The Sanctuary (A Spencer Novel) (6 page)

Chapter 9

As Anthony’s town carriage pulled to a stop, he was out the door with the directive for her to wait for him. When bells jingled, Clairece pushed the curtain aside to peer at a small storefront positioned between two milliner’s shops. Painted white with yellow curtains, the little establishment displayed a small sign in the shape of a coffee cup.

Within minutes he was back. He smiled broadly and handed her a hamper before he hopped in. A smart tap on the roof, and the conveyance moved off.

“You seem pleased with yourself.” Clairece gestured at the huge grin on his face.

“I am.” He opened the lid. “I hope you like coffee. It’s become quite popular here.”

“You cannot grow up on a cattle ranch and not like it.”

Anthony withdrew two cups which he handed to her, and a container of steaming liquid he placed on the floor between his feet. Next came two small jars, one of cream and one of sugar, and spoons wrapped in a serviette. Lastly, a box containing four freshly baked scones and some jam.

“This is a bit awkward.” He glanced around.

“Turn the basket over and we’ll use it as our table.”

The boyish smile returned as he went about setting up their makeshift table. After nibbling on a flakey scone, Clairece leaned back to enjoy her coffee while Anthony consumed the rest of the pastries and the last of the brew.

“How did you know where to find me?” he asked, dabbing his mouth with a serviette.

She placed her empty mug in the hamper. “Servants are the same all over. They were happy to inform me of a fancy dress ball given by the illustrious Lord Harding.”

“How did you acquire a costume so quickly?”

“Silver gossamer cloth . . .” She raised a brow.

He gave her an incredulous look. “You made it from the holiday decorations?”

“I thought it clever of me. The mask took a little doing, but I found the white doves on your Christmas tree and plucked a few feathers.” She smiled as the sound of his laughter filled the coach.

Anthony tried and failed to think of an excuse to see Clairece later in the evening. By the time they stopped in front of her residence, he was desperate. At her door, he blurted, “I want to see you later. It doesn’t matter what time.”

She smiled. “Come to dinner this evening. James and Phillip will be here around eight.” She held out her hand. “Thank you for a most enjoyable morning.”

He bowed, releasing her fingers when the door opened. “Tonight.”

After instructing his driver to take him to White’s, Anthony settled back to decide on his next course of action. With any luck, James had finished his business and was at the club.

Anthony wended his way through the crowded room and found Phillip browsing through one of the many newspapers available to members. The younger man glanced up as Anthony sank into a padded chair across from him.

“Have you seen James this morning?” Anthony queried.

“For a few moments only. He’ll be back shortly.” Phillip dropped the paper on the table. “Deuced inconvenient, this being allowed in here only if I’m with one of you. In fact, it’s humiliating. I thought I’d be asked to leave at the same time James left.”

“You’re underage. It’s one of the rules, and not a bad one. You’ll be glad of it one day,” Anthony replied to the brief tirade.

Phillip uttered a small
humph
. “James said you volunteered to walk with Ree this morning.”

“I did.” Anthony stirred cream into his coffee and sipped the hot brew.

“I went to America to offer my support after her husband was killed. I invited Clairece to come back with me, but she declined. James tried and she refused even him.”

Even him
? It only confirmed what Anthony already surmised. James would most likely kill him when he found out what had transpired on New Year’s Eve, and Phillip would help. If there was anything left, the rest of her family would undoubtedly have a go at him. He couldn’t blame them in the least.

The fact he hadn’t known Clairece’s identity was no excuse. Just how many clues had he needed? It was all there had he chosen to look. Now he did know, and honor demanded he make it right. “She’s invited me to dinner this evening as well.”

Phillip’s head snapped up, his eyes narrowing on Anthony. “There’s nothing for us to be concerned about, is there?”

Anthony schooled his features to hide his irritation. “It’s just dinner, Phillip.”

Phillip continued to study him. “It’s only been two years, Tony, and she’s still fragile. She’s never met anyone of your ilk and I don’t want—”

“Don’t want what?” His voice chilled, a tone seldom used with friends.

They both glanced up as James approached.

“What a morning.” James settled into one of chairs, his regard flicking from Anthony to Phillip, and back. “What’s going on? I don’t usually find you two at loggerheads.” He murmured his thanks for the coffee placed in front of him and leaned back.

“And we aren’t now,” Anthony assured.

“Did you walk with Ree this morning?” James lifted his cup and tested the liquid for heat.

“I did, and we stopped at a little coffee shop before I took her home. She asked me to join you for dinner tonight.”

James smiled. “Splendid.”

Phillip’s forehead creased. “Have I missed something?”

“I had thought to wait awhile before discussing this with you, Phillip, but perhaps its best I do it now. I asked Tony to help keep an eye on Ree while she’s here. I’m afraid she’ll do something rash.”

