Grace faced Devonton. “I’ll wait here. You accompany him and see to his safety.”
“No. You both must return to the ball.” He squeezed her hand. “I shall see you tomorrow, and we finalize wedding arrangements.”
Wide-eyed, she quickly turned to Matthew. He must have been beaten one too many times to believe she’d still marry him after the choices he had made. You’d marry him regardless. Grace shook her head to clear her conscience. “Very well, we will both accompany you.” She grabbed her skirts and stood ready to exit. With one last narrowed stare at Matthew, she twisted the latch to release the door and hopped down to the pebbled path.
Where were they? Squinting, Grace could see the field before her was wide and deep. Trees lined the path the hackney was stationed on. Inhaling, beyond the strong scent of grass, Grace detected the faint aroma of mint. They were in Hyde Park. The wheels of the hackney crunched over the gravel path as it disappeared into the darkness.
Matthew gripped her by the elbow and led her into the dark. “You are the most obstinate, dangerous”—he stopped and tenderly cupped her face—“and courageous woman I know. Will you do me the honor of becoming the next Countess of Harrington?”
Of all the times and places, Matthew had to go and catch her totally off guard. His wicked smile proved he knew exactly what he was about. Unable to resist the man, Grace answered, “You better not be late…”
Matthew leaned in and kissed her, stealing her breath away and banishing all rational thoughts from her mind, the thump of her heartbeat loud in her ears. Seeking out Matthew’s warmth, Grace wrapped her arms about his waist.
“Praise the saints, it’s about bloody time,” Blake grumbled from behind her. Clearing his throat, he added, “We must disappear from sight and let Matthew attempt to achieve the impossible.”
Matthew leaned back and said, “Thanks for the support, dear friend.”
Releasing her hold, Grace stepped back. “Very well. Let’s be off, Devonton. Which is the quickest to route back to Redburn’s?” Blake was the finest cartographer in all of England. Surely he could figure the best way out of the park.
Her subordinate’s gaze flickered to Matthew. After a silent exchange between the two, Blake said, “It’s too far to walk all the way back, but I know where we can find a ready vehicle to take us home. Follow me.”
They turned to walk toward the path, leaving Matthew behind. Hidden in the shadows, Blake muttered, “I have a bad feeling about his meetings. I fear they will not go to plan.”
“I agree.” Scanning the area, she tugged on Blake’s sleeve. “Let’s stay and observe.” She moved farther into the brush that was barely tall enough to conceal Blake’s towering form. “Merely as a precaution.”
Chapter Twenty-One
The skin on the back of Matthew’s neck chafed against his collar, but it was the tingling sensation that piqued his interest. He tugged the lapels of his coat tighter together as he scanned the trees and the shadows. There was no sign of Grace, yet his body screamed that she was indeed near. It must be the lingering effect of her agreeing to marry him. But even as the rationalization drifted through his mind, Matthew narrowed his gaze and searched his surroundings. He’d have to trust that Blake would see to Grace’s safety. Damnation, he needed to focus on the meeting.
Two distinct booted footfalls crunched along the gravel path at least three yards away. There was no indication the men had arrived by horse or carriage. Hereford and Lord Wallace, a well-respected senior member of the court, briefly appeared and then slid back into the shadows. Hereford was considered by many as one of the best agents the Foreign Office had. Trained to remain undetected, Hereford wasn’t a concern. It was Lord Wallace’s reactions to the events that were about to unfold that gave Matthew pause.
The beat of horse hooves vibrated through the ground. Matthew’s peculiar habit of walking barefoot had increased his feet’s sensitivity. It brought about a whole new sensory skill he’d not thought possible. Moments later, Burke dismounted from his horse and flung the reins around a sapling. The devil paused and glanced about. He retrieved his timepiece from his coat pocket and flipped it open. Burke shook his head as he angled the face of the watch to capture the dim rays of moonlight. He slid the timepiece back into his coat and turned to face the field. Standing indolently, Burke inspected his right hand, the back, and then the palm and the back again before he stuffed both hands into his gloves. A signal. But to whom and what did it mean?
