The Homeless Heiress

by Anne Herries

  ‘Supposing he doesn’t meet them for a while?’

  ‘We believe it will be in two days’ time,’ Rawlings said. ‘You won’t let me down?’

  ‘Have I ever?’

  ‘No—but this girl you’ve got mixed up with, where does she come into it?’

  ‘She doesn’t come into it at all,’ Richard said. ‘Keep her out of it, Rawlings. I’m warning you. If you cause her to be harmed, you will be sorry.’

  ‘No need to get yourself worked up,’ his companion said. ‘But if she is anything to do with this business you had better make sure she stays out of it or she might get caught in the crossfire.’

  Richard glared at him, angry that he had dared to bring Georgie into this business—damned dirty business it was, too. Richard knew that it wouldn’t be the first time his information had led to the death of an enemy of the State. The knowledge did not sit well with his conscience and he wondered if it was time that he thought of calling a halt. In war his spying work had seemed natural and right, for the enemy had needed to be tamed, but some of the things he had been called upon to do in the last couple of years had left a nasty taste in his mouth.

  ‘I shall,’ he said and stood up. ‘I’ll let you know what I discover, Rawlings.’

  Nodding to the other man, he left the inn. He stood for a moment contemplating the situation, taking note of the other people in the street, alert to the danger that might be waiting in dark alleys. He had promised his sister he would be back in time for dinner but the hours had flown. She was used to his lateness and broken promises, understanding that his work came first, but she was his sister, not his wife. A wife would not understand what took him away from home so often.

  Richard frowned and pushed the thoughts of personal happiness from his mind. He was hardly in a position to think of settling down—his life could be forfeit at any time; besides, his former life made him unfit to be the husband of a young and innocent girl.

  He was a fool even to think of it!

  Chapter Six

  ‘Oh, that was so enjoyable,’ Jenny said as they cantered into the stable yard together the next morning. ‘Did you not think so, Georgie?’

  ‘Yes, indeed,’ Georgie agreed. ‘I thought I might find it uncomfortable since I had not ridden for a while, but it was not so. We must ride together again tomorrow if you please.’

  ‘Yes, we must,’ Jenny agreed. She smiled as the young groom helped her to dismount. ‘Thank you, Andrews. Oh, look, here is Richard…’ She stood watching as Richard came striding towards them just as Georgie dismounted with the help of a groom. ‘I must tell you that I am at cross-stitches with you, sir! You promised to dine with us last evening!’

  ‘Yes, I did, and you are right to be cross with me, Jenny,’ Richard told her, but his eyes were on her companion. Georgie was wearing a dark blue habit, which suited her very well and might have been made for her, though he knew it to be his sister’s. She had a fetching hat set on her head at a rakish angle and looked stunningly lovely. ‘Georgie—Miss Bridges, you look very well this morning. I think riding must agree with you?’

  ‘Yes, it does,’ Georgie said, frowning as she noticed the more formal use of her name. She sensed that he had placed a barrier between them, as if the intimacy of the past weeks had never been. Why? Surely they were friends? ‘I see that you no longer limp, sir. Is your wound completely healed?’

  She deliberately reminded him of all that had happened, but his expression remained polite, cool, almost detached. It struck her a blow to the heart, for she had thought they were beyond such manners. Indeed, she had begun to allow herself to hope that perhaps he liked her well enough to make her an offer, but now she saw that that was foolish. He had gone out of his way to help her, but now that she was safe with his sister he clearly felt that his obligation was at an end. She lifted her chin higher, deciding that she must follow Jenny’s advice and be a little aloof.

  ‘Yes, thank you,’ he replied. ‘I am quite recovered now. Jenny, I must pay a visit this morning, but I promise I shall be back for nuncheon—by tea at the very latest.’

  His sister gave him a severe look. ‘I shall not take it kindly if you break your word again, Richard. We do not see you as often as we should like as it is. While you are here, you might make some effort to give us your company.’

