Edward continued to rifle through the rest of her bureau. Feathers and small boxes containing shiny rocks were tucked in corners, and some of the objects looked familiar from his childhood. In the largest cupboard on the bottom, he found a miniature sailing ship made of sticks and string with a little cloth sail. It was the Dauntless! Tears welled in his eyes. Oh, brat, you must come back to me. How will I ever do without you?
Ian stepped to the back of wardrobe closet. “Oh, I almost forgot about this.” He located a small lever near the wall and pulled. The whole cabinet swung forward. There was a square walk-in chamber in the wall that had been hidden by the wardrobe. “She used to hide the clothes she borrowed from me back here.”
Edward crossed the room to investigate it. Inside the hidden space, shelves lined the back wall with some small boxes scattered about on them. Off to the side lay an old trunk. The small boxes, they discovered, contained some of her finer pieces of jewelry.
“Her mother left her most of this jewelry,” Ian said.
Then Edward opened the trunk. It was filled with clothing. On the top lay the slim pair of well-worn trousers he remembered fondly from the day he saw her at the pond. Tucked away on one side was a bundle wrapped in brown paper. He lifted it out and tore away the paper. A familiar blue gown remained in his hands. His heart slammed into his ribs at the memory.
“Where did she get that dress?” Ian asked. “I’ve never seen it before, and I’ve seen most of them.”
Edward smiled softly, his throat tightening. “It’s not a dress, it’s a gown. She wore it in Paris.”
“Indeed? It is much more lavish than something she would normally wear. It’s really not her style.”
Just the touch of the fabric took Edward back to the garden. He closed his eyes and detected a slight scent of lilacs. He remembered kissing her along that jeweled neckline. Then his hands clutched the fabric tighter. “Perhaps she had the jewels but didn’t know it,” he said, eyeing the large blue stones around the neckline.
“You don’t suppose those are real, do you?”
“Given the circumstances, Ian, I would venture to say they are blue diamonds.”
“Bloody hell. Those must be worth a king’s ransom!” Ian exclaimed.
“To be more precise, they will be your sister’s ransom.”
Chapter 35
On the return trip to London, Edward’s mind raced. The pieces were falling into place and the puzzle had become diabolical. He had sent a messenger from Chesbury Manor to the coast to have his ship prepared to sail. Wherever they had taken Alexandra, he was almost positive they would be at sea.
With the information he already knew from working underground in France, he had a hunch about some particular blackguards who could have abducted her. He was certain Jonteau was involved. Alexandra was definitely in danger. They would have no qualms about abusing her, and then selling her to the highest bidder—or worse, killing her despite the paid ransom. He knew there was not much time, even the sennight they promised.
By late afternoon, everyone was back at Ashford’s town house in London, including Bertha and Lord Banks.
“You found something?” Ashford asked.
“Yes, some very significant jewels were sewn into one of her gowns. She probably didn’t even know they were real,” Edward said.
“Where are they?” Banks demanded.
“Somewhere safe.” Edward said.
Lord Banks flushed and leered at Edward. “This is a matter of state now. The Crown will expect you to turn them over.”
Edward’s jaw tightened. “I’m not turning the jewels over to anyone until I get Alexandra back! Tell me what history you know of the blue diamonds.”
Lord Banks stared at him and exhaled. “My sources tell me they were a gift from a wealthy Egyptian merchant to Marie Antoinette. The blue diamonds were the talk of the entire French court. About the time Napoleon took over, they went missing, and he was furious at their disappearance. Houses were ransacked all over Paris in search of them, but they were not found. Then they turned up about two months ago at the LaCroix masquerade ball in Paris. A young woman was wearing them. It is rumored she was connected with Le Noveau Liberterre and wore them to embarrass Bonaparte. Then she and the jewels disappeared altogether.”
Edward’s throat tightened as he pieced together more of the facts. The implications for Alexandra were damning.
“How did Alexandra get the gown in the first place?” Ashford asked.
