Tenacious Trents 03 - A Reluctant Rake

by Jane Charles

  “Did she mention what time this occurred?” Audrey asked.

  Bridges frowned for a moment. “I don’t believe she did, nor did I ask.”

  “After the man left, then what did Lady Rothsbury do? Did she send for Bow Street?” Bentley pressed.

  Bridges shook his head. “She sent for me.”

  Audrey leaned forward. “You were at her home?”

  “Yes, I arrived at around somewhere between one-thirty and two in the morning.”

  “When did Mr. Trent arrive?”

  “After speaking with my sister we concluded that it must have been Creighton and she asked me to send for Jordan Trent, which I did. I believe he arrived about an hour later. The doctor was still there.”

  Audrey turned to Bentley, fuming and exasperated. “Did Bow Street ever bother to ask times when all the events took place or simply lump the events into night, morning, etcetera?”

  He simply stared at her.

  “Jordan Trent was still at the ball when Lady Rothsbury was attacked.”

  Elizabeth straightened. “He was! It was near one thirty when we were leaving. John and I spoke with Jordan as we were waiting for our carriage.”

  Hope bloomed in her breast and she turned back to Bridges. “Did Jordan Trent leave Lady Rothsbury’s at any time between the moment he arrived and six in the morning?”

  “Is that when Dalton was killed?” Bentley asked.

  Audrey shook her head. “No that is the time I saw him leaving her home.” She glanced at Bentley. “Lady Rothsbury’s home is across the square from my uncle’s.”

  “Do we know when Dalton was killed,” Elizabeth asked.

  “No,” Audrey said with disgust. “Sometime in the middle of the night, that is all.” She focused back on Bridges because he had not answered her question.

  “He didn’t leave until six.”

  Bentley stood. “Thank you for your time, Mr. Bridges.”

  Bridges stood. “I am happy to be of help.”

  They turned to leave and were walking down the stairs when Elizabeth suggested that they stop by Bow Street and tell them that it was impossible for Jordan to have attacked Lady Rothsbury because he was with them.

  Audrey turned to her when they reached the entrance of the storehouse. “First we need to go to the gaming hell.”

  Bentley crossed his arms over his chest. “I am not taking you to Dagger’s Haven. Jordan would have my head.”

  Audrey adopted a similar stance and faced him, looking up into his eyes. “If you do not take me I will find a way there on my own.”

  They stared at each other for a few moments longer before Bentley blew out a breath. “Very well.”

  They stood outside of Dagger’s Haven, the entry blocked by a man as large as the one at Bridge’s storehouse. Were the giants brothers?

  “We are not open,” he informed Bentley before looking at Audrey and Elizabeth. “And ladies are not allowed inside.”

  “We are not here to gamble but have business with Mr. Stanwick,” Bentley informed the man.

  “You need to come back when we are open.”

  Audrey pushed around Bentley. “This is a matter of life and death.”

  The brute stared down at Audrey and narrowed his eyes. “If your brother, husband or father lost his fortune here you can take it up with Stanwick during business hours.”

  “This does not involve gambling,” Audrey insisted.

  “Then I don’t see how it pertains to Stanwick.” He looked over at Bentley. “Please take the ladies and go.”

  “I am not going anywhere.” Audrey stamped her foot.

  Bentley gave her a censoring glance. It was a childish thing to do but she was beyond frustrated at the moment. “I just need to ask Mr. Stanwick a few questions and then I will be on my way, I promise.”

  “He ain’t here.”

  “Well, why didn’t you tell us?” Elizabeth demanded.

  “Ye didn’t ask.”

  “I will handle this.”

  Audrey whipped around at the sound of a new voice. A gentleman with midnight hair, dressed in the height of fashion strolled toward them and stopped. “Bentley, it has been some time.”

  The giant moved aside and opened the door to the gaming hell.

  “Stanwick,” Bentley greeted before quickly introducing Elizabeth and Audrey

  Stanwick frowned and led the way into his establishment. “Is it true that they have arrested Trent for the murder of Dalton and Everton?”

