13
Jensen arrived promptly and was surprised Johanna was ready most women would have kept him waiting. He like she was not like that. She was ready and waiting in the foyer for him. She looked especially nice today, she was sure to impress William and Michael he did not care if she impressed Nesbit. She was also certain to impress Wyld and Katie which is the only real friends he had in polite society.
When they arrived at Jacob and Katies residence she laughed maybe he did not know her, and Katie were friends. She followed him up to the door and waited to surprise Katie and Jacob. They were led into the parlor where the Duke and Duchess were waiting for them. Jensen knew he was in for it when Katie squealed and ran to hug Johanna.
"I am to presume introductions are not necessary?"
"Jo and I have been friends since childhood. My grandfather and her father were friends. When did you get to London?"
"Jensen brought me a couple of days ago."
Both Jacob and Katie caught the use of the Dukes given name. They must be a lot closer than either of them would think. Katie was not afraid to ask the question.
"When did the two of you meet. I had no Idea you two even knew each other even though you were neighbors?"
"Just a few days ago."
Katie turned to Jensen and seemed upset. It was hard for her to hide her emotions. She was the epitome of her Irish heritage and her fiery temper and that fiery red hair. She turned on Jensen.
"Was she compromised and that is why the two of you are so close?"
Jo started to laugh, and she could not stop laughing.
"He has been nothing but a perfect gentleman. But when you work on a mystery together then you tend to drop the formalities."
Katie was relieved, she knew in her heart Jensen was one of the good ones, but Jo had a special place in her heart and would protect her with her own life if needed. Jacob was interested in the mystery that brought the two of them together.
"What pray tell mystery are you solving?"
"Oh, there was a note left for me to solve a mystery that happened thirty-four years ago. Tomorrow we are going to the Marquis of Wigan's to see if he remembers anything from his time in service."
Both Jacob and Katie were surprised. This time Jacob turned around and snapped at Jensen.
"What are you telling her during this investigation?"
"I did not tell her anything, but the Duchess of Saint Helen's did."
"Jensen has been a perfect agent just as the two of you have been. Cordy is amazing as well but no one had to tell me anything I am not stupid I am highly intelligent. Maybe not as intelligent as Katie I do not speak several languages or break codes, but my research skills are second to none. That is why the Duke of Windom gave Jensen the assignment to protect me seems my snooping put a target on my head."
"How did you know I break codes?"
"All those puzzles we used to solve you did not think when I was with you that I did not try to solve the ones you were working on instead of the boring ones you gave me. I knew when we were children you and your grandfather were in service."
They all sat there with their mouths hanging open. How could she have put all of that together.
"Maybe I do not have your language skills, and I do not have Cordy's talent with numbers, but my investigation skills are impeccable."
She turned to walk out of the parlor.
"I'm hungry do you think Wilson would have something I can snack on."
Katie laughed Wilson always had something ready for when Jo visited. When the girls were out of the room Jacob and Jensen had a serious talk.
"Jo was your debutant? Who are you protecting her from?"
"Do you not offer a guest a drink?"
"You are not a guest you are family so get your own bloody drink if you want one."
Jensen like to hear he was family it made him feel good inside to know that there were people who knew his secrets and still care for him. He went and poured both a drink of the good stuff.
"I do not know who I am protecting her from, but they took a shot at her last night and missed."
"Bloody hell, what can Katie and I do to help?"
"I might need you to help protect her at the balls. I know that is not your type of thing but if I cannot find out who is trying to kill her I will need help."
"Whatever you need Katie and I will help. Jo was the little sister neither of us had, we all got on well."
"It could be my uncle who is after her or one of three other men he used to carry on with in his youth. I am so worried that I cannot protect her, and she will die because of it."
"Do you love her?"
"I really think I do Jacob I really think I do. Her uncle Wayne would like a wedding now."
"What did you do?"
"We did a little kissing in a carriage nothing to untowardly."
He could see Jacob tense up.
"Down old boy I already told them I loved her and wanted to marry her, but I have to show her that I am not doing it to protect her or the bloody woman will say no."
"Sounds about right. Both Katie and I did not want to be married after Michael told us we had to be even though the bloody woman wanted to marry me for years. But we are incredibly happy and do not regret a minute of our married life."
"I am sure I will not regret being with Johanna either I just have to have her see we belong together."
