Chapter 6
CHAPTER 6
J asper’s carriage rolled gently along Bow Street, nearing the women’s runner offices. Since his disappointing meeting with the magistrate that morning, the weather had turned for the better, the sunlight peeking through white fluffy clouds and warming the once-crisp air.
His mind, however, was rather occupied by the reason for this little drive. He’d been summoned. By Miss Grace Huntsbury. No doubt she wished to discuss his case , and for the first time since Francis had begun his assault, Jasper was glad to have the women’s aid.
Maria’s mien of heated determination sprang to his mind’s eye, and his already-speeding pulse tripped in his chest.
Fuck .
When he’d arisen that morn to discover just how easily his cousin might have taken his life—and most particularly after the magistrate’s abysmal response to it—Jasper knew something must change. And Maria and the other runners not only took his concerns to heart, but they had proven themselves once before. He’d just been too blinded by concern and, curse it, superiority, to openly embrace their contribution.
He detested the notion that he couldn’t trust his own sodding staff. And yet, there he was, unsure who had granted Francis access. Miss Huntsbury had instructed him to behave as though naught was wrong so as not to frighten Francis into more drastic action. And yet…he couldn’t help but worry that they were in error to set this glacial pace.
The conveyance drew to a halt and, with a nod to his driver, he strode toward the building’s entrance. It was warm inside and smelled faintly of citrus. The small amount of comfort failed to calm his rattling nerves, however.
Following the sound of voices through the nearby doorway, Jasper found himself drawn to the sitting room.
“…She’s a lovely woman, and I’m certain would be a fit for a position here,” Maria was saying.
“Of course I trust your judgement, Maria,” Miss Huntsbury replied. “Do have her come in to speak with me.”
Jasper rounded the doorway, and the women stood, eyeing him with expectation. He bowed and offered a polite “Good afternoon,” but he scarcely noticed the other women in the room. His attention was entirely captivated by Maria.
Her dress brought out the hint of blue in her determined grey eyes. Defiant wisps of brown hair flew about her head with the gentle movement of air in the room. Her lips were perfectly formed: plump and pink. He wanted so badly to taste them.
“Excellent. We’re all here.” Miss Huntsbury urged him forward.
Taking the proffered armchair, Jasper settled back and turned his gaze on the woman.
What would Maria’s lips taste like? his inner voice ruminated. Would she be receptive to a kiss? His jealousy the previous evening came roaring to the front of his thoughts. Was it really fanciful nonsense and mild attraction that I felt?
His gaze slid sideways. Maria was listening to Miss Huntsbury with rapt attention, and his gut gave a slight twist. I want to have her in my arms and on my cock. Damnation, the libidinous thought had come from nowhere, but once in his mind, he wanted it to stay. And he wanted to do something about it. He just didn’t know what. For fuck knew he couldn’t have anyone in his bed when Francis had access to it.
“…new stratagem for us to put into motion,” Miss Huntsbury was saying.
Maria nodded and turned her gaze on him. “I’ve a question for His Grace.”
Shaken from his lascivious musings, Jasper cleared his throat. “Yes, of course.”
“When both of your cousins were in pursuit of you and Juliana, did they say anything that might imply a reason behind their actions? Surely this isn’t only for the title and estate, as we’d first assumed. They must have known that Francis would not be able to enjoy his newfound title for long before he met his end after a trial.”
“I confess, I’ve been struggling with this question. All I could glean from his letters was his desire for the title, and vague allusions to family and death.” Jasper raked his fingers through his dark hair. “Prior to their previous capture, they’d inferred that Francis blamed my father for the death of his sister, Jean. I’m unaware of the circumstances of her death, but I know without question that Juliana, our father, and I were in London the entirety of that month. A woman named Marie Tussaud was showing an exhibit of wax death masks from the victims of the Reign of Terror. Surely Francis knows that my father could not possibly have had anything to do with Jean’s death. All I can surmise is that the man is simply mad.”
Miss Huntsbury hummed. “Mr. Sinclair is determined, and understanding his motives would be beneficial. We had best make the attempt to learn more.”
“Before you continue, I have some news.” All four women watched him with concern as he spoke. “Another poisoned letter from Francis was pinned to my door with a dagger.” It was my bedchamber chest of drawers, but you needn’t know that .
His sister gasped and…had Maria grown pale?
“Was it another quote?” Miss Morgan inquired.
Jasper nodded. “It was. And I have yet to learn where it is from.”
