Hell In A Handbasket

by Anders, Annabelle

  But listening to her speak with such authority and direction, she realized that the maid was not at all what she seemed.

  Sophia considered this new information carefully and then noisily cleared her throat and continued her descent.

  Penny glanced up with a start, but Sophia merely smiled. Let the girl believe her mistress was a birdwitted ninny-hammer. “Did you see which way my husband went, Penny? We’re to dine together in the private room.”

  It was the innkeeper who answered. Stepping out from behind the counter, he was all excellent manners and obsequiousness. “My lady, yes, right this way. A special meal has been prepared for my very special guests.” He led her down a short corridor and into a private room. “Lord Harold awaits you.” He bowed slightly and backed away.

  Oh, good Lord, Sophia thought. Even he would cover for the maid — who worked directly for the duke and duchess — who would pay the innkeeper’s bill. Of course.

  This was how all of this worked. How naïve she’d been! It had been the same with Mr. Scofield. She and her mother had never really known independence.

  Harold rose to his feet as she entered the room and walked around the table to take her hand in his. “My lovely wife,” he said. “I was beginning to miss you already.”

  He performed magnificently. Almost too well. She imagined he’d had many occasions to practice similar deceit.

  Sophia lowered her eyes and curtsied demurely. “And I, you.”

  They waited for the footman to finish serving them before saying anything further.

  Once alone, Sophia worried at their lack of real privacy. Feeling as though they were being watched, she collected her plate and walked around to Harold’s side of the table. Let them believe she merely had a desire to be near him. He looked a little surprised but made room for her utensils helpfully.

  “I think my maid is a spy for your mother.” She leaned into him and whispered. “I’ve just overheard her sending a letter, although she does not know that I know.”

  Harold reclined in his chair and then nodded. “Of course, my mother would not truly send us off, completely on our own, without having a means of observation.” And then he laughed. “It is simply not the Prescott way.”

  “I didn’t realize the extent of her… intrusiveness.”

  They both heard some shuffling outside of the door and shook their heads at one another. They had each been speaking softly, so most likely no one had overheard their conversation, but their suspicions were solidified.

  They would need to be doubly careful.

  First, in their playacting to convince her grace of Harold’s miraculous recovery, and second to be on high alert as to what they said regarding the plan to fake Harold’s death.

  For the ten-thousandth time that day, Sophia wished Dev were here.

  “The first thing I’d like to do when we reach Priory Point…” She spoke loudly and cheerfully. “…is seek out the beach. It’s been ages since Mr. Scofield took us to Brighton, and I absolutely love to swim.” If the servants overheard her wishes, it would seem natural then, when she and Harold explored the cliffs and caves. She’d already informed Harold that she wanted to see this secret cavern they’d discussed.

  “You enjoy swimming?” He seemed genuinely surprised by this information.

  She did, in truth, love to swim, although she’d only swam in the ocean a few times. She’d learned the skill initially in the still waters of the lake near Mr. Scofield’s country home.

  A footman stepped forward to refill Harold’s wine glass. At the same time, Harold reached a hand forward and covered hers with it. “Anything you wish, my dear. And I’ll take you walking by the cliffs. We’ll take picnics, and our bathing costumes, and enjoy our time together before the rest of the family arrives.”

  “Just the two of us?” She fluttered her lashes at him.

  “Just the two of us.”

  The footman stepped back, and with a nod from Harold, left the room. Harold drew close and whispered in her ear. “Stewart can divert your maid. We should arrive tomorrow around noon. I’m beginning to feel anxious about the cave’s condition. Did Dev tell you when he thought he might arrive?”

  Sophia giggled, as though he’d whispered something flirtatious.

  “No, I didn’t know we would be traveling alone until after he’d left me. But I cannot believe he would dawdle.” She reached up and pushed a lock of hair out of his eyes. “Penny thinks Stewart to be quite handsome.”

