The Lyon’s Alliance (The Lyon’s Den Connected World)

Chapter Twenty-Two

M rs. Dove-Lyon sat on the pavilion bench. Christina across from her. Richard handed them each a glass, poured them wine, and sat next to Christina. Mrs. Dove-Lyon took a sip of courage and licked her lips.

“Mr. Dalley could not be with us, but he has sent me information to share with you both.”

“We’ve already heard about Lord Falkenham’s arrest and his part in the embezzlement. What else could there be?” Christina asked.

“There you are, Mrs. Dove-Lyon.”

They all glanced at the pavilion entrance.

“Ah, Lord Tarleton, do join us.”

His lordship entered. He was a man with a stern countenance, lines etched by grief and anger. His eyes were accusing and haunted. He sat on the bench next to Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Richard placed a glass of wine in his hand.

Tarleton glanced at him and nodded.

“I am sorry you were implicated in this mess.” His voice was gravelly. “It was all my doing. I found I had to use what was at hand.” He glanced at Christina. “I beg your forgiveness, Miss Hartfield. My choice was limited, and time was of the essence.”

“Tarleton, tell them what’s happened. They can decide whether to forgive or tar and feather you afterward.” Mrs. Dove-Lyon took another sip of the red liquid.

Tarleton took a deep breath, set down the now empty glass, and leaned forward.

“You both deserve the truth. Falkenham’s embezzlement was driven by greed. My part in all this was vengeance—a reckoning for a sin committed.”

Christina’s hand went to her throat as her breath caught. “A sin?”

“An affair,” Lord Tarleton spat the word. “Falkenham and my wife—the whispers, the stolen glances. He left her with guilt, both for what she had done and for betraying me, you see. Unable to reconcile either, she took her own life.”

“That is, of course, very unfortunate, but how is the embezzlement connected?” Richard asked as he took up Christina’s hand.

Lord Tarleton laughed a dry crackling sound. “Falkenham and I play cards.” He shook his head. “He is a terrible card player.”

“Oh, no. I am well aware of your reputation at cards.” Richard glanced at Christina. “Everyone knows not to play when Lord Tarleton is at the table.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Tarleton nodded graciously. “Falkenham was not aware I knew about his affair with my wife. Everyone thought my wife’s death was a mere tragedy. There was even a rumor that she had an affair with Wolfton.”

Christina’s eyes widened, the information hitting her with unexpected force. “Wolf?” she echoed softly, his name hanging in the air as she tried to make sense of the deceit that Tarleton’s words had unraveled.

“That was false, of course. But her involvement with Falkenham was murder—the slow poisoning of guilt and shame. She told me everything and then gave me the evidence of her involvement with him, both letters and confessions. I forgave her, and I blamed myself. We decided to leave London, but nothing eased her mind.” He looked at them, a ghost of a man. “She said I was her anchor, but her indiscretion cut the line and left her afloat.” Tarleton closed his eyes and bowed his head. “I loved her unconditionally.”

Christina and Richard didn’t know what to say. They stared at each other and then glanced at Mrs. Dove-Lyon.

“Would you like another glass of wine?” Mrs. Dove-Lyon asked.

“No, that won’t help. Besides, I need to tell you about the embezzlement.”

“I played cards with Falkenham at his request. He knew I played a high-stakes game. I had no idea at the time that his coffers were empty and that he was using F&T Capital Management as his private bank. I reminded him of his losses, and he kept telling me to give him a chance to win back his money.” He paused for several heartbeats. “But me? I had no way to win back my loss. She was gone.”

Lord Tarleton leaned back, a self-satisfied smile playing on his lips. “Then there is Lord Wolfton.”

“What about Wolf?” Richard asked before Christina could say anything.

“Falkenham,” Tarleton began, “needed money, a great deal of money. I had yet to learn what Falkenham was planning. I wish I had. For months, he primed his little Lady Grace to entice Wolf to marry her. But when Miss Hartfield captured Wolf’s attention, Falkenham realized he needed to change his plan.