Phillip’s frown deepened. “Rash? In what way?”

James gave Phillip a brief summation of his earlier conversation with Anthony. “Please keep it within the family,” he finished.

Phillip glanced at Anthony. “Sorry, Tony. I should have known you wouldn’t—”

Anthony raised a hand. “In your place I might have felt the same.” He doubted he could feel any more of a cad than he did right now.

Anthony was the last to arrive at Waverton Street. As he gained the front hall, laughter and friendly banter greeted him. After handing his coat, hat, and gloves to Clairece’s butler, Anthony followed the sound to the drawing room door where he found Clairece chatting and joking with her cousins. For an instant, Anthony caught a glimpse of what family life should be.

All heads turned in his direction. Anthony stepped forward and pressed a kiss to the back of Clairece’s fingers. “Mrs. Griffin, a pleasure as always.”

James approached. “I must say, I’m happy you’re here. Any more of Ree’s teasing and my self-esteem would be in shreds.” He gave Clairece’s shoulders an affectionate squeeze.

At the intimate overture, Anthony could have cheerfully thrashed James. He cleared his throat. “Please accept my apologies. There were some minor problems at one of the factories.”

“Factories?” Clairece signaled a footman who deposited a tray of champagne-filled flutes on the sideboard.

Phillip snatched a glass. “Yes. One makes parts for Karl Benz’s new four-wheel automobile and another makes something for either ships or trains, I cannot recall which.”

“Both.” Anthony seldom discussed his achievements.

Clairece motioned to the tray. “Please, enjoy. I’m told it’s an excellent vintage.”

Her butler announced dinner. The cousins continued the friendly banter as they strolled toward the dining room and a meal of roast Guinea fowl, poached dilled salmon, and slices of tender, relish-dotted ham. Salads, Brussels sprouts in sauce, and a tray of cheese with sliced apples, accompanied two types of wine. A rich Bavarian cream with strawberry coulis ended the repast.

Anthony relaxed, content to listen while the three recounted events from their childhoods.

“I must apologize, Lord Harding. I hope we haven’t bored you with all this reminiscing,” Clairece said, her lovely eyes sparkling with humor.

“Not at all.” Anthony smiled.

“I have some excellent brandy. Port or sherry too, if you gentlemen would care to follow me.” Clairece led the way back to the drawing room.

“Are we still meeting tomorrow?” Phillip inquired. “The weather should be excellent for an afternoon ride.”

James nodded his assent. “I’m eager to try my new gelding around carriages and other horses. It’s the best way to discover how he’ll go.”

Anthony caught the wistful expression on Clairece’s face. “Do you ride, Mrs. Griffin?”

She inclined her head. “I love riding, but I haven’t a mount here.”

“I have only the one in town, the rest are at Ashley Manor,” James offered apologetically. “Since Phillip stays with me between classes, I stable his horse with mine.”

“I have several at Inniswood. I’m certain one will suit. How well do you sit a horse?” Anthony queried.

Clairece’s expression brightened. “I like to think well. I did bring a riding habit with me and I’m prepared to use a sidesaddle, though I much prefer to sit astride.”

The picture her statement conjured in his mind had Anthony shifting uncomfortably. “I believe I can accommodate you.”

James set his glass on the side table and stood. “This has been a most enjoyable evening, my dear, and I’m anticipating our ride tomorrow with a great deal of pleasure.” He turned toward Anthony. “Phillip and I are off to White’s to meet Stephen. If you’d join us, I’d like to discuss a few things with you.”

Anthony suppressed a sigh. “Of course. Would you care to share my carriage?”

“My driver should be out front. We’ll meet you there.” James took Clairece’s hands in his. “Tomorrow.”

She smiled in response. “Tomorrow.”

Thompson and a footman stood ready with their coats. Both Phillip and James dropped a kiss on Clairece’s cheek before striding through the front door and down the steps.

Having donned his coat, Anthony spared the two servants an intimidating glance while he slowly pulled on his gloves.

“This is not the way I’d envisioned ending this evening,” he murmured to Clairece. He lifted her hand and placed his lips against her wrist. “Good night,
Beauty
.”

Chapter 10

Anthony settled easily in his saddle. After observing Clairece briefly, it was obvious she was as accomplished a rider as her cousins had claimed. Her hands were light on the reins, her posture good, and she controlled the lively mare without effort. The unabashed delight she took in riding Calypso, even with a sidesaddle, was obvious.

As they trotted through the gates of Hyde Park, heads turned and ladies whispered behind their fans. The gossip rags would be full of sage comments about the mysterious woman who rode alone with three men, two of which were considered the most eligible bachelors in all of London. They turned toward Rotten Row on the south side of the park.

