Page 31 of Lyon’s Obsession (The Lyon’s Den Connected World #91)
A lexander was still in a state of disbelief when he entered the house across from where his sister resided to find Beaufort the only one on duty. “Are you well, Xander?” Beaufort asked as he poured both of them a brandy.
“My heart is so full, I fear it will burst,” Alexander admitted.
“Did Miss Moreau believe you?” His friend handed him the tumbler with a splash of brandy in it.
Alexander ignored Beaufort’s use of “Miss Moreau.” They would all be required to adjust how to address his sister.
“Not at the beginning,” he admitted, “but soon we were speaking of family and talking over each other.” He sighed in relief. “Yet, I could not convince her to leave the Moreaus, though I told her what we suspected.”
Beaufort released a whistle of disbelief. “Duncan will not be happy. Likely will disown you.”
“You also,” Alexander threatened.
“Not me,” Beaufort swore. “I was to woo Lady Caroline to learn what I could of what goes on inside Honfleur’s house. Instead, I assisted with a fire, saved Amgen’s house, and earned Miss Moreau’s trust. I would say Duncan will wish to offer me his only daughter to wife.”
Alexander attempted to disguise his frown, but Beaufort chuckled, nevertheless. “You still care deeply for Theodora, do you not?”
“I do not approve of the Sardinian count sniffing around her,” Alexander admitted. “I do not know what the man executed against her, but on the day of Richard’s wedding, I encountered Theodora on the street. She had taken it on herself to retrieve Orson’s telescope from the jewelers.”
“The one Lady Emma had recalibrated for their future children?” Beaufort asked. “Demme smart woman, even when her head had been scrambled and knowing little of how to use a gun, she shot one of the intruders to protect Richard.”
“I heard Aaran’s version of the story when he repeated it to Duncan,” Alexander continued.
“As to Dora’s mission and the telescope she retrieved.
She thought someone was following her, and that person was Count Almano.
I never saw him, but Theodora swears she did, and you know she would not make such an accusation if it were not true.
Moreover, when I questioned Winston, while Theodora finished her toilette, all Winston would say was that her mistress had sent the man away. ”
“That is a good thing, is it not? Theodora has turned away from the man’s attentions,” Beaufort questioned.
“It is good that she has sent him away, but not so great if she is frightened by him,” Alexander said with a frown.
“Does Duncan know?” Beaufort asked. “If the count thinks to force himself on Dora, Duncan should be made aware.”
“I will tell him later today, after I claim a few hours of sleep.” Just using the word “sleep” had Alexander yawning.
“Claim the bedchamber at the end of the hallway. No one else will be here until the early morning hours. You cannot be a numb-brained fool when Duncan takes your measure later today.”
“Thank you for saving Annalise. I am appreciative that you not only prevented the fire from spreading, but you have earned her trust.”
Six hours later, Alexander and Duncan rushed through the passageway behind the houses leading to Amgen House. As Beaufort had predicted, Lord Duncan had been livid.
“You defied me!” Duncan had said repeatedly.
“There is more at stake here than your family. Have you no trust in me? I would never have left Miss Moreau at Amgen House if she were in true danger. Now, you have provided her knowledge of our investigation! If Honfleur learns of this encounter and does not return for the girl, it will be your sister who is either hanged or transported for the crime of contributing to the several thousand pounds of forgeries of which we are already aware! If Honfleur does not return for the girl, you will again lose your sister and her fate will be at your hands, Alexander! You will be the bearer of her permanent loss of name and home!”
“I did not consider Annalise’s fate in that manner,” Alexander had said humbly.
He had wanted his sister with him, and such was all upon which he could think.
He had performed selfishly, indeed. “I understand, sir. Yet, in my defense, you know my nature. You could have kept all this a secret from me until after the investigation was complete.”
Duncan looked upon Alexander in bewilderment. “I told you of your mother’s passing and of your sister’s presence in London because you are my son, and I could not permit you to suffer one more minute in not knowing.”
Alexander opened his mouth to respond, but Duncan waved off the words.
“I also told you because I could not look upon the sadness marking my sweet Theodora’s countenance without taking action.
I had reasoned if you knew of Lady Annalise, you could return to Theodora’s side.
You could provide your sister with a sister of her own.
