Mistletoe and Mayhem: A Regency Holiday Romance Anthology, page 28
Folding his arms, he waited for what next would come out of her mouth, as clearly something would.
Chapter Two
Ivy tried not to shiver as she looked at the large nobleman standing a few feet away from her. Jackson liked this man very much and once had been his closest friend. In those days she’d trusted her brother’s judgement; that was no longer the case.
“Yes, well, I am not one to mince words, sir.” Her teeth would start chattering soon, it was so cold. She longed for the cloak she’d handed over upon her arrival.
“I can see that.”
He was tall like his elder brother the earl, but his hair was lighter. Not black or brown, but somewhere in the middle. The ends brushed his collar and curled up at the back, which he likely did not realize, but she did as she’d been watching him all evening. Her and plenty of the other women present.
Ivy had deliberately ushered her aunt into the seats one row behind Mr. Haddon and his family for the concert, hoping she could speak with him. The opportunity had not presented itself. She’d watched him laugh with his family; they interacted with the familiarity of those who loved each other very much. Ivy had swallowed down the pain of the memory that she and Jackson had once been like that.
When he got up to leave the room, she followed, at a discreet distance of course.
He had a strong face, according to Lady Brookvale, who had told Ivy’s aunt once that she’d thought him an excellent catch for any young woman, even if he had rakish tendencies as many young men tended too. Her eyes had rested on Ivy when she was saying those words.
“I have followed my brother’s footsteps for the past two weeks, Mr. Haddon. He has not once returned to the house, but has visited the rooms of a friend, and this is where I confronted him. At the time he was extremely agitated and only said he would take care of whatever it is that is troubling him.”
“You went to a man’s rooms?”
“I did, and it had to be done, so please halt any further recriminations regarding my right to be there or what it would do to my reputation, Mr. Haddon. It is of no consequence to me.”
“No consequence? Are you quite mad? It’s of every consequence. You will not find a husband if your reputation is sullied.”
“Yes, because there is surely no greater hope for a young lady than to find a husband, after all. How could any other thought possibly enter her head?” Ivy could do nothing to swallow down the sarcasm.
“And I repeat, challenging.”
“I don’t want a husband and am unlikely to get one, given what is required. They’re extremely taxing and would insist I behave a certain way, which I assure you I will not be doing.”
His bark of laughter sounded loud on the still night air.
“This is not a laughing matter, Mr. Haddon.”
“Forgive me, I just hadn’t realized that Jackson’s words regarding you were quite so accurate. I thought he was embellishing your character, as siblings are wont to do.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Your brother said you were the most annoying sister a brother could ever have because you were devilishly intelligent and could talk your way out of anything.”
“Oh.” Ivy refused to weep. She’d done enough of that in her rooms at night.
“It was a compliment, Miss Redfern. I always knew your brother loved you very much.”
“Thank you, Mr. Haddon, that is very kind of you to say.”
He didn’t say anything further, just watched her. Large and silent, waiting for her to speak again. Ivy was rarely silent or still. It was an enviable trait.
“If you cannot help me, then could you direct me to someone who could? I tried to employ the services of an investigative person, but that failed miserably.”
“Failed how?”
“The man wanted more than money from me. I set him to rights, I assure you.”
“I have said ‘I beg your pardon’ a great deal more in your company than I have in many weeks, Miss Redfern, however it is the only phrase I have for this moment. Could you please explain how you set the man to rights?”
“It all started when I saw an advertisement for an investigative service in the paper. I should have realized by its location and the shabby state of the office that the man was not reliable.”
“Where was the office?”
“Broom Lane.”
“Good Lord, that is not a place you should be frequenting.”
“I had few choices open to me, so that was the one I took. I told the man what I needed. He said payment up-front, which I did not agree to, as I am nobody’s fool.”
“Clearly.”
“So he got angry, then advanced on me, intending to take liberties upon my person.”
“Good Lord.”
“Indeed. I soon alerted him to his mistakes. He will not be walking straight for some time.”
Another loud bark of laughter. “May I ask how you disarmed him?”
“Does it matter?”
“I’m intrigued.”
“I have a footman who teaches me things and accompanies me most places. He was outside the door, so I had to take matters into my own hands.”
“Things?”
“It is of no consequence. Now will you answer my question, please. Do you?”
“Do I what?” He moved closer, and Ivy fought the urge to scurry backward. She never scurried, that was not her way, but still, he was an intimidating presence. Handsome, and she’d noted he smelled good. This she’d deduced from following him; his scent had lingered in the air.
“Know anyone who can help me if you will not?”
“Can I ask first what your brother said to you when you confronted him?”
“As I have explained, he said he would take care of it. I asked what ‘it’ was, why he had not been home, and what was making him behave erratically.”
“And what was his response?”
“He pushed me out the door and locked it.”
“Very wise.”
“How is that wise?”
“He was saving your reputation.”
“I doubt that. I could smell the alcohol on his person!”
