Chapter Seven
A nthony, dressed in his best maroon tailcoat, brown paisley waistcoat, and tan pantaloons, waited for a lull in the conversation between the women opposite him—Her Grace the Lady Northwick and Lissa.
Lissa had not only convinced the duchess to be their chaperone. She looked absolutely aristocratic in her white day dress, decorated with pale blue embroidery around the scooped neckline. Her hair, pulled back, gave her a proper appearance beneath her bonnet, but the tendrils of black hair that fell about her face made her appear almost angelic. He was not surprised that she was as good at masking who she was as he.
What had surprised him was the kiss they’d shared and the words she’d whispered. Somehow, knowing she wasn’t a virgin, and quite possibly a seductress, had put thoughts in his head he’d never contemplated, nor did he wish to. Yet he’d spent the next two nights dreaming about touching the bare curves he’d felt as she pressed herself against him. At the memory of those dreams, he shifted his position.
As if his movement caused him to become the focus of attention, the duchess turned from Lissa and looked at him. “Mr. Taylour, how should we address your brother? You haven’t even told us his name. All I know of him is that he has a library that he ignores.”
He cleared his throat. Now that it was time to reveal all to two women who had saved his life on different occasions, he found the words stuck in his throat. He swallowed hard. “You may address him as Lord Ferncroft.”
While Lady Northwick nodded as if it solved some puzzle she’d been working upon, Lissa’s eyes widened in obvious shock. “Your brother is a peer?”
“He is.” He dismissed his feeling of guilt. Though they had always been honest with each other, they had no agreement to tell each other everything. After all, where would he start?
“Come, Mr. Taylour, tell us his position and about his home. Are you two good friends?” The duchess’s gaze was absolute, as if she’d will him to speak.
“I would not say we are friends, but we are family. You must understand, he is the oldest and I the youngest. We were not in each other’s company very often.”
Lissa had recovered, and her gaze turned shrewd. “And what title does he hold? I understand families can have many titles.”
It was as if she’d already guessed, which shouldn’t surprise him. She was both observant and quick to make sense of the clues. “Lord Ferncroft is a marquess.” Even as he made the announcement, he could almost see Lissa’s thoughts. Would she figure it out now or later?
“And he doesn’t use his library?” The duchess hmphed as if that were a significant crime to lay at his brother’s feet.
Though he didn’t feel a strong obligation to defend Darius, he didn’t want the duchess to start off the visit on the offensive. “He does use the room, and I’m sure the governess finds books for his children to read. He is recently widowed, so I’m afraid his library is not his primary concern.”
Her Grace looked to Lissa. “The poor man. I suppose we must put aside our differences to allow for a pleasant visit, then.”
Lissa nodded, but didn’t say a word, no doubt irritated with him. He’d have to make it up to her, except he was well aware of what she wished, but after the way his body reacted to hers, he could not allow her to go with him to Leighhall’s. He would simply point out there was no way for her to leave Silver Meadows for an entire weekend.
“I always knew there was more to you than you allowed us all to see. Does my brother-in-law know?” Lady Northwick raised her brows in expectation of his answer.
“The Captain? I mean Viscount Blackmore? No, he doesn’t. I have had no reason to discuss my family with anyone. As they are all scattered about the country and rarely see each other, I don’t often think to discuss them.” He gave the duchess one of his charming smiles. “To be fair, they don’t particularly approve of my various employments, but as I do my part to help others, I do not believe their blessing necessary.”
The duchess gave him the side-eye, clearly understanding his reference to his work for her husband.
He was thankful she lapsed into silence at that. Unfortunately, Lissa found her voice.
“Well, do not leave us in suspense, Mr. Taylour. Tell us about your family. Do your parents host a gathering at Christmastide? Do your brothers all have titles? Do you expect to carry on the Taylour line?”
“Lissette, we don’t ask such personal questions here.” Lady Northwick frowned at Lissa, who quickly looked away.
