A Lady's Guide to Kiss A Rake: Misadventures of the heart

by Wilde, Tanya

  The lady blinked, a smile tugging at her lips. “Of course.”

  “When will we know the commotion has started?”

  The question barely left her lips when a deafening noise sounded, followed by shouts and shrieks alike, not one or two, but a hundred it seemed.

  “That will be our cue,” Belle said with a wicked smile as she led them to the back entrance of the shop. “This way, if you please.”

  Jo stepped onto the street where all hell had broken loose.

  An explosion outside the abandoned building across the street had caused a thick smoke cloud to descend as the flames licked up the building. People who had obviously dropped to the floor during the explosion, jumped to their feet, screaming and shouting, some viewing in horror as the building took fire with rapid force. Some scrambled, shouting for all to fetch buckets of water to contain blazing embers. Jo saw James wading through the crowd to reach the building. She spotted Craven, a solemn look on his face as he climbed in front of their escape cart, ready to set off at a moment’s notice. They had managed to disguise Lady Constance, now dressed as a boy, and helped her to climb in between the crates on the cart, cleverly arranged to fit and conceal them from view.

  “James! We need to leave,” Jo hissed from between the crates when she spotted him.

  “Miss Middleton is in that building,” he said, nodding in the direction of the burning construction. Already people carried buckets of water to contain the flames, but one of the Middleton sisters had yet to emerge.

  “What!” Belle screeched, trying to climb back out.

  “Craven, go.” James ordered. “I will get her out.”

  “But—” Belle started to interrupt but Jo silenced her.

  “James will bring her to safety Belle, he won’t let any harm befall her. I will retrieve your cousins, but you must take care of Lady Constance.”

  Lady Belle did not argue, but instead settled back between the crates, concerned and silent.

  “I promise I will bring them all to safety,” James murmured before he retreated back into the crowd of panicked citizens. Jo followed, keeping pace alongside him. Not an easy feat. His legs were so much longer and his strides bigger than hers.

  “Are you certain she’s inside, James?” Jo asked with concern.

  He gave a curt nod. “She lost her balance and may not have gotten away from the explosion fast enough.”

  “I see Willow and Holly. I’ll retrieve them and meet you down on the corner of Cavendish Square where our coach is waiting,” Jo said, her voice laced with emotion.

  James nodded, not wasting anymore time before he charged through the burning building, uncaring of the heat and smoke threating to suffocate him, in search of Poppy Middleton.

  Josephine stared in utter devastation as Willow comforted a sobbing Holly. Her own emotions bordered on hysterics. What if Poppy had been hurt? What if she died? How would she ever forgive herself if anything happened to that poor girl?

  And Belle... She would blame herself, even though it was by no fault of hers. They had all known the plan entailed producing gunpowder and that it would be dangerous mixing chemicals, but Poppy had ensured them the batch would be diluted and would serve only for a distracting noise.

  “It’s all my fault!” Holly sobbed, pulling Jo from her thoughts. “I collided with her too hard. I shouldn’t have run so fast.”

  “It’s not your fault. Poppy just lost her balance, that’s all,” Willow comforted, tears in her own eyes.

  “Because of me!”

  Jo did not know how much longer she could take the suspense. If James didn’t show up soon she would head back to look for him.

  “I’m sure they’re fine, Holly,” Jo said gently. “Poppy will not let something as mundane as fire haul her under.”

  Holly smiled through her tears. “No, she will not.”

  Just then, the door of the carriage flew open and James climbed inside, an unconscious Poppy, dangling from his arms. Holly and Willow both gasped at the sight of their sister before Holly burst into tears again.

  “Is she still alive?” Willow whispered. Her voice shook with fear.

  “Yes, but she wouldn’t have been had I arrived moments later. What the hell happened?”

  “Everything had gone just like we practiced at home, but the batch of gunpowder must not have been diluted enough.”

  “It burned down a building, so I would say not,” James snapped, still cradling Poppy in his arms, readjusting in his seat so that she might be more comfortable.

