“Yes. I’ll tell you about it later, when you feel better.”
“I wish to hear it later.” Micah turned once again to Rowena and reached out his hand to her. Rowena accepted his hand with a happy smile. “I consider myself fortunate to have such a gentle nurse and a good friend here with me. Thank you, Rowena.” Micah squeezed her hand and released it.
Rowena’s eyes became teary. “Consider yourself fortunate I’m still your friend after all of this! You wouldn’t listen to a word I said the whole time. You can be quite headstrong when you set your mind to it, Micah. I am quite surprised by your stubbornness.”
“I listened to you, Rowena. I appreciated your concern.”
“Micah?”
They all turned their attention to pale Libby, whose eyes were now fully open.
“I’m here, sweetheart. I’m right here.”
Rowena helped Micah to lift up enough so he could see his wife’s face.
Micah caressed the good side of her face with his hand. He bent with some soreness and difficulty to brush her lips with his. “You’re safe, Libby. Owen found you. All is well, sweetheart.”
Libby gave her husband a small smile. “Owen?”
“I’m right beside you pet.” Owen stood so she could see him. He bent and kissed his little sister’s forehead, well away from the bruised and swollen place where she was struck. No doubt with the butt of a gun.
“I am glad to be back.” Her voice was small, weak. “I feared that man might kill me. He said he would cut out my eye. I was afraid.” A tear rolled down her cheek. Micah caught the tear with his finger before it reached her angry scar and stung it.
“There is nothing to be afraid of now, sweetheart. Owen and I won’t let you out of our sight.” Micah smoothed back her hair. He rubbed her arm. Her eyes fluttered closed and she slept once again.
“That is an understatement. None of the ladies will be out of our sight, ever again.” Owen returned to his chair. “Micah, you, Charlie and I are in charge of the ladies. Harry will just have to accept that.”
Micah nodded while allowing Rowena to help him ease back against his pillows.
“I should inform you that Harry, Owen, Charlie, Matthias, Micah and Lyon upon his return, shall be in charge of the ladies. Harry’s orders.” Harry said with a frown as he came to stand behind his wife. Matthias entered behind him. “By two’s, all hours of the day and night. Micah, Sophia will sleep in your room until Lyon returns since there is a connecting door and we will have guards in your room around the clock. That way she won’t feel so alone, if there’s trouble. And during the day, the ladies are in here with you.”
Micah nodded. “That is fine, for I shall be here with my wife. Lyon is in London?”
“He’s been gone several days.”
“What is going on at Cadbury?” Micah asked.
“They pulled out just after dawn this morning. We haven’t seen any sign of them here as yet. But we think they will be back. One of Gabriel’s men is following them at a safe distance.”
Micah’s broth and tea were brought in along with luncheon for the others. A small table and six chairs were set up.
True to his word, Micah took his broth, some bread and a nibble of cheese on his own. He drank a cup of tea.
After gently waking Libby, Owen held her up against his chest while Rowena fed her a quarter cup of the broth. “We’ll make certain the broth will stay down, Libby, before we try more.” Rowena set the broth down on the tray. She snugly fit the lid on the small crock to keep it warm.
Owen eased his limp, pale sister back to lie on the bed. She rolled to her side, snuggled against Micah and fell fast asleep in seconds.
Micah enclosed his wife in his arms and followed her into slumber minutes after.
Sophia made the party at luncheon an even six. She smiled when she entered through the connecting door and saw Micah and Libby asleep in one another’s arms. Thank goodness Libby was back, and Micah was mending. If only Lyon was here!
The laudanum slowly began to wear off. Throughout the day, Libby took tea and broth and remained awake for longer periods of time, and Micah with her.
Micah accepted the steady stream of guards and visitors with courtesy. Neither he nor Libby could defend themselves. He felt perfectly content to just to lie with Libby in his arms. He smiled to himself every time her little bottom wiggled against him. He thanked God and Archangel Michael at least a hundred times during the day for bringing his Libby back to him.