After months of staring into the dark, Matthew’s eyes were well able to see with minimal light. He quickly scanned the perimeter for movement. All that was about were trees and shrubs that cast dark shadows, but nothing that moved.
The crown jewel replicas that Rutherford had created weighed heavily in Matthew’s coat pocket. The real treasure was in Theo’s safe hands. She had agreed to present them to Archbroke after Redburn’s ball. Extracting the pocket watch Grace had gifted him on his birthday three years ago from his coat, Matthew brushed a thumb over the glass face and confirmed it was at the top of the hour.
Emerging from the shadows, Matthew asked, “Did you bring the deed?” The terms of the exchange were simple—the crown jewels for a large parcel of land that boarded Halestone Hall that Burke had swindled away from Matthew’s childhood neighbor Lord Taylor.
In the dark, Matthew had expected the man’s features to have a menacing quality to them. Instead, he faced a gentleman whose ruddy complexion and plump cheeks spoke of his overindulgent lifestyle. Burke would hang for his traitorous schemes, a punishment that suddenly seemed too soft.
Burke tipped his hat and said, “A good eve to you, Harrington.”
Moonlight fell upon the worn, yellowed parchment that the devil held against his chest. It was a misdeed that had irked Matthew for the past five years, which neither Grace nor he had been able to prevent or rectify.
Matthew reached for the papers, but Burke withdrew them and said, “The jewels first.”
“Not until I confirm you have signed the document over to the rightful owners.”
Burke unrolled the parchment, and Matthew scanned the deed. Satisfied all was in order, Matthew retrieved the pouch and held out the jewel replicas with an unusually steady hand. He preferred Burke to remain oblivious to the toll months of captivity had upon him. Burke’s meaty paw grabbed the bag and reached inside, jingling the jewels about. The man’s eyes widened, and then he retracted his hand and tightened the string.
Lifting the treasure in the air, Burke said, “I shall return these to the Palace. The king, along with Prinny, will be most pleased. I had not pegged you for a thief, Harrington. Such a shame for a peer to resort to such behavior. Wouldn’t you agree—Lord Wallace, Lord Hereford?”
What!
The devil was accusing him of stealing the crown jewels. A crime he’d hang for if the Prince Regent were to find him guilty. Matthew stiffened as a breeze brushed against his cheek—along with it, the distinct scent of lilacs. Damnation. He narrowed his gaze and searched the tree line. Unable to locate Grace, Matthew’s attention was drawn to the gentlemen who were to be his witnesses, not Burke’s, as they emerged from the dark. He wanted to wipe the smug grin from Burke’s face with his fist.
Hereford’s monotone voice broke the silence. “Lord Burke, we appreciate you informing us of the situation.” He turned to face Matthew. “Present yourself tomorrow. The Prince Regent will expect you an hour before noon.”
Tomorrow. An hour before noon. That was when Grace expected him at Saint George’s chapel. Damn. Damn. Damn. There was no way he’d make his own wedding in time. The streams of moonlight turned from bright white to a glowing red. Matthew’s gaze narrowed on Burke’s neck. He could wring the life out of the devil. The idea had its merits, considering he might hang for treason anyway.
“It’s a shame I won’t be present. I have my progeny’s wedding to attend.” Burke’s smile widened, baring his aged, yellowed teeth. “Gentlemen, there is a ship to set sail tomorrow
morn. We wouldn’t want anyone to go missing. Perhaps Harrington should be escorted now.”
Hereford and Lord Wallace turned their backs to them. Huddled, the pair spoke in hushed whispers. With a nod, Hereford swiveled and addressed Burke directly. “I think not. We shall arrange matters and given you will be preoccupied with your son’s wedding, why don’t I see to the return of the crown jewels.” Hereford held out his hand and waited.
Burke’s eyes widened. “As a senior court member… I believe it best if the jewels remained in my position.”
Lord Wallace shook his head. “Hand over the jewels. We will attend to the matter of returning them.”
Burke’s entire body tensed. It appeared Burke’s seniority within the court didn’t hold much weight with the older, wiser Lord Wallace. Matthew waited for Burke to begin weaving a tale that would see him retain possession of the treasure. Instead, the man simply shoved the pouch into Lord Wallace’s chest and said, “Ensure Prinny deals with the traitor.”
