Chapter 7

The McDonnell Family Has a Problem

Fred and Martin had turned onto Park Street when they saw a coach in front of No. 72. "Oh, look, Martin. We may get a better look at Lady Apparition right now. Someone should be coming out – we could direct our inquiry with the coachman." Although Fred's idea was a good one, before they could get close enough to the coach, two young ladies stepped out of No. 72. Both ladies wore fine day dresses. The shorter female was ebony in skin color. The other lady looked familiar to Fred, though he was unable to place her. "Neither of the ladies are Lady Apparition. Shall we inquire as to directions to some unknown townhouse with the ladies or ride on?"

"I think, unless you have something better to do this morning, we should follow the coach from a distance and then inquire with the coachman when the ladies reach their destination. What say you, Fred?" Martin was obsessed.

"Let me think...as luck would have it, I'm free for the duration of the morning. So, shall we?" Fred rubbed his hands together. "This like a spy game of sorts. That is so adventurous of us. I enjoy a bit of morning intrigue."

Martin shook his head as he looked at Fred. "And you think I'm addlepated."

They took their time. The coach made a left on to Mount Street until they reached Davies Street. "They are going to Berkeley Square – I guarantee it." Fred was sure.

"It is certainly looking that way. We need to stay back enough that the ladies won't notice us. Once they go into the townhouse, we can approach the coachman."

"He may not offer any information."

"Let me approach him. I think I may be able to get what we need without the coachman feeling like he betrayed his employer."

"I hope so, otherwise, it will have been only a nice morning ride." Fred thought for a moment. "And we have found out where someone lives that we don't know."

"I must admit, propriety can be most stifling at times. What would be the harm of walking up to a lady and asking if her name was Lady Apparition?" Martin let out a snort.

"I agree. There are many rules of the ton that are ridiculous. Steal a kiss and get caught, the next thing you know, you are leg-shackled to someone that you were only interested in stealing a kiss from."

"Fred, don't over think this." Martin noticed the coach was slowing. "We should stop. Turn our horses a bit so we are not facing them." They turned the horses. "That was not a good idea. Sorry. We need to see their faces so shall we turn the horses once again?"

"Will you please make up my mind." Fred shook his head.

"I'm sure the lovely lady with the ebony skin is not our Apparition. It appears that the light-skinned lady has dark hair. What say you, Fred?"

"I concur. So, the ladies are walking up the sidewalk. Shall we walk the horses to the coachman before he leaves?"

"I think a trot would be more advantageous." They trotted their horses over to the coach. "Let me speak." Martin removed his hat. "Good morning, my good man."

The coachman, Jimmy, being a pleasant sort replied to the man's salutation. "And good morning to you, my lord."

It was a risk; he had as good a chance at being correct as not. "You are employed by the McDonnell family, correct?"

"That is correct, my lord. Fine family. I'm very satisfied with my position working for the McDonnell's."

Martin placed his hat back on his head. "I fear you misunderstand my point. I was wishing to inquire as to the family. I knew Lord McDonnell. It was such a sudden tragedy. I was hoping to find out as to whether Lady McDonnell and her daughter, Lady Muriel were taking calls?"

"Yes, my lord. At least Lady Muriel is seeing friends now. And I believe Lady McDonnell has been sending notes inviting people to call."

"I'm so glad to hear it. Such a beautiful family. I know there were several lords that were quite smitten with Lady McDonnell prior to her betrothal to Lord Curtis. And their daughter, Lady Muriel, very beautiful lady, if I may be so bold." Martin was genius at manipulation.

"She certainly is, I don't mind saying. She is not only beautiful; she is so kind and thoughtful. She is literally running the family estate since Lord Claymont passed. Personally, I think it is too much for such a young lady. I have seen her struggle from time to time, still she has done very well, at least until as of late." Jimmy shook his head as he stared straight ahead at the horses.

"I'm so sorry to hear it. I suppose that is one of the major reasons for the family's return to Town. Issues." Martin looked up at the coachman nodding as if he knew exactly what the "issue" was.

"Yes, my lord. You must know of it." Jimmy looked at Martin to see him nodding his head as if he was fully aware. "The little lady has mettle. I took her to that solicitor's office with Miss Morgan and she demanded answers for why their annual allowances and regular payments have been repeatedly absent or delinquent. She is a petite little lady, for sure. Oddly, she is not one bit afraid. No, no. She invited the solicitor to come on Saturday to discuss the money issues. Before he arrived, she had me go to Mr. Charles Davis's home and bring him to the Summer's Day. You know Mr. Davis, of course." Martin wondered what the hell a Summer's Day could be.

