by Ella Quinn
The landlord’s wife opened and closed her mouth a few times, yet seemed unable to speak.
Lady Merton glanced at Charlotte and shook her head. “My husband and I, as well as Lady Kenilworth’s brother”—that threw them from the frying pan into the fire. But Charlotte hadn’t even blinked—“destroyed Miss Betsy’s brothel in London. Somehow, she escaped the law before reaching Newgate.”
By this point, Mrs. Crowe looked close to having apoplexy. She plopped onto the end of the bed, fanning herself with her apron. “I never thought . . . She looks and acts like such a lady, such a good person.”
Leaning over, Charlotte patted the woman’s hand. “You are not the only one she has deceived. We need to get this young woman to safety and call the magistrate to arrest the men who brought her here. We must also capture Miss Betsy so that she can no longer prey on other innocents.”
Mr. Crowe, who had been silent, finally said, “Just tell us what we can do, me lords. Can’t have my inn get a bad reputation.”
“The first thing,” Con said, “is to contact the magistrate. If you tell us where we may locate him, one of Lord Merton’s servants will fetch him. If you have a cellar or if there is a gaol nearby, we can detain the blackguards until then.”
“Nearest gaol is Richmond. That’s where Sir John, the magistrate, is too. I got a cellar we can lock them in until he gets here.”
Charlotte exchanged glances with Dotty before looking at Con. She had been a bit worried that the Crowes would either not believe their tale, or not want to become involved.
This was going much better than expected. Then again, not everything in life should be difficult. “It is a shame we do not know where Miss Betsy lives or her real name.”
The landlady cleared her throat. “I might be able to help with that.”
All of them turned their eyes to her. This was almost too much to hope for. “How?”
Mrs. Crowe ran a hand over her apron, smoothing it. “Most of the time, one of the men can read and write, and I just give his letter to our stable boy to post. This time, the man who brought—brought . . .” She glanced at Miss Cloverly.
“Miss Cloverly,” she supplied.
Mrs. Crowe nodded her thanks. “Who brought Miss Cloverly handed me a letter to be sent to Miss Betsy.” By this time they were all, even her husband, leaning toward Mrs. Crowe as if she was telling the most interesting story they’d ever heard. “The name on the letter was Mrs. E. Bottoms, and it was addressed in care of the White Swan in Twickenham.”
“Twickenham isn’t far at all,” Merton said. “Just a few miles.” He looked at Con. “We could be there and back in under two hours.”
“And have Miss Betsy under lock and key,” Con mused.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Before Constantine and Merton were too far into their scheme, Charlotte stopped them. “And how do you plan to prove that Mrs. E. Bottoms is Miss Betsy? For that matter, how do you propose to prove that any woman you have arrested is abducting people against their will? We have been told that it is Miss Betsy, but unless we have proof, she will be let go. Especially if she is known as a good citizen of her town.”
Merton opened his mouth, but Dotty forestalled him. “Charlotte is correct. We need to catch her in the act, as it were.”
Not saying a word, Constantine flattened his lips and tilted his head to one side. The rest of them were quiet as well.
After a few minutes, Miss Cloverly spoke. “If you can protect me, I’ll agree to go with her tomorrow. I have a craving to find out just who paid her to have me abducted.”
“No.” Merton’s tone was firm, as if he would brook no objection. “It is not right to use you in such a way.”
“I think it would work,” Dotty said slowly. “Naturally, we must ensure her safety.”
Charlotte quickly reviewed the possible scenarios, and nodded. “I agree. We would have to have more than one person following the coach, and, mayhap, outriders.” She glanced at her friend. “Dotty, how many footmen and grooms do you have with you?”
She gave Charlotte a rueful smile. “At least ten. Is that not right, my love?”
“Twelve,” Merton said gruffly, in a somewhat defensive tone. “One never knows when a horse may become lame or a man fall and injure himself. I wished to make sure you were safe. Besides, my love, we need to put to work all the people you rescue.”
“Well, that is true,” Dotty replied, not at all embarrassed. “The more training they receive the more quickly they will be able to find permanent employment.”
“There, you see?” Charlotte grinned at her friend and cousin. “We have plenty of men in the event of trouble.” She turned to Miss Cloverly. “It is your decision. Will you feel safe enough?”
They all seemed to focus on the young woman as she considered her options. After a few long moments she gave one decisive nod. “I will, my lady.”
Charlotte let out the breath she had been holding. “Thank you. Until then, you shall remain with us. That way if Miss Betsy does come early, you will not be in danger.”
“Well then.” Constantine pushed himself off the wall. “Let’s make certain those blackguards below are secured.”
“What will we tell Miss Betsy about her men?” Mr. Crowe asked.
Remembering her own abduction and the one cur who got drunk, Charlotte said, “We can say they went off drinking.”
“That might work.” Mrs. Crowe nodded. “Except for the one man that isn’t here, they do put down the ale.”
Raising an eyebrow, Constantine said to Merton, “After you, my lord.”
“Just one thing.” Mrs. Crowe twisted her hands in her apron. “Try not to make a mess. The midday meal starts soon, and there’ll be no time to clean up before service.”