He could remain quiet, but since Lissa was such a part of his investigation, she deserved the truth. “I do not mind, Your Grace. I’m sure Mademoiselle Lissette is curious about the complexities of life among the ton .”
Not only did Lissa whip her gaze back to his in surprise, but the duchess gave him her full attention, obviously curious herself.
“Then if you don’t mind, Mr. Taylour, I’m sure we would both enjoy the conversation to wile away the time as we journey northward.” Her Grace offered him an encouraging smile.
He cleared his throat. “I’m not certain it will take that long. As you know, I’m Anthony Taylour and I am one of four sons of the Duke of Roxburgh. However, my parents tend to enjoy life far up north, so I see them only occasionally.” His heart filled with warmth at the thought of his mother. “My parents were injured in an explosion at a factory they visited, and my mother prefers being around only people who know her well.”
“Oh, no. I’m very sorry to hear of such an event.” The duchess held his gaze, making it impossible to look at Lissa to see how she reacted to the revelation. “Whatever were they doing in a factory?”
“My mother’s heart knows no bounds. She insisted on helping those of the working class and brought my father to witness the conditions there, which she felt were unsafe for the children.” He grimaced. “She proved her point. Unfortunately, my father was with her as well, and he lost part of his leg. My oldest brother now serves as the figurehead of the family.”
He turned his head to face Lissa, her dark eyes unreadable. “My brother, the marquess, has a daughter and a son, and my brother the earl has two sons, so there is no need for me to keep the family name alive.”
She didn’t react to his statement, but her gaze didn’t waver.
“And your other brother?” The duchess obviously wanted to learn every detail. “One is the marques we are about to visit and the other an earl. What of the other?”
Reluctantly, he moved his attention back to Her Grace. “My next brother is the Viscount of Livermore further north, and I am the Baron of Bellamore, my lands even closer to the Scottish border.”
“You’re a baron?” Lissa’s question was not surprising, though the tone of disbelief did make him cringe.
“I am.” He wanted to explain, but the duchess clapped her gloved hands.
“I knew it. I cannot wait to tell James.”
Though the duchess was practically laughing with enjoyment, Lissa remained pensive. He waited patiently. It was only a matter of time before she would request more information.
“Well, my Lord Bellamore, it is a pleasure to know you.” Her Grace beamed with pleasure.
He held no misconceptions that all Her Grace’s family would soon learn of his heritage. While he had expected it to be so, it was necessary in order to move forward with his plan for infiltrating Leighhall’s house party. He needed both women with him for his brother to give his ideas credence, and he did want a bit of advice, if Darius was in a pleasant mood. He never knew with this particular brother.
“Why then do you tell everyone you’re Mr. Taylour?” Lissa’s tone was far calmer than he expected.
He wished he could explain to her alone, but the duchess was listening avidly. “Because it is the way I wish to be addressed. I am, after all, Mr. Taylour. This is the name I most identify with. Can you imagine what they would have said to me when I wished to join the Bow Street Runners or even the military? They would have made assumptions about my abilities, wealth, and connections. But by being Mr. Taylour, I am perceived simply as a man that someone needs to become familiar with before passing judgment.”
“I see.” Lissa didn’t make any movement to tell him she truly understood and would forgive him for hiding his parentage from her. He wanted more than anything to have her ask more questions, rail at him, or simply refuse to be his friend.
His heart skipped a beat at that thought. He hadn’t realized how much he valued their friendship until that very moment. Maybe he hadn’t considered all the possibilities of his plan. Losing Lissa was not worth impressing his brother. But was he to keep his identity a secret from her forever?
The duchess laid a hand on Lissa’s knee. “I’m sure you are quite surprised after being friends with Lord Blackmore and Mr. Taylour here.” She turned toward him. “I believe I understand why you have not used your title. And I promise, my husband and I will keep your secret. It is something only you should disclose, and I’m honored that you took us into your confidence.”
“Your Grace, I had no such expectations, but I am thankful for your understanding.”
He looked at Lissa to see if she would offer any assurances as well, but her gaze was directed to the passing scenery.
