Page 102 of Beyond Scandal and Desire
He grinned, and in it she saw Mick’s smile. “No, he hasn’t.”
“So why are you here?”
“I need your help again.”
He returned to her the necklace, comb and parasol. In the package, he also included the cameo. It brought him a measure of comfort that she didn’t return it, that perhaps she kept it as a reminder of him and along with it, a few fond memories.
For three days in a row he received an invitation to dinner. The first came from the duke himself, the second from his duchess, the third from Aslyn. He didn’t bother to respond. His absence would tell the tale. He was firm in his resolve that no good would come from his presence in their lives.
Instead, he buried himself in his work, searching for parcels of land to be had on the cheap, meetings with investors, negotiating contracts, looking over applications from those who wanted to lease his buildings. When he wasn’t out and about, he was in his office, reading through paperwork that would drive his brothers mad, but he’d always enjoyed it: the precise words, the turning of a phrase that could alter a meaning. The smallest of details, ignored, could lead a man to ruin. Acknowledged could lead a man to fortune.
The knock on his door scattered his concentration. “What is it?”
Tittlefitz peered into the office. “Jones, from the front desk, sent word up that a duke and duchess have taken a room. A duke and duchess! He let out the grand suite to them. Can you imagine the clientele we’ll see if word gets around the nobility that we’re a right proper place to stay?”
The muscles of his stomach clenched. “Who are they?”
Tittlefitz seemed surprised by the question. “Well, he didn’t say.”
“Find out.” Even though he was willing to wager his entire fortune that he already knew.
His secretary looked considerably paler, on the verge of being ill, when he reappeared. “Hedley. The gent who visited you several days ago with his son. Why would he be here?”
Because he wouldn’t go to them. Why would they not leave him in peace? Why did they not understand the havoc his presence would cause? “Who the devil knows? Just see to it that they don’t disturb me here.”
“Yes, sir.”
They didn’t disturb him, but sometimes when he glanced out one of his windows, he’d see the duke strolling along the street, observing the construction taking place. He’d stop and speak with some of the workers, delaying them from finishing their jobs. The third afternoon, at precisely four o’clock, he received a missive.
The duchess and I would welcome the pleasure of your company as we enjoy our tea in the hotel gardens.
—Aslyn
So she was here as well, was she? Damn her. As with all the invitations to dinner, he ignored it. As well as the one that arrived the following afternoon. The one after that however—
Your mother, the duchess and I would welcome the pleasure of your company as we enjoy our tea in the hotel gardens.
—Aslyn
He came out from behind his desk so fast he very nearly wrenched his back. He dashed out of his office.
“Is something amiss, sir?” Tittlefitz asked.
But Mick didn’t stop. He carried on through, down the stairs, his heart pounding. He hit the lobby. Ignoring the few patrons standing about, he raced to the back doors that led into the gardens.
Several small white-cloth-covered round tables were set up, but only one was occupied. He slowed his step but lengthened his stride. The duchess was the first to smile at him.
“I’m so glad you could join us. Your mother was telling us about a fledgling bird you tried to save when you were a lad. The tragic outcome. I’m sorry it didn’t go better.”
“I remember your tears,” his mum said.
“I didn’t cry.” She was wearing a plain navy blue dress, a recent purchase. No frays, no faded spots. Her hat hosted an assortment of colorful flowers, but then she’d always sought out colors in the drabness that was her life. He shifted his attention to Aslyn, as beautiful as ever, in pink. Her lips twisted into the familiar uneven smile did not make her look at all innocent in this, and he wondered what part she might have played. A large part no doubt. She was probably responsible for locating and getting word to his mum. Or maybe the duke had remembered where he’d delivered him that long ago night. Damnation, he should have made his mum move into better lodgings.
“I’m given to understand you prefer whiskey to tea,” the duchess said, and only then did he notice the etched glass holding two fingers of amber liquid set in front of the empty chair that rested between his mum and Aslyn. Taking that seat would leave him facing the duchess.
“Do sit down, Mick,” his mum said, her tone one of reprimand that he knew from experience would be quickly followed by a smack if he didn’t obey.
“I see nothing to be gained by this.” He gave his mum a hard stare. “You don’t know what you risk.” If they were to report her as being a baby farmer, the repercussions could see her imprisoned.
