THE FALLEN VISCOUNT
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MANY YEARS LATER
CHAPTER ONE
“Explain to me why I’m here beside you on this frigid day, when I could have traveled in comfort with my wife and children?” Alex said. Leo looked at his brother huddled into his heavy coat. Collars raised, face wearing a disgruntled expression. Ten years had aged Alex well, with subtle lines and a few grey hairs. But he was still the same man he’d always been. Someone who let you know exactly how he was feeling from the second his eyes opened to greet a new day. Loyal, who loved with his whole heart. “I thought I’d like your help to ensure all is in readiness before the others arrive, and your opinion on how it all looks. Between us, Cyn and I have over thought this entire business constantly.” “Really?” Alex looked at him wide eyed. “You want my opinion?” “I’ve asked your opinion before.” “When?” “We’ve been brothers for years. I can’t be expected to remember every occasion,” Leo protested. “You can’t remember because there has never been a single time.” “I’m now seriously regretting asking you to join me. I should have left you at home and simply brought Simon, who is excellent company and has pleasing manners.” “Thank you, father,” the tall man seated on a big-boned silver horse beside Leo said. “Yes, my home is such a peaceful environment, after all. I could even now be sitting in my chair reading my paper without interruption,” Alex said. The notion was so absurd, considering his exuberant children. They both laughed. Like Leo, Alex’s household was usually full of noise and disruption. “I’m not entirely sure marriage is for me,” Simon surprised them by saying. He differed vastly from the boy Leo had met ten years ago. Their relationship had blossomed into something he’d treasured over the years, as it had with Meg. Leo loved all his children deeply and was still awed that he had four of them. Simon had spent his years at Eton forming friendships and learning to be the man he was today. His mother had spent those years worrying about him, no matter how many times Leo had told her he’d be fine. “One day a woman will challenge that viewpoint, nephew,” Alex said. “Agree,” Leo added. “Not everyone is destined to live their life in marital bliss,” Simon said with the smugness of youth and a man a woman had never knocked on his ass. “And there is the voice of a man who has yet to truly understand what women can do to men,” Alex said, mirroring Leo’s thoughts with his words. “The right woman,” Leo added, but his son simply grunted something he couldn’t understand. “So I was wrenched from my warm hearth at an ungodly hour—” “It’s 4:00pm. Alex grunted. “Now stop moaning and focus. This facility will accommodate many in need, plus educate those who in the normal course of events would not receive it. It has been a great undertaking to get off the ground, Alex, as you know. With many believing what we are doing is wrong.” “Can you imagine not being able to read?” Simon asked. “The very thought horrifies me.” “And that is why we must do what we can for those that were not raised with the benefit of wealth and title,” Leo said. “Their need is even greater.” He and Cyn had ensured their children understood this and just how privileged they were. “And is there to be another grand gesture for Cyn’s birthday? You two are always doing things like that,” Alex said. “You make the rest of us look bad.” “Which is not hard if we’re being honest. You are woeful at birthday gifts,” Leo added. “I got Harriet a lovely box for her pins and needles,” Alex protested. “She told me it was the best present she’d ever received.” “She lied.” Leo inhaled a lungful of London air. “You’re just annoying me simply because you are more alert than me at the moment. I went to the club last night and returned home late. I am now paying the price as it has been many months since I indulged in such a way. Harriet made Penny drag me from my bed by singing a loud nursery rhyme at midday. She then showed no sympathy for my sore head as my youngest sang another three versus.” “I’ve been annoying you since we left home, but your addled wits have only just caught up.” Simon laughed at Leo’s words. “Father is always alert, even when he rises. It is vexing to those of us who live in his household.” “Of my four children, it is only Meg and Caleb that don’t like mornings. So we early rises have the majority vote on most things we undertake before midday,” Leo said. They turned into a wide driveway, and at the end stood a large grey stone house. With three floors and several outbuildings, it stood a distance