Her Wanton White: Dark Duke’s Legacy Page 4

  “I barely left with the clothes on my back,” Samantha finished speaking with a sob.

  Her uncle shook his head. “We’ll see your situation righted,” he answered even as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

  For a man that didn’t have children of his own, Violet’s uncle was continually thrust into the position of caregiver. It reminded Justice of his brother Destrian, also the second son. How interesting.

  “I can take her to the village tomorrow to order her wardrobe,” Violet offered.

  “Excellent idea.” General Wright nodded. “I’m closer to the village. Both of you are welcome to stay here—”

  “I am the patriarch. My daughter and niece will stay with me.” Smithfield stepped forward, his chest puffing out.

  The General cocked a brow as he looked at his brother. Though his feelings were carefully masked, the tension around his eyes gave him away. A military man, although he was likely accustomed to taking orders, he chaffed at his brother’s attempts at dominance. General Wright turned to his nieces. “I’ll meet you both at the Nest and Crow at noon.”

  The Nest and Crow?

  Perfect. Justice would be sure to wait just outside. With any luck, he could run into the women as they shopped and make himself their shopping companion. If Parricide didn’t turn up, perhaps he’d figure out another way to discover the man’s whereabouts.

  Christ. A shopping companion? What had happened to his life?

  Violet twisted around in the candlelight, trying to reach the delicate row of buttons on her dress. She’d grown accustomed to the task but tonight her fingers had all turned to thumbs.

  “Let me,” Samantha murmured as she crossed the room. They’d returned home after dinner with her uncle and now she and her cousin readied themselves for bed.

  Samantha would be sharing her room as no guest quarters were ready on such short notice.

  It was ridiculous that her father had insisted Samantha come here. She would have been far more comfortable at Uncle Albert’s.

  Violet herself would have been more comfortable there, too.

  The rooms in his home, while not large, were spacious enough, staffed appropriately, outfitted with fresh linens. Their own staff had been dwindling and now there were barely enough to keep the house. More and more rooms were being closed off and left unused. It was a shame. Their home had once been so beautiful.

  Violet only commandeered the maid when getting ready for an evening out. And even that was at her father’s insistence. She had to look like a lady in order to attract the right gentleman. That’s what he claimed. But most evenings she undressed herself. And tonight, she needed Samantha’s help. “I’m sorry you have to do this.”

  Samantha shook her head. “It’s no different here than it was at home. In fact, it’s far better. I’m not alone.”

  Violet turned to look at her cousin.

  Samantha was the single most intelligent person Violet knew. She’d studied a myriad of topics, the most recent being aquatic life with a particular fixation with bogs. It was not an interest Violet understood at all, but she was certain Samantha’s interest was well placed. It always was. “I’m glad you came.”

  Samantha’s mouth pinched. “I had to sell my mother’s broach to make the trip.” She shook her head. “I was nearly done with my paper on the potential for coal in bogs in the north. It’s a shame I couldn’t finish my research in time to sell my work to the highest bidder and use that instead of mother’s pin. I loved that broach.”

  “Sell your research?” Violet asked, turning fully around even though her dress now slumped off her body. “To whom?”

  Samantha smiled. “You’d be amazed how many men will pay for a good biological study. They pass it off as their own, of course, and probably make far more than they spend. But I couldn’t present it to academic societies the way they do. Not unless your father…” Samantha’s voice tapered off.

  Violet knew what she meant to say. Her father could take his niece to such places and allow her to present her work, but they both knew he never would. It wasn’t that he was against Samantha’s work. And he didn’t hold any particular grudges against a woman’s intelligence. It was more that he didn’t make time for such endeavors. Specifically, doing things for other people. “He’s even more self-occupied than usual. I wish I could tell you otherwise.”

  Samantha nodded. “I understand, and I don’t mean to complain. I’m glad he’s taken me in.”

  For how long, Violet couldn’t say. Not that her father would toss Samantha out, it was just that he could barely support the two of them. “First, you tell me what happened to your mother.”

  Samantha frowned as she helped Violet remove her dress and then turned so Violet could do the same for her. “She grew tired. Then ill. And then she died.” It was so like Samantha to say these things matter-of-factly. “We hardly had enough income to survive, and I’ve been keeping the creditors at bay by selling my work for some time. The last thing she needed was to end up in debtors’ prison because of my father’s debts.”

  “Will they come after you?” Violet asked, alarm making her voice a bit breathless.

  Samantha shook her head. “No. They’re paid. Thank goodness. Because the last thing I’d need was to be married off on the auction block. Imagine who I might end up with.”

  Violet shivered. Who indeed.

  “Why didn’t your mother ask for help?” Violet asked as she worked the buttons on Samantha’s dress. Samantha should have been saving all that money she’d earned for herself. To secure her own future.

  Samantha sighed. “Your father is in no position, and she didn’t want to further tax Uncle Albert knowing he was already bolstering the viscountcy. And I was able to do it. With just farthings to spare. But still.”

  Violet shook her head. “As usual, my father has been sucking up all the resources for himself.” Her thoughts drifted to Justice again. A man like Justice would never be so selfish. He might be imperfect and mysterious, but something about him, maybe his past as a fighter, told her he was independent, and would never inconvenience others like that.

