Promise me, p.8
Promise Me, page 8
The creak of the parlor door startled Irma. She opened her eyes. “Morning, Willie.”
“You look tired, Irma Louise. Didn’t you sleep well?”
“Never mind about me. It’s late. Why are you not at the Standard?”
“Because I received some news about our Spanish piece of fluff.”
“Maria Santiago?”
“That’s the one. Seems she owns the Boar’s Head.”
“Well, dust off my bloomers. How’d we miss that?”
“It was left to her by the previous owner.”
“Who?”
“A seafaring captain who died of consumption two years ago. Miss Santiago hired a partner, an older woman, to run the business side of things, leaving her free to hunt for noble victims.”
Irma shook her head. “She’ll soon snare another gent, seduce him, and force him to pay up or bear the shame of scandal. How did your man find out about the Boar’s Head?”
“He bedded the older woman.” William sat down on the sofa. “An ugly puss, I’m told. Got her soused and eager but wouldn’t poke her until she answered his questions.”
Trinity waltzed into the room. “Morning, Grandmother. Great Uncle William.”
“You’re up early,” William noted.
“Never made it to my bed.”
“Oh? Business or pleasure?”
“Both,” Trinity replied. “Grandmother, you’ll be interested to learn I spoke with Miss Sheridan after I left you last evening.”
“Where’d you corner the girl?”
“Sneaking out of the Imperial Inn.”
“Did the duke accompany her?”
“No, ma’am. Just Lady Ashburn.”
“And the child?”
“Yeah, he was with her, but she denied he’s her son.”
“Of course she did,” Irma snapped. “What did you expect?”
“I didn’t expect to believe her. But I do.”
“Good lord, Trinity. You’d believe anything if it’s spoken by soft lips and accompanied by a pretty face.”
“Now that ain’t true. Miss Sheridan told me--”
“Forget what she told you. That girl’s hiding something, and the burden has put a wagonload of guilt upon her shoulders.
“I know who the boy’s mother is,” William stated in a mater-of-fact tone.
Trinity shook his head. “It’s not Miss Sheridan.”
“Stop thinking with your manhood, boy.”
“You know, Granny, I am a man, and I’d appreciate it if you’d refer to me as such.”
“If you two heathens are finished bickering,” William stated, “I’ll tell you about the interesting conversation I had with the doctor who resides at the Boar’s Head.”
“You ill, Uncle William?”
“No, Trinity. It wasn’t that kind of visit. The doctor came to me with information about the child. By the way, his name is Edwin. Said he was Maria Santiago’s illegitimate son, but she had abandoned him the previous evening.”
“Told you, Irma.”
She paid no attention to Trinity’s snide remark. “Well, Willie, why the devil didn’t you say so in the first place?”
“You didn’t give me the chance, Irma Louise.”
“Why’d this doctor come to you, Uncle William?”
“Well, he--”
“The boy’s got a point,” Irma stated. “It makes no sense he’d come to you unless Miss Sheridan paid him to spread misinformation.”
“I considered that,” William said. “But he seemed genuinely concerned for Edwin. He inquired if charges of abandonment could be brought against Miss Santiago. I assume the man’s a decent enough physician, but he knows little about English law. I explained it’s no crime for a mother to abandon her child.”
“It should be,” Trinity mumbled.
William nodded in agreement. “We’ve suspected for months now that Maria Santiago was behind those notes detailing Miss Sheridan’s visits to Cambridge Town though I never quite understood her motive.”
“Simple. She was planning to ruin the girl’s reputation.” Irma adjusted her shawl and turned her attention to Trinity. “Willie tells me that Spanish chit owns the Boar’s head. It was willed to her two years ago.”
He whistled low. “That place is a gold mine for attracting coin.”
“And every known disease,” Irma declared.
“There’s something else,” William noted. “Several weeks ago, the doctor overheard Miss Santiago bragging to one of her lovers about trying her hand at forgery. He had no idea what she meant.”
“The letters,” Irma said and aimed a fierce scowl at her brother. “What else have you forgotten to mention, Willie?”
“Anyone ever tell you, Irma Louise, that you are an ungrateful old woman?”
“They probably have, Brother, but like you, my memory isn’t quite as reliable as it used to be.”
Trinity chose a chair by the fire. “Grandmother, when you met with Chase, did you explain who Maria Santiago was?”
“He knew his brother kept a mistress. What he didn’t know was her name, and I chose not to tell him.”
“And the letters? What do you intend to do with them?”
“I gave them to the duke.”
William’s face reddened. “What the devil for?”
“That wasn’t nice, Irma Lou,” Trinity admonished.
“Chase is a clever man. He’ll soon figure out the truth just as we did.” She eyed her grandson. “You ask Miss Sheridan to talk to me?”
He nodded. “She turned me down flat.”
“I expected as much. Well, pack your bags, Trinity.”
“Where am I going?”
“You told me Leah Sheridan took that child and crept out of the Imperial Inn in the middle of the night. The duke, however, did not accompany her, which means he likely plans to question her at some point about why she ran away.”
“Yeah, but I can’t just barge into her home without an invitation.”
