Passion's Series (54 page)

With a flicker of anxiety in his eyes, her husband spoke hesitantly, "I have something to tell you, Mother."

Granny placed a finger to her lips and pulled him into the kitchen. She would not allow him to speak before he was seated at the table. She pushed him into a chair. All their serious discussions took place at the kitchen table. She poured them each a cup of tea, and with a growing sense of dread, sat across from Grandpa. Holding her cup tightly, she looked into her mate's troubled eyes and said in a small voice, "I take it the news is not good bout Dawn."

A shadow of regret crossed his face. "I've asked all 'bout the village. No one 'as seen 'er." As if unable to look at the sadness in his mate's face, he lowered his gaze to the table.

"Oh, dear." Granny raised her cup to her lips, but was unable to take a sip as she sobbed softly. "The lad mustn't know 'bout this development. He needs time and peace to 'heal."

"What are we goin' ta do 'bout Dawn?" He brushed a hand across his face as if to wipe away the knowledge of the young woman's disappearance.

Granny shrugged and shook her head. "What can we do? Just see to it that Raven gets well." She managed a small sip. Setting the cup gently on the table she mumbled softly, "He'll find 'er."

Her husband leaned forward, worry shadowing his face. "What if somethin' horrible 'as happened to her?"

Grandma slapped the table in frustration. "There is nothing' we can do." She buried her face in her hands and wept.

Grandpa pushed away from the table and hobbled to her side where he wrapped a comforting arm about his wife. "I know ye struck up a likens' for the
girl. I'm sorry to 'ave been so unfeelin'." He gently patted the back of her head as she sobbed into his shoulder. "You're right. When Raven is better, 'e'll find her. She'll be just fine, Mother. You'll see."

Chapter Twenty

The fading light cast glimmering patches upon the forest floor as unseen creatures rustled about in the underbrush. Dawn's muscles screamed from the strain of the heavy iron collar about her neck. As pain radiated outward from the collar. A deep ache pressed its way through her shoulders as well as upward to pound in her temples. She pulled her knees up to prop her elbows on them in the hope of relieving the weight on her shoulders.

Denied the warmth of the fire, she sat tethered in the shadow's chill. She fixed her gaze on one of her captors as he fidgeted. Dawn was not surprised to once again see the scrawny orange-haired highwayman she and Raven had dubbed Fox. She now knew his true name. Frank.

Frank glanced at her, then huddled closer to the fire. He tossed a log into the blaze.

The damp evening air pressing against her anger-heated cheeks. If the villains' intent was to cause her discomfort by denying her heat from the fire, they had failed. Their attempts to bring her to submission were futile. Pride in her heritage reminded her that these simple-minded men knew nothing of the strengths of her people. She endured more discomfort than this while hunting for winter game back home.

Frank bristled and she watched with inner satisfaction. He turned to her, his face a glowering mask of rage. She baited him, watching his every move. He jumped to the lure as readily as a hungry trout.

His thin lips drew back in a threatening sneer. "Who d' ye think yer staring at, missy?"

Dawn's only response was her own silent stare. The same stare a snake might use to watch a mouse he’d chosen for dinner.

"Stop that, you witch!" Frank jumped to his feet. "I'll not 'ave ye watchin' me like that!"

Her only response was the slight upward tilt of one corner of her mouth. Da had taught her well.

Frank's partner, saddling his horse a few paces away, paused and turned to Frank. "Settle down, you bloody dolt. What's the matter with ye? She be just a skirt. Leave 'er be."

Frank's nostrils flared with fury. "That's easy for you to say,Lionel. It ain't you she be puttin' tha evil eye on." Taking a deepbreath, he struggled as if to rein in his emotions. Apparently confident, he once again controlled his rage and strutted toward her...but not too close. He mocked her as he taunted, "Ye like that little trinket 'bout yer neck, eh?" He thumped a thumb to his chest,"That was my idea. Ain't no way ye can get out o' that. And ain't no reason for no one ta get close enough for ye to get 'yer hands on them.

Dawn let her gaze travel the length of him, then she turned her attention to the small mound she had created with tiny pebbles.

Frank took a small step forward. "What 're ye doing?"

Lionel tugged impatiently at his shoulder. "I said leave 'er be. If she can content 'erself by playing in the dirt, then let 'er. Saddle up, we wasted enough time hereabouts."

"Ye mean ta say we be leavin' in tha dark?" Frank responded in a shrill tone, then cleared his throat awkwardly as he cast a hate-filled glower in Dawn's direction.

