“He has been in London a little over a week. His plan is to stay for a while and watch out for his brother, Andrew. The poor man is nursing a broken heart after losing his wife,” Vivian said. “Jack did promise to attend Lady Downing’s ball this Saturday evening. Perhaps you want to accompany us, George? It will give you an opportunity to catch up with Jack. I know he would appreciate a familiar face. He seemed to be as apprehensive as I am about the event.”
“Are you sure I won’t be turned away at the door? A lowly physician,” he said wryly.
“Nonsense, Aunt Evelyn and Aunt Grace may bring whomever they wish as their guests. Trust me; no one would dare turn away anyone in Aunt Evelyn’s company.”
She exchanged a knowing look with Gabi. Aunt Evelyn had been married to a baron, a viscount, and most recently a marquess. Each marriage garnered her a loftier title and status. Add to that her dynamic personality, and she was a force of hurricane proportions.
“All right, ladies, I must be getting to the hospital. I guess I will see you on Saturday evening. I will do my best to dress appropriately and not embarrass you in polite company.” He leaned over and kissed Gabi on the forehead. Gabi briefly laid a hand on his cheek. “Till Saturday,” he said and exited the room.
Gabi came to sit right next to Vivian. “Tell me every little detail about seeing Captain Aston. I can’t believe I was gone to Bath when this all happened.”
“How was your scandalous trip alone with your fiancé? Did he find any of the posts interesting?”
“It was a lovely trip.” Gabi sighed and closed her eyes as if remembering every detail. “There are several villages looking to have a proper doctor nearby and not have to send to Bath when they need one.”
“That’s good. But tell me more about the scandalous behavior part. All alone with your handsome fiancé…”
Gabi blushed. “I am not going to kiss and tell.” She grinned over her teacup. “Besides, I want to hear about your handsome sea captain turned proper gentleman. You know, the same gentleman you have been writing letters to for months.”
Vivian took a bite of her biscuit. “I was visiting Caroline. Despairing about Papa being missing and how I will need to marry or end up destitute in the streets. And then there he was in the foyer like I had conjured him from thin air.”
“Vivian, you will never be destitute and living on the streets as long as I am alive. Besides, your aunts dote on you. They would never turn you out,” Gabrielle admonished.
“Even better, poor spinster relation. No, thank you. But I digress…He looks exactly the same—tall, dark hair just a bit too long, and those chiseled features with gray eyes like the sea after a storm. I spoke to him about Papa. He promised to write to his contacts in various parts of the Caribbean and inquire whether anyone has seen Papa or theTitania.”
“How nice of him. I am sure if anyone can turn up something about your papa it would be Captain Aston.”
“And then I saw him again earlier this week. He came in during my dance instruction at Gilchrest House and danced with me. All my old feelings of infatuation bubbled to the surface. But no matter that it feels so right to be in his arms, I don’t think he is interested in furthering our acquaintance beyond friendship. He is so damn polite and proper. It makes me just want to ruffle his feathers.” She bit viciously into another biscuit. “Gabi, do you think I am a fool? I should be focused on finding a decent gentleman to marry who actually wants me, not mooning after some sea captain like a silly schoolgirl.”
“I don’t think you’re a fool, Vivi. But it is very practical for you to look for a husband this year. It’s what your father wants for you. A good match with a fine English gentleman. And I won’t say I wouldn’t be pleased to have you settled in England now I will be settled here as well.” She patted Vivian’s hand.
The door opened, and Old Tom entered hesitantly. “Miss Vivian, I need to be speaking with you.” His eyes darted to Gabrielle. A worried look creased his brow.
“Certainly, Tom. Will you excuse me, Gabi?” She rose and crossed to the door. What could have Tom looking so anxious?
He stepped out to the hallway, and she followed him down to an alcove that held a marble bust of Socrates.
“What is it Tom, you couldn’t say in front of Miss Gabrielle?”
“Him is here in London, miss.”
“Who? My father?” Joy bubbled up in her chest. She grabbed hold of Tom’s arm.
“No miss. Dubois. I heard down at the Gull that his ship’s docked at Billingsgate.” His frown deepened.
Her hand fell to her side. The news sank in slowly. Why was Dubois in England?
“Tom, you were right not to tell me in front of Gabi. She can’t know.” Vivian paced the width of the hallway and back as she spoke. Gabrielle would be scared to death if she knew Dubois had arrived in London. “What is he doing in London? Do you think he knows we are here? It’s been over a year since we left Nassau. Surely it must be a coincidence?”
Tom shrugged his bony shoulders. His expression remained grim.
She took in a deep breath to stem the panic clawing at her gut. Damn it, where was her father? “Never mind Tom, I promised to protect Gabi, and I plan on doing just that. Dubois doesn’t know we are here. And he certainly won’t be taking a walk through Mayfair. The chances of him spotting us are slim.”
“Mayhap you should tell Captain Aston. He’s the kind of man who could protect you.”
She bit down on her lower lip. Yes, Captain Jack was exactly the kind of man who could protect them. But he didn’t need to be burdened with what, at this point, was only a hypothetical problem. If Dubois was indeed in England, it wasn’t as though he’d turn up in polite society. Surely it would be a non-issue.
****
