She needed a purpose, some type of activity to engage her mind, if not her body. “Perhaps I should travel,” she mused out loud.

  “Where would you like to go?” Rose asked with interest. Rose was the dowager countess and the stepmother to her half-brothers. Rose resided in the home along with Bentley, Eleanor, and Eleanor’s younger siblings. Sometimes trying to keep track of who was related to whom could give one a blooming headache.

  Rose had married Geneviève’s father after Geneviève’s mother had run away to Paris with her sister, Juliette. It was because her mother was increasing with Geneviève and her twin, Hélène that prompted Maman to leave and hide from the cruel man who had sired her. A man Geneviève never met and was rather thankful for not having known given the stories she had heard. After informing all of society that his wife and young daughter had died in a carriage accident, the now-deceased Earl of Bentley had married the far too young, fifteen-year-old, Rose Shaw. A year later she gave birth to Madeline, another half-sibling Geneviève met this past summer. Madeline had married Brachton a little over a year ago and when they weren’t required to be in London or at his estate, they were in Scotland with Brachton’s family.

  If one thought about it, as Rose was the third wife to her father, then she was Geneviève’s step-mother as well. Goodness her family was confusing.

  She settled back and studied the woman, barley six and thirty, who looked much younger than her years with warm chestnut hair and nary a wrinkle about her kind brown eyes. “Do you wish to travel?” Geneviève asked instead of answering.

  Rose smiled gently. “There is much I wish to do and never thought I would be given the chance.”

  No doubt Rose had little freedom in her life after being married at such a young age and forced into confinement on a grand estate in the country without contact with anyone outside of the household, and made to endure the former Bentley’s mistreatment of her and his children. If anyone deserved to enjoy life, it was Rose.

  “We should travel this spring. Wouldn’t that be grand?” Geneviève said the words without thinking but knew them for the truth. It would be a delight to travel with Rose. She was kind, understanding and never once tried to tell her what to do.

  The woman’s eyes lit with delight. “Where shall we go?”

  Eleanor looked at Rose with surprise. Did she not think the woman deserved a bit of adventure and happiness after all she had been through?

  Geneviève settled back and cradled her teacup. “I’ve lived in France and Italy, and visited a good part of England and Scotland, but we could go any of those places if you wish and there is much I could show you.” Geneviève took a sip. “I’ve always thought America would be interesting.”

  “I’ve longed to visit the islands in the Caribbean,” Rose offered with a dreamy look.

  Warm sand, a large ocean, blue skies. Geneviève sighed. “Yes, that would be pleasant indeed.” She could almost hear the waves lapping against the shore; feel the warmth of the sun on her face and the wind in her hair. Yes, that is where they should go.

  “Perhaps I could convince Bentley to take us,” Eleanor suggested.

  The pleasant scene Geneviève had painted in her head quickly clouded over. Bentley meant rules and someone governing her actions. He would probably chastise her the moment she removed her shoes to feel the sand through her toes. Besides, Rose would not enjoy herself either if her stepson was there to watch over her. “I would prefer our brothers remain in England.”

  “They are not all that bad,” Eleanor chuckled.

  “As much as I adore and love my step-sons, I must agree with Geneviève,” Rose said after a moment. She sighed and put her teacup aside. “My father was domineering and didn’t wish to be bothered with a daughter. That is the reason he married me off to his friend. Life with Bentley was never pleasant and I am finally free of him.” She glanced at Eleanor who smiled gently and with compassion. “The only reason I remained where I have is because there is no other option for me. But, now that everyone has married and settled, with the exception of Geneviève, I long to escape London, to travel, to be free and enjoy what is left of my life.”

  Tears pricked Geneviève’s eyes. She wanted this for Rose more than she wanted freedom for herself.

  “I will remain through the Season to lend my support when Bentley makes his announcement. After that, I intend to take leave of the family.” She looked to Geneviève. “If you are still free, dear, I propose we travel. We would have an enjoyable adventure and I believe you will be the most delightful traveling companion.”

