Her mother raised one disbelieving brow. "Josh darling is not here to keep vigil. I would think many gentlemen would try such tricks. You’re a beautiful woman, an heiress, and a widow."
"Well, that is not why I’m researching penmanship, Mama. I found a written page on the desk in the library and merely wanted to return it to its owner. After reading it, I should imagine it's quite important."
Having sat and picked up her sewing, her mother looked up at Victoria at her last words. "A note, you say? Left on the desk in the library overnight?"
"Yes," Victoria stated, her stomach a little in knots seeing her mother mull over the issue.
"You do not need to search the acceptances, my dear. I know who worked in the library last evening, as he sought my approval before doing so."
Victoria tried to school her features. Her mama had never been too accepting of her reading gothic romances or horror, and to find out that one of her guests could be England's latest on dit and had used the desk would never do. She would be scandalized.
"Who was it?" she asked in the most bored tone she could muster.
Her mama threaded a needle, her mouth pinched in concentration. "Lord Melvin requested use of the room late in the evening. He said he has some correspondence to finish."
Lord Melvin!
"Do close your mouth, dear. You're gaping."
Victoria shut her mouth with a snap. Lord Melvin? How could it be him!? He was so quiet, and some would say a little droll, but handsome, so handsome that every time she saw him, a little devil sat on her shoulder, and she wanted to tease him, not that she ever did. Last evening he had invited her family and herself to his estate. Could she wait until then to confront him with this idea of hers?
His written words, folded and safe in the pocket of her dress, weighed heavily on her conscience. No, she could not wait. He may need this part of his story. If she did not return it to him, he would wonder what happened to it. He would have to rewrite it.
The horror!
She was not a writer, but to think of losing any part of a manuscript would surely send fear to shiver down one's spine.
"That reminds me, Mama. Lord Melvin invited us to stay at Rosedale when Josh has returned from abroad.”
"Oh, did I not tell you, my dear? Josh darling will be home next week. I received a letter from him this morning. He's in Paris right now but will start his movement back to England within a day or two."
What wonderful news. Her trip to Hampshire could be sooner than she thought. "Do you think Josh would agree to travel and stay at Lord Melvin's so soon after returning from abroad?"
Her mother set down her sewing, meeting her gaze. "I do not see why not. The Season is over, and we're now rusticating in the country for several months. I'm sure he will agree."
Victoria flopped herself down on a nearby settee. And if she were to hint to Josh that Lord Melvin may be a possible suiter, she was certain he'd have them bundled up in the carriage within the hour. Not that she was looking at his lordship as a possible match, but she was certainly curious about this story she had in her pocket. Had he written it? Was he the mysterious Elbert Retsek the whole of England was talking about? Victoria crossed her legs, grinning. Something told her he was, and what a find that shall be. What would he have to say for himself about his double life in society?
Only time would tell.
Chapter 5
As expected, her brother rumbled up the drive in the duke’s carriage several days later. Victoria and her mama went out the front of the house to greet him. The carriage was sprayed with mud, and the two drivers and footmen accompanying Josh looked tired and worn.
Victoria turned to the housekeeper standing behind her and requested a light repast and drinks for the travel-weary duke and servants.
Josh jumped down from the carriage, and Victoria hardly recognized him. Gone was the boy they had always teased growing up. The only boy in the family, it was only right that he suffered a little bit. Not that they were ever cruel, but he had been the future duke, and it was always fun to remind him that although he would care for them all one day, he was still the youngest.
Victoria ran up to him, wrapping her arms around his waist, hugging him. "You're home. Finally."
He kissed the top of her head, pulling their mama into his arms as she joined them. They walked inside, arms linked. They were a close family, and she knew that Alice would be around later today when she received word he was home. Isolde and Elizabeth had returned to their estates, but Josh would undoubtedly visit with them soon enough.
"Ah, Dunsleigh. How I have missed our home and everyone in it. Tell me all that has happened while I was away." Josh turned and looked down at her, and Victoria marveled at how much of a man he appeared. He was taller, broader across the shoulders, his hair lightened by travel and a little too long for what was fashionable. His eyes were bright and merry, and he required a shave, his whiskers a little too long.
Had the ladies in London seen him this past Season, Victoria knew he would have been swamped. How fun next year would be when he returned to town.
"I see that you are not yet married," he teased, bussing the top of her head again as they stepped into the foyer. "Remind me to put another bullet in Armstrong, even though another husband has already beaten me to it."
"Never mind Paul is nothing but a figment of my past. And do
