Lady In Distress (The Langley Sisters Book 3)

by Vella, Wendy

  “And you want to start investing on your own?”

  This was another moment that he had to take, another step over the line.

  “Yes. I have some ideas which I will talk with you about,” Luke said, looking at them. “But I think it is time.”

  “Past time.”

  “And you had to add that because you knew it would annoy me.”

  Will’s smile was innocent. “What are brothers for if not to annoy each other?”

  “What indeed.”

  “Do you want me to look at the house?”

  “If you have the time, Will, I would, thank you. You know more about these things than I.”

  Will nodded and fell silent, and Luke knew his brain was working furiously to fathom what all this meant. Beside him Finn sat quietly doing the same.

  Mr. Collins had rooms in Becall Court alongside other men of business. They were admitted into a spacious waiting area and, after a look around, Finn’s eyebrows rose as he noted the lavish furnishings.

  “I obviously should have visited him here before employing him.”

  Chairs were in rich emerald velvet; the carpets were plush and thick.

  “Lord Levermarch, please come through. Mr. Collins will see you now.”

  The three men rose and followed the clerk into an office off the waiting room.

  This, too, was well appointed, and Mr. Collins was seated behind a large desk in an elaborately carved chair that Luke was sure the King would have been happy seated in. His eyes widened when he saw that Finn had not come alone, and Luke saw the flash of fear before he masked it.

  “Lord Levermarch.” The man climbed to his feet, all smiles. He came around the desk and offered his hand, which Finn shook with great reluctance. “You have brought company with you?”

  “Lord Ryder and Mr. Fletcher.”

  “Gentlemen.” Mr. Collins shook more hands and then moved chairs to accommodate everyone. Luke took the one facing him. “Are either of you interested in procuring my services? Is that why you have accompanied Lord Levermarch?”

  No one answered the man as Luke rose and placed the five ledgers in front of the man, then opened the top one.

  “I see you have brought the ledgers back with you,” Mr. Collins said once he had retaken his seat. “Everything is as it should be, no doubt?”

  “No, it is not as it should be. You have been stealing from Lord Levermarch, Mr. Collins, and the total of that theft is marked here,” Luke said, flipping the book to the last page, “and if that amount is not returned to Lord Levermarch immediately, then we shall be forced to lay charges against you.”

  After these words, Luke sat back in his seat and watched the man look at him, wide-eyed. He then proceeded to open each of the books, taking note of the markings Luke had made.

  “I’m afraid there has been some kind of mistake, my lord,” he said, addressing Finn.

  “Mr. Collins, please deal with Mr. Fletcher. He is the man who identified that you were stealing from me.” Finn spat out the words which made the accountant flinch. “Had he not, then I would have been none the wiser, and probably would have lost a great deal more money at your hands.”

  Finn’s eyes were icy and his big body clenched in rage. Gone was the usual, even-tempered man Luke had come to know.

  “If you refuse to acknowledge what you have done then I will be forced to find other clients of yours who, I’m sure, are unaware of what you have done, as most are wealthy,” Luke said calmly. “I shall then explain precisely what you are capable of, and ask to look over their books, Mr. Collins. Some, of course, will not let me, but…” He gave the man a steady look and noted the sheen of sweat now on his upper lip, “some will, especially if that request were to come from either Lord Ryder, Lord Levermarch or Mr. Dillinger.”

  There was enough power in those three names to bring the man to his knees.

  “Wh-what can I do to make amends?”

  “You will return every penny to Lord Levermarch before the end of three months, and then you will shut this business down and leave London. If I hear you have returned, we will have no choice but to follow through with our intentions to press charges against you.”

  “But where will we go? I have a family.”

  The man looked bewildered, as if it was Luke that was in the wrong.

  “I know you have three sons who all attend prestigious schools and two daughters, one of whom has contracted an advantageous match. I also know that on the money you should have earned from your business you could not have led the life you have, which naturally leads me to believe you have been cheating people out of theirs for many years; but this I cannot prove without further investigation. However,” Luke added when Mr. Collins opened his mouth to speak, “I will not pursue this because to do so would ruin not only your life but your family’s, and I have no wish to do that, as they are innocent of your perfidious behavior. Therefore, you will do what I have said and you will do it with some expediency.”

  “I…it will break me.”

  Luke rose and placed his hand on the man’s desk; he then bent forward so their eyes were level.

  “You are nothing but a filthy, lying thief, Mr. Collins. People steal to survive and get slapped in prison, others deported for taking a loaf of bread, but you…you will walk free when, in fact, you are worse than any of them. What you did was calculated and for no other reason than to elevate your status in the eyes of society. So it may break you to return the money you have stolen, but if you don’t, then be assured that I will finish the job.”

  “I…it is your word against mine,” Mr. Collins said, which was foolish to Luke’s mind, as the books were there in front of him and he only had to take them to a magistrate to show proof of what had taken place

  “Who would believe you when faced with the men behind me?”

  “I have friends in high places.”

  “Now you’re just annoying me.” Reaching across the desk, Luke grabbed his shirt and neck cloth and lifted him so their faces were inches apart. “My friends have a great deal more power than yours, Mr. Collins, besides which, we have the truth and the proof on our side.”

