They adjourned to the drawing room and once there, he asked, “Do you mind if Julia joins us? I am eager to see her and share with her—and you—about today.”

  Sera bit her lip. “Oh, you do not know. It happened after you left so early this morning. Julia also went to London.”

  “She what?” he asked, shocked.

  “She received a letter that her uncle was quite ill. Dying, it seems. She wanted to go and care for him during his final days. I told her I would manage lessons with the boys while she is absent for a week or two.”

  Worry—mixed with anger—filled Devin. “Julia doesn’t have an uncle,” he said flatly. “At least to my knowledge. She lied to you, Sera.”

  Win frowned. “That doesn’t sound like Miss Birmingham, Dev. Are you certain? I have always thought her character sterling.”

  He rose, his hands fisting. “For some reason, she wishes to put distance between us. I need to find her—and find out why.”

  “You certainly cannot do so tonight,” Sera told him. “The roads to London are pitch dark now. You need to get some rest so that you are thinking clearly.”

  Devin knew she was right.

  “Take the carriage again,” Win suggested. “Would you like my company?”

  “No. I must do this alone,” he said and excused himself.

  Returning to his bedchamber, he pulled off his boots and lay atop the bed, fully dressed, turning things over in his mind, wondering why Julia was being so headstrong. She had said she had a core of steel which ran through her.

  Devin needed to figure out a way to melt it.

  *

  Before Devin left again for London, he met with Win, asking his friend to recall everything he could about Julia. Win provided the name of the employment agency they had used in hiring their new governess. He also mentioned how they had met her in Hyde Park, thanks to her cousin, who worked at the agency.

  “If anyone might be able to help you find her, it would be this cousin,” Win stated, looking at Devin with sympathy. “I understand how much you love her. I would be despondent if Sera had up and vanished on me.”

  “She has mentioned a half-brother and I must find him,” Devin said.

  Briefly, he described what he knew of Lord Tilton, how he had chased Julia off—omitting what had happened to her mother—and how the man held her dowry hostage.

  “Not that I even need the dowry, but it will give me an excuse to meet and assess him.”

  “Might I recommend you hire a Bow Street Runner to aid you? I used Jack Blumer to help track down Terrance’s by-blows.” Win shook his head sorrowfully. “To think he never even bothered to know these beautiful boys. I am only grateful Blumer found them and I was able to bring them home.”

  Devin put a hand on Win’s shoulder. “You will be the only father they ever know—and you are a good one, Win.”

  “I hope so. You will also make for a good father and husband, Dev. I wish you the best in finding your Miss Birmingham.”

  He went to the stables and had Domino saddled for him. Though Win had insisted Devin take the carriage again to London, he did not want to leave them without it. He could send for his own once he reached town. It still surprised him a bit to think he owned a carriage, much less three country estates and a London townhouse and countless wealth. He decided he would use that wealth for good. Not only for the family he and Julia created together, but for those who might be in need. Perhaps soldiers such as himself, returning from the war with missing limbs.

  First, he rode to Bow Street, asking for and meeting with Jack Blumer and the magistrate.

  “I need two things from you, Mr. Blumer,” Devin said. “One, I must learn everything I can about Lord Tilton, from the smallest detail such as the brandy he drinks to the larger picture.

  “The second is to find his half-sister, Miss Julia Birmingham. I intend to marry her as soon as possible.”

  He gave them as much information as he had about Julia and arranged to meet with the runner for a daily report at his townhouse. He had thought to go to Julia’s employment agency and decided against it after Blumer advised otherwise.

  Next, he went to his solicitor’s again. When Devin entered, the clerk looked a bit surprised. Recovering his composure quickly, however, he took Devin immediately to Billman’s office.

  “Ah, Lord Bedford. I was not expecting to see you so soon.”

  “I wish you to draw up a marriage settlement.”

  He explained he had purchased a special license to wed Julia and they would do so.

  “Shall I arrange an appointment with the young lady’s family?”

  Devin wanted more information about Lord Tilton before he met with him and said, “No. I will let you know when the time is right. For now, let us discuss the details on my end. I want it to be most generous toward Miss Birmingham, especially if anything happens to me. I want to make certain she is taken care of because she wouldn’t be by Tilton.”

  Billman’s brows arched. “Of course, my lord. She is to be your wife and I can make certain Lady Bedford will never lack for anything.”

  “You had mentioned an unentailed estate?”

  “Yes, I did.”

  “Then see that it would be given to her, especially if I die and we have yet to have children.”

  “Of course, my lord. When would you like to review the settlements?”

  “Tomorrow morning, if possible, Mr. Billman.”

  “Then I shall see to it at once, my lord.”

  Devin left the solicitor’s office and rode to his townhouse. He apologized to his butler and housekeeper, saying his plans had changed and that he would be in London for an indefinite period of time before he traveled to Easton Ridge.

  Win had suggested while Devin was in town that he be fitted for a new wardrobe. Win suggested his tailor, teasing that Devin needed to dress as the marquess he now was.

