Rescued by an Earl

by Rose Pearson

  Chapter Sixteen

  Despite the fact that she had locked her door and shoved a few solid looking chairs against it, Jacintha did not sleep well. She tossed and turned for most of the night, caught by the pain of what she had done, confused over Henry and horrified by Lord Slate. By the time morning came, she was already thinking about packing her things.

  Unfortunately, the maid arrived with her breakfast tray as well as a note from Harmonia, which Jacintha read at once. It was brief, asking her to come to Harmonia’s chamber as soon as she was ready – although it did not say why.

  Instructing the maid to take her breakfast tray to Harmonia’s room, Jacintha dressed hurriedly with the help of her maid and quickly made her way along the corridor, trying her best not to feel the swirl of panic in her chest as she passed the staircase where Lord Slate had been only the day before.

  “Harmonia?”

  Her sister looked up at once from where she sat, her breakfast tray in front of her.

  “Sit, please,” she said at once, gesturing for the maids to go. “I am glad you are here, Jacintha. Father has been taken ill.”

  Jacintha stared at her sister as the maids closed the door, before coming to sit down opposite her.

  “It is nothing too serious, I assure you,” Harmonia continued, quickly. “You need not look so concerned. I think that it is nothing more than being overtired as well as partaking in too much liquor. You know how that makes his gout flare up.”

  Letting out a long breath, Jacintha closed her eyes and leaned back in her seat. The dawning realization that they would not be able to leave Lord Slate’s home any time soon crept over her, making her stomach tighten with anxiety.

  “I know this is rather trying, but he will be better in a few days,” Harmonia continued, when Jacintha did not reply. “Besides, I am sure that you and Lord Slate will be able to get to know one another better.”

  “Lord Slate and I have no longer any association,” Jacintha replied, hoarsely, opening her eyes to see Harmonia’s astonished face. “He was most uncouth last evening, Harmonia.”

  Her sister blinked, shaking her head. “I am aware that he was a little coarse last evening, Jacintha, but I do not think that there is any reason to – ”

  “Lord Slate followed me to my room last night,” Jacintha interrupted, leaning forward to capture her sister’s gaze. “He – he tried to….” She trailed off, rather ashamed to admit what had occurred. “I do not understand it,” she finished, her voice nothing more than a breathy whisper. “I thought I knew him so well.”

  There was a brief silence, where Harmonia sat forward in her chair and reached for Jacintha’s hands. It was only then that Jacintha realized she was shaking, the concern in her sister’s eyes making her realize just how truly awful Lord Slate’s behavior had been.

  “We must leave at once,” Harmonia whispered, her cheeks paling. “He cannot be allowed to treat you in such a way!”

  “I had hoped to convince father to leave at once, but now he is ill, we cannot risk it,” Jacintha replied, shivering just a little as she realized that she was now fully without any kind of protection. “Oh, Harmonia, what have I done? I thought I knew him so well.”

  Harmonia shook her head, her hand tightening on Jacintha’s. “This is not your fault, Jacintha. Lord Slate hid his true nature behind a façade in London and given that he clearly believes he has captured your affections – or at least, our father’s consent, he need not pretend any longer.”

  “Or maybe it was the liquor that forced him to come out from underneath his layered mask,” Jacintha muttered, passing one hand over her eyes in an attempt to control her tears. “I want to leave this place, Harmonia, but I feel as though we are trapped here for the time being.”

  Her sister sat back in her chair, frowning as she thought hard. “Then we shall both simply tend papa.”

  “I do not believe he will accept that,” Jacintha replied, shaking her head. “Not when he believes that we are all but betrothed.”

  “it does not matter what he believes,” Harmonia said, firmly. “We can simply state that papa requires us and that will be that. When it comes time to dine with him, we shall do so together and I shall accompany you back to your room. You will not need to be alone unless he has gone from the house for whatever reason.”