  * * *

  “He does make a habit of that, doesn’t he?” Samantha said with a shrug. “But by your tone, I’m guessing there is a recent development that is particularly vexing.”

  Violet sighed. She’d not seen Samantha since the fall, not that that much had happened. She could summarize the events in a few sentences. “He’s chosen a husband for me who will save the financial situation. I hate him.”

  “You hate your father or the suitor or both?”

  Violet bit back a smile. “The suitor.” She helped Samantha take off her gown. “Though I am beginning to wonder about my father, too. He’s ignoring a lot of troubling information for his own interests.”

  “That man tonight. Lord Justice. Is that the man your father picked? Is he your future husband?”

  Violet tensed at the mention of Justice. “No. He’s not. Though he has an odd habit of arriving in Dover whenever my perspective husband is about. And I think Uncle Albert has decided that Lord Justice might make a rival suitor to Mr. Macklemeyer.”

  “I’m hearing a lot about what your father wants and what Uncle Albert thinks. And how do you feel about Lord Justice?” Samantha asked, stepping from her gown.

  Violet shrugged. While Samantha had a point, Violet wasn’t certain she was ready to discuss the pull that she felt toward Lord Justice. She hardly knew him. “I’m not certain yet.”

  Samantha raised her brows. “We’ve talked about this, Violet. You allow them to make too many decisions for you. Even women can shape the world if they choose the right avenues.”

  Violet sighed. She wished she had Samantha’s strength. But her cousin was right. It was time for Violet to start finding her own voice and her own path. “I am certain. He makes my heart beat near out of my chest whenever we are close to each other. What I don’t know is the quality of his character.”

  Samantha nodded. “
You need to get to know him.”

  Violet shrugged. “I haven’t decided. My father is very set on the match with Mackle—”

  “Violet.” Samantha unlaced her corset, giving her cousin a long meaningful stare. “Why don’t you like Macklemeyer?”

  Violet sighed as she took off her own corset. “He’s very…fake. I can’t help but feel like he’s never telling the truth. That I’m never seeing the real him. There’s no depth there, no sincerity.”

  Samantha nodded. “Listen. If that’s true, then you can’t marry him. We’ll have to find another way.”

  Both relief and tension swept through her. “But what if my father ends up in prison or worse?”

  Samantha raised a brow, dropping her voice. “It’s a mess of his own making. He can clean it up himself because he’s doing to you what he does to everyone else. You see that, right? He’s sucking up the only resource you have at your disposal for his own benefit. Besides, if women are not allowed to choose our fates, why must we solve their problems? We’re either capable or not. I hate how men get to have it both ways to suit their needs.”

  Violet had never thought of that way but as the words sunk in, they made a great deal of sense. “What if Lord Justice turns out to be a terrible person whom I don’t wish to marry?”

  Samantha reached for her cousin, holding both her upper arms in her hands. “Then we can come up with another plan. We could leave. Become independent women. You could help me with my research. I’m nearly done with my paper on bogs. And with what I’ve written, we could make a pretty penny.” Samantha gave her an encouraging smile. “You could help me find the right buyer. You’re good with people. We’ll live off the proceeds. Or you could find another man. One of less means who’ll support you if not your father. Or…” Samantha looked at the ceiling. “I’ll think on it more. But if you don’t wish to marry this Macklemeyer, don’t. Trust yourself to know what’s best for you.”

  Trust herself? What a novel idea.

  They finished changing and climbed into bed. Despite the late hour, it took Violet ages to fall asleep.

  What did she want?

  Lord Justice White kept appearing in her thoughts. Was acting on her desire for him a wise choice? She couldn’t say, but she was determined to find out.

  Chapter Five

  Justice leaned against the corner of the little stone building that housed The Nest and Crow. Lined with several windows facing the street, the restaurant offered a clear view of Violet from his position. The two women sat at a corner table in the common room quietly talking with their uncle. Justice wished he could hear the conversation, but he was too familiar with them to hide in plain sight while he listened.

  Still, if he were to guess, they spoke about nothing of consequence. Their postures were easy and their smiles quick.

  It wasn’t until the very end that all three leaned close together, clearly whispering to one another.

  He winced. Did he enter? Try to catch a few words before one of them spotted him?

  He pushed off the wall and made his way to the door.

  The inside was dark and warm, the smell of stew and ale wafting through the air.

  Justice walked slowly toward their table so as not to draw attention to himself. They were positioned near the window as they continued to whisper. Their heads were bent so close together that no one noticed him as he tucked himself against a beam, half hidden in the dark interior of the inn.

  “I wish I could help more, but your father…” General Wright said. “The easiest solution is for both of you to quickly find suitable husbands.”

  “There isn’t another way?” Samantha asked her mouth turning down. At least she wasn’t crying today.

  “I can’t see one. If you just find decent men, you’ll be safe. Protected.”

  He watched as both Violet and Samantha frowned. Interesting. “Decent and safe are well and good…” Violet started, her hands spreading out on the table. “But what about…” Her tongue darted out to wet her lips.

