“Approve is too strong a word,” he said.“But I understand his motives, yes.I also admire his resolution.”
Eleanor sighed and shook her head.She would never understand men.“And I thought I knew you both.I think you’re both mad, but Nicholas is my husband and I suppose it is my duty to support him, no matter how foolish the matter.”
She rose and pulled on her gloves.“I must go.You may tell him, if you wish, that my brother plots mischief toward him.It would be best, of course, if he came to his senses and abandoned this business before it ruins him, but otherwise he may want to watch Lionel carefully.Do not, under any circumstances, tell Nicholas I know anything.I have your word.”
She was aware when she left him that he looked worried to death.It only seemed fair that the world share her anxiety.
Strangely, Eleanor found that this new, terrible burden relieved the other stresses that had oppressed her.That her husband should be a dreamer, chasing a mad ideal to the exclusion of other normal interests, seemed in many ways a change for the better.At least he was not just a lust-sodden libertine.The need to make the right decision, however, was overwhelming, and he could not be applied to for advice.
With these thoughts swirling in her mind it was very disconcerting to find Nicholas in the house when she returned, and to hear he wished to see her in the study as soon as possible.Had Francis told him?Impossible so soon.
She found him at his desk busy with a pile of papers.He hardly glanced at her.It was, perhaps, a blessing, for she would not know how to handle a moment of tenderness just now.
“It suddenly occurred to me, Eleanor,” he said casually, “that it would be convenient for you to have your own key to the safe.You may require the jewels when I am not available.”He handed her a key.“Just look after it, my dear.”
This was so unexpected, and so pat to her problem of taking the pearls, that Eleanor was thrown into confusion.“Why, I don’t … You know I rarely wear jewels … Thank you.”She gathered her wits.“I had meant to ask, Nicholas.The pearls must be very valuable.I fear to lose them, I must confess.”
He looked up in faint surprise.“They are, of course.More to the point, they would be hard to replace.But they are intended to be worn.It’s said pearls lose their luster if they’re left in the box too long.”He shrugged with genuine indifference.“If they’re lost, they’re lost.It would be no blighting tragedy.”
It put the matter in perspective.What were the pearls compared to a man’s life?“You put my mind at rest,” she said.“I will try to wear them now and then.”
She hesitated.She would like to say something to bring some warmth to the moment, but he had returned to his papers and she felt she had no choice but to leave him in peace.
He must have left the house again for she dined alone, which finally gave her ample time to think.She decided she would give the pearls to her brother.It was a paltry price to pay for her husband’s life.
Her only alternative was to tell Nicholas the whole.He would inform his fellow conspirators and they would kill Lionel.If Lionel had truly left letters of evidence then all would be lost.But even if he had not, Eleanor balked at signing her brother’s death warrant, especially to rescue a cause she found despicable.
Pushing her half-eaten food away, she raged at Nicholas for having embroiled them all in such a fiasco.
Chapter 11
The next day Eleanor walked out as usual with Jenny in attendance.When her brother approached her she handed him the soft bag that contained the pearls.He peered inside and smiled widely with gratification.
“So sensible!In fact, you move me to further generosity, Nell.I’m afraid that coming events may make it necessary for me to leave London precipitately, and so I have sold the house.There are still some belongings of yours there.If you wish, you may come and choose any items which take your fancy.There is Mother’s sewing box, I believe.”
“Yes, I would like that,” said Eleanor, genuinely pleased.“It would be kind if you would send it over.”
He appeared to consider the matter.“I could, of course, but there may be other things you would want in the attics.Why do you not come over and take your pick?”
“I have no desire to enter your house again, brother.”
“How or why would I harm you now, Eleanor?You did not used to be so chickenhearted.Bring an escort, bring a footman.You will want someone to carry away what you choose.Tell me in advance when you wish to come and I will make myself scarce.But within days or it may be too late.”
With that he sauntered off, wracking his brain for a way to get her in his power if she did not take the bait.But at least, if he had to flee his erstwhile friends, he had a little something to keep the wolves at bay.
Eleanor was eating lunch and considering this new, very minor decision when Nicholas came into the room.It was so long since he had eaten in the house—to her knowledge, at least—that there was no place laid.She reached for the bell but he stayed her.
“No, don’t ring.I just wanted to speak to you.”
“Oh.”She felt a tremor of unease.Had Francis betrayed her?Did Nicholas know what she had done?
“I’ve finished,” she said.“Should we go into the study?”
As she sat in one of the big, comfortable chairs she noticed again how tired and drawn he looked.His golden health was dull and tarnished from long nights of debauchery and insufficient exercise.
She spoke her mind.“Nicholas, you look dreadful.”
“Do I?”he queried absently.“Well, I’m certainly looking forward to a long rest in the country.”He turned to her and there was nothing dulled in his perceptiveness.“Eleanor, I know you have been meeting with your brother.Can you tell me what business you have with him?”