Upon arriving in London, the first thing Lyon did was visit the finest jeweler in Town. He purchased an emerald ring, necklace and earrings for Sophia. As she was so petite, he chose very dainty settings, so the jewelry would not overpower his tiny wife.
Very satisfied with his selections, he went to his home to lock his new purchase in the safe. He sent a letter to his lovely wife, telling her he arrived in London safely.
He checked in with his staff and returned to Newt’s home to spend his first night. He sent word to Pendarves and Carlyon. When he received an answer, he met them at a location of their choosing. They met in a private room in a tavern called The Pilchard, owned by a fellow Cornishman who was a friend to Trevan Chynoweth. It would not do for the three of them to be seen together again in public. Once the Brown Coats knew Lyon was in London, he would be watched.
The next day, Lyon would visit the Limehouse District. Pendarves would follow at a distance and enter the den shortly after Lyon. Carlyon would watch from the outside. Their plan in place, they dispersed, leaving the inn separately, going their own ways.
Micah and Libby were both much improved the next morning.
Owen helped Micah to his feet and assisted him while he walked up and down the hallway. Rowena and Sophia allowed him to have something more substantial than broth for luncheon.
Libby’s stomach seemed settled. She kept down everything she ate since the evening before. Owen helped her walk some too. They felt the drug might wear off faster if she took a little exercise.
She paused before the mirror on her dressing table as they reached it. She bent and stared at her reflection. Her hand shook as she touched the long scar that sliced across her cheekbone.
“Don’t you worry about that, pet. It will heal.” Owen turned her back toward the bed. She trembled so, he feared she might faint or collapse.
“It wasn’t a dream. I thought it was a dream.” Her voice shook as she spoke.
“Shh, pet. It’s over now, and you are safe. You will remain so.” Owen hugged his sister to him before helping her back into the bed.
Micah stiffly sat up against his pillows. He embraced his wife with open arms after Owen helped her back into the bed. He kissed her temple.
“I thought it was a dream,” Libby leaned weakly against Micah’s good side. “There was an Angel in my dream. And you, Micah, and Gabriel. I thought the yellow-haired man was part of the dream too.”
“Your wound will heal, Libby. And with or without a scar, sweetheart, you are the most beautiful woman in the world to me.” Micah kissed the top of her head. He rubbed her back soothingly.
Libby gave him a half-hearted smile.
“There you are, Libby. Nice to see you awake. I brought my salve to put on your wound. Rowena and I have been putting it on you since you returned. It shall help your cut heal quicker, and keep it from getting infected. It keeps the skin supple and less likely to scar.”
Sophia sat on Libby’s side of the bed and removed the top from the small jar. She gently smoothed the cream on. “There. It is healing very nicely. I used very fine thread and very small stitches to close it. There shall be less of a scar remaining, I think.”
“Thank you, Sophia. I appreciate all you’ve done,” Libby told Sophia with a small smile.
“See, Libby, you’ll be back to normal in no time.” Micah winked and smiled at her. He wanted Libby to forget about being left with a scar; to not worry about it. He was thankful she lived and was here with him now.
“It is so large. It is all I saw when I looked in the mirror,” Libby said softly. She frowned.
“You’re just not used to seeing it, Pet. That’s why you notice it,” Owen tried to reassure his sister.
“Libby, once the stitches are out and it begins healing, the scar will barely be visible. I won’t lie to you, dear, there will always be a small, thin line. It will grow to be so light you won’t even notice after a time.” Sophia took Libby’s hands into hers. “It is noticeable now, but that is because it is fresh, and the stitches are still in. It is swollen. In three weeks you’ll feel much better about it, I promise. I will make certain you always have this cream to help it.”
Libby nodded, and sighed. She smiled. “Thank you, Sophia.” She accepted the kiss her husband placed against her temple and gazed up at him happily. She realized her fears of being scarred were silly. She was safe. Micah was getting well. He loved her. That was truly all that mattered.
Harry entered the room. “I’ve a letter for you, Sophia. It’s from Lyon.” He handed the missive to her.
Sophia smiled happily. She rose and took the letter back with her to bedchamber.
