“Of course I’m bloody not. I—I…”and he gulped down his rioting emotions. “I love her,” he said quietly and sunk on to a chair and lowered his head in his hands. “God, I love her. I can’t lose her over this—over Sarah.” He let the sadness in. He’d hurt Maddy. Maddy would be devastated and would see his omission as a lie and he’d promised her he would never lie. He knew her. Maddy’s brain would be running wild, thinking all kinds of terrible thoughts. She’d be reading so much more into this. She’d possibly think all his other declarations were a lie too.
“We will leave you to read the note in private.”
He waited until the door had shut behind his friends, before plucking up the courage to break the seal.
Dear Richard,
I never thought I’d see myself writing what will be my last letter to my best friend, let alone the fact you are my beloved husband.
Our wedding day was a dream come true for me. I was marrying my best friend, the man I had worshipped since I was a young girl.
I have always been able to tell you anything, but it seems I am only brave enough to tell you what’s buried within my heart in a letter. I love you. I always have.
I still have every one of your letters. They are worn and ragged from the number of times I have re-read them.
On our wedding day, we said we would be honest with each other. I can only think that you did not tell me Sarah’s child might be yours, because you did not wish to hurt me. That gives me some comfort.
However, learning that you may have a child you will not be able to acknowledge, must be eating you up inside, especially as I know you love Sarah so much.
Richard stopped reading. Loved Sarah? Nonsense. He’d told Maddy he had no feelings for Sarah, and now Maddy obviously didn’t believe him. His chest tightened at the thought. He hurriedly read on.
I should have done this in person, I know, but like the coward I am, I was too scared to see your reaction. If you’d looked at me with pity in your sparkling, beautiful eyes...
I know you never wanted this marriage. You loved Sarah and you obviously still do. It was my meddling, which trapped you into a marriage with me. Since Sarah was already married, you honorably obliged.
You were not to know her husband would have an accident shortly after our wedding.
Richard’s mind was trying to grasp something about the letter…Maddy knew it wasn’t an accident.
I don’t believe you should be punished for the rest of your life for doing the right thing by me.
I know you didn’t start out to dishonor our wedding vows, or me, but I feel such a fool for not seeing what was before me. A good friend has made it clear the rumors about your affair with Sarah are true. I was blinded to the truth by my love for you—and my hope; hope that we could make a wonderful life together.
But three in the marriage bed is one too many-for me, anyway.
I love you. When you love someone you put his or her needs before your own. You’d give anything to see them happy. You want the best for them. You’d give them the world.
And your world appears to be with Sarah.
Therefore, I’m stepping aside. I am leaving you, and will ensure you have grounds, and just cause, to divorce me.
Scandal has followed me all my life—so what’s one more? I never wish to marry again anyway.
You own my heart.
And always will.
Be happy, my dearest. For if you are happy, I’ll be content in the knowledge that I have contributed in some small way.
Let me do this for you, as you have done so much for me over the years, starting with befriending a very lonely little girl many years ago, when she was stuck in the bog.
Don’t try to find me.
Yours always,
Madeline Knight
Richard stood so quickly the chair tipped back, the crash causing Anthony to anxiously re-enter the study.
“It’s a ruse. Maddy is in terrible trouble. Who sent the note and where has she gone?”
Anthony called over his shoulder for Rufus before asking Richard, “How do you know?”
“Read the letter. She sent me clues.” Richard handed him the note, pacing anxiously as Anthony read the words.
Anthony crumpled the note in his fist. “Madeline knows you are not having an affair with Sarah. However, due to appearances, most of the ton thinks you are. The person who made her write this note isn’t privy to the situation with Sarah.”
“There are many clues in the letter. She wasn’t stuck in the bog. She was hiding up a tree the day we met. I never told her I was still in love with Sarah, and she knows damn well Charles’s death wasn’t an accident.” He slammed the desk with his hand. “Someone has forced her to write this letter.”