  Justice leaned more heavily against the post as he watched its progression, which was lucky because he might have fallen over at the sight of such a delectable pink tongue.

  When had he lost his senses over the tip of a tongue?

  “Poppet,” her uncle said, warning ringing in his voice. “Please don’t say love. The situation is too desperate for such a wish. You need to use your head, not your heart.”

  She clasped her hands and her chin dropped. “All that may be true. But if I’m going to strike out, it feels as though I should try for something bigger than…security.”

  “Don’t underestimate security,” her uncle warned. “It’s my entire business.”

  “Fair enough,” Samantha chimed in. “But don’t rule out the heart either. It can make a powerful ally. What’s more, love can be a real motivator.”

  One of General Wright’s brows lifted. “You’re hoping for a love match?”

  “Goodness, no.” Samantha waved her hand, sounding very sensible. Perhaps the watering pot was far less emotional than he’d imagined. “I shan’t like to marry at all.”

  His brows rose at that. A woman who didn’t want to marry. Even more interesting.

  “Samantha,” her uncle said, his tone dripping with fatherly reproach. “You must be practical.”

  Samantha waved her hand. “Uncle Albert, with all due respect, I have been supporting my mother while diminishing the debts of my father for the past three years to relieve you of the burden. Of which I was happy to do. But how can you seriously lecture me on practicality?”

  “I…” The other man shook his head even as his mouth pressed into a firm line. Clearly, he couldn’t argue the point.

  For Justice’s part, he realized he’d read Samantha all wrong last night. Not that it made him any more interested in courting her. But he could admit to liking her a great deal more. How had she earned the money?

  “I shall marry as quickly as I can,” Violet said. “With any luck, the man will allow Samantha to live with us as my companion until she is established on her own.”

  “Vi,” Samantha said, her voice sighing out with a sadness that made even Justice wince. “You don’t have to take on that burden.”

  Violet shook her head. “I was always going to marry, Sam. Regardless of this conversation. I don’t have talents like you…”

  “Of course, you do,” Samantha reached for her cousin’s hand. “You’re—”

  “I know. I’m beautiful.” Violet shook her head. “Is that really valuable? If you were being honest.”

  “I wasn’t going to say beautiful. I was going to say unfailingly kind.”

  Violet shook her head. “That won’t earn me a living either.”

  The silence that fell over the table made Justice wince. Words bubbled up into his mouth about her other attributes. Her ability to smooth an awkward dinner, the sweetness of her disposition. The way she took her commitment to her father seriously.

  He’d known her for all of a few days and yet these traits were abundantly clear. And as the silence at the table stretched, for a reason he could not name, he found himself inserting his opinion where he’d never intended to speak. “If I might interject…”

  Violet’s gaze flew to his, her hazel green eyes going wide as her lips parted in surprise. “Oh,” she breathed out, straightening.

  General Wright, if he he’d been caught unawares, showed no sign, his face not flickering with a single emotion. “You may.”

  Samantha had turned to look at him, her blue eyes glancing over the rims of her spectacles, her gaze looking for all the world like she could see straight through him. Her expression, like the general’s, was similarly blank. Bloody disconcerting.

  “Miss Wright, you are not only truly lovely,” he started shifting because he was revealing opinions he’d never meant to share. He’d come in as a silent observer. “But you have a great many feminine traits that make you ideally suited to nearly any man.”

 
; A smile pulled softly at the corners of her lips, but it did not reach her eyes. “Most kind.”

  “But?” he asked, pushing off his spot on the wall.

  “It still only leaves me with one option. Find a husband quickly.”

  “Technically, two,” Samantha said. “You could marry Macklemeyer. Not that I’m suggesting it’s wise.”

  His mouth turned down. He was not normally a talker. And it wasn’t in his best interest to discourage the match. In fact, with his relationship to Violet, she was his one connection to Macklemeyer. But he couldn’t stop the next words. She’d seemed so sad when she spoke about herself and… “Whatever you do, don’t marry Macklemeyer.”

  The general’s piercing gaze narrowed in on Justice.

  This is why he normally stayed quiet.

  “Why do you say that?” The general’s shoulders had gone even straighter.

  Justice rolled his shoulders. “A feeling.”

  “Would you care to join me for a drink tonight to discuss your feeling?”

  It wasn’t a question but rather a request and Justice knew there was no refusing. “I’d be delighted,” he answered. He had a feeling this was going to be a much more probing interview than his last with the general.

  As they rose from the table, he stepped up to Violet’s side, offering his arm. Since he’d just derailed his only lead, he may as well see what he could find out about Macklemeyer as he went shopping with the ladies.

  Violet started down the street, her hand tucked in Lord Justice’s arm.

  Questions she didn’t know quite how to ask swirled around her thoughts. What was his relationship with Macklemeyer? Why had Justice returned? Was he actually attracted to her? There were moments when she thought he might be and then others…

  As the sun shone down on them, she peeked a glance at him, covering her inspection with the rim of her bonnet. Even his obscured profile made her heart flutter. “It’s very kind of you to escort us to the dressmaker.”