Chapter 24

CHAPTER 24

T he wedding was as beautiful as the bride, and Finn smiled as he watched Marianne all but float from one group of well-wishers to the next. She’s always been shy, pushed to the wall where she had languished for many years, but now she looked…confident. Happy. Sebastian had somehow awoken that in her, given her the support to find herself.

“Isn’t she stunning?” Sebastian asked as he approached over Finn’s shoulder and offered him a drink.

He took it. “She truly is. Congratulations, Ramsbury. Sebastian. Brother.”

Sebastian flashed a wide grin at him even as his eyes sparkled a little with what shockingly looked like happy tears. Then he cleared his throat. “Willowby and his wife are here. He approached me a few moments ago and said he wished to speak to you about Chilton. And to Esme if she is up to the task. Where is she, anyway?”

“She intended to hide out in my chamber today. At least that’s what she told me. But I wouldn’t put it past her to sneak around and spy on the festivities.”

“I wish she could have joined us. Shall I introduce you to the duke and duchess?”

“Please,” Finn said.

Sebastian moved them through the crowd, responding with smiles to the felicitations given from every corner. At last they reached two people standing beside the refreshment table. Finn had known of the Duke of Willowby, of course. They were close enough in age that he’d seen him at balls and the like. But they’d never formally met, he didn’t think. After all, the man had been missing from Society for a long time. Rather like Esme, actually, though he had apparently been working for the Crown during those years.

Still, he wondered if the two might connect over what it was like to walk away from all they’d known.

“Your Graces, may I present the Earl of Delacourt, my new wife’s brother. Delacourt, the Duke and Duchess of Willowby.”

Finn inclined his head out of deference to the duke and gave a larger bow to the duchess. They were a handsome couple, no one could deny that.

“Delacourt,” Willowby said. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance. It’s odd how one can circle another for years and not ever truly meet.”

“Indeed, I was thinking the same thing,” Finn said. He shifted slightly, trying to stay focused on small talk when what he wanted to do was dive immediately into how Esme could be protected. “Thank you for coming. It’s a happy day.”

“Yes, the couple seem more than content,” Willowby said. “You and Ramsbury have been friends a long time, I think. It must be wonderful to have him as a true brother.”

“It is,” Finn glanced at Sebastian. “Though I prefer not to say that too loudly, as any compliment gives him the worst swollen head and he’ll be insufferable for days.”

Sebastian laughed, as did the others, but then the duchess nudged her husband. “Lucas, the poor man looks as though he might burst. He’s trying to be polite, but certainly you must put him out of his misery.”

Willowby gave her a half-smile. “My wonderful wife is correct. I don’t want to drag out any discomfort you might be feeling. I’ve been told by Ramsbury that you are dealing with…a delicate situation. One that likely isn’t best to be discussed in open company such as this. Is there someplace more private we could meet?”

Finn thought of Esme, pacing the carpet in the countess suite upstairs. The idea of bringing her through the entire house, risking her being seen, wasn’t a pleasant one.

“I have an unorthodox suggestion for a meeting place.” He leaned in and said to Sebastian, “Give me a few moments to speak to Esme, then will you bring them to my chamber? We’ll meet in the antechamber there.”

“Of course,” Sebastian said. “And then I’ll leave you to it, Marianne and I can keep the guests entertained so no one looks for you.”

He squeezed his friend’s arm before he bowed to the couple. “Ramsbury will show you shortly. Excuse me.”

He hurried from the room and climbed the stairs two at a time. He had scarcely taken a step into his chamber when Esme burst from the countess side of the suite and rushed to him.

“Is everything well?” she asked, her eyes wide.

He nodded and caught her hands. “It is. Have you been worried?”

“It seems all I do is worry now,” she said with a humorless laugh. “All my hair shall fall out at this rate.”

“That would be a sad day, for I love your hair. But you’d be just as beautiful bald, I think,” he said gently. “Sebastian’s friends the Willowbys are here. They want to discuss everything with us and I thought up here would be the safest, if you’re open to it.”

She drew a shuddering breath and then nodded. “Yes. Yes, it must be done.”

“Good, they’ll be here momentarily,” he said, and then caught her hand and drew her to him. “I wish you could have been there today, standing at my side after I gave my sister away.”