Burke’s actions were totally out of character. But the man had placed his hand in the pouch earlier, and his smirk had held a deviousness to it. With a sleight-of-hand move, Burke could have easily placed a piece up his sleeve, a maneuver often employed by pickpockets. Burke was after the rondure, not the entire set of crown jewels. Matthew spied Burke tugging at his gloves as the devil turned on his heel to leave. He released a pent-up breath, knowing Burke wouldn’t find the rondure for it wasn’t hidden within, whichever of the finely made replicas Burke had managed to palm.
Lord Wallace stepped forward and placed a hand on Matthew’s shoulder. “I’m too old to be involved in all these shenanigans.” The man’s fingers squeezed Matthew. “Don’t be late.”
Matthew stood rooted to the spot as Hereford and Lord Wallace disappeared into the night.
A familiar tingling sensation ran down his spine. It wasn’t the panicked reaction he’d experienced on the brink of death after a beating from his captors, and it wasn’t precisely the same stirring feeling he experienced when Grace was close—but it was alarming.
He took a step in the direction of where his coach was instructed to wait for him. Matthew halted. There was no vehicle waiting for him. He had given Blake leave to commandeer his vehicle to take Grace back to the ball. Matthew’s heart seized. Grace. He looked down at his booted feet and fell to his hands and knees. Tears threatened to emerge. He hadn’t shed a single one since the death of his papa. Attempting to inhale deeply, his ribs ached, but the pain was minuscule compared to the agony in his heart. How was he to explain to Grace the sequence of events that now prevented him from appearing at the church tomorrow?
A twig snapped to his left. Matthew rolled over onto his butt and jumped up onto his feet. He came face-to-face with Ellingsworth.
With a scowl, Ellingsworth said, “You should have heeded your sister’s advice.”
Matthew grabbed the man’s lapels, pulled him forward, and growled inches from his face. “How do you know the contents of my personal correspondence?”
“Everything can be purchased for a price.” Ellingsworth lowered his eyes to Matthew’s hands.
“Not everyone is lured by money.” Matthew released Ellingsworth and shoved him away.
Ellingsworth smoothed out the wrinkles in his coat. “True. Some are enticed by legends. Why the preoccupation with PORFs?”
He didn’t need to explain his motivations to Grace’s betrothed. Turning, Matthew walked away, but his steps faltered as Tobias said, “Being one myself, I can assure you there is nothing magical or amazing about the network, and there is certainly nothing special about those who are referred to as PORFs.”
Matthew marched back to stand in front of the man. “You are claiming to be a PORF?”
“Yes, but you already suspected it, so I’m not sharing anything you haven’t already discovered for yourself. But let me enlighten you with the whole truth. The woman who gave birth to me was not the Countess of Burke. She was a sweet, innocent member of the network whom Burke took a liking to. When the Countess of Burke was found to be barren, my sire ordered my mum to work in the kitchens of his country estate. Desperate for a child, Countess Burke claimed me as her own. I was fortunate to have two loving parents, the woman who gave me life and the Countess who imparted to me the knowledge and skill on how to avoid my sire’s attention. For your own good and for Grace and any offspring you may have, cease your investigations. Never share your theories or the information you have accumulated over the years.” Raking a hand over his face, Ellingsworth continued, “You’ve gotten yourself into a fine mess. But now that the crown jewels are finally in the hands of Archbroke, I can assist you. But you have to promise—cease your search and reveal nothing of your findings related to the existence of PORFs and their supporters.” Tobias’s gaze shifted to the wooded area to their left. “I must be seeing things. I saw Blake escorting Grace to your coach earlier. I’m certain the vehicle adorned your crest.”
Matthew peered at the spot that had caught Tobias’s attention. “I haven’t been able to identify her exact location, but I sense she’s close by.”
