by Lucy Adams
He chuckled, smiling down at her. “Then I suppose I should be glad of your foolishness that night, Lady Esther,” he said, making her laugh. “Else we might never have reached this moment.”
“That is quite true,” she agreed, teasing him. “But it seems my foolishness had a purpose, and so I shall not regret doing what I did in attending The Shrew alone.”
“No, nor shall I,” came the reply, as the door to carriage opened and Lady Ware looked out expectantly, a broad smile lingering on her lips. Laughing at her aunt’s hopeful gaze, Esther hurried forward, ready to share her news and her happiness and silently praying that, sometime soon, her father would be present also so as to give Lord Westbrook his blessing.
Chapter Eleven
Charles rose to his feet, frustration building within him. “I must go,” he muttered, as some of the other gentlemen continued to talk amongst themselves. “I am to collect Lady Esther and Lady Ware.”
Lord Brandley nodded and slapped Charles on the shoulder. “Do not try to be too dismayed,” he said. “We will find something.”
Gritting his teeth, Charles waited until the urge to retort back harshly had passed. It was not Lord Brandley’s fault that their investigations had come to naught. It had been ten days now since their last meeting, and in that time, he had seen someone shoot at Lady Esther, had managed to secure their courtship, told her of his growing feelings, and now spent his days taking her wherever she might wish to go. She was barely out of his sight, which was a relief as it meant he could always be assured of her safety, and indeed, it had given rise to a closer intimacy between them, but still their lack of progress in their investigations burned at him.
“If there had been anything to discover at Lord Leighton’s estate, I would have discovered it,” Lord Brandley said, as though he was required to justify himself to Charles. “And Lord Riggerton and Lord Hogarth are quite certain that both Lord Autry and Lord Breton have nothing to do with the French.”
“I am aware of that,” Charles muttered, rubbing his forehead. “As I am also aware that we have seen no sign of the scarred gentleman, that there is no knowledge of who has shot at Lady Esther – although it may very well be the same gentleman – and that we have not made any progress in deciphering the book!” He sighed, gritting his teeth in suppressed frustration.
“That will come,” Lord Brandley said calmly. “If we discover the whereabouts of Lord Leighton, then we will have the cipher and be able to understand the book. The French will know that we have discovered it, and those who hide within society will, most likely, retreat.”
“I am aware of that,” Charles retorted, a little more sharply than he had meant. “But as yet, we have done nothing.”
Lord Brandley sighed. “What can we do?” he asked, spreading his hands. “We have done our level best and yet come up with nothing. The only thing we can do is to continue searching.”
“I know,” Charles replied, feeling somewhat deflated. “I do not mean to speak harshly, Brandley. It is only that I feel for Lady Esther, as well as feeling as though I am failing in my duty to the king.”
“You are not,” Lord Brandley said firmly, putting one hand on Charles’s shoulder. “Go now. Be with your lady and take her safely to the ball. I shall be there soon afterwards.”
Charles, who knew that Lord Brandley was going to be present simply to ensure that Lady Esther was kept quite safe, as he had done on prior occasions, smiled his thanks and felt some of his irritation fade away. “I will,” he replied, shaking Lord Brandley’s hand firmly. “Thank you, Brandley. We will succeed in the end.”
“As we always do,” Lord Brandley reminded him. “Have no fear. We will find Lord Leighton very soon, I am sure of it.”
“Goodness!”
Charles could not help but smile at the reaction to the magnificent ball. It was one of the most prestigious balls of the Season, for the Duke of Pottinger had a good deal of wealth and could throw the most exuberant of occasions – and he had not failed to do so here.
“You will accept dances from me, I hope?” he murmured in Lady Esther’s ear, who laughed and handed him her dance card at once. “I will steal the very best dances of the evening and keep them solely to myself.” He wrote his name down for the two waltzes and then the supper dance, knowing that the ton were now fully aware of his intentions towards Lady Esther and having no qualms about revealing them again. “And there will be plenty of other gentlemen to seek you out, I am certain of it.” He gave her a roguish wink, knowing that the gentlemen who would make their way to her side would be, for the most part, gentlemen who belonged in The King’s League. There were a few present here this evening, and Charles knew that they would also be keeping a close eye on Lady Esther.
