Chapter Forty-Six

London

A total of seven weeks had elapsed since the fateful evening of Raven’s proposal to Samantha. Raven met Samantha and her family in the park and even once they enjoyed tea at a residence of one of the matrons. Raven, of course, also received an invitation. Other chance meetings occurred where he was invited to join the Winston party and he was somewhat encouraged as this was the first instance.

Raven visited the Winston School for Ladies with Prince Nicholas, and both made generous contributions. He and the Prince met several of the ladies at the school and spent a few hours in discussion about the future of these girls. The duke now had a complete comprehension of why Samantha espoused such a cause and was determined to assist her however he could.

Raven continued to call at Winston House every Friday like clockwork, and he made progress, but not enough as far as he was concerned, and he grew impatient.

Raven awaited an appointment with the Prince Regent, which didn’t happen in quick order. The approval of the charter application of the cartel was at a standstill. He ran out of patience on all fronts.

At times he had a premonition someone followed him, but every time he turned around, no one was in sight. Trusting his instincts, Raven arranged to have his footmen accompany him to all the places he went except for his visits at the Winston’s. He did not want Samantha to be fearful so the footmen would wait in the coach.

Samantha concluded he had suffered enough and soon, she would invite him to dinner and receive his calls. She just wished nausea would not reoccur. That is when it occurred to her that she’d missed her courses for two months. Could she be with child?

At first, the thought frightened her. Her mind conjured all kinds of situations and explanations. When she counted the days, the undeniable fact was that she carried a child within her womb.

Should she tell him? Her thoughts bombarded her with shock waves. How would she manage to tell her brother? Goodness, what would she do when the ton heard about her being in a family way? The world did not stop spinning, but the start of a new life was a major consequence. She’d have to speak with Aunt Min.

Raven would want to do the right thing and marry her, but this in and of itself was not a good enough reason for marriage. It would be a grievous wrong not to tell him about their child.

She placed her hand over her stomach. “Don’t worry, little one. Your mama will protect you and make things right.” She found she liked the way the word Mama slid off her lips. She added, “And so will your Papa.”

She swore she heard an angel sing. Samantha remembered her mother’s voice.

I know you have guarded over me, Mama. Now I am to be a mother, too. I will need guidance. Please watch over the babe and me. I have missed you so much.

****

On this particular Friday, Raven made his usual call to Winston House. To his surprise, the butler showed him into the drawing room where they could be private. He entered the smaller room to a smiling welcome from Samantha. “How are the Star Gazers, Your Grace?”

“They fare well indeed. You’ll have to come and see the exotic blooms for yourself. We have high hopes for a prize winner.”

She motioned for him to sit opposite her. “Please sit so we can chat in private.”

He did.

“Perhaps I could attend the National Flower Show with you, Raven?”

He gave her a mighty grin. “I shall expect you to and will make suitable arrangements.” He crossed one leg over the other. His body and mind relaxed and he was elated to be here with her alone. However, he still remained cautious about his lovely chameleon.

“I’ve missed talking to you, Raven. I was unwell for a while, but the malady has passed.”

“Why wasn’t I told?” His concern was evident.

“I didn’t want to worry you. Tell me about Parliament, about the cartel, and about any other circumstances. I’m anxious to know.”

Raven’s contentment at this moment was one to savor. Her radiating glow could light a ballroom, and he had two such rooms that could use her presence. These subjects of comfort to him he chose to share with her. Someone still blocked the charter. “We should have been granted approval by now. All the cartel members have tried to obtain information that would aid us. Something is much amiss.” He clenched his mouth tighter into a frown.

The stakes were high for all of them. The more time elapsed, the worse it seemed for the charter’s approval. Confidentiality signified, but the crucial element of surprise would affect progress. Raven, to his surprise, found enjoyment in such discussions with Samantha about business matters since she had a logical thought process.

“I’ve ordered tea for us. Would you join me?” Again, her demeanor appealed.

Nigel brought in a tea tray and left it on the table in front of them. She spoke amiably while she served him tea in a porcelain cup, which he accepted. Then she poured her own. “I smell a rat, Your Grace,” she said in a serious moment. He held her gaze enjoying this rare moment.

“I’m afraid you’re right. I now know the identity of the rat. He is a big one. I need irrefutable proof. And if the Prince Regent is involved, the rat is even larger than I thought. There is also a third rat. Perhaps even more—a nest of them.” Raven gave her a narrowed glinting glance.

Samantha returned her teacup to the tray. “We need a big cat, Your Grace. Are there any detective agencies you can trust? Perhaps former Bow Street Runners?”

“I’ve hired private investigators of the highest quality, and they report to me daily. I want you to know how much I’ve needed to talk to someone who could understand my problems. You’re a keen thinker. While I sometimes believe you know enough to be dangerous, I have no one around me who can understand.”

“You have all the members of your cartel you could ask,” she answered in a quick retort.

