Bedford Street Brigade 02 - Love Unbidden (9 page)

BOOK: Bedford Street Brigade 02 - Love Unbidden
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CHAPTER 4

Polly tried to stifle another yawn but couldn’t. She’d been forced from her warm, comfortable bed earlier this morning than she could ever remember being roused in her life. She was usually just getting home at the hour Millie woke her. Never getting up. But Briggs Murdock insisted they be on the road by dawn, and true to his word, they were.

Polly looked out the carriage window and searched for him. He was riding a large chestnut steed, and moved from one side of the carriage to the other as he surveyed the surrounding countryside.

Her father had sent three other servants as guards, but Briggs kept watch as if he were the only one there to protect them. Polly still couldn’t believe she needed protection.

Her father told her why he was sending her to Redwood Manor. At first she argued with his decision. But when she saw how upset he was at her refusal to go where he thought she’d be safe, she relented, and agreed to go. She couldn’t imagine anyone would use her to blackmail her father, but his concern was proof enough that they had.

“Would you like something to eat, my lady?” her lady’s maid, Millie, asked. “Mr. Murdock said we wouldn’t stop for another hour or more.”

“He did?”

“Yes, my lady. Mr. Murdock said we were to eat whenever we got hungry since we wouldn’t be stopping for lunch.”

Polly looked out the carriage window and studied him. They’d already ridden for hours, yet he seemed no more fatigued than he’d been when they’d taken their first step out of London. Unfortunately, she and Millie and the other maids her father had sent with her didn’t have the stamina Briggs Murdock had. They needed to stretch their legs. They needed to relieve themselves. At least Polly did.

Polly rapped on the carriage ceiling, then hollered. “Barnes, would you please pull over near those trees?”

“I’m sorry, my lady. Mr. Murdock gave specific orders not to stop for anything.”

“I’m sure he did. But this is not anything. This is a necessity.”

Polly waited for Barnes to make a decision. It didn’t take long.

“Mr. Murdock,” he yelled. “The ladies are asking to stop for a moment.”

There was a long period of silence, then Briggs Murdock’s deep voice responded. “Make your way to that grove of trees, Barnes.”

The carriage turned, then slowed when it neared the grove of trees. Mr. Murdock was waiting for them when the carriage stopped. He opened the door and helped them to the ground.

Polly let the three servants get out first, and when it was her turn, she took the hand he held out for her.

She knew when he grasped her hand the warmth of his flesh pressed against her palm would travel up her arm. She knew a special connection would overwhelm her even through the gloves she wore. And it did.

Being held by him, looking into his dark eyes, standing close to him caused a rush of confusing emotions to surge through her body. She wondered if he felt it, too, and thought he did because he pulled out of her grasp as if her touch burned him.

“Your servants went through there.” He led her to the edge of the trees. “Stay within
calling distance.”

Polly nodded, then left him.

It didn’t take her long to complete her business and return, and when she did, he was waiting where she’d left him.

“Do we have time to eat a bite before we continue?” she asked.

He clasped her elbow and escorted her back to the carriage. “Time doesn’t concern me, my lady. Being out in the open does.”

“Surely you don’t think we’re being followed?” Polly looked around as if that wasn’t such an absurd possibility.

“I don’t think we are, but I don’t want to take chances.”

“Where are we going to spend the night?”

“There’s an inn a couple hours ahead. I sent one of the men to make arrangements for our lodging for the night.”

“That must be The
Whistling Thistle.”

“Yes, I believe that’s what your father called it.”

Polly smiled. “It’s a strange name for an inn, isn’t it?”

A smile formed on his face and for the first time she noticed two dimples that dented inward on his cheeks. She didn’t know what affected her more, the dimples on his cheeks, or the two deep creases that formed on either side of his mouth.

A spinning whirlpool swirled in the pit of her stomach.

“Yes, a strange name. But there are many inns with strange names in England.”

“Yes, there are.” Polly laughed. “There’s a pub near Redwood Manor called The Bumpy Pig. I can’t imagine who came up with that name.”

“Perhaps someone who’d spent too much time drinking The Bumpy Pig’s ale.”

“No doubt.” She looked at the carriage. Millie and the two servants who’d accompanied her were walking back and forth at a determined pace. They looked as reluctant to get back inside the coach and continue the journey as she. But she knew that the sooner they continued on their way, the sooner they’d be able to get a warm meal and a soft bed.

“May I ask you a question?” she said as they made their way back to the carriage.

His silence seemed to give her permission.

“I have a hard time believing I could possibly be in danger. Do you really think someone intends to harm me, or did they just say so to frighten Father?”