from the one on its right. “I am proud of what you and Cyn have set up here,” Alex said, his voice serious now. “We, your family, will support you in any way we can.” “As you already have,” Leo added. “Harriet has misplaced her necklace, Leo,” Alex said as they started down the driveway. “The one with the heart-shaped locket. Can you find it, please?” “I can’t just find things by lifting bed mattresses, Alex. We’ve discussed this. I need the vision to appear in my head.” “Try harder. She loves that necklace.” “Of course I live to serve you,” Leo said as Simon snickered. They started down the driveway while Leo thought about the cufflink that had sent him to Cyn’s side all those years ago. It was no longer nestled with her other jewelry in a wooden box in her room, where she believed it safe, but in his pocket. Leo would return it to her later and hoped what he’d done pleased her. The light was dwindling as they climbed the steps after stabling the horses. “Welcome, my lord.” “Good day to you, Toby. Is everything in readiness?” Leo walked through the front door of the house. Toby and Monty Mulholland approached Leo and Cyn two years ago, about being the ones to run this facility when it was finally ready to be inhabited. They also wanted to bring the rest of their siblings to live here. After meeting the entire Mulholland clan, they’d employed them all, and had never had a moment of doubt since. Looking around the entrance, Leo had a feeling deep inside him he labeled pride. He and Cyn had done it, and soon they’d find the first people he hoped benefited from what they could offer here. The first of many. CHAPTER TWO “Caleb, if you don’t remove your elbow from my side, I will do it for you.” Looking across the carriage at those words, Cyn saw her youngest child, Penny, was preparing to launch an attack on her annoying older brother. “Cease!” One word only from their older sister, and the two children sprang apart. “We will arrive at our destination shortly. Behave until then.” Cyn looked at Meg. She was now a young lady with poise and confidence who loved to read and learn, and both Leo and Cyn encouraged that. She was learning how to handle finances and investments, too. Like Simon, they had included her in all facets of their lives, determined that she would run her own household if she wished it. “You’re always yelling at us, Meg,” Caleb said. He was the most volatile Nightingale. Leo often said he was the replica of his Uncle Alex. Tall for nine. He was loud, rambunctious, and loved life and his family with a passion she hoped he’d never lose. “I’m not yelling at you, Caleb. I’m stopping a riot from occurring in such a small space. Because if you keep annoying Penny, and don’t deny you are,” Meg said, giving her brother a steady look, “that’s exactly what will happen.” “You know Meg is right, Caleb,” Cyn said, thinking it was time she stepped in. “Now be a good boy, as we are to arrive soon, and I’d rather it was not with you and your sister tousled from fighting.” She then gave her two youngest children a steady look. Caleb smiled, and Penny scowled. Where her son was the replica of his Uncle Alex, Penny was more like her serious-minded father. Both had Leo’s coloring, and when she looked at them, she was reminded how lucky she was to have found her way back to him. Leo had changed from the man haunted by his past to the open, loving father and husband she adored. Theirs was a life filled with love, debates and happiness. Her love for the man who had saved her from a long life of loneliness had made Cyn soften, too. “Excellent, we are here,” Cyn said as she watched Caleb pretend to swing his booted foot and connect with his sister’s ankle. “You will both behave, or I will be displeased. This is an important day for us all.” “Yes mother,” all three of her children said, but only one she believed. The carriage door opened, and Leo appeared, smiling. Older but still the most handsome man she knew. Laughter lines were now more pronounced, as were the grey hair liberally sprinkled through his locks. “Hello, my sweet, how was the journey?” He held out a hand to her. “Peaceful,” she said, climbing out. “I know that’s a lie,” he whispered. His lips then brushed hers. “You look beautiful.” “Thank you. Can you believe the day is here, Leo?” He ran a finger down her cheek. “We did it, my love. Now I must get my two youngest children out of the carriage before Meg lectures them.” “Too late.” She backed up a few steps to watch. “Come along my heathens,” Leo said. He then grabbed Penny and lifted her out, squealing. Next came Caleb. He then held out a hand to Meg. “Come