  He spent the rest of the day indulging in these matters, seeing not only the tailor but a shirtmaker, hatmaker, and bootmaker. His boots were well worn and looked it. He arranged times to return for his fittings. Fortunately, at this time of year, these craftsmen had little to do. His tailor told him his busiest time of year was in the weeks leading up to and during the first half of the Season.

  Restless, Devin decided he wasn’t ready to go home. For hours, he rode the streets of London, getting to know them. He wondered if Julia knew London. If she did, she could introduce the city to him. If she didn’t, they would learn it together.

  He returned home to a fine dinner by his cook and sent his compliments to the kitchens. He asked then to meet her and the rest of his town staff, something he had neglected to do yesterday. As he retired to his room, his butler asked if he should send for the former marquess’ valet, who had remained behind at Easton Ridge after the funeral until the new marquess had arrived.

  “No, I will simply meet him when I go there. If you can spare a footman to help me, that would be satisfactory.”

  “I will serve as your valet during your stay in London, my lord.”

  He came upstairs with Devin and helped him to undress. Devin held up his mangled right hand, the one ruined by Corporal Kerley. “I appreciate your help, especially because of this.”

  “War is an ugly thing, my lord. I lost my youngest brother and favorite cousin to it. I am glad you were able to come home and look forward to serving you.”

  Devin climbed into bed once he was alone, his fervent prayer that Julia would be found and they would be together forever.

  *

  Devin met with Jack Blumer mid-morning the next day. He took the Bow Street Runner into his study.

  “What do you have for me, Mr. Blumer?”

  “Quite a bit, my lord. We will discuss Lord Tilton first.” He paused. “The earl is in serious financial straits.”

  “I like hearing this, Blumer. Please, tell me everything.”

  “He inherited his earldom upon the death of his father seven years ago at age thirty-five. Already, his looks were beginning to fade and he had the reputation as a heavy drinker. Nowadays, Lord Tilton is known for the debts he has run up about town. Those include a large number of gambling debts at numerous gaming hells.”

  Blumer outlined the situation, noting that Tilton had yet to wed.

  “Lord Tilton had already sowed his wild oats for many years before his father’s death,” the runner explained. “Since coming into the earldom, he has led a dissolute life, squandering money. He is finding it increasingly hard for others to extend credit to him. He let it be known last Season that it was finally time for him to wed and sire an heir.”

  Blumer shook his head. “The protective mamas and papas of the ton notably kept their daughters—and their dowries—away from him. Lord Tilton is now over forty, almost bankrupt, and his health has been broken by years of drinking.”

  It mollified Devin that he would not be ruining the lives of the man’s wife and children since he had none.

  “As for Miss Birmingham, I went to the employment agency she is associated with and met with its owner. Miss Birmingham has held three positions since she signed on with them. First, she spent four years in Somerset with a Lady Sowbury, a dowager marchioness, who gave her a glowing reference before her death. For some reason, Miss Birmingham then chose to change from being a companion to becoming a governess and served in Lord and Lady Pelham’s household for three years. I spoke to two servants at the Pelham London residence. Both said Miss Birmingham was highly thought of.”

  He nodded. “Did you visit with Miss Birmingham’s cousin? The one who worked at the employment agency.”

  “I did, my lord. He has not seen her since last summer and has no idea where she might be. He did tell me she was fond of walking in Hyde Park, though.”

  Devin recalled that Win had mentioned that was where they had found Julia with her charges and hired her on the spot. He determined to walk Hyde Park daily in hopes of finding her.

  “How would I go about buying up the markers of Lord Tilton?” he asked.

  The runner smiled. “I know exactly how to do so, my lord. But it will take quite a bit of blunt.”

  Devin returned the smile. “Fortunately, I have recently come into a pile of it, Mr. Blumer.”

  Blumer explained how Devin could claim the markers and Devin said, “We should go visit my banker. I learned who he is from meeting with my financial managers yesterday. Would you care to accompany me?”

  “I would be happy to do so,” the runner said. “Lord Tilton is a nasty one. I spoke to a few of his servants in confidence. None of them had anything good to say about their employer.”

  They went to the bank and met the president of the institution. Blumer was given a line of credit, as well as ample funds, to go about town to purchase the markers belonging to Lord Tilton in Devin’s name.

  Blumer said as they left, “This will take me the rest of today and possibly all of tomorrow, Lord Bedford.”

  “Then we shall meet the day after tomorrow,” Devin told him.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Julia left the bookstore and walked the few blocks to the boardinghouse she had been staying in for almost a week. She had stumbled upon it the first time she’d come to London, after the death of her parents. The owner was a kind woman and only rented rooms to young women. She had also steered Julia in the direction of the employment agency she chose to hire on with. It seemed only natural that she stay here again as she made the decision which would impact her future.

  The thought of that future caused a physical ache. She tamped down the depression that welled up within her. She missed Devin terribly. How did she stop loving him?

  She had no answer to that question.

