CHAPTER 5
CLIFTON
We gathered later that afternoon in Rexford’s office at King’s.
For now, it was just the four unmarried Legends—myself, Fairfax, Greyson, and Rexford.
Kendrick’s priority was his new wife, of course.
Moreland had offered to join us, but I told him to enjoy his evening with his wife since his wedding trip had already been cut short.
I was the last to arrive. The other three waited for me to settle into one of the six dark leather armchairs, the mood sombre.
I hadn’t shared any details about what I’d overheard, but I couldn’t help wondering if Fairfax had also overheard the Tuttlefords’ conversation.
He’d been hidden somewhere near the garden doors and had been close enough to realize I’d needed that distraction.
My gaze flickered to the two empty seats.
They were a stark reminder that our lives were changing.
I’m not sure what I expected. I knew that we’d eventually find wives, get started on the business of securing heirs, but I’d always imagined that would happen at some hazy future date.
And the possibility of two of us finding love…
well, that hadn’t even entered my thoughts.
But despite Moreland and Kendrick’s absence, the foundation of our friendship was unshakeable. No matter what happened, we could always count on one another.
Rexford was leaning back in his chair, arms crossed. “Fairfax told us you’re worried about a young woman. Please tell me we’re not going to have another wedding already.”
I scowled. “Fairfax has an overactive imagination.”
Fairfax shrugged. “If these past few months have shown us anything, it’s that we should expect the unexpected. Although at this point, I don’t think another marriage would be completely unexpected.”
“That isn’t why I wanted to meet.”
“Is it the young woman you were talking to? Miss Atherton?” Greyson asked.
I nodded. “Our mothers are acquainted. They were fairly close friends, I believe. I haven’t seen Diana in a number of years and certainly not since her mother passed away. Lady Tuttleford is her aunt. She and her husband are Diana’s guardians.”
Fairfax grunted. “A more unpleasant pair I’ve never seen.
But we’re going to need more details. Surely you haven’t asked us to meet because you want our help convincing them to allow you to court their ward.
Given the way they went out of their way to avoid speaking to anyone other than Brantford and Castlefield at the breakfast, I doubt there’s anything we could do to change their opinion of us. ”
So Fairfax hadn’t overheard the Tuttlefords’ conversation.
“She doesn’t seem your type,” Rexford said. “I thought you preferred your women to be more outgoing.”
Greyson frowned. “Given the way Kendrick spoke of her during his courtship of Caroline, I admit I was surprised to discover she was so… bland.”
“Not as surprised as I was. The young woman we all met at the wedding breakfast isn’t the Diana Atherton I knew. She was a delightful young girl, full of life and always smiling. I always thought she’d give the men of the ton a merry chase when she finally came out.”
From the dawning expressions of comprehension on everyone’s faces, it was clear they knew exactly why Diana’s personality had changed so completely. Her guardians had thoroughly made her life miserable.
“I am unfamiliar with the Tuttlefords,” Rexford said. “Nor do I know anything about the young woman’s parents.”
“I don’t know much myself. I do know that Lady Tuttleford is the sister of Diana’s mother.
Their family was genteel but untitled. Diana’s mother fell in love with and married a wealthy merchant.
I think my mother mentioned once that they’d eloped.
All I know is that Atherton operated factories to the north of England.
When he died several years ago, I’m not sure how many, Lady Atherton inherited the businesses. ”
“And they’re doing well?” Fairfax asked.
“Mother said that Atherton had a shrewd man of business who was handling the operations.”
Rexford nodded. “Which means that Miss Atherton is an heiress.”
“And from the looks of it,” Fairfax said, “the Tuttlefords are doing everything in their power to ensure their niece doesn’t marry.”
Greyson leaned forward. “That makes no sense. If the money is Miss Atherton’s, they’re only postponing the inevitable. When she reaches her majority, she’ll have control over her own fortune. Unless…” He shook his head. “Surely there wasn’t a will leaving everything to Tuttleford?”
Which brought us back to the conversation I’d overheard. “I followed the Tuttlefords when they went into the garden.”
Fairfax snorted. “And you did a horrible job of it, bumbling around out there. If I hadn’t interceded, they would have discovered your presence.”
He wasn’t wrong. Of late, Fairfax had been helping Rexford with some of his more discreet operations.
Neither one spoke about it, so I assumed it wasn’t anything to do with Legend business or with the club.
But that didn’t mean I wasn’t curious. Fairfax’s earlier comment about leaving the sleuthing to him was the first time he’d hinted at some of their other activities.
I couldn’t help but wonder if it had anything to do with the Earl of Brantford, who worked for the home office.
“Diana’s uncle didn’t want her to come to town, and I don’t think she’ll be having another season.”
Greyson rubbed his chin. “So she’s going to inherit, and they want to prevent her from marrying. Do you think they’re going to lock her away in the country?”
I met each of their gazes in turn. “I suspect Diana’s life may be in danger.”
Greyson’s eyebrows rose, but the expressions on Rexford and Fairfax’s faces told me they were not shocked by my suspicion.
“Surely not,” Greyson said.
“It wouldn’t be the first time someone has killed for money,” Rexford said. “If my own father had produced another son, I have no doubt he would have tried to dispose of me long before now.”
“You did yourself no favors earlier this year,” Greyson said.
Fairfax grinned. “But it was incredible watching the Duke of Sherbourne receive his comeuppance.” Fairfax turned to me. “What did you overhear?”
“Tuttleford was very unhappy Diana had a season. Apparently, his wife insisted on bringing her niece, no doubt to quell speculation. And it was her job to ensure Diana remained a wallflower.”
“She did an admirable job of downplaying her niece’s appearance,” Greyson said.
I nodded. “She’s no diamond, but the young girl I knew was pretty enough.
Not this walking shadow her aunt has turned her into.
At any rate, before I clumsily gave away my position, Tuttleford issued a threat.
” All eyes were on me as I continued. “It would be tragic if an accident were to befall her as well.”
Greyson swore. “How did her parents die?”
“I don’t know the details of her father’s death. It happened a year before her mother’s. There was some type of accident in one of his factories.”
“And her mother?” Fairfax asked.
I thought back to my mother’s stricken expression when she’d conveyed the news to me. Mother had been heartbroken. And very upset that she hadn’t been able to attend the funeral. The Tuttlefords had whisked Diana away in the dark of night.
“Lady Atherton died in a carriage accident.”
Rexford’s eyes narrowed. “And now Tuttleford is threatening Miss Atherton.”
I nodded. “I’m afraid something will happen to Diana before she reaches her age of majority. As her only living relative, Lady Tuttleford would likely inherit.”
Fairfax nodded. “So we must stop them.”
Relief filled me as I took in the determined expressions on my friend’s faces. Moreland and Kendrick weren’t here in person, but they were here in spirit. If I needed their help, they wouldn’t hesitate.
“Kendrick just got married today, but Moreland should be here,” Greyson said.
Fairfax nodded. “I’ll fill him in on what’s happening, and Kendrick as well when we’ve decided on a course of action. But their assistance might not be needed.” He met my gaze. “You know what you have to do, correct?”
I frowned. “If I knew what to do, I wouldn’t have called the three of you here. Diana is under the guardianship of the Tuttlefords. Until she reaches her age of majority, she can’t leave.”
Fairfax grinned. “You need to take her.”