  A slow sense of relief began to fill Jacintha, appreciating Harmonia’s sensible and calm decisions.

  “I believe he has already gone out this morning,” Harmonia finished, sitting back. “Papa is resting also. If you wished to rest a little more, then I will send the maid to fetch you when papa awakens – or if Lord Slate returns.”

  Glad that they had brought their own maids with them, Jacintha let out a long, slow breath, already feeling more settled. “That is a good idea, Harmonia – I confess that I did not sleep well last evening.”

  “Then go and rest,” Harmonia replied, “And ensure your maid knows to wake you should Lord Slate return.”

  Jacintha had enjoyed the rest of her breakfast with her sister and had benefitted greatly from returning to her bed for an hour or so. However, now that she had risen for the second time – and on being assured that Lord Slate was still gone from the house, Jacintha thought she might go in search of the library, thinking to find a good book for both herself and her sister to read whilst they waited for their father to recover. Giving her maid strict instructions to find her should Lord Slate’s horse be seen returning to the estate, and telling her that she intended to find the library – which, unfortunately, the maid could not assist her with, Jacintha set off on her exploration. The worry and anxiety she had felt only earlier this morning was already beginning to lessen.

  There were a great many rooms in Lord Slate’s home, although there were dust covers on quite a few of his belongings. Evidently, the house was not always in use, as though he did not often have guests or the like visiting him. She did not find any staff about, which in itself was rather surprising, forcing her to open the door of each room in order to find the library

  Having made her way to the first floor, she quietly made her way from room to room, wondering if she might find out more about Lord Slate. He was not the man she had thought, which meant she knew very little about him. She did question how he had managed to hide his fierce anger and his determination to get what he wanted so well, shaking her head that she had been so easily duped.

  Turning the handle of yet another door, she looked inside, only to see shelves of books lining the walls, making her sigh with relief. Stepping inside, she closed the door firmly behind her, relieved to see that the windows overlooked the front of the estate. She should be able to see Lord Slate’s return and hide herself from him before he came back into the house.

  Brushing her fingertips lightly along the row of books, Jacintha stopped at one particular row, reading the titles quickly but finding nothing to interest her. Continuing to wander along the length of the room, she paused to pick up a novel of some kind, thinking that Harmonia might like to read it. There was another novel underneath, which, at first glance, appeared to be some kind of grisly murder. With a slight shudder, Jacintha replaced it hurriedly, banging her elbow into a small portrait on the wall by the bookshelf in her haste.

  Something creaked behind her.

  A jolt of fear had her clinging to the shelf for a moment, terrified that Lord Slate had somehow returned and was coming towards her but, without the sound of footsteps, that worry quickly died away. Turning around, she saw that, much to her astonishment, that part of the wall on the opposite side appeared to have come away.

  Slowly moving towards it, Jacintha placed the book in her hands down on the table, her heart beginning to pick up its pace as she drew near. Her fingertips ran down the length of the wall, realizing that it was a door.

  It was not particularly unusual for manor houses to have secret passages or priest holes within them, so it did not surprise Jacintha all that much – although she could not help but acknowledge t
he spark of curiosity. Finding a candle on the mantlepiece, she lit it quickly and, without hesitating, opened the door and stepped inside.

  Much to her disappointment, the passage did not seem to go anywhere. She took a few short steps inside, only to come face to face with a blank wall. There was no other door as far as she could see, and the only thing she could discover was a trapdoor that was locked with a key.

  The key was still in the lock, however, and Jacintha hesitated, wrestling with the desire to unlock it and see what lay beneath. Bending down, she studied the lock and key for a moment, realizing that they were neither rusty nor fragile. This place had been used recently. Looking around the trapdoor a bit more, she saw one wooden box in the corner of the tunnel, hidden by the darkness. It was covered with a cloth and, making to lift it, Jacintha felt a rush of anticipation.

  When a sudden whisper met her ears, she dropped the cloth. Hurrying towards the door she looked carefully back into the library, seeing her maid searching for her.

