Once Upon a Duke

by Sandra Masters

  “I have asked Neville to clear out the dining area and we will use the larger room as a base for operations. The thought occurs to me, Cedric, if your cousin could lay his hands on a structural fortress model, it would save us much time. They are designed to break apart and the schematic shows each and every room and lower bastions.”

  Lord Alvin spoke. “We may need more men if we are to approach by sea. Do you have a map of southern England? I am pleased to investigate a landing by sea with you.”

  “I can look into the land route.” Sir Watson scanned the room. “We will also require a topographical map in addition to the one you have here. My mapmaker should have one.”

  Geoffrey placed the single available map he had on a side table and at first glance, it showed one route could be Portsmouth to Portsea Island.

  “I will secure the weaponry,” Lord Kevin, a military major stated. “We’ll need maces and axes as well as crossbows, in addition to our personal guns and swords. Gunpowder could present a problem, because of the strict laws that protect illicit use, but I can deal with it.”

  Lord Carleton patted Geoffrey on the back. “I am happy to hear that Serena has always been true to you. I found it difficult to believe the woman could change so, after how you spoke about her. You were a worry to me with your grief. People usually do not regret what they do, they regret what they did not do. You would never forgive yourself if you did not do everything in your power to secure her safety.”

  “Aptly put, Carleton.” Geoffrey exhaled, held his friend’s gaze and a sly grin crossed his face.

  Three other member Saints offered to assist, which meant Geoffrey had a total of eight men for the dangerous assault of the fortress. Excitement punctuated the air as they planned for the difficult mission. If anyone could succeed, the Saints would, Geoffrey was sure.

  After more planning, everyone agreed to meet in three hours.

  Geoffrey wanted Serena with his heart, soul, and aching body. If he had to die, he would. He hadn’t stopped thinking about her in the past seventeen days. What a pity if his death denied two people, meant for each other, from being together. Would the details of the planned rescue be worth a wager in White’s Club books?

  Time would tell their story.

  Chapter Thirty

  Serena welcomed Emma back from the long trip to the city. “Tell me, did you see him?”

  “Yes, mistress, I have a message.” Serena clasped her hands in front of her smiling face. “Tell me again what he told you. Emma, he did say marry? Are you sure?”

  “Mistress, I heard him say to prepare to marry him or attend his funeral,” she repeated.

  “His funeral?”

  “Yes, mistress, he is willing to die in order to save you.”

  “Oh, no, I could never attend Geoffrey’s funeral. You would have to bury me alongside his casket. I will not be parted from him. These weeks have been torture.”

  Just the thought of Geoffrey in a crypt frightened her. It must not be. She would pray harder. She must not think such a thought.

  “I do need to believe there is hope. He said he loved me?” A sigh of pleasure escaped her lips. Wrapped in a silken cocoon of happiness, she smiled. “When will this happen?” Serena paced the cold stone floor.

  A key placed in the lock in the early morning signaled she and Emma could leave the room. They stopped speaking. Serena opened the door, saw no one, and then closed it. She and Emma continued to speak in whispers near the far window.

  “I do not know, mistress. Lord Geoffrey gathers his men and they will discuss their strategies. However, it could be any time. What plans do we have?”

  “If they have to fight their way to this suite, up these narrow dark hallways, someone is bound to be injured, Emma.”

  Serena stood, her back against the frigid wall. “What are we to do? That beast LeBran will not enslave me.” She wrung her hands.

  ****

  The evening torchlight on the walls cast an eerie shadow. Serena went toward her chamber. Alone in her thoughts and anxious to hear news from Geoffrey, she did not see LeBran until he stood at the landing barring her way.

  “Good evening, Serena. Do you still atone for your sins?” His voice slurred, his breath laced with alcohol.

  “My lord—” Before she could finish the sentence, his hands were upon her. “No.” She attempted to wrest herself from his arms. His height and girth prevented her from moving. The steps were now behind her.

  “Do you dare think you are too good for me?” His face contorted, his lips snarled. Lord LeBran pulled her tight to him.