She was angry. No doubt she felt betrayed, but he hadn’t betrayed her. Mr. Taylour was who he was, not Baron Bellamore. His mother had taught him as a young man that a person’s station in life had nothing to do with their worth. It was a radical idea, but considering his mother’s beginnings, the sentiment had become the foundation of his life.
Silence filled the coach. With the knot in his stomach, he was not inclined to break it. As the miles passed, he focused on what he would say to his brother in order to obtain the invitation. Since Leighhall lived much closer to Darius than to himself, it would not be such an odd request, just somewhat unusual. Darius could paint him as his reckless younger brother, which was exactly what he thought of him anyway.
“Mr. Taylour.” The duchess’s sudden address caught him unawares.
“Yes, Your Grace?”
“Perhaps now is a good time to tell us why you are visiting your brother. I had, of course, assumed that you wanted him to meet Lissette, but I have reasoned that this is not the case at all and perhaps she is simply the excuse to have me accompany you.”
He forgot to breathe for a moment. That the duchess was so observant had not occurred to him. He looked to Lissa, whose eyes widened before she quickly looked to him and smirked. No doubt she thought he deserved to be discovered.
He’d learned early in his investigative career that staying as close to the truth was best. “Your Grace, I can see why you opened a school for curious ladies as you, yourself, are the epitome of one. Your powers of deduction are frankly, remarkable.”
The woman lifted her chin in acknowledgment.
“You are correct. It is not simply that I wish Mademoiselle Lissette to meet my brother, which I do.” He looked at Lissa to make sure she understood. When she gave him a regal nod of her own, he felt the knot in his stomach loosen somewhat. “I am also here to request a boon of my brother, and having a lady such as Your Grace in my company may perhaps persuade my brother that I have left Mr. Taylour behind and fully embraced Baron Bellamore, and therefore, I would be worthy of my request.”
“So you wish me to, in effect, sponsor you to your own brother?”
He chuckled, hearing it put in such a way. “In essence, yes.”
She looked to Lissa then back at him. “And may I know what the request entails? If I’m to play my part in what I can only imagine is your investigation for Lord Harewood, more details would be helpful.”
He looked again to Lissa, who now grinned for the first time since entering the carriage. He wasn’t sure if it was because she admired her teacher or enjoyed the position he’d put himself in. “I wish to obtain an invitation to a certain lord’s house party so that I might follow my subject closer.”
“I see. And the only way your brother would help you obtain this invitation is if he thinks you have settled into your role on your estate?”
Relieved she understood his odd family dynamics, he nodded. “That is correct.”
The duchess looked to Lissa. “You know Mr. Taylour almost as well as Lord Blackmore. Do you think we should aid him in his quest?”
Lissa appeared to ponder the question carefully, then she looked at him intently, letting him know he would have to grant her wish to attend said house party were she to comply.
Finding himself in a position with few options, he could do nothing less than agree. He gave her a single nod. “Mademoiselle, will you help?”
Lissa didn’t answer him, instead turning to the duchess. “Yes, I think we should aid him. After all, I believe his brother would expect no dissembling on our part as women.”
As if she’d opened a door, the duchess immediately took up the subject. “I agree wholeheartedly. Many a man since the dawn of time has underestimated women. Of course, in instances like this, it is to our advantage that their limited views…”
Even as the duchess continued to speak energetically on the topic, Anthony was well aware that Lissa had received exactly what she wanted in payment for his not telling her he was a peer. Since she had an aversion to peers, she wouldn’t attempt to seduce him at Leighhall’s as she had in the village, so all in all, his plan appeared on track.
Now all he needed was his brother’s help.
As the carriage pulled up to Hawthorne Park, the usual concern rode up his back. Though he’d written that he would be visiting with guests, he worried about his brother’s mood. His “black days,” as Darius called them, made him impossible to be around.
Stepping into the spacious entry of Hawthorne Park, he handed the butler his hat. “Is my brother available?”
The older man, who’d been with Darius since they were all young, knew exactly what he was asking. “He is, Lord Bellamore. He will entertain you all in the parlor. Tea will be served presently.”