Theodora could teach Lady Annalise something of English society, and you and my daughter could both be happy. ”
After that bit of truth was in the open, they sat in silence for several minutes. At last, Alexander asked, “Might I give you my sister’s acquaintance, my lord? I have spoken to Lady Annalise of how you generously saved both our father and me.”
“I suppose I must do so in order to save this investigation.” Duncan grinned. “But first you must convince Theodora to assist us.”
Alexander was pleased to see the smile on his sister’s countenance when he led Duncan up the narrow servant steps to reach the main level of the house.
In the background, he could hear the testiness found in Theodora’s voice.
He should have told Dora of Annalise, but he simply asked her to assist in the investigation.
His heart had announced that he was a coward; yet, until Annalise was safe, he would not involve Theodora in his sister’s possible incarceration.
Such would not be a way to begin a marriage.
“I thought I locked the kitchen entrance last night, Axe.”
He realized Annalise meant to prick Theodora’s “superior” attitude, and he found he liked the idea, so he returned Annalise’s smile. “Very few locks keep me out if I am determined to enter.”
Duncan stepped around Alexander to say, “We have little time for your games, boy.” Duncan bowed to Annalise.
“I beg your pardon, Miss Moreau. Marksman and I have a few details to discuss…” Duncan glared at Alexander, indicating he was not happy with how Alexander had dismissed Theodora’s feelings.
“To discuss with you. I pray you may spare us the time.”
Annalise shot a quick glance to Alexander.
He enjoyed the manner in which she ignored Theodora’s indifference.
“Naturally, we may speak in the front drawing room, my lord. However, if you wish for tea or cakes, we should take our discussion to the kitchen. I fear there are no servants to prepare us a meal nor to serve it.”
Duncan bowed to her. “I assure you, Miss Moreau, neither Lord Marksman, my daughter, nor I will stand upon ceremony. Let us begin in the drawing room.”
Yet, before they could remove to the nearby sitting room, Lord Amgen appeared in the still open door. “Pardon.” Amgen bowed to them. “Although the knocker is still removed, the door was open. I thought perhaps Lord Honfleur had returned.”
Alexander noted Annalise’s fear and responded when she could not. He extended his hand to Amgen in greeting. “Good day, my lord. I fear Lord Honfleur is still away on business in…”
“Scotland,” his sister responded.
Alexander noted Duncan’s raised eyebrow, for they knew without a doubt that Honfleur had returned to France.
Had Annalise been coached to say “Scotland” or did she truly not understand the situation in which she found herself.
“Yes, in Scotland. How foolish of me to forget. Lady Theodora realized her new friend had been left without company, and our Lady Theodora insisted upon spending part of the afternoon with Miss Moreau. Lord Duncan and I have escorted his lordship’s daughter this afternoon. ”
Amgen said, “I did not note your carriage.” The man glanced back to the busy street.
Alexander assured, “You must simply have overlooked it. We sent it around to the mews as we expect to spend an hour or more with our new friend.”
“I suppose I must continue to wait for Lord Honfleur’s return,” Amgen said in obvious disappointment.
Alexander looked to Duncan for permission to respond as he planned. Duncan nodded his agreement. “Why do you three not remove to the drawing room? I will join you momentarily,” Alexander said.
Lord Duncan motioned the ladies to lead. “Come along, lasses. It will be good to enjoy time with Miss Moreau, will it not, Theodora?”
“Yes, Papa,” Theodora repeated, but Alexander recognized the strain in Dora’s voice.
Alexander waited until they disappeared before he said, “I do not wish to embarrass you, Amgen, but I am aware of your situation with the house’s rents.”
Amgen pulled himself up royally. “Whatever you intend to say, my lord, the debts are mine to disperse. I could not accept whatever you intend to offer.”
“I admire a man with honor, my lord,” Alexander said in honest tones, “but it would break Theodora’s heart to have her new friend put out on the street at no fault of the young lady.”
“I would never…” Lord Amgen protested.
“I know you would not,” Alexander assured.
“However, neither can I stand by and watch an honest man be placed in a dire situation when I have the means to prevent it. My man of business will call upon yours first thing tomorrow morning. He will see the rents are paid until the year’s end.
When Lord Honfleur returns, I will see my efforts rewarded and claim my expenses directly from him.
If you wish to negotiate another contract with the marquis for the new year, you may do so then. ”
“Are you assured, my lord?” Amgen asked humbly.