  “Has he returned?” Jacintha asked, hurriedly putting the candle back on the mantlepiece and blowing it out before ensuring the secret door was closed tightly.

  “Yes, my lady,” the maid replied, who still appeared a little confused as to why her mistress was avoiding the gentleman who had been courting her for so long.

  “Thank you,” Jacintha said, quickly making her way back towards the door. “If anyone asks where I am, tell them that Harmonia and I are tending to our father, although we intend to dine with Lord Slate for dinner.”

  “Of course,” the maid replied, coming behind her. “I quite understand, my lady.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  “Uncle Roderick!”

  Roderick looked up the moment Henry walked into the drawing room, a bright smile immediately jumping onto his face.

  “My goodness, that was a rather brief visit to London, was it not? Whatever are you doing back?”

  “I have to see her.”

  His uncle frowned, his expression a little more grave. “See who?”

  “Jacintha.”

  “I thought that was who you went to London to see,” his uncle replied, slowly, rather confused. “What are you talking about, Henry?”

  The words came out in a rush, betraying the anxiety that had been dogging him ever since he left London. “My sister informed me that Lady Jacintha, her sister and her father have all been invited to Lord Slate’s estate here in Ferryway.”

  His uncle’s expression grew astonished. “Lord Slate has returned, then?”

  “He must have done,” Henry answered, beginning to pace up and down the room. “Have any of your men seen him?”

  “Not that I am aware of,” Roderick replied, “But, then again, they have been caught up with this smuggler and searching the caves.”

  Henry stopped his pacing for a moment, recalling that they had been waiting for low tide. “And?”

  “And they found quite a few things,” his uncle replied, solemnly. “Sit down, Henry, and I will explain everything to you. You are making me tired simply watching you pace up and down!”

  Feeling even more anxious than before, Henry did as he was asked and sat down, leaning forward and clasping his hands together. His uncle got up and poured them both a snifter of brandy, handing him one before resuming his seat.

  “My men were only able to search the caves a few hours ago,” he began, quietly. “They did not find anything in particular – no contraband, I mean, but there was something of particular interest.”

  “What?” Henry asked, taking a sip of his brandy and enjoying the way the warmth spread all through him. “Something linking it all to Lord Slate?”

  Roderick nodded slowly. “We think so. There is a passageway cut high into the rock.”

  Henry blinked, quite confused about what his uncle had said. “A passageway? How can that be?”

  “Believe me, I was as confused as you until I saw it for myself,” his uncle chuckled, shaking his head. “Little wonder we didn’t discover it until now. It can only be accessed at high tide, although obviously before the sea reaches its turning point. There is a short window of time when a boat can be sailed into the cave, with supplies then taken into the passageway.”

  “But what should happen if the tide were to become any higher when the operation was underway?” Henry asked, frowning hard as he tried to make sense of what his uncle said. “Surely the men would be trapped?”

  His uncle shook his head. “They could easily climb further into the passageway, and I suspect that that is actually what occurs. One man steers the boat, whilst the other puts the contraband into the passageway. When the boat leaves, the man in the tunnel remains and carries the contraband further into the tunnel.”

  Nodding slowly, Henry tried to make sense of what he had heard. “So then where does the tunnel lead?”

  “That is the most frustrating part,” his uncle replied, with a shake of his head. “There is a trapdoor much further along – for the tunnel leads quite far up and along within the cliff walls themselves, but then we cannot go any further. It is locked and bolted from the other side.”

  “And you think it goes to Slate’s manor house.”

  “I don’t think, I know,” Roderick replied, gravely. “There’s nowhere else it could lead.”

  Henry blew out a long breath, his anxiety rising. “And now Jacintha is in there, as is her sister and the Duke.”

  “I do not think she is in any kind of danger if that is what concerns you,” Roderick said quickly, wanting to reassure Henry. “Why not go up and ask if you can call on them? I am quite sure that Lord Slate would welcome you, given that you are a friend of the family.”

