Page 32 of Forgotten No More

“I came round as soon as I completed my business,” Harold said. “It was very inconvenient that I had to depart in such a rush earlier and I wanted to inquire when you will again be at White’s. I owe you another game of cards to make up for my rudeness.”

As he spoke, Harold noticed the marquis looking over his shoulder to the closed salon door expectantly.

“Ah, very well. It is the least you can do after calling off this evening.”

Thankfully, the door remained closed behind him and no female voices drifted out. “As you may know, I reside at Haversham House with Lord Haversham for the time being.”

“Yes, Haversham mentioned that this evening. Along with the announcement that Lady Haversham is expecting their first child,” Drake said.

“That is very true. Miss Ruby St. Augustin has accompanied her to town to keep a close eye on her.” He waited for any sign of recognition at the name.

Harold was rewarded when Drake asked, “I know that name. Is that Sir St. Augustin’s eldest daughter?”

“Actually, his only child,” Harold said. “Were you acquainted with him?”

“No, never met the man, but I had occasion to run into Mrs. St. Augustin over the years.” At the shift in conversation, Drake appeared measurably uneasy. “Well, that is a long ago and better left forgotten time. It is late and I find these old bones tire fast these days. If you don’t mind, my butler will show you out.” His tone quivered ever so slightly with agitation as he gestured to the door and his butler.

“Good evening, your lordship.”

“This way, Mr. Jakeston,” Drake’s butler attempted to usher him out.

Only when Drake reached the first landing on his way up the stairs did Harold concede and turn to the front door.

The girl hadn’t sounded the alarm on them, and she surely wouldn’t harm Ruby with Drake home and servants about the house again.

As he paced outside the townhouse, Harold pondered Drake’s revelation. He’d learned two very important things this night: Firstly, Drake was acquainted with Ruby’s mother, and secondly, he wanted to keep the first hidden. Unfortunately, neither meant anything to him, and he was no closer to discovering Ruby’s ulterior reason for her activities, but the connection was clear. Drake was either acquainted with Ruby, or knew of her existence.

Chapter 12

Ruby walked as quickly as her gown allowed out the front door of Drake’s townhouse and right past Harold. She fairly jumped from the entry porch, down the three steps, and to the sidewalk below. While she didn’t chance a look behind her—afraid the girl would change her mind about sounding the alarm—she knew Harold was fast on her heels.

And though she was loathe to admit it, she was grateful knowing he was there waiting for her.

“Stop,” he called behind her. “What did you just agree to?”

She halted mid-step, confident they’d moved far enough down the walk, and confronted him. “That is naught of your concern, but I do believe we have evaded the magistrate for the time being.”

Harold threw his arms wide in frustration. “Do you seriously believe she would have called the authorities once the marquis arrived home?”

“I don’t know, but I’m not willing to wager my reputation on it—or yours,” she said. And that was true. The only luck she’d had recently was bad luck—she was not sure she could suffer through any more.

“I’ll worry about my own reputation,” Harold countered. “Just as you are determined to tear yours to shreds.”

“Is that what you think I’m doing?”

“I see no other reason for your reckless behavior.” She was sure Harold didn’t want to have this confrontation now, on an influential street for all of London to witness. And yet, he persisted. “And, I was—still am—willing to help you in your quest, despite the repercussions to myself, but I need answers. I need you to tell me what all this is about… That I am not on some foolhardy errand with no chance at reward.”

“Foolhardly? Reward?” she stuttered. “If you think by forcing me to accept your help you will gain some kind of reward—monetary or otherwise—you are mistaken.”

“That is not what I meant, and you know it! I want nothing more than to see the girl I grew up with—and the woman I met last season—return. This secretive, paranoid, and witless creature is not you.”

Her chin lifted and she squared her shoulders, effectively closing herself off from him. She was so angry, she could barely speak. The nerve of the man! “I refuse to continue this conversation in public like this,” she hissed. “You may accompany me, or you may stay behind. Witless creature that I am, it matters naught to me which you choose.”

Ruby turned and continued along the walk and down the side lane leading to the stables from which they’d entered. She had to alert Alex to the horrible turn of events in case someone had seen him aide their entrance. Vi would be extremely disappointed if Alex lost his position on Drake’s livery after she’d used her dwindling contacts to secure him the post.

“And just where are you going?” Harold asked.

“To Drake’s stable, of course.”