The Midnight Rake

Chapter Two

Penelope drew the brush to the ends of her hair and satisfied with her effort, replaced it beside the comb on the vanity. She’d released the maid who had shown at the door, deeming it unnecessary to have someone arrange her hair when she’d become adept at the task. Considering the turns her life experienced of late, she marveled at her good fortune. Lady Fenhurst’s actions spoke of an innate kindness and Penelope knew she would never be able to repay her debt of gratitude.

She rose from the vanity and walked to the lace-draped window gracing the lush guestroom where her meager belongings appeared out of place. A vibrant flower garden sprawled below, extending to a white gazebo in the farthest corner of the property. For a city-placed townhouse, this presented a grand lifestyle. How very different than the indigent rented cottage she and her sister had called home since their father’s death left them heartbroken and penniless. Without a doubt, Penelope shouldered blame for every problem chasing at their heels since she had brought about the ruin of her family. What a mess their lives had become, all because she’d foolishly believed herself in love.

A light knock on the door adjoining her bedchamber with her sister’s roused Penelope from her melancholic thoughts. At the sound of Aubry’s call, she gladly bade her to enter.

Aubry, younger by five years, looked almost her twin. Slight feminine women by design, they’d lost weight since falling into their penurious situation. Laying their father to rest and relinquishing their childhood home to bankers, diminished Penelope’s usual enthusiastic approach to eating. It had yet to return. Instead, regret and guilt gnawed at her conscience. Penelope gave her head a purposeful shake.

“Are you rested? Lady Fenhurst said you were taking a nap. If you’d slept when I did in the carriage earlier, you might not have−”

“Solved one of our biggest problems?” Aubry slipped into the room, a tentative expression on her face. “You aren’t angry with me, are you? I know I did an unexpected amount of talking and may have got carried away revealing things we decided to keep private, but ultimately by my sharing a small piece of our plans, I gained this excellent opportunity to pursue our goal. Not to mention, the security of Lady Fenhurst’s protection. You cannot argue with that.”

“Had the Countess not proved so kind and generous, I would be angry. You must remember to be more prudent in the future.” Penelope softened the stern reprimand with a smile. Having had to surrender so much control since her father’s passing, any unexpected change in plans unsettled her. “I’ve rung for tea if you’d like to join me.” She forced a cheerful tone while Aubry settled on a corner of the bed. She watched in mild amusement as her sister stretched with languid enjoyment.

“It is amazing. I will be forever grateful to Lady Fenhurst if by allowing us to accompany her to social events, she enables me to find Simon. Her assistance is more than I ever hoped for. More than I deserve.” She muttered the latter comment under her breath, a lugubrious admittance meant to punish.

“For the one hundredth time, it is not your fault.”

“Oh, you will defend me without end, when I alone am responsible for leading our family into ruin and our father to his death.” Despite Penelope’s immediate objection, Aubry’s voice held such conviction she was terribly tempted to accept her sister’s words. The tea arrived and she set about pouring two cups, forcing herself to change the subject. “I met Viscount Fenhurst below stairs.”

Aubry’s eyes flared as she accepted her tea. “Did you? Is he handsome? Charming? Is he a sharp dresser? Whenever Lady Fenhurst spoke of him during the carriage ride, he sounded more than wonderful. Is it all true?”

Aubry’s persistent questions dispersed Penelope’s thoughts of regret. She stirred her tea with vigor while considering how her sister tendentiously romanticized every situation. “You can get that twinkle out of your eye. And why, good heavens, would you wish to know if he is a sharp dresser?” Her words came out in a rush of sisterly protectiveness. “You are only seventeen years old. Let’s not forget the image of a comely gentleman led me to believe Simon would invest our entire savings, my dowry, and father’s accounts in a successful venture that turned out to be nothing more than a self-interested escapade to line his own pockets.” She sipped her tea as if to wash away the taste of bitter medicine. “How I ever agreed to marry such a blackguard without seeing his true character is an insult to my intelligence.”

Penelope’s voice softened throughout the flow of her discourse, and she lowered her eyes to the bottom of her teacup wishing she could read the few leaves settled there. If only she could turn back time and remedy her decisions.

“You shouldn’t blame yourself.” Aubry’s voice was all concerned whisper. “Neither one of us could have predicted Father would fall into sharp decline.” She paused for a long moment. “And truly it was wrong of Father to aspire to elevate his own status through our upward marriage. That alone explains his forthright enthusiasm in accepting Simon’s offer for your hand.”

