Page 15 of A Lady’s Mishap (The Lockwood Family #5)

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T he carriage rocked to a halt in front of Elodie’s townhouse, and Anthony quickly stepped out, offering his hand to help her down onto the cobbled street.

Once she was on the pavement, he didn’t let go of her hand but instead guided it to the crook of his arm. “Allow me to escort you inside.”

“That is not necessary,” Elodie attempted.

“I am trying to be a gentleman,” he said with a smile.

Elodie couldn’t help but tease him. “Why start now?”

He chuckled. “You, my lady, are a minx.”

“Thank you,” Elodie said as they walked up to the main door, her hand still resting on his arm. The door promptly opened, and White stood back to admit them.

“Lady Eugenie is waiting for you in the drawing room,” White announced with a small bow.

Elodie slipped her hand from Anthony’s arm. “Lady Eugenie is here?”

“Yes, my lady,” White replied. “She asked to wait when she heard you were out.”

“I wonder what she wants,” Elodie mused.

Anthony gestured towards the door. “Shall we find out together?”

Elodie gave him an appraising look. “What makes you think I want you to join me in greeting Lady Eugenie?”

In a low, flirtatious voice, Anthony replied, “Because you are not ready to say goodbye to me just yet.”

She huffed, feigning irritation. “You are a nuisance.”

“A handsome nuisance?” Anthony asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “I cannot help but notice you can’t take your eyes off me.”

Elodie shook her head. “That is only because it is polite to look at someone when you are speaking to them.”

Anthony leaned closer. “Or perhaps… just humor me here… you are wondering what it would be like to kiss me.”

Her mouth dropped open, and she felt a blush rise to her cheeks. “I would never kiss you.”

“Never say never, Elodie.”

To her dismay, she could not stop the blush from deepening. The thought had indeed crossed her mind, albeit briefly. But she would never admit that to him or to anyone.

Anthony raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on his lips. “So, shall we go speak to Lady Eugenie or are you tempted to test this theory of mine?”

“You are impossible.”

His smile grew. “I did not hear a ‘no’ in there.”

Elodie was not going to dignify that with a response. She turned on her heel and strode into the drawing room, grateful for the excuse to avoid his gaze. Inside, she found Lady Eugenie sitting on the settee, a pensive expression on her face.

“Lady Eugenie,” Elodie greeted.

Lady Eugenie stood abruptly, holding a letter in her hand. “Forgive me for arriving unannounced, but I had to see you.” She held out the letter, her fingers trembling slightly. “A street urchin delivered this to my townhouse this morning.”

Elodie took the paper, quickly reading over the note.

I know all about Lady Eugenie and Lord Montrose’s tryst. Ten thousand pounds will buy my silence. Secure the money and I will be in touch.

Her eyes widened in shock. “This… this was sent to you?”

Lady Eugenie’s expression grew downcast. “It was sent to my brother, but I intercepted it. He will be furious when he sees this. He knows nothing of that night with Lord Montrose.”

“He will understand,” Elodie assured her.

Lady Eugenie let out a nervous laugh. “Perhaps, but he may very well send me to a convent for such a disgrace. Tell me honestly, did you mention what happened that night to anyone?”

“I confided in my family, but no one else,” Elodie replied.

Anthony, who had been watching silently, stepped forward. “May I see the note?”

Lady Eugenie gave a small nod, and Elodie passed the note to him. As he read it, Elodie guided her new friend back to the settee. “Would you care for some tea?”

“Tea won’t mend this,” Lady Eugenie said with a dismissive wave of her hand. “I am ruined. No one will have me once this gets out.”

“You do not know that,” Elodie attempted.

Lady Eugenie bobbed her head. “I do know that,” she asserted. “I am not the diamond. I am a nobody.”

Reaching for her hand, Elodie said, “You are not a ‘nobody.’ You are a lady.”

“A lady foolish enough to trust a rake like Lord Montrose. And now someone is blackmailing my brother over it,” Lady Eugenie said.

Elodie noticed Anthony’s silence, his jaw clenched as he studied the letter. “Is something the matter?”