Relieved that Darius would be amiable, Anthony followed the ladies into the pale-blue room. Stepping directly to the right of the doorway out of habit, he perused the space before continuing in.
“Oh, how lovely.” The duchess took a seat on a pale-blue settee, patting the space next to her for Lissa. “Your brother has excellent taste.”
Ballocks! He’d forgotten to tell them about Dinah. Quickly, he strode up to both ladies. “This was my brother’s late wife’s décor. I would suggest not mentioning it, as he only lost her last year.”
Lissa frowned, but kept her voice as low as his. “Is he not one of your brothers who has children?”
“Yes.” Not wishing to have Darius come upon them while discussing him, Anthony moved toward the chair nearby to sit upon its arm before catching himself. Instead, he walked behind it to stand, resting his hand on the back. He didn’t want Darius to have any issues with his manners, at least not today.
Within minutes, Darius entered the room. “Baron. It is a pleasant surprise to have you. When I received your letter, I quite rejoiced.”
Despite his words, he looked anything but happy. Then again, it was difficult to tell when Darius was happy. He did look well, except for wearing his black hair rather long, and his gray gaze was quite keen.
Anthony walked around the chair and held his hand out to the duchess. “Your Grace, may I present my brother, Lord Darius Taylour, Marquess of Ferncroft. Brother, may I present Her Grace, the Duchess of Northwick.”
His brother’s right eyebrow rose before he gave the duchess an impeccable bow. “Your Grace, it is a pleasure to have you at Hawthorne Park.”
Anthony quickly held his hand out to Lissa. “Lord Ferncroft, may I present to you Mademoiselle Lissette, a very good friend.”
“Mademoiselle, you truly make this whole room so much more beautiful.”
Lissa looked to Anthony. “My lord, you did not tell us what a charming brother you have.”
He gritted his teeth, wishing he could speak plainly about Darius, but that wouldn’t further his cause. Still, it irritated him that Darius chose to compliment Lissa. “I fear I have neglected to mention many aspects of my family.” He gave her a wicked grin. “But I promise to remedy that on the way back to Silver Meadows.”
Darius turned toward him. “I greatly doubt that the Taylours can be so interesting as that. I would hate for you to bore these fine ladies with our history.”
“I suppose you’re right. Then perhaps we could take a walk in your gardens, as I’m sure the ladies would enjoy the pleasant day among so many lovely patterns.” Anthony held up his hand to stave off his brother’s objection, as he needed to speak to him privately. “Yes, I know most of the plants are past their prime.”
Darius eyed him curiously. “They are, and hardly worth seeing.”
“Then perhaps, my lord, we could view your library?”
At the duchess’s request, they both turned.
“My library?”
At Darius’s question, Anthony quickly explained. “Yes. Her Grace has a particular love for libraries and books. As yours is rather large, I’m sure she’d enjoy seeing your collection of tomes.”
His brother’s brow furrowed, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he turned to the duchess. “I would be happy to escort you there. If you like, I can have tea served among the many books.”
Lady Northwick rose. “That would be lovely.”
As Darius led the duchess out, Anthony followed suit with Lissa.
They had yet to clear the doorway before she leaned in and whispered, “Be sure to let me know the set weekend for Leighhall’s. I will arrange to be ‘visiting’ Dory.”
He slowed their progress so as not to be overheard. “Are you sure that is wise? Can she keep such a scandalous secret?”
Lissa gave him a sly smile. “Oh, I would never tell her the truth, but something else. Perhaps that I wish to surprise my grandmother. That way, if anyone attempts to find me, they will be looking in the wrong place.”
He shook his head but didn’t reply. While she was dressed so beautifully and looked as delicate as an orchid, it was easy to forget the sharp mind and strong will of the woman beside him. While that didn’t bode well for him at Leighhall’s, it did mean she would be an asset at the event.
As they entered through the double doors of his brother’s library, the duchess awaited. “Come, Lissette. Let us explore this treasury of knowledge. We may even find a book we have not seen before.”