Maria hurried once more to the nearby desk to retrieve a bit of parchment. “Do you recall what this note said?”
His jaw tightened. “I do. ‘ But I have, sir, a s O n by order of law, some year elder than this. ”
“I see.” Maria’s lips pursed in thought. “And, as in the previous notes, did a word or letter visibly stand out?”
Jasper’s jaw tightened once more as he determinedly kept his gaze from her pinkened lips. “As a matter of fact, yes. The O in son .”
Maria tapped her chin. “R, F, and O.”
“Perhaps he has scrambled the letters,” Miss Morgan offered.
“Forever, fortuitous,” Juliana added. “There are countless words that it might be, but mayhap if we garner Francis’ motivation behind the letters and his attacks, we might be able to decipher these quotes.”
“As a matter of happenstance, I made a discovery today,” Maria replied, returning to her seat with a swish of her skirts.
Jasper’s heart hiccoughed as he leaned forward, eager to hear her discovery.
“The quotes you’ve received are from King Lear .”
“Indeed?” His brows puckered. “Has that not been prohibited since?—”
“Since 1810,” Maria finished. “At that time, our monarchy feared members of society would see the similarities between King George III and the mad King Lear. Which is likely why none of us recognized the quotes directly we heard them.”
“Why do you suppose Francis chose King Lear ?” Juliana asked.
Jasper shrugged one shoulder. “I haven’t the faintest.”
“ Edmund ,” Maria stated.
A gust of wind from outside rattled the tall windows, and Jasper suppressed a shudder.
“Edmund?” he repeated.
“Yes.” She leaned forward eagerly, her intelligent eyes lit with enthusiasm as she spoke. “I imagine that Francis feels a connection to Edmund’s character. Early in the play, he is determined to become the earl and will kill anyone that poses a threat to his pursuit. Francis feels much the same about the dukedom.”
Damn, but the woman was clever. He ought to have seen the connection, as well, but it had been years since he’d seen the play. And hell if he could muster a clear thought with her face lit up as it was.
“Blimey,” Miss Morgan muttered.
“Of course,” Jasper grunted, raking a hand through his hair once more. “Yes, that makes perfect sense.”
“And you say the note was in your home, as was the first, Your Grace?” Maria’s face scrunched once more in thought.
“Yes.”
“What of your staff? Were they in residence?”
“They were.”
Miss Huntsbury’s lips thinned, her young, round face growing increasingly grave. “Yet another reason why I must insist that we carry out this new stratagem. Someone within His Grace’s household has allowed Mr. Sinclair access, whether by leaving a door unlocked or willingly opening it. Whatever the method of his entrance, he is somehow going unseen.”
Jasper cleared his throat. “I must confess, I spoke just this morning with the magistrate on this very topic. He and his men believe that Francis has, in fact, fled the country—perhaps by way of a merchant ship—and that the happenings here in town are being carried out by a band of paid individuals with instructions left by Francis.” He tapped his fingertips on his thighs, his body fraught with unease. “The probability of a member of my household staff being among his ranks is entirely possible. And decidedly unnerving.”
Miss Huntsbury’s shrewd gaze flicked to Maria, as the others watched him with varying expressions of exasperation and aggravation.
Maria’s lips pursed. “We’ve just been informed by Miss Huntsbury that the men and women she sought to replace your staff are ready and willing to accept their positions. They are to arrive at half-six at the staff entrance. As such, it would be prudent for you to meet with your housekeeper and inform her of the intended changes. Mayhap suggest a stay with their families or offer temporary lodgings at one of your estates.
“I imagine,” she continued, “that this will bring some comfort to you, Your Grace.”
“It is of some comfort, yes,” he agreed.
“Thank you for letting us know,” Miss Huntsbury said. “Maria will continue the lead role—working around her current schedule, of course—by taking a position as a maid. When she is not on shift, Heather will take on the role.” She turned her attention briefly to Miss Morgan. “Are you amenable to taking on this assignment in addition to your other new case?”
Jasper’s heart leapt, and his stomach all but flipped over entirely. Maria . In my home . Every day .
“Yes, of course.” Miss Morgan beamed, clasping her hands and bouncing slightly in her seat as she nodded eagerly.
“Why maids?” Jasper inquired. “If my staff are to be removed from my residence and replaced by yours, what purpose does a disguise serve?”
“As a duke living on Grosvenor Square, your home is observed for a number of reasons, but largely for gossip. Neighbours’ curiosity could mean devastating consequences for our runners if they are noticed arriving and departing your home at all hours, or if they’re spotted through any of your windows.”
