Page 29 of The Hidden Heart

“But it turned him away from his thoughts about death.”

Rachel regarded Jessica for a long moment, the faintest hint of a smile beginning to form at the corners of her mouth. “Is that your strategy, then—to keep him angry all the time?”

Jessica chuckled. “I am afraid that even I am not capable of doing that. Still, he did go riding about the estate yesterday, which Baxter seemed to think was a very good sign. It was the first time he had done it since he returned home. If he can be made to participate in life more, it seems to me that it would be good for him. Sometimes, when you are surrounded by loving people, they can try too hard, take away too much of one’s burdens, be too sympathetic, so that one never has to just pick up and keep on with life.”

“Perhaps you are right. He is a well-loved man. Perhaps we have all kept him too protected.”

“And if he will only get to know Gabriela, it might help them both tremendously.” She paused, then added with an impish grin, “Besides, now that Lady Vesey is here, I will have plenty of help in keeping him aggravated.”

Her words startled a laugh from Rachel. “What is that woman doing here? I know that Richard cannot stand either one of them. He cannot have invited them to stay here.”

“It is more that they invited themselves,” Jessica explained. “They arrived here yesterday evening, claiming to have gotten lost driving from Norfolk to London.”

“They went through Yorkshire?”

Jessica shrugged. “I didn’t say that Lord Vesey was clever at making up stories. However, here they were, and it was late, and the duke finally allowed them to spend the night. They were to have left this morning, but on the way down the stairs, it would appear that her ladyship fell and hurt her ankle. ‘Broke her ankle,’ as she would have it.”

Jessica then proceeded to describe the scene she had witnessed at the bottom of the stairs that morning, imitating the Veseys to such perfection that Lady Westhampton was soon laughing helplessly.

“That woman’s gall knows no bounds,” Rachel said at last. “But I don’t understand why they are doing this. Surely she cannot expect to snare Richard. I mean, I am sure she is looking for a wealthy man to help support her ways now that Dev is gone, but…Richard? Doesn’t she know that he despises her? Everyone in the family does.”

Suddenly some of the gossip that Jessica’s good friend Viola had written clicked into place. Viola had told her that Lady Vesey had carried on an almost public affair for years with the Earl of Ravenscar, Devin Aincourt, and that she had lost him several months ago to an American heiress. The entire Ton had been abuzz with gossip about it. Now Jessica realized that the “brother Dev” of whom Lady Westhampton spoke was the Devin Aincourt who had been under Lady Vesey’s spell for so long—and his bride would be none other than the selfsame American heiress whom much of London society would like to congratulate for besting Lady Vesey.

“I think that Lady Vesey would have difficulty conceiving that any man might not succumb to her charms,” Jessica replied. “Certainly she has been flirting madly with him every moment that he is around.” With a grin she added, “I have noticed that the duke has made himself scarce around here today.”

“I shouldn’t wonder,” Rachel said feelingly. “Still, why would she have chosen Richard, of all people? It cannot simply have been an accident, their stopping here. And who would take her husband with her on a seduction attempt?”

“Oh, no. It was no accident. I am not sure exactly what Lady Vesey hopes to gain by this, but I know why Lord Vesey is here.” She explained the loathesome Vesey’s relationship to Gabriela, as well as his desire to be her guardian instead of Richard. “So I think when they found out we had come here immediately after the funeral, he decided to follow us. Perhaps he thinks his wife will be able to charm the duke into giving him Gabriela.”

“As if Richard would ever think of such a thing!” Rachel exclaimed indignantly. “However much he might not wish to be her guardian, Richard would never turn anyone over to a snake like Lord Vesey.”

“I know. I was afraid at first that he might, when he did not desire to be Gabriela’s guardian, but I have come to realize that he is far too honorable to do that, and too aware of Vesey’s true nature.”

They were interrupted by Baxter, who carried in a large silver tray containing a teapot and cups, as well as the plates of sandwiches and cakes necessary for afternoon tea.

“I thought you might welcome a little refreshment, my lady,” he said, beaming at Rachel.

“Thank you, Baxter. You are right, as always. It is so good to see you.”

Baxter set the tray down on the low table in front of the sofa. “And you, Lady Westhampton. I know His Grace will be happy that you are here. I sent one of the footmen to get him. He was walking in the garden with Miss Gabriela.”

“Gabriela!” Jessica exclaimed in astonishment.

Baxter turned to her with a smile and a significant look. “Yes, miss. Exactly.”

His words were confirmed a moment later when the duke himself entered the room, Gabriela on his heels. “Rachel!”

For the first time since she had met him, Jessica saw Cleybourne’s face lit by a smile. It was amazing, she thought, how very handsome the man was when he smiled. Happiness altered his features subtly, softening the rather stark lines of his cheeks and jaw. Jessica’s stomach did a curious little flip-flop at the sight of him.

“It is wonderful to see you,” he said as he crossed the room to Lady Westhampton, who had stood up when he entered the room. He placed his hands on her shoulders, beaming down at her, and bent to kiss her cheek.

Another feeling, far less pleasant, sizzled through Jessica. It occurred to her suddenly that the duke might harbor feelings for Lady Westhampton that were not precisely brotherly. Lady Westhampton clearly resembled her dead sister quite a bit; even Jessica, who had not known the duchess, could see the similarity in the two women’s features. Lady Westhampton was perhaps not as striking as Cleybourne’s wife had been. Rachel’s features were softer and somewhat more subdued. But their hair and eyes were the same color and their faces enough alike that anyone would have guessed they were sisters. And being so closely related, there were bound to be other similarities, mannerisms and tones of voice, even laughter.

Loving his dead wife the way Cleybourne had, it seemed reasonable to Jessica that he might have been drawn to this woman who must remind him of her. Did he harbor feelings for her?

He turned, and his gaze fell upon Jessica. She stood up, feeling suddenly awkward. He must be disappointed to find her here, she thought, and was surprised by the fact that the thought hurt.

“I’m sorry. I am sure the two of you would like a chance to visit alone. If you will excuse me…”