Rescued By the Spy

by Laura A. Barnes

  It was decided they would lure Maxwell to a trap at Hillston House. With a rumor of Ivy’s grief at the demise of her brother and she was on her death bed. It should keep the ton from visiting as well. Nobody wanted to go near the sickbed. This would keep out any busybodies from discovering Charles was not dead. Then the rumors could circulate, Shears would think he succeeded and Maxwell could complete part of his mission. They would draw him in with Ivy’s sickness. They felt he could not stay away from his devoted friend. When he appeared, they would sit him down and come to some kind of reasoning with him. If their plan failed, there was nothing else they could do for Maxwell. He would fall right along with Shears and the many others who were betraying the Crown.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  IVY WAS TIRED OF pretending to be on her deathbed. She snuck to the library to grab a book after Thorn had departed for the day. Most of the servants were sent away on holiday. They thought the fewer people who knew of Ivy’s health, Charles, and Raina’s presence the better. Only the most trusted servants stayed in residence. The family had hired them for years and would not betray them. So, with few servants to wonder of her whereabouts, Ivy went in search of some reading material to pass the time. Also, she needed the exercise; while she longed for the garden, she knew it was not possible to risk being seen. So, she wandered the halls. The baby had taken up a continuous kick to let her notice of his or her objection to their relaxation the last few days.

  As she passed Thorn’s study she heard a whisper of a noise. It sounded of drawers being slowly opening and shutting. She knew Thorn had left; she watched as his carriage pulled away. It was not Charles or Raina because they had disguised themselves as servants and left earlier. It was their way to wander London in search for Maxwell, undetected. She was alone in the house except for the servants. When she pushed the door silently open, she saw him.

  His dark head was bent as he searched the drawers to Thorn’s desk. He had lost weight and his clothes were in disarray. This was not the gentleman who had kissed her months earlier in a closet. No this was a desperate man.

  Sliding inside the room, she turned the lock on the door as she closed it. While, wanting to close it quietly, the lock slid into place with a clunk. A loud clunk. The man stilled. Then he gradually slid the drawer closed before he raised his head. When his eyes met hers, they held a haunted expression. With what she didn’t understand but realized it was not a joyful emotion.

  “You don't appear to be on your last breath.”

  “No.”

  He laughed. Sweeping his hair back from his face, he continued laughing as he slipped into Thorn’s chair. Once he finished laughing, he smiled at her with his charming grin he used on every lady to get what he wanted. While Ivy had always been immune to his charms, she still enjoyed the pleasure of his smiles. The haunted gaze disappeared from his eyes. While they still held a glimpse of what Ivy could not explain, they were not as dark.

  “You were the pawn in their trick.”

  Ivy blushed at his harsh words. “Yes,” she replied.

  “Should have known, but the thought of you suffering brought me to my knees. I never meant to cause you any pain.”

  “You must not be suffering much, considering you are rifling through Thorn’s desk.”

  “Your husband has in his possession an object of mine.”

  “I know.”

  “Of course, you do. So, when is Thorn going to stage his entrance? Or are you supposed to lure me to him?”

  “It is not as dramatic as you are making it out to be Zane.”

  Zane raised his eyebrow in question in the maddening way he always did when somebody tried to prove him wrong. “Isn’t it?” he questioned.

  Ivy sighed, “No.”

  He humphed but rose from the desk and made his way to her side. Maxwell slid his arm around her as he helped her to the settee where he lowered her to sit. Then he made his way over to the book shelves. Pulling several books out, he continued in his search. He was sure Thorn hid the ruby in this room. When he moved a book slightly forward, he heard the soft click. He smiled as he brought the volume further out, standing in front of the book he released the special compartment. He blocked Ivy’s view from what he was doing. Slipping his hand inside, he wrapped his fingers around his prize. He rubbed the smooth surface of the jewel. Maxwell pulled it out and slid the book back in place. He palmed the ruby in his hand as he turned around towards Ivy. When he faced her again, he noticed she was trying to move her body to see his actions. Sliding his hands inside his pockets he moved from the shelves and wandered around the room, overturning items as he moved.

  “Have you located what you are searching for?”

  “You know I have not,” he said as casually to her as he could.

  Sitting next to Ivy, he regarded her. With his eyes half closed he took in the picture of her absolute charm. Even heavy with child she was as lovely as ever. Her long blond hair loose and flowing around her shoulders. She positively glowed. Thorn was a lucky bastard.

  “I see Thornhill is taking excellent care of you.”

  “You knew he would.”

  “At one time I wondered, but I can see the fool followed through in the end.”

  “Mm, yes.” Ivy responded as she rubs the kicks her child was doing to her sides.

  “I guess my chances are over?” he teased.

  Ivy laughed, “You had zero chances to begin with.”

  “Ah, but a man can wonder.”

  Ivy laughed at his wry sense of humor. Only Zane could make an uncomfortable scene comfortable. But she could perceive he wasn’t the same. She wanted to help him while she could before the others arrived. Her part of the plan was to keep him occupied for as long as possible. She could do that. Spending time amongst Zane had never been a hardship. If it were not for him, loneliness would have been her companion while Thorn was away fighting in the war. But it was Zane who befriended her when she needed him the most. Now it was her turn to be there for him.

