by Connie Mason
“I’ll lead the way back through the woods,” Julian said. “Stay close. The shots came from the woods, so whoever was shooting at us is likely to be ahead of us.”
“We’ll ride side by side,” Lara argued.
Julian’s face hardened. “Do as I say, Lara.”
Lara sighed and did as she was bidden, though she spent more time looking over her shoulder than watching where she was going. The thought that someone wanted Julian dead made her physically ill. They retraced their route along the bridle path. More people were about now and Lara allowed herself to breathe easier. Numbers meant safely. They left the park and retraced their route back to the Stanhope mansion.
A groom ran up to help Lara dismount and to take charge of the horses. “Leave my horse,” Julian ordered as he grasped Lara’s arm and ushered her up the stairs. “I’m leaving immediately.”
“Julian,” Lara protested. “We’re safe now. There’s no reason to rush away.”
“I don’t trust anyone,” Julian bit out. “It’s no longer safe for you in London.”
Lara stared at him. “You’re exaggerating. I’m perfectly safe here with Papa.”
“Not any longer. I’m taking you where I’m sure you’ll be safe.”
“Where is that?” Lara challenged.
“Pack your belongings for an indefinite stay. I’m going home to pack and have my coach readied.”
The door opened and Julian swept Lara past the butler.
“That will be all, Jeevers,” Lara said as she pulled off her gloves. She rounded on Julian the moment the butler disappeared. “Come into the kitchen. Your ear needs tending.”
“I’m fine, Lara,” Julian said dismissively. “We’re leaving London within the hour.”
Lara assumed a belligerent stance. “I’m not going anywhere with you, my lord.”
Julian’s jaw firmed. “I beg to differ with you, my lady.”
“What will I tell Papa?”
“Leave a note. Tell him you’re going away with me. Don’t tell him where to find us.”
“How can I? I don’t know where you’re taking me. What will Papa think? I can’t just disappear without an explanation.”
“I don’t care what he thinks. We’ll explain everything when we return.”
Never had Lara seen Julian so serious, so adamant. “Do you really think I’m in danger?”
“Don’t argue, Lara. Go upstairs and pack. If you’re not ready in an hour, I’ll carry you away with or without your belongings.”
He grasped her shoulders and gave her a hard kiss. Then he pushed her away. “Go.”
Lara walked up the stairs, pausing once to peer over her shoulder at Julian. He was speaking earnestly to Jeevers, who had appeared as if on cue to open the door for Julian.
“I understand, my lord,” Jeevers said with only a slight arching of one eyebrow. “I’m to admit no one into the house until you return. And I’m to tell Lord Stanhope that you and Lady Lara are leaving for an extended period of time.”
“That’s correct,” Julian said.
“Anything else, my lord? May I give Lord Stanhope your direction?”
“No you may not, Jeevers. Just give Lord Stanhope my message. I believe Lady Lara is penning a note to her father.”
Julian reached home without incident. Farthingale opened the door and Julian hurried inside. “Have Ames pack a bag, Farthingale,” Julian said. “None of my fancy duds, just plain trousers and jackets. I want my coach and driver out front within the hour. And ask Mrs. Roark to prepare something substantial to take along with me. Enough for two.”
“May I ask how long you’ll be gone, my lord?”
“I have no idea, Farthingale. Is Lady Emma home?”
“No, my lord. But Lady Amanda is in the small parlor.”
Julian frowned. What was Emma doing out alone? He found Amanda bent over an embroidery loom.
“Good afternoon, Aunt Amanda.”
Amanda looked up and smiled. “Good afternoon, Julian. Lovely day, isn’t it?”
“That depends on how you look at it. Where is Emma?”
“Riding in the park with that nice Viscount Blakely.”
“Bloody hell! Does no one follow orders? I told her to stay away from Blakely. I believe you are abetting the couple. I thought you would understand my objections to Blakely and direct Emma’s attention away from him. Blakely isn’t the man for Emma.”
Amanda’s hand fluttered to her chest. “My goodness, Julian, you know how determined Emma is.”
