Seductive Lies (Secret Lives Series) (23 page)

Ewan turned red. “I don’t understand…your daughter?”

“I will not mince words with you. I have married again. Harriet. She has a young daughter, not quite four years of age. She was abducted about a month
ago. Thankfully, she was rescued. Afterwards, we found letters that implicate Bessie with the assailant. Do you know a Benjamin Padgett?”

Arthur’s voice resonated in the room, vibrating to the core of his brother. “Do not play with me, Ewan,” Arthur said in a firm and dangerous voice. “I know it was you
who went to Grandfather for permission to marry Bessie, not the other way around as you have led me to believe.”

Ewan’s expression shattered. “A child? Bessie was set to hurt a child?”

“My child, brother. My child. Your niece!”

“I know nothing about an abduction. Nothing!” Ewan shook his head. “I’ve hated myself since I agreed to this marriage. You can’t abhor me more than I abhor myself. You’re right. I did go to Grandfather. I did it for the money.”

“Harriet’s money?”

Ewan wiped his sweating forehead with his handkerchief. “It seemed all so simple. After Harriet ran off, Bessie came to me with this wild scheme. She said it would ‘make all right in the world. As it should have been.’ She talked such nonsense, but when she mentioned that Harriet’s inheritance would now be hers, I began to take her proposition seriously.

“You would not understand, being the heir apparent. I have always been the spare heir. In the shadows. You would not know what it is like to be a second son. Do not make me out to be some kind of monster. I did nothing to cheat Harriet out of her inheritance.

“From my understanding, it was forfeited by some means. I suppose I did not want to know the reason. I wanted only to know it went with Bessie at our marriage. Make no mistake about it
, though, Arthur. Grandfather wasn’t against the arrangement.”

“So both sides plotted against Harriet. Did you ever think about Harriet? What happened to her?”

“I assumed she was safe and cared for. Why would I not? Grandfather wished her no harm, only that she not be part of our family. He agreed to my marriage without hesitation and thought it for the best.”

“Not only to destroy Harriet’s life, but to steal her money? I thought I well knew you both!” Arthur shouted. “Not only Harriet’s, but my life! You are my brother!”

Ewan cast down his eyes. His face flushed. “It wasn’t like that. Sophia loved you. I, too, thought it for the best, or at least I tried to convince myself. When Bessie told me that Harriet had come to the townhouse, I realized my mistake, but I couldn’t undo what had already been done.”

“So you did nothing?”

“I distanced myself from the whole mess.”

Arthur took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. His anger spent, he asked, “Then now tell me, do you have any knowledge of what Bessie has in store? Have you had any knowledge of her wrongdoings?”

Ewan looked up at Arthur. “She’s mad and loony. I don’t believe she has a rational thought in her head. I have long since not paid any mind to her ramblings, but this man you mentioned…this Padgett fellow. I remember him, if he is the same person.”

“When?”

“A couple of years ago, during the start of the Season. I arrived home to find this gentleman had escorted Bessie home from a dinner. I found them in the study in a deep conversation. I thought it strange as I hadn't even known Bessie had returned to London. I had thought she was with Sophia at Ayercombe Manor. Instead, here she was with this man." Ewan laughed under his breath. "It was the first time it occurred to me that my wife might have found a lover."

"Padgett was Bessie's lover?"

"No, no. It was my first thought, not that I would have cared, but she brought him into our home. So I had looked into the situation."

"And what exactly did you
find out?"

Ewan grimaced and sat down his glass. He looked up at his brother. “I will tell you everything I know.”

Five days had passed since Harriet’s arrival in London. Despite her apprehension, she and her daughter had been made most welcome in the Duke of Torridge’s home. The house still mourned the loss of their daughter, leaving their social interaction limited, which suited Harriet’s needs.

This morning
, she breakfasted with Lady Torridge and Aunt Eleanor. Her appetite was spoiled by her concern about Arthur. She had seen him little since coming to London. His mind seemed to be preoccupied. He had not talked again about her visions and she suspected he would not.

“I find your daughter quite delightful,” Lady
Torridge said, bringing Harriet into her conversation. “A much-needed breath of fresh air in our home.”

“I hope she hasn’t been an inconvenience to you,
Your Grace. She has been quite spoiled in Danbe Dale,” Harriet said. “She can be relentless in her pursuits.”

“I hope you don’t mind, but I have planned an activity for Victoria this morning…if you allow
.” Lady Torridge sat her fork down. For the first time since their introduction, her ladyship smiled. “Eleanor and I have talked in great detail about the incident surrounding Victoria. Also, with the knowledge she has left everything she has known, I thought…”

Lady
Torridge paused with emotion. Aunt Eleanor reached across the table and took her old friend’s hand in hers. “As Victoria seems to enjoy Katherine’s dogs so much and Arthur has said he himself intends upon her having one, we considered taking Victoria to the park. Lady Smythe has a litter of corgis that are ready to be weaned.”