  Geneviève grinned. She could endure the Season for Rose, especially if they were allowed to board a ship at the end and sail off to a new place.

  “Bentley may try and prevent you from leaving.” Eleanor worried her bottom lip.

  Rose’s back stiffened. “Clayton does not dictate my actions,” she insisted. “As Geneviève is three and twenty, past the age of majority, he has no control over her either, whether he likes it or not.” A mischievous twinkle developed in Roses’ eyes. “If he does, I will remind him that by doing so, he will be behaving like his father.”

  Eleanor blinked in surprise then chuckled. “That should win the argument.”

  After Miss Mirabelle and Mrs. Trent left his office, Jonathan did not return to the warehouse but spent the rest of the afternoon sorting through documents and trying to erase images of Miss Mirabelle from his mind. Of all women to be attracted to, she was the worst. She wouldn’t give a gentleman a moment of peace as she went about organizing his life from the moment he opened his eyes in the morning until he fell into an exhausted slumber at night. If she insinuated herself when she barely knew him, how much more havoc could she bring to a man’s world if the relationship was closer?

  She was not what he needed. He wasn’t certain what he needed, but it was not Miss Mirabelle.

  The men below knew where the shipments belonged and what needed to be delivered. As Jonathan had been down there daily for the past month, working beside them, he trusted there would be no further incidents of missing items.

  By the time the sky had darkened and everyone had left on the fourth day, Jonathan had been able to sort all the documents into the proper piles. He leaned back and stretched. It felt good to have finally made progress. Tomorrow he would begin arranging the documents in date order so he could compare invoices, orders, and delivers until he had a list of shipments that had not arrived at their intended destination. As it was Miss Mirabelle who was his most pressing complainant, he would work on the London deliveries first. The sooner he could deal with her, the sooner she would be out of his thoughts, and hopefully forgotten. He only had three days to locate her shipment. But for now, it was time to take a break. He needed to be away from the office, warehouse, and docks for an evening.

  Jonathan stepped out into the damp, dark night and took a deep breath. He was tired but not yet ready to go home. He needed to do something entertaining that would take his mind off of the situation just for the night.

  Laughter and voices came from the pub across the street but Bridges had no desire to join his employees or the locals. Though a warm meal would be welcome, he needed to be away from the area for a bit.

  The carriage pulled to the curb and the footman jumped down and opened the door. “Where to, Mr. Bridges?”

  He almost answered home as it was his usual response, but that wasn’t where he wanted to be tonight. He needed a distraction. Something that would make him forget about the troubles at the warehouse, and Miss Mirabelle’s inquiring grey eyes. What better option was there? He smiled to himself. “Dagger’s Haven.”

  “Very good, sir,” the footman answered, as Jonathan climbed inside and settled back against the squabs. He hadn’t seen Stanwick, the owner, since December, and Dagger’s always offered entertainment and a light meal.

  It was early yet, at least by society standards when he arrived at the club. Even though it had been weeks since he had been here, the man at the door knew him by sight and didn’t request proof of membership.

  Stanwick was speaking with a few gentlemen when he stepped inside and nodded in his direction. Jonathan found a table in a far corner and settled into a chair. He would try a game of cards after he had eaten and enjoyed a glass of brandy if he wasn’t too tired. A full belly and warm liquor might just put him to sleep. He gave his request to one of the employees and then settled back in his chair, taking in the room. He had seen the establishment much more crowded but that had always been later in the evening, after gentlemen tired of the balls and theatre. Jonathan had never been here this early himself.

  The glass of brandy was set on the table before him and he took a sip, letting the liquid slide down this throat and warm his belly. This was exactly what he needed. A short time later roasted fowl, browned potatoes, and hot bread were set on the table. The savory aroma wafted up and his stomach grumbled in anticipation. Bridges was surprised at how hungry he was and then remembered he had missed the midday meal. It had been hours since he had eaten, no wonder he was starving.

