9781618858467ASinfulEducationPimentel (11 page)

“I doubt it.
There will be a cart down the road. Look for a boy sitting in the front with a
newspaper cap. He will point you in the right direction.”

“I cannot
thank you enough.” Emily snuck out the front, trying to avoid rattling the doorbell.
The last thing she desired was to be chased down the street. She lifted her
hood and kept her head hung low, avoiding eye contact with even the pushiest of
merchants.

She found a
cart at the corner matching the maid’s description. As she climbed in to talk
with the boy, she was grabbed from behind. A heavy hand covered her mouth and
kept her from shrieking in surprise. She kicked back, hoping to injure her
assailant, but the brute pulled her away and carried her into another carriage.
He tossed her in and when she had managed to collect her thoughts, the door had
already been slammed shut.

The man
pounded on the window, and the buggy began to move away from the busy street
and down an alley. “You needn’t worry about any harm coming to you. I am merely
carrying out Avonlea’s wishes. Am I correct in assuming you are wanting to see
him again?”

Emily could
not find the words, instead she nodded, frightened of what she had started.
What has he done? Was this all meant to look
as an abduction?
Good heavens, this was quite the scandal. And since her
family was not new to it, the ton would take great pleasure in dragging their
names through the mud once again. Her brother would surely be furious, but
perhaps this was for the best.

Marrying the
duke was no longer an option. And she would be fortunate enough if the earl would
ask for her hand, or at least she hoped he would do the honorable thing at this
point.

“Madam, I
promise you, the earl will join you as soon as he can. He has a private
audience with your brother and another solicitor, who will seek his release at
once. Things have become slightly complicated with the amount of corruption at
the magistrate’s office. But, if I know Charles, you will be in his arms soon
enough.” The well-dressed man bowed. “Lord Wycliffe at your service, my lady.”

“Sir, you
have yet to advise me on where we are going.”

“I am taking
you away from London, where you will be safe.”

“But what of
my brother? Will he know where I am?”

“Absolutely
not. Avonlea will let him know you are safe for the meanwhile, and he will
return you to your brother just as soon as he has carried out his plans.”

What plans?
She was going to throttle
him.
All this mystery and for what?
“Why will you not tell me where we are going?”

“It is best
you do not know.”

Lord
Wycliffe’s blue eyes noted sadness, but held a hint of mystery. There was
something different about him, which made her suspicious. Yet, she was at his
mercy.
What harm is there in trusting a
man who advises that my beloved and I will be reunited soon?
“Can I ask you
another question, sir?”

“Certainly.”

“Who are
you? And can my brother and the Earl of Bridgeton really trust you?”

“My lady, if
you are worried I might scandalize you, then worry not. I prefer my women
experienced. So you are safe. Besides, I would not do anything to comprise my
friendship with Lord Avonlea. He has been a great friend during my times of
need. You would do well to remember that.”

Emily felt a
newfound relief with the comfort in knowing Avonlea was coming for her. She was
sure they had a future together, and once they had managed to steer away her
mama and the duke, all would be well.
Or
so I hope
.

“Rest now, we
will be arriving at our destination long after night fall. I will make sure you
are safe.”

Oh, to see him. I cannot wait to have him in
my arms again.

* * * *

“Wake up,
you blackguard!” the prison guard shouted down the hall. “
T’would
appear you a free man this pathetically dreary morning, Lord Avonlea. Consider
yourself a fortunate man with friends such as the Marquess of Stoughton. I was
rather looking forward to escorting your
arse
to the
gates of
Newgate
.”

Avonlea stretched
his arms over his head and yawned, yelling back, “Whatever are you on about?”

“You are a
free man. Lord Thompson is up above, waiting for you. If you should ever find
yourself here again, you will find a one-way passage to
Newgate’s
gallows.”

Charles shook
his head clear, wondering how his little dove had made away. He was sure
Nathaniel would grill him once they were in solitude. But for as much as he
admired his friend, he would not do anything that would attach the
marquess
’ name to his own scandal. He would resolve this
situation once he was free from watching eyes.

He climbed the
slimy stairs of the jail to the much more modern section of the facility. He smelled
the sweat off his own clothes, desperately needing a bath and shave. He would
not even wear these clothes again. They would only remind him of the time spent
in the cell below.

“Welcome
back to the light, my friend. Let us get you back to Stoughton Hall and cleaned
up.”

“I should
think I would stop at home first.”

“That will
not be necessary. I had a messenger sent to have some of your things brought
over. T’was the terms of your release. Consider yourself under house arrest, if
you will.”

