“My parent’s home wasn’t far from here, to the west. Sophia’s family lives about the same distance but to the east.”
“At least it explains the odd coincidence. But why did the men make up the map to begin with?”
“I wish I knew. It has caused nothing but trouble.” Tess toyed with the quill in her hand.
Wesley stood abruptly. Apparently the shock of what he had been told had now worn off. “What shall you have me do?”
“I need to know who we can trust to deliver messages, and not be sidetracked on their mission, and remember everything I tell them. Someone with excellent recall.”
Wesley sipped as he pondered the request. “Michael and David would be best.”
Vincent poured himself a glass of brandy, though it held much less than it normally did. “Please send for them.”
The two servants, one a footman and the other a stable hand, arrived in a matter of minutes. However, their appearance left much to be desired as one was still tucking his shirt into his pants and neither had bothered to use a comb on their hair. Vincent didn’t seem to care but Wesley studied them with a critical eye, brow raised. Each blushed and tried to straighten their clothing further. What astounded Tess were their faces. Both had the darkest of hair and the most brilliant blue eyes. Neither could have been over sixteen years of age. They had to be brothers, because they were practically identical in appearance. The only difference was the clothing they wore.
“I have a very important task for both of you,” Vincent announced. Both of their spines straightened and their arms fell to their sides as if they were soldiers being given orders. Vincent told them exactly what they were to say. He questioned them and asked them to repeat his words. When he was satisfied they would not fail, he settled into a chair. “Take horses from the stables and do not stop for anything. Return here and report directly to me when you are done.”
“Yes, sir.” They both bowed and quit the room.
“Will that be all, sir?” Wesley asked, turning to his employer.
“Yes, Wesley. I am sorry to have disturbed you so late in the evening.”
“It was not inconvenient, Lord Atwood, and certainly urgent. I shall see you in the morning.”
He closed the door behind him when he left. Tess rose from the chair and stretched. It had been a very long and arduous day.
Vincent poured another glass of brandy and held it out to her.
“I don’t think I should.”
“It will help you sleep,” he insisted.
With reluctance she took the offering and settled onto the couch. Vincent sat down next to her.
She hoped he did not try to kiss her again, or touch her person. It was wrong to behave in such a manner but she feared she would not have the will to fight him.
He smiled at her over the rim of his glass and her stomach quivered. This was a dangerous place to be. She should return upstairs, alone, and crawl into her bed. Alone.
No, she should be planning on where she would go next. Percer could still come after her. He still expected her to deliver Atwood’s piece. If she didn’t leave, she would go mad waiting for him to contact her.
Perhaps if she never left the house, then he could never get word to her. Also, she should forbid the girls from leaving as well. She turned to Atwood. “I think we need to keep the girls in the house. If they must go out, for whatever reason, they should not leave the terrace area.”
He sighed and cradled the goblet in his hands. “I understand that you wish to protect the students, but keeping them inside will not do them any good. What explanation could you offer?”
“They can’t roam the estate. He is out there and I don’t doubt that he will use whatever means necessary to get the piece of the map. He already threatened to use Sophia, what is to stop him from hurting someone else?”
He reached over and grabbed her hand. “I agree. However, if we change their behavior, he will know. I think that would be more dangerous.”
“But it is too dangerous to allow them out,” Tess insisted.
Vincent shook his head. “I will alert my staff. Perhaps it is time I put them to work on the grounds. If they are out in abundance, and keeping a lookout, the girls will be safe and Percer won’t be the wiser.”
Tess wanted to believe him, but she needed assurance the girls would remain safe.
Vincent must have read the reluctance in her face. “Trust me, it is best this way. I am sure he is watching the house very closely, if not looking in windows. He wants that piece of the map badly.”
Tess brought her hand to cover her mouth. Oh no. Was he watching tonight?
“Tess, what is it? You have gone very pale.”
She swallowed and then lifted the glass to her lips and took a deep drink.
“I demand you tell me what has upset you. You are practically shaking.”
She looked up and met his eyes. “I was late when I met Percer last night.”
“Go on.”
“I explained what I was doing. He already knew. He said he saw us through the window.”
“I am not surprised. But why should that upset you?”
“What if he was watching us tonight?” Heat spread across her face.
“Then he will conclude that I have a strong desire for you or you were doing what was necessary to obtain the piece of the map.”
Tess stilled and looked at him. He didn’t seem at all concerned that a voyeur was watching his attempted seduction of her.
His eyes narrowed as he continued to look down at her. “What was it tonight, Tess? Were you with me because you wished to be?”
She didn’t understand what he was saying. Why else would she have allowed such liberties?
“Or, were you willing to use your body to get my piece of the map.”
Her hand came up and smacked him before she gave thought to her actions.
Vincent grinned and rubbed his jaw. “I suppose I have my answer.”
Tess set her glass on the table and stood. “How dare you assume I would prostitute myself for a piece of the map!”