“I have an idea about that. Now go pack.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
After he left, Irma turned to her brother. “I’m thinking of opening Westwood Hall for the winter. Would you care to accompany me?”
“And leave this saintly town of prostitutes and thieves for ancient dowagers and stiff-necked noblemen who do nothing but disagree with one another?” He shook his head. “No, my dear. I’m staying right here in Cambridge Town where I’ll be safe from boredom.”
###
Nicolas waited in the lobby of the Boar’s Head Inn. This establishment was clearly different from the Imperial Inn. Here, if a man could jingle two coins together, he’d quickly find a doxy by his side, her hands deep inside his pockets.
He glanced around. One man stood at the bar, staring into a glass of ale. Others sat in the dining area.
Nicolas sensed someone watched him and glanced up the stairs. However, he saw no one and quickly made his way across the room.
An older woman approached. “Lord, if it isn’t a fish out of water looking for an early tumble,” she said with a toothless grin. “What type suits you, milord? Fair? Dark? Tall or petite?” She leaned close. “I got a pretty Spanish piece who knows her business. She’ll treat you special.”
“No, thank you.”
“You want two girls? Three? Some were up fairly late last evening, but they’d be willing to forego a bit of sleep in exchange for pleasuring such a handsome gent.”
“I’m not looking for a woman.”
Distaste surfaced in her eyes. “Sorry to disappoint you, milord, but the Boar’s Head is for sport.” Her gaze raked him from head to boot. “Not perversion.”
“You misunderstand, madam. I seek a doctor. I was told one resided here.”
She licked her lips. “You look healthy to me.”
“Is there a doctor in this establishment or not?”
“There’s a room behind the back staircase, dearie. You’ll find him there. See that you don’t keep him from his duties.”
Nicolas found the room and knocked. He was about to knock again when the door opened to reveal the same man he’d questioned the night before. He introduced himself and added, “Do you remember we spoke at the Imperial Inn last evening?”
“Yes. I believe you asked about your cousin.”
“That’s correct.”
“I’m not sure what I can tell you as I didn’t examine the lady.”
“That’s not why I’m here. May I come in?”
The doctor moved aside. Though spotless, the room had been sparsely decorated with a small wardrobe and two chairs belonging to a square table. The single bed would’ve been ordinary if not for the multi-colored quilt covering it.
The doctor cleared his throat. “What can I do for you, your Grace?”
“I’m interested in the welfare of the child who was with my cousin and her friend.”
“May I ask how this concerns you?”
“I have reason to believe he’s my nephew.”
“And you wish to see to his care?”
“I do.”
“Thank the good and gracious Father.” The doctor’s worried expression lightened. “I treated the lad for fever and congestion. He should be fine in a day or so, though he’s a bit undernourished in my opinion.”
“Do you know his name or his age?”
“Edwin. And I believe he’s a few months past a year old.”
“Are you owed anything for the visit?”
“No, I was paid well enough, but there’s something I should mention.” The physician hesitated. “The boy has a slight deformity.”
“What do you mean? What sort of deformity?”
“His right foot is normal, but the left...he has a severe clubfoot.”
Nicolas thanked the doctor and once outside the Inn, he sucked in several breaths of fresh air, removing the stench of the Boar’s Head from his lungs. He could overlook the fact that Leah Sheridan had drugged his tea, and he’d already concluded that Adrian’s accident wasn’t her fault, but he could not forgive the cowardly way she’d treated her own son.
“What an accomplished liar you are, Miss Sheridan.”
Chapter Seven
Sitting cross-legged on the floor of Greyson Manor’s private parlor, Katrina held out her hands to Edwin. “Where did he find Boo?”
“In the carriage beneath the cushions,” Leah replied.
“I never thought to look there.” Kat tapped the child’s head. “I hereby present Boo to you, Edwin, but you must keep him away from cats, or they will eat him.”
He shook his head. “No eat Boo.”
Katrina held him steady before turning him toward Rebecca.
“He seems to have taken to the girls,” Anne said.
“I noticed.”
“This bodes well for me.”
“How do you mean?”
“I shall have two capable young ladies eager to...” Lady Ashburn’s amused expression abruptly changed. “Oh, dear.”
“What is it?” Leah asked.
“A slight rippling pain.”
“You look pale. Shall I send for the doctor?”
“Heaven’s, no.”
“Anne, if you’re in pain--”
“It was just a momentary twinge. I’m fine.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, Mother.”
Leah relaxed. “I should never have allowed you to accompany me on the long ride to Cambridge Town.”
“I insisted.”
“Yes, and you were rather annoying.” Leah squeezed her friend’s hand. “I wish you’d allow me to send for the midwife.”
“She would merely force me to take to my bed and with Hugh in France for another month, I cannot afford to become idle.”
Edwin gave Becca a quick kiss before wrapping his arms around her neck.
“I’m grateful Lady Chase accepted my invitation to tea,” Leah remarked.
“I’m surprised Nicolas is not at your door this very instant demanding an explanation for our sudden departure.”
“Perhaps he stopped by Ashburn Hall to check on you.”
“Oh, I hadn’t thought of that.”
