Chapter 6

Chapter Six

Rock Springs Manor ~ Bath, England ~ Four days later ~ December 1821

V iscount Jonathan DeLacey rode down the long driveway that would take him to the front of Rochester’s country estate. Jonathan was anxious to speak to Rochester and determined to protect Melanie. He’d spent a couple more days to follow up on the whole carriage incident, unable to leave it be. The problem was that the more time he spent investigating, the more Jonathan was convinced that Melanie had been the target and the more worried he was about her safety.

Melanie was first and foremost on his mind—just as she had been since he saved her life from the rampaging carriage on King Street in London just days ago. But his thoughts of Melanie were not solely relegated to her safety and well-being. No, his thoughts were significantly complicated by his attraction to her beauty, spirit, and heart. Holding her in his arms, recognizing who she was, he was awestruck by her beauty. Indeed, she was easily the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. He was not used to having such an immediate and all-encompassing connection to an investigation or to a woman. Melanie consumed his thoughts day and night. Spending time with her only deepened his attachment. And then his meeting with Rochester at Whites, and Rochester’s subsequent warning challenged him to tell Melanie how he felt. But he couldn’t do it. Not just yet. Not until his final assignment was completed and he uncovered the identity of Talbot’s partner in crime. And not until he was able to find who had tried to kill Melanie and why.

Reaching the manor house, Jonathan handed Phantom’s reigns over to the footman, who rushed out to greet him.

“Welcome to Rock Springs Manor, milord,” the footman said.

“Thank you.” He nodded. “I trust that my valet, Harold, arrived yesterday?”

“He did, my lord, and everything has been unpacked and settled in your room.”

“Very good. Please see that Phantom is fed and brushed down, I’d appreciate it.”

The footman nodded. “I’ll see it done.”

As for himself, Jonathan would have liked nothing more than a warm bath and a snifter of brandy. The ride from London had taken longer than usual as he’d stopped along the way to assist a family whose carriage had gotten stuck in a ditch.

“Good to see you again, Rupert,” Jonathan said, warmly greeting the butler whom he’d known almost his entire life.

“Thank you, my lord. It’s been too long. We’re pleased to have you for a visit. Rupert showed Jonathan to the study.

He entered Rochester’s study and saw his friend, Maxwell Wilde, the Earl of Worsley, leaning against the fireplace, staring into the flames, sipping a drink. “Worsley. It’s good to see you. I’m glad you and your lovely countess could make it.”

“We’re hiding in here, escaping the ‘Can you do this for me’ requests from Maggie and Melanie and the dowager countess.” Worsley chuckled.

“We arrived last evening. What kept you?” Worsley asked. “Rochester said you had things to work out.”

“Let’s wait for Rochester, and I’ll update the both of you.” He walked to the liquor cart and poured himself a brandy. “How was your travel?”

“Thankfully, it was uneventful,” Worsley said just as Rochester reentered the room.

“Did I miss anything?” Rochester asked.

“No. I thought I’d update the two of you at the same time,”

“You look like you haven’t slept much,” Worsley observed.

Jonathan wiped his hand against the growth of stubble on his chin. “I haven’t. But it has to do with that whole…” He waved his hand in a circle. “Incident. I got up early and threw a few things into the bag to get underway. I didn’t want to miss too much.”

“Except for the dinner last evening—which we served as a buffet so people could come and go as they pleased and have a chance to eat when they arrived. Other than that, nothing much has gone on.”

“Perhaps it would be good to start with this incident. I’ve heard from Rochester, but I’d like to hear from you if you don’t mind reviewing it again with me,” Worsley said.

Jonathan nodded and began when he received the missive in Slade’s office. He talked about his investigation and why he was concerned the target was Melanie.

“I asked my informant, the owner of the bookshop on King Street, to make some discreet inquiries of the various shop owners around the area where Melanie was almost hurt.”

“I know the man… Conners, right?” Worsley said. “Had dealings with him in the past. Sharp fellow.”