“I’m sure she was lovely,” Esme said as she rested her head on his chest. He smoothed his hand over her hair and for a moment there was peace in the chaos. But it ended when there was a knock on the door.

“There they are,” he said, and briefly kissed her before he took her hand in both of his and they faced the door together. “Come in.”

He felt her tense as their little peaceful oasis was invaded by strangers. She forced a smile though and went to Sebastian, her hands extended. “Congratulations, my lord. And please give Marianne, Lady Ramsbury , my very happiest wishes.”

Sebastian took her hands and squeezed. “Thank you, my dear. Now I’ll leave the introductions to Delacourt and go stand watch on our other guests. No one shall trouble you.”

He slipped away and then they were alone.

“Your Graces, this is—” He broke off and looked at her as he realized he didn’t know how to introduce her formally under these circumstances. “Esme.”

She pursed her lips and some of the color drained from her cheeks. “I-I go by my middle name,” she explained. “It’s?—”

“There’s no need to explain,” the Duchess of Willowby said gently as she extended an elegant hand. “Esme is a beautiful name.”

“I knew your father,” the duke said with just as much gentleness. “He was the best of men.”

“He was,” Esme said.

“Why don’t we sit?” Finn suggested.

“There’s tea,” Esme said, and moved to the sideboard. “Finn’s— Lord Delacourt’s servants have been too kind in taking care of me.”

“We’re fine,” the duchess said as she took one chair and the duke the other next to her, which left the settee for Finn and Esme. He thought they’d done that as a kindness, so he could be close to her and support her if she needed it.

She sat and he gently placed a hand on her knee. She seemed surprised he would do so in such company, but she didn’t pull away, so he took that as a win.

“I say we dispense with any small talk, as this is a serious issue,” Willowby said. “I believe Ramsbury may have informed you that I once worked for the War Department. Is that correct?”

Finn nodded. “He did.”

“I worked in internal investigation,” he continued. “Traitor spies, smuggling, the like.”

Finn glanced at Esme and saw her eyes were wide. This man would truly be the best person to help them since that was exactly what they suspected Francis was involved in, at least partially.

“My father worked alongside Lucas,” the duchess supplied. “And I’ve also helped him with his work.”

He smiled at her and in that moment their connection was powerfully clear. Finn squeezed Esme’s knee gently and she covered his hand with hers.

“Obviously, Ramsbury discussed some of the information about your cousin, the new marquess,” Willowby continued. “But I’d like to hear it from you directly. If it’s not too painful, will you tell me everything you know. First you, Esme. And then you, Delacourt. Leave out no detail. We need to hear it all.”

B y the time Esme and Finn had told the duke and duchess everything about the situation with Francis, an hour had passed. It was a strange thing. She didn’t know these people, had no connection to them, and yet she didn’t feel wary around them. They asked good questions, they listened carefully, and it was plain they wanted to help her.

At last, she leaned back against the settee back, exhaustion overwhelming her and sighed. “And that is all.”

The duke got to his feet and paced to the window, his serious expression unchanging. While he stood there, the duchess got up. “Let me get you tea, Esme.”

Esme blinked. “Oh no, Your Grace, I couldn’t ask?—”

“You didn’t ask,” she said with a little smile as she waved Esme off and went to the sideboard. “And you must call me Diana. We’ll be friends, so I insist.”

She blinked at the idea the duchess would want to be friends with someone like her, even after hearing what had happened and all she’d done to save herself. But she liked the woman, she liked the idea of being her friend.

Finn leaned in and put his arm around her, gathering her to his side. “I am forever in awe of you, Esme,” he said softly, so only they could hear the conversation. “I only hope I can live up to the bravery and grit that is at the heart of you.”

“It’s easy to feel brave with your hand on my knee, giving me all your support without even saying a word.”

“I’d love to do that for the rest of your life, the rest of mine,” he said.

She jerked her face toward his. “What?”

“You know what I’m saying,” he said, perfectly calm and certain. “I’m not going to ask you here, in this most unromantic setting. But I want a future, Esme. I’ll do everything in my power to make sure it’s possible. Everything .”

Diana returned with the tea and handed over the cup before she smiled gently at the two of them and then moved to stand with her husband. They talked for a few moments. It was all very serious and Esme shivered.

“What do you think they’ll say?”

“I’ve no idea. The duke especially is hard to read,” Finn admitted.