“There is no need to shriek, Miss Redfern, I am right here.”
Ivy swallowed down her next words.
“What is it you want me to do?” A dark brow rose. He was now close enough for her to make out every feature on his face, even in the weak moonlight. His eyes were brown. Deep and dark, they seemed to look right inside her, such was their intensity.
“Go to the places I cannot.”
“Miss Redfern, surely your brother is simply doing what many are? High spirits, enjoying his time in London?”
Ivy loathed being dismissed as if she was a hysterical female overreacting.
“It is not high spirits,” she gritted out. “My brother inherited a reasonable income from our father. Unlike other second sons, he refused to simply live off his brother, join the army, or enter the church, Mr. Haddon. He invested wisely, and Jackson was to continue the course my father had set for him and ensure a comfortable life for us all. As we have so far been visited by two people wanting payment for goods they’d delivered, I don’t believe that is the case. I managed to break into his desk and found more unpaid accounts, but as I am a female and therefore clearly an idiot, I cannot go to the bank to check what funds are still available, if any.”
“I can’t imagine anyone being foolish enough to call you an idiot.”
“The point here is I am out of ideas and need help. Will you do so?”
“Help?”
“I have just said as much,” she said, trying not to sound testy.
“Can I ask what you believe your brother is actually doing, Miss Redfern? The man I knew was honorable and intelligent. I can’t see he has changed overmuch.”
This was the part she dreaded. Telling this man who had once been Jackson’s friend what her brother had succumbed to.
“Miss Redfern?”
“I have deduced with what limited information I have thus far that my brother has very possibly fallen for the charms of a woman who has lured him into her gambling establishment, where he is now spending our money.”
“You’ve deduced this by eliminating the places you frequented and speaking to people, one presumes? As surely your brother did not tell you these things if, as you say, he is doing what you suggest.”
“There is no if about it, Mr. Haddon. I have narrowed it down to just two places, but am leaning heavily toward one in particular.”
“Please don’t tell me you entered other establishments like Bastil’s? I fear my heart won’t take the shock.”
“My footman has been helping me and has entered the other premises, as I have realized that in this at least you are right. I should not frequent another establishment such as Bastil’s.”
“I am relieved,” he drawled. “This is the same footman who has been teaching you things?”
She nodded.
“So there is just you and your aunt under Jackson’s protection?”
“Yes. Thus far I have managed to keep most things from her, but that will not last much longer.”
“Devilishly nosey people, aunts.”
She had the feeling he was making fun of her, but as his face was solemn, Ivy couldn’t be entirely certain. Jackson had said he had a wicked sense of humor.
“Well? Will you help me find my brother, Mr. Haddon?”
“I will help you, Miss Redfern. But I must have all the facts and also be made aware of the locations you are traveling to. I will not have your demise at the hands of some scoundrel on my conscience.”
“I am an adult, Mr. Haddon, and have no need of you watching over me. It is Jackson only that must be your main focus.”
“Miss Redfern.” He moved closer still, and it took all of Ivy’s control not to scurry backward. “In this I’m afraid I will not be flexible. You agree to my terms, or I shall be unable to help you.”
Looking at the large nobleman, Ivy wondered in fact if she hadn’t just made a grave error of judgement soliciting his help. He was not a man she would be able to control.
Chapter Three
He wasn’t sure why he’d agreed. Maybe it was because now that he was closer to her, he could see her desperation. Her shiver had him taking her arm.
“Come, you are freezing and have been out here too long. We shall return to the concert, God save us all.”
“I will play a part in finding my brother, Mr. Haddon.”
“Of course, but you will no longer be playing it alone.” Rory bundled her back inside out of the icy December wind.
She shook off his fingers and faced him. Someone had lit a lamp up here, believing perhaps a few hardy guests would make the trek up to view London by night. He could see her clearly now. Her eyes were light; blue, he thought, or perhaps even gray. Her features were more delicate than pointed, he had to now concede. Small nose, heart-shaped mouth, and pink cheeks. Her hair was pulled back in a bun, and she wore a blue velvet band on her head.
“Good Lord, your lips are turning blue.” Rory took off his jacket.
“Wh-what are you doing, sir?”
“Warming you up before you faint.”
“I have never fainted in my life!” She looked horrified.
“There is always a first time for most things.” He dropped the jacket around her shoulders.
“I can’t wear your jacket,” she said, pulling the edges closer together and huddling into it. “It’s really not done.”
“I will take it from you before we return to the other guests. Now, tomorrow I will call upon you and we will talk. You shall tell me what you know, and I will start from there.”
“Oh.” She blinked several times. “I-I cannot thank you enough, Mr. Haddon. Really, you were my last hope.”
“I doubt that, Miss Redfern. Something tells me you are a resourceful woman.” He took her arm again, urging her toward the stairs.
He’d thought she’d be one of those ladies who chattered when they were nervous, but she simply walked quietly down the stairs clutching his jacket close. When they reached the bottom, he opened the door and nudged her through. Once there she removed the jacket and handed it to him.