“Do you suppose he will accompany his grandmother?”
“It’s possible.”
“He’ll wish to know why I didn’t mention Edwin last evening.”
“Yes, you may count on that question popping up.”
Leah massaged the ache pulsing at her temple. Thank heavens she hadn’t drugged the duke.
Edwin plopped down on his bottom midway between Kat and Becca. Both girls giggled, and Edwin squealed at the top of his lungs.
“He is such a precious little fellow,” Leah said. “I pray Lady Chase will accept him and love him as I do.”
“I’m certain Aunt Margaret will adore him.”
“He walks strange,” Kat declared.
“He has a clubfoot,” Leah explained.
“How did he get it?” Becca asked.
“It’s a deformity that developed before he was born.”
“Will he walk better as he grows older?” Kat inquired.
“I certainly hope so.”
“To whom does he belong?” Becca asked.
“Well...” Leah glanced at her friend.
“For the moment, we are his guardians,” Anne replied.
“Can we keep him, Mother?”
“No, Rebecca. We are merely borrowing him.”
Clearly confused, the girls glanced at one another.
“Edwin is to meet his family later this afternoon,” Leah explained.
“Meet them?” Becca echoed.
Anne sighed. “Must you two squirrels ask so many questions?”
“But, Mother, you said if Katrina and I do not ask questions, we do not learn.”
“And we’ve no wish to sound like addle-brained females who have nothing more important to converse about except gowns and balls,” Katrina insisted.
“What excellent apprentices I’ve nurtured. You are correct, my dears. I apologize.” Anne cleared her throat. “Let’s see now. Edwin’s mother could not care for him, so Leah and I accepted the responsibility. At least for the time being. And since we know his grandmother--”
“We do?” Becca inquired.
“Who?” Kat asked.
Thankfully the study door opened, and the Greyson butler interrupted the interrogation. “Excuse me, Miss Sheridan. Lady Chase has arrived, and I’ve escorted her into the drawing room per your instructions.”
“Is she alone?”
“Yes, miss.”
Leah released a pent-up breath. “Thank you, Mister Pratt.”
The servant bowed before departing.
After one last glance at her friend, Leah followed. She closed the study doors and leaned against it. Her head throbbed, and a lump of nerves knotted her stomach. Her own fault. She should’ve eaten something.
###
Nicolas sank into the tub of steaming bathwater and closed his eyes. Anger burned red hot in his heart. Did Miss Sheridan not realize he possessed the good sense to figure out why she’d drugged his tea?
How many lies had she told? Had she been dishonest with his brother as well? Was Edwin even Adrian’s son?
The more questions he thought of, the more his anger mounted. Her beauty had blinded him but on the inside, Leah Sheridan was cold and calculating. A cunning woman who easily manipulated men.
“Well, I am bloody well done with being manipulated.” He threw the scrub brush toward the opposite end of the tub. “This time, she’ll play by my rules.”
He would ignore the tears in her lovely eyes. He wouldn’t listen to the pain accompanying her gentle voice. No matter what she said, no matter how much she begged, he had no more room for forgiveness.
Nicolas stepped out of the bath and wrapped a towel around his torso. After shaving, he combed his hair and dressed. Standing in front of the long mirror reminded him of something his grandfather once said.
When asked casually why he employed no manservant, Bart had spouted, “If a man cannot dress and groom himself, what good is he?”
Nicolas sighed. “How did you ever put up with him, Gran?”
Halfway down the stairs, the housekeeper stopped him.
“I was just coming up to find you, your Grace.”
“Is something wrong?”
“No, not at all. Lady Chase asked me to inform you that she’s taking afternoon tea at Greyson Manor.”
###
“More tea?” Leah inquired.
“No, thank you, dear,” Lady Chase replied. “Nicolas tells me he spoke to you at the Harvest Ball. I must apologize. News of Adrian’s death caused quite a shock. Whatever he said, I hope you will not take it to heart.”
“He wished to know more regarding the accident.” Leah sat on the sofa beside her. “I’m afraid I was rude.”
Her ladyship placed her hand over Leah’s. “I am grateful you were with Adrian at the end. Your presence no doubt was a comfort.”
“My lady, I’ve a matter to discuss that concerns Adrian.”
“Oh?”
“You see, before he died, I swore a promise to him. One I’ve come to regret, but at the time--”
The drawing room doors burst open, and the Duke of Chase entered in such a manner that his presence demanded full attention. His gaze narrowed on Leah, and a fierce storm brewed in his dark eyes.
The butler followed on the duke’s heels. “I’m sorry, miss.” He favored the duke with a slight glare. “But he insisted.”
“That’s quite all right, Mister Pratt.” Leah stood, her legs wobbly. “Would you ask one of the maids to bring us some fresh tea?”
“Save yourself the trouble, Pratt,” Chase declared. “I had more than enough last evening.”
Leah’s stomach twisted. “You drank the tea?”
“I did.”
“Oh, no. But I thought...I mean, I expected...”
Lady Chase stood. “Nicky, what goes on here? Where are your manners?”
“Perhaps you should ask Miss Sheridan. You see, she came to my room last night at the Imperial Inn and…”
