Chapter 14

CHAPTER 14

ANNE

T wo knocks sounded on my door. I waited a few seconds before crossing the creaking floorboards and opening the door slowly. The corridor was empty. I had fully expected to find Alexander waiting to help me solve my latest clue. I frowned, taking one step outside the threshold. I gasped in surprise when my calf collided with something solid.

A vase of roses teetered on the floor. I crouched down to steady it, plucking up the note that was nestled amongst the blossoms.

Dear Anne,

I’m sorry you had to eat twenty-three crickets. I wanted to properly congratulate you for your accomplishment. I stole these from the parlor after our chess game. Don’t tell Lady Tottenham.

Your counterfeit lover,

Alexander

I read the note again. A laugh rattled in my throat. He was ridiculous. I picked up the bouquet of red roses. Most of them were in full bloom, but a few had wilted already on the edges. Alexander had, evidently, stolen the vase too. The water was running low. I would have to remedy that straight away. I walked back to my room and set the vase on the edge of my window, opening the curtains to allow for more light. The sun had barely finished rising.

With my clue tucked inside my shoe, I made my way out to the corridor, still half-expecting Alexander to be waiting around the corner. How had he escaped to the second floor so quickly? I found the staircase leading up to the study, careful to keep my feet light. With nine other guests still occupying the rooms on the first floor, any creak or stumble from above could wake one of them.

I reached the landing at the top of the stairs, turning right toward the study. The left led to the hexagon room, and the corridor straight ahead would take me to what Lady Tottenham called her ‘exercise hall.’ The wide and long passage led to a window at one end with cushioned seats and a bookshelf. Portraits hung on nearly every inch of the walls leading up to the lofty ceiling, which was painted with a mural. Statues lurked in every corner, and rugs made of various animal skins flanked the walkway that Lady Tottenham used for exercise.

When I reached the study, I found the door partially open. I gave it a push, stepping tentatively inside. The room was much larger than any study I had ever seen. If I had been the one to name it, I would have called it ‘the blue library.’ Nearly all the furnishings were the same color. The walls were covered in cream and blue wallpaper, the ceiling was a cornflower blue, and the velvet sofas were a deep navy. The wooden bookshelves, tan book spines, and rosewood desk brought warmth to the space.

Alexander stood by the window. He smiled as I approached. The early morning light softened his features. “Good morning.”

I stopped a few feet away from him. “Thank you for the roses…even if they were stolen.”

His smile grew. “What is a courtship without flowers?” he asked with one raised eyebrow.

“A fake one?”

He laughed, looking down at the floor as he took a step closer. He interlocked his hands behind his back, his jacket straining over his broad shoulders. “Well, in that case, since I did give you flowers, that must mean our courtship is real.”

I backed up a step, wagging a finger at him. “That is the sort of logic I refuse to entertain. I made the list of rules for a reason.” I could no longer take him seriously, so a laugh burst out of me. He was a relentless tease, that was all. I couldn’t allow my thoughts to support the idea that he might mean anything he said. Like the night before, when he told the other men he hoped to marry me. It had been part of the ruse.

He had said it to defend me. My heart skipped.

Alexander was laughing, but I hardly heard him. The emotions in my chest had been sporadic. I couldn’t trust them at all. My insides toppled over when his eyes found mine again, a smile still lingering in them. “You do seem to love rules.”

I walked to one of the bookshelves as a distraction, running my finger over an old, weathered spine. “And you seem to love breaking them.”

His voice came from behind me. “As I said before, only the ones I disagree with.”

I sensed his movement across the room. I whirled around before he could reach me. “I’d wager you disagree with most rules.”

He leaned one shoulder against the wall. “Why do you suppose I chose law as my profession if I don’t have any respect for rules?”

Drat. That was a reasonable question. “Perhaps you enjoy enforcing them, but not following them?”

