“You could have killed Lady Evelyn.”
“But I didn’t. You’re being quite dramatic.”
Joseph had everything he could do to keep from hitting the bastard. But he needed answers. “What else did you do?”
“Rode the horse down the walkway. Almost fell off, I did. But you should have seen your faces!”
Joseph hit him in the arm. But not hard enough to break anything. Unfortunately.
“What was the point of all this?” Joseph demanded.
“Didn’t ask, but I think I was supposed to scare her into getting married,” said Kensington, rubbing his arm. “I needed the blunt. The last time we were in town, father met with the earl about the mining company. While he was in there, the countess talked to me about doing those tasks for her.”
“Did the earl know anything about it?”
“Dunno. But the countess was very persuasive, if you know what I mean. Where are you going? You are going to get me out of here, aren’t you?”
“I have a mind to throw you into Newgate.”
Kensington looked like he would be sick again.
Joseph continued. “But lucky for you, I may need your testimony. You’ll stay here until I know what to do with you. I’ll send word to your parents you’re safe.”
“I certainly won’t be safe when they hear I’m at Bow Street.”
“Then the next time you shouldn’t get arrested.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
As Evelyn slowly awakened, she became aware of two things. One was that her head hurt a great deal and the other was that she was lying in a bed. Then she heard a noise close by and realized a third rather frightening fact: she was not alone.
“I see you are finally waking,” said Pip. “Pray open your eyes. There is no use in pretending you cannot hear me.”
Evelyn did as she was told, not to obey Pip, but to face the damned woman. “Why are you doing this?” She realized with a shock that she was no longer in Pip’s home. The bedchamber was a bit shabby, though reasonably clean. “Did you draw up the codicil”
“Yes. It wasn’t that difficult to forge your dear papa’s handwriting. You should know as well as anyone that a proper lady has plenty of time to work on her correspondence.”
“I won’t marry Robert. And when Joseph learns what you’ve done, he’ll have you transported. Unless he kills you first.”
“I do not think so. And you needn’t be so melodramatic. What I’m proposing isn’t that bad. No real harm will come to you if you do exactly as you’re told. You even have the option of living a relatively comfortable life, should you marry Robert.”
“And if I do not?”
“I do not think you’ll care for the alternative. If you marry Robert, you’ll receive a stipend and can live wherever you’d like, as long as it is far from here. If you do not marry him, you’ll simply disappear until the deadline has passed, whereupon you will lose your land and your fortune.”
“I choose that option. I would rather lose my fortune and be with the man I love, than enter into a sham marriage.”
“How romantic. Stupid. But romantic. I would like to make you disappear, but if Stapleton can prove the codicil is a forgery, there’s a chance I’ll get none of your money. I’d rather not risk it.”
“You’ll never get away with this.”
“I think I will. No one would suspect a countess. Ladies simply do not do such things. I am sure my husband would think me quite incapable of it.”
With that, Pip left the room, locking the door from the outside.
Evelyn struggled to sit up, then looked around the room to see how she was going to get out of there.
* * *
In some ways, the Earl of Ridgeway considered himself fortunate. He had siblings he loved very much. He missed his brother who’d gone to America to make his fortune, though from the few letters he’d written, it appeared he had not yet succeeded. The other brother was a different case altogether, but while they did not always get along, they did care for each other. But Colin’s current focus was the fact that if he did not marry money, he and his family would lose their home, displacing the few remaining tenants.
He’d been resigned to his fate for months, but in the past week he’d actually become interested in finding a bride, namely Evelyn Williams. She was lovely, quick-witted and had never been dull in the entire time they’d spent together, which was particularly promising since he could not abide a dullard and most heiresses were about as scintillating as dirt.
