“Fielding,” Esme repeated, then caught herself. “Thea loves her gossip rags; I’m afraid she can’t read enough about the scandals and goings-on in proper society,” Esme explained.
“What’s your title, dear?” Thea asked him.
“The Viscount Eldon.”
“Eldon. Can’t say that I recall reading anything about you,” Thea said.
“Too scandalous,” he said and winked at her. “They wouldn’t know where to begin.” For the most part, they simply didn’t pay any attention to him. He was a man who worked for his money, and to most of society that meant he’d walked away from all things proper.
Her aunt was fanning herself with a handkerchief so Esme directed her attention there. “Oh, Thea, think of this as a grand adventure.”
“I do believe I’m too old for adventures,” Thea said with a weak smile.
“Nonsense. You don’t look a day over forty.”
They wound up one street, across two, and down another, all in the name of confusion should anyone be following. It wasn’t much longer before the carriage stopped.
Esme pulled the curtain back to survey their surroundings. “Is this the marquess’s house?”
“If you would wait here,” he replied, “I shouldn’t be long.” He stepped down and closed the small door behind him. He spoke briefly to his driver to guarantee the ladies would be safe during his absence, then he climbed the stairs to Lindberg’s large columned home.
The butler answered the door practically before Fielding had a chance to knock, as if he’d been poised, waiting for the first sign of a visitor. Fielding was shown directly into Max’s study, where the marquess stood behind his desk, poring over a large map.
At the butler’s announcement, Max looked up. “Grey. This is a surprise.” He stepped around his desk. “Have you already found the box?” He did nothing to hide the enthusiasm in his voice.
Fielding ignored the question. “Actually, I need your assistance.” He paused, trying to think of the right words to say. “We might need a drink for this.” He took a seat in a reddish-brown leather chair that groaned under his weight.
Max complied and poured them each a glass of sherry, then sat opposite Fielding.
After taking a bracing sip, Fielding informed Max of Miss Worthington’s kidnapping and the lady and her aunt’s current need for sanctuary. For the time being, he left out the business with the cursed bracelets and made no further mention of the box. He didn’t trust Solomon’s and saw no reason to disclose such information to them. Besides, he didn’t normally present a step-by-step process of his excavation for his clients. “I know the Raven well enough to know he won’t look for me anywhere near a member of Solomon’s.”
More to the point, the Raven knew him well enough to know Fielding would never ordinarily ask for assistance. Which, under the circumstances, meant refuge here would bring them safety.
“Obviously, your house is out of the question,” Max provided.
“Precisely. So now I find myself with two ladies and nowhere to put them.”
Fielding hadn’t known what sort of reaction to expect from Max, but laughter hadn’t been at the top of his list. Yet, that was exactly his response.
“We certainly didn’t intend to send you on a mission that entailed rescuing a damsel in distress,” Max said with a chuckle.
“You learn to expect the unexpected when it comes to dealing with the Raven,” Fielding said. “Although I admit, when I worked for him we were never in the practice of abducting innocent ladies.”
“The Raven obviously believed she had valuable information.” Two creases pinched Max’s forehead. “And you say you have her with you?”
Fielding nodded. “In the carriage outside. With her aunt.”
Max smiled as he walked to the door. “Let us invite the ladies in and make them comfortable. All three of you may stay as long as you need. I have an entire wing of the house that I scarcely use.” He motioned to the other end of the hall as they made their way to the front door.
“I should warn you, Miss Worthington is not your typical woman. She’s unique and can talk your ear off.”
Max’s eyebrows rose. “I’ll heed your warning and guard my ears accordingly.”
Within moments they had gathered the women, and the four of them were seated in a heavily windowed par- lor with a tray of tea and frosted biscuits at their disposal. Esme and her aunt sat together on a blue-and-gold settee, simultaneously soaking in every detail. From the plush gold-colored carpet to the blue draperies, they seemed awed by the opulence that surrounded them.
Fielding sat on the edge of a small wingback chair, clearly built for one of the fairer sex. Besides the delicate size, the pale-blue-flowered print made him feel utterly foolish. He balanced an equally small and dainty teacup on his knee.
“Oh, my dear boy, I do believe my frazzled nerves are finally beginning to calm,” Thea said, sipping her tea.