Lady
Torridge sniffled and nodded. “I have sent a note to Lady Smythe. She says she has a couple of puppies that would be perfect for a child of Victoria’s age. She would be able to play with them and hopefully pick one out.”

The gift was unexpected. Harriet was touched at Lady
Torridge’s compassion. How difficult it must be to lose your only child, though Harriet worried about her own child.

“You need not be concerned with Victoria’s safety. Two of my most trusted footmen will accompany the ladies. I will also
, if you deem it necessary.”

Harriet looked up to see
His Grace enter the breakfast room. Sitting at the head of the table, he acknowledged the ladies’ presence. Then he turned to Harriet. She saw instantly the importance of this venture to his wife in his eyes.

“Your generosity has overwhelmed me,
Your Grace. I do not believe Arthur would object. Though, I could not ask you to be inconvenienced with a puppy here.”

“Oh, I have made the necessary arrangements,” Lady
Torridge said hastily. “It would give me great joy to see her little face light up. She does so have the look of Georgiana when she smiles.”

“
Georgiana?” Harriet asked. “My mother?”

Lady
Torridge’s startled expression did not go unnoticed by Harriet. It became quite obvious Her Grace had not intended to let the name slip. A deep sadness swept across the woman’s face, a melancholy that all too quickly encompassed her being.

“Your Grace, you knew my mother?” Harriet’s voice softened. “You will have to excuse my curiosity, but I have not met many who knew my mother and fewer who have talked of her. Pardon me, but you said her name with affection.”

Lady Torridge’s composure wavered. She collected herself and looked straight at Harriet, ignoring her husband’s gaze. “Yes, I knew Georgiana. Of course, she was Georgiana Tyndale at the time. I met her on a stroll in the park. It was before my marriage. I was only a young girl with dreams about when it would be my turn for a Season.

“I had come to London with my parents and my older sister for her debut into Society. I couldn’t participate. I had to wait my turn.
Georgiana lived here in London most of the year. Her father was a prominent businessman, in the coal business if I’m not mistaken. It was during this time Georgiana and I struck up a friendship. She became a dear friend.”

“Truly? I did not know, but there is much I don’t know about her. How did you meet? Did she live near? Did you know her parents? Have you heard from her since she left England?” Harriet hadn’t meant to press. She had never realized the hurt that lived inside her for the mother she didn’t know.

“I’m sorry, Lady Daneford.” Lady Torridge hesitated. “I lost touch with your mother before her marriage. I thought perchance I would have heard something when she left England, but nothing, I’m afraid.

“It is a shame that you did not know Priscilla, Arthur’s mother. I believe your mother and Priscilla became close after
Georgiana moved to Beebe Manor. It was understandable, truly. They lived so close. The last time I saw Georgiana was at Ayercombe Manor with Priscilla.”

“Katherine, it seems that Lady Daneford has no objections to the puppy," His Grace said. He looked straight at Harriet, conveying the need for the conversation on her mother to end. "I will call for the ca
rriage. I believe the little one will enjoy an open carriage ride, as will you.”

Harriet sat back and absorbed the information. His Grace may have diverted the others
’ attention from her mother, but he had done little to quench her curiosity about her mother. She came to the conclusion that her grandparents, the ones she had never seen, may well still live in London...

* * * *

Harriet walked silently down the street, trying to think. She had left shortly after Lady Torridge, Aunt Eleanor, and Victoria departed for the park. Victoria seemed in her element with the attention she garnered. Harriet smiled at the sight of Victoria holding onto Lady Torridge’s hand, walking down the steps to the waiting carriage.

At least for the moment, Harriet wasn’t concerned with Victoria’s welfare. Her attention
was drawn to the mention of her mother. She thought of talking to Arthur, but he had risen early, leaving only a note stating he would be occupied the rest of the day with his brother.

A sudden impatience encompassed her. Perhaps it was discovering her mother’s maiden name. She had wondered for years of her mother’s family. Her uncle told her they had disowned her mother and had no interest in her.
Given the circumstances, she had not questioned her uncle.

Strange the name did not seem familiar.
Tyndale. The duke’s advice did not go unheeded. She understood right enough that if her grandfather hadn’t contacted her after twenty-three years, it would seem he had no interest in her. But she had an interest. Where was her mother?

Her Grace
said her grandfather had been a prominent businessman, having made his fortune in the coal business.
If Her Grace had met her mother in the park, perhaps she had not lived far from here.

Harriet hadn’t a plan. She walked without a destination. She hadn’t a clue what she sought. No, that wasn’t right.
She did know what she wanted—an explanation.
She wanted to be enlightened how a mother could abandon her child…how she abandoned her!

“Harriet.”

Harriet glanced over her shoulder, surprised to see it was 
Carlisle who called to her. Harriet paused at the corner. Carlisle walked hurriedly toward her, looking quite debonair in his dress. She had never thought him a dandy, but he looked every bit the part this morning: a well-cut waistcoat, perfectly tied neckcloth, his shiny black boots.