along, daughter, don’t tarry.” “I’m not tarrying, father. I’m moving with decorum, and not with hoydenish tendencies, which you used to constantly censure me for.” “Surely not? I miss your hoydenish tendencies,” Leo said, kissing her cheek. “You look lovely too, Meg.” She smiled at him, and Cyn saw the connection they shared now. It had taken time, but eventually Leo’s bond with Meg and Simon had grown and has only strengthened over the years. The crunch of wheels on the drive heralded the arrival of more carriages. Doors opened and family piled out. Soon, others would arrive to inspect what they’d done here. This was a big day. They were opening the Nightingale Foundation to select affluent guests who they hoped would want to invest in their vision. Cyn pressed a hand to her stomach as nerves fluttered. “Hello!” Harriet hurried toward Cyn, smiling. Trailing along behind her like ducklings were her and Alex’s children. “This is so exciting.” Harriet wrapped Cyn in a hug, and she gratefully accepted, letting the woman who was her sister-in-law and friend squeeze her tight. “Aunty Cyn, mother told me there will be lots of food.” Easing out of Harriet’s hold, she looked down at her nephew, George. The youngest of Harriet and Alex’s children. “Lots of food, George, and we will have eclairs.” His eyes lit with excitement. “After today, Cyn, you will owe me a great deal,” her brother-in-law Gray said from behind her. “I lured my father here with the promise of rubbing shoulders with the elite and wealthy of London society. “I will have Mr. Alvin’s cousin brew you some gin,” Cyn said, and the look of horror on her brother-in-law’s face made her laugh. “Gin, treacle, and the secret ingredient of mutton fat is not something I want to drink again anytime soon after the last Crabbett Close games.” Gray shuddered. Cyn had come to love this big, boisterous family so much. They’d accepted her and her children without blinking. They’d simply folded them into their ranks without a second thought. The surprise to Cyn, who had decided that life was better lived without a man to tell her what to do after the death of her husband, was how easily she’d adjusted to marriage, and being a part of the Nightingale family. She couldn’t imagine life without them now, but especially not Leo. He held her heart and her soul. “I am grateful, Gray, really.” “I know.” He kissed her cheek. Like her and Harriet, he’d married into the Nightingale family, and also like her, they’d changed him. Softened his edges. Cyn liked Gray very much, perhaps because in small ways he reminded her of Leo with his need to protect those he loved. “Come along everyone!” Leo called. “Don’t tarry about out here looking like you have nothing better to do. Get inside and make yourselves useful. The guests will arrive soon!” “So what you’re saying is we are not invited because you love us, or because we too are to be guests,” Gray said. “You’re using us to make you look better so you don’t have to pay more staff.” “Exactly,” Leo replied. He then held out a hand to Cyn, and she took it, as she always would. CHAPTER THREE “On behalf of my family, I want to thank you all for coming here today,” Leo said, looking down at the faces before him. “We are so privileged to live the life we do. With food on our tables and a bed that we do not have to share with four or five others. We are not forced to work to survive like many.” He heard a few murmurings over that comment, but didn’t care. His eyes went to Cyn, who stood below him, smiling. She gave him courage to be the person he had refused to be for so long. Viscount Seddon now took his place in the House of Lords and entered society. It was because of her and her gentle persistence that he’d stepped out of the shadows and into the light, to champion those that could not do so for themselves. “We hope the Nightingale Foundation will be the first of many such places, and with your help we can make that a reality.” “Here here! We will donate!” These words came for Lord Sinclair. He and the rest of his family supported the Nightingales in this endeavor from the beginning. “Thank you for coming and please enjoy the rest of your time here at the Nightingale Foundation. If you wish to discuss donations, any of my family will be willing to talk with you on that matter.” Leo had only one direction in mind as he left the small stage they’d set up. But as guests waylaid him many times, it was a while before he could go to Cyn. “What you are doing here is a wonderful thing, nephew.” Uncle Bram stepped into his path. Older, his hair now liberally peppered with gray, he was still very much