  At which, Harold chuckled. “All the ladies do, Sophia.” And then he shocked her further by leaning in and whispering again. “But he’s mine.”

  * * *

  The weather continued to cooperate the next day, and as Harold had predicted, they arrived at Priory Point just before nuncheon.

  It was a most impressive estate. The steep and winding road that led to the ancient castle was narrow and more than a little harrowing at times. Sharp white cliffs and rocky formations made for breathtaking scenery unmatched by anything Sophia had ever seen. Occasionally, she got a glimpse of the beach below. She was anxious to explore and swim. If only this really was a simple holiday.

  The castle itself had been built over two centuries ago but had been renovated and modernized often. The Prescotts were not a family to allow their properties to fall into decline, Harold explained. Foundations were continuously inspected, as were roofs, windows, and exterior coverings. The estates’ budgets required these items to be in constant repair, and if any was left over, only then could the interiors be improved upon.

  The Prescotts were a diligent family with what they’d been given.

  As they entered, Harold introduced Sophia to some of the staff, and then the two of them made arrangements to go exploring. She was to enjoy a quick lunch, change, and then meet her husband in the downstairs foyer. Stewart, Harold had told Sophia earlier, would keep an eye on Penny. He would make certain she did not get anywhere near the caves.

  And so, shortly after they arrived, Sophia, in half boots and one of her older dresses, and Harold, wearing well-worn riding clothes, set off together, hand in hand along a well-tended path.

  This footpath led to the main beach. It descended gradually, she could see. But Harold veered her off it onto a trail, if one would even call it such. She could never have found it on her own. It climbed steeply, before leveling and then descending behind what appeared to be a huge pile of rocks.

  “Watch where you place your feet, Sophia. The rocks can be unstable.” Harold stepped a little tentatively himself.

  She could not see the ocean, but she could hear it.

  And then, “Over here, Soph. We piled rocks around the opening so others wouldn’t find it.” He bent over and moved a few smaller ones, and then together, they rolled back one of the larger rocks.

  Cool, humid air wafted from the opening they’d revealed. She couldn’t see much inside, but when she peered in, the sounds of water splashing below sounded ominous.

  Sophia shivered.

  She couldn’t imagine why any sane person would ever have any desire to explore such a cave. The thought of being trapped inside could give a person nightmares.

  “It’s level for a few feet and then drops practically straight down. We used ropes to climb in and out.” Harold knelt beside her, and she gave him some space so that he could crawl inside. “Yes, the ropes are still here. We’ll want to replace them.” A little sheepish, he ducked his head back out. “I’m a little heavier than I was back then.”

  In truth, Sophia was not happy about the condition of this so-called cave. It was dreadfully small, and the earth around it did not seem all that stable.

  “Show me the lagoon,” she demanded, standing up.

  They replaced the rocks, hiding the cave once again, and he guided her around the outcrop. A few fledgling trees and bushes grew, slightly protected from the winds blowing in from the sea. They climbed the nearby rise, and just as Harold grabbed her hand, she caught her breath. For a sheer cliff dropped
hundreds of feet down to a swirling cauldron of water. Rocks hung over the edges precariously, but some had fallen and poked up when the sprays of froth ebbed away.

  “The water never empties. It’s never a beach like the other side,” Harold said. He was slightly breathless from their climb.

  She could not imagine swimming in such a perilous pool.

  “Oh, my God, Harold” was all she could bring herself to say.

  She looked over at him.

  Whereas he’d looked a little flushed before, he had suddenly gone white as a sheet. “I don’t remember it being this…”

  “Formidable?” she asked.

  “Horrifying,” he answered.

  * * *

  Dev was pleased with the condition of Dartmouth Place and found it necessary to order only minimal repairs. He left instructions with the man who’d been acting as steward and then made his way directly to Priory Point. It was a two-day ride, and he was glad to have good weather for the journey. Although it was always safer to travel with a companion, it was not always practical or expedient. He almost always travelled alone.