The women walked back into the room carrying two plates of food each. Jo handed one to Jensen and Katie handed hers to Jacob. Once they were all sitting Katie became excited.
"Guess what Jacob my love seems Luther has finally got the gumption up to divorce Wilma he has the churches approval, and he has a civil one now just the house of Lords will have to vote."
"There should not be a problem there they all stick together, and Luther is pretty well respected, and every one of them knew Wilma was a tramp and she had been with Egbert for years. I think her father needed to marry her off before she ran off and disgraced the family. Your brother was the patsy."
"We all knew that he was used as a patsy. I wish he could have married the woman he loved. Then Jensen and I would be family of sorts. Seems Luther and Jensen's aunt Pauline were in love and their grandparents and father broke them up."
"That is interesting I am glad when my grandfather decided to marry me off it was to the man I was in love with."
Jacob leaned over and kissed his wife.
"Thank you Katie my love."
"You are welcome Jacob my love."
Jensen and Johanna left the couple and he decided to take her to the Creamery for an ice cream. When they got there, it was busy with young girls whose families were in town for the season and couples who needed a public place to go to court. They found a table in the back and ordered two Ice Creams.
"This is nice, thank you?"
"My pleasure. I did not realize you knew Katie and Jacob."
"I did not know you knew them either. They are like family."
"You have a pretty impressive family."
"You mean because they are mostly in service to the crown?"
"Yes, I guess, as far as I can tell only you and your brother are not in service."
"Neither is Eden, Nikki, Natalie or Justin but that is it as far as I can tell Edward is or was and I know my Uncle and Jennifer are as far as I have been able to ascertain they are pretty deep into it. I remember I went to visit a soup kitchen and saw my uncle and Jennifer eating among the poor. They were wearing dingy clothing and talking among the poor as if they belonged among them. That was when I realized what they did and who they did it for. The man I believe they were after was Samuel Moorland who was planning to revolt against the king and the rumor at the time was he was in White Chapel."
"How did you know that?"
"I investigate things and when I go into the city or the bad parts of London I listen and learn."
"I wonder why Simon did not recruit you?"
"I would imagine my uncle had something to do with that. Since he has always acted as my father. My father and Luther both spoiled me when I did something I should be called on he was the one who discipline me. He was my mother's brother and he was the one who kept alive her memory. "
"That is not how people in service see your Uncle and the Duchess. They are known as the deadly duo."
"I know and Katie and Jacob are Iris and Poseidon. Also Cordy is Aphrodite. I do not know who everyone is, but I do know quite a few."
"You are amazing. How did you figure all of that out?"
"Like I said I watch, and I listen. No one thinks a young girl notices anything, but I notice everything."
When they finished their Ice Cream they took the carriage to Jensen's place. They arrived just before the first guest arrived. It was his Uncle Michael who Johanna noticed Pauline was excited to see. He treated her like Luther treated her when she was little, and he had come home from school he would twirl her around and give her a big hug. It was a sweet image and one that played out when William got there with his family as well. It was when Nesbit arrived Jo was waiting for. Pauline's reaction to him would help her in her theory that Pauline knew something.
When Nesbit did arrive, it was late, and he seemed to annoy his brothers. Pauline seemed to hide in the corner and seemed scared out of her mind. That was where Jo came in she stood over with her trying to give Pauline the strength and the courage to face her fears. When Jensen decided to introduce Johanna, he was not sure if he was going to tell them that she would be his wife or if he would introduce her as a close friend of Pauline he just was not sure which way to introduce her. It was Johanna who was the one who decided to introduce herself.
"Since Pauline cannot introduce me my name is Johanna Hartford. She asked me to join all of you tonight I hope you do not mind I know this is a family gathering but she insisted."
William and Michael seemed to be so happy at Johanna's announcement. It was William who conveyed their feelings.
"My dear girl if Pauline has taken you as a friend then to us brothers you are now and forever family. She has not had friends in a long time and when we arrived she seemed so happy for the first time in a long time. We owe you a debt of gratitude for bringing a smile to our beloved sisters face."
"You owe me nothing my lord I am grateful for her friendship we have had a fun time exploring and shopping just being together."
Michael was astonished.
"Pauline you went shopping?"
She nodded her head yes with a smile.
"We also went to visit the Duchess of St. Helen we have just been enjoying doing things."
They were called to dinner and William and Michael decided to escort Jo into the dining room.