the head of their family and a man Leo respected hugely. “I think it has gone well.” “Very well, and we shall ensure you receive the financial support you need, if I have to knock on doors myself.” “Thank you, Uncle Bram.” Leo accepted the grip on his shoulder, and then walked on. His target was Cyn, who was now standing with Ellen. Both were leaning on a wall, chatting. Both beautiful and loved by him for different reasons. His sister and his wife. Ellen stunning in ruby red, and Cyn in emerald green. “Uncle Leo!” “Hello, Olivia. Are you all right?” Leo bent to talk to his niece. She was Ellen and Gray’s eldest child, and very much like her mother. “I wondered if you would find my doll for me?” She looked up at him, her eyes filled with tears. “Where did you last see Princess Sabrina?” The doll and Olivia were inseparable. “I don’t know,” she said, looking ready to weep. Leo held out his hand, and her little fingers slipped inside his. “I promise we shall find her, Olivia, but right now I want to speak to your mother and Aunty Cyn.” She sniffed loudly, but let him lead her to her mother. “Hello,” he said, reaching them. Leaning in, he kissed Ellen’s cheek and Cyn’s lips. He’d long since stopped caring who saw him do that. He loved this woman, and she’d made him realize it didn’t matter what anyone but her and his family thought about him. Her familiar scent wrapped around him as it always did. “I see you have a small child attached to your legs, my love.” Pen was holding onto Cyn’s skirts, her head resting on her mother’s lovely thigh. “And you have mine by the hand,” Ellen said, holding out her arms for Olivia to come to her. “She’s lost Princess Sabrina, and I promised we will find her soon,” Leo said. While Ellen spoke with her daughter, Leo looked at Cyn with a raised brow. “One of her cousins pushed her over,” Cyn said, looking down at Penny. “I’m quite sure it was one of the twins.” Ellen said. Leo bent to pick Penny up, settling her against him. “Are you tired, Pen?” She shook her head. Leo rubbed her back and felt her body relax against him. It was still a wonder to Leo that he and Cyn had four children; especially as there had been a time he’d not thought to wed. “Come with us, Penny. I see the crowd has eased at the supper table. We three shall eat our feelings.” Penny went willingly with her aunt and cousin. Soon they’d disappeared into the crowd. “I think it has gone well, Leo.” “Very much so, but the proof will be in the donations.” He’d taken the invited guests on a tour through the building. Shown them the vision he and Cyn had for those that would spend time within these walls. Some guests had scoffed that educating those beneath them was not healthy for anyone, but Leo had tamped down his anger, and understood many feared change. Snobbish belief that because of wealth and title, they were better than any below them on the social ladder. They planned to change that view where they could. “Will you walk with me, Cyn?” Leo held out his arm and as he’d known she would, she slid hers into the crook of his arm. They nodded to guests, but he did not stop. Instead, stepping outside the room, he led her down a hall. “Where are you taking me? Our children are back in that room, no doubt horrifying those that feel anyone under the age of twenty should not be in such a setting,” Cyn said. “We have never cared what society thinks of us. In fact, the only time we play the pretty is when we are trying to get them to open their purses,” Leo said. Opening a door, he ushered her inside. “Leo—” He stopped her with his mouth. Pulling her into his body and kissing her softly. The familiar heat slid inside him. His love. His life. “I have something for you,” he said against her soft lips. “An early birthday present.” “What?” Easing back, Leo pulled a small velvet purse from his inside pocket and handed it to her. He watched as she opened it. She then pulled out a gold chain. On the end was the cufflink. “It’s what brought us back together. I know you are loath to take it out of your jewelry box for fear you may lose it. This will mean you can wear it without that worry, Cyn.” She didn’t speak, just ran a single finger over the cufflink he’d had placed in a gold circle. He noticed it trembled. “Are you pleased?” She nodded, still studying it. “It’s wonderful.” She looked up at him. “I love it, Leo.” He saw the tears then and smiled. “As I love you.” Taking the necklace, he put it around her neck and fastened the clasp. It was many long minutes later that they once again left the room to rejoin their family. Life, Leo thought. Was exactly where he wanted it to be. |
