She stood on the deck surveying the docks. She was amazed by the diversity of both the people and the cargoes. She saw bright fabrics and barrels labeled as spices from the Far East. There were sailors from Africa who looked like they didn’t care for England’s cold weather. Fishermen from northern England had come south to sell their wares. Everywhere she looked there was the hustle and bustle of men going about their work, either unloading ships or preparing to sail on the morning tide.
There was one ship, however, that caught her eye because of its lack of activity. It was a large schooner, the type which would be fast on the open seas. On her voyage from America, she’d been seated at the captain’s table for meals and had learned quite a bit about maritime issues. Captain Clinch had been a privateer in the war and he’d told her the importance of full sail when evading capture. He also told her how to judge the size of a ship’s cargo by how low it was sitting in the water.
The ship she was looking at seemed to be half loaded, yet there was no activity on board to indicate it was either a recent arrival or readying to cast off. She could see a few men on board, but they weren’t doing the types of activities being done by Captain Clinch’s crew. They were simply looking out in all directions from the ship. And she could see most of them were armed. That wasn’t so surprising, given the criminal activities around the London docks. But these men appeared to almost be expecting an attack.
“Are you ready to return to Mitchell House?” asked Richard as he came up beside her.
“Richard, you fiend, I can’t believe you’re going to take away the most beautiful woman I or my crew have seen,” said Captain Clinch, joining them. “I should throw you in the brig while Miss Sutton and I have tea.”
Mel smiled, but her attention was elsewhere. “Captain, do you know that ship over there?”
Captain Clinch looked in the direction she indicated, then gazed through his spyglass. “The Amber Moon,” he said, as he looked at the ship. “Can’t say that I’ve encountered her, nor heard anything about her. Why do you ask?”
“It just seems odd, the way the sailors are standing watch, but nothing else is going on. There is just such a…I don’t know…a lack of activity on board, compared to the other ships.”
Captain Clinch grinned. “Unfortunately, a sailor’s life is not quite as exciting as one might think. Many ships take security precautions and the lack of activity probably has more to do with most of their crew being on shore leave than anything else. But I can ask around if you’d like.”
“Thank you,” said Mel. She wasn’t sure why she’d focused on that ship when there were so many others about. But she’d learned long ago to trust her instincts.
With their visit concluded, she and Richard took a hack back through town. There was a quiet tension between the two of them, just as there had been on the journey to the docks. Mel wondered whether Richard would renew his addresses from the previous evening. She wondered even more what she would say to him if he did. Even after a long night of endlessly considering the question, she was no closer to finding an answer.
When they arrived at the boarding house they found Hal waiting for them with Anne. Hal rose when Mel entered the room. She noticed he looked askance at the hand Richard had placed on the small of her back to usher her into the room. Mel stepped a bit closer to Richard, just to irritate him. Hal’s brows drew together.
“How was your excursion to the docks?” asked Anne as she poured the two of them tea.
Mel relayed what they had learned, including the description of the ship she’d seen.
“There were many ships in the harbor, Mel,” said Richard. “Armed guards on deck are hardly unusual. The London docks are known to be dangerous.”
“Then I wonder why you allow Miss Sutton to frequent them on your behalf,” asked Hal.
Parker put down his cup and there was no trace of the affable religious man from Philadelphia. “Kellington, if you’re implying I would purposely place Miss Sutton at risk, that’s a serious accusation. And one I would take exception to. I believe that even in sophisticated London insults like that do not stand unchallenged.”
Hal looked like he was ready to duel with the man at that very moment, only to be interrupted by Mel.
“Gentlemen, please! And I use the term ‘gentlemen’ lightly. Before the two of you begin acting like mindless brutes, I’d like to remind you that no one ‘allows’ me to do anything. The actions I take are of my own choosing. Neither of you is responsible for my safety and well-being. And both of you should remember that.” She turned to see that Anne was white as a sheet and trembling. “Anne? Are you feeling all right?”
As all eyes turned to Anne Cartwright, she tried to stop shaking, but the strain was evident. Mel started to go to her, but to her surprise Richard was there before her. However, Anne’s instinctive flinch stopped him when he was still several feet away.
“Mrs. Cartwright,” he said, quietly. “Please accept my apology for the outburst.”
“And mine, as well,” said Hal. “It was the height of boorishness to behave that way in the presence of ladies.”
“Do not think of it, my lord, Mr. Parker,” said Anne. “It is not my place to be here. If you will excuse me.” She quickly left the room.
Mel’s eyes blazed with anger as she looked at the two men responsible for upsetting her friend. And most of it was centered on the man who was causing her problems, as well.
“Richard,” she said. “Could you please excuse us? There are some things I’d like to discuss with Lord Henry.”
For a moment, it looked like Richard would refuse, but instead he turned to Mel. “As it turns out, I have business to attend to that cannot wait. A former colleague who now lives in London wishes to speak to me about investment opportunities. I shall set off for Mayfair to meet with him directly. That is, if I can trust Kellington to act as a gentleman in my absence.”
If Melanie hadn’t stepped between the two men again, they likely would’ve erupted in fisticuffs.