"We must hear more about your adventures Lady Hartford?"
"If we are to be as family my lords I insist you call me Jo or Johanna."
Jensen caught the comment and laughed little did she know how right she was about being family. He just had not let her know it yet. No matter how many times he analyzed their situation he was at peace with marrying Johanna Mary Hartford.
Jo was placed down the table with Pauline completely on the opposite end from Nesbit. Which was a good thing because she would not have been able to eat knowing what she knew about the vile man. When Jensen thought to bring up the Secret room Jo was not surprised at Nesbit's reaction.
"Guess what Johanna found when she stayed over the other night?"
All eyebrows raised at the mention of the young lady spending the night and their nephew using the young ladies given name. Jensen continued with his narrative.
"She was placed in great grandmothers' room and she found a passageway leading to a secret room."
Nesbit's reaction was what Jensen, Jo and Pauline were looking for at the news they were not disappointed. He dropped his fork the clanging of the fork on the plate drew attention to him.
"Is something wrong Uncle?"
"No, it just slipped out of my hands sorry for the interruption. Did you find anything of interest up in the room?"
"Plenty of interesting things. Johanna and Aunt Pauline also found a diary did any of you know one of our ancestors was a pirate?"
William laughed,
"I always knew there was a bit of adventuring running through our veins."
It was Williams wife Mela who commented.
"The only adventures you have had recently dear is a nap on the sofa. You have become quite boring in your older years."
"I will show you boring later my dear."
Everyone at the table laughed except Jo who was shocked at the closeness and levity of the family. They seemed to be able to say anything to anyone and were comfortable with each other. It was nice sort of like how her and Luther was with their cousins. William turned to Jo.
"Will you show us this secret room after dinner?"
"I am no longer in the room it would be up to Jen... I mean his grace."
Jensen smiled at Johanna.
"She can show you the room I have told her to make herself at home here and at Bountiful."
"I am glad that is how mother, and father used to make people feel all were welcome and everyone who entered was forever family. It always made the house a happy one."
Michael agreed with William their parents did make their homes open and welcome to everyone.
"I am glad you are carrying on the tradition. It means a lot to us siblings. Right?"
William second it and Pauline nodded her head in the affirmative. Nesbit was the only one who dissented.
"I always thought that was strange guest should be respected and given a warm welcome but to make them family was uncharacteristic of all other noble men it was ridiculous."
William who was the oldest of the brothers made a snide remark then apologized to Nesbit's wife Cora."
"That is why none of us like to go to your home you do not make us feel welcome. Sorry Cora its Nesbit not you."
Cora laughed.
"You should come over when he is there the atmosphere is much improved."
Everyone laughed at her comment, but Jo could tell everyone was in agreement he just seemed to be a miserable person that not even his own family liked because even his children agreed although his youngest son seemed to have the same sour disposition as Nesbit.
When dinner was over the men all went into the study and the women all went into the parlor. William was the first one to ask the question that was on everyone's mind.
"Will she be the next Duchess? She has my approval and I am sure she would have the approval of your father."
Michael spoke next.
"I for one think she would be an excellent addition to our family. I approve also."
Nesbit ruined the levity with his next comment.
"I really do not care who you make your Duchess all I came for is my yearly allotment."
William who was never close to his youngest brother scowled at him.
"You know if you worked and tried to take care of your family you would not have to rely on the yearly allowance. For me this is a day to be with family I do not need the money."
"Then give me your share. I can put it to good use."
William laughed, but it was Michael who said what the other men in the room including Nesbit's older son was thinking.
"I am sure Madam Ransom would appreciate it too."
"I do not frequent Madam Ransom's"
It was his son Corwin who could not keep his mouth shut spoke.
"I have been told the owner of Madams that for running a low end establishment has principals he kicked the Earl of Canter out for putting a marker out for the hand of one delectable lady Jacobs he offered 20,000 pounds for the man who has the marker and calls to collect on it."
Jensen was not happy to hear that news was spreading he was going to have to let Daniel know. But he was less happy to hear Nesbit's comment to his son. This was not the first time he wanted to punch his uncle and he was sure it was not going to be the last after what they learned about the secret room.
"Why do you not try for the marker that girl is worth a fortune Matthew left her a bloody fortune and so did the Marquis you would never have to live hand to mouth again."