“He is. It must have served him well when he worked for the War Department full time.” She shook her head. “It still boggles the mind to think of a man of his position doing such a thing.”

“A rare thing, yes.” He kissed her cheek. “But the world needs rare things.”

The duke and duchess returned together and retook their seats. Willowby leaned forward, elbows draped over his knees and his attention focused intently on Esme. “Thank you for bearing my having a moment to think about everything you’ve revealed. You’ve been very honest, and I don’t want you to think that it hasn’t been appreciated. I know how hard it can be to tear oneself open and bleed for a stranger. You are remarkable.”

Esme shook her head. “All these compliments will have my head spinning, Your Grace. I only hope that what I’ve told you can be of some use to you.”

“I very much think it can,” Willowby said. “Diana and I discussed it, and I think it’s only fair that I give you some information in return for your honesty.”

Esme caught Finn’s hand and held it tightly. “Please.”

“While I’m no longer a full-fledged spy, Diana and I still engage in fieldwork from time to time,” he began. “And I’ve heard of your cousin before. Obviously some of these schemes he’s been involved in before your father died. It’s been hard to fully connect him to the banking, and those fraudulent behaviors are, sadly, harder to pursue. The victims often don’t want to admit they were taken in. But the smuggling is more dire. And as for the murder…” He trailed off and held Esme’s stare.

“You don’t believe me?” she whispered, and hated how her voice cracked.

“I understand you have felt that way, that no one believed it or cared. But it’s more that I hesitate to say what I must say next because it will sting. I already felt that your cousin might have been involved in your father’s death.”

The world began to spin and she felt Finn’s hand grip hers tighter, grounding her. “You did?”

“As Delacourt determined in his conversation with Chilton…let us call him Francis, so we aren’t confused.”

“Yes, please,” Esme replied. “I hate hearing him called by my father’s title.”

“Your father was warning people about Francis, threatening his schemes. Your cousin wanted that to stop. He’d made comments to several people about it. And there’s evidence that he?—”

He broke off and Esme got up. “What did he do?”

“He purchased a large quantity of arsenic,” Diana explained, also rising and crossing to her. “It’s a deadly poison.”

Esme’s knees wobbled and Diana reached for her even as Finn jumped up to steady her. She wanted to pull away from them both, run from all of this, even if it was what she’d believed all along.

“How would you know if he’d been poisoned?” she gasped.

Diana shook her head. “Esme?—”

“Tell me!” she exclaimed. “Please.”

Diana glanced back and Willowby and said, “He would have experienced intense stomach and chest pain.”

Esme nodded. “He did.”

“And sickness to follow.”

“He vomited over and over, until it was just blood,” she whispered, and tried not to picture it.

“Difficulty catching his breath.”

“Yes.”

“And darkening of the skin, as well as perhaps a faint scent of garlic,” Diana said.

“All of those things. Everything.” Esme tried not to burst into tears. “I saw it, his servants saw it. He became ill, but recovered after a few days. Then it returned, worse than before, and he died writhing.”

“I’m so sorry,” Diana said. “But these are the things that make us think he was poisoned. We did interview two servants who were released from your cousin’s employ after he inherited. They told us just as you did.”

“If you know this, if you believe it, why haven’t you arrested him?” she asked. “If he bought a large quantity of a poison and all this followed, how could that not be enough?”

Now Willowby rose. “It might be,” he said. “It likely would be. But Chilton cannot be at the heart of this larger conspiracy. He killed to continue his role, but I fear he’s a cog in a wheel.”

“You won’t move on him because you care more about smuggling than the death of my father?” Esme burst out, then pushed her hand against her mouth. In her upset, she had lashed out against not only a man who was trying to help her, but one who had a great deal more power than she did.

But Willowby’s expression only gentled. “I care a great deal about the death of your father and the threats against you. With your help, I hope we’ll be able to catch him for every misdeed your cousin ever committed.”

“Help you how?” Finn asked.

“If he wants your partnership, Delacourt, your investment, to the point that he’s willing to threaten the faceless lady he thinks is your lover, then his desperation may be at a peak. I’d like for you to invite him here, discuss it with him. Let Diana and I be close by, or another agent he might not recognize take part in the discussion.”

“I’ll do that,” Finn said without hesitation.

“No,” Esme said, turning toward him. “This man killed my father, caused his death in a barbaric way. I don’t ever want you near him again!”

