The King's League Box Set: Regency Romance

by Lucy Adams

  “A situation neither you nor your father have ever even suspected,” Marcus stated, as she nodded. He considered for a moment longer, then spoke again. “And if you were to marry Stayton, his standing would be raised within society, of course, but he would have nowhere to keep his new wife.”

  Lady Augusta shuddered violently and Marcus resisted the urge to get to his feet and to come to sit by her, telling himself that she had not asked him to do so and thus, he had no reason to do such a thing.

  “If he were to marry me, then I would suppose that he would expect both of us to reside here, under the pretense that I am required to care for my father,” she said, quietly, her hands now still in her lap. “Thereafter, would he hope to make his way into my father’s will? Or even his good graces, so that he could take the funds he required from my father’s willing hands?”

  It all sounded quite real, quite possible, and for a long moment, nothing more was said. Marcus looked into Lady Augusta’s eyes and saw the sorrow there, saw the resignation that told him she knew precisely what her cousin was attempting to do. There was no question in her mind now, no fear that she could be mistaken. Mr. Stayton had acted improperly in refusing to tell either her or her father about his loss of property. Thereafter, he had clearly had his own plans but thus had been unable to achieve what he desired.

  “I must have this confirmed,” he said softly, as Lady Augusta nodded, looking away from him as she dealt with the whirling emotions that ripped through her heart. “I must hear the truth from the League. Men will be dispatched at once to inform us about what has happened to your cousin’s residence.” He got to his feet and, unable to prevent himself, walked towards Lady Augusta and bent down in front of her. Without warning, she reached her hands out and he took them with barely a fraction of hesitation, her fingers tight on his as though he were the only thing she could cling to in the middle of a terrible, unruly storm.

  “We will know all by the time the house party commences,” he told her, with as much firmness as he could. “The League are swift in their actions when there is an urgency about them. You must only continue to trust me, Lady Augusta. That is all that I ask.”

  “I do.” For a moment, Marcus was thrown forward into an entirely different situation where such words might be uttered, finding a sudden hope surging in his heart that he might one day have what was given.

  “I do trust you,” Lady Augusta continued, stealing the moment from him. “But I am afraid, Lord Rushton.” She bent her head and a single tear fell to her cheek, her eyes chasing away from his own. “What if my cousin has done something treasonous? What will become of him? Or our family?”

  He could not answer her, pressing her hands and looking down into her eyes. The ruin and scandal that would follow would be some kind of torment, for it would affect everyone that Stayton was connected with.

  “We do not know whether or not he is the one who has been passing messages to the French,” Lady Augusta said, her voice so quiet that he strained to hear her, moving a little further forward, his knees now a fraction of an inch away from her legs. “That cannot be proven yet, at least.”

  Marcus nodded and tried to smile, only to recall that he had the piece of parchment quickly folded up in pocket. With a sense of triumph, he let go of Lady Augusta and pulled the note from his pocket, seeing her eyes fix to it as he did so.

  “There may be something here that can help,” he said quietly as Lady Augusta stared at it first and then turned her head towards him again.

  “It is blank.”

  He shook his head. “There are pencil marks here,” he told her, unfolding the letter and pressing it into her hand. “I thought it quite blank myself until I discovered that someone had written in pencil on the other side.” He grimaced as she squinted at it, before handing it to her. “I am afraid that the light here might not be sufficient. We shall have to wait until the morning.”

  Lady Augusta’s head shot up at once, a look of outrage on her face. “Until the morning?” she protested. “Surely not! Not when it can be of such great importance.”

  “It may very well be a list of some such nonsense as fills a gentleman’s head on occasion,” he replied, with a small chuckle of his own. “And you may return to this room the very moment you awaken, if you wish.” His expression softened as he saw her sigh, her shoulders dropping. “I swear to you, I shall not look at it alone.”

  This seemed to satisfy her, for Lady Augusta rose as he himself drew back, looking down at him with an affection in her eyes that could not be hidden.