“Yes, Richard,” she said. “You can trust Lord Henry to behave himself. Please do not let us keep you from your business.”
Richard hesitated for a moment, unsure whether he should stay or go. But after a moment, he chose the latter course of action. After bidding Mel adieu, he left the town house.
And Mel turned the full force of her wrath on Hal.
* * *
Hal knew he’d behaved badly and couldn’t believe he’d goaded Parker into basically calling him out. But he couldn’t wholly regret it. A shot to the arm could only improve the insufferable Quaker. Although he did feel badly about upsetting Mrs. Cartwright.
He was out of sorts and it bothered him. He was almost always in control of his emotions. Ever since the death of his parents, he’d taken great pains to make sure no one ever saw through to the emotions that were often roiling beneath his cool exterior. But there was something about Melanie Sutton that brought out the worst in him. Even more aggravating than that, she also tended to bring his best nature to the fore. Never in his life had he been so concerned about the well-being of prostitutes until he’d run into the American. He’d refused all attempts by Francis to get him to go to a brothel and he was even considering giving some of his blunt to Mel’s project. If only Parker weren’t involved.
Maybe he would give them the funds with the condition that he be allowed to draw the chap’s cork. He’d be willing to give up quite a bit of blunt in order to do that.
“Lord Henry,” said Mel, doing her very best imitation of a starchy headmistress.
“Melanie….”
“Miss Sutton!”
“Melanie, if you’re going to ring a peal over my head, you needn’t bother. I am truly sorry for distressing Mrs. Cartwright and will do anything to make up for it, including – if you insist – leaving this house and never returning.” He hoped she wouldn’t insist. “I concur with whatever you are about to say. I behaved boorishly and I humbly ask your forgiveness, as well a
s Mrs. Cartwright’s. Now, is it possible for us to skip your lecture – regardless of how well-deserved it is?”
“I was not going to lecture you, my lord.”
“You weren’t?”
“No. Even though you were quite inconsiderate to both Mrs. Cartwright and Mr. Parker.”
“Bugger Mr. Parker,” muttered Hal.
“Lord Henry!”
“You said you weren’t going to lecture me, then you proceeded to do just that.”
Melanie cleared her throat and began again. “Lord Henry, I would like you to take me to a brothel.”
Whatever Hal had been expecting her to say, it hadn’t been that.
“Is this some kind of trick, Miss Sutton, where I say I would be delighted to do just that, then Parker comes back here and tries to beat me to a pulp?”
“Do you really think Mr. Parker would ‘beat you to a pulp,’ as you so colorfully put it?”
“I said he could try.”
“Regardless of your inflated notions of your ability to best Mr. Parker in fisticuffs – now don’t grow churlish on me, especially after your apology of a scant few moments ago – I am serious in my request. I would like you to take me to Madame Thurmond’s as it is my best chance to investigate the disappearance of Miss LaRue.”
“You are not going to do any investigating. I shall relay this information to Arthur, Vanessa and Stapleton and they will look into the matter.”
“No one at Madame Thurmond’s will speak to the authorities.”
“They certainly won’t speak to you. And you were warned away from the place, if I recall.”
“I am not easily scared away,” said Mel, with chin rising. “I am also not suggesting that I go dressed like this. I shall dress in disguise as a lad.”
Hal wasn’t sure whether to laugh or try to shake some sense into the foolish woman. “You would never pass as a lad. And even if you could. they don’t grant admittance to just anyone. There’s a lengthy application process for membership and you wouldn’t be approved.”
“But members are allowed to bring guests, are they not? I believe you are such a good client that they would be only too happy to allow you to bring your cousin who is visiting from the country.”
Hal almost had to admire her persistence. Almost. “I am not taking you to a whorehouse.”
Mel stomped her elegant half boot in frustration. “But you must! It’s the only way I can go. Mr. Parker would never get past the men at the door. And I don’t think he’d take me even if he could get in.”
“That is the first thing I can commend Parker on.”
“I do not know why you took such an instant dislike to the man. He is all that is amiable and has an admirable dedication to helping others. In fact….what are you doing?”
Hal had had his fill of Parker’s finer points. He crossed to Mel in two strides. She backed away from him until she was against the wall and Hal was only inches away. He was close enough to smell that bedamned rosewater which seemed to envelope him at all times even when she wasn’t near. He could see the rapid rise and fall of her chest, proving she was unnerved by his proximity. Good. Because he sure the devil was unnerved by her.
“If you’re so fond of Parker and his good deeds, why don’t you marry him?”
“What?” she asked, for all the world looking like a cornered fox.
He leaned closer until his lips were inches away from hers. “Why don’t you marry him?” Then he kissed her in a way that he hoped would wipe out the bloody notion of Mel marrying anyone who wasn’t him. Not that he was going to marry her, of course. But he could kiss her.
Some moments later she half-heartedly pushed him away. And he grudgingly let her. “Will you do it?” she whispered.
He shook his head to clear it. “Will I do what?”
“Take me to Madame Thurmond’s.”
