ruin your reputation. Even among the middle classes, I doubt that is acceptable.”
Having been affianced before, Lissa had thoroughly enjoyed showing Etienne how much she loved him both in and out of bed. War put things into perspective, and she would never regret loving him fully before he lost his life. But that was far too removed from Ellie’s sheltered experience. “I promise not to ruin my reputation. I’m quite sure Mr. Taylour would never allow that to happen.”
“Yes, of course, especially if he is a family friend.” Ellie rose. “I would ask one boon of you.”
“Of course. Being my confidante, you have relieved my mind very much.”
Ellie’s cheeks reddened with pleasure as she stepped up to the bed. “Will you share with me whom you meet and what you think of them? I may well have to find someone of equal quality if my next Season is also not successful. I just want someone who is kind and will be happy that I am in his family.”
Lissa’s heart ached for Ellie, and she promised herself she would be sure to remark upon anyone who could appreciate such a loving woman. “I will be pleased to share.”
Ellie reached out and squeezed her hand. “Thank you. Now I should go, as it is almost time to break our fast, and I’m sure your maid will be in presently.”
Lissa let go of Ellie and watched the woman walk to the door, her long, thick red braid swaying back and forth with her purposeful stride.
After the door closed, she returned to the armoire and pulled her three daggers from her male clothing then slipped them beneath the pillow. Her maid was aware she wore a dagger on her thigh, as was Her Grace, but no one was aware of how many she carried. Though she had no need of them at Silver Meadows, it was a habit she was loath to break.
Hopefully, she wouldn’t need to use them while helping Anthony. Maybe the man she eventually found to marry would welcome a wife who came to him well prepared.
*
Anthony stood outside the book shop in the village of Esterburn and watched the people going about their daily lives. How simple it was for the average person to get about, each with their own goals for the day. His goals were far more complicated. Today, he waited for Leighhall to emerge from the inn across the road.
Two days ago, he’d discovered whom the viscount was tupping—a Mrs. Anne Boscawen, who was on her way home to visit her family. She was also a laundress and seamstress for Queen Charlotte. That in itself would not have had him taking notice, except for the strange circumstances. It was rare that servants were allowed such time, and then to interrupt her trip for Leighhall had him wondering if they were old friends. Had she worked for the viscount in the past?
Mrs. Boscawen had no relation to Lady Amherst, whom the viscount had spent the last sennight with, nor was there a connection with the widowed baker in Bedford. It truly did seem that the man simply took his pleasure where he would. Still, Anthony kept detailed ciphered notes, so as to catch any pattern. So far, the only change had been the evening Leighhall had met with a man in the woods and accepted the sword breaker.
As the door to the inn opened, Leighhall stepped out alone.
Immediately alert, Anthony did not show it, remaining where he was, leaning against the front of the building in one of his favorite disguises. He looked like an aristocrat a few years older than he was, with black hair, trimmed black beard, and a long, light scar on his right cheek. When he was dressed all in black, people in the street did not engage him, which was exactly as he wished.
Leighhall remained just outside the door, no doubt waiting for his coach. The man was easy to spot. He prided himself on his appearance, so not only were his brown tail coat, tan pantaloons, and top hat of the highest quality, but his blond hair had been cut to show off his classic features in the best way. Women obviously found him attractive, which made the man’s exploits that much easier.
After a moment of perusing the people on the street, Leighhall turned and began walking.
A bit surprised, Anthony remained where he was a little longer, keeping the viscount in sight. Then he began to walk in the same direction, only on his own side of the street. No one made eye contact with him, which suited him perfectly.
Leighhall looked up at a sign on a shop before halting as if to make sure he was in the right place. Then he walked in.
Quickly, Anthony crossed the street. As he strolled by, he noticed two things. First, the shop was a cobbler’s. Second, looking in the window, Leighhall was nowhere to be seen.
Anthony continued his stroll, turning at the corner of the street, his destination the back of the shop. However, the alleyway behind the row of buildings was not a place a peer would wander, and in his disguise, he would definitely attract attention. So he continued on before turning and walking back up the side street until he reached the main road once again. He crossed and entered a confectioner’s, taking a seat at a table next to the window. After ordering coffee ice cream, he waited.