  ‘Yes, I promise I shall,’ he said. ‘I need to set something in motion, but after that I shall try to be a proper guest.’

  ‘Well, we shall excuse you for now, but if you do not join us later we shall both be very displeased with you. Come along, Georgie. I am not sure my brother deserves our attention.’

  ‘Yes, of course,’ Georgie said. She avoided looking at him, knowing that her expression would reproach him as much as his sister’s words. She felt that he had abandoned her, and it hurt more than she liked to admit. ‘Please excuse us—and take care of yourself. We should not want you to have another accident.’ Heat surged through her and she wondered why she added those last words.

  Georgie was conscious of Richard’s head turning to watch her as she caught up the train of her riding habit and walked towards the house. She must not allow herself to show concern for him since he had made it clear that he was not interested in her other than as a mere acquaintance.

  Watching her walk away, Richard knew that his coolness had offended her. He regretted it in his heart and yet knew that it was the wisest thing in the circumstances. His business here was about to become even more dangerous and he did not wish her to be caught up in something that might end in harm to her.

  Richard did not return in time for nuncheon, nor did he put in an appearance at tea. Georgie saw his sister’s quick frown, and could not help feeling anxious. Was he merely caught up in some business or had something happened to him? She found herself listening for the sound of his voice or his footsteps in the hall, but he had not arrived by the time she went up to dress for dinner.

  Jenny had provided her with two evening gowns, a pale blue and a delicate pearl grey. Georgie liked the style of the grey and chose that one, dressing her hair with some silver ribbons and pearl pins that had also been given to her by her generous hostess. She had kept her great-aunt’s pearls, also some small items of gold for daytime wear, but returned most of the more costly jewels to Lord Maddison. He had promised to lock them away safely until such time as he could place them in the strong room at her aunt’s bank. She decided to wear the pearl necklace for the first time that evening, though it still felt a little wrong to be in possession of such jewels.

  They suited her well, and she felt pleased with her appearance as she left her bedchamber and went downstairs. Her heart leaped as she heard laughter in the drawing room, where the others had gathered for dinner, because she knew at once that Richard was with them. His eyes sought her out as soon as she entered and for a moment she saw a gleam that made her feel weak at the knees. When he looked at her that way she believed that he must feel something for her, even if he was not prepared to admit it.

  He came to offer his arm as dinner was announced, his smile warm and relaxed, a remarkable change from earlier that day. ‘You look lovely as always,’ he said. ‘Jenny tells me that you are to leave for Bath in three days’ time. She was asking if I would visit you all there.’

  ‘And shall you?’ Georgie lifted her eyes to his, unaware of the silent appeal they held.

  ‘Yes, perhaps, when my business is done here.’

  ‘Is it nearly over?’

  ‘I hope it may be very soon. Forgive me, but there is little more I can tell you at the moment. In my work one learns to be patient. It is often a case of waiting to see what develops.’

  ‘You know that Raoul Thierry would have inherited the countess’s fortune if I had died before she did?’

  ‘Edward told me the terms of her will regarding you,’ Richard said and frowned. ‘I think it must mean that you are worth more to him alive than dead, Georgie. Unless he can persuade you to be his wife, he cannot now hope
to inherit.’

  ‘But my uncle could—and vastly more than he could have expected,’ she replied. ‘My life might still be in danger from him—do you not think so?’

  ‘Perhaps, though I believe he may be more of a fool than a villain.’

  ‘Yes, he must be, for he would not otherwise have wasted his own fortune…’ Georgie found herself agreeing with him. ‘So you think I am safe enough now?’

  ‘Oh, yes—providing Thierry does not try to abduct you.’

  She felt a stab of alarm. ‘You do not think he would try?’

  ‘It is his only hope of the fortune you inherited from the countess, and your father’s estate,’ Richard said. ‘However, if you take reasonable care and stay close to Jenny, I do not think you in any immediate danger—and perhaps all danger may be eliminated soon.’

  ‘What are you going to do?’