Again, the familiar temptation to forgive herself and accept Aubry’s words as truth wriggled to the surface. Her sister was indeed insightful, but then she’d been forced from her gilded world into reality by Penelope’s fateful mistake.

As a baron by tenure with no life interest entailed to his property, their father viewed Simon’s attention as an immediate vault into higher circles and Penny was too naïve and too entranced with the image Simon presented to suspect he played her false. While well-meaning, her father’s aristocratic focus placed happiness as second to title. Penelope didn’t agree with that order, believing true love the most honest emotion.

If his theft hadn’t proved scandalous enough, her duplicitous bridegroom left her standing at the altar in utter embarrassment, the laughing stock of the Cotswolds, not only wronged in love but pushed into a penurious state by the end of her wedding day. Gossip of their ruin spread like wildfire stoking her father’s depression to a crippling state. The realization that she brought about his end, when she only wished to make him proud, created a well of despair buried so deep, Penelope dared not consider it or else she’d never stop crying.

Her contemplative silence fueled her sister’s loyal defense.

“And those heartless bankers, how dare they demand immediate payment? Their relentless attempts to collect funds nipped at the heels of our tragedy. It is no wonder Father was devastated by the social scandal and sudden threat of poverty. His loss of the barony was a crushing blow, his hope for the future, and entire lifesavings gone in one swoop due to the greed of unscrupulous investors.”

Penelope refused to consider how modestly they’d laid their father to rest. They’d eschewed black gowns and worn mourning ribbons as a pitiful compromise, with not one penny to spend. In little over a year, everything had fallen apart quicker than a house of cards because she believed the lies of one dishonest man.

“Only I can shoulder the blame.” Penelope released a disheartened sigh and replaced her cup on the tray. “I accepted every lie Simon Maddock told.”

“Simon swore his love to you. We all thought him true,” Aubry continued with pique. “We had no idea he’d lied about his finances, station, and influence.”

Her sister’s rationalizations did little to soothe Penelope’s regret. On a good day she regarded Simon with angry disdain for what he’d stolen was worse than her heart, he’d destroyed their future. On most other days, she wondered if he’d ever harbored feelings for her and if she’d ever trust affection again or forever be alone with her regrets. Unable to formulate a suitable response to her sister’s argument, the silence in the room became deafening.

“When we find him, we will report him to the authorities. We will see the devil punished for his deceit.”

Penelope remained silent, her sister’s words nothing more than a child’s innocence although at present they had no choice.

“It will be no easy task, but I vow to see it done.” Penelope’s answer hardly disguised her promise full of doubt. How could two gently bred ladies, two impoverished gently bred ladies, somehow locate, ensnare and report the blackguard when few resources and little proof of his deception existed aside from a collection of false promissory notes and a few poorly written love letters? The tightly bound pile of papers caused her distress whenever she glanced in their direction. She only kept them for the far chance they could somehow prove Simon’s malicious intentions.

“One thing is certain. We’ll need some way to connect Simon to the theft otherwise even if we do find him it will all be for naught.” They sat in pensive silence until Penelope placed her hand atop her sister’s and offered a gentle squeeze. “Mother’s cameo. If Simon has it, there will be no denying his crimes. No one could feign ignorance or mistaken possession if the uniquely carved brooch were found.”

Their mother’s heirloom cameo, meant to be a gift upon Penelope’s wedding day, would be the single truth needed to prove Simon’s guilt. What type of man leaves his bride waiting at the altar while he burglarizes her parents’ home?

“He really is a horrible man.” Aubry exhaled a despairing sigh.

Penny nodded agreement. Much to her unease, she harbored some undecipherable sentiment for the man. The wretched inability to extinguish her misplaced emotions ate at her sensibility. Anger, resentment, sadness and affection, intermingled with restless confusion to cloud her judgment and swamp her with self-doubt.

“I’m sure he traveled to London. He spoke of it often. At the time he meant to impress me with his mention of high society, but it would be easier to get lost in a large city. How else could he spend our savings and move about undetected? I dare to think the Rosebery name is remembered as the most laughed about name among the ton.” Penelope shuddered with the admittance, her eyes flitting to the bed’s coverlet where she idly traced the floral embroidery with her fingertip. “Still here we are, left with no other option but to welcome the scandalous embarrassment if we’re discovered.”

“Oh, I’m not so sure.” Her sister’s voice rose on a sharp note. “In London, scandal is common. It’s more likely the Rosebery name can be vaguely recalled but not linked to any particular incident,” Aubry replied with certainty, even though today was her first day in the city.

