Sighing heavily, Jameson shifted in his seat, feeling the effects of the steamy dream as he recalled her lips on his body. She had kissed a path over his chest and abdomen, making her way to his hips and …
The door to the study suddenly opened as his father came in with a scowl on his face, causing Jameson to jump slightly with a guilty conscience.
“Is something the matter, Father?” He cleared his throat and sat up straight, his mood declining drastically with the sudden and abrupt intrusion.
Laurence Sinclair’s frown deepened as he made his way around the desk, taking his seat with a heavy sigh.
“I’m afraid that I have had some concerning news. The authorities have let me know that the man who was responsible for our losses in the past has somehow infiltrated the ton. They are doing all they can to gather enough information on the scoundrel before they make their move, but we are to remain on guard until the matter has come to an end.”
“Why has it taken them so long to find him?” Jameson felt the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end. He hadn’t thought that the man who had made off with their fortunes would be so bold as to resurface.
“Apparently, it’s not the first time that this blackguard has disappeared and resurfaced. His modus operandi is to get what he wants no matter the cost, then disappear for a few years, resurfacing with an assumed identity when things have settled,” his father explained with a concerned look in his eyes.
No matter the cost.
His father’s words sent a chill down his spine. What else had the man done to others if he only cared for the money? How many families had he left in ruin for his own personal gain? The thoughts made him angry as he balled his fists, feeling the short nails digging into his palms from the pressure.
“I’m starting to wonder if looking for new business ventures before the bastard has even been apprehended wasn’t a mistake.” A dark look fell over his face as his father clenched his jaw, undoubtedly recalling everything they had lost in the past.
Standing, Jameson came up with a plan as he placed his hands on the edge of the desk. He always thought better on his feet; sitting was for relaxing, and nothing was calming about what he’d just learned.
“We have to play our cards close; ending any new business dealings at present may give the bastard a reason to go into hiding again. We will carry on as normal while keeping an eye out for irregularities. We should also delay signing any agreements or paying contracts until the matter is dealt with. I do not wish to cause the authorities any difficulties, not after all the effort they have made to track the man down.”
A warm look filled his eyes as Laurence Sinclair listened to his son. “You know, I have no idea what this family would do without you. You’re always such a level-headed thinker,” he praised his son fondly, momentarily allowing his face to relax.
“We will get through this, just as we have done in the past.” Jameson tried his best to reassure his father, feeling the knot of unease in the pit of his stomach.
Chapter 15
Charlotte breathed a sigh of relief as she sat across from her maid in the moving carriage. Her uncle had left for the evening, allowing her the opportunity to attend the Sinclairs’ dinner despite his objections to the association.
“Are you sure you are up for this evening? You don’t seem to be getting any better,” Charlotte asked her maid as she sat across from her in the bumpy carriage.
The girl’s cheeks were paler than usual, and her skin had taken on a waxy quality. The fact that her uncle never allowed any of the servants a day off, even when they were ill, hadn’t helped matters either.
“I’ll be just fine, My Lady.” Anne sat up quickly and fixed her dress, swallowing hard as a light layer of perspiration appeared on her skin.
Taking pity on her, Charlotte came up with a plan. “Lady Thornton will be in attendance this evening with Lady Isabella, so I do not think it necessary for you to be at my constant beck and call all evening. Why don’t you stay in the carriage and try to get some sleep?” she suggested gently, hoping to have a few moments alone with Jameson in any case when the opportunity presented itself.
“Bless you, My Lady, I haven’t been able to rest my eyes more than a few hours in the evenings,” Anne said, accepting the offer without hesitation, her shoulders slumping back slightly as if she couldn’t wait for the chance to sleep.
“That’s settled then; try and get as much rest as possible. I will see if I can sneak you out something to eat and drink.” Charlotte smiled at the grateful look on her maid’s face as the carriage came to a stop.
The carriage door opened without hesitation, revealing a young footman in blue attire. Charlotte allowed herself to be helped from the carriage by a tall man she assumed was the butler. His neat moustache was as grey as his head, and his slightly hunched back spoke of years of service.
“Welcome to Sinclair Manor, My Lady,” he spoke in a deep voice and bowed politely.
Charlotte’s mouth fell open as she took in the sheer size of the home. The fine stonework on the face of the building spoke of elegance in craftsmanship as well as feminine touch. Large stone steps with an equally impressive stone railing led the way to a porch that seemed to wrap around the entire building as far as the eye could see. Charlotte lost count of the windows as she tried to imagine how many rooms there were in a house of that size.
“I am delighted you could make it this evening.” The duchess made her way down the stairs towards Charlotte, her elegant white dress billowing behind her as if she were walking on clouds.
“Thank you for inviting me, Your Grace. I am in awe of your home; even from the outside, I can see that it’s lovely,” Charlotte remarked and complimented her hostess, hoping that the sincerity came through in her voice.
“You are too kind, Lady Charlotte. Did you come alone?” The Duchess glanced over her shoulder at the carriage, undoubtedly trying to see where her chaperone was.
Charlotte lowered her voice to a whisper so that the nearby servants would not hear what she had to say. “I’m afraid that my maid isn’t well. I have given her permission to stay in the carriage and rest. I hope that won’t cause any trouble?” She hoped that her kindness towards Anne wouldn’t result in a fuss.
“Not to worry, that was very kind of you. I will have one of the servants take her a few things to make her comfortable. Come now, let us not keep the others waiting.” The duchess’s eyes filled with kindness as she smiled.
