Valentine's Vow (Avenging Lords 3)

“But that is ridiculous,” Ava protested. “Father would never—” She stopped abruptly. A frown marred her brow. Numerous times she shook her head as the worry lines grew more pronounced.

Valentine touched her arm. “What is it?”

“Mr Cassiel mentioned the mine. He said that my mother couldn’t rest, that she wished us to continue her legacy, and asked what was needed to work in the Mines of Lavrion.”

Valentine contemplated the information. One might think that Cassiel did possess powers of an otherworldly nature. But the watch, the vial of frankincense, all the questions relating to the same topic, cast doubt in Valentine’s mind.

“One might think that he did hear the voice of my mother,” Ava added, mirroring Valentine’s fleeting thought.

“Or one might think he is employed by Mr Fairfax to discover if you know the whereabouts of the licence.” Valentine studied Ava’s face, knew the moment she accepted his explanation as being the rational one.

“Mr Fairfax is a man of great cunning,” Honora said. “We must deal with him, and quickly.”

First thing in the morning, they would call on Miss Faversham. A woman with such a nervous disposition would break easily. Once they knew the whereabouts of Cassiel, Valentine would deal with that problem before advancing on Fairfax.

But there were still a few questions bouncing back and forth in Valentine’s mind.

“Aside from all of the problems with Fairfax, Mr Kendall,” Valentine said in a hard tone for he would have a truthful answer. “Why would you add to your troubles by calling me out?”

Honora huffed. “You speak of that silly duel.” She looked down her nose at Kendall. “Go on, tell him.”

An embarrassed flush coloured Jonathan Kendall’s cheeks. He snatched the tumbler and downed a mouthful of brandy. “Lady Durrant paid me to call you out.” His shoulders sagged, and his grey eyes brimmed with mortification. “At the time, I was desperate to meet Fairfax’s weekly demand, though Portia thinks I am addicted to the gaming tables.”

“She paid you?” Ava asked incredulously. “And you took that woman’s money?”

Valentine knew of Portia’s deviousness but had not realised how low the lady would stoop.

“Mr Kendall came to me the day before the duel, when he finally found the courage to take the advice given by his father,” Honora said, shaking her head at the fool sitting at her side. “I assured him that Lucius had too much integrity to shoot a man without cause and that all he had to do was delope.”

Valentine supposed he should be flattered that his mother had faith in his character despite the fact she hadn’t trusted him with the truth.

“Lady Durrant did not want Valentine dead.” Ava sounded annoyed. “The woman wanted to make him jealous. A blind fool could see that.”

“I played her game,” Kendall said, “for my own ends.”

Valentine gritted his teeth. “And all the time you were playing games, scrambling to pay the blackmailer, lying to conceal the truth from your sister, you left her vulnerable to an attack from unexpected quarters.”

Kendall dragged his hand down his face and sighed.

“Hence the reason I told the tale about the theft,” Honora said.

“Told a tale, Mother? You sent your son on a fool’s errand.”

Honora lifted her chin and with an air of hauteur said, “Someone had to watch Aveline while her brother made a trip to Frimley, while he attempted to find the funds to pay those rogues at the Pit. He refused all offers of financial help and so what else could I do?”

Valentine eyed her suspiciously. Did his mother have another motive for throwing him in Aveline Kendall’s path? Did she hope he might come to admire the lady as she did?

“Are there any other secrets either of you wish to divulge?” Valentine said when the long-case clock in the hall finished chiming four. If they were to make an early start in the morning they needed sleep, although sleep would be the last thing on his mind once Ava stripped out of her clothes and slipped into bed beside him.

Honora looked at Kendall and shook her head. “Will you help Mr Kendall, Lucius, help him bring this villain to justice?”

Valentine did not need time to contemplate the question. “I will do whatever is necessary to protect Miss Kendall.”

“Excellent.” Honora clapped her hands and came to her feet. “Then let us part and get some much-needed rest. We can resume this conversation in the morning.”

“A sensible idea,” he said in a mocking tone.

“I am glad you agree.” Honora crossed the room. “Aveline, allow me to escort you upstairs to find a suitable bedchamber.”