Clean your own house first before you criticize anyone else’s domestic skills.
Lady Warlock
The horses raced to London, seeming not to mind the inclement weather. Fortunate, as Devan needed them to make haste. He settled against the squab. Though Avalon was worried for good reason, she still maintained her sense of calm.
He tightened his hand into a fist. If that arse of a first husband had just left her alone without being cruel, things would be so much easier for both of them. His heart clenched in his chest as he recalled the look of abject misery in her eyes when she shared what Richard had done to her in the reading of his will. What man in his right mind would inflict that kind of torture on his wife?
He studied the London proper streetlights outside the carriage window. Within minutes they arrived at the White Dove. With little fanfare, Mary Bolen’s protectors had personally escorted them into the same sitting room where he’d been all those years ago.
A prim and proper maid dressed in all black entered with a tea tray. Her mode of dress ensured that she faded into the shadows so the women who served Mary’s clients could shine like baubles at Christmas.
“When might your mistress arrive?” Devan asked as serenely as possible, though he wanted to search the entire premises then and there without an escort. “We’re in somewhat of a hurry.”
The maid dipped a curtsy. “I’m not certain, Vicar. But I’ll let her know you’re here.”
Before he could ask more, the door opened. A beautiful woman with blond hair entered, her dress elegant but subdued. By looks alone, she could easily be a member of the ton instead of the demimonde.
Without a glance his way, Mary was riveted to Avalon. “My lady, welcome to the White Dove. It’s so lovely to see you.” She closed the distance between them, then waved a hand for them to sit. “And you also, Mr. Farris,” she added almost as an afterthought. “May I offer you some tea?”
“No, Mary,” Avalon said quietly as she twisted her gloves in her hand. “We’re here on an urgent matter.”
“Lady Sophia Cavensham and Miss Penelope Rowley?” She tilted her head, and a kind smile graced her lips. “They’re safe and sound. I was about to send a footman to Warwyk Hall with the news they’re here.”
“Thank God.” For the first time since this morning, Avalon seemed to relax. “Are they all right?”
Mary Bolen laughed, and the surprisingly loud sound erupted from such a small but elegant woman. “As I said, safe and sound.” Her smile melted into a slight grin. “I’ll take you to them. But before I do, how are you, Avalon?” The affection in her voice was unmistakable.
Devan’s wife smiled. “I’m well, Mary. And you?”
Mary’s eyes twinkled. “I’m excellent. I heard you married again?”
Avalon glanced at Devan with a smile. “Yes. Mr. Farris and I married several days ago.”
“Felicitations on the happy news.” Mary turned to him. “And no honeymoon with your bride, Vicar,” she chided while tilting her head and regarding him as if taking his measure. “Your wife is a woman of the highest caliber and deserves happiness.”
“Indeed, Miss Bolen.” He took Avalon’s hand and raised it to his lips. “I find myself beyond blessed to have married such an exquisite woman.”
She nodded her agreement. “I hope you love her.”
“I do.” Devan’s gaze settled on Avalon. “My wife has lived a life where, unfortunately, others have failed to recognize how extraordinary she is. Never fear, Miss Bolen, I see my wife clearly for who she is.”
Avalon’s eyes widened at his bluntness, but soon, they shimmered in happiness. “And I see my husband the same.”
Mary bit her lip and for the first time appeared hesitant. “Lord Warwyk must be growing tall. I’ve always wondered if he favors my son, Richard.”
Avalon’s gaze settled on Mary, and she shook her head. “Lord Warwyk looks like a Cavensham.”
“If things were different, I’d have you and your husband to a proper tea.” Mary waved a hand in front of her. “But none of us can change who we are.”
“I beg to differ. We all have that power within us,” Devan argued.
“Do you?” Mary asked with a lift of one brow.
Immediately, he thought of how he’d changed over the time he’d been in Thistledown. No longer did he need to hide behind the persona he’d created. He felt grounded and knew he belonged not only to a community but to a person, his wife. There wasn’t anything he’d not do for Avalon. “I know so.”
“I shall watch you for inspiration, Mr. Farris.” The amusement melted in Mary’s eyes, replaced by admiration. “Come and I’ll take you to the young ladies.”
“One minute before we go,” Avalon announced.
One thing Avalon had come to realize in her short time with Devan was that she did trust him. He said he’d help her with Thane, and now was the perfect time to prepare her son for his future.