Vincent came to his feet and looked down at her. “I had to ask. You allowed me to kiss you, to touch you. Then, you were going to run away from my house never to be seen again. What else could I think?”
Her spine grew rigid. “I told you everything upstairs and you still think I have an ulterior motive?” Hot anger flowed through her veins like lava. “If I allowed you such liberties only for a piece of the map, why would I have stopped you from going further?” she demanded, her face burned from this embarrassing argument.
“A change of heart?” he goaded.
She turned and walked to the door. “I can assure you, Lord Atwood, we will never engage in such immoral activity again.”
Tess reached for the door but his arm snaked around her abdomen. “Tess,” he whispered in her hair. “I would never dream you would prostitute yourself for any reason?”
She remained rigid. “Why did you accuse me in the first place then?”
“In case he is watching”
Tess stiffened against him.
“He witnessed your working, my attempted seduction and now our argument.”
“And?”
“It is better Percer not know what to make of our relationship.”
“We don’t have a relationship,” Tess bit out.
“Perhaps not yet, but we will.”
She turned and pushed him away. “It would be well advised if you kept your distance, Lord Atwood.” Tess turned and strode from the room.
* * *
Vincent watched her as she marched up the stairs. He should go after her, but held himself back. There was too much to think about. Too much had happened tonight.
He turned back into the library and closed the door behind him. She did allow liberties, not as many as he may have wished, but she had not reacted to his kisses and caresses like an innocent. For a moment, he did wonder if she was willing to do anything necessary to get
the map and it was a valid question. How well did he know her anyway?
She had deceived him since they met. Had Percer not shown up here, would he have ever learned her true identity or the fact that she had killed her uncle?
He turned and walked to the sideboard where he refilled his glass. At least it wasn’t murder. No, a horrible accident for which she would always blame herself. Given the same circumstances, he would probably lie as well.
The question now was what to do about Percer. No doubt the man would make contact, very soon, to see if she was successful in obtaining his piece. His gut tightened at the thought of that man being alone or even in the vicinity of Tess.
No, her true name is Theresa. Vincent settled into the leather chair by the fire. Theresa didn’t fit her. Tess did, however. He wondered if he would feel differently had he been introduced to her as Theresa. He didn’t believe so.
Regardless of what she called herself, Vincent knew he needed to protect her. Percer was capable of murder, unlike Tess. Vincent knew in his gut that Percer had been responsible for the deaths of Gibbons and Banter and would probably not hesitate to kill another.
If Tess did give him the map piece, he would kill her as well. Percer would not want to leave anyone behind who could identify or stop him. If she did not comply with Percer’s demands, then how soon would it be before a magistrate showed up at his door to arrest her for the murder of her uncle? And, who would the courts believe? Percer actually had a sterling reputation amongst the ton. Of course, they didn’t know his true character. Whereas Tess had run from the crime, changed her name and hid. All actions of a guilty party. If she did not hang, she would be shipped off to Australia. The thought sickened Vincent.
Something had to be done about Percer before he destroyed anymore lives.
* * *
“Did anyone see you?” Eliza asked in an anxious tone when Sophia returned to their bedroom.
Her face heated but she looked her friend in the eye and lied. “No.”
“Oh, I was so afraid you would be caught. Or that Lady Atwood would find you.” Rosemary dramatically fell into an overstuffed chair.
“Now, all we need is for Rosemary to find the fake map piece in her book tomorrow and give it to Miss Crawford,” Eliza concluded as she crawled into bed.
Sophia turned to look at her friend. She had forgotten to tell Miss Crawford about that part of the plan. Oh well, when it happens, Miss Crawford will know what they are about. At least she hoped. This was getting too complicated. But, at least the adults knew the truth, which was important. She just had to keep her friends from becoming too involved. They would never appreciate the danger until it was too late.
“Sophia, are you all right?” Eliza questioned.
“Of course.” She turned to her friend. “Why would you ask such a question?”
“Because, you are rather pale, and you look a bit worried.”
She forced a smile. “It is nothing. I am just tired, is all. And worried about Miss Crawford and that awful man.”
“Don’t worry.” Eliza smiled. “We will see that she is safe. I am sure that once she gives him that piece he will not bother her again.”
Sophia bit her lip before she answered. “I am sure you are correct.” She so wanted to confide in them, but if she told them that Percer would probably kill Miss Crawford anyway, they would not believe her. Perhaps they would try something even more foolish than they already had. “We need to get some sleep so we are alert.”
Rosemary stood and yawned. “I agree. I am exhausted from everything that has happened.”
Sophia choked back a laugh. If only they knew.
* * *
Tess woke to an overcast sky and rain. Thank goodness. The girls would have to be inside and she didn’t have to worry about Percer, at least not for today. Her mood lightened, she dressed and made her way to the breakfast room. One by one the girls entered and took their seats.
“I hate rainy days. We were to explore the far woods to identify plants that grow in the shade,” a young girl whined.
