“Yes, my lord,” Theseus said with a bow. “And the young Lord Pitcairn’s bet?”
Aaran sucked in a steadying breath. “The amount, if you will, Theseus?”
“Two hundred pounds, my lord,” Theseus reported in soft tones.
“I will see to it, but, first, I am removing him from the Den. After I see him to his let rooms, I will return to speak to Mrs. Dove-Lyon.”
“Absolutely, my lord.”
Aaran caught Boyde’s shoulder to direct his brother towards the door and the hallway leading to the back of the great house.
“This is not fair,” Boyde protested as Aaran nudged him forward.
“When did life become fair?” Aaran growled as he gave his brother another shove. “It was far from fair to either of us for God to present us with our father and the legacy of his whoring nature.”
Boyde stumbled to a halt and pulled himself up in protest. “My mother is not what you just called her.”
Aaran had another opinion of a woman who married a man purely for his fortune and title, but he apologized nevertheless, though, of late, he had considered the choice to suit both him and Lady Freya. He simply prayed Her Ladyship was not marrying him only for his wealth. His Duncan brothers’ wives claimed the woman favored him above all others, which was truly a foreign idea for him to swallow and not choke. No female in his life had ever placed him first in her heart. “I am simply saying our father’s reputation did not present either of us with unstained family ties.”
Thankfully, before they were three streets removed from the Lyon’s Den, the argument was over before it began. Boyde was stretched out on the opposing bench seat of Aaran’s carriage and snoring loudly. “I ought to let him sleep overnight in the carriage in the mews, but with the luck I have had of late, he would throw up all over the inside of my coach.”
Once Boyde’s valethad undressed him, and the servant and Aaran and Mr. Jamison had tucked Boyde into his bed, Aaran ordered a return of his coach to the Lyon’s Den. This time he entered at the rear of the establishment, but, ironically, Titan was now at the rear door. “Do you never rest?” Aaran asked.
“I could inquire the same of you,” Titan responded. “What brings you back to the Den this evening?”
“My brother owes Mrs. Dove-Lyon two hundred pounds. As I expect to be removed from London for several days and then be traveling on to Kent for Lord Thompson’s wedding, I should see to the debt this evening,” Aaran explained.
“That is kind of you, my lord. Mrs. Dove-Lyon is in the ladies’ dining room. You recall it, do you not, my lord? It is where we housed Lord Duncan after his shooting. Mrs. Dove-Lyon meansto begin remodeling the interior next week. I believe she is simply checking her list to know what to expect. She is a great one for her lists. You might wish to add your opinions. Your ‘donation’ to secure Duncan’s privacy during that trying time is being used for the renovation.”
“Sounds reasonable,” Aaran said with a nod of acceptance.
“I believe Mrs. Dove-Lyon has asked Miss Whitchurch to design the room, giving it a more welcoming atmosphere,” Titan shared.
“When did all this occur?” Aaran asked with a lift of his brows in surprise. “I was not aware Miss Whitchurch had such time to spare with all the wedding plans still to be made.”
“The future Lady Thompson even suggested they should use the furniture being built on Lord Thompson’s estate. It seems the workers in Kent will also make metal plates to attach to the pieces so they may be more easily identified in case of theft,” Titan explained. “Quite genius indeed of the Lord Thompson and his lady.”
Aaran did not think many would want any of Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s property, for it was toogarishfor the taste of most of those who lived in London, but he supposed there were some employed inside the Den who would steal things from their employer. The ladies of Society who occasionally frequented the Lyon’s Den would probably approve a more stylish atmosphere. Less red and gold and more subtle tones. “I should speak to the lady before she returns to her office. I would not wish to climb all those steps this late in the evening,” he said in excuse. “My leg has had a good workout already today.”
Chapter Seven
Aaran made hisway to the ladies’ dining room, which was likely once a sitting room for the Lyon’s Gate house. He paused in the hallway to close his eyes and say a private prayer of thanksgiving for the sparing of Duncan’s life nearly a year prior. “A year in March,” he murmured as he stood perfectly still and took in the significance of the moment. “And we still have not identified the shooter. Instead of asking questions regarding Luddites, I should be pursuing Duncan’s shooter.”
“Ah,” a voice came from the open doorway. “I thought I heard someone’s approach, and then there was nothing.”
Aaran bowed stiffly. The abuse of his leg today had him considering the pleasure of a hot bath upon his return home. “I beg your pardon, ma’am. Titan told me where I might find you. I wish to settle my brother’s debt to you.”
Mrs. Dove-Lyon nodded her acceptance of his explanation. “Come in, my lord. I had just poured myself a drink. Might you enjoy one?”
Aaran followed the lady inside the room. “I am well, ma’am. Titan tells me you plan to make changes to this room.”
Mrs. Dove-Lyon glanced about the area. “Miss Whitchurch made some suggestions on how to make this room morewelcoming, as well as several other changes. I liked her ideas in the daylight, but I wanted to view the swatches and pieces of metal she sent over in the evening lighting.”
Aaran answered, “Lord Thompson’s intended is quite talented.”
“A woman with a vision,” Mrs. Dove-Lyon said, “as well as a survivor. I appreciate both in a female. London should be prepared, for it has no idea of how the lady’s mind works or her drive to succeed. The woman may very well change the look of this city. She has convinced me that I should make some changes in my decor and some of the services I offer if I expect to remain in business.”
Aaran knew his eyebrows rose in surprise, while he said, “The lady and my brother Thompson have a vision for London not only to survive, but to thrive. A place for all, not simply the aristocracy. I wish them well in their endeavors. Might I ask when you and Miss Whitchurch discussed changes to this room?”