  “I am glad you are all right,” she told him, as he pulled himself to stand straight. “I was quite afraid for you.”

  He could not help it. Stepping forward, he ran his hands about her waist and pulled her close. Lady Augusta went into his embrace easily, as though she had expected it, wanted it. The scent of her hair ran up towards him and he breathed deeply, feeling such a strange sense of longing that, for a moment, his knees buckled and he was forced to catch his breath.

  “Lord Rushton?”

  Pulling back, he let his arms slip from her waist, finding her much too near, much too enticing a prospect to linger in such a close proximity.

  “You will not leave before this matter is resolved, will you?”

  Frowning, he found his hand under her chin, his fingers brushing her cheek. “I cannot imagine why you would think such a thing, Lady Augusta,” he chided, gently. “Surely you know that my character is one of steadiness and resolve? I would not leave you here to face any potential danger alone.”

  She nodded and he dropped his hand, a small burning ember lodging itself in his heart, forcing him to take another step back and drop his head before he acted on the urge that tried to push him towards her, tried to make him put his arms about her again.

  “It was a foolish question,” she murmured, as he lifted his gaze to see her flushing, looking away from him. “It is only that I felt such a clutching fear this evening when you had not returned that I allowed my thoughts to turn to what might become of me.”

  His hand sought hers and she turned her head back to him, a look of embarrassment in her eyes.

  “I will not leave you alone,” he promised, aware that now, deep within him, there was the urge to remain steadfastly by her side, knowing that even when all had been resolved and the danger passed, he would find it more than a little difficult to even consider leaving her behind. “You have nothing to fear, Lady Augusta.” His hands pressed to hers and he saw color fill her cheeks. “I promise you.”

  Chapter Ten

  “I hear we are already fast friends.”

  Augusta could not help but smile at Lady Westbrook as she greeted her warmly, in full view of both her father and Stayton. “That is so,” she answered, as Lady Westbrook smiled, her eyes bright. “We met at my come out some years ago, when a few unexpected guests appeared and introduced themselves to me.” She laughed softly as Lady Westbrook smiled indulgently. “I am very glad to welcome you to the Berwick estate and truly thank you for coming,” Augusta finished.

  Lady Westbrook reached out and took Augusta’s hand, pressing it lightly as though they had been apart for many months and she was now overwhelmed with happiness to be back with her friend once more. “The pleasure is mine,” she replied, as Augusta smiled with both relief and contentment that, for a short time, she would not have to live in this house with only her father and cousin for company. She would have many companions and, whilst she had to now, at present, pretend that she was already acquainted with each one, it was a welcome sight to see the drawing room so full.

  “And behind me,” Lady Westbrook murmured, her voice now low and her eyes searching Augusta’s, “comes Lord and Lady Franks. They are only recently wed but insisted on coming here.” Her eyes twinkled. “Lord Franks is a baron and has an estate in Scotland, not far from your own estate, in fact.”

  “I thank you,” Augusta replied, as Lady Westbrook then went on to greet Lord Berwick and Mr. Stay
ton. Augusta could hear her making polite conversation and dropped into a curtsy as Lord and Lady Franks arrived.

  “Good afternoon, Lady Franks, Lord Franks,” she said, as the gentleman bowed and the lady curtsied. “I am very grateful to you for attending this house party.”

  Lord Franks, a kind-looking man with an easy smile, grinned at her. “You are very welcome,” he said, with a chuckle. “It was not an arduous journey for once, which I am very grateful for.”

  Lady Franks rolled her eyes, making Augusta laugh.

  “He is always complaining about having to return to London,” she told Augusta, as if they had known each other for a long time. “So to be called to attend here is something of a relief, given that the journey was not particularly long.”

  “I am glad for you,” Augusta said to Lord Franks, whose eyes were still gleaming with good humor. “My father, the Earl of Berwick and my cousin, the honorable Mr. Stayton, wait to greet you.”