Tess shifted her eyes to Natalie. She needed to tell her all excursions that took the girls away from view of the house would need to be put off for the moment.
“Actually, I was going to change the lesson,” Miss Pritchard announced and Tess sighed. “It is too late in the year. Perhaps in the spring Lord Atwood will allow us to return. There will be flowers and plants in abundance at that time of year.”
The young girl offered an unhappy sigh and returned her attention to her food.
“Miss Pritchard, you are welcome to return and explore the grounds of the estate anytime you wish,” Lord Atwood announced from the doorway.
Tess glanced up at him. He had only joined them for a meal once before. He took his place at the head of the table and the footman set a plate loaded with food before him.
“Thank you for your offer, Lord Atwood. We do not have wooded areas around the school and thus we are limited to our explorations.”
He smiled at her. “Don’t forget I have a greenhouse that needs attention as well. Once you are back at the school, if you wish to use the place, simply alert my staff beforehand and they will make sure it is available to you.”
“Again, I thank you for your generosity.”
His smile was uncomfortable, as if he was not used to being paid a compliment and then he turned his attention to Tess. “With the rain, I am assuming the students will need to remain indoors today.”
“I will make sure they do not go up to the second floor.”
His lips quirked. “Don’t worry. If I need silence, I have a place I can hide.”
She didn’t want to ask where that was, but she knew it had to be somewhere in the house, since he had disappeared twice before to sleep elsewhere. She couldn’t image where it would be.
Tess glanced down the table. Eliza and Rosemary shared a conspiratorial look. She would need to keep a close eye on those two, or they were sure to go snooping and disturb Atwood once again.
Conversation continued around the table. Tess sat back and sipped her coffee, not ready to begin another day of teaching. In fact, she was very tired at the moment. She would love to return to her bed. This was the perfect day to sleep away. But, duties called and she needed to keep the girls busy as it was.
Atwood pushed away from the table, stood and looked down at her. “Miss Crawford, if you have a moment I would like to speak with you in the library.”
“Of course.” She set her cup on the table and stood to follow him. What could he possibly want to discuss with her now? She was still angry from his accusations last night, but admitted he was right to keep Percer guessing about their relationship. Not that they had one, or ever would for that matter. Of course, she did wonder why Atwood thought so.
He closed the door behind her. She did not take a seat, but remained standing in the middle of the room. She must not allow herself to become comfortable in his presence. To do so would invite behavior she should not exhibit, especially while the students were also in this household.
Atwood leaned back against the desk, his arms folded across his chest. “You are becoming almost as indispensible to me as Wesley.”
This comment surprised her. “How so?”
“The correspondence,” he explained. “What we managed to do these past two days would have taken me a week.”
She frowned. She hadn’t done all that much, really.
“You don’t understand. I cannot read or write without inviting a headache.”
Tess studied him. “Surely you know how to read.”
Atwood threw his head back and laughed. “I assure you, Miss Crawford, I am well read, or used to be until the war.”
“Because of the war you now have headaches?” She did not understand how the two could be related.
“Yes,” he answered simply and offered no more. “I hope you will continue to act as my secretary for the duration of your stay.”
She arched an eyebro
w. She had only been a productive assistant one of the two nights she took his dictation. She feared he would want more liberties and less correspondence, given her early behavior.
He tilted his head a looked at her, the left corner of his mouth lifted. “Don’t you trust me, Miss Crawford?”
Heat spread across her face. She should not assume he wanted her to continue for anything immoral, despite what occurred before.
“Of course,” she answered.
Thou hast however murdered the being whom thou hadst
thus recalled again to existence – but it was only in appearance,
for though couldst not deprive that of life which properly had none.
Wake Not the Dead
Johann Ludwig Tieck
Chapter 19
Vincent fought to keep the smile from his face. Her emotions played out in her eyes and he knew she expected him to ask her for favors a gentleman should not ask a lady. Or, at least a lady who was not his wife. While he would enjoy an intimate relationship with Tess, he would not demean her in such a manner.
“Do you still wish to continue meeting at seven?” Her eyes remained downcast, as if she were afraid to look at him.
“As we have for the past two nights.” He grinned. Though this was ill-advised, he relished having her all to himself in the evenings.
“And we would still work until after midnight?” She worried her bottom lip after asking the question. Was Tess concerned with the amount of time they would be alone, sequestered in this room? Perhaps she should worry because at the moment he was not thinking about the stack of correspondence on his desk but focused on her lovely lips instead.
He gestured toward the desk. “I am afraid some nights could be late, until I am caught up on everything requiring my attention.”
Tess took a deep breath and folded her hands primly before her. “I understand, given the past few days, that you expect that I do not sleep. To tell you the truth, I am exhausted and can no longer remain awake as I have. Therefore, I would request that we complete our work by ten.”
To Walk in the Sun (Wiggons' School for Elegant Young Ladies - Book 1) Page 17