Lionel shoved him toward his mount. "That's right, we'll rest tomorrow evenin' and then enter London and head for the docks under cover of tha night."

"It ain't safe ta travel at night," Frank grumbled as he saddled up. When that task was completed, he pulled a key from his pocket. He led his horse over to a large tree. Sliding the key into the lock holding the heavy chain about the tree trunk, he quickly removed the chain and secured it to his saddle.

Just as Dawn placed the last stone, he swung up in the saddle and, with a cruel jerk, pulled Dawn along for a short distance.

Dawn struggled as she was dragged along. As soon as she gained her footing, she yanked the chain and snarled like a captured animal.

Frank laughed with injurious pleasure.

A twinge of apprehension tugged at Dawn's heart as she asked, "Why are we going to London?"

"There's goin' ta be another warehouse fire. Only this time, there'll be two victims," he replied sardonically.

At Dawn's confused stare, he hooted like a mad man. The sound of his high-pitched guffaw grated on her ears and prickles of foreboding snaked along her skin.

"Tha chief has paid us well to get you and that bloke o’ yours back to London and into a particular old warehouse."

Understanding dropped heavily in her belly. She spun and lunged toward the campsite, but the chain about her neck prevented her from reaching her goal. Fueled by her desperation, she yanked on the chain with enough force to topple her antagonist from his saddle, but he had already secured the chain. His evil merriment sounded all about her.

"Oh no ye don't. We want yer rescuer ta find our little campsite. We want 'im to follow, don't you see? That's why we can't rest long. I'm sure he knows by now you're gone. The Magistrate served up 'is supper just 'bout an hour ago, I'd say. 'Ow long do ye think it will take 'im to realize the Magistrate forgot to lock the door?"

Frank laughed again. Dawn gazed back at the small pile of pebbles that would direct Raven to London.

Chapter Twenty-one

The cup rattled in the saucer as Sara handed it to Lady Montgomery. Their eyes met briefly before Sara nervously glanced away. The tension bore down heavily on the occupants of the small parlor of the Montgomery home.

Sara poured another cup of tea and handed it to Lady Gaylord, who squeezed her hand reassuringly as she accepted the tea. William rolled his small spheres within his hand. She focused on the gentle chiming they produced. The sounds, so annoying to her employers, soothed her ragged nerves.

Lady Montgomery stood, "Please, Sara, sit down. I'll serve the tea.

"There will be none of that. You are ill, and I am the servant," Sara responded, quickly to protect her employer.

"Sara is right, Grams. If you must be present, then at least sit down and try not to become overly distressed."

Lady Montgomery paced, wringing her hands as she said, "But I am distressed, Willie. We are all distressed."

William came over and took her by the arm and indicated that she sit. The look on his face left no room for argument.

"Would you like a cup, milord?" Sara asked quietly.

"No thank you, Sara. Grams is right." He placed one hand to her elbow as he indicated the sofa. "Sit down and rest yourself. I assure you, I am quite capable of serving tea."

Sara was too shocked to move.

"Captain Brown," William asked the visitor, "Tea?"

Captain Brown bristled in aggravation. "This is not a tea party, young man."

Sara saw William stiffen. He took a breath, then said, "No it's not, but there is no need to upset my grandmothers. You came here insisting something is amiss and that Dawn is missing. I tell you she is with Raven, and they should be arriving any moment."

"Listen to me, you young whippersnapper." Brown strode to William and took him by the arm and led him a few paces away from the women.

Sara knew she should excuse herself, but fear for Dawn kept her rooted to the spot. Lady Montgomery patted her arm. When Sara turned her way, she saw that the two ladies had made room for her between them on the sofa. She sank down thankfully. Each lady took one of her hands, and the three sat huddled as they listened to the heated conversation taking place.

"I tell you, one of my men is dead. He was found near tha docks with his throat cut from ear ta ear." Brown slid a thumb across his throat to better dramatize his statement.

William put a hand to Captain Brown's elbow and led him further away from the ladies. "That sort of thing happens often on the docks. No reason to think that incident is in any way connected to Dawn or Raven."

Captain Brown pulled his elbow free of William's grip as he continued. " Becker returned to me to report Raven and Dawn were accosted by two highwaymen."

"Yes, yes." William interrupted. "I heard your story the first time. Raven was believed injured, but Little Jack returned the next day to confirm they arrived in Dunmere and Raven appeared well and whole."

Captain Brown bristled in frustration. "Do you not understand, man? My first mate, Jeremy Thorton sent Little Jack back to inform me that Raven and Dawn were expected to purchase some herb from a local herbalist and then return home."