  He was nowhere near the first of the family members to arrive. If he hadn’t spotted some of Harold’s younger cousins running about on one of the lawns, he would have been alerted by the constant coming and going of various tradesmen and servants.

  Ah, yes, the house party had commenced.

  It had been five days since he’d seen her.

  He was not the sort of fellow to pine. He’d been infatuated a few times, but never had he felt such a… connection… such a bond as this. What was it about her?

  As he neared the castle, his heart seemed to skip a few beats. Neither she nor Harold were on the lawns with the other guests.

  Five nights had passed since he’d held her. Since he’d left her, drowsy from his lovemaking, wearing nothing but a sheet.

  He dismounted and then affectionately patted his mare before handing her over to one of his uncle’s stable lads. His aunt, of course, would have his room set aside and readied for him. Of all the ducal properties, Priory Point was Dev’s favorite. He even dared to feel somewhat at home here.

  He didn’t wait for a maid to bring up a basin of warm water. The cold water in the pitcher was sufficient. He washed and changed out of his dusty riding clothes.

  The newlywed couple was down at the beach, he’d been informed. They’d swam every day since arriving.

  Harold must be practicing. Hearing that his cousin was swimming was encouraging.

  Sophia had told him she enjoyed sea-bathing. She’d not done it often, she’d said, but had learned the skill in a lake as a young girl.

  He followed the well-worn path down to the beach almost without thinking. Everything about this place elicited youthful memories — racing along the trail, hiding from his uncle, playing pirates with Lucas and Harold.

  Cutting across the last switchback, Dev landed easily as he jumped down to the hard sand. At first, the beach appeared to be empty but for a few gulls and a pile of driftwood. But, no, not far from the shore, a blanket was spread out on the sand near a basket, and two people were in the surf.

  One of them was face down, swimming out to sea, and the other stood watching the swimmer, in nothing but a chemise, plastered to her wet skin.

  She must have sensed his presence as she glanced over her shoulder for no apparent reason and raised her hand to her eyes to shade her view.

  Dev lifted one hand and waved.

  “Dev!” She didn’t hesitate before turning back toward the sea and yelling once again. “Harold! Dev is here!”

  She’d been playing in the water with the exuberance of a child. It reminded him of the enthusiasm she’d had while making love. When Sophia discarded her prim and proper manners, she did so with uninhibited gusto.

  Her sleek, wet hair had worked itself free of her coiffure, her chemise was sliding off one shoulder, and an exuberant smile stretched across her lips. Struggling against the water, she lifted her feet high and ran toward the shore. Harold had caught sight of him as well and, standing in chest high water held up one hand in greeting.

  But Dev had eyes only for Sophia.

  Her pale skin had taken on a sweet honey tone, and her eyes burned brighter than the sea.

  Coming to a sudden stop where the white foam of the waves still rolled over her bare feet, Sophia stood not five feet from him. He knew she wanted to throw herself into his arms, but she checked herself suddenly.

  Perhaps they were being watched. Yes, it was likely that some family member or another could come upon them at any moment.

  But for now, they were alone.

  “You look more beautiful than ever,” he said hungrily.

  She looked down at her toes and then back up again. She bit her lip, nervously. “I’ve been working with Harold on his bathing technique.”

  It was not what he’d expected her to say, but since when had she done what he’d expected? Dev felt himself grinning for the first time since she’d left London.

  “How’s that working out?”

  She laughed. “Well… he’s doing much better now. I hadn’t realized that a person could completely forget how to swim. But apparently, that’s what Harold had done. Rather, he said his mind had not forgotten, but his body had.”

  Dev eyed her curves from head to toe. Her chemise, in that moment, did little to hide her charms. He was glad no one but him could see her — in close proximity, anyhow — and witness her state of dishabille. She shivered and wrapped her arms around herself, clasping her elbows at her sides.

  “So, you have not been pining for me?” He laughed at her sudden shyness, but his voice was tender as he removed his jacket. Stepping into the surf, he dropped it on her shoulders and led her toward the dry sand. She leaned against him as he did so.

