Gemma and Cam celebrated their betrothal over luncheon with Lady Serena, Sophia and Ben.
And for a temporary measure meant only to protect Gemma’s reputation, it felt damned real to Cam.
So real, in fact, that when, instead of discussing wedding details with her sister and chaperone, Gemma announced that she was ready to go to Pearson Close, he laughed. He couldn’t help it.
They’d both been up since before dawn, had seen a dead body, been interrogated by the local magistrate, and been compromised into a false betrothal.
Any other lady would have taken to her bedchamber with smelling salts.
But, as he’d realized months ago, Gemma was not like any other lady.
“I’m serious,” Gemma said frowning even as she slipped her arm through his as they left the dining room. “We must go examine Sir Everard’s belongings before Mr. Northman does. I fear he may have already got there ahead of us, but it’s worth a try, at the very least. There may be some clue to who killed him, and therefore who has my fossil.”
Cam stopped to look at her, not unaware of his brother smirking behind them. Ben was likely pleased to see another man having to contend with the mad starts of a Hastings sister.
He’d always been happier when he had company.
To Gemma he said, “I know I agreed to help you find your fossil, but—”
“Yes,” Gemma interrupted, “and the best way to do that is to see if there’s anything in Sir Everard’s things that will give us a clue. It might not go amiss if we interview his valet. Did you not say he often helped his master in his endeavors? He will likely object to our examining Sir Everard’s papers. You will have to distract him, somehow.” She beamed at him as if he were a prized pupil. “I have faith in you, though, Cam. You can be quite persuasive when you want to be.”
Before he could reply, she said, “I’ll just go fetch my coat and hat. I’ll only be a moment.”
With that, she hurried up the stairs.
Cam felt as if he’d just been knocked over by a gale force wind.
“So, I see you’ve been given your orders,” Ben said wryly, clapping him on the shoulder. “Welcome to my world.”
“Thanks so much for your help,” Cam said with a glare.
“Come now,” Ben said cheerfully. “The Hastings sisters may know their own minds, but they make up for it in other ways. Sophia hardly ever orders me around like that anymore. At least, not when I’ve been doing my best to keep her happy.”
“So you just do her bidding?” Cam asked aghast. He’d be dashed if he would allow himself to be led around by the nose.
“I wouldn’t quite put it like that,” Ben said with a shrug. “I try to do what will make her happy. And she does the same for me. But sometimes we both fail. In which case, we argue, then make up. To be honest, the making up is the best part sometimes.”
“You’re a very strange fellow,” Cam told his brother.
“You should hear Archer,” Ben said with a shake of his head. “He’s been married longer than any of us. He knows far more about dealing with a wife. Though of course, every lady is different.”
This was a whole world that Cam hadn’t even known existed, he realized. He was almost sad he’d not be welcomed into this husbands’ club.
But only almost.
* * *
Tillie was buttoning her into a long-sleeved persimmon-colored velvet when a knock heralded the arrival of Ivy, followed close behind by Daphne.
Seeing that they were wide-eyed and obviously wished to discuss the morning’s events, she said to the maid, “I can manage the rest, Tillie. Thank you.”
With a nod, the girl slipped from the room.
“It would appear that we chose the wrong morning to sleep in,” Ivy said with a shake of her head and she came forward and gave Gemma a fierce hug. “What an awful thing for you to see. And then to be imposed upon by Lord Cameron like that. Do you wish me to tell Kerr to have a word with him? Or perhaps both he and Maitland. I know he is Lord Benedick’s brother, but that can be no excuse for his behavior.”
“No matter how many facers Lord Benedick plants on him with his fives,” Daphne added staunchly.
Despite herself, Gemma laughed. “There’s no need to send your husbands to talk sense into Cam,” she told her friends. “Though I am grateful for the offer. And contrary to what you must think, Ben and Sophia aren’t forcing me into anything. It’s to be a temporary betrothal until some time has passed. For propriety’s sake. I would have dispensed with the whole thing, but Sophia, rightly pointed out to me that a ruined reputation might mean that I would be cut off from my friends and family.”
She took them each by the hand. “I couldn’t bear it if you were unable to receive me because of my own foolishness.”
“We would never do that to you,” said Ivy fiercely, her eyes stern behind her spectacles. “Not even if Kerr ordered it of me.”
“And I wouldn’t wish to put you in that position,” Gemma said. “Though I do appreciate the loyalty.”