“Love,” Finn began. “If he’s gone, none of us will be in danger anymore. You, me, anyone else he’s taken in through the abuse of your father’s title. That is worth the risk.”

When he said that, she knew it was true. This was to save him, as much as herself. She drew in a shaky breath and looked at the Willowbys. “You’d protect him?” she whispered.

“With my life,” Willowby answered without hesitation and with such confidence that Esme immediately believed him.

“Very well. I cannot argue,” she said.

“Diana and I will go now and make some arrangements. May we return early this evening, after the party has ended, and we can decide how to best proceed?”

“Of course,” Finn said. “Speaking of the party, I would wager it’s on the edge of ending now. I’ll go down and say goodbye to my guests, not leave the impression of anything odd happening, just in case there are prying eyes watching.”

“Good idea. I’ll go down with you,” Willowby said.

“I’ll follow,” Diana said with a smile for Esme. “But I’d like to say a private goodbye to Esme.”

Esme stiffened and glanced toward Finn. “To me?”

“Yes, if that would be agreeable.”

“Of course, Your Grace. Diana.”

Willowby held out a hand to Esme and when she took it, he held it firmly. “On my life, I shall do what I can to make this right. For you, as much as for your father or anyone else.”

“Thank you,” she whispered.

The two men departed together, with only a brief backward glance from Finn, and that left Esme with Diana. The duchess tilted her head. “Take a breath, I promise I won’t bite.”

Esme did so and realized afterward that she had hardly drawn one since the duke and duchess entered the chamber together. “You and your husband are so kind,” she said at last. “I will be forever in your debt.”

“You are in no one’s debt,” Diana said. “Now then, when this is resolved, what do you plan to do?”

Esme shook her head. “I don’t rightly know, to be honest. I was stripped of all financial support. I’ve saved a moderate sum from my own work, but it wouldn’t be seen as a fortune by anyone. I would hope the next Marquess of Chilton might provide my living back to me, or at least a portion, given the scandal. If he did, I think I would…I would leave London.”

Diana held her stare a moment. “Leave him .”

Esme shut her eyes. There was no need to clarify who Diana meant. “ He would have me stay. Marry him, even.”

“You don’t want that?” Diana asked.

“I wouldn’t belong here anymore,” she whispered. “I’ve seen and done too much to be accepted. I fear I’d drag him down if I stayed.”

Diana nodded slowly. “I felt that way once. I wasn’t of your world, not ever. But I loved Lucas and he loved me. Enough that I knew the pain of losing each other would far outstrip the pain of facing any problems with acceptance within Society.”

“But there were problems,” Esme said. “There must have been.”

“At first,” Diana admitted. “I can’t lie and say that the scandal surrounding your disappearance will probably be nothing compared to the one that will stir back up with your return. But there are a tight group of friends who welcomed me with open arms. You’ll have that, as well. Me, for example. And I think there are others who genuinely feared for you during your absence. True friends. Family. Like Marianne.”

Esme smiled softly. “Marianne is so kind, I don’t think she would turn me away even if it would do her better to do so. Doesn’t it fall to me to protect her from herself? To protect Finn?”

“They’re both grown people with their own minds,” Diana said. “They don’t need protection. Not from the potential consequences of love or friendship, at least.” She looked toward the door. “He loves you. It’s evident in every move he makes, every twitch of his mouth and dart of his eyes when he’s near you. You’ve lost so much in your life, it would pain me to see you lose something so precious, as well. This time of your own doing, rather than the machinations of a rotten cousin.”

Esme smoothed her skirt. “I-I’ll think about it.”

“I’m sure you will,” Diana said with a kind squeeze of her hand. “Now I’ll join Lucas and Delacourt. I’ll see you this evening. Perhaps we’ll even get to speak of more than these horrible things, start our own path to what I’m sure will be a powerful friendship. Good day, Esme.”

“Good day, Your Grace,” Esme said, and escorted her to the door that led from the antechamber to the hall.

Once Diana had gone, she crossed back to the settee where she’d been during the ordeal. She sat and placed a hand where Finn had been beside her through every moment, every tear, every terror.

She could hardly think straight at present, and she wondered if that was why she was starting to have a kernel of hope that perhaps her life could work out. Perhaps she could have the future that Finn kept dangling in front of her, promising her the world if she just trusted him.