Mr. Harvey’s eyes widened, his mouth—still full of food—dropped open. Marcus nearly laughed from the spectacle the man made.
“Mr. Thorne. You’re back.”
Marcus nodded and stepped closer. “Indeed, I am, Mr. Harvey. How have you fared in my absence?”
“Splendidly, Sir.”
“You have my deepest gratitude, Mr. Harvey.” Marcus patted his friend’s shoulder. “This is why I keep you employed, you know.”
Redness covered Mr. Harvey’s face from ear to ear; from forehead to chin. The man’s mouth worked quickly as he chewed what was in there before swallowing.
“What a fine compliment, Sir. I’ll always strive to serve you well.”
“I’m certain you have.” Marcus walked to his desk and shuffled through the many missives littering his desk. “What’s new in the world, Mr. Harvey?”
His friend chuckled and shook his head. “Nothing of consequence, unfortunately. Although I must say, while you were traveling abroad, two more ships were brought in. The owners nearly gave them to me. The ships were severely damaged, but I knew the men employed by you would be able to fix them without much cost.”
Marcus grinned, remembering the two ships Captain Hawk had taken earlier in the year. “It’s a good thing the previous owners of the crippled ships were willing to take such a pittance for them. I’m certain if they knew how little it costs to repair, they would have asked for more.”
“To be sure, Mr. Thorne.” His thin hair flapped on his nearly baldhead when he nodded vigorously.
“Mr. Harvey, please return to your meal. I didn’t mean to interrupt you. I’m most eager to get back to my company, so I shall be at my desk for the remainder of the day going through my missives.”
“Of course, Sir. Welcome home and I’m pleased to see you were brought back safe.”
Mr. Harvey turned to walk back to his room but when he reached the door, he stopped and spun around. “Oh, Mr. Thorne, forgive me but I forgot to tell you something. Viscount Lockwood was here just the other day inquiring about your homecoming.”
Marcus frowned. Why does that name sound familiar? “Viscount Lockwood? I don’t believe I’ve had the chance to be introduced to him yet.”
“The viscount mentioned he’d not met you. He’s interested in purchasing one of your vessels, but not just any one. It seemed he was looking for one in particular; a certain body and shape. He was very strange, I must admit.”
Marcus scrunched his forehead. Where had he heard that name before? But what bothered him more was that this viscount wanted a particular vessel, like he knew what Marcus had available. That couldn’t be right. “Indeed, that’s very strange. I shall definitely meet with him soon to discover what he really wants. Did he leave his card?”
“Indeed, Sir.” Mr. Harvey hurried to Marcus’ desk and rummaged through the clutter with one hand since the other was still occupied with the half-eaten chicken leg.
“Ah-ha. Here it is.” Mr. Harvey handed over the card.
“I’ll have to call upon him soon. Thank you, for informing me about the viscount’s interest.”
“My pleasure, Sir.”
Marcus slumped in his chair and stared at the card. Nothing looked familiar, but he knew he’d heard that name before. Or had he read it somewhere? Suddenly, Isabelle’s voice echoed through his memory when she mentioned her betrothed. Marcus hitched a breath and bolted to his feet again. Marcus now remembered reading the man’s name in one of the letters her father had written. She was betrothed to the viscount.
So why would the man want to speak with Marcus Thorne about purchasing a ship? Coincidence or not?
Marcus shouldn’t care, but he really wanted to meet the man. What was he like? Would he make Isabelle a good husband?
Shaking his head, Marcus leaned forward and rested his elbows on the desk. Certainly, he wasn’t thinking straight. He didn’t want to know that much information about the man. It didn’t matter if the viscount made her a good husband or not. Isabelle wasn’t part of his life anymore, and God willing, she would never be again. Before meeting her, he’d been able to spot spies a mile away. She had been the only spy to catch him off guard. He vowed that wouldn’t happen again.
He must have been so busy in his own revenge to think she would be a spy. Then again, her passion had surprised him, so why hadn’t he suspected her true intent at that time?