He knew he was being unfair to the young ladies who’d been raised to be the ton ideal of a wife. Socially adept, a capable hostess and able to provide an heir and a spare. Most ladies aspiring to marry a title were usually taught to agree with everything a man said, rarely offering an opinion of her own. While it was flattering to have an attentive audience and Ridgeway liked feeling his opinions were worthy, he would rather the praise be sincere and not just for the purpose of attaining him as a husband. It was rather unfair of him, since he was pursuing first a fortune and then a wife. But he did not look forward to the life of a marriage of convenience.
Yet marriage to Evelyn Williams could be rather nice. It would certainly be no hardship to bed her. He did get the feeling that she was rather attached to that Bow Street Inspector who’d been following her about. He was obviously in love with her. Colin would feel sorry for the man if he didn’t have his own romantic problems. He had to marry money or his family would be lost.
That is why he’d called on the Earl and Countess of Larsen, only to find them both from home. The butler had been rather tight-lipped about their whereabouts and Colin’s financial situation was so dire he didn’t even have the funds to bribe the man. Perhaps if he called at the servants’ entrance, he would find a saucy maid who could be persuaded to help him.
He knew the earl was probably at his mistress’s house. But he had no idea where to find the countess.
He was interrupted in his reverie by the arrival of a coach bearing the Lynwood crest. The door opened even before it stopped and Stapleton alighted, followed by Ned, Arthur and Hal Kellington. They ran up the steps and pounded on the door.
“What’s afoot?” Colin asked Hal.
“Lady Evelyn may be in trouble. We need to see the countess.”
“She’s not there. Or at least the butler told me she was from home.”
At that moment, Forsyte opened the door and the men rushed inside. Colin followed them in and stared, slack-jawed, as Stapleton held the butler while the other men searched the house.”
“Unhand me!” said Forsyte.
“You’re going to tell me where your mistress took Lady Evelyn.”
Colin eyed the butler, who was reaching into his pocket. No sooner had he pulled a knife, than Colin slapped it away. Stapleton looked at Colin as if seeing him for the first time and nodded his thanks.
“Where is the countess?” Stapleton demanded again.
“I do not know.”
“What about the earl?”
“With his bit of muslin.”
“And Robert?”
“I don’t know. He comes and goes as he pleases.”
“Where does he go?”
“God only knows. Opium dens.”
“I know a few of his hidey holds,” said Colin. “He once had a card party in a set of rooms off Covent Garden.”
“There’s no sign of Lady Evelyn or the countess,” said Ned, who was joined by his brothers. “They’re gone.”
“Take us to the rooms,” Stapleton said to Colin.
After warning the butler not to interfere unless he wanted to be charged with kidnapping, the men left and set out for Covent Garden.
* * *
“But why won’t you marry me, Evelyn?” Robert asked, for what must be the fiftieth time. Pip had left them alone and Robert had spent the time begging.
“Because I love another. There are other reasons, but that is by far the most important. Now, please help me get out of h
ere. I am still a bit unsteady on my feet because of the laudanum.”
“Can’t do that. Pip would kill me,” said Robert, as he poured himself yet another drink. “Wouldn’t mind having some of that laudanum myself. Can’t afford opium anymore and no one will give me credit. Pip says I’ll have all the blunt I need as soon as we’re wed. So why won’t you just say yes? I won’t bother you all that much. Don’t even need an heir, though I wouldn’t mind a good tup now and again.”
“That is disgusting, Robert. We are cousins.”
“Doesn’t stop others and you are quite lovely, even if you could use some more meat on your bones. You could have a nice cottage somewhere. Not too fancy, of course. We don’t want to waste your blunt.”
“Because spending it on laudanum is such a better use of funds.”
“Knew you’d see it my way.”
“I already have a home in Caversham.”
“Not for long. That’ll get sold to the mining scheme, which will be a nice supplement to your fortune. I’m not getting all of it, you know. I should, since I’m the one who has to get leg-shackled to you.”
“I thought you wanted to marry me.”
“Well, not really. Nothing personal, but I’d rather not get married at all. But since it’s the only way to get your blunt, then the only way to keep it in the family is for you to marry me, on account of Reginald already being married.”
