Rogue's Lady

by Robyn Carr

  “But the contracts...”

  “My investment is not for sale. It never was.”

  “You tricked me?” she asked in astonishment. “Why?”

  Tyson laughed as if in genuine amusement. “You’re not used to having the bad end of the joke, are you, Lenore? Well, at least you don’t have to endure the hardship of thinking you’d actually killed someone. Michael, the actor? His ‘widow’ is in my employ. I know how you tricked me.”

  Lenore was stunned speechless for a moment. Then her eyes slowly took on the fury of a woman used, and her mouth was pinched with rage. “What the hell is happening here?”

  “You’re leaving the country, compliments of Charles Latimer. I have committed no murder. If Charles finds out that there is nothing you can do to convict me of any crime, he will cut you loose, penniless in a foreign country.” Tyson slowly walked toward his wife, leisurely took his place beside her, draping an arm around her shoulders, and smiled at Lenore. “I am doing you a great favor, Lenore. In letting you go, I am saving your life. Latimer is a desperate man...he might have killed you for your lies.”

  “Tyson...I don’t know what you’re talking about. Charles is the man with the money, but...”

  “Don’t bother,” he said sharply. “It is over. I know that he brought you here, that you were setting me up for a hanging, and that Latimer had no intention of letting me simply leave the country unscathed. That was your reason for purchasing another voucher, wasn’t it? Was he planning to meet me at dockside to arrest me?”

  Much to Tyson’s surprise, Lenore’s eyes misted. “I wouldn’t have let anything happen to you.”

  “How very compassionate of you. When did you tell him these contracts would be delivered to him?”

  “By this afternoon,” she said weakly.

  Tyson looked at Doré. “I’m quite sure Charles will have agents at the wharves.”

  Doré slowly nodded. “Mademoiselle will be uncomfortable, but a whale boat will deliver her to her ship. We do not go to a docked vessel.” He looked at Lenore. “For your safety, cherie.”

  “You bastard,” she hissed. “You planned this out from the beginning. There were no letters sent to me in Richmond; Tyson had never changed his mind about marrying me.”

  Doré grinned. “Oui, madame.”

  “Just be sure she is aboard when they leave port. Even if you have to tie her.”

  “Do not worry, Tyson.” Doré rose. “Mademoiselle? Shall we take your coach?”

  Lenore rose to her feet and moved toward the chest, sneering at Tyson as she moved.

  “One moment, my dear. I don’t think you’ll be needing all of this.”

  “What?” she questioned, whirling. “But you said...”

  “I said your departure was compliments of Charles. I see thirty thousand pounds here; the voyage is not nearly as costly as that.”

  “You intend to keep it?”

  Tyson chuckled, rising, and pulled some pound notes out of the chest, counting it quickly. “I have had quite a few expenses myself, my dear. Everly’s wife, for instance, was also active in the theatre. And there is the damage that Latimer did, the cost of remaining in London to watch him...”

  “But I did not even bring all my possessions with me.”

  He held out a few rolled-up pound notes. “There is enough to get you back to Richmond, and a little extra. Do be sure that you only collect your things from your home. Didn’t I hear you mention an aunt in Boston?”

  “What? You mean to say—”

  “I mean that I will not be here forever, and when I return to Richmond, if you are living there, I will expose your crimes. The penalty, whatever it is, will be most unpleasant.”

  She lifted her chin indignantly. “You would have to find Everly. Otherwise, I can deny it.”

  “An empty grave and an actor looking for work? Do you doubt I can do it? You amaze me, Lenore; the man has already been paid by you. How do you rely on his future silence?” He laughed and shook his head. “Unless you actually bedded the fool and suppose that there is some loyalty bound to you.”

  “I wonder, Tyson, where there is loyalty,” she angrily flung at him. “Had you accorded me the slightest amount, none of this would have ever happened. Had you married me after becoming my lover, I would not have become desperate. I did ask you to make right your affection...long before I tried trickery.”