  Lord and Lady Franks nodded and moved away quickly, leaving Augusta feeling both excitement and nervousness. Lord Rushton was to be the last to arrive and it was this that made Augusta’s stomach swirl. She could hardly wait to see him, to greet him and welcome him into her father’s home as though he had only just arrived. To be able to be in his company, to walk and discuss matters without the need for secrecy and the like would be a great relief.

  “Ah, Lady Augusta!”

  Her breath hitched as he walked into the room, resplendent in his full dress. She had seen him in half dress before, of course, but there was something about his attire and the way that he so boldly walked into the room that fixed her full attention.

  “Lord Rushton,” she murmured, dropping into a curtsy as he bowed. “I hope your journey was not too long?”

  The light in his eyes as he grinned at her sent butterflies pouring into her stomach. “Indeed, it was not at all difficult nor long,” he answered, as she smiled knowingly. “I thank you for your consideration.” Looking over her shoulder, his smile faded just a little. “I see the others are already in attendance.”

  Augusta nodded. “Yes. Lord Millerton, Lord and Lady Westbrook and Lord and Lady Franks are all in attendance.”

  Lord Rushton’s eyes flickered. “And some others, who are not from the League?”

  Again, Augusta nodded. “Yes, as you suggested. They are acquaintances known to my father and to myself but we have not seen them in some time.” In fact, Augusta was quite certain that this house had not seen any guests save for her cousin in some years. “My father is a little overwhelmed, I think, but he will recover himself soon enough, I hope.” Her gaze fixed to his, a burning question on the tip of her tongue. “And my cousin? Does he react to your presence in any way?”

  Lord Rushton glanced down at her with a small smile playing about his mouth. “No, he does not,” he replied, calmly. “But nor would I expect him to, not when he is doing all he can to maintain a calm and welcoming air.” His eyes lingered on hers and for a moment, Augusta was transported back to when he had taken her in his arms, when his hands had held her close and when she had felt such a strong, earnest desire to lean into him all the more. She felt it now, burning underneath her skin as she held his gaze steadily.

  “The League is searching for whatever they can discover as regards your cousin’s financial matters as well as his residence,” he reminded her, gently. “And as for the paper we found…..” He trailed off and she nodded slowly, remembering how they had eagerly poured over the paper, trying to decipher what had been written there. It had been, they discovered, a series of numbers, which they had both puzzled over for some time, before realizing that it was a list of dates and times that, with the exception of one, had all gone past. A chill had caught his heart as he had realized that one of the dates had been when he had come to capture Mr. Breton. The final date was in two days’ time, with a time of three o’clock, although whether or not that was during the day or not, neither she nor Lord Rushton had been able to tell. He had concluded that the final date and time would still go ahead as planned. If Stayton had been the one to kill Mr. Breton, then Marcus knew he would have made further plans to ensure that his communications with Mr. Caron continued. Someone else would become the go-between.

  They did not know what time of day was represented, where Stayton intended to be at such a time nor what they were to expect. As Lord Rushton had reminded her, it could be quite innocuous. There was no way to know at present.

  “We will share that with the others from the League, yes?” she asked, as Lord Rushton’s gaze snapped back to hers, perhaps having been a little lost in thought.

  “Yes, yes, of course,” he said, quickly, inclining his head again. “This evening. In the library?”

  When she nodded, he made to step away. “I should greet your father and Mr. Stayton,” he murmured, with a quick smile in her direction, although his eyes had already turned towards the Earl of Berwick. “Well done, Lady Augusta. This appears to have gone very well indeed.”

  It was not until dinner had come to an end and the ladies retired to the drawing room to leave the gentlemen with their port that Augusta finally felt herself relax just a little. She had been afraid that her father would be too overwhelmed with the company in his household now, fearing that he would simply turn away from them all and take a tray in his room rather than join them all for dinner. Much to her surprise, he had not only sat with them at the head of the table but had conversed in quite a jovial manner, appearing a little brighter in his spirits than he had been before.

