Chapter Thirty-Four
After updating Aadesh with what Eleanor had learned, Phin made a visit to the Black Widow of Whitehall.
The owner and ruler over the Lyon’s Den establishment was a formidable woman.
But Phin had done a favor for her a number of years ago that resulted in her acquiring a magnificent and rare piece of ancient artwork, so he hoped she’d be inclined to assist him with what she knew.
She was surprisingly forthcoming, but the information she provided on Lord James Ackerly, Fifth Marquess of Ludham, though plentiful, was not particularly helpful.
Born to the daughter of a French aristocrat who married the prior marquess, he was raised as most of the British peerage.
Spent an idyllic childhood in the Kent countryside, school at Eton then Cambridge.
Tour of the Continent upon reaching his majority, with frequent lengthy visits with his wealthy grandfather’s estate in France.
Though the Black Widow noted that he’d recently left the country for several months to travel abroad (which fit the timeline for him to be in India during the theft of the necklace), she did not have information on his destination.
Or at least, she was unwilling to share it with him.
Ackerly arrived back in London just at the start of the Season.
There was nothing in his history to suggest an inordinate interest in India or its legends. Or his sudden obsessive claim to Eleanor.
When Phin returned home, it was to yet another note waiting for him. This one, however, was not a threat, but a command.
From his sister.
His niece, Delia, had received an offer and he was being called to perform his duty as head of the family.
Acknowledging that he may have been a bit neglectful of late, he set out for his sister’s immediately.
But not before he sent a note to Eleanor advising that he would be tied up with familial duties for a while.
He assured that although he couldn’t be near, she would never be without protection.
Even so, he stressed for her to avoid Ackerly at all costs.
After firmly shaming him for neglecting to attend calling hours with his niece that day, Maggie informed Phin that Delia had received an offer of marriage from the young Lord Persham, which the young woman was fiercely inclined to accept.
Maggie, however, was concerned with the suitor’s prospects.
He was rather young at only twenty-three and merely a second son, but his family was well-regarded and—as far as society knew—well-funded.
His sister feared that Delia might be overwhelmed with the attention and was not giving all her suitors a fair chance.
Delia quickly interceded at that point, claiming rather passionately that she loved the young lord and had every intention of accepting his proposal. At which point, Maggie rolled her eyes and threw her hands before gazing pointedly at Phin.
“Be a voice of reason,” Maggie commanded. “She must understand that there are things to be considered before jumping into such an arrangement.”
In response to which, Delia turned to Phin and angled her chin. “I want him, Uncle Phin.”
“Why?” he asked. “Why this man above all your other admirers?”
Delia’s stubborn stare flickered with gratitude that he was willing to hear her out.
“Because…” she began before pausing and shrugging, which inspired another eyeroll from her mother.
Seeing it, Delia’s expression firmed and she continued.
“I want Lord Persham because when I am with him, I don’t feel like I have to pretend.
I don’t speak in prepared scripts or try to fit myself into anything I think he wants.
I’m just me. And it’s enough. More than enough.
Gregory understands my humor. He asks for my opinion on things, but isn’t afraid to disagree or talk through different points of view.
He treats me with respect and considers my wants and feelings as fully equal to his own.
” She smiled and glanced down. “When I’m with him, I feel warm and safe and happy and excited for the future.
” Glancing up again, she added, “We know we’re young and we’re content with a long engagement, but neither feel like there is anyone else for us. ”
Phin felt her words a bit too personally and could honestly think of nothing to say against them. He gave a quick wink, ensuring only Delia saw it, before he turned to his sister. Though Maggie was clearly biting her lips to keep from interrupting her daughter, there was a mistiness in her eyes.
Even so, it took another two hours to resolve the conflict between mother and daughter. Finally, Phin got them both to agree to hold on making any further decisions until Phin had a chance to speak with the young man himself. And the lad’s father, if need be.
It turned out that Lord Pesham’s father had a few concerns of his own which were addressed one by one until they all reached an outcome they could agree upon.
Who knew that matrimonial negotiations could be so damned difficult and time-consuming?
The task of mediating toward an acceptable agreement then having a formal contract drafted truly took all the romance out of the ordeal.
Delia, however, was quite pleased when the eventual result was an official engagement.
And Maggie, with her concerns properly assuaged, was more than happy to turn her attention to planning the announcement and engagement party.
Though a few days passed as he waded through the necessary steps of ensuring Delia’s future, his thoughts never strayed far from Eleanor.
He was relieved to learn that her parents had returned to London, which meant she would no longer be alone in that great house.
But still, he checked in with Iago’s men whenever possible and was relieved to hear each time that no incidents were reported.
The men who’d been assigned to Ackerly, also noted no suspicious behavior.
Three days after he’d last left her bed, Phin received a note written in a neat and measure script.
Lord A will be attending the Smithsons’ ball tonight. As will I. It is time to enact our plan.
Phin’s heart dropped to his stomach. Even as he sat down to write back and tell her the plan was far too risky and they had to find another way of drawing the man’s intentions to light, Iago stepped into his study.
The man’s expression caused Phin’s fingers to tighten on the quill as he sat up straighter.
“What is it?”
“A man was observed outside Lindley House. One of ours watched him stroll past a few times, seeming to be studying the residence. When he finally left the area, he was followed.”
Phin tensed. “And?”
“He went straight to the address of Lord Ackerly, my lord.”
“Dammit.” The man was plotting something.