“I would think she would have purchased it from a dress maker in Paris,” Ian replied. “She brought money and knew she would need to buy clothing. My guess is the shop was located near where she was staying. She would have needed to go for a couple fittings.” Ian paused and his face became flushed. “I told her to find Madame Marche’s boarding house on Rue de Vienne in Champs Elysees. Madame Marche has always been loyal to the Crown and reliable. We’ve used her before for our people.”
“There is one other thing,” Lord Banks added. “According to our sources, the French authorities identified the woman as Gabrielle Demerre. She is a suspected spy. She speaks French and English fluently. Warrants have been issued for her arrest with a sizeable bounty.”
Banks raised a brow and added, “You know, this could all be a ruse, and she could be fabricating her own kidnapping. This could be a trap.”
“No!” Edward growled. “Devil take it, Alexandra is not a spy. But indeed, Gabrielle Demerre is the name she assumed in Paris.” Yet, he himself had also suspected her of spying, even as recently as last night. “Most likely, the bounty is an attempt to flush her out by whoever is responsible for having her wear the jewels in the first place.”
“If so, that would mean Jonteau has a very high connection working with him within the government,” Banks added.
Edward’s head was aching. “Obviously they expected to get the diamonds back, but she disappeared before they got the chance to retrieve them. It would explain why Jonteau was sniffing around at the debut last night.” It occurred to him they probably intended to kill her. Or if Lord Banks was correct, it could be a trap to ensnare the Black Swan.
“Can they prove Alexandra is that woman?” asked Ashford.
“One of our agents said Gabrielle Demerre was seen here in London this week,” Banks said.
“Jonteau saw Alexandra in Paris,” Edward said. “Someone had to already know what she looked like, and that same someone recognized her here. It has to be Jonteau. He was dancing with her last night.” Edward scowled. With that blue gown on, there was no mistaking her. “He probably has been searching for her and finally located her last night.”
“Jonteau is listed as a refugee,” Banks asked. “We’ve had him watched, but haven’t been able to arrest him. At least until now. I’ll put out a warrant immediately to bring him in for questioning.”
“Oh, he’s long gone. It’s way too late for that by now,” Edward said bitterly.
After Lord Banks left, everyone sat in the drawing room in an eerie silence. Each one was sorting through the information they had just discussed.
“Higgins,” Edward finally spoke up, “please have James pack my usual valise. I shall be leaving as soon as possible.”
“Edward,” Ashford said, his face filled with concern, “you are in no shape to travel any long distance yet.”
“I’ve already sent word from Chesbury to have my ship prepared to sail. It will leave for France tonight on the next high tide.”
“I’d like to come with you, Edward,” Ian said. “I refuse to remain here and wait. Not after the last time.”
Edward looked at Ian’s pained face, which he knew reflected his own. “Very well, Ian. I daresay I could use your help.”
“You have a ship? How about me as well?” Winston asked. “Father’s got Bow Street runners combing London. But after hearing from Lord Banks, it does indeed sound as if they’re taking her to France. Once the jewels are paid, they’ll most likely try to turn her over to the French an
d collect the bounty. If she is found here in London, Father could have Lord Banks send word through their couriers. He seems to know where most of the ships are.”
“True, although he lost track of me,” Edward said. He frowned. “But if we’re lucky, they could be holding her near the Tin Penny, although I very much doubt it. This sounds like the work of pirates, and I have a few ideas of which ones. Especially if Jonteau is involved, since he’s not legitimately backed by a government. If Alexandra’s not yet at sea, she soon will be. They will take her to sea to hide. I’ll wager they intend to collect the ransom and then steal her away to France for the rich bounty as well.”
Higgins cleared his throat. “Sir?”
“Yes, Higgins?” Edward asked.
“I should like to mention that when she goes riding, she usually carries her weapons.” Higgins straightened his back. “Even if they found the flintlock pistol, they may not find the dagger. She knows how to use them both quite adequately.” He gave a curt nod.
“She does?” Winston asked with a slight crack in his voice.
