Never a Mistress, No Longer a Maid (20 page)

“What’s your relationship with her?”

“I didn’t father her bastard, if that’s what you’re asking,”
he said as he blew smoke into Stapleton’s face.

“When was the last time you saw her?”

“Shortly before I came to London.”

“When was the last time you saw the earl?”

“I don’t know. A week ago, maybe?  I tried to avoid it
whenever possible.”

“But you were doing business with the man.  And knew him
well enough to dislike him.”

“You didn’t have to know him well for that.  The man was
unpleasant.  Rubbed quite a lot of people the wrong way.  If you’re looking for
a suspect, you’ll have no shortage of them.  Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have
another appointment.”

Stapleton watched the man hail a hack then drive off.  He
had a pretty good sense of when he was being lied to, and he knew there was
more to Evan Cantwell than a simple business deal with the earl.  But what he’d
really like to know more about was Miss Wetherby and her child.

*                    *                  *

A few blocks away, Cantwell made a detour on his way to the
bordello he’d been intent on visiting.  He didn’t like either Bow Street or the
Kellingtons sniffing about his business.  Something would have to be done about
both.

*                    *                  *

Ned was in bed staring at the ceiling.  Why was his life getting
more complicated and not less?  A man was dead and he was sorry for it, even if
only hours ago he’d been ready to pummel him.  He couldn’t help but think that whoever
had killed the earl might be behind the attacks on Vi.  He needed to find the
man and not just to clear his name.

There was a quiet knock on the door, then it opened and Jane
slipped into the room.

“I’ve come to check on your head,” she whispered.  She was
in her night clothes and he could see her feet were bare as she slowly
approached the bed.

“It’s still attached, although I sometimes wish the thing
would roll away,” he said as his body hardened just at the sight of her.

She leaned over him to gently prod the knot on the back of
his head.  Her fingers were cool against his scalp.  Her breasts were just
inches above his mouth. 

“I checked on Vi when I came upstairs,” he said.  “She was
sound asleep.”

Jane smiled as she continued her exam.  “She’s always been a
good sleeper.  Even as a baby.”

“I wish I’d been there.  When she was a baby.”

Jane’s fingers stilled and she met his gaze.

“I can’t imagine what you went through,” he said.  “And I
can’t believe what I missed.  She surprises me every day.  Makes me laugh.  I
wish I’d been there from the beginning.  I wish I’d been with you.”

Then he pulled her down on top of him, into a deep kiss.  He
brought his hands beneath her nightgown and trailed them up her body, stopping
when he reached her bottom.  He squeezed the globes, as he rubbed his cock
against her.

“Your head,” she said between kisses.

“This will be good for it,” he said.

He lifted her enough so he could bring his mouth onto her
nipple through her night clothes.  It was already hard.  He suckled as she
pressed against him, offering more of herself to him.  He ripped apart her night
rail, scattering buttons everywhere.

He threw back the sheet that lay between them, then
positioned her legs so she was straddling him.  He began suckling her again,
then moved his hand between her legs to find her wet and ready for him.  His
finger slid into her easily and he was rewarded with a low moan that sent a
jolt of lust through him.

She tried to move off him to lie on her back, but he held
her on top.  Her quizzical look told him he’d need to take the lead.  He lifted
her up just enough so the head of his cock was positioned at her center.  She rubbed
herself against him eagerly, then he slowly penetrated her.

He pulled her down onto him.  Impaling her and growing
harder as she covered him in her tight sheath.  He prayed he’d last long enough
to give her pleasure, but knew it’d be close. 

Just as he was about to move, she whispered, “I don’t want
to bear another child out of wedlock.”

That got his attention as nothing else could.  “I would
never put you through that again.  If you get with child, we’ll marry.”

She began to pull away, but he held her to him and conceded. 
“That’s a discussion for another day.  I promise to withdraw.”

He hoped that would put her mind at ease.  But still she
didn’t move.

“I…I don’t know what to do,” she said.

He smiled, then began to move within her.  Slowly at first. 
He held her hips and moved her up and down as he slid in and out.  Her hair
framed her beautiful face and soon her eyes filled with passion.  Her lips were
slightly parted and her breathing grew labored as they moved faster and faster
together.

