His Wallflower White by Tammy Andresen

Chapter Ten

The next dayMillie sat in the morning room, draped in a lovely pale yellow muslin gown. The dress should have been sunny and warm, but she’d never felt drearier.

She’d kissed Patrick last night as a goodbye. Certainly, she’d see him again. He was her guard after all. But things had to change between them. She needed emotional distance.

Her chin came to her fist, resting there as she played their conversation over in her thoughts.

Her realization last night that she didn’t actually fear marriage had altered her entire view of her future. She was still trying to work out the details in her mind, but she had come to understand that she didn’t fear a man’s tyranny as much as she did his indifference. She wanted to marry for love. She’d decided that. But even if she fell in love, how would she know that a man returned that affection? That he would not reject her the way so many men had?

Her heart throbbed and she squeezed her eyes shut.

Even Patrick had made it clear that he didn’t want her. Not really.

His gentle touch had awoken her body and her mind. Instinctively, she’d trusted him. And she knew with absolute certainty that he’d never hurt her physically.

But he’d also been clear. His heart was not for her and neither was his future.

She drew in a shuddering breath.

Which left her with only a few options. The first was to hope that she met another Patrick before her brothers could successfully match her. She shook her head. Unlikely.

The second was to continue with her original plan. Prove to her brothers she was an asset to the dukedom, and avoid marriage all together.

She winced as she realized she’d always wanted Ben to value her and that had been part of her motivation.

His leaving had hurt her deeply.

If he could love her again, really value her, not just try and send her off, then perhaps another man might really love her, too.

“Millie?” Her stepmother, Esme, entered the room. “Are you all right?”

“Fine,” she said, pasting on a smile. “I’m just…”

“What?” she asked, taking a seat next to Millie.

Millie shook her head. “Trying to figure out my future.”

Esme reached for her hand, her slender fingers wrapping about Millie’s. “The future has a way of happening regardless of whether or not we’ve decided upon it.”

Millie arched a brow. “That is true. But you were there when Ben invited Lord Lambford to Cliffside. And now he’s got a new gentleman for my hand. If I don’t make some decisions, Ben will.”

Esme winced. “I see your point. Your brother has made it clear he also expects me to remarry as soon as my mourning period is over. He doesn’t want to care for me or my son.”

Millie turned more fully to the other woman. Esme was her father’s second wife, but she was only a few years older than Millie. “Or he can’t. I believe there are some financial issues.” That made her own ache ease.

Esme looked down at her lap. “So, what do you propose to do?”

Millie’s mouth twisted. How much should she share? “I thought to prove my worth. Much like Chloe did. She proved herself invaluable to the dukedom and—”

Esme shuddered. “We are already valuable to the dukedom. As assets. That is the problem, I’m afraid.”

Millie drew in a sharp breath. “That’s what I’ve been afraid of, as well.” She was worth more than that. Why didn’t anyone else see it?

Esme clasped both her hands around one of Millie’s. She gave it a squeeze. “Have you come up with a solution yet?”

Millie shook her head. “I did find some documents of value while doing a bit of sleuthing. The question is how best to use them. I don’t know that it’s enough to convince Ben I should remain here with him. I’d like to investigate more, but with Parricide making an appearance yesterday…”

Esme frowned. “That is a problem. Chloe said he focused his attention on you.”

Millie shrugged. “Don’t ask me why.”

“Still. It’s likely best that you stay home.” Esme tapped her chin. “But maybe I can help you.”

“Really?” Millie sat up straighter. “How?”

“I don’t know yet. Let me think.” The other woman let go of Millie’s hand to tap her own chin.

“We could sell my jewelry and hire an investigator.”

Esme turned to Millie, her brows lifting. “I appreciate your enthusiasm, but doesn’t that seem a bit extreme? You might need those jewels at some point in the future. I was thinking more like we talk to Chloe. I seriously doubt Ben will go against her wishes. The man is thoroughly smitten.”

Millie wrinkled her nose. “I suppose.”

Esme let out a small sigh. “I know how you feel, Millie. When I first found out I was to marry your father, I tried to work my way out of it, too.”

Millie started. Esme had been a good wife to her father, not that he’d deserved it. “But you didn’t succeed.”

“My father cared little for my feelings.”

“I’m not certain Ben cares about mine.” Her head dropped.

Esme grabbed her hand again. “Have you considered asking him? Because I’ve gotten the impression it’s the exact opposite. I think he always cared a great deal. I know I just called us assets but, in all honesty, he thinks he’s helping you. Tell him you don’t want his help. That you’d rather stay with him.”

Millie closed her eyes. She wasn’t sure she believed it. “What if you’re wrong?”

