If Not for the Duke, page 26
Lena shook her head. “The bigger problem is that Sterling is slow to trust others. Just when he was beginning to trust me, this happened. He even asked if I was working with Ludham and Winslow.”
“Then he is a fool. He should know in his heart that you would never deceive him.”
Lena’s breath caught. “But didn’t I? I didn’t trust him enough to tell him about my gift. I am as much to blame as he is.”
Norah sank against the cushions as the truth of what Lena had said sank in. “You’re right. You should have. But there are reasons you didn’t. Strong, valid reasons. If you explain, he might understand.”
Lena pressed a hand against her mouth as she considered the suggestion. “I don’t know if I have the courage. What if he thinks even more poorly of me than I fear?”
“Then he is not the right man for you. That much I know.” Norah held her gaze. “Please tell me you will consider it. Love is worth fighting for.”
While Lena knew that to be true, she didn’t know if she dared to tell Sterling what was in her heart.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Lena donned her favorite ball gown—an emerald green that gave her much-needed confidence. The gown was in the princess style with no bustle and a slim silhouette. The bodice had gold and green stripes and was trimmed in lace.
She put on her grandmother’s locket, rubbing the smooth metal for luck. Nancy rolled her hair into a loose chignon at the back of her neck, leaving several wispy strands to curl around her face.
“You look lovely, miss,” the maid said with a smile as she stepped back to admire Lena’s appearance in the mirror.
“Thank you, Nancy.”
The Willingham ball was this evening. Another message to Bernie had confirmed that she and Sterling planned to attend, though Bernie said she wouldn’t truly enjoy any functions until Winslow had been caught. Marbury had told Lena that rumors suggested the man had fled to the Continent. He hadn’t returned home, and his few remaining servants had left. The police continued to search for him to no avail.
Lena didn’t blame Bernie for still being worried but hoped the ball would provide an opportunity to speak with Sterling. To apologize for not trusting him with her ability sooner. If that went well, she intended to share what was in her heart with the hope he might feel the same.
Butterflies danced in her middle at the thought. She hoped nerves didn’t get the best of her. But she’d had plenty of time to think during the past two days. Norah was right. Love was worth fighting for. She need only look at her sisters to see just how true that was.
At this moment, the chance for a future with Sterling felt as far out of reach as a star in the night sky—bright, full of promise, but untouchable.
She shook aside the dismal thought and focused on her plan. If she didn’t try, she would forever regret this chance. That much she knew for certain. But regardless of how Sterling reacted, she realized how much she’d changed in the past few weeks.
While her gift of premonition would always set her apart, she now felt at peace with it. Especially when she reflected on how helpful it had been of late. Gifts should be welcomed and acknowledged just as her grandmother had done. Not demanded nor rejected. The timing of her intuition was rarely ideal, but she hoped she now had the peace of mind to allow her ability to grace her and those she cared for whenever possible.
Whether Sterling would understand remained to be seen. If they were to have the chance for a future together, he would have to accept her and her gift.
She took comfort in knowing Norah and Vanbridge would be at the ball as well. Norah would be pleased if she learned of Lena’s plan, but Lena wasn’t certain if she’d tell her. Her questioning looks would make Lena even more nervous.
Within the hour, Lady Havenby came for Lena and they arrived at Willingham House. Nerves continued to plague Lena, making her doubt her plan and sending chills along her body.
“What is it?” Lady Havenby asked, her voice sounding as if she were speaking to Lena from another room as they alighted from the carriage.
“Nothing.” Lena frowned, trying to determine what was happening. The feeling dropped away before she could take a firm hold of it. She cleared her thoughts, but it remained elusive. Was she merely nervous or was her intuition trying to tell her something? Wishing wouldn’t make the feeling come. All she could do was open herself to the gift.
As they climbed the stairs lit by torches and entered the open doors of the townhouse, a light-headed sensation had her blinking to clear her dizziness. She drew a deep breath to regain her balance, relieved when it worked.
