Page 29 of Lavender’s Lost Duke

If the man did not make her feel so uneasy, she might be praising the heavens at her luck. As it was, she found herself in supplication that someone, anyone else might challenge him in his pursuit.

Thankfully for her, the protection of the Duke and Duchess of Gilfordshire was not something to be ignored. She would not be forced to wed anyone.

Chapter 14

Samuel paced back and forth in front of Thomas. “This isn’t looking good for you, Thomas. Lord Chilcott is pressing for the Privy Council to get involved in the accusation. They are hesitant, of course, to jump to such a conclusion seeing as you are one of the highest-ranking members of the peerage. But that won’t hold off the questions forever.”

“Couldn’t you say something without drawing attention to your family?” Thomas asked.

Samuel sighed. “I don’t know. If I’m discovered to be hiding the missing duke, even though we are friends, it would be bad for both of us.”

Thomas stood and put his hands on Samuel’s shoulders. “Your pacing is making me nervous. There is a simple answer to all of this. I’ll simply return home. I don’t need to tell a soul where I’ve been. That way your family remains safe from suspicion of helping me, and so long as I can get this treason mess cleared up, I can come back here and court Lady Lavender. I’ve been considering doing just that for weeks now.”

Samuel’s answering smile was sad. “As much as I’d like to see you try to win her over. I can’t let you do that. Especially as her guardian, you must be a safe prospect to allow it. Thomas, this case has made some people almost violent. Lord Chilcott’s reward didn’t specify whether or not you had to be alive in order to get the reward, and I, for one, would never forgive myself if you left here only to be arrested or killed. We need to come up with something else.”

Thomas thought about his situation and that of Lady Lavender. He couldn’t court her if he was arrested or facing false crimes—it wouldn’t be fair to her. He couldn't court her as he was either. But at least if he stayed, he could continue to keep her safe. “You know, Lady Lavender has been asking me a few pointed questions about the missing duke.”

“Has she? I wonder why.” Samuel looked him over a little more intently. “Well, it’s a good thing I can hardly recognize you from a month ago. The facial hair, as hideous as it is, helps. Perhaps if you are lucky, she’ll never piece it together.”

Thomas started pacing in Samuel’s stead. “Perhaps. In the meantime, I think I want her to know this new side of me.”

“Why is that?”

“This is the first time I’ve ever been useful to anyone. I work hard and I’ve been seeing the world differently because of it. I’m making a difference, even if it’s small. Besides, what would I do without Jack or the company of a beautiful woman every evening?”

Samuel coughed. “I do try to keep an eye on you two from my window, but I can’t look out into the night for hours at a time. You’re behaving yourself, aren’t you?”

“Of course I am.”

“Good. Then maybe you can help her understand the missing duke a little more. Lean into the conversation. It won’t be as difficult to explain later on if she has already heard the truth about you from your own mouth once this is all over.”

Thomas’s conscience lightened a bit. That was a genius idea. “I’ve been trying to do that very thing.”

Samuel nodded his approval. “And take good care of Jack. I’m going to need you more than I anticipated for the next few weeks due to his injuries. I don’t want to hire any new staff until your name is cleared.”

“I have a feeling I’ll be fighting some other people for the chance to help him. Lady Lavender has some personal experience with burns of her own.”

Samuel nodded. “Miriam told me what she said in the kitchen. So, her scars don’t bother you?” He opened the door to the study, effectively cutting off any other conversation.

“Why would they bother me? Have you looked at her face? The woman is an angel.” Thomas tapped his fingers on his knees. “You know what, even if her scars were on her face, they still wouldn’t bother me. She’s beautiful from the inside out.”

Samuel laughed. “Your speech would make Miriam so proud. You’re in deep, my friend.”

“Yes, I believe I am.” Thomas bowed himself out and went directly to check in on Jack again.

Mrs. Bitters had his hands bandaged with the carron oil, and Jack was sleeping in their shared room.

“What can I do for you Mrs. Bitters?” Thomas asked once he’d peeked in on Jack for himself.

“Lady Lavender should be returning from her ride in Hyde Park anytime now. Why don’t you change and assist her back inside.”

Thomas was nodding before she finished. “Who was she out with?”

“Lord Chilcott, I believe.”

Thomas ground his teeth together. Could he retrieve Lady Lavender from her ride right under Lord Chilcott’s nose? He didn’t really have a choice: Jack certainly couldn’t do it. He threw on his livery as quietly as he could so he wouldn’t wake Jack and pulled his hat low on his head. There was nothing for it but to be invisible.

When the phaeton pulled in front of the townhouse, Thomas remained still a moment longer than necessary, calming his breathing. He extended his hand up to Lady Lavender and kept his eyes on her feet, assuring she didn’t trip taking the step down.