  “Do you think so?”

  “It would be quite rude of him if he did not,” Roderick said, with a half-smile. “I’ll come with you if you like.”

  “Can we go now?”

  His uncle chuckled. “I think we must, or it will be too late for calling on anyone.”

  Awash with relief and hope, Henry hurried from the house, glad that his uncle had suggested such a thing. If he could only speak to Jacintha, then he would be able to inform her of what he and his uncle had uncovered about Lord Slate. It might be difficult to talk to her alone, but he would try and manage it somehow. Waiting impatiently for his horse to be saddled, Henry looked along the hillside to where the Slate estate sat, determination growing in his heart. He would reach Jacintha and tell her the truth about Lord Slate. Even if she did not turn to him, even if she did not want to hear of the affection he had for her, then he would be glad that her association with Lord Slate would be at an end. All he wanted was her best.

  Rapping sharply on the front door, Henry lifted his shoulders and stood tall, clearing his throat gruffly as the butler answered it at once.

  “Lord Henry Musgrove,” he said smartly, handing the butler his card. “And Lord Roderick Musgrove. We hear that Lady Jacintha, Lady Harmonia and the Duke of Seaworth have come for a short visit and would very much like to greet them.”

  The butler held the door open and Henry and Roderick stepped inside.

  “Please do wait here for a moment,” the butler intoned, giving them a slight bow. “l shall return in a moment.”

  Henry let out a long breath, his eyes roaming around the ornate hallway and marble staircase. Lord Slate clearly had a beautiful home, with plenty of space to store contraband, if he was actually using it for smuggling.

  “You see?” Roderick murmured, as the butler came back towards them. “His swift return means that they will be vastly glad to see you, I am quite sure.”

  Hope zoomed into Henry’s chest, making him smile broadly as the butler drew near.

  “I am very sorry, my lords, but the master and his guests are currently unavailable.”

  The smile died on Henry’s face at once. “Unavailable?” he repeated, looking at the butler in astonishment. “Whatever do you mean?”

  “I mean, they are indisposed,” the butler replied, wit
h a mall incline of his head. “I am very sorry, my lord. Perhaps tomorrow.”

  “Perhaps tomorrow?” Henry spluttered, about to shove past the butler and hurry into the house in order to find Jacintha. “What are you talking about, man?”

  “Henry,” Roderick murmured, putting one hand on Henry’s shoulder. “Come now. We must go. It would be rude to remain when we have not been invited in.”

  Henry shook off his uncle’s hand, his anger rising steadily. “What on earth can have indisposed them so much that I am unable to see them?”

  The butler lifted his chin, a taut line around his mouth. “My lord, the Duke of Seaworth is unwell and both his daughters are attending him. Lord Slate is, of course, caught up with business given that he only returned to Ferryway yesterday.” His jaw set, his eyes flashing just a little as he inclined his head yet again. “I do hope you understand, my lord.”

  Henry was forced to step back, his anger spiraling away.

  “Come on, Henry,” Roderick said again, grasping his arm. “Do give our regards to the Duke and his daughters, as well as Lord Slate,” he continued, addressing the butler as Henry turned away from the house. “And tell them that we will call again in a few days once the Duke recovers.”

  “Of course,” the butler replied, as calmly as ever. “Thank you, my lord.”

  Henry did not know what to think as he left the house, torn between believing that the Duke was, in fact, ill and unable to see them or thinking that Lord Slate was deliberately keeping them away from Henry.

  “Walk slowly,” Roderick murmured, as they stepped out of the house. “Give no appearance of anger or frustration.”

  He laughed aloud, slapping Henry on the back who looked at him askance.

  “We must appear to be quite at our leisure,” Roderick murmured, as Henry continued to glower. “Give the man no indication that we are in the least bit troubled by these turn of events.”