“Then we’ll need another plan. But for now, it’s a next step.”

Millie brought her chin back down to her fist. “With all due respect, I’d rather be actively working on that other plan while we wait for Ben’s return.”

Esme nibbled her lip. “Do you know what the contents of your dowry are? I didn’t know the detatils of mine and it might have been helpful.”

Her eyes widened. “I don’t. And I’ve no idea of the bargain they’re striking with Mr. Jensen. Justice only mentioned that he’s very rich.”

Esme rolled her eyes. “That third brother of yours is too much.”

“When will Ben be home?”

“Today,” Esme said.

“I’ll ask him the details of my dowry today.” Millie tapped her chin.

“Good idea, though he may not yet have them. I do believe he’s sifting through a mountain of information. Then again, he’s actively negotiating on your behalf so perhaps he does.” Esme’s fingers drummed on the arm of her chair. “But you know who will have all the information for certain? The family’s barrister. I happen to know he’s here in London. Perhaps we should pay him a visit.”

“That is an excellent idea,” Millie answered. “Shall we go now?”

Esme laughed. “Now? I suppose I can. Caleb is in lessons.”

“How is my littlest brother doing with all the changes?” Millie asked. Truth be told, she hadn’t spent much time with the youngest White. She made a note to be a bigger part of his life. The love of siblings was important.

Esme nodded. “Very well. In fact, he seems very happy.”

Millie let out a breath of relief. “I’ll get my pelisse.”

“We’ll leave in a quarter hour.”

* * *

Patrick watchedas Millie climbed into the carriage with the dowager duchess. Where was she going and why hadn’t Justice stopped her?

Irritation rippled through him along with a healthy dash of fear. What was she playing at?

He’d told her not go out…at night. He scrubbed his face.

Why hadn’t it occurred to him to tell her not to go out during the day? This was Millie. She pushed all the rules to edges of sense.

He rather liked that about her.

Except for when her life was in danger.

He stepped out of his position against the carriage house sidewall and jumped on the back of the carriage. He had every intention of speaking with her later…and not in the garden.

And then he’d speak with Justice. Which would likely involve their fists.

The man wasn’t capable of a regular conversation.

Today, that seemed perfectly reasonable to Patrick. Though he was still sore from yesterday’s tussle, the situation was ratcheting up in tension and the outlet was helpful. Always had been.

The carriage rumbled along street after street until they finally stopped in front of a small shop. Hanging over the door was a little white sign that read “Veritas Law.”

Patrick shook his head. A barrister?

He didn’t bother to hide his presence and when the footman helped the ladies out, Patrick climbed down, too.

Millie caught his eye, her lips pressing together. “You decided to join us.”

“Of course,” he answered, placing a hand under her elbow. “I should have been clearer. After what happened yesterday, you ought to be at home.”

Her nose wrinkled. “I can see why I shouldn’t go for a walk. But going to see the family lawyer while escorted by a driver, a footman and you… Don’t you think confining me to the house is a bit excessive?”

He cleared his throat. “No.”

“You don’t?”

His head dropped close to her ear, her scent wrapping about him. How could he stay angry with the scent of summer flowers filling his nostrils? “He approached you on the street. I don’t need to repeat what he’s done to your brother. This a bold man who should not be underestimated.”

She grimaced. “Fair point.”

They entered the shop and a man, who sat behind a desk just to the right, stood. “Lady Millicent. Your Grace.” His brows lifted as he caught Patrick’s eye.

“Mr. Veritas, this is Justice’s…umm…coworker, the Honourable Mr. Cranston.”

“Coworker?” Mr. Veritas asked as he came about the desk. “A pleasure, Mr. Cranston.”

“And you,” he said, shaking the man’s hand. Tall, the man had a firm grip and a steady eye, both traits Patrick liked. “And to clarify, we’re both fighters. His Grace has requested my help under the current circumstances.”

Mr. Veritas nodded his thanks. “What can I help you with today?”

The dowager duchess had taken a seat behind them and said nothing as Millie stepped forward. “I’d like to know the details of my dowry, please.”

Patrick’s gut clenched. She’d hinted yesterday that she was looking for a match. What had changed? He’d thought she didn’t want to marry. The very idea of her in the arms of another man, made sick dread squeeze his chest tight. He twisted his neck, a crack filling the air.

Mr. Veritas stared at Millie for a moment. “Surely, that’s a question for your brother.”

Millie gave the man an encouraging smile. “Ben has so much going on. He’s expressed, explicitly, that he’d like for me to marry quickly. Sincerely, Mr. Veritas, I am attempting to so some research on his behalf. It’s my way of contributing to the dukedom.”

His brows lifted. The men around Millie didn’t stand a chance, including him.