Perhaps, he thought wryly, I shall be able to relax and enjoy this evening for what it is - a ball where I can dance with the lady that I have come to adore. Of course, Charles knew that such a thing was almost entirely impossible, for he would always be on his guard when it came to Lady Esther—until the whole situation had been brought to a satisfactory end.
“You are very kind, Lord Westbrook,” Lady Ware said, as he led Lady Esther forward into the ballroom. “I am glad that my niece has decided to accept your courtship. I am certain her father will be very pleased. I have written to him, of course.”
Charles shot a glance towards Lady Esther, who gave him the most miniscule of nods.
“You have not received a reply then?” he asked, knowing that Lady Esther had encouraged him to ask such questions. “Do you think he is returning to London?”
Lady Ware bit her lip and looked away, before putting a false smile on her face that betrayed her anxiety. “I do not know, but I am certain that he is still caught up with business,” she said. “However, I have no doubt that once he receives the news, he will be very pleased indeed.”
Charles smiled, aware that Lady Ware was doing all she could to encourage him and wanting to reassure her that he needed no encouragement when it came to Lady Esther. “I should be glad to see him whenever he returns to London,” he said, catching Lady Esther’s eyes. “For there are some things I should very much like to discuss with him.” His smile grew at Lady Esther’s blush, leaving Lady Ware with a knowing look that he was certain was one of encouragement.
“And the first dance is upon us!” he exclaimed, hearing the strains of the waltz beginning to play. “Come, Lady Esther, and we shall begin this ball in earnest.”
More than an hour had passed before Charles had the pleasure of dancing with Lady Esther again. The joy of having her in his arms was indescribable, as was the disappointment that followed when she was soon secured by another. It did not matter however; he reminded himself that she was his and his alone. There was no doubt in his mind when it came to Lady Esther’s affection for him. It had grown and blossomed in the time they had spent together, and he was thrilled with the knowledge that, one day soon, she would become a permanent part of his life. The moment Lord Leighton was returned home, safe and secure, he would speak to him about his intention to propose.
“Westbrook.”
He turned, hearing his name being spoken in a hushed, urgent whisper. Lord Watt was standing just behind him, beckoning him to come to a quieter corner of the ballroom.
Charles’s stomach sank, seeing the look in Lord Watt’s eyes. Had something gone wrong?
“What is it?” he asked, hurrying over to his friend. “Have you discovered something?”
“Lord Riggerton has just sent word,” Lord Watt said, his voice low and his eyes darting about the room. “Lord Leighton has been discovered.”
Charles sucked in a breath, fearing the worst.
“He is alive, but only just,” Lord Watt continued quickly. “He was discovered just outside of London. Lord Riggerton caught sight of a gentleman with a scar running from his eye and down his cheek and so he followed him. He discovered the man was holding Lord Leighton within a tiny, dank room in one of the squalid parts of Lond
on. Lord Leighton is quite ill however. Riggerton states that they can barely make sense of what he is saying.”
Swallowing hard, Charles allowed a little relief to creep into his heart, only to feel it chased away by the realization that Lord Leighton might not be long for this world. “I must speak to Lady Esther.”
“You must come to Lord Leighton’s side at once,” Lord Watt interrupted. “You and I run The King’s League. We must, therefore, do our duty and seek to discover anything we can from Lord Leighton.”
Charles hesitated, wanting to argue but knowing that he could not. His duty to the king came first. Besides which, he could entrust Lady Esther to someone else’s care. There were plenty of gentlemen here he could trust.
“If he is to die, then we must speak to him before such a tragedy occurs,” Lord Watt continued, a little more gently. “You know that is what we must do.”