Eventually, he would find Eleanor in a vulnerable moment and wouldn’t hesitate to take advantage.
They had to end this.
He met his trusted man’s steady gaze. “We’re enacting the plan. Tonight.”
*
Phin snuck carefully into the Duke of Lindley’s London home. A different task now than previous times as the staff had nearly tripled with the duke and duchess’s return to town.
Fortunately, Phin had become familiar with the route and could be rather stealthy when the situation required it. After listening at her door to ensure there was no one in the room with her, he slipped silently into her bedroom.
She stood at her window gazing out at the garden below. Watching for him, perhaps?
Knowing he should alert her to his presence, he gave himself a long moment to observe her first. A moment to admire her stunning beauty without making her uncomfortable.
The gleaming black of her hair, her perfect profile, and warm golden skin, the regal grace in her figure encased in a satin gown in a pink-rose color so deep, it nearly appeared red in the candlelight.
She was gorgeous. No denying it. But she was also so much more.
He couldn’t help but admire her awareness and patience. Her courage and quiet but steady focus. Her certainty, loyalty, and the fire of her intimate passion.
His body hummed with resonant yearning. The lure of her drew him inexorably forward.
She turned as he silently crossed the room. There was no surprise in her face or alarm at his sudden appearance. Just a smile and a sigh of relief.
“Phin,” she whispered. “You’re here.”
Keeping his voice as low as hers, he quirked a smile and replied, “Did you doubt me?”
Her slight glance to the side revealed her answer before she spoke. “Maybe a little. I know you don’t like this idea.”
Reaching her, Phin couldn’t keep himself from sliding his arms around her waist to draw her against him. She circled her arms around his neck and tipped her head back to meet his stare.
“It’s a good plan,” he assured. “I’m with you. I’ll keep you safe.”
He said the words as a vow to himself as much as to her.
He had to believe it or he’d never get through the night.
He still didn’t like it that they had no idea what was motivating Ackerly.
And no solid proof beyond the circumstantial that he was the lord behind it all.
But that was exactly why they had to do this.
“My aunt will be here any moment to take me to the ball,” she murmured. “I need to be ready.”
“Your aunt?”
“Yes. Ralston is occupied with something else this evening, so Bridget’s mother will be our chaperone.
It is a good thing,” she assured. “Aunt Julia doesn’t bother herself with our activities overly much.
It will leave me free to engage in our plan.
Lydia and Bridget also know to keep a distance tonight so Ackerly has an opportunity to approach unhindered.
And they can cover for my absence if it’s required for some reason. ”
Phin nodded. He didn’t like her being so alone. But he understood the importance of ensuring her activities went unnoticed by others.
Reluctantly, he released her to step back. “Turn around,” he said thickly.
As she did so, he glanced over her head to see them both now facing a full-length mirror.
She stood partially in front of him—poised and focused and lovely.
Her gaze met his in the reflection and her rose-kissed lips parted just a bit as her breasts lifted with a swift inhale.
The edges of the image blurred as he looked into her eyes—an odd clenching in his chest.
He suddenly wanted to wrap both of his arms around her and pull her into him. Hold her against his suddenly racing heart. Keep her safe from mad men and the world. He clenched his back teeth in resistance.
The soft sound she made as she tilted her head as expression became concerned finally knocked him out of the moment.
He shook himself and cleared his throat.
Slipping the silk-wrapped parcel from his pocket, he unraveled the cloth and allowed the necklace to pour into his hand.
Her gasp brought his gaze back to the mirror where the gold and gems sparkled like multicolored flames. He realized this was the first time she’d seen the necklace—not a painting or a sketch—with her own eyes.
Tucking the silk back into his pocket, he lifted the necklace and brought it around her neck. It settled perfectly in place as he secured the clasp.
His next glance in the mirror claimed his breath, his heart, his soul.
She was stunning. A legendary princess of beauty and tragedy. A young woman of hope and love and fierce courage about to face a future she’d chosen.
The reflection was an exact replica of the painted image of that long-ago bride Mishra had left him.
The two women were the same.
Yet, they were intrinsically different.
Shocked to his core, and feeling oddly intrusive, he took a step back. His movement drew her attention and she blinked away from her own image to gaze at him over her shoulder.
“It’s astounding,” she breathed.
All Phin could do was nod. It was astounding. Mythical and real. A shock and a certainty.
He took a deep breath, trying to access some anchor within himself.
Then she turned in place to face him again.
And it was Eleanor—her dark eyes sparking with fire as she looked up at him, her lips softly curved and her jawline straight and firm—he felt a whooshing return of solid ground beneath his feet.
She arched a brow in question, tilting her head. “All right?” she asked gently.
Phin nodded again, still not quite able to access his voice, though air had returned to his lungs and blood pumped naturally through his veins once more.
She lifted her hands and rested them on his chest. He automatically covered them with his.
“This is going to work,” she assured. “He will not be able to hide behind cryptic notes and shadowed burglars and elusive threats. He will have to react to this.”
“Oh, I’m certain he will,” Phin replied, not adding how that was exactly what worried him.
As if reading his mind, she said, “And you’ll be right there when he does. As will Aadesh and Iago and the others I know you’ll have stationed about the place.”
Phin smiled and tipped his forehead to hers. They inhaled together before he pressed his lips to her mouth. It was a brief kiss, but it contained every facet of his feelings for her.
When they separated, she smiled. “I will see you there?”
He nodded as she stepped away and crossed the room, her stride steady and full of purpose. She left without even a glance over her shoulder.