Conduct Unbecoming of a Gentleman (23 page)

His chest burned and his vision blurred. Had he been so blind as not to see Laurel was in love with George? Had he been that selfish? George was dependable, stable and a true gentleman in all that word implied as opposed to the way in which Adron had treated her. Seeking vengeance, his own form of justice, blaming her for his own guilt and treating her little better than a gin-soaked doxy on the street, he had taken her child away from her. He had also forced her to work as no gentile lady should ever be compelled to do and belittled her at every turn. It was only natural she would come to love George.

Adron stared at Rhonda, willing her to retract her words, to admit she had been jesting, but she had already abandoned the subject and moved on to a tangent of her own.

“Although you won’t admit it, you know I’m on the shelf now, an old maid.” Rhonda pouted up at him while stroking his arm. “I’ve always loved you. We would be perfect together. I’m mature enough to understand about a man’s peccadilloes and I know we would be a lovely couple.”

He forced himself not to recoil. “Rhonda, I love you as a younger sister, much as I feel for Paige and it’s natural for you to love me too. I’m your cousin and against all odds I’ve always taken your part. But when I marry, things will necessarily change.”

“No, Adron, don’t. You promised not to desert me. You promised.”

“Rhonda, don’t fly out at me. I’m not deserting you but you must accept your lot in life—a life that does not include me as your husband.”

A single tear rolled down her cheek, but her countenance was set in mutinous lines.

He shook his head. “A fit of the vapors will gain you nothing.”

She pouted. “I will not tolerate another in your place and besides, I
am
on the shelf, money or no.”

“Please put such thoughts aside and search out a man that will love you for yourself.”

“Adron,” she wailed.

Careful to hide his sympathy from his high-strung cousin, he purposely assumed a blank expression. “Cut your losses and settle on a future of your own choosing, my dear. Don’t squander the rest of your life on a dream that will never come true.”

Rhonda’s silence, marked by her wounded expression, irked him almost enough to walk away from her nonsense, but as a gentleman, he could not. When the meal was finally finished, Adron accompanied her to the head of the stairs and watched until she was safely in her maid’s capable hands. He strode down the hall to his own room, flopped in a chair placed by the window and rubbed his brow to ease his growing headache.

Deep in the fog of thought, the sound of wind whipping the pelting rain against the windowpane finally registered with him and matched his grim mood. Adron collapsed on the bed and groaned. He’d come to believe Laurel cared for him almost as much as he cared for her but she loved George. He couldn’t get over the realization. How could he have been so blind?

He shut his eyes against the pain radiating from his chest. Could he be man enough to let her go? Could he not? Bile nearly choked him when he thought of his loss.

Adron admitted she deserved the love of a good man—George. Now that he’d come to know her, how could he ever have thought she’d wronged Robert? Such actions were not in her nature. Laurel was generous, kind-hearted, loyal and an excellent mother. With that thought he vaulted out of his bed and began to pace.

If Laurel realized how much he loved her, she would be unable to bring herself to hurt him. In exactly the same manner she’d forfeited her freedom for her son, she would sacrifice her own happiness again. The only solution was to actually offer for Melissa and set Laurel free to follow her heart.

Chapter 22

With leaden feet, Adron mounted the steps of Kendlewood and squared his shoulders. The hour was almost upon him when he would set Laurel free and endure an empty future without her. He schooled his expression not to reflect his mood and entered. The butler stood ready to receive his driving cape, cane and gloves.

“Milord.” Winwright bowed and handed off the duke’s possessions to an underling. “There is a strange, eh—gentleman to see you. To judge by his apparel, he’s not a man of fashion,” the butler announced.

Adron’s brows climbed his forehead. “And you thought I might wish to receive this strange person? Did he leave his card?”

“No, Milord. But he’s been here for the better part of three hours.”

Adron gave a careless shrug. “Let my secretary deal with him.”

“He insisted on seeing you personally, Milord.”

“Tell him to come back tomorrow then. I have other things on my mind today.”

“But, Milord, he mumbled something about Bow Street Runners. His brogue is so thick I barely understood him but he insisted.” Winwright cleared his throat. “I took the liberty of placing him in your library.”

The butler maintained his usual placid expression, but Adron could tell the effort pained him and Adron held back a sigh. “Very well.”

“Where are the family?” Adron inquired before he climbed the stairs.