“Right,” Jasper murmured. “Noted.” Another thing he hadn’t sodding considered.
With a small smile, Miss Huntsbury continued, “Because your staff will be absent, Maria will direct the new staff. A potential source for the laurel water must be found—if indeed the letters have been left by someone in His Grace’s household. Maria and the new staff will secure the house by keeping guard and inspecting all entrances for evidence of tampering. Both Maria and Heather have been given some training and are more than capable of aiding the new staff in defending the home, should it be required.”
Maria has received combat training? He caught her profile as she listened to Miss Huntsbury, and his heart tripped over in his chest. Might she be capable of overpowering him ? Hell, but that was a curiously arousing thought.
Heated images of Maria flipping him onto a bed and restraining him flashed through his mind…and his cock stirred.
A distinctly uncomfortable awareness of where he was sobered him, and he internally shook himself.
“…Cook is an assassin best skilled in archery, while the last three new members of staff are exceptionally skilled in espionage,” Miss Huntsbury was saying.
Blast . He was sorry to have missed that last bit; it sounded intriguing.
“And they shall be at your disposal, just as your ordinary staff are, Your Grace.”
Jasper nodded his understanding.
Maria shifted uneasily in her seat, her face crestfallen. “Your plan is an excellent one, Grace, but I’m afraid I’ll not be able to continue my role in this plot. Mayhap my part ought to be given to Juliana?”
“Can you not?” Miss Huntsbury asked, her brow furrowed.
Despite himself, Jasper’s chest gave a squeeze at the hopelessness and defeat in Maria’s grey eyes.
“You see,” Maria went on, “my parents have demanded that I accept an offer of marriage within a fortnight, and I am currently being courted by?—”
“Why not marry me ?”
The room went entirely still, and Jasper’s heart nigh stopped beating. Had he truly just proposed sodding marriage ?
Just that morning, he’d reminded himself that he did not wish to incur the weight of responsibility for anyone else’s life, and marriage was just that. Maria would be in his home, in his care, and in his…bed.
He swallowed convulsively as his cock stirred once more. That was certainly an inducement for marriage to Maria. So long as she said yes. But truthfully, his stirring anticipation at the thought of Maria in his bed was secondary to the leap his heart gave when he considered the possibility of a future filled with her intelligence, determination, and kindness. The way she saw the world around her, the curious solutions that she always managed to find when faced with a problem, and her incredible—and often insufferable—penchant of outwitting him.
The notion of a future with Maria was tempting, indeed.
Gaze sharpening on the woman, Jasper shifted in his seat, his pulse drumming through his veins. Damn, but it was alarming just how much her answer meant to him.
The proposal might have been sudden, but he wanted to trust the instinct that had driven him to it.
* * *
Say yes! Maria’s heart screamed, while her mind said absolutely not . The internal battle had her incapable of coherent thought, let alone speech.
This was Jasper , for goodness’ sake! The man who was capable of charm and affability as a means to win a wager. And, whose presence had the ability to speed her pulse and spread tingles of awareness throughout her body. Lord, but intimacies with him would be?—
Stop that, Maria . Think rationally .
She took a slow, deep breath, acutely aware of her friends’ penetrating gazes.
Consenting to marry Jasper would both satisfy her parents’ demands and potentially give her a child. He was aware of her position on Bow Street, and would likely not question her frequent absences as a result. She could still maintain her apartments, and…
It would offer her the freedom that she so desperately required.
Hope buzzed through her, and yet just that morning, she’d told Thomas that she would not marry a man for whom she might possess amorous feelings. And this was Jasper , the very man to teach her such a mortifying lesson about his sex.
Logic—and hope—won out. Her reply was all but written already, no matter how painful the result might be. She simply must hold firm against any burgeoning feelings and guard her heart.
“Very well, Your Grace,” she said, her voice hoarse and trembling. “I shall marry you.”
Heather released an uncharacteristic squeal, and Juliana clapped her hands, but Jasper’s eyes were what captured Maria’s attention. The blue deepened to cerulean, and the spots of brown grew liquid as chocolate. The realization that she could get lost in those depths cooled her ardour. She mustn’t allow herself to weaken in the face of his charm.
Jasper inclined his head. “Capital. I shall speak with your father this afternoon and post the bans on the morrow.”
“And we shall be your chaperones!” Juliana cried happily. “For I am to be your sister , Maria!”