Marcus pushed the disturbing thoughts about Isabelle out of his mind and concentrated on going through his correspondences. After ten minutes had passed, and he still hadn’t gotten Isabelle out of his head, he growled, shoved away from his desk and stood. Apparently, he would have to take care of her first before he could get control over his own life.
“Mr. Harvey, I have errands to run. I shall be back later.” Marcus grabbed his hat and hurried out of the office, barely hearing his employee’s mumbled response.
Taking large steps, he strode to the docks and headed toward the small village not far from his secret hideout. Most of the people who dwelled in this area were his men and their families. Because only a few select knew his identity as Captain Hawk, he chose not to live here and make people wonder.
His friend, Gabriel Lawrence, was in his yard digging in the garden when Marcus approached. His friend looked up from his kneeling position and shielded his eyes from the sun as he squinted Marcus’ way.
“Good day, Mr. Lawrence.” Marcus pulled off his hat, stopping right in front of him.
Gabe grinned and jumped to his feet, wiping his palms on his breeches. “What a pleasant surprise, Mr. Thorne. What has you gracing my doorstep this fine day?”
“I hope I’m not interrupting.” Marcus swept his hand toward the garden. “I could return at a later time if you wish.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I desperately need a break since I’ve been laboring in the yard all morning long.” Gabe motioned toward the small cottage. “Would you like some tea? I think I still remember how to make it.”
Marcus threw his head back and laughed. “Oh, no tea for me. Rum would be better, but I need a clear head for what I have planned to do today.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out Viscount Lockwood’s card. “Does this name look familiar to you? Have you met him before?”
Gabe took the card and peered down at the writing. He slowly shook his head. “I don’t believe I have. Why do you wish to know?” He handed back the card.
“Two reasons, really. One, because he came to the office the other day, inquiring about purchasing one of our ships. Not just any ship, but one in particular; giving the exact shape and style.”
Gabe’s forehead wrinkled.
“Since I’ve never met the man, it makes me wonder why he wants one particular vessel, as if he knows what I have.”
“Aye, I see your reluctance to believe he’s trustworthy.”
“The second reason I want to know about him is because—” He stopped, hoping this wasn’t the real reason he was so interested in the man. “Viscount Lockwood just happens to be Miss Stanhope’s betrothed. The situation is a little too coincidental, I believe.”
His friend’s eyes widened. “You don’t say. A coincidence, indeed.”
“If I didn’t know Miss Stanhope was such a fine spy, I’d not question Viscount Lockwood’s credibility, but since I know he’s connected to the lady, I have reason to doubt.”
“Would you like me to check out his credentials for you? I have connections, you know.”
Marcus nodded. “Indeed, you do, which is why I came to see you first. Yes, Mr. Lawrence, I’d greatly appreciate any information you can get for me. I’ll send this man a note stating I wish to schedule a meeting with him, but I’d like to know more about him before the actual day and time.”
“I agree. I’ll get right to it.”
Taking a deep breath, Marcus smiled, knowing he could relax a little now. The stress of the situation was under control. Now he knew he’d be able to handle any surprise that was thrown his way. After m
eeting Isabelle, he didn’t need any more shocking disclosures.
* * * *
One o’clock tomorrow.
The appointment with Viscount Lockwood would be at the man’s home. Marcus didn’t like it one bit. For someone interested in buying a ship, why wouldn’t they want to meet at the shipping yard? Gabe hadn’t found any information yet, but Marcus couldn’t help but to be wary.
So until tomorrow at one, Marcus would have to keep himself busy. Until then, he should try to occupy his mind with things so it wouldn’t remember those images of Isabelle. He could still see the passion in her eyes when he kissed her, and the memory of her hands sliding over his arms and back were still imprinted on him. He especially couldn’t forget the saddened rejection on her face and the tears in her eyes on that last night.
He hailed a hackney and paid the driver to take him across town to his friend’s office, Benjamin Ludlow. Of all the father-like figures in Marcus’ life—which weren’t many—Ludlow had been one Marcus looked up to. If not for Ludlow’s love of the sea and pirating, Marcus may have never turned his life in that direction. Benjamin Ludlow has since retired and taken up his own profession as a solicitor.