  “Is that how you justify all the pain you’ve caused?” Tyson tilted his head in the direction of the door, holding the money out to her. Doré took her elbow in a firm grip, and with a last hateful glance, she snatched the money from Tyson’s hand and moved toward the door.

  “The most terrifying thing is,” Tyson began, causing her to turn back and look at him. “Had you convinced me that you had the slightest bit of honor, decency, or morals, I might have married you long ago.” He bowed elaborately. “I thank you, madam. That would have been a horrible trick, indeed.”

  Lenore whirled away from him and preceded Doré to the door. Tyson heard it slam.

  Vieve was on her feet and in his arms instantly. She trembled as he embraced her tightly. He lifted her chin with a finger. “It is better that you witnessed that for yourself. That was Lenore at her worst.”

  “How did she hold you for so long?”

  “She did not hold me, my love. I had nothing at all before you. I worked, cared for my family, amassed money, and did not know how lonely I was. They all tried to tell me there was more for me... but until I found you, I did not know what anyone meant.”

  “I wonder if Andrew Shelby knows what a great help he is?” Tyson mumbled as he paged through the bound ledger that Mary Earwhick brought him.

  “He had a terrible argument with Mr. Latimer,” Mary explained. “He left the house in a temper, young Faye was crying, Mr. Latimer was yelling, and Mrs. Latimer was trying to quiet both of them. Then Shelby came back just after dinner when the house was quiet and forced his way in, tearing through every cupboard and drawer in Mr. Latimer’s study. When Mr. Latimer and his men were busy restraining him, I could not see a better chance to pick up the book and leave the house.” She sighed heavily. “I would have had to leave soon, Captain. It was becoming too much. The trouble worsens every day.”

  “What happened to Andrew?”

  She dropped her gaze. “They beat him and threw him into the street. He was badly done.”

  Tyson slowly looked through the ledger. Mary sat on the chair in front of his desk, and Doré stood behind Tyson, looking over his shoulder.

  “Is it what you want, Captain?”

  “You’re certain there is not another?”

  “No, sir. I had plenty of time to look through his things, and this is the only ledger he guarded.”

  Tyson looked over his shoulder at Doré. “It does not give evidence of crimes, but every entry here describes his purchase of Lord Ridgley’s property through agents. They are not only named, but Charles was even audacious enough to label the book with Chappington. I imagine he was going to present this to his brother when he was convinced the estate was poor enough.” Tyson snorted derisively. “Charles’s records are as meticulous as the baron’s.”

  “Is it enough to put him away?” Doré asked.

  “Probably not, but it may be enough to convince him that he could be locked away if Lord Ridgley chose. If Lord Ridgley is forced to use this record alone to stop Charles, it should raise some very interesting questions. If Charles was acting within the law in his acquisitions, why was there a need for secrecy? In almost every instance he had established another to act as owner of these properties under the baron. I am certain that each entry will coincide with the baron’s disasters.”

  “Will you confront him now? Lenore has only been gone for two days.”

  “If Charles has noticed his account missing, he will be hysterical by now.” Tyson raised a brow. “A good mood, I think, in which to see him.”

  Tyson went alone to the Latimer house. The housekeeper did not
wish to admit him, but he was insistent. From the foyer he heard a loud thump and Charles’s shouting. “What do you mean you can’t find him. You will find him, you imbecile. I pay you to find people.”

  Tyson watched in amusement as the hired man fled through the hall and out the door. Tyson walked in the direction of the bellowing, past the disgruntled housekeeper, finding Charles red-faced and furious, pacing behind his desk.

  Charles stopped suddenly. He was stunned speechless as he was left to stare at the large, imposing figure of Captain Gervais.

  “Good afternoon, Charles,” Tyson said evenly. “I assume you have lost Andrew Shelby?”

  “What do you want?”

  “I came to give you these,” he said, entering and tossing the documents Charles had drawn on his desk. “They are unsigned, of course. And Lenore has fled the country with your money. She lied to you, Charles. There was no death. The duel was a hoax.”

  Charles stared at Tyson, disbelief showing all over his face.

