“Yes, we are to leave right away,” Mary murmured.
“Mary!” Constance admonished.
“I’m sorry. Yes, we understand.”
Louisa looked around the group once more. “Is there anything else that I have forgotten to address?”
Everyone shook their heads, and Louisa dismissed them.
“Constance,” Stephen called out as Constance made her way to the ballroom door. “Please, be careful tonight.”
She almost laughed. “I will. Though I will be in here with others, so I cannot imagine what harm could come my way.” She bit at her lip. “I do have one concern. Do you believe it wise to use our real names? I still worry.”
“I doubt anyone who knows you will be in attendance,” Stephen replied. “No harm will come to you or your sisters. You can still trust that I will keep all of you safe.”
Constance smiled. Though they had not been on the best of terms this past week, Stephen was still a man of his word. And in her heart, she knew that no harm would come to her or her sisters, and that thought brushed away the last bits of worry that tried to cling to her.
***
The ballroom was filled with women in the most exquisite of dresses and men in the finest suits. Laughter and voices reverberated over the four-piece string quartet in the corner located beside two tables that held food and drink. Though they had started an hour earlier, many of the guests were already well into their cups, which in turn brought on loosened tongues and awkward gaits.
Constance stood alone near the entrance, her back to the wall as she sipped at a glass of wine. She smiled as Louisa spoke to a gentleman who, if the way he ogled her was any indication, was hungry for more than the offered food and drink. It still amazed Constance how the woman could be a lady of the ton and yet also be a woman of the woods. Her ability to transition from one role to the other was a trait Constance admired. She could only hope to be as competent.
As she surveyed the crowded ballroom, her gaze fell on her sisters. They stood near Stephen, who had acquainted them with two gentlemen. She had no idea of their intent, be it good or evil, but she trusted her sisters to use all they had learned to protect themselves. Plus, enough camp men attended, as both guests and servants, she had no doubt they would jump in if anyone so much as put a toe out of line.
Robert played the role of a servant and offered the men yet another drink, which they took with a wide grin and the typical indifference those of means had for those who served them. Robert made no indication the slight bothered him, which only demonstrated his ability to play the role that had been assigned him.
Movement to her right had Constance turn to see Louisa and the man to whom she had been speaking walking her way. The man wore a wide smile, and Constance worried for Louisa’s safety. What were this man’s intentions?
Louisa whispered something to the man, who nodded and walked past Constance with a slight nod, though he seemed intent on other business.
“You look worried,” Louisa said. “Is everything fine?”
“Oh, yes.” Constance glanced after the man who had left. “I must admit that his smile is a bit worrisome.”
Louisa laughed. “Oh, do not doubt I know his intentions,” she said in a quiet voice. “But I will be safe, I can assure you.” She winked and tapped at her hip.
Constance’s eyes went wide. “You carry your knife with you? Even here?”
“Especially here,” Louisa replied, her eyes twinkling. “I must go join Lord Harrison. Enjoy the party.”
Once Louisa was gone, Constance worked her way through the throng of people toward Stephen, but before she could reach him, a man approached her.
“Miss Constance is it?” he asked, his smile kind.
“I am,” she replied.
“I am Lord Joshua Dunbar, Fifth Earl of Castling.” He bowed and she return it with a curtsy.
“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” she replied. “How are you finding this evening?”
“Oh, wonderful,” the man said. “Simply wonderful.” He smiled again, wider this time, but rather than being kind, it had a sinister appearance.
Or did it? Drawing a deep breath, she dismissed it as foolishness. She had been so consumed with gathering information and concern for everyone’s safety, she was seeing things that were not there, for now the man’s smile was good-hearted.
“I must admit that the reason I stopped you was that I heard you have two sisters. Is this true?”
What an odd question, she thought. “I do.” She motioned to the two still chatting with the gentlemen. “Why do you ask?”
He chuckled. “Forgive my forwardness. I heard three women - three sisters - of equal beauty were in attendance, and I just had to see it for myself. To have such beauty shared between three is unheard of, but my eyes have confirmed the rumor.”
Constance’s cheeks flushed just as Stephen walked up to them.
“Lord Dunbar,” Stephen said, clapping the man on the back, “it’s good to see you again. I hope we can speak later on some matters of business.”
“Yes, of course,” the man replied. “I’d like nothing better.” He only gave Stephen a perfunctory glance before turning his gaze on Constance once more.
“I see you have met Miss Constance,” Stephen said. “She is a very dear friend of mine.”
Lord Dunbar’s smile faltered. “Oh? You two are friends? That is good to know. If you will please excuse me, I must find Lord Golden.”
Constance frowned as the man hurried away. “You did not want me speaking with him?” she asked in a whispered voice.
“The man is never up to anything good,” Stephen replied. “He tends to spend the majority of his time wooing women.”
A bolt of anger shot through Constance. “I realize you do not trust me,” she snapped, “but I do know how to take care of myself. I knew the man was up to no good, but how will I ever be of any use to the cause if you do not trust me?”
“I’m sorry,” Stephen replied. “You are right. I forget it’s not my place to…” His words falter as he shook his head.