“And what of Lord Cameron?” Daphne asked, her blue eyes searching. “Was the thrashing the vicar delivered sufficient or should we have it followed up on by Maitland and Kerr?”
“He didn’t deserve a thrashing at all,” Gemma said with a shake of her head. “I was a willing participant in the kiss, and if Serena hadn’t walked in on us, no one would have been any the wiser.”
“Oh poor Serena,” said Ivy with a shake of her head. “I believe she hoped you, at least, would manage to finish out the year without compromising yourself.”
“One cannot compromise oneself, Ivy,” said Daphne with a shake of her head. “Unless one were to do the female equivalent of boxing the Jesuit in public, I suppose, but really that’s simply outside the realm of anything Gemma would be likely to—”
Deciding she’d best get back downstairs before Cam left without her, Gemma cut Daphne off mid-thought. “I’m sorry to go before we have time to speak more candidly about this, but I’m afraid Lord Cameron is waiting for me downstairs and we must be off.”
Ivy’s eyes narrowed. “That’s a new gown, isn’t it?”
“Where are you going?” Daphne demanded.
Gemma picked up the hat Tillie had left out for her and busied herself pinning it to her hair. “We are going to question Sir Everard’s valet at Pearson Close.”
“You’re investigating the murder, aren’t you?” Ivy asked, wide-eyed. “Poor Serena.”
Before they could begin questioning her further, Gemma kissed them each on the cheek and fled.
But not before she heard Daphne call out, “Good luck.”
She wasn’t sure whether her friend referred to Cam, or the search for the murderer. She’d take the luck for either.
* * *
When Gemma finally reappeared, she’d changed into another formfitting velvet. This one was a dull red color and was partially covered by a pelisse of the same shade. The color accentuated the peaches and cream of her complexion and was set off by a jaunty hat adorned with a cluster of flowers he couldn’t identify. None of it seems particularly practical for the current weather but as they would be indoors most of the time, it didn’t seem to be an issue.
And he had to admit, she was in fine looks.
“I took the liberty of having your curricle brought round,” Gemma told him as she stepped forward. “I hope you don’t mind.”
He looked up to see what Ben thought of this but he was gone.
The coward.
“Certainly not,” he said aloud. “I suppose we should go if we’re to get there before Northman.”
He gathered his coat and hat and gloves from George and soon he was lifting Gemma into his curricle. It wasn’t the most practical of vehicles in this weather, but with the bonnet up and the hot bricks and carriage blankets William brought them, it would be bearable.
Once they were on the road, Gemma turned to him and asked, “How shall we get me into the house?”
“Dash it,” Cam said, “I forgot about Pearson’s ridiculous no females rule. Perhaps I should go alone. I’ll turn back.”
He made as if to direct the horses to do just that but Gemma put a hand on his arm. “Don’t do that. We can figure something out. Just give me a minute.”
Reluctantly he did as she asked, though he wasn’t particularly hopeful of their prospects. It wasn’t as if they could dress her in men’s clothing and sneak her in that way.
“What were Mr. Pearson’s plans for today?” Gemma asked. “Did anyone plan on going out for some reason? Perhaps a trip to the pub?”
But he shook his head. One of the most disappointing aspects of the house party had been Pearson’s reluctance to introduce his guests to the local attractions. Which was a shame given the proximity to Lyme and other well-known fossil grounds. And there had been no question of a large group traveling to see the collection at Beauchamp House. Pearson, of course, disapproved of Lady Celeste and her decision to leave her estate to four ladies.
“As far as I know, everyone was intending to remain at the house,” he said aloud. “Though I suppose with the news of what happened to Sir Everard, there will be some who wish to go into town to get more details. Or perhaps leave altogether.”
“Perhaps that will be our cover story, then,” Gemma said with a nod. “We’re coming to bring the sad news. It did happen at my home. And you’re my betrothed so there’s no surprise in our coming together.”
“Northman warned us not to tell them before he could,” Cam reminded her. “And Pearson doesn’t even allow female servants in his house. How do you expect to get past the butler?”
“It isn’t our fault that Northman is taking so long,” Gemma said innocently. “And the butler can hardly toss me out on my ear with my handsome fiancé—who is a guest of his master—at my side, can he?”
“Handsome, eh?” He gave her a sideways look and she blushed and refused to meet his eyes.
“You know perfectly well you’re handsome, you devil.” The single dimple he liked so well made an appearance.
“But I didn’t know you thought so,” he said softly, holding the reins in his other hand so that he could slip his arm through hers. “I’m quite flattered.”