"Yes, yes." Martin acknowledged, nodding. He had heard of him.

"That solicitor turned white as a bed cloth when he saw Mr. Davis. Now, Mr. Davis is going to this Trenchard's office to audit the McDonnell books. Lady Muriel, bless her, she is keeping the family together. It makes me angry for her though."

"I can see how it would. She should be enjoying the beginning of the season." Martin thought perhaps he might be able to get a bit more from the coachman.

"Yes, my lord. You are correct. Poor little thing. She refuses go to the balls because she won't spend the money. She is too worried about making sure the staff and the family needs are met. We would happily go without pay. They are a wonderful family. Muriel should be enjoying life. Not taking on all this responsibility."

"Yes, and there is no one else in the family to step in to help." One more piece of information. "No. Lord Curtis is too young. At Eton. Well, he is home for a week. He hit his head at the Drury Lane. Young man was anxious to meet some actor." So that was who Lady Apparition was with. It was good to know. She was not the one interested in anyone backstage. "Anyway, he is unable to help and Lady McDonnell has been in some kind of deep depression since the day Lord McDonnell passed. Lady Muriel has only Rosa, that is Miss Morgan, and she is unable to do much. You know what I mean."

"Ah, yes." Martin was not real sure who he was speaking of; he would do his best to find out. "I apologize for taking so much of your time. I expect we will be coming to call on the family some time very soon." Martin turned his horse, gave Fred the cue to make their leave before he asked for their names. "Ride, Fred."

"Martin, you almost sounded friendly. You will do anything to get the information you want,"

As they rode a bit faster than a trot, Martin had a look of concern. "There is something seriously wrong with the handling of the McDonnell money. My little Apparition is carrying too much on her own."

Fred agreed. "I wonder who hired this solicitor. Lord McDonnell was held in high esteem. Any of the barristers would have been happy to draw up the estate will and would not have charged him a pound. It begs the question, who recommended this probable thief and why would Lord McDonnell use a solicitor when he could have easily had a barrister to do the job."

"I don't know the answers now; I promise you that I will find out." They were close to Park Lane. "How would you like to go to the Temple of Venus, tonight?"

"What the deuce, Martin. The things you force me to do." Fred jeered at Martin. "As I'm your dearest friend, I will force myself to tup one of the lovelies for you."

Martin growled. "Thank you... friend." Fred threw his head back and howled like a wolf.

Martin had paperwork of his own to attend to. He had been the Marquess of Stafford, Earl of Suffolk, for over three years. His father had died of consumption after months of suffering. As he knew he was dying, he had Martin sit with him daily as his father went over every detail of the responsibilities attached to his titles, how to treat his tenants to ensure their safety and satisfaction, and how to keep control of the family businesses. By getting to know the employees, listening to their concerns and especially their suggestions, it resulted in more respect from the employees and the buyers. Better pay with oversight produced better employees and a better product. Father always stressed the importance of the responsibility to the Claymont titles and all they entailed. He was the only one to shoulder these responsibilities, and his father stressed the need to keep the dynasty growing.

Martin knew that at some point he would be required to marry and bare a son to carry on the legacy. His father had emphasized that part of his life to be secondary. As a Marquess, he would be able to find a wife when the time came. His father continually drummed into Martin's head; the central focus had to always be the dynasty.

The Claymont dynasty included many properties in England, Scotland, Wales, and through business connections, a large estate in Ireland. That holding by the Claymont family was not known to the Irish or the English. It has been in the family for generations without an iota of conflict.

He had the best stewards for all his properties and investments; however, he traveled often to review production, speak with the tenants, listen to their needs, and review the books. Which made his mind wander to Lady Apparition. How could an apparition, some celestial body that hoovered over earth long enough for him to be blessed with a glimpse of her make him be so obsessed? That was delusional. He well knew the angelic creature was of flesh and blood. He had considerable confirmation of that. He simply could not cease his fantasies. She interrupted his work. She disturbed his sleep. Last night he had dreamt she had come to him wearing some gossamer angelic gown. He could see her breasts and the mound of her womanhood. He dropped to his knees before her. She lifted the gown and he buried his face in her cunny. He could taste her as he licked and sucked until he woke with a cockstand of pure steel. He had a no more than a glimpse of her and he suffered from a cockstand every time he pictured her in his imaginings. He was the one that should be tupping one of the ladies from the Temple of Venus, not Fred. The thought of laying with another woman made him feel as if he was betraying her. That is how crazy this obsession with this exquisite, heavenly woman was to him. She was all he could think about.