“Hardheaded, you mean,” Julian muttered. “I can’t wait for her, Aunt Amanda. I’m leaving within the hour. I’m trusting you to—”
His words were interrupted by a commotion in the hallway. Julian walked to the door and peered down the long corridor. His heart jumped into his mouth when he saw a pale, disheveled Emma leaning heavily against Blakely.
Julian burst into the foyer, scowling fiercely at Blakely. “Bloody hell! What did you do to Emma?”
“Rudy didn’t do a thing,” Emma defended. “He saved my life.”
Julian went still. “What do you mean?”
“Someone took a shot at Emma,” Blakely explained. “I saw sunlight glitter on something shiny. I spotted a gun barrel poking out from behind a tree and pushed Emma from her horse. The bullet missed her by scant inches. What in the hell is going on, Mansfield? I have a sneaking suspicion that this senseless attack has something to do with you.”
Julian looked stunned. Had his whole family become targets for a madman? He couldn’t let this go on. Something had to be done immediately.
“Are you all right, Emma dear?” This from Amanda, who had followed Julian into the hallway.
“I’m fine, Aunt,” Emma said shakily. “A trifle bruised, maybe, but otherwise unhurt.” She looked adoringly up at Blakely. “Thanks to Rudy.”
“Go up to your room and have your maid pack a bag for you. And one for herself. You’re leaving for Scotland immediately. Will you accompany her, Aunt Amanda?”
“Oh, dear me, no,” Amanda said, appalled. “I couldn’t possibly embark on so long a journey at my age.” She shuddered. “The Highlands are not to my liking. Too wild for my tastes, and those savage Scotsmen frighten me. I don’t know how Sinjun endures.”
Julian nodded briskly. “Very well. Emma’s maid will have to serve as chaperone.”
“I’m not going anywhere, Julian,” Emma protested. “What is this all about? Why is someone trying to harm me?”
“Aye, Mansfield,” Blakely said. “I think you owe Emma an explanation.”
Julian saw no help for it. He’d kept his identity as a government agent concealed from his family, but now that the Jackal had identified him, it was imperative that his loved ones be made aware of the danger that existed for them. And he supposed it wouldn’t hurt to inform Blakely since he had saved Emma’s life.
“Emma, your life is in danger because someone wants to hurt me,” Julian confided. “You see, someone tried to kill me and Lady Lara today.”
“Lady Lara!” Emma said, aghast. “Why Lady Lara?”
“Because I plan to marry Lara within the month. Our engagement should have appeared in the morning paper.”
“I didn’t read the paper today,” Emma said. “Why was I not informed of your plans? Why am I the last to know?”
“You’re right, of course,” Julian conceded. “I was going to discuss it with you at dinner this evening, but plans have changed. I’m taking Lara away and you’re going to Scotland. Tell Sinjun I’ll contact him if I need him.”
“Am I finally to know what you’re involved in, Julian?”
“I’m a government agent, Emma. My current assignment is to unmask the man behind a band of a smugglers. I believe he is the same man who killed Diana.”
Aunt Amanda plopped down on a bench and reached for her smelling salts. “Oh, my.”
Emma turned pale. “Julian! I thought Diana died in a carriage accident.”
“It was no acc
ident, Emma dear. I was supposed to be inside the carriage that day, not Diana. Diana died in my stead.” He didn’t mention the child. That was too personal.
“Oh, Julian, how dreadful,” Emma commiserated. “But why would anyone want to hurt me?”
“To force me to drop my investigation,” Julian revealed. “I received a threat, warning me that my loved ones would be hurt if I continued my investigation. London is no longer safe for you and Lara. Don’t argue, Emma, you’re going to Glenmoor and that’s final.”
“I’d be happy to escort Lady Emma to Glenmoor,” Blakely offered. “ ’Tis past time I paid Sinjun a visit.”
“I’m perfectly capable of providing an escort for my sister,” Julian argued.
“But no one will be as careful of her safety as I,” Blakely persisted. “Think about it, Mansfield. I will protect Emma with my life.”