“It hardly matters,” he answered. “Neither your father nor I were willing to take the chance that the threat was real.”

Before Polly had a chance to react to his answer, he continued on their way back to the carriage. He helped her step inside, then assisted the servants. When he remounted his chestnut, he gave the order for Barnes to continue on their way.

Only when she had a moment to consider what he’d said did she realize that nothing anyone had ever said to her before meant as much.

“Neither your father nor I were…

. . .

Briggs didn’t think they’d ever arrive at The
Whistling Thistle.

She’d been right. The
Whistling Thistle was an absurd name for an inn. Just like the Lumpy Pig, or whatever it was called.

He made his way to a small dining room where the innkeeper’s wife had insisted the lady eat her evening meal. Which meant he would have to eat with her, too. Thank heaven, he’d convinced the innkeeper to put two small tables close to the open door for the servants, so he and Lady Pauline could be observed at all times.

He didn’t relish the idea of being alone with her. It had been hard enough knowing that she was just inside the carriage and if he rode a little closer, he could carry on a conversation through the open window. Now he was forced to spend the next hour or more with her.

He walked through the open doorway. She was already in the room when he arrived, and platters of food were already on the table.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I asked to be served. Mrs. Thistle refused to serve the others until I’d been served. I could hear the three outriders’ stomachs roaring all the way in here so I asked to be served.”

“I’m glad you did.” Briggs sat in the chair opposite her and smiled. “Mrs. Thistle?”

“Yes, of The Whistling Thistle. Seems her husband’s family is renowned in these parts for their talent at whistling.”

Briggs helped himself to the food. If he didn’t eat something soon, his stomach would growl as loudly as the other men’s.

“Are you satisfied that the area is safe?” she asked between bites of food. “I assume that’s what you were doing. Did you find any signs that we were followed?”

“No, everything looks normal.”

“Good. Then we can all sleep well tonight.”

“Yes. I’ll guard the area tonight.”

Lady Pauline continued with her meal. When she paused, she lifted her wine glass to her mouth. She drank a swallow, then set the glass down and looked at him. “You and my father aren’t on good terms, are you?”

“I work for your father. Nothing more.”

“I think there is a lot more. I saw the intense dislike in your eyes and the change in your disposition the second you recognized him at Mr. and Mrs. Wallace’s dinner party the other night. What happened between you and my father?”

Briggs tried to ignore her question, but she wouldn’t let him. She kept her gaze honed on him as if she intended to wait him out until he told her. “I’m afraid you’ll have to ask your father that question.’

“I already did.”

Briggs’
fork stopped midway to his mouth. “What did he say?”

“He refused to answer me.”

“And I intend to do the same.”

Briggs lifted his ale and took a hearty swallow. He had no intention of being the one to tell her what her father had done. That would have to come from her father’s mouth. Not his.

He finished the food on his plate in silence, and when he laid his fork down, he noticed she’d finished eating, too. “Are you ready to retire?” he asked her when he saw her stifle a yawn.

“Yes, in a few minutes. But first, would you mind if we walked around outside?”

Briggs hesitated.

“We’ll take the staff with us as chaperones,” she added. “I’m sure they’d enjoy stretching their legs, too, before we retire. It seems all we’ve done this whole day is sit.”

“Very well.” Briggs helped her to her feet. “I’ll send one of your maids for a wrap, then we’ll go for a short walk.”

When the maid returned with Lady Pauline’s wrap, he placed it around her shoulders, then escorted her to the door.

He knew she’d only been looking out for her staff’s welfare, as well as her own. The ladies had been confined inside a carriage all day, but the thought of walking with Lady Pauline in the moonlight was torture of the worst kind.

Even the six servants acting as chaperones were hardly a deterrent to the thoughts that crept into his mind.

Briggs thought of the country home his mother could enjoy when this assignment was over. He reminded himself of the money she would receive to spend as she wanted. He considered what his family would lose if he allowed his emotions to ruin everything.

He held out his hand and she hooked her arm through the bend in his elbow. Even the small army of servants surrounding them didn’t dampen his runaway emotions. The moon was too full. The breeze too invi
ting. The perfect evening too…perfect.

Just as she was too…perfect. 

 

CHAPTER 5

It had been several years since Polly had been to Redwood Manor, but it hadn’t changed at all since she’d last been here. The manor house wasn’t as massive as some of her father’s other estates, but it was spacious nonetheless. The interior wasn’t as ornate and gilt-laden as the interiors of some of their other estates, but the moment she entered, she felt at home.

“Did you need anything else, my lady?”

“No, thank you, Millie.”