He shook his head. “Enforcing the law is not my responsibility. My role is to ensure fairness regarding the consequences that occur when rules are broken. When I changed my plans for my profession from the church to the law, it was because I wanted to be an advocate for those who were falsely accused. There is no better fulfillment to me than freeing an innocent person from facing punishment they don’t deserve—years of imprisonment, or even death.”

It was strange to hear Alexander speaking in a serious voice, with passion behind his words. I had come with the sole purpose of sharing my clue with him, but I didn’t want this conversation to end. There was more I wanted to know. “You said you couldn’t afford a lease in London…where will you go when the house party is over? Have you been able to find many clients?”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “I plan to go back to York. My reputation has grown there better than it ever will in London. I have several connections who will continue to recommend me when I return. At least, I hope they will.” He gave a pained smile.

I bit my tongue to stop myself from asking the other question that burned in my mind. If all his clients were in York, then why was he in London at all?

Why was he so eager to greet Miles upon his return?

He had refused to tell me the reason. He had said I wouldn’t believe him. In truth, I didn’t know what to believe. My head had firm opinions, but my heart had been developing some of its own. The stories Miles had told me about Alexander seemed impossible now.

I pushed my questions aside. Speaking of Miles had only become a point of contention between us. “I’m certain you’ll find many clients there,” I said with an encouraging smile. I didn’t like his somber expression. “And if by any chance you don’t, I suppose you could always marry an heiress. Surely you would be capable of charming any lady you wanted.”

“Not any lady.” His eyes met mine.

My throat dried up, and I tried to swallow.

Thankfully, he spoke again, breaking the silence. “You won’t find me hunting a fortune. I meant what I said to Octavia. I won’t marry for anything but love.” He pushed away from the wall, taking a few steps closer to me. “I saw how my parents bickered and avoided one another. Their marriage was arranged because of my father’s land and my mother’s dowry. To this day, they rarely speak.”

My brow furrowed. “Truly? I never knew they were so distant.” Miles had never spoken of it, and I had never asked. I had been raised beyond the age of seven without a mother, so I hardly remembered the relationship my father shared with her. I had certainly seen the consequences.

Alexander nodded, his gaze searching my face. “Did your parents marry for love? As I recall, your father raised you alone?”

“Well, I don’t know if I would call it that.” I walked toward one of the blue velvet sofas, dropping down into the soft cushions. Alexander followed, taking the seat beside me. “My father wasn’t involved in my life. He avoided my sister Henrietta entirely.” My throat ached. “He loved my mother fiercely. I don’t think there was room in his heart for anyone else. When she died giving birth to Henrietta, my father was lost in his grief for so long. He resented Henrietta, blaming her for taking our mother’s life. He abandoned both of us by keeping himself distant.” I scowled at the floor. “I felt responsible for her. I was the only one left who loved her. Sweet, innocent Henrietta.” I blinked hard amid a smile. I missed her. “There wasn’t anything I wouldn’t do for her. When our father died five years ago, Henrietta and I were sent to live with our aunt and uncle. That arrangement only lasted until Henrietta’s first London season.”

Alexander’s gaze burned against my cheek. I dared a look at his face. “Where is Henrietta now?” he asked.

“Married. Happy.” I sniffed. “She deserves it.” My eyes burned with tears. I had never shared so much of my upbringing with anyone.

“You practically raised your sister?” His gentle voice disassembled my defenses, block by block.

“She taught me a great deal about patience.” I laughed, my throat tight. “It was a challenge looking after her all of the time, but I managed.” Keeping my emotions buried was how I had learned to live, but Alexander knew precisely what to say to unravel them.

“Was there anyone looking after you?” he asked.

“No. But I’ve always had others to look after. I never needed that.” I shook my head fast.

“Everyone needs that.”

The lump in my throat was difficult to manage. I swallowed hard, reaching under the hem of my skirt for the clue I had tucked in my shoe. This subject was far too uncomfortable. My hands shook as I unfolded the foolscap. “We met to discuss the clue. I nearly forgot.” My voice came out too quick.