Julian was torn. He knew of Blakely’s reputation with women, but the rogue did seem inordinately fond of Emma, and he’d heard no gossip about Blakely since his return to London. He had to get Lara out of town, and he couldn’t be in two places at once.
“Come on, Mansfield, you know I’m your best choice. I’ll see that Emma gets to Glenmoor safely.”
“Aye, Julian, listen to Rudy. If I must leave, let him accompany me if you cannot.”
“Very well, but I want you both gone within the hour. I’ll arrange for a coach and six outriders. I’m trusting you with my sister, Blakely. If I learn there is anything … untoward going on, I swear you’ll feel the fine edge of my steel.”
“You won’t be sorry, my lord,” Blakely swore. He took Emma’s hands. “I’ll pack a bag and return within the hour.” Then he was gone.
“Thank you, Julian,” Emma said. “I’ll feel safe with Rudy.”
“I hope I’m not making a mistake,” Julian muttered.
Emma started up the stairs, then paused. “Julian, do you love Lady Lara? Is that why you’re marrying her?”
Julian frowned. Love? He cared for Lara. He wanted her with a desperation that stunned him. He couldn’t keep his hands off her. She kissed like an angel, and her passion …
“Julian, answer me. Do you love Lara?”
“What nonsense, Emma. A man doesn’t have to love a woman to want to protect her. I cared deeply for Diana. I don’t think I’m capable of caring like that again.”
Emma sent Julian a knowing smile. “Methinks you protest too much, brother dear.” Then she proceeded up the stairs, leaving Julian with a stunned look on his face.
Amanda rose somewhat unsteadily from the bench. “You will be careful, won’t you, Julian? I do so worry about you.” She gave a delicate shudder. “To think you’ve been pursuing danger all these years.”
“Don’t worry, Aunt,” Julian said. “Perhaps it would be best if you visited Thornton Hall while we’re gone. I’d be devastated should anything happen to you.”
“If you say so,” Amanda said. “I’ll make arrangements immediately.”
The townhouse bustled with activity as preparations for their various departures got underway. By the time Blakely returned, packed and dressed for travel, Emma was ready to leave. Julian had arranged for six burly footmen to serve as escorts and saw her off with a final admonition to Blakely.
Aunt Amanda left in the carriage shortly afterward with her maid and suitable escort for the short journey. Julian was last to leave. Before he left the house, he dashed off a brief note of explanation to Lord Randall that Farthingale was to deliver after he left.
The moment Julian left her, Lara dashed off a note to her father, asking him to return home immediately. When a footman arrived at Parliament, he was denied access to Lord Stanhope until Parliament adjourned for the day. While Lara packed, the footman cooled his heels in an anteroom. Julian arrived long before Lord Stanhope, and with a regretful sigh, Lara climbed into the coach without her father knowing what had happened or where to find her.
Chapter 11
The coach clattered over the bridge, leaving London far behind. Lara shrank back against the squabs, looking anywhere but at the determined man sitting beside her. It wasn’t until the stench of the Thames could no longer be detected that she finally deigned to speak to him.
“Where are you taking me?”
“Ah, so you do have a tongue,” Julian teased.
“I’ve a notion to give you the sharp edge of it if you don’t answer my question,” she returned tartly. “Really, Julian, do you think this reckless flight out of town is necessary? I’m worried about Papa.”
“You left him a note, didn’t you?”
“Aye, but it won’t satisfy him. I hope you know what you’re doing.”
“London is not a healthy place for us at the moment. I’m taking you where you’ll be safe.”
“Where exactly is that?”
“We’ll leave the coach at the next coaching inn and send it and the driver back to London,” he continued. “A plain carriage will carry us to our destination.”
“You’re being very mysterious.”
“Do you know where to find Ramona and Pietro?”
She gave him a startled look. “Of course. They are always at the same place this time of year. Somewhere on Papa’s property in Kent. They have a standing invitation to camp there during the winter months. Papa makes sure they have enough food and warm clothing to see them through the cold season.” She gave him a speculative look. “Why?”