Mr. Veritas’s mouth turned down. “That’s very kind, Lady Millicent. And I’m sure His Grace appreciates your help. But really, if His Grace is interested in making a match for you, he needs to come see me to discuss the options.”

Millie’s hand tightened on his arm. “Options?”

Patrick saw the man’s face tighten. It only lasted an instant and then it was gone. “Again, I should wait for—”

“I know. Ben. Heaven forbid you should give me information that pertains to me,” she huffed. “Why does everyone insist on treating me as though my only contribution will be putting on a wedding gown and walking down an aisle? I, too, have a mind.”

Mr. Veritas winced. “That was never in doubt. But my job is to uphold the law, not to assess people’s personal merits.”

Millie shook her head. “Can you tell me the value of my mother’s jewelry? That is mine, isn’t it?”

He gave a nod. “It is, and it’s worth a great deal. As is your share of her house. In fact, the two are worth more than most women’s dowries…” he tapered off, his teeth clenching together.

Her fingers relaxed. “That’s good.” Then she cocked her head to the side. “But there is no other money, is there?”

“Why would you think…”

Millie huffed. “I could hear the ‘but’ you didn’t say.”

Veritas paled slightly. “Lady Millicent.”

“Listen, Mr. Veritas, Ben arrives home today. I intend to collect this information. I’m on a bit of a hunt—we all are—to make sense of our lives after our father’s death. So, you can either tell me, or I can take Ben’s valuable time this afternoon and you can face his irritation when we have to return.”

Mr. Veritas shook his head, his mouth hanging open.

Patrick suppressed a chuckle. “She’s devilishly difficult to argue with.”

Mr. Veritas relaxed at that. “A true White.” Then he sighed. “There are funds set aside for you, but they’ve been invested back in the dukedom.”

“If I were to wager a guess, I’d say this is a recent development. My dowry was rolled into the construction of that house, wasn’t it?” It made logical sense with the deficits she’d seen. If she were given time with the books, she could surely locate the exact amounts.

“Yes,” Veritas answered simply. “I see Ben has kept you informed. Any match you make will be done on promise of future payment. Not unheard of. In fact, it’s a far more common practice than you might imagine.”

Millie stilled next to him. “No wonder they’re considering a merchant.”

Patrick’s lips pulled thin across his teeth. He didn’t much take to the belief that some people were born better than others and the upper classes had purer blood. But he did think that Millie deserved a man of real worth. What they were discussing, however, was a man with deep pockets who wanted to pay to climb the social ladder, and that made him deeply angry. Millie deserved a bright and beautiful future, not a marriage of convenience.

“Thank you, Mr. Veritas. This has been most informative.”

He gave another nod. “You’re welcome.”

She paused, her mouth twitching. “I know I’ve already taken up your time and likely your patience, but I’d like to ask another question. Ben has you researching our missing sibling. Any progress?”

Veritas’s brows lifted. “Some. Possibly. That I will share with him since he pays me directly,” he said.

Patrick was sure he’d not share with Millie. But she pressed on anyway.

“Does he also have you building the case against Parricide?”

The lawyer visibly started. “You really are well informed, aren’t you?”

She lifted a shoulder as she slid away from Patrick’s side. “I make it my business to be so.” She stepped up next to the chair in front of his desk. Clearly meant for clients, he gestured for her to sit, as he moved to resume his own seat. In quick words, she told the lawyer of the events of the day before, her eyes glued to Mr. Veritas’ face.

Patrick watched the man, too. To his mind, Veritas was in one of two camps. Either he was an honest man or, like the architect, he’d been in the former duke’s pocket for years. Being the lawyer of such a powerful man, Patrick would have normally assumed that Veritas was also a criminal, but his instincts were usually dead on and Veritas read completely straightforward. Honest.

Veritas cleared his throat. “I see why your brother is eager to have you wed. It would be far safer for you.”

Millie sat back. “I hadn’t considered that angle, but I do see your point. For my part, I had thought to remain unattached, but I’m beginning to wonder.”

Veritas tented his hands in front of his face. “You’ve the financial means to do so, remain unattached, if that’s what you choose. It’s a matter of which assets you’d be willing to part with.”

Millie nodded. “Thank you for that. It’s helpful.”

Veritas leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk. “May I also suggest, if you’re not interested in a match, there is very little need to be in London. You might be safer all around if you travelled to one of your brother’s many properties. Let this entire affair play out.”

Patrick still stood behind Millie. The sense in that statement settled over him like a warm blanket. The man was exactly right. Millie ought to leave London.

The bell on the door tinkled behind him. Automatically, he turned to see who entered.

Every muscle in his body tensed when he saw none other than William Parricide standing in the doorframe.