  Through her thin skirt she felt his arousal. He leaned to kiss her and she wriggled away. His hand palmed her breast. Terrified, she twisted beneath his arm and away from the stairs.

  He grabbed her wrist. “You’re a Jezebel who flaunts herself to entice me when I am at a weak moment,” he hissed.

  “Please, Lord LeBran. We aren’t yet married. It would not be proper.” With her free arm, she pushed him away and an unintended fingernail scratched his jaw. His drew his hand back then slammed it into her cheek.

  Serena fell to the floor.

  “Whore, you sought to make me desire you, but I am stronger than you think.” He buried his hands into her disheveled hair, grabbed her arm, and dragged Serena across the stone walkway to her room. She managed to get to her knees and scrambled inside. She sighted the brass candlestick and grasped it, poised to strike him if he dared come near her again.

  Without looking back, he roared in drunken laughter, stumbled out and slammed the door shut.

  Awakened at the noise, Emma asked, “What happened, my lady? Did he strike you? Your cheek is marked.” She wiped tears from Serena’s cheeks.

  “The drunken lout tried to accost me. In my attempt to get away from him, I scratched him.” Her body trembled.

  How would she ever wrest the key to her door from him?

  “Come, mistress. Let’s get to bed.” Emma embraced Serena to steady her quaking. “I meet John tomorrow. Perhaps there will be good news I can report to you. Do not give up hope. LeBran wins if you do.”

  “I need to find a weapon to protect myself next time he tries to force me to his will. He will not stop until he has broken me. This willow cannot bend much further without breaking.”

  Head down, shoulders slouched, Serena removed her clothes and donned a warm nightgown and went to bed. Sleep didn’t come easy.

  The next morning, the wind blustered through a light rain. A key opened the door and Madame Yolanda stormed in, her steel-like eyes glared. She did not greet Serena. “My son tells me you tried to tempt him last night with your wicked ways. That will not do in this household. Do I make myself clear?” She pounded her foot against the floor.

  “Nothing could be farther from the truth, Madame Yolanda. I did not provoke him.”

  “You lie, Serena. My son would never tell me an untruth. You have three more days until your wedding. I suggest you pray harder to calm your urges until your marriage night. I am most disappointed in you.” She turned and marched out, leaving the door unlocked.

  His mother had the second key.

  Serena reviewed her plans for escape. All she needed was the key. She could get away with Emma. It would have to be during the night after the house retired. They would leave through the kitchen, which would be unoccupied. According to Emma that door was not always locked. Travel in the darkness posed a difficulty; a shielded lantern would be needed. They would run over the land to the village, perhaps hire a horse and carriage in town with one of the coins in her cape. Yet another coin to silence any inquirers.

  Jolted out of her thoughts, a knock sounded, “May I come in?” Josephine asked.

  Serena opened the door. “I heard what mother said and I know it is not true. Last night I heard voices and opened my door. I saw everything he did. It horrified me, and I regret I did not come to help, but we both would have been beaten.”

  “Josephine, come in. Come to the far window wh
ere the wind will muffle our voices.” Serena motioned for her to sit on the small settee. She took the girl’s hands in hers. “Has your brother beaten you before? You can tell me the truth.”

  “Yes, he says it will make me stronger. He has not done it for a while.” She fidgeted and lowered her gaze to her clasped hands.

  “Has your mother beaten you?” Serena asked.

  “No, but sometimes she locks me in my room.”

  “Since this is a centuries-old home, do you think it is possible one key could unlock all the bedrooms?” Serena prayed hard for the answer to be yes.

  “I do not know for sure, but I will try to find out.” She placed a finger to her chin.

  Josephine embraced Serena. “I know you are unhappy with your prospects here at the fortress. I feel the same desperation.”

  Josephine touched the palm of her hand to Serena’s cheek. “I will not hide in the dark again if you need my help, Serena. I am ashamed I did not help you.”

  “Just the thought that you wanted to comforts me, dear Josephine.”

