A Lady of Secret Devotion (11 page)

“And some of the men we work with here would most likely be happy to follow us,” Sebastian said, grinning. “After all, it’s not so very far away.”

“But what if the insurance company just sends someone else after us?”

“I’ve thought about that as well. I believe it is time for change—there are other insurance companies; perhaps it would behoove us to do a little investigating of our own and locate a more . . . accommodating company. Say, one that has an employee who would like to benefit from our organization.”

“A true inside man?” Robbie questioned. “That could also be very dangerous.”

“It could be,” Sebastian agreed, “but if we offer the right price, I believe we can purchase all the safety we need. I believe it’s where we’ve failed in the past. That insurance investigator— that Adkins fellow—could have been very useful to us . . . if we could have found his price. If we could have won him over to our side, he could have reported back to his people that there was nothing out of line. Now, however, things are different.”

Robbie ran a hand through his hair. “You’re laid up with a wound that nearly cost you a leg, and there are no doubt other investigators who will be sent to seek out the truth of what happened.”

“I believe we covered things up well enough. It looked like a simple robbery and nothing more. Even the police were happy to call it so. Don’t make more of this than is necessary.”

“I wish I could feel as confident as you are,” Robbie admitted. He got up and walked to where he’d left his coat. Shoving papers into a pocket, he pulled on the coat and shrugged. “I suppose I must make my way to the docks and check in with the fellows there. Do you want me to mention the idea of Baltimore to them?”

Sebastian considered this for a moment. “I think it would be a bit premature. I’m still a few weeks away from being able to fully function as I once did. The less we say for now, the better. The shipment will come to us in four days’ time. If all goes well, tell them there will be something special in it for each man.”

Robbie nodded. “I’ll do exactly that.”

Sebastian waited until Robbie had been gone for a full half hour before getting up to test his leg. Robbie would have him lie about and do nothing all day, and Sebastian knew that would only lead to additional weakness. He hobbled around the bed, careful to hold on to the framework for support.

The throbbing started up with his sixth step, but Sebastian wasn’t about to let it stop him. He had to regain the use of his leg. He had to get himself back in business as soon as possible. Otherwise he would lose too much. Money would be funneled elsewhere to more competent schemers, and he couldn’t let that happen.

He made it to the far window without too much trouble. Pushing aside the drapery, he looked down upon the front lawn to find the beautiful Miss Stover walking with his mother. They seemed to be taking note of the flower beds.

The memory of her body against his caused Sebastian to smile. She was a tasty dish, one he intended to sample. Of course, she had proven difficult so far, but that was to be expected. He grinned.

“I needn’t worry about you, dear little Cassie. You’ll do my bidding soon enough.”

His mother had warned him about bothering her staff, but Sebastian cared little for her concern. He knew how to handle his mother. She was frail and weak and not long for this world. That thought alone gave him reason to smile. An idea that had once been cast aside began to brew again. If his mother were to die, he would inherit everything. He’d been careful to bide his time.

Sebastian’s gaze again focused on Miss Stover. He loved the way her hips swayed as she walked. He noted her figure was slender, and she was taller than most of the women he knew.

Sebastian liked that fact very much as he, too, was tall.

It was dangerous, he thought, to have his mind so divided, but he couldn’t help himself. That Stover woman had captured his imagination in the worst way. He would have to see about putting himself in her company.

Silas had learned where her mother and sister lived, along with the fact that Cassie’s father had died many years ago. The family had lived quite meagerly after that, and Sebastian wondered if expensive gifts might entice Cassie to think more fondly of him. It was obvious she was raised to be a lady, but even ladies were generally known to submit to seduction—if the price was right.

He laughed and retested his leg as he hobbled back to bed. “I will have to find that price and pay it. Or perhaps just steal what I want, as I often do.”

Chapter 9

C
assie couldn’t help but touch the folds of her silk gown once again. The yellow shade was one that Mrs. Jameston insisted she have, and Cassie had to admit she loved it. The neckline was rounded in a modest manner and trimmed in ivory lace that had also been sewn along the corded ribbing that formed a V along the bodice to the waist.

“I’ve never seen such a pretty gown,” Elida said. “It’s just like you’re a princess.”