“I believe the ladies are all in the drawing room, Milord.”

He hurried toward the library, stepped inside and spied a man of average height, unremarkable of countenance with one arm on the mantle, staring out at the sheep on the west lawn.

Adron cleared his throat and the stranger quickly turned.

“Your lordship. The magistrate sent me special with a note for you. We got that Oather Dimty person of interest.”

Adron frowned. “He sent you all the way out here?”

“Yes, your lordship. The magistrate seemed anxious to acquaint you with the facts immediate. Your townhouse was locked up tight and not a soul about. Being on assignment in the area anyways, he sent me.”

Adron read the note. “Capital. I’ll have a footman show you to the kitchen. My cook will supply refreshments before you take your leave.”

He sank into his chair and read the letter again. Although he planned to inform Laurel of his intentions to allow her to return to Landings, he had counted on the delay of her actual departure until the thief was apprehended. Now his excuse had disappeared. Adron could no longer delay the inevitable. A silent stream of profanity echoed in his mind as he tried to form the words he would say to set her free—free to marry another. Adron wanted to yell his denial to the top of his lungs but he wouldn’t. Inhaling a deep breath, he buried his head in his hands. He promised himself he would set her free later tonight.

Immediately upon his return, Laurel had planned to accept Adron’s proposal but he’d been occupied until the dinner hour. She could hardly wait for her first glimpse of him, nevertheless, greeting him in front of his family would never do. Longing to be alone with him and have him gather her in his arms as she told him of her love had to be contained. She wanted his kisses and more—much more. The few days he’d been away seemed an eternity and having her moment of truth delayed frayed her nerves. Laurel nervously shifted from foot to foot and with a smile, she lifted her eyes to him. Stunned at his expression, she froze and was trapped by the frigid stare he cast her way.

Her breath caught in her throat and dread pounded in her chest as she gazed at him. If his look was anything to go by, she had indeed left her acceptance too late. She wanted to cry and scream her distress but she could do neither. Her knees were weak and her hands trembled as she sank into a nearby chair. Sick inside, the mere thought of food churned her stomach but she soon found herself seated at the table.

Adron had been withdrawn all through the meal and never glanced her way again. When he bothered to join the conversation, he paid close attention to Melissa, Heloise and even Paige. Laurel’s spirits sank even lower. He’d said she couldn’t drive him away so what happened to his determination? Had his words meant so little after all? Had he grown tired of waiting for her to make up her mind?

She wouldn’t meekly accept that. A good while after the meal, she lifted her chin and followed him to his library. He’d closed the door against intruders but she rapped on the panel all the same.

“Come in.”

Laurel found him sitting behind his desk and his carefully blank expression sent a shiver down her spine. He leaned back in his chair and motioned for her to be seated.

“We need to talk.” They spoke simultaneously as she sat down.

Apprehensive and filled with foreboding, she waited for him to begin.

He hesitated as if gathering his thoughts. “Oather Dimty has been apprehended. A Runner brought the word earlier.”

She relaxed and couldn’t keep the smile from spreading across her face. Perhaps the tension came from waiting for word on the capture of the thief—not much of an excuse for his stern demeanor, but a reason. “That’s wonderful news. I’ll be able to identify him and all of this will be settled.”

“There’s plenty of time for that but now that he’s behind bars, it should be safe enough for you to return to Landings.”

“Is he there for me to identify?” she questioned.

“No, he’s held in London.” Even the tone of his voice hurt her, edgy and stiff, warning of more to follow. “I’m allowing you take up residence in your home again.” Bitterness crept into his tone. “Since Rhonda is no longer there, you should be perfectly content.”

Her heart sank and her throat was so dry she had to swallow. Surely he couldn’t be sending her away—not now. She must have misunderstood him and decided to hold that thought close while she followed another path. Why should he be bitter about Rhonda? “Rhonda! Why is everything about Rhonda?”

“This isn’t about Rhonda.”

“Then why mention her at all? Why can’t you accept Rhonda is no longer your vulnerable young cousin in need of your protection?”

“You don’t know the things she had to put up with. Her governess beat her for the least infraction and she wasn’t attractive at the time in her life when appearances were important. Things like that leave a mark.”

Laurel made no attempt to regulate her tone as it rose. “But she’s not that same person any longer. Rhonda can’t let the past affect her forever. Why can’t you see the type of person she really is, manipulative and selfish?”