“Are you certain?” Lady Havenby asked, clearly worried. “You’ve gone pale.”
“I’m fine.” Lena forced a smile and looped her arm through the older woman’s. She intended to embrace her gift but also wanted to keep it hidden. The balance was a difficult one. “Excited for the evening is all.”
“If you’re sure…” At Lena’s nod, the older woman smiled. “I have no doubt it will be a delightful ball.” She leaned close. “Tell me, do you hope to dance with the Duke of Renwick again?”
“I do.” The thought of it had her stomach dipping as if she’d taken a misstep. She hoped for not just a dance but a few minutes to speak with him more than she could say.
After greeting their hosts then continuing into the ballroom, Lena reminded herself it was unlikely that he was already there as the hour was still relatively early. That didn’t keep her from looking over the crowd for his tall, commanding form.
To her delight, he stood across the room near Bernie and Mrs. Easton, listening to his sister, his expression somber as usual. His elegant evening clothes and aristocratic features caused another dip in her middle.
Bernie looked wonderful, much to Lena’s relief. Her animated face showed no hint of distress as she gestured with her hands.
But it was Sterling who caught her attention once more. As if feeling the weight of her regard, he looked up and met her gaze. Her breath caught as she waited, wishing he’d give her a sign—something to indicate he was pleased to see her. That there was a chance her crazy plan to win his heart might work.
He smiled. Only a hint of one with the corner of his mouth curling slightly. But that was more than enough to cause her heart to dance with joy.
Maybe this evening would be the beginning of the rest of her life. Maybe he felt half of what she felt for him. Hope welled within her, nearly bringing tears to her eyes.
“The duke should attempt a smile on occasion,” Lady Havenby whispered to Lena as she frowned at Sterling.
“He is smiling,” Lena protested. She supposed it was so subtle that those who didn’t know him well might not see it. But she did.
“If you say so.” Lady Havenby’s expression remained doubtful. “I shall eagerly wait to see if he asks you to dance.”
“As will I.” Lena’s gaze returned to Sterling, who continued to watch her with a steady regard. Was that heat in his eyes, or was she imagining things from across the room?
Before she could decide, she felt a presence at her elbow.
“Good evening, Miss Wright,” Lord Canham said. “May I have the honor of a dance?”
Though Lena wished to refuse since the only man she wanted to dance with was Sterling, she nodded. “I would be delighted. Thank you.” The opportunity to speak with Sterling would arrive if she was patient.
However, she lost track of Sterling and Bernie over the next half hour as she danced several times and greeted friends. Norah and Vanbridge hadn’t arrived, making her wonder about their delay.
After returning to Lady Havenby’s side a fourth time, she could wait no longer to speak with Sterling. As she scanned the ballroom for him, a footman appeared at her elbow.
“Excuse me, miss. I have a message for you.” The liveried servant bowed then offered her a small slip of paper.
“Thank you.” Anticipation swelled through her as she took it, holding it with reverence. Could it be from Sterling? Had he found a way for them to steal a few moments together?
The servant stepped away, leaving Lena to glance at Lady Havenby, pleased her chaperone hadn’t noticed the delivery of the message. Lena kept her back to her and opened the message.
Meet me on the terrace.
S
Lena studied the words, uncertainty filling her rather than joy. She couldn’t explain her doubt. She’d never seen Sterling’s handwriting. But she didn’t think it was from him. Who else could have sent it?
A chill crept over her as the music faded from her awareness.
It wasn’t from Sterling. She knew that beyond a doubt. Then the answer struck her—Winslow.
Fear stole her breath as the sound of the music rushed back into her awareness, seeming overly loud. What should she do?
She glanced around the ballroom as panic threatened, only to realize she needed to pretend excitement in case Winslow watched. She didn’t dare find Sterling to tell him what she knew, or they’d never catch the man. If she had the chance to end this tonight, she intended to take it.
“Lena, you look lovely this evening.”