  ‘I am afraid I cannot tell you. It is best you do not know. I should never have embroiled you in my affairs.’

  ‘But you did and I do not like being shut out now.’

  ‘Forgive me. Things have changed,’ he replied. ‘Tell me, are you looking forward to the visit to Bath, Miss Bridges? Have you been there before at all?’

  His change of subject brought the barriers down again. Georgie was angry with him. She shot him a look of reproach, for he was doing it again, shutting her out. It was as if they were mere acquaintances and that wasn’t fair! She had discovered the code and helped him make up his mind that the message it contained was false—and now he was trying to make out that she was not concerned in his affairs, warning her to stand back.

  Georgie was silent as he drew her chair for her. Had they been alone she would have told him what she thought of his behaviour, but he was passing on to take his own seat and the conversation became general.

  Oh, how could he? Georgie felt the heat in her cheeks. It was too bad of him! He deserved that she should treat him in like manner. He would be well served if she gave him the cold shoulder! Only, she wanted to be his friend, wanted to share the confidences of their earlier time together, and it hurt to know that he thought her just a silly little girl who needed to be put in her place!

  Georgie followed her hostess from the room after the meal ended, leaving the two gentlemen to their port. They settled down with the tea tray in the drawing room, though Georgie was alert for the sound of male voices. It was more than half an hour before they came.

  ‘Ah, there you are at last,’ Jenny said when they entered together. ‘I had almost given you up!’ She threw her husband a reproachful look.

  ‘Forgive us, dearest,’ Edward said and leaned over to kiss her cheek. ‘Richard had something to tell me. It was important.’

  ‘I hope you have not forgotten that we have guests for dinner tomorrow?’ Jenny said. ‘It will be our last night at home before we leave for Bath, for we are engaged to dine there next. You will join us, Richard?’

  ‘I am not certain,’ he said. ‘It is possible that I may be called away. I shall be here earlier, Jenny—but I may leave at any time.’

  ‘Richard had a message,’ Lord Maddison said. ‘It was the reason we were longer than we intended, dearest Jenny. You must not be cross with him if he cannot attend your dinner party.’

  ‘Oh, your work again, I suppose?’ Jenny frowned at her brother. ‘I think it is time you settled down. Surely you feel the need of some personal life?’

  Richard’s eyes travelled to where Georgie sat, her eyes downcast. ‘Yes, at times I confess I do, Jenny. However, there is something important I must finish.’

  ‘Oh, well…’ Jenny sighed deeply. ‘If you must, you must, I suppose. I think I shall retire. Are you coming, Georgie?’

  ‘Oh…yes,’ Georgie said and stood up, preparing to follow her.

  ‘Miss Bridges,’ Richard said, ‘would you wait a few moments? I should like to speak to you privately.’

  ‘Yes, you should hear what Richard has to say,’ Lord Maddison said and went to his wife. ‘I’ll come up with you, dearest. I have something I wish to say to you myself.’

  Georgie went across to the window, staring out at the moon as she waited for Richard to speak. The French windows were open and she stepped out on to the veranda. She heard his footsteps and then sensed his presence at her shoulder, turning to gaze up at him with wide eyes as she saw his expression.

  ‘You have heard me say that Bonaparte has escaped from Elba,’ he said, looking serious. ‘We knew that it might happen—indeed, some of us expected it for he was given too much freedom, treated as a prince. Unfortunately, we were not taken seriously. When it happened there were those who were surprised; I was not one of them. He has been rousing support, gathering his army and the Bourbons have fled to Brussels. Bonaparte is probably even now marching towards Paris in triumph.’

  ‘You think that Monsieur Thierry had a hand in this?’

  ‘Yes, perhaps. He or his friends—the men he employs in this business—though it could have been someone else. I dare say there has been more than one plot to bring Bonaparte back to the throne of France.’

  ‘What will happen now?’