Adron lifted his chin and glared across at her. “We’re not here to discuss, Rhonda.”

Laurel tried to hold back her anger, but some of it spilled out. “Amen to that.”

He ignored her comment but sent her a scorching glance. “I’ve decided to allow you to return to Landings as I stated. You’re free to marry George or anyone else you please.”

Her temper fled and she could barely catch her breath. It was true after all. He was sending her away. She tried to even her breathing. “Marry, George? Whatever do you mean?”

“George made you an offer.”

“And that means I must accept?”

“Playing fast and loose with George’s affections places you in the heartless category. Any number of times, you’ve encouraged him. I thought better of you.” His expression rejected her, closed against her as he continued, “Don’t you understand? You’re free, free to follow your heart, to live your own life, something you’ve always desired. You’re a wealthy young widow now. You’re lovely and you can have most anyone you want. I’d advise you to choose George. He’ll treat you as you should be treated.”

She forced down the burning in her throat, took a deep breath and hoped she’d concealed the wound he had inflicted from reflecting in her eyes. “I won’t leave without Jamie.”

“No, I realize.” Grim-faced, he clasped his hands together and averted his gaze. “I was wrong to try and keep Jamie from you. You’re an excellent mother. You certainly must take him with you.” His stare tuned cold and in a clipped tone he said, “I’ll expect a quarterly report on his progress. When he’s a little older, I would like to spend a week with him every year.”

“Very well.” Laurel didn’t know what more to say. Tense and vulnerable, she struggled with the need to fall to her knees and beg for another chance. She was aware of him as never before, wanting him with everything in her being but finally her whole body stiffened with pride.

“We’ll leave tomorrow. The remainder of our things can be sent on later.” Laurel didn’t know if she could maintain her composure until she could quit the room but she intended to try. Never must Adron realize how much she loved him—never.

Laurel didn’t remember reaching her chamber, but here she was on the edge of her bed, fully clothed, dry-eyed and stunned. She wouldn’t allow tears to fall blinking rapidly to keep the moisture at bay. If she started to cry, she might never stop. Instead she kept her hands busy packing some of her things before returning to the bed. She didn’t sleep nor cry.

Late the next morning the duke’s carriage, complete with his coat of arms embossed on the door, rolled down the drive with Laurel, Jamie, and Patricia, her personal maid inside. With each rotation of the wheels, her heart cried farewell, farewell, farewell. She’d come full circle and in spite of her efforts moisture filled her eyes.

Chapter 23

“Damn,” Adron cursed under his breath as he watched his carriage roll away carrying all that was most dear to him. He clenched his jaw until he thought his teeth might crack under the pressure. It was all he could do to keep from rushing forward to halt the departure. Empty and dead inside, he clung to the knowledge that he had allowed Laurel freedom to follow her heart, the only fact that made this moment bearable.

Adron turned and bolted for his library. He could use a stiff drink, anything to blur his mind. Tomorrow she would still be gone, but that was another day. He had to make it through the rest of this day.

Adron slumped into his chair with a whisky bottle in one hand and a glass in the other. Tossing down his drink, he poured another before he began to berate himself. He’d been a buffoon to ever think Laurel had been devious, calculating or manipulative enough to trap Robert into marriage and then drive him to an early death with her selfishness. That wasn’t the Laurel he’d come to know. A more giving, kind person he had yet to meet. He’d noted the fear in her eyes but for her child’s sake, she bravely faced him down. Adron had power over her son, therefore over her and he’d used that control to bend her to his will, but never once had she abandoned her son or retaliated. Whatever actions she had taken, he’d driven her to it.

Adron poured another drink. If only he’d realized how much he would come to love her, he would’ve done things differently. He would have wooed her instead of terrorizing her with his every demand. If only . . .

The next morning a pounding in his head woke him. A door shut softly and the bustle of household activities drifted to his consciousness. He ran his fingers over the smooth surface of crisp sheets. He was in his chamber at Kendlewood, that much he knew because he could smell his soaps and lotions for after his shave.

How long had he been like this, a day, a few hours or longer? He didn’t know and at the moment he didn’t care about anything except his splitting headache. Adron vaguely remembered Laurel leaving but after that, practically nothing. Suddenly he heard the rustle of drapes being drawn back and the sound of footsteps stopping at the end of his bed. He threw his arm over his eyes to block out the light and squinted at the figure standing there.

