Chapter Twenty-Two

Looking at Pip sitting in his customary high-backed chair, with the morning sunshine streaming through the window onto the maroon leather, Allegra found it hard to remember that it had been less than twelve hours since they had scraped themselves off the floor of a filthy tavern.

It was quite amazing what a difference a long night of passion could make to one’s perspective.

He had woken her with the sunrise, nuzzling, touching, stroking, and kissing her into a blissful state of sleepy arousal, then slipping inside her relaxed body and bringing her to the point of screaming ecstasy.

Actually, he’d done some of the yelling too, now she came to think about it. Knowing she might be sore, he’d gentled her afterwards and soothed her with his kisses—God, her heart ached with loving him so much.

She froze in the middle of her thoughts. At no time had Pip ever told her he loved her—she must be careful not to betray her feelings. She knew he’d never deliberately hurt her, but being ever-practical, realised that Pip enjoyed “making love” as much as the next man—she mustn’t project her wishes and feelings onto his actions.

Gathering herself with difficulty, she focused on the conversation taking place around her.

“...And that’s the sum of our knowledge. Now you know as much as we do,” finished Pip to the assembled audience of Vivian and Angus.

Both young men were frowning at the end of his words.

“I don’t see any connection between this woman and Falworth,” said Vivian slowly. “She couldn’t have been in England when Falworth was here—her name only surfaced recently....” He looked at Allegra for confirmation.

“Yes…as far as I know, Madame had only just arrived in England when I went to work for her, so we must assume that she met Falworth somewhere else—not here in this country.”

“Where are the girls?” Pip looked worried. “I’d rather they not be part of all this mess, if possible, but I don’t like having secrets—it’s too confusing.” He placed a hand to his head in a delicately dramatic gesture, but Ally knew that beneath the humour was concern for his family.

“Penelope and Grace said they were going shopping with friends this morning,” volunteered Vivian with a slightly sheepish look. “Made it pretty clear that we gentlemen weren’t wanted on this expedition.”

“You mean you would have liked to stand around for hours while they decided not to actually buy anything they had been fitted for, and then have to sit in a carriage on the way home with twelve hatboxes perched all over you?” Pip posed the teasing question with a look of innocent amazement.

“That’s quite enough, my Lord.” Allegra interrupted. “Whatever your experiences may have been—and I remind you they were not with me—don’t tease Vivian or scare Angus. At least we can freely discuss the problem at hand without worrying about what to tell the girls. I absolutely do not want either of them ever knowing about this whole miserable affair.”

Allegra’s voice grew hard as she finished her little rebuke.

“You’re right, my Lady.” Angus agreed. “We must try to solve this mystery and put an end to it with as little noise as possible. None of us wants to be embroiled in some nasty scandal—and nasty it certainly looks to be.”

“Putting aside speculation for a minute, let’s review what we know.” Pip placed his hands firmly on his desk and ticked off his fingers as he listed his facts.

“Fact one. We know that Falworth is masquerading as the Rajah. Fact two. He has made quite obvious efforts to get to Falworth Manor through Ally—and when that didn’t work, I’ll bet he’s tried other avenues. I have to assume he doesn’t want to take the risk of just going down there and doing whatever it is without some sort of permission.”

He glanced around at the others. “Fact three. He’s in league with Madame Whatever-she-calls-herself, who is quite notorious in her own right, but keeping most secretive about her identity. Fact four. They have been overheard discussing a list. Have I missed anything?”

“I suppose fact five should be that because we know the Rajah is really Charles Falworth, we have knowledge of the man’s character. He is unquestionably motivated by greed. Nothing more, nothing less.” Allegra added her own contribution to the discussion.

“True—we’ll add that to the list. All right. We have five incontrovertible facts. What do they tell us?”

Silence greeted Pip’s words as everyone thought about the difficult situation before them.

A bird sang outside the window of the study, and Allegra experienced a moment of unreality as she realised that the subject under discussion could be dangerous and deadly—far at odds with the tranquillity and elegance of their surroundings.

