by Clee, Adele
Undeterred by their menacing glares, Claudia sorted through the papers on the desk. She offered the magistrate examples of her father’s signature, documents signed three years ago.
“As you can see from the evidence shown, the signatures on both documents are identical. Please note the dates.”
The magistrate looked down his nose and gave the items his brief consideration.
“Here, you see that the signature on the loan is identical to those already shown,” Claudia said, pushing the other examples across the desk.
“What does this prove, Miss Darling?” The magistrate’s words carried a veiled challenge, a sinister threat that she should think carefully before making accusations.
“I shall tell you if given a chance.” Claudia’s patience was wearing thin.
“It proves that the lady is stalling,” Mr Thorncroft replied. “It proves she is trying to undermine the legitimacy of the contract. The only notable question worth an answer relates to the debt of fifteen hundred pounds.”
Mr Hollingsworth huffed. He shook his head as he glanced at the clock. “Just answer the question, Miss Darling, so we can bring this matter to a swift conclusion. Do you have the funds to settle the debt?”
“No.” Claudia raised her chin. “I do not.”
Mr Thorncroft’s eyes brightened. “Excellent. Then as per our agreement, we shall arrange for the vicar to read the banns on Sunday.”
Claudia would rather spend a year in Newgate than a day married to this buffoon.
“I cannot marry you, Mr Thorncroft,” she found the courage to say. The bang of the brass knocker hitting the front door plate made her jump, but she would not veer from her course. “You may prosecute me. The magistrate may conduct an inquest and haul me before the assizes. Do what you must. Either way, nothing would induce me to accept a proposal.”
The devil shot forward, his eyes sharp and black, his teeth bared. “Oh, you will marry me if I have to drag you to the damn church myself.” Without warning, he lunged and grabbed hold of her wrist. “You’ll marry me else you’ll rue the day you made me your enemy.”
She heard Emily’s frantic mutterings in the hall. Never had her poor sister sounded so afraid.
Anger flamed hot in her chest. “Release me at once,” she commanded.
Mr Thorncroft’s sharp talons dug into her skin. “Not until you agree to abide by our contract.” He firmed his grip and twisted her wrist.
The magistrate’s eyes widened. He opened his mouth, made an odd popping sound, but no words came out.
“You’re hurting me. Release my hand at once.”
“For twelve long months I’ve pandered to you, Miss Darling.” Mr Thorncroft’s wild stare froze the blood in her veins. “I always get what I want, so make no—”
“Then you’re about to be sorely disappointed.” An eloquent, determined voice cut through the chaos. Lord Valentine stepped into the room, accompanied by Lord Greystone, Mr Drake and Hudson Lockhart. “In this instance, you’ll get what you deserve.”
Mr Thorncroft relaxed his grip as he glanced back over his shoulder and considered the four men.
Claudia’s eyes met Hudson’s furious glare. Mr Drake gripped Hudson’s forearm as one might hold the leash of a savage dog.
Claudia used the distraction to her advantage. She grabbed the heavy glass inkwell and brought it crashing down on Mr Thorncroft’s arm.
“Blast!” The devil howled as he snatched his hand away and cradled his injured limb.
It took the magistrate a moment to haul his rotund figure out of the seat. “What is the meaning of this intrusion?”
Hudson turned to Mr Drake and cursed. “Goddamn, I will rip their heads off their shoulders.”
“All in good time,” Mr Drake replied, looking pleased at the prospect of brawling in the study.
“Let us dispense with formal introductions,” Lord Valentine said in the arrogant tone one might expect from a member of the aristocracy. “We know who you are. But in case you should have any doubts regarding our authority to burst into this lady’s home, permit Miss Darling to correct any misconception.”
The magistrate’s anxious eyes fixed on Claudia. “Am I to understand you know these gentlemen?”
Claudia nodded. “Lord Valentine, Lord Greystone and Mr Drake are dear friends of Mr Lockhart.” Excitement, gratitude and relief filled her chest. “Mr Lockhart is … Mr Lockhart is …”
“Miss Darling’s betrothed,” Hudson said in a murderous tone.
The magistrate’s eyes bulged. “My lords.” Looking somewhat flustered, he could not decide which gentleman to bow to first. “I fear there has been a terrible misunderstanding.”
“There is no misunderstanding.” Hudson snatched his arm free of Drake’s grasp and stepped forward. “Miss Darling is betrothed to me, and my illustrious friends bore witness to the fact.”
Just hearing his rich voice, seeing his handsome face, sent her stomach flipping.
“That’s impossible,” Mr Thorncroft protested. “Miss Darling signed a contract agreeing to marry me.”
Lord Valentine cleared his throat. “A contract based on blackmail and forgery. Richard Darling did not borrow a damn penny, and yet you have persecuted his daughter to your own devilish ends.”
Mr Thorncroft’s face turned ashen.
Claudia gasped. It was as she had always suspected. “Is that true?”
“Whether Mr Thorncroft deceived you out of love or greed is the only matter up for question,” Lord Valentine said.
“Preposterous lies. All lies.” Mr Thorncroft was about to make further protestations when Monsieur Dariell entered the study, clasping the arm of a terrified-looking fellow.
