Loving a Lost Lord (28 page)

“How much younger?” Mariah asked with interest.

“About five minutes,” her mother replied, her gaze at Adam becoming more approving. “There is much to be discussed. Let's all sit down and I'll ring for tea.”

As they took seats, Mariah stayed close to her newfound sister and mother, but she gave Adam a grateful glance as he sat opposite. He more than anyone could understand her tumultuous emotions.

Her father said, “Mariah, I told you that I wanted to reestablish my connection with my family. In particular, I wanted to see my father, since I'd heard he was very ill. But even more, I wanted to see Anna.” He gazed at his long-estranged wife, his heart in his eyes. “She was an heiress and everyone thought I married her for her money. They were wrong.”

Anna sighed. “I was fool enough to believe those who told me not to trust Charles, that he was just a wild, fortune-hunting wastrel. One day when you girls were about two years old, we started quarreling. It started over nothing, but we said terrible things to one another and Charles stormed out, swearing never to return.”

“And being a fool, I didn't,” her father said sadly. “For too many years.”

Mariah leaned forward. “Why not, Papa? Didn't you want to go home?”

“I knew I'd made a terrible mistake almost as soon as I left.” He grimaced. “But I'd made such a botch of everything. I
was
a wastrel, a useless fribble. I decided I couldn't return until I had established myself independently. I wanted to prove to my father that I wasn't worthless, and to Anna that I was no fortune hunter.”

“So you became a professional gambler,” Adam said mildly.

Charles's mouth twisted. “Gambling wasn't a good way to build a fortune, but I didn't have any other abilities. I did well enough to maintain Mariah and me and Granny Rose in moderate comfort, but not enough to become a man of property. Despite my other flaws, I wasn't willing to cheat a young man out of his inheritance.

“Then I met George Burke. He was a grown man and a malicious fool. Since he seemed determined to lose his property, I decided he might as well lose it to me. After I won Hartley, I knew it was time to seek out Anna and beg her forgiveness.” His gaze returned to his wife. “I didn't dare dream that she would take me back, but at the least, I wanted her to know how desperately sorry I was. There has never been anyone else.”

Mariah knew that wasn't entirely true. But she'd never seen any sign that her father had fallen in love with any of the women with whom he'd had casual affairs. Her mother didn't need to know about those other females.

Charles's gaze shifted to Sarah. “I also wanted to see my other daughter. I was blessed with you, Mariah. Whenever I looked at you, I wondered how my other girl was growing up.”

“You should have come home sooner, Charles.” Anna reached out to him.

He caught her hand and kissed it. “I know that now. It is the greatest miracle of my life that you have given me a second chance.”

Sarah leaned toward Mariah and said in a mischievous stage whisper, “They've been like this ever since he returned!”

Mariah laughed. She liked the real Sarah much better than the one who had lived in her head and scolded her for so many years. Glancing at the sling supporting her father's injured arm, she asked, “Did Mama break your arm before accepting your apology?”

He grinned. “No, though she might have been tempted. I was traveling on a coach to call on her in Hertfordshire when we were robbed by highwaymen. I foolishly put up a struggle to save my gold ring. Anna had given it to me, you see. So my ring was stolen and my arm broken. I was lucky it wasn't my neck.”

Anna picked up the story. “The local newspaper published an account of the robbery and the names of the victims. When I saw a Charles Clarke listed, I had a strange feeling that I should visit the inn where he was said to be recovering.”

“So she swept into my room at the inn, as beautiful as the day we'd met, and said she wasn't surprised that I'd survived the highwaymen since I was born to be hanged.” He laughed joyously. “I promptly agreed, and we went on from there.”

They gazed at each other dotingly. Mariah said, “I feel as if I've wandered into a Restoration comedy.”

Sarah gave her an understanding smile. “Strange indeed. But rather sweet. They can keep each other company in their old age.”

Mariah guessed that there was a good deal more to her parents' reunion than holding hands in front of the fireplace. Given how young they'd been when they'd eloped, there was still plenty of time and strength for passion. Not that she wanted to think about that in too much detail!

Pulling his attention away from his wife, her father continued, “I wrote you, Mariah, explaining that I would be delayed and that I had a wonderful surprise for you. But you never replied. At first I was so absorbed in Anna and Sarah that I wasn't concerned, but as time passed, I became increasingly worried. Curse Burke for stealing our correspondence!”