Her maid had already unpacked her trunks, and brought up a tea tray. Dinner wouldn’t be served until later, so Mr. Murdock had insisted she rest until then.

Polly was never one to sleep in the afternoon, but for some reason, the turned-down bed looked very inviting. The trip to Redwood Manor had tired her out. “I think
I’ll finish my tea before I lie down.”

“Very good, my lady. If there’s nothing else, I’ll check on the staff and see if they need anything. Mrs. Glover, the housekeeper, has seen to everything.”

“Be sure to tell Mrs. Glover I appreciate her competence,” Polly said. “And thank you, Millie. I appreciate everything you’ve done, too.”

“Not at all, my lady.”

Millie left the room and Polly was alone.

Polly relaxed back in her chair and placed her cup and saucer in her lap. She closed her eyes and tried not to think of the man her father had hired to look out for her, but that was impossible. His handsome face appeared the second she closed her eyes.

It was obvious he was trying hard to separate himself from her. She told herself she should help him in his efforts. But she couldn’t help herself. She didn’t want to be separated from him. She felt a connection to him she didn’t understand. Her father would tell her she was being silly, but she felt as if she’d known Briggs Murdock her whole life. And that not only did their pasts hold a connection, but their futures, too.

Polly took the last sip of her tea, then placed the cup and saucer on
a small table when there was a knock on the door.

“Yes.”

“Oh, good, my lady. You haven’t laid down yet. Mr. Murdock asks if you would mind joining him in the study downstairs. He asked to see the staff, too.”

“Of course. Tell him I’ll be right down.”

Millie left, and Polly checked her appearance before following her.

She paused inside the door to the study. She didn’t remember ever being in this room before.

Mr. Murdock was behind the desk making notes on a piece of paper. When he saw her, he rose.

He walked to her and extended his arm. “I’m sorry. I didn’t give you much time to rest, my lady. But I thought it was important that everyone be aware of what was required of them as soon as possible.”

“Of course.”

Polly sat in the chair nearest the desk, and the staff stood in orderly rows behind her.

“Thank you all for your prompt attendance,” he said, when the Redwood butler, Hanes, indicated all were present. “I feel it is important that you know that the Lady Pauline was sent here from London to avoid a possible threat to her life.”

There was a gasp of surprise from the staff standing behind her.

“The threat is connected with a bill Lord Stepmoore has in the House of Lords. As soon as the matter is concluded, the threat will be over and the lady will be free to return.”

There was a rustle behind her and Polly imagined the surprise and concern from the staff. She wished Mr. Murdock wouldn’t have mentioned the reason she was here, but it was too late now.

“I know Lady Pauline didn’t intend for you to know about this, but it’s essential that you are aware of what is going on if we are going to work together to keep the lady safe.”

“Tell us what you want us to do,” Hanes said.

Several of the staff murmured their willingness to help.”

“The most important thing you can each do is to keep your eyes open. Watch out for any strangers. If anyone comes near Redwood, I want to be informed immediately.
No matter if it’s a regular delivery or someone unexpected. Even someone you know.”

Polly heard the murmurings of assent. From the building tension in the room, she knew without looking that Briggs Murdock had her staff in the palm of his hand.

He stepped out from behind the desk. “Two other points. Tomorrow the Dowager Countess of Plainsworth and the Dowager Viscountess of Shillingsham will arrive. Please have rooms prepared for them close to Lady Pauline’s, Mrs. Glover.”

“Of course, Mr. Murdock,” the housekeeper replied.

“And Barnes, I used the list of male staff members you gave me and made out a rotating schedule. It will be necessary for them to act as sentry around the manor house. The staff will make an hourly round of the grounds to look for anything that might seem suspicious.”

“I’ll see to it, Mr. Murdock,” Barnes said.

“From now until it’s safe for Lady Pauline to leave, we need to take every precaution to ensure that Redwood Manor is secure. Every door and window needs to be locked at all times, and no one will be permitted to enter without my permission.”

“You can count on us
,” Barnes answered. His reply was met with a rousing voice of support.


Thank you,” Briggs said. “You will be updated periodically of any further action that needs to be taken.” With that, he nodded that the meeting was at an end.

The staff filed out of the room.

Polly heard the increasing buzz of voices in the hall outside the room. The excitement was palpable.

“I’ll meet with you in the morning, Barnes. I will answer any questions you have at that time,” Mr. Murdock said when Barnes reached the door.

“Very well, sir.”

“And please, leave the door open.”

“As you wish,” Barnes said, then left.

When everyone was gone from the room except Millie and one other maid, Polly rose from her chair. She walked to the open double French doors and looked out onto the terrace.

