Deverell's Obsession: A Risqué Regency Romance by Sahara Kelly Read Free Book Online Page A

best medicine.”
    “Mrs. Williams?”
    “Our housekeeper. I’m sure she’ll be up to say hello when you’re back on your feet.”
    Opening the door for them both, Jenny led Léonie into a small sitting room, decorated in the same style as the bedroom. These were elegant guest accommodations, without a doubt.
    “Now there’s tea and a bit of toast, and Cook thought you might like a few strawberries. That’s her jam—best in London Mr. Deverell says. And the berries are fresh up from the country. They’re in season, I’m told, but honestly? I’m a city girl. Dunno when strawberry season is, I’m afraid.”
    “That’s all right, dear. As long as the strawberries know. That’s the main thing.”
    A voice from the doorway attracted Léonie’s attention and a slight woman entered, dressed all in pink. From the pale pink of her fichu to the deep rose of the ruffles at the hem of her day dress, she was a walking poem to the rose. Except for the cluster of brilliant red curls. Although even they were casually secured by pink ribbon.
    “Good morning, my dear Léonie.” The woman swept across the room, enveloped Léonie in a gentle hug and dropped a soft kiss on her cheek. “Come and sit down. I’m so glad to see you awake and looking much better.”
    “Thank you, Ma’am.” Léonie sat, feeling rather overwhelmed and pretty much at sea since she had no idea who this charming lady was.
    “We’ll manage, Jenny. You can go. Miss Léonie will ring if she needs anything.”
    “Yes, Ma’am.” Jenny curtsied and hurried away.
    “Now.” The woman poured tea and pushed the cup and saucer toward Léonie. “Let’s talk, my dear. And please…call me Aunt Bertrande? Or actually I’d prefer Aunt Bertie. I’m Dev’s aunt, you see, so it’s quite proper.”
    “You were in my room…I know I saw you.” Léonie grasped at a blurry memory.
    “I was,” nodded Aunt Bertie. “Day before yesterday. The doctor came to see you and after he left, Dev told me I might drop in and say hello. But you were already a bit sleepy from the laudanum. Best thing for a head injury, though. Rest and plenty of it. You needed that day in bed.”
    Reminded of that issue, Léonie gingerly lifted her hand to the back of her head. “Ouch.” It was very tender and there was still a dull ache behind her temples. But the blinding pain she knew had engulfed her—that was gone.
    “Better, is it?” Aunt Bertie sipped her tea.
    “It is.” Léonie reached for toast. “And I find I’m famished.”
    The older woman smiled. “Not surprising. We don’t know the last time you ate anything and you’ve been asleep for over twenty four hours here..”
    Léonie thought while she chewed. Up to this point she’d been afraid of where she was and whom she was with. She had no point of reference to tell her whom she could trust.
    But here, in this lovely room, with tea, breakfast and a warmly smiling woman across from her, it seemed like a safe haven. A sanctuary.
    And finally Léonie relaxed.
    “I wish I knew, Aunt Bertie. Truly I do. But I have a confession to make. I cannot remember a damned thing.” The curse slipped out and she glanced up, blushing, only to see a smile brighten the face looking at her.
    “Well in that case, dearest girl, we’ll have to figure the whole damned mess out, won’t we?”
     
    *~~*~~*
    Unaware that his aunt and his guest had reached an amiable point in their budding relationship, and were planning on masterminding a plot to uncover “everything”, Dev decided that he would make some subtle enquiries about this Elwyn person. Aubrey Elwyn. And where better to start than his club? So after working on routine business for an hour or so in the morning, he summoned Baxter, asked him to inform the ladies where he was going and set out.
    The unobtrusive entrance to the Mitra club graced Boswell Street, a quiet thoroughfare near Russell Square. It had been named as a homage to the Indian Goddess of meetings, since