Biting her lip, she blinked backtears. How dire were her straits that the Devil of Dunbar showed herpity?
“Alex, Cam will come back. Heshould just about now be realizing what an idiot he is. Forgive me forbeing…somewhat ill-mannered but,” Viscount Lindley sighed, “Cam lovesyou. Terribly. It is not a state he has ever experienced beforewhich does not excuse his blatant stupidity at leaving. I do not evenknow what you argued over, but certainly it can be remedied.”
Alexandra pulled her hand away,regretting the loss of warmth and the strange feeling of safety ViscountLindley gave her. “We shall be fine, my lord. I will be fine.”
“Stubborn.” His tone showedapproval. “As you wish, Lady Reynolds. I’ve given instructions toHobson and Zander at Gray Covington. You ladies should retire toBlackburn Heath. The family seat is three days journey from London anddamned impenetrable. You will be safe there. The country air woulddo wonders for your…condition.” The suggestion held more of a commandthan a request. “I have already recommended such to the Dowager.”
“I appreciate your concern, mylord. I will take your suggestion to heart.”
Viscount Lindley did not like having hisregard ignored, but he acquiesced. “It’s been a pleasure, LadyReynolds.” He placed his hand on the knob and opened the door, thought betterof it and shut it. His dark head swung back to her. The odd eyesstabbed her with intensity. “He will come back, Alex. Ipromise.” As he walked out she heard him mutter, “If I have to shanghaihim myself this time.”
Viscount Lindley’s heavy tread echoed onthe parquet floors as he left her. Her legs felt boneless, incapable ofholding her up. Cautiously she untied the twine wrapped around theleather packet. Viscount Lindley did not lie. No note addressed toher personally was inside, only a sheaf of legal documents making Lady Reynoldsresponsible for of Cambourne in the absence of Lord Sutton Reynolds.
Alexandra ran her fingers over herstomach as tears trailed down her cheeks. Her heart hurt, as if someone slicedopen her chest. Heavy weights sagged her shoulders at the thought of theresponsibility thrust upon her. Sadness and disbelief filled her.If he did come back, it would not be soon.
She put a hand to her mouth, cryingsilently lest the servants hear her and intrude on her despair. She mustbe wise now. She’d told no one about the child she carried, noteven the Dowager. She could tell no one. Announcing the impendingbirth of the heir to Cambourne would put her and her child in gravedanger. Jeanette, especially, must not find out.
Jeanette married Herbert Reynolds barelytwo weeks after Sutton’s departure. Lady ReynoldsknewSutton wouldleave. The woman stalked Alexandra’s every move, visiting Cambourne Houseoften under the guise of seeing Miranda. Jeanette would perch, like a vulture,on the edge of the settee and ask after Alexandra’s health, pointedly lookingat Alexandra’s stomach. She would pretend concern and ask after Sutton.
Thoughts of Jeanette brought Alexandraswiftly back to her conversation with Viscount Lindley. She was notbrave, nor was she stupid. A plan took shape.
Alexandra walked over to the desk anddropped the packet next to a lengthy letter with several invoicesattached. The letter detailed various renovations Alexandra began lastmonth at Helmsby Abbey. Renovations she would need to overseepersonally.
The Cambourne coach would leave by the endof the week for Blackburn Heath, but Alexandra would not be making the entiretrip. She was going home.
THIRTY
“Hit ‘im harder! Bloody fuckingtoff!”
The Marquess of Cambourne stood hisground and swiped at the blood running from his lip. The crowd, a motleycollection of sailors, thieves and other disreputable characters cheered on theirchampion, a wharf rat who decided to pick a fight with Sutton. Hisopponent was much larger, bald and powerfully built. He was also stupidand slow, like an enraged bull. Actually, Sutton thought that was theman’s name. Bull.
“Take his head off!” someone in the crowdscreamed.
“Yes,” Sutton mocked Bull, “take my headoff.”
Bull swung at Sutton.
Sutton bent at the waist, leaning backuntil he swore he felt his hair brush the cobbled stones of the alley.
The crowd roared in disapproval as Bull’sfist hit nothing but air.
Sutton lurched back up. His fistconnected solidly with Bull’s jaw.
The big man stumbled back, shaking hishead to clear it.
Sutton didn’t intend to fight for hislife in a filthy alley. It was a hell of a way to spend an evening. WhenthePersephonedocked earlier today in Port Elizabeth, Sutton only meantto find a dark tavern in which to nurse his guilt over leaving Alexandra.He’d needed a distraction.
Well, I’ve certainly gotten it. Sutton watched as Bull crackedhis knuckles, readying himself to beat Sutton to a pulp. Sweat poureddown Sutton’s face. How had he gone from an evening of self-recriminationand scotch to this?I just wanted a drink.
Sutton sat down at the seedy tavern justas the sun set and ordered a bottle of the best scotch the establishmentprovided. He was no stranger to the world of pickpockets, thieves andsailors that taverns such as the Mermaid’s Tail attracted. There wereworse establishments in Macao with less friendly clientele. Sutton soughtonly the refuge of drink, a balm to make him forget his leaving Alexandra. Heblamed himself for being a world away when all he wanted was the Badger.Bull picked a fight, apparently not caring for the cut of Sutton’s coat. Orperhaps the man simply nurtured a dislike of gentlemen. Suttonliked his coat. He objected to Bull’s opinion. Now the manattempted to beat Sutton to death in an alley.
Sutton feinted to the left andspun. Not quickly enough. His reactions were dulled by thescotch. Bull caught him on the side of his chin, knocking Suttonsideways. Bull grabbed at Sutton’s collar, meaning to pull Sutton up soBull could finish the beating.
Sutton shrugged off hisshirt.
Bull roared angrily as he held up theempty white shirt.
“By all that’s holy, look at the dragon!”A filthy looking man with buckteeth and ginger hair pointed at Sutton’s back.“He ain’t no toff. Any man who can stand the sting of the needle is afighter.”