He was losing control too fast, so he moved his finger to
her curls and found the heart of her.  He pressed as she rode him.  Her
beautiful breasts bouncing and her thighs gripping him tightly.   It wasn’t
long before she exploded in passion.  Her spasms squeezed him hard and it took
all he had to keep from coming.

The moment she began to recover, he rolled her onto her
back.  After a few hard thrusts he pulled out and spilled his seed between them.

It had been a close thing.

After several long moments, he recovered enough to roll off
her.  He lay on his back and pulled her to his side.

They lay there without speaking, his arm stroking her back.

“I still don’t know if I should marry you,” she said.

He hated hearing the words, but knew he had to give her
time.  “I know,” he said.

“I was so scared when I heard what had happened at my
grandfather’s.  You could’ve been killed.”

“But I’m here now.  I’ll be here as long as you want.”

“I know,” she said.  “I know.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

The family was at luncheon the next day when Heskiss
announced the arrival of Inspector Stapleton.

“Why didn’t you tell me the earl’s granddaughter and great
granddaughter were staying with you, your  grace?” asked Stapleton rather
impatiently when Lynwood and Ned met with him in the study.

“I’m not in the habit of announcing details of my private
life,” said Lynwood.

“Very little remains private in a murder investigation,”
replied Stapleton.  “Would you like to tell me the connection between your
family and Miss Wetherby?”

The Kellington brothers said nothing until Ned broke the
silence.

“I’m the father of Miss Wetherby’s child.”

Stapleton showed the glimmer of surprise that it would be
admitted so easily.  “Was the earl aware of that?’

“I don’t believe so.  He knew I had a special regard for the
lady.  That’s part of what we argued about on my first visit to the house.  But
I don’t think he knew I was Vi’s father.”

“He almost certainly didn’t,” said Jane as she walked into
the room.  “Otherwise, I’m sure he would’ve been only too happy to arrange a
marriage with Lord Edward.  Inspector Stapleton?  I am Jane Wetherby.”

Stapleton looked surprised by the forthright lady who held
out her hand to him.  He bowed over it perfunctorily.  “While it is a pleasure
to meet you, madam, I would like to conduct this interview in private.”

“I can hardly see how it’s private when you’re talking to
both his grace and Lord Edward.  Please take a seat, gentlemen,” she said as
she did the same, “because I have no intention of letting you discuss my life
without me.”

“I have already experienced Miss Wetherby’s determination in
such things, Inspector” said Lynwood.  “I suggest we all sit down and include
her in the discussion.”

Stapleton acquiesced and they took their seats.  Then he
tried another tack. 

“Lord Edward, were you aware Miss Wetherby was an heiress?”

“I have an inheritance,” said Jane.  “But I’m sure it’s
quite modest.” 

“Not unless you consider £80,000 modest.”

Stapleton had been studying Ned closely and what he saw now was
shock.  On both his and Miss Wetherby’s faces.

“That can’t be true,” said Jane.  “My parents lived quite
modestly.”

“It’s true that your grandfather did not lend much monetary
support to his daughter and her husband and child.  But your father’s family emigrated
to America and did quite well.  Your inheritance has grown over the years to
that current amount.  And it is still increasing.  Apparently, your grandfather
was able to use his influence to become executor of the estate, although he’s
been unable to touch the money himself.”

“How did you discover this?” asked Lynwood.  “Even my
solicitors have been unable to learn the details.”

“While I have no doubt you employ excellent solicitors, your
grace, they don’t have the authority to arrest someone for fraud, which was my
first order of business this morning after poring through ledgers I found in
the earl’s office yesterday.  I don’t yet have all the details, but I can tell
you, Miss Wetherby, that you will be a rich woman once you marry.”

Jane was stunned.  “My inheritance is dependent upon marriage?”

“It always has been.  And should you die, the money would be
passed on to any children you have borne.”  Stapleton cleared his throat. 
“There is no proviso stating that the children must be the issue of a
marriage.”

It was almost too much to believe.  “So my daughter Vi would
be able to inherit?”

“That was the opinion of the magistrate who looked at the
document with me.” 

“Now we know why some bastard tried to kidnap her,” said Ned.

“What are you talking about?” asked Stapleton.

As Jane filled him in on the details, Ned thought about the
implications.  It was highly likely that the earl’s death was directly
connected to Jane’s fortune, and therefore linked to the kidnapping attempts.  There’d
been two so far.  Now that he knew the stakes, he would wager more would be on
the way.  And someone could try to force Jane into marriage.  She and Vi would
have to be protected at all cost. 

