Bound By Their Secret Passion

Lorene’s gaze travelled from one to the other and her eyes stung with tears. She’d not realised how alone she felt here. ‘I—I know I must do something, but I do not know what to do.’

Tess leaned over and touched her hand. ‘We will help you figure it out.’

Rossdale spoke. ‘Tinmore’s solicitors must be informed and the will read. And, of course, someone must notify Tinmore’s heir. Do you know who that is?’

Lorene shook her head. ‘Some grand-nephew, I believe. Mr Filkins probably knows.’

‘Mr Filkins?’ Glenville asked.

‘Lord Tinmore’s secretary,’ Genna answered. ‘He sometimes comes for breakfast.’

The footman returned with coffee and tea and enough cups to serve them all. Lorene hoped they knew to guard their tongues around the servants.

‘Where is Dell?’ Rossdale asked. ‘How long should it take to inform him we are here?’

‘You would be surprised,’ Genna responded sarcastically.

Lorene turned to the footman again. ‘Travers, please ask Dixon if he sent for Lord Penford. If not, make certain someone finds Lord Penford and shows him to the morning room.’

The footman bowed and started to leave.

Lorene stopped him. ‘Tell me first if Mr Filkins will breakfast here today.’

‘He has already done so,’ the footman responded and exited the room.

* * *

Dell finally found his way to the hall. He’d been wandering up and down corridors and stairs for a good quarter of an hour before reaching the hall and glimpsing his first servant.

Unfortunate that it was the butler, Dixon, who glared at him with undisguised displeasure.

He’d faced more fearsome men on the battlefield. One grieving butler would not daunt him. He actually felt sorry for the elderly man.

‘Good morning, Dixon,’ he said in a mild voice. ‘Will you direct me to the breakfast room?’

Dixon worked his mouth, as if trying to decide whether or not to answer.

At that same moment a footman reached the hall. ‘Oh!’ he exclaimed as if surprised to find Dell there. The footman spoke to Dixon, though, not to Dell. ‘Lady Tinmore requests Lord Penford’s presence in the morning room.’

Dell didn’t give Dixon a chance to respond. ‘Show me where it is,’ He nodded politely to the butler, though, before following the footman.

When he entered the room, it was his turn to be surprised. Her sisters and their husbands had come from Summerfield House as he’d known they would. He’d merely not expected them so early.

‘Dell!’ Ross rose from his chair and crossed the room to shake his hand. ‘How are you faring?’

Dell shrugged. ‘Well enough.’ He directed his gaze to Lorene. ‘The room was comfortable. I thank you.’

She looked pale, but lovely in a plain black dress. The lack of colour did not favour her. ‘I fear the housekeeper chose one in the far recesses of the house. I apologise for that.’

He managed a half-smile. ‘It only took me a quarter of an hour to find my way to the hall. No harm done.’

‘I had your valet pack a clean shirt and neckcloth. And your razor.’ Ross gestured to his face.

Dell rubbed the stubble on his chin. ‘Forgive my appearance, ladies. I will retire and make myself more presentable.’ He turned to Ross. ‘Where are my things?’

‘We left them with the butler,’ Glenville said. ‘Did you not see him in the hall?’

‘I did, but he was not inclined to be helpful.’

‘I am so sorry!’ Lorene exclaimed. ‘Dixon is behaving very badly.’

‘He blames me.’ Dell turned back to the door. ‘I’ll be back directly.’

Lorene rose from her chair and hurried across the room to him. ‘Please stay, Dell. Your appearance is of no consequence. Have something to eat.’

Two other servants were placing dishes of food on the side board.

He shook his head. ‘I’d best clean myself up. We do not know when the magistrate will arrive and I would prefer to look presentable.’

He returned to the hall and confronted Dixon. ‘Where is the change of clothing the Marquess brought me?’ His tone was no longer mild.

Dixon disappeared behind a door for a moment and emerged with a valise, handing it to Dell without a word.

Dell found his way back to the room where he’d slept. Thank goodness the maids who made up the room had provided soap and towels. He shed his coat, waistcoat and shirt, and lathered his face. Shaving was a task his valet usually performed, but he’d had plenty of practice on the Peninsula during the war where he’d preferred to dress and groom himself.

After shaving, he changed his shirt and tied his own neckcloth. When he donned his waistcoat and coat, he felt he at least looked the part of a gentleman. Nothing with which a magistrate could find offence.

* * *

Dell had been correct about the magistrate’s arrival. He had barely finished breakfast when it was announced that the magistrate had arrived and wished to see both Lorene and him.

‘Do you wish us to come with you?’ Ross asked, ever the steadfast friend.

‘I think it best I see the magistrate alone.’

Ross’s brows rose. ‘And not show him what support you possess?’

‘I have done nothing deserving reproach.’ Except perhaps thinking he could dissuade Tinmore of his erroneous beliefs. ‘I refuse to give the appearance of needing the support of the future Duke of Kessington.’

Ross turned to Lorene. ‘And you, ma’am. Do you wish one or all of us to come with you?’

‘I want to be with you,’ Genna piped up.

Lorene darted a glance towards Dell. ‘I will see him alone, as well. We will join you afterwards.’

Genna looked about to protest, but her husband put a calming hand on her arm. ‘I will see the man before he leaves, Dell.’

Dell knew better than to resist when Ross used such a tone. ‘As you wish.’