“But, Robert, dear,” said Pip as she entered the bedroom. “Pray do not forget there is another way for us to get Evelyn’s fortune. She could die and it would automatically revert to Reginald.”
“There is that,” said Robert. “I’m a better alternative to dying, aren’t I?”
Pip laughed mirthlessly. “Oh, Robert, do not ask her that. I am not sure the answer would be at all to your liking.”
“What?” He was having trouble focusing his eyes and Evelyn suspected Robert had found his way to her laudanum already.
“I am tired of waiting,” said Pip. “The minister is here and ready to perform the service.”
“No man of God would force an unwilling woman to wed,” said Evelyn.
“Trust me, dear. This one would. He is waiting downstairs. You will be married tonight, then you and Robert will consummate the marriage, followed by an immediate trip to the continent where you will stay until the deadline passes. By the time you return, it will not matter what you tell your friends because you will be good and truly married. You might possibly be with child.”
“I would not want children,” said Robert. “They’re loud and too expensive by half.”
“You will not be around to hear them,” said Pip. “And how Evelyn divides her stipend is completely up to her. She will not get more, of course, if she has children. As a matter of fact, there are any number of reasons why her stipend could be reduced. For instance, if she starts spreading rumors about my involvement in her wedding, she could very well find herself a charity case. Or committed to an asylum.”
Evelyn had to stall for time. Joseph would find her. She knew he would. “I was just wondering, Pip, how you decided what Robert’s share should be.”
“That does not concern you.”
“But it concerns Robert. And if he and I are to marry, it concerns me, too. How much of the money are you getting, Robert?”
Robert tried to focus on her. “Enough to keep me happy.”
“Are you sure about that? If you are my husband, you’re entitled to my worldly possessions. All of them. Reginald and Pip aren’t legally entitled to anything, unless I do not marry by the deadline. If you choose to give money to them out of the kindness of your heart that is, of course, your choice.”
“You’re right,” said Robert. “It would be my choice.”
“Exactly. And with all the added expenses of being a married man, I cannot imagine there would be much money left over to give them.”
“What added expenses?”
“I’ve heard enough of this,” said Pip. “We’re going downstairs.”
Evelyn continued. “You must pay taxes and you’ll be receiving more invitations for social engagements, which means you’ll need a new wardrobe. And the ladies. Robert, the ladies will be attracted to you in droves. I’ll be in my cottage, but you’ll be free to have as many mistresses as you want – as long as you can provide for them. London mistresses are expensive, Robert. You wouldn’t want to run out of money and lose your mistresses.”
“Pip,” said Robert, frowning. “You said Reginald was going to take her blunt and give me an allowance. But the chit has the right of it. If I have to get leg-shackled to her, I should get all the money. Maybe I can give you some since you planned all of this, but you should be the one with an allowance, not me.”
“You’re not thinking clearly,” said Pip. “It must be the opium. You know how that confuses you.”
“No, I’m thinking clearly. As a matter of fact, I’m a lot clearer than I have been in a long time. It’s going to be my money, not yours.”
“Robert!” said Pip, with a flash of real anger. Then her polite mask came over her once again. “I picked up a little something for you from the apothecary earlier today. Why don’t you go downstairs and have a taste? There are a few things I’d like to discuss with your bride.”
“Robert, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” said Evelyn. “You’ll need a clear head if you expect to negotiate with her.”
“My head will be fine,” said Robert, already on his way to the door.
Evelyn’s last hope left to escape into an opium fog. Now she was faced with Pip, whose anger had resurfaced.
“Listen, you little bitch. You’ll not play Robert against me or your husband-to-be will mistakenly take too much opium and die, leaving your fortune to Reginald and me. Then there’ll be no stipend. You’ll be lucky if you don’t end up looking for a rich lover, if anyone in the ton will have you after lying down in the gutter with Stapleton. And, yes, I’ll make sure everyone knows that you spread your legs for a bastard.”
