Authors: Sandra Lea Rice
“Is Michael all right?” Penelope asked quickly. “None of you has said where he is.”
Adrian told them what Philippe had learned, and the reason Michael had stayed behind.
Angeline laid her napkin on the table, her hand shaking. “And no one seems to know who may be coming?”
A commotion at the door heralded Michael’s return, then shortly he strode into the room, a broad smile on his face. “I must apologize for my tardiness, but I bring a surprise that may make up for it.”
Penelope jumped to her feet and rounded the table toward him. Her gaze skimmed over him, her hand resting on his arm. “I’m happy you’re all right.” Once reassured of his safety, she demanded, “Now that I know you are, what is this surprise?”
“We are, child,” Jeffrey declared as he strolled in, arms outstretched. Edward Thornby trailed behind him, his satchel clutched in his arms.
With a squeal of delight, Penelope threw herself into her father’s waiting arms. “This is the most wonderful surprise, but how did you come to be here?”
Jeffrey patted her cheek affectionately. “We do have business, but when Michael’s missive arrived, requesting I become a Christmas present, I couldn’t refuse. I’ve never been a gift before.”
Penelope considered Michael. “My gift is perfect.”
Michael approached to stand beside her. “I wanted to make this Christmas special for you.”
It was Adrian’s turn to greet his uncle, a sense of relief filling him. “Uncle, I’m happy to see you.” Adrian clasped Jeffrey’s outstretched hand.
Jeffrey transferred Penelope to his side and announced, “We’ve heard from Joel and Virginia. They have a son, Cortland Christopher Donnelly, and they’re all doing well.”
“That’s wonderful news,” Adrian exclaimed. Feeling Angeline step close to his side, he automatically slid his arm around her waist.
Angeline nodded to Jeffrey. “It’s good to see you, Lord Jeffrey.” Her gaze held a question. “You mentioned some business?”
Jeffrey glanced over his shoulder. “That is best told by Mr. Thornby.”
At the mention of his name, Edward came forward.
Adrian held out his hand, gently grasping Edward’s. “It’s very good of you to travel at this time of year, Thornby.” He could hardly contain his eagerness to hear the news. With any luck, it would be something to help them.
“I don’t usually, my lord—travel at all, that is.” Edward’s gaze fastened on the teapot on the table.
Rafael, noticing the attention Edward placed on the beverage, waved his hand to indicate the table. “Would you care to join us?”
“I don’t know if I should do that.” But a look of longing etched his thin features.
“
Señor
Thornby, we would be honored if you would join us. And, Lord Jeffrey, please.” Rafael indicated a chair. “But first, there is someone I wish for you to meet. He is an old friend of our family.” His arm swung to include Philippe. “May I introduce
Don
Philippe Montenegro? Philippe, this is Jeffrey Dennison, Lord Newbrook, and their solicitor,
Señor
Thornby.”
Philippe inclined his head to both Jeffrey and Edward. “It is a pleasure, especially as I have heard much about you both from the
niñas
.”
“
Don
Philippe has been very helpful, Uncle,” Adrian added, noting his uncle tense.
Jeffrey gave a short bow. “You have my gratitude.”
As everyone retook their seats, Adrian’s gaze met Jeffrey’s. “How was the trip?”
Jeffrey responded without hesitation, clearly understanding the gist of the question. “We left quickly with no word to anyone except the house staff as to our destination, and traveled as fast as was possible. The news is just as we feared. Charles Malcolm is still alive.”
Adrian frowned. “You only verify what we suspected.” He looked at Edward. “Please forgive my breach of manners, Edward, but may I ask what information you bring?”
Edward’s face brightened. “Yes, indeed. In fact, I have excellent news. Stallings, the Scotland Yard agent working on your case, was successful in locating most of the other noblemen you were in conversation with the night your fiancée was murdered. They confirmed seeing a footman deliver a note to you, which verified that part of your story.” Edward shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “It was far more difficult locating the footman who delivered it. Some tend to move around. The footman gave a written statement that he had delivered the note to you and it was not Lady Pricilla, but Charles Malcolm who gave it to him.”
Edward hesitated, searching Adrian’s face for direction. Feeling somewhat apprehensive, Adrian indicated for him to continue.