“Hell, Roger. Are you trying to blind me? Shut the curtains at once.”

With a deep sigh, his valet drew the drapes to shut out a little of the sun but some light still invaded the room, enough to make him wince. Adron drew himself up against the headboard and groaned. His flight from reality was at an end. Today he must collect himself and move forward into his bleak future. Bushing his hair back, he sat with the heels of his palms against his eyes.

“I need a drink—and a shave. Make it coffee, black and strong.”

“Very good, Milord.”

Nearly an hour passed before Adron exactly managed to climb out of bed and start a new day. After a grueling few hours dealing with the estate business that he’d ignored the last few days, he was ready for a ride, anything to stem the restless frustration that swamped him. Before he could quit the house, the butler caught him.

“Milord, Sir George is in your library.” The butler’s brows lifted briefly and he added, “He’s pacing.”

Adron groaned. George was the last person he expected or wanted to receive today. Why wasn’t he on his honeymoon? Adron wanted to gnash his teeth at the thought. He entered his library, his gaze on George, surprised at his tousled state. George looked as if he had run agitated fingers through his hair and disturbed his usual immaculate style. He hurried across the room and his expression filled Adron with foreboding.

“What’s amiss?”

“Oather Dimty has escaped. I wanted to alert you as soon as possible,” George warned in a brittle voice.

Adron let out a savage oath. “Of all the incompetent, witless . . .” He clamped his mouth shut and his jaw worked.

“I beg your pardon.”

“Not you. The authorities.” Adron eyed his friend with displeasure. What in the blazes had George been thinking to leave Laurel unprotected with a murderer on the loose? A servant could have brought the message just as easily. “Why aren’t you at Landings?”

“Why would I be at Landings?”

Adron skewered him with a deep, level stare, accessing his every expression. Clearly George had no idea Laurel was free to marry him. “Never mind. When did he escape?”

“By all accounts, sometime yesterday. No one seems to know exactly when.”

Adron turned to the door. “Pray there is still time.”

“Time. Time for what?” George caught Adron by the elbow.

Adron glanced down to where George’s fingers crinkled the fabric of his jacket before bringing his gaze up again, waiting.

“Beg pardon,” George apologized and dropped his hand. “Please explain.”

“Time to correct a mistake. I allowed Laurel to return to Landings and I’ve possibly sent her straight into the arms of the murderer.”

George returned Adron’s stare, tension gripping his features. “There’s no proof that Dimty is the killer is there?”

“There isn’t proof positive but all indications point to him as the one that murdered Robert.”

George scowled. “Let’s keep our heads. If he’s wise, he’s long gone with the jewels, not on his way to Landings. In any event, what threat can Laurel possibly pose to him?”

“She will recognize him if she sees him again. He tried to rob her and she got a good look at his eyes, the color plus the shape.”

“So you think he might be after Laurel?”

“I’m afraid that might be the case. He demanded Laurel hand over a blue diamond pendant. He’s obsessed with that particular gem. That’s why he followed her to her aunt’s place.”

“Surely he won’t try for the diamond again.”

Adron tried for a reasonable tone but he couldn’t keep the hard edge out of his voice. “He threatened to kill her if she didn’t hand over the jewel. She didn’t even know the pendant existed until then and thankfully, Horace interrupted before the rogue did too much damage. Oather escaped out the window and down the side of the house before Horace could catch him.”

“But he’s been apprehended once. A reasonable man would make good on his escape with the stolen treasure he has, not try to gain more.”

“Your point is well taken but who’s to say he’s reasonable. Laurel considers him insane.”

George shrugged. “There’s no saying. By the way, why did you send Laurel to Landings in the first place?”

Adron hesitated. He hated to inform George of his good fortune but he’d allowed Laurel her freedom for this very reason. The least he could do was follow through. “I restored her to her rightful position. She’s free to marry you now.”

“Free to marry me. Are you mad? I offered but she turned me down.”

Adron swallowed heavily. “That was before I allowed her to take Jamie when she marries. I decided to step out of her way. Offer again and she won’t turn you down.”

George threw up his hands in complete frustration. “Nonsense. It’s you she loves. If she couldn’t marry you, she preferred to remain a widow.”

Adron rolled his eyes. He tried to do the right thing and of all people, George kept standing in his way. He’d never thought of George as dull-witted before but his conclusions were preposterous.