Rufus’s face went white. “She’s been gone since this afternoon. Rheda told me I should go after her, but I thought it better to wait for you.” He slapped his forehead several times. “I’m so stupid.”
“At least we know she’s not in Sarah’s clutches, and it wasn’t someone connected with Sarah, because she would know you haven’t continued ‘an affair’.” Anthony’s observation was valid. “It’s someone else. But who? Who would want to take Madeline?”
“I think this makes it worse. If it was Sarah we’d have some place to start at.” The men sat in silence, the frustration levels growing as the quietness lengthened.
Some time later, Rheda popped her head round the study door. “It’s awfully quiet in here.” She walked over and hugged Richard. “Don’t look so glum. She loves you. She probably just needs a bit of time to come to her senses.”
Richard stood and moved to the window. He couldn’t speak. He felt as if he should be doing something, but what? Who would she have turned to for help? Who could have taken her? She could be anywhere by now.
If he lost her… She’d been a part of his life for the last six years and it had taken him compromising and then marrying her to realize the treasure that she was. His soul ached at the idea she was scared and alone, and without him. He’d always wanted to help people, but this wasn’t simply about rescuing an unfortunate. This was his wife, his lover, his—heart.
He drew up short. As if lightening had struck, he instantly knew that Maddy was his soul mate, and if he lost her, he’d lose himself. Fear gripped his innards with its cold, clammy fingers.
He heard Rufus explain what they thought had happened and heard Rheda’s cry of distress. She was now quietly sobbing in Rufus’s arms.
At the commotion Melissa entered. When she too learned Madeline was missing, she quickly said, “Well, perhaps Mr. Hindsworth knows where she went. I saw him greet her at the Kensington gate in Hyde Park. I would never have let her ride off unprotected, but when I saw her with Mr. Hindsworth, I gave her space. It has not been easy for her facing the ton’s vicious mirth. You men forget what her childhood was like, and how she was always the subject of gossip.”
Richard turned around so quickly he almost tripped. “Mr. Hindsworth?” He stormed for the door, but Anthony’s hand stopped him. Richard tried to push him out of the way. “Let me go. I’ve got to find her and beg for forgiveness. Melissa’s words ring true, I have not thought enough about Maddy’s feelings in all of this. I haven’t protected her,” he cried.
“We don’t know anything yet.”
“Hindsworth’s been sniffing round her for weeks. Ever since Chesterton accosted her. Who the hell is he anyway? Does anyone even know where he lives?”
Silence, like a death knell, greeted his statement. “Well, I’m not sitting here like an idiot. I’m going to bloody well find out who he is and where he lives. Someone must know something.”
“Where are you going, Richard?” Rheda called.
“To see Lady Horsham. If anyone knows who is who in London, it’s she.”
After he left, Anthony said, “I’m going to question Hornsbled. I can’t sit here and do nothing either, and for all we know Sarah has something to do with this. It’s just too conve
nient. Sarah needs Madeline out of the way.”
“I’m coming with you. It’s better than sitting on my arse worrying.”
When the men had left the room, Melissa looked at Rheda. “She wouldn’t leave Richard for that Mr. Hindsworth would she?” Melissa asked.
“She’s not in love with Mr. Hindsworth and you know she loves Richard and that’s what I’m worried about.”
Melissa frowned. “I don’t follow.”
Rheda wrung her hands. “She’ll do something foolish, like thinking Richard would be better off without her. She’ll be thinking about the child. If it’s Richard’s…She’ll know it will kill him not to have his child with him.”
Melissa sighed and nodded. “She’ll feel if the child is Richard’s he will want to be with Sarah. For the child’s sake.”
“Exactly. She’s selfless like that. And the reason I’m so worried is that perhaps deep down inside, she believes Richard’s still in love with Sarah.”
“Is he?” Melissa seemed to hold her breath.
Rheda sat down and cradled her head in her hands. “I don’t think so but then I’m not privy to his thoughts.”
