Page 32 of The Marquess of Temptation
Chapter Fourteen
Alex arrived in St Jarvis, hopeful that something there might lead to more clues about David Stockbow's life and death --because after Truro, he was beginning to think that Hestia was right in suspecting Dubois.
Thomas had made enquiries in Truro's less salubrious inns, and had learned that Dubois had indeed been spotted there the week before Stockbow's murder. The local ruffians had been reluctant to give the London valet much more information, but they had hinted that Dubois had been seeking the services of hired muscle.
Perhaps Alex had been right when he said that Dubois was far too lazy to murder a man --though it was beginning to appear that he was capable of hiring someone else to carry out the act.
The Marquess had not shared his growing sense of unease with his new bride, preferring instead to make for St Jarvis. He was certain that this Captain Black would reveal a missing piece of the puzzle--he just had to find him.
"Do you know the Duke of Everleigh well?" Hestia asked, as their carriage made its way slowly up the drive of Pemberton Hall, the Duke's Cornish residence.
"Well enough," Alex shrugged, which was to say not that well at all. Though few could claim a close acquaintance with the Duke, who was infamous for shunning society. He had written ahead, to inform Everleigh of his purpose for visiting, so they were greeted quite cordially upon their arrival.
"How lovely to see you again," Olive, Duchess of Everleigh said with a genuinely warm smile as she embraced Hestia in a warm hug. "Ruan is out riding, though if you come through to the parlour, you'll find a surprise guest to greet you."
"Jane!"
Hestia appeared overjoyed to find the new Lady Payne waiting patiently in the elegant parlour room, at the front of the house. Alex watched, overcome with jealousy as his wife's eyes lit up at the sight of her friend. Would his new Marchioness ever greet him with that same excitement?
"You look marvellous," Lady Payne cried, holding Hestia at arm's length, so that she could inspect her properly. Hestia was dressed in a simple riding gown of emerald green, made from warm but fine wool. On her ears she wore dark ruby earrings, a parting gift from Lady Phoebe and on her finger was a large emerald ring that Alex had given her on their wedding day.
"As do you," Hestia replied, and Alex had to agree-- for Jane was blooming. Her cheeks were rosy against her alabaster skin and her luscious brunette hair was gleaming.
"The countryside suits me," Jane laughed modestly, gesturing for them both to sit. They were joined by Olive, who was ushering a maid inside to serve tea.
Once everyone was served and they had exchanged pleasantries, the topic of conversation changed to London, and the goings on of the ton.
"Well, I know you will be loathe to hear this, but everyone has stopped talking about your marriage," Jane said with a laugh, "They have now settled on discussing the fact that the Viscount Havisham has taken to the drink, and that the Duke of Morhaven is missing his new bride."
"How did Morhaven manage to lose his new wife?" Alex asked, with an amused laugh, not wanting to discuss Hestia's uncle's drinking habits on such a pleasant afternoon.
"It's easily done, I assure you."
The Duke of Everleigh had arrived, his face watching his wife with unconcealed affection. Olive had flushed at his joke, for it was well known that she had fled to Cornwall after marrying Everleigh, thinking him a murderer and a cad.
"Apparently the girl, who's Irish, didn't want to marry him in the first place," Jane continued as Everleigh sat down to join them. "I can't say I blame her; Morhaven has always been a charlatan."
"He's not so bad, if you approach him with a bellyful of brandy," Everleigh shrugged, glancing at Alex surreptitiously. The Marquess instantly picked up on the Duke's subtle hint, and both men excused themselves for a visit to the library.
"How are you finding married life?" Everleigh asked, as he handed Alex a tumbler of brandy. The Marquess shrugged, thinking how best to answer. What would the Duke say if he confessed that he had found the past week a mixture of pure joy and agonising torture? Sharing a bed chamber with a bride who had no interest in you, was much more difficult than he had ever imagined.
"Well enough," he replied, "A little tiring, but nothing a good night's sleep won't sort."
The Duke's raised eyebrows and snort of amusement, reminded Alex that no one --bar he and Hestia--knew that their marriage remained, as yet, unconsummated.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Everleigh," Alex blustered, the tips of his ears a little red from his unintended innuendo. "It's mighty sporting of you."
"Her Grace adores company," Everleigh replied with a small nod of his head.
"And you?"
"Depends on the visitor, Falconbridge," the Duke laughed, his teeth flashing white against his tanned skin. Alex knew that, like himself, the Duke was a man who preferred to be out of doors, and it showed. "I shall enjoy yours, never fear. Now, tell me, what business do you have with my Captain Black?"
"If I'm honest, I don't actually know," Alex confessed. He relayed the tale of Hestia's father's will and the surprise association that David Stockbow had had with the young Black.
"He was in the Navy for a time," the Duke said, scratching his chin thoughtfully, "That much I know. He's a quiet fellow, doesn't give much away, but I know him to be an honest, trustworthy sort."
"I thought the same," Alex shrugged, "And loyal. He did say that he owed Stockbow his life and a man like Black would take that debt most seriously. Perhaps, however, if..."