Anthony looked up, his attention directed at Lady Eugenie. “You are not the only one to receive a note like this.”

Lady Eugenie furrowed her brow. “What do you mean?”

Anthony’s frown deepened. “I received a similar letter a few days ago, only it mentioned Lady Elodie.”

Elodie pursed her lips together. “Truly? And you are only telling me about this now?” she asked, her voice rising.

Anthony offered her an apologetic look. “Your brothers and I decided it was best not to worry you unnecessarily.”

Elodie stared at him in disbelief. “And you decided this without me?”

“Only because we wanted to protect you,” Anthony replied, his tone measured. “I have already hired a Bow Street Runner to investigate, and I am prepared to pay the blackmail fee to keep your reputation safe.”

Elodie felt her anger surge as she placed a hand on her hip. “You would pay ten thousand pounds for my reputation?”

“Without a second thought,” he replied, his voice resolute.

“That is absurd,” Elodie replied. “I won’t allow you to spend such a fortune on this.”

Taking a step closer, he held her gaze, his voice low. “I would do anything to protect you, Elodie. You must know that.”

“Except be honest with me?” Elodie challenged.

Lady Eugenie rose from her seat, glancing between them. “Perhaps I should leave. It seems the two of you have much to discuss.”

“No need,” Elodie replied, her gaze locked on Anthony’s. “Lord Belview was just leaving.”

“Elodie…” Anthony started.

Elodie put her hand up, stilling his words. “How could you have kept something like this from me?” she demanded, her voice wavering between anger and hurt.

“It was for your own good.”

Elodie let out a disbelieving huff. “My own good?” she repeated. “You don’t truly believe that, do you?”

Anthony shifted, visibly uncomfortable under her gaze. “At the time, yes. I thought it was the best way to protect you.”

Gesturing towards the door, Elodie ordered, “I think you should go.”

A heavy silence lingered between them, stretching awkwardly before he finally conceded. “Very well. I will go… for now. But I hope you will allow me to explain more later.”

Elodie tilted her chin. “Maybe. That is all I can promise for now.”

“Then I shall take that,” Anthony said before departing from the room.

Lady Eugenie moved closer, placing a hand on Elodie’s sleeve. “Are you all right?”

“Yes… no… I don’t know,” Elodie replied as she lowered herself down onto the settee. “I thought Lord Belview and I were friends.”

“It is evident that you two are more than friends.”

Elodie met her gaze, uncertain. “I do not know what we are. Regardless, he should have told me about the letter.”

“I agree, wholeheartedly. However, I do think he was trying to protect you, in his own way.”

“That does not make it right,” Elodie said.

“No, it does not,” Lady Eugenie agreed, “but it does show how deeply he cares. Your brothers and Lord Belview seem determined to look after you.”

Elodie turned her attention towards the window. “I do not like it when others decide what is best for me.”

Lady Eugenie leaned back against the settee. “At least your brothers won’t ship you off to a convent.”

Bringing her gaze back to meet Lady Eugenie, Elodie insisted, “Your brother would not do such a thing.”

“No, but I know he will be disappointed in me. I cannot bear that thought,” Lady Eugenie said, her expression growing somber. “I never should have followed Montrose into the gardens.”

“What’s done is done. Now, we must move forward,” Elodie asserted. “And with any luck, the Bow Street Runner that Lord Belview hired will uncover the blackmailer.”

“But even if he does,” Lady Eugenie began, “the damage could still be done. Our reputations could be ruined.”

Elodie’s lips curled into a mischievous smile. “Then we will run off and join the circus! I can juggle. What hidden talents do you have?”

Lady Eugenie thought about it for a moment. “I can ride backward on a horse.”

“You can?”

Laughing softly, Lady Eugenie said, “Yes, much to my brother’s horror. He always dreaded my riding tricks. But,” she continued with a sigh, “I suppose it is time to go home and show him this note.”

“I think that is wise.”

Lady Eugenie straightened in her seat. “What if you come with me?”

Elodie gave her a skeptical look. “For what purpose?”