Apparently Stapleton had reached the same conclusion.

“I suggest you stay close to Kellington House, Miss Wetherby,
and don’t let your daughter out of your sight,” he said.  “Until we catch the
man who killed your grandfather, you both may be in danger.”

“Is my brother still a suspect?” asked Lynwood.

Stapleton studied Lynwood for a long moment.  “I can’t officially
rule out anyone as of yet because I simply don’t know enough.  But the member
of the Kellington family who had the greatest motive to kill Huntington is you,
your grace.”

Lynwood had a rare, unguarded moment of surprise, then his
lips curved into the slightest smile.

“You’re right, Inspector.  As you so astutely observed
yesterday, I would do just about anything to protect my family.  And, in
extreme circumstances, that could include murder and kidnapping, just as I have
the feeling you could do the same if given adequate provocation.  Am I correct?”

After a moment of silence, Stapleton nodded.

“But these are in no way extreme circumstances.  As was
brought to my attention last night at dinner, Miss Wetherby and Miss Violet are
already members of the family, although not legally recognized at this time.  As
their relationship becomes known – and it will become known – we will very
happily claim Miss Violet as our niece.  And should Miss Wetherby ever consent
to marry Lord Edward, we would very publicly welcome her into the family.  You
haven’t yet met our sister, but I assure you she’ll wear her association with
Miss Wetherby and her daughter as a badge of honor.  Anyone who attempts to
slight them will be cut down socially, perhaps never to recover.  Now, have I
reassured you or shall it be a trip to Newgate for me?”

“I hope, your grace,” said Stapleton as he rose, “that I
never have the occasion to go against you on anything, because I have a feeling
I would lose.”

“It’s funny, Inspector,” said Lynwood, “because I was
thinking the same thing about you.  I hope your search is fruitful.  Please
keep us informed of any developments and we will ensure Miss Wetherby and Miss Violet
are safe.”

Lynwood escorted Stapleton out, leaving Ned alone with Jane.

“I’m an heiress?” she said, not quite believing it.  “Why
didn’t my grandfather tell me?”

“Perhaps he wanted to keep you under his control longer.  Or
he didn’t want your past to come up again if you re-entered society.”  Ned
wanted to go to her and comfort her, but knew he had to give her the time and
distance she needed.

“I have no plans to re-enter society.  I’ll quite happily
live the rest of my life in Marston Vale.  But at least now I’ll have enough
money for food and to provide a future for Vi.”

“If you marry.”

She looked at him.  “If I marry.  You must know that in many
ways you would be my logical choice.  You’re Vi’s father.  She loves you.  But
I just can’t make that decision right now.  I need time.”

It was hard for Ned to hear.  But he didn’t have a choice. 
He kissed her, then walked toward the door.

“Where are you going?” she asked.

“To get some help.  Don’t leave the house and don’t let our
daughter out of your sight.  And, Jane?”

“Yes?”

“Please don’t keep me in suspense for too long.”

*               *               *

There were some advantages to being a veteran when you needed
to get information on someone.  Ned was sitting outside the Cathedral Theater
in Covent Garden talking to his old sergeant Ambrose Fisk, whom Rigg had tracked
down a few hours earlier.

Fisk had lost his right leg from the knee down at Waterloo
and was currently sleeping in a room at the theater in exchange for watching
over it at night.  Ned knew it was a waste of the man’s talents.  He’d seldom
met anyone who was more efficient or dedicated to his job than Fisk.

“So what’s this Overton bloke done?” asked Fisk, after Ned
had explained the situation. 

“I don’t know that he’s done anything, but it’s rather
suspicious that he’d show up now and contact Miss Wetherby after ignoring her
so long.”

Ned knew he was likely grasping at straws, but he had to do
something.

“Can you find a replacement for your job for a few days? 
I’d like to hire you to follow this chap around.  I’ll pay whatever you need.”

Fisk looked at him.  “It’s not a matter of me findin’ a
replacement.  Any monkey can sweep and keep watch.  But what good would a
cripple be followin’ this toff around?  It’s not like I’d blend in.”

“You’re the best soldier I ever met, Fisk.  I know you’d
find a way to get the information.  And it’s too important for me to trust
anyone else with it.”