His heart did ache for her, now knowing she was carrying the burden of her family squarely on her angelic shoulders. She would give up balls in order to pay her staff, feed her family, and secure her brother's education. His insanity extended to his decision to assist in easing her burden. All his adult life, he had been the person that fixed things; businesses of the Claymonts as well as those, like Henry, who needed help with his investments and businesses. He could fix most anything from what was needed in others' life problems without difficulty. How could he help the McDonnell family when he had only secondhand knowledge on the family and the difficulties they seemed to be having. He pondered how he could purchase a wardrobe of ball gowns for her. He would think of a way. He had an endless supply of connections and even though his father had lectured him on his responsibility to ensure future generations of Claymonts, the lands and enterprises would only increase in value long after he has left this world. He could not spend all that the Claymont empire had amassed in ten lifetimes. He would help his heavenly angel come to earth. Now the question was, how could he help her. The family could easily be insulted by his intrusion. There was a way. He was a fixer. He was also methodical. He had always looked at everything from a logical standpoint. Weigh the benefits versus the liabilities. He even did that with the ladies he bedded. He needed to rein in this fantasy of his. He had yet to even meet her. Yet that image of her was enough to take matters into his own hands. He needed to rectify this – one way or another.

In the midst of his reverie, Fred was suddenly standing in front of his desk. "Fred, how long have you been here?" Martin had not heard Fred being announced nor heard him enter the study.

Fred stared at Martin in utter amazement. "Where in the hell were you? I think in all the years I have known you, which are considerable, by the way, I can only count on one hand the times I was able to sneak up on you. Now, I was not even trying. Damn. Martin."

"I was wondering what I might be able to do to ease the burden for Lady Apparition."

"Martin, what the hell is this potent lure little Lady Apparition has over you? I think you have become muddled over this lady. What should I do? Take you somewhere and hire about five or six light skirts to tup you back to normal? This is not you. Martin, you have yet to even meet Lady Apparition."

"I know. I have no idea what it is about this Lady Apparition. I am unable to get her off my mind."

"Martin, you mountain – you need to do something." Fred looked down at Martin, put his hands on the desk and spoke sternly. "I confess, I too think she is a goddess, but Martin, you are acting like some swain. I have never seen you like this. You saw her for – what? Two or three minutes. You did not even speak to her. Henry did; he said she did not even respond. What if she has a voice like a duck...or smells like a dead fish... or laughs like a donkey?" He laughed and Martin could not withhold a chuckle at the absurdity of Fred's humor.

"At first, I thought about meeting her. Then, after we spoke with the coachman, I feel that I need to assist – to help her...the family." He opened his mouth to say something then stopped. He scratched his head. "Do I make any sense?"

"Martin, it is in your nature to try to fix things. I understand. You have helped me many times. And Henry, a lot. Martin, there are times when you can't. Sorry, friend."

Martin thought he would ignore Fred's advice for now. "Are you ready to depart?"

"I'm more than ready to do my part. I have had tight breeches ever since you asked me to volunteer my services."

"Please, your plaintive cry is breaking my heart. Perhaps I should enlist Henry or John for this job."

"No, no – I will sacrifice myself. Now, shall we go?"

As Martin had hoped, Lord Blackwood and Lord Aubyn would be in the card room of Venus. "Gentlemen, may I intrude? I will be more than happy to bribe you with massive amounts of alcohol for your company."

Blackwood gave a guffaw. "Bribery is always welcome. You must be in need of information. As a walking wall, it is most unlikely you need us for anything else." He laughed as he slammed his hands down on the table.

"Now, I take offense to the ‘wall' as I'm more accustomed to the term, ‘mountain'." He waved for the barely dressed bar wench to come to the table. He ordered a bottle of scotch and three glasses.

"Aubyn, I believe he is serious." Both men scooted up their chairs and leaned forward. "Now, what is the topic of the evening?"

Martin felt convoluted about the topic. Only his concern moved him forward. "I recently was privy to some information that has disturbed me. Yet the information is merely enough to seek further information that you may be able to assist me with in order that I may be able to make a more informed decision on exactly how to proceed."

