Nightingale. Part 16

"Because I know her and what she considers of value."

"The fact you still consider her a child is indication enough that you know very little about her, indeed."

"What, exactly, is this depth of her I do not know?"

"Devlin, Jessica is a lovely, lovely young woman. She is eighteen years old, elderly for an unmarried girl from a village."

"She has had opportunities at wedlock."

"That would be exactly what marriage to a villager would be for Jessica, with her sensibilities. Wedlock would be cruel punishment. She is a winsome child. Like you, I do not want to see her broken by the drudgery of life in a place like Welter with a man like that Lout person."

His sight almost completely gone, Devlin wheeled and took two strides toward his mother, stopping beside her chair. "What do you know of John Lout?"

"I've overheard the servants. Just as we think them sometimes invisible, they are not always aware that I am present. Some of the girls live in fear of a John Lout in their futures. Others find him attractive with animalistic appeal. Jessica refuses to speak of him, as if she is resigned to the inevitability of marrying him."

The dowager's voice took on an edge. "Devlin, I simply cannot allow that beautiful child to fall into that brute's filthy hands."

Filthy hands? A brute with dirty hands? That probably described most men in the countryside, yet that was Devlin's impression of the man who had delivered the blows that knocked him out of his saddle that night. The harsher beating had come after Devlin was on the ground, from a gentleman's boots, and hands beneath fine leather gloves.

Wouldn't that be irony, for Jessica's intended to have caused the injuries that resulted in Devlin's fortuitous meeting with his Nightingale?

He gave a short, mirthless laugh. "How much would be required of me in providing the coc.o.o.n for this caterpillar whilst she transforms into a b.u.t.terfly?"

Lady Anne clapped her hands and he heard a subdued wheeze of pleasure. "You will need to pay for everything, of course."

"Of course."

"When she is properly schooled and introduced, you will need to squire her to parties and b.a.l.l.s and the theater and serve as her chaperone."

"A blind man? You jest. Perhaps you can have Lattimore play the lady's sponsor and guard dog."

"No, Devlin. I have other plans for Lattimore's role."

"What might those plans be, dear Mamma?"

"He is only a little older than Jessica."

"Twenty-five to her eighteen. Seven years."

"She is more mature and far more responsible than he. If we can arrange the match, she could influence him toward improvement."

"They are not a match, Mother. She is too ... "

"What, Devlin? She is too what?"

"If you are set on marrying them, why the trouble and expense of introducing her?"

"Because Lattie would balk if I paired them directly. He must be encouraged into this. He must see other men admire her and offer for her before he realizes what a treasure she is, one living within his own family. Please, Devlin, say you will help me."

"What of John Lout? Will he allow you to disregard him?"

"Yes, well, that is another thing you might manage."

"Must I keep reminding you, Mother, I am blind. It hardly seems fair to make so many demands of your sightless son in order to arrange an agreeable match for your sighted one."

"I know, dear, it seems insensitive, but you may benefit from all of this too."

Somehow, he didn't see how he was going to benefit from paying for everything, coaxing his dunderheaded brother into a marriage Lattimore did not want, and losing his Nightingale in the bargain.

When had he begun thinking of the girl as his Nightingale?

Of course, neither he nor his mother had considered Jessica's opinion. She was a practical soul. He doubted she would object if the proposition were presented well.

Lady Anne rang for Patterson who immediately opened the door to the study.

"Yes, Your Grace."

The dowager hesitated, but Devlin had no intention of initiating her plan.

"Patterson, please ask Jessica to join us here."

The girl arrived breathless moments later, her face the color of a ripe peach. She stopped just inside the door and dropped a quick curtsy.

In spite of not being able to see her, Devlin swallowed a smile, as the scent of hay wafted into the room. He pictured her by her sounds - her noisy entry, the staccato steps which stopped abruptly, the rustle of her skirts as she curtsied, and the breathless, "Yes, Your Grace, you wanted to see me?"

"My dear, Devlin and I have been speaking of your future. We have come to agreement and would like your impression of our thoughts."

He heard Jessica turn to him. "Is this your idea, Dev ... er, Your Grace?"

He tried to look severe, his arms folded over his chest as if he had final say over her destiny, which he knew he had not. He would never impose his will upon her, no matter how concerned he might be, and, he conceded, he was concerned.

"I cannot take credit, Nightingale. The dowager has concocted a scheme and I have agreed to help. It is of considerable importance to her. I ask only that you hear her out."

She rustled again, obviously turning attention back to the dowager, who began in low, dulcet tones. "Come sit beside me, child."

He heard the rustle of skirts settling before his mother began to speak.

As if addressing someone she loved, the dowager outlined her plan. Jessica listened without interruption until the conclusion.

"I have given my word to John Lout, Your Grace," Jessica said, and Devlin heard regret in her voice. From their earlier conversations, he understood that Jessica had no intention of marrying Lout, so why use him as an excuse?

"Yes, well Devlin mentioned that. I wondered if we invited Mr. Lout here to see the advantages available to you as my ward ... "

"I doubt that, ma'am. You see John has a habit of knowing and doing what is best for himself. He has little concern for the needs or wants of others, including his own mum and dad."

Devlin felt compelled to interject a thought. "Mother, you may recall that, historically, surnames come from occupations, physical attributes, or behavior. The name Lout might have been a.s.signed to the man's ancestors due to certain familial traits."

The dowager d.u.c.h.ess was quiet for several ticks of the clock before she advanced another thought.

"Do you suppose a sum of money might make him release you from your promise?"

Jessica's thin laugh had a bittersweet timbre. "I suppose it would, Your Grace, but he is sly enough to recognize an advantage. He will overprice the goods and rob you, if he can."