Penelope speared her sister with narrowed eyes. “I dare say that’s wishful thinking. I wouldn’t be surprised if people referred to any gentleman’s jilt as a ‘Rosebery’ after reading of the incident in the gossip rags.” She managed a wry smile. It wasn’t that she thought herself important, as the mortification of being left at the altar in front of the entire village and the duplicity of Simon’s deceitful actions cured her of that illusion; it was more she could not fathom who wouldn’t discuss such a scandal in an attempt to teach offspring prudence in their affections.

“I disagree. Cousin Elizabeth’s letters haven’t contained a single suspicious question.” Aubry’s expression grew indignant. “And even though we neglected mentioning Father’s death, her voracious curiosity would persist if she were to hear even a hint of scandal attached to the Rosebery name.”

“You make a good point. It would be terribly difficult for Elizabeth to stifle her inquisitive nature notwithstanding it saved our reputation. I know it’s wrong to exclude Elizabeth and her family concerning Father’s death, but what choice do we have?” Penelope hemmed her bottom lip in worry. “Our scandal would become hers. I would never wish to mar her favorable status with my impetuous engagement to Simon, nor the horrid circumstances it wrought.” Penelope lifted the teapot to refill her cup and then changed her mind and replaced it on the tray. Even the smallest decision felt overwhelming.

Lady Elizabeth Bretton portrayed the idyllic picture of aristocratic perfection. Her cousin wrote of making a splash in London, embraced by the most desired social circles. Penelope never minded her status of country cousin until now when the division of weal and woe grew so veracious. She glanced to Aubry, a familiar expression of concern mirrored in her eyes. “And let’s not forget the irascible situation with cousin Carrick.”

“How could I? The very idea causes my stomach to wretch and it is you who would be forced to marry our cousin.” Aubry’s repellent tone equaled Penny’s ill ease.

Elizabeth’s brother Carrick had asked for Penelope’s hand twice before her dramatic collision with ruin. If Carrick knew she currently lived in such a pitiful manner without the supervision of her father, he would swoop in and force the marriage claiming familial responsibility and financial security. Penelope held no doubt her aunt would support the decision, no matter the thought caused Penny’s stomach to roil.

She walked to the window and glanced at the sunbathed gardens below. As of today, she held renewed hope everything would change. She’d arrived in London under the protection of Lady Fenhurst, and the opportunity to find Simon and recover her family funds seemed never more attainable. She would not allow the opportunity to slip away.

“So is Viscount Fenhurst handsome? You never answered me.”

Aubry’s question broke through Penelope’s reflective thoughts. Cured of giddy daydreams, she would be hard pressed to deny her sister the luxury of hopeless romanticism. Viewing the expectant look on Aubry’s face, she recovered her laughter and relented with an easy smile before sitting beside her on the bed.

Viscount Fenhurst was handsome. Very handsome. Their accidental brush convinced her thoroughly of that. My goodness when they collided, it was as if she’d walked into a stone wall. Who would have guessed fishing could develop such a hard muscular frame? If only she had met him a year ago instead of that horrid scoundrel Simon. How different her circumstances might be now.

Chapter three

Phineas found Maman and her guests within the wooden gazebo, the three a pastoral amongst the last roses of summer. He smiled, knowing his mother would enjoy having the ladies in house. How long would they be visiting? Would Julia have the opportunity to make their acquaintance? He’d overheard his mother arranging appointments from seamstresses to assorted tutors for Aubry’s lessons. Poor Jenkins. Phin stifled a laugh. It would appear both sisters meant to stay an extended period of time. If nothing else, life was proving unpredictable of late. With hope his mother’s intrusive arrival would not disrupt life overmuch.

“I knew we possessed the loveliest gazebo in London.” Phin took the two steps as one and entered. Conversation stopped as attention shifted in his direction. He lingered on the glittering green interest longer than was proper, recalling their earlier collision with full force.

“Phineas, you startled us.”

His mother rushed forward with the admonishment and clasped his hands. Phin flicked his eyes skyward before taking a step back in an attempt to release her hold.

“Penelope and Aubry were keeping me company as we awaited your arrival. The ladies are all settled in.”

He glanced at the two sisters, similar in many ways, and so very different.

“Allow me to introduce Miss Aubry, Penelope’s younger sister.” His mother trilled the words.