“If I may, my Lord...” Angus spoke hesitantly and ruffled his already mussed hair absently as he sought for words.

Pip nodded encouragingly.

“It would seem that by assembling the facts, we could deduce that Falworth has knowledge of a list—the contents of which are unknown at this time—that may be somewhere in Falworth Manor.”

He glanced around and received several nods of agreement. “This list is apparently of great interest to Madame, which leads me to suppose that it might involve some political information and obviously would be worth a lot of money, since we’re sure that money is involved somewhere. Definitely for Falworth, and possibly for Madame—although I am not sure her motivations are based solely on financial gain.”

More nods greeted Angus’s summation.

“Something secret from the government, do you think?” ventured Vivian.

“Unlikely, Viv...” answered Pip. “Although Falworth had a title, he did not have an entrée into any circles that would give him access to high-level government officials, or even low-level officials—he was definitely an outsider, and his reputation was well known.”

“Well, that leaves us precisely nowhere, doesn’t it?” Allegra felt a little exasperated. “We have gathered more and more facts, and we still can’t put them together. I say let’s just shoot the man and be done with it. We’d be doing the country a great service. In fact, I hereby volunteer for the job.”

Three pairs of eyes gazed at Allegra with varying degrees of shock and sympathy.

“Ahem. Lady Ally, that’s an admirable sentiment and I’m sure we all share it, but I don’t think that your suggestion is feasible—you’d have to leave the country if it became known, and there’d be the question of what to do with the body, and...”

“Thank you, Vivian, we get the idea.” Pip interrupted Vivian’s digression. “It would be nice, but we can’t do it. So, what can we do?”

“How about joining us for tea?” Two voices chimed from the doorway, bringing the conversation to a halt and making Ally jump.

“Shopping turned out to be quite dull, so we decided it was time we came home. And here we are. So, tell us what you’re all looking so serious about today?” Penelope crossed the room to sit beside Vivian with bright smile on her lovely face.

“I would guess it’s about that miserable Rajah, isn’t it?” asked Grace scornfully.

“What? Why ever would you say that?” Allegra found her voice first, while the rest of the men in the room stared at the twins in shock.

“We ran into Gloriana this morning, and is she in a snit. Apparently, her precious Rajah has done a bunk and left her with some bills.” A look of distaste crossed Grace’s face.

“‘Done a bunk’?” Pip’s eyebrows soared.

“Yes, you know, Uncle Pip. Gone...loped off...gone to ground... he’s left the Jameson residence under less than gentlemanly circumstances. According to Gloriana, she and her brother had to settle some tradesmen’s bills for him, not to mention a Tattersall’s debt, and it was very shabby to repay their hospitality like that, I think, after all they did for him.”

“But you’ll probably hear all about it tonight, because they’re engaged to be at the Henderson’s party, and we’re all going too, aren’t we?” added Penelope.

Her last words served as a reminder to the four conspirators that the world continued to roll inexorably on its social axis, regardless of plots, villains and mysteries, although it was with some difficulty that Allegra allowed herself to reenter a separate reality where lighthearted chatter and tea were the most pressing subjects.

The Henderson affair, to which the Bridgeford House party was headed that evening, had earned the reputation of being somewhat informal and spontaneous. It was customarily held outside, weather permitting, and because it was the end of the season, a mixed bag of guests could usually be found enjoying themselves.

Those notables still in town would certainly attend, but so would those who might not have received invitations to other, more aristocratic, functions.

After tonight, most of the elegant townhouses would have their doorknockers removed as the occupants withdrew to their country seats to spend the summer months away from the flies, smells and disease that often plagued the City if the season turned hot.

Pip had not mentioned whether they would follow the crowds out of town, heading to Wensley, but with everything that was going on, Allegra was not surprised that their summer plans hadn’t been discussed. She struggled to think about any kind of future activities beyond the immediate and most pressing worry—the schemes of Charles Falworth.

Allegra guessed she was not alone in her musings, since Pip, Vivian and Angus were doubtless spending much time thinking about the problem at hand, finding it lurking just behind their consciousness whether they wanted it to or not. Just as she did.