“He’s a finer man than Reginald or Robert. And as for you…I’ll make your life a living hell for doing this.”
“You don’t scare me. Now get out of that bed. You’re getting married.”
Pip pulled Evelyn by the arm and yanked her to her feet. The room began to swim and Evelyn’s stomach lurched, the residual effects of the opium. She must have looked as sick as she felt because Pip got a horrified look on her face and pushed her away.
“Don’t you dare be sick on me!”
“Chamber pot. I need a chamber pot,” said Evelyn as she began to dry heave.
Pip picked up the chamber pot and tossed it to her. Evelyn caught it, bent over as if to be sick, then brought the pot up with all her strength and hit Pip in the side of the head with it. Unfortunately, Pip turned just in time, so it was only a glancing blow. Evelyn was still unsteady on her feet, so it took little effort for Pip to knock her over with a slap to the face.
Evelyn tripped Pip so she also fell, then rolled out of the way so Pip hit the floor hard. Pip caught Evelyn’s gown then straddled her so she was able to put her hands around her neck. She started squeezing with surprising strength. Evelyn began seeing black spots before her eyes. But she thought about Joseph and what she would give to be his wife. She was able to slam both of her elbows together, breaking Pip’s grip, then she aimed a fist at Pip’s chin, catching her in the throat instead.
Pip screamed in pain and Evelyn was able to get out from under her. She ran to the door, but Pip was able to grab the hem of her gown. Evelyn kicked her hand away, then opened the door, only to come face to face with Joseph.
Joseph who was very, very angry. He moved her to the side, then advanced on Pip, who had gotten to her feet. Her lip was bleeding and her hair was in a very non-Pip-like state of disarray.
“Don’t you dare put your hands on me, you dirty bastard!” screamed Pip, as she picked up the chamber pot, brandishing it as a weapon.
“Don’t you dare strike
him,” said Evelyn, as she advanced on Pip, but stumbled.
Joseph caught her neatly, but his eyes were still on Pip.
“If you put one filthy hand on me I’ll have you brought up on charges!”
Vanessa and Melanie – having covertly followed the men to the house – brushed by Joseph, then stood in front of Pip. “I am arresting you on charges of kidnapping,” said Vanessa.
“Here’s another bastard….”
Then Pip went reeling backward from the force of Melanie’s fist to her jaw. She hit her head, then slid down the wall.
“Nicely done!” said Vanessa. “I did not realize you could throw a punch so well.”
“You must remember I am an American,” said Mel, massaging the knuckles of her hand.
Hal appeared at her side, bringing her injured hand to his lips, then gently kissing her knuckles. “Is it in bad form that I would like to whisk you back to our bed even more than usual after that?’
Mel blushed to her hairline, though she did not say it was in bad form.
Arthur stood over Pip’s inert form, gently kicking her foot with his boot until she came around. “Madam, Bow Street has been summoned. You shall remain here until they take you off to gaol.”
Pip blinked twice. “I am not going to gaol. That Colonial should be locked up for assaulting a countess.”
“But she was defending Lady Vanessa!” said Evelyn. Suddenly, she became aware of Joseph’s hands roaming all over her.
“Are you hurt?” he asked.
“I’m still feeling the effects of being drugged, but am fine other than that.”
He turned to Pip and Evelyn could feel every muscle in his body tense. “You drugged her?”
“You have only her word that I did,” replied Pip, who’d risen and was now demurely setting herself to rights. “She and Robert were about to marry downstairs. She was feeling a little nervous about the approaching wedding night, so she took something to soothe her. I believe it was some of Robert’s opium. However, she must have taken too much because she concocted the wildest tale about me. I daresay she will sing a different tune once she has come down from the effects of the drug. Because, after all, a person could get into a good deal of trouble by spreading such malicious lies.”
Never Turn Away (Kellington Book Six) Page 20