“Don’t let it go to your head,” she said tartly, though there was a hint of breathlessness in her voice. “I still think you’re stubborn as a mule.”
He barked out a laugh.
“That sentiment is mutual, Miss Hastings,” he said grinning.
He was still smiling like a fool when the curricle approached Pearson Close.
A groom stepped forward to take the reins and when Cam asked if he’d seen Northman that morning the man shook his head.
“No visitors at all today, my lord.”
Relieved that one obstacle had been avoided, he leapt down and moved to assist Gemma from the vehicle. He’d halfheartedly decided to keep things platonic between them while they were here so as not to antagonize Pearson, but that went the way of the marine lizards when she slid down the front of his body as he lifted her to the ground. He clenched his jaw at the teasing contact, and frowned at her. But Gemma’s only response was an innocent lift of her brows.
She wasn’t going to give an inch, he realized.
But really, had he expected anything less?
Of course not.
Laughing softly at his own foolishness, he took her arm and they walked together up the front steps.
When they reached the door, it opened before Cam could lift the gargoyle knocker.
Fanshawe blinked when he saw Gemma at his side.
“Lord Cameron,” he said solemnly. Then, looking down his nose at Gemma, he intoned, “I hope you know your companion will not be allowed inside. Mr. Pearson has very strict rules about females..”
“Oh, I only wish to remain in the entry hall,” Gemma assured him. “I’m Miss Gemma Hastings, by the way. And we’ve come to speak with Sir Everard’s valet.”
* * *
At the mention of Sir Everard, the butler’s face turned, if possible, even more dour. “Why would you wish to do that?”
“We have some news to give him,” Gemma said solemnly. “It’s about his master. Something very unfortunate has happened. I’m afraid he won’t be returning to Pearson Close.”
Fanshawe’s mouth dropped open, his usual impassive expression erased in his shock. “Do you mean to say that Sir Everard is dead, Miss?”
“I’m afraid he is,” Gemma said.. “And I discovered his body, I wanted to be the one to tell his valet. What’s his name? Chambers, is it?”
The butler was still taking in the news that one of the houseguests was deceased. “I don’t know, Miss. This seems most irregular. And there’s been no news of it from—”
“It’s a most irregular matter, Mr. Fanshawe,” she said, cutting him off, and Cam watched as the older man struggled to decide whether he should allow her in or not.
“I assure you, Fanshawe,” Cam said, “it’s all above board. I can confirm the dreadful news about Sir Everard. And while my betrothed speaks to Chambers I’ll just go gather my things. I’m removing to my brother’s house for the duration.”
It was the perfect solution. He would let Gemma speak to Chambers downstairs—with Fanshawe in attendance so that she wouldn’t be endangered on the off chance Chambers was the one who’d killed his master—while he nipped up to search Sir Everard’s rooms.
Fanshawe, however, was focused on the other news now. “Miss Hastings,” he said, looking mortified. “If I’d known you were the betrothed of Lord Cameron I would not have been so…”
“Think nothing of it, Mr. Fanshawe,” she said with a wave of her hand. “We only just got engaged this morning. You did nothing wrong.” She clung to Cam’s arm like a limpet and looked up at him with such adoration he felt like a puppy in the hands of a toddler.
“Indeed,” was his only response. “Now, Fanshawe, if you’ll just take Gemma to see Chambers now?”
They watched as the man struggled to decide what he should do. Finally, with the utmost reluctance, he gestured them inside.
Once they were in the entry hall, he frowned at them. “I’ll just go see if he is available. I’m afraid Mr. Chambers likes a tipple and with Sir Everard’s absence he’s been indulging himself.” His bushy brows drew together as he frowned at Gemma. “Wait here.”
Before they could respond, he had disappeared through the door leading to the kitchens and servants quarters.
Just as Cam was about to remark on Chambers’ intoxication, Gemma was sprinting toward the staircase.
“What are you doing?” Cam hissed, hurrying after her. “Get back here.”
“You get up here,” she said in a low voice, over her shoulder, as she hurried up the carpeted stairs. “If we don’t get to Sir Everard’s bedchamber before Fanshawe emerges with Chambers we’ll lose our chance.”
She meant, of course that she’d lose her chance to search the baronet’s rooms. But by now he’d realized it was impossible to change Gemma’s mind once she had decided a course of action. So, mindful that they didn’t want to be caught out by the butler, Cam hurried to catch up with her.