Daughter of Darkness (31 page)

She wanted to scream at them all to go home—tell them her husband was, in all likelihood, lying dead at that very minute in the stable yard of the marquis. She did not want life to go on without him. A sob gathered in her throat and turning from the window, she was about to throw herself on the bed and weep in despair when she saw him leaning nonchalantly against the doorway.

‘You’re alive,’ she scolded, her relief a palpable thing. A smile eclipsed her frown. ‘What miracle is this, Gerard? You’re still alive.’

‘So it seems.’ His voice was dryly amused. ‘Half of London turned out to witness my demise. They were sadly disappointed. Your father set sail for France last night.’

‘He fled?’ She scowled again. ‘I knew he’d be a craven coward when put to the test.’

‘You’d rather I’d fought him and died?’ he teased, and began to advance into the room.

‘Indeed not.’ Closing the gap between them she slid into his arms and laid her head against his warmly beating heart. ‘I had no qualms you’d best him in a fair fight.’

‘Then it was not you I heard shout my name with such fright?’

She plucked from the air what seemed a perfectly feasible excuse. ‘My father is full of trickery. I slept so soundly I thought he may have drugged me somehow, and killed you while you slept.’

Though shaken, he grinned at her ingenious tale. She’d never know how close to the truth she’d come. ‘Then who do you think took possession of your senses and made your dreams so sweet?’

‘Indeed. I had no dreams worthy of note.’ Her eyes flirted with his most outrageously. ‘Are you sure it was not you who were dreaming?’

‘Perhaps I should refresh your memory, wench,’ he said with a grin. ‘I have ten minutes to tumble you on the bed before I need go out.’

‘Ten minutes?’ Gliding to the door she turned the key in the lock, and with unerring aim hurled it through the open window into the strip of garden below. Dropping her robe to the floor, she smiled so seductively through her sleep-tumbled hair that every thought was erased from his mind except his need to love her. ‘It seems you’re my prisoner, Gerard.’

If half of London turned up to see him slain by the marquis, it seemed the other half had gathered beneath the window to watch him climb down the front of the house to retrieve the key.

Knowing it would be common gossip in the coffee houses by noon, he decided to give them their money’s worth. Urged on by the violet-eyed woman laughing at him from the window, and the cheers of the small crowd gathered below, he climbed back up again.

Daphne de Vere had died during the night, her lawyer informed Gerard when the documents were signed and exchanged. As the guardian of the young Marquis de Vere, what were his instructions regarding the London property? The house had been built by Christopher Wren for Daphne’s father. Daphne had been fond of it, and he knew she’d want it kept for her son.

‘Arrange for everything except the furniture to be packed and conveyed to Sheronwood. The house can be leased, the income invested until Edward is of age. I will give you the name of my lawyer.’

Gerard leaned forward and smiled when the lawyer’s face adopted a resigned expression. ‘Actually, I see no reason why you should not continue to manage the estate. If the marchioness trusted you with it, that’s good enough for me. It will ensure there’s no conflict of interests.’

‘His majesty the King, who sponsored the child at his christening, wishes to provide for the boy’s education. His majesty has placed a sum of gold at your disposal. He would be assured of your utmost discretion in the matter.’

‘I suggest the gold be inventoried as part of the estate,’ he murmured. ‘It can then be drawn upon without inviting comment.’

There was warm approval in the lawyer’s eyes when the business was concluded. ‘The marchioness showed good sense in her choice of wardship for her son. She always spoke warmly of you, and would have been glad you survived to attend this meeting.’

‘You had your doubts?’ Remembering how fast news travelled in London, he gave a rueful grin.

‘The duel was mentioned at Child’s coffee house this morning.’

‘Then you will know my opponent did not put in an appearance,’ he growled. ‘He fled to France.’

‘I believe there’s a warrant issued for his arrest.’ The lawyer held out his hand. ‘Be vigilant whilst he’s still at large. He does not forget a grudge.’

Gerard didn’t need the man’s warning. There was an uneasy feeling gnawing at his gut, as if he’d forgotten something important. He puzzled over it in vain, then realized what it was as soon as he reached the house and read General Marriot’s note.

The ship the marquis had sailed on intended docking at Poole to pick up cargo. He remembered the sobbing voice echoing through the walls of Sheronwood, and the boarded up cellar. Everything clicked into place. ‘Willow!
’
he shouted. ‘I leave for Lytton as soon as possible. ‘Edward is in grave danger.’ He was thankful she was not the type of woman who was subject to the Vapors.