“
James,” she said.
“Please do not feel you have to accompany me. The day beckons. I needed to walk. If you note, there is one of your uncle’s footmen behind me. So there is nothing to worry about. Moreover, you look as if you are prepared to go calling.”

“Nothing of importance. The lady can wait,” he said in a light manner, taking her hand through his arm. His eyes took on a shine of conspiracy. “Do tell me where you head this morn.”

“You talked with your uncle,” she said. His face betrayed he had. “Of course, you did.”

“Ah, do not let me put a damper on your plans. I come only for support,” he said. He looked right and then left. He raised his eyebrows slightly. “I believe you want to take a left.”

“You are going to help me. I thought…”

“I have known you well enough to know that eventually you will find a way. Or maybe it's that I understand your need.”

“You did not know your mother?” she asked, strolling beside him.

“
Unfortunately, I do not remember either of my parents.
My parents died shortly after my birth. I have often wondered about them. At least, I know what happened. It would be hard to accept if I didn’t know their fate.”

“Thank you. I suppose it is a small matter
, considering all we are dealing with. It is only I don’t know about my mother. When Lady Torridge mentioned her, all the questions I held within me surfaced…”

“You don’t need to say more, Harriet. I disagree with Uncle. I believe answers should be had
, no matter if what you seek hurts. At the least, you can find a semblance of closure. Besides, it gives me the opportunity to talk with you in private.”

Harriet glanced over at Carlisle and studied him. His carefree mood dissipated. He pressed his lips as if giving great consideration to his words. “I want to ask for forgiveness.”

“Forgiveness?” Harriet asked, confused. “For what?”

“When we met. Afterwards, telling you of Arthur’s marriage in the manner I did. More for hurting you.”

“I forgave you long ago, James. You must know that. You set me up for a life I could accept. You were there for me when I had no one else. There’s nothing to forgive.”

“No, this is a long time coming. Don’t take it from me
.” He shook his head and sighed. “Everything I did for you, I did because Arthur demanded it.”

“That I don’t believe. You gave yourself freely to being my friend and an uncle for my daughter.” Her expression softened and she smiled at Carlisle. “You thought I wasn’t worthy of your friend. You thought me strange
, with reason.” She tilted her face to catch his eye. “Am I wrong?”

He chuckled. “No,” he said plainly. “It is only I needed to say the words.”

“
Do not worry about me, James. It was long ago forgiven. But while you are in the mood to talk, I will admit I do have something gnawing at me. Arthur won't listen to me. It is only...I feel...Victoria and I are imposing on His Grace. Do you not think it's strange that we are staying with your family? Her Grace could not know that I am the woman who caused her daughter such pain.”

“No, she does not, but my uncle is well aware of the circumstances. He knows it was not of your doing. You gave Arthur back to Sophia. I will not
reiterate the past, but I will say that during Arthur’s marriage to Sophia, a bond formed between my uncle and Arthur.

“They had a common purpose. Arthur did everything in his power to save Sophia from herself. It was difficult.”

Harriet nodded. She, too, didn’t want to reiterate the past. She changed the subject. “I admit that I was surprised to see you this morning. I thought you would have been with Arthur.”

“It was something that Arthur needed to do with his brother alone.”

Harriet imagined it had to do with Bessie. Arthur had not been forthcoming with his investigation, but she would not force Carlisle’s hand at this time.

Turning down the next street, Carlisle halted in front of a grand townhouse. “This is the address of Mr.
Oliver Tyndale.”

Harriet stared at the residence. They had not walked far. The home was flanked by similar houses along the street, red brick surrounded by an iron wrought fence. Rich and elegant in appearance, it gave no doubt of the importance of its occupants.

“Come,” Carlisle said. “The answers you seek lie ahead.”

Suddenly, fear gripped her. “I don’t know,
James. What if he refuses to see me?”

“An impossibility,” Carlisle said with conviction. “No one will refuse to
give Lady Daneford an audience and I won’t desert you.”

Leaving her at the foot of the stairs, Carlisle walked up the steps and rang the bell.

The drawing room was quite large and imposing. The chamber had an exotic feel
. Decorated with vases ornate with exquisite designs, a carved dragon centered on a pedestal, lacquered tables lined with miniature figurines, the Turkish carpet: all gave the distinct impression of the Far East. Tall windows draped with dark burgundy curtains had yet to be drawn, giving the room an unearthly ambience.

A formidable lady greeted them. Tall, willowy, her gray hair pulled back in a harsh bun
, she dressed in
a somber black gown with a pearl brooch.
She towered over Harriet.

“Lady Dan
eford, Mr. Carlisle, I’m Mrs. Tyndale. Please, sit. I have sent for refreshment. You have to forgive me. I’m afraid we have not entertained visitors for a time.”

After the introductions, she indicated chairs by the fireplace. Harriet sat, staring at the woman. Strange, this woman could well be a relative. Yet, she felt no bond, no connection.