Christina blinked, absorbing the gravity of the situation.

“Lady Grace,” Tarleton continued, “was the key. Falkenham wanted access to Wolf’s wealth. To get it, he was willing to sacrifice his flesh and blood. He created a convenient solution. He arranged to catch them in a compromising situation and use it as leverage.”

A hushed silence fell over the pavilion.

“By this time, the authorities had already contacted me. The Crown’s thorough investigation left no stone unturned. They were concerned that Falkenham knew he had been identified as the embezzler. They told me to develop a plan. When Wolf came into the Palladium complaining about losing Miss Hartfield’s affection, I took the opportunity to—”

“To give Wolf a storyline that would protect the Crown’s investigation at my expense.” Richard sneered. “With me identified as the embezzler, Falkenham wasn’t forced to leave the country so quickly. I gave you time.”

Tarleton sucked in a deep breath and faced Richard. “Yes, you did. And I cooperated fully with them.”

Christina glanced at Richard. “What do we do?”

“I have that answer, Miss Hartfield,” Tarleton said. “Nothing. I have given Mr. Hughes a complete accounting of everything, including using Richard’s name as a red herring.”

“What will happen to Falkenham?” Christina asked.

“His fate is sealed.” Mrs. Dove-Lyon added. “He’ll lose everything and serve time in New Zealand.”

“But Lady Grace? He has liquidated his assets,” Christina’s concern was palpable.

“That,” Mrs. Dove-Lyon replied, “remains to be seen.”

Tarleton rose from the bench. “It’s amazing how confessing the truth makes you feel clean. I’m relieved this chapter is closing. If you’ll excuse me.”

Christina stood. “I see no reason to remain here. I’d like to leave.”

“Come, there is one last item that needs to be addressed.” Mrs. Dove-Lyon urged. “We’ll go back to Hartfield House. It would best to see to it in private.”

Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s carriage glided to a halt in front of Hartfield House. Richard assisted Mrs. Dove-Lyon, and Christina out of the carriage. Another carriage stood nearby bearing the Stirling crest.

“The marquess’s carriage,” Christina whispered, her voice filled with excitement. “Louise and Nathaniel must be here.”

Her heart raced as she hurried toward the entrance. Mr. Murthy swung open the door before she reached the porch.

“Good evening, Miss Christina.” He greeted her with a nod. “The family is in the drawing room.”

Christina stepped inside, followed by her mother, Mrs. Dove-Lyon, and Richard. They hurried to the drawing room. There, seated comfortably next to her father, were Louise and Nathaniel. To her surprise, Wolf was brooding in the corner, his gaze fixed on her. They all stood gazing at one another, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.

“There you are,” her father said, his voice warm. “I’ve prepared everyone for a late night.”

Christina glanced at Mrs. Dove-Lyon, who merely smiled and nodded. The air crackled with unspoken secrets, and Christina wondered why everyone was there.

“Are you going to stand there gawking, or will you welcome me?” Louise said to her sister with a smile.

“Oh, Louise.” She crossed the room in a matter of seconds. The sisters fell into each other’s arms. “I am so glad you are here.”

Christina looked over her sister’s shoulder at her brother-in-law. “You, too, Nathaniel.” She pulled away from her sister, concern etched on her face. “Why are you here? You are supposed to be traveling for another few months.”

“Suffice to say, we were homesick and decided to come home.” Louise glanced at her parents. “We were in Sommer-by-the-Sea and found that you had left Mrs. Bainbridge.”

Christina lifted her chin. “You would have done the same. Mrs. Dove-Lyon hired me to help with several Society’s events. It has been a whirlwind these last two weeks.”

“Yes, Wolf has told us,” Nathaniel said.

“Everything?” Christina asked.

Wolf came out of his corner. “All of it, every horrid detail. I do not want to interfere with a family reunion. I’ve come here to tell you everything.”

“You don’t have to go into everything,” her father said.

Wolf put his hand on Captain Hartfield’s shoulder. “Yes, I do.”