“You’re saying she loves me?” Adron questioned and laughed in disbelief. “You have windmills in your head, my friend. She couldn’t possibly love me after the way I’ve treated her.”

“She admitted such when I offered for her.”

“She ran a rig on you, George but I’m not such a slow-top.” He spring into action. “That aside, I must go after her. I only hope I’m not too late.”

“I’ll ride along. You might need my help.”

The butler tapped on the door and immediately stepped inside. “Milord, a lady is here to see you. Mrs. Essie Calhermin, cousin to Lady Rhonda Laningham she says.” He straightened his blue livery jacket and stood taller. “She’s most agitated with an urgent message for you. I’ve placed her in the side parlor.”

“Very good.” Adron hesitated on the threshold with George in his wake and surveyed Essie in her traveling gown, a hideous shade of yellow with a brown cape still about her shoulders. “Mrs. Calhermin, how delightful to see you.”

Essie dabbed at the corner of her eyes. “I beg pardon for interrupting you. I wasn’t sure what I should do but everything is at sixes and sevens at Landings.”

“Please be seated and I’ll ring for tea. Heloise says tea helps every situation.” He moved toward her to relieve her of her cloak and a delicate fragrance of lilac teased his nostrils. “What was Winwright thinking of to leave you so uncomfortable. Let’s get shed of this,” he said, removing the garment and handing it off to Winwright. “Tea, Winwright.”

The butler bowed himself out of the room.

Essie sank into a nearby chair and patted her forehead with her handkerchief. “Tea would be most welcome.” Barely catching her breath she continued with her grievance, “Rhonda arrived and dismissed most of the servants. She even sent me packing—me her own cousin.” Her voice trembled and she brushed fresh tears from her cheeks. “I dropped everything to oblige her when she needed a chaperon and this is how she repays me. It doesn’t bare thinking of.” She sniffed. “Not that I’m not delighted to return to my cozy cottage. I am. But the shabby way she went about it has set me all a flutter.”

The recital of her ills halted with the rattle of the tea tray.

“Ah, the tea,” Adron said relieved, inhaling the aroma of fresh brewed tea. “That should help to sooth your nerves.”

Essie took a deep breath and gazed expectantly at the cup being filled.

Adron waited impatiently while she sipped a little tea and managed to down two cucumber sandwiches as well.

“I’m sorry Rhonda was rude to you but she has had a trying time of it lately. Still that wasn’t well done of her.”

“Rhonda should never have treated me like a mere servant, however that’s not why I came. That poor little dab of a cook’s girl, Rhonda left in charge of the kitchen was positive that Oather Dimty is locked up in a London jail.” Essie shook her head. “I saw him with my own eyes. He was talking with his nephew, arguing more like.”

Adron couldn’t keep the alarm out of his voice. “When was this?”

“Earlier this morning, so I came straight here. Lady Laningham went to the village so she wasn’t by. I crept close and I heard Percy accuse his uncle of murder. And his uncle laughed fit to kill. Pure evil! Enough to chill the blood.” Essie shivered. “He told Percy not to be so weak minded. No one would ever know he’d even been there the night of the murder. He’s the one that slipped the fatal dose of laudanum in my poor Robert’s drink that night. I heard him admit it with my own ears.” She covered her mouth with her handkerchief and shook her head. “He is wicked and him not regretting the murder a single bit.”

“Thank you for coming, Mrs. Calhermin. You’ve done the correct thing.” He must deal with this immediately. Laurel was in danger. He stood. “You said Rhonda dismissed all of the servants?”

“Only the cook’s girl is left and Lady Rhonda’s own woman naturally. Course she didn’t have a say with Lady Laningham’s personal maid.” Essie shrugged. “There is a groomsman to handle the stable but all else are gone. That’s why, Lady Laningham headed off to the village to see if she might lure Cook and the housekeeper back from Lady Brisbane. Good luck to her I say.”

“I’ll summon my housekeeper.” His voice was as calm as he could manage, but he was on pins and needles waiting to take his leave. “By all means, stay the night, rest and restore your nerves. I must leave you now.”

“Please don’t tarry on my account. You’d best hurry indeed to keep that charming Lady Laningham safe. There’s a dear, she offered to let me stay but I wouldn’t take advantage of her sweet nature.” Essie made a shooing motion with her hand. “Off with you now.”

Adron was out the door in a flash with George on his heels.