Page 59 of Fortune Favors the Viscount
“No.”
Fitchley’s action hadn’t been a complete surprise. It had always been a possibility, hovering at the edge of Nick’s mind. The baron was spiteful and vindictive, and Nick had crossed him several times already. He’d never thought it would take long for Fitchley to recall his dear friend, the late Lord Sydenham, after Nick’s petition for that title became known. He’d been expecting something like this, and preparing for it, ever since Emilia said the man’s name, even before she ran into Parker-Lloyd, Fitchley’s old mate who had some particular interest in her.
He was wild to know what that interest was. James had reported that Parker-Lloyd argued with her, holding her arm until James approached. He’d also overheard a few words of the conversation, which suggested Parker-Lloyd had had more than a passing acquaintance with Emilia, once, and that Emilia had been both infuriated and frightened by the man.It was not a cordial meeting,she’d said—but not why.
It was true Nick had worried more about Charlotte, after the way he’d had to search for her in the first place. His sister was young, beautiful, and alone, and Nick had been around wickedness and debauchery long enough to recognize how vulnerable that could make her.
But he’d never really thought the same about Emilia Greene. She was from a noble family, a lady despite her reduced circumstances. He’d thought her indomitable. She’d fought tenaciously for Lucinda’s safety and welfare, but never mentioned her own. Nick was left to wonder why, and how on earth he could protect her.
“We’re leaving London,” he told Grantham. “A fortnight, perhaps. If you need me, send a message here to Forbes.”
Grantham nodded. “Where will you go?”
“Brighton.” Nick shrugged. “Perhaps Lyme.” Brighton was more fashionable, but he’d enjoyed the school holidays he’d spent with a mate in Lyme.
Grantham eyed him thoughtfully. “If you haven’t already made plans, you should consider Beaufort Hall in Dorset. The Sydenham estate.”
It made sense. Grantham’s arguments always did. Still, Nick hesitated. Charlotte had told him about Lucinda’s nightmare. He didn’t want to terrorize the girl again, if her fears were connected to the estate as much as they were to her late father.
“Be seen there as the new viscount,” Grantham went on with growing certainty. “Stake your claim openly and obviously. And it can only help your cause if the people who knew Lucinda see her healthy and happy in your care.”
“You told me it was a ruin,” he retorted.
The attorney waved one hand, unruffled. “It can’t be that bad. And you don’t need to take up residence, merely inspect the place. Greet the neighbors. Let it be known you are taking possession soon, and intend to hire from the local village. It will create an air of... inevitability.”
“That will sway the Committee for Privileges?”
Grantham smiled, looking very sly for a moment. “I’ve told you they have no legal grounds to reject the petition. Begin looking and acting the part of a viscount, and they won’t see the point of resisting the inevitable.”
Nick grunted. He’d thought of going somewhere more appealing, akin to a holiday. It would be his first one in years, after all, and he’d developed a tantalizing mental image of strolling on the seashore with Emilia on his arm. He had a feeling Beaufort Hall wouldn’t offer that, even if it would help establish him as the next lord, as Grantham said.
Now, when he saw Emilia go pale at mention of the estate, he doubted again.
“Oh,” she said faintly. “Why?”
“To avoid Fitchley and Parker-Lloyd and all their sort.”
“We can’t stay away from London forever,” she protested. “Not in Dorset!”
“Why not?”
She wet her lips, looking so anxious, he almost told her he only meant to stay long enough for his plans for Lord Fitchley to come to fruition. “It’s not in good repair. Beaufort Hall, I mean.”
He took her hand. “Is that the only reason?” She glanced at him, visibly tense. “Tell me, Emilia,” he urged. “I know the house has been let go. I know the estate is mortgaged and neglected. Charlotte told me Lucinda had a nightmare about the place.”
She shuddered. “Her father was cruel,” she whispered. “He—he wanted a son, and he found his daughter a grave disappointment. The mark on her cheek...”
Nick frowned. He barely noticed Lucinda’s birthmark anymore. Now that she wasn’t pale and thin, but had some healthy color in her face, the mark was far less prominent. “He abused his daughter because of a mark on her skin?”
Emilia shook her head. “He abused her because he was a monster. He hated everything about her, the mark being only the focus of his cruelty. He drank, and he had a foul temper, and I truly believe no one liked him.” She took a deep breath. “He’s dead now, thank goodness, but I’m afraid the house will remind Lucy... I promised her she would never have to go back!”
Without thinking, he put his arm around her and pulled her close. She burrowed closer and rested her cheek on his chest, and Nick wondered if she could feel the thump his heart made in response. “I want her out of London, where Fitchley cannot get her. I would prefer to keep her where I can protect her, rather than send her to someone else.” Emilia shook her head against his chest. Nick relaxed at that. “I only intend to stay a few days. She won’t be alone there, not even for a moment, and if she wishes to leave, you and she can stay in the nearest village. I give you my word.”
She stirred and Nick loosened his hold. “Why do you want to go?”
“It’s the Sydenham estate. I am the new Lord Sydenham, or will be in a matter of months.” Her eyes widened. He nodded. “Grantham says there’s no fault in your work. It won’t be denied.”
“Oh!” Her face brightened, and she even smiled a little. “I’m glad to hear that.”