In fact, as Allegra sat before her dressing table that evening, she felt as if a shadow was even then gathering in the corner of their lives, preparing to creep out and obliterate the light. So intent was she on her imaginings that she didn’t hear Pip’s door open or realise that he was standing behind her until he gently caressed her shoulder.

Her resultant screech almost cracked the mirror as she jumped from her chair. “Good God, Pip, I didn’t know you were there...”

“Really? I thought perhaps you might always scream like that when I touched you,” said Pip, “You did this morning.”

He grinned at the woman standing before him with her hands pressed to her still-thumping heart. “All right, I’m sorry I startled you, but you were miles away, I think?” He grasped her by the shoulders and led her to the edge of the bed, where he sat down beside her.

“I’m afraid I was.” Allegra turned worried eyes to him, but drew comfort from the touch of his hand on skin bared by her evening gown. “It’s this dratted Falworth business.... I can’t help but feel as if it’s my fault that you are all involved. If anything should happen...” She tried to prevent it, but knew her eyes were filling with unshed tears.

“Oh come now, Ally, where’s the woman who offered to shoot him?” He grinned at her encouragingly. “That woman would know that this situation would exist completely independently of where she is or who she’s with at the time. Falworth would have returned whether or not you were in London, so please rid yourself of the notion that you are in any way responsible for this mess.” He pulled her close.

“In fact, your help may go a long way to solving this mystery. You are quite valuable to…to…all of us...” His hand strayed to her cheek and brushed it softly.”...besides being extremely decorative.”

His hand then wandered to the lace that rose and fell over her heart, and the laughter in his eyes turned into heat as his fingers touched her bare skin.

Involuntarily, she swayed nearer Pip, losing herself in the depths of his marvellous gaze.

“Yes…very valuable, I think.” His murmur was lost as he lowered his lips to hers.

Allegra knew no hesitation as her arms went round her husband’s neck. This was where she belonged—in his arms with his lips on hers and his weight claiming her.

They fell back onto the soft down coverlet of the bed and Allegra relished the warmth and desire of the man holding her as their bodies pressed ever closer together. Thoughts of mysteries and Rajahs went completely out of her mind, so involved was she in the embrace.

Pip’s lips teased hers and his tongue demanded entrance into her mouth, tasting the delights within. A fiery heat was growing rapidly deep inside Allegra, and she moaned slightly as he broke the kiss, only to find herself even more aroused as he moved to trace a line with his lips towards her cleavage. His hand found her breast, and she gasped as he gently kneaded her. Lost to their passion, neither heard a knock on the door.

“Ahem...ahem…my Lady, my Lord...” Ally’s maid stared rigidly at the ceiling. “Mr. Runcorn says as I’m to tell you to make haste, as everyone’s waiting.”

The couple on the bed blinked at each other as they struggled to regain their composure.

An uncomfortable grin twisted Pip’s lips. “It’s all in the timing, I’m thinking.” He sighed, standing up and helping her rise.

“Yes, and it appears ours is non-existent...” Allegra wryly agreed as she straightened out the rumpled skirts of her gown.

She knew she would have stayed in that bed with him for a week if he’d suggested it, but her practical side refused to allow her sensuality to override her common sense.

“Well, by all means, let’s not keep everyone waiting.” She turned to follow the maid from the room.

“We will make our own time, Ally...” said Pip quietly in her ear. “That’s a promise.” His lips brushed her neck, sending shivers of delight through her body.

The drive to the Henderson estate was a longer one—and it had been decided to take the large travelling carriage so that everyone could enjoy the trip in relative comfort. Looking around it in the twilight, Allegra felt a warm glow of affection for her companions.

Grace and Penelope had taken their invitations seriously—the theme for this year’s affair was to be “Flowers” and they had dressed alike in floating silks.

Grace’s dress began with deep blue scallops at her toes and progressed through varying shades of blue until it reached her shoulders. Silk cornflowers of the same shades were sewn to the neckline and nestled in her hair, and her wrap was dotted with the same flower.

