Page 13 of A Stormy Season

“Forgive me for interrupting,” Luke said.

“We are just finishing,” Henry said, as the men began to depart.

When they were gone, Henry turned to Luke. “I hope my early morning note did not disturb you. You haven’t had any trouble there, have you?”

“No, no trouble. Cobb is still breathing but has not awakened.”

“Yes, I know,” Henry mumbled grimly.

Luke started to ask him how he knew, but it occurred to him that the guards he had sent to watch over Cobb would report to Henry.

“What can I do?” Luke asked his friend. “How can I help? You must give me a task.”

Henry’s brow wrinkled slightly, as if he was thinking. “I don’t know that you can help, since Lenoir obviously knows what you look like and who you are.”

“I at least need to know what it is Lenoir was searching for in my house.”

“If we can get it out of the two men we captured, I will personally let you know.”

Luke ran his hand through his hair. This anger and frustration was almost overwhelming. “You will tell me if there is something I can do?”

“Of course. I know it must be difficult, but try to put it out of your mind. Perhaps you should join your son in Hertfordshire.”

“No, I have business in London. Besides . . .” Luke sighed as he made an effort to shove down his feelings. “I want to be here in case there is something I can do.”

Sometimes he wondered if he was just punishing himself for some unknown reason. Perhaps it was because he felt responsible for his wife—what husband wouldn’t?—and now she was dead, possibly murdered.

“Try to get some rest,” Henry said, compassion in his expression. “And it is all right if you return to your country house. We will do what is necessary here in London, and I will keep you informed.”

“I know, I know. But . . . I cannot leave just yet.”

“Very well.” Henry laid a hand on his shoulder. “Do try to sleep. Your son needs you to stay well.”

“Of course.” As he turned to leave, he asked, “And your sister, Miss Gilchrist? Is she well after the shock of last night?”

“She is well.” A slight smile appeared on Henry’s face. “Jane is a girl who prides herself on not being like other girls and rather enjoys danger. She’s probably regretting that she went to tell me she saw Lenoir out her window, wishing she could have shot the men herself.” Henry was still smiling.

She sounded a bit like Anne, which didn’t exactly endear Miss Gilchrist to him.

“I am glad Miss Gilchrist was unharmed,” was all Luke allowed himself to say.

“Thank you. And do come to our ball tomorrow night. Penelope doesn’t give a lot of parties, but she highly anticipates the ones she does give.”

“Of course. If I am feeling up to it.”

“Come even if you don’t feel up to it,” Henry said. “We will lift your spirits, or at least we will distract you for a few hours.”

“I will.” Luke committed himself, since he might learn something from Henry about Lenoir and his men, their motives and goals. Besides, Jeffrey would be in bed asleep by the time he left for the ball, and those early hours right after dark were the loneliest.

~ ~ ~

Luke’s business in London was to settle Anne’s debts. It must be done, as depressing a task as it was, and he had decided to do it himself rather than sending his solicitor. Gossip surrounding his wife was rampant enough, and the less people knew of her affairs the better.

So, two hours after meeting with Henry Gilchrist, he set out with a list of creditors.

The first shop on the list was not too far away. He arrived and went inside. There were two customers, and the one shop attendant was busy assisting them.

Luke pretended to look around while he waited, glancing at the bonnets and parasols on display and at the fabric and dresses. Soon his mind wandered, his thoughts leading him back—as always—to painful memories, until he wasn’t even seeing the goods in front of his eyes.