“Then everyone, please be seated.” Mrs. Hartfield turned to Mr. Murthy and motioned for him to serve drinks.

“I won’t be long.” Wolf started, “I am leaving tomorrow evening for Rome, and there is still much I need to do.”

Christina, Mrs. Dove-Lyon, and Richard gasped at his information.

He stood in front of Christina. “I am here to settle with Mrs. Dove-Lyon. She has won the wager. Somehow, I knew when I met you, Christina, that she would. You have been a wonderful companion. It has been a glorious two weeks. Well, most of it has.” He glanced at Richard. “Take good care of her, Richard. You are a very fortunate man.”

He went to Mrs. Dove-Lyon and handed her a leather wallet.

“This is only part of the terms of our arrangement,” Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s manner had turned all business.

Wolf, caught as a fox in a cage glanced around. What did it matter now? “Yes, the stakes for this wager were higher than pounds. I believe those were your words.” He turned to Christina and Richard. “When we played two truths and a lie, I never admitted which was the lie. Was it I had gone to Italy, saved a man from sharks, or despite what the records say, I am not the true heir to the Wolfton title?”

Wolf glanced around at everyone. “I’ll let you think on that a while longer.”

Then he turned to Captain Hartfield.

“Sir,” he handed him a leather wallet as well.

With the wallet in his hand, Captain Hartfield stared at Wolf, a question written on his face.

“I had words with Tarleton earlier today. He and I have taken over F&T Capital Management. This evening, he sent me a list of people who had losses. Sir, your name was among them. Before I leave, I wanted to make sure your money was returned to you.”

Wolf looked around, rubbing his hands together. “Thank you for your time. If you will excuse me—”

“No, I will not excuse you.” Christina marched in front of him. “Not without a full explanation.”

Wolf gave her one of his most charismatic smiles.

“That’s a very handsome smile. But that will not deter me from getting at the bottom of all this.”

“Everything you’ve been told by Tarleton and Dalley is the truth. But it is a matter of timing when the series of events happened. Suffice it to say that layered on top of all this is Dalley and Tarleton coming to me asking for help to flush out Falkenham. I was to implicate Richard, who is impeccable.” He walked over to Richard. “I couldn’t mention anything to him.”

“What about Lady Grace?” Christina demanded.

Wolf spun around and faced her, another one of his charismatic smiles on his face.

“I think you would agree that I need time to not only atone for my actions but heal. I’ve explained it all to Lady Grace. Arrangements have been made for her and her sisters. They too, need time to come to terms with their father and what he has done. She and her sisters must decide on their future without my influence.

“Grace and I have decided to maintain communications. We have not ruled out a reunion, but that will take some time.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Who knows what the future will bring?

“I am leaving in the morning for Italy to pursue my music. Lord and Lady Hazelton have graciously offered me the use of their villa near Milan. I have several friends at the Milan Conservatory and will be studying there. I will miss Christina turning my pages for me.

“Wolf,” Christina held his hands. “You have my heartfelt wishes for only good things for you and Grace.”

“I wish you and Richard the same.”

He stepped away and glanced at Mrs. Dove-Lyon. The woman was relentless. He smiled and shook his head.

“The stakes for this wager were greater than two thousand pounds, I believe those were your words, Mrs. Dove-Lyon. I pay my debts.” He turned to Christina and Richard.

“Despite what the records say, I am not the true heir to the Wolfton title? It is a closely guarded secret that I was not born into the lineage as everyone believes. I was adopted into the family when my father’s child was lost in childbirth. The truth is, I am the son of my father’s sister, born out of wedlock. To avoid scandal, I was raised as his own in a loving devoted household.”

“Your father was a good friend of my husband,” Mrs. Dove-Lyon said. “Your house was one whose door was always open to me. After the Colonel passed away, and others conveniently forgot about me, it was your parents whose door remained open. That is a gift that has seen me through difficult times.” Mrs. Dove-Lyon stepped forward, a parchment in hand.