  “Yes,” Audrey answered. “We need for you to tell us what happened the night Dalton was killed.”

  “I don’t know why they think Trent did this. He was gone long before Dalton was ever killed.”

  Breath hitched in her breast. “At about what time did Dalton encounter Mr. Trent?” she asked.

  Stanwick scrunched his brow in thought. “We had just left my office when Dalton approached and struck him.”

  “What time was it?”

  “At around two-thirty in the morning, or a little before.”

  “We know Trent left right after that. How long did Dalton remain?”

  Stanwick rubbed his chin in thought. “He was here for an hour at least.” He paced a few steps. “Now I recall, it was around four when we helped him out of here and into his carriage.”

  A smile burst on Audrey’s face and she turned to Bentley. “We now have proof that Jordan did not attack Lady Rothsbury or kill Dalton. We have found the witnesses.”

  “It was ludicrous to even think Trent was possible of the crimes to begin with,” said with disgust.

  “I don’t understand why Bow Street didn’t bother to question in more detail. Had they, Jordan would have never been arrested in the first place.” Audrey fumed. “If Mr. Wesby was interested in arresting the correct man he would have been more detailed in his investigation.”

  “I will be taking this up with Wesby,” Bentley assured her. “But first, let’s get Jordan free.”

  Giddy happiness bubbled up inside of Audrey as they settled back into the carriage. “We must go to Newgate after we have seen Mr. Wesby.”

  Bentley chuckled. “I will accompany you to Bow Street but not Newgate.”

  Audrey opened her mouth to speak but Bentley held up his hand.

  “I know my brother. Once he is released he will want to see you , but not before he has bathed. You have no idea of the conditions inside the prison and he would have my head on a platter if I brought you there before he had a chance to clean up.”

  “I don’t care about any of that,” she cried.

  “Jordan will,” Bentley said firmly.

  Audrey studied him and finally let out a sigh and fell back against the squabs. If the situation was reversed and she had been locked up for four days, unable to bath, brush her hair or tend to her teeth, she would not want to see Jordan either. Not until she had washed and repaired her appearance. “Very well.”

  Jordan lay staring at the ceiling, hands locked behind his head. He had run out of questions and answers. All he could do was pray.

  “Time to go, Trent.”

  He lifted his head and stared at the jailer. Clayton stood behind him, a wide grin on his face. Jordan hadn’t seen him smile like that since the day Clayton married Eleanor. He couldn’t remember his brother smiling like that even when they were children. At least not after Adele had run off.

  He sat up as the door swung open. His heart beat fast. Was it true? Was he finally going home?

  “Did you find out who murdered Dalton and Everton?” He came to his feet. “And who attacked the women.”

  “No,” Clayton answered.

  Jordan’s heart sank.

  “But, we can prove you did not attack Lady Rothsbury or kill Dalton. As you did not commit those two crimes Bow Street agreed that it stood to reason you would not have committed the others.”

  Jordan’s legs suddenly felt weak and for a moment the room began to darken. He grabbed the back of the chair. Good Lord, he had never faint
ed in his life what was the matter with him.

  Clayton came forward and clapped him on the back. “Let’s get out of here.”

  Jordan glanced at the desk. He shoved the papers into the basket, leaving the food behind and headed for the door. He could not get out of here quick enough.

  They emerged into the overcast day. The fresh air was welcoming. He took a deep breath, filling his lungs. The stench of Newgate was still too close but in time he hoped it would be behind him forever.

  Clayton directed him toward the carriage, a most welcome sight when out of nowhere Lady Lydell was running toward him. Jordan grimaced and held his ground when she flung her arms about his waist.

  “Oh Jordan, you are finally free.” She looked up at him. “I was so afraid. I’ve been here every day but they would not allow me to see you.”

  Jordan handed the basket to Clayton and then removed Lady Lydell’s arms from his person and took a step back.

  “I thank you for your concern. I must be going.”

