Chapter 14
Samuel paced back and forth in front of Thomas.
“This isn’t looking good for you, Thomas.
Lord Chilcott is pressing for the Privy Council to get involved in the accusation.
They are hesitant, of course, to jump to such a conclusion seeing as you are one of the highest-ranking members of the peerage.
But that won’t hold off the questions forever. ”
“Couldn’t you say something without drawing attention to your family?” Thomas asked.
Samuel sighed. “I don’t know. If I’m discovered to be hiding the missing duke, even though we are friends, it would be bad for both of us.”
Thomas stood and put his hands on Samuel’s shoulders.
“Your pacing is making me nervous. There is a simple answer to all of this. I’ll simply return home.
I don’t need to tell a soul where I’ve been.
That way your family remains safe from suspicion of helping me, and so long as I can get this treason mess cleared up, I can come back here and court Lady Lavender.
I’ve been considering doing just that for weeks now. ”
Samuel’s answering smile was sad. “As much as I’d like to see you try to win her over.
I can’t let you do that. Especially as her guardian, you must be a safe prospect to allow it.
Thomas, this case has made some people almost violent.
Lord Chilcott’s reward didn’t specify whether or not you had to be alive in order to get the reward, and I, for one, would never forgive myself if you left here only to be arrested or killed.
We need to come up with something else.”
Thomas thought about his situation and that of Lady Lavender.
He couldn’t court her if he was arrested or facing false crimes—it wouldn’t be fair to her.
He couldn't court her as he was either. But at least if he stayed, he could continue to keep her safe.
“You know, Lady Lavender has been asking me a few pointed questions about the missing duke.”
“Has she? I wonder why.” Samuel looked him over a little more intently. “Well, it’s a good thing I can hardly recognize you from a month ago. The facial hair, as hideous as it is, helps. Perhaps if you are lucky, she’ll never piece it together.”
Thomas started pacing in Samuel’s stead. “Perhaps. In the meantime, I think I want her to know this new side of me.”
“Why is that?”
“This is the first time I’ve ever been useful to anyone. I work hard and I’ve been seeing the world differently because of it. I’m making a difference, even if it’s small. Besides, what would I do without Jack or the company of a beautiful woman every evening?”
Samuel coughed. “I do try to keep an eye on you two from my window, but I can’t look out into the night for hours at a time. You’re behaving yourself, aren’t you?”
“Of course I am.”
“Good. Then maybe you can help her understand the missing duke a little more. Lean into the conversation. It won’t be as difficult to explain later on if she has already heard the truth about you from your own mouth once this is all over.”
Thomas’s conscience lightened a bit. That was a genius idea. “I’ve been trying to do that very thing.”
Samuel nodded his approval. “And take good care of Jack. I’m going to need you more than I anticipated for the next few weeks due to his injuries. I don’t want to hire any new staff until your name is cleared.”
“I have a feeling I’ll be fighting some other people for the chance to help him. Lady Lavender has some personal experience with burns of her own.”
Samuel nodded. “Miriam told me what she said in the kitchen. So, her scars don’t bother you?” He opened the door to the study, effectively cutting off any other conversation.
“Why would they bother me? Have you looked at her face? The woman is an angel.” Thomas tapped his fingers on his knees. “You know what, even if her scars were on her face, they still wouldn’t bother me. She’s beautiful from the inside out.”
Samuel laughed. “Your speech would make Miriam so proud. You’re in deep, my friend.”
“Yes, I believe I am.” Thomas bowed himself out and went directly to check in on Jack again.
Mrs. Bitters had his hands bandaged with the carron oil, and Jack was sleeping in their shared room.
“What can I do for you Mrs. Bitters?” Thomas asked once he’d peeked in on Jack for himself.
“Lady Lavender should be returning from her ride in Hyde Park anytime now. Why don’t you change and assist her back inside.”
Thomas was nodding before she finished. “Who was she out with?”
“Lord Chilcott, I believe.”
Thomas ground his teeth together. Could he retrieve Lady Lavender from her ride right under Lord Chilcott’s nose?
He didn’t really have a choice: Jack certainly couldn’t do it.
He threw on his livery as quietly as he could so he wouldn’t wake Jack and pulled his hat low on his head.
There was nothing for it but to be invisible.
When the phaeton pulled in front of the townhouse, Thomas remained still a moment longer than necessary, calming his breathing. He extended his hand up to Lady Lavender and kept his eyes on her feet, assuring she didn’t trip taking the step down.
“I expect to hear your answer for me in two days. I’ll claim the first dance at the Moulton’s ball this Friday.” Lord Chilcott’s voice came out as more of a command than Thomas expected, but Thomas helped Lady Lavender find her footing on the ground and turned back toward the house.
“I will allow that. But Lord Chilcott, you should know that whatever answer I give to you, I expect you to respect that decision.”
Thomas was beyond intrigued by their half-conversation. For the first time in all their acquaintance, Lady Lavender sounded a bit upset. The fact that she was probably upset with Lord Chilcott made Thomas bite back a smile. He knew precisely what questions he would have for her this evening.
Lady Lavender watched the phaeton drive off and then marched up the steps to the house. Thomas only just beat her to the top before he let her inside.
She finally made eye contact with him. “Thank you, Tom. I must admit, it was strengthening to have you at my side after a ride like that.” She glanced over her shoulder at the retreating phaeton. Her hazel eyes sparking dangerously in the sunlight.
“I will be at your side whenever you need me, my lady.” And he meant it. For all the years he’d spent chasing a feeling of belonging in his life, he’d come up as empty as his brandy bottles. And now, he wanted to serve this lady as much as he wanted to court her.
She pulled her glove up higher. “How is Jack?”
“Sleeping like a baby, with his hands wrapped.”
She nodded. “Good. Would you tell Miriam I need to rest for the remainder of the day?”
“Certainly, my lady.” He put a hand on her elbow. “Will you be in the garden tonight?”
She nodded once. “I’m coming with lots of questions, so you’d best prepare yourself.”
Thomas smiled at her. “I am an open book.”
“That is my favorite type.” Her smile set his heart pounding.