William shrugged, "Well, there you have it then. Raven and Dawn are fine and on their way home. What you say corroborates my own latest update. Just yesterday, my good friend, Sir Nicolas Blake arrived to let us know the very same thing. He conversed with Raven not three days before and was told the same story. I do not understand your concern, and I do not appreciate you coming into my home frightening my grandmothers and upsetting the whole household with this ranting."

Brown stood chest to belly with the taller, younger man. "I wasn't finished speaking, young man, and where I come from such rudeness is not tolerated."

Sara popped up from the divan to be quickly hauled down by the grandmothers. She didn't understand why William hid his own concern. Yesterday, after his friend's departure, he sent one of the stable staff to Dunmere to look for Raven and Dawn.

William cast a worried glance toward his grandmothers and stepped back. "Then please, Captain Brown. Finish your story."

"As I was saying, my man Jeremy Thorton, remained on their trail. He's not returned."

"Well, neither has Raven or Dawn. If Mr. Thorton is on their trail, wouldn't he return when they do?"

Brown emitted a low growl. "Let's see if that fancy, high society brain of yours can figure this out. How many days ago did this Nicolas fellow see Raven and Dawn?"

William looked mildly annoyed, but answered, "Four." The soft chiming of his Baoding Balls flowed around the word. Sara wondered if he knew he was toying with them.

"Ah, four days. And your friend, what was his method of travel?"

"Coach. I really don't see what you're getting at, Brown." William spun the orbs a bit faster in his hand until the chiming became a continuous whir.

"Of course you don't. But keep trying. How were Raven and Dawn traveling?"

"Raven insisted they leave London by carriage, and then change and continue on horseback." He paused, looked at the Baoding Balls as if he had only just now realized he held them, and then slipped them into his pocket.

"On horseback. A much faster way to travel wouldn't you agree, compared to a leisurely coach ride across the countryside? I would expect Raven to purchase half the town and arrive back in London a good day ahead of your friend, the good Lord Blake. Whoever is after Raven is not opposed to killing anyone who gets in his way. Remember my man Charlie?" Sara shivered as the Captain drew his thumb across his throat.

"Oh, my." Lady Montgomery gripped her fist to her chest. "It's my fault, all my fault," she whimpered.

William rushed to his grandmother, but not before Sara saw the pain and concern in his eyes. He knelt down before Lady Montgomery and took hold of her wrists. "Grams, please calm yourself. There is no need to cast blame here. Raven and Dawn are going to be just fine. Getting them out of London was the best thing. I'm sure Raven and Dawn could confound anyone wishing to do them harm. I have every faith in Mr. Cloud's ability to bring Dawn back safe and sound. Now I must insist that you go up to bed. I'll call the doctor to have a look at you."

"No, noooo...don't you see?" Lady Montgomery cried.

Sara put her arm about Lady Montgomery. "Dawn left me with very specific instructions and I am going to be in a lot of trouble when she returns."

Lady Montgomery turned saddened eyes to her. "You just don't understand. No one understands."

"Lady Montgomery..." Captain Brown offered gently from behind William.

William did not allow him to finish as he stood and turned to him. "There has been enough interference in my family's affairs for one day."

At that moment the door swung open and the butler announced, "Mr. Fitz-Gerald!" The biggest, angriest man Sara had ever seen pushed his way past the flustered butler. Although he was old enough to be her father, he was one of the most handsome men Sara had ever seen. He must stand well over six feet tall. His dark auburn hair hung loose and was windblown, as if he'd ridden fast. His clothing was that of a colonial, leather britches with slashed fringe down the outside of the leg. The same fringe decorated his leather shirt, as well as fancy beadwork. Sky blue eyes sparked with ire. Oh, my. This man fit perfectly Dawn's description of her father.

All eyes turned toward the intruder as he bellowed out, "Someone had better tell me where to find my daughter."

"Great! One more wrinkle in my life," William exclaimed in exasperation. "Nothing to be concerned about, Fredrick, you're excused."

The butler bobbed once, cast a superior glare down his considerably long nose at the new intruder and then backed from the room, pulling the door shut as he left.

James Fitz-Gerald's angry glare landed first on Captain Brown, who shrugged his shoulder and nodded at William.

William glared at Brown, "Now you have nothing to say?" he remarked sarcastically.

Sara saw the heated glare in Mr. Fitz-Gerald's eyes and once again jumped from her seat, this time to step in front of William. She stood with her arms held akimbo, her back straight and ready to do battle with a man whose size eclipsed her own slight frame. "I assure you, Mr. Fitz-Gerald, William is not at fault here."