“Stallings located the footman in hospital, recovering from a brutal attack where he was left for dead. He named Malcolm as his assailant.” Stunned silence met his pronouncement. “After all the facts were laid before the magistrate and the House of Lords, you were completely vindicated and a warrant was issued for Sir Malcolm’s arrest.”
Edward mopped his brow with a handkerchief. “Her Majesty was aware of the many other suspected misdeeds inflicted upon women at Malcolm’s hands and was more than happy with the decision.” Edward’s face split in a wide grin. “The other Lords are eager to see you again and send their regards.”
Adrian heaved a sigh of relief. “That is excellent news, Edward. As to my marriage to Lady Angeline, what have you been able to find?”
Edward shook his head regretfully. “That is not so easy. You are her legal guardian. With no other male member of her family of age to give consent, you will either have to wait until she becomes of age, or seek a special license, which I would advise against. That action would be viewed with disfavor and is not what you would wish for at this time.”
Adrian scrubbed his hand across his forehead. “We cannot wait until she turns one-and-twenty. Angeline is carrying my child. I will not take the chance of having the babe born before we can wed.”
Angeline covered her slightly rounded belly with her hands. “It seems this nightmare will never end.”
After a quick glance at Angeline’s troubled expression, Esteban addressed Edward. “
Señor
Thornby, there must be something else that can be done. Are we not her family?”
Edward thought for a moment, then responded slowly. “Lord Windsford and Lady Angeline could return to America where the marriage would most likely be recognized, but that would not help if the child is to be his heir. As to establishing you as her family and therefore giving permission, with a little time it could be done.”
Adrian shook his head, fear for Angeline and his child tightening his chest. “I won’t risk her traveling to America in her condition. As for the rest,”—his gaze flicked from Esteban to Edward—“how much time?”
“I will check into it,” Edward finished.
In the ensuing silence, Esteban spoke. “Shall we move to the drawing room? We will be more comfortable there. The
niñas
have worked quite hard on the tree.” Esteban gestured toward the doorway. “There is a solution and we will find it.”
Penelope slipped her hand in Angeline’s as they headed toward the drawing room. “Esteban is correct. We will find a way through this.”
Angeline squeezed her hand in return. “I am trying to believe that. Show your father the tree. I would like to sit for awhile.”
Penelope turned to her father with a warm smile. “Come and see our beautiful tree. On Christmas Eve we will light the candles and it will glow like a brilliant star.”
Jeffrey curled an arm around her. “I would love to see it. Have you been enjoying yourself?”
Penelope snuggled against his side. “We’ve learned so much, and they’ve been very kind.”
Over her head, Jeffrey smiled at Rafael. “Thank you.”
“
De nada
, Lord Jeffrey. She is a pleasure to have as our guest.” Rafael’s warm gaze scanned her face. “Her joy of the season has been good for us all.”
Jeffrey solemnly observed the decorated tree, and then Penelope, who waited eagerly. He grinned and tweaked her nose. “The tree is indeed magnificent.”
Penelope gave a happy little bounce. “It is, isn’t it?”
Laughing, Rafael interjected, “Would you care for a brandy, Lord Jeffrey?”
“I believe I would.”
“And for you, Lord Adrian?”
“Yes, thank you.” Adrian had witnessed Penelope’s exchange with Angeline and felt grateful for her unfailing optimism. It was one of the things he’d always loved about her.
Frank brought Shirley in, his expression brightening when he saw Jeffrey. “I’m glad ta see ya, Lord Jeffrey. I hope you have news.”
“We have excellent news.” Jeffrey held out a hand in greeting.
“We?” Frank scanned the room, chuckling when he spotted Edward sitting in the corner with a cup of tea.
In a matter of minutes, Adrian shared what they’d been told. Frank’s eyes had narrowed with the news regarding Malcolm.
“That fool won’t live long enough ta die of old age, or even nasty away,” Frank mumbled before he ambled off to join Shirley.
“I like him. He says exactly what he means.” Jeffrey spoke warmly, but his face revealed stress that Adrian could plainly see.
“What’s troubling you, Uncle?”
“Is
Don
Philippe the man that was married to Angeline’s mother?”
“Yes, he is.”
“There is something about him that makes me uncomfortable. I don’t know what it is.”