  Dropping the man back in his seat, he then slowly closed the ledgers. Picking them up, he then made for the door, stopping just before he passed through to look back at the man slumped over his desk. “I will have a man posted outside your house. If he sees that you are attempting to flee, he will notify me immediately.”

  Once they were seated in the carriage again, Finn pulled out some coins and handed them to Will. Luke watched the transaction with a raised eyebrow.

  “I bet him that by the end of the interview the hairs on the back of his neck would be standing after you had finished with Mr. Collins,” Will said, pocketing the coins, looking smug. “He didn’t think you were capable of being that intimidating.”

  “Seems I was wrong.” Finn stuck out his hand. “You, Luke Fletcher, are a very impressive man when riled. I plan to always keep you on my good side from this day forth.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Bella looked into the mirror as Sally finished her hair. She had taken her breakfast on a tray after sleeping late. Last night’s ball had been a grand affair, as they all were; however, the late hours were taking their toll, she thought, yawning. They had been in London for many weeks now and she longed for the quiet of her life in Twoaks. Of course, that longing was usually mixed with feelings for Luke. After what they had done that night in Will’s office, she could not run a cloth over her body without remembering the sensations of his hands and mouth on her. She could hardly believe she had touched him so intimately, either. She rarely saw him now. He was never in the house, having moved into his own. He’d told her he would take her to visit when it was furnished, but as yet, had not done so.

  “I’ll just add a few small bows to the back and it will be finished.”

  “Thank you, Sally.”

  For so long, Bella had thought of entering society with a mix of longing a
nd fear. She had believed that when the time came she would be limping into the ballroom on a cane and, of course, this was where the fear came from. She’d imagined her nights spent watching other guests dance while she tapped her foot and sat around the edges of the room; however, the reality was far different. She still tired most evenings, but no one seemed to mind if she stopped dancing for a while. In fact, she had formed a group of admirers who seemed quite content to stand about while she gave her leg a rest, and regale her with stories and silly little ditties about her hair or eyes. Will had declared last night that both she and Thea were considered two of the reigning beauties this season, which had made them both snort, neither believing his words.

  No man had captured her interest and she knew no man would; not now, not after what she had shared with Luke, and what she still felt for him. Nothing had changed in her heart. No man’s touch made her long for more like his did, or left her hand tingling after a kiss.

  “The front parlor is full again, Bella.” Livvy appeared in the doorway.

  “I’m ready now. Is Thea here?”

  “Yes, and she is whisking you away when our visitors leave to go to an exhibition of some kind.”

  “That sounds intriguing.” Bella rose to follow her sister down the stairs.

  It was flattering, all this adoration she was receiving, and had Bella not lived the life she had she could easily have let it go to her head. But she had lived her life; she understood what it was to be born to privilege and have it taken from you, just as she understood what it was to live in poverty. Pain was something else Bella knew. Deep, aching, all encompassing pain, that made you irrational and weepy, that sapped your strength, and, yes, even the will to live. These things had formed her, molded her into the woman that would sit in her sister’s parlor and listen to the men tell her stories of her beauty, and of their exploits. She didn’t giggle, nor bat her eyelashes, and as she had said to Thea, neither of them were terribly good at flirting; therefore, both had wondered why they were popular. Thea had pointed out that they were both well dowered, which of course only enhanced their beauty in the eyes of some.

  Sometimes, she longed to find Luke and simply sit and talk with him. He would discuss things with her that other men would not. They insisted on talking about the weather and reciting her badly written poetry.

  She wondered if Lord Anthony was there. He was becoming very attentive and while she liked him, she could see no future with the man and had to find a way to dissuade him. Bella had tried to avoid him, tried to put some distance between them, but he was becoming determined, and soon she feared he would offer for her hand, and that had to be avoided at all costs.

  “Good morning.” Walking into the room, Bella smiled at Thea, then Lord Anthony, Mr. Pilgrew and Lord Castleton. “How lovely to see you all.”

  The talk flowed from topic to topic, mostly covering what had taken place the night before. Mr. Pilgrew usually had all the latest gossip and Lord Castleton a steady supply of compliments.

  “Miss Langley, I am to organize a picnic and would like to invite you and your family.” Lord Anthony had moved to her side as she stood to replace her cup on the tea tray. Smiling at him, she wondered how she could politely decline his inviation.

  “I cannot speak for all my family, my lord. Furnish me with the details and I shall talk with them directly and let your know their answer.”

  “To what, dear?” Livvy moved to her side and Lord Anthony eagerly relayed his invitation.

  “That sounds lovely. Of course we can attend,” her sister added.

  Bella forced a smile onto her face. She would have to find some way to avoid him at the picnic.

  “You are too kind, my dear lady. I shall send you an invite at once.”

  “And now, gentlemen, I’m afraid you must leave as Miss Langley and I have an appointment.” Thea rose as she spoke and the gentlemen immediately followed.

  “Until tonight, dear Miss Langley.” Lord Anthony’s lips stayed on her hand for longer than was correct.