“Mrs. Jameston gave me the dress as a gift,” Cassie told her little sister in a whisper. “Perhaps we can have one in a similar shade made for you, and you can be a princess too.”

“I would like that.” Elida giggled. “I’ve always wanted to be a princess.”

Cassie laughed. “Me too.”

“What are you girls giggling about over there?” Mrs. Jameston asked with a smile. “We were talking about princesses,” Cassie admitted.

“Did I ever tell you that I once attended a party where Princess Victoria, now Queen Victoria, was also present?” Mrs. Jameston questioned. “Her mother kept her very secluded, but on this rare occasion she was allowed to attend. I cannot even remember what the party was all about, but I do remember her. She was so elegant and stately. A finer monarch England has never had.”

“You met a real princess?” Elida said in awe. “Did she wear a crown?”

“Of course,” Mrs. Jameston said with a smile.

Just then, Mr. Brumley appeared at the door. “Mr. Lang-ford,” he announced.

Cassie looked up to see Mark in his dark brown suit. He looked so handsome, and Cassie couldn’t help but feel her heart skip a beat. He made her feel special, and no other man had done that since her father was alive.

“Mr. Langford, we’re very honored you could attend the party,” Mrs. Jameston declared. She stepped forward, and Mark gave her a bow.

“The honor is all mine. I feel quite blessed to have been included. It’s hard to be a stranger so far from home.” He smiled and met Cassie’s gaze.

For a moment, she felt embarrassed that he’d caught her staring but realized that it was only natural. Everyone was looking at him. She calmed her nerves and returned his smile.

“Happy birthday, Miss Stover.”

“Thank you. I must say this is such a treat. Mrs. Jameston has been most generous. I’m very glad you could attend.” She didn’t dare say more, or she might ramble on and on about how she couldn’t think of anything but seeing him again.

“Cassie got a new princess dress,” Elida stated as if Mark couldn’t see for himself. “Isn’t she grand?”

“She is quite pretty.” He held Cassie’s gaze.

Elida sidled up to him as if they’d been the best of friends for years. “I always think Cassie is pretty,” she said rather conspiratorially, “but today, she is
incomparable
.”

Cassie felt her face grow hot even as she wanted to laugh at her sister’s choice of words.

“I would have to agree,” Mark said, giving Cassie a wink.

She could only pray that they would change the subject or that perhaps the floor would open up and swallow her whole. It seemed so awkward to be embarrassed so completely by the attention of a handsome man. Of course, it had never happened to her before. She remembered the glances and affections of young men when she’d been but a girl, but those men seemed to rapidly vanish from her circle after her father died and their social status dropped considerably.

“I believe I’ll go check on the meal,” Cassie’s mother announced. “Your cook seemed upset at having me in his kitchen, and I would hate to add further insult to him by ignoring the meal.”

“I have something to see to as well,” Mrs. Jameston added. “I’m certain Cassie will keep you amply entertained.” She looked at Mark with a grin. She seemed to enjoy the discomfort that all this attention was causing Cassie.

“I am certain she will.” Mark’s tone betrayed amusement.

Once the women had left the room, Elida surprised Cassie by taking hold of Mark’s hand and dragging him toward one of the settees. “Cassie said you are going to teach her not to be afraid of horses. Can you teach me about horses too? I’ve always wanted to ride, but Cassie and Mama are too afraid of them. I’m not afraid, but I need someone to show me how. I’ll positively expire if I do not learn how to ride.” Her brown ringlets danced down her back as she whirled and plopped down on the seat.

Mark sat beside her and replied seriously, “We cannot have that, Miss Elida. If your mother agrees, I will do what I can to see the task done.”

“Can you come every day?” she asked with great enthusiasm.

“Elida, Mr. Langford also has work to do. He is here, after all, on business.” Cassie took a seat in the chair nearest her sister.

“I can easily divide my time,” Mark said. “Oh, I nearly forgot.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a brown paper–wrapped parcel. “This is for you. Happy birthday.”

Cassie took the package and shook her head. “But you shouldn’t have.”

“And why not? It is your birthday, and it seems perfectly appropriate to give a gift.”

“Open it, Cassie. Let’s see what he got you,” Elida demanded.