“He is. I was determined to turn up something—anything that could lead me to whoever was inside that carriage.” He had cursed himself many times over for not being more observant, a futile exercise. Self-recrimination changed nothing. It had happened so fast that most people wouldn’t have seen anything worthwhile. Except, someone did . He was sure of it. “Conners put me on to a boy, George, who works at Anderson Stables.” Jonathan filled in the details of what the boy had seen.

“That sounds promising,” Rochester said.

“He said several things that for me, confirmed Melanie was the target.”

Both men went silent.

“The first—George could see the gold crest on the side of the carriage had been painted over. He can’t read or write but he recognized the letter he saw where the paint had been smudged off. The boy pointed to the A on the Anderson’s Stable sign.

“That’s solid,” Worsley prompted. “What else did he say?”

“George described seeing the carriage that day, saying it was parked alongside the road in front of the stable. It seemed to be sitting there longer than was usual for a carriage, which drew his attention. It wasn’t as though they were waiting for someone. Then the carriage suddenly lurched forward, barreling onto the road, the driver whipping the horses into a frenzy, as it screeched onto King Street. George also noted the driver wore a mask. Which I’d witnessed as well. But the most crucial bit was the boy was certain he saw a woman in the carriage.”

For a moment, the three men remained quiet.

“There is only one person I can think of who is capable of this,” Rochester bit out. “The Duchess of Aumale.”

“While the woman is a viper of the first order, what would be her motivation for doing so?” Worsley asked. “She had everything she could possibly want as his wife. I heard it was his heart that did him in.”

“I don’t believe that for a second,” Rochester said. “Last time I saw the duke, he was hale and hearty. His sudden death seems suspicious to me. Losing a peer of Aumale’s standing upset the King. They were good friends—something new wives may not have been aware of.”

“Worsley, you more than anyone should know what an evil mind is capable of,” Jonathan countered.

Worsley blew out a breath. “Aye, I do. But you cannot simply throw out an accusation without proof.”

“As I mentioned, I’m looking into the demise of the Duke of Aumale,” Rochester said. Making inquiries. I’ll hopefully hear from my contact soon.”

“In the meantime, what are you going to do,” Worsley asked Jonathan.

“For now, wait. Conners is still looking into things. One of the shopkeepers was out of town and he was waiting to speak with him. When he does, he’ll send me a missive. In the meantime, let’s keep a close eye on Melanie.”

“What about Talbot?” Rochester asked.

“As of yesterday, he is still in the Tower. Under interrogation.” Jonathan took another sip of brandy. “Conners’ note indicated that Talbot’s partner was already in London. We need to find out who that is. You would think the partner would have gone into hiding after Talbot’s arrest. The fact that he’s in London, means there could be a plan in the works for Talbot’s escape. And before you ask, yes I already alerted my superior and he assured me they would keep a careful eye on things.”

Worsley blew out a long breath. “Anything I can do to assist you both, I am here…”

Jonathan shook his head. “Normally, I’d thank you and refuse, but I could use all eyes on it. Talbot’s capture is my final assignment. But with Melanie’s life in danger, I feel the need to stay connected with my informants and my superior. I feel like we’re missing a piece of the puzzle here. And until we do, I must protect Melanie.”

Rochester and Worsley shared a look. Jonathan started to say something, but why bother? They’re right. I care about her. But was he ready to admit that to her?

Let me have someone alert your valet, and he can have a bath readied for you. I’ll return in a few minutes.”

“Grandmama, this is Shep’s first visit to Rock Springs Manor. I’m leery of letting him just run. There’s no telling what he’ll get into.”

“Nonsense, girl,” her grandmother tutted.” The dog knows where to find its next meal, and we all know he adores you. He won’t lose you .”

“And I adore him just as much.”

“Speaking of adoration,” Grandmama said, wearing a sly grin.