  It was the most they would get away with.

  “I am so glad you are here.” Her words were muffled as she spoke into the jacket. Although no one else but Harold was in sight, and the wind and surf would drown out any words they spoke, she was cautious.

  But it was obvious she’d known that he would come. She’d not doubted him.

  “You cannot imagine my disappointment when I came downstairs for breakfast and discovered you had left.” He’d not kissed her goodbye. He wanted to kiss her now, but that was out of the question.

  “So, you know what the duchess believes?”

  He nodded his head. “The world has gone insane with glee over it — rather, the Prescott world, anyhow.”

  She sat on the blanket and looked up at him. “It is a Prescott world in which I now live.” She sounded a little forlorn. “It’s as though the servants’ sole duty is to spy on us. Harold and I are followed almost everywhere.” Her eyelashes dropped, but then she boldly gazed back up at him. “I’ve missed you.”

  How had this happened? “God, Sophia.” The physical urge to take her into his arms, to make love to her right here on the sand, was nearly excruciating. “What am I going to do with you?”

  Harold had reached the water’s edge and approached them slowly.

  “Harold!” Dev shouted over the sounds of the waves. “You are looking well! Married life appears to suit you.”

  At which his cousin rolled his eyes, and Sophia laughed ironically. Dev felt something warm inside his heart. They had become friends, Sophia and Harold. Two people he realized he cared for deeply.

  Harold took a seat on the sand, a few feet from Sophia. She handed him a second blanket, glancing around surreptitiously. Dev dropped onto the sand as well, putting some distance between himself and the newlyweds.

  Sophia then opened a nearby basket and pulled out a few bottles of wine. As she handed Dev his own bottle and an apple, Harold proceeded to tell him what they’d been doing since they left London.

  Watching his cousin and Sophia interact now, he was happy to see that they’d made peace with each other. Harold’s awkwardness with her was gone. Of course, her sweet charm, her compassion
and understanding, had most likely gone to work on the way Harold saw himself. For she knew his secret and had not treated him with any ill will.

  Sophia glanced over and caught Dev’s eye.

  He’d thought he would be able to leave her alone until after Harold and Stewart left the country. But in that moment, as she smiled at him warmly, he couldn’t remember why.

  Chapter 17

  “So, you are going to climb to the bottom, swim out through the tunnel and then back into the cave and climb back out, up the rope?” Sophia had insisted on coming along today and would not be shielded from any of the pertinent details. Ignoring Dev’s instructions for her to step aside while he and Harold cleared the rocks away from the cave, she continued picking up some of the smaller stones and tossing them to the side.

  Dev had not been able to go to her the night before. Nor the night before that. For the newly married couple had established that they slept in the same bed, and to do differently, might signify that they’d lost interest in one another.

  And Harold was determined to leave his mother with a favorable memory of her second son. He’d told Dev he would not back out of this stunt. He’d been swimming every day, growing stronger and more agile, at Sophia’s urging.

  Today, they were to investigate the condition of the tunnel.

  It had eroded considerably. Dev saw this right away, as they moved the rocks back. He only hoped that the underwater channel would still present a clear passage. Pulling the last of the larger stones away, Dev then turned to the sturdy tree nearby. Sophia opened the picnic basket and pulled out the rope.

  As she handed it to him, his fingertips brushed her palm. Her hand felt especially soft. He hesitated just a moment before relinquishing her touch.

  The rope she handed him was thick and heavy. After testing the weight of it, he tied it around the trunk of the tree methodically and then tugged. It would do.

  At the tunnel, he dropped to his knees and went to crawl forward, but suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder.

  “Dev…” He looked back and saw bright blue, concerned eyes. Sophia would not try to stop him, he knew, but neither would she pretend no danger existed. “…be careful.” And then, despite Harold’s presence, she leaned forward and pressed her lips against his.