The ex-sergeant looked away to hide how much the compliment
meant to his self esteem.  “Even if I could do the job, I couldn’t take your
money.  You saved me life.  I also haven’t forgot the way you treated us men. 
Not like a lot of them other officers.  Worthless they was.  But not you.  You
didn’t have your head up your arse,” he said with a crooked grin.  “I guess I
should probably add ‘Lieutenant’ or milord or something.”

Ned laughed at his old friend’s candor.  “It has always been
a goal of mine to keep my head firmly separated from my arse.  Although I
haven’t met with much success, lately.  I don’t know how long this assignment will
last, but here’s money for you to move into lodgings while you look into this.”

“I can’t take your charity.”

“I’ll keep that in mind should I ever think of offering you
any.  You’re too far out of the way here.  I need you closer to Mayfair and
can’t have you wasting time travelling back and forth.  I’m also giving you
coins to spread around.  If you need more, send a message and I’ll make sure
you have everything you need.”

Fisk considered the offer.  And from the state of his
clothes and his thinner than usual frame, Ned knew how much he needed the
funds. 

“This lady must really mean something to you,” said the
sergeant.

“She does.  She and her daughter both.”

*                    *                    *

When Ned left Fisk, he thought about just how important Jane
was to him.  And Vi.  He knew now that he would find a way for the three of
them to be together.  He had to.  Making love with Jane was more intense, more
emotional, more physical, more everything.  He wanted that now and for the rest
of his life.  He just had to make her feel the same way.

He’d leave no stone unturned to learn who had killed
Huntington.  Jane and Vi were just as much at risk now as they’d been when
those men had tried to take Vi in the park.  Perhaps more so.  Someone had
committed murder to get what they wanted. 

Fisk was the right man for the job.  It’d been painful to
see the man after so many years, looking so pale and thin.  He was probably earning
barely enough to survive.  Ned was glad Fisk had taken the money for new
lodgings.  When this was over, he’d make sure he had a proper place to live, a
job and plenty to eat. 

It was time Ned took responsibility for everyone in his life
who truly needed him. 

*                    *              *

The next day passed interminably slowly for Jane.  Ned had
forbidden her to leave the house.  He’d originally forbidden Vi to leave her
bedroom and wanted to station a footman in her room and another outside the
door, until Jane assured him their daughter would be perfectly safe at
Kellington House, given all the servants had been apprised of the situation and
were more vigilant than the King’s own guards. 

But finally it was time for Jane to dress for Lady
Crenshaw’s ball.  Lizzie had sent a message to the modiste to rush one of
Jane’s new gowns and now it lay on her bed.  It was the most beautiful gown
Lizzie had ever seen, a shade of dusky blue that complemented her eyes and hair
perfectly.  The bodice was more low-cut than she felt comfortable with, but
Lizzie had assured her it would turn a certain unnamed Kellington brother into
a tongue-tied fool.

Jane wasn’t sure what she wanted Ned to turn into.  He’d
stayed out until almost midnight the previous day, then when he’d snuck into
her room shortly after returning, he’d seen that Vi had arrived before him. 
He’d simply kissed Jane, then stared at their sleeping daughter for a few
moments, before slipping back to his own bed.  Jane had been equal parts
disappointed and relieved. 

When they’d made love the previous night, she’d realized she’d
made the serious mistake of falling in love with a man whom she might not be
able to marry.  She still didn’t know how it would be possible to meld their
two worlds.  She was needed in Marston Vale.  She wasn’t even wanted in
London. 

And now she faced Lady Crenshaw’s ball.  Going to the
Marston Vale assembly had been bad enough.  Tonight she’d face the pit of
vipers otherwise known as the
ton
.  It was the height of foolishness to
go when there was a good chance she’d receive the cut direct from everyone who
remembered her from before.  And with her grandfather’s death, everything
related to Huntington would be dredged up again.

There was a knock at her door, then Lizzie entered, wearing
an emerald green gown that perfectly accented her eyes.

“Why aren’t you dressed yet?” she asked.

“I’m not sure I should go.”

“But you must, if for no other reason than to rescue me from
four overprotective brothers.  Besides, we may be able to learn something
tonight to help Ned.”

“Lizzie, you mustn’t do anything to put yourself in danger.”

“Lud, you sound just like my brothers.  You’d think I was
still in the nursery with the way all of them carry on.”