Engaging the Enemy (The Wild Randalls 1)

“They were Blackberry vines; His Grace’s favorite fruit.” Anna preened a little and then turned her gaze on Leopold. “I see you are still enjoying the delights of Romsey Abbey.”

“Yes, it is very good to be at home again. I quite understand why Her Grace is hesitant to leave. The abbey is as I remember it from years ago.”

“But leave she must.” Anna interjected with a quick glance at her brother. “A woman must have greater society than this if she is to be admired as she deserves. The Duchess of Romsey must grace London’s ballrooms. She cannot allow herself to become a recluse.”

Leopold scowled. “I would have thought that what the duchess chooses to do with her time is nobody’s business but her own. She has her own mind, and is as stubborn as her predecessors. My cousin chose well for his wife. She does the family proud.”

Color leeched from Anna’s face, her hands curled into fists. “You did not know your cousin well, I’m told. He never mentioned you to me.”

One of Leopold’s eyebrows shot up at her last words. “I imagine he didn’t mention my existence to anyone. We were not on the best of terms. But I am curious as to why he would mention me to you in particular. Have you enjoyed a close acquaintance to the Randall’s for some time?”

Anna shifted in her chair. “For a good while, yes.” She wouldn’t meet Mercy’s gaze.

“Ah,” he murmured. Leopold’s gaze fell, his lips pursed. What was he thinking now? Was he as surprised as Mercy was by Anna’s comment. She’d had no idea Anna had an acquaintance with her husband before she married him. She’d thought Anna had been her friend first.

Edwin squirmed off her lap, distracting them all with the movement.

“He’s likely hungry,” Blythe murmured. “I’ll take him and see that he eats.”

Mercy smiled at her sister in appreciation. At least she harbored Edwin no ill will so far. “Thank you. Cook was to make him apple puffs again. He has become rather fond of them.”

When Blythe hurried Edwin out of the room, Leopold frowned at their disappearance. Was he as conflicted as she was about Edwin leaving her sight? If Edwin were not with Blythe, she would be greatly uneasy. But Blythe loved him. She would never let him come to harm.

Leopold caught her eye. “How long since you’ve been up to London?”

“Going on five years, I believe.”

“Yes, yes,” Anna agreed. “Much too long a time spent here.”

His frown grew. “Why so long?”

Because she’d been secretly hoping her midnight lover would come back one day and make himself known to her. And he had. Leopold was here now and the wait had been worth every moment of boredom and uncertainty. She smiled. “There wasn’t anything in London that I couldn’t find here. Besides, the country air is good for Edwin and Blythe was nearby and needed me.”

“That woman needs a life of her own,” Anna muttered.

“Anna, you are speaking of my dear sister. If I was ever to go to London then I would surely invite Blythe to come and stay with me at the mansion.”

A quick grin crossed Leopold’s face then disappeared.

Anna, however, looked offended by her plan to invite Blythe to London too.

“Well, then,” Anna said. “If I cannot convince you yet again to see sense, I shall bid you good day. Send a note round if you should change your mind. You know where to find superior company.”

Since Anna still played with her gold bracelet, Mercy closed the distance between them and lifted her arm for a better view of the piece. Blackberry vines were engraved into the soft metal. Mercy’s mouth grew dry. She swallowed the lump forming in her throat and met Anna’s gaze. “I’ve always admired your jewelry. You must love the piece to wear it every day.”

Anna’s smile turned a little bitter. “It was a gift.”

She didn’t say who from but Mercy was starting to wonder if the woman the duke had written about had been her friend, Anna. Blythe had not deciphered much of the text, but the word Blackberry had featured heavily in the duke’s remarks. Had Anna been engaged in an affair with her husband behind her back? Was that why he was always too tired to visit her bedchamber?

Mercy stared at her friend.

Anna tugged her arm back. “Good day, Your Grace.”

“Lady Barnet,” Mercy replied.

Anna turned for the door. Lord Shaw moved somewhat slower, bid her a good day in his usual lecherous way, eyes fixed on her bodice, and then followed his sister out.

The silence after their departure was deafening. The clock chimed the hour, startling Mercy enough to jump.