“There are a few more floors yet.”
“But someone may see us. Not everyone will be watching the concert. There will be those who have… ah, other things on their minds.”
“Why, whatever do you mean, Miss Redfern?” He shrugged back into his jacket.
“Well… I mean to say that some guests may wish to wander.”
“That was an extremely vague description when what you really wanted to say was that they are seeking secluded places for secret rendezvous.” There was just something about this woman that made him want to tease her. She was wrapped up tighter than a Christmas parcel, and he doubted she unraveled often.
“I’m sure it’s not appropriate to speak to me that way.”
“Just as it’s not appropriate for you to go into brothels and gaming hells, do you mean?”
She sighed. “Jackson said you were devilishly tricky with words and have a sharp intellect.”
“I try.”
“So do I.”
“Excellent, then we shall battle wits and intellect often.”
“Intellect, but rarely wit, I’m afraid, Mr. Haddon.”
They walked down the wide staircase together. It was grand on every scale, from the plush carpets to huge gilt-framed pictures high on the walls.
“You have no wit, Miss Redfern?” He looked at her profile, saw the length of her lashes and determined tip of her chin. She wasn’t mousy, and yet he’d thought her that way because she did not make a statement as others did, but kept to the sidelines. What she actually was, was sweet.
“Very little, I’m afraid. It was a constant source of annoyance for Jackson.”
He laughed, the sound bouncing off the walls around them.
“You have a dry wit, Miss Redfern, vastly different from the non-dry variety, I assure you.”
“Jackson said I used to make him laugh without realizing I was being funny.” She looked sad suddenly.
“We will find your brother, Miss Redfern. Have heart.”
She turned to look up at him, and that look made something happen inside his chest. A tightness he couldn’t explain. She then took another step. He grabbed her upper arm in case she tumbled. “If I may suggest you look where you are going, as we are on a staircase.”
“Yes, another failing, I’m afraid.”
“Not looking where you are going?”
“Clumsiness.” She peeled down the sleeve of her glove, and he saw a bandage. “I walked into the sideboard this morning.”
“Not pleasant, I should imagine.”
“No, but usually not a day goes by when I do not connect with some piece of furniture.”
They arrived at the last step, and he released her, surprised that he was reluctant to do so.
“I will call upon you tomorrow, Miss Redfern. I think it best you return alone to the ballroom.”
“Of course. Thank you, I will be waiting.” She had to tilt her head back to look at him. “I really cannot thank you enough for this, Mr. Haddon.”
“No thanks necessary, I assure you. Jackson and I are friends.” He’d been about to say “were,” but he thought that may have made her sad.
She nodded, then walked away. Rory wasn’t sure why, as he stood there watching her disappear, he felt like something momentous had just happened in his life, but he did.
Following minutes later, he made his way back to his family, who were all still sitting where he’d left them what felt like hours ago. Sliding into his seat, he ignored the looks they sent him.
“Where have you been? You missed the last part of the performance,” his brother Joseph, Earl of Ellsworth, hissed. Large, and some said handsome—Rory would never be one of those—he was a man who wore his title and the responsibility that came with it with ease. At his side was his love, the golden-haired, beautiful Lady Millicent.
Theirs had not been an easy path to love, but they had overcome the obstacles and were now nauseatingly happy, and he could not have asked for more for his brother.
“I went up to the turret.”
“Why? It’s freezing.”
“Bracing,” Rory corrected him.
“Thankfully that is over for another year,” Milly said as the guests all heaved a sigh of relief the torture had ended. “I hope supper is soon.”
“Why are you cross?” Rory asked her. His eyes then circled those guests he could see now standing to find Miss Redfern.
“I am the size of a large heifer, Rory. Why do you think?”
“But an extremely pretty and elegant heifer,” Joe added.
“My feet are swollen.”
Milly and Joseph were expecting their first child in two months, and Rory had to say he was looking forward to greeting his niece or nephew.
“I will rub them later.”
“Oh, that would be bliss.” Milly smiled at her husband, and suddenly it was as if they were alone. Rory looked at his younger brother, Charles, who replied with a roll of his eyes.
Charles and he were friends even though they annoyed each other and bickered endlessly. In fact, he could honestly say his brothers were his best friends.
“Oh lord, that old windbag Harrop is angling for an invite to Greyton. Joseph, do not under any circumstances allow that to happen.” Ellie, his vivacious sister, arrived as they got out of their seats. At her side was her husband, Louis, Viscount Thurston.
“As he has yet to get an invite there at Christmas or any time, I fail to see why this year would be any different, Ellie,” Joseph said.
They were all versions of each other, the Haddon siblings, with small variations, but there was no doubting they were family.
“Just be on your guard. How are you, Milly?” She moved to her sister-in-law’s side and started chatting about babies and swollen feet. The men grouped together as if by mutual consent and tried to ignore the women’s conversation.
“Do any of you know Jackson Redfern?” Rory asked.