As Lissa’s gloved hand left his arm, he noticed how gracefully she walked as she joined the duchess and they began their perusal on the eastern side of the room.
Not wishing to lose the time with his brother, he walked toward Darius, not completely comfortable with how his brother continued to watch Lissa. “I have a request to ask of you.”
His brother nodded, but didn’t move his gaze. “I assumed as much.”
Still, Darius didn’t stop what could only be called ogling Lissa. “Marquess?”
“You said the mademoiselle is a friend. Is that true, or do you wish to court her?”
Surprised by the question and not a little irritated by his brother’s interest, Anthony moved between Darius and the sight of Lissa. “She is simply a friend. However, I will tell you she has no wish to marry a peer. Are you contemplating marrying again?”
His brother finally turned away and strode toward his desk, clearly irritated. He stopped behind his chair. “I have no choice. I have but one son. It is too much risk to take with such a vast estate. I will need another, preferably one that is legitimate.” The last was said with an accusatory tone.
Anthony moved closer so as not to be overheard. “If you insinuate I have illegitimate offspring, I can assure you I have not a one.” He wasn’t sure why his brother’s assumption bothered him so much when he’d cast aspersions on his character before, but it did.
“Yes, well, you hardly have much to worry about up there.” Darius waved his hand upward as if Northern England was of little consequence.
Taking advantage of the opening, Anthony quickly made his request. “Exactly, and that is why I am south, so as to find a fitting lady who would not mind living in such a remote place. I have come to you today to ask you to garner an invitation for me to Lord Leighhall’s house party next weekend. I was assured by fellow peers that it is not to be missed.”
Darius pulled his head back and cocked it slightly. “Can it be my little brother is seriously contemplating the prospect of finally taking on the responsibilities of his station?”
“Yes, I am.” Anthony held his brother’s suspicious gaze. If he wavered even the slightest, Darius would know he lied.
“Leighhall, you say?”
At the question, he relaxed. “Yes. I believe he has an aunt who plays host. The man’s appearance attracts many a young woman, so I’m hoping to draw one away from him with my charm.”
His brother closed his eyes for a moment as if attempting to find his patience. “Your estimation of yourself far exceeds anyone else’s. However, if you are indeed serious in applying yourself to settling into your role as Baron Bellamore, then I will not stand in your way.”
“Thank you. I had hoped you would be of help.” Already, Anthony was contemplating how to act with Leighhall. Appealing to the man’s ego would be the easiest way to find favor with him.
“I will require a boon in return.”
His brother’s comment dampened his excitement. “Of course. How may I be of service?”
Darius studied him for the longest time. So long that Anthony caught whispers of the ladies’ conversation about a writer named Rousseau and a book titled The Social Contract . Finally, his brother opened his mouth then closed it and shook his head. “It can wait. When you return from this house party, I want a summary of your progress toward winning a lady. Then I will give you my requirements.”
So Darius wasn’t absolutely sure about him. The man knew Anthony far better than he wished. “I will be happy to return here shortly after and report to you on which woman or women I am bent upon courting.”
Darius let out a heavy sigh before moving away from his chair. “Your pride knows no bounds. Mind my words, baron. One day that hubris will be your downfall.”
Anthony withheld a chuckle, not in the least bothered that Darius continued to call him by his title alone. His brother had started that years ago after a particularly long lecture on the duties of a peer. To be fair, he would have agreed with Darius if he truly expected to win over more than one lady, but as he had no intention of courting anyone, ever, he needn’t worry about such a dire prediction.
Now he just had to wait for the invitation. Leighhall, like most peers, would view any request from one of higher status as an honor and a new connection to tout. The man’s ego led him to exact revenge on the smallest slight, so a request from a marquess would be welcomed.
The doors to the library opened and a footmen arrived with a tea service. The duchess noticed immediately, and guided Lissa toward them. Now Anthony just needed to get through tea and remember to sit in the chair, not on the arm of the chair, and all would be well. All his plans were progressing perfectly.