The Dark Duke

by Landon, Laura

  He ignored her accusation and continued with, “I see why you kept Lambert and Flanders to the last. I can’t imagine either of them being involved in anything illegal.”

  “I know. I can’t either. Everyone knows Lord Lambert spends so much time with his stable of Arabians that he doesn’t even know what’s going on in the outside world. And the Earl of Flanders is the same, only with his flowers.”

  Amanda watched Hadleigh. He seemed to be studying the information she’d given him. “What are you thinking?”

  “I’m thinking you and I need to take a trip.”

  “Where?”

  “Wherever you have your brother hidden. If he knows more, we have to find out what that is. Then, we need to bring him back here.”

  Amanda shook her head. “No.”

  “Yes. He isn’t safe where you have him, no matter how well guarded you think he is.”

  “What if they find him?”

  “I’ll hire an army of men to guard him.”

  Amanda knew she should trust Hadleigh. Every nerve in her body told her his suggestion was the right thing to do. But she’d learned that men weren’t to be trusted. Her father promised he’d always be here to take care of her, but that hadn’t happened. Harry was supposed to provide for her, but that hadn’t happened either. Even Hadleigh had vowed to care for and protect his sister, but instead had done everything in his power to destroy her chance for happiness.

  But in this, what other choice did she have? She couldn’t keep Harry alive without help. And no one was better able to help her than Hadleigh. She didn’t have a choice.

  “How long will it take us to get to him?”

  “A couple of hours.”

  “He’s that close?”

  “Yes. He was beaten too badly to take him farther.”

  “How soon can you be ready?”

  Amanda breathed a heavy sigh. “Soon.”

  “Meet me in thirty minutes. It will take me that long to make arrangements for when we return, and to gather enough guards to accompany us.”

  Amanda rose when Hadleigh held out his hand to assist her, then walked up the stairs to her room while he went to his study. She heard the string of orders he issued to his butler, as well as the orders he issued several of the servants. They each, in turn, rushed off to do their master’s bidding.

  When she reached the top of the stairs, she said a silent prayer that she was doing the right thing. Trusting anyone came hard for her. Putting her trust in a man was even more difficult.

  She hoped that Harry didn’t pay for her error in judgment.

  . . .

  Amanda sat back against the squabs of Hadleigh’s luxurious carriage and looked out the window. A small army of outriders surrounded the carriage.

  “Are we almost there?” Hadleigh asked.

  “Yes. Tell your driver to turn after this next row of trees.”

  “There’s nothing—”

  He stopped when he looked at her. She knew the daggers in her glare made her meaning clear.

  “Which direction?” he asked.

  “To the right.”

  He issued the order, then sat back against the cushion. When the carriage slowed, he looked out the window.

  “Your brother is here?” he asked over the noise of children playing.

  She nodded.

  “What is this place?”

  “It’s an orphanage run by several nuns. Few know it exists, and those who do only visit to bring food or clothing.”

  “And you are one of the few?” he asked.

  “Occasionally.”

  The carriage pulled to a stop and Hadleigh dismounted. After he assisted her from the carriage, he held up his hand to stop her from going forward. He waited for one of the outriders to approach. “Were we followed?”

  “No, Your Grace. Rogers just returned and said there’s no one behind us.”

  “Good. Keep watch. I’m not sure how long we’ll be.”

  “Yes, Your Grace.”

  Hadleigh extended his arm and they walked toward the large, stone building that housed more than two dozen youngsters and half that many sisters of the church. When some of the children saw her, they ran forward, shouting her name.

  “Lady Amanda!” a lad named Robbie shouted.

  Amanda knelt down and opened her arms like she always did when the children approached. One by one they received their hug, then stood to the side to let the next one get close. When she’d greeted all the children, she stood and smiled at them.

  “Have you all been very good for the sisters?” she asked in a serious tone.

  “Oh, yes, my lady,” they answered in unison.

  Amanda looked at one of the younger girls who was too shy to tell anything that wasn’t the truth. “Is that true, Mary Jane?”