“It isn’t much, but it has special meaning to me,” Mark told her.

Cassie unwrapped the paper and turned over a burgundy book. Embossed in gold letters were the words
Poetry for the Ages
. “It’s lovely.” She opened the volume and perused several pages before she looked up to meet Mark’s eyes. “Thank you so much. I know I’ll enjoy this.”

“My wife gifted me with a copy years ago. I always enjoyed the poems there.”

Cassie felt her heart sink. “You have a wife?” she blurted. How stupid she felt. She thought he had come here out of interest for her. But instead he was married. Her mind began to race.

Mark frowned. “She died years ago. I thought I had mentioned her before. I’m sorry.”

Cassie calmed and refocused her attention on the book. “I’m the one who is sorry. Might I ask how she died?”

“Cholera,” Mark replied. “She was just twenty-five.”

“That’s how old Cassie is today,” Elida said, jumping up. “And I’m going to be ten on May the second.” Cassie looked up to reprimand her sister, but she had no chance. The fact was, she was glad Elida had changed the subject.

“You are? How very exciting,” Mark said, seeming to shake the sadness from his voice as he smiled at the child. “That’s a perfect age to learn about horses. By the time I was ten, I could ride nearly as well as my older brothers.”

“Dinner is nearly ready,” Cassie’s mother announced.

Mrs. Jameston was on her heels as they returned to the sitting room.

“Look what Mr. Langford gave Cassie,” Elida said, pointing to the book of poetry.

“How very kind. What a thoughtful gift,” Cassie’s mother commented.

“Since we are giving gifts, I’d like to share my gift with Cassie,” Mrs. Jameston announced.

“But you’ve already given me this gown and so much more,” Cassie protested.

“Nevertheless, there is more. Come to the garden.”

Mrs. Jameston led the way and didn’t wait for anyone else to respond. “Mr. Langford, you bring Cassie.”

Elida danced down the hall after her mother and Mrs. Jameston, while Mark assisted Cassie to her feet and took the book from her hands. “We can leave this here for now. There’s no telling what Mrs. Jameston has in mind.”

Cassie liked the way Mark took hold of her arm and tucked it against his side. But Cassie found herself longing to know more about his wife. Without thinking, she said, “Will you tell me more about your wife sometime?”

He stopped and looked at her oddly. For a moment, Cassie thought that once again she’d made the mistake of speaking without thinking. To her surprise, however, Mark smiled.

“I’d love to. Ruth was a wonderful woman.”

Cassie nodded. “I’m sure she was. You must miss her very much.”

“I do at times, but it’s been seven years, and I find that my heart has mended. I am surprised, I must admit, that you make such a request. Most women do not like to hear stories of other women—even wives dead and gone. It seems strange that you would want to know more.”

It was hard to explain why she wanted to hear more. Cassie supposed it was because she longed to know Mark better. Still, she could hardly say that without having to explain herself.

“I . . . well . . . I enjoy people,” Cassie began. At least that much was true. “I find stories about people to be fascinating. That’s why I love to read.” She shrugged. “I suppose I’m a bit of a bore.”

Mark laughed and pulled her along to the garden. “Not at all. You care about people and what is important to them. That makes you special. Not a bore at all.”

Once they were in the garden, Mrs. Jameston motioned to Mark. “Cover Cassie’s eyes. I don’t want her to see her gift before the time is right.”

Cassie looked at Mark, who raised a brow and gave her an impish grin. He dropped his hold and moved to stand behind her. He stood so close that the skirt of Cassie’s gown billowed forward a bit.

“This could be great fun,” he murmured against her ear. “I feel like it’s my birthday.”

Cassie trembled when he put his warm hand over her eyes. She wanted nothing more than to lean back against him, and for a moment she pretended to do just that. How wonderful it would be if she were married to Mark and had the right to let him hold her so intimately.

“All right, Wills. You may bring the gift out,” Mrs. Jameston called.

A gasp from her mother drew Cassie’s attention. “Oh dear,” her mother said, causing Cassie to stiffen.

“There might be a problem,” Mark said as he put a hand on Cassie’s arm. He whispered against her ear, “Don’t be afraid.”