“Mr Higson, he has come to confess.” Dariell pushed the man forward.
After a prod in the back, the scrawny, red-haired man explained his business dealings with Mr Thorncroft, which extended to forgery and copying her father’s signature.
“We have Mr Higson’s sworn statement,” Lord Greystone said, “and intend to advise his punishment is commuted to transportation in light of a full confession.”
Silence descended.
A volatile tension hung in the air.
Mr Thorncroft turned to the magistrate who had edged away from the devil and moved to stand near Lord Greystone. “You’d better send these men on their way, else I shall explain you’re a man who can be persuaded to turn a blind eye to the truth.”
“Now listen here,” the magistrate said, but Lord Valentine raised his hand to silence the men.
“Mr Hollingsworth,” Lord Valentine began, “together we will take the prisoner into custody on the charges of fraud, intent to extort money and blackmail. Am I correct that the court will hear the case in Hertford?”
The magistrate nodded. From his sallow complexion and trembling lips, anyone would think he was the one being committed. “After the formal inquest and indictment, the judge will hear the case at the Shire Hall, although not until Lent.”
“This is ludicrous!” Mr Thorncroft protested. He swung around to face Claudia, his movements so erratic that Hudson darted forward and grabbed the rogue by the collar. “Let me go. Get your hands off me. You’ve got no proof, nothing more than the word of a shopkeeper.”
“And the discrepancy in the signatures,” Claudia added.
“One thing I cannot abide,” Lord Valentine said, “is a man who takes advantage of a lady living alone. As a viscount and peer, I shall do everything in my power to see you charged. Indeed, we will retire to your residence, Mr Hollingsworth, and have your clerk record the details.”
In the presence of two peers, the magistrate could do nothing but agree.
A scuffle broke out when they tried to drag Mr Thorncroft from the room. The devil wielded his walking stick like a sword, swinging it high and low until Lord Greystone caught hold of the cane and Hudson smashed his fist into Thorncroft’s face.
The next twenty minutes passed by in a blur as the gentlemen bundled M
r Thorncroft into Lord Greystone’s carriage. Mr Drake accompanied the magistrate, and the men left for Meadowbrook, except for Hudson Lockhart.
Claudia stood beneath the portico, her arms wrapped across her chest while Hudson stood a few feet away and watched the carriages rattle down the drive. Nerves held her rigid. She would have to explain her reasons for not telling him the truth, for not trusting him with the facts.
Hudson turned to face her.
Claudia tried to read his mood, though his face remained expressionless. Relief brought water to her eyes when he opened his arms, smiled and beckoned her forward. In a rush of excitement, she almost tripped on the bottom step but Hudson was there with a steady arm and a warm embrace.
Determined to offer an explanation, she opened her mouth to speak, but he captured her lips in a searing kiss hot enough to make her toes curl.
“Don’t ever do that again,” he panted as he dragged his mouth from hers. “Don’t ever feel as if you have to battle your problems alone.”
“But after what happened with Selina, I thought—”
Hudson placed his finger on her lips. “You’re not Selina. You were right not to take the money. I was wrong to assume you would. For the last week, you’ve done everything to support me and help solve my problems, and not once did I enquire as to the nature of yours. I am the one at fault, not you.”
Claudia swallowed hard. “I would have told you about Mr Thorncroft, but I wanted you to know that my problems had no bearing on my feelings for you.”
He stroked her hair off her brow, kissed her so deeply the muscles in her core clenched, begging for him to enter her body.
“None of that is important now,” he said in the husky voice that suggested he wanted her, too. “Only two questions matter. Two simple questions that require two simple answers.”
“Oh.” Her heart thumped against her ribcage.
“Do you love me, Claudia? For I love you more than life itself.”
Her throat grew so tight she could hardly speak. “To the depths of my soul.”
A wicked smile touched his lips. “Will you marry me?”
“In a heartbeat.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Falaura Glen - Two weeks later
“So your father did send the letter threatening to strike you from his will,” Claudia said as they waited for their friends to join them at the rotunda.
Dariell and Emily had spent the previous day decorating the structure with roses and ivy, used fresh white sheets to give the place the same magical air. Instead of a chaise, a harpsichord took centre stage. Two braziers blazed with enough heat to keep the winter chill from settling into their bones.
“It was a desperate attempt to force me to come home,” Lockhart said, unable to resist the urge to stroke her cheek and press a chaste kiss to her cool lips. “Of course, he had no notion why I’d left in the beginning.”
Claudia touched his upper arm. “The main thing is that your father is on the road to recovery. Dr Hewlett seems happy with his progress.”
“Yes, but Father insists it’s too soon to send him back to Berwick Street.” Indeed, he’d pleaded to stay for another month to recuperate.
“And who can blame him?” Claudia chuckled. “How is your mother coping?”
“Apparently, she suspected something was amiss.” Lockhart had spent the last week in London, preparing for their honeymoon in Scotland, before heading back to Falaura Glen. “She complained about being a victim of deception, about having no option but to accept Selina’s help because I was away living like a heathen.” Someone had to take the blame for the matron’s lack of judgement.