“He has been dealt with,” Adam remarked. “He decided to head for the colonies, where he could make a fresh start.”

“Not voluntarily, I trust,” Charles said hopefully.

“He was encouraged.” Adam's expression was bland. He got to his feet. “You all have a great deal to catch up on, so I will remove myself. But I'm having a family dinner party tonight. Mariah had planned to attend. Will you all join me? There will be two other rediscovered families present, so a third will be even better.”

“We are pleased to accept.” Anna gave a pleased smile. “Sarah and I have lived mostly in the country, and we need to expand our acquaintance in London. This is my brother's town house, and he has suggested we visit more often.”

“You're right, Ash, I wish to stay here and talk with my family.” Mariah stood. “I'll walk you to the door.”

They returned to the foyer, and she gave him a smile that was more intimate than she could risk in front of her family. “You understand this as no one else could.”

“Discovering one's long-lost family is disorienting but miraculous.” He leaned forward to brush a light kiss on her lips. “Be happy, Mariah. Your relatives aren't even dirty dishes.”

As she laughed, he left the house. It still hurt beyond measure that they must separate, but now, thank all gods, she would not be alone.

It was almost time for Adam to go downstairs and greet the guests for his dinner party. He'd almost finished dressing when Wharf approached with a handsome bottle-green coat. Adam frowned. “I'd like one of the coats with a pistol pocket sewn in.”

Wharf's brows quirked questioningly. “You expect trouble, your grace?”

“Having been almost murdered in my bed last night has left me wary,” Adam explained. “Life has been unpredictable lately. Are my pocket pistols still in my desk?”

“They should be, sir.” The valet looked thoughtful. “Soldiers talk about battle sense. The feeling something is wrong and extra care is required. Perhaps that's what you are experiencing. I shall fetch a suitable coat.”

Adam crossed to his desk. The polished walnut case was in a bottom drawer, exactly where it should be. He opened the case and lifted out one of the pair of matched pistols. It felt familiar in his hand. The small but wickedly accurate weapons had been custom designed and built by Joseph Manton, who was considered the finest gunsmith in Britain. Manton had charged a small fortune, of course, but the pistols were worth it.

Adam examined the weapon for readiness before loading it. By the time he was done, Wharf had returned with a Spanish-blue coat.

The garment was more loosely cut than the other had been, and inside on the left was a reinforced pocket where the pistol could be carried safely. Since Adam was right-handed, he could reach in and pull it out easily.

A similar reinforced pocket on the right side held additional balls and powder and a small ram. He couldn't hug anyone without weapon and ammunition being noticed, but he didn't think this would be a hugging sort of evening.

After donning the coat and tying his cravat, he examined his image in the mirror. He looked exactly like the perfect duke who had tried so hard for years to be beyond reproach.

Yet so much had changed. He'd nearly died; he'd rediscovered himself, piece by piece; he'd found a family, and he'd fallen in love. Though the imminent loss of Mariah was like an anvil on his heart, his life was richer and more meaningful than it had ever been.

Wondering how well the Stillwells and Lawfords would get along, he headed downstairs. Though he'd never been a soldier, he could feel battle sense raising the hairs at the back of his neck.

Mariah was the only one in the salon. She sat on the sofa facing the fireplace, where flames flickered, because it was a cool evening. With her hair upswept and a golden gown falling in graceful folds, she looked like a princess, only more touchable. He suppressed the thought before he could act on it. “You look particularly lovely tonight.”

She looked up, her smile radiant. “Adam, I have a sister! It's so wonderful that I can scarcely believe it.”

Her happiness made him happy. “She looked equally delighted.”

Mariah smoothed her hand over the shining gold fabric on her knee. “Sarah lent me this gown. We had the most astonishing visit. In some ways we're very different, but in others, absurdly alike. We were finishing each other's sentences! Her clothes are new and fashionable and mine are often hand-me-downs, but her gowns fit me perfectly and we like the same colors. Did you notice that we were wearing the same shade of peach?”

He nodded as he leaned against the mantel, knowing better than to come too close to her. “The color suits you both. You have some of the same gestures, too. Does it bother you that she was raised in a more prosperous home?”

“Not really. Papa and I never went hungry. I do envy the fact that she had Mama, but she feels the same way about Papa.” Mariah considered. “I think I'm more independent and adaptable than she is. I've had to be. She envies what she thinks of as my adventures. But she has a confidence about herself and her position in the world that I lack because Papa and I moved around so much and lived on the edges of respectability. Sarah and I decided that our lives have balanced out.”

