The Secrets of Mia Danvers (22 page)

“I have no idea. He does not always spend his time with the most savory group of people and he has a fondness for seducing servant girls. Could be he simply happened to be in all the right places at the very wrong times,” Alex said.

“You honestly believe him innocent?” she asked again.

“I do.”

She took a steadying breath. And Simon himself had claimed to believe him innocent as well. He’d apologized to both Alex and Drew. So if those two men, two men she trusted, did not believe Drew to be the killer, why, then, should she? “Then I shall trust you and I shall believe in your brother’s innocence. I’m not so certain I can condone his behavior, though.”

Alex chuckled then in the first indication that he still maintained his sense of humor. “There is no forgiving some of his behavior. He hasn’t always been this way. The alcohol makes him angry.”

There was a long pause, a settled silence between them, and she wondered where he stood in the room. He was so quiet, so still, she had no sense of his whereabouts.

“I have to go out tonight,” he said.

“Of course.” She turned to go and he grabbed her arm, his warm fingers encircling her bicep.

“I want to see you when I return.” He pulled her to him, pressed his forehead to her own. “Will you wait for me?”

His question seemed to hang in the air and she wondered, daring to even hope, if he meant more than just tonight. “Yes, I shall wait.”

He stood there with their heads pressed together for a moment more before he dropped a brief kiss to her head, then left her alone.

***

Alex had done his duty and made an appearance with Juliet and her family, but he’d left as soon as he could. He wasn’t relishing the idea of telling Mia about his official engagement, however he’d made arrangements to take her somewhere special, somewhere that might soften his news. He was eager for one reaction, though he dreaded the other.

She was true to her earlier promise and he found her waiting for him in his study. She still wore her wool dress from earlier that day, this one a dark blue. Upon him entering the room, she came to her feet. “Alex?” she asked with a tentative smile.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

“For what?”

He took her hand and led her forward. “I have somewhere I want to take you.”

She paused.

“Do you trust me?” he asked. In that brief moment before she answered, not even enough time for a full breath, he realized just how much he needed her trust. He craved it.

“Yes, I do,” she said.

They spent the carriage ride discussing small matters as he did his best to avoid their talk turning to his time at the ball. He wasn’t yet ready to tell her everything. Finally they rolled to a stop in front of the large stone building. It was sprawling, with one center tower and two rows of windows lining both sides.

“Where are we?” she asked.

“South Kensington Museum,” he said.

“Are they not closed at this hour?” she asked as he assisted her down from the carriage steps.

“Indeed they are, but I called in a favor. The curator here is an old friend. In fact, there he is now.” They walked over to the waiting man. “Harris, thank you again for this,” he said.

“Well, I couldn’t say no to you now that you are a duke.” He eyed his friend with a gregarious grin. “It suits you. The exhibit you’re looking for is in the east wing. Enjoy.”

Alex fully intended to do proper introductions, but Harris nodded to the building. “Get yourselves off the street before someone sees us and I am forced to work at some tiny museum in Stratford.”

They walked, her arm linked in his, into the main doors, his boots and her shoes tapping loudly on the marble flooring.

“I still do not understand why we are here,” Mia said in a whisper.

“You don’t have to whisper. We’re here alone.” They turned left and took the corridor into the east wing. “Have you ever been to a museum before?”

“Once, when I was a girl. I came with my father here to London for some business and he took me. We saw Egyptian antiquities. It was all quite fascinating. I, in particular, enjoyed the mummy.” She paused for a few moments as they walked. “Alex, museums are primarily for the visual arts. I thank you for bringing me here, but I believe I shall not be able to enjoy what you wish to share with me.”

“I merely thought you’d enjoy this new exhibit of Grecian statues.”

Her face brightened and she beamed a smile at him. “Truly?”

“Yes. Though seeing some of these pieces, we might need a ladder for you to feel the tops of them.”

“You can describe them to me.”

He led her first to the center of the room where the largest piece sat. “This one is by Bernini and is a huge sculpture of Neptune and Triton.” He guided her hand to the stone and allowed her fingers to follow the ridges and lines of the sculpture.

“It must be quite large,” she said.

“Yes, it is one of two sizeable pieces in the room.”

She smiled. “His toes are enormous.”

“Indeed.”

She continued to feel her way around the piece, though there was much of it she couldn’t reach.

“I’m sorry you can’t see the rest of it,” he said.

“This gives me enough to put an image in my mind.”

She asked him a handful of questions about the faces on the sculpture and he answered as best he could, but he’d never looked so intently at art and wished he had more vivid descriptions to offer her.

They continued working their way through the room. He managed to describe as well as he could the parts of the sculptures she couldn’t touch and he read the placards to her. And with each piece he’d place her hand beneath his, then he’d guide her along to everything she could reach.

“This has all been so lovely, Alex. Thank you. But I know something is bothering you.” It was disconcerting how much she could see in him that others missed, others with perfectly good eyesight. “Is it Drew?” she continued, “is the evidence worse than you first thought?”