With a wry smile, Lady Eugenie said, “I would be blind if I did not notice my brother’s infatuation with you.”

“We are merely friends,” Elodie said.

Lady Eugenie fixed Elodie with a knowing smile. “Just like you and Lord Belview?”

Elodie rose, smoothing her skirts with a feigned sigh. “I’m beginning to like this circus idea more and more,” she quipped, attempting to deflect the conversation. “But first, I think I will need to take a much-needed nap.”

“Very well,” Lady Eugenie said, rising. “If you do run off to join the circus, it was a pleasure knowing you.”

Elodie managed a smile, some of her earlier irritation fading. “You will be fine,” she assured her. “Just speak with your brother honestly, and it will be all right.”

With a quick glance at the doorway, Lady Eugenie lowered her voice. “I would not be so hard on Lord Belview or your brothers. Misguided as they may have been, their actions came from a place of care.”

Elodie knew Lady Eugenie had a point, even if she was not ready to fully concede. “Perhaps you are right,” she admitted. “But that does not mean I am not upset with them right now.”

“Of course. Just remember, it is not every day you have people willing to go to such lengths to protect you, even if they bungle it a bit,” Lady Eugenie stated. “Now, get some rest. And if you do decide to run away to the circus, let me know. I might just join you.”

“It is a deal,” Elodie said as she escorted Lady Eugenie to the door.

Anthony paused outside of his father’s bedchamber door, exhaling a slow, steady breath. He never knew quite what to expect on the other side. But his father was dying, and he could not bear to waste a moment with him.

He knocked softly, and the door opened as the valet ushered him inside. His mother sat dutifully at his father’s bedside. She offered Anthony a weak smile, though her own weariness showed in the faint lines on her face.

“Good evening,” she whispered.

He hesitated, feeling almost intrusive. “Perhaps I should return later.”

“Nonsense, I am awake,” his father said, forcing himself up in bed with stubborn determination. “I was just resting my eyes.”

His mother gave a small, knowing smile. “You were snoring.”

His father leaned his back against the wall, exchanging a loving look with his wife. “Your mother exaggerates. I do not snore.”

“How would you know?” she teased gently. “You are asleep.”

His father shifted his attention to him, observing him with a keen gaze. “You look troubled, Son. Is it lady troubles?”

Anthony shook his head. “No trouble. Not… exactly.”

His father chuckled, though the sound quickly turned into a cough. “You are a terrible liar. I do not have time for lies and half-truths. I am dying.”

His mother gasped. “You should not say such things.”

“It is merely the truth,” his father said. “Now, sit, and let me impart my great wisdom upon you about women.”

“This should not take long,” his mother quipped.

Anthony fetched a chair and positioned it near the bed. Settling down, he waited, giving his father his full attention as he watched the man take a sip of water.

“Now,” his father began, setting the glass down with deliberate slowness. “I assume this is about Elodie?”

Anthony’s jaw tightened in surprise. “How could you possibly know such a thing?”

“Because, my dear boy, I sit by this window a great deal, watching the world beyond. I have observed you both walking those gardens more times than I can count,” his father replied.

“Well, I am afraid that may change,” Anthony admitted, looking away. “Elodie’s rather upset with me at the moment.”

His father’s eyebrows lifted, his tone pointed. “And what did you do to incur her wrath?” Anthony decided he needed to choose his next words carefully so as not to worry his father. “I received some troubling news about Elodie. I met with her brothers, Bennett and Winston, and together, we thought it was best not to tell her. At least, for her own peace of mind.”

His mother gave him a chastising look. “Elodie is no simpering miss. I must assume that she did not take it well.”

Anthony’s shoulders sagged. “No. Not well at all.”

“As well she should not,” her mother said, folding her arms. “Why should you decide what is best for her?”

His father nodded in agreement. “Indeed. You should have told her.”

Anthony leaned back in his chair. “At the time, I felt like I was protecting her.”

“And now?” his father prodded.

Running a hand through his hair, Anthony said, “Now, I wonder if I only made things worse. She is angry, and I do not know how to make things right.”

