To Save a Lady Read online

  Over the next minutes, Jolene studied, and slowly Julie, without saying a word, admitted her innocence. This brought a smile to her lips. Now, it was time to talk to, not at, the girl.

  “Julie, I know you didn’t kill Jack Cooper. It is now my task to find out who did.”

  “M’ lady, but I didn’t say anything except that I felt uncomfortable at the way you were observingme, as if I was guilty.”

  “Please, until the case is solved, call me Jolene. As for making you feel awkward, that was necessary. I needed to learn how you would react to a stressful situation. If you were self-assured I would question your words, but you were uncomfortable. That’s why I know you are innocent. Do you understand?”

  “I do, Jolene.”

  “Good. Now, when was the last time and where were you with and talked to Jack?”

  “Two days before he was found dead. We had an argument. He wanted me to marry him, while I needed more time to contemplate the idea. I then left him by The Thames and returned to the palace as my afternoon off was over. Cook is helping to train me as a baker, and that day I was going to be allowed to make the bread for dinner.”

  “Which was delicious,” Vikki inserted. “Until the threat of being arrested is lifted, you will continue to be paid while staying here or wherever Jolene suggests. You are to take her directions as if they came from me or Cook.”

  “I understand.”

  “Excellent. Is there another young man who might be interested in you? Or someone who wishes you hung?” Jolene said, continuing with the questioning.

  “No,” Julie timidly said.

  This, for Jolene, made things easier. She wouldn’t be hunting down a jealous young man. Those were always, she’d learned, the worst cases.

  “What did Jack do? Did he have a trade or was he employed in one of the major houses?”

  “He was an apprentice bookbinder and very good. His goal had been to open a shop specializing in books. As for enemies, there was one who’d been fired by the bookbinder for almost destroying a valuable one he’d been recovering. From what I understand he blamed Jack for being let go.”

  Now, Jolene knew they were getting somewhere. A possible suspect, if he could be found. That was going to be difficult but not impossible. She needed a little more information, then she could start the search for the real murderer. Footsteps, booted at that, prevented her from continuing with the questioning. Jolene knew it wasn’t Eustace as he’d been instructed to remain in the carriage. That left only one person. Her nemesis.

  “Good afternoon ladies,” Brendon announced, as he marched into the parlor.

  Jolene groaned then glared at him. “What are you doing here?” she demanded.

  Other than herself, he was the only other person who was aware of Vikki by that name. Granted, there could be others, but right now she only cared about him, but not necessarily in the way he did for her. Romantically.

  “The same as you, my dear Jolene. To prove the young lady didn’t murder someone and bring the true killer to justice.”

  “By dancing the hangman’s jig. But still, why? This is a simple case which I will handle without your bulling ways to get answers.”

  “Because you might need him. Jolene, do need I remind you of the event a few months ago and the white slavers?” Vikki uttered, causing Julie to gasp.

  “Worry not, my dear, as everything turned out for the best,” Jolene said, to reassure the girl.

  She waited until Brendon was seated then continued questioning Julie. “This young man who was fired, do you know his name or where he is now employed?”

  “I’m sorry, but I don’t know his name. Jack and he work, or I should now say worked, at Edgerton Printing.”

  Jolene could tell the poor girl was tiring, and with some, but not enough, information she bid Vikki and Julie goodbye then dragged Brendon out of the house.

  “Will you be attending the Sanders’ ball?” he asked.

  “Yes. You may have the first waltz and the buffet one, but that is all.”

  Chapter Three

  With her head hung in thought and left hand brushing gently against Samson’s side, Jolene reviewed what she had learned from Julie. Under normal circumstances, she would have done this in her carriage but first she had needed to overcome her anger at Brendon for arriving unannounced. That had taken the entire thirty-minute drive from the meeting to her parents’ townhouse.

  First though, her plan was to start a new, as she liked to call it “Case Book”. She did it for everyone with the hopes of sometime in the future turning them into books, most likely fiction.

