Page 72 of Lavender’s Lost Duke

The baron’s townhouse was far too close for Thomas’s comfort. To know that his devious cousin had been only a five-minute drive all these weeks was frightening. Jack helped all the ladies down and followed the carriage to the back of the house. Thomas followed the ladies up the steps.

The butler opened the door and Thomas put his head down.

“Is Lord Chilcott at home? I wish to speak with him,” Lady Lavender said.

“He is. Please follow me.”

The group was led inside the house and into the parlor on the right. The ladies took seats on the sofa and chairs and Thomas tucked himself into the corner of the room keeping his gaze affixed to the floor. His nerves were taut with energy. Would this be the moment he revealed his disguise to Lady Lavender? He prayed it was not. There was too much left unsaid between them, and all of it on his part. Lady Lavender had made her feelings and wishes known quite clearly. Thomas had felt like she knew, he’d told her weeks ago the way he felt for her. But last night, he’d been so distracted by that kiss, he had forgotten to tell her who he was.

Lord Chilcott entered the room, with Miss Dalrymple behind him, and Thomas dropped his head again, hoping with all his might he would not be recognized. Anger swelled in his chest. It would be easy enough to simply challenge him to a duel or pummel him in fisticuffs. But Miss Dalrymple’s presence meant there would be a witness, so he stood his ground . . . for now.

“Lady Lavender,” Lord Chilcott said. “What a lovely surprise.” He walked over to Lady Lavender and kissed the back of her hand. “And both of the Lady Gilfordshires. To what do I owe the honor?”

The dowager cleared her throat. “Forgive me, would you remind me who is this young lady you have with you?”

All attention was turned toward Miss Dalrymple. Thomas knew the dowager was making a point of Miss Dalrymple’s sudden disappearance from their acquaintance. Lady Lavender had believed her to be a friend early on this Season, after all. Her presence here only made the entire visit smell like trouble.

Lord Chilcott extended his arm out to the woman in introduction. “Lady Gilfordshire, you know Miss Meredith Dalrymple; she is a good friend of mine.”

“Hello, Miss Dalrymple,” said Lady Lavender. “It’s been quite some time since we’ve been in company. How is your family?”

The look on Miss Dalrymple’s face was not of the friendly sort. “My family is well. We always are. And how have you enjoyed the diversions of London? I recall you being quite worn thin from the pressures of society not long ago.” She turned to Lord Chilcott. “Lavender always has been more comfortable living in the shadows. When we were children, I usually forgot she was even in the room.” She laughed and it made Thomas want to march across the room and remove the woman forcefully from Lady Lavender’s presence. Though some of what she said might be true, her motives were clearly not benevolent. He fisted his hands at his side.

“How could anyone possibly forget the presence of someone so guileless?” Miriam asked Miss Dalrymple. “Lady Lavender has been nothing short of miraculous to have in my home this Season. I fear, Miss Dalrymple, that your years of experience about London may be the reason you don’t understand her quiet strength. Pray, how many seasons have you had?”

Miss Dalrymple’s cheeks bloomed with bright red spots. “Four, Your Grace.”

Four seasons and no offer of marriage. No wonder she was embarrassed. Thomas did a quick comparison between her and Lady Lavender and was unsurprised at how things had turned out. This lady was too cruel to be sought after.

Miss Dalrymple rolled her shoulders back and turned to face Lord Chilcott. “I will just fetch my things from your library and then I need to be off.” She curtseyed to the room in general. “It was a pleasure.”

“Tell your mother hello for me,” Lady Lavender said as Miss Dalrymple swept from the room.

Thomas noticed the lady forgot to return to the library and instead let herself out the front door. He itched to locate the library and see just what she’d left behind.

The dowager sniffed. “What is your relationship with Miss Dalrymple?”

Lord Chilcott laughed. “As she said, she has been a part of the Season for years. We have found some common interests. We like to spar about politics at times. It’s a little uncouth for a woman to be so involved—thus the private meetings.”

“I did not see a chaperone leave with her.” The dowager lifted her chin an inch higher. “These private meetings have put you both in an incredibly vulnerable situation. Are politics worth ruining a woman?”

Lord Chilcott laughed, but it was forced. “You wouldn’t force me to marry her, would you? Not when our families have become so close.”

Thomas clenched his teeth, but otherwise remained frozen in the corner of the room. It was all he could do to remain invisible. Lord Chilcott didn’t give servants a second glance, and in this instance, Thomas was glad of it.

Miriam sighed dramatically. “That all depends on how things play out today, I would think.” She let the power of her words settle in until Lord Chilcott began shifting uncomfortably in his seat. “Have you made any headway on your case against Fenleigh?” she asked.

Lord Chilcott huffed out a breath. “I’ve convinced a few members of the Privy Council to hear me, but until I can produce evidence, they refuse to take me seriously. They don’t want to cross a duke if they don’t have to, and since a search of his home has proved unfruitful, they are suggesting letting the rumors die.” The frustration in his voice made Thomas giddy. “But they will have their evidence soon enough.”

The room went quiet, all waiting for Lord Chilcott to elaborate, but he did not.

“Let’s speak of happier things.” He turned toward Lady Lavender. “I admit that your visit has brightened my day. What can I do for you?”

“I . . .” Lady Lavender took a shaky breath. “I came here to ask you of your intentions toward me, my lord.”

Thomas blinked hard and fisted his hands at his sides. Was this what he got for keeping his mouth shut last night? She was going to pursue Lord Chilcott? Thomas felt bile rise up in his throat. It was no wonder Miriam said Lady Lavender was going to be doing something stupid.

Chapter 35