Alexander stopped me, his fingers wrapping around mine. His grip was soft, just enough to steady my quaking hand. “Anne.”

I looked up, shocked my the raw concern in his gaze. He wiped a tear from my cheek with his thumb, but it only made more of them slip down my face. “I promise I will look after you as long as you’ll allow me.” He looked down for a moment, seeming to gather his words. “No one should fend for themselves at a house party as unpredictable as this one.”

I laughed, a choked sound in my throat. “I’m sorry,” I said with a groan. “Something is amiss with my composure today.”

There wasn’t a hint of judgment in his eyes. “Don’t apologize. Feelings can be uncomfortable, especially if they’re not what you expected.”

My heart gave an unexpected thud.

I wiped at my nose, tearing my gaze away from his face.“We are going to run out of time.” I dried my cheeks with the back of my glove before holding up the foolscap.

Alexander took it from my hand. “Let us see if we can decipher this riddle. How clever can Lady Tottenham be?”

“Remarkably so.” I read along as Alexander spoke the riddle aloud.

To find the prize which you now seek to claim

Search for the letters that spell out his name.

You’ll find the key underfoot of the game

With which you’ll unlock her heart in its frame.

Alexander fell silent for a long moment, studying the words again. “His name? Who is he ?”

I snatched the foolscap from his hand again, squinting down at the clue. “There is also a mention of a she .” I pointed at the last line. “The two must be associated.”

“Yes, that would make sense.”

“I have considered the possibility that it could be two other guests here,” I said. “Perhaps others who are forming an attachment. Mrs. Pike and Mr. Lymington? I have also wondered if the he might be you.” I glanced up at him. “Lady Tottenham has observed our attachment, so she might have associated my next clue with the letters of your name.”

“Let us hope that isn’t true. My name has a lot of letters,” he said with a laugh.

I exhaled through tight lips. “‘Unlock her heart in its frame’ must involve a painting or portrait of some kind. I don’t think she could be referring to my heart.”

“In that case, she likely isn’t referring to my name,” Alexander added.

“That’s true.” I tapped my foot on the rug. “Do you think Lady Tottenham could be referring to herself or one of the past ladies of Birch house? There are several portraits of women who once lived here.”

Alexander’s contemplative expression shifted to realization. “She has romanticized her marriage to Lord Tottenham many times. She mentioned that the entire game was in honor of him. It makes sense that he would be the man she’s referring to.” He bit his lower lip. “Do you know her late husband’s name?”

“Lord Tottenham?” I said with a dull laugh.

He smiled. “If only it were so obvious. Our first item of business shall be to learn her late husband’s Christian name. Then we may begin searching for the letters.”

“That does seem like a reasonable place to start,” I said.

Alexander stretched out his long legs in front of him, crossing his ankles. He leaned back, propping one hand behind his head. “It seems I do have a way with riddles.”

I maintained my straight posture, glancing at him over my shoulder. “Perhaps I shouldn’t involve you,” I said with a grimace. “You’re already far too arrogant.”

His eyes slid to me with a proud smile that confirmed my words. “You’re the one who asked me for help.”

I pursed my lips, fighting a smile. “I’m already regretting it.”

He sat up, rotating toward me. One of his dark brows lifted. “If your faith in me is so lacking, I’m forced to believe that your true motive was to spend more time alone with me.”

I gasped, a surge of laughter in my stomach. “You’re ridiculous!”

His eyes softened. “You’re beautiful.”

“Stop that!” I stood from the sofa, marching a few paces away. At a safe distance, I turned to face him again.

He stood, straightening his jacket before taking two strides toward me. I held my ground, though I was tempted to back away a step. His effect on me was unsettling, and avoiding it was becoming more difficult. Each time he moved close to me, I was torn between two decisions. Tug him closer, or push him violently away. The contradiction was infuriating, and it induced far more anxiety than I could manage. This is Miles’s younger brother , I reminded myself. Developing any feelings for him would be a disaster. Separating Alexander from Miles would be the worst mistake I could make. Observing their many differences, it was easy to forget that they were brothers. But keeping the two connected was the only way I would be able to remain immune to Alexander’s obvious charm and flirtation. I had no wish to betray Miles just weeks before his return.

