However, before Annalise could respond, a voice behind her said, “So you are the one Beaufort married?” The woman’s voice dripped with sarcasm.
Annalise turned slowly to view a beautifully clad woman. She wore a gown more appropriate for the evening, and it was covered with a fur-lined cape.
Annalise did not know how to respond, but Mr. Holt had returned to her side. “Miss Julia, his lordship would not approve of yourspeaking to his wife.”
“Who are you to instruct me?” the woman snarled.
However, before either Annalise or Mr. Holt responded, another woman came striding towards them. “Is there an issue with which I might be of service, Lady Annalise?”
Despite the impropriety some might believe, Annalise knew a bit of relief when Mrs. Dove-Lyon approached them. She knew the woman was not of the nature to tolerate fools. “I am not confident, ma’am,” Annalise explained. “This lady seems to think she knows me.”
“I know your husband,” the stranger said in triumph. “Intimately.”
Mrs. Dove-Lyon hissed, “You think Lord Beaufort would ever return to your side after you dared to approach his wife in a public park? That is the trouble with you girls nowadays. You choose a lifestyle with its limitations and then expect something different to occur. You have read too many stories of the Cinder Maid and the prince. That is not reality.”
The woman said with a defiant lift of her chin, “My business is with Lady Beaufort.”
Though the unknown woman was more than a head taller than Mrs. Dove-Lyon, the one Mr. Holt had called “Miss Julia” backed up when the Lyon’s Den’s mistress crowded her. “Your business was once with her ladyship’s husband, but, as I am confident Lord Beaufort released you some weeks before he proposed to Lady Annalise, for I have stood witness to his devotion to Lady Annalise, you should take your wares elsewhere. I am confident one word from Lady Beaufort and the watch will see you to a jail cell. Though Lady Beaufort is quality, I am not, and the next time I speak to his lordship, I shall tell him of your daring. Beyond finding a new patron, you should also find yourself a new city, or better yet, a new country.”
The woman apparently wished to say more, but she stormed away instead.
“Thank you, ma’am, for both today and for what you did to tendmy wound,” Annalise told her. “I should have sent around a payment for the expenses you incurred. I apologize for not expressing my gratitude.”
“Do not worry, my dear girl, Lord Beaufort paid me well. He was quite distraught when learning what had happened to you.”
Though Annalise could not view the woman’s expression because of the ever-present veil she wore, Annalise thought Mrs. Dove-Lyon smiled.
“Tell me,” she instructed, “how quickly after your injury did you and Beaufort marry?”
Annalise smiled. “A bit over a week. We traveled with Lord Graham to Scotland. I have not yet written to my brother to tell him I am in London. I imagine you understand my hesitancy.”
“Your brother often believes himself smarter than the women around him, but Lady Theodora managed very well in snagging him.”
Annalise said, “Let us not speak of my sister-in-marriage.”
Mrs. Dove-Lyon nodded her head in apparent understanding. “Is Lord Beaufort not in London? I cannot imagine he would permit you to be too far from his sight.”
“His lordship’s grandmother’s estate was in worse shape than he had hoped. Moreover, Lady Klare’s health has greatly deteriorated, even in the short time I was there.”
“Was her ladyship jealous of you?” Mrs. Dove-Lyon asked.
“How did you know?” Annalise inquired.
“Because Lord Beaufort would never have permitted your exit if he did not worry for your safety. The man is quite taken with you and would not wish you too far removed unless he thought you in danger. I imagine he is quite miserable.”
“As am I,” Annalise admitted.
“Then his lordship shall return soon. I guarantee it.” Mrs. Dove-Lyon curtseyed. “I should go before the few people in the park recognize our conversation. I would not wish to ruin your reputation.”
“I believe my uncle and cousin have seen to that already,” Annalise said with a sorry shake of her head. “Beaufort deserves better.”
“His lordship deserves the woman he affects,” Mrs. Dove-Lyon corrected. “As to your former relations, I cannot say I was sorry to view Jacob Moran’s hanging. If Lord Duncan and your husband had not taught my staff how to recognize the uttered notes Moran and his daughter passed in my club, I would be ruined, and a hundred souls would be on the streets looking for employment.”
“I did not know,” Annalise admitted, “until Beaufort and Marksman told me.”
“I would have assumed as such,” Mrs. Dove-Lyon shared. “At least Moran knew the hangman’s noose and his daughter was transported, though one of my contacts says the girl is also dead. Her ship took on water and sank.”
Annalise knew she frowned, for she was well aware that Caroline was an excellent swimmer; yet, she said, “When he returns to London, I shall be cognizant in informing Lord Beaufort of what you shared. Come along, Mr. Holt. We still have flower names to add to our list. It is becoming chilly, and we both could use a hot cup of tea.” With a nod to Mrs. Dove-Lyon, Annalise walked away. She did not know which bit of news bothered her more—Caroline’s fate or the fact that her husband had turned away a strikingly beautiful woman to marry her.