“The crafty woman is probably on the move. She knows you would detect her if she remained in one location too long.” Tobias slowly completed a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree turn searching their surroundings. “When will she ever learn to take more care with her own damn safety? I don’t understand your rationale for leaving two years past. Grace’s willingness to place your safety and welfare before her own is astounding.” Tobias glared at Matthew. “I’ll admit I am a tad jealous. You have the love of an extraordinary woman. Give me your promise, and I’ll help ensure that you are at the church on time.”
Matthew wanted to give the man his word, but his instincts told him not to. Being torn apart limb by limb might have been less painful than the agony he was currently experiencing. He was close to fulfilling a lifelong search, but his heart demanded Grace. Ultimately there was no decision to be made—he needed to be at the church. Releasing a sigh, he said, “You have my word. I shall cease investigating and never disclose my findings related to the existence of PORFs or the network.”
“Excellent.” Tobias slung an arm about Matthew’s shoulders and walked toward the path. “Allow me to assist you home. My coach is but a half mile from here.”
The lightness in Tobias’s step grated on Matthew’s nerves. Shrugging off the man’s arm, Matthew asked, “How do you intend to deal with Prinny?”
“I don’t. Hadfield will. I’ll be dealing with Burke.” Tobias chuckled. “Don’t look so worried. You have my word Burke will be dead by morn, I’ll be setting sail on a new adventure, and you will be in front of a priest pledging your life to Grace.”
The man was overly confident about what was to occur. Yet Matthew prayed Tobias would deliver on every one of his promises.
Chapter Twenty-Two
The coach curtains were drawn back, allowing rays of moonlight to illuminate the interior of Matthew’s coach. Blake hadn’t uttered a word since they left the park. His features were closed off and masked. Grace intently studied her number one agent, waiting for a sign, a wrinkle, the tic of a muscle, something that would give her a clue as to what the man was thinking. Nothing.
“He won’t be able to keep his promise, you know.” Blake bent and rested his elbows on his knees as he massaged his temples. A habit Matthew had adopted since his return.
“I’m fully aware of Matthew’s obsession.” She reached out and touched the back of Blake’s hand. “Are the headaches from stress or from…” Grace sat back as Blake’s eyes opened, and for a flicker, she captured the sight of the depths of anguish her agent had never revealed before. “I’m… I’m sorry for all the years you were assigned to the Continent. I wish I had…”
“The headaches are the result of being separated from Lucy.” He closed his eyes and continued to rub the tender spots on the side of his head. “I don’t think I ever shared with you… No, I know I’ve not told you that ea
ch time I was captured and held prisoner during the war, not once did I ever doubt that you would send help or have me rescued. I’d wager that similarly; Matthew shared those same thoughts.”
“You mean Matthew believed Archbroke was the one responsible for his rescue.”
“It was Waterford, a Home Office agent, who ultimately freed the lot of them. But Matthew knows the truth now, not because you told him, but because Theo shared with him the events that had occurred in his absence. Before you marry, he needs to hear from you what all went on.” He leaned back and said, “He’ll marry you, and then he’ll find himself in trouble, for like I said, he won’t be able to keep his word and cease his infernal investigations into PORFs and the like.”
“Are you suggesting I jilt Matthew?” A strange sound came out of Blake’s mouth. Frowning, Grace said, “What was that sound?”
“The noise that I’d be making as Matthew strangled me. If he were to ever hear you utter such a ghastly idea and that it was in some way my idea… I’d be a dead man. Regardless that I’m his brother-in-law and best friend.” Blake tugged on his cravat. “No, you need to convince the powers that be that Matthew should be allowed to continue his investigations.”
The man was insane. She shook her head and said, “What do you even know of the matter?” Blake did have a vault for a memory, able to recall facts, and he possessed the exceptional ability to illustrate scenes, lands, and people with a precision no one could match.
“More than I’ll admit.” Blake glanced out the window.
“What makes you believe I have any influence or that my opinions might carry any weight with the PORFs?”
“Because at least two of them care about your welfare. If it were me, I’d seek out Theo’s assistance before approaching Ellingsworth. But given there is little time before your betrothed sets sail, perhaps you should seek his assistance first.” The coach rolled to a stop in front of her papa’s residence, and Blake shifted to open the door.
Confessions of Lady Grace Page 15
