A Dance with the Charming Baron, page 14
“I completely understand,” Olivia responded, and told Derrick of a game she had made up to play with herself when she was young. “And? Where is the Dowling Estate from here?” she asked.
Silently, Derrick turned around towards the west, and Olivia followed. There, rising above a row of three ancient oak trees stood a humbler, but arguably prettier estate. Eliza’s old home. Such a feeling of homesickness flooded through Derrick’s chest, though he was standing right there, on the grounds of his home. He ached for a carefree past, when Eliza’s laugh tinkled through the air, and they had no more worries than what to eat for lunch.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Olivia said quietly.
“It’s nothing without Eliza in it,” Derrick responded before shaking the loneliness off himself.
Olivia laughed at his moodiness. “I completely understand the cloud hanging over your head. Up until quite recently, I’ve had a very similar cloud over mine.”
“Until recently?” Derrick asked, as they walked back through the gardens towards the estate entrance. “Pray tell, what has changed?”
“Nothing in particular I suppose, only that it’s been pleasantly distracting, throwing myself into this detective work, getting to the bottom of Ashby’s true identity and intentions. Your company and that of your cousin Leo has been equally diverting. Nothing like a decent laugh to make you forget the self-involved pain of heartbreak,” Olivia admitted.
“Is that so? Do you mean to say that perhaps you… perhaps you admire my cousin Leo, just a little bit?” Derrick teased, and Olivia flushed red.
“No, no, Leonard Blackwell is certifiably one of the silliest men in all of London! I couldn’t possibly seriously consider a person like that, could I?” Olivia responded, self-consciously.
“Are you asking me?”
“It was a hypothetical question. Rhetorical, I mean. I already know the answer.”
Derrick smiled. “Indeed, Leo is a terribly silly man. But he’s also, as you say, terribly fun. And he’s getting older. I wouldn’t be surprised if he straightened up one of these days. And he does have a very large fortune coming his way, if that was ever a factor to consider. As a serious man myself, I can admit that to be a serious man is overrated. We all need a Leo in our lives, and general wisdom states that opposites attract in these matters. Some of the time anyway,” Derrick said, considering whether or not Eliza was truly his opposite.
Olivia quickly and artfully changed the subject of conversation, but Derrick made a note to himself to casually mention to Leo that there might be some interest on Olivia’s part that he hadn’t originally thought might be there. A darker thought crossed his mind, however, as he considered the closeness between Leo and Ashby. Eliza wasn’t the only person who stood to lose something by their association with Ashby. If Leo wasn’t careful, he was just as susceptible to become another of Ashby’s victims.
The afternoon passed by in a haze of distraction as Honoria and Olivia chatted away, and Derrick tried not to allow his sullen mood to ruin anyone else’s. More than anything, he wanted to run all the way to Eliza’s doorstep, tell her everything he had learned of Ashby’s dastardly behaviour, wrap her in his arms, and tell her he loved her more than he’d ever loved anything or anyone else.
He simply needed the strength and bravery, which was easier said than done.
Chapter 10
“I loathe leaving, you know I do, but I simply cannot stay in that house any longer. Not with that man on the loose,” Honoria said, as their carriage back to London plodded along. Too slowly for Derrick’s liking for he was anxious to see Eliza once more, but there was no rushing the distance.
Honoria had flipped and flopped on whether or not to return to London since the robbery. On the one hand she boasted loudly of her own bravery in the face of danger, saying that she wasn’t afraid of any thief for her own sake. But if the violent burglar struck again and something should happen to her, she would never forgive herself for depriving the world of her wisdom. So it was decided - she would return to the London estate with Derrick.
“I am very pleased that you have made such a decision, Mother. It’s gracious of you really, to think of the rest of us like that. The emptiness that would be left in your wake would be unbearable, should something happen to you,” Derrick replied, with only a hint of sarcasm in his voice. His mother didn’t notice in the slightest. Usually having his mother in town with him was quite a burden, but with so many matters keeping him busy, Derrick wasn’t terribly concerned. Besides, part of him was genuinely worried for her safety in the big country estate by herself. What might have happened to Honoria if Mr. Tenet hadn’t been there to protect her, he didn’t like to think.
“Ah, the hustle and bustle of the city. Everyone has someone to see and somewhere to be,” Honoria said as they approached London’s limit, her tone one of judgement.
“Mother, it was only a few short years ago that you were one and the same. I thank God every day that you’ve slowed your pace for the sake of your health, but you cannot say that you did not enjoy the commotion of the city while you were a part of it,” Derrick replied.
“Yes, you are quite right. But the older one becomes, the wiser one becomes. I see now that a happy home is more important than social standing. To a point, of course.” As she spoke those last few words, she looked sharply at Derrick as if she was warning him. It went without saying that Honoria still expected him to marry into nobility, and rich nobility at that. “It was very nice of Olivia to come to see us after the incident,” Honoria said, as if on cue.