  Chapter Thirty-One

  London

  Eight men sat in the dining room of Geoffrey’s townhouse to discuss the various rescue options with him. Lord Cedric brought the fortress drawings and placed the schematics on the table. “We will have a model by tomorrow morning. It will arrive from the Royal Naval Academy.”

  He pointed to the map. “Portsea Island is southwest of London. LeBran’s fortress is just past Southsea Castle.”

  Lord Kevin shot Lord Geoffrey a broad smile. “We can start from your estate at Brighton, charter a schooner with seamen from the Queen’s Harbor Master, and sail through the channel on to Portsmouth.”

  Cedric paced back and forth with large strides and returned to the map. “A ship will not attract attention because the HMS Naval Base is situated nearby and they train on all vessel types. At dark, with the tides in our favor, we should be able to enter the fortress from the seaward side.”

  Lord Kevin selected another drawing, placed his finger on the fortress. “This is the critical part. There is an old entrance to the caponnier, which is underground, but we would have to move fast and fight our way up to your lady’s rooms on the third floor. It will be necessary to know how many guards they have and where they are situated.”

  “I should have all the details mid-afternoon when the groomsman returns with information Serena can provide,” Geoffrey said.

  “It would be much better if somehow Lady Serena and the maid could sneak down the stairs and meet us at the old entrance. Two of our men could convey the ladies to the schooner and our fight will be on the beach, with a better chance at success.” Lord Kevin rested his case.

  Lord Watson spoke. “I investigated the land route, and I feel, due to the distance and the bare land in the front, the carriages and horses would attract attention. So I do not recommend it. It seems the sea approach is best.”

  The talks went into the wee hours. The men removed their jackets for comfort and each Saint listened with strict attention. Back and forth, they discussed all aspects as well as significant risks.

  “LeBran is not a stupid man. If he places guards on the beach, we will have to fight our way through them. It will be necessary to prepare for all eventualities.”

  When it appeared there could be nothing more to plan, Lord Geoffrey nodded agreement.

  “Good, we have three days. If there is no further discussion, we will opt for the sea route and will act this coming Friday.”

  “After we have rested here,” Lord Carleton added, “we should depart for Brighton and review our assignments. Lord Kevin, you are the munitions man. How long will it take you to procure all we need?”

  “As I have mentioned, I am under the assumption we have our personal swords and pistols. Axes and maces will have to be purchased. The gunpowder was an issue, but I found a way to work around the needed signatures for the requisitions. Look for me to arrive late night tomorrow at Brighton House. The Prince Regent is not at his Royal Pavilion’s residence, so the area will be somewhat deserted. We will not be distracted, or for that matter, noticed.”

  “I will send my majordomo on to Brighton as soon as the fortress model is delivered,” Lord Geoffrey stated. He and the staff will prepare for our arrival.”

  “Cedric, you will have to arrange to charter the schooner. Neville will provide you with funds.” He stood up behind the table. “I will wait for John, the groomsman, and as soon as I get the latest information about whether the ladies can make their way to the bowels of the keep, I will leave to join you at Brighton House.”

  Lord Geoffrey was determined, but his heart palpitated at the formidable task ahead. A thousand things could go wrong.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Josephine looked into Serena’s eyes. “I recognize fear in you because I have lived with it all my life. Do you not want to marry my brother?”

  “All during my former marriage, relations with my brutish husband frightened me. When he died, I remained fearful. One day a man gifted in many ways chanced upon me. Quite by accident, he showed me his gentle yet passionate side. Josephine, I wish this for you, too.”

  Serena took the woman’s hands, held them close. “One day, my dear, you will find real love. When it happens, you will do whatever is necessary, for it is a treasure. As women in this society, we are regarded as possessions, no more than oxen or horses. It may change in the years to come, but I do not think it will happen in our lifetime. In simple language, your brother and I are not suited for marriage. I am in love with another. Why would I want to marry Lord Leland when all he does vilifies me?”

  Josephine pushed a hair strand off her face and listened with attention.

