Always True to Her (Emerson Book 2) (7 page)

He took some satisfaction in how well he’d plaited
her hair. He was learning. He was just grateful she was so patient. “Would
you like to meet your Aunt Win today?”

Anna nodded, though he had a feeling she would have
done so even if he’d asked if she’d like to be fed to a particularly hungry
lion.

After breaking their fast under the always disapproving
eye of Williams, they set off for Win’s home in Mayfair. He was slowly getting
used to the hustle and bustle of London again and even let Anna walk on her own
for a bit, though he kept a tight hold of her hand.

It was a one mile walk to the imposing manor of
Clarence Pierce. James had been curious to see it, and once he was there, it
was much as he’d imagined. It was a massive home, one of the largest on the
block, complete with gargoyles and fountains and other obvious signs of wealth
both disdained and envied by aristocrats with good bloodlines and increasingly
bad finances. James’s father must have envied the money that had enabled a
tradesman to purchase it.

Rumor had it that Clarence Pierce’s father hadn’t
come into his fortune honestly or honorably. He was a speculator who gambled
on the bad fortune of others. If there was a merchant ship lost at sea, the
elder Mr. Pierce had probably profited from it. Colin and Nick weren’t quite
sure how Clarence Pierce contributed to the family fortune, but in an era when
many families were being forced to economize – though most never even hinted at
it – the Pierce fortune continued to grow.

James went up the stairs and banged on the knocker,
a rather garish gold ornament engraved with “Pierce.” Perhaps it was useful
after a night of drinking to ensure one had returned to the correct house.
After a moment, the butler opened the door. “May I help you, sir?”

The butler’s accent was more proper than the highest
stickler of the
ton.
But that’s how it was when members of the merchant
class sought acceptance by their so-called betters. They surrounded themselves
with proper servants and the most expensive furnishings, only to later learn
they’d offended the
ton
by poaching servants and flaunting their wealth.

“I am Lord James Emerson and have come to see my
sister.”

“She is away, sir.”

James was very disappointed, but not terribly
surprised. “I would like to wait for her, then.”

“She is away on the continent, sir.”

Damn it.
But Colin had told him that might be the case. “Is Pierce here?”

“He is with her, my lord.”

“When do you expect them to return?”

“They did not tell me, my lord.”

“Might I leave word for my sister?”

The butler hesitated for just a moment. “I can
inform Mr. and Mrs. Pierce that you called, upon their return.”

“Can I not come in and write a note?” He wanted to
see the house. He wanted to see something that reminded him of Win. He missed
her terribly.

“Unfortunately, my lord, we have workers in the house
and it is not fit for company. But if you send a note, I will make sure to
keep it for the master’s return.”

“I am not interested in the master’s return. Only
the mistress’s.”

“The answer is still the same.”

James was frustrated. He’d wanted some assurance
that Win was well, that her life was a good one. While he hadn’t expected the
butler to be the welcoming sort – butlers seldom were – he hated thinking of
her coming home to this dour man day after day.

He would write her a note, then deliver it himself,
in hopes that a friendlier footman might answer the door the next time.

“I shall send a letter,” he said. “And should Mrs.
Pierce return, tell her I am staying at the Earl of Layton’s town house and
would very much like for her to call on me.”

“Very good sir,” said the butler, as he closed the
door.

“One more thing,” said James, who stuck his boot in
the door, preventing it from being shut. “I also have a message for your
master. My sister is very important to my brothers and me. We would protect
her with our lives. And anyone who harmed her would not be long for this
world.”

The butler’s eyes widened. “Are you threatening the
master?” he asked, offended.

“Yes.”

James turned and guided Anna down the stairs. He
tried not to let his anger show. He didn’t know for certain that the butler
was lying. But he knew something wasn’t right and he had a feeling Pierce was
in town. He wanted to learn more about the situation his sister was living
in. He definitely didn’t want to go back to America without seeing her. He
would talk to Colin and Nick again to find out what could be done to
re-establish contact with Win.

His back was turned to the house, so he did not
notice the slight movement from the window above. Or how its occupant kept
watch over him and his daughter until they were out of sight, and even a few
moments longer than that.

And he certainly did not hear the quiet weeping.

The wind was cold as Irene hurried to the meeting
place in Hyde Park. She’d once again been able to slip out without taking her
maid. She began to wonder if anyone noticed her comings and goings. She knew
her father didn’t, but would have thought her grandmother would notice, if for
no other reason than to give her a reason to upbraid her.

Not that a reason was ever necessary for a lecture.

But since it was eleven of the clock, her
grandmother was still abed, which gave Irene the opportunity to slip out and meet
Lord James and Anna. She wasn’t sure why she was so excited to see them. He
was, after all, at odds with Cedric and his actions might harm her entire family.
But she didn’t feel like he was her enemy. He was just someone who
misunderstood his agreement with Cedric. And had a beautiful little girl. And
was rather well-formed in a way young ladies were not supposed to know or think
about.