During the drive, Marcus kept alert eyes turned out the window, watching for the familiar lovely face of the woman he couldn’t get to leave his thoughts. By the time they arrived at Ludlow’s office, disappointment washed over Marcus when he hadn’t seen even a glimpse of Isabelle.
That should be a good thing, but for some odd reason, he wanted to make certain she was taken care of and all right. He may never trust her again, however, he couldn’t help but care at least a little after what they’d shared.
Marcus opened the solicitor’s door and walked in. The years had been kind to his old friend. Silver hair framed his head, and wrinkles creased his face. Thick spectacles perched on Ludlow’s nose and he peered through them toward Marcus.
He smiled and nodded a greeting. “Good day, Mr. Ludlow. How is my old friend this fine afternoon?”
Benjamin Ludlow let out a bellow, slapped his hands on his desk and stood. “Well, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle. How are you, boy?”
Marcus gave his friend a hug then stepped around the desk to sit in one of the empty chairs. “I cannot complain. Just returned after being away for six months which gained me many valuable items.”
“Good to hear.” Benjamin’s withered, frail body took its time settling back in the chair. He linked his fingers together on top of the desk and stared at Marcus with an exhausted expression. “You’re definitely a sight for these old eyes. Did you come to gloat and rub your glory in my face, lad? Because if you did, I’ll not have it. I’ll not allow you to talk me into returning to my pirating days.”
Marcus chuckled and shook his head. Benjamin had certainly been a legend, which was why Captain Hawk’s name was well-known. “Oh, no. I promise not to twist your arm this time, my good friend. In fact, I’ve given up pirating and I’m a fearsome highwayman now.”
Ludlow laughed heartily.
Marcus continued, “But today’s visit is about something else entirely.”
“Ah,” Benjamin said, adjusting his glasses, “then what is it I can help you with? Are you in some kind of legal trouble?”
“Nothing of the sort. Today’s visit is to see what you know about Commodore Stanhope. He’d been living in New York for several years, and then was preparing to sail home to be with his family when the dreaded Captain Hawk captured his ship and killed him.”
Benjamin grinned. “You don’t say.”
“Recently, I met his daughter who came to New York to settle her father’s affairs. Knowing the Commodore like I do, I fear his daughter will find nothing when she looks into her father’s business adventures. Do you think I’m correct?”
“You are a very good judge of character, Marcus. Commodore Stanhope was a greedy bugger, to be sure, but unfortunately his solicitor was even greedier. Word on the street is that when the Commodore prepared to sail back to London, he only took a few things of value. I suppose he was prepared to tell his daughter he’d been robbed or some ungodly story to make him look like the victim. Stanhope’s solicitor was put in charge of Stanhope’s estates, which the Commodore didn’t want his daughter to know about, but when report came of his death, the solicitor took everything and skipped town.” Benjamin shrugged. “That man has disappeared off the face of the earth, I tell you. I fear not even Miss Stanhope will be able to locate him.”
Marcus relaxed back in his chair, rubbing his forehead. “I suspected as much.”
“So tell me, is Stanhope’s daughter anything like her father?”
Chuckling, Marcus shook his head. “When I first met her, I didn’t believe she was anything like her old man. She had a kind heart. A passionate soul. I wanted to help her, in fact, so I gave her your name.”
Benjamin’s eyes widened. “My name, you say?”
“Yes, so you may help her with her father’s estates.” Marcus tilted his head. “Has she not been in to see you?”
“No, she has not, but I’ll certainly watch for her.”
“Thank you, my good friend, but it sounds like you may not be much help to her even if she seeks you out.” He stood and placed his hat on his head. “Will you inform me if she does come? I’ll be curious to know.”
“Of course.” Benjamin stood and moved around his desk, walking Marcus to the door. “It has made my heart glad to see you again.”