  “Is it her?”

  “Yes, I believe so.”

  “Will you let Thorn and Charles help you?”

  “No, I will not have their lives on my conscience too.”

  “How are you going to rescue her?”

  “That is a plan I am trying to figure out.”

  “If you rescue her, what will become of her?”

  “What should have been offered to her ages ago.”

  “It was not your fault Zane, you were but a child yourself.”

  “That is where you are wrong Ivy, I was old enough to recognize what they were doing was wrong. I could've prevented all of this from happening.”

  Ivy laid her hand on his arm, “You understand this to be false. You did not have the power to stop them. Cease blaming yourself.”

  “Maybe, but I have the power now. The power to bring her home and right all the wrongs.”

  “Please let me tell Thorn your story and we can help you.”

  “Ivy, you made me a promise years ago and I am holding you to it. Please do not betray my trust in this matter. I realize that is a lot for me to ask of you, considering how I have betrayed you countless times in the past year. But this secret is sacred. Nobody knows of your knowledge on this matter. If you make this known to Thorn and the others, you are putting everybody’s lives at risk.” As he laid his hand on her rounded stomach, he felt the life stirring beneath his fingertips. “I will not be having you risk your happiness for my sorry soul. Will you continue to offer me your secrecy in this matter?”

  “I promise,” Ivy whispered.

  “Now that everything is settled; I have brought Thorn and you a wedding present. I want to offer my humblest apologies for not attending your nuptials. By bringing a present with me, I hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me.”

  “I adore presents. Where is it?”

  Maxwell rose from the sofa and sauntered over to the window. Hidden behind the curtains was a package wrapped gaily in pastel paper. Ma
king his way back to her side, he saw as she awaited eagerly for her present. She was practically bouncing up and down. Ivy always loved to be spoiled. He hoped this would help in repairing a few of his wrong doings where she was concerned. He handed her the present and stood back as she ripped the paper away.

  “Oh,” she exclaimed her eyes filling with tears.

  Her fingers lightly reached out to touch the present. Her fingers slid over the hand-crafted picture frame. She dipped her fingers along the curve in the border. Looking up at him she smiled through the tears sliding along her cheeks.

  “Thank you so much Zane. This is the most wonderful present I have ever received. I know precisely where we will hang it.”

  Zane smiled at her enjoyment. He recognized the tears to be ones of joy.

  “Do you remember when I sketched this?”

  Ivy smiled at the memory, “Yes, I was so down in the dumps and you helped me that day not to give up hope.”

  “It all worked out for you. You are happy, are you not Ivy?”

  “Yes, it all worked out and I am very happy Zane.”

  Zane nodded his head, “Then I am happy for you.”

  They were both quiet, neither one of them wanting to break their newfound friendship. Their bond was still fragile from the lies and deception, but both understood it was a friendship that would stand the test of time.

  “I must be off my dear. Please give my regards to Thorn.”

  “Please stay Zane, I beg of you.”

  “I realize keeping me here is your mission, but I must run.”

  “But you didn’t find what you came to Hillston House for.”

  “Ah, but I did. I came to pay my respects to your family for your loss and to see to my dear friend’s welfare. I think I have achieved what I have set out to do. Please give Thorn and your family my regards.”

  He lifted her hand and bestowed a kiss across her knuckles. As he made his way to the door, he departed the same way he entered. Walking through the door, he continued to the servant’s entrance and swiftly exited through the back garden.

  Ivy tried to rise from the settee and follow him, but her cumbersome body stopped her from his quick departure. She had only made it as far as the door when Thorn came rushing into his study.

  “Where is he?”

  “He left.”

  “Damn.”

  “Thorn.”

  “Sorry my dear. I was so close to capturing him.”

  “I tried.”

  “That you did my dear.” Thorn helped her to sit back on the sofa.

  Lowering himself next to her, he brought her into the circle of his arms. Leaning them both back against the settee he sighed. When Sims had sent word, Ivy was with Maxwell in the study, he knew their plan had worked. He rushed home to rescue her, but he was too late.

  “Zane brought us a wedding present.”

  “Did he now?”

  “Yes, a painting. I think we will hang the portrait in our bedroom.”

  “Wherever you wish my love.”

  “Will you look at it?”

  “I am sure I will love the picture if you do.”

  “Please look.”

  Thorn sighed, releasing his arms from around Ivy, he sat forward and lifted the image to the light. When he saw what the painting was, he laughed. The last time he had looked upon this picture, it had put him in a jealous rage. But after he heard the story behind the picture, he found a new sense of friendship towards Maxwell and a love forever binding with Ivy.

  It was a picture of his beloved Ivy sitting near the lake giggling at ducks waddling by with a look of enchanted love written all over her face. At first, he believed the picture was of Ivy in love with the artist, but it was the love she felt for him. His friend had made her remember him and their love for each other. This picture was an act of forgiveness. He laughed at the humor of the present. Maxwell was still Maxwell. Nothing had changed with the man.