Adrian glanced across the room to Philippe, deep in conversation with Angeline. “We are all a little on edge, Uncle, but the stress of waiting will soon be over.”
Jeffrey raised a brow. “He seems to be taking quite an interest in Angeline. I suppose you’ve noticed?”
Adrian quickly made a decision. “Uncle, what I tell you is not known by many. Do you remember the man called
El
Cazador?”
Jeffrey quirked a brow curiously. “Go on.”
“We all felt Angeline knew more than she was saying.
El
Cazador and
Don
Philippe are one and the same. She does not want him harmed. Although I believe she loves me, there’s something between them I don’t understand. I’ve come to respect him as a man, and I do trust him. But I, too, feel uncomfortable with their relationship.”
Jeffrey eyed Philippe, his gaze narrowing. “Rafael and Esteban, do they know?”
Adrian sipped his brandy. “No. I doubt they’ve even considered the possibility.”
“Probably not, but most men would recognize what kind of a man
Don
Philippe is.”
“Frank recognized him almost immediately, but again, he was not blinded by the past.” Adrian leaned forward and lowered his voice. “When Malcolm arrives, he will most assuredly recognize him as
El
Cazador. I’ve promised Angeline I would protect him and deny it. Frank will do the same.”
“Even though he shot both of you?” Jeffrey asked.
“Yes, even though.”
Jeffrey sighed. “If this is what you want, I’ll agree. Though I must be honest, I believe in the old adage that a leopard does not change its spots.”
Jeffrey let his attention roam. His gaze fixed on a woman standing in the doorway. Still lovely, she had to be in her mid-fifties. He was certain this was
Dona
Maria Elaina Cordova. As she returned his regard, he noticed the same lavender eyes her children possessed.
She moved gracefully toward him, the soft light playing off her still smooth complexion, nearly unblemished by time. Her raven-colored hair showed only a touch of gray at the temples.
“I was told we had company. Lord Newbrook, I believe?”
When she spoke in her soft, melodious voice, a tingle shot up his spine. He bowed. “I am, and you must be
Dona
Maria.”
“Yes.” She dipped her head respectfully. “I understand you met my sons when they were in England and offered your hospitality. I would do the same.” She lifted her chin. “I have taken the liberty of having rooms made ready for you and
Señor
Thornby. It would be our pleasure if you would accept.”
“That is most kind. We gladly accept your generosity.” He found Penelope with his gaze. “It will allow me more time with my daughter. I must admit to missing her.”
“Penelope is a very sweet young woman. It has been a delight to have her with us. She sees everything as new and exciting and has brought happiness into this home again.”
“She is one of my greatest joys.” Jeffrey regarded Maria. “You must be enjoying your granddaughter. She has come to mean a great deal to us. Angeline is a perfect match for Adrian.”
“Lord Adrian is a fine man and it is obvious he loves her.” Maria sighed. “Seeing Angelina was like seeing my Franchesca again. She is so like her mother.”
“Yes, the likeness is remarkable.” Jeffrey hesitated. “This must also be bittersweet for you.”
For a moment, pain filled Maria’s eyes. “I have come to love my granddaughter for who she is, but often, as I watch her, I cannot help but ache. I hope that does not show.”
“Just briefly, and then one would have to be watching closely to see it.”
“And yet you noticed, my lord.”
Their eyes met and held.
Maria blinked, moved back a step. “When you are ready, Rosa will show you to your rooms. If you will excuse me?”
She whirled, moving to join her sons.
In surprise, Jeffrey recognized the first stirrings of interest for a woman since losing his wife. He observed each son kiss her cheek, then Maria raised a slender hand and touched their faces. When Philippe leaned down to kiss her cheek, Jeffrey realized seeing
Don
Philippe and Angeline together might very well be painful for
Dona
Maria, and . . . for him.
An old carriage rolled into town, the coat of arms on the door barely visible. Thin, poorly kept horses strained at the harness. As the carriage came to a stop, a man stepped out and surveyed the area. His gaze focused on the door of the cantina.
Brushing ineffectively at his wrinkled and stained clothing, he stumbled toward the door. When a child approached, hand extended for a holiday treat, he shoved it roughly aside. Charles Malcolm had arrived.