A Lady's Past Read online

  Jane stood.

  Of course she was being removed from the house. Why would anyone want to help her? She had nothing to offer. Diana got up. She would gather her cape and her gun and make her way somehow.

  “I will tell Mrs. Grimsby to prepare a room. You may sleep for as long as you need. I will have food brought to you for your meals if you wish, or you may join us in the dining room. I’ll leave that up to you.”

  Chest tight, Diana didn’t know how to respond. “You want me to stay?”

  “Of course. I think you will make a fine addition to the Everton Domestic Society, if you want to stay. Even if you don’t choose to work, you will need to rest for a while. I imagine it has been some time since you’ve had a good night’s sleep.”

  The night in Jacques’s arms flashed through Diana’s mind. She didn’t know what she’d been thinking, asking a stranger to hold her through the night. She might have been molested. Still, the memory of being in his arms was sweet and warm. It was the only pleasant memory she could conjure for the past three years. Two years in prison with her parents and a year on the run trying to get back to England had left her little time for comfort. “I can’t imagine how I can help the Society, my lady, but I will take you up on your offer of a warm bed.”

  “Wonderful. I will have your weapon delivered to your room. You should go to the breakfast room, where I will see that Cook brings you some soup and bread. It is past the lunch hour, and I imagine you’re hungry. Then you can rest.”

  Tears welled up behind Diana’s eyes. It was impossible that there were still good people in the world. She was sure they had all gone, as she’d seen so little kindness given without payment. Flinging herself into Jane’s arms, Diana wept. “Thank you.”

  Jane patted her back. “There now. You’re safe here. I will do everything in my power to keep you safe for as long as you choose to stay with us.”

  Embarrassed by her show of emotion, Diana straightened and wiped her eyes. “What types of tasks would Everton want me to take on?”

  Shaking her head, Jane smiled. “If, in a week, you wish to discuss an assignment, I have something in mind. First you must rest so that you can think clearly and make good decisions for yourself.”

  They walked to a room with a long table and Jane said, “Have a seat, Diana. I will see what Cook has, and when you are finished eating, Mrs. Grimsby will take you to your room.”

  It was impossible. She shook her head. After a minute, a large man in livery entered the room and stood just inside the door. One of the guards Jane mentioned. It seemed Lady Jane was serious about protecting Diana, even though she had no reason to do so. She could turn her in to the authorities and collect a five-thousand-pound bounty. Maybe Jane had read the report about the missing chemist, too.

  No. She wouldn’t believe anything bad about Jane Everton. She would try to accept that good still existed in the world.

  * * * *

  For two full days, Diana slept and ate. It was heaven. Her room was clean and well thought out. A dark wood writing desk sat near a window that overlooked the garden. She had a view of the hothouse and a lovely path that meandered through the garden. She imagined in spring there were many flowers, which were now dormant. Her bed was as soft as a cloud and covered in azure curtains. As far as she was concerned, she may as well have died, because nothing could be better than Everton House. She finally felt well enough to stay awake and read a newspaper. Perhaps she might begin to figure out how to get herself out of this mess. Maybe she could hide in the Everton Domestic Society indefinitely. She would have wages if she did her job well, and a safe place to stay. What more could she expect from her life? She should be dead, yet here she was, in a clean gown with three more in her wardrobe.

  No. It was too dangerous. Once she repaid Lady Jane for everything, she would move on and keep Everton’s safe.

  The knock on her door startled her. No one had bothered her for a full two days except to bring her trays of food and collect the tray later. Servants scratched gently, but this was a full and demanding knock. “Hellooo…”

  Diana cleared her throat. “Come in.”

  A gray-haired woman, no more than five feet tall, wearing a voluminous gown better suited to a summer picnic than a November afternoon, glided in. She sparkled with emeralds around her neck and wrists. “Dear child, I am Lady Honoria Chervil. Lady Jane tells me you’ve had a tough go of it since your parents passed. She told me all about having been shuttled from one relative to the next. You can rest assured you are well and home here. We shall be good friends I am sure. I have several bottles of very good whiskey and I’m happy to share.”