“Congratulations are in order,” Grace said, a thoughtful smile on her face. “That certainly seems to resolve your concerns regarding time, Maria.”
“Yes, it rather does,” Maria replied, her voice still slightly rough.
Lord above, she would need to speak with Sir Asham to apologize.
“…To the matter at hand,” Grace was saying, “Maria and Heather will alternately be stationed in His Grace’s home. Your uniforms were commissioned after our first meeting and have been hung in the wardrobe near the door.” She turned her attention to Jasper. “Do you have any questions, Your Grace?”
* * *
Accepting the proffered hand of a man named Harris, Maria descended the carriage steps into the mews behind Jasper’s home. She murmured a “thank you” and led the milling new staff—the hired guards on loan from Grace’s spy friends—to the rear servants’ entrance. Nerves skittered along her skin, creating gooseflesh in their wake.
Mindful of her precarious position, Maria retreated to the back of the group, careful to keep out of sight with her mobcap tugged low. For Lord knew Jasper’s staff would recognize her on sight.
The servants’ door swung inward to reveal Jasper’s rosy-cheeked housekeeper.
“Oh!” she exclaimed, fanning her face. “I’ll fetch ’is Grace. Do come in.”
The housekeeper led Maria and the new staff through the bustling scullery and kitchens and into the corridor of service rooms, fussing the entire way.
“’Tis not often we ’ave visitors ’ere, let alone new staff . ’Tis a veritable gaff, it is! I adore the master—we all do, really—bu’ sendin’ us all about th’ countryside t’ make way fer new staff training… Bah ! Oh!” She clasped her hands to her chest and her eyes welled as she glanced over her shoulder at them. “But ’e is so dear t’ us. Do ensure ’e ’as piping hot coffee in th’ morn—and ’e does so love ’is boiled eggs, cooked just so fer four ticks. And o’ course, ’is bedchamber must be turned down at precisely eight-of-the-clock, and fires always lit in ’is rooms and study.
“’Ere y’ are,” the housekeeper finished with a rushed flourish. “The duke ’as instructed y’ te await ’im in the servants’ ’all, if y’ please.”
With a tear and a low sob, the woman hurried away, leaving Maria and the new staff to sit at the long dining table in the servants’ hall. The housekeeper’s distress seemed genuine, and compassion tugged at Maria’s heart. There was, however, someone among Jasper’s staff who had betrayed him, so needs must.
The servants’ hall was a tight, unremarkable room with cream-and-white walls, a narrow sideboard, and no windows—though the light from the long windows in the service corridor brightened the space.
The others engaged in easy conversation, evidently anticipating their new roles and the potential for a skirmish. But Maria…
She had been to Jasper’s residence on countless occasions, and yet now she was fraught with unease. She’d agreed to be his wife. His duchess .
In the moment of his proposal, she’d considered only the fact that Jasper was aware of her absence during the day, not whether her new title might impede her normal activities. Society closely followed the lives of the nobility, and would no doubt include Maria among their ranks upon the announcement of their engagement. And while she would not lament the loss of her position at the newspaper—for surely she could keep Thomas comfortable in their apartments using whatever allowance Jasper gave her—being under the watchful eye of society would undoubtedly impact her position as a runner.
She frowned. Of course, Juliana had yet to experience an impediment in her duties…
Heavy footfalls preceded the shuffling and scraping of chairs as Jasper rounded the door’s frame and the new staff stood. Maria’s pulse throbbed at her throat, and she quickly made introductions.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you all,” Jasper rumbled. “The circumstances notwithstanding.”
There was a murmur of agreement around the room.
Maria cleared her throat and turned to Jasper, perspiration beginning to gather under her breasts. “Everyone here has been briefed on their expected duties, Your Grace, but I thought to offer you the opportunity to make additional requests or ask questions, should you have them.”
Jasper’s gaze caught and held hers for a long moment, an array of emotions playing across his features, before he shook his head. “No.” He cleared his throat. “My staff are preparing for departure, but you are all welcome to make yourselves comfortable. Maria has the lead on this investigation, and I trust her to ensure everything is in order. I imagine she has a plan in place for a house tour, so I shall leave that to her. There is no space that is off-limits.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.” Harris bowed and turned to Maria. “I will bring my men to the servants’ quarters and await your instructions there.” He bowed again before leading his fellows from the room.
Maria’s heart tripped in her chest as silence descended upon her and Jasper.
“Thank you,” Jasper whispered.