Mr. Fitz-Gerald raised a quizzical brow as William gently moved Sara aside and gently turned her to face him.

When William gazed into her tear-filled eyes, Sara saw his own expression filled with confusion. "Please, Sara. Try to calm yourself. You are no good to my grandmothers like this."

Sara stepped back and placed both hands over her mouth as she realized she had just referred to Lord Montgomery as William. What must he think of her? Worse, how could she be concerned about something as trivial as her feelings for William when her best friend was missing? She sank to the couch as Lady Montgomery and Lady Gaylord pushed themselves up and hurried to Mr. Fitz-Gerald.

"I am so sorry for all this confusion," Lady Gaylord stammered.

"It's all my fault," Lady Montgomery wailed, on the verge of hysteria.

"Nonsense, it's no more her fault than mine." Lady Gaylord wrung her hands.

Mr. Fitz-Gerald pulled Lady Montgomery into his arms and patted her back gently. "Now, now."

"Will someone please tell me what this is all about?" William demanded.

"How will you ever forgive me if anything happens to Dawn? You cared so well for my grandson, and now I may have lost your daughter."

"You what.. .you cared for her grandson? What does that mean?" Brown asked in confusion.

"Aha, there is a bit of the puzzle you are unaware of." William remarked dryly. He raised his arms heavenward as if asking the gods. "Will wonders ever cease?" He lowered his arms and readjusted his waistcoat. "This calls for a toast. Would you like a brandy, Captain Brown?" he asked with maddening cordiality.

"Humph." Brown turned to William. "Aye. I think a brandy would do, although I'd rather have rum."

"Sorry, fresh out of rum," William answered.

Sara watched Captain Brown shrug and follow William to the liquor cabinet. Brown accepted the offered glass. Holding the glass up, he appraised the small amount, downed it in one gulp and extended the glass for more. "Don't be so stingy with that watered down fop's drink. Fill 'er up."

Mr. Fitz-Gerald looked to Brown for an explanation. "Thomas?"

Brown swallowed quickly. He faced his distraught employer. Sara knew they had been friends many years, which might explain why Captain Brown seemed unafraid of the fearsome Mr. Fitz-Gerald.

Brown shrugged. "It appears that the young Lord has no idea what is going on in his own household"

"There is at least one secret I know that you haven't been privy to," William said as he raised his glass in salute. He downed his drink and refilled it to match Thomas's own healthy portion. "Besides, I set my own runner after Raven yesterday."

Fitz-Gerald turned his attention from the two and held Lady Montgomery back just far enough to see her face. "Does William know about Raven, Wilhelmina?"

Not being able to speak, she nodded.

"Yes," Lady Gaylord answered for her. "William knows he and Raven are half-brothers. Raven doesn't know as yet."

Fitz-Gerald patted Lady Montgomery gently. "You asked me to allow the two of you to tell Raven. I expect an explanation why you haven't told him. But first, I must know where Dawn is."

"Well, that is where I can help you," William offered with a slight slur. "She is with Raven."

"What the bright young man can't tell you with any certainty is where Raven is," Brown added with a sneer.

"You two are drunk," Fitz-Gerald spat out with annoyance.

Lady Montgomery tugged at the fringe hanging from Mr. Fitz-Gerald's rawhide jacket until Sara feared the slashed leather hangings might detach. "Would you please listen to me. I sent Dawn and Raven to obtain medicine for my heart on pretence. If anything happens to them it will be all my fault," She wailed in

Fitz-Gerald led her to the couch and forced her to sit. "You did not send them on pretence, Wilhelmina. Do you think you could trick Dawn or Raven? I am sure they could see the frailty of your heart as easily as I can. And there would be no way you could stop them from going."

"Wait a minute," William intoned, no longer foggy headed. "Grams, what is he saying? Are you truly ailing? Why did I not know? You said the ruse was to get Raven out of London. You said only you and I were to know the truth. You lied to me. Why?"

"Why indeed," Brown, still cradling his empty glass.

Lady Montgomery glanced to Sara.

"Tis true, milady. Dawn knows. She told me herself. 'Tis why I am to have you comin' downstairs once a day to walk in the garden. And why I must air out your room and make you walk back and forth in the hall. Dawn said if you were allowed to sit in a dark stale room till she returned you would be every bit as ill as you were pretending."

Sara caught the look of frustration and honest bewilderment, which flickered in William's eyes. "Grams, are you pretending or not?"