“You were very effective, Mr. Murdock.”

“Thank you, my lady,” he answered. “Although I don’t think you meant your words as a compliment.”

Polly turned to face him. He was smiling. “You find this amusing?”

He remained where he was, but lowered his tall frame to the corner of the massive desk. He wasn’t that far away from her. “What I find amusing is your subtle way of telling me that I embarrassed you.”

Polly walked back into the room. “You did. You made it sound like someone might be waiting outside for the chance to harm me.”

“Are you so sure someone isn’t?”

Polly rolled her eyes heavenward. “Of course I am. My father is just being overprotective.”

“With good cause, I assure you.”

“How can you say that? No one even knows we’re here.”

“Perhaps not yet, but it won’t be difficult to follow our lead. If you remember, we hardly traveled unnoticed. There was a farmer entering London with milk to sell that we met before dawn. Then there were the three herdsmen bringing their goats to market. They definitely took note of the fancy carriage that forced them to herd their goats to the side of the road. Then, of course, there was Mr. and Mrs. Thistle. I’m sure the good lady couldn’t wait to tell anyone
within whistling distance about the fine lady who stayed the night. Then there was the—”

“Yes, yes. You’ve made your point.”

“The point of the matter is that you do not want to believe that anyone would be so determined to prevent your father’s bill from reaching a vote in the House that they’d resort to murder in hopes of preventing your father from introducing it.”

Polly shook her head. “What could make someone—anyone—that desperate?”

“Greed, my lady. Money is a great motivator.”

“I can’t believe that,” Polly said. She paced the room. Such a thought was impossible to comprehend.

“That’s because you have never had to go without. People are capable of committing all kinds of acts when faced with losing what they’ve relied on to survive. And your father’s bill would cause change from one end of England to the other.”

“You agree with my father?” She was surprised. “You believe there is a threat?”

“Do you think your father would have sent you this far from London if he didn’t think it was necessary? Do you think I would have accepted the assignment if I didn’t agree with him?”

Polly staggered a step backward. “Knowing my father, he could have just taken a comment the wrong way. Or misunderstood something someone said. He’s that protective of me. He always has been.”

“Perhaps. But there was proof.”

“Proof? What proof?”

“Didn’t your father show you the letter?”

“What letter?”

“The letter he received that threatened to harm you if he continued to pursue the bill he intended to introduce before the House.”

“He didn’t show me a letter.”

Polly considered the revelation that she might truly be in danger. “Why you, Mr. Murdock? There are other men who could have escorted me to Redwood Manor. Why did you agree to work for a man you obviously detest?”

“My reasons are my own.”

“And you refuse to share them?”

“Yes. I refuse to share them. Other than to say that your father offered me a price I couldn’t refuse.”

Polly stepped to her chair and sank back onto the cushion. “I see.”

“I hope you do, my lady. It’s imperative that you understand how things are between us. And how they will remain. I am here to protect you. And that is exactly what I intend to do.”

He rose from the corner of the desk and towered over her. “It is extremely important that you do not go out on your own. You will only cause undue worry for the staff here at Redwood who have sworn to watch out for you. Then, please consider the overwhelming grief your father would feel if something were to happen to you.”

“And you?”

His eyebrows arched. Then a frown furrowed his brows. “I would have failed my assignment. That is something I find unacceptable. I would also fail to get what your father offered to pay me.”

“That is all?”

His confused expression embarrassed her. “What else is there?”

“Nothing, sir. Of course there is nothing more.” Polly fought the pain that pressed against her chest as she considered his words. “You don’t soften your words, do you?”

“Not when there’s more to be gained by being honest.”

Polly looked into his intensely dark eyes, then rose from her chair. “Then let me assure you, I understand what is expected of me.”

“I thought you would.” He confirmed his answer with a sharp nod.

She took a step toward the door. His words stopped her.

“I’m sure we’ll eat before long, but perhaps you’d like to stroll through the garden before we’re called in to dinner?”

“No, I think not,” she answered. She wasn’t brave enough to be alone with him right now. He’d just told her that the only reason he’d agreed to guard her was because her father was paying him well. Very well. And he made sure she realized that she meant nothing to him. Nothing at all.

All she wanted at this moment was to be as far away from Mr. Briggs Murdock as she possibly could. For a few short days he’d been her Prince Charming. He’d been the man she’d always dreamed of meeting. But he wasn’t. He couldn’t be. If they were meant for each other, he would feel the same way.

And he didn’t.


 

BOOK: Bedford Street Brigade 02 - Love Unbidden
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