  “My sister has never before made a mistake. It should have been contained to the wagon. We must’ve taken the wrong barrel.”

  Jo sighed when James glared at Willow, and Willow only stared calmly back. She noticed the way he held Poppy, his fingers stroking gently over her hair. He didn’t seem to even notice the action. “James, this is not the time to argue.”

  Those fiery eyes locked with her. “This is the perfect time, Josephine. Where the hell did you get the gunpowder?” James asked. The always smiling man now hard and unrelenting.

  Willow shrugged, not intimidated. “We made it.”

  “You made it?” He sounded incredulous.

  “Well, Poppy made it. I was never any good at mixing chemicals though the recipe is simple enough with only sulfur, powder coal and saltpeter. I could never get the amount of each right. Poppy has always been exceptional at mixing powders.” Willow glanced at her unconscious sister with pride. “My father even allows her to assist him.”

  “You father should be strung from his—”

  “James!” Jo scolded. “Everything turned out well enough.”

  “She could have died, Josephine, all because her father is a fruitcake.”

  Holly chuckled through her tears. “He is a bit nutty.”

  Willow sighed. “I’ll admit my father is a curious man, but his intentions have always been good.”

  “She’s alive, and that is all that matters,” Jo said, directing a pointed stare at James. He lifted his upper lip in a snarl and looked away, leaving Jo to stare out of the window as she had no desire to look at Poppy’s unconscious form on his lap and be reminded of how they’d almost lost her.

  Chains rattled and hooves pounded as they traveled through the streets of London, until they halted at the back entrance of Belle’s home, where her cousins also resided. Belle was waiting for them when they arrived, frantic with worry as she rushed to the carriage.

  Poppy had at least gained semi-consciousness though Jo couldn’t tell if she was aware of her surroundings or not. She only muttered unintelligently about black powder and smoke. Belle grabbed Poppy by the face, inspecting every inch of her as James put her back on her feet, still holding onto her arms, but letting her body rest against his when her knees have out.

  “Poppy! You scared me to death! Are you all right?”

  Poppy’s head wobbled as she tried to nod. “Fine… give… minute. Damn… headache.”

  “Well,” Belle huffed, though the concern did not quite leave her eyes, “If you can curse, then you must be fine.”

  “Of course she’ll be fine,” Willow said, embracing her sister in a hug.

  “What happened?” Belle asked.

  “The batch was a bit too strong.”

  “A bit? It set a building on fire,” James muttered.

  Jo interrupted before tempers started too exploded as well. “We will speak of it later, for now everyone should rest.”

  Willow nodded and took Poppy’s hand. “Are you able to walk on your own?” Poppy’s nod was weak but determined.

  Jo stared as James reluctantly let go of her and Poppy carefully made her way forward, both her sisters coming up beside her in case she should fall.

  “Thank you for saving my cousin,” Belle said to James.

  He just nodded.

  Watching them disappear into the house Jo murmured, “I have a bad feeling, James.”

  “I know, but there is nothing we can do about it now.”


  Even so, Jo still couldn’t shake the feeling that their lives had just been set on a course that could not be undone. They would have to account for what happened today. Soon.

  Chapter 11

  Josephine entered the theatre on Drury Lane for no other reason than keeping up appearances, and of course to see whether Cartwright would be in attendance. She was accompanied by Lady Evelyn and Lord Grey, about the only man her brother tolerated, and only because he’d married her best friend.

  Neither her brother nor friend seemed to suspect her involvement in the fire, which appeared to be the topic on everyone’s lips these past two days. Speculation ran rampant along with whispers of Lady Constance’s disappearance. Though no connection between the two events had been made, it did not mean Cartwright would not make it. Many rumors of Lady Constance’s disappearance revolved around the Duke of Richmond, but the most popular theory held that she ran away because the pressure of marriage to a merchant had become too much.

