“I don’t know,” Hal admitted.
Hestony closed her eyes, leaning back against the wall behind her. Who would do that? Who, in all of London, would have a motive to seek to ruin her and her mother? To push them into a state of such penury that they…
“Hal!” Hestony shot upright, eyes opening. “I just had a thought. Do you think that it could be Lord Osburne who is behind this?”
Hal stared at her. “Lord Osburne?”
“He wanted to wed me. That much is clear. The only way he could convince Mama into it was to push us to a situation of near-destitution. Then, the moment I reach out my hand to you, you’re struck by the same mysterious gentleman? Does it not seem odd?”
“It’s possible,” Hal admitted. His eyes held a new light. “But…how could we prove it?”
“If the money went missing from you when he became aware of our closeness – the most-recent London visit, say – that’s a clue. Not proof, exactly, but a sign that suggests it.”
Hal looked at her with respect. “My, but you’re clever,” he said approvingly. Hestony felt her cheeks grow warm.
“I don’t know about that,” she admitted, feeling her heart get full. “But, well…how can we prove it?”
“I can’t imagine him owning a brocade waistcoat,” Hal admitted. “Or anything colorful, even. The fellow always dresses in black.” He chuckled.
“Well, we could search his wardrobe,” Hestony suggested.
“How?” Hal stared at her, astonished.
“I have some friends who could help,” Hestony said. Her mind was racing, already forming a plan.
“Hestony…” Hal smiled at her warmly. “You always manage to find new ways to surprise me.”
“Oh, Hal,” Hestony whispered, and stroked his cheek. A trace of powder came away, showing an angry bruise beneath. “You surprise me, too,” she added, smiling up at him, wiping the powder away with her kerchief. “How did you manage to hide these bruises?”
“I came up here, when I saw the ball had begun, and borrowed your face-powder. Sorry,” he added, grinning as she felt her brow shoot up in surprise. “I just didn’t wish to alarm you.”
“So you tried to conceal your injury from me?” Hestony sighed, shaking her head as she gently stroked his cheek. “Oh, Hal. You are dear, you know that?”
“I love you, Hestony,” he whispered softly. “Very much.”
“And I love you too, Hal Ellington.”
They kissed.
When they felt ready, they went down to the hall. Their guests were already starting to leave, the ball gently breaking up into smaller parties, each sitting and talking and drinking together. Hestony and Hal bid them goodbye as they left, then retired early to bed.
They had a big day to plan for.
Chapter Thirty-One
Matters Revealed
Hal looked across at Hestony. She sat beside him in the coach, her face tranquil, at ease. Hal felt fresh amazement course through his veins.
She reached across and smiled warmly. “I think that when we get back to Yorkshire, I’ll ask Mrs. Listner, the seamstress, to make me a gown with Marie sleeves. They’re such a pretty style, don’t you think?”
“Um, the puffed ones, with the bands?” Hal frowned. “Yes, they are.”
“I’ll look forward to that, when we get back.”
Hal leaned back in his seat, feeling her assurance fill him. She wanted him to focus on their safe return. He pressed her hand, appreciating her thoughtfulness. He himself was afraid. The attack by the thugs had been brutal. It had only been Lord Osburne’s own order to spare his life that had stopped them from staving his head in. He hadn’t told Hestony that part. He didn’t want to scare her.
“So,” she continued. “I think we are all set to plan a ball for when we return, too.”
“Yes,” he agreed. “We are.”
They rattled on through the streets. In a few hours, it would be black as night out here, the shadows all gathering in. Hal shuddered and hoped Hestony hadn’t noticed. He would be pleased when this was over.
“Is the house in Kensington?” he asked, looking at the tall, gracious houses that lined the street. The neighborhood practically announced its wealth, from the fine fountains to the sandstone buildings.
“Yes…here we are,” Hestony said, then pointed. “We’ll stop here, I think.”
They stopped. Hal reached up to help her down, staring up at the place. In dusk, it had an eerie feel to it. He glanced at Hestony, who seemed perfectly at ease.
“Let’s go in,” she said.
She knocked with the bronze door-knocker, her slim hand on the knob. A minute later, a man opened it.
“Mr. Brownley,” she said lightly. “Please tell Lady Raymonde that Mrs. Ellington is here to see her.”
The old man looked left and right nervously, but nodded. “Yes, Madam. Please wait inside.”
Hestony nodded to Hal, who followed her indoors. He stared up at the soaring, arced ceiling. The family was clearly incredibly wealthy. It was preposterous that Lord Osburne would have stolen money from anyone! And yet, it seemed as if it must be him.
“Lady Hestony?”
Hal turned to see a tall lady with dark red hair standing at the head of the stairs. Her face was disconcertingly composed, her hands at her sides. She wore a dress of dark brocade. Hestony curtseyed and went to join her on the landing. Hal followed.
“Lady Raymonde,” Hestony said. “May I introduce Mr. Henry Ellington?”
“Mr. Ellington. I believe we’ve met. I’m pleased to renew the acquaintance.”
“Yes, I think we have,” Hal nodded vaguely, though he didn’t recall having done so. “Charmed to renew the acquaintance, My Lady,” he added.
“Lady Raymonde, we came to you to ask for a favor,” Hestony said steadily. “May we look through your brother’s things?”
“Why would you want to?” Lady Raymonde asked levelly. Her fine brows rose in surprise. She was instantly defensive, her voice cool.
“Because I think he might have something of Lord Weston’s,” Hestony replied levelly. She wasn’t about to let herself be daunted. Not by anyone. “It’ll only take a moment.”
“I need to know what you’re looking for,” Lady Raymonde said smoothly. “Mayhap Mr. Leeson, my brother’s servant, can find what you seek.”