Appearing at the top of the stairs she said simply. ‘I’m coming with you.’

This time, it was Willow who urged them on when Gerard would have stopped to let her rest. She knew her sore muscles would stiffen if she stopped and she’d be unable to mount again.

Lytton House came into sight at the break of day. A mist was rising from the lake. The sun spread its light across the land, shimmering on the dew with red and gold flashes. Beyond the house, the hills gently sloped towards the sky, retaining their mysterious shadows.

Their minds found a certain synergy as they gazed at each other. Lytton had a timelessness about it, and together they experienced the pull of its presence.

‘It never fails to awe me,’ Gerard murmured, entwining her fingers with his.

The sun gradually banished the shadows. Like a carpet, the day unrolled over the land, marching over the drab shadows to push them away. The grey slate roof of Lytton warmed to blue, the hills came alive with sheep and cattle. Dew-drenched grass gave up moisture in vapors of mist that writhed upwards to disappear into the clouds. It seemed no time before daisies, primroses, and buttercups opened to make the day golden-hued, as if they’d been painted there by the sun.

Two familiar figures detached themselves from the stables. Willow smiled, feeling as though she were truly home at last. ‘Look,’ she whispered. ‘There’s Jeffrey with James.’

They rode forward to greet them. Instead of a smile of welcome, Jeffrey took one look at her and scowled fiercely at his brother. ‘Look at the state of your lady and feel ashamed,’ he said in a cold voice. ‘She and her mount have been pushed past exhaustion.’

‘No Jeffrey,’ she whispered. ‘It’s unfair to blame Gerard, when I set the pace. Edward is in danger. His mother is dead, and my father means to harm him.’

The color ebbed from Jeffrey’s face, leaving it ashen. ‘Thank God I didn’t let the marquis’s servant take him.’

‘He’s here?’ Her heart began to thump alarmingly. ‘My father sent an envoy for Edward?’

‘The servant arrived yesterday at dusk. He showed me a letter from the marquis claiming guardianship. It demanded he be released into the servant’s care.

‘And you refused?’ Despite his exhaustion, Gerard grinned with new vigor.

‘Of course.’ Jeffrey’s voice had a new maturity to it. ‘Edward is ill, a recurrence of the quinsy. Dr Tansy said he may not be moved until the fever subsides.’ Gerard’s smile was ignored by his brother. ‘A lot is going on of which you’re unaware,’ he said.

‘Then perhaps you’d care to enlighten me.’

Jeffrey’s voice softened when he looked at Willow. ‘If you do not take her home to rest, I’ll do it for you, brother.’

‘We’ll talk on your return,’ Gerard said, exchanging a glance with James. ‘Keep vigilant if the marquis is abroad in these parts. He’s not fussy over which of the Lytton family he kills.’

‘I most certainly will,’ Jeffrey said agreeably. ‘There’s a great deal I wish to say to you, and twenty men of his ilk will not be allowed to prevent me.’

‘And none of it good, I imagine,’ Gerard muttered with a sigh as they moved off.

‘Why is he so annoyed with you?’ Willow puzzled. ‘His rudeness is out of character.’ Anxiously, she gazed at him. ‘He must be ailing. Perhaps Edward’s quinsy is contagious. Please forgive him, Gerard?’

‘How can I do otherwise.’ He managed a weary grin. ‘Not only is he my brother, his emotions towards you are complicated by his youth. He’ll think better of his outburst before long, and apologize.’

‘I was hoping you’d overlooked his continuing regard for me. Though I’ve seen little of him these days, I’ve tried to treat him only with sisterly affection.’

‘I know.’ His smile warmed her heart. ‘First love is painful, especially when that love is not reciprocated. You’ll occupy a special niche in his heart for the rest of his life.’

And she thought: What of your heart, husband? Will I ever occupy a special niche there? Willow remembered Caroline’s unrequited love for Ambrose. She understood now why her predecessor had risked everything to plot her rival’s downfall. She would do exactly the same to win the regard of Gerard, whom she’d come to love with all her heart.

Gerard should have guessed the marquis wouldn’t have taken no for an answer. Edward’s nurse was discovered two hours later by the footman sent to the nursery to find out why breakfast hadn’t been collected. The nurse and nursery maid were bound and gagged, and were almost hysterical when released. Gerard had to speak sharply to get any sense out of them, and he blessed Willow for keeping calm. It was good to have someone by his side who didn’t panic in a crisis. Needless to say, Edward’s bed was empty.

