Desperate Bride

by A. S. Fenichel

  A wide grin spread across Daniel’s face. “I am happy to hear it.”

  The first drops of rain tapped his jacket.

  Michael said, “I think we had better get inside. We need to speak on a subject less pleasant than the state of your marriage, Tom.”

  Tom’s gut tightened. “What now?”

  The ladies were in the music room so they settled into chairs in the parlor. Daniel paced as he often did when struggling with a problem.

  Not much out of short pants, Sam ran in. Awkward arms and legs, he took their hats and gloves before tripping out of the room.

  Sitting and stretching his legs in front of him, Michael said, “Hartly is looking for you. They have that Sanford Wormfield asking around town about your whereabouts. It seems they took the opportunity of your absence to spread rumors about your shipping line being in trouble and near collapse. Our plan had been to leave the two of you here a fortnight, but this new scheme brought us back earlier. The word is that Hartly contacted the Westgrove heirs and they will pull out of your arrangement before the deed is signed.”

  “Damn him. It took me months to get them to agree and I have offered them more than the property is worth.” Tom shook his head. “Gordon Westgrove and I were in short pants together. He will not believe anything without checking with me first. I am certain I can smooth it over. The shipping line rumor will take a bit of work to fix. We must go to London immediately.”

  Dory would think this was her fault. “Is Castlereagh still involved? I paid his debt to that old codger.”

  Stopping his pacing, Daniel ran his fingers through his blond hair. “The word at White’s is that as soon as you had paid his old debts, the earl set about creating more. His gambling and bad business dealings are getting worse. In the past, Markus has kept him in check, but since Emma’s death he has not been watching his father.”

  “I suppose Lord Hartly will have to be dealt with. Perhaps we can get my father-in-law out of this and save Markus’s inheritance as well.”

  Dory opened the parlor door and all three women joined them. Her smile fell as soon as she saw his face. “Is something wrong?”

  There was no debating what he would tell her as there had been in the past. It was a new relationship and promises had been made. “Unfortunately, we will have to delay our trip to Kent.”

  “I see. What has happened?” As she sat on the couch, her lavender skirts fluffed out around her and she stared at him.

  He hated to say it. How could he? She would blame herself. “I am hesitant to tell you.”

  It was as if all the air went out of her at once. Her shoulders slumped, her head bowed, and she sighed. “It’s Father again, isn’t it?”

  “Hartly and his man, Wormfield, are making trouble. They have gotten the rumor mills churning, and your father is running up debt again.” He put his hand on her shoulder.

  Shaking her head, she gripped his hand. “Then we must go to London and put a stop to this insanity. I for one have had enough.”

  Pride swelled in his heart. If she blamed herself, she did not give in to it. “We can start back as soon as this rain eases.”

  Chapter 21

  The rain continued unhindered past the dinner hour. Young Sam ran in during the meal and informed them that the bridge had washed out. Dory sighed, but she liked having another night in the cottage even if it was small for six people.

  Sitting down for cards in the parlor, it was nice to think she would host her friends in her own home as Mrs. Wheel of Middlesex.

  “Will this rain ever stop?” Elinor fussed with her cards.

  Dory laughed. “It is justice for you stranding us here. Now you see what it is like to be trapped and unable to leave at one’s leisure.”

  Cuddled on the couch Sophia and Daniel looked the perfect match. Sophia said, “I love this little cottage. I have a mind to use it as a holiday spot. Look at the miracle it worked with you two.”

  Cheeks heated, Dory found Tom smiling at her from across the table. “I would not mind returning from time to time.”

  Michael said, “You are welcome to it whenever you like. Though keep in mind, you will need to send staff ahead. Most of the time, I keep this old place closed. I only sent Jane and Sam with a cart full of supplies so you wouldn’t starve.”

  “It is a good thing you sent enough for a fortnight, or there would be scarce enough to feed the six of us overnight.” Dory’s cards were terrible. She doubted they could make a pass.

  It was unusual to see Michael so animated. Tossing his cards in the middle of the table, he stood. “I have a crazy idea.”

  Dory put her cards down, glad the hand was over.

  Tom asked, “What idea?”

  “To do with your problem, Tom. I think I know how you can stop any further damage by Hartly and perhaps mend what he’s already done.” Michael crossed to the window. The constant spray of rain against the glass droned on.

  “As long as your plan does not include separating from my wife, I am listening.”

  Michael turned and looked from Dory to Tom and back again. “It’s a bit dangerous. It would be better if Dorothea stayed with Elinor or Sophia until this was over.”

  “I know Father has been impossible and I think he should be taught a lesson. However, we must keep in mind any financial damage we do to Father, we do to Markus, Mother, and Adam.” Dory had been a part of Michael’s schemes before and while it started out exciting, in the end, it had been frightening.

  Michael added a log to the dwindling fire. “I am well aware. You will pardon me, Dory, but your father is a fool and easily handled. Hartly’s jealousy was likely behind the duel. He hoped to keep himself out of the fray and still get his way. Hartly is not a fool and he employs a dangerous man. He had his money and would have been wise to walk away, but instead he continues in his attempts to harm Tom. If we set the stage, he will make his move.”