Dressed in deep blue velvet trimmed with silver braiding, Clairece reminded him of an outrageously expensive porcelain doll. With a froth of white at her throat, and an absurd little hat perched jauntily among her shining curls, she drew every man’s attention as they passed. The lady possessed the kind of beauty to render a fellow speechless.

“She is a wonderful mare, Anthony, and such a lovely disposition. Arabian?” Clairece patted the horse’s neck.

“You know your horseflesh.” He enjoyed the fact she called him by his given name in private.

“Uncle Adrian crosses them with the cowponies.”

Anthony glanced around to find the other two men nowhere in sight. “Would you like to stretch the mare’s legs? Rotten Row begins—”

Suddenly, Clairece gave a jerk and a gasp. Anthony watched in horror as she tilted sideways and started to slip from the saddle.

Icy-cold dread filled him. He swung his mount to the mare’s offside and plucked her from the saddle. Calypso skittered and broke into a gallop.

Anthony pulled Clairece across his thighs. “Sweetheart, open your eyes. Look at me, Clairece.” He jerked off a glove and ran his fingers gently along her cheek. The sight of her blood on his fingertips made his lungs seize. He angled her head to the side and found a small, red cut near her temple.

From his inside pocket, he yanked a white handkerchief and pressed the linen against the wound. “Everything will be all right, sweeting.”

At the thunder of pounding hooves, Anthony glanced up to see James barreling down on them with Phillip close behind. The gathering crowd moved aside to let them through.

“Did she fall?” James asked incredulously. “Tell me she’s not—”

“She’s breathing, but I don’t know how bad it is.” Anthony showed James the bloodied handkerchief.

“My God,” James gasped.

Phillip rode up on the other side, towing the skittish Calypso behind. “What happened?” One glance at Clairece and his eyes widened. “Damnation. Is she—?”

“Something struck her,” Anthony cut in. “We were at a walk, so it was nothing kicked up from my horse’s hooves and there were no others around at the time.” His focus narrowed on the chestnut. “Phillip, check the mare’s hindquarters. Look for anything unusual.”

Phillip dismounted and ran his hands over Calypso’s rump and flanks. As he moved around to the left side, the mare jigged away from his touch. Crooning softly, he examined a spot on her flank. “There’s an abrasion.” He bent closer. “I’d say it’s from a rock, or something of the sort.”

Anthony glanced at the trees and hedgerow lining the path, then returned his attention to Clairece. “She needs a doctor, immediately.” He circled Copernicus toward the entrance to the park, Clairece held snugly against his chest.

“Take her to my place,” James ordered.

“Mine is closer. Until we discern what happened, I want her where I can keep an eye on her.” Anthony sent a meaningful look at James.

James’ brows rose. “You don’t think—”

“I don’t know what to think.” Anthony trailed a finger down the side of Clairece’s cheek. He glanced up and found James watching, a curious expression on his face. “She’s still not responding,” he said, hoping to explain the intimate gesture.

At Inniswood Place, grooms hurried to take the horses. Anthony slipped from the saddle with Clairece in his arms and strode up the front steps. Hodges swung the door wide, glanced from Anthony to the woman in his arms, and sent a footman scurrying to fetch a doctor.

Anthony took the stairs two at a time with James and Phillip on his heels.

“Tony, what is this?” James demanded as they entered what was obviously the master suite.

“It’s more important to meet her needs than to squabble about what room she’s in. This room is already set for use.” Anthony laid her on the bed and gently lifted her head to place a pillow beneath her neck.

“Once we’re assured of her safety, we can decide what’s best.” Anthony motioned James and Phillip to the side of the room. “Until we know exactly what we’re faced with, I suggest we proceed as if this was no random prank. I have a houseful of footmen to stand guard, and I’ll hire a nurse until Mrs. Griffin can return to her home. Should anyone become aware of her presence, another woman in the home will add a sense of propriety to the situation.”

“I can engage whoever and whatever is needed, Tony. I think it best for Clairece to stay with us as soon as she can be moved. We, at least, are family,” James pointed out.

“Of course.”

James had every right to make decisions regarding his cousin’s care, but as irrational as it might seem, Anthony considered Clairece his to care for and protect.

He wanted her with him.

“Why would someone do this?” James murmured as he stared at Clairece’s still form.

Anthony shook his head. “I intend to find out.”

A man carrying a black bag swept into the room, followed closely by a maid. He spared a sharp frown aimed at the three of them before stating, “I’m Doctor Benjamin Farris. What has happened?”

Anthony knew Farris was considered one of the best doctors in London, a favorite among the upper classes and the wealthy. “Your patient is over here.” Anthony moved to the side of the large four-poster. “She has an abrasion near her temple.” He indicated the red, seeping cut. “Tell me what you need and I’ll send for it.”