“I figure you’ll be safe with Ramona and Pietro. My enemies won’t think to look for you there.”
“What about you? Where will you be safe?”
“I’ll be there too … for a while. I want the Jackal to assume I’ve given up my investigation now that they are aware of my identity.”
“Have you really given up?” Lara asked, stunned by Julian’s disclosure. He didn’t seem the type to give up on anything, much less let the man who killed the woman he loved go unpunished.
Julian’s expression hardened. “Not while there’s a breath left in my body. The man responsible for Diana’s death will hang for his crime.”
Lara’s heart sank. The proof that Julian could never love her as he had Diana was in his fierce expression, his heated words. She remained silent. What could she say in response to Julian’s staunch devotion to his dead fiancée?
The coach rattled to a stop. Julian pulled back the curtain and peered out the window. “We’ve arrived.”
He opened the door. The coachman pulled down the steps. Julian climbed out first and handed Lara down. Lara waited while Julian retrieved their bags and spoke briefly to the coachman. He returned shortly and ushered her inside the inn.
“Wait here while I find out if the carriage I ordered is available,” Julian said.
“You really are worried, aren’t you?”
“I know the Jackal, Lara, and what he is capable of. I’ve been on his trail for over two years. I will catch him,” Julian vowed. “I won’t let him harm another innocent victim.”
Lara warmed herself beside the hearth while Julian spoke to the innkeeper. Money changed hands.
“Everything’s in order,” he said when he returned for her. “The carriage is being brought around as we speak. We should reach the Three Feathers Inn by nightfall.”
Julian ushered her through the door, helped her into the waiting carriage, and climbed into the driver’s seat. A flick of the reins sent the horses stepping out smartly.
A damp fog arrived with the darkness, making Lara long for a cozy room with a fire. Then she saw the lights from the Three Feathers Inn twinkling in the distance and her spirits lifted. She supposed Julian was armed, but fear of being stopped by highwaymen terrified her. Country roads weren’t safe at night.
“You’ll be in a warm room soon,” Julian promised. “I’ve always found food at the Three Feathers to be good.” He searched her face when she remained uncommunicative. “Are you all right? You haven’t said much since we left the coaching inn.”
“I’m still t
rying to come to grips with the fact that someone wants to hurt me. I don’t like the idea of fleeing London like thieves in the night.”
“I know what I’m doing, Lara.”
“I suppose,” she said doubtfully. “It’s just that my life was so simple before …”
“Before I entered it?” he asked grimly.
“I suppose.”
Julian guided the horses into the yard and reined in. A stableman hurried over to take charge. Julian climbed down and removed their bags from the boot. Then he dug in his pocket for a coin.
“Rub the horses down and give them a measure of oats with their feed,” Julian instructed, tossing the man the coin. “Have them harnessed and waiting out front by seven tomorrow morning.”
“Aye, my lord,” the man replied.
A lad burst from the door and fetched their bags as Julian ushered Lara inside. The common room was noisy and filled to capacity with travelers and locals, enjoying the food and drink. Lara pulled the hood of her cloak up but soon learned it wasn’t necessary, for no one paid more than token attention to the newcomers. She stood aside while Julian arranged for their rooms, baths, and a meal.
They climbed the stairs together, followed by the lad with their bags.
Julian stopped before the door to their room and fit the key in the lock. He opened the door and ushered Lara inside. The lad placed their bags inside the room and held out his hand. Julian found another coin, and the lad departed with a smile on his face.
“Is this your room or mine?” Lara asked.
“ ’Tis our room,” Julian answered. “You saw how full the inn was. ’Tis the last and only room available.”
Lara went still. She didn’t dare share a room with Julian. ’Twas asking too much of her. She would never stop thinking of him as her husband, or stop remembering how his loving made her blood sing through her veins and her body soar.
Her voice was quiet but emphatic. “No. You’ll have to sleep elsewhere.”
An amused smile kicked up the corner of his mouth. “We’re betrothed, Lara. As good as married.”