“Mary, I’ve changed as well. I’ve learned how to appreciate how special life truly is.” Determined not to allow her resolve to disappear without talking action, she stepped forward and took the woman’s hands in her own. “With my husband’s sensible guidance, I want to propose that Lord Warwyk meet your Richard. They’ll both be at Eton together soon. Now is the time, don’t you think?”
Overcome, Mary bit her lip and tears welled in her eyes. She blinked rapidly, then nodded. “My lady, I can’t tell you what this means to me. Richard will have no other siblings, and I’m certain he’d cherish meeting his … Lord Warwyk.”
Avalon’s vision blurred with emotion. “Thane will be thrilled to find out he has a brother.” She said the words, shedding the burden she’d allowed herself to carry for so many years. “Though Warwyk was forced to marry me, I’m thankful he gave me a son, whom I love dearly. Just as I know you love your son. I’m truly glad that you and Richard found happiness for the short period of time he had on this earth.”
Devan stood close, resting his hand on her lower back, supporting her in her decision.
Mary nodded as she wiped away a tear. “Thank you.”
Avalon leaned close and pressed a kiss against Mary’s check. “Thank you for Sophia.”
“It’s my sincere pleasure to help, Avalon.” Mary returned the kiss, then whispered, “With your vicar, I think you’ve found the same type of happiness I had with Richard.”
She paused for a moment and said a silent prayer of thanks. “I’m truly blessed.”
Mary nodded, then swept her hand toward the door. “Come. The girls are down the hall.”
As Devan and Avalon followed Mary, he squeezed her hand. “You are amazing.”
She caught his gaze, then leaned into him. “So are you.”
Before she could say more, Mary stopped at the door before opening it. “I’m not the one who found Lady Sophia and Miss Rowley. It was a gentleman by the name of Marcus Leighton.”
“I’ve met him at the Cavenshams before,” Avalon answered.
As Mary escorted them down a narrow hallway, she continued, “This is part of my private quarters. No one needs to know our business.” She stopped in front of a closed door. “Mr. Leighton brought them here and hasn’t left their side for a moment.”
Devan’s eyebrows shot upward. “Is he one of your regular customers?”
“Vicar!” she scolded.
The train of her dress swooshed against the thick wool carpet beneath her feet as if chastising him, too. Before he could inquire more, Mary waved both of them forward.
“You and I are in the same business, in a manner of speaking. I keep secrets just like you do.” She glanced up and winked. “I can’t tell you anything about my clientele. However, I can share that he wants to talk to your wife about Lady Sophia.” She twisted the ornate gilded doorknob, then stepped back. “If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.” She turned to leave, then lightly placed her hand on Avalon’s arm. “I’m so happy you’re here.”
“I’ll leave you two to finish and see you inside.” Devan nodded to Mary, then to Avalon. He entered the room, leaving them alone in the hall.
“Will you write when would be a convenient time to bring Richard to meet Lord Warwyk?” Mary asked, not hiding the hopefulness in her voice.
“I will,” Avalon promised. “I can never repay you for your kindness.”
“You just did a thousand times over by agreeing to allow my Richard to meet your son.” The warmth and sincerity in her voice showed that Mary genuinely cared for her. There was little doubt that their lurid past had tangled into the tightest of knots and would forever keep them bound in some way. “Go see your sister.” With those last words, Mary walked down the hall.
A deep sense of relief and rightness buoyed Avalon’s spirits. Without a glance back, she entered the room and found Devan next to Sophia in front of the roaring fire that had been built in the formal sitting room. Wrapped in a greatcoat, Sophia had her head bowed. Marcus Leighton stood sentry beside her, murmuring something. There was no mistaking it was Mr. Leighton, a gentleman who made his fortune in imports, as his unique dark blond hair glowed a golden red in the firelight.
A little distance away from the group, Penelope stood with a blanket wrapped around her.
At the sound of the door closing, Leighton positioned himself in front of Sophia as if protecting her, then when he noticed Avalon’s presence, he stepped away immediately. Sophia rushed forward. Never taking her eyes from Leighton, Avalon opened her arms and hugged her sister.