She arrived promptly at their appointed place and
not a minute later she saw Lord James walking toward her, hand-in-hand with
Anna. The little girl was wearing scarves covering her neck, chin and
forehead, as well as her wool bonnet. She must have been wearing at least three
jumpers under her coat for she was almost as round as she was tall.

Irene could not prevent her laugh.

“Is something amusing?” asked Lord James.

“I’m surprised poor Anna is even able to walk
wearing so many layers of clothing.” She smiled at the girl and was rewarded
with a grin in response. At least Anna’s eyes were smiling. Her mouth was
beneath untold layers of wool.

“I did not want her to be cold,” said Lord James,
studying his daughter and no doubt wondering if he could fit yet another scarf around
her.

“I daresay there is not much chance of that,” said
Irene. “But I applaud your good sense, sir. Not many fathers would know how to
properly prepare their children for the cold.”

“Yes, well, I daresay that is the first time anyone
has accused me of having an abundance of good sense. But are you dressed
warmly enough, Miss Wallace? Perhaps we should go indoors.”

She laughed again. “I am dressed warmly enough,
sir, and am quite fond of walking. Perhaps we might keep warm by taking a
stroll. Unless, of course, you are cold. Though I would hope you are a
heartier soul than that.” Her challenge was obvious in her smile.

“Miss Wallace, after living in the wilds of New York
in winter, I consider weather such as this to be a midsummer’s day. I would strip
down to my shirtsleeves if not for fear of offending your delicate
sensibilities.”

Goodness.
Just the thought of Lord James stripping off any clothing was enough to make Irene
blush to her hairline. Truth be told, just his use of the word “strip” brought
on another torrent of red. She prayed he would think her heightened color was
caused by the cold and not by the lewd thoughts he had somehow forced into her
head. “You are most improper, Lord James.” She tried for a light-hearted
tone, yet, unfortunately, sounded rather breathless, instead.

“Thank you, Miss Wallace. I do try.”

They ambled along in a pleasant silence, with Miss
Emerson between them. There were a few hardy souls about, though most of them
were walking purposely with a destination in mind, rather than the three of
them who strolled for the companionship.

Not that Irene was there for companionship. She had
a mission to fulfill, after all. “I looked through my brother’s papers, but
could not find anything of use. I was not able to go through my father’s
accounts, so I have little information to add.”

“Did you ask him about it?”

“I was not able to. He has been ill.”

“Truly ill? Or is this merely an excuse to not
discuss the matter further?”

Irene bristled. “Lord James, if you think I would be
so conniving as to use my father’s illness as an excuse….” She stopped when
she felt Anna slip her hand into hers. Irene looked down to see the little
girl smiling at her. Then Irene caught Lord James’s eye.

“I believe my daughter does not like discord between
us,” he said.

“I believe you are right. I am not particularly
fond of it, myself.” She smiled at the girl and squeezed her hand. Then she
turned her attention back to Lord James. She would be civil for Anna’s sake. “My
father took ill after your visit.”

“I am truly sorry to hear that.” And he appeared to
be sincere.

“Thank you. While I know he was overset by the
conversation, his health has been in decline for several months now, since shortly
before Cedric left for America. Though, I would ask for your discretion in not
spreading that about.”

“You are assured of it. You have my best wishes for
a full and swift recovery.”

“Thank you.”

They walked along in silence for a moment.

Then he spoke again. “Families can be a source of both
great joy and great pain.”

Irene supposed that was true, although as of late
she had not known much joy at home. “I can see that Anna is a source of great
joy for you.”

“She is. And she has done an excellent job of
keeping us on speaking terms.”

“She has, at that.” Irene squeezed the girl’s hand,
again. “I am so glad to have a new friend, Anna. I am Irene.”

Anna said “Irene,” then looked at her shyly.

“I do not suppose I can call you Irene,” said Lord
James, looking like a rake who used the word “strip” in polite conversation.

“Absolutely not, Lord James,” she said with a smile.

He sighed dramatically and shook his head. “Very
well. Miss Wallace – if I must…”

“And you must.”

“Miss Wallace, as I mentioned before, I retained a
solicitor to look into this matter.”

Irene’s heart sank. Was he moving forward with his
legal suit? Her alarm must have shown on her face, for he smiled in response.

“Please relax, Miss Wallace. I fear if Anna were to
detect any more discord between us she would have us on the next coach to
Gretna Green for an elopement.”

Irene’s heart then rebounded and sped up to twice
its normal rhythm. “That would certainly be…”

“Ludicrous, I agree.”

“I was about to say ‘unwarranted,’ but I do
appreciate knowing your sentiments on the matter. They are flattering to the
extreme. I would have to stop and use my smelling salts, but, alas, I do not
carry them. Pray continue.”

He grinned at her in such a way that she found it
difficult to catch her breath. Maybe she should carry smelling salts when she
was around him.

He continued. “It is still my hope that we can
settle this matter outside of court, but I did ask Mr. Olson to look into the
matter. I received word from him this morning that he would like to meet.
While it may not be the smartest strategy for me, I was wondering if you would
like to accompany us to the meeting.”