  “Andrew is not the thief you seek. I am the man who has your ledger and papers.” Tyson chuckled at Charles’s expression of surprise. “That’s right, I have them. They are not where you can easily find them, of course, for I know you to be well schooled in having fires set, so I will save you the trouble. You will not succeed in destroying the evidence against you by burning down my house. Lord Moresay has the ledger in safekeeping.”

  “What the hell are you talking about?” Charles blustered.

  “I thought you were seeking Andrew to find your ledger, the one labeled Chappington.”

  Charles’s color heightened, and he hastily opened a desk drawer, lifting out several ledgers, papers, and paraphernalia.

  “You hadn’t even noticed it was missing? Well, I have it. I can’t help you find Andrew, however. That you will have to do on your own.”

  Charles leaned on his desk. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I am looking for Shelby because he is the father of my daughter’s child, and she is well along. She will not deliver a bastard.”

  Tyson shook his head. “You do have your troubles, don’t you. Well, they are only beginning.”

  “So you have my ledger? So what?”

  Tyson shrugged. “Your records of purchases and payments to agents seem to coincide perfectly with all of Lord Ridgley’s problems. Fires, destruction of property, and death. Your detail is so perfect that I think the courts will be convinced that you have gone to illegal lengths to ruin your brother.”

  “I have used only my own wit and success to lay my hands on the title I deserve,” Charles shouted. “Boris has had bad luck that has been my good fortune, and there is nothing in it that can hurt me.”

  “Do you think anyone will believe that, Latimer? Lord Ridgley has suffered more ill fortune than anyone in this precious little kingdom. Anyone would agree that there had to be foul play.” Tyson paused a moment and looked hard into the merchant’s eyes. “Ironically, there was a fire on my ship just after I invested with the baron. A lantern was dropped into the cargo hold. Had we failed to save her, the cost would have wiped out my investment. There happens to be a payment to a hired man named Will Tetcher on that very day.”

  “I have paid Tetcher for services on my behalf for many years. I know nothing of fires or ships....”

  Tyson’s eyes burned angrily. “I have had enough of this acting, Latimer. Here are your choices: you may take your chances on your professed innocence, or you may make restitution with Lord Ridgley. He will settle for your sworn statement, money for damages, and a document, signed and witnessed, promising that neither you nor your heirs will ever seek the Chappington seat. Your ledger will remain a property of the court for future evidence.”

  “I have done nothing but succeed,” he shouted. “I will not crawl before Boris. Never. Never in a hundred years.”

  “Think about it quickly, Charles. The baron is tired of your tactics, and you have lost quite a lot of money lately. If you wait, you will have nothing left.”

  Tyson turned and left the study. The house was quiet as he departed, but he felt the presence of many invisible eavesdroppers. When he reached his house again, Doré and Vieve were waiting for him.

  “It is time to send for Lord Ridgley. Get a courier, Doré, and let’s hope the weather is on our side. The baron should inform Paul, leave his property well guarded, and come to London ready to fight.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Charles stood at the foot of the steps and called his daughter to come downstairs. With each passing day, Faye’s ripening form became more evident. She was naturally plump and so hid her pregnancy for a long while, but as she approached six months it was painfully obvious. As she came down the stairs he winced with discomfort. Her expression was sad; she seemed to feel great pain.

  He reached for her hand to guide her down the last step. “Are you well, dear?” he asked.

  “No, Papa. I am ill every day.”

  Charles sighed. “I should kill him, but that would do you no good. Come and sit down. He should be here shortly.”

  “There is no way you can change his mind. He does not wish to marry me.”

  “Your father will change his mind, dear,” Elizabeth said from the stair. She had taken to wearing dark clothing, and it made her face seem all the more pale. As Charles looked up at her, he noticed that she had grayed considerably in the past few weeks. He reasoned Faye’s pregnancy and Robert’s flight had most likely done this to her.

  It had all gotten away from him somehow. He meant to best his brother, but he had not meant to hurt his own family. He nudged Faye gently ahead of him into the parlor and met his wife at the foot of the stairs.