“As mine.” Marcus opened the door and stepped out, only to nearly run into someone marching up the walkway, all fluffed lace skirts and petticoats and acting like she owned the place. He jumped back and politely removed his hat. “Pardon me—” His breath caught in his throat as recognition hit.
Chapter Eleven
Marcus blinked, not believing his eyes. The older woman standing just in front of another, glared at him.
“Will you please excuse us, Sir,” Mrs. Winters snapped. “You’d think me and my lady were spirits the way you almost walked right through us.”
He bit his lip so he wouldn’t say anything too rude. His character didn’t talk like Captain Hawk did when expressing his thoughts. Captain Hawk wouldn’t have tolerated the older companion’s rude behavior. When he looked past Mrs. Winters to Miss Stanhope, all thoughts vanished. Meek and reserved, she stood behind her companion, her eyes downcast as a frown pulled at her mouth. His heart wrenched, knowing he’d contributed to her pain. Nonetheless, it had to be done.
In the silence, Isabelle’s gaze slowly rose to meet his before she moved her attention to the office and walked inside. When she passed by, he closed his eyes and inhaled her sweet scent of roses. He recalled this fragrance the first day they met, but after that her scent had disappeared.
She looked lovely, as always. Her hair swept into ringlets that framed her face while the bulk of it curled into a bun at the top of her head. Along her neck, two large ringlets rested, making him want to stroke her hair to see if it was as silky as he remembered.
How he wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and protect her. Luckily, his mind was alert and reminded himself how the deceitful woman had played him for a fool.
Taking slower breaths, he steadied his heartbeat, realizing she didn’t recognize him as being Captain Hawk. Thank goodness for small favors. In a way he’d hope to see some spark of interest in her eyes, but she literally looked right past him as if he were the ghost.
“Once again, excuse me ladies.” He bowed and let them proceed inside. When he raised his head, Benjamin met his stare. Silently, Marcus tried to communicate who these ladies were and hoped his old friend would understand. Finally, the older man gave Marcus a nod.
As he made his way out to the street to locate a driver, his heart hammered in a quick rhythm. How could that woman still affect him this way? He’d seen lovelier woman in his lifetime. Or had he?
A coach stopped in front of him and he climbed inside. After instructing the driver where to take him, he cl
osed his eyes and rested his head against the wall. Confusion flowed thick through him, and he wanted it to stop. He couldn’t appease his interest with Isabelle any longer. Plain and simple, if he couldn’t trust her, he couldn’t have her.
But there wasn’t anything simple about the way his memory wouldn’t stop thinking about all those times with her. When would this torture end? If he couldn’t control it soon, it would take over him body and soul, and render him utterly useless. Being in that condition wasn’t a good thing when he led a double life. If he wanted to protect his identity, he must guard his heart.
Marcus returned to work, but couldn’t concentrate. Worries about his upcoming meeting with Viscount Lockwood clouded his mind. Silent warnings raced through his ears that their meeting might be a fateful situation. Trying his best to ignore the way his stomach clenched and the hairs on the back of his neck stood up, he continued to read through his missives and then the company’s books.
Later that evening, a note came from a delivery boy. Marcus quickly paid the lad, then read. In Gabe’s own handwriting, the note said he hadn’t discovered much information about Viscount Lockwood, except the man was underhanded and deceitful. The bloke had a way with women and seemed to know how to charm widows into giving him money or land. Apparently, the viscount was quite a frequent patron of the gaming tables, too.
Although Gabe didn’t know this, what he’d discovered about the viscount was extremely helpful. Now Marcus knew the man was nearly exactly like Commodore Stanhope and not to be trusted. This would make things easier in Marcus’ dealings.
The night passed quickly, and soon he was dressed in his best clothes, and driving a rented buggy to Viscount Lockwood’s estate the next afternoon. He gripped the reins harder, hoping he wasn’t presented the chance to throttle the man. Marcus despised deceitful men. Too high and mighty for his tastes, and most of them hid behind their wealth and title. Like his own father. Low-life cowards, all of them.
Falling In Love Again (Heroic Rogues Series) Page 12