  More and more patrons began to trickle in and Jonathan watched them as he ate his meal, noting who was playing at which tables and the games of chance being offered within this room. Perhaps he shouldn’t gamble tonight and simply sit here and observe. Heaven knew he couldn’t afford to lose funds until he knew what was going to happen with the business.

  What if the shipments weren’t found? What if suits were brought against him for breach of contract? Or worse, what if he was arrested for theft?

  Just the thought of what could happen made him lose his appetite. Jonathan pushed the plate away and picked up the glass of brandy once again. This would help him forget or at least relax for a bit.

  “Are you going to try the tables this evening?” Stanwick asked as he settled across from Jonathan.

  “I don’t think so,” Jonathan answered. “It had been my original plan, but I should probably return home.”

  Stanwick studied him but Jonathan knew the man would not pry. He preferred his privacy as much as Jonathan.

  There was something different about Stanwick but Jonathan couldn’t place what exactly. “How have you been?” he finally asked.

  Stanwick’s face broke out in a grin. “Never better, my friend.”

  This response was in complete opposition to what Stanwick that Jonathan knew. Not that Stanwick had ever been disagreeable, but he wasn’t the most cheerful man either.

  “You should congratulate me.”

  “Congratulations,” Jonathan said slowly. “On what exactly?” he said before taking a sip of his Brandy.

  “I married. On Christmas.”

  Jonathan shouldn’t have been taking a drink because the shock caused him to cough enough that Stanwick had to pound him on the back.

  “Astonishing, I know.” Stanwick laughed as he settled back into his chair.

  “I didn’t think you ever planned to marry.” It was the one thing Stanwick had been adamant about. Jonathan took another drink now that the burn from his earlier cough had subsided.

  “I hadn’t met Hélène Mirabelle yet either.”

  Jonathan closed his eyes and forced the brandy down his throat, hoping it remained. There was that blasted name again. He finally looked up at Stanwick. “Does your wife have any sisters by chance?”

  “Two.” Stanwick looked at him curiously. ”Her older sister, Juliette is married to Acker and she has a twin, Geneviève.”

  Jonathan groaned. It was worse than he thought. Not only did the missing shipment belong to Miss Mirabelle, Lady Acker, but now Stanwick’s wife as well. He needed to find the cargo soon before he lost friendships as well.

  Chapter 6

  “Hélène!” Geneviève cried when her sister walked into the sitting room. “When did you get back?”

  “Yesterday. It was too late when we arrived and Sebastian needed to reopen Dagger’s Haven.”

  “I’ve missed you so,” Geneviève hugged her twin and pulled her to the chairs beside the fire. “I wasn’t certain you’d ever return.”

  Hélène laughed. “We did take our time.”

  “I am glad you’re back because I need your help.”

  The smile fell from Hélène’s face. “Has something happened?”

  Geneviève quickly explained that she had yet to find their mother’s belongings and her dealings with Bridges. “He has only three days and then I am returning.”

  Hélène bit her lip. “It is odd that he would let his business become such a shambles.”

  “It wouldn’t be if he would allow me to assist.”

  “True,” Hélène mused and settled back, sipping a cup of tea. “Why are gentlemen so stubborn?”

  Geneviève straightened. “Stanwick hasn’t become controlling has he?”

  This time her sister laughed. “No, and he intends to allow me to continue in the theatre.”

  “Surely that will change when his uncle passes?” Stanwick was the heir of Earl Walcut, his uncle.

  Hélène sighed. “He does not look forward to the title, but realizes that he can leave a better legacy than those before him and intends to do so.”

  Her older sister became a lady upon marriage and her twin would be one in the future. Even though they were also daughters of an earl, the title lady had never been used by any of them. That would change once Bentley made his announcement. The moment Geneviève continued to dread.