Melanie looked up to see Jonathan walking their way with her brother and blushed. “Grandmama!” Her heart seemed to do a thousand somersaults. Jonathan looked so handsome… She wished she could tell him how she felt, but having felt his rejection once, she couldn’t risk it again.

“I may be old, but I’m not blind, child,” she said with a dismissive flick of her wrist. “So do not try to tell an old woman that what she sees isn’t there.”

“What do you see that’s not there?” Jonathan asked. He’d rushed through his bath in record time when his valet had told him Melanie was in the garden with her grandmother.

“Nothing and that is the point.” Grandmama chuckled.

“If you’re taking a walk, would you mind if we joined you? I could use the fresh air.” Jonathan said casually, glancing at Rochester, who subtly raised his brows.

“I have a few things to tend to,” Rochester said with a pointed look at his grandmother.

“Quite right. I need to see to Smoot. He’s in the kitchen enjoying a bowl of cream. But you children go right ahead. It’s a balmy day for December, a lovely day for a walk.”

“I’d love to,” Melanie said, giving Jonathan a shy smile as she took his arm. “Would you mind if Shep accompanied us?”

Her grandmother cleared her throat. “A capital idea! Besides, Shep needs to do his business.”

Melanie’s face flushed. “Grandmama!”

“Oh, pish-posh,” she said. “He’s a dog, for goodness’ sake.”

“I should ask Rachel…” Melanie started.

“My dear, you won’t need Rachel to accompany you,” her grandmother said with a wave of her hand. “You’re at home. Besides, Shep is a fine chaperone.

“Shep is a fine guard dog. Very possessive.” Rochester chuckled. “Even when I give my sister a peck on the cheek, he growls at me.”

Jonathan laughed. “I see nothing’s changed—and I must say I’ve missed visiting Rock Springs Manor.” He leaned down and kissed Grandmama on the cheek. “You used to call me your adoptive grandson. I have to admit, I’ve always felt that way.”

Grandmama gently swatted him. “Pish! You boys were always a joy. I always thought of you as part of the family. You and Gavin have always been brothers in friendship, if not in blood. The two of you were inseparable as children.”

“Thank you, Grandmama.” Smiling, Jonathan turned to Melanie. “Shall we?”

Shep barked.

“I think that’s a ‘yes,’” Melanie said, smiling at him.

“Whew,” Jonathan said when they were a short distance away. “I’m glad I passed muster as far as Shep is concerned.”

“Shep is a stalwart protector.” Melanie giggled.

“And I cannot blame him. I feel as protective of you as Shep is.”

“You do? But you’re not my…” Melanie blew out a breath. “I’m not sure what you are. My friend? My rescuer?”

Jonathan couldn’t help staring at her, wanting to say exactly what he felt. He kept turning words over in his mind…kind, clever, spirited, independent…how he couldn’t stop thinking about her…how he wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her… She was his best friend’s little sister, he reminded himself for the umpteenth time.

“You’re staring at me—do I have something on my face?” she asked, touching her cheek, which was blushing. She was even prettier when she blushed.

He chuckled. “No, I’m just thinking about how lovely you are.” Why had it been so hard to tell her how lovely she was? Smiling up at him with her bow-shaped pink lips, wearing a rose-pink day dress, matching pelisse, bonnet, and kid gloves. Her eyes looked the color of rich brandy under the glow of the warm afternoon sun.

What he wanted to do was find a secluded area and kiss her senseless. But if he did, would he be ready to declare his feelings? Given his conversation with Rochester a few days ago at Whites, he would have to wait. He wouldn’t toy with her affections, and he didn’t want to confuse Melanie or hurt her in any way. There was still a lot he had to resolve—the Talbot case, for one. He hadn’t planned on Talbot already having an instigator in England. And he needed definitive proof about who was behind the attempt on Melanie’s life. Was it Diana? If so, why?

Shep tugged at his leash, and Melanie glanced down at her dog. “I think he wants to visit the boxwood over there. I imagine he’s wanting to get to know the grounds.”