She set the jar of salve down and hastily opened the letter.
My darling Sophia,
I arrived in London safely. I miss you terribly and anticipate the day we are together again. I promise to be careful. I hope to see you very soon, my darling. Keep me posted on the condition of Micah and Libby. Harry will see I get your letters.
Yours always,
Lyon
Sophia smiled. She caught a happy tear that rolled down her cheek. She said a quick prayer that God would protect her husband and bring him safely back to her.
She tucked the letter in her pocket and returned to Libby’s bedchamber to sit with Micah and Libby.
Rowena still sat with the pair. Harry and Matthias would return after a brief meeting in the hallway to start their watch.
It was just Micah and the ladies.
“You appear to be very happy, Sophia. I take it you received good news in the letter?” Rowena asked when she saw how cheerful Sophia was.
Sophia nodded. She grinned as she answered, “Yes.” She removed it from her pocket and handed it to Rowena.
Rowena grinned when she read it. “You took our advice, I think.”
Sophia blushed then nodded.
Rowena handed the letter to Libby.
Libby grinned while reading the letter. “I’m so happy things are better for you, Sophia.”
Micah just looked at his wife, the corners of his mouth turned up. His silvery eyes twinkled with amusement.
Libby presented him with an innocent shrug.
“Do you want me to take a nap so you can have your women talk?” Micah teased them.
“No. We women shall not have a private conversation ever again in the presence of men; even ones we think are sleeping.” Rowena informed him. She snickered, “Especially not the ones we think are sleeping.”
Libby and Sophia laughed.
Micah smiled at them. “Lessons learned.”
Libby leaned against Micah. She yawned.
“Here, Libby,” Rowena rose and came to her. “Let me help you lie down. You can take a nap. You’ve done so well today, I think we’ll give you a little more than just broth and bread for dinner.”
Rowena eased Libby down and brought the covers over her.
Micah eased himself down beside Libby. “Carry on ladies. My Lady and I are taking a nap.” On his good side, he snuggled up to Libby, embraced her, and hugged her to him.
For three days Lyon visited the opium den in Limehouse. He had yet to see Crow.
He lay upon the large cushion, the opium pipe dangling in his hand. Hours ago he dumped the opium out and replaced it with some mostly odorless tobacco to keep the pipe smoking.
His hair was ruffled messily. His clothes were the same he wore the day before when visiting the den. He took a few sips of brandy before coming and spilled some on himself so he would look and smell like he remained a drunk and an addict.
“Lord Amesbury. I am surprised to see you here.”
It was Crow! Finally.
“Don’t know why, Mr. Crow. Where else would I be?”
“Well, we haven’t seen you for two weeks or more. We worried you might have met with some sort of accident.”
“No accident. Just friends who can’t keep their noses in their own business,” Lyon offered the man a crooked grin.
“I heard you left Town recently.”
“Bastards locked me up.”
“Indeed?”
“I slipped out.” Lyon made a menacing sort of chuckling sound. “I think they grew tired of my company, in truth. They probably allowed me to leave.”
“And your new wife? I’d heard you married?”
How did Crow know he married Sophia? “Oh? Yes, I vaguely remember that. I left her with Alloway. He seems to like her much more than I do; and she, him. She certainly does not like me.” He laughed.
Mr. Crow chuckled. “Why did you take the whore from me in the first place?”
Lyon felt the chill of warning and a rush of crackling energy along his shoulders. He knew at that moment something wasn’t right. He needed to get out of there. “Damn fine whore, Crow! I hadn’t gotten off like that in a long while. All night long I was as hard as a rock. I’m guessing I fucked her for six hours straight.” Lyon shrugged, “I guess I let her talk me into marriage. I don’t honestly remember. Next thing I know, I’m in a church, Alloway’s there with the girl and I’m getting married. I kept telling him she’s just a whore. And he told me she’s a lady and that I must marry her for what I did to her. She was a whore, wasn’t she? Although on our wedding night she appeared more like a cold fish. She wasn’t as good as that first night.” He shook his head and grimaced.