He had long eaten his sweet and just finished his second cup of tea when Leighhall emerged with a large package. It was far too large to be shoes or even boots.
From his vantage point, Anthony studied it, noting how round it was and the protrusion from the center, though it was wrapped in brown paper. It was almost the shape of an open parasol, but the handle area was far too short. Leighhall started walking back toward the inn.
Rising, Anthony waited a moment before exiting the shop. He’d just started down the street again when Leighhall’s carriage came to a stop before him, and the viscount entered it. The carriage had been loaded with Leighhall’s many trunks, so it was no surprise that it continued out of the village.
Quickly, Anthony crossed the road and stepped into the cobbler’s. No one was in the front of the shop, so he took time to scan the contents. Nothing had the shape of what Leighhall had left with, which meant it was a custom design or had nothing to do with boots.
A young man of maybe a score emerged from the rear of the building. “My lord, can I be of service?”
“I was hoping to find my friend, Lord Leighhall, here. He did say he would be stopping in.”
The man didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he studied him. “I fear he has already left. If he returns, can I tell him who looked for him?”
Either the cobbler didn’t know Leighhall was on his way to Corby, or he hoped to gather information from Anthony to give the viscount. “No, it’s of no matter. I’m sure to see him in a few days’ time.” Anthony gave an aristocratic nod before exiting the premises.
Now to retrieve his belongings and head for Denton Hall. There was no reason to follow Leighhall to Corby, where he’d be visiting his mother. It was highly unlikely the viscount would be bedding his usual women there.
The next three days would be a good time for Anthony to return to Lord Harewood and report his recent discoveries. It would also give him a day to take Lissa into the village at Talley on the Green. No doubt she had already met everyone in Northampton, as she was nothing if not thorough.
He grinned, causing a young woman on the street to shy away from him. He kept forgetting about the scar. When he smiled, it made him look quite dangerous. Changing to a slight frown, he continued to the inn.
It took little time to have his small trunk loaded on his coach before he was off for Denton Hall, and Lord and Lady Harewood. He’d purposely purchased a coach with no coat of arms. Being recognizable did not further his occupation. He thought he could give up his need to investigate and bring men to justice after leaving the Bow Street Runners to join the calvary, but he’d been mistaken. It wasn’t as if what he did with his life mattered to anyone. As he was the fourth son of a duke, three of them married, two with children, the family line had been secured by time he attended university. His life was his to do with as he pleased, and he was quite pleased to do what he enjoyed, which aided those who needed his services.
Now, Lissa was the one who needed his services. He smiled fondly as memories of their time together in France flooded his mind. He’d always known she was a woman, but she was rough and tumble like any young man, and they’d become fast friends, comrades in survival while Captain Marcus Stratton, the Viscount of Blackmore, recovered at her grandmother’s home from multiple wounds on the battlefield. If he hadn’t been so bent on solving the mystery of where Captain Blackmore had disappeared to, he would have never met Lissa.
Seeing her in a dress for the first time had been a shock. She was beautiful, not in an angelic way, but in a way that was far different from her old self. She looked fragile with her paler skin and long black hair. He was quite confident he could find her a wealthy gentleman to marry. Now that he thought upon it, he would make a few inquiries of the vicar at Talley on the Green. It wouldn’t do to introduce Lissa to a man that was not wealthy enough to provide well for her and her grandmother.
He also looked forward to discussing the odd-shaped object Leighhall had taken with him. If it were another weapon, how did it connect to the women he bedded? And if it weren’t a weapon, what could it be? And would it be of any help in discovering a weakness to exploit for the sake of Lady Harewood?
Some might be frustrated by the lack of information, but he found it exciting. There were so many possibilities, and he enjoyed discovering them all. That he could share this particular puzzle with a good friend just added to his pleasure. Yes, he would definitely take Lissa on a ride with the proper chaperone, so that she might also appreciate the complexities of the case. The best part of it all was that he could be himself.
Lifting the wig off his head, he scratched his scalp. Being himself for a few days was definitely something he looked forward to.