Anabelle Bryant - The Midnight Rake

“My dear, there is no need to clutter the air with conversation when fatigue plagues you.” She reached across the coach and offered Penelope’s knee a gentle pat. Who knew how long the ladies suffered in that cramped mail coach? With a full day of travel ahead, it made sense for the girl to take a nap.

“Please do not think me rude. I haven’t slept well in weeks, and now within the comfort of your wonderful carriage, sleep begs me forward no matter how I resist.”

“Not at all. You must take advantage of the time. It will be hours before we reach London.”

Aubry shifted on the bench, her attention drawn toward her sister. “Penny, you should rest.”

Victoria noticed the silent communication between the girls, as if pages of words were intimated with a flick of their eyelashes.

“I suppose a short nap would serve me well.” Penelope’s voice faded toward the end, a sigh of surrender overriding her admittance.

“Excellent.” Victoria’s tone echoed her approval. “Aubry and I will share pleasant conversation while you take respite. It will provide us a chance to become better acquainted.”

“Oh.” Penelope shot her shoulders straight and shook her head as if to clear her thoughts. “I can stay awake.” She glanced in Aubry’s direction, her eyes forced wide.

“Don’t be ridiculous, dear.” Victoria leaned forward and squeezed Penelope’s hand. “I insist.”

“As do I.” Aubry nodded her head confirming the sentiment.

As if fighting prevarication, time stretched before Penelope finally adjusted her position and reclined her head against the velvet bolster. They traveled only a quarter of a mile before she fell into a sound sleep and Aubry initiated conversation in a hushed tone.

“Thank you so much, Lady Fenhurst. My sister has been extremely worried these last weeks. I’m afraid the mail coach incident proved the final affront to her endurance.”

“I am happy to lend my assistance. If only I could do more.” Victoria eyed her reticule resting on the seat beside her, but abandoned her immediate thought. “Pardon my interference, but traveling by mail coach is not a prudent decision. Where will you stay when you reach London? Are you visiting family?” She continued, leaving no chance for a response. “One must be on guard against danger, most especially in the city. My daughter is of a similar age and has the same impetuous nature I suspect the two of you possess.”

For the slightest moment Victoria allowed a frown to turn her lips before she regained her cheerful demeanor. She worried for Julia and her broken heart, but nothing could be done about the matter. At least, not at the present.

“Oh, our decision to travel has nothing to do with adventure and we have no plans to see family.” Aubry glanced to her sister, in a sound sleep beside her. “Once we reach London, we need to visit a jeweler.” With care, she reached across the seat, grasped her sister’s reticule, and withdrew a gold pocket watch. She cradled it in her palm, gathering the long linked chain and closing her fingers tight.

Victoria watched Aubry’s actions with increased interest. The manner in which the girl handled the timepiece indicated it was precious indeed. Coupled with her forlorn expression and watery eyes, she surmised the watch held great sentimental value.

“What are you meaning to do?” The question needed to be asked regardless of its personal nature.

“Penelope hopes to sell my father’s watch so we have payment for a room in a lodging house.”

“A lodging house?” Victoria gasped at the words. “That idea will never do. Such unrefined housing would place you in the path of disreputable gentlemen and certain danger, most especially as you travel unchaperoned. My conscience could never survive were I to allow you to pursue this dreadful plan.” She shook her head to erase the thought, her eyes coming to rest on the glint of gold clenched in Aubry’s hand. “You cannot sell your father’s watch. I am sure it is a cherished keepsake.”

“He passed only eight months ago.” Aubry’s voice trembled as she whispered the words. Then with silent reserve, she replaced the watch inside her sister’s purse and cinched the drawstrings with more force than necessary. The action seemed to compose her unsettled emotions. When again she spoke, her voice sounded even. “I am afraid we have no other choice. We have a problem to solve. We need to locate someone.”

“My dear, you must reveal the person’s name so I may help you. I am traveling to the family townhouse where my son is in residence. We can enlist his aid in resolving your quandary. I’m only privy to the discussions traded in the retiring room, but young men have their fingers on the pulse of the city. My son is most dutiful. I am certain he will assist you, as will I.” She laughed at the girl’s brightened expression, her face beaming with anxious questions.

“Truly?” Aubry’s eyes twinkled with excitement. “If somehow you could assist Penelope in gaining entry to social engagements, I’m sure our problem will be solved. Once she finds—” She stalled midsentence and took a shortened breath before restarting. “Once Penelope is able to mix with society, things will be much better.”

Victoria eyed the girl with speculative curiosity. “Of course, I insist you both stay with me while we iron out this little dilemma. I am happy for the company. My daughter, Julia, is currently away from home and I miss her dearly. Having the two of you in house will be splendid companionship.” She leaned forward and clasped Aubry’s hand in an affectionate gesture.

“That sounds wonderful, but I am not sure my sister…” Aubry slid her eyes toward Penelope in confirmation she remained asleep. “Perhaps we should wait until Penny wakes up.”

No longer speaking in a whisper, Victoria wondered if the girl attempted to rouse her sister with the suggestion. Aubry’s precocious nature proved both charming and endearing. Victoria smiled with pleasure, determined to help the ladies.

“Not to worry about your sister. I imagine she would feel relieved to have this problem solved.” Victoria paused, although she had no intention of allowing Aubry to refuse. When no objection was voiced, she could not be more pleased. “So it’s all decided. Imagine how surprised your sister will be when she awakes to discover one of her concerns settled. Now let me tell you about my son, Phineas. He is a handsome, dashing gentleman who knows all the very best people in London.”

Phineas Betcham, Viscount Fenhurst, stood on the grassy banks of the Tyburn tributary hoping to catch a fish or two before completing the journey to his London townhouse. The sport was intended to relax him, but today it caused the opposite effect as Phin’s thoughts lingered on his sister Julia, now residing in Brighton after a decision to take a brief holiday. He hoped his mother’s suggestion of a change of scenery provided the cure for Julia’s heartache. Having returned from depositing Julia safely with their aunt and uncle, he impulsively chose to spend the late morning angling rather than travel the final distance home.

The dank murkiness of the Tyburn presented a pale comparison to the crystal blue waters of Brighton. Still for all its pretty scenery, he doubted the city’s charm would mend his sister’s broken heart. And while he knew Lord Winton well enough and certainly never heard a disreputable word attached to his title, there was absolutely no explaining the man’s sudden decision to sever ties with Julia. The two had all but announced their betrothal. Winton’s sudden change in sentiment seemed odd; the display of contrary emotion offering Phineas another reason to remain unencumbered and thoroughly entrenched in bachelorhood.