“Yes. She is a whore, and a very high-priced one. I lost a lot of money on her when you took her from me.”
“Sorry about that, Crow.” Lyon reached into his coat. He removed a wad of notes. “Will that take care of it?”
“I believe so, Lord Amesbury. Can I get you another pipe?”
“No. I’m meeting a couple of old chums later at my club. We’re hitting some of the hells. I feel a stroke of luck might be with me today. What time is it?”
“Five o’clock.”
“Good. I have time to bathe and change. Have a good evening, Mr. Crow. See you soon.”
“I’m counting on it, Amesbury.”
Lyon walked slow and unsteady. He ambled along with his cane, stumbling occasionally, like a man high on opium. After two blocks, Deveril Pendarves fell in with him.
“Carlyon is still in the den,” Lyon informed him.
“No, he’s not. He heard your conversation. He left. Crow is on to you, Lyon. Carlyon heard him talking after you exited the Jasmine Star. We’re being followed.”
“I know, I could tell. Harry told me to return to Horethorne Hall if this happened.”
“Let’s go by Newt’s place first, then yours. We’ll collect your things. You’ll stay with the Trevelyan’s tonight. August Trevelyan and his cousin are in Town. They’ll get you back to Templecombe.”
“What’s the situation in Templecombe? I haven’t gone by Harry’s London house since yesterday morning to check for messages. As you remember, I was followed when I left Crow’s den last evening and didn’t think it wise to go out of the way to Harry’s.”
“Lady Wincanton is back, Fitzlewis got her. Percy Davitt cut her face. They saw no sign of Brown Coats yesterday or last night. In Cornwall, it’s the same. No sign of Brown Coats. One of St. Mabyn’s men followed them and the last we heard, they were in London. We’re keeping our numbers though, because we expect they will strike again. They don’t have what they want yet.”
“Davitt! We need to kill that bastard once and for all, Dev. Poor Libby, how bad is her face?”
“Harry said your Lady stitched her up, and that might save her from a horrible scar.
It’s large, Lyon. Harry says he cut through half her face.”
“And Micah will live?”
“He’s still weak, but doing well.”
“Good. I’m ready to get back to my wife, and to see Libby and Micah, even if we are all in each other’s business at Horethorne Hall.”
“You should be at Menadue!” Deveril Pendarves laughed heartily. “There’s sixty plus in residence there! It’s a loud, busy place where everyone is in everyone else’s business and most of us are family. But it’s safe.”
“We number less than twenty at Templecombe!” Lyon shook his head. “We’re spread pretty thin.”
“Last I heard Trevan sent reinforcements that way.”
“Good. We can use all we can get there.”
“Since Carlyon and I know what Crow looks like now, we’re going to watch the Jasmine Star in Limehouse from afar. We’ll see if we can’t track that bastard to someplace where we can identify him as Crowhurst, or whoever he in fact is. It’s too dangerous for anyone to sit in the den now.”
“I agree.”
Lyon quickly gathered his things from Alloway House. The first items he retrieved from his own London home were Sophia’s jewels. He also took some money from his safe since he’d given a stack to Crow. He bathed quickly and changed. He packed his two small bags. Deveril changed into evening attire he borrowed from Newt’s house and waited in the study.
Lyon and Deveril got into a hackney. They went to Lyon’s club. They stayed a half hour. They exited out the back and took a plain carriage Deveril arranged for. They were delivered to another fashionable club. Lyon left immediately out the back with August and Marcus Trevelyan who awaited him.
Deveril would stay awhile and exit through the front. He would return to the Pilchard Inn and meet Carylon. They would hold up in an Avalon Society safe house while they kept an eye on Crow’s opium den.
Lyon and the Trevelyans took an unmarked carriage to the outskirts of London and spent the night at an inn owned by trustworthy connections.
“So, Lyon, I congratulate you on your recent marriage,” August Trevelyan, the Earl of Penkevil, said as they partook of a meal in a private parlour before retiring. “Trevan told me you took a wife.”
Lords of Honor Page 24