Rob her? Devlin's thoughts raced. He wondered if the robbery Jessica antic.i.p.ated might not be the first John Lout had perpetrated upon the Miracles.

"Devlin," his mother said, "will you negotiate this matter?"

"Aye, I will, but only if I am accompanied by armed and trusted eyes."

"Bear and how many others?"

He allowed an easy laugh, an attempt to quell the concern in her voice. "Bear and I, even in my current state, probably can manage the negotiations."

"I prefer that you take two or three others along. I have lost one son contesting over a woman. I don't intend to make that two. Speaking of which, perhaps I should send another messenger to town for Lattimore. I cannot imagine what is delaying him. We may be in town before he arrives."

"I am sure important matters of state are holding him."

The dowager's face twisted at his sarcasm. "Or a pretty face. I wish I had produced one daughter to populate our homes with giggling girls eager to gain her brothers' attention."

Devlin smiled at Jessica. "You see, Nightingale, my mother is determined you be the daughter she has coveted all these years."

"Am I also to be the sister you have always wanted?"

His smile faded. Receptive to the idea of a daughter for his mother, he had never wanted a sister. Women seemed more difficult to command.

Considering her question, he realized his feelings for Jessica were not fraternal. What were his feelings toward his Nightingale? Seeking an apt definition for their relations.h.i.+p, he became restless. He supposed his unease indicated he had need of a woman. It had been some time. Perhaps he should arrange to see the winsome Lady Elaine.

No.

While Elaine had once satisfied his desires, a man eventually required more.

Mercedes, then, with her beautiful face and voluptuous hips, widowed twice, rich in her own right, and certainly one of his ardent admirers. She seemed determined to be a d.u.c.h.ess, having advanced by stages, first marrying a viscount, and then an earl in her prior nuptials. Her desire for a ducal t.i.tle was flagrant.

No, thoughts of Mercedes no longer appealed. Maybe it was not a woman's company he needed.

As he pondered, he heard the rustle of skirts. The two women in the room were moving. He caught Jessica's scent. According to the blended fragrances, she had been at the stables and the rose garden. Oh how he would love to pull her into his lap and study in detail her myriad bouquets.

His body stiffened with desire.

He did need a woman, but why did his body not respond to thoughts of other women, and then rouse with the scents of this child? She was not a child, of course. She was eighteen and of an age to marry.

He and his mother agreed in thinking Jessica should not wed John Lout. Their views differed about Jessica being a bride for Lattimore. She would suit, but Lattie was a rake and a gambler and interested in his baser appet.i.tes. Besides that, he would probably take a commission in the Queen's navy, a profession particularly hard on a waiting wife, producing and rearing children by herself, confined to her home for months, even years at a time.

Devlin did not consider Lattie too old for her. She needed a mature man, to provide a stable home, a steadying hand for her whimsical kindnesses, a man who was patient and affectionate.

Chapter Ten.

An excited hum developed as the staff scurried about preparing to transport the family to London. Antic.i.p.ation accelerated in the predawn darkness as the travelers loaded onto the conveyances.

As they rode in the covered brougham, Lady Anne and Jessica sat comfortably side by side facing Devlin. The d.u.c.h.ess filled the air with details and reviews of individual dressmakers and milliners.

She rattled off ideas regarding styles she expected to set trends in the coming season. Jessica a.s.sumed Lady Anne was speaking of clothes for herself, amazed that one woman needed so much - three or four riding habits, a dozen ball gowns, morning frocks, dresses for afternoon teas, either entertaining at home or going out.

Listening to his mother describe the various lords and ladies, their foibles and reputations, and Jessica's frequent questions, Devlin felt a dark premonition.

Earlier, satisfied that his sight was returning, he had felt buoyant, pleased at traveling to town with two such delightful companions. Beyond his private darkness, all seemed well, yet as they drew closer to London, the inexplicable foreboding grew heavier.

As morning stretched into early afternoon, the convoy - the ducal coach and a second carrying household staff, followed by a wagon filled with luggage and foodstuffs from their country larder - finally stopped for luncheon from a huge hamper.

Thoughts of sauteed quail and accompanying fruits and breads had tantalized the ladies for what seemed like hours before Devlin finally ordered the stop.

They had just escaped the confines of the coach and were strolling about, stretching, when Bear appeared at Devlin's side.

"Could I have a moment of yer time, Yer Grace?"

"Certainly, Bear. Will you have a drink or a bite of luncheon first?"

"Nay, my lord. I need to speak privately with you." He glanced at the women and dropped his voice to a growl. "I'm needing your advice on the rigging."

Bear led the puzzled duke toward the front of the coach and, as a ruse, guided his hands to the straps. "There's a man following us, Yer Grace."

"Has he been with us long?"

"Ever since we left s.h.i.+ller's Green. I directed Figg's attention to him."

"What do you think he's about?"

"Donno' as I could speculate about that, Yer Grace, but no need for you to worry about you or your ma. That's what I'm doing here."

"And will you protect Jessica Blair as well?"

"Nay, my lord. I only got two eyes and they're already taken."

"I see what you mean." Devlin ran his fingers along the straps. "Well, then, I suppose it falls to me to watch after the fair Jessica. Is that how you see it, Bear?"

The man stared at the duke. "Not to put too fine a point on it, Yer Grace, but it looks a heavy task to keep what you might call a proper watch on the lady when your eyes don't see nothing at all."

"It does present a challenge, but what else can I do? You will keep the fellow off of me and I will pa.s.s the favor along by keeping him away from Jessica."

Bear cleared his throat. The girl would come under his protection now, whether she deserved it, or not.