Sophia took a step back, then waved a hand down her dress. “Look at me. I’m a drowned rat. When the skies opened in a downpour, we just stood there. If it hadn’t been for Mar—Mr. Leighton, we’d probably…” Her whole body shivered. “Who knows where we’d be.” Sophia walked to her friend. “Pen?”
Penelope sat quietly staring at her hands. With a troubled breath, she exhaled, then forced her gaze to theirs. “I’m not going back.”
“You can’t stay here. Your aunt is worried. But Avalon and I have some ideas we’d like to discuss with you. We have friends in Northumberland who you could stay with.” Devan smiled in reassurance.
“Beggin’ your pardon.” The maid, who’d entered the room, dipped a curtsy. “If Lady Sophia and Miss Rowley would like to change, Miss Bolen has gowns for them to borrow in the room across the hall.”
Sophia took one of Penelope’s hands in hers and tugged her to stand. The girl’s listless manners matched her pale complexion. She appeared almost lifeless.
“Penelope,” Avalon said as she took the girl in a hug. “We’ll keep you safe.”
“Come, Pen.” Sophia put her arm around the girl’s waist, offering support. “I don’t want you ill.”
“I’ll have them back as soon as I can, my lady.” Immediately, the maid swept Sophia and Penelope from the room.
Devan exhaled a breath as Leighton approached. “Marcus, how can we ever thank you?”
Leighton shook his head. “No thanks needed.” His brown-eyed gaze flew to the door where Sophia had just exited, then back to her and Devan.
“Where exactly did you find them?” Avalon asked.
Leighton’s expression turned solemn. “They were being circled by two foxed lechers outside another brothel. They couldn’t find Mary’s place. If I hadn’t arrived when I did, no telling…” He pursed his lips. “When I found them, they were soaked to the skin and shaking like leaves. I think Penelope might have been in shock.”
“Did Lady Sophia share anything about why they’re here?” Devan threw his head in the direction of a side table that held a well-stocked supply of brandy and sherry.
The man nodded and followed Devan. After he poured and handed a brandy to Marcus, he gave one to Avalon.
Leighton took a sip of brandy and closed his eyes as he swallowed. “Sophia said that Penelope needed to stay in London with her.” His eyes blazed in anger. “Those men…” He let the thought drift to nothing.
Without saying more, he’d described the danger perfectly.
Avalon’s hand flew to her chest. “They could have been raped or murdered.”
Devan took her hand in reassurance. “But they weren’t.”
She leaned against him. It was the most natural feeling in the world to have him close.
“The only thing I could think of was to bring them here.” Leighton finished his brandy. “I knew they’d be safe.”
“Thank God you were there.” Devan ran his fingers through the wet locks of his own hair.
Marcus stared straight at Devan. “What were they doing in this part of town?”
“We’re not at liberty to say, Mr. Leighton.” Avalon smiled in apology. “But my family”—she squeezed Devan’s hand in hers—“is forever indebted to you.”
Devan blinked slowly at Avalon’s words. Indeed, this was his family. Not only because he’d married Avalon but because he genuinely cared for all of them. Sophia was like his sister and Thane was like his son. They were his, and he’d do everything in his power to protect them from harm.
But there was more. In that moment when he thought of Avalon, his heart pounded triple time. She was the light that conquered his lonely darkness. She was everything to him. He loved her laughter, her thoughtfulness, her quirks, but most importantly, he loved her heart and her passion. He loved the way she challenged him in every way possible. Deep within, he acknowledged the truth. This woman owned him thoroughly. Heart and soul.
He’d do anything within his power to be worthy of her.
Leighton stepped forward with his hat in his hands. “My lady, I must be off for an appointment. But I had hoped I might call on you and discuss my intentions toward your sister.” For the first time today, he actually wore a smile.
Avalon stared at him, then nodded briefly. “Allow me to discuss the matter with Sophia first.”
“Of course.” He bowed to Avalon and shook Devan’s hand.
After Marcus Leighton departed, Avalon relaxed slightly. “I had no idea he even noticed Sophia before. What do you think of him?”
“I think he’s a good man,” he answered honestly.
“Then he comes highly recommended,” she teased. “But we’ll leave it up to Sophia. Let me go see if the girls are ready to leave for Warwyk Hall.”
“I have no intention of letting you out of my sight. I’ll come with you.”
“I’d like that,” she answered while squeezing his hand. “It’s time to go home.”
He stole a quick kiss. “I love it when you talk like that.”