  Just as important was the ball gown she’d wear tonight. As she currently only had three, the decision was easy. The pastel yellow one. She’d leave her hair to Emmy, a wizard with creating intriguing styles. A ladylike cough brought her back to the here and now.

  “Mother, you surprised me.”

  “Yes, I could tell by the way you faltered in your steps. Come with me, as I wish to learn what you garneredin the interview,” Kristina requested.

  Without arguing, which would have been useless, Jolene followed her mother down the corridor to the countesses parlor. Taking a seat on one of the chairs opposite the settee where her mother sat, briefly, she told her of the meeting, including the part about when Brendon arrived.

  “So, you believe the girl innocent?”

  “Yes. Why the authorities believe she murdered Jack is beyond my comprehension. I do have several leads, which I’m going to pursue over the next few days. And yes, before you say anything that impossibly annoying Brendon will be at my side. Hopefully, he will only listen and not speak.”

  “Dear, Vikki only wants to make sure you are safe. Now, I want you to rest, that is after you make your notes. Also, while you were out I took the opportunity to review your gowns. Yes, the number is weak, so tomorrow we are visiting the dressmaker so several more may be made. Before you panic, no they won’t come out of your pin money.Your father said he will pay for them.”

  With that, Jolene retired to her suite, there to be met by her maid. After instructing Emmy as to the gown and beinghelped from her carriage dress and into a robe, Jolene took a seat at her writing table. Taking out several sheets of paper and a pencil,she started jotting down the notes from when with Julie. After about fifteen minutes, she set them aside on the top left corner of the desk and swept over to her bed. She crawled between the turned down bed linen, and in minutes her lids closed.

  After a gentle shake on her shoulder, she slowly woke. When she opened her eyes, Jolene saw her mother smiling down at her.

  “Mother, what’s the matter? Did something happen to Father? Or one of my brothers and sisters?”

  “No, everyone is in excellent health. Aren’t I allowed spend a few minutes with my daughter before she dresses for her first, all right second, venture into the ton?”

  Tossing the cover aside, Jolene slid from the bed, only to be replaced by Samson which brought a giggle from her mother. An even harder one when they saw the collie cover himself with the bedding.

  “Does he always do that?” Kristina asked.

  “Regrettably, yes. I’ve tried to break him of the habit but, as you see to no avail.”

  After linking an arm with her mother, Jolene led her to the chairs next to the fireplace.

  “What do you wish to discuss? Over the past year, I’ve learned the different rules governing deportment at a ball. In particular, regarding who I am permitted to partner with.”

  “Also, don’t forget you aren’t allowed to leave the ballroom, save the lady’s retiring room, without a chaperone.”

  Jolene forced back a groan, then she thought of Brendon and his somewhat forward behavior to her. Then again, she chased spies, murderers, and other criminals all over London, even into the stews without someone to assist her except Samson. Now, she couldn’t even take the air without a lady escorting her.

  “Mother, trust me when I say that won’t happen. I’ll do nothing to
disgrace the Hampshire name.”

  “Thank you, darling. Now, as Emmy is here, I’ll leave you to get bathed and dressed. When ready, join us in my parlor,” Kristina directed to her.

  “Yes, Mother,and I notice a certain maid has stolen roses either from the garden or hothouse. I can’t wait to see what she does with my hair.”

  “M’ lady, they are not stolen as you say, only borrowed with the promise to use them in the earl’s office afterward,” Emmy uttered.

  Jolene wondered what her father’s reaction would be on having them in his masculine room. Knowing him as she did, he’d have a fit, cursing and maybe storming about before finally giving in.

  Bathed, dressed in the selected gown, and with the roses set in a crown on her head, Jolene took one last peek in the mirror and smiled. Collecting her shawl and reticule, she swept from her suite to the countesses parlor, curious if Eustace would be joining them. At the door, she peered in to noticehim, in evening attire, talking with their mother. She stepped in.