I caught my breath, holding it for a moment as I gathered my composure. Alexander was standing so close, those dark eyes gleaming with…what was it exactly? Amusement? It was deeper than that—more layered and complex.

More serious.

His lips still smiled, but his eyes held a riddle of their own. It was impossible to solve. “Am I not allowed to pay you a compliment?” he asked, his voice deep. “You’re beautiful. I want you to know that.”

My heart fluttered against my will. I tried to swallow, but my throat was suddenly too parched. “You’re already forgetting the very first rule on my list,” I said in a weak voice. “Flirtation is only allowed with an audience.”

His gaze roamed my face for a long moment. “I disagree with that rule.”

Just as I opened my mouth to deliver a retort, he took a step back. The distance silenced me. I was suddenly aware of the heat tingling on my cheeks.

“But not to worry,” he said. “I’m only rehearsing for the day ahead of us.” His smile lingered. “Lady Tottenham and her guests will be expected a nauseating display of affection at breakfast, and I intend to deliver a worthy performance.” He winked.

The lightness in his voice made my shoulders relax. I was taking everything far too seriously. It was a weakness of mine. I needed to relax. Our courtship was fake as long as I allowed it to remain that way. I was in control of my own heart and mind. His actions, and my own feelings, didn’t need to be confusing. Alexander and I were friends, that was all. If I continued to keep him at a safe distance, there would be no harm done. I could leave the house party in a few short weeks and be reunited with Miles, with nothing left to hold me back.

He isn’t the man you think he is. Alexander’s words echoed in the back of my mind.

I had disregarded his words before, but now they were rising to the surface. I was still too afraid to ask what he meant.

I was too afraid I would believe him.

Believing what Alexander had said about Miles would be just as foolish as believing Alexander’s compliments and flirtations.

“Very well.” I walked past him, sparing just one short glance as I made my way to the door. “At breakfast, you may flirt all you want.” I stopped in the doorway. “But you may wish to avoid displaying too much of that nauseating affection in front of Mrs. Pike. She does tend to have a sensitive stomach.”

I caught one quick glimpse of his smile before I hurried into the corridor.

When I returned to my room, I called Jane to come help arrange my hair more properly for breakfast. She tugged on a strand of my hair, pulling it tight toward the crown of my head. I met her gaze in the mirror. “Surely you are too young to have worked for the late Lord Tottenham?”

She nodded, adding a pin to my hair. “I never knew ‘im, my lady.”

“Do you know his Christian name?”

Jane’s eyes widened with surprise, likely at the peculiarity of my question. “Yes.”

I cast her a curious look, trying to look as innocent as possible. “What is it? His portrait only refers to him as ‘The Earl of Tottenham.’”

She took the rags out of the front half of my hair, leaving behind a set of neat curls. “‘is name was Walter. I’ve ‘eard the mistress refer to ‘im by that name many times.”

I smiled. “A lovely name.”

Jane’s brow twinged with confusion, but she said nothing more as she placed the last few pins and took her leave.

Walter. Only six letters. That couldn’t be so difficult.

I needed to keep my focus on the prize, and not just Lady Tottenham’s mysterious one. An engagement to the man I had always loved was finally possible. It was within reach. The house party would carry on with its peculiar activities, I would carry on searching for clues, and Alexander and I would carry on with our fake courtship. Before I knew it, the weeks would be over, Lady Tottenham’s prize would be claimed, and Miles would be back in London.

At the end of it, there were only two outcomes. I would win, or I would lose.

Either way, at least I would know that I never gave up.

All I had to do was keep my heart under strict watch for the rest of the house party, especially around Alexander. It had been unpredictable of late.

Even less predictable than Lady Tottenham’s dessert menu.