“No, I’ve heard nothing new regarding Drew.” Hell, he couldn’t avoid this conversation forever. He didn’t even know why he was so bothered by the thought of having it. He had made no promises to Mia. She knew that. She also already knew about Juliet, knew of his intentions. “I am to be married,” he said abruptly. He cleared his throat. “That is to say, the engagement is now official.”

Mia nodded and turned back to the sculpture she was appraising. Her hands ran over the marble absently. “Congratulations,” she said, her voice remarkably cheerful.

Perhaps she did not actually give a damn if he married another woman. He’d expected for her to be hurt.

“These pieces are quite remarkable. I do wish I could see them, fully enjoy the scope of their size.”

Was that it? That was all she’d say about his pending nuptials?
Congratulations
? “We should be getting back,” he told her. They’d been here for the better part of two hours and she’d been able to peruse all of the sculptures.

“Thank you again,” she said. “This was really quite amazing.”

“Of course,” he said. He’d been anxious for no reason, it seemed. He’d expected her to have some sort of a reaction. For her to be angry or jealous or perhaps even a little sad. He’d planned the entire evening simply because he’d thought he would need to tell her gently. He hadn’t wanted her to be hurt, but hell, he hadn’t expected her to not care at all. He was beyond disappointed he had to marry Juliet, yet it seemed as if Mia didn’t care a whit about his would-be bride.

Chapter Twenty-Three

It had been two days since the museum. Two days since Alex had told her of his upcoming wedding to Juliet. Mia had known the news was coming, yet she’d still been hurt by his words as he’d told her. Especially since he’d done so after such a thoughtful evening. It would have been easier had he merely mentioned it across the breakfast table. Something cold and distant. But not after sharing with her something so intimate as her art and her passion for sculptures.

She’d kept her distance since then. Not really knowing what to say or how to act toward him. He had asked her first, and she’d declined. The man needed a wife. It was better this way. Juliet was meant to be a duchess. Alex himself had said that Mia was clearly not meant for such a position.

Alex had not sought her out these past two days, either. Normally they’d share a cup of tea or breakfast or something during the day, but she had not so much as caught whiff of his scent or heard his boots hit the floor in the hall.

Currently she and Rachel sat in the front parlor, a room they used most often because it was not a room Alex’s mother frequented. Rachel read steadily from
Jane Eyre
, but Mia had not heard a word her friend had said in the last several pages. Every now and then she’d hear the rustle of paper as Rachel turned the page and then her friend’s voice would continue on. But Mia’s mind was elsewhere.

As she continued reading, Mia heard the muttered curse from outside the room, long before Rachel did. Then the voice became much louder and Rachel’s words fell away.

The door burst open with another string of curses, Alex’s curses. Footsteps crossed over the rug and back again several times, clearly the steps of him pacing. Instantly she felt more aware of everything in the room, his mere presence put her on alert. Despite her rattled nerves, though, she was pleased she knew it was him regardless of the fact that he hadn’t actually spoken to them yet.

“He seems to be riled up over something in the newspaper,” Rachel said, adding some sort of image for Mia as to what Alex was blustering about.

“Drew’s arrest must be on the front page,” Mia said. “Once he’s proven innocent, then the scandal will blow over. You really ought not worry so, you yourself said the Carrington name had survived more than its share of scandals over the years.”

He cursed again, then paused. “My apologies, ladies,” Alex said. “I shall kill whoever did this as soon as I discover the culprit.”

“Oh, dear,” Mia said. “I truly don’t believe murder is necessary, Alex. Do tell us what is troubling you.”

The paper cracked and Rachel gasped. “Oh dear,” she said.

“Would someone kindly tell me what the devil is going on?” Mia asked.

“
Lost Danvers girl found living in London. Blind
,” Rachel read the headline.

Mia came to her feet. “There is a story in the newspaper about me?”

“
The Times
, to be exact,” Alex said. “The story goes on to say that you’re staying here at Danbridge, though you have lived for many years at the edge of our property. It speaks of how my father rescued you and nursed you back to health after an accident that took your sight.”

“Well, that’s ridiculous,” Rachel said. “Not to offend you, Your Grace. May I?” she asked. The rustling of paper indicated he’d handed over the item in question to Mia’s friend.

“How would they have discovered I was here, who I am?” Mia asked.

“I do not know,” Alex said.

“Would Drew?” she asked.

“I don’t see how he could have. I spoke to Simon last night and he said that he’d spent most of the time since Drew’s arrest going over every detail with Drew. Where he’d been, what time, who he’d seen and been with.”

“The article is rather detailed,” Rachel said. “Obviously whoever spoke to the paper has firsthand knowledge of your whereabouts and interests. It says you are a guest of the Carrington family, which is why you are staying here. It even mentions your sculpting.”

“A servant, perhaps,” Mia said. “It doesn’t much matter to me, though I do wonder how my sisters will react to such a thing.”

“It does matter, though,” Alex said. “It certainly puts you in more danger. That killer out there knows your name. Now he knows where to find you.” He swore again. “I do have my suspicions on who gave
The Times
the story. They will be dealt with.”

