Page 20 of Lyon’s Obsession (The Lyon’s Den Connected World #91)
Alexander looked off to something only he saw.
“She was crying as our mother carried her away. Annalise did not call out to our father to save her. She called out to me. In the rookeries, it was always to me she turned to fix whatever was wrong in her small world. When she was frightened at night, she would crawl onto my straw mattress and snuggle in beside me. Now that she has returned, I wish to share the riches of the Marksman earldom with her. I want her never again to question if she is important in this world.”
He sighed heavily in resignation. “I mean to take the watch tonight. I will be watching over my sister as she sleeps, just as I did when we were both wee ones, and may Heaven Above help any who disturb her tonight or any other night for the remainder of her days.”
Theodora brought the gig to a halt before Duncan Place just as Alexander’s carriage rolled away from the curb.
“The young master,” Winston remarked. “Likely it is best he did not notice our return without Lord Almano. Lord Marksman has a quick temper and would, most assuredly, call the count out.”
“I am not so confident, Winston,” Theodora said as she watched his lordship’s carriage roll away from her father’s house.
“There was a time I thought I knew Marksman as well as I knew the back of my hand, but not so much since he has taken Miss Moreau’s acquaintance.
You should have seen him at the Godfreys’ ball.
He watched the woman all evening. I have lost him, Winston, and my heart will never be the same. ”
Mr. Fields and a footman arrived at the gig’s side. “Is all well, my lady? Should I fetch your father?”
“No. I shall speak to my father after I change my things. Would you have someone return the horse and gig to Lord Almano’s notice at the Mirvat?
I doubt his lordship shall call at Duncan Place again, but, if he does, he should not be admitted.
” Theodora smiled at her trusty maid. “And if Lord Almano objects, send for Winston. I believe, after today, the count will not wish to encounter our Winston or me again.”
An hour later, Alexander strolled into the house the government had let across the street from Honfleur. The Frenchman had procured a house in the less affluent area of London. Not in Mayfair, but one people would accept as “appropriate” for a foreigner.
“Did not much expect you to join me,” Lionel said as Alexander set a basket on the table in the bedroom they employed to spy on Honfleur’s house. The room’s windows provided a variety of views of what was happening at Amgen House.
“I asked Cook to prepare some of your favorites,” he said as he crossed the room to the window where the long glass sat.
“Never turn down Cook’s food. Even her pig slop be superior to what you and me ate in the rooks.” Lionel removed a plate of boiled chicken and hard cheese and set it on the table. “Do you ever think about those days, Alexander?”
Alexander permitted Lionel much leeway in his form of address when the two of them were alone.
Thankfully, his childhood friend had the good sense not to forget their stations in life when others were around, not that Alexander would reprimand Lionel, even if his long-time companion executed a misstep.
He owed Lionel his life, and Lionel owed his life to Alexander.
Their companionship held many layers and connections.
“We would have made the plate of food you hold last until the chicken began to stink,” Alexander said as his steady gaze settled upon Honfleur’s home.
When Alexander glanced briefly at his friend, Lionel sat at the table and began to pick at the chicken, pulling it apart. “We would’ve ate it even if it stank.”
“Likely so,” Alexander observed. “Many with whom I dine regularly would know great astonishment if they had any real idea of the depth of my former despair. Even now, except for the fact I am Marksman, many would reject me if they could, for they think I did not deserve the earldom, as my father was a fourth son. I hold a historical peerage of great wealth and power, which brings about a bit of jealousy. However, they would fear my revenge if they dared to provide me with a direct cut.”
Behind him, Alexander knew Lionel paused in his meal. “Ye’ve done well, Axe.”
Alexander turned to look upon the serious features of his friend. “Why did you call me ‘Axe’?” he asked. Emotions swirled erratically in his chest, and he did not know whether to break into tears or shout joy to the heavens.
“No reason,” Lionel said. His features scrunched up in question. “Just thought of what we all called you on the street.” His friend’s eyebrows lifted in a slight challenge. “It be what your sister called ye. Remember?”
“I remember,” he said. “Annalise could not say ‘Alexander.’” He looked back to the house across the street in an attempt to disguise his emotions. “Might I ask a favor of you, Lionel?”
“Naturally. Ye’ve no need to ask. Name what ye be requirin’ of me.”
“The girl. Honfleur’s niece,” Alexander said as a plan began to form. “When the government decides to move against Honfleur and the others, if I am not around, promise me you will take Miss Moreau to my house and not allow her to leave until I return home.”
“You sweet on the girl?” Lionel asked in teasing tones. “If so, you may be required to fight Beaufort for her.”
“Beaufort?” Alexander asked in surprise. “Navan is supposed to be wooing Lady Caroline.”
“That one be peculiar. I thinks after Beaufort viewed her kissin’ Miss Moreau, he knew even his pretty face wouldn’t be enough, though I suppose that Lady Caroline can be pretendin’ equally as much as we be. When Beaufort calls on the household, sometimes Lady Caroline not even speak to him.”
“Such does not explain why you think Beaufort is interested in Miss Moreau.” Alexander nearly said “my sister.” Now that he knew the truth the words constantly echoed around in his head.
Lionel shrugged. “Beaufort continually watches for Miss Moreau. He will note when Honfleur and Lady Caroline leave for an evening out. Unlike the rest of us who take time to eat and claim a bit of sleep during those times, Beaufort remains at the window and the long glass watching the girl.”
Though it bothered Alexander to know Beaufort was so interested in Alexander’s sister, he would address his objection later. Beaufort would not harm Annalise. He paused to say a private prayer that soon, he could claim his sister again.
“No,” he repeated. “I am not interested in the girl in that manner.” Alexander did not turn to look upon his friend’s startled countenance, but he knew it would be so. “I simply have a desire to protect her, and I will not have her arrested for her uncle’s sins.”
“Other than the occasional walk to the bookstore with a maid in tow, the gal never leaves the house. Don’t think they permit her much freedom.”
Alexander did not approve of how his sister was treated by her supposed relations. “I pray she is not aware of the plans Honfleur executes.”
Lionel asked, “Do you believe she be ignorant of how high the man sets his sights?”
“She is afraid of her uncle. I have viewed her fear first-hand. I hold no doubt, if they had not been surrounded by more than a hundred guests at Lord Godfrey’s ball, Honfleur would have struck her when my interference allowed Theodora to intercept the note from Margaret Childers.”
“A man should never strike a woman,” Lionel said through tight lips. “Me pa and yours drank too much and be too free with their tempers.”
Alexander understood. One of the things he and Lionel had in common was they both had taken more than one beating from their fathers, rather than to permit the men to raise their hands to their mothers or their siblings.
“Then you will do as I ask? Even if Honfleur escapes, I desire you to deliver Miss Moreau to Marksman Hall and keep her there until I return.”
Lionel nodded his head sagely, as if considering what Alexander did not say. In serious tones, he said, “If such be your wish, it’ll be done. I pledge on me mother’s grave.”
As he continued to watch the house, Alexander thought, “And I make the same pledge on Madelyn Dutton’s grave. I will protect her daughter Annalise with my life.”