  Lady Jane had lied for her. She didn’t know how to respond. “It’s a bit early for whiskey, but I thank you for the offer.”

  Honoria looked out the window as if gauging the time of day. “I suppose you’re right, my dear. Perhaps later we can indulge. Now, tell me what I can do to make your stay here more comfortable. I’m told some dresses and gowns close to your size have already been delivered. Do you need toiletries?”

  “Lady Jane was kind enough to provide a brush for my hair. I think it will be fine.”

  Trooping over to the vanity where a pitcher, bowl and the brush sat, Honoria shook her head. “This will never do.” She turned and grinned. “Never you mind. Leave it to me.”

  “There is no need to make a fuss. I’m not even sure if I’ll be staying here long.” A knot formed in Diana’s throat. It had been so long since anyone cared for her needs, she was at a loss.

  Full of joy and life, Honoria sat on the edge of the bed. “It really doesn’t matter how long you stay, my dear Diana. You must have some small creature comforts. It’s really the only point of living. Well, that and falling in love. I do so enjoy a good love story.”

  Diana’s mind immediately flashed to the memory of Jacques’s shining dark eyes and the kindness within them. “I’m sorry, my lady. I have no love stories to tell.”

  With a clap, Honoria stood. “Yet. You have none yet. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.”

  Unable to help herself, Diana laughed. “Are you always so optimistic?”

  “I’m not a fool. I know that bad things happen, and I have seen some terrible things happen to good people. I’ve also seen some remarkable recoveries. I am constantly amazed by the adaptability of the human spirit.” She gave her head a shake. “I am generally of good spirit.”

  Wanting a friend and deserving one were at war within Diana. She couldn’t risk anyone’s safety for the sake of her own comfort. Diana stood and folded her arms across her chest. “Lady Honoria, while I appreciate your goodwill, I’m in need of nothing. I shall not stay here long enough to retain friendships and my life is too complicated in any event. Please forgive my rudeness, but would you be kind enough to leave me in peace?”

  Honoria’s eyes widened for a moment before her expression settled back into a state of well-being. “I understand.” She rose and floated to the door.

  The knot in Diana’s stomach tightened to the point of pain, but she didn’t waver. This kind lady didn’t deserve the consequences of being close to her.

  With the door open, Honoria stood at the threshold. “You are wrong about one thing, Diana.”

  Another pang of guilt. “What is that?”

  “You have already been here long enough to have acquired a friend. Two, if Lady Jane’s descriptions of you are to be taken into account. You would do well to trust in Everton’s. No matter what type of trouble you have, this house will keep you safe and make the journey with you.”

  Diana’s resolve cracked. “What if it is this house’s safety I am concerned with?”

  Honoria stepped back inside, closed the door, and frowned. Studying Diana, she leaned against the door. “Are your problems of that dangerous a nature?”

  She’d said too much, but the temptation of friendship was
too good. She’d trusted Mother and Father and now they were both gone. Since then, her life had been reduced to bartering for what she needed. “Perhaps—or maybe I left it all in the past. I can’t really be sure. I’m not willing to take the risk.”

  “Lady Jane and Lord Rupert have a great many friends. Not to mention that several of our Everton ladies have moved on to marry influential men. I think you might consider staying on.” Her expression softened in contentment, or whatever Honoria thought about when she looked content. She held up one finger. “I’ll just see to those toiletries.” And she was gone, the door closing behind her.

  It occurred to Diana that everyone at Everton House might be insane. Why else would they want to help a stranger who would only bring disaster down on them?

  * * * *

  On her fifth day at the Everton Domestic Society, Diana walked the gardens. With the proper outerwear and boots on, the crisp air felt good. Continuing along the path winding through the garden, she admired the garden’s detail. The trail meandered past the hothouse, potting shed, a large round fountain that was empty for the winter, and several benches. She wished for warm weather so she could smell the roses. It had been so long since she’d been able to breathe in their sweet scent.