“Wolf,” she said, her voice solemn and sincere, “your fears of legitimacy are no longer a burden for you to bear.” She extended the document toward him. “By royal decree, you are hereby recognized and legitimized. The king himself has seen to it.”

Wolf’s eyes widened, in disbelief followed by a rush of relief that washed over him. He took the parchment, the seal of the Crown prominent at the bottom and unrolled it. “I… I don’t know what to say,” he stammered, his usual composure undone by the magnitude of the gesture.

“It is done,” Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s smile was warm and knowing. “You are, and always have been, a son of this realm, in more than just spirit. Now go to your lady.”

Wolf stood a newfound lightness in his posture. He offered a bow, the gesture filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Mrs. Dove-Lyon, for everything,” he said, his voice steady and sincere. “When the time is right and I have healed, I will return, ready to face the future with a renewed heart and spirit. Until then, I bid you all farewell.” Then, with a final nod, he turned and strode from the room.

Her parents stood beside her, their expressions one of delight. Mrs. Dove-Lyon raised an eyebrow, her eyes dancing with hidden knowledge. Louise leaned in, whispering to her husband, Nathaniel.

Christina’s heart skipped a beat. She glanced at Richard, her steadfast friend, who stood by the terrace doors. His eyes held a question—one that mirrored her own. What did this mean for them?

Wolf’s leaving London was the finale of a tale that had captivated London and would explode in the drawing rooms and salons tomorrow. But amidst the porcelain teacups and whispered words, another story unfolded. It was a story of quiet longing and unspoken desires.

“It has been a busy day,” Mrs. Dove-Lyon rose and headed for the door. “I’ll leave you to your family reunion.”

“I’ll walk you to your carriage,” Richard stepped in front of her, opened the door, and then stepped into the foyer.

“I can get to my carriage. I have no need for an escort.”

“I need to settle with you.”

“Me? We made no wager. I gave you no contract. But if you press me a payment on me it will be attending your wedding to Christina. Now, go back to her. It has been a very eventful day.”

“Good night, Richard.” Mrs. Dove-Lyon left the house and Richard returned to the others.

As the clock struck midnight, Christina stepped onto the moonlit terrace. Richard followed. The stars blinked as if urging them forward.

Christina’s eyes sparkled. “The stars hold mysteries. They whisper stories of love and fate. Perhaps they even know our secrets.”

He stepped closer, the night enfolding them. “And what secrets do they reveal?”

She hesitated, then took a breath. “That sometimes, the brightest stars are the ones we keep hidden. The ones we wish upon when no one is watching.”

Richard reached for her hand, the warmth of her skin comforting. “Then let us create an alliance. We can be astronomers who chart our own course.”

At that moment, with the stars leaning closer as eager witnesses, Richard held her, creating an unbreakable bond.

“Christina Hartfield, will you let me be your North Star?” He crushed her against his chest. “Will you be my love? I have loved you since the day I met you, the weeks before Lousie and Nathaniel’s wedding.”

Her laughter danced as she stepped closer and took his face in her hands. “Richard, you’ve always been my North Star—the constant in my ever-changing sky. I realized quickly it was you I wanted to be with. If I were honest with myself, I would tell you I came to London to be near you.”

His fingers brushed her cheek, and she leaned into his touch. He took a deep breath. “Christina, marry me.”

She answered with a kiss—a gentle press of her lips against his. Together, their kiss held promises of tomorrows, shared sunrises, and whispered secrets.

He moaned and tenderly, sweetly, deepened the kiss. His lips moved against hers.

The taste of him—the warmth, the promise—sent shivers down her spine. She wound her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. He responded with a hunger that matched her own.

The stars were their witness to their unspoken vows and a love that soared beyond the stars.

When they finally stepped apart, breathless and dizzy, Richard rested his forehead against hers. He kissed her again, a promise sealed. And on that quiet terrace, under the watchful eyes of Orion and Cassiopeia, they made their alliance. Richard and Christina found their happily ever after—a love that soared beyond the stars.