"Damn it, Martin, you are speaking in riddles. What is this regarding? A new bill being moved forward? Something about someone in Parliament? What? Speak!" Blackwood was not one to mince words.

"Alright." They silenced as the bar wench came back to the table. She opened the bottle of scotch, set down three glasses, then poured the amber liquid while she managed to massage her bubbies all over the three of them. "Thank you, miss. I will let you know if we wish anything further." She rubbed up against Martin one more time.

"I certainly hope so – I will be happy to assist you, Lord Claymont. It would be my pleasure."

Martin groaned. "Could the doxy be more obvious?"

Blackwood laughed. "Martin, your physical endowments are legendary. What do you expect. She only wants to add her name to the list."

Martin was agog. Immediately, his face became flushed. "What the deuce? Am I some kind of stud out for hire?" He flinched at his own words. That was most disgusting. Martin had always prided himself on his sexual prowess. He had no bloody idea that his ‘assets' were a general topic of conversation. "Hopefully, such rot is not bandied about in parliament or around the ton ."

"What would you prefer we tell you, Martin?" Blackwood asked, in a jocular manner. "If it was me, Martin, I would be strutting at such a reputation." Aubyn puffed his chest out and acted to be strutting in his seated position. He looked more like a Bantam Rooster.

Martin rubbed the back of his neck wondering how to respond. In actuality, he was put off by such gossip. He wanted to be known for his business acumen, his problem-solving, his physicality pertaining to sports. Not his sexual attributes. This had him a bit rattled, but what could he possibly do about such gossip. He had only dipped his stick on one of the doxies at Venus. Perhaps abstaining from the doxies all together would quell the talk. It was more than awkward to realize his cock was the topic of conversation. Humiliating, to say the least. He did not seek out their company to discuss his sexual endowments.

Blackwood could see Martin was in distress over this revelation. "Martin, don't bother over this. It is a mere bagatelle." He watched Martin's face and could see his words did nothing to alleviate Martin's embarrassment. "Now, you came to seek out our company. What is the information you wish to extract from our aged brains?" Blackwood gave him an encouraging smile.

"Let me preface this by saying, I'm not obsessed, merely concerned."

"Alright, alright. Move on." Blackwood, tired of the riddles.

"I obtained some information from the McDonnell's coachman that is most distressing. I was hoping you might be able to assist in filling in the blanks."

"What information did this coachman share? He should not be speaking out of turn. Lady McDonnell would be mortified." Aubyn's brows narrowed.

"I confess, I'm the master at manipulation. The poor man had no idea I was leading him to provide me with answers. He told me the McDonnell's are in financial straits due to lack of payments from the estate to maintain their obligations. It seems that Lord McDonnell used a solicitor to draw up his will and act as the executor."

"Why would he do such a thing? Who is this solicitor?" Blackwood knew most everyone in the legal profession. He had worked with barristers for decades. If anyone would know this solicitor, it would be Blackwood.

"This man's name is Trenchard. Disgusting name." Martin paused. "Do you know him? Know of him?"

"Yes, I have heard of him. Nothing of any significance; neither bad nor good. I wonder why Curtis decided to use him rather than a barrister. I know that is not their forte. Curtis knew all the barristers; any of them would have written his estate will." Blackwood knew where this conversation was going. "So you want to know if this solicitor is honest? If so, why is he failing to distribute the funds?" Blackwood reciting Martin's needs.

"And I would like to know who it was that recommended him to Curtis." Martin added.

"My questions, exactly." Blackwood agreed.

"I have a man, very reliable and discrete. While you do your checking, I believe I shall hire my man to do a bit of tracking. See where he goes. What he does when not in the office. Maybe even get a list of who calls on him during working hours." Martin wanted answers. While he was about it, he thought he could also put a man on the McDonnell townhouse. It might be beneficial. From an investigative standpoint only."

"You might want to wait until we have been able to ask around. We may be able to uncover the information you need without seeking an inquiry agent." Aubyn suggested.

"I think quite the opposite, James. It could do no harm and might even be helpful." Blackwood strummed his fingers on the table.

"You know, I feel an urgency to call on Marie, Lady McDonnell." Aubyn had a dual purpose in calling on Lady McDonnell.