  “What is the danger?” Dory asked.

  Michael, Daniel and Tom exchanged glances. Michael said, “We do not know how far he will go. He may intend to finish where your father failed.”

  “You think he will try to kill Tom?” She had to catch her breath.

  Tom took her hand and rubbed the tension out of her fingers. “Relax. We are ready this time. Nothing will happen to me.”

  “Michael said Mr. Wormfield is dangerous, Tom. Maybe it would be best if we went to the authorities. Surely someone from Bow Street would be able to offer us protection.”

  “Do not let Michael bully you into doing anything you do not wish.”

  “Thank you, wife.” Michael leveled his gaze on Elinor but his eyes danced with laughter.

  “I have been Dory’s friend far longer than your wife, and you can be a bully about these schemes of yours.”

  Shrugging, Michael said, “It is entirely up to the two of you. I have no objection to contacting James Hardwig. He has proven very helpful in the past.”

  “What am I to tell James? There has been no threat made. Spreading rumors is Hartly’s only crime and the inspector has better things to do than chase those.” Tom tugged on the bottom of his jacket as he stood.

  Daniel stopped his pacing. “He’s a good friend. Tell him you are laying a trap.”

  So much of what the men were planning was unspoken, Dory had trouble keeping up. “I am not privy to your silent communication. Can you tell me what it is you plan to do?”

  Michael laughed. “Sorry, old habit. My idea is to leak information that Tom is back in London. I will see that Hartly or Wormfield is informed about his whereabouts. Then we wait and see if he does anything.”

  “Tom is bait? No. It’s too dangerous.”

  “I am not without skills, Dory.” Tom leaned against the mantle.

  “My father shot you and you nearly died.” Her voice had taken on a shrill that was too reminiscent
of her mother in one of her states.

  Tom shook his head. “That was a matter of honor and I let your father shoot. It is not the same.”

  “You said yourself that Wormfield is dangerous.”

  Michael said, “He is, but we are more dangerous and with better resources. Send James a note, Tom. Tell him what has happened and what we plan. If I know him, he already knows all the gossip.”

  Shaking his head, Tom met her gaze. “Please, Tom.”

  “I can deny you nothing, Dory. I will write him as soon as we return to London.”

  * * * *

  London was emptying as the colder weather came in. Dory was glad Mother had gone to see Markus. Father would not leave until there was no one left to drink with. She spent the morning trying to convince Father to stay away from Hartly and go to the country, but he just ranted about her marriage until she was forced to leave the house.

  Tom opened the carriage door as soon as it stopped in front of their townhouse. “Are you all right?”

  Here was her family. Her brothers would visit. She would make Tom’s mother love her, and perhaps even Mother would stay close. Whatever Father’s objectives, they soon wouldn’t matter. “I am fine. He reacted exactly as expected despite his inebriated state.”

  Lifting her down from the carriage, he kissed the top of her head. “Was it terrible?”

  “Nothing I did not expect, but I admit I had hoped for a different reaction.” If only she could stay in Tom’s arms forever, she could lose herself and think of nothing else. His spicy, warm scent made everything better.

  “Michael has already made certain Hartly is aware of my itinerary for the evening. James is in the study.” Embracing in the middle of the street, they were a spectacle.

  A carriage rolled down the street. She pulled away. “You left a guest alone in the study?”

  Hand in hand he led her up the steps. “James understands such things. He is a very old friend.”

  “From when you served the crown?”

  “Yes.”

  “And he protected you?”

  Crowly opened the door and took her coat and gloves.

  “We protected each other when we were in France. James saved my life a few times. He is a good man.”

  “Then I like him already.” She preceded Tom into the study.

  James Hardwig stood looking out into the garden. He wore a rumpled gray coat and his belly protruded over his breeches. His thinning blond hair was combed back across a bald spot and he ran his hand over it. Rocking from toe to heel, he turned as the door closed behind them.

  Tom stepped forward. “James, this is my wife, Dorothea Wheel.”

  James bowed. “A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Wheel.”

  Reaching out, she took his hand and held it in both of hers. “The pleasure is mine, Inspector Hardwig. I cannot thank you enough for assisting us.”

  Blushing bright, James stuttered, “I—it is my honor, madam. However, I hope there will be nothing to assist with. For tonight, Mr. Wheel will go to White’s and then a gaming hell. His Grace is making sure Hartly knows where and when. We will keep watch and make sure if anything happens Wheel is out of danger.”

  “I have to tell you, Inspector, I am not at all comfortable with this plan. White’s may be respectable and easy to control, but a gaming hell? How will you keep Tom safe?” She gripped the edge of the chair and forced her voice to remain steady. Inside she was screaming.

  Tom’s steady hand on her shoulder helped. “Dory, sit down. I will be fine. I know you think I am some soft gentleman, but I do know how to defend myself.”

  “I think nothing of the sort.” She sat. “It is only that placing yourself in harm’s way is foolish.”

  A chuckle from James reminded her they were not alone. “Don’t worry yourself, Mrs. Wheel. I will keep a close eye on him.”