They were wise. “She's unmarried, isn't she? It's unusual that two such lovely sisters are unwed at twenty-five.”

“She was betrothed, but he died.” Mariah looked sad for a moment before changing the subject. “Isn't it a remarkable coincidence that you and I have both discovered unknown families? Random relatives returned from the dead? I don't know what to think, apart from happy. But I feel as if I've wandered into a stage play.”

“The events haven't really been random,” he said thoughtfully. “You and I were both removed from our proper places, you by your father, me by the all-powerful authorities. Through the efforts of your father and my stepfather, we have been restored to families that already existed. The timing is a bit coincidental, because it happened to both of us at almost the same time, but the events themselves are logical.”

She considered his words, then said, “When I look at it that way, I'm not sure it's coincidence. More of a chain of events. If I hadn't thought my father dead, I wouldn't have performed Granny Rose's ritual and I wouldn't have been outside that night and I wouldn't have gone to the shore and found you. So we wouldn't have known we had mutual coincidences because we would never have met.”

“Not to mention the fact that I'd be dead, and hence wouldn't have known about my long-lost family,” he said dryly. “I think I'll take a Hindu view. We were fated to meet and become a part of the fabric of each other's lives. Though the Christian way also works, now that I think about it.”

“‘The Lord moves in mysterious ways his wonders to perform.'” She quoted the hymn with a smile that was both wistful and loving. “Fated to meet. I like thinking that our friendship has meaning if not permanence.”

The bond between them was so intense he felt that he could hold it in his hands. Mariah broke her gaze from his. “Your carriage won't be needed after all. Tomorrow I'll move to my uncle's house to be with my family. We'll head to Hartley in a fortnight or so, but when the time comes, we'll use my mother's carriage. For years, they lived in a house on her brother's estate. I gather it was lovely, but she's looking forward to living on her own estate, in her own house.” Mariah laughed a little. “I had become used to thinking of Hartley as mine, so I shall have to hold my tongue when Mama makes changes.”

Adam suspected that there would be some conflicts, given that Mariah had been in charge of her own life for years. But they'd managed with love to grease the wheels. “What about Julia? I'll be happy to send her north with an Ashton maid to bear her company on the journey.”

Mariah shook her head. “Julia will also leave Ashton House to stay with us. Since she spends much of her time with her grandmother, she'll be an easy guest.”

So Mariah would be in London, but he would no longer be able to see her every day. Even so, that felt better than having her hundreds of miles away. He crossed to the drinks cabinet. “I'm deficient in my duties. Would you like a sherry?”

“Please.” She accepted the glass he poured, careful not to let their fingers touch. “With so many guests coming, you'll be kept busy serving.”

“In a few minutes, Holmes will take over.” He poured himself a small sherry, not saying that he'd come early in the hopes of having some private time with her. “About a quarter hour later, footmen will come in with trays of delectable little nibbles. That's Mrs. Holmes's idea. Many of my guests are strangers to each other, so it seemed a good idea to allow everyone a chance to move about and make new acquaintances before we must settle in fixed positions around the dinner table.”

“A clever plan.” Mariah raised her glass, barely sipping the sherry. “Food and drink will put everyone in a good mood.”

Private conversation ended when Aunt Georgiana and Hal entered the room. Shifting his attention from Mariah to the rest of his life, he moved to greet them.

“Good evening.” He shook Hal's hand and gave his aunt a respectful bow. She'd seen Mariah and seemed irritated that the interloper was still here. Adam asked, “Have you heard from Janey? I'd hoped she would have returned by now.”

“She has been delayed by a slight relapse, or so she says.” His aunt smiled fondly. “I think the truth is that she doesn't want to see you until her looks are recovered. The ague makes one look very pale and wan.”

“She should know that wouldn't matter to me.” Which was true, he realized. He was very fond of Janey. Perhaps he loved her. Either way, it didn't matter if she was pale. “I hope she comes back to London soon.”

“I'm sure she shall,” Hal said cheerfully. “It's not like Janey to miss excitement, so she's bound to turn up soon.”

His mother frowned. “She mustn't risk her health. You and she will have years to enjoy each other's company, Ashton.”

Conversation became general as Masterson and Kirkland arrived, having shared a carriage. Randall and Julia entered side by side, though not really together, since they neither spoke to nor looked at each other. Adam guessed that they had met when coming down the stairs from their rooms.