She turned to find Viscount Worley beside her with his customary smile. “Worley. Thank goodness. You’re just in time.”
“Oh?” His brow raised in question, his gaze holding hers even as his smile faded. “What’s wrong?”
“Winslow asked me to meet him on the terrace.” She forced a smile, doing her best to act as if nothing was amiss. She was certain Marbury had told Worley about Winslow’s recent activities. “He could be watching. Pretend I told you something amusing.”
Worley chuckled then offered his arm as a cold gleam appeared in his dark eyes. “We will go find him together.”
“No. If you accompany me, he will surely flee.”
“I’m not allowing you to see him alone.” The steel in Worley’s tone was so unlike him that she studied him in surprise.
“There’s no other way. I’ll distract him so you and Sterling can—”
“Is Renwick here?” Worley glanced about. “There he is. By the refreshment table.”
Lena did her best to allow her gaze to casually take in the room, at last seeing Sterling. Her heartbeat sped. She wanted the chance to aid him and Bernie if she could. Thank goodness Norah and Vanbridge hadn’t arrived. Norah would know in a heartbeat what Lena intended and wouldn’t approve.
Time was of the essence.
Keeping her polite smile, she turned away from Sterling to face Worley. “Please tell Sterling what’s happening, but not until I have stepped onto the terrace.”
“No. That is a terrible plan.” The heated words caused Lena’s smile to falter. “Winslow could take you away before we arrive.”
“Smile, Worley,” Lena reminded him. “Remember? He could be watching.”
Temper showed through the viscount’s smile. “I’m not leaving you unattended with Winslow, Lena.”
“Fine.” Lena released a frustrated breath as she considered other options. “You proceed toward the terrace doors, so you’ll be nearby when I step out.”
“I have a better plan. I’ve been here numerous times and am familiar with the house. I’ll go out through another entrance and see if I can find Winslow to make certain he doesn’t escape.”
“Worley,” Lena began, fear for her friend threatening to take hold, making her realize that her plan held risk. “Promise you’ll take care.”
“I will if you will.” His smile softened. “Determine another way to alert Renwick. I’ll see the two of you outside.” With a dip of his head, he departed, meandering slowly through the crowd in the direction of the corridor that led to the card rooms.
Lena didn’t look at Sterling again, but instead, moved a few steps toward Lady Havenby, certain she could count on her assistance.
The lady finished speaking with a friend and glanced at Lena. “Are you enjoying yourself, my dear?”
“I am. But I wonder if I could ask an urgent favor.”
“Of course.” The lady’s eyes lit with interest.
Lena debated what to say. Sharing that she wanted to meet a man on the terrace, who was more than likely armed and dangerous, seemed unwise. Lady Havenby would never allow her to carry out her plan. Yet the lady adored being in the thick of any excitement. Lena and her sisters had witnessed that after having had more than their fair share of alarming escapades after coming to London.
A portion of the truth would have to do.
“Renwick, Worley, and I are hoping to catch Winslow, the man who threatened Lady Bernice,” she whispered.
Lady Havenby’s eyes went wide. “How do you intend to do that? Is he here?” She started to glance about, but Lena reached for her arm to stop her.
“He might be watching us at this very moment, so we must pretend all is well,” Lena warned as she smiled.
Lady Havenby quickly did the same. “What do you want me to do?” The thrilled look on the older woman’s face couldn’t be denied.
“Could you please make your way to Renwick and advise him that we need him on the terrace?”
“Surely, you’re not going out there.” Lady Havenby frowned, clearly displeased with the idea. “That could be dangerous.”
“Worley is doing so.” Lena hoped that would satisfy her. After all, it was true. Never mind that she hadn’t responded directly to her remark.
“Very well.” She nodded. “Shall I find Renwick now?”
“Yes. He’s near the refreshment table. Remember to proceed slowly and act as if nothing is amiss. We must assume Winslow is watching.”