“That’s very reassuring,” Edward replied. “Thank you, Higgins. I might add, you have done a fine job of training her.”
Edward knew Higgin’s concern was very real. He was indeed much more than a butler to them all.
“Yes, Alexandra was always one for running off when she was growing up,” Ashford added. “There was never any slowing her down, so I enlisted Higgins to give her instruction on defensive arts, the same as you boys. It still didn’t prevent me from getting plenty of gray hair from worrying about her. After this debacle, I’ll be damned lucky if I don’t go entirely bald.”
“The coach will be ready in ten minutes,” Edward said. “I’d like to reach the ship before dark. We’d better get cracking.” By this time, cold fury raced through his veins. His shoulder throbbed worse than usual, but he ignored it. He had to find Alexandra. God help the bastards who took her, because once he found them, he was sending them all straight to hell.
Chapter 36
The coach halted in a secluded area off the road four miles up the coastline from Dover. Unable to sleep along the way, Edward had forced himself to remain still to preserve his strength. The sun waned low in the western horizon. As the three men climbed out of the coach, a brisk autumn breeze wafted with the salty scent of the North Sea.
James had ridden on top of the box with the driver, and was now down, unpacking parcels from the coach. “The wind is picking up, Captain! We should make good time.”
“I find it rather strange, little brother, to hear you addressed as Captain. Where the deuce are we anyway?” Winston asked, looking around, seeing only shrubbery and trees.
“The ship is out yonder,” James said, pointing east.
They walked down a wide dirt path. A secluded cove appeared in front of them. Anchored in the middle, loomed a massive black battleship with three tall masts holding black sails. The sails were lowered so the ship appeared to be rather skeletal. Along the upper hull, rows of cannons pointed outward through square openings.
“Good God, Edward!” Winston exclaimed. “What the bloody devil is that? It looks like a scalley waggin’ pirate’s boat.”
“That is my ship, Winston—not a boat. To be specific, a sloop-of-war. One of them anyway.”
Winston’s mouth fell open. “One of them? Are there others, and are they as beastly as this one?”
“Somewhat,” Edward drolled. “This one is the larger of the two.”
“Does the other one have cannons as well?” asked Winston.
“Two less. Only twenty.”
Ian smiled at the exchange between the two brothers. “I always suspected one day you would own your own ship, Edward. But a genuine sloop-of-war is even beyond what I envisioned.”
James led the way and met some of the crew waiting on a small jetty with two dinghies. They climbed into them and were rowed to the ship. There, a long rope ladder was dropped down for them to climb aboard. Edward grimaced as his shoulder burned, but he willed himself up the ladder he had scaled hundreds of times before. He’d be damned before he would allow himself to be dollied up on his own ship.
Once they were all on deck, the first mate approached and hailed, “Welcome aboard, Captain. ‘Tis good to see you still alive.”
“Thank you, Lieutenant. It’s good to be back on board. How fares your arm?”
“Good as new, Sir,” McPhee replied with a toothy grin.
“You remember my brother, the Marquess of Ashford. Also the Earl of Chesbury.”
McPhee gave a curt bow. “Good ta see ya again, m’lords. Welcome aboard.”
“Lieutenant, show them to their berths and then come see me in my cabin,” Edward said.
“Aye, Sir. If you gents would follow me.” McPhee led Ian and Winston below deck.
Edward lifted his face into the wind and took a deep breath. The pungent salt air filled his senses, greeting him like an old friend. It had been his home for the last four years. The only other place he loved as much was Devonwood Manor, especially with the brat in residence next door.
It was easier now to think of the brat as a she, rather than a he. He wondered what she would think of his ship. This was the Black Swan, and his other was the Dauntless. She had named them both when she was ten, although at the time, they were just two little toy ships made of sticks and string. He realized how much a part of him she was now, and always has been. She was his childhood then, and now she was his whole life. He could not imagine existing without her.
Thomas McPhee joined Edward in his cabin a short while later. “’Tis a fine thing to see you up and about, Captain. Are you sure yere not overdoin’ it? Pardon me for saying so, but you look a wee bit like the underside of a fish’s belly.”