  She grabbed onto his arm. “But you can’t. I’ve missed you.” She sniffed and frowned. “Let me get you home and cleaned up.”

  Jordan clinched his jaw and fought the urge to do bodily harm to the annoying woman. He had just left Newgate for crimes he had not committed and he would be damned if he landed himself right back in there because of her.

  “I am going home alone. Please do not approach me again.” With that he turned on his heel and marched toward the carriage. He didn’t glance back despite her calling after him.

  Clayton followed him inside and the footman closed the door. Jordan glanced out, not meaning to look at Lady Lydell, but simply to appreciate the outdoors. She was watching them, eyes narrowed and glaring, mouth set. A feeling of foreboding settled upon him, but Jordan shook it away.

  Jordan bounded up the stairs in his home yelling for his valet.

  The man appeared at the top of the stairs, a welcoming smile on his face before he returned to the somber, respectful expression he adopted whenever on duty.

  “I need a bath, new clothing, and a shave.” Jordan paused on the landing and glanced around. It was good to be home.

  “Right away, Mr. Trent.” He stepped away from Jordan. “Might I suggest burning those?” He pointed to what Jordan was wearing.

  A laugh burst out. “Please do. I never want to see this clothing again.” He continued on into his chamber and began stripping. “I need you to pack a trunk as well.”

  “Will you be gone long?”

  Jordan grinned. That all depended on if he was granted Audrey’s hand and he was able to get a special license, or if her father would require the necessary reading of the bands for three weeks, or he was forced to haul her off to Scotland. Either way, she would be his within the month. He had discussed his plans in length with Clayton, who was going to obtain the special license for Jordan so that it was ready as soon as he was granted permission by Mr. Montgomery. “Weeks,” he finally answered. “I am just not sure how many.”

  “Very good, sir.”

  Jordan tossed on a robe and poured himself a brandy before pacing about the room waiting for his bath to be ready. It wasn’t the same pacing he had done for the past four days, worrying about whether he would hang for crimes he didn’t commit. This pacing was due to anxiousness. He couldn’t wait to see Audrey. Surely the news had been delivered that he was free. Hopefully she was waiting for him. Then he would convince her to travel to her home so he could speak to her father. He didn’t dare leave Audrey back here in London. They still didn’t know who had attacked the women and he would be damned if he left her unprotected for the week or more it would take to find her father. It was racing season and Mr. Montgomery could be anywhere.

  Besides, the last time he left Audrey for a week during the Season he had lost her and he wasn’t going to risk it again.

  Yardley emerged from the bathing chamber a short time later. “Your bath is ready, Mr. Trent.”

  “Thank you, Yardley.” Jordan began walking toward the chamber and stopped and turned. “When I am finished I would like some tea and cake, please.”

  “Cake?”

  Jordan grinned. “Yes, cake.” It was almost a requirement if he was going to be kissing Audrey and he intended to do so thoroughly and several times once he had her alone.

  I need to see you alone. Meet me at High Street and Rotten Row in half an hour. Come alone, my love. I’ve missed you too much to share you with anyone else. Audrey re-read the note. She had expected Jordan to come here. Not that it mattered where they met because she couldn’t wait to see him either.

  She glanced down at her dress. This would not do for a ride, assuming they were to ride, especially if he wished to meet her at Rotten Row. As soon as Bentley had dropped her home, she had her hair arranged and donned this pale blue day dress. It was one of her favorites; with a white ribbon encircling her just below her breasts but it would never do for riding. She glanced at the clock. There was barely enough time. Quickly Audrey changed into a riding habit. The dark blue skirt was full and hid the fact that they were split into something similar to trousers. If by chance they rode somewhere private, she didn’t want to be forced to ride side saddle. The blouse billowed with lace and buttoned to her chin and the jacket fit snuggly, but not tight enough that it would be a hindrance.

  It seemed rather odd that he wished to meet in such a place instead of calling on her. But, Bentley had said Jordan used to ride all the time and if she had just been released from a prison, one of the first things she would want to do is enjoy the freedom of riding and not be cooped up in a manor.