He left the nursery staff to their weeping and called the family together. After informing them of the situation regarding Edward, he sent a messenger to Dorchester to call in the regiment. He was disturbed to learn from his father of another death involving a raven, the priest who’d officiated at Kitty and Brian’s wedding. He considered it prudent to inform the family of the similar deaths, and warn them to be on guard.

He didn’t consider it necessary to tell Sapphire she’d been named by the Wesley preacher. It would serve no good. But he recalled Willow’s link with the occult through her mother, and shivered.

Later, when he intended to talk to his father alone, he found Sapphire in attendance. Usually, she’d rise and leave with no more than a greeting when he came in. On this occasion, she turned to him and said quietly. ‘You’re worried about the raven. Rest assured, Willow is not the cause of its manifestation.’

It struck him then, that her voice, though French accented, had the same lilting timbre as Willow’s. ‘How did you know of my suspicions?’

‘I picked up your thoughts.’

It was the first time she’d addressed him directly. His senses were assaulted with a strange quiver of familiarity. She brought Willow into his mind, and he had a strong urge to look upon her face.

‘A coincidence,’ he said lightly.

Sapphire exchanged a glance with his father that left him feeling excluded. They had the familiarity of lovers, and it shocked him.

‘You doubt me?’ She laid a small hand lightly on his sleeve. ‘You were thinking you’d like to see my face. I remind you of Willow, do I not?’

‘You remind me very much of her.’ The smile he’d been about to give, faded as his gaze absently took in her form. The woman was petite, and neatly made like Willow. She even walked like Willow. His eyes narrowed suspiciously. ‘Who are you?’

She drew the veil back from her face. ‘Look upon my countenance and you’ll see the truth written on it.’

The huge, violet eyes and small turned up nose left him in no doubt. ‘Why do you hide your face from the world?’ he observed. Then he frowned, and in a voice suddenly harsh. ‘And why did you feign death and desert your baby daughter? She deserved better than to be left at the mercy of the marquis.’

‘I had no choice.’ Sapphire indicated a chair. ‘Spare me five minutes and I’ll tell you my story.’

Sapphire spared him nothing, yet there was no self-pity in her voice. His father’s hand slid over her hand in support when she finished the shocking tale. Gerard frowned again. The intimacy between them appeared to be more than just friendship.

He engaged his father’s eyes and took a deep breath. ‘Forgive me if I cross the bounds between father and son. There’s a question I wish to ask you, as one man to another.’

‘If you are going to ask if I love Marietta, the answer is yes,’ Ambrose said simply. ‘I’ve always loved her.’

‘Then why did you not— ?’

‘I was betrothed to your mother.’

‘And she wouldn’t release you?’

‘He didn’t have time to ask,’ Sapphire said dully. ‘I was compelled to wed the marquis, and thus began my misery. I’ve often railed against the forces of fate that kept us apart, but realize now that destiny shaped my fortune to ensure my daughter’s happiness.’

An awful suspicion began to form in his mind. He stood up. He had no wish to accuse his late mother of such complicity, not even in his mind. ‘Why are you telling me this?’

‘Because Willow suspects I’m her mother.’ In an unguarded moment her love for her daughter showed as raw, naked pain upon the canvas of her face. ‘I would die having her ignorant, rather than reveal how unworthy I am to be called mother by her.’

‘You’ re dramatizing the importance of your status, and underestimating your daughter.’ He gazed at her through unfriendly eyes. ‘You seek to play upon my sympathy. I suspect your accident was one of convenience, and that fate and destiny had nothing to do with it. You deliberately sought your daughter out so you could play some small part in her life. That I can understand, but do me the justice of honesty, and that I’ll give you in return. I’ve never met a woman with so much courage and strength as Willow. If you chose to deny her this knowledge then you
will
be unworthy of her.’

‘Gerard!’
Ambrose warned, as storm clouds gathered in his son’s eyes. ‘Your remarks are insulting, and uncalled for.’

‘No, Ambrose. Your son partially right, and I deserved them.’ Rising to her feet, she kissed Gerard lightly on the cheek. ‘I sought only revenge when I came here. Willow was an unexpected bonus. Whether you believe it or not, destiny has given my daughter a husband to be proud of. For that, I’m thankful.’ Without another word she tripped lightly from the room, leaving him stunned. He gazed reflectively at his father, who now Sapphire had gone, appeared vulnerable and exhausted.