  “Oh, yes, my lady.” She paused and looked at a lad named Charlie, who was known to get into a scrape or two. “Pretty much, anyway.”

  “Good enough that you think everyone deserves a piece of candy?”

  “Oh, yes, my lady,” Mary Jane said with a great deal of enthusiasm.

  “Very good, then. You shall all get a piece of candy.” Amanda opened her reticule and took out a bag and handed each child a piece of candy. When she reached Charlie, she hesitated. “Do you think you deserve a piece of candy, Charlie?”

  Charlie’s gaze lowered to the ground. “Well, perhaps not a whole piece,” he admitted softly.

  Amanda’s heart melted. Charlie reminded her so much of her brother, Harry. Deep down he was very good, but sometimes the mischief took over and he did some very foolish things.

  Amanda placed her finger beneath Charlie’s chin and lifted until he looked her in the eyes. “Because you admitted that you misbehaved, you will receive a whole piece of candy.”

  Charlie’s eyes lit.

  “But only if you promise to be better for the sisters.”

  “Oh, yes, Lady Amanda. I’ll try really, really hard.”

  “See that you do, Charlie,” she said, handing him the candy. “Now, off with you, and enjoy this fine day.”

  “Thank you, my lady,” he said as he ran to play with the other children.

  Amanda watched him go, then turned. The expression on the Duke of Hadleigh’s face as he stared at her confused her. “What?” she asked.

  “Where did you learn to handle youngsters like that?”

  Amanda laughed. “Did you think I argued with everyone, Your Grace? I hate to disappoint you, but you are the only person who receives the sharp edge of my tongue on a regular basis.”

  Without giving him the chance for a rebuttal, she walked toward the modest building that served as an orphanage, as well as a home for elderly nuns. Before she reached the top of the four steps, the door opened and a nun stepped outside.

  “Sister Mary Margaret,” Amanda said, giving the sister a warm hug. Sister Mary Margaret hugged her in return.

  “Lady Amanda. I’m so glad you’ve come.”

  A shooting of panic raced through her. “Is it my brother? Is he—?”

  “Oh, goodness,” Sister Mary Margaret interrupted. She reached for Amanda’s hands and held them. “Your brother’s fine. I didn’t mean to give you a fright.”

  Amanda breathed a sigh of relief. “I thought you were glad I was here because something was wrong with Harry.”

  “Actually, there is. Your brother has improved to the point that he insists he’s well enough to return to London.”

  “Is he?”

  “Perhaps physically he is. But Mr. Fillmore refuses to let him consider leaving until we receive word that it’s safe for Lord Mattenden to return to London.”

  “I’ll talk to him.” Amanda turned, and only then remembered she hadn’t introduced Hadleigh. “Oh, I’m sorry. Sister Mary Margaret, may I present the Duke of Hadleigh. Hadleigh, this is Sister Mary Margaret. She is responsible for the wonderful care the children receive.”

  “Sister Mary Margaret.”

  “Your Grace.�
��

  After Sister Mary Margaret and Hadleigh exchanged greetings, she turned to Amanda. “I’m sure you’re anxious to see your brother. Allow me to show you to his room.”

  “Yes, please.”

  She and Hadleigh followed Sister Mary Margaret into the orphanage, then up two flights of stairs. She turned to her left, then stopped in front of the third door on the right.

  “I’ll allow you time alone with your brother. Perhaps you’d like some tea after your journey. And something to eat. I’m sure His Grace will appreciate your cook’s sweets. I know the children are fond of what she bakes for them.”

  Amanda nodded. “That would be wonderful.”

  Sister Mary Margaret nodded, then turned to leave.

  Amanda couldn’t wait to see Harry. For as angry as she’d been with him the last time she’d seen him, her anger was long gone. She needed to make sure he was all right.

  Amanda stepped to the side when Hadleigh reached for the knob and opened the door, then she rushed into the room.