Penelope’s gown was essentially the same design, but the silk blended its way to the purest pink of a tea rose. She had selected a little coronet of tea roses to complement her dress, and tiny roses appeared on a white silk shawl.

Allegra felt certain that they would outshine most of the young ladies present this evening, not just by their undeniable good looks, but by their charm and intelligence, which added a glow to their manners.

She had permitted the girls to choose a gown for her and had been surprised but not disappointed by the result.

At the twins’ insistence, the dressmaker had scoured London for a silk in the exact shade of poppy red that would shortly burst into bloom in the wheat fields. The fabric was so sheer and delicate that the petal-shaped panels, which formed the skirt, moved with the slightest whisper to reveal a golden chemise.

Daring black lace edged the neckline and fell off the shoulders to form a kind of sleeve, and the headdress resembled a Spanish mantilla as more black lace cascaded from a single silk poppy fastened to the back of Allegra’s head.

It was an unusual but elegant ensemble and Allegra felt the fact that she had put it on without question this evening it spoke volumes about her elevated levels of self-confidence.

The gentlemen of the party had risen to the occasion by sporting an assortment of greenery in the way of cravats and waistcoats.

Not very innovative, thought Allegra privately, but the effect was pleasing, nevertheless.

Pip, who was wearing a green flowered waistcoat, could probably have worn sackcloth and still looked magnificent—it was rapidly becoming clear to his wife that his mere presence beside her was enough to send her blood pounding and her skin tingling.

Every time the carriage jostled its occupants, Allegra and Pip bumped thighs, and a tremor of excitement shot through her body at the thought of how his touch could bring her such pleasure. Despite everything that loomed over them, Allegra knew that she had never been as happy as she was at this moment—she wanted to reach out and hold on to it and never let it go.

As if reading his wife’s thoughts, Pip casually picked up her hand and tucked it under his arm.

“I hope you enjoy this evening, Ally,” he whispered near her ear. “The Henderson place is huge, which is why they hold this ball now—the gardens are never-ending and it’s light enough for most people to get there without problem. Many guests stay till the next day and travel home in the daylight. It’s quite a long ride to Villa August...”

“What did you say?” Allegra clutched at his hand and glanced worriedly at the others in the carriage to make sure they had not heard her outburst.

“Villa August. That’s the name of the Henderson’s estate. It’s supposedly got some Roman ruins around it somewhere and it’s near enough to St. Albans to possibly be true. Why?”

“Do you realise that Falworth Manor lies on the other side of Villa August?”

Now it was Pip’s turn to look astonished. “I thought Falworth Manor was somewhere near the Falworth Hills....” He frowned in confusion.

“Most people do,” said Allegra. “But this particular Falworth Manor and, I believe the title of Falworth, have nothing to do with the hills.”

She leaned close to Pip. “I think it came from some mispronounced French words spoken by a Norman noble who was complaining about the fields around this area and saying there must have been a bad spring, and the next thing you know something innocent in old English got mangled by the locals into Falworth. I did not know that we were coming this way tonight.”

She turned to the man beside her and whispered low. “If Charles has left town, the odds are he’s gone to or is heading for Falworth. That’s always been his goal, hasn’t it?”

Pip pulled absently at his lower lip as he considered Allegra’s words. “Yes. Falworth has figured large in his plans—and another thing, that Tattersall’s bill worries me. It could mean he has either a horse or a carriage of some sort, or both. Why buy them now?”

“Nigel and Gloriana could tell us about what he bought, I suppose,” said Allegra. “They’ll be here tonight—perhaps we can ask them without seeming too inquisitive.”

“It would seem that our fake Rajah’s schemes might be moving along a bit more rapidly than we expected. I wonder why?”

Pip stared out of the window at the darkening countryside, lost in contemplation, while his wife remained silent at his side, taking comfort in the clasp of his hand and the warm pressure of his leg against hers.

If only it could stay like this, a moment of quiet enchantment. If only...

But before long, the carriage slowed, and the twins leaned out of the window. “Oh look,” said Penelope excitedly. “Villa August. We’re here.”