“I do,” Charles admitted sorrowfully. “I pray that he will survive, however, for Lady Esther’s sake, as well as for his own. We owe him a great debt.” Taking in a deep breath, he set his shoulders and steadied his resolve. “Allow me to inform Lady Esther of what has been discovered and then entrust her to someone else’s care. Then we shall go together.”
Lord Watt nodded gravely. “Time is off the essence,” he said. “I shall be in the carriage.”
Without waiting for another moment, Charles left Lord Watt and hurried back through the crowd of guests, seeking out Lady Esther. She was still dancing, he realized, gritting his teeth hard as he forced himself to wait. Thoughts began racing through his mind. If Lord Leighton was alive, if he had been kept by the French, then what had they managed to pull from him? Had he told them about the cipher’s location? Had he had it with him, and so now was it back in the French’s possession? Gritting his teeth, he clasped his hands tightly together, shifting uncomfortably on his feet.
“She will return to you in a few moments, Lord Westbrook.”
He turned to see Lady Ware smiling at him, her eyes warm.
“I have not seen such devotion in a long time, I confess,” she continued, quietly, “but I am glad to see it now. My niece is a lovely young lady, and I would not have wished for anything less for her.”
Charles cleared his throat, knowing that he would have to ensure that Lady Ware now knew the truth. “My dear lady,” he said, coming closer to her and lowering his voice. “I must ask you to remove Lady Esther from this ball at once and take her home.” He saw Lady Ware’s startled look and knew he would have to explain a little further. “Lord Leighton has been found and is not in a good way.”
Lady Ware’s eyes widened, her lips trembling and one hand reaching out to him, clearly needing to steady herself.
“I did not think all was well,” she whispered, as he grasped her hand. “He has not written at all, which is unlike him. I did not know where he was and did not want to frighten Lady Esther by telling her of my concerns.”
Charles smiled grimly. “It is concerns that she herself has shared with me, Lady Ware,” he told her, patting her hand and seeing how she collected herself. “I must go to Lord Leighton and do what I can to aid him. Might I have your townhouse prepared for his return? I will make the arrangements to transport him there just as soon as I am able.”
Lady Ware nodded furiously, her chin lifting and a steadiness coming back into her eyes that reminded him a good deal of Lady Esther. “But of course,” she said firmly. “We will do so at once.”
“And I shall bring him to you as soon as I can,” he said, reaffirming his words to her. “And one or two of my close acquaintances will accompany you.” Looking about him, he caught sight of Lord Hogarth, whom he beckoned over at once. Lord Hogarth made his way quickly to Charles’s side, looking at Charles with concern.
“Lord Leighton has been found, and I must go to his side at once,” Charles said, seeing Lord Hogarth’s expression turn to one of utter astonishment. “Might you accompany Lady Ware and Lady Esther back to their townhouse? Take my carriage. I am to go with Lord Watt.”
Lord Hogarth seemed dumbstruck for a moment before he collected himself and began to nod fervently, turning towards Lady Ware and doing his utmost to reassure her. Grateful that his friend had stepped into the breach, Charles turned to find Lady Esther coming towards him, her face lit with smiles.
It soon dissipated when he reached for her, clearly seeing the expression on his face.
“My dear,” he murmured, taking her hands and leading her to a quieter spot in the ballroom. “I must go from your side. Lord Hogarth will take both you and Lady Ware home.” He took a breath and pressed her hands again. “Your father has been found.”
Lady Esther’s hand flew to her mouth, her eyes blinking furiously as they swam with tears.
“He is in a rather bad way,” he continued, not wanting to keep the truth from her. “Lord Watt and I are to go to him at once. We will return him to you as soon as we can, but you must go home and prepare a room for him.” He swallowed hard, wishing he could bring her more comfort in her current state of distress, but knowing that there was nothing he could do. “I would stay with you, my love, but I must go to your father.”
“Go.” Lady Esther nodded, sniffed, and tugged her hands from his, once more displaying the strength that he had come to see in her. “Of course, you must go. We will await your return.” She swallowed hard and pressed her lips together, trembling slightly. “Thank you.”