  Jo, however, still reeled over the events that had transpired. The Middletons had, without intending to, truly outdone themselves. The act itself not as magnificent as the events it led to, all seemingly accidental according to the papers. The papers also raved of a mysterious hero who ran into the burning building to rescue a child. Everyone speculated about their identity now as well. Even forums dedicated to uncover their identities had been formed. When no man came forward to claim the title of hero, suspicions of staged events had circled.

  But while the distraction worked better than they had hoped for, especially because of all the gossip and attention, the ramifications remained unclear. Jo’s instincts warned of an unseen danger.

  Hence the reason she was wasting precious time attending the theatre. She wanted to see Cartwright’s face for herself. With Lady Constance tucked away from harm at Green Rose Cottage, one of Jo’s family estates, where could the harm be? She’d been told that the duke would take care of Cartwright, would eliminate him, but Jo would be at peace only once she attended his funeral.

  A small hand touched her arm. “Are you all right?” Evelyn whispered, having taken note of her pensive expression with a frown.

  “Of course, why would I not be?”

  “You look kind of green,” Evelyn murmured.

  “What?”

  “Not green as in green, but green as in a pale.”

  “Pale? Would I not appear white then?”

  “Oh, you know what I mean. Now stop avoiding my question. What’s amiss?”

  “It’s nothing, Brahm and I argued.” Not a lie since she and her brother fought all the time. She hated withholding things from her friend, but until the consequences of rescuing Lady Constance became clear, Evelyn’s safety was more important.

  “Your brother is a man of deep passions,” Evelyn remarked.

  “True, but I wish he would direct those passions somewhere more appropriate.”

  “We should find him a wife.”

  Jo laughed, but it sounded forced even to her own ears.

  “Are you certain that you’re all right?” Evelyn asked, now openly concerned.

  No simpleton, her friend had always been able to sense when something troubled Jo. “All is fine. My brother is being more stubborn than usual. A wife would do him good.”

  Evelyn nodded and Jo relaxed. Somewhat. She continued to study the faces in the crowd, hoping to spot one in particular. She had not seen St. Aldwyn since he came to call on her. That had been days ago. Jo wished she’d asked him to be part of their project instead of Craven. But St. Aldwyn would attempt to stop her, not assist her in her endeavors.

  Yet, Jo still considered him a friend, a vital part of her life. It seemed odd to regard him as such and regretful that she could never tell him her secrets.

  “Oh, we will find him someone suitable. But I daresay that won’t stop him from meddling in your life. There is bound to be something you will do to spur his temper on.”

  Jo gave a low chuckle. By the way her brother danced around the Middletons to avoid their advances, Jo doubted Evelyn would have much luck.

  “Just don’t let him suspect it was my idea, or he’ll send me away.”

  Evelyn eyes lighted with amusement. “Your brother loves you too much to send you away. He would be lost without you.”

  “He has an odd way of showing it.”

  “Not so odd, I would imagine. Your brother, like most men, simply cannot fathom why any woman would wish to remain unmarried. Men cannot wrap their minds around the independent spirit of a woman. I am convinced they are incapable of it.”

  “You husband has done well,” Jo pointed out.

  “Has he? I very much doubt that. But I’ve learned to share my independence with him, as he is trying to do so with me.”

  “My brother would never do that.”

  “Of course not. You are his sister. He wishes you happily married.”

  Jo only snorted.

  “You can always run off with a gentleman so you won’t have to live under your brother’s thumb anymore.”

  “In other words I would trade one impossible male for a lessor impossible male? I can’t say I’m comfortable with the odds.”

  Evelyn gurgled as she attempted to suppress her laugh. “Oh, I don’t know. Marriage is not as bad as I presumed it would be.”

  “You are in love.”

  “You could always come live with me.”

  Jo lips twitched. “Oh, he would drag me arms flailing out your door. He has outright refused to marry until I do.”

  Her friend gaped in disbelief. “What?”

  “Oh yes. He came right out and said if I did not marry, neither would he. Apparently it doesn’t matter that he has a duty to beget an heir, he is determined to prove a point.”