Melissa moved to comfort her friend. “Anthony doesn’t believe Richard loves Sarah, and seeing his reaction to Madeline’s disappearance, I don’t think Richard does either. From the minute he learned she’d been taken, Richard no longer cared about finding Charles’s killer. He’s consumed with finding Madeline. If he still loved Sarah, would he be so frantic?”
Rheda swiped tears from her face. “Then we need to find her. I have a bad feeling about all of this. I have no idea, other than Sarah, who would want to abduct her.”
“My money is on Hindsworth. I can’t understand why he persisted in befriending her; seducing her I can understand, because she’s beautiful, but his behavior isn’t that of a practiced rake.”
Rheda agreed. “Let’s hope Lady Horsham can tell Richard more.”
#
Richard barely stopped himself from hammering on Lady Horsham’s door. When it finally opened, his impatience saw him striding towards the drawing room regardless of her butler’s cries. When he got to the door, he took a deep breath, willing his exasperation to stay in check. He knocked gently and entered.
Thankfully, Lady Horsham was alone. She put down her embroidery. “I hope you have a very good reason for so rudely barging in here, young man.”
“I beg your pardon, my lady, but I’m in somewhat of a hurry. Maddy, that is, my wife, is missing.”
“I would have expected more from you, Mr. Craven. To lose one’s wife is more than careless, it smacks of neglect.”
Lady Horsham was angry with him. She was politely pointing out that his behavior over the past week was suspect. He had not been asked to take a seat. “I believe she is in danger and I’m frantic with worry. I beg your pardon if my manners are not what they should be.”
Her stern features softened. “Have a seat and tell me how you’ve come to lose your wife, and why on earth you think I can help.”
Richard sat and told her his story. Everything. All about Sarah, Charles’s death, and the baby. When he finished, he pleaded with her. “I need to know where this Mr. Hindsworth resides. He was the last person seen with her.”
Lady Horsham leaned forward and patted his hand. “I’ll wager you’re pleased I’m such a sticky beak now.”
Richard flushed. Most of the gentlemen called Lady Horsham sticky beak because she stuck her nose into everyone’s business. She ruled the ton and she could reduce a grown man to a little boy with a simple tongue-lashing.
She sipped her cup of tea before stating, “When Mr. Hindsworth appeared this season, from virtually nowhere, I must say my curiosity was aroused.” She put her cup down and smiled. “I learned he is from a wealthy Spanish family, and he’s taken the lease on the late Lord Hale’s Mayfair house. Lord Hale’s mother has yet to sell it.”
Richard made to rise, with words of thanks on his lips, but Lady Horsham grabbed his hand, forcing him to retake his seat.
“I did learn all of that, but I observed him at many of the balls. His lack of interest in anything other than your wife, and the fact Hindsworth is not a Spanish name, saw me employ certain resources to dig deeper. I was unable to learn anything about a wealthy Spanish family called Hindsworth. I’d swear on my late husband’s grave that he is not Spanish, even given his dark coloring. Since I can find out nothing further about Mr. Christopher Hindsworth, I would say that that is a fictitious name.”
Richard could barely speak and he was breathing rapidly.
“You have every right to be concerned for Lady Madeline. For some reason, that man has targeted your wife from the moment she married you.”
“Thank you,” he whispered. “Thanks to your sticky beak I have a place to start my search. If you’ll pardon the obscene haste, I will take my leave.”
“Good luck, my boy, and I hope you find your wife safe and well.” However, she was already talking to an empty seat.
#
It was Rufus who broke down the door to Lord Hale’s townhouse in Mayfair. But it was Richard who pushed his way in. A very frightened butler confronted the trio, for Anthony was also with them too.
“Where is Mr. Hindsworth,” Richard demand, only just refraining from throttling the answer from the trembling butler.
“He is not at home.”
Rufus was next. “Where is he?”
“He is not at home.”