  “Don’t you get sick of all that flattery?” Thea said when the door had shut behind the last guest. “All that rubbish they spout,” she shuddered. “I detest it.”

  “They are harmless, Thea. But I have to admit it does irritate me sometimes, and in truth I’m wondering how to dissuade Lord Anthony.”

  “The problem is you were always a nicer person than I, so being mean does not come easily.”

  “Perhaps that’s why we’re friends because we complement each other.”

  “You could be right, and I will give the matter of how to dissuade Lord Anthony some thought, because as you know, I cannot like the man. But for now, get your bonnet as we are going out.”

  “Yes, Livvy said you were dragging me somewhere. Care to tell me where?”

  “Ask no more questions and then you won’t have to tell anyone lies when they ask you for details, because you have not been furnished with them,” Thea stated in a whisper.

  “I’m not sure whether to be worried or excited.”

  “Go.” Thea shooed her from the room.

  They were soon in the carriage with Sally and Thea’s maid, Hester.

  “Livvy said we are going to an exhibition?”

  “It’s kind of an exhibition, but a bit different.” Thea was being evasive, which was always a terrifying thing. Many times, she had lured Bella into an adventure by avoiding an explanation of just what it was they were about to do.

  “What kind of an exhibition?”

  “The fun kind.”

  “Yes, and what kind of fun will I be partaking in?”

  “The enjoyable, if slightly scary kind.”

  “Oh, God,” Bella moaned at the wicked look on her friend’s face. Looking from Sally to Hester yielded her nothing, as both looked as clueless as she.

  “Is it dangerous?”

  “Of course not. When have I ever put you in danger?” Thea looked affronted at the very thought.

  “You made me hold your boxing bag and then missed and hit me in the cheek. It was a damn near thing that I wasn’t knocked out.”

  “Pffffft, you were fine.”

  “I had a bruised cheek for days and had to lie to my family that I had walked into the door.”

  “This will be fun, not painful.”

  And that, Bella thought, was all she was going to get until the carriage stopped.

  “Now, ladies, over there is a tea shop. You may go there and we shall collect you when we have finished,” Thea said when they were standing on the street.

  Sally and Hester, who knew each other well, were more than happy to comply with her wishes.

  “Come along, Bella,” Thea urged as she began striding along the footpath.

  “My leg may be better but I still cannot run on it, you know. So if your plan involves exercise in some way, then I shall probably sit and watch.”

  Ignoring this, Thea simply led her to a set of stairs that would take them down below the street towards the basement of a large building.

  “Where are we?” Bella looked around her to see if she recognized anything. “And why do we not need our maids with us?”

  “Jones Street,” Thea said. “And you have me. Why do you need a maid?”

  “Why indeed,” Bella muttered as she followed Thea down.

  At the bottom the black, polished front door stood open and they walked into a small dimly lit reception area.

  “Good morning.” The clerk behind the desk said. “How may I help you?”

  “We wish to purchase two tickets to view your exhibition, please.”

  “And are you aware of what the exhibition is, madam?”

  These words did not inspire Bella with confidence.

  “Of course. We are most excited to see it.”

  “Thea—”

  “Hush now, and trust me,” she whispered to Bella.

  “As if I have a choice,” Bella muttered. Looking around the small space

  yielded her little. It was
a room, tastefully decorated if a little sparse, but offered no clues as to why she was there.

  “If you’ll go through the door, the first session will start shortly.”

  “Thank you.” Taking the tickets, Thea once again took Bella’s hand and led her through the door the man had indicated.

  “Good lord, it’s quiet dark in here, Thea. What on earth have you lured me into?” The room was large and Bella could see many seats, most of which were occupied, then at the front was what appeared to be a sheet hanging from the ceiling.

  “Come, I see two free seats.” Bella wasn’t sure how Thea had seen them as she could see nothing. “You go first.” She then urged Bella into the row.

  She was making her way without standing on anyone when she encountered a large gentleman. “Excuse me. Oh, do forgive me. Was that your foot?” Bella apologized, but really he was quite big and maneuvering around him was not a simple task.

  “It’s quite all right, Miss Langley. Nothing broken, I assure you,” a gravelly voice said which made her look closer.

  “Mr. Dillinger?” She peered down at him, noting the flash of white teeth as he smiled at her.

  “Indeed it is, and I must say I’m surprised to see you here. Then again, maybe not,” he added when Thea arrived behind her.

  “Bella?”

  “Luke?” Bella looked down into the eyes of the man she loved.

  “Move over next to Mr. Fletcher, if you please, Mr. Dillinger,” Thea said, looking at the two seats between him and Luke. “Why have you kept that space free? Are you expecting others?”

  “No, but we’re both big men, and I wanted the space to turn and stretch out my legs, Lady Althea. I assure you I would have moved had someone wished to sit there.”

  Thea mumbled something unflattering and then said they would look for other seats.

  “You will not sit next to a strange person in a darkened room.” The words were rasped into her ear as she was pulled down into a seat, beside her Thea landed in the other, courtesy of the hand Mr. Dillinger had on her arm.

  “Unhand me at once!” Thea cried.