Accommodating both, Jonathan walked them to the boxwoods, where Shep finally found a spot he liked after turning in a complete circle twice.

A few minutes later, Shep tugged again at his leash. This time, Melanie unhooked him, letting him run. “Stay nearby, Shep.” He trotted ahead but never left their sight. Then, a couple of minutes later, he ran back and tugged on the hem of Melanie’s dress.

“I think he wants us to follow,” Jonathan said, curious about what could be so important that the dog needed them to see it. Frankly, the only time he’d seen a dog act this way was with the hunting dog his father had given him as a child.

“There’s an apple orchard and a pond up ahead. Perhaps he’s trying to show us the geese. They seem to live for the apples that fall from the trees. Although, as I recall, they aren’t the friendliest of creatures,” Melanie said.

As they crested the small hill, they found Shep nudging a baby deer that had fallen into the pond. The poor creature couldn’t swim, and the doe, clearly frustrated, stood a safe distance away. Fortunately, the geese were on the other side of the pond.

“Oh, dear,” Melanie said. “The poor thing needs our help.” She let go of Jonathan’s arm and began to unbutton her pelisse.

“Melanie,” Jonathan said firmly. “What do you think you’re about?”

“I’m going to wade in to rescue the fawn.”

“No, you’re not.” Jonathan took hold of her shoulders. “You will stay here where it’s safe. I’ll rescue the deer.”

“But I can help you.”

“I recall your history with ponds,” he teased, glancing over his shoulder as he approached the flailing animal. “And one never knows how a wild animal will react, especially considering its mother is standing nearby and might perceive us as hurting her baby instead of helping it. “Stand here where it’s safe, and don’t budge.”

“Very well, but please be careful. I’m not sure I could pull you out of the pond without finding myself in the water with you.”

“That might be fun,” he said, winking at her. “Let me see if I can do this without toppling in.” Leaning forward, he couldn’t quite reach the fawn, whose anxious cries and flailing had caused it to slip farther away from shore. “If I remember correctly, the depth of the pond drops off.” I need something to loop around the fawn. Do you mind if I borrow your scarf?”

“Not at all,” she said, already removing it and handing it to him. “But you are right. The pond drops off quickly. Please be careful.”

“Thank you for worrying about me,” he said with a grin as he knotted a loop at one end of the scarf. He noted the sweet blush tinting Melanie’s cheeks and once again wished he could take her in his arms and kiss her. Focus man! Jonathan tossed out the looped end of the scarf, and it caught perfectly around the fawn’s neck. Gently, he tugged it closer to shore. When it was close enough, he pulled it to him, picking it out of the shallow end. As soon as he laid the fawn on the ground, the mother deer approached, sniffing and finally nuzzling her baby about the ears and neck. The doe nudged her offspring, and with Shep’s gentle prodding with his nose, the fawn finally stood on its shaky legs.

“I believe I’ll have to fight to reclaim my hero status with you,” Jonathan said, laughing. “That dog is amazing. Not scared in the least.”

“Just like his father. Lord Worsley and Maggie saved him when he was a puppy, as I recall, the puppy eventually saved her.”

“Now that you mention it, I do remember,” Jonathan said. “He’s certainly done his namesake proud.” He squatted and patted Shep on the head. “Good boy, Shep.”

The white dog gave a small whoof and wagged his tail.

They watched the mother and her baby disappear into the woods. Melanie gave a little sigh of satisfaction.

“I shouldn’t have teased you. But it struck me while I was trying to get the fawn from the pond that this was the very pond I recall rescuing you from. And that,” Jonathan said, pointing to the large apple tree near them, “is the tree you climbed.”

“Guilty,” she said with a smile, her eyes shyly sliding away from his.

Once again, he fought the impulse to kiss this beautiful, amazing woman. He wished with every fiber of his being that he was able to declare himself. But he could not…not yet. He couldn’t risk hurting her. Instead, he took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Shall we head back?”