Page 33 of The Blind Lyon (The Lyon’s Den Connected World)

Mayfair, London

Allan sat with his eyes closed at the pianoforte in the drawing room as he attempted to learn the intricate notes of Beethoven’s latest sonata.

He’d heard it performed twice, and thankfully, he’d long ago learned how to memorize notes in such a manner, yet he was having a difficult go of it just now.

His mind was distracted, and rightfully so, for he and his wife were expecting a very controversial visitor.

At the door, a faint knock indicated someone’s presence, but when Kern cleared his throat, Allan’s fingers stilled on the keys. “There is a Mrs. Dove-Lyon here to see you, Your Graces. Shall I show her up?”

Slowly, Allan stood up from the cushioned bench. “Yes, please.” If the words were hesitant and slightly choked, he couldn’t help it.

“Very well, Your Grace.”

Once left alone with his wife of just over a year, Allan took up his cane and made his way over to the sofa where Annette sat. She gained her feet and then clutched at his free hand.

“Do you truly believe she can help?” Doubt wove through her voice.

“If anyone can, it is her. Besides, she has many connections, so if she cannot take up the task herself, she’ll know who can.

” He patted her hand. “Don’t fret.” The floral scent of the flower bouquet he’d given her for May Day wafted to his nose.

Annette had exclaimed over its beauty and had put the blooms into a vase and kept them in this very room, for he’d kept the tradition of bringing her flowers of some sort every day since the day they’d wed.

“But I have failed you.”

The last thing he wanted was for her to burst into tears. “You haven’t. These things happen, and they have nothing to do with you.”

Then the rustle of fabric indicated that the woman had arrived at the drawing room.

“I must say, when I received your cryptic letter, I was most intrigued, Masterson.” The familiar sound of Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s voice tugged a half-grin from him, for she was still a force to be reckoned with. “Why have you summoned me here today?”

“Please, make yourself comfortable.” He gestured toward the space where he knew a low sofa waited. “This is a bit of a delicate matter.”

The woman huffed, but the rustle of fabric told him that she’d settled herself. He did the same with Annette, and he kept hold of his wife’s hand. This next part would be slightly embarrassing but oddly hopeful.

“Surely you don’t wish to divorce your wife, Masterson.” One thing about Mrs. Dove-Lyon was the fact she didn’t mince words. “From what I’ve heard through the gossip mill, your duchess is doing great things with her literacy program.”

He couldn’t help but smile; he was inordinately proud of Annette. “Nothing of the sort. I love her more with each passing day. However, there is a matter we both need your assistance with.”

“Such as?”

Before he could speak, Annette squeezed his hand.

“Because you have impressive skill in matchmaking, we had hoped you might help us in adopting a child.” A waver went through her tone, and his heart ached.

“You see, over the past year, we have suffered two miscarriages. Finally, a physician advised that my body simply can’t carry a babe through a full-term pregnancy, and I…

” The sound of a stifled sob came from her.

“I can’t go through that loss and disappointment again. ”

Poor thing. Allan slipped his arm about her waist for support and comfort.

He had been brought low in grief as well, but now they had an answer and could make other plans.

“I realize without an heir, the duchy will be vulnerable. However, my sister’s son will be perfectly capable of inheriting it once I pass, and that shouldn’t prevent us from building a family in a different way. ”

“I see.” Shock wove through the other woman’s voice. “And because adopted children can’t inherit titles, you’ve made such arrangements with the nephew.” She heaved a sigh. “Why me? Orphaned children abound in London. You don’t require assistance in this matter.”

“This is true, but we thought you have such a knack for matching men who don’t wish to be married to ladies who aren’t what society considers the best catches, why not ask you to help us in this very delicate matter.”

“Well, there is that.” Absurd as it was, a hint of pleasure rang in Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s tone. “Do you wish to adopt infants or toddlers? Boys or girls?”

Allan shrugged. “It doesn’t matter, I suppose, but I might enjoy holding an infant.”

“We want to give any children we adopt a life of love, the sort of life they should have had to begin with.” Annette put a hand on his arm. “In truth, we don’t mind what sex they are; I just want to be a mother. Will you help us to find two to start?”

For long moments, silence reigned in the room. Then Mrs. Dove-Lyon spoke again.

“There are a few women I can arrange meetings with immediately who have just given birth or will do so soon. Daughters of the aristocracy often find themselves in trouble and don’t know where to turn, for the scandal will bury their families and disgrace will end their lives.

So yes, I believe I can help in this matter.

” She cleared her throat. “I shall be in touch in a few days.”

Fabric rustled again, indicating their visitor had stood.

Allan quickly scrambled to his feet, using the cane as leverage. “I would appreciate your discretion, Mrs. Dove-Lyon. No one need know our situation.”

“Of course.”

Annette came forward. “Please let us know what your fee will be in finding us a babe.”

A laugh issued from Mrs. Dove-Lyon. “Everyone in the ton assumes that I am only motivated by coin. However, I only do that because most men who come into my gaming hell are full of themselves.” She snorted.

“In this, I won’t charge you anything, for I happen to agree with what you’re doing, but perhaps should you adopt a girl, you can name her after me.

And lord knows the world is far too unkind to women. ”

Annette giggled. “Or after my father if the babe is a boy.” Her father had succumbed to his illness three months following their marriage.

“Ah.” There was always an angle when dealing with Mrs. Dove-Lyon. “We will consider it, of course. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.”

“You are most welcome. Out of all the men I’ve matched, Masterson, you might just be my favorite.

You never once argued, you treated me with respect, and you worked your arse off to merely encourage your new wife out of her rooms, or so I’m told by her mother.

” Another laugh escaped her. “You are a good man, and I don’t give out that compliment lightly. ”

With a grin, Allan nodded. “I look forward to hearing from you.” Once she had cleared the room, he turned to Annette and took her into his arms. “We are closer to having a family of our own, sweeting.”

“Not truly our own, though,” she said in a mournful tone.

“Nonsense. We will love those babies as much as if they were our own blood.” He pressed his lips to her forehead. “And does it matter as long as we’re giving those children a new life filled with love they would have been deprived of?”

“No, it does not.” At least there was a smile in her voice. “Thank you for this. It can’t be easy for you knowing—”

“Stop.” He held her head between his hands.

“You are not broken, neither am I. We are the people we’re meant to be, and sometimes, people need assistance.

There is no shame in any of it.” Then he kissed her to bring her comfort and cajole her into a smile.

“Besides, I still have you, and that is all I’ve ever wanted anyway. ”

“Why must you be so charming, Masterson?” Then she grinned and patted his chest with a hand. “No wonder I am hopelessly in love with you.”

“Which makes me the most fortunate man in London.” Because he could, Allan settled her more comfortably in his arms and proceeded to kiss her quite thoroughly.

The End