"Oh, Aubyn, you have had a tendre for her for decades. Admit your purpose." Blackwood had to tease him. "I can accompany you so you won't be so conspicuous in your ardor. Perhaps she might be interested in a gentleman with more hair."

"You are a cad. You may want to remember you are married."

"Good God. Do you think I could forget that? Not even as hard as I try." Aubyn was accustomed to Blackwood's face of disgust. "I'm serious."

"Why do you stay married if you are so unhappy. You have no children." Martin asked. Perhaps it was overstepping, but he was the one to express his extreme dislike of his spouse.

"It would most likely be a huge problem for me. The bitch would clean me out. We never loved each other. Never really knew each other. I had no idea what a viper she was. She would kill a cockstand from a deaf, dumb, and blind man."

"I think we get the picture." Martin grimaced at her description. "Now, do you think you might be able to uncover answers to my questions?" He looked at both the gentlemen. "Soon?"

"What is driving this interest, Martin? I think I may have the answer." Blackwood looked at Aubyn. "Remember the other day when he and Lord John Herbert were here. Martin seemed very interested in the daughter." Blackwood paused to focus on Martin's face. "I'm correct, am I not. Well, I can hardly blame you. If she looks anything like her mother, I can understand your interest."

"No, Lord Blackwood, you are incorrect. I have never even met the lady. I am only concerned for the family. With all the assets Lord McDonnell had at the time of his passing, the family should not be going without. I only wish to help a peer."

"Yes, yes, of course you do." Blackwood smirked. "You are so philanthropic."

"Honestly, I only wish to help. That is my nature. I am a fixer." Just a small falsehood.

"Ah-yes." Aubyn smiled. "So like your father. That is what he did. And he was good at it. Parliament misses him as well. McDonnell had the answers and your father knew how to either implement them or fix them. You are like him. And he was a mountain, like you. I'm not so sure about the ‘other' thing. Your father was much more discreet." Aubyn was debating, then went ahead with his question. "Martin...do you think your father was happy... with Lady Hester? I hope you don't take offense. I often wondered. Your mother was such a lovely woman." He paused. "If you choose not to answer, I completely understand."

"I'm unsure. Mother never complained. Not really. Father was rarely home. Either at Parliament or traveling to one of our businesses or estates. He never took mother or me. He was abusive, one way or another. Who knows." He stopped. "She was lonely." Aubyn and Blackwood could understand that. "Well, back to my questions regarding the McDonnell's. Do you think you gentlemen can find the answers to my questions?" Martin had no wish to discuss his parent's arrangement. He wanted answers to McDonnell's solicitor in order to decide how to proceed.

"I'm quite sure we can do that, expeditiously. I think the best course of action is to investigate this Trenchard solicitor. What a hideous name. Then find out who recommended him." Blackwood offered.

"How long do you think "expeditious' will be?"

"Well." Blackwood pondered. "I think two days would be sufficient. The legal community is a small one. And tight. If there is a bad apple, we will know that right away. Any of the barristers would be able to say if they recommended the solicitor." He rubbed his hands together. "Although, I can't imagine any of the barristers turning down McDonnell's request to draw up an estate will. Quite a puzzle." He gave Martin a reassuring smile. "I think we will be able to put the pieces together within a day or two."

"So what if I meet you gentlemen here in two days?" Martin started to stand, then sat back down. "Perhaps we should meet at White's?"

"Ah, yes. Squelch the rumors. Sadly, Martin, I believe the talk will sustain itself. You may as well maintain your behavior. What more could they say? And like Aubyn said, most men would be proud of such gossip." Blackwood gave Martin a strange smile. "It will be alright, son."

"Thank you sir." He stood. "So White's or Venus?"

"Why break the routine." Aubyn began to laugh. "Maybe the ton will start gossiping about us. What do you think, Stephen?"

"I would love it. Then perhaps my loving wife would leave. That would be such a blessing."

"Bloody hell, Lord Blackwood. Why the hell did you marry her in the first place?" Martin found it ridiculous for Blackwood to speak so about his wife.

"'Twas arranged. I hardly knew her. I thought I could make the best of it; God, she was not even worth bedding, pardon my being so blunt. You asked. And if you had the pleasure of spending five minutes with her, you would understand."

"I'm sorry. It seems that is the way of marriage within the peerage. I wonder if any of the peers marry for affection." It was more of a rhetorical question.

"I would hardly know. I never married. I believe I may have escaped the mournful institution." Aubyn's body language was counter to his words.