  The comforts of the Society already lured her in, and it was dangerous for her and for them. She had met several of the ladies and found them all kind and quick witted. It was a remarkable gathering of young women who worked as Everton ladies and older women who were called dowagers. Their role was to maintain propriety when the ladies took longer assignments. It was fascinating. Lady Chervil was one of the dowagers. As good as her word, Honoria had returned with an assortment of combs, creams, soaps, ribbons and lace. No matter what Diana said to refuse, it was useless.

  From the bench with the best view of the rose garden, she saw only brown, thorny shrubs, but she didn’t want to look at the forced flowers in the hothouse. She’d had enough of manipulation for a lifetime. Closing her eyes, she imagined what the garden must be like in summer.

  If only Jacques was here to sit with her, it would be perfect. A dangerous notion, and she tried to squash it. Yet his warm scent and strong arms persisted in their invasion of her thoughts. Stupid, since she would never see him again. He was handsome and wealthy with friends in high places. He had no use for a woman of no worth who was followed by trouble. Jacques Laurent wouldn’t give her a second thought, and she should forget him as well.

  Light footsteps sounded on the stone path. “Am I disturbing you?” Lady Jane’s hands were folded inside her dark blue cloak. As usually seemed the case, her eyes were kind while her mouth was drawn in a serious line.

  “Not at all, my lady.” Diana stood.

  With a brief smile, Jane nodded toward the bench and they both sat. “If you are interested, I have a potential assignment for you.”

  “For me?” It was always best to hide her emotions, but shock and excitement pushed forward before she could rein herself in.

  Jane took a deep breath and sat impossibly straighter. “I’m reasonably sure you would be safely out of harm’s way. I will, of course, send both a dowager and a footman with you, just in case.”

  “Won’t the client think it odd that I have an entourage?”

  A genuine smile lit up Jane’s face. “To be honest, this particular client might not even notice. I will, however, inform his staff.” She sobered. “It is something in your field of expertise and out of the public eye. Do you think you might be willing to try life as an Everton lady?”

  The idea of having something useful to do was tempting. Even if it only kept her mind occupied with anything but her imminent capture, she would be grateful. “I will try, my lady. But if I sense the least danger to the client or his staff, I will take myself away, and you will not even receive a note. It’s better you not know where I’ve gone if French spies have discovered me.”

  “Yes, I suppose that’s true. Though we will likely come looking for you.” There was that smile again, though it didn’t touch her eyes this time. “Come to my office and we shall look over the contract. Then you can decide if it interests you and when you feel well enough to begin.”

  Stepping back into the world of London society was not an option, but perhaps she could hide in plain sight. It had worked before. She could pass as almost anything. She’d even managed a three-week ship voyage in which she posed as a boy, mopping decks and cleaning the privy. She could stay out of sight or become whatever she needed.

  She took a deep breath and followed Jane into the house.

  Chapter 3

  Jacques had kept busy the past three weeks. Yet at every turn, he was tempted to go to the Everton Domestic Society and see how Diana fared. He didn’t even know if she was still there. She was so skittish, she might have left that very day he dropped her off and run like a thief with a bag full of diamonds. He couldn’t even say why she’d touched him so deeply. Perhaps it was that in spite of her strength and bravado, she had needed him. In that one moment in the dark at the inn, she had asked for his help, and he couldn’t let that go.

  Having just returned to London after another visit with his parents, he went to see Francis Edgebrook. He could check on his investments and have a good laugh. With his enthusiasm for a new invention or discovery, Francis always put him in a good mood.

  He rapped the knocker.

  After a considerable wait the door opened. Fenwick, the butler, looked even more harried than usual. His red hair flopped in his eyes, and he struggled to make eye contact. “Good afternoon, sir. I apologize for my delay.”