  Audrey left the letter lay on the edge of her bed and made her way out of her house and to the mews. She knew she should not be riding in London unaccompanied but she could not ignore a summons from Jordan. Perhaps if she kept her head down nobody would notice it was she.

  The groom looked at her oddly when no one else accompanied her. “My friends are waiting.” She gestured back toward the house. “I won’t be alone,” she assured him. It wasn’t exactly a lie because Jordan was a friend. He just wasn’t waiting in front of her uncle’s home.

  This seemed to pacify him and the man gave Audrey a leg up so that she could mount the horse. So that he wasn’t suspicious she rode toward the front of her uncle’s home until she was out of sight and headed off to Hyde Park.

  Though it may be overcast, it was still a glorious day and Audrey couldn’t keep herself from smiling. In just a short time she would see Jordan again.

  Jordan washed his hair three times and scrubbed his body twice. He still itched, fearful of lice and whatnot. His valet assured him there was no infestation in his hair, yet Jordan still didn’t feel clean enough.

  “Are you sure I don’t smell of that place?”

  “You only smell of soap,” his valet assured him as the man sharpened the razor before settling Jordan on a stool before a mirror. He couldn’t wait to be rid of this beard. As it was he needed to shave twice a day to keep the stubble at bay. He had considered growing a beard just to not need to shave for one day.

  He dismissed the thought. The itching would drive him to Bedlam.

  “Is everything packed?”

  “Yes.” His valet put the razor to his cheek. “Please don’t speak.”

  Jordan held his tongue. He was finally free and would soon see Audrey. He didn’t want to be accidently killed by his valet before that could happen.

  He hoped her uncle was at home and prayed he received the man’s blessing. Not that it mattered; he intended to leave for Grosmont this afternoon, as soon as Audrey and her maid had packed. Though he wished to have Audrey alone in the carriage with him for the trip he knew it was unwise. The maid was necessary so he would keep his hands and lips from Audrey. As much as he wanted to be loved by and to love Audrey he would not take those liberties until they were married.

  If her father declined the offer he would simply take Audrey to Gretna Green. This time he would leave the maid behin
d. If there was going to be an elopement, then he might as well break all the rules.

  A grin pulled at his lips at the thought of having Audrey alone in a dark carriage with only each other to keep company. He would need to take Bentley’s roomier carriage, so they could recline a bit more.

  “If you keep smiling like that I am going to miss a few places or nick you.”

  Jordan sobered and tried not to think any more about Audrey and what he would like to do with her as the valet finished shaving him.

  When he emerged from the house a short time later his brother’s roomier coach was waiting. Jordan laughed. Clayton knew him too well. His trunk was strapped to the back and he gave the direction to her uncle’s house and hopped into the carriage. Soon, very soon she would be all his.

  Audrey glanced about. She had been here a good half hour and Jordan had not yet arrived. Had she misunderstood?

  Blast, she had left the letter on her bed.

  She slid down from the mare and led it to a post and tied the reins. She wasn’t going to wear the poor thing out walking.

  But where was Jordan?

  She would give him a few more minutes and then leave. Should she call on him at his home or return to hers? It was simply scandalous that she would even consider going to his bachelor quarters but she wanted to know what had become of him. Surely they hadn’t arrested him again for anything. They had already proved he was innocent.

  “Audrey, it so lovely to find you here.”

  She turned at the sound of Millicent’s voice and cringed. She was the last person Audrey wanted around for her reunion with Jordan. She walked toward Millicent. The quicker she could get rid of her the better.

  “I was driving by and saw you here.” Millicent glanced around. “Where is your maid?”

  “I didn’t bring one,” Audrey reluctantly admitted.

  Millicent tisked and linked her arm with Audrey’s and strolled her back to the carriage. “You know better than to travel about without an escort or companion.”

  Audrey sighed. “Yes, I know. I just wished to be alone.”

  Millicent hitched an eyebrow. “Really?”