It had brought Derrick quite a bit of relief to see Olivia as well, but more importantly to hear the news she had brought with her. It was terribly vindicating to have proof of Ashby’s dastardly deeds; proof that he could now bring forth to Eliza and his mother, who still was in the habit of telling Derrick that he ought to befriend Ashby. He wasn’t quite ready to tell Honoria all of what he had learned, but knew the time would come soon.
Leo was already at the London estate when Derrick and Honoria arrived and Derrick was grateful for his presence, if only to serve as another ear to listen to his mother’s tale of bravery.
“Aunt Honoria, I always knew you were to be feared and revered, but now my respect for you has doubled, nay tripled. I ought to call for you every time a bump in the night gives me a start,” Leo said admirably.
“I cannot protect the world over from every burglar, especially here in the city where thieves are most certainly an epidemic. However, should you ever find yourself with an enemy that needs a stern talking to, you know where to find me. I have taken down many a formidable foe with my words alone. Swords and rifles are for those with dull powers of negotiation,” Honoria said, terribly proud of herself. Indeed, Derrick wished he had half of his mother’s gift of communication. Perhaps Eliza wouldn’t be angry with him at that very moment if he had expressed himself more clearly, and in a less selfish manner.
“Wiser words were never spoken, Aunt Honoria. But I’m afraid I’ve come for a less worthy cause than peace: Derrick, are you too tired from your journey to come to the races this afternoon, or do you have the strength to see your cousin’s success firsthand?” Leo asked, looking at Derrick hopefully.
In truth, going to the track was the last thing Derrick had in mind, but he did not have an excuse at the ready. Seeing Eliza was what preoccupied his mind, though he was terribly nervous to see her again given how poorly their last interaction had gone. On top of that, Derrick did not wish to encourage his cousin’s gambling habit. He’d already had to help him out of a difficult spot but six months earlier, when Leo had got into a bet he could not fulfill. To his credit, Leo had paid back Derrick’s loan in full, but he did not wish to encourage the activity.
“I’m not sure I do have the energy. There is quite a bit of work I have been neglecting since the fire, and the robbery-”
“Who else will be in attendance?” Honoria asked, interrupting Derrick.
“Myself, Eliza, and Hattie. Why? Is the company of simply myself not enough sway your opinion, Aunt Honoria?!” Leo asked, feigning the insult.
Derrick’s heart leapt at the sound of Eliza’s name.
“Ah, the usual crowd. Well, Derrick, I leave it to you. Although you may see your friends at any time. If Olivia Price was to attend, I might encourage you,” Honoria said stubbornly, as if Derrick still needed her permission to go about as he wished.
“I apologise Leo; of course I should be interested in witnessing your victory, even if there weren’t to be ladies present. I require but a few moments to ready myself, and then we may make our way to the track,” Derrick announced, quickly thinking of a way to excuse his previous reluctance to join.
“Fantastic! It shall be a capital afternoon; you’ll see how terribly fun the whole thing is. I promise, you won’t regret it. You may even be envious of my winnings at the end of the day,” Leo said, teasing his cousin.
“I prefer to earn my money in a way I may be certain of.”
“Aren’t investments simply another form of gambling?” Leo said, and Derrick was forced to laugh. He was right, in a way.
“The odds are safer, but I suppose so, yes. And I will concede that this week has been less than fortuitous. You prove a good point, cousin! May it be a good omen for a fruitful afternoon.”
The race track was bustling with almost all of London’s elites who were able to escape the city for the day. Derrick had attended the races before of course, but not in quite some time, and it was mildly surprising for him to see so many familiar faces though they had travelled quite a distance by horse and carriage outside of the city. As they approached their seats, passing the elegant ladies in flowered skirts and the top hat set, Derrick saw Eliza before she saw him. She looked prettier than any other lady in attendance, in a light coral-coloured dress that shone like a beacon for his heart. Immediately his pulse quickened, and he nervously anticipated her eyes avoiding his. Part of him regretted not writing to her earlier with some sort of apology, an attempt at explaining his abrupt behaviour the last they had spoken.
“Eliza, Hattie, how lovely you both look!” Leo said upon greeting the ladies, and Derrick was immediately jealous of his cousin’s ease with words. For his part, Derrick always seemed to stumble over his thoughts.
Eliza turned to look at the men, and to Derrick’s surprise she did not avoid his look, instead flashing him a small smile. Relief flooded through him. Despite everything, it would appear that at the very least she didn’t hate him. Perhaps it signalled that forgiveness would follow.
“Where have you been? It’s only seconds till the start of the race. Your Sterling is looking in mighty fine form this afternoon Leo,” Hattie said playfully, and Leo sat to her right, so pleased to have finally met someone to indulge in discussions of horse racing with.