  Entering the boardinghouse, she made her way to her room on the third floor and deposited her packages on the bed. Everything was meant for Freddie and Charlie. She had found a set of checkers and knew that the boys were at a perfect age to not only enjoy the game but also learn how to plot a winning strategy. She had also bought them a set of tin soldiers dressed in red and blue. Perhaps they could set them up and Devin and His Grace would play with the boys, discussing previous wars England had fought and military strategies used.

  The books and toys would be mailed to Woodbridge. Julia had come to realize she would not be able to return. If she did, Devin would wear her resistance down and demand she become his marchioness. Julia had no desire to live that kind of life. She would make a terrible wife to a high-ranking peer of the realm. If she disappeared, he would eventually have to accept it and move on with his life.

  Her decisions now included what to do in her immediate future.

  Returning to the employment agency was not an option. Taking another post, no matter how far away, would not stop Devin from chasing after her. The Duke of Woodmont would recall which agency she had been hired from and Devin would wring from its owner where she had gone. Even if she went to another agency, he might find it and do the same. The best thing to do would be not to work at all for a period of time. She had considered that idea before she came to Woodbridge, doing some traveling and seeing a bit of the world. Perhaps it was time for that to become a reality.

  Should she remain in London once her wanderlust had been satisfied? The city was certainly large enough for her to remain anonymous within it. She would not run in the same social circles as Devin and his future wife. There would be little chance of an encounter with him. It would give her a chance to work with a group less fortunate than she was, possibly helping young women who found themselves in a precarious situation as she once had.

  Or she could leave town altogether, abandoning it for the country. She had always been happy at Tilbury Manor and had liked it when most of her time after leaving it had been spent in the country. It would be a quiet life. Reading. Gardening. Volunteering at the church. Perhaps she could even assist the local clergyman if he gave lessons to children, as some did. It would be important to fill her time with activities.

  So that she would not obsess on what she once had—and how she let it slip through her fingers.

  Julia needed to decide soon. It wouldn’t be right, leaving the duke and duchess hanging, waiting for her to return. Regardless of what she decided, she would write a letter today and send it tomorrow, along with the purchases she had made for Freddie and Charlie. She would send her regrets, being as vague as she possibly could. It pained her that she would never say a proper goodbye to those at Woodbridge.

  Instead of sitting to compose her carefully worded letter, she opened her reticule and removed Devin’s letter to her. She still marveled at its length and how long it must have taken him to write. She hoped he was still practicing daily, strengthening his left hand. Although he would not manage Woodbridge, as the Marquess of Bedford he would have his own estate—or estates—to look after. Knowing Devin, he would keep improving his handwriting through sheer force of will.

  Folding the letter once again and replacing it inside her reticule, she decided to go for a walk in Hyde Park. She had avoided doing so ever since her arrival. November had turned blustery and wet, with a piercing cold. While she did not mind the cold, she despised the wind and had not wanted to become ill with a cold by walking in the heavy rains.

  Today, though, was actually sunny. The rain and clouds had cleared, leaving a rare blue sky. It was still cold but she decided to take advantage of the change in weather and walk. Walking had always helped her when she had problems to think over.

  Julia left the boardinghouse and hailed a hansom cab, instructing the driver to take her to Hyde Park.

  “Which gate, Miss?” he asked.

  “Grosvenor Gate,” she replied since that gate was at the western extremity of Piccadilly and the closest to them. She would start at Hyde Park Corner and then make her way to the Serpentine.

  As usual, the streets of the city were crowded. Once they drew close to the park, however, the traffic died down. With most members of Polite Society back on their country estates this time of year, she would likely have the park largely to herself.

  They arrived at Hyde Park Corner and she paid her driver before entering. She saw a few other walkers such as herself and only one carriage in the distance. This would be perfect. She could lose herself in her thoughts and get a bit of exercise at the same time.

  She reached the Serpentine, which had been created by Royal Gardener Charles Bridgeman, who helped redesign the park at the request of Queen Caroline. Bridgeman had dammed the Westbourne River, which changed the eleven natural ponds in the park to form the current lake. Bridgeman scoffed at how artificial lakes were designed to be long and straight, preferring his design to appear more natural. The Serpentine ran through Hyde Park and emptied into the Thames at Ranelagh.

  Walking next to the water brought her some comfort. She recalled the day she had brought the Pelham boys here to sail their little boats, only to meet the Duke of Woodmont and his betrothed. His Grace’s story of taking on his two previously unknown nephews had touched Julia’s heart and she had agreed to become their new governess.

  She moved closer to the water and sat upon the bank, staring into the water for a long time. Then she sensed a presence and someone sat beside her.

  “I hope this spot is not taken,” said Devin.

  He slipped an arm around her and took her hand in his. Tears sprang to Julia’s eyes as she said, “Blast.”

  “How is your uncle? Has he recovered—or have you already buried him?”

  She gazed into his eyes. “You know there is no uncle.”

  “I do,” he said solemnly. “Why did you run from me, Julia?”

  “Because I cannot be your marchioness,” she replied honestly.

  Hurt filled his eyes. “You know if you don’t, I will never wed,” he said softly.