Con gave her an elegant bow. “As you wish, madam.”
“Indeed,” Merton said. “It shall be as quick and clean as possible.”
“As long as I get to plant at least one facer, I’ll be a happy man,” Constantine mumbled.
It didn’t appear the landlady had heard him, but Dotty shook her head as Charlotte stifled a chuckle.
She went to the door, and once Merton and the Crowes had left the chamber, Constantine turned to her. “Promise me you will remain safely here.”
Placing her hand on his cheek seemed the most normal thing in the world to do as she rose up on her tiptoes and kissed him. “I shall.”
She closed and locked the door behind him. “Do you think they’ll be long?”
“Not if they are forbidden to make a mess,” Dotty said, clearly holding back her laughter. “And you? How do you feel about Kenilworth now?”
Like a bird singing joyfully in a tree. Like I can walk on clouds.
A week ago, Charlotte could not have imagined she would come to like and admire Constantine Kenilworth so much. In fact, after the past few days, she could easily envision a life with him. She didn’t know if she loved him yet, but if not, she was very close. So close she had decided to tell him she would marry him. She glanced at Nell Cloverly, who was staring at her, curiosity writ in her eyes.
Charlotte would like to have a complete discussion with her friend, but not with another person present. “Much like you did when Merton kept living up to your expectations, I suppose.”
“Except you had none,” Dotty pressed.
“Oh, I had plenty of them.” Charlotte laughed. “And none of them were good.”
Constantine had more than met the challenges she’d given him. Today he had acted like a partner instead of the way most men acted. And when he had introduced her as his wife, even if there had been no choice, she was, at first, astonished that the idea did not bother her at all. In fact, she actually looked forward to telling him.
“But now?” Dotty prompted.
“Everything has changed.” Perhaps it was time for more than kisses.
“Well, if you ask me, my lady,” Miss Cloverly said, “I would say you are both in love.”
Charlotte’s cheeks heated and someone started to pound on the door.
“Charlotte,” Constantine said. “It’s time to go.”
When she opened the door he filled the space, looking as if he’d just had a brisk walk.
“I take it all went smoothly.”
“Merton had so many men on hand, there was little to do. The scoundrels barely even attempted to fight.”
“That must have been a disappointment for you.” Although, it would have made the landlady happy. She kissed his cheek. “Has the magistrate been summoned?”
“Yes, along with a message that he can find us at the Star and Garter if he has any questions.”
“In that case, we should be on our way.”
Her stomach growled, and he grinned at her. “We never did receive our tea.”
“No, we did not, and I’m becoming quite peckish.” She shook out her skirts.
He held out his arm to her. “That won’t do at all.”
It was decided that she, Dotty, and Miss Cloverly would travel in the Merton coach. Merton was on horseback, and Constantine would take Jemmy in his phaeton.
Yet, Miss Cloverly demurred. “Thank you for the offer, but I’d feel more comfortable on the outside seat.”
“If you are sure?” Dotty asked, surprised at the woman’s decision.
“Yes, my lady. I’ve been cooped up long enough, and it looks comfortable.”
She was right about that, Charlotte thought. There was even a convertible hood on the boot of the coach.
“Very well.” Merton helped Dotty into the coach.
One of the footmen assisted Miss Cloverly, and Constantine handed Charlotte into the coach. His green eyes seemed to reflect the leaves of the trees as he searched her face. “I shall see you soon.”
“You shall, indeed.” Soon. Charlotte decided. She would tell him that she’d be his wife. She took a seat next to her friend. And it was definitely time for more than kisses.
The door closed and he signaled the coachman to start.
“Now then,” Dotty said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Have you decided to put the man out of his misery and wed him?”
“Yes.” Charlotte couldn’t keep from grinning. “I think a week or so will be all the time we shall need.” Then a thought occurred to her. “Dotty, I need to know how it is between a man and a woman.”
A wicked smile graced her face. “It is glorious.”
That was not very helpful. “So I inferred from you and Louisa, but I believe I require a little more information than that.”
“Ah, yes.” Dotty sat up straighter. “If you are planning what I think you are planning, you do need a bit more information. Has Grace told you anything at all?”
“Other than when you marry a man you love, marital relations are wonderful, nothing at all.”
“I see. In that case, perhaps a better understanding is in order.”
By the time they arrived at the inn in Richmond, Charlotte was not quite as eager to pursue more-than-kissing as she had been. “It only hurts the once? You are sure?”
“Positive.” Dotty punctuated her statement with a sharp nod. “Do not be concerned. I think Kenilworth will make sure you enjoy it.”
“If you say so.” Charlotte was a little dubious. Then again, he had had a great deal of experience, even if she did not wish to consider that part at all.
In for a penny, in for a pound, as her mother used to say. All she had to do now was to put her scheme in place.
* * *
Blast it all! Con had hoped he’d be able to speak with Charlotte before they arrived in Richmond.
Lately, he had seen warmth in her eyes, instead of the ice shards that had been there before. When she had kissed him before he’d gone down to arrest the blackguards, it had shocked him to his toes—not that she had kissed him, they’d done that already, but that she would do it in the presence of Lady Merton and Miss Cloverly.