Hal knew it was a very bad idea. But at that moment, he couldn’t deny her. Not when she was so soft in his arms. Her lips still glistening from his kiss. “Yes,” he finally managed to say. “But how will you get away without Starchy Parker finding out.”
“That is a terrible thing to call him.”
“Ah, but we’re playing by my rules now. How will you get Starchy Parker out of the way?”
“I will have him go to one of Mrs. Seton’s protests.”
“Excellent plan. I knew the dragon would come in handy some day.”
“You shouldn’t call her that.”
He tsked. “Remember…my rules.” Her answering scowl was so adorable he almost kissed her again right there. “Where will you get the clothes for your disguise? For that matter, where will you dress?”
“I shall need your help for that, as well, my lord.”
“I think it’s about time you called me Hal. After all, we have surpassed a casual acquaintanceship.”
“You mean when we…” Mel blushed and glanced toward the settee.
Hal grinned. “I meant that I’m about to take you to a brothel. But that, too. In fact…” He leaned down as if to kiss her again.
She pushed him away, then came out from against the wall. “You can pick me up at nine of the clock, Hal. If that gives you long enough to prepare.”
“It will,” he said, grinning at her rapidly retreating back. “It will be more than enough time.”
* * *
Richard walked quickly to the corner, hoping to catch a hack as soon as possible. Fortune favored him, as one appeared almost directly.
“Where to?” asked the driver, as he bobbed his head to the well-dressed gentleman.
“The London docks,” said Parker, as he got into the hack and closed the door.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Melanie had told her aunt and uncle that she’d been too unwell to accompany them to the ball they were to attend that evening. Her aunt had offered to stay home with her, but Melanie had assured her she would be all right with Flora to look after her. Mary had looked like she didn’t believe that Banbury tale at all – Mel wasn’t the only one who was the victim of Flora’s avarice – but if she suspected anything, she did not let on.
Half an hour after her relatives’ departure, Mel got ready to meet Hal, who said he would park his carriage down the street. Flora had wanted to go with her to see her sweetheart, but Mel had been rather adamant that Flora’s presence in her room would be vital in the chance that the earl and countess came home early. Flora was none too happy about it but Mel promised she would make it up to her.
At the appointed hour, Mel slipped out of the French doors in the drawing room, then across the garden to the alley. She ran to the street, hoping Hal would not be late. It was a few minutes before nine and she didn’t wish to linger on the street where anyone could see her. But, true to his word, his carriage awaited. As she approached, he opened the door and got out.
“Good evening, Melanie,” he said, as he handed her in. “To what do I owe Flora’s welcome absence?”
“Her presence at the house will be vital in maintaining our ruse.”
“Please don’t tell me that bit of logic was all it took to convince her to stay. I would lose faith in her blackmailing spirit.”
“I promised her a new gown.”
“That’s my Flora,” said Hal, as he sat back and looked at the beautiful woman seated across from him.
His direct gaze did odd things to Mel’s body. “Where are my clothes, Hal?”
“You called me Hal,” he said with his lazy smile. “I like hearing my name on your lips. I like many things about your lips.”
“My clothes, Hal. Where are they?”
“Back at Lynwood House.”
“But I cannot go there with you to retrieve them. You should have brought them.”
“You couldn’t very well change in the carriage, could you? Of course, if you are so inclined, feel free to disrobe now, although I guarantee we would never make it to Madame Thurmond’s.”
He said it in a light-hearted manner, but Mel felt there was some trut
h to his words.
He continued. “Liam is out for the evening, as are Vanessa and Arthur. Ned, Jane and Violet have arrived this very day from Marston Vale and are visiting my sister. Ned’s valet Rigg has volunteered his services to dress you for the evening.”
“But surely this will cause a scandal if word gets out.”
“Surely it would, although I’m surprised you care about such things, given the risks you’ve taken in the past. Rest assured that Rigg is completely loyal to Ned and the family. No word will leak out through him or any of the servants.”
“All servants gossip. How can you be sure word won’t get out?”
“Liam rewards them quite well for their loyalty. I would trust the servants at Lynwood House with my life.”
“I take it Flora wouldn’t last long there,” said Mel with a smile.
“Flora would never get in the door. Heskiss is the best judge of character I’ve ever met. And your Flora doesn’t come up to snuff. Ah, here we are.”
Mel looked out the window at the immense Mayfair mansion. It seemed at once to be grander, yet less imposing than the surrounding homes. There was none of the ostentation one might find in houses of its size. There was no mistaking that an important man lived here, but with none of the garish embellishments that so many others had utilized as if to add consequence to themselves.
“It’s rather large, isn’t it?” asked Mel.
“It is,” said Hal. “And the house is quite big, as well.”
“That is quite enough of that, my lord,” said Mel as repressively as she was able. Which wasn’t all that repressive. The man was most definitely having an effect on her, as unsettling as it was exciting.
The doors opened and Hal escorted her into the house.
“Heskiss, this is Miss Sutton, who is working on a mission with me tonight. Miss Sutton, this is Heskiss, without whose tireless efforts the house would fall down upon its foundation and civilization would no doubt crumble. Heskiss, I believe Rigg is waiting for us.”
Never Run From Love (Kellington Book Four) Page 16