Taking Aubry’s offered hand, he stifled another chuckle. “I am pleased to meet you. I hope you’ll be happy here while you visit, even if my mother has planned your life away.” Maman, one of the most determined people he knew, would enjoy spoiling Penelope and Aubry as substitute daughters.

“It is wonderful to meet you. The Countess has shared the lessons she’s planned and I cannot be more excited.” Aubry eyed Victoria Betcham with adoration in her eyes. “She’s arranged for everything from academics to wardrobe. I feel as though my every wish has come true.” She nodded her head, her short wavy hair bobbing in agreement.

Phineas noted Aubry’s exuberance, belatedly catching Penelope’s eye and the curious note of concern hidden there.

“Let us eat. Cook has provided a delicious meal.” Lady Fenhurst took a step toward the garden, then turned back and nodded her head in his direction. “I neglected to mention Chef Pierre has agreed to join us. He should arrive by tomorrow evening.”

Phin’s brows climbed in curiosity as he stepped behind the ladies on the walking path. “However did you manage to convince him? It’s a small miracle whenever you’ve coaxed Pierre to leave Paris, never mind take residence in our London townhouse.”

Maman released an abrupt laugh. “He knows how much we enjoy his artistry in the kitchen. And too, he’s worth the price.”

No need to inquire about the latter portion of that statement. His mother knew what she liked and what she wanted. There would be no changing her mind.

Instead Phineas offered his hand to assist Penelope as she settled upon the flannel, but when he turned to do the same for Aubry, the gesture was lost, his mother having whisked the young girl toward the flowerbeds, their silhouettes disappearing among the yellow-throated roses. He sat down, chagrined, yet all too familiar with his mother’s whims.

“Lady Rosebery.” Phineas offered her a plate. “We have been abruptly dismissed.”

“I think you’re correct.” She returned an amiable smile. “It will be good for my sister to have some order in her life. As much as I regret to admit it, the past months have not been kind.”

Phineas watched as she placed the china plate upon the blanket, adjusting it twice before she was satisfied. She turned her concentration to the silverware next. Could she be nervous? His eyes swept up her slight form, stalling to admire her hair as she gave the place setting her full interest. Sunlight reflected off the caramel waves shadowing her face. Lush lashes swept against her creamy soft skin and captured his attention. Good thing her eyes remained cast toward the silver or she might wonder what he was about, yet it was only subtle interest that held his attention.

His mother best not have offered his assistance in whatever she’d schemed with the ladies. He clenched his teeth to evoke patience and then forced himself to relax. He was preoccupied with Julia’s issue and unwilling to invite further misery by way of female emotion. Still, congeniality would harm no one.

“Please call me Phineas. After nearly knocking you over and now sharing a picnic, I would like us to become friends. We are living in the same house.” An unexpected emotion coursed through him as he said the words aloud and he reached up to tug at the too-tight knot in his cravat.

“I know. This is more than I ever imagined.” Her admission, a beguiling mixture of whisper and awe, disappeared on a pleasant breeze. Then, as if riddled with uncertainty, she continued. “Phineas.”

“Well, now that’s better.” He handed her a linen napkin, although his mind twitched with the question of why he liked the sound of his name in her voice. “Let’s eat, shall we?” The words came out stronger than necessary.

He unwrapped the assortment of foods and strove for casual conversation. “Cook was generous. Clearly my mother is intent on strolling with Aubry this afternoon whereas I thought her famished.” His eyes followed the vacant path.

He’d be damned if Maman was orchestrating another matchmaking episode; having grown wary of any situation involving an unmarried female due to his mother’s unrelenting desire to see him settled and producing offspring. Relationships were messy business.

No wife, happy life.

He silently repeated his mantra and with swift vigilance dismissed the unpleasant thought of Maman’s interference.

“Thank you for this.” Penelope motioned to the plentiful food on the blanket. “It seems a long time since I’ve relaxed and forgotten my troubles.”

The honesty of Penelope’s statement spoke straight to his heart and Phin found he could not drag his eyes from her. Realizing his ridiculous discomfiture, he forced his gaze to his plate. “Well then, please enjoy. I never need a second invitation to eat.”

Penelope glanced at the man settled across the flannel. Dressed in a pale blue linen shirt and brown buck trousers, his casual repose was contagious. How unusual for her to feel at ease in the presence of a gentleman. The few instances when Simon initiated affection, she’d never experienced such calm. But then, she no longer trusted her intuition. A niggling voice reminded of her ineptitude in perceiving Simon’s true nature. Oh, she’d proved every kind of fool to believe herself in love with a pernicious thief.