  The room was bright and cheery, the curtains drawn back, and the window raised to let in a warm summer breeze. Harry’s tall figure stood before the window. He looked down on a part of the lawn where a group of children played.

  He didn’t turn, but Amanda knew he had to hear them enter.

  “Harry?”

  Amanda took a step toward him, then stopped when Hadleigh reached out and placed his hand on her arm. She looked up and met the concern in Hadleigh’s gaze.

  She looked back to where her brother stood. “Harry?”

  Harry’s shoulders lifted as he took in a deep breath, then he slowly turned.

  Amanda tried not to react, but her sharp intake of breath echoed like a shot in the room.

  Harry’s handsome face was distorted by an ugly, purple mark that ran from the corner of his right eye to below his chin.

  CHAPTER 11

  Amanda wanted to rush across the room and wrap her arms around her brother. But Hadleigh’s hand kept her from overreacting. When his hand lifted, she took a breath, then slowly walked toward Harry.

  When she reached him, she stood in front of him and reached for his hands. “Hello, Harry,” she said, gently squeezing his fingers. “You look much better than you did the last time I saw you.”

  Her brother didn’t answer her, but turned his head to let his gaze focus out the window.

  Amanda placed her finger against the side of his face, taking care to avoid the angry line of raised flesh. She turned his head so he was forced to look at her.

  “Can you bear to look at me, Amanda?”

  “Of course I can,” she answered, cupping her palm against the unharmed side of his face. “You are still my brother. You have blood flowing through you same as mine. And I still love you. Perhaps more, now that I nearly lost you.”

  “Oh, how can you? I have made such a mess of my life. And of yours.”

  Amanda shook her head. “Then we will have to undo your mess.”

  “I’m not sure we can.”

  “Yes, we can. Together we can do anything.”

  For the first time in her life, her brother took her in his arms, and held her.

  “I was so afraid I would die and leave you to face what I had done. I couldn’t bear the thought that you would search for who had done this to me, and possibly die yourself.”

  Harry clasped his fingers around her upper arms. “Leave this be, Amanda. Don’t become involved in it. The men behind this are dangerous. They are more evil than I thought anyone could be.”

  “What is it that you are involved in?” the Duke of Hadleigh asked.

  Harry dropped his hands from her and turned to where Hadleigh stood by the door. She could tell from the look on his face that he hadn’t realized he was there.

  Hadleigh stepped into the room.

  Harry looked from Hadleigh to her, then back to Hadleigh. “What are you doing here?”

  “I’ve been trying to keep your sister alive, thanks to whatever it is you’ve gotten yourself involved.”

  “Keep her alive?”

  “Yes, it seems someone has taken exception to the questions your sister is asking.”

  “No, Amanda! Stay out of this.” Harry tuned toward Hadleigh. “You too, Your Grace. This is my problem. I’ll take care of it.”

  Hadleigh shook his head. “Why don’t you explain what you’re involved in? Then we’ll decide if you’re capable of handling it on your own.”

  “Yes, Harry,” she said, reaching for his hand. “Let’s sit down, and you can explain everything.”

  Harry hesitated a moment, then nodded. “You deserve to know the mess I’ve made of my life.”

  Two wing-back chairs flanked the fireplace, and a third chair sat at the desk. Hadleigh turned the stuffed chairs, and Harry brought the wooden chair to make a circle. Just as Amanda sat in one of the chairs, the door opened and Fillmore entered, carrying a tea tray with plates of little cakes and pastries.

  “Fillmore, how good to see you,” she said. “I need to thank you. You took excellent care of Lord Mattenden. He’s much improved from the last time I saw him.”

  “I’m glad you’ve arrived, my lady. It was becoming more difficult to convince your brother to stay here until we heard that it was safe to return to London.”

  “I’m sure it was.”

  Fillmore stepped back. “Do you require anything else, my lady?”

  “No, Fillmore. I’ll call if we do.”

  “Very well.”

  Fillmore backed out of the room and closed the door behind him. When they were alone, Amanda poured tea and handed each man a cup.