“Has your mother found a replacement for Simmonds?”
Simmonds had begged to remain in Russell Square, too, after Hester’s numerous attempts to coax him back to Berwick Street.
“The new butler lasted three days before packing his bag and disappearing into the night. And I’m afraid to tell you that as of ten o’clock today she’s your mother, too.”
Claudia grinned. “Oh, so now I’m your wife I have to share in your burden?”
“Absolutely.”
She stared into his eyes for a moment. “You didn’t mind the fact your family weren’t at the church today? You could have confessed. You could have told them the truth about hiring me to play a role.”
Lockhart shook his head. He refused to give the gossips a reason to shame his wife. “As far as my family are concerned we were married last year in Meerut on the second day in November.”
“You remembered.”
“How could I forget?”
Claudia’s smile faded, and she sighed. “Soon they will learn that there isn’t a child.”
“Then we will have to do something to rectifying the problem.” Lockhart slid his arm around her waist and drew her to his chest. The need to make love to her thrummed in his veins. “Perhaps we should leave our guests to fend for themselves. It’s been a week since I’ve dragged a pretty moan from your lips.”
“You certainly know how to tempt a lady, Mr Lockhart.”
“Can I help it if I have a charm you find irresistible?” Lord, as much as he loved the company of his friends, he couldn’t help but wish they were alone. “Kiss me, then, in the way that makes me know you want me. Kiss me as you did that night in the rotunda.”
Claudia’s blue eyes sparkled. She moistened her lips and came up on her tiptoes just as Drake’s loud laugh reached their ears.
“Damnation.” Lockhart released his bride as their friends approached. “Anticipation is said to heighten one’s desire.”
“Then by this evening, I imagine we’ll be clawing at each other’s clothes.”
“What is so funny, Drake?” Lockhart said in an effort to dampen his ardour.
Juliet smiled as she gripped her husband’s arm. “Dariell has taught Emily to deflect a punch by using instincts alone. Devlin did his best to prove it was an impossible feat.”
Claudia gasped. “Good Lord, you attempted to strike my sister?”
“No,” Emily said as she stepped up to the rotunda. “He didn’t use his fist. He used my walking cane.”
“Sometimes the eyes are deceiving,” Dariell said as he sauntered behind Emily. “It is always better to use one’s intuition. My wife has just proved the point, no?”
The comment drew Lockhart’s thoughts to the blood-stained body at the inn. Anyone stumbling upon the scene would have assumed his guilt, and yet he had known in his heart that he had not committed the heinous crime.
Greystone and Lydia, and Valentine and Aveline, joined them outside for Dariell’s surprise. Lockhart glanced at his friends as they embraced their wives. Happiness radiated. It filled the cold air with a vibrant energy that brought hope for new beginnings.
“Well, Drake?” Dariell said, wearing a wide grin for it was his wedding day, too. “Are you ready to take your seat?”
Drake inclined his head and sat down on the bench at the harpsichord. “The keys are slimmer than I’m used to, but I shall do my best.” He flexed his fingers and adjusted his posture.
Dariell and Emily stepped into the rotunda. The Frenchman took his wife in his arms and muttered words of reassurance. When the music started, the couple moved slowly at first, following the steps of the waltz.
Drake performed with great mastery and skill. While Lockhart knew his friend played, he had no idea how well. It was a piece of music he had never heard before, more dramatic than any waltz heard in the ballrooms in London. It had a Hungarian flavour filled with passion and energy.
“Devlin composed the music himself,” Juliet said, looking extremely proud.
It was then that Dariell and Emily took to twirling about the floor in the rotunda, circling Drake as he tinkled the keys, sweeping about with poise and grace.
Claudia gripped Lockhart’s arm. “Heavens, I don’t think I have ever witnessed anything so beautiful.” Love for her sister clung to every word.
“I have,” he whisp
ered as he studied his wife’s delicate profile.
Overwhelmed with the need to feel Claudia’s body pressed to his, Lockhart took her in his arms and swayed in time with the music. He held her far too close for the dance to be considered respectable. After all, had she not accepted a proposal from a scandalous rogue?
Using a strategy of carefully planned steps, he steered her away from prying eyes, to a secluded spot behind the flowing white sheets. “Now that we have a little privacy, perhaps we should share a passionate kiss, one that conveys the depth of our love.”
When he stared deeply into her eyes and his hands skimmed the curve of her hips, Claudia arched a brow. “While that is the look of love, Mr Lockhart, your wandering hands speak of lust.”
Lust and love burned hot in his veins. “Won’t you permit your husband this one indulgence?”
Claudia looked into his eyes and gave a dreamy sigh. “For you, my love, anything.”
Thank you!
Thank you for reading
A Gentleman’s Curse
Look out for a new series coming soon!
And the Widow Wore Scarlet
Scandalous Sons - Book 1
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Books by Adele Clee
To Save a Sinner
A Curse of the Heart
What Every Lord Wants
The Secret To Your Surrender
A Simple Case of Seduction
Anything for Love Series
What You Desire
What You Propose
What You Deserve
What You Promised