  “And what if nothing happens at White’s or the gaming hell?” She leaned back and closed her eyes. Taking deep breaths, she tried to slow her heart.

  Tom sat behind his desk. “Michael insists on staying with us here until this is resolved. If you want to go and stay with Marlton or Elinor, you will be safer.”

  He was trying to get rid of her. Even though it was a ridiculous thought she couldn’t help it. “I will not leave my home or you.”

  “It may all amount to nothing,” James said. “In a few days, it will all blow over and life will be back to normal. Do not fret, madam.”

  “He’s right, Dory. Relax. I am not sending you away. I only suggest it as an option if you are insecure about staying here.”

  “I am not.” She stared him in the eye.

  “Very well, then.” Smiling, Tom met her gaze before turning to James. “You had best get in place, James. I will make my way over in a little while.”

  Taking a step toward the door, James nodded then stopped. He turned toward Dory and bowed. “It is an honor to meet you, Mrs. Wheel. I am extremely happy my friend has found such a fine lady to share his life with. I hope you do not think me too bold for saying so.”

  There was something charming about the inspector. He was rough and unkempt and without means or title, yet he managed to endear himself. “Thank you, Inspector. You are too kind.”

  James closed the door behind him.

  Tom pulled her from the chair into his arms.

  Settling her head on his chest, she sighed with the comfort of it. “Should you not go to White’s?”

  He closed his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. “I do not wish to leave you alone. I will go soon enough.”

  Being tucked in next to him was delicious. “Do not be silly. Crowly is here, as is the rest of the staff. I am hardly alone. You should go.”

  People chattered in the foyer.

  “We are here,” Sophia yelled from behind the door.

  The door opened, admitting Sophia and Elinor in a shuffle of skirts. Crowly stood behind them and shook his head before he shrugged and walked out.

  Dory pulled herself upright. “What are you two doing here?”

  “We could not possibly let you wait all alone.” Sophia flounced into one of two club chairs.

  Tom stood and bowed. “Thank you, ladies. I had better go. As soon as this is finished, I will return with a full report.”

  Watching him leave, Dory wished she’d had another private moment to tell him she loved him and to be careful. She stared at the door long after he was out of sight. Left behind was a hole, which no other person had ever filled. She was being childish. “Elinor, please sit. I will call for tea.”

  “Tea would be lovely.” Elinor sat in the other club chair. “It seems odd for us to be having tea in such a masculine room rather than a lady’s sitting room or parlor.”

  Sophia ran her hand along the worn leather chair. “I like it. All that lace and damask gets on my nerves. This is cozy.”

  Leave it to an American to see through all the frills. Dory loved this study because it was where Tom worked throughout most of the day, but she also liked the warm aesthetic.

  A scratch at the door sounded, and the under-maid dragged in a bucket of wood and fed the fire. Once the blaze was going well, she stood and wiped her hands on her apron.

  “Fiona, please tell Cook to bring tea.”

  Half grabbing her bucket and half curtsying, Fiona said, “Yes, madam.”

  Elinor leaned back in her chair. It was not her normal ladylike, straight-backed pose. “I hate waiting for news. If we were men, we could stomp into White’s and watch what happens firsthand.”

  Sophia rubbed her stomach. “Speaking of firsthand accounts, how did it go with your father?”

  “As expected.”

  “Fathers.” Elinor harrumphed. “I am sorry, Dory. It must have been terrible for you.”

  Elinor’s anger was clear while Sophia’s g
aze dropped to the burgundy rug and she repeated the rubbing of her stomach.

  It was a telling move and the three were close enough that Dory asked, “I do not mean to be indelicate, Sophia, but are you with child?”

  Her golden eyes lost their sorrow and filled with joy. She nodded. “I suspect a few months.”

  Squealing with delight, Elinor bounded from her chair and threw herself at Sophia. “Why did you not tell us?”

  “So much has been going on that I thought I would wait until we got back to normal.”

  Dory laughed. “I am afraid this may be our normal.”

  “You may be right.”

  They talked of babies and other craziness long after the tea arrived.

  * * * *

  Tom left the gaming hell when an argument broke out. He never saw Hartly, Wormfield, or Hardwig for that matter. Eyes blurry from cigar smoke and bad drink, he knew why he’d stopped going to such places. He made his way around the crush of men who had filed down the hallway when the commotion began.

  Daniel and Michael had left after White’s to see to the safety of the women. Michael would make it look like he went home with Elinor, but he would make sure Dory was safe. Between him and Crowly, no one would get inside the townhouse. Dawn was only an hour away and Tom’s bed was calling to him. Maybe they had overreacted. If Hartly wanted him dead, he’d had ample opportunities tonight. He climbed into his carriage. “Mally, take me home.”

  The dodgy neighborhood had no streetlamps and the road was badly rutted. The carriage jerked from side to side. Tom grabbed hold of the seat to keep steady as they turned a corner. The carriage was moving too fast. Mally knew better than to run these streets recklessly.

  Banging on the roof, he yelled to Mally to slow down. His heart raced and the hair on the back of his neck prickled. This was all wrong.

  They turned another corner. Outside, Parliament, the river, and the scent of doom all filtered through the blur of a quickening pace.