Edward leaned back in his chair at his desk. “I’m a little tired, Thomas, but here on the ship I can rest…What’s the news?”
McPhee’s eyes flared. “To begin with, word’s spread faster than a galley fire about some missing jewels. It doesn’t look too good for your lassie. There are two things I meant to tell ye about her before now, but you were still in a fever.”
“What now?” Edward dreaded more damning news about her.
“First of all, she saved the Dauntless. That ambush was meant ta blow the ship to bits. Somehow she a got a message to Fritte beforehand, and he rode like hell to warn the ship. The ship was able to leave the harbor before the French battalion arrived.”
Edward stared at him. “Good God. How did she know? Even our own agents hadn’t a clue.” He rose and crossed to the paned windows and peered out. “And dare I ask what else?”
“Sir, your lass is the same one from the masked ball in Paris. When I took her home the night we had that bit of trouble, she removed her mask in the carriage. Quite a bonny thing she is, I might add. But later, it was herself doing the shooting at the ambush and she was quite a fine shot, taking them Frenchies down like flies. I wouldn’t of believed it if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes.”
Edward covered his face with his hand as tears welled up behind his eyes. The final piece of the puzzle fell into place and his heart was wrenching. Here was the proof that was not a spy. He recalled that day of hell. His brave wonderful brat had saved them. Not only by nursing his wounds and getting him back to England, but she had dragged him and McGee from certain death. Furthermore, she had fought with his own men against the French on the battlefield. It was too much to fathom.
“Is there more?” he murmured, barely able to speak.
“Just that you should have seen her holding up that pirate’s watering hole in Calais. Screaming like a banshee, she was, hollering for a doctor and waving her pistol.” McPhee chuckled. “She even scared ole Sharky into sailing us back to England since the Dauntless had pulled up anchor. If she hadna come by when she did, we’d be rotting away right now in some hole in France. Never seen anything the likes of her, I tell ye.”
McPhee rubbed his hand over his chin. “I
know yer worrying that she could be a spy, especially coming to LeCroix with that rotter, Jonteau. God only knows how she met up with him. But put yer mind at ease; she ain’t no spy. I hope the blackguards that took her know what they’re in for. Wouldn’t be surprised if she sends them to hell herself.”
Edward gritted his teeth and stared out the window. His rage burned like hot coals in the pit of his stomach. But instead of seeing the ocean spread out before him, he only could see her face. Alexandra. The last rays of white-golden sunlight reflected across the violet-blue water. He took a deep breath and exhaled. “If she doesn’t send them to hell, I bloody well intend to.”
“Sir, you sure you’re feeling a’right?”
Edward turned to McPhee. “I’ll be fine, Thomas, but I think I’ll rest while I have the chance. Have the crew set sail as soon as the tide allows.”
“They’re already raising the sails, sir. The tide’s up and we’ll be on our way. What flag are we flying this time, Captain?”
“Fly the Black Swan.” Edward’s cover name was the same as his ship’s.
“Aye, aye sir! Looking for some fireworks on this trip, eh?” McPhee said, giving a toothy grin.
Chapter 37
Alexandra woke with her hands and feet bound, and her mouth gagged. Her head was filled with shards of pain and the gag tasted gawd-awful. What had happened? Where was she? She fought to clear her head and think.
She was lying on her side on a small bed. The room swayed. Was she merely dizzy, or perhaps did the room just move? The room swayed once more and she recognized that she was on a ship. With the time she had spent at sea in recent weeks, she had no doubt.
The last she remembered, she was going to saddle Traveller. Ah yes, there was a sudden bang on her head. Some miserable maggot must have knocked her out. Now she was tied up, with this ghastly rag stuffed in her mouth. Her jaw ached from being stretched so far open. Her belly rumbled with hunger and nausea at the same time. From the position she was forced to lay in, her arms and legs were almost numb.
Leigh Sparrow Page 20