Merton had immediately decided Con was joining the family and suggested they address each other more informally.
“After what my wife told me, I had my qualms you would be able to change Charlotte’s mind,” he said. “But you seem to have done a good job of it. Congratulations. I would be honored if you would call me Merton.”
“Thank you.” Con would be much happier if he was as certain about Charlotte. “Please feel free to address me as Kenilworth.”
He’d thought to use the ride to Richmond to solidify his future with Charlotte. Yet, he could not argue with the decision that she travel in the coach. It would present a more proper appearance. There was no reason to court more talk and every reason not to. Richmond was a well-known refuge from the dirt of Town, and the Star and Garter a popular inn with the ton. And one would expect to come across someone either he or she knew.
It was time to ensure she would indeed marry him, and he needed to form a plan as to how he would approach her. But with Jemmy sitting next to Con talking a blue streak during the short drive, and many times not even waiting for an answer before rushing on, Con could not concentrate enough to do anything but answer the lad.
“That was the best facer I ever saw. Will you teach me how to do it?” Jemmy asked. “Thought for a bit he’d give you trouble, but you just took him down all right and tight. Will you teach me how to drive? His lordship said he’d teach Phillip and Walter, but didn’t say anything about me.”
“If his lordship allows it,” Con replied, wondering exactly what Jemmy’s place in the Worthington household was.
“That would be beyond anything!” Jemmy bounced on the seat, and Con reached over to keep him from tumbling out of the phaeton.
“Sit. I cannot teach you anything if you fall off and bash your head.”
“Mr. Winters isn’t going to like that I missed lessons again.” That was said a bit glumly.
“Do you like your lessons?” Con asked, wanting to know more about the child.
“I like learning about different things, and his lordship said I need to know as much as Walter and Phillip.”
Con was beginning to wonder what Worthington was doing with the lad. That he was educating Jemmy was clear, but to what end? The child, however, didn’t have an answer for that.
Not long after, Merton not being at all shy about making an impressive entrance, their group came to a stop in front of the Star and Garter in grand fashion. Of course, that was hardly to be avoided with the number of outriders, most of them in livery, he had flanking the coach.
Jemmy scrambled down from his perch. “I’ll see to the horses, my lord.”
“Thank you.” One thing was clear, the lad was horse mad. Con strolled over to the coach, opened the door and let down the steps. “My lady.”
Charlotte’s lips tilted up. “My lord, how kind of you.”
“It is my pleasure.” Once she was on the ground, he pressed his lips to the back of her gloved hand.
While they waited for Merton and his lady, Con led her off to the side, and time seemed to stop as he gazed into her clear blue eyes. Somehow, between the Dove and here, he’d come to the conclusion that he did not merely want her because of his promise and his pride, but he needed her in his life. “Charlotte, I—”
“Come along,” Merton said. “I have been informed that my wife must immediately have sustenance.”
“I as well.” Charlotte placed her hand on Con’s arm. “Let us find a time to be private.”
That would not happen until much later. “Very well. By the by, did you know Jemmy’s tongue runs like a fiddlestick?”
“He is extremely curious.” The corners of her mouth took a definite downward turn. “I hope you were not bothered by him.”
“I am merely interested in what Worthington plans for the boy. I gather he is joining your brothers and sisters for lessons.”
“Indeed he is, and doing wonderfully well. When I found him, he could not read or write. Now he is surpassing Phillip and Theo.”
“Found him?” How the devil did
a gently bred young lady “find” a child from the streets? Then he remembered what her brother had told him.
“Um, yes.” She bit her lower lip, and a line appeared between her well-shaped brows. “You know that children are sold to kid kens.”
She posed it as a statement, not a question. “Yes.”
“We have been able to rescue and find the homes of quite a few of those taken. Jemmy was with another boy.” She sighed softly. “We have not yet found his family.”
“You believe he is from the gentry?” Con glanced back at the child. It was possible. Jemmy had the regular features of any boy in Mayfair, as well as what looked to be a budding patrician nose. Then again, he might be someone’s by-blow.
“Most of the children in that particular group were. He had been there for a long time, and has no clear memory of his parents.” They entered the inn and were ushered up a wide staircase. “We are hoping, praying if you must know, that as he becomes older he will resemble someone and be recognized.”
Con greatly doubted that would occur. What, after all, were the odds that someone would come across the boy by chance?
As if she had heard him, she said, “It already happened with a little girl. A lady, who turned out to be the child’s grandmother, saw her playing in the Park and almost swooned. The girl looked exactly like her mother at that age.”
“And the mother?” he asked, although he knew the answer.
“Murdered.”
They had reached the apartment Merton had hired. There was a large parlor with two doors on either side of the room. “What will you do if you are unable to find his family?”
“Keep him as one of ours.” She smiled a bit sadly. “Eventually, he will become used to living with us. Right now, he feels compelled to work part of the time in the stables. Matt intends to send him to school the year after Phillip goes.”
“He may just like horses.” Con grinned down at her. “At his age, if I had been given the choice between living in the house and living in the stables, I assure you the stables would have won out.”