“No, it is I who should ask for forgiveness,” she said with a sigh. “I have talked to a few men this evening and have learned nothing more than how many fox pelts Lord Simpson collected and how Lord Gravelton spends his days in Bath - which, by the way, sent my stomach into upheaval at the mere thought!”
He laughed. “Yes, Lord Gravelton is a bit…unorthodox in his ideals. But do not worry, you will learn more in time.” His gaze moved past her. “Forgive me, there is someone with whom I must speak.”
Constance nodded, and he pushed through the crowd to a dark-haired woman in a pale-yellow gown standing alone in the corner. When she saw Stephen, her eyes lit up and her smile went wide.
Never in her life had Constance ever been jealous of another woman; however, in that moment, she felt just that. It was an odd feeling, and one she did not find pleasant. Though she tried to look away, she found she could not.
Stephen signaled Robert, who came hurrying over with wine. When they were alone once more, Stephen said something Constance could not hear, and the woman giggled and placed a hand on Stephen’s arm in a much too familiar way.
Constance looked away, ashamed for having the most unpleasant thoughts toward the woman. She reminded herself that Stephen was simply playing a role. The best thing for her to do now was take her attention off Stephen and his companion and focus on something else.
Her sisters continued talking to the gentlemen to whom they had been speaking most of the evening thus far, and though Constance was tempted to join them, she instead returned to her place by the door to the hall. There, she could observe the whole room and see who entered and exited.
She found her gaze returning to Stephen and the woman. Now, however, the jealousy that had bared itself had been replaced by longing. Was she greedy for wanting the man all to herself? She chuckled. The truth of the matter was, such thoughts were futile. He would return to the
camp the following day, and Constance would start the process of trying to forget him, though she doubted that would be possible.
“Miss Constance?”
Lost in her thoughts, Constance clutched a hand to her breast at the voice.
Mosley bowed. “My apologies for startling you.”
“No, it’s fine,” she replied, forcing her breathing to calm. “What is it?” She watched as Stephen and the woman walked out of the room and into the garden.
“A man has arrived who wishes to speak to you and your sisters. He said it is very important.”
Constance glanced past the butler. “What man?”
“He did not give his name,” Mosley replied. “He asked me to give you a message.” He leaned in and lowered his voice. “‘Lord Fletcher is close.’ Does that mean anything to you?”
Constance felt as if she had been punched in the stomach. Who could possibly know such a thing? Fear ran through her but then a thought came to mind. Lord Hayes, the man she and Mary and Emma had encountered on the road during their escape that night. Though she had no idea how the man had found them, he had to be the person wishing to warn them.
“Miss Constance, is everything fine?” Mosley asked. “Should I alert Lady Louisa or Lord Chambers?”
“No,” Constance replied as she glanced toward the door where Stephen had gone through with the woman in the yellow gown. “Where is this man?”
“He is waiting out front, Miss.”
Constance nodded. “I will gather my sisters. Ask the man to wait for us there.”
Mosley bowed again, and Constance hurried to where Mary and Emma were laughing at something one of the men had said.
“Constance,” Mary said with a wide grin. “This is…”
“My apologies, my lord, but I must speak to my sisters about an urgent matter. If you will please excuse us.”
The men gave hesitant nods, and Constance held her sisters by the hand and led them from the ballroom.
“Are you angry with us?” Mary asked. “We have gathered information just as we were instructed. We’ve done nothing wrong.”
“No, it has nothing to do with that,” Constance said. “Lord Hayes is waiting to speak to us. It appears Lord Fletcher knows where I am, and if he knows, I fear Lord Montgomery and Lord Oswald know, as well.”
Both women gasped.
“This cannot be,” Emma said in a harsh whisper. “What are we to do?” She sounded near tears.
Constance looked toward the front door. “We will speak to Lord Hayes and learn what he knows. Then we will alert Stephen to what we learn. Now, come. If Lord Hayes traveled this far, it must be urgent.”
Mosley was waiting at the door, and Constance hurried up to him. “Is he in the parlor?”
The butler gave her a blank stare. “Who?”
“The man who wished to speak to me,” Constance said, barely able to keep her patience. Mosley was a very kind man, and on most occasions she did not mind his absentmindedness; however, now it was a frustration she could not handle.
Mosley bit at his lip, and Constance could see the frustration in his attempt to remember. Then he smiled. “No. He is near the carriage.”
“Thank you,” Constance said. “We will return momentarily.”
The butler opened the door, and Constance and her sisters stepped out onto the portico. Carriages were lined up along the drive, and in the failing sunlight, she could just make out the form of a man standing beside the last.
“Is that him?” Emma asked as she squinted in the same direction.
“I cannot tell,” Constance replied. “But I do not see anyone else. Come, let us hurry.”
They moved down the stairs and hurried around the drive, and when they drew close to the last carriage, a man stepped from the shadows.
“Walter?” Constance asked in surprise. “What are you doing here?”
The man took her hand. “Lord Fletcher has found you,” he said. “I was in town three days ago and overheard the man speaking about you.”
“How can this be?” Constance asked. “How would he know I was here?” Her sisters echoed the same, and Emma sniffled.