Her lips curved up in a half smile. “I’ll gladly accept your thanks, Duke. But whatever for?”
“For consenting to being my wife.”
There went her heart again. Heat spread across her chest and, she was certain, brightened her ears, but she refused to break his gaze.
“Thank you for asking.”
* * *
The carriage rolled to a halt before the home of his betrothed— Christ, what a thought —and Jasper stepped out. Maria’s equipage stopped just behind his, and he watched as she descended the step.
She’d scarcely spoken a word after introducing his new staff and, despite himself, he rather missed her incisive, pithy commentary.
He gave her a grin while offering his arm. “Shall we?”
“I’m ready, yes.” She returned his smile with a small one of her own. That quirk of her lips drew his gaze…and sped his pulse.
“Darling!” The shrill voice of a woman came from the opened doorway, and Jasper immediately noted the stiffening of Maria’s spine and tightening of her jaw. “Come in, come in!”
Turning his smile toward Mrs. Roberts, Jasper made the first step, leading Maria into the warm house.
The foyer was small and decorated in a vibrant floral pattern that covered nearly every surface. It appeared as though they’d found a rug whose pattern they found pleasing, and spread it to the walls, upholstery, and stair runner.
“My, Your Grace, it is so delightful to see you again!” Mrs. Roberts squealed, dipping into a deep curtsey and struggling to rise.
Jasper sketched a short bow. “Indeed, madam.”
Her grey-streaked brown hair was done elaborately with curls and ribbons, without the mobcap that most married women were wont to wear at home. Her cheeks were sallow and her jaw thin—not at all like Maria’s—her nose narrow and pointy, and her skin tinged red, as though she’d imbibed too much sherry. Her eyes, however, were very similar to Maria’s, though lacking in their depth and personality.
“My!” Mrs. Roberts’ hand fluttered to her wrinkled chest. “We’re honoured to have you pay us a visit. Won’t you join us for tea in the parlour?” She gestured toward a hallway leading off the end of the foyer.
“As a matter of fact, Mrs. Roberts, I had rather hoped to speak with your husband. Is Mr. Roberts at home?”
Her eyes widened, and an unrestrained squeal escaped her. She flapped her hands about. “Of course, of course! Do come this way.”
Maria offered him an apologetic glance as they strode through the corridors, presumably to her father’s study.
The man stood at their entrance, and his brown eyes filled with avarice at their introductions. Jasper braced himself while simultaneously smiling and making pleasantries. This was the sort of man of whom he must beware. He didn’t appear to be careless with his funds, but he clearly desired more, and saw Jasper as his opportunity for financial gain.
Little did the man know that the dukedom was only just recovering from being very nearly destitute. Maria was aware of the circumstance, of course, the truth having come out when they had faced off against Miles and Francis those weeks ago. As it happened, however, the reason for his family’s misfortune was due to his father’s steward’s connection to Mr. Sinclair—Francis and Miles’ father. The steward had been pilfering from the dukedom’s coffers and lining his and Mr. Sinclair’s pockets for sodding years. The problem, of course, had been corrected, and the estate was now paying for itself, but to recover fully and refill the entirety of his coffers could take years.
And still…even knowing the truth, Maria had agreed to his proposal. The rest of the haut ton saw him not as a man but as a title and money. But Maria saw him .
While his stomach erupted in sudden, absurd nerves, Jasper took his seat in front of Mr. Roberts’ desk, and the man himself behind it. Maria and her mother hovered near the door, which struck him as odd. He would rather Maria sat at his side, though he supposed most fathers would hold the meeting privately. Would they not? Hell if Jasper knew; he’d never asked for a woman’s hand in marriage before.
He took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the scent of old brandy and parchment. He noted, rather amazedly, that not a single book sat upon the bookshelves lining the walls.
“I’ll not prevaricate,” Jasper said, launching into the point of his visit. “I wish to request your blessing for Maria’s hand in marriage.”
A disconcerting choking sound, followed by another of Mrs. Roberts’ squeals, came from behind him.
“Of course!” The man beamed triumphantly, his long face sharpening. “But, naturally, we must discuss her dowry. At her age, I’m afraid that it isn’t much. We’d quite lost hope, you see.”
Jasper put up a hand to halt the man. “That is not necessary, I assure you. Maria will want for nothing.”
He leaned forward to shake the man’s outstretched hand, and stood. That had been rather swifter than he’d imagined.
“Oh!” Mrs. Roberts fluttered. “Won’t you stay for supper?”