“Where has he gone,” Richard barely got the words out between his clenched teeth.
“I was not party to that information, my lord.”
Anthony moved past the man towards the drawing room, pulling Richard with him. “We shall wait for him, then.”
The butler looked at the under footman. “You will be waiting a while, he has left London.”
Richard spun about and approached the butler who was now quaking in his boots; a line of perspiration was sliding down his forehead. “To where?” His question was issued in a voice so filled with threat the butler’s mouth kept opening and closing yet no sound came out. “Speak, man.”
“He’s taken the young lady home.”
Richard closed his eyes and the churning in his stomach lessened. Maddy was still alive and safe. Hindsworth was simply helping her to escape from her husband. She was running home to her mother as Rufus had originally thought.
“To Newmarket?” came Rufus’s voice through Richard’s haze of relief.
Before the butler could answer, Anthony reappeared from the drawing room. “Look at what I have discovered.” He held up a piece of expensive cream notepaper, the exact type Maddy’s note had been written on.
Richard lost it. He grabbed the butler around his neck, squeezing tightly. “Where have they gone?”
“South. I don’t know where exactly but someone in the stables may well know.”
Richard took off at a run through the house towards the stables.
Anthony said, “I’m going to search his rooms. I suggest you look in the study and see what else you can uncover.”
When Anthony went upstairs, he shivered as if someone had walked over his grave. The master suite hadn’t been slept in for quite some time. Instead, it was laid out like a shrine, a shrine to the late Lord Hale. The dead Earl’s clothes were laid out on the bed, his portrait was propped up against the headboard, and a black mask lay on the pillow.
Anthony’s throat constricted as he realized exactly who had taken Madeline. He swore to God that he would get Maddy back for Richard or die trying, because it was his fault she’d been driven into the arms of the enemy. It was Anthony who’d told Richard not to tell Maddy about Sarah’s child. If Maddy had known from the beginning, she would not have been upset enough to run to another man.
He walked downstairs slowly, gathering the courage to face his twin. He prayed he’d get Maddy back safely or he doubted Richard would ever forgive him.
Rufus began by going through the drawers in the d
esk, not sure what he was looking for. He was barely keeping tears at bay. If anything had happened to Maddy, he didn’t know if he could face it. It wasn’t until he’d married Rheda and come home to Hascombe, that he had realized she’d grown up and he really didn’t know her. Then he’d had to hand her into Richard’s care and look at what had happened now. He tried not to blame his friend, but if Maddy had been hurt or, God forbid, killed, he knew he would blame Richard for the rest of his life. He’d trusted his best friend with her life and Richard had failed him. It wasn’t until he’d rifled through all the drawers that he noticed an unopened envelope on the desk. It was addressed to him. He almost couldn’t bring himself to open it, and as he broke Lord Hale’s seal, a nightmare from his past raced horribly through his mind.
He read the missive and let out an almighty roar, sweeping everything off the top of the desk, before yelling for Anthony and Richard.
Richard came rushing in. “They have gone towards Kent.”
Rufus clenched the note tightly in his fists. “They’ve gone to Deal.”
“How do you know?”
Anthony answered Richard’s question as he entered the study. “Because she’s been taken by Samuel.”
It took Richard’s brain mere seconds to remember where he’d heard the name. “Goddamn it to hell. Christopher Hindsworth is Samuel?”
“He has been hidden in clear view all along; he’s taken Lord Hale’s first name, Christopher, and a last name of the same initial, Hindsworth instead of Hale. He’s been taunting me.” Rufus was shaking with anger. “Now he’s taunted me with this missive. It’s me he wants and Maddy is the bait.”
“I’ll kill him.”
Rufus shook his head. “No, Richard, he’s mine. Once we get to Deal, you are to focus on rescuing Maddy, and I’ll focus on killing Samuel.”
None of the men spoke the words they were all thinking. Maddy may already be dead.
Invitation to Passion Page 24