  Serena engaged the young woman’s eyes. “Lord LeBran is in love with money and power. I am in love with a man who sets me afire with just his words.”

  She removed her hands and laid one on Josephine’s shoulder. “There is a bright world out there for you, too. All you have to do is seize the opportunity. This takes courage because,” she hesitated, “your mother does not support you.”

  Josephine spoke in a soft tone as had become customary with them. “Serena, yesterday you asked me about the locks to these doors. There is an old chest in a cupboard in the lower kitchens that contains keys of all kinds. I purloined a key ring and found one that fits these bedrooms. I have it here for you.”

  Serena’s hands went to her chest and stilled. With hope she held it as if it were pure gold.

  Josephine whispered, “It will unlock my door. Try it on yours while I stand watch. “

  Serena went to the large oak door, inserted the key, uttered a short prayer, and turned the lock. It worked.

  “You do not know how much this means to me.” She hugged the girl. Josephine watched as Serena placed the key ring in her dress pocket.

  “I am going to confide in you, but you must not tell anyone, even your mother. Promise me before God.” Serena held the woman by her shoulders.

  Josephine whispered, “I have no life here. Sooner or later, they will do to me what they have done to you. If there is a chance to get away from them, I will seek it. Serena, since you came here, I am no longer the timid spinster. Yes, I am still afraid, but I see how you fight back. There is strength in how you react. I saw you fist your hands. I do read and the Bible says patience is a virtue. How long must I wait? I want so much to be seen as pretty. Now I feel as if I am.”

  “You are a sweet woman, Josephine. There are men who would want to get lost in your cornflower blue eyes. I want to help you, but I can do nothing for you while here. Come away with Emma and me.”

  “Dare I? Do you have a plan? If so, do not tell me. Better yet, just tell me enough so I can help you. I must be careful not to change my demeanor. My mother will try to find out what it is. If she does, I can tell her I’m excited about my bridesmaid’s dress. That should suffice.” Her face blushed.

  “I have read in the library about the caponnier
under the ditch. Have you ever been down there?” Serena probed.

  “Yes, a long time ago. Why do you ask?” Josephine whispered.

  “There is an architect’s drawing in the library volumes which shows a large door at the edge of the rocks, but is it possible there is a key that will unlatch it?” Serena clasped her hands.

  “Do you ask me to find it?”

  “Yes. We will wait until your brother goes out for the afternoon. I will keep your mother occupied while you find the key. When you do, walk by the main hall and up to the chapel. I will meet you there. Will you try?”

  “I am frightened to death, but I will try. You will take me with you? Promise me before God?” Josephine pleaded. “Please don’t leave me behind.”

  “Hush, my dear. Wherever I go, you will go. You have my affection. We must appear normal in preparation for the wedding. You will be excited and I will be reticent. Allow me to comb your hair in a different manner.” Serena brushed Josephine’s hair, braided it, and set it upon her head as a golden crown. “This is so much nicer than the bun you wear. See if you like it.”

  Josephine ran to a mirror, her laughter brightened. “Thank you, Serena. I feel different.”

  “Now, dear girl, go back to the main hall and try to act calm.”

  When Emma returned from her duties, she shared the news about the keys. Emma’s face lit up. “I am to meet John this morning. I will pray Josephine can find the other, mistress.”

  “Tell John about the beach portal door and inform him we are trying to find the key. The sketch I saw in the architectural drawings shows it has a huge ring attached. If I know anything about Lord Geoffrey, he already knows.”

  “Yes, mistress.” Her maid’s eyes glistened.

  “What is it?” Had something gone wrong? Her heartbeat raced. Her stomach roiled. Her mouth parched.

  Emma handed her a small knife, about 15 centimeters in length. “I got it from the kitchen. It was rusted, and I sharpened it on a stone along with some of the other kitchen knives. It will not be missed. There were leather scraps in the boot room. I can sew a special leather sheath in your dress pocket so the blade will not pierce the cloth and fall out.”