The earl cringed
at the thought. He had to get to Emily, and soon, if they were to head to
Gretna Green and be back before her wedding. His plan was simple, but did not
leave much room for error.

“Very well, it
is not as if I am left much choice.” He followed Nathaniel out the door and
into his waiting carriage.

The moment
the cart began moving, Nathaniel folded his arms across his chest and scowled. “Have
you heard, then?”

“Heard what,
Nathaniel? If you have not noticed, I have been in a cell for these last few
days.”

His expression
turned hard and angry. “Emily has gone missing. Apparently, she disappeared
while she was out with Mother yesterday.”

“Perhaps she
did not want to marry the duke after all?”

“That was no
longer her decision to make. She should have come to me. I would have found a
way to stop the marriage. Running off will not break the contract. In fact, if
she is caught, it will speed things up. The duke is furious and has already
procured a special license. The moment she is found, they will be married the
very next day.”

T’was as if he
had been punched in the gut. “So where do you think she went?”

“I have no
idea, man. My mother will not give us any peace. Poor Isabel has begun plotting
her death.”

Now there
was a sight—the marchioness planning the spiteful bag’s death. She would have
to write a play about it, in the end, so they could mock the demise of Lady
Thompson.

“What has
you smiling, Charles? I tell you my sister is missing, and you are sitting there
smirking.”

“I was only
thinking upon what you were saying about your lovely wife plotting your mother’s
demise.”

The scowl
from Nathaniel’s face lifted. “What if I were to tell you I think you know
where my sister is.”

“And I would
have to tell you I know nothing that I can share, yet. She is safe, Nathaniel.
I swear it. And she would not have left if she did not have strong objections
to the union.”

His friend
exhaled loudly, clearly not understanding the gravity of the situation. He would
have to indulge her brother in his finding, but not until he had had a bath,
proper food, and sleep. Until then, no one would know. Wycliffe was also out in
the country, keeping an eye on the estate until he could make it there himself,
but he would wait to hear from him via messenger as planned.

Soon enough, the lady
would be his, and the duke would rot in
Newgate
in
his stead.

Chapter Nine

“Wake up,
Miss Thompson. We have finally arrived at our destination.”

Emily rubbed
her eyes to adjust to her surroundings. They were still in a carriage, although
it had stopped. The door opened. Darkness had descended in the countryside. A
chill seeped down into her bones. She shivered uncontrollably. “Lord Wycliffe,
how far north are we?
It s
so bloody cold out here!”

“We are
really only a
days worth
of travel up the Great North
Road. And I reckon it is far more frigid the farther north you go. Consider
this a balmy climate, if it is your inclination. Nevertheless, let us get you
inside and start a fire. There should already be some food and bedding ready
for your stay.”

Emily was
still cross she did not have faintest idea of where she was being held. “Sir,
you still have not mentioned where we are.”

“We are at
Lord Avonlea’s family hunting lodge. He will be joining you as soon as he has
been released. From there, I do not wish to know what he has planned, but I am
positive you will not be marrying that poor excuse for a duke.”

Without
waiting for a second reminder to get walking, Emily dashed past the earl and
waited for him at the door. An elderly gentleman opened it and kindly smiled at
her. “Welcome, ma’am. I hope you will enjoy Hastings Lodge as much as the earl’s
family has over the last two centuries.”

Ivy draped
over a corner of the home, casting an
eery
shadow.
Grand wooden doors welcomed visitors. “It is very large, sir.”

“It is, and
some say it is home to ghosts of centuries past. But I tend to think that after
their passing, Avonlea’s ancestors loved it so much, they could not part with
it. Of course, the spirits are kind. They are only old and noisy. Rickety as
m’old
bones. Come, come, I will make you some tea. You can
warm up by the fire.”

She glanced
back to find Wycliffe leaning against the ancient oak door, smiling. “Horace, I
would appreciate one as well.”

“Certainly,
my lord. I will have you know, it is a pleasure to serve you both here. When
did you say the master would be joining us?”

“In a few
days. I will send a message to him at first light and to Miss Thompson’s
brother, and all will be well.”

A cloud of
steam from the pot in the hearth rose. They sat warming their hands.

After
emptying her cup, Emily yawned. “If it is all the same to you, gentlemen, I
really would like to sleep. Are the stairs to the loft where I will be going?”

“No, ma’am.
If you follow the hall to the end, the very last room, the master’s private
quarters is for your particular use. Please make yourself at home. I have had
the fire burning for some time now, so it should be warm enough to sleep.”

