Page 28 of A Lady's Past
Even through the grime, he could see her swallow, and fear enter her gaze. He longed to give her comfort, and all he gave her was trepidation and worry. It would change, he vowed.
With a nod, she climbed the stairs. “I’ll only be a few minutes.”
“Take your time. We’ll wait.” Michael looked over the other experiments.
Removing the handkerchief from his pocket, Francis took a moment to wipe his face. He cleaned his spectacles and stared at Jacques. “Is my assistant in some kind of trouble that might bring a duke to my humble home?”
“Why would you think that, Mr. Edgebrook?” Michael stopped perusing and stared at Francis.
“Forgive me, Your Grace, but you are not exactly a typical peer. You have military ties that are said to run deep. What in the world could you want with Miss St. Cloud?” Francis stepped around the table and faced Michael.
Jacques stood between them. “Francis, we are here to help, and you will have to trust me. We are not able to tell you all the details at this time.”
With a sigh, Francis walked to the stairs and turned, blocking the way. “I know what you and all of society think of me. Madman and putterer. I hear the rumors. You think my head is so far in my experiments and books that I don’t know what’s happening around me. If you’re here to arrest her, Your Grace, I’ll not have it. I’ll protect her by whatever means necessary.”
Certain that his mouth hung open, Jacques didn’t know what to say.
“You know who she is.” Michael watched, but didn’t move.
“Of course. I’ve known since she walked in here that first day. I knew her father, though I imagine since she’s on her own, he’s gone to his maker. Jacob would never have left that girl to fend for herself. She doesn’t remember that I met her once when she was just a child. I saw the resemblance to my friend, and with her knowledge of science and the name, I put it together. Now why are you here?”
Shaking his head, Michael laughed. “She certainly does instill a great deal of loyalty in people who barely know her. There must be something good in her.”
“She is all good. I sent multiple letters to Parliament when Jacob was declared a traitor. I knew he would never turn. Then, when the French didn’t have better weapons after six months, I sent another letter expounding on my knowledge of the man. It was the only time I wished I had a better reputation.” Sorrow laced Francis’s voice on the last sentence. “Jacob MacLeod was a good man and a great patriot. His daughter is a good girl, and I will defend her with my life if need be.”
Jacques couldn’t contain his smile. She really did have a way of becoming part of people’s lives. So much so that both he and Francis were willing to die for her.
With a sigh, Michael nodded. “That will not be necessary, Mr. Edgebrook. It is clear that if you and Laurent are willing to lose everything over a slip of a girl, she must be very special. I only came today to meet her and see if I can help.”
“Well, good.” Francis didn’t give an inch. “How can you help? What kind of trouble is she in?”
“I’d rather not tell her tale, if you don’t mind.” Michael looked around the laboratory. “I would suggest that you secure your home better and not use her true name outside present company. What happened here today may have been an accident, but there are a great many questions unanswered. That tends to make me uncomfortable.”
On the main floor, Jacques walked out the front door and down to where Bertram still stood. “Anyone make an attempt to enter?”
Shaking his head, Bertram kept his arms folded and gaze watchful. “A couple of odd-looking blokes walked by but turned down the cross street when they saw me. I have my doubts about odd accidents, sir.”
Jacques patted Bertram on the back. “You are a good man. Keep an eye out. I will have a wet cloth and a cup of tea brought out for you.”
“Much appreciated, sir.”
Back inside, Jacques joined Michael in the study. Francis was kind enough to vacate to his rooms. He said he would need time to clean up.
Shortly after they were seated, Diana came in with a clean face and hands. Her dress was still covered in ash, and she carried a towel.
Jacques and Michael stood until she had placed the towel on the divan and seated herself on top of it. Jacques marveled at how thoughtful she always managed to be. Despite her obvious nervousness, she still worried about the furniture.
“Are you here to arrest me, Your Grace?” Diana was right to the point.
Michael smiled. “I don’t think so, Miss… I suppose we should continue with St. Cloud for now. Because two men I respect have vouched for you, and because Lord Rupert and Lady Jane are excellent judges of character and have offered you employment and a home, I am going to help you if I can.”
Wide-eyed, she swallowed several times before she spoke. “How can you help?”
The towel she sat on covered a rose divan, and Diana ran her fingers along the patterned fabric. She must be terrified if she was unwilling to make eye contact with Michael. Jacques moved to sit next to her. “I will not let anyone harm you, Diana. You must trust in that.”
Looking up at him, her fear eased from her gaze. “I would not blame you if you turned me over to the government. You must be careful in these times.”
“Michael is here to help.” He wanted to take her in his arms and ease her worry, but that wasn’t possible with Michael present.
