your bliss had consequences,” Daniel interjected.
“Yes.” Rebecca’s throat tightened as she remembered her disbelief when she realized she had fallen pregnant. Remembered too, the embarrassment she felt standing before her parents, feeling like a condemned prisoner confessing her crimes, telling them she was expecting a child.
“Philip had been offered a very promising position with a law firm in Salisbury and we all agreed he should take it. He left Taunton before I realized my predicament, so I was forced to explain to Mother and Father that our agreement to wait for the marriage needed to be altered. Our wedding had to take place far sooner than we had planned.”
“But there was no wedding,” Daniel said softly.
“No. There was an accident. The roof of the building that housed Philip’s offices collapsed in the middle of the afternoon. Most of the others were out that day, but Philip was working at his desk. They told me he was killed instantly.” She muffled a cry. “I was inconsolable, numb with grief. Losing Philip was a horror I could not comprehend and then there was the unborn child to consider.”
“Who decided you should go to Great-Aunt Mildred?” Daniel asked, arms crossed as he leaned against the desk.
“Mother, I think? Or perhaps it was Father? I honestly don’t remember who first broached the suggestion to me. As the weeks passed, ’twas obvious I could not remain here in Taunton in my condition. At the time, retreating to Cornwall and having Aunt Mildred care for me seemed a godsend.”
“It was the only sensible choice,” Daniel agreed.
“Was it? I trusted them; our parents and Aunt Mildred. Believed they would help me.” Rebecca blinked as the tears welled in her eyes. “Yet in the end they betrayed me.”
Daniel sighed. “It was cruel to tell you the child had perished. Still, were there any other choices? Forgive me, Becca, for asking, but what had you planned to do with this baby? Did you really believe you would be able to keep it, to raise it as your own?”
Rebecca shrugged helplessly. “I was in deep despair, Daniel, living day to day. I was incapable of thinking beyond the moment. We never openly discussed what would happen once the child arrived. I assumed the decision would be made soon after the baby was born. I also assumed I would be a part of that decision.” Her voice grew soft. “I broke the rules and knew I would pay dearly for my mistake. But I never expected to be betrayed by those I loved and trusted. Heavens, I was a fool.”
“We have all been foolish at one time or another.”
Rebecca bowed her head, appreciating her brother’s efforts to make her feel better. “The past is gone. It does me no good to dwell on my heartache. However, I have been given a second chance, an opportunity to see and hold and love this child. I must find her. I must meet her. Please, will you help me?”
A wary expression, quickly suppressed, flickered across Daniel’s face. “I have lived outside of England for eight years, yet even I know of the Earl of Hampton. He is a powerful, wealthy man, with influential friends. It won’t be easy.”
“I don’t expect it to be,” she answered, a sad, bitter smile forming on her lips. “All I know is that it shall be worth it.”
Cameron Sinclair, Earl of Hampton, was enjoying a quiet afternoon at his gentleman’s club, reading a fresh copy of The Times and drinking a glass of exceptionally fine port. Since his household was comprised and dominated by females—his mother, his sister and his daughter—he had found over the years that in order to maintain his sanity it was necessary to on occasion seek the exclusive company of men.
“For you, my lord.”
Puzzled, Cameron lowered his newspaper and lifted the note off the silver salver the servant extended toward him. Social invitations as well as letters of a business nature were sent to his London home. This was the first time he had received such a formal document at his club.
Curious, he broke the seal, which he did not recognize, and read the note. Mr. Daniel Tremaine requests a private meeting with you on a matter most urgent and personal.
The name was also unfamiliar to the earl. “Is the gentleman who gave you the note here?”
“Yes, my lord.” The servant bowed low and discreetly pointed to a young man, conservatively and expensively dressed. He was tall, lean, with short dark hair and handsome angular features. Cameron judged him to be two or three years his junior. He did not recognize him, further deepening the mystery.
“Is he a member of White’s?” the earl asked.
“No, my lord. He was admitted today as a guest of the Duke of Aylesford.”
Cameron’s brow rose with interest as he contemplated the information. The duke was a shrewd man, known for his successful business investments as well as his high social standards. There were not many who could count upon him for such a personal favor.
“Tell Mr. Tremaine I will meet with him.” Cameron folded his newspaper and placed it on the nearby table. “Is there a room available where we can have some privacy?”
“The corner study is currently unoccupied. I will escort the gentleman there and make sure you are not disturbed.”
“Excellent.”
The earl strolled casually through the club, finding the snug corner study empty as the servant had promised. He waited but a moment for the other gentleman to join him.
“I am Daniel Tremaine,” the man said, coming forward to offer his hand. “Thank you for seeing me, Lord Hampton.”
Putting a pleasant expression on his face, Cameron shook hands. “Your note said it was urgent and private, yet you have the advantage, Mr. Tremaine. I do not recall making your acquaintance.”
“Actually, we are related, though rather distantly. Fourth or fifth cousins, I believe.”
“Ah,” Cameron replied in a noncommittal tone. Perhaps Tremaine wished to presume upon that exceedingly weak family connection for a favor, something the earl decided he would consider, if the request was reasonable. “I understand you are a guest of Aylesford’s.”
“Yes. The duke and I have joined together in a few business ventures that have proven lucrative for all parties.” The comment was not made in a boastful manner, but rather stated simply as a matter of fact.
“I am most intrigued by successful business ventures,” Cameron responded with a congenial smile, appreciating a soft sell when it came to investments. “However, all proposals are first reviewed by my man of business. I can give you his name and address if you wish to send along a report that you would like me to consider.”
A frown insinuated itself between Tremaine’s brows. “I am not here to discuss business. The matter is personal, and truth be told, rather delicate. It concerns your daughter, Lily.”
A tap came at the door, and a servant entered, bearing a tray with a wine decanter and two goblets. Tremaine declined a glass; Cameron did the same. The earl exchanged a glance with the servant, narrowing his eyes with impatience. Understanding the silent command, the servant nodded and quickly exited the room.
“My daughter is six years old, Mr. Tremaine. You cannot possibly