"Father if you had not noticed I do not live at home and I do not need your money. Unlike you I come to these yearly gatherings because I like to see my family. As for the marker I am sure whoever gets it will have to get by the Duke of Bedford I have heard he is quite upset about the marker and moved Maddie to the country to get away from all the men."
Jensen laughed to himself Daniel's days were numbered he personally knew Maddie was in love with him and well Daniel was stubborn but he would eventually come around he was sure of it., Whenever they had talk Jensen was sure Daniel never realized how much he talked about Maddie. Jensen walked over to where the liquor was and poured each of the men in the room a drink. He had to think since the last time he attended a family gathering they sure had grown. Most of his cousins who were older than him were married he did not know half the men in the room.
Jensen sat down behind his desk and opened the drawer and pulled out the envelopes. This year since they had done so good financially he had given each of his cousins a small sum of money. He handed each of the men their envelope and then sat back and enjoyed his drink. Neither Michael or William or their son in laws opened their envelopes but Nesbit ripped his open. Hoping after talking with his nephew last week he would have gotten the hint he needed extra money.
There was more in the envelope and he was glad of it, but it was not enough would his brothers think him ungrateful if he told Jensen he needed more?"
Jensen spoke dashing all his hopes.
"First there is a big increase the money we have invested is growing and since it has I have decided to give each cousin a share. I know this is not a worry for most of you but for one of us it seems desperate for more. I will not mention names, but I want it known I will decrease the size of that person for next year if he takes any from any of his children."
All the men but Nesbit raised their glasses he knew that was meant for him. The high and mighty Duke lording over them as if they were his subjects. He said nothing and he did not drink to the toast. He turned and walked out of the room he was going to get Cora and go. He did not have to stay longer to be insulted. What Jensen did not tell Nesbit was he had made an account in Cora's name at all their local suppliers and made sure she would get what she needed despite Nesbit.
After he walked out all the men filed out of the study and found the women it was time for Johanna to show them the secret room. They had to go up single file and only a few at a time. Jensen took up his uncles this would be the perfect opportunity for them to talk without being overheard since Nesbit had walked out angry after Cora said she was not leaving with him.
"How did we all miss this growing up I do not know how many times we searched the house for secret passages."
William asked Michael.
"I cannot count the times, but I have to wonder what it was used for? I mean it's small and it does not have an outlet so it cannot be an escape route."
This was the part Jensen was not going to like doing but he needed to give his Uncles a bit of warning about what he was thinking happened. He took a deep breath and quickly let it out and told them what they had found in the room. They were both in disbelief, but they agreed with Jensen that if it had been anyone who could have done it Nesbit would be tops on their list as well. Then he explained what or who he thought had been living in the tower for almost if not more than a year.
"Do you remember a girl named Trudy Summers she was fifteen when she went missing?"
"She was a cute little thing do you remember William?"
"I do she had the big doe brown eyes and her hair was always in curls. She had a sweet smile as well."
William turned pale.
"Are you saying Trudy was up here alone in this god forsaken tower?"
"We have letters she wrote, and the Duchess of St. Helen's identified her handwriting. We are sure he kept her up here as a sex slave until she gave birth and died. There were no more pages after the birth of the baby so we cannot be certain but that is what we think happened. I should tell you we think your sister saw something and that is why she stopped talking. She was five when all of this happened, so it is possible she saw something."
"My father always thought she suffered a trauma and that is why she refused to talk. He spoiled her terribly I guess we all did but Nesbit, he never cared for her she took his spot as the baby of the family."
"I should also mention they believe my father and Jenner died because they started to investigate this mystery. Johanna has been threatened as well and the other night someone took a shot at her. Who ever knew she was investigating this has put a target on her head?"
"You do not think Nesbit has done something so vile?"
"He came to me last week wanting his money early he did not say why he needed it. He could owe an assassin money, but god help him if the man completes the job. I will not only personally kill him I will cut him off without a shilling."
"We will both back you up on that as well. I do not want to think my brother capable but if he did this awful thing then he must be punished."
All three men agreed and then went back downstairs to let the ladies come and see the room. When it was time for them to leave William offered to take Cora home they would protect her from Nesbit as well. While Jensen was out taking Johanna back home and sharing a few kisses on the way a note came for him letting him know they would be having an emergency session of the house of Lords to vote on the Divorce of Luther and Wilma Hartford. That was one vote he would not miss, but it also put back the time of leaving for Big B's place in the morning.