A warmth
washed over her, as she realized just how
privelaged
she was. “Thank you kindly, sir.”

“No thanks
needed, your ladyship. Please call me Horace.”

She rose and
followed the hall, counting five chambers along the way. The walls were adorned
by heads of stags and wolves. Magnificent creatures, though a little too
masculine for her liking. Were she to adorn these walls, the earl would return
to a lodge that had quilts and family portraits. Simple reminders of family
heirlooms and their ancestors.

When she
reached the final room, the door was ajar. She pushed through when the warmth
hit her in the face. She picked up a candle burning on the sideboard and walked
about the area. There, she found lovely furnishings. The armoire had to be at
least one hundred years old, as well as the platform bed nestled off in the
corner by the window.

On the other
side of the chamber was a chest with a note on top. She walked over, sat the
candle on the trunk, and picked it up.

Emily,
if you are reading this, then you are here because you truly do not want to
marry Downsbury. Once I can get out of this predicament, I will join you here
at Hastings Lodge, and we will make up for lost time.

Ever
since the theater, I have not been able to think of a single moment that did
not include you. From the minute, you entered my chambers that night, you
sealed our fate, and I hope one day you will feel the same way I do. I most
ardently adore you, and while I do not know what love is, I am beginning to
wonder if I have become afflicted.

I
have asked that Lord Wycliffe secure the items in the crate in the event we are
able to be together for a length of time. If some of the items do not fit, I
apologize, and I will rectify the wardrobe issue as soon as I am able. This may
not occur until we have reached our destination north of here, but I assure
you, you will be provided with a more accommodating trunk.

Rest
easy, my love, knowing his grace will never touch or own you. I will be with
you soon.

Your
humble servant,

Charles

Emily had
already begun to cry at the first line. He really did mean for the two of them
to be together. Her heart raced and warmth washed over her.
How will I sleep in such a state of mind?
She moved the candle, set it down on a nearby chair with the note, and opened
the trunk.

She riffled
through, finding a pair of outdoor slippers, warmer traveling gowns, and other
unmentionables.
Does he mean for us to
travel to Scotland? How exciting!
They would be married by a blacksmith
despite what the ton expected. The duke would surely be displeased, but he could
not marry a woman already married. Avonlea’s plan was ingenious.

Now she knew
why she loved him. The earl was as clever and as devious as she. They were
perfect for each other.

* * * *

“Quit pacing,
man.
‘Tis
plain you have much on your mind. Why do you
not explain how much trouble you are in?” Nathanial queried.

“Not just
yet. I would rather wait. The walls have ears, and with your mother looming
about, ‘tis only a matter of time before his grace arrives to further irritate
everyone.”

“I
understand.”

Both men
stood in the library in silence.

Suddenly, Isabel
burst through the door in tears. Her hair, which was normally done up high and
angelic, fell down in a frazzled mess. “I want that infernal woman out of here.
She is upsetting the staff, the babies, and myself. Nathaniel, I swear it to
you, if you do not get rid of her, I will end you both!” She cried into his
arms.

Charles winced.

His friend
simply held her, consoling the inconsolable, and rubbed her back. Avonlea envied
their closeness and desperately needed to hold Emily in his arms again.

He did not
have much time to waste, and it was only a matter of time before they were
discovered. All he had to do was wait for the messenger, but he could not stay that
much longer. If word did not come by dinner, he would have to leave, despite
the terms of his release, and race her to Gretna Green. The two of them would
have to be back in London in enough time to cancel the wedding to the duke.

His thoughts
flew out the window with elder Lady Thompson and the duke barging in to the
library. “This is all your fault!” The lady waggled her finger at him. “If you had
not charmed her when she was already taken, none of this would have come about.
She will still be a duchess. I swear it!”

The duke
stood there and smiled. “Yes, she will still be my wife, despite this
infraction. I do not take kindly to false accusations, Lord Avonlea, and it
would be best if you stayed out of my way. Or, next time you may not find
favorable ears to listen to your babbling.”

Rage blinded
Charles in that moment. The only thing he could think of was pummeling the duke
to a bloody pulp. It took mercy to keep him from accosting the bastard again. “I
have done nothing wrong. I only inquired about missing persons. It must have dug
up something incriminating if you had me incarcerated so fast. I hope for your
sake my own investigation doesn’t turn up anything you do not want the ton to
know, because no one, including Emily, will marry the likes of you.”