  ‘I believe attempts may be made to murder various important people here in England in order to cause chaos and aid Bonaparte’s victory. Restored to the throne, he would be grateful to his supporters, I suppose.’

  ‘It is what all this has been about, isn’t it? Your work, the attack on you… Thierry is involved in their plots to murder the Regent, isn’t he?’

  ‘Yes, I believe so,’ Richard told her. ‘I have learned that an important meeting of the conspirators is to be held tomorrow night. It means I shall miss Jenny’s dinner, because somehow I must discover the names of the men at that meeting. We have little time to waste. It also means I must go out tonight. I have to see someone, to make sure that all the arrangements are made. These men will be arrested. We have to stop them now, before it is too late. We cannot afford to let this affair drag on any longer.’

  Georgie gazed up at him. ‘Why are you telling me this now? Earlier you made it clear that you thought it did not concern me.’

  ‘Thierry was seen loitering near this house by one of the servants this afternoon. He was challenged and ran off. The incident was reported to Edward after dinner. I had to warn you, Georgie. Be very much on your guard. If he would dare to come here, he has something in mind. If I am not here to protect you…’

  ‘What do you mean? Are you going away?’ She felt alarmed, her heart racing. His expression frightened her. ‘No, do not look like that!’

  ‘I have tried to be sensible for both our sakes,’ Richard said. ‘I may be killed…anything could happen…’He reached out for her, his hands taking her by the arms. For a moment he stared at her, his face working as he tried to suppress his feelings. He was in no position to form an attachment! He did not want to become attached to her, but this feeling would not be denied. He groaned, lowering his head to kiss her. As his mouth covered hers in a hungry, demanding kiss, Georgie shivered, resisting for one moment before melting against him. His arms surrounded her, holding her pressed tightly against him as he explored the sweetness of her mouth with his tongue, tasting her. She moaned softly, giving herself up to the pulsing desire that raged through her. He drew back, looking down at her. ‘I am not made of ice, Georgie, though you may think it. Seeing you dressed like as a youth…being with you in that carriage…I have wanted to do this for so long. Wanted more! You must know that I am deeply attracted to you?’

  ‘Richard…you seemed to shut me out…’ Georgie’s head was spinning because everything had changed so suddenly.

  ‘And I should. I must,’ he said, releasing her, his face twisting with emotion. ‘I had no right to kiss you like that, Georgie. I am not free. There are things I must do—things I have done that make this impossible. I want you, desire you as any normal man would, but I cannot ask you to be my wife. You must forget this moment, forget all that happened between us, my dearest girl. If I die tomorrow
or in the future, I would not have you think that I did not care—but you must not hope for anything. I can make you no promises.’

  ‘Richard…’ She drew back, staring at him, her face white with shock. What did he mean? He shut her out before dinner, then brought her here to kiss her until her senses swam—and then told her not to think of him. ‘You are so cruel…so very cruel…’

  Georgie broke from him and ran into the house. She was close to tears, her senses battered and bruised from a maelstrom of emotions. Did he not understand what he had done by kissing her, awaking her sleeping heart to a painful awareness of all that might be hers, only to deny her? And it was all a riddle! What could he possibly have done that made a marriage between them impossible?

  Richard stood on the veranda for a few moments after she had gone, his expression bleak. He had not intended to kiss her or to tell her that she was special to him, because he could not see a future for them. He knew that his life might be forfeit, either that night or in the battles to come, because now that Bonaparte was on the loose again there would be war.

  The thought of it sickened him. Men dying, lying in pain where they fell, too many of them to be cared for, friends lost, minds shattered by the horror of war. He felt a surge of anger that he and others like him had not been able to prevent it happening again. He had worked for months to try and break the movement, but it lived on in dark places, swirling beneath the surface of decent life like an insidious mist.

  Somewhere out there Thierry and his cronies were gloating at the success of their plans to get Bonaparte away from his island prison. But they would not live long enough to see their emperor restored to glory. He would make sure that at least one nest of traitors came to the end of the road tomorrow night…