  “Is something wrong, Fenwick?”

  A hint of amusement lifted one side of the butler’s mouth. “I’ll leave that for you to decide, sir.”

  Butlers were not generally cryptic, but the Edgebrook household was unusual in a great many ways. “Is Mr. Edgebrook at home?”

  “Yes, sir. You will find him in his office. Shall I escort you?”

  “No need. I know the way.” Jacques handed over his hat and coat before going down the short hallway to Francis’s office.

  Before he could knock, he heard a woman’s voice within, a distinctively raspy and sensual voice. Jacques opened the door.

  Francis laughed at something before turning. “Jacques, I’m glad you’re here. I want you to meet my new assistant. I took a page out of Middleton’s book and hired an Everton lady. Who would have thought they could find someone to help an old man of science like me?”

  Eyes wide and cheeks as pink as her sweet lips, her shock at seeing him again was evident.

  Jacques’s first instinct was to kiss her senseless. Heart pounding and palms sweaty, he lost his voice for several beats. “The Everton Domestic Society is full of surprises. I had no idea Miss St. Cloud was of a scientific mind.”

  Francis clapped. He’d lost some weight after nearly blowing himself to bits the previous year and he had a small scar on his left cheek from the incident, but his color was good. “You know each other. How fabulous. I do love it when my friends are already friends. It shows good taste all around.”

  For the first time since he’d entered the office, Diana looked away. “We met just last week. Monsieur Laurent was kind enough to offer me transport when I was in need.”

  The truth, but not all of it. She was the most intriguing woman. Jacques had thought of little else, and she was the last person he’d expected to find at the Edgebrook townhouse. “In what capacity are you assisting, Miss St. Cloud?”

  Up like a shot, Francis said, “She’s a chemist and mechanic, Jacques. You can’t believe what a miracle she is. I’ve not had one fire or explosion since she arrived three days ago. Diana has a keen knowledge and such instincts.” Out the door he went, still rambling on about how wonderful Diana was.

  Jacques looked at her. “I suppose we are meant to follow.”

  Rising, she held back a smile
, but it lit her eyes just the same. “Yes. I believe so.”

  Francis was already heading down the stairs to his laboratory when they reached the hallway.

  “Are you well? Has everything worked out at the Society, Miss St. Cloud?” It was best not to use her familiar name. Though just looking at her, he longed to touch and hold her. He’d begun to think the way she fit against him was just his imagination. Now he longed to test the theory.

  With her lovely smooth cheeks and her pert little nose, she took his breath away. Diana met his gaze. “I should thank you for delivering me there, Monsieur. Everyone has been very kind.”

  Doris Whimple stormed down the hall. “Don’t you keep him up all night with those beakers and flames. He needs his rest, you know. Oh, hello, Mr. Laurent. I didn’t know you were calling today.”

  Never having seen Doris in a temper before, Jacques was unsure how to respond. One moment she’d been in a rage, and the next she’d simpered at him as if nothing was amiss. Doris had been lady’s maid and companion to Millicent Edgebrook, Francis’s niece and ward. Millie had joined Everton’s and eventually married Jacques’s friend, the Duke of Middleton.

  “I just arrived, Mrs. Whimple. How are you?”

  Hands on her hips, she frowned and shifted her gaze to Diana. “As well as can be expected.”

  Still as mist, Diana stood next to him without reacting or responding.

  Jacques had no idea what had created the tension. “We are only going to see what’s new in the laboratory. I’m sure we won’t be long.”

  Taking a rather dramatic breath and heaving a long sigh, Doris said, “I’ll go and tell Cook to start some tea.”

  Once she was out of sight, Jacques turned to Diana. “What was that about?”

  “I believe she is jealous.” It was said without inflection. Diana stepped through the doorway and down the steps.

  The narrow stairs had barely enough room to accommodate his shoulders. Halfway down, he held her elbow to stop her. “Jealous of what?”