  Stayton too had lost all of his anger and irritation, speaking in calm and friendly tones, his smile lingering on one or two of the ladies who were neither attached nor wed. None of them were in the League, which was a relief, for it meant that if Stayton’s attention was caught, then the League might be able to meet and discuss without fear of his interruption.

  “You have been a source of strength for Lord Rushton, I hear.”

  Augusta looked to her left and saw Lady Franks coming to join her, her eyes lit with interest.

  “I—I am not sure that is quite correct,” she told Lady Franks, only for the lady to laugh and wave a hand.

  “You cannot pretend, Lady Augusta,” she said, warmly. “Lord Rushton told us everything that happened to him and what you did in not only pulling him out of the pit but in helping him recover thereafter.” Her voice filled with admiration. “I think you have a good deal of strength within you, Lady Augusta.”

  Augusta shook her head. “Strength is the one thing I lack,” she said, softly, thinking back to the way Stayton had attempted to draw near to her in the woods a few weeks ago. “But I have been forced to find what little of it I can.” Finding almost an immediate sense of camaraderie between herself and the lady beside her, Augusta quickly explained what Stayton had tried to do when she had been out walking in the woods the day she had found Lord Rushton. “Since then, Lord Rushton has encouraged me to find a little more courage, a little more strength within myself and I believe that I have managed to do so.”

  Lady Franks nodded with evident understanding. “The League are grateful to you for what you have done, Lady Augusta,” she said, with all the confidence of someone who knew precisely what the League was and what they represented. “And for your willingness to help us in this way.”

  Augusta swallowed hard but smiled, despite the slight edge of nervousness in her heart. “I want to discover the truth,” she said, firmly. “And to know who attempted to shoot Lord Rushton. This country must be protected and even if it is my own kin that are involved in such a thing, I would not shirk from revealing it.” She spoke with confidence, praying that, if the time came, she would find that very same courage that she spoke of now.

  “It is difficult, being the wife of a gentleman involved in the League,” Lady Franks said softly, as they walked into the drawing room. “Not that I would have Lord Franks turn his back on it by any means, but rather that there always comes this sense of danger,
of impending doom that threatens to sweep us all away without a moment’s notice.” Shaking her head, she looked at Augusta with careful eyes. “It is best that you know precisely what Lord Rushton is doing and that you are aware of all that it requires.”

  Augusta wanted to say that there was no particular need for her to know the intricacies of all that Lord Rushton did at present but knew full well what Lady Franks meant. Her face warmed with a blush as she sat down, making Lady Franks smile rather awkwardly.

  “I hope I did not speak out of turn,” she said, sitting down next to Augusta. “It is only that, from the way Lord Rushton spoke of you, we are all quite aware of his eagerness to have you near to him.”

  Augusta’s eyes widened, her butterflies returning to her stomach almost at once. “Truly?”

  “Truly,” Lady Franks replied, the awkwardness between them already fading. “I did not mean to embarrass you but rather to speak honestly and openly, so that you are aware of what you will face, should things progress between yourself and Lord Rushton—as I believe they will once this investigation is brought to a conclusion.”

  For a few moments, Augusta did not speak, allowing the thought of what might happen between herself and Lord Rushton to take over every part of her. The eagerness that she felt surprised her, making her blush all the more, even though Lady Franks certainly could not read her thoughts. The desire to be close to him, to have him near her, continued to grow with every day that passed, and the thought of him departing from the estate, separating himself from her, was one she could barely think of without pain jarring her.

  “Your wisdom is appreciated,” she replied, as Lady Franks smiled back at her. “Although I must admit, I had not expected any such thing to be perceived between myself and Lord Rushton already!”

  Lady Franks laughed, just as a maid set down the tea tray before them. “We are from The King’s League,” she reminded Augusta, just as Lord Rushton himself had done a short time ago. “There is very little that can escape our notice!”