“There is no reason to do anything rash, Alex. I have been safe here at Danbridge. I do not believe this will change anything,” Mia said.

“I do not want you sculpting outside any longer,” he said.

Mia took a deep breath and nodded. “What does it say about your brother?”

“Simply that he was arrested for suspected murder. It’s not a very big headline at all. It doesn’t even mention a possible connection to the Jack the Ripper murders. I suppose I can thank Simon for that. He said he’d do what he could to limit the public detail until they were certain Drew was guilty,” Alex said.

Hodges entered the room after a rap on the door. “Your Grace, there is a Lady Hathaway and Lady Rodelle here.”

“I’m not entertaining visitors this morning and I don’t believe my mother is out of bed yet,” Alex said.

“They are here to see Miss Danvers,” Hodges said.

“Me?” Mia asked.

“Now that people know you are still alive, everyone will want to see you,” Rachel said.

“Well, that shall become tedious,” Mia said. “I do not even know them.”

“They are friends of my mother. I will send them away,” Alex said. It was all the confirmation he needed. His mother had done this. Told Mia’s story to
The Times
to overshadow a potential scandal for their family. It was disgraceful that she would use Mia in such a fashion. Put her in such danger.

***

The Ripper set down his copy of
The Times
.

So that was the truth, that’s why she hadn’t led the police to his door. His witness was blind. She had no idea what he looked like. She had no way of knowing who he was.

But he knew her, he’d been watching, waiting for the perfect time for them to be together. When he went after her, everyone would know the truth. They’d know Andrew Foster wasn’t the killer when another death occurred while he was detained.

He considered for a moment whether or not to make Mia’s death appear to be an accident. But if he did that, he would not be able to cut her. And he so was looking forward to that. With her, he fully intended to take his time. Enjoy every moment, every slice. And he certainly didn’t intend for Andrew to get the credit for all his hard work. He was merely meant to be a diversion, a frustrating little game for the police.

Now that her story was out, Society would welcome her back with open arms. Oh, they wouldn’t actually accept her, she was too different from them, damaged, but they’d want to ogle her for a while. And while she was out at one party or another, he’d find the moment to snatch her. Blind or not, she was a witness and he wouldn’t allow her to continue to live.

***

“Mother, I wish to see you in my study,” Alex said.

She looked up from her needlepoint. “I should like to finish this row, if you please,” she said.

“Now.” She must have read the seriousness in his tone or expression because she put her sewing aside and stood.

He turned and walked to his study, confident she’d follow. And indeed she did. Once enclosed in his office he turned to face her. He took a steadying breath so he would not yell at her as was his desire at the moment.

“Mother, I am hoping I am very wrong about my assumption here, but did you give Mia’s story to
The Times
?”

Her shoulders slumped in relaxation. “You frightened me, but if this is all you are cranky about . . .” She inspected her fingernails for a moment before nodding. “I absolutely told them as much about her as I knew.”

His jaw tightened. “Do you have any idea what you have done?”

“Saved you from a ridiculous scandal. That brother of yours could have ruined us.” She shrugged. “This shall keep the rumor mill busy enough for the time being. Then your engagement shall be announced and shortly after we’ll have the wedding of the year. All will be well.”

“All will not be well!” he said, not bothering to temper his tone.

“Alexander, how dare you raise your voice to me. I am your mother.”

“Perhaps blood is not the strongest of bonds,” he said. “You have saved no one. There will still be a scandal, not that that is what matters most. Regardless of whether or not you ever claimed him, Drew is my brother and he has been wrongfully accused of wretched crimes. That is more important than a scandal. Mia is in danger and you have announced her to the world, given the killer everything he needs to know to get to her.”

She sputtered, tried to say something, but he held his hand up, cutting her off.

“Enough. You have said enough. Your carriage will be ready in two hours, your belongings are already being packed,” he said.

Her mouth fell open in a most unladylike fashion. “Wherever do you think to send me?”

“Derbyshire. You will stay there until I send for you,” Alex said.

Her eyes filled with tears and for a moment he thought she would make an appeal to stay, apologize for her cruelty to Mia. And then she spoke: “I am appalled that you would chose those two . . . people over your own mother.” She swiped at her tears. “I know she’s doing everything she can to seduce you just as her mother did to your father. I swear those Danvers women will be the death of me.”

“What the devil are you talking about?” Alex asked.

“Mia’s mother, she was your father’s lover for years when we first got married.”

“She is Drew’s mother,” Alex said as realization washed over him.

“When he made her bring that baby into my home, I put an end to their affair. She married her husband, and then had her daughters, and we never saw her again. Until the day she showed up here with Mia, crying and carrying on. Before I could so much as send her on her way, your father had agreed to give that girl our grounds cottage.”

“That is why you hate her so,” he said. It wasn’t so much a question, merely a realization.

“She is no different than her mother,” she said bitterly.

“You know nothing of her,” Alex said. “Ready yourself, Mother, your carriage leaves in two hours.” And with that, he walked away from his mother.