“I gave instructions to your butler. Now, I must wash my hands and, if you gentlemen will step out of the room, see to my patient.”

The maid led Farris to the connecting chamber. Within moments he’d returned, drying his hands on a clean towel. After handing the flannel to the maid, he began to examine Clairece, everyone else all but forgotten.

“What are you thinking?” Phillip asked, once they reached the study.

“It was no accident, not with both Clairece and the mare wounded.” Anthony dropped into a chair. “But I do believe someone wanted it to appear like one.”

Phillip began pacing. “Why would someone do such a thing?”

Anthony could understand his frustration, but Phillip had no idea what Clairece’s true purpose was for being in England. Someone did, and that
someone
wanted her stopped.

After what seemed an eternity, Dr. Farris stood at the door and peered in. “She’s received a nasty blow to the side of her head. A little more to the left and it could have killed her. Did she take a fall?”

“No,” Anthony stated. “Why?”

Farris frowned. “I found traces of dirt in the wound.”

“In your opinion, could the blow have been caused by a small rock, the kind normally used in a slingshot?”

Both James and Phillip gaped at Anthony as he made the query.

“The contusion is the right size.” Dr. Ferris’ eyes narrowed. “If you’re suggesting what I think you are, would you like me to send a constable around?”

Anthony shook his head. “We would prefer to handle this ourselves.”

“I’m aware of your connection with Scotland Yard, Harding, so I’ll leave it up to you. Summon me should you require my assistance in any way.”

“Is Mrs. Griffin awake?” Anthony asked.

“Not yet, but she should come around soon.” Farris snapped his black case shut. “She’ll have a devil of a headache when she does.”

James stepped forward. “Is there anything we can do for her?”

“Just rest and quiet for a few days should be all that’s needed. I’ve left a tisane laced with a touch of laudanum on the bedside table for the pain.”

“Can she be moved?” James asked.

Farris shot a sideways glance at Anthony. “I would advise against it.” He hesitated. “A nurse has recently come available. I’ll send her over if you’d like.”

“Thank you,” James replied, clearly unhappy with the situation.

“Hodges will see you out.” Anthony nodded toward his loyal retainer, who bowed and led the way out of the study, closing the door behind Farris.

Anthony indicated James and Phillip should sit before he stepped behind his desk.

“I suggest we keep this among ourselves. Only a few people were aware Clairece was even in England. That should narrow our list of suspects and make it easier to find whoever’s responsible.”

“Outside of us, who would know?” Phillip sank into a nearby chair.

“The servants at both houses, at least,” Anthony supplied. “I realize you’re not comfortable with her staying in my home. However, you must admit Inniswood is the last place someone would look.”

James sighed. “I can see the reasoning in what you say, but Ree is still under my protection. We must also consider her reputation.”

“You’re both welcome to reside here if it would make the situation more palatable,” Anthony offered.

James shook his head. “A nurse in attendance should suffice. As you say, the most important thing is Ree’s safety. What can I do?”

Anthony lowered his voice. “Dispatch a footman to her home. Tell them she’s staying with you for a short while and have a few items packed. Make certain the man remains in plain sight and is wearing your livery. Take the clothing directly to your home in the event someone is watching. I’ll send a maid to Bond Street to purchase whatever she’ll need.” He pulled a fob watch from his waistcoat pocket and flipped the lid open. “We can discuss the situation further over dinner.”

Phillip rubbed his hands together. “What a capital idea. We’ll make plans to capture the blackguard.” His eyes sparkled with youthful exuberance.

“Capital idea or not, you’re due back at Oxford in a week. I’m not telling your father you’ve missed a session,” James retorted, making stern eye contact with Phillip.

“He’d want us to see this through,” Phillip argued. “It’s
family first.
”

“Which is precisely why I’m going to notify Uncle Adrian.”

Anthony respected James’ high regard for Adrian Spencer, but the man was in America, for God’s sake.

As if reading his mind, James glanced at Anthony. “Adrian is the implicit head of this family and, as such, he will want to be informed. Heaven help the person who runs afoul of him if he believes one of us is being threatened.”

“And there’s my grandfather.” Phillip gave a theatrical shudder.

Anthony grinned. “It would seem we have things to discuss over dinner.”

Later in the evening, Anthony moved through the darkened room toward the bed and Clairece’s slender form huddled beneath a quilt. He sat on the edge of the mattress and took her hand, dainty and pale against his larger, sun-bronzed fingers.

“I am so sorry, sweetheart. I should have protected you better. You need to wake up now, and let me see your beautiful eyes.” Anthony brushed his lips across the back of her fingers.

And felt them tighten around his.