  He looked over at Ivy, “I agree the bedroom will make a lovely home for this masterpiece. One day we will remember and laugh over this memory.”

  “He refused.”

  “I understand why, and you are correct in your assumption of the man. I now see that while he is misguided, he is doing what a true friend would do for the safety of those he loves.”

  “Are we still going to help him?”

  “Yes, my dear we are.” He pulled Ivy back into his arms and gently kissed her. Small light kisses which made them whole. Sitting back, they admired their wedding present from their friend.

  …..

  It had been a week which during that time they had spent most of their time apart. Apart in more ways than one. When they had spent time together it was in the presence of others. The Duke had insisted Charles return to their townhome and Raina would stay with the Thornhills for propriety’s sake. Which was preposterous, considering the last few weeks they spent alone at the cottage. She missed him. But what made it even worse was he had not spoken to her about her confessions. Which led her to believe he was angry with her deception.

  But they were alone together now. They waited in disguise across the back lane for any signs of Maxwell. Both were dressed in servant clothes for disguise. Stuck behind several tall hedges, they waited in silence. The silence was killing her, but she was too afraid to speak for what he might say to her. Over the course of the last few days without his company she realized the true depths of her feelings for him. She loved him deeply. Raina desired a life with him after they destroy Shears. Her only doubt was if he cared the same way anymore. She knew he did at the cottage, but much has changed since then. Did his feelings change too? She needed to quit being such a coward and ask him, but she didn’t. She stayed next to his side with her thoughts of doubt to herself.

  Finally, they were alone. What did he do? But stand in silence like an idiot. An idiot so in love with her he wanted to confess his love but held back. This was not the place for this, he wanted to woo her in a romantic setting when he professed his love and ask for her hand in marriage. Romance is what she deserves, for what she had endured the past few years. He wanted to make her feel cherished. They needed to bring Shears and his cohorts to justice first. In time he would profess his love and propose to her.

  This time apart he reflected upon their relationship. He listened as she told of her acts of desperation. She was a lady abandoned, who did what she had to survive. He knew she regretted her acts of revenge. Well some of them anyhow. The stabbing of Thorn and his kidnapping, but the destruction of Shears she did not. He could not blame her there. While many of her plans were somewhat misguided, they were done with the best intent. What troubled him was how reckless she was with her own life. He understood how she believed she had nothing to live for, but did she still feel this way? He hoped not, he hoped she wanted the same things he did.

  “We will marry,” he blurted out abruptly.

  Where had that come from? Now he sounded like a pompous jackass. Real romantic there Mallory. Way to sweep her off her feet. He wanted to smack himself upside the head. What happened to the plan of waiting for a romantic atmosphere?

  Well so much for expecting a romantic gesture from Charles. Now he feels obligated to marry me. Raina could view his offer one of two ways. One, he felt he had to marry her and they could try to build a life together. Rebuild the trust and learn to love each other. Or two, they marry out of necessity and live separate lives. Not that she wanted number two. But if she agreed, she could make number one become a reality. For so long, she lived her life in a haze, her anger dictating her actions. She now had the opportunity to live her life fully. Did it matter how she was asked or in this case, demanded?

  She never turned towards him but continued staring out across into the Thornhill’s garden when she answered him, “All right.”

  All right was all she said. All right, as in yes? That was all she said. No arguments, only a meek “all right.” This was not his Raina. He let out a lengthy sigh in relief. He would take
this affirmative answer as a positive sign. Even though it didn’t speak of her personality to be so agreeable. But before he questioned her further, their prey was strolling out of the garden as casually as a wanted chap could be.

  Raina noticed him first. While the distraction of the awkward proposal was still featured on her mind she had never taken her eyes off the garden. Granted it was looking there or looking at Charles’s reaction to her acceptance which kept her eyes trained forward. She watched as Maxwell lazily strolled out of the garden and walked along the hedges they were hidden behind.

  “You two must work on your disguises. I spotted you the minute I entered the residence. You are slipping poor girl. Must be the love that sparkles between you two, that makes you so vulnerable,” Maxwell quipped.

  Before they could reply to him he spoke to the groomsman nearby requesting his horse be brought to him. Charles and Raina both realized they were too caught up in their own minds to have even noticed he had stabled his horse and gained entry to the house. They had failed Ivy and themselves. When the groomsman brought the horse to Maxwell, he made a fuss with the cinches on the saddle and was pretending to speak to the horse.

  “I am being watched, along with this house. Don’t come from behind the hedges to confront me. The rumor of your deaths has spread, and Shears believes it to be true. Do not show your faces or it will ruin everything I have set to achieve.”

  “But you need every jewel for your plan to work,” Charles hissed through the hedges.

  Maxwell patted his pocket, smiling smugly, “What makes you think I do not have every one of those?”

  “Because Raina has the small jewels in her jewelry box and Thorn has hidden the one you need the most.”

  “Tsk, tsk. Raina dear, you still are not being honest with him, are you? This won’t work for your marriage, all this dishonesty. Shall you tell him or I?”