  “I had entrusted their welfare to you. You have done poorly by them,” he said.

  “How dare you ask me to carry any blame.” She narrowed her eyes in fierce hatred. “It is all because of you, Charles. Long ago you could have found a way to feel success without any envy of what your brother has. This is all your doing.”

  “I will see Faye settled, and Robert will return...”

  Elizabeth laughed loudly, shrilly, showing an even row of small teeth. “Robert swears to return when you are dead, and if you think this action you plan to take will settle Faye, you are so mistaken. She will be committed to a selfish man who does not love her, just as I have been these twenty years.” Elizabeth walked past him into the parlor, where her daughter waited. “Then she will know what I have been through...because of you,” she said over her shoulder.

  Charles grabbed her arm, looking into her eyes. “Did Robert really say that? That he would only return when I was dead?”

  Her lips curved in a mocking smile. She pulled her arm out of his grasp, leaving him to stand in the parlor doorframe.

  Charles was about to join the women when the front door opened and two of his men brought in Andrew Shelby. He met the feral gleam in the young man’s eyes. Andrew had been cleaned up as much as possible. When Charles’s hired men had finally found him, Andrew had been lost in a drunken stupor for days.

  “Is that the best you could do with him?” Charles asked.

  One of the men shrugged. “We shaved him up, sir. Clean clothes.”

  Andrew smirked. “Does my appearance not please you, Mr. Latimer?”

  Charles frowned. “I gave you credit for better sense. But by God, if I have to put a gun to your head, you will give my daughter a wedded name. Get in here,” he said, going ahead of Andrew into the parlor.

  Once inside, Charles turned to watch Andrew enter. He took some small satisfaction in Andrew’s reaction to Faye, for the young man had not seen her since her pregnancy had begun to show. He grimaced in discomfort at the sight of her round belly. But Faye could not raise her eyes. She looked at her hands.

  “Sit down, Shelby,” Charles demanded hotly. “I don’t intend to spend much time on this.”

  Andrew took his eyes off Faye and sauntered toward a chair, sitting with one leg outstretched in obvious insolence.
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  “I have contracts drawn for my daughter’s marriage to you, and you will sign them. I cannot force you to be a decent husband to her, but I can force you to marry her. And if you abuse her further, I will kill you.”

  “Abuse her. My God, Latimer, you have more gall than anyone I’ve ever met.” He laughed suddenly. “She begged me to take her; she waited for me each time I left your study.”

  Faye’s shoulders began to tremble with the weight of her sobs.

  “That’s enough,” Charles shouted. “She carries your child, and there is no necessity to shame her further. No matter what she might have done, she is a child herself and you are a man. Or are you?”

  “You thought I was man enough to seduce and conquer Vieve,” Andrew snidely returned. Faye looked up. “Doesn’t your daughter know that you were paying me to claim Vieve’s virginity? I see she doesn’t.” He looked at Faye. “Paid, bribed, and finally he threatened. He took the debt off my family lands, gave me loans against a contract that they would be removed if I could marry her, and then threatened to leave me with nothing if I could not at least rape her. Why the hell do you think I was in your household so much of the time? Because we were friends?”

  Faye looked in astonishment at her father. “Papa? You paid him to court Vieve?” Suddenly she smiled. “I thought... I always thought you wanted her.”

  “I did want her,” Andrew said sullenly. “I wanted her so badly that I did everything your father asked of me.”

  “Oh, Papa,” she said, tears springing to her eyes again.

  “It was not meant to harm you, Faye,” Charles said with unusual calm. “I had no idea that you were interested in Andrew.”

  “But who was it meant to harm?”

  “Your Uncle Boris,” Elizabeth said with sharp clarity. “Charles wished to have Vieve marry at least as poorly as Paul, isn’t that right, Charles?”

  “That is of no concern now—”

  “It concerns me,” Andrew said. “You used me, lied to me, and gave me instructions to act as though I burned so with passion that I was out of control.” Andrew laughed sharply. “The irony is that I was so damned worked up trying to win her that when your own daughter teased me and begged me, I had no control.”