“We must leave at once for the safety of the woods,” Walter said. “The man does not travel alone, and I fear they shall arrive at any moment.”
“Stephen and Louisa,” Constance said, glancing toward the house, “I must warn them.”
“I shall tell them as soon as I have gotten you to safety,” Walter said. “Please, hurry, for I fear we will not be away in time.”
Overwhelmed and scared, Constance nodded. Walter opened the door, but when she took a step up, she stopped. On one of the benches sat a brute of a man nearly the size of Luke.
“Oh, that is Hawk,” Walter said. “He’s a friend of Patrick and returned just last week to the camp.”
“I’m here to protect you,” Hawk said.
Constance’s blood ran cold. Something was not right. No one had ever mentioned this man’s name, and with such a name, she could not have forgotten. “I believe I should speak to Stephen before we leave,” she said, taking a step back. When she turned, she stifled a scream, for Walter had Emma wrapped in his arms with a knife at her throat.
“Please, do not hurt her!” Constance said. “I will go with you, but I beg you to let them go.”
Walter chuckled, an evil sound she had never heard from the man before.
“In the carriage, now!” Hawk said. “Or I’ll kill her myself.”
Constance wanted to scream or cry out for help, but she could not, for she could see in the eyes of both men that they would not hesitate to kill any of them. With trepidation, she stepped into the carriage and took a seat across from the large man.
“I am here and offer no resistance,” she said. “Please, release them. It is I who Lord Fletcher wants.” She let out a muffled cry as Walter pushed Mary and Emma into the carriage.
“No,” Walter said as he leaned inside the carriage. “They go with us.” He cackled and slammed the door shut, leaving Constance and her sisters alone with Hawk.
“But why?” Constance asked, her heart beating so quickly, she felt choked.
Hawk laughed. “They’re wanted as much as you,” the man said. “The reward for all three of you is great.”
“Lord Fletcher?” she asked incredulously. “It is he?”
“Yes,” Hawk replied. “And apparently two other men are offering grand rewards for their young brides to be returned to their empty beds.” His eyes raked over them. “I can see why.”
Emma and Mary sobbed, and Constance did her best to console them.
“They’ve paid good money for your return,” Hawk said with a grin that did not come close to his eyes. “And I mean to collect that reward.”
Constance put her arms around her sisters and thought back to what she had learned over the past months. The man was large, and his arm muscles were like small boulders. Any attempt to fight him would be in vain, for he would crush her like a walnut.
So, she settled back into the seat, and with Hawk not taking his eyes off her, she began to devise a plan of escape. She would not return to Lord Fletcher, not if she had anything to say about it.
***
Though Stephen had encountered many troublesome people in his life, he found drunkards, whether they be men or women, to be the hardest, and Lady Isabel Colborne was no different. The woman was in such a state of distress over her gown - brought on by her inebriation, he was sure - that she was near tears.
“I had thought it would be the finest dress tonight,” the woman said, her voice slurred. “Yet, Lady Dewhirst has bested me once again. Now my life is in ruins!”
Stephen forced a comforting smile as he led the woman to one of the guest bedrooms. In one hand he held a candle while he had his other arm around the woman’s waist to keep her from swaying worse than a boat on rough seas.
“Your gown is no doubt the finest,” he assured her. “I have seen many this night, but rest assured tha
t it was yours that caught my eye.”
“You are too kind,” the woman cooed as she placed a hand on his chest - before tripping over her own feet and nearly toppling to the floor. She took little notice once she righted herself again, or rather Stephen righted her. “You are handsome, as well.”
As she stood grinning at him, he reached past her to open the door. He had spoken to the woman many times in the past, and the gossip concerning her father’s dealings had always been of interest. She had married three years earlier, but her husband was often away on business, leaving her to spend the majority of her time at the home of her parents. Stephen did not understand why the woman continued to spy for him, but he did appreciate the information she produced. What he did not want was for her to see more into their relationship than what was there.
He led the woman to the bed and used his candle to light another on the nightstand. “There we are,” he said in a kind voice. “Rest, whether it be for an hour or the remainder of the night. Whatever you desire.”
Lady Colborne giggled as she allowed Stephen to help her lie back on the bed. “It is you I desire,” she said. “I shall ask Benjamin for a divorce and we shall wed.”
He gave her a tolerant smile. “I think you should sleep.” He nearly laughed aloud when the woman closed her eyes and immediately began to snore.
Snuffing out the candle he had just lit, he left the room, closing the door behind him, and went in search of Louisa. She had been speaking to one Lord Harrison, not only a rogue and a swindler, but a man who had information that was vital to their cause.
When Stephen got to the bottom of the stairs, he noticed that Mosley was no longer in his customary chair by the door but took little notice of that fact. At the door to the parlor, he knocked twice, counted to four and then entered the room.
Gold cloth covered the chairs and a settee, and the finest paintings Stephen had ever seen hung on the walls. Louisa and Lord Harrison stood quite close to one another by the settee, the glass in the man’s hand empty as he leaned in to whisper something Stephen could not hear. However, by Louisa’s smile, it was far from polite.
Lord Harrison exited the room, nodding at Stephen on his way out, leaving Stephen and Louisa alone.
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