  “Good evening Mother, Brother. Where is Father? I would have thought he would have been here already?”

  “I’ m directly behind you Daughter.”

  She turned to see Samson sitting at her father’s side.

  “No. Kennel up and stay,” she ordered her collie.

  Much to her pleasure he stood, turned, and left. All she could hope for was thathe’d behave and remain in her suite. Jolene suspected she would have to instruct Emmy to make sure the door and windows were closed.

  “Shall we dine then enjoy the Sanders ball?As I instructed your sister earlier, no escorting a young lady onto the veranda. I’m sure she will be more than willing to join you, especially if the Marquis of Lange is in attendance,” Kristina directed to her son.

  “Even if he is there, I seriously doubt we will be taking a stroll outside. I’m sure he will be making a nuisance of himself with several young ladies,” Jolene teased.

  She didn’t tell her parents that impossible gentleman had already informed her he would be at the ball. However, the last place she wished to be, chaperoned or not, was with him on the veranda.

  With dinner over, Jolene excused herself then made for her suite. Stepping in, she was met by two happy faces. At least Samson wasn’t upset with her.

  “Emmy, I need the door closed all the time. Also, make sure the windows are as well. Since this is my first ball, not including last night, I don’t want Samson trying to find me. He has to learn there are times he should not be at my side.”

  “I understand, m’ lady. What if he needs to go outside? Should I use the leash?”

  “Most definitely and have it held by Scott as they know each other but accompany them,” Jolene directed.

  “Yes, m’ lady.”

  After making sure her hair hadn’t come loose, Jolene swept from her suite and down to where her parents and brother waited.

  “I’m sorry to keep you waiting, but I needed to give Emmy instructions in regards to my brat.”

  “That’s quite all right. Your mother and I suspected as such. It was Eustace who was anxious to be going. I believe there might be a certain young lady he fancies at the ball.”

  “Father, I’m too young to even consider setting my sights on a particular someone. Then again, how many did you go through and break hearts alongthe way before you and Mother found each other?”

  “That is none of your concern. I should point out though, once we met thanks to Dowager Countess of Frome, my sister, I never set mygaze on another lady. Now, shall we enjoy the ball?” Robert askedhis two oldest children.

  At the Sanders’ townhouse, she allowed her brother to lift her pelisse from her then accepted his arm as they followed their parents through the receiving line. Steppingonto the border around the dance floor, Jolene glanced around and saw several friends, ladies. She found it most interesting they were gazing in the same direction, across the room. She turned to find outwhy. A smile came to her lips. Brendon, Marquis of Lange. Could that possibly mean he wouldn’t be bothering her tonight?A smile, or was it a lustful leer, from him had her disturbed. At her soonest opportunity she would need to speak with her mother about his behavior as it, sometimes, upset her.

  Settled on a settee, she waited for gentlemen to charge up, all asking for a dance. As this was a private ball, introductions weren’t necessarily needed, but Jolene preferred them. That way, she’d know who she was dancing with and if they could be trusted. After accepting several and putting them on her dance card, she only had two left. Both waltzes. From nowhere Brendon appeared.

  “Yes, I have saved two for you. The next waltz and the one before the midnight buffet. That’s ifI don’t tire and request my parents we return home,” she directed to the annoying man.

  “Then, I hope you don’t fatigue.”

  Accepting his hand as the opening notes of the first one was starting, she stood and let him guide her onto the floor. He was about to draw her in a little too closely when she put her hand on his chest. A tingle shot up her arm from the touch. This reaction quickly caused confusion in her mind. In the past when they’d touchedfor whatever reason, usually on purpose, this had never happened. Why now?

  “You had best behave,” she directed.

  “Yes, m’ lady. I promise.”

  As he guided her around the dance floor, she wondered when he was going to inquire about when she planned on visiting the publisher. Not only that, but what excuse she’d give the owner.