Next to arrive were the Townsends. Mariah rose and greeted them, her face glowing with pleasure. All the males present stared at Sarah. “Good God, there are two Mariahs?” Masterson exclaimed. He bowed deeply to Sarah and her mother. “How did the men of England become so fortunate?”

Sarah blushed while Mariah laughed. “Isn't it lovely? I've only discovered my twin sister today! Let me present my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Townsend, and my sister, Miss Sarah Townsend.”

Looking suspiciously angelic, Mariah continued the introductions around the room. Georgiana Lawford frowned at Charles. “Are you a connection of the Earl of Torrington?”

“He's my brother,” Charles replied, looking every inch the aristocrat. “I've been away for some years, and I am happy to be home again.”

Georgiana frowned more deeply as she glanced at Mariah, who was now established as the granddaughter and niece of an earl. It was a status that would be quite acceptable in a duchess and made Mariah even more of a potential threat. Adam's aunt didn't have enough faith in his sense of honor. He would not betray Janey.

He tried to remember if his aunt had always been so bad tempered. She'd never been particularly warm, but she'd treated him fairly. At least, until her husband died. After that, her disposition had turned more sour.

Last to arrive were the Stillwells, including all three children. Lucia, barely out of the schoolroom, was bubbling with excitement to be at a glamorous adult gathering.

Smiling, Adam moved forward and kissed his mother's cheek. She was also beaming with delight. In her gold-embroidered crimson sari, she looked very young and exotically beautiful. “My handsome son,” she said softly. “Worth sailing halfway around the world to find.”

After greeting the general and his brother and sisters, he turned to his other guests. “I have the great honor to present my mother, recently arrived from India, and my stepfather, General Stillwell. Also, my sisters and brother, Lady Kiri Lawford and Lucia and Thomas Stillwell.”

Kirkland said fervently, “Ashton, how have you managed to find so many beautiful ladies in one place?” His gaze on Kiri, he bowed a greeting.

“The credit goes to two beautiful mothers who produce beautiful daughters. Let us have a toast to the ladies!” Adam raised his glass to Lakshmi, then to Anna Townsend. His gesture and words were echoed by the others.

Aunt Georgiana was quietly fuming, her narrow-eyed gaze fixed on Lakshmi. Adam recognized her distaste for having to meet socially with a person she considered inferior. He'd seen that expression in other eyes when they'd regarded him, but his aunt should have enough social sense to conceal her intolerance.

He took his family around the room to make the introductions more personal. Mariah was also quietly acting as a hostess, bringing people together. She and Adam worked together so naturally.

Soon the room was full of happy chatter. The young people drew into groups, with Sarah and Kiri and Lucia receiving enthusiastic attention from Adam's friends. More surprisingly, General Stillwell, Thomas, and Mariah's father were intent in conversation and Lakshmi and Mariah's mother looked as thick as thieves.

Adam scanned the room, checking to see that no one was left out. Aunt Georgiana was a rather tight-lipped third to a discussion between Julia and Hal, but everyone else seemed to be having a good time. He should have included her in his toast even though Janey wasn't present.

He happened to be looking in the direction of the main door when it opened to reveal a tall, travel-rumpled woman who carried herself like a Greek goddess.

Lady Agnes Westerfield had arrived.

“Lady Agnes!” He crossed the room in a dozen steps and hugged her.

“Ashton!” She hugged him back, beaming. Her brows rose as she felt the pistol under his coat. Softly she said, “Armed in your own home, my lad?”

He grinned. This room contained his real mother and the aunt whose home he'd visited regularly in his growing years, but neither was more truly his mother than Lady Agnes, who had been the foundation of his English life. “I'll tell you about that later. For now, it's enough to say that I've regained most of my memory and I'm delighted that you're here, even though I remember every scold you ever gave me.”

She glanced around the room. “Since my problem student recovered and is now mad for cricket, I decided to come up to town. I won't interfere with your party, but I couldn't wait any longer to see you.” She chuckled. “On my way into Ashton House I found someone else you'll want to see, but when she heard you had guests, she went to refresh her appearance. At my age, looking disreputable doesn't matter.”

“You look wonderful, and you are staying for dinner.” He took a firm grip on her arm. “You will start by meeting my mother, Lakshmi Lawford Stillwell.”

“Adam! Truly?” she exclaimed with delight.