  Evelyn shook her head. “Perhaps he’s taken his brotherly duty a bit too far.”

  “I’ll say,” Jo muttered.

  “What do you suppose spurred him to make such a declaration?”

  “Oh, I do not suppose, I’m well aware—the Middletons. He believes they are out to trap him into marriage and that I put them up to it.”

  “He’s not far off.”

  “Regardless, he’s wants to back me into a corner.”

  “He is determined.”

  “He has lost his mind.”

  “Who’s lost his mind?” The throaty male voice of St. Aldwyn interrupted their conversation. Pleasure warmed Jo’s blood. Would she ever escape this man? Did she want to? Her gaze traveled up to his handsome face, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of him. Memories of his lips pressed against hers assailed her. She really ought to latch onto some of his flaws, then perhaps her heart wouldn’t start to race at the mere mention of his name, her knees wouldn’t go weak in his presence and her soul would not long for something best left alone. Damn his rotten heart for being the one to produce such feelings in her. Feelings she did not wish to feel.

  “Lady Josephine?” The lazy drawl came again, but this time more alert. “Or were you perhaps talking about me?” He tilted his head to the side, his eyes alight with curiosity.

  “Of course not,” Jo scoffed. “That you lost your mind is old news, I was referring to my brother and his vow to remain unwed for as long as I do.”

  He lifted an amused brow. “I am certain you did not take his statement well.”

  Jo shrugged. “He will die holding his breath. I have no desire to marry.”

  “And why is that, my lady?”

  Jo glanced over to Evelyn for help but her friend quickly lifted her hand to wave at some old fodder that stood a few feet away from her. Traitor.

  “I have no use for a husband.” A husband would demand she give up her projects.

  “Surely there are uses for a husband to be desired?”

  Did he mean the act of seduction? It held some undeniable margin of appeal. But one may enjoy an intimate connection with a man without being married. Jo’s lips curved into a wicked smile. The prospect of being sed
uced by St. Aldwyn did hold delicious appeal.

  She pondered teasing him with talk of seducing Craven, but disregarded the notion. She found (to her surprise) she did not wish to anger the man gazing down at her with such heated eyes.

  “Why are you smiling like that?”

  The suspicion in his voice caused Evelyn to choke back a laugh. “I daresay trouble brews in her mind,” her friend murmured with a smile.

  With relief, Jo caught sight of Holly bouncing toward them, a look of shock on her pixie like face. “Lady Josephine, Lady Evelyn, I’ve just learned the most disturbing news.”

  “What is it, Holly?” Jo asked, aware of what news Holly must have learned as well as that the girl had no idea she’d been party to it.

  “Lady Constance has been kidnapped and her husband has put out a reward of a thousand pounds for anyone with knowledge of her disappearance.”

  Jo’s stomach tightened. A thousand pounds.

  “How can that be?” Evelyn murmured, her expression shocked.

  Jo forced herself not to react to the news of the reward, only feigning concern by crunching up her brows. “That’s awful. But kidnapping? Perhaps she ran away.”

  Holly nodded. “Yes, her husband’s quite certain. I’ve even heard rumors he accused the Duke of orchestrating the entire affair.”

  “But they are family?” Evelyn said, her frown deepening. “Why would he kidnap his own niece?”

  Holly dropped her voice an octave, peering around to make sure no one overheard her. “There are rumors that they have never gotten along, and that the Duke did not give his blessing for the union.”

  “I’ve heard rumors of that sort as well,” Evelyn confessed in a soft whisper.

  A sudden grip on Jo’s arms drew her attention away from the conversation to St. Aldwyn. Suspicion clouded his features as he pulled her to the side, his face an unreadable mask.

  “Josephine—” He began then broke off with a sigh. “Did you have anything to do with the disappearance of Lady Constance?”

  Josephine’s smile flattened, but she kept it in place. After all, had she not expected this? It hardly mattered whether he suspected her or not, it was done. “I can’t say that I did.”