Chapter 58
Chapter Fifty-Eight
My desire to put mayhem behind me finally felt achievable.
Bored with the smoke and mirrors of secret societies and ancient cults, I wanted to leave it all behind, relax and enjoy time with my son. Sunaria and I also needed to spend more time together – I missed her.
Belshazzar’s offered up its quiet familiarity.
Halfway up the stairway, I heard the patter of paws, then four bloodhounds appeared on the balcony. Barking, they scampered around my feet, acting as though I’d been away for days, not hours. Patting each one, I tried to extricate myself from their unending need for attention.
The strains of violin music reached my ears. Taking three steps at a time, I flew along the east wing and the dogs bolted alongside me. Rachel was silhouetted against the window, caressing the strings with her bow. She stopped abruptly when I appeared.
Jacob sat in the corner. “Isn’t she talented?” He rose out of his chair to greet me.
Rachel smiled at him, lowering her bow.
“Where’s your brother?” I asked her, trying to keep the anger out of my tone.
“Don’t know,” she said.
“She plays beautifully,” Jacob said, smiling. “Like an angel.”
I gave a nod, and Rachel, still clutching her violin, headed for the door.
“Thank you for the performance,” Jacob called after her.
When her gaze caught mine, she quick-footed it out.
“That morose music is the last thing you need to hear,” I muttered. “What did you two talk about?”
“You, mostly.” His gaze met mine. “Turns out you’ve been keeping a secret from me. You play the violin, too.”
Unable to look at him, I strolled over to the window. I had just violated his privacy and stolen his thoughts.
Jacob joined me, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. “What other talents are you keeping from me?”
Across the street, a woman was shouting at a man standing on the street corner. He was either deaf or ignoring her.
I craved peace, a drama-free life. My nights had more than enough excitement. My son’s happiness and safety took precedence.
“Penny for your thoughts,” he said.
Yet his were free. I would not read them again – a vow I intended to keep. “Have you ever taken a boat down the River Thames?” I asked.
“Are you changing the subject?”
“Apparently, the view from the Thames is extraordinary.”
“You are changing the subject.”
“Wear something warm.”
Within an hour I had persuaded Jacob that he needed some leisure time with me.
The river boat swept us along.
The broad strokes of the oarsman guided us down the River Thames, and Jacob, Marcus, and I viewed the ever-changing vista.
England had recently endured some harsh weather, but spring had morphed into summer.
Having endured the bitter winter, we were grateful for the warmth.
Despite the sun having set an hour ago, the heat lingered.
Marcus now seemed comfortable enough to look me in the eyes again and hold my gaze.
After that evening back at Madam Rouge’s, when I’d kissed him, he had for a while tripped over his words.
I’d done what I could to allay his reticence, trying to talk about it and clear the air. But he’d refused to discuss it.
It seemed he hoped for the promise of something more. He appeared to struggle with his feelings and wavered when I smiled his way.
As I did now, causing him to look away.
Our boat rocked in the wake of larger vessels that passed by and smaller boats that nudged past. We were not the only ones taking advantage of the warmer temperatures.
With all my will, I tried to resist the urge to trespass on Jacob’s thoughts. Now and again, I caught a wisp of his ponderings. Leaning back against the side of the boat, I tried to avert my gaze.
“How did you two meet each other?” Jacob asked.
I felt Marcus’ silent insistence that I should answer.
“We were introduced,” I said.
“Where?” Jacob asked.
“Here in London,” I replied.
Jacob gave me an incredulous look. “Why do I always feel you’re avoiding my questions?”
“We met at Belshazzar’s,” Marcus added. “Just before your father bought the property. Of course it wasn’t called that when we met there.”
“What was it called?” Jacob asked.
“Blackfriars.” I was unsure whether the chill that ran down my spine came from the river breeze.
The oarsman’s gaze locked on mine. It dawned on me that anything we discussed could very well wind up circulating around the city. The oarsman visibly shivered. Perhaps rumors had spread about that place and those who only left the property at night.
Jacob caught our interaction and changed the subject. “Where’s Rachel tonight?” he asked. “I’m sure she would have enjoyed this.”
Marcus shrugged.
“Rachel is such a talented violinist,” Jacob said.
Marcus grinned. “You should have been around for rehearsals in the early days.” He laughed. “That takes brotherly love to a whole new level.”
“Is anyone else getting seasick or is it just me?” I pressed my hand over my mouth.
“On the Thames?” Jacob asked.
“Take us in,” I ordered the oarsman.
“Already?” Jacob looked at Marcus and then back at me.
I’d dropped many a body into these waters and my imagination ran wild as I envisioned that one of the corpses might spring out of the dark depths and scream at me.