  Before Hadleigh took his first sip, he leveled Harry a look Amanda knew only too well. It was an expression that left no doubt as to his determination.

  “Since we’re not here for pleasantries, you can begin your explanation any time. And please, Mattenden, don’t waste our time by omitting any of the details.”

  Amanda watched her brother shift uncomfortably, then he placed his untouched tea back on the table. She wanted to soften Hadleigh’s demands, but didn’t. It was important that they knew every detail of what Harry was involved in.

  “Very well, Your Grace. You will get the unedited truth. It is time I faced up to everything I’ve done.”

  Harry sat back in his chair and dropped his hands to his lap. “As you, and Amanda, and half of London have been aware of for quite some time, I’ve led a life far beyond my means. I spent money I did not have, gambled and lost more than I could ever repay. When I could no longer get credit to pay my bills and continue to live as I was used to, I took money from the allowance Amanda was to receive.”

  Harry turned his head and locked his gaze with hers. “I’m sorry, Amanda. I know that because of me, you had to go without, but I couldn’t seem to stop. And I couldn’t bear the thought of not having money.”

  Amanda didn’t respond. There’d been many weeks she didn’t know how she’d pay the staff their wages, let alone pay the bills for the food it took to feed them. She couldn’t do anything but shake her head.

  “Then, one day I received a message. The sender of the missive informed me that he’d bought up all my vowels, and paid all my bills.

  “At first I thought the news was too good to be true. But the words at the bottom of the letter made me realize I’d exchanged one disaster for another.”

  When Hadleigh finished his tea, he set down his cup. “What did your benefactor expect you to do?”

  “He informed me that in a few days instructions would come explaining what was required of me in payment for my debts.”

  Amanda’s heart thrummed faster in her chest.

  “When instructions came, I was directed to go to the docks at midnight to oversee the unloading of a particular cargo. I was to count the bundles that arrived to make sure they matched the bills of lading, then see them properly loaded onto wagons.”

  “Why you?” Amanda asked. “Surely there were other men more fa
miliar with the workings of the docks who could oversee this.”

  “That’s the easy question to answer, my lady,” Hadleigh said. “Your brother’s presence gave a legitimacy to the cargo arriving.”

  “Yes,” Harry added. “I was to dress as if I was coming from a formal event, drive the carriage with my M monogramed on the side, and remain visible until the cargo was safely loaded onto wagons.”

  “Why, for heaven’s sake?” Amanda asked.

  “Because your brother’s presence wouldn’t be questioned. If anyone inquired, he could use his title to intimidate. The authorities have made an effort to curtail smuggling. The amount of taxes avoided by such activities is astronomical. And Her Majesty needs all the revenue she can get to pay for the war in the Crimea.”

  Amanda looked back at her brother. “What were they smuggling?”

  “I thought it was only tea,” Harry said, swiping his hand in front of him. “For months I protected the cargo as I’d been instructed, and made sure it got to its proper destination. The first few shipments were tea. I secretly opened a box once and discovered the boxes contained tea.” Harry lowered his head. “But, in time, the boxes didn’t just contain tea.”

  “Let me guess,” Hadleigh offered. “You discovered the cargo was opium.”

  Harry nodded, then pushed himself to his feet. He walked to the window.

  Amanda made a move to go to him, but Hadleigh reached out to stop her.

  Her first thought was to ignore his order. Until she realized he was right.

  Harry was her brother—her younger brother. She’d looked out for him her whole life. But he was a grown man now. He didn’t need anyone telling him what to do. He only needed to know that she was there if he needed her.

  “Have you ever seen anyone addicted to opium?” Harry asked no one in particular. “I have. It robs them of their mind as well as their will to live. It destroys, and leaves its victim without the ability to escape its clutches. Then it kills.”

  He stood at the window for several long seconds, without speaking.

  Amanda battled a growing unease. She knew there was something more that Harry was involved in. Something worse than smuggling. Something worse than opium. She turned a worried glance to Hadleigh. She could tell by the frown on his face he felt it, too.