“It is difficult to be a chairman and have to confide your private doubts to associates. They expect me to be an intrepid leader who somehow will conquer all problems. It does not always happen that way. My lady, I am alone at the top.” Raven stood, and then moved toward her. “I’ve no desire to play games, my lady. I have a need to hold you in my arms, for a moment, if you would allow me.” Would the Ice Princess melt? The frost in her voice was almost gone. There was hope at last. He now had an indefinable sense of rightness.

They faced each other, and she stood and ran to his outstretched arms. “I’ve no desire for games either.” Time stood still as he held her in a firm embrace, relishing the female scent of her, more fragrant than a field of flowers in spring. “Ah, your embrace is what I needed.”

“Forgive me, Raven.”

“Let’s forgive each other and speak no more. There are happier things we can discuss.” He bent his head low and kissed her open lips, darted his tongue to hers. His arms tightened around her, and the pleasure of her breasts against his chest reminded him of what they could be. Draping her arms around his neck was an obvious enjoyment. When she didn’t pull away, he continued to hold her, for this was paradise. “Does this mean you missed me too?” His breath warmed her ear below her neck. Thrill after thrill snaked up his spine and he welcomed the sensation back. Only she could make this happen.

“More than you’ll ever know, Raven.” She sighed. “I know I am safe in your arms.”

Surprised at her answer, he asked jovially, “Did you ever have doubt?” While her statement seemed odd, he did have news to impart. With reluctance, he took her arms and removed them from around him. “Much as I would like to continue this, there is a time and a place. First, there are matters to be discussed.” After a few silent moments, he asked, “Is Winston at home?”

“He may be in his study. I’ll see if you wish.”

Raven nodded to her, but to him, the weight of the world was still on his shoulders. “Ask your aunt to join us also, Samantha.” It was time to resolve their issues and now was as good a time as any.

He stood tall near the fireplace and addressed the three of them after they sat. “I find this difficult, but I’m convinced there was a plot to implicate all of you in a scheme that would make me doubt your loyalty to the cartel’s cause. There are many signed legal documents that testify to this, and I am aware of the mastermind of the plan. You and your family are exonerated. I only ask that you remember while I trusted all of you, it was necessary to prove to other cartel members that there wasn’t an issue since they were aware of my affection for your family.”

Winston exhaled in obvious relief.

Lady Minerva said, “The tension has been hard on everyone.”

“My Lady Minerva, the good news is the cartel will accept you and Samantha into the conglomerate in return for the schematics on the pistol.”

Lady Minerva smiled, “I never doubted it for a moment, Your Grace. Is it on my terms?”

Raven answered, “Yes, all of them. You and Samantha are now investors in return for the cartel’s ownership of the pistol rights.”

“On whose recommendation was this made?” asked Samantha.

“Mine,” answered Raven.

“So all along, you could have gotten me into the cartel, but chose not to do so?” Her annoyance simmered again and appeared about to boil.

He knew her so well, it seemed, he responded, “Yes, but you must understand that my primary concern was for your welfare. I have enemies as does any powerful man, and I couldn’t endanger you.”

Samantha said, “You, you…are…

Her aunt retorted. “Magnanimous, Your Grace.”

She stared down Samantha and commanded. “Samantha, enough is enough. No more. Raven has explained his reason, and you should be grateful for his concern.”

Her harsh tone and stony gaze caused Samantha to reflect. She brought her hand to her stomach, and let it rest there where their child grew and bestowed an innocent-like smile.

They were interrupted by the butler, who stated there was a note for the duke.

How strange, thought Raven, that a note should be delivered here to him at Winston House. That could mean he’d been followed. Or perhaps the message went to his townhouse and the majordomo forwarded the message. That made more sense.

He smiled as he read the note. “The Prince Regent will see me next week. The charade is about to end.”

Raven could now relax, happy that so much progress had been made on the cold front with Samantha and that things were set right with her family.

Lady Minerva asked, “Your Grace, will you tell us who the person is who initiated this plot to hurt you and the cartel?”

“I do not have definitive proof in that regard. I have narrowed down the culprits to three possible men. I’ve eliminated one of them for he is not daring or skilled enough to attempt anything on his own. You know him as Roger Dudley. Therefore, I will not make allegations about the other two until it is beyond doubt. You will have to trust my judgment.”

Raven walked to the mantel, place a booted foot on the hearth, then turned. He stared at Winston. “There is also another member of royalty in the current gas light company.”

“Another royal? English?” Winston asked.

“No, he’s Russian.” Raven observed Samantha’s mouth open in surprise.

“Prince Nicholas?” asked Winston. “How can that be? How can he be part of two opposition cartels? There would be a definite conflict of interest there.”

“Correct, Winston. However, it is not Prince Nicholas. I have the list here in my pocket.” Raven handed the parchment to him.

It was a moment full of suspense as they waited for the important announcement. All eyes were glued to Winston as he read the list and then peered at them in surprise.