Page 33

Either way, it ended tonight. And he was damned if he would let them win.

***

APRIL RECEIVED MR. Pepper in her private sitting room. Despite Mrs. Park’s horror, she was fully dressed in a gown made for comfort rather than fashion, the sleeping baby in his cradle close to her chair.

Mr. Pepper clearly disapproved of his task. His expression was serious, his lips pursed more tightly than usual. Normally he was the most accommodating of men and exerted himself to please as well as assist. It was he who had discovered the Parks and Stewart, and so discreetly aided Piers’s transition to viscount.

He carried a document case, which was something of a relief. April had half-expected him to turn up with reasoned arguments instead of the money.

He bowed very correctly. “Good morning, Lady Petteril.”

“Good morning, Mr. Pepper. Please, sit down. I presume you have the money I requested?”

“I do.” The solicitor sat, placing his case on the floor beside his chair. “However, I would be failing in my duty if I did not advise you most strongly to return it to the bank immediately. To remove such a sum at once will affect the income his lordship receives—”

“I’m aware, Mr. Pepper. And I hope to be able to return it quite soon.”

“Even so, your ladyship should consider—”

“I have considered, Mr. Pepper. My instructions stand.”

“Then it just remains,” Mr. Pepper said, leaning to the side in order to rummage in his case, “for his lordship to sign this document agreeing to the withdrawal.”

April was ready for this. “I believe you—and the bank—are already in possession of Lord Petteril’s instructions to disburse any and all monies I request. That should suffice, I believe. However, you may leave your document for his lordship to sign. I will, of course, give you a receipt.”

“I would be happier, Lady Petteril, if I could speak to his lordship before I go.”

“I’m afraid his lordship is not at home.”

“May I wait for him?”

Damn it, man, please go away! She did not say the words aloud, merely made use of the haughty gaze she had learned from Piers. It had caused her to giggle when she first practiced it, but it was coming in very handily in the current situation.

“No, Mr. Pepper, you may not wait. His lordship will send for you or wait upon you at your office. My thanks—and his—for being so prompt with our request.” She rose and pulled the bell by the fireplace. “Good day, Mr. Pepper.”

The solicitor rose reluctantly and placed the entire case on his chair. He looked so unhappy walking away that April wanted to hug him. Later, she would explain, and thank him more effusively, not now...

She all but jumped on the case as soon as he had gone, opening it to be sure the money was right. It was mostly bank notes with two purses of gold guineas.

“My lady, you must go back to bed!” Mrs. Park declared, bustling in.

Hastily, April closed the bag again. “I don’t want to. I feel fine.”

“But you are a lady now! And you don’t look fine. You are clearly exhausted and must rest. There is no need—”

“I am happier up and about,” April insisted, “though I shan’t scandalize the whole household by coming downstairs. Mrs. Park, may I ask you something?”

Whatever the housekeeper was about to retort got lost in her surprise. She turned at once back into the kind mentor she had always been. “Of course you may.”

“Where is Simon these days?”

Mrs. Park blinked. “Simon? My son, Simon?”

April nodded.

“He’s at Haybury Court, where his lordship sent him. He’s doing well and prefers the country life. Your head gardener there is grudgingly pleased to leave things in his hands when he retires next year. Why?”

April smiled at her with considerable relief. “No reason. I just thought of him. After all, we were meant to be at Haybury Court, by now.”