  “For the benefit of my family, and in a show of support, Stanwick is going to return to Society.”

  Geneviève blinked at Hélène. She assumed Stanwick would wait until the last possible moment before he was forced to do so.

  “With Lord Acker, Lord Brachton, and now Stanwick standing with Bentley and his brothers, few in Society will cut the family, which is what is important to all of us.”

  “You perhaps,” Geneviève grumbled. She did not want to be put on display when the Season began.

  “I am more concerned with Rose and how Society may treat her.”

  While Geneviève may not wish to be inspected and gossiped about, it would be far worse for Rose. She could be shunned once everyone comes to the realization that her marriage to the former Bentley wasn’t even legal. At least Geneviève could claim legitimacy. Poor Madeline didn’t even have that.

  Rose was such as sweet, kind woman and it was unfair that even from the grave the former earl could continue to make her life miserable, even ruinous. Perhaps the two of them should take their trip before the Season even began. Then neither of them would be here for the backlash and by the time they returned, the scandal would be all but forgotten.

  “The Season won’t be so bad,” Hélène reached over and squeezed Geneviève’s hand. “You still have me and Juliette.”

  “You’re right, but it could be worse for Rose.”

  She and Rose would just need to stick together and weather the storm if they were even here. Perhaps she and Rose could take up residence in the house on Henrietta Street, and live as they wished without anyone dictating what they were to do and when; at least until they could board a bloody ship and sail somewhere wonderful.

  Geneviève may know where she wished to live, but where did Hélène? The marriage had happened so quickly and Stanwick had accompanied them to Yorkshire, but Geneviève had no idea where Hélène now lived. What if they wished to reside in the house on Henrietta? “Where is Stanwick’s home?”

  “He has bachelor quarters, which are rather cramped. Or will be once all of my things are removed from Bentley Manor and the townhouse in London.”

  “Surely you won’t remain there.” If her sister and Stanwick planned on the house on Henrietta Street, where would she go?

  “We will be looking for a townhouse today. He wishes to live closer to Mayfair or St. James. Until our marriage, he had no need for anything larger as he only slept in his rooms and spent most of his time at Dagger’s Haven.” She shifted, placing her cup on the table. “Tell me, what do you intend to do if Bridges cannot locate mother’s things by the imposed deadline?”

  Geneviève grinned as an idea formed in her brain. Everything would be much easier now that her sister had returned. “As nobody thinks I should go to the docks without an escort, I may just need to prevail upon our brother to accompany me and we won’t leave until we have our answers.” Hélène had a gift for disguises and often played a male upon the stage when they lived in Milan. In fact, she’d been dressed as a male when she met Stanwick because Hélène had visited Dagger’s Haven in order to gamble and increase their funds. As it was an only male establishment, Hélène had donned the disguised she’d often used in the past, that of Henri.

  “I suppose I should repair the damage to my trousers so that Henri will be available when you need him.”

  Geneviève sobered. Her sister enjoyed playing the part and fooling everyone, but now that she was married, would Stanwick allow it? “What of your husband?”

  “I’m sure he would not be happy, but I can get around his anger.”

  Hélène glowed with happiness, as did Juliette most of the time and Geneviève knew that it was on account of their husbands. Would she one day glow as well? Be so happy with her place in life, in a marriage?

  Perhaps she would put her mind to marrying one day. But first, her concentration was focused on Bridges and finding the shipment.

  Jonathan cleared off every available surface and repositioned the documents with the one containing all shipments into London in the center of his desk. The stack was large, but he was determined to find Miss Mirabelle’s documents today, two days before the deadline.

  He glanced up at the knock at the door and his stomach tightened. On the threshold stood Benedick Valentine; investigator with the Thames River Police. At least it wasn’t an investigator from the East India Company, though Valentine could be worse. The man was known for uncovering the impossible, finding thieves and cutthroats along the docks, as well as recovering thousands of pounds worth of stolen shipments.