The suggestion surprised her. And it made her once
again question her initial impression of Lord James Emerson. If his intention
had been to cause her family trouble, as her father and grandmother had
asserted, he would hardly invite her to sit in with his solicitor. Perhaps he
was truly intent on uncovering the truth – whatever it was. Mayhap his man had
even cleared up the misunderstanding and this whole business would be put paid
today. Then she’d never have to see Lord James or Anna again.

She was surprised to realize just how much that notion
disappointed her. But if this would be the last day of their association, she
might as well do what she could to extend it.

“I shall accompany you on one condition, Lord
James.” He raised a brow waiting for her demand. “I should like to treat Anna
to a cup of chocolate and a pastry at Gunther’s.” She had a feeling his
finances would not allow for such an extravagance, but she wanted the little
girl to have the treat.

“While the idea is certainly an excellent one, I
cannot allow you to pay.”

“Then I cannot accompany you to your solicitor’s
office. It is the price of my attendance.”

“Anna and I could see Mr. Olson alone.”

“Yet, you have already invited me. It would not be
gentlemanly to retract your offer.”

“What makes you think I’m a gentleman?”

“Everything about you, Lord James. You cannot hide
your true nature from me.”

*

James had faced many dangers on the American
frontier. But he was beginning to think his greatest threat was the one facing
him now, wearing a fine woolen cloak that looked warm but somehow still managed
to hint at the curves which lay beneath. The cool air gave a pink tint to her
cheeks, but not quite the bright red of when she’d blushed when he said he’d
strip down to his shirtsleeves. Despite the cold, his cock had grown hard at
her reaction, making him thankful for the concealing features of his greatcoat.

Just watching her walk hand-in-hand with Anna was
making him like Irene Wallace more, though he liked her a lamentable amount to
begin with.

He waved to his brother’s coachman who’d been
watching them from the street, then handed Anna in when the carriage arrived.
He held out his hand to help Miss Wallace, but at first she appeared reluctant
to touch him. Good. He was glad he was not the only one affected by their
close proximity.

But when she did finally place her hand in his, he
almost wished she hadn’t. Once again, there was that damnable jolt of
something that passed between them. It was becoming quite exasperating to be
constantly reminded of his attraction to her. Especially when any budding
friendship between them was bound to end when she learned of her brother’s true
nature.

He climbed in and sat on the seat opposite Miss
Wallace and Anna. Miss Wallace was pulling back the curtain so his daughter
might see the sights. But when it became apparent that Anna was too short to
see well, Miss Wallace placed Anna on her lap.

“Is that better?” she asked Anna.

His daughter grinned before turning her attention to
the scenery outside their carriage with some fascination.

It may have been better for Anna, but it certainly
wasn’t for him. James wasn’t sure he wanted Anna and Miss Wallace to become
any better acquainted. It was obvious his daughter liked Miss Wallace and he
hated to think of her becoming too attached when their association with the
lady would end one day soon. It could happen that very afternoon, depending on
what Olson had to report.

That thought was rather disappointing – for Anna, of
course.

He watched as the two of them talked about the
sights they passed. Miss Wallace kept up a travelogue as good as any tour
guide. Anna seemed entranced by the buildings they passed, but just as
fascinated by the people, carts and carriages.

“Papa,” she said. “There are so many people here.”

“Yes, there are, love.”

“I take it you did not live in a big city in America?”
Miss Wallace asked him.

“Quite the opposite. Anna’s village was very small
and the nearest town of any size to my farm in Buck’s County was half an hour
away by cart.”

“You drove a cart, my lord?” Her eyes danced with surprise.

“Quite expertly, if I do say so myself.” He had to
laugh at himself. The reality of his life in America wasn’t one he’d ever
imagined. Becoming adept at driving a cart was only one of several skills he’d
had to learn. “Actually, I was surprised that I adapted to country life as
well as I did.”

“I envy you. Ladies don’t often have the need to
learn anything new. As long as one is skilled at needlework, singing and keeping
the household accounts, as well as being in possession of all the latest
gossip, a lady has reached the pinnacle of womanhood.”

“But you do not agree?”

“Seeing as how I have no interest in needlework, am
only slightly skilled as a singer and abhor gossip, I doubt I shall attain
pinnacle status any time soon. However, I am reasonably skilled at keeping household
accounts.”

“I am sure you’d be skilled at anything you put your
mind to.”

“I shall not succumb to flummery, sir.”

He looked at her with heavy eyelids. “I am most
curious as to what you would succumb to.” He was enjoying picturing her
succumbing to him in any number of ways.

She must have sensed his thoughts, because she
blushed again, then spent the next few minutes pointing out the notable sights
to Anna. When he made no move to continue the conversation – he was having too
much fun simply watching her – she spoke again. “Were you not ever lonely in
America?”

He was startled by the question and by her
perception in asking it. He had been damned lonely, though he didn’t want to
admit it. “Before Anna, I was,” he said carefully. “But we have been good
company for each other, have we not, sweeting?”

“Yes, Papa,” she said, smiling. “I like being with
you.” Then she turned to stare out the window again.