His father let out a soft chuckle. “The age-old question of men everywhere. But I am sure that you will figure out what to do.”

Anthony gave him a doubtful smile. “You have far more faith in me than I do.”

A servant entered the room carrying a silver tray laden with food. He placed it carefully in front of Lord Kinwick, whose face immediately twisted in distaste.

“I should go and let you enjoy your meal,” Anthony said, standing.

His father grimaced, eyeing the food as if it were poison. “Enjoy? This food is inedible.”

“It is what the doctor ordered,” his mother reminded him patiently.

“I might as well be eating a boiled shoe,” his father grumbled.

His mother frowned. “It is not as bad as all that.”

“I notice that you do not eat this slop,” his father pointed out. “If the cancer does not take me, this food just might.”

Anthony shared a smile with his mother, appreciating the rare lighthearted moment. He touched his father’s shoulder. “Rest, Father. And do not worry. I will figure this out.”

His father’s eyes sparkled with humor as he leaned in conspiratorially. “One more thing. Next time you come, would you be so kind as to smuggle me a few biscuits?”

“Absolutely not!” his mother cut in, feigning a stern tone. “The doctor has forbidden sweets. They are not good for your stomach.”

His father sighed, bobbing his head in a show of reluctant compliance. “Fine, no sweets,” he agreed, but a wink followed, aimed squarely at Anthony.

His mother sighed. “I saw that, Dear.”

“Oh, did I wink?” His father put on an innocent face, one hand half-covering his grin. “Anthony knows better than to bring me sweets.” And then he winked again.

“Now you have winked twice,” his mother chided, a soft laugh escaping despite her effort to scold him.

“Did I?” his father asked. “I might have something in my eye.”

Anthony chuckled. “I will leave you both to it before any more winking accusations fly,” he said, heading to the door.

His father’s voice stopped him. “I appreciate you visiting. Perhaps, next time, you could bring Stephen with you?”

“I will ask him,” Anthony said before stepping out and closing the door behind him, hoping he could make good on that promise.

Anthony descended the stairs, his gaze settling on Percy, who stood waiting in the entry hall with a solemn expression. “A Mr. Kingsley awaits you in the study, my lord.”

“I do not believe I know a Mr. Kingsley,” Anthony said.

Percy stepped closer, his voice lowered. “I daresay that he is not the sort of gentleman you would associate with. He is the solicitor for a gambling establishment in Hampstead.”

Anthony felt a pang of dread. Stephen. What had he done this time? “Very well,” he said. “I shall speak to Mr. Kingsley.”

He made his way down the hall, moving deliberately, each step heavier with a suspicion of what awaited him. Entering the study, he found a short man with slicked back black hair, clad in a brown suit that was finely cut, though his boots betrayed their wear with a dull, unpolished finish.

“Mr. Kingsley,” Anthony greeted. “What brings you here at this hour?”

The short man gave a quick bow. “Lord Belview, I wish I could have come under better circumstances.”

Anthony came around his desk and gestured towards a chair. “Please, have a seat.”

Mr. Kingsley lowered himself into the chair, his posture stiff. “I am afraid I must discuss an unfortunate matter about a debt your brother, Mr. Stephen Sackville, has incurred at our establishment. He has frequented our fine hall for several years and, in doing so, has amassed a rather significant debt of nearly eleven thousand pounds.”

His brow shot up. “Eleven thousand pounds?”

“Yes, my lord,” Mr. Kingsley said.

Anthony clenched his jaw as he processed the staggering amount. “Why in the blazes would you permit him to accumulate such a debt?”

Mr. Kingsley smiled. “It is not our policy to turn away customers.”

“Perhaps it should be,” Anthony retorted. “Stephen does not have those kinds of funds.”

The solicitor’s expression turned steely. “No, but you do.”

Anthony crossed his arms over his chest. “That may be so, but I fail to see why I should pay for my brother’s reckless gambling.”

Mr. Kingsley leaned in, his voice dripping with a thinly veiled threat. “Because, my lord, if you do not settle this debt, we will have no choice but to see him thrown into debtor’s prison.”

“That is a matter between you and my brother.”