“Enough, Avonlea.”
Nathaniel placed a firm grip on his shoulder and squeezed, whispering into his
ear. “You will explain what this has to do with my sister when they are gone.
Am I clear?”

“Of course.”

“What are
the two of you whispering over there?” the dowager countess asked.

“Nothing
that concerns you. Now, both of you get out of my damned house. I will not
stand for either of you upsetting my entire household, including my guests. Out
with you!” the
marquess
roared.

His mother
countered, lashing out. “How dare you speak to me like
that!
”

“Get out,
now!”

The butler
ushered them out.

After they
were gone, the marchioness sighed and flopped onto the dais. “Good heavens, that
went well.”

“My dear,
your sarcasm is ill-timed. Please go check on the children, my love. I will
join you as soon as I can.”

Isabel
nodded and closed the door behind her, leaving the men to discuss the severity
of the situation. “I am going to ask plainly, Charles, where is my sister? What
are your intentions with her? And what does this investigation of yours have to
do with her?”

“You might
as well sit down and pour yourself a drink, old friend.
‘Tis
a tale even you may not believe once I am finished.”

“Just start
at the beginning. You already know I am a reasonable man.”

“Are you
quite sure we are alone?

Nathaniel
gave him a once over and crossed his arms.

“Fine. Emily
is safe at my family’s hunting lodge north. She is in the protection of one of
my servants, and Lord Wycliffe is keeping watch of the estate. It is my
intention to leave tonight to be with her. Once I have arrived, we will be
traveling to Scotland. You must know I had every intention of doing the
honorable thing. We were—”

His friend
held up his hand. “You needn’t go into full details, please. Though, the mere
mention of doing the honorable thing has me worried.”

“My plan was,
once we returned from Gretna Green, we would announce our nuptials and,
therefore, she cannot marry the duke since she would be already married to me.”

“The
magistrate can issue an annulment.”

“Not if I am
alive, and not if there is any chance she is with child.”
A child. Christ!
He had not considered what it would feel like to be
a father again. Dread began to creep up his spine. He would gladly pay the
piper and save them from any hardship if it meant he had to die in their place.

“And what of
this investigation? How does any of this apply to Emily?”

“Do you
remember that night at White’s when Wycliffe had gone off to Martine’s?”

“Yes,” Nathaniel
drawled, rolling his eyes.

“Wycliffe
confided in me. Downsbury is not all that he appears to be. I have reason to
believe he has been selling women to an Italian man to serve as prostitutes.
When I approached the matter, he told me he would train your sister and after
her dowry was his, send her off to the continent as well. Wycliffe hired a man
to track down the Italian and find those missing women. The more evidence we
collect, the better chance we have of removing Downsbury from society.”

“Do you mean
to tell me the duke plans to make my sister a whore?”

“Yes. Now do
you understand why I went to such lengths to get her away?”

Nathaniel
frowning and the tick in his jaw, was all the approval Charles required.
It is set then
. He would leave tonight
and collect his bride. To see the look on Downsbury’s face when he returned
with Emily would be priceless.

“You do
realize, if you are caught leaving, you could end up back in jail.”

“I do, and
while I wish it were not the case, the sooner I marry Emily and return,
the
better it will be for all. Wycliffe is expecting the
gent to arrive at the same time. While we are not entirely sure what the
findings will be, we are hopeful the women will be discovered.”

“Then do
what you must. The moment you arrive, I will take Emily into my home and keep
her as best that I can. I truly hope Mother doesn’t find you before I do. Lord
only knows what will happen from there.”

Not that it will matter. By then, it will be
too late.

* * * *

Emily woke
up refreshed and eager to see her beloved earl. But, in all reality, it would
take him at least a day to get out of jail, if her brother had assisted, and
another day’s travel to be with her. She did what she could to not unpack
anything, in case they had to leave right away.

Her mother
must be in a fury and distraught by her disappearance, and heaven forbid what
the duke thought. The more she contemplated her actions, she knew she had done
the right thing by leaving. The only aspect she had not quite considered at the
time was his lordship’s love for her. He really did. And who would have thought
a gent
from her own brother’s circle would have
tolerated her.

Brushing out
her hair, she left the room to join Lord Wycliffe for breakfast.

“I hope you
slept well, my lady?”

“Not
particularly, sir. I was far too excited at the prospect Lord Avonlea would be
joining us soon. Though, I know now, it may take him a few days.”

“I am glad
you have no illusions as to how bad this can go. We are all taking risks here,
and his are the greatest. Did you know they were prepared to send him to
Newgate
? Downsbury was planning to have him hanged.”