The only other seat available was on the other side of Eliza, somewhat separated from Hattie and Leo. Derrick didn’t necessarily mind; in fact it was for the best. If the race could keep Leo occupied, he would be able to tell Eliza everything he’d been longing to. He’d even brought the letters to show her, in case she needed more than his word to go on.
“Leo speaks the truth; you do look lovely this afternoon,” Derrick said, taking his seat beside Eliza. It might have been the heat of the midday sun, but it looked as if Eliza may have blushed at his compliment.
“Thank you. This is my first time attending the races, and I must say it’s all quite exciting. Although I’m not sure it’s the kind of pastime I’d like to risk money on. If I had any of my own for that kind of thing, I mean.”
“My cousin is quite attached to the whole affair,” Derrick responded, unsure of what else to say. A tense silence fell between them. Derrick opened his mouth to speak, but no words followed. Luckily, the race started promptly and there was something for them to watch. “I believe that’s Sterling, there,” Derrick said, pointing towards the speckled beast Leo had bet on.
Eliza nodded, and followed the mustang around the track with her eyes. “He looks to be doing quite well to me, but I have no notion of what goes into such a sport.”
“To be honest, I’m not quite sure myself. Only that they go round and round until they’ve gone round enough and the first one to get around wins,” Derrick said, in an attempt at a joke. It worked, and Eliza cracked a smile.
“The first one wins, all right, I think I can remember that!” Her face grew serious for a moment and she turned to look at Derrick. “I heard about the burglary in Winchester. I’m terribly sorry about it. Is your mother all right? Was much stolen? I can only imagine how frightening the whole affair must have been.” She seemed quite concerned.
“Thank you for asking. Yes, my mother has survived much worse, and I think she enjoys the retelling of the story. Next time you see her, you must ask her to recount the tale for you. She fancies herself a bit of a knight in shining armor!” It was Derrick’s turn to move on towards serious matters. “I wanted to apologise, Eliza, for my behaviour the last time we spoke, after the fire. It was not my place to worry about you, or to accuse Ashby of such crimes without further proof-”
“Please, do not apologise any further. I’m ashamed of my harsh words from that day, and shudder to think how they may have affected you in the time since. Especially since you’ve been through so much, and you continue to be such an incredible support for my family. I should not have doubted your intentions. You’ve been a lifelong friend, and I hope that we may continue to be close friends.”
Derrick wasn’t sure if he wanted to cry or smile. Not often a man for tears, he smiled. “Nothing would make me happier.”
She smiled back. “Good. Edward sends his greetings, and hopes you and your mother are faring well after the robbery.”
“That’s very kind of him. Where is Edward today? I would have expected him to be in attendance. I know activities such as this are just to his liking,” Derrick noted.
The horses rushed by, and the wind from their motion blew a pretty bit of hair out from behind Eliza’s ear. Her lace-gloved hand brushed it back.
“He’s spending the day hunting with Ashby. I’m not quite sure where, but I believe close to his Winchester property.”
Derrick knew it wasn’t necessarily his place to worry, but worry he did, nonetheless. “Hunting with Ashby? I see,” he said, trying to hold back from saying everything he felt. It was necessary to be strategic in how he revealed the proof of Ashby’s dastardly ways that were currently in his possession. There was nothing Derrick wished for less than a repetition of their last conversation.
“I must admit Derrick… with regards to Ashby… in truth, your words have lingered in my mind, and I’m beginning to wonder whether or not there’s some truth to your worries. There’s nothing precisely that I can point to that makes me feel as such, but regardless, I have an odd feeling about him. Something of his thoughtfulness seems disingenuous, as though he’s studied too well the correct things to say. I feel the sense that he would treat me as his property, should we marry, though certainly that is the manner in which most husbands regard their wives. In any case, should we marry I would worry that more unsavoury aspects of his personality may emerge as the years go on.”
Nodding along encouragingly, Derrick fought the urge to say everything he wanted to say, still knowing he needed to pace himself and not frighten Eliza.
“Certainly, I understand your fears. I am very familiar with the fear of paranoia. I have however… discovered some news on the subject that may be of interest to you,” Derrick said, lowering his tone so as to avoid Hattie and Leo overhearing them. Suddenly it occurred to Derrick that it may just seem as if the letters in his possession, when shown to Eliza, may have the effect of making him appear obsessed. In truth, he was obsessed with taking down Ashby, but only because he was worried for his own safety and for that of Eliza.
“Yes? What is it? Please tell me, I’m desperate for more information. All I can do is sit and wait for more to become clear, but my greatest fear is that it never does!” Eliza said, rapt with attention.
“Well, for one thing, I’ve received a letter confirming that he did in fact kill several prisoners with no cause on the battlefield,” Derrick said, reluctantly taking the letters out to show Eliza. “And I received a second letter detailing his current financial status, which I think you’ll find is… deplorable. You may think it odd that I have been hunting around for evidence of his misdeeds, but I promise you, it was only out of a desire to ensure your safety and not to prevent you from finding happiness.”