  When the dance ended, she curtsied to his bow then whispered, “Be at my parent’s townhouse at one of the clock. I’ll bring the book. You bring yourself, but leave your leers and attitude at the door. Do I make myself clear?”

  Chapter Four

  Jolene frowned, as she hadn’t made up her mind as to who she’d portray when meeting the owner of Edgerton Printing. She didn’t wish to appear too rich or poor but somewhere in the middle. What about the daughter of a would-be scholar? Which was what she’d told Brendon. Mayhap a father who had been ridiculed for presenting a hypothesis which he knew was correct but many dunderheads didn’t. Finally-

  “Yes, this one will do perfectly,” she uttered hauling out a simple brown dress with long sleeves splotched with ink drops and a high neckline.

  “I agree, m’ lady, and with the wrinkles it will appear you care more about your studies than appearances,” Emmy replied.

  “My thought exactly. I’ll change after lunch and have you do something to my hair so it will have the same mien. Now, I’m off to find the perfect book to take. That way it won’t appear suspicious when I ask about the apprentice.” Jolene peered over to a furry blob lying, ignoring her, near the hearth. “Come on Samson, let’s go find Father.”

  At the door she turned back, “Have the pastel-blue ball gown ready for tonight. My hair, I’ll leave up to you.”

  “You usually do, m’ lady, don’t you?Everything will be ready atsix of the clock for this eve.”

  With her collie, Jolene swept down to her father’s office as that was most likely where he’d be. At the door, she craned her head around the frame, smiled, then glided in.

  “Good morning, Father. I’ve a question.”

  “And to you, my dear. What do you wish to learn?”

  “Thank you. As you are aware, this afternoon I’m going to speak with Mr. Edgerton who owns the printing shop where the victim worked. So, it doesn’t appear I’m trying to find out about Jack Cooper, I’m going as the daughter of a scholar. Thusly, do we have a book whichneeds to be repaired from overuse?”

  “So, what does this false father studythat a tome would need its spine replaced?”

  “That I’ve no idea. It will all depend on the book I take.”

  “Should it be a subject you are also familiar with in case the owner questions you?”

  “I never thought of that but yes, you are correct. As you know, I do love early English history. Do we have one on that subject?”

  Jolene waited, absentmindedly scratching Sam
son behind the ears which caused him to lean against her leg, while her father thought. After a minute,he stood, marched over to one of several bookcases, and withdraw a book from a shelf. She accepted it, turning it over in her hands.

  “Yes, this is perfect. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it myself?”

  “That, my dear daughter is because you are so wrapped up in the beginning of the case you don’t evaluate things completely. Doing so will come in time.”

  “Yes, I understand. Were you and mother the same way?”

  “At times we were, but over the course of several investigations we learned to slow down and examine everything first.”

  “At least, I did. Your darling father and uncle usually dove in head first not knowing what was around the corner,” Kristina announced from the door.

  She smiled as her mother sweptinto the room and up to her father, who was now on his feet and standing in front of the desk. If Jolene didn’t miss her guess, they would hug then kiss, which she was getting used to. Finally. They did as she had thought, then her mother turned.

  “Good morning, Daughter.”

  “And to you. Mother, will I learn to slow down at the beginning of a case?”

  “Yes, you will, and in a sense have already started. Each case, as you well know, is different. This one came to you with not even a hint of who the murderer might be. Only the word of Julie that she’s innocent and the backing of Vikki. Another advantage we had, we were married so we could easily discuss the case.”

  “While I am only able to talk about it in the abstract with you and only when Brendon and I are together. Even then he does tend to be stubborn and hard-headed which annoys me completely.”

  “Daughter, I completely understand. He is a little like your uncle, Ethan. Give him time, and he will come around to view the facts in the same manner as you do,” Robert said.

  “Speaking of him, I instructed him to be here at one of the clock and to dress down as he’s portraying my older brother.”