“Pray for him,” he murmured, wishing he could hold her close, kiss her gently, and reassure her that all would be well. “Your prayers may make all the difference, my dear.” Reaching out, he brushed away the single tear that had fallen from her eye. “Lord Hogarth will stay with you. There is nothing to fear.”
She nodded, lifted her chin, and gave him a watery smile. “I trust you completely, Westbrook,” she said softly, as Lady Ware came to join them. “I trust that you will return to me safely.”
He could not say anything to her one way or the other, knowing that he was about to step into a dangerous situation. The French might have become alerted to the capture of Leadsom, one of their spies, and might rally around in order to free him or in an attempt to get ahold of Lord Leighton again.
“Come,” Lady Ware murmured, taking Lady Esther’s arm. “We must go.” She glanced at Charles, trust evident in her expression. “I thank you, Lord Westbrook.”
“I will see you again very soon,” he said, his eyes on Lady Esther. “Thank you, Hogarth.”
Lord Hogarth said nothing but gave a small, jerky nod before leading the way through the crowd of guests, with Lady Ware and Lady Esther following after. His stomach tight and his body rippling with tension, Charles hurried after them, knowing that Lord Watt would already be waiting in the carriage. It was time, it seemed, to bring this matter to a close.
Chapter Twelve
“If you would.”
Esther could hardly get her breath as Lord Hogarth helped up Lady Ware into the carriage, followed by herself. Her mind was spinning, her thoughts going from one thing to the next. She was fearful, she realized, sitting down opposite her aunt and seeing the very same emotion etched on Lady Ware’s face. She was fearful that her father would no longer be of this world by the time Lord Westbrook got to him. Afraid that he would manage to be brought to their house only to take his last breaths before he realized he was home. Terrified that his life would come to an end and she herself would never again get to speak another word to him.
“I am sure he will recover,” Lady Ware murmured, as Lord Hogarth spoke to the driver. “We must trust that he will recover.”
Esther nodded but turned her head to look out of the window, not trusting her voice. Her aunt was right. They did have to trust that her father would recover, that he would be well again one day soon – but her fears were still building within her. Fears that she could not simply turn away from but rather had to allow to circle within her.
Lord Westbrook. Esther lifted her chin and closed her eyes. S
he would think of Lord Westbrook, for that seemed to calm her fractious thoughts. He was trustworthy, dependable, and true. He had taken care of her, had protected her, and had now promised her a future with him, should she wish to accept it, and Esther had no doubt that she would do so. Her heart was filled with none but him, her affection slowly turning to love and that love beginning to burn brightly within her. No matter what was to happen next, she could be assured that Lord Westbrook would always be by her side.
The carriage lurched alarmingly, making Lady Ware cry out in surprise as Lady Esther clung onto her seat, all thoughts thrown from her mind. What was occurring? They were meant to be returning to the house with all swiftness, but this speed was a little too quick for her liking. Besides which, Lord Hogarth was not yet within the carriage! Frowning, she looked out of her window, seeing a shadowy figure standing to one side, rubbing at his head. She could not work out what had happened or who it was, fearing that Lord Hogarth had been left behind by accident.
Rapping on the roof, she tried to call up to the driver despite the noise of the carriage wheels on the cobbles.
“We have left someone behind,” she called, fearing that the driver would return them to the house without the protection of Lord Hogarth. “We must go back for him.”
Silence was her only response. Esther looked helplessly at her aunt, who was staring at her with wide eyes, and knew she had to try again.
“We must stop!” she called, louder this time. “Please, we cannot go on without Lord Hogarth!”
Everything within her began to ring with warning. This was not right. Lord Hogarth should be with them, sitting in the carriage alongside her aunt and ensuring that they returned home safely. And yet, the carriage was now being driven along, haphazardly, through the cobbled streets, without any sign that they were being taken home. The driver was not stopping as she had asked, and he was not speaking to her as he ought, which led Esther to believe that there was something gravely wrong going on at present.