A smug look glinted in Mr. Kingsley’s eyes. “What will Society say, then? The whispers will spread quickly. Your brother will rot away in debtor’s prison while you continue to live comfortably in this extravagant townhouse. Some might even say it is unbecoming of a man of your station.”

Anthony rose. “My brother made his choice, and I am making mine. Good day.”

Mr. Kingsley rose as well, tugging his waistcoat into place, his expression sharp. “Are you truly willing to let your own brother waste away in prison? Have you no decency?”

“Eleven thousand pounds is no small sum,” Anthony responded. “Those funds are necessary to maintain our estate and to ensure the wellbeing of those who depend on it.”

“Perhaps we could come to an understanding. Nine thousand pounds to settle the debt, and we both walk away happy.”

Anthony’s eyes narrowed. “How, precisely, would I be ‘happy’ with this arrangement? You are asking me to pay off my brother’s debts.”

The solicitor leaned forward, his tone pressing. “I understand your father’s health is… delicate. How would he take the news of his son’s disgrace?”

Anthony held his gaze, unmoved. “My father is used to Stephen disappointing our family by now.”

A twisted smile formed on Mr. Kingsley’s lips. “But think of his daughter. Would you deny this child her father?”

Gesturing towards the door, Anthony said, “I have had quite enough. You may see yourself out.”

Mr. Kingsley straightened, his mouth tightening. “I believe you are making a grave mistake.”

“No, for once, I am doing what is right for my family, and my brother,” Anthony remarked.

The solicitor’s lips pressed into a hard line. “When the newssheets learn of this, they will have quite the story to tell.”

“I care little about what is written about me,” Anthony replied, crossing the room and holding the door open.

Mr. Kingsley scoffed, a sneer twisting his face. “You think yourself better than your brother, do you not?”

“I never said that.”

“Imagine how different your life would have been if you had been born second, the spare,” Mr. Kingsley said.

Anthony’s gaze remained resolute. “But I wasn’t. I was born first, and I have a responsibility to my family and all who depend on us.”

“My establishment is not the only one that your brother owes money to,” he taunted.

Turning his head, Anthony shouted, “Percy!”

His butler appeared almost instantly. “Yes, my lord?”

“Please see Mr. Kingsley out. He is no longer welcome here.”

Percy nodded before holding his hand out. “This way, sir.”

As the butler escorted him out, Anthony went around his desk and heard a low voice drifting in from the open window.

“That went well, all things considered.”

Startled, Anthony turned his gaze towards the window to see Grady leaning nonchalantly against the frame. “What are you doing here?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Grady replied. “I was ensuring you were protected.”

“I can handle Mr. Kingsley.”

Grady tipped his head. “Oh, I do not doubt that, but what about the men who came with him?”

“There were others?” Anthony asked.

A smirk came to Grady’s lips. “Indeed. Two unsavory fellows loitering by the carriage. Nothing I could not handle, but it tells me Mr. Kingsley’s threats might not end at polite demands.”

“So, the man truly intended to intimidate me?”

Grady climbed through the window, brushing off his coat. “Not just intimidate. I would wager he came with every intention of leaving with some of your money, one way or another,” he said. “But Mr. Kingsley was not entirely wrong about one thing. By my calculations, your brother owes nineteen thousand pounds to many disreputable establishments.”

“Botheration!” Anthony muttered, his voice filled with frustration. “What was my brother thinking?”

“I cannot answer that, but I would be leery of him,” Grady said. “Desperate men tend to do desperate things.”

Anthony clenched his fists, his gaze shifting to the flickering fire casting shadows across the room. If he settled Stephen’s debts, it would drain the coffers, leaving him with barely enough to support the estate. And what of the tenants and workers who depended on him for their livelihood? Could he let them down?

He dropped onto the settee, rubbing his hands over his face as he leaned back and let his gaze drift to the ceiling. Despite the trouble with his brother, his thoughts kept straying back to Elodie. What could he do to show her how truly sorry he was?

A thought suddenly came to him.

He knew precisely what he needed to do to get back into Elodie’s good graces.