“You may count on me.” With a lift of her chin, Lady Havenby started in Sterling’s direction, greeting a few acquaintances as she went.
Lena blew out a relieved breath. Now it was her turn to act. For once, her gift had proven to be of assistance right when she needed it. Perhaps Sterling could find it in his heart to care for her and accept her as she was if she helped catch Winslow.
She moved toward the terrace, forcing a smile as if she were excited at the thought of meeting Sterling and ignoring the knot of fear in the pit of her stomach.
*
Sterling watched Lady Havenby approach, disappointed to see Lena wasn’t with her. Each time he’d located Lena and started in her direction, along with Bernie, they’d been interrupted. He wasn’t leaving Bernie’s side this evening. Not when Winslow hadn’t been found.
The look he’d shared with Lena earlier had sent his pulse racing. His body reacted each time he saw her. He caught himself—it wasn’t only his body that reacted. It was his heart. He loved her with all that he was.
The past two days had given him ample time to realize he couldn’t imagine a future without Lena. He might not fully understand her intuition, but he trusted her and wouldn’t allow anything to keep them apart.
Yet it was impossible to make plans for their future until Winslow was found. Once that happened, he would advise Clarke he was shutting down the treasure hunt on Oak Island.
He’d received a report from Richard Norton stating that Clarke was digging in four different shafts and had plans to start two more. The famed treasure hunter was scrambling, taking shortcuts where he shouldn’t in an effort to find the supposed treasure quickly. Two of the men he’d hired had already quit, claiming unsafe conditions.
The dig had caused more problems than Sterling had thought possible. Halting the project would remove a major obstacle that kept him from Lena. After that, he would share what was in his heart.
He was anxious to put his plan in motion. Did he dare share the details with Lena this evening or should he wait until he’d completed it with the hope his actions showed her how much he cared? Attempting to explain in a crowded ballroom seemed impossible.
Before he could decide for certain, Lady Havenby reached his side.
“Good evening, Your Grace.” She gave a rather hurried curtsy while he bowed.
“Good evening.”
She greeted Bernie and Aunt Edith before returning her attention to Sterling. “I wonder if I might have a moment of your time.”
Alarm filled him as he noted her forced smile even as concern tightened her features. “What is it?”
“Miss Wright asked that I advise you that Viscount Worley needs you on the terrace to aid him in capturing Winslow.”
“What?” Shock had him responding more loudly than he should’ve.
“Smile,” she demanded, keeping her own. “We must assume he’s watching.” The drama in her tone would’ve been amusing under other circumstances.
“I do not smile.” That was no longer completely true. Not since Lena had entered his life.
“Oh. Yes, of course.” Her ready agreement annoyed him, much to his surprise. “It would look quite out of character if you did.”
“Humph.” He intended to change that just as soon as he got his hands on Winslow. He glanced at Bernie, who was conversing with Aunt Edith. “Might I ask for your assistance in return?” he asked Lady Havenby.
“Of course.” Her face lit with delight. “It is quite exciting to be needed so much this evening.”
He frowned, not certain what she was speaking about. But he had no time to ask. “Would you remain with Lady Bernice and Aunt Edith? They’re rather nervous after what happened.”
“All the more reason that Winslow is caught this evening.” The lady gave a decisive nod. “I would be honored to remain with them until your safe return.”
“Thank you.” Sterling turned to Bernie and Aunt Edith. “I need to step away to take care of something.” When alarm flared in Bernie’s eyes, he did his best to reassure her. “I will return shortly, but meanwhile, Lady Havenby will remain at your side.”
Rather than wait for their questions, he walked toward the terrace, forging a path through the crowd as best he could. Luckily, most moved out of his way. He truly did need to do something about his reputation as being grumpy, based on the way several of the other guests hurriedly stepped aside.
He reached the terrace doors, but there was no sign of Lena. He looked about again, questions circling through his mind. What was Winslow doing at the ball? How did Lena know he was here? And how did Worley think to capture him?
