Page 30 of Code Name Duchess
“There is a cousin,” he confessed. “But I do not wish to consult him. We are not close.”
“But what about your sister? Is she closely connected with said cousin?”
Seth couldn’t help himself, he groaned at the question.
“They used to be quite close. Cedric is the illegitimate son of my father’s younger brother. My uncle passed away when Cedric was young, and my father took it upon himself to look after him. He is an insufferable fellow. It is almost as if he carries his circumstance of birth as a badge of honor. I think because Rose and I have not been as close as we once were, she has taken to Cedric. However, as I understand it, as of late their relationship has become fractured.”
“Both our families are marred with these broken connections. How much easier it would be if we would all get along. How much simpler and more harmonious.”
Seth couldn’t help but grin. “I did not know you were such a dreamer, Winnifred.”
“I have the desire to have harmony in my life. I don’t see anything wrong with that. Alas, I suppose some things can never be. Although I will say that you have a much bigger chance of repairing your relationship with Rose than I do with Victoria. I already dread seeing her when I return home, as I know she will be ever so upset at my not telling her more about Leo. Hearing that she went to see my uncle was rather surprising—and unsettling. But anyhow your cousin, Cedric, is he here in London?”
Seth gave her a curt nod and crossed his arms in front of his chest.
“I wish he were not, but yes. He is in Mayfair.”
“Mayfair? Your cousin lives here in Mayfair? But it is just a short carriage ride away. Your sister could easily have called on him with some frequency without you knowing of it. Let us call on him.” The enthusiasm in her voice made him recoil.
“I do not wish to call on Cedric. Winnie, as much as I want to find my sister, there are some things I do not wish to do. As I said, relations have been rather fraught with him, and I do not think he could be of any help.”
“What could be so terrible as to prevent your seeking his counsel?”
“Cedric and I were never close, as I said. My father took to him, for whatever reasons, but I didn’t. We are not alike at all. The only time he calls on me is when he needs something—a recommendation, funds, an introduction. The last time he asked me to help him get a voucher for Almack’s from one of the Lady Patronesses. I declined. He’s since attempted further contact regarding one matter or another, but I declined to speak to him.”
Winnifred pressed her lips together and crossed her arms under her chest. He couldn’t help but notice how her chest rose and fell as she breathed harder with obvious exasperation. Her long smooth neck twisted as she shook her head and a black curl caressed her collarbone.
“But you do not know if your sister was in contact with him. She might have been and therefore, we must speak to him. If you will not see him, then please send a messenger to him to let him know I will come and do so.”
“Winnifred,” he said, unable to keep the irritation out of his voice. “Must you challenge me so? Is not my word enough?”
She drew her eyebrows together and shook her head. “No, Seth, in this matter, your word is not enough. Not when my brother’s life is at stake. I will not have this petulance, this silly, troublesome relationship between you and your cousin interfere with recovering Leo and Rose. What if your cousin has a vital clue that we need? And we do not get it because you are stubborn?”
Seth’s mouth dropped open. “I thought earlier that nobody but Rose spoke to me as directly as you do. But I must amend my thoughts. For not even Rose dares speak to me in such a way.”
He noticed her swallowing hard, but even this, his stern rebuke, did nothing to change her mind—it was evident by the way she continued to stare at him in defiance. She would speak to Cedric one way or another.
He knew that if he did not write her a letter of introduction and send a messenger ahead, she might take it upon herself to call on him and risk ruining her reputation. No matter her social standing, no woman could call on a man she was not previously introduced to. And even then, only on matters of business. Seth could allow her to do as she wished and risk her good character, but he cared too much about her to allow this. As much as he didn’t want to involve Cedric, to keep Winnifred from ruining herself, he would have to do what she requested.
He shook his head.
I cannot refuse her. I have already grown so fond of her that I cannot deny her anything. And this feeling inside of me, this great need to protect her grows larger and larger by the moment. I don’t even know if I will be able to separate myself from her after our investigation concludes. This magnetic pull is unlike anything I have ever felt. A part of me still wishes I had kissed her earlier, but instead, I pulled away as I always do.
He dropped his shoulders. “Very well, Winnifred. You shall have what you wish. I will write a letter to Cedric and tell him an associate of mine is coming to speak to him. I’ll make a second copy for you to keep on your person. Then you can take one of my carriages and call on him. The letter will give you protection as you will be acting as my agent. But please, be sure to take a chaperone with you. I cannot have you ruined. I will not.”
He pulled a piece of paper out of his desk and quickly wrote to his cousin, asking him to expect Winnifred that morning. As he handed the second notice to Winnifred, their fingers touched and again a jolt raced through him. This time he did not remove his hand but instead gently curled his fingers around hers.
“Winnie, please be careful. I wish I could convince you that no good can come out of speaking to my cousin, but I see you have made up your mind and there is nothing I can do.”
“I cannot explain it, but it is a feeling deep within me that tells me we must follow this clue. In any case, we must decide what to do about the ransom demand.”
“We must. After you return from my cousin’s, no matter what you find, we will go to see Mr. Markham and present him with what we have found. Perhaps he has made some discoveries as well. We will converse with him and follow his advice. In the meantime, we cannot let anybody know what we have found out so far.”
“Of course not. It shall remain between the two of us. Only you and I shall know the full extent of our discoveries. I will go home because I am in need of a change of clothing. Then I shall call on your cousin and return here directly.”
Despite her declaration, she did not move, instead, she stood where she was, her eyes resting on Seth’s face.
“Winnie…” he spoke quietly, his voice thick with suppressed emotion. Her beautiful eyes sparkled, and her lips, red and full, parted slightly.