Jacob looked up at Marcus. “Is he like this with you?”
Marcus smiled and shrugged.
Jacob studied me. “You need to get more sun.” He looked at Marcus. “In fact, you both do.”
The oarsman glanced our way nervously.
Jacob insisted that we visit an old inn he favored. With his enthusiasm so great, it had been impossible to refuse him.
All three of us sat on the hard, wooden benches, right in the middle of the rowdy pub, awaiting our order of drinks. I already regretted agreeing to dinner. The tavern was small, dark and atmospheric. Marcus’ ability to make light conversation softened what could have been an uncomfortable evening.
“So, Jacob, have you made a decision yet?” I asked.
“About moving into Belshazzar’s?”
I nodded.
“Perhaps.”
Doing my best to hide my disappointment, I leaned back against the bench and folded my arms.
Jacob turned to Marcus. “So, what can you tell me about my father?”
Marcus raised an eyebrow. “Oh, where to begin?”
I lifted my cup and pretended to sip.
“Your father searched for you relentlessly,” Marcus offered.
I found myself gripping the table, aware of the tension I was suddenly feeling.
“Every night, he scoured London for you,” Marcus continued. “He never gave up.”
I was relieved when the waitress interrupted, and yet disconcerted when she plopped down bowls of soup and the smell hit me. More food arrived, freshly baked rabbit and a full plate of vegetables.
Conscious of being watched, I seriously contemplated eating, but with the memory of Marcus vomiting on me, I decided against it.
“Tell me more about your business.” Jacob offered me some bread.
I accepted a piece and rested it on the side of my plate. “We buy land.”
Jacob offered the bread to Marcus.
Marcus declined with a wave. “We purchase old homes and tear them down.”
“And then we rebuild,” I said.
“How many homes around Belshazzar’s do you own?” Jacob asked.
“Almost all of them,” I answered.
“You mean the whole street?” Jacob joked.
“Yes.” Marcus gave up on pushing his food around his plate and put his fork down.
Jacob glanced at me and then at Marcus.
“Those reluctant to sell are offered double for their property,” Marcus said. “Within three years of moving into Belshazzar’s, we owned the majority of land surrounding the manor.”
“We rent out the properties.” I poked my food.
Jacob turned to Marcus. “Not hungry either?”
Marcus sighed. “That boat left me feeling a little queasy, too.”
Jacob dipped a chunk of bread into his soup. “I would like your permission to take Rachel to the park tomorrow.”
Marcus glanced at me. “My sister’s heading out of town.”
Jacob’s face fell.
Marcus coughed. “This trip has been planned for quite some time.”
“Where’s she going?” Jacob ate the moist bread.
“Cornwall,” I blurted out.
Jacob looked at me. “Who does she know in Cornwall?”
“Our aunt,” Marcus said. “She’s taken a turn for the worse.”
Jacob frowned. “Rachel didn’t mention it.”
I avoided his gaze.
“Rachel’s very private,” Marcus offered.
“She’s not the only one.”
“And what about you?” I asked Jacob. “What are your plans?”
“I hope to continue with my studies, keep Dr. Potts’ old practice running, just as he intended.
Provide medicine for the poor. A few of my clients are wealthy and, as such, I’m able to take care of those less fortunate.
I’ve had a private benefactor who’s supplemented my income.
” Jacob’s expression changed to one of realization.
Anxious to leave, I gestured to the waitress for the bill.
“That money, it came from you, didn’t it?” Jacob’s face looked flushed.
“Well, I—”
“Of course.” He shook his head.
I smiled at him. “Sometime in the near future, I imagine you’ll want to join the business.”
“My vocation is medicine.” Jacob shook his head. “I have no head for business and no interest in it.”
“You might change your mind.”
Jacob lifted his chin. “I take great pride in what I do. Any other kind of life is superficial.”
“Why, thank you.” I pretended to be offended.
“Life isn’t all about decadence.” Jacob glowered. “You’ve pushed your food around with your nose in the air. That would have fed a starving child, of which London has many.”
I sighed.
“You, too.” Jacob turned to Marcus.
“We understand, Jacob,” I said, frustrated.
“No, you don’t,” he snapped.
“Being wealthy enables us to give to the poor,” I said.
Several of the other guests stared in our direction.
Marcus leaned toward Jacob. “Rachel would love to go to the park with you.”
Jacob’s face showed a subtle change in expression.
“She leaves for Cornwall on Wednesday,” Marcus said, “so why not take her to the park tomorrow?”
Jacob glared at both of us. “You’re trying to placate me?”
“I’m offering you an olive branch,” Marcus said